Time sure doesn’t move slowly. It flies! We blink, and our baby boy is turning 27! Tomorrow is our son Joshua’s 27th birthday and it will be the first one when we don’t see him. He had wanted to go on a birthday trip, all three of us, but after falling on ice and injuring my back, we told him to go have fun with his friends. Although he has flown many times over the years, today was the first time he flew alone. I told him, “You can do this! I used to do it before I married your dad.” I knew it would be a confidence builder. He just requested assistance since he has low vision. He called his dad when he landed in Florida and texted me when he found his friends. We know he will have a blast.
This past year has been one of tremendous growth and courage. If you know, you know. I’ll leave it at that. He has proven himself in so many areas and is on the road to his calling: Massage Therapy and Body Work. He truly has a gift in this career. He finished all courses, clinical work and passed the state exam. There are just a couple more things in the process then he can set out on his career journey.
Over Thanksgiving, Grandma showed him a scripture she had highlighted and noted in her Bible from 2009. One of the Assistant Pastors had spoken that passage over Joshua. “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT) Joshua then asked , “Was I a problem child?” No he wasn’t. 2009 was the year he was diagnosed with optic atrophy. He’s such a unique person and we are so proud of the young man he is. He has been through the fire and sometimes is still in it, but that’s how God refines us. He’s has experienced more things in 27 years than many expirence in a lifetime. We can just gleam from each experience and move forward.
We are excited to see what this year will hold. I know God goes before him and follows him. God’s hand of blessing is on his head. Why we have to endure these visual issues is something we don’t know. As his mom, all I can do is pray and put forth the example of living a life serving God. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. That may be a slightly easier thing for a woman than a man ~ But God! He is learning, God is molding him and we get front row seats to see it all unfold. Happy birthday Joshua. You are a blessing. Keep being strong and courageous! God is always with you, wherever you go! 🤟🏼
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!
A picture to double check that I found the right items
I had planned to blog on Epic Shenanigans but writing about my oddball antics of dealing with life didn’t seem so appealing at the moment. On second thought, sharing some recent antics actually ties in to “What do you see, vs that plus the backstory.”
So here goes with a glimpse of Life as I live it. Friday afternoon had been busy. I had needed to pick up a few things from the grocery store but Mom and I ran out of time. She had needed to find some gifts so we focused on getting her gifts found then she took me home. She doesn’t like to drive after it’s dark.
Mom had one more gift to purchase and I suggested a store at the other end of the shopping strip. I had to find a glaze in a craft store. We didn’t have much time before it would start getting dark so we decided to split ways. Truth be told, I did need help in the craft store but I decided to wing it (get it done myself) Walking into the craft store, I located a clerk. They wear red vests so that wasn’t too hard. I showed her a picture of what I needed and explained I couldn’t hear or see well. I must say, she handled that information pretty well. We finally found what I needed and a paint brush. She also directed me to where the ribbons were. I finally found a ribbon I thought would work then proceeded to the checkout area. I reached the front of the store and my heart sank, all the registers had been changed to self checkout, which I detest. You need to be able to see to do self checkout. Someone please inform retailers because they apparently have no clue about accessibility. Anyway…. I told the store manager and he assured me there was one checkout with an employee who would check my items out. Paying for the items, I walked to the store mom was shopping in. Now to find her. I said a little prayer and shortly after, found her at the checkout register.
It was twilight so I told her she should just take me home. I still needed those things from the store to make desserts for a party the next night, but I would ask my husband Ron to take me. Arriving home, my little family of three found ourselves hungry but not wanting to go out again. Ron and our son Joshua decided to get take out. I mentioned to Ron that he could drop me off at Harris Teeter grocery store. I would get the ingredients I needed while he picked up dinner, then he’d swing back around to get me. I assured him I could do it. (Side note, with me having low vision, Ron is usually the one who finds things in the store. I make a list and he finds them) As he dropped me off, I walked in the grocery store, opened my iPad and began using the camera to find what I needed. I did find everything and ran into him in the produce section. He had forgotten to tell me he wanted some bananas. As we were in the check out line, I said, “Just think, if the people see the security footage in the store, they will say; There’s that iPad girl again. What is she doing looking at everything through the iPad camera lens and even taking pictures before putting items in her cart? Interesting.” Ron just laughed. If people only knew.
