We all have those days when we’re on a quest to get it done. Thank God for the ability to multi-task, or shall I say the willingness to attempt it. Just being real. I am also so thankful for a crockpot to help get dinner together. This is the second day this week I’ve used ours. Our son Joshua asked for “Pain in the butt” chicken for dinner. Well honestly I have another word for it but butt is much nicer. The recipe is actually called Marry Me Chicken but when you see like I do, it gets another name. I have a zoom meeting tonight and wanted to tweak the recipe and use the crockpot so the guys can eat when they want and it’s easy clean up. Sure hope it turns out good.
This is also my cleaning day but I’m apparently only getting half of it done. Was trying to catch an afternoon zoom meeting, challenging myself to tune in via “Bluetooth” while I cleaned but that was a bust. Couldn’t follow without actually watching. #goals One day I’ll get it but it won’t be today. Moved some things around a bit while stopping to send texts and check messages. Now that dinner is in the crockpot, I can move on to another chore and continued prayer before this evenings zoom meeting. I have no clue how I will do, but I will show up and be a “fly on the wall” while attempting to gleam a bit and stretch myself a bit further. Not to mention writing a blog and mid way through catching Joshua’s friend before he left to ask him a tech question about Google Documents and spreadsheets. Well, I did say I was multi-tasing and he helped me figure it out!! Woo Hoo!
Also so excited that Pastor Daryl asked me to do the devotion for our homeless friends tomorrow night at RiceNBeans Rock Hill. Truth be told, this morning during my quiet time a scripture dropped into my heart. I’m going to continue praying through the day for confirmation from the Lord. I don’t know what these precious people need to hear but God knows and will direct me in what to say. I’d appreciate prayers for guidance and confidence / boldness. I am not qualified to do these things; the devotion for the ministry outreach and these zooms BUT God doesn’t called those already equipped, rather He equips us despite our abilities or lack there of. So, onward I go….. I need to accomplish a bit more today so I will leave you with this….. let’s finish out today STRONG IN THE LORD and in the POWER OF HIS MIGHT! Be blessed!
What can I say? This morning I texted my friend Tami to see if they needed my help with RiceNBeans tonight: a ministry that feeds the homeless. Tami and I had been away from serving for over a month and last week was our first week back helping at a new location.
It’s amazing how God works! We are well familiar with the previous location at the bus stops but the ministry in Rock Hill is now serving from an indoor location. If we had not gone last week, we would have not known what to do. God foreknew Pastor D would be called out of town, even though we had no idea. God’s ways are awesome!
This morning Tami texted me and asked me if I would do the devotion tonight for our homeless friends. I have learned over the course of my life, when God opens a door, He will provide and see you through it. So I said yes and asked if I could talk on whatever God gave me, which of course was fine. I began praying for direction and asked others to pray as well. God answered! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
He put Philippians 4:13 on my heart: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I live this verse day in and day out. God also brought Hebrews 11:1 to my heart.: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. I said a quick quiet prayer before starting then began to pour out what God gave me, using a bit of testimony in how He strengthens me. I don’t remember all I said and it was a short devotion. I had about ten minutes and my prayer was for divine direction to speak encouragement over them all. We can rise up over our circumstances, not in our own strength but in the strength God gives us. I told them God has given me such faith to move forward even though I honestly don’t have what it takes. I can’t hear or see well, but that did not stop God from enabling me to do His Will tonight. I am honored to be a vessel for His glory.
I often feel inadequate. I like to be doing something, encouraging, helping, writing or whatever. I love to use my abilities for the glory of God. No i don’t have all it takes, but God does. What we lack, He brings, plus more. He just wants us to make ourselves available. I can share from a true sense of lack, because I in myself can’t do it, but He can and He will. It’s not about our abilities or our resources. It is about our surrender. It’s about having an attitude of submission. I told Tami and her husband tonight, I’m open to doing this again if needed. I felt like a fish out of water, but honestly when it’s a God thing, that’s the best way to feel. It’s not about me but about Him and what He wants accomplished.
