believe – Page 3 – rootedbythewater.blog

Reactivation…baby steps

June 16, 20224 Comments

Today was the day I got to put my Marvel cochlear implant processor back on. It didn’t go exactly like I thought it would. It seemed more like baby stepping stones to take to get towards a goal of better hearing and comprehension of speech. I’m not even close to being there yet. However I went in hearing nothing and came out hearing a little bit so it is a step forward.

Describing this reprogramming eludes me. It was like starting from scratch. I’ve had my implant for 16 years. Since I started having some difficulties understanding speech my audiologist thought perhaps my auditory nerve was over stimulated. All my levels were high although not quite at the very top of the chart. It made sense to go on the “sound diet” so my nerves could rest. I think I went in with higher expectations than I should have. It was like starting back at the beginning, listening to various pitched beeps. They started very quiet and I had to tell her when it was at a comfortable volume. I was mindful of the fact my levels needed to be lower than before. It was super frustrating. As I sat there I started to sweat as I tried to put into words what it sounded like so she could make adjustments. My descriptions ranged from; it sounds like my head is in a tunnel, the microphones sound like they are covered, it’s muffled, volumes seems to go up and down with just a few words spoken. It was so odd.

My take away from today is it’s going to be a process. Progress requires one step at a time. My audiologist wants me to have a week for my brain to adjust to this new programming then I will go back for more changes. Step by step, God willing this will improve. My levels are about two thirds down which is good, we just need to figure out the next changes to make that will work for me. I did some auditory therapy tonight using the iAngel Sound app. I started with basics, food names and animal names. I could understand some of it but it was tricky. My score was down about twenty points from where I scored months ago. I will just need to readjust.

Here are a few reflections during this week and having sound turned back on. Silence is not golden. Not hearing separates you from people. When you have low vision like me, environmental sounds are important. Nothing makes your family work on their signing skills more than when they have to. 😂 Hearing no sound for a week makes you appreciate the little everyday sounds that are taken for granted. Rest is much easier without the noise. Prayer time has been different last week, not being able to really hear myself. I like to pray out loud in my quiet time. It helps me focus and I can speak Gods Word. When I speak the Word I like to hear what I’m saying.

I know things will get better. As the Audiologist was typing and programming, I was sitting there praying for God given direction and wisdom to make the exact changes I need. I go back in a little over a week for some more adjustments. Keep the prayers coming. Thanks for all the support. God bless you all!

If you happen to come across this blog post for the first time. I encourage you to read my autobiography ”Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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Don’t throw it in!,

June 8, 20223 Comments

Sometimes when I write I feel a fire burning inside as I desire to encourage others. This is one of those times. Let’s be honest! Life is tough! You might be tempted to throw in the towel and say, ”Just forget it! I’m tired of the struggle!” Let me encourage you, don’t throw in that towel! Keep pushing forward! Keep believing! Keep fighting!

Yesterday I received some discouraging news about a dear friend who is being moved to hospice. This was pretty shocking! She had back surgery in April but has had complication after complication. The doctors have done all they can do. When faced with situations like this it’s so easy to take the doctors word and let go. A group of friends and I have a group chat going on to pray fervently for our dear friend. Yesterday one of the ladies shared a picture of a note our friends grandson wrote. It was a precious note to encourage, reminding his Grandpa that this was just an obstacle in life. – That dear friends is child like faith. God gets the last word not the doctors. As long as there is breath in her lungs, there is hope that God can turn this around. Join me in prayer for our sweet friend. God knows her name and the exact situation. I choose to believe God.

Last night I invited my Mom to go to a Teacups ministry event. I’ve only been a few times but the ladies are so welcoming and it’s always nice. It was a chance for Mom to meet more ladies from her church. The last few times I went it’s been a larger group. Being hearing and visually impaired, I don’t do that great in groups. Currently I’m having issues hearing with my cochlear implant and last night was way out of my comfort zone with all the voices to try to understand. But I “pressed in my heels” and tried anyway. I’m glad I did! I saw one lady there going through cancer treatment. She was all smiles with a scarf wrapped around her head. She is victorious! I saw other ladies there enduring pain in their bodies. They could have stayed home but they chose to come. Another lady’s son in law is going through some difficulties with his vision. I can relate and plan to reach out to encourage.

