We toured the backroads of our lives. Mom was driving, Dad singing, and other family members and I enjoyed the views. Memories have become less melancholic. Rather than sadness, serenity swept over me. Recollections of my childhood, family functions, and the best, my own sons and times in this area, brought me car-abiding comfort. Focusing on the setting light, I thanked God for supplying me strength and stamina.
Just like the sunflowers on Sunday evening, my mature muscles keep me facing the direction of a new morning; new mercies and light. All the years I kinked my neck and twisted my back seeking the better bright will pay off. A harvest is happening. The light is right.
In the morning, all the sunflowers will face east, the direction of the rising sun. As the sun moves, so will the sunflower heads to follow it. But as summer turns to autumn and the sunflowers get big and ripe and heavy with seeds, they will stop moving. Until they are harvested, they will face only east. (Nargi, 2021)
Only young flowers “move” to face it throughout the day. Once they reach maturity, they stop sun-tracking—their blooms forever turned eastward. Attempting to understand the function of heliotropism in young sunflowers while mature ones stay static remains a fascination for many scientists. Recent studies suggest that sunflowers share a common mechanism with human beings, circadian rhythms organized around a 24-hour day. Scientists hypothesize these circadian rhythms—behavioral changes associated with an internal clock—explain sun tracking in young blossoms. (Do Sunflowers Always Face the Sun?, 2020)
Unlike these flowers, my rhythm is off. No explanation is needed as to why. Unlike these flowers, I will keep my neck stretching for the SON light at all times. Maturity maintains my muscles; I can rest before harvest. Are you growing and bending to the right light? Are you in the mature harvesting phase? Will you accept the love and light that keeps your head high? You are loved.
Have faith💚
Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓
Thank you for remembering me in your thoughts and prayers. It’s so humbling. I will continuously share my gratitude like a broken record! Last Friday’s blood draw revealed I need to continue growing platelet levels. If approved, I’ll receive more shots beginning soon. In two weeks, I will meet the surgeon via Telehealth. My friends and support group meet each Wednesday. They have become such a mighty force in my friendship circle. My learning and support have been boosted (just as we hope blood continues to do)! I have several friends, either newly diagnosed with cancer or are battling other life-threatening situations or circumstances. I found out last week about a very young patient who was recently diagnosed with this cancer; another friend has breast cancer. My daily prayers are with them and all of you; no matter the situation. Each day, no matter what, I keep things in perspective. It may not lessen the pain or challenges, but I stay grounded. I’ll give out grace like chocolate chip cookies! Due to advancements in imaging and technology, more are being diagnosed. Also, due to those things, many are living longer lives. I pray you are all living your best lives. I’ll keep focusing on all the good. Faith is working.
Bibliography
Do Sunflowers Always Face the Sun? (2020, January 2). Retrieved from Ripley’s : http://www.ripleys.com/weird-news/sunflowers-face-the-sun/
Nargi, L. (2021, October 12). Why do sunflowers turn to face the morning sun? Retrieved from Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/why-do-sunflowers-turn-to-face-the-morning-sun/2021/10/11/5a815d2a-255c-11ec-8831-a31e7b3de188_story.html
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Beautiful, my friend. Your photo is amazing! Thankful you are finding “serenity” in this challenging time. Continuing to pray. 💛🌻
Good morning, Kelley! I prayed for you and your Momma and family this morning. The yellow sunflowers make me think of you. It was so cute, I asked my Mom to pull off the road so I could snap this. I was so thankful to attend an aunt’s 80th bday party that evening. Yes, sleep still eludes me; serenity still carries me. I don’t know where I’d be without the prayers, Kelley. Truly, I’ll never take them for granted. 💛🙏🏻
Nice words, BEAUTIFUL shot.
Thank you, Ray Van! It was perfect timing and fast!
Karla, the photo of the Sunflower Field is just breathtaking! Very interesting information you gave us. I’m going to read more about them.
So you need to get your platelet level higher. You will. Maybe not in the timeframe you set up, but in the timeframe your body can comfortably handle.
You are the brightest sunflower I know! You have withstood unbelievable odds and still stand strong. Well, maybe a little crooked, but still upright! 🤗
It’s still a long journey ahead. The good news? You’re still making the journey! 👏👏👏👏.
Love to you and sweet Miss Finley. That little sweetheart keeps your spirit boosted and keeps you grounded. You couldn’t have asked for a better companion.
I don’t know if I’m living my best life Karla, but I’m living my life the best way I can.
