Keep Trusting

Just twelve years ago I received “the” life-giving answer to a basic human question- “God!  What am I going to do?”  It was through that cry out of exasperation that I realized there was nothing I could do to change my circumstances.  I recall that stormy run at 4:00 a.m. like it was yesterday in the midst of the loss of my marriage.    While I had never read a Bible verse that I understood (nor was I inclined to want to as an agnostic), things were about to change.  As I splashed my way back home after finding this tiny orange New Testament in the middle of the flooded street, I searched the table of contents for referenced verses to speak to the way I was feeling.  That day life-changing truth leapt from the pages, and my hope was no longer dependent on what I (or anyone else could do)- but it became rooted in what Jesus had already done for me.

 “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3: 5-6  The Message.

“Everywhere you go” means we don’t limit Him to what He can do about our circumstances.  We press on toward the mark of our high calling in Christ in a deep and personal way, regardless of how our situation turns out.  It’s hope we embrace now- and it’s no longer rooted in our abilities to correct, or change things.  The evidence that we have this hope in us is a priceless peace that passes understanding- despite the circumstances!  I am not suggesting that we always have it all together, but I am saying that we know in whom we trust!  It’s ONLY by faith we receive this sight (this insight), and faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  John 3:16-17 NIV

 For God “so” loved the world (you and me!), that He sent his only Son to die for our sin.  ANY heart drawn by the Holy Spirit to accept this truth, confess sin, and trust Christ as Lord and Savior- will not receive what they deserve, but will be given everlasting life.  Therefore, it is by our testimony (our inarguable living proof) that Jesus did not come to this world to condemn us, but to save us from ourselves, and to declare us righteous in His image- “not guilty” before a Holy God. 

 If there has never been a time you have come to terms with this, it’s not too late.  In fact, you are just in time!   If you are like me, once you experience salvation (at the heart level), you too, will quickly realize the impossibility surrounding your ability to give it to your spouse, and loved ones.  How can you give something you do not have?  You can’t!  Yours is just a cheap imitation.  Unconditional love and forgiveness may be a contradiction to your life-experience- but it’s the bedrock of faith and life through Christ. It’s the turning point, and your chance to start over.

 I felt compelled to share this message, for it is the thread of life woven through my ministry.  Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  Defined by the Storm exists for the express purpose to build others up in the only strength and hope I know. Jesus.

 Until we meet again,

Shannon

HIStory In the Making!

Some of my favorite verses in the Bible are those that relate to the peculiar nature of a Believer in Christ.  It is this peculiarity that baffles those around us- especially those who knew us prior to salvation.  In my case, it was my husband.  The book of John opens with a few of these verses surrounding the transformation of salvation.  The miraculous change in my heart at the reading of God’s Word at the age of 31, wasn’t anything I could have accomplished on my own.  I tried everything else- trust me.  Until I found the true love personified by Jesus- who chose me before I chose Him- I didn’t have it to give.  The imitation I gave fell far short of being sufficient and was entirely based upon my feelings, and how things were going.  Until I received forgiveness without measure for my sin, I couldn’t begin to extend it to those who had sinned against me. Until I experienced unmistakable peace in the midst of my circumstances, I couldn’t walk in it, nor attract anyone to it. 

We can understand the confusion surrounding this transformation in us, can’t we?  My friend, this kind of love is CONFOUNDING, and COMMANDS everything we are!   My pastor says “it doesn’t take much of a man/woman to become a Christian (in our fallen condition), but it takes all the man/woman you’ve got (to believe wholeheartedly in Christ)!”   2 Corinthians, 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”   This appeal begins in our homes- the very place it may be most difficult and likely to be the place you meet the most resistance, as it was in my case.  Don’t lose heart!

John 1:1-5; 10-13; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him, all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.  He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, or of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 

If you know Christ as your Savior, this light in you is HIStory in the making. It’s the wonder of all wonders!  Let your light “so shine” before men, and leave the results of the eternal impact to Him. Remember the marriage triangle- God at the top, husband and wife at each corner on the bottom.  The closer we grow to our Lord as individuals, the closer our hearts grow toward each other in proximity.  Open your Bible, and breathe it in!  

Until we meet again.

Shannon

Blessed is she!

Greetings!

Luke 1:45 “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” 

If we have spent any amount of time together, you know I often claim that verse as my “all-time pic” out of God’s word.  I love it because it personalizes her belief, and it is a statement of certainty.  I also love it because it has an eternal explanation point [!!!!].  Any time we see an explanation point in God’s word, that means “this is HUGE”!  

While this verse references a message delivered to Mary regarding the birth of a son to be named Jesus- the life application to you and me is the same.  Whether what “He has said to you” is with regards to your calling, a life long dream that’s only getting stronger, or resolution (yet no details on timing!) to shipwrecked dreams for your marriage, or family.  Whatever it is, you can count it.  If you know, because you know, because you know-  Hebrews 6:19 says  “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”.    It is that hope that gives the peace that passes all understanding. 

I will close with a quote from my pastor which I regularly record on the inside cover of my Bible-”You can tell the size of Christian by what it takes to stop him”. 

Make it a great day!

Message from Shannon

Greetings! 

I have been asked several times to consider adding a blog to our web site to enable better communication with you, and recently decided it was time!  We average 8 visits per day, and while this site contains a great deal of information about me as a speaker, it was created for His glory.  I welcome you to connect with me to share your desires, praises (and set backs) for a mutual time of encouragement.  All posts will be previewed before publishing, and will remain private as appropriate.  While my work and travel schedule may not allow an immediate response, rest assured that I will enjoy hearing from you!

I have had the pleasure of speaking in at more than 65 venues over the last three years, literally all over our great state of Texas, and 15 others.  Regardless of the place, or the season I am in- my passion overflows when I see “the lights come on” for others out there.  It’s the mystery and magnificence of the live and active Word of God working right before my eyes!  John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”.  He’s speaking constantly.  While we each have a different set of circumstances- we share a longing for permanent promise and hope.  My friend, if you know Jesus Christ- “that” promise and hope is in you. 

In Him and in JOY!

Shannon

Welcome to My Blog!

I will have my first post ready for you soon.