My point? Keep moving forward! Keep pressing on! Sometimes we have to live life “moment by moment”. Whatever it takes, don’t throw the towel in. God has us in the palm of His hands. He invites us to bring all our concerns and needs to Him. When the doctor gives bad news, trust Gods promises! When things in society seem to be spiraling downwards, trust God! Speak life and pray without ceasing!

Last night some of the ladies decorated rocks. I didn’t do one since it’s hard to see. One lady made one for me with the scripture Joshua 1:9 on it. I looked it up when I got home. It said, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” She will never know how perfect this was for me.

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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He never stops working

May 18, 20222 Comments

This evening I went outside after dinner to water my plants. It’s been so hot today and the next several days are supposed to be the same. While I was outside I lost track of time and by the time I came in Wednesday night prayer was almost over. I caught the last few minutes online as the praise team was singing “Way Maker”. I love this song and especially the part that say: ”Even when I don’t see that your working. Even when I don’t feel that your working. You never stop you never stop working. You never stop, you never stop working .” I love that and it’s so true. We can rest in the knowledge that even when we don’t see it or feel it, God is always working to bring about His perfect will.

This is a good reminder for me. I have prayed hard for over 13 years about a certain situation. Every year we endure an appointment with an eye specialist and every year I pray for improvement. As I waited at home to hear how the appointment went, I walked with a friend and we prayed together. My husband finally texted me saying, “Praise God it’s stable! No change and same prescription!”. While this isn’t the exact answer I was hoping for it is still a good report. I do know that God can turn any situation around so we keep believing and keep praying for improvement. God is our creator who can make something out of nothing. He can renew nerves, and bring about optimal eye health. My heart is full of thanksgiving for stability. After my friend left I sat down at the piano to play some worship songs. I played, “You deserve the glory” and “Tremble”. I played them over and over as I waited for the report. Thank you Jesus for answered prayers. This is behind us until next years appointment. One day this will be behind us for good but while we wait for that day we will keep praying and thanking God. We are so thankful for praying family and friends.

If you are praying and have not received the answer yet I encourage you to not give up. God is faithful and always on time. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Keep the faith and keep hope alive. God is faithful always.

You can find out more about my story in my autobiography, “Rooted by the Water”. My life story of Gods power at work in my weaknesses. Find it on Amazon and other online retailers.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Finding Life

May 14, 20222 Comments

Today I went out on our front porch to change some old artificial greenery. I had bought a fuller replacement that looks more real. As I reached for the thin old greenery something began flapping and I backed away. The flapping of life in something old made me smile. With low eye sight, I figured it was a bird but couldn’t tell. Grabbing my iPad from inside I crept as quietly as I could and took a picture. Above is an enlarged picture of what I found. While I don’t know for certain, Im assuming that’s a momma bird sheltering her young. New life is beautiful. As I ponder this truth I see faith in motion. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don’t see. I don’t see the eggs under this momma bird or possibly hatched baby birds but I truly believe they are there.

Yesterday I bought a new shirt that says “Momma Bear”. I love it and will wear it with joy. There is nothing like the love and protectiveness of a mother for her child, no matter how old they are. Our son Joshua arrived home last week after being away for half a year. It is the greatest joy to have him here again. The long talks and time together are priceless.

This Wednesday May 18 at 10:45 he has his annual appointment with his eye specialist. Every year since 2009 my heart becomes a bit anxious as this appointment approaches. I have to confess this to the Lord daily and He strengthens me. The doctor told us I could not pass along my vision problems since it was said mine came from a birth defect to my optic nerves. As I pray fervently for our son I am asking for God to create new life and bring restoration and renewed health to Joshua’s optic nerves. I believe that behind those beautiful green eyes, new life is forming and restoration is taking place. When he was a little guy he used to sing, “My God is great, so awesome and so mighty. There’s nothing that my God can not do.” From the mouth of babes!