Love, Ginger
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Thank you, Ginger. I always await your words with anticipation. When I write, they just “fall out of me”. I don’t know how they’ll “land” on readers. The nurse in Maryland says we have time to get my platelets up! Yay for TIME! Thank you for saying those words about Finley, too. She motivates me; the little cutie has no idea. My best life? Like you, I’m living the best way I can. Note: living! When I get “sad” that I’m so far from my grandkids or an area I love so much, I allow God to ground me. It’s the only way. My best life was truly in an R.V. For some, that would be far from a good life. I crave simple and just SEEING the world; but God had different plans…for NOW. I’m THANKFUL for a home, a bed, food, all the necessities of life! How blessed am I? I just need to keep growing where I’m PLANTED! I’m so happy to know you’re living the best way you can too, Ginger. You are kind, good, encouraging,…so many things that help and motivate me! Finley and I send you grateful hugs and love! P.S.-oh, the sunflowers! What “sparked” my interest—when Mom pulled over there was a gal in a side-by-side, I was sure I knew her (sure enough, we did!). She said the owner of the field (coincidentally was the school nurse at the district I began my career 31 years ago) was hoping the sunflowers would face the sun, which would be facing HER on her front porch. I thought, “Hmm, sunflowers usually face the sun.” I didn’t share this with my family; but that’s how my mind works. Like I normally do, I researched it! Lol. I found out that mature sunflowers will not “bend” or turn once they’re heavy with seeds. The stems are their “muscles”. All these years I admired sunflowers, and never really KNEW about them. Love you!!!
Karla, this is so beautiful and educational. I thought sunflowers always followed the sun I didn’t know about them standing still when mature. This is truly an inspired writing God is so amazing. He grabbed your attention giving you this glorious moment to share with us thus letting us see the SON.
I pray for continued serenity. Thanks for being who you are a glorious blooming flower in the midst of the field of humanity.
Thank you, Manette! What thoughtful and kind things to share. I didn’t realize it either! God is so amazing! He uses everything to remind me that HE is everything! The serenity was needed. Nature supplies! And to call me a blooming flower, oh Manette, I give God all the glory. May we all stay blooming together in his beautiful field! 💛 🌻
As children we absorb the light. As adults we channel the light. And He is the light.
Pam, that’s beautiful and wise! I love it! Yes! 💛
thank you for the metaphor of the sunflowers, Karla: inspirational and, yes, I am turning towards the light 🙂
You’re welcome ☺️. And thank you, John, for being here and supporting me! I know you’re turning to the right light! 💛
Karla, the sunflower field is breathtaking, and the photographer is even more breathtaking. When we started growing sunflowers it was evident that when they are immature they will follow the sun, but not as they mature. Thank you for writing about one of the happiest flowers 🌻 that make me smile 🌻 I am praying for the platelets my friend 🙏🏻🙏🏻Sending lots of love and hugs ♥️🌻♥️🌻🤗
A beautiful picture to go with the truths of your words Karla.
I remember raising sunflowers as a teen on our farm. what a wonderful sight.
I think they have a sunny disposition, like you seem to.
Gary, I thought of you when I took this! Being the professional you are and all…I try to seek the beauty. At one time, briefly, I had a nice camera. I love nature pics and you are an expert, my friend! How wonderful you raised sunflowers. They’ve really “spoke” to me this year and I want to do the same thing! I do try very hard to have a sunny disposition, Gary. There are days I don’t. But I don’t stay there long! I have to “lean into the SONlight” more!” This morning I went for a short walk (I’m trying to get in exercise before my surgery) and a group of special adults were walking there. AND, in NO coincidence, my elementary and h.s. Music teacher’s wife was with them (her great-granddaughter was in the group). God placed us all on this trail together. I was humming YOUR song, some of them were singing songs from Beauty and the Beast. I thought of my niece, your daughter, and so many special humans—of all ages—that are a GIFT to this world! My heart was so happy happy! God bless you and your wife, just as my own parents have done, for all you do for your family! Many blessings and prayers. 💛🎶🌻
Hang in there with that happy heart of yours Karla. Know you are lifted up from here. God has certainly given you a gift of seeing further, wider and deeper lately. You are also finding the depths of music to your soul.
Thank you, Gary. Yes, it’s been in “there”…with the help of the Spirit, it’s bubbling out. We will keep the faith together!