So you see a situation, or a person for that matter, but until you know the backstory you are missing a lot of information. How often we see things and make judgements, not knowing the real situation. It’s so important to look deeper at situations Honestly most people don’t care and don’t want to take the time. That’s ok too. I mean really, what can we say?
Ron said to me last night, “You are a real Christian.” I replied, “I’m not perfect. I make mistakes just like everyone else. I need God’s grace just like everyone does.” I do really desire to be consistent. Letting people see Jesus in me is my reason for existing. Half the time I think I might have it a bit easier because I don’t have all the distractions normal people have. Then again, the limitations and winging my way through them can be kind of a cruel joke. I suppose it’s a matter of how you look at it.
If you are the person looked at let me encourage you to not worry about what people think. Yo do you! Do what you need to do to get your things accomplished. (Well of course, don’t break the law while attempting it!) Be strong! Be courageous! God is our strength and ever present help at all times. It does take humility to admit that. It’s worth the humble pie.Tust me, there is no room for pride here. I need help. If you’re honest, you need help in some areas too.
If you are the one doing the observing and passing judgements, look a little deeper. Not everything is superficial. Practice empathy and try walking in that persons shoes. Show grace! There is always room for grace! There is always room for kindness.
We are all humans. If you look so carefully at someone’s life, make sure you place yourself under that same lens. There is usually way more than meets the eye. The backstory can reveal truths that might just blow your mind. Take the time.
In Psalms 119,David wrote, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” Psalms 119:18 (NLT) We can discover such abundant riches in God’s Word. It’s His instructions for dealing with life. As we study the Bible, God reveals Himself and His perspective to us. May our eyes be enlightened to His truth as we live to bring glory to His name. Have a wonderful week! Www.shannonkhinson.com
Thanks to Amy for snapping this picture of me trying out her Potters Wheel
Today I was able to experience something I’ve wanted to experience for quite a while. A couple of weeks ago Mom and I went to a Christmas craft show where a friend of mine was selling her pottery and jewelry. She is the Real Deal as she makes her bowls and pottery from clay on her potters wheel. I’ve always wanted to try it to see what it’s like.
Years ago I made Christmas ornaments with an American Sign Language (ASL) “I love you” cookie cutter. About 31 years ago I worked as a teachers assistant at a preschool for deaf children. Making the “I love you” ornaments was one of the crafts we did. Back then we made the clay from flour, salt and water. The dough always got stuck in the fingers of the cookie cutter. About 15 years ago I decided to make a bunch of the “I love you” ASL ornaments. Honestly it was rather hard and I never tried it again. I was telling my friend Amy about these ornaments and asked if she’d help me make some with clay. Today was the day when I went over and she showed me some tricks of the trade. I wasn’t sure how I’d do since my vision is worse than it was years ago. She patiently showed me how to use the tools and I brought my cookie cutters with me. I was able to do it and it was so much fun. I wanted to put my great niece and great nephews names on four of them and she did that part for me. I will go another day to paint them.
Here is one of the ornaments. Amy stenciled the name on for me.
After finishing the ornaments, I asked her about the potters wheel and she let me give it a try. Wow that is some work of art!!! It gave me a new appreciation for the work she does. She explained that the clay had to be centered and it felt a certain way when it was. It’s hard to explain and I couldn’t get it centered. She did it quickly and showed me how to make a bowl. I asked if I was doing it right and she said ”No”, but it was my creation so I could make whatever. It was a fun experience.
When I think of a Potters Wheel, I honestly think of God creating us. Take a moment to grab your Bible and look at the first eleven verses of Jeremiah chapter 18. God tells Jeremiah to go down to a potters shop and watch the potter work at the wheel shaping a jar. Look at verse 4: “But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.” Jeremiah 18:4 (NLT) Today I got to experience this. As Amy was demonstrating how to make a bowl, then let me try it, mine didn’t turn out so well. She said it would break when it dried, so I asked her if I should start it over and she said “yes”. I crushed it back down and started again.
It is so incredible to experience things that symbolize God’s power to shape and mold us as His creation. He has the power to define, shape and use us for His pleasure and glory. I can honestly say I really enjoyed the experience and can only imagine the satisfaction Amy must feel when her creations turn out as she desires.