Let me encourage you to be open to being used by God for His glory. It doesn’t matter what you can or can’t do. If He opens the door for you, He will equip you to do whatever is needed. All glory to God! Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing. Good night! This girl is tired, but a good kind of tired.
I’m so thankful that at the age of 56 I still have my Mom. My brother and I had lunch with her today. No one else was able to join us, but we still met up. I love these times together. She came and picked me up so we could meet him at Moe’s. There were a few times I missed what was said but she or he filled me in. That’s the love of family. We are far from perfect but that’s okay. We accept each other, flaws and all. The older I’ve become, the more I appreciate the smallest little gestures of love.
In my humble opinion, one of the greatest rewards of being a Mother is found is Proverbs 31:28: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” (NKJV) My Mom certainly has attained this cherished reward of blessing from me, my brother and my Dad when he was alive. I am so thankful for the blessing of still having Mom with us. I don’t always get to see her,, but I do talk to her everyday. She is loved and appreciated!
27 years ago God blessed Ron and I with our son Joshua. There’s nothing that can so fully awaken the deep love and appreciation for a Mom, then to experience it for yourself. Being a Mother is one of my favorite ”roles” in life. Pouring love into a child or fur baby and receiving love in return is priceless. Mom’s celebrate the joys and mourn the losses in life. A Mom is always there for you, thinking about you and wanting to “step in and save the day”. One of the hardest things is to see your child hurt or going through a rough lesson and having to sit back and pray them through it.
Me and Joshua about 10 years ago in the mountains.
As a Mom I cover my son and family each day, trusting God to work everything according to His perfect Will. I know my Mom prays the same for me and my brother, her Grands and Greatgrands. The prayers of a Mother are strong and powerful: a guaranteed “prayer warrior” that’s truly one of the greatest gifts in life.
This is a tribute to my Mom and all Mother’s out there. You are loved and appreciated beyond measure. Thank you for all you do, for the daily prayers, time spent together…. just everything. For those whose Mom has already passed, celebrate her memory. It matters not if you are a birth Mom, adopted Mom or a fur baby Mom, you are loved and appreciated. Happy Mother’s Day weekend to you all!!!
Occasionally I will wake with a song on my heart. I love mornings like today. I woke from a deep sleep, all wrapped tight in warm covers. The light of dawn was faintly coming through the window. Lying there I longed to go back to sleep but instead a song began in my heart. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of the earth will grow strangely dim. In ight of His glory and grace. (By Sovereign Grace 2019) This was such a precious way to start my day.
Yesterday I struggled with disappointment in people. I’m not usually one to “vent” because it just weighs on another and accomplishes nothing really. We had stayed home from church since the weather was rainy with gusty winds. I watched both early and late service with no closed caption. The second service I followed fairly well. Thank you Jesus.
It is interesting how when you aren’t busy, your mind can become a battle ground. The guys had gone to the gym. Staying home, my mind turned to people issues. Of all things Why in the world would my mind go there? We can’t do anything about the way people are and how others can drain life out of us. So yesterday I did want to “vent” but I prayed instead. I asked God to check MY heart. I asked Him to help me to respond in a way to bring glory to Him. Did my feelings go away? Nope! However, I started straightening up the closet and rediscovered a perfume box full of old pictures and cards. I sat at the table and began looking through them. Ron and Joshua came home and they too began to look through them. I found pictures from a Croatia mission trip when I was 3 months pregnant with Joshua. There were pictures of our first house and from a trip to the Bahamas with friends. Joshua saw these pictures from early in our marriage and he said, “What happened?” 😂I said , “31 years of marriage!” All in all it was a nice distraction from my previous line of thinking.