What a beautiful analogy of the sunflowers K.L. Your faith is commendable and I am shinning Yellow with healing warm energy and light with sunshine and treatment. Love you so much my friend. Hugs and love🤗😍🤗
I love you too, Cindy. You’re one of the brightest lights I know! You beam all the time! And now, with the grand babies and all the goodness—even in the midst of taking care of your Dad and all you do—you beam and share love! Thank you for being so supportive—taking the time to stop here, read, and share. I’m humbled! 💛💕🤟🏻
Oh thank you dear K.L. I’m feeling rather dim today but the light is still there and we are smiling at each other which makes me happy. It is a gift of honor to share our lives together for better or worse, through the ups and downs and to beauty and insight that heal from the ground floor. One light, one love, on vision. Have a day of grace that you are❤️❤️
Cindy, I’ll send extra “light” and gentle hugs on those dim days. I have them too, my friend. And I told someone the other day, I’ll keep giving grace out like chocolate chip cookies, because that’s what our God does for me, too. I’m glad we’re in this together. ❤️
Chocolate chip cookies and God are always well received especially by you my earth angel. Sleep well my friend, it’s almost Fri-Yay❤️
🙌🏻🤟🏻🫶🏻💛💕🥰
Karla, thank you for sharing your beautiful 🌻. Their seeds are sprinkled with wisdom that you very kindly share with your readers. The sunlight is your love being contagious and reminding us all that God is faithful. I love that you are standing where planted, you encourage me greatly. I’m standing in faith, believing your blood count will return to normal. Praying. 🫂🌻🐝💛☀️
Thank you so much, Debra. What beautiful words—“seeds sprinkled with wisdom”. I’m so happy you feel my love and can feel my gratitude of God’s faithfulness. I was reminded by a friend that God would not deliver this miracle and take it away! In faith, I know HE will make the conditions RIGHT! If for some reason they are not—well, that would still be HIS will. I gladly accept what he provides. It’s unfathomable to human minds—and I love it! Because I never want to count on mine! Tee hee! I’m so happy you’re standing with me! I pray for you too, Debra. You should see my prayer list. An aunt recently gave me the idea of putting it in my iPhone notes, too. I have everyone written in a journal. Hugs to you, Debra and for “bee-ing” such a light! 💛🐝 🌻
Karla, your words are a gift that keeps giving, I appreciate your kind comments, which made my day. I love that you have a journal.That is a great idea. Hugs 🫂 🤗 👐 to you Karla.
Here is a little prayer for you.
Heavenly Father, Abba, we lift Karla, and all who are in need of divine intervention, up into your loving hands as precious babies needing tender loving care of thier father, wrapping them in your arms, as your wings glide around them incasing them in protective love spiritually, physically mentally and emotionally, as living water flows from heaven, cascading over the tops of thier heads to the soles of thier feet, healing them inside and out, through blood of the lamb, in Jesus name. All Glory to God. Amen. ❤️ beetreegathering (Debra)
Amen. 🙏🏻What a beautiful prayer, Debra. That is one for me to save and pray over anyone who needs it. Your words are beautiful. So authentic and true to your soul. Thank you for this special prayer and kind thoughts. 💕🙏🏻
To God be the Glory. 🫂🙏
🙌🏻🙏🏻❤️
Yes! The Son is the right light for each of us to follow.
All day… every day.
Blessings;
Russell
Thank you, Russell! It’s so good to see you, my friend. I appreciate you! Blessings to you and yours!
Honestly, I think ‘man’ should worry less about ‘why’ and enjoy what is happening in nature. Flowers speak, perhaps they understand more than we do. Animals have always been the greatest weather predictors. Farmers will attest to that. They all know the ‘right light’. Instinctively. We humans need to stop and look.
So much wisdom here, Jennie. “Flowers speak, perhaps they understand more than we do.” I pay careful attention to nature. “Instinctively. We humans need to stop and look.” Jennie, I know you do. From nurturing young minds to capturing the clouds and all of nature. I’m thankful for you and appreciate you so much! 💛🌻 sending lots of hugs as you prepare to begin again.
You know me well, Karla. Nature is fundamental, especially for children. It’s their natural teacher. Thank you for your kind words and good wishes.
It’s my blessing, Jennie! I consider you very wise! You’re my go-to in education of kids, young and old! 💛
😍 ❤️ 🌈 💕 🌼 🥰
I am in awe of how, even in your struggles with your own health issues, you still consistently reach out to others who may be struggling as well, sharing your faith and your hope. If that isn’t sharing God’s love, I don’t know what is!
A friend of ours just found out that the thyroid cancer he was treated for 25 years ago is back, in his lungs. Yet he is very positive, because medical advances mean his chances to beat it are very, very good. And he has strong faith, good health and the support of many friends and family!
Ann, I’m sorry to hear of your friend, and so happy to know of the positive impact of faith, family, support, and medicine~very similar to how I feel. Your words and support touch my heart. When I start to have fear over this surgery, or go down a rabbit hole about the realities of this metastasis, I remember this~God chose this path and I must simply follow. Grumbling and complaining will not encourage others~it will push them away; thus, push away any “light” that God could shine through me. I have some dim days that I best not burden others with~just to God. When I go to him with this, it seems to help me shine faster again. Please tell your friend I’m in his corner. And I’m in yours as you are mine! Blessings, Ann!💛🙏🏻
Yes, Karla, accept the light as it shines!
Thank you, Mark! I will! Happy Friday, my friend!