I’m not a Bucket list kind of person. I mean, I don’t actually have a “list” but there are some things I’d like to one day try and today’s experience was one of them. I have such awe of God and His artistic abilities. He is the Master Potter, the Master painter, and every other creative title you can imagine. It literally blows my mind to just think of every thing God has taken such delight in designing and making for His pleasure.
That clay can be really touch. Amy showed me how to get the air bubbles out. Pressing and adding pressure, turning it over and over. It’s kind of hard to describe. Just think of how God has to take us through times of pressure and difficulty to “get the bubbles out” The clay has to be molded just right. When doing the ornaments, she showed me how to put the clay through a presser (I don’t know what it’s called) to flatten it out just right and at the correct thickness before I could cut it. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been through God’s Presser multiple times to get me to the right “thickness” before shaping me with the cookie cutter of His choice. That’s the beauty of creating something.
We are God’s creation. I’ve often struggled with the question of. “Why did you make me this way?” Having both hearing and visual difficulties due to having nerves that don’t work as they should. On top of that, passing it along to my son. I t has been one of the pressing / cutting things in life. Here’s where the BUT GOD comes in. Psalms 139: 13-14 says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”(NLT) It’s not too fun to be so unique but who am I to tell my Creator how to make me? I get put through a Presser of challenging situations quite often. I’m learning to see them before they come and say a prayer, “God this is the part I don’t like and I’m going to need Your help to shine through this for You glory.” I hope in some way He is glorified through my attempts.
Tomorrow will be another one of those Pressers. Tomorrow I will go to my friend Tami’s house and help with the cooking for RiceNBeans ministry for our homeless friends in Rock Hill. The cooking is fun and we talk and catch up. When it’s time to head to Rock Hill, I am out of my comfort zone. Sure I can serve up a meal but when it comes to communicating with the people I feel so inadequate. I smile and ask all I see if they would like a meal. We have been doing this since around March and many of them know I can’t hear or see really well. I can only hope and pray it encourages them to press through the situations that have them on the streets or living in shelters. Pray that being a Light for Jesus will direct them to the SOURCE of that light, which is Jesus Himself.
Sorry so long and so deep. God touches my heart through life experiences and I wanted to share with you this neat experience today. If you’d like to read my testimony you can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover, soft cover and ebook formats.) All for the glory of God. Www.shannonkhinson.com
Have you ever been invited to something that you didn’t feel quite capable of doing? A good friend of mine recently invited a few friends over to paint pottery. I remember having a conversation with my mom last weekend and saying, “I really don’t want to go. I’ll be overstimulated trying to see to paint. I have something to go to everyday this week and I don’t want to be worn out.” Yes, I did have that conversation with Mom. Then on Sunday at church, I saw my friend who was hosting. She was so excited about it and said she was going to make us a taco lunch, so I gave in and went. I’m so glad I did! It was a HOOT !!
When I got to her house last Monday I saw she had purchased a lighted magnifier to help me see better as I painted! I was shocked and also excited to give it a good try. She is one of the most thoughtful people. She had a variety of pottery to choose from. I love birds and wanted to try the owl. Searching on Pinterest, I found a color scheme I wanted to try. One friend helped me find the paint colors and mix them. Another helped by outlining with the paint and filling in where I missed. It turned out so cute and memories were made with life long friends. Honestly, they made it look much better than it would have doing it on my own.
Moral of the story, never be afraid to try. I was initially intimidated by the idea of painting, but it turned out to be a relaxing fun day with friends. This cute owl is a reminder of the experience and memories made. So give that intimidating offer a try! You never know what fun awaits you when you’re willing. You also never know the generous surprises you may encounter. Get out of your comfort zone and fly the coop Have a great weekend everyone!
It’s been over a week since I published my last blog “Meet the Squabs #200”. Since that post, the baby doves have flown away, embarking o n their new adventures. Truth be told, I was sad to see them go. I had watched the parents and squabs throughout the days. Now the nest is empty. There has been a nest on our porch for the last three years though so perhaps they will choose our porch again.
When Joshua was in his teens I used to joke about our house being the “Hinson Inn”. There was always someone here.You know you got really accustomed to people over when you would forget to close the bathroom door. At one point I even thought of putting a sign saying, “No Vacancy, Drive On”, but of course we never did. Being a parent is one of the greatest gifts and each change can be beautiful. When Joshua “flew the coop” several years ago and lived in Arizona for a while, that was a hard but beautiful thing to witness.