I did finally reach out to a friend late last night. I had told Ron I was feeling a bit depressed, but I’m the type to just “suck it up, buttercup”. I just deal with it and let it go. Or try to. It was nice sharing with my friend late last night She too understands disappointments with people. I told her I’ve learned to try to be content with whatever. (I can’t drive. I can’t do the things I want to do. I can’t make people care.) I’ve just learned to be content. My friend said, “A female version of Paul: Paulette”. That was seriously one of the nicest compliments. After sharing my heart, she had given me a different perspective and I felt better. So this morning, waking up to “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” was so fitting. It’s a new day and the sun is shining. It doesn’t matter what today holds, Jesus goes before me, follows me and lays His head of blessing on my head. I will turn my eyes upon Him and sure enough the cares of this world grow strangely dim, in light of His glory and grace. Have a blessed day! Www.shannonkhinson.com
I absolutely love the sights of Spring approaching. About four years ago we planted a Tulip tree in honor of my Dad, Every year since, it blooms around his Heavenly birthday. This Wednesday marks four years. We sure do miss him but he is in a better place, fully healed from cancer. When I see the buds on this tree, I begin to anticipate the beautiful blooms that are sure to come soon. Yesterday I noticed more color and it made my heart smile. I’ve clipped back the very bottom breaches so it grows more into a tree form rather than a large shrub. My husband Ron and I expanded the border stones yesterday so we can add more nourishing soil and mulch. Haven’t finished yet but we have time.
Spring is coming soon. The signs are all around and my allergies sure have kicked up as well. One cluster of daffodils have bloomed and the others should be opening their beautiful yellow petals soon. Things come back to life after a lifeless Winter. The sun is delightful in our Carolina blue sky as the days are a little bit longer. Spring puts a little “pep in my step” and makes me happy. The beauty of the Tulip tree is bittersweet as the budding reminds me that Dad has finished his race but he’s with Jesus. I can’t wait to see the spectacular blooms and I also can’t wait to be reunited with him and Jesus someday.
One of my least favorite things to do is organize our study room. If I could see well it wouldn’t be so bad, but I have to put every single paper under my video magnifier to see what it says. Not to mention that old video magnifier has a zoom dial that is broke. As I’m looking at whatever, it zooms extra large to small at the tiniest touch of the broken dial. Lord help me! Ron was looking into replacing it but I said NO! Those things cost a lot of money and I can just tape it at a reasonable zoom level….again!
Yesterday I asked Ron if we could switch our large desk around. It’s a large L shaped desk with the computer at the angle, my video magnifier on one end and his stuff on the other. I wanted to try switching ends. What was I thinking? I created a pile of papers that now need to be looked through and probably shredded. In the midst of those papers and notebooks that I had tucked things into, I found some “GEMS” Tucked in one of my journals from 2006, I had put a Christmas card picture from an old childhood friend. Wow! I don’t even remember getting the card. It was in the envelope, with return address. Wonder if she still lives there. Gosh, it’s at least 17 years old from the looks of her children who are now grown adults. I also found a card I received 19 years ago when I was getting ready to have my cochlear implant surgery. Lord have mercy! I really need to look through these things but…. like I said, I have to put everything under my machine to see what it says.
Sometimes we have to “roll with it” and get it done but oh my word, I’m not looking forward to this. Speaking of “roll with it” I don’t mean literally. We have two office chairs in the study that roll on the wooden floor. Last night when I sat down in one of the chairs, I just made it to the edge and the chair started rolling backwards across the floor. The treadmill saved me from busting on my butt. That would not have been good with this being week two of being out of the back brace.
We really do have to “roll with it” in life. My day started wonderfully. My friend Katie who is a Pastor/Missionary’s wife came to visit. I really loved seeing her and having time to catch up since we haven’t seen each other in years. When she left I sat at the computer to put in a Mary Kay order and things went downhill from there. I haven’t sat at that computer in months and my bookmarked page was no longer there. Keep in mind I have to “Ultra zoom” to see the computer. I’m talking so zoomed the font becomes like little pencils. AND my bookmarked page was gone. After much frustration I finally got it figured out and Ron bookmarked it for me again.