Recently I have been reading different books with testimonies of how God heals. In the Bible itself, Jesus never turned a single person away who sought healing. Jesus healed them all. Why God has not done it yet, I do not know. But I do know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Nothing is impossible with God! (Mark 10:27) As Christians we must take God at His Word and stop believing the lies of the enemy. You might think Im a bit radical but that’s okay. I choose to believe God. Jesus took a horrible beating at the whipping post over 2,000 years ago. Isaiah 53:5 says “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”

Jesus also teaches us that greater works will we do because He goes to the Father. Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He took our place! He was buried and raised to life on the third day. He is alive! He ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of The Father interceding for us. The Bible tells us in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
‭ I am believing my Jesus! He makes all things new! ‬ Will you join me in faith declaring restoration in our sons eyesight? The Doctor will see signs of new healthy life at his appointment on Wed essay. Signs of restoration! May a huge wave of faith and prayer arise over the world as I sent this blog post out far and wide. We give all glory to Jesus! Thank you Lord for renewal, flourishing nerve health and bringing everything in line to what it needs to be for optimal health. Amen!

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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Release it again

May 6, 20224 Comments

Sometimes we think we have things handled well until something triggers a flare up in anxiety and you realize it’s been hiding deep down inside unnoticed. Several flare ups have occurred this week and it has somewhat surprised me that anxiety is still lurking. Past experiences can leave little scars that you don’t realize are still there. This week I have kept busy while our son is doing an adventurous cross country camping trip with a friend, in tents. Each day I have either walked with my neighbor or a friend. We walk, talk, encourage and pray. Several times this week I have confessed my feelings of rising anxiety about hidden fears that I didn’t realize still exist.

As the week unfolded I thought of how James 5:15 tells us, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” In my heart I know that Jesus doesn’t want us walking around anxious but wants us to bring each and every fear and situation to him. As I type this there is a severe thunderstorm warning in effect. Storms have never bothered me but the boys are traveling home. I keep repeating; pray, believe trust, release. Repeat… pray, believe, trust and release. We have zero control over many things in life. The saying goes, “Life is10% what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it.” My way of dealing with life is to pray, pray and pray some more. The Bible also tells me in Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Maybe I need to add thanksgiving in as well. Lord thank you that we can come boldly before your throne of grace because of the shed blood of Jesus and you hear our hearts prayer.

Today as I ended my walk with my friend Valerie I told her I wanted to pray with her. We were standing at the end of my driveway. As I held her hands and prayed over her, her family, my family and just everything, it was a precious time. As I said “Amen” I noticed a FedEx truck was parked nearby. I told my friend that the driver probably saw something he didn’t see often, people praying together in the driveway. I sure hope it was as big of a blessing to that driver as it was to us.

Life is such a toss up of so many things. We never know what’s around the next corner. As I’ve been writing this blog I’ve seen many severe weather alerts, a couple tornado watches and now sun. I had the dog move with me to the floor of the bathroom. I honestly set my iPad on the commode lid as I typed and waited. My dog must have thought I was out of my mind. I ventured out and saw the sun shining through the windows. Now it’s dark again. All I can say is “ Lord I don’t know what’s on the radar but you do. Amen! He is El Roi the God who sees. As long as my Heavenly Father is at watch, everything is going to be alright. So let’s rest in that knowledge and pray, believe, trust, give thanks and release it as many times as needed.

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This Child of Mine

May 2, 20224 Comments

As I type this right now, our son Joshua and his buddy Coleman are road tripping across the country, in tents at national parks from Arizona to South Carolina. He told me the names of the parks they planned to camp at. I connected those destinations on a map and sent it to him asking if that was the tentative route. I’m sure he was rolling those green eyes as he texted back, “Pretty much”. Right before they left they added the Sedona Desert as their first camping spot. I thought what in the world, tent camping in The Sedona Desert at a national park! I texted him and said, “Don’t bring any scorpions home!”

Once a mom, always a mom. Your child is also always you baby no matter how old or big he gets. He has grown into one courageous, kind hearted and stunning person.

As he told me of their road trip plans, I felt my anxiety start to rise. Joshua texted me telling me not to sweat it and they would be fine. I told him he would be the subject of my next book. He said, “No but Coleman wants to be in the next one.” I have plenty of material. All joking aside, it can be nerve racking having an adventurous son. Almost two years ago, Joshua and a group of friends, including three of Coleman’s siblings, hiked a big waterfall. They took theirs shoes off at the bottom and hiked their way up the falls through the water. Once it became too steep they stopped except for two brothers who kept going. One of them slipped way up on a rock, falling into the falls. He never made it home alive. I remember that night like it was yesterday. When the group didn’t arrive back when they said they would, we began making calls. Joshua did come home wearing one of the rescue teams t-shirt. He threw it away not wanting to remember.