Beautiful photo! I must go see this field before it’s too late. Maybe I’ll take the backroads 😉
Thank you, my friend! Our backroads keep us together! 💛
I have many memories of riding the bus and our four-wheelers up and down those backroads. ❤️
Those are precious memories, Sondra! 💕
Keep letting your light so shine, Karla! You have no idea how far and wide your rays reach – sometimes right into my very soul. May God continue to bless you with these moments in the sun – especially when clouds threaten. Much care and prayer sent your way.
Thank you, Erika. Clouds do threaten, it rains a bit, then the rainbow! I will keep showing God’s love in the midst of all different weather, I pray. Your care and prayers mean more than you know. I’m going to keep telling everyone that. I don’t know where I’d be without them. God bless you, Erika. I hope you feel the hug of gratitude I’m sending. 💛
Karla, I’m so sorry, I don’t know how I missed your post. Some days I’m online quite a lot and, at other times, I have a few days off.
That photo is heavenly. I’ve never seen so many sunflowers in one place! We have a few growing in the garden from some seed that the birds have missed. They’re not as full-flowered as the ones in your photo, but cheery and bright nonetheless.
I’m glad you’ve got support round about you. It’s terrible that this disease affects so many people, but having a support group must be a great comfort. With the many advances in medicine/research, I have much hope that one day cancer will be a thing of the past, or at least rare, like diseases such as tuberculosis is now.
Your attitude is so inspiring to me. 🥰
Lesley, you never have to apologize with me! I understood life! Some days I see no one. I get it! It lifts me when I read your kind words. Yet, I would know you’re supportive, no matter what~just as I hope you know I support you. I’m very fortunate to have family nearby. It makes single life more enhanced! God reminds me daily, I’m not alone! But it’s still hard when “kids” and grandkids far away. I have so many friends whose family is not here,…or in this position and have been for years! I’m just thankful and blessed for everyone’s good health and presence! I believe cancer will be eradicated ~but not, it’s a money maker! This rare one, only approximately 6 in my city, is becoming more well known. Due to better imaging and testing! This surgeon will use the tumors for study~how wonderful! I love your attitude ~keeping the faith and the bright side! Providence, planning, and prayers~God has this! I’ll be writing about it for my “next chapter”! Many blessings, Lesly. Thank you so much! 💛🌻🙏🏻🤗
Beautiful serenity and gorgeous scenery! 🌻 I enjoyed learning more about sunflowers. Thank you for this gift!
Thank you, Michele. I’m seeing beauty all around me. I choose too, even when clouds come and the days are hard. I’m thankful to God, faith, family, and friends like you for the extra boost! I’m tickled you enjoyed this! Thank you for being here!🎶💛🌻💕🥰🤗
Breathtaking beauty. Thank you. 💖🙏🏻
You’re welcome. Thank you, sweet friend.🙏🏻💛
Amen! We are loved by many but most importantly our Savior, Jesus loves us!
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Amen! The love that counts!! 💛🙏🏻
💕
I love 🌻 Karla. You are such an encouraging woman of God. I love your beautiful spirit through such trying times. 🙏🤗💐🌻 Thank you for keeping me encouraged. ❤️
Thank you, Tangie. You’re such an encouragement to me. Yesterday, a “storm” of life tried to knock me over. I started doubting where I was, due to a circumstance that kept reappearing. Just as these sunflowers can bend or stay with strength, I’m so encouraged that I can “anchor” to the truth and love of Christ. I know you do this, too. It brings us together here! I’m so thankful for you! 🙏🏻💛🥰
This immediately took me back to holidays pre Hawklad, driving in France. I would stop so many times by fields filled with sunflowers and just be so awestruck. Life can be breathtakingly wonderful xxxxx
I’m so happy for those memories, my friend. I often think of your home area. Where you live has been a bucket list my entire life. Isn’t it amazing that every place in our God-created world can share similar beauty? That’s why I love noticing it all around me. Next time I see it I’ll think of them growing in France, pre Hawklad. I will pray for you both as he continues “stretching and growing”. I’m so proud of you both 💛🙏🏻 🌻
Beautiful post please like my post freinds
In our August trip to Montana, my wife and I were blessed to see sunflowers in a few South Dakota fields. I learned more about them today from this post.
Praying to God, you bless us daily with your Creation’s drama. In the same breath, you continue to bless Karla’s journey. Lord, continue to guide and strengthen the many who are working with her as well as praying for her.
RIchard, I appreciate you stopping by to visit and for this thoughtful response! What a beautiful trip to Montana you had! Your prayer touched my heart and soul! Blessings, Richard!
One day we will be in the direct presence of The Son and it will be glorious.
It’s so kind of you to stop by! I know how busy you are. I pray daily for you, brother!