Next thing….. yes there’s a next thing. There is always a next thing. The tax booklet from the accountant still needs to be complete. I’ve got one more section. That means back to that machine, and I’ll be sure to not “fall out of the chair” when I “roll with it” this time. Ron told me we are also having a house guest tonight. I told Ron, I just washed the sheets so they would be clean when our son returns from out of town next week. I joked that our house is the “Hinson Inn & Call Center”. If you’re having a rough day and need a sounding board just give us a call. (Well Ron, not me) If you need a place to crash, come on by. (I’m kidding but it’s kind of what happens). Years ago our son Joshua was always having friends over. He’s an only child, so we always welcomed them. I used to look out the window and know who was here by whatever car(s) were here. Yes sometimes more than one. I used to tell Ron we needed a sign for the yard. “Hinson Inn ~ NO Vacancies” ~ drive on!😂
We go through seasons in life where there is change and we have to declutter, making room for new growth. After the stressful afternoon I decided to get out in the sun. This is my kind of February day, sunny and 67 degrees. Perfect! I needed to trim the bottom layer of limbs on Dad’s tulip tree. We planted that tree in his memory almost four years ago.. Trimming the bottom branches will help me be able to see if anything is hiding underneath when the tree blooms. It has buds all over it and always buds around the time he passed. It’s bittersweet.
That’s the thing about life, it gets cluttered, you have to trim things back, you have to “roll with it” and continue to be a blessing despite the stress. Tomorrow is RiceNBeans day, which brings life into perspective. Our homeless friends don’t have a place to call their own. They don’t know where their next meal will come from. Two weeks ago my friend gave a lady the boots off her own feet because the lady’s shoes were soaked from the cold rain. That was one of the most beautiful things. We are beyond blessed; papers I can’t see, machines with the broken zoom dial, phones to enable people to call who need a listening ear (Ron’s) , clean sheets for the next guest. There is much to thank God for. He is faithful. Even when we don’t understand why He doesn’t fix things the way we want. He sees the big picture. Let’s just raise a Hallelujah and “roll on”.
It’s been about a week since my last blog post on joy. This week has found me being more physically idle so my compression fracture can heal. It’s been one week in the back brace and three more to go. The intriguing thing about being idle physically is that my mind has gone all over the place. There was the historical inauguration of President Trump on Monday. Tuesday I had an appointment with my audiologist for a mapping for my cochlear implant processor. A few changes were made in my processor programs via computer and volumn turned up so I can hear my husband Ron better Side note ~ I told her I might end up complaining about hearing him better because he is a talker 😂 I did score better on word comprehension. However sentences are still a challenge because of the rate of speech. My audiologist will send my mapping and test scores to Advanced Bionics specialists in California and get their feedback on how to help me progress. The rest of the week has been uneventful.
I did decide at the end of 2024 to read through the Bible this year with the English Standard Version. I chose a Chronological online Bible and was surprised when it went from Genesis to the book of Job. That’s definitely not in order but I’m seeing a pattern here. Genesis ends with the end of Joseph’s life. He went from favored son to despised brother,, slave, prisoner, to ruler of Egypt. The next book the Bible reading plan had me read was the book of Job. Again I see favored Job , then trials, tribulations and afflictions, to richly restored again. Today as I was reading the following verse stood out to me. “He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and my life shall look upon the light.’” Job 33:28 (ESV). Pit… for some reason that stands out to me. After reading about Joseph’s account of actually being thrown in a pit by his brothers: Then I see Job literally being in the pit as one thing after another happened to him, but he maintained his integrity.
God’s way’s are so much higher than we can begin to understand. Why do bad things happen to people? That’s one of the questions of life for all ages that no one can really answer. The book of Job goes on to say : “Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be lighted with the light of life.” Job 33:29-30 (ESV) There’s that word Pit again. Sometimes God has to bring us out of the “pit” we get ourselves in. Sometimes we have to make an effort to get out of the “pit” we find ourselves in. Other times we need a helping hand to get out.