Each stage in life brings its challenges and beauty. I guess it’s all in how you look at things. When you look for the good, you are more likely to find it. When you look through “a critical lens”, no one measures up.
That’s one of the beautiful things about being a Mother. (I meant to write a blog in honor of Mother’s Day but I never got around to it so I will touch on that here.) Being a Mother is a God opportunity and priveledge to pour into your child no matter what their age. My Mom still does that and she is 81 years old. I know she’s always there and that is a comfort and joy. Joshua knows the same is true about me.
Now that Joshua has moved home and will be starting Massage Therapy school in June, we again have this gift of opportunity to pour into him. I’m beyond thankful he chose to not move to Florida with his roommates. God has him on a different path now. I told my husband Ron that Joshua sees how we respond to situations. For example, he has seen my heart for serving others. He jokingly asked me last week how much I was getting paid for the various things I do. I looked at him and said, I don’t do this for money. My reward is in Heaven. Blogging, teaching, serving in ministry to the less fortunate and serving my family cost me something but I don’t get paid for it in earthly things but the treasures I receive through smiles, seeing growth, encouraging others, being molded by Jesus into what He desires, is priceless.
Joshua also sees my response to situations that are less than appealing. Everyone has to deal with the flesh and how we humanly would like to respond but know God desires a godly response. Joshua said to me a couple of weeks ago, “Mom you don’t have to be a Saint 24/7”. I responded, “God is always watching.” As a parent, teacher, volunteer, friend or whatever our role, we have this god given opportunity to respond in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. No matter how hard it is at the moment, we can choose to die to the flesh and live according to the Spirit.
Which brings me to the beauty of change when we “let go and let God”. Last week we finally finished our “Women of the Bible” study. I would have never thought I could do that. I kind of “fought God” with yielding to Him in the process because it required large chunks of my time and, preparation, and memorization BUT HE ENABLED me to do it when I let go and said “okay Lord I will do this”. He taught me much in that surrender and submission to His desires. I witnessed the beauty of change in not only myself but in the other girl’s in our Bible study. We are created with His purpose in mind for such a time as this. Wherever He has you, submit to His desires. It is so worth all the stretching.
Our next study is potentially Revelation. That is such a daunting topic because I know little about it. Another girl in our group would like to lead this one and I am encouraging her all the way. She is more of a “visual teacher” which is great because we have some “Visual learners” but she wants me to help. I told her “she can do this” but of course I’ll do whatever she needs to support the effort. We can “tag team” it. We are looking forward to this change and can’t wait to see what God will reveal to us.
I’m also looking forward to this new season Joshua is entering. I know it won’t be an easy one but I intend to pray him through it. We will move forward trusting God to guide the way and open or close doors that should or shouldn’t be entered.
What a privilege to witness change unfolding right before your eyes. Remember “beauty lies in the eys of the beholder” so if you want to witness the beauty of change, adjust those “lens” and ask God to reveal it to you. It’s there, you have to look for it sometimes.
I love sharing what God puts in my heart. I pray it’s a blessing to you. If you like it, please feel free to subscribe and pass it along to bless someone else. We all need encouragement. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I hope it inspires you to never give up in hard situations. God is always there to help us. Surrendering to Him years ago was the best decision I’ve ever made. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing. Www.shannonkhinson.com
Have you ever really taken an honest look around you? Of course you have. So many things require a team effort. Every single service and job is needed. Sure some have more prestige than others but the goal is the same….. get the job done.
Recently I’ve been reading 1 Corinthians 12. If you have a chance read the whole chapter. So many gems can be found there.
This chapter speaks of spiritual gifts, it also talks about the many parts that make up the body. 1 Corinthians 12:5-7 says , “There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (NLT)
Let’s talk about acts of service. Since I do not work because of my hearing and vision issues, I have gotten involved in ministries that help people. At the Fort Mill Church of God food pantry, I have packed boxes of food for the needy in our community for over 8 years. I would love to be able to minister to the people themselves however I would need to be able to hear them well to do that and read their id etc. Every part of the operation is important. From the men who stock up the food, people who donate food, the people who prepare the boxes to fill, those who actually pack the boxes, those who pray for the clients, those who load the food for the people, to even taking out the trash, each part is valuable to getting the job done.