God knows our days before we are born. He knows when we will breathe our last breath. We have to trust God with the safety of our children, knowing everything is in His hands. God has seen Joshua through many trials and adventures in life. It’s my prayer that he sees God’s hand guiding him forth. We cover him in prayer daily and his friends as well. I pray on this road trip they will experience God like never before in the majesty of His creation. In the meantime I will keep praying as he is on and off the grid of connection by cell phone. I’m going to be one happy momma when he walks through the door in a few days. Keep them in your prayers.

One chapter in my autobiography is about Joshua. Before publishing my book, “ Rooted by the Water” I asked his permission to include the chapter. I watched his face as he read, pausing, thinking and reading again. He finally said, “I’m glad you’re doing this.” To read more of my story, “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon and other online retailers. It’s in ebook format and hard and soft cover as well.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

You move me Lord!

April 30, 20222 Comments

Have you ever truly been moved by God? He moves me in so many ways; reading the Bible, listening to worship music, being still in His beautiful creation, time in prayer and much more.

This week God has stirred my heart with a song I heard in church last Sunday. A lady sang In Jesus Name (God Of Possible) by Katy Nichole. I am sure I’ve heard it before but for some reason it really struck me this week. As a hearing and visually impaired person, I learn music a bit differently. I looked up the lyrics and found a video with lyrics on YouTube. As I listened to it over and over I cried at the beautiful meaning of the words and how true they are. This was one of those songs I just had to have in my music library so I bought it. As I played it over and over I didn’t realize I was singing out loud. My cochlear implant processor is connected by Bluetooth to my iPad, so I could hear the music but no one around me could. My husband and I had a good laugh later when he told me I had given him a concert. I thought he was outside but he was in the home study room and just closed the door.

Being rid of distractions can help me to focus intently on Jesus and just savor all that He is. Since I don’t drive due to low vision, I’m home a lot. When I’m alone I sing and pray out loud. It helps me focus. As I worshipped by singing In Jesus Name (God Of Possible), I thought of how this applies to every single situation and person. If you don’t know the lyrics look them up. You won’t be sorry. It starts with “ I speak the name of Jesus over you. In your hurting, in your sorrow, I will ask my God to move”. Let me pause right here for a minute. This world is full of sorrow, pain and people crying out for help. The world is also full of distracted, self absorbed people who are too busy to care. We can and should intentionally slow down and take the time for the sea of humanity around us. Take the time to pray for them and speak Jesus name over them.

Another part of the song goes like this: “I pray for your healing. Circumstances to change. I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name. I pray that your breakthrough will happen today. I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.” Let’s let those power lyrics sink in. There is such incredible power in the name of Jesus. We can’t even comprehend it. God allows us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Let’s spur one another on to stand firm in faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit, boldly speaking the name of Jesus. Let us not be timid or afraid but rather hold firmly to the hope that we have in Jesus. As we speak the name of Jesus and pray in the name of Jesus, we will see God move for His glory. Who is with me? Let’s do this! In Jesus name!

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Greatest Gift Ever!

April 13, 20226 Comments

This year my birthday happens to fall on Good Friday. I’ve felt this blog post swirling in my mind today and I just had to get it in writing. As I type this with tears rolling down my cheeks I can honestly say I am moved beyond words at the greatest gift I’ve ever received… my salvation.

This Friday we remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us. He took my place, your place. He who had no sin became the perfect sacrificial lamb to save us from everlasting condemnation. It’s so hard for me to wrap my mind around the enormity of what Jesus did for me and you.

The movie “The Passion of Christ”, gives a glimpse of what the crucifixion may have been like. I have seen this movie and I had the hardest time watching what Jesus suffered for us. Can you even Imagine such love?