I’m going to veer slightly off topic here but you will see how it connects so bear with me for a minute. I recently finished reading an awesome book. I believe I mentioned it a few blog posts back, so if you follow me you might remember me mentioning the book. At this moment I’m not going to name the book because if you read it this will give away a suspence filled moment. Two young girls snuck out of the house and went running carefree through a grassy field. They didn’t see a hidden pit that had once been a well, which had dried up. The girls fell to the bottom and one of the girls died from the impact. The other girl couldn’t get out. She noticed a bit further up the inside of the dried up well were steps along the wall, but she was not big enough to reach them. She called and called for help but no one heard her. Then came to torrential rains and the well began to slowly fill with water. She thought she would drown, but the rainwaters lifted her until she was able to reach the steps and climb out. I found that bit of story so intriguing! How many times do we find ourself in a hard situation, then something else happens and we think that will be the end of us, but somehow God uses it for good. Sometimes (okay oftentimes) life just doesn’t make sense. There are so many Pits people find themselves in. It could be an ugly divorce, losing a loved one, having a disabled child, living with limitations, accidents, mental health issues, health issues, suicide…. The list goes on and on. I know some people who have multiple issues above. How can people get out?
First let’s look at another verse in Job. “For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.” Job 34:21 (ESV) God sees us where we are. He is El Roi the God who sees me. He is with us always. We are never alone. Second, God is ready to help you. It might be a supernatural kind of help. It may be help coming from a friend, family member or co-worker. Be willing to receive help if you need it. Third, God gives us strength to help ourselves. Faith takes action. I’ve seen some people who fall in a pit but do nothing to get out, instead they give excuse after excuse. You’ve got to learn to move forward and do your part. Lastly, I want to remind you that God brings peace. You may feel turmoil in your life but God is Prince of peace. Isaiah 9:6 says: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ( ESV) He is mighty! He is our Peace! He is a wonderful Counselor. Call out His name, Jesus. He will help you out of your pit. He will set your feet upon the rock. He will promote you and sustain you through your trials. I don’t know how but He will. Trust Him. I have to do the same.
This morning as I was praying, I just opened up and was very real with the Lord. He knows me completely anyway and I believe He delights when we come before Him with honesty. It was a little bit of a rough morning. I woke up with some pain in my back from the fracture. My eyes were very dry and crusty because I had trouble getting the eye ointment in that I have to use nightly, due to five eye surgeries. I went into the kitchen trying to open my very dry eyes. Squinting, I turned on the coffee maker to make a pot of coffee. I thought the pot was in place but it was not. Before I knew it coffee was all over the counter. I quickly turned it off. Grabbing the back brace I put it on then proceeded to clean up a big mess. Finally getting the mess cleaned, the dog fed and let outside, I sat down and just poured out my heart like that coffee that went all over the counter. My lament went up to my wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. I began to praise God for all He is, for His provision, for His healing that we’re still waiting to manifest in the physical. People will never know the things we go through. We don’t complain, we just do it. We all need healing. We only have one driver in our family so some things are pushed aside. God knows and as I poured out my heart I felt His peace. He is the Prince of Peace.
In the next two days I will finish the book of Job and I know how his story ends. God restores him and blessed him beyond his original blessing. God will bless us too. Be faithful in the pit and make efforts to get out of it. God will see you through. Don’t give up! You are loved!
I realize I said my next blog would be on joy but life doesn’t always go the way we intend. It is full of interruptions. Those spur of the moment things that “suddenly” you end up smack on your face. (I will get to that scenario momentarily.) The latest Episode of Adventures with the Hinson’s.
Let’s see: we are 12 days into this new year and so far we’ve dog sat a feisty little booger Chihuahua we had never met before. Oh my! Never again! Our dog Joy was sweet to her but she wasn’t having it. That was followed by Ron getting sick. Who has time for a cold? Two days ago our son Joshua also didn’t feel well and he had his NC Massage Therapy licensure exam early yesterday morning. Did I mention it started snowing and icy roads were expected? Yes! Ron and Joshua went to find the testing center that was over 30 minutes away. They discovered the place only closes if they lose power. Icy roads didn’t matter, the test would be taken despite hazardous roads. Oh my!