Today I am helping with a different ministry. My friends, Ron and I are going to help Rice N Beans ministry again tonight but at the Rock Hill location. We are making the food for that location for today as well. Tami brought the commercial cooker over with the recipe and ingredients for the beans. She had an appointment so she asked me to start them and stir every hour. So today I’m cooking beans. I guess I can stir up some “love” in these beans as I pray for those who will be eating them later. I texted Tami to let her know I’ve got things cooking. She just texted me back, “😁 let the fun begin is right! Our maiden cooking voyage 🫘 & 🍚 & 🌭 😂”. We are ready to do whatever God asks. Serving with friends is awesome.
I told my Bible study group last week, I would love to work but it would take the right job and right employer to accommodate my disabilities. But God has given me opportunities to serve those in need. 1 Corinthians 12:11 says, “It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” (NLT)
We can’t all be the same part and all have the same gifts. God knows what He is doing. Don’t look down on yourself if you feel inadequate or unseen. We are all serving God in whatever way He desires. It’s a joy to be apart of something bigger. The reward will come later in Heaven. Just do all you can for the Lord. He will open doors or close doors for you. Just be willing to do what He calls you to do. Years ago we had a friend name Larry who had ALS.He was a godly man and even as his health declined, he found a way to bless people. I remember he would leave messages on our answering machine praying for our family. He called and prayed for many even though this terrible disease ravaged his body. That folks is what it’s all about. Using what you have for the Lord.
Here’s another gem from 1 Corinthians 12:12, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” (NLT). So wherever God has you, serve as unto the Lord. What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain. Say a prayer as we serve. New adventures can be intimidating for me, but once I get the groove, I’m good. And God please bless these beans.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.
Sitting here at nearly 9 pm EST, on a Monday night in February, sweating. Here in upstate South Carolina, it has rained all day with temperatures pretty steady in the 50s with 95% humidity.
It has been a “Push through it” kind of day from beginning until now. Rainy Mondays can be that way. I went to sleep last night wearing my Fitbit. It vibrates when a text comes in, so AT&T was my alarm clock, with an automatic text telling me my payment was made. (Like I don’t know that?) I was in a deep sleep, dreaming I was on a pier with a dove on my arm. Very interesting. Would have liked to know the end of it.
While I can feel the Fitbit vibrate, I can’t see anything on the little screen when it lights up. Thankfully it is synced with my iPad so I could check the text. Seeing it was nothing worth even checking, I got up to make some coffee. Thirty minutes later my friend Leasa texted to see if I’d go to Home Depot with her to help her find something to finish a project. I was still half a sleep and my question was, “How soon?” I ended up quickly washing my face and throwing on some clothes. She picked me up about 20 minutes later and we were off. After talking to several men there about the project she was doing, we finally found what she needed. During the process, she told me all about a movie she and her husband saw yesterday. We grabbed some Chick-fil-A then she brought me home.
My husband and I had planned to go to the gym to workout, but I still felt tired. I told him to give me about an hour and maybe I’d be ready to go. In the meantime, he helped me register for a 5k that our church is having. I’m not a runner, but plan to walk it with some friends. I finally said, “Okay let’s go”. Ron asked, “Are you sure you feel like it?” I replied, “No but let’s get it done.” Nothing like signing up for an event to get moving.
We got to the gym and started on the treadmills. Usually we just warm up for about 20 minutes then continue with strength training. Today I went two miles at a good pace then went looking for Ron in the weight area. He was wearing a red shirt so I figured he would be easy to find, with my low vision. But several guys were wearing red today. I finally found him and told him where I would be. Usually we stick together but today we did different things. The thing is, with my low vision I don’t always see people on the machines until I’m just a few feet away. Oh boy and being tired from that two mile walk didn’t help matters. Ron is a sweetheart. He came up to help me on the machines and I told him I hadn’t really seen the guy on the machine I wanted to use, but I “played it off”. I don’t think the guy noticed I didn’t see him. Welcome to my crazy life. We both got a good workout in and I was one sweaty mess. Nothing like pushing through a day when you just aren’t feeling it and it’s rainy and muggy outside.