Last Sunday our Pastor had a crown of thorns that he showed us. I was hoping he would come close enough to where I was sitting so I could get a view of it. I can’t see very far with my low vision limitations but he came close enough so I could see. Thorns hurt terribly. I know this because we have rose bushes and I have to prune them back each year. I can’t see the thorns well but they go through my gloves every year when I cut the roses back and it’s painful. Just think, not only were Jesus hands and feet nailed to the cross, a spear stabbed into his side, but also the crown of thorns pressed onto his head. Jesus died the most horrible death so that we could live. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV) Salvation is the greatest gift of all and it’s FREE! Romans 10:10 says, ““For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”(ESV‬‬)

Not only this but on the third day God raised Jesus back to life! Easter Sunday is coming and it’s RESURRECTION DAY! Jesus is alive and is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us. Jesus is constantly praying to God for us and when God looks at us he sees the blood of Jesus. This is such an incredible truth that it’s hard for me to put into words. Do you know Jesus? He loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. The Bible tells us in Romans‬ ‭8:11 “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”(NLT)

As I’ve been writing this blog an awesome worship song has been playing in my heart. “What Mercy Did For Me”. If you’ve never heard it before I encourage you to download it and listen. It’s beautiful and so true. Here’s the lyrics.

What Mercy did For Me

… I was hopeless, I knew I was lost
And death and darkeness were my only songs
I needed someone to come rescue me
And mercy heard my plea
… And Lord, You found me
You healed me
You called me from the grave
You gave me Your real love
I thank You Jesus
You washed my sins away
And now I’m living, and I got forgiven
You came to set me free
And that’s what Your mercy did for me
… You gave me beauty for my guilty stains
And now I’m living day to day by His grace
So excuse me if I can’t contain my praise
‘Cause I know that I’ve been saved
… Lord, You found me
You healed me
You called me from the grave
You gave me Your real love
I thank You Jesus
You washed my sins away
And now I’m living, and I got forgiven
You came to set me free
And that’s what You mercy did for me, oh
… And every morning mercy will restore me
I will proclaim
And even if the world may fall before me
I will proclaim
… ‘Cause Lord, You found me
You healed me
You called me from the grave
You gave me Your real love
I thank You Jesus
You washed my sins away
And right now I’m living, I got forgiven
You came to set me free
And that’s what Your mercy did for me
… That’s what Your mercy did for me (oh, I’m so grateful for Your mercy)
That’s what Your mercy did for me (You saved me and raised me, Lord)
And that’s what Your mercy did for me (Your so faithful, Lord)
And that’s what Your mercy did for me
And that’s what Your mercy did for me
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Joshua Adam Sherman / Crystal Yates / Drew Ley / Micah Tyler / Drew Hudick / Mills Ward / Delaney Brooke Ramsdell / Kaylee Grace Turner / Albert E Sr Brumley

Be blessed my friends and I pray you too receive the greatest gift ever! Jesus!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
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First Bloom

March 3, 2022Leave a Comment

For the past month I have gone out to observe the tulip tree we planted last year in honor of my Dad. Last year on March 12, Dad went home to be with Jesus. We planted a beautiful little tulip tree in his honor in hopes that it would flourish and bloom every Spring. I have faithfully been watching over our tulip tree and protecting it from freezing temperatures by covering it at night when the temperature drops to 32 or below. I have been rewarded by the little buds that I see on several branches. While looking again this morning, I saw the buds were getting bigger and showed more color. This afternoon I saw the first bloom. This made me so happy.

There is something refreshing about seeing things come to life each Spring. Technically we are 17 days away before the first day of Spring but I’m seeing evidence of life and that brings such happiness and hope.

Hope is a beautiful thing. Hope brings joy and anticipation of better things ahead. Out of curiosity I just asked my iPad the exact definition of hope. When the wrong definition came up, I thought “ What in the world”! I looked up and noticed it had misunderstood me. I started cracking up when I saw the word poop. I kid you not! You can’t make these things up! The iPad technology had misunderstood me by a long shot. Trying again, I made sure to pronounce each letter. This time the correct definition came up. Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. (That’s more like it).

Indeed it is hope that I feel when seeing flowers bloom and signs of Spring. I experience the anticipation of new life emerging after a cold dark winter. The longer and warmer days are a plus as well.

We have a few weeks left of winter. Let me challenge you to begin to look with anticipation for signs of new life emerging all around.

Check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books. My story of learning to live triumphantly despite disabilities, through Gods strength and lessons He has taught me along the way. Be inspired!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Be like a Daffodil

February 9, 20222 Comments

A few weeks ago I noticed my daffodils were coming up. What was surprising to me was the snow on the ground and seeing those hardy tender green stems boldly breaking through the cold icy earth once more. I always feel a sense of hope and wonder when I see these plants emerge each year towards the end of winter. It tells me that Spring is