Bright and early yesterday morning the guys left with lots of extra time to navigate the roads. We prayed as a family before they left and I prayed as they traveled. God heard and answered. They had no issues with the roads. Thank You Jesus! Ron was not allowed to sit in the warm testing center but had to sit in the car. Later Joshua texted me, “I PASSED!” He was so excited and relieved to have that hurdle jumped. When they arrived home Joshua said he wanted to celebrate later. I said it would depend on how his dad felt. Ron has had no fever so we decided to go out to Nakatos for dinner, just the three of us. We enjoyed our time together but the food made me feel sick. When we arrived home I got out of the car quickly to get inside. I didn’t see a patch of invisible ice and I busted! Oh my word! It is astounding how quickly things can change. I hit that ice so hard on my hip/lower back and pain shot through me. I ended up face down on the ice afraid to move. Ron was trying to help me up and I was afraid he would fall, we would fall together and I already hurt so bad. When I realized I could move (even though very painful) I was so thankful that nothing seemed broken but badly jarred and bruised. I texted my mom and a few prayer warriors asking for prayer that I could move better. God heard and God answered. Ron mentioned going to Urgent Care and I didn’t know if he meant for him, for me or both. I laughed at the visual of us walking in together: me barely able to walk and him sounding very hoarse. Note to self, don’t laugh after a bad fall because it shoots pain through your body. I slept all night lying on my back. When I woke up I could move although very very sore. Ron got checked out at Urgent Care and has an acute sinus infection
Who has time for Episodes and Interruptions. Life happens and you have to deal with it. Sometimes you push through and sometimes you lay down and rest. I know a lot of people who have a lot of “Episodes” going on. Some of those things have been life changing for people I know. One friend from college died on Christmas Day. She had been trying to get healthy enough to get a lung transplant. She got to spend Jesus birthday in His presence. I continue to cover her husband and daughter in prayer for comfort and peace.
Tomorrow will be January 13. Our Christmas tree is still up. I was in the process of getting everything packed away. It will have to wait until some future date when I can safely move better and Ron is feeling better. One thing at a time. Interruptions in life happen but we can look for the little things to bring us peace and joy in the moment. You may feel like life is one step forward, two steps back at times. However as long as you have breath you have opportunity to try again. I am a little wary of going outside right now for fear of slipping on ice again but faith over fear: caution and common sense are gifts I intend to use. In the process I will continue to praise Jesus and continue to worship Him for all He is. He is good all the time. He has been watching out for us and I am thankful. Coming soon, a blog on JOY, I promise! Www.shannonkhinson.com.
With beautiful Carolina blue skies and an unseasonable mild day, it was the perfect day to sit on the front porch swing and think. As the end of 2024 draws near, I find myself reflecting on this past year. Things learned and take aways. While I don’t advise living in the past, it serves a purpose to learn from it and move forward into the new year.
Way back in 1987 I wrote a poem for our year book in high school. I don’t recall it word for word but it went something like this: Reflections of the past, of things that used to be. Memories tend to come and go, once the mind’s set free. Though times change, we’ll always have a record of our deeds. Look into the past and see ,Reflections.
As we end 2024 what are some things you’ve learned this year? Are there any valuable take aways that you can apply moving forward? 2024 has been a year of service and surrender in many ways. It’s also been a year of encouraging others enduring hard situations. It’s been a year of faithful prayer time and seeking God’s Will for my life and family.
One BIG highlight of this year was our son Joshua moving home in April. He had a chance to move to Florida with friends but chose to move home and go to Massage Therapy school. With him being an only child, for many years we had his friends always around. While there is nothing wrong with that, I missed time with just the three of us. These last nine months have been times of catching up. I know he won’t be here forever and we are cherishing the time spent together.