This 5K event is something to keep me accountable with walking and strength training. Doing different types of things can be a bit unnerving at times though. The last time I did a 5K was about 9 years ago. That one I ran but I didn’t know the course. The directions were marked out on signs that I could not see. Oh my word, but I finally did cross the finish line. This time I’m going to do it with friends and they will help me know where to go.
There is nothing like good friends that get you moving. Whether it’s a quick run in the morning to Home Depot, doing Bible study, doing mission work or preparing for a 5K to do together. It’s worth pushing through to do whats is needed.
It’s almost time to “call it a day and hit the hay”. I’m glad I pushed through this day. It’s been a full one and it’s fulfilling to reach bedtime and say It’s been a good day even with the AT&T wake up text and muggy rainy weather. Tomorrow will be another busy day but it will be another fulfilling one volunteering at the food pantry then spending some time with my Mom.
I hope you all have an awesome week. Just “push through it” even when you don’t feel like it. You will be glad you did. Good night everybody.
Ever had times when things left you awe stuck and amazed? Recently I finished reading through the book of Genesis in the Bible. I’ve read this many time but this time the story of Josephs life hit me differently. It’s one thing to hear teaching on a few verses at a time, and a whole different thing to read the story though and get a full picture. Not only that but God can give you new insight each time you read something. You can come away with something fresh.
The incredible magnitude of God’s faithfulness in each affliction Joseph faced in his life had me in tears. From being thrown into a cistern by his jealous brothers, to being sold as a slave by those same brothers, being thrown into prison unjustly, to rising to the second highest in Egypt…..God was steadfastly faithful in each and every affliction. As I read with tears rolling down my cheeks, I said, “God you are SO faithful”.
How many of us can say that we don’t complain in the hard times?Anybody? I know I can’t. I do try to always see God’s ways in whatever I’m enduring but many times I fall flat on my face in that regard. Each time Joseph put his faith in God, in the midst of his trial. Each time God faithfully provided Joseph with favor to endure, even thrive through it all. There are so many lessons we can learn from Joseph’s life.
Today as I wrapped up the book of Genesis, Joseph’s father Jacob died and Joseph’s brothers are afraid that Joseph’s anger will come out from being treated so wrongly so many years ago. From a human perspective, Joseph’s brother’s had it coming. But watch how Joseph responds to his brothers after their father’s death. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.” Genesis 50:20-21 (NLT) Wow! Such amazing grace and forgiveness!
The grace and integrity Joseph showed throughout his life is something we should strive for. To develop the ability to trust God in the “land of affliction”. May we trust the sovereignty of God and trust He is working it out according to His purposes.
Sometimes the trials, afflictions or tests last a long time. May we learn to be fruitful for the glory of God through it all. May we learn to say “Yes Lord I’m going to praise you through this storm.” The song Yes I Will just came to mind. I will see if I can attach a music video at the end of this blog.
Praise God through it all! Learn to forgive those that hurt you. You might need to even forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. Confess, repent and then let it go. God is faithful through it all.
You may come to a point where you need to forgive God. I’ve known people who have been angry with the Lord for having to endure hardship and health situations. People get hung up on “Why am I going through this? Why am I STILL here Lord?” Still in the cistern. Still in the prison. You get the idea? God uses those things to mold us. Malachi 3:3 says, “He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.” (NLT). Even Job says the following after his many hard trials, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job 23:10 (NLT)
Trust God. Trust His sovereignty Read His Word and learn His character. You are so greatly loved. Here are some more verses to learn from. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
I could go on and on here but I’ve done enough writing and sharing for the day. Learning from Josephs life has blessed me and I pray the lessons I’ve shared in this blog bless you as well. If you or a loved one are facing a hard time, Hang in there. God is not finished with you yet. He is doing a new thing. He can make a way where there isn’t one. Trust Him. Trust His process. ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV);. Let’s trust Him.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.
Just a few more days and 2023 will be behind us. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a fresh new year. At the beginning of 2023 God dropped the word “soar” in my heart. At the time I had no clue why. Honestly, I’m still not quite sure. The year did seem to SOAR by. It seems like it just started and here we are near 2024.
2023 was a year of growth. God has worked with me on overcoming some fears. I will get to that in a minute. Getting feedback from my husband Ron, I evidently have grown in the area of peace. There is peace in my heart even though life is full of uncertainties. At the end of the day, I am confident in who holds my future and I can say 100% that God is faithful and so so GOOD!