Another highlight of 2024 has been getting involved in serving with RiceNBeans organization. This February will mark one year of serving. I absolutely love being a part of this organization and what we do for the less fortunate. Cooking and being a part of feeding the homeless at the Rock Hill location has been such a joy. The Bible says in Matthew 25:40, ““And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (NLT) Being a blessing to these hurting homeless people, enables me to allow God to work through me to encourage and show God’s compassion. If you would like to give or get involved here is the link. Www.ricenbeans.org
No year is without its challenges and this one has been no different in that regard. However, I choose to focus on what is good. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (NLT). My outlook on life bubbles over into my present frame of mind and attitude.
I choose to be optimistic, approaching life with joy. It makes a world of difference in my reactions to how life unfolds. I do know people who are more pessimistic. This causes a negative complaining attitude. Choose Joy! It will serve you way better than being negative. You may wonder how you can change your outlook. In my opinion, what is stored in your heart strongly affects how you view the world. We can choose what we feast our eyes on; books, tv, movies and hobbies. We can choose to be uplifting rather than negative. Life is all about choosing the best things. Forget popular culture. Woke-ism is such a cancer in today’s society. God gives us common sense. Use it and while you’re at it, love others like you love yourself. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you and reveal amazing things you do not know.
This year also was a year of writing, blogging and encouraging others. If you have followed my blogs this year, thank you for your support and feedback. It encourages me to be able to pour into others through this gift of writing. I’ve had a couple of people tell me I should write a devotion book. My hearts desire is to possibly publish a novel. I actually did a rough exploratory chapter just to get my feet wet. It’s something I’m praying about. It would be a huge undertaking with my low vision. I don’t really want to go there unless I know it’s something God is birthing in me. Praying for the right story line that would engage, encourage and propel the reader to keep reading. Currently I am reading an amazing book called The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar. This author is brilliant in weaving an incredible story line. GOALS! If you will, pray for God’s direction for me. Thank you!
As 2024 comes to an end, celebrate your triumphs. Don’t live with regrets and excuses to not change in the coming year. The BEST is yet to come. With God, all things are possible! Www.shannonkhinson.com
Today is Christmas Eve and I’m thankful we don’t have any running around to do. The traffic and last minute shoppers can be chaotic. However, yesterday we did have to go to Target,Publix and Walgreens for a few last minute preparations. Christmas time has to be the hardest time of year to work in retail and I must say we had some of the most gracious people checking us out yesterday and helping us find something in the store. In all honesty, it begins with: kindness toward those around us.
How we approach others is so important. Two evenings ago, Ron and I got groceries at Publix and it was packed with shoppers. Ron had gone to pick up a prescription so I thought I’d begin finding items on our list. I asked a clerk for help, explaining I had low vision and needed to find artichoke. She was so nice and helpful, telling me different options to choose from. She helped me find what I needed then……Oh boy ….. I turned the cart around and did not see a low display of canned items. Knocking the display down with canned veggies rolling on the floor. A REAL Cringe worthy moment. I was so embarrassed. Righting the metal display I began to pick up the canned veggies. The clerk and another customer helped me. Having the display back in place, I apologized and thanked them for helping me. Moral of the story ~ it pays to be honest, humble and kind. I did not intend to share that little embarrassing moment but when faced with such things humility and grace affect the response you receive.
If you are out dashing around today think of those around you. Smile and say “Merry Christmas”. Spread some cheer because honestly, it will brighten others day and make your heart happy.
I’d like to share one last little thing: yesterday while trying to make all the last minute preparations for Christmas, my mind and body seemed to be going in so many different directions. I love to try to make things special for my family, that I often don’t think of myself. It’s just my nature. Later on yesterday I received a text from an interpreter I had not seem in many months. A friend helped me to make “I love you” sign language ornaments from clay to give to our church interpreters, family and friends. I had wrapped this interpreting friend’s ornament in bubble wrap and placed it in the church drop off box so her husband could take it to her. Her text to me made my heart SMILE SO BIG. She really loved it and was touched that I remembered her even though I haven’t seen her in quite a while. Moral of the story, it’s more blessed to give than to receive. It’s not about the gifts. It’s about Jesus and the gift He has given us. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Whatever you do, rejoice in the birth of our Savior. You are loved!! Www.Shannonkhinson.com
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