About overcoming some fears, I’m learning more and more that I can trust God with everything. Everything can range from family health issues, fear of inadequacies, frustrations with our culture and how to live a life of humility. The list goes on. I’d like to share two key things I learned this year. There’s a big third but some things involve others and I respect their desire for confidentiality.
Late in the Spring, Ron bought us two “sit on top” kayaks. This was such a surprise that he agreed to buy us two. He is not yet a “Kayak lover” but I have hope. We are only about five or six miles from the nearby lake. Since we used to have a SeaDoo, I’m familiar with the water and area. I feel comfortable as I sort of know my way around.
Truth be told, there is an adventure element because my vision is 20/400. Yes you read that right. BUT I can see enough to do it and I love the water. Respecting the challenges, dangers, my limitations, the unknown and being willing to learn is all part of it. I started out on a two seater kayak but I wanted to be free. Being on a one seater with my limitations is pressing it, but God has given me a sound mind to approach the adventure with sound judgement.
I finally got Joshua, our 25 year old son to go with me. He thought he was going to wear me out, but he was in for a surprise, as my endurance gave him a “run for his money”. He also has a vision problem, however his is not nearly as bad as mine. I let him decide on our destination. He remembered an island way out in the lake, back from when we used to SeaDoo. So we set off. We didn’t know how far it was. All we knew was the general direction. We paddled and paddled for quite a while. Getting a bit tired, I finally told him if we didn’t see the island or reach it within 30 minutes, we would turn around. 30 minutes later we had almost reached the island. Talking about a huge accomplishment. We got out of the kayaks at the island and swam around for a bit and rested. Then we had to paddle all the way back. What an adventure! Perseverance , courage, stamina and sheer will to finish what we started. We made a goal and reached it!
The next big challenge to overcome came about in August. My Bible study group had decided to break over the summer and pick back up in September. Our leader got involved in a small group at her church and told us we could go ahead. I was totally stunned when the girls asked me to lead. I agreeded to try but inside I was like, “Lord are you kidding me? I can’t see the book. How in the world am I supposed to do this?” Truth be told I still feel that way. I know my limitations and God knows His power to work in them. I gave in and let Him have His way. I can’t but God can. I oftentimes feel so inadequate. There is a saying, God does not call the quipped, He equips the called. Wow. Boy am I a testament to that. I’m not saying I’m called, but I have definitely made my inadequate self available. We are going to pick back up in January. I can’t wait to see what God has in store.
The third thing I mentioned which I can’t fully disclose but I can share vaguely. It’s been the latter part of the year. Some experiences we had never faced. God has taught me to trust Him more. He has impressed upon me humility. Putting others before myself even if it costs me. Listening even though it wears me slap out with not hearing very well with my cochlear implant processor. That’s something I hope to get right in 2024. 2023 was not a good hearing year, probably due to menopause and hormonal changes. Who knows. I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve learned to say, God this is all I have, help me to make it be all it needs to be. I can’t hear but I can listen and I’ve done a whole lot of that this year. Listen to others needs and pray, pray and pray some more. God has taught me to speak wisdom over situations and trust Him. So it’s definitely been a year of growth, which has soared in some ways.
Im thankful that God still allows me to put into writing the many things He continues to teach me. I have continued to blog each week during this year. Ron got me a real keyboard that magnetically attaches to my iPad. It makes blogging so much easier to be able to “feel” the keys as I type. Me and touch screens don’t get along. To date there have been 5,210 views. Here are my end of the year stats for blogging. This is post #60 for this year. That’s 40.9K words this year, averaging around 693.4 words per post, reaching countries round the world but mostly in the USA. This is no reason for pride but simple gratitude. I could not do it without God. I wouldn’t even want to try.
God has not yet given me a word for 2024. I’m not sure if He will. I do know I will continue to strive to be empty so He can fill and use me in whatever way He desires. As we bring 2023 to a close I can say it is well with my soul. I will wrap this up with Philippians 3:13-14, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (NLT)
At this point in life if a song could show my testimony I would choose Itis well by Bethel Music. I will attach the YouTube music video with lyrics below. Be blessed and Happy New Year. May you experience the love of Jesus like never before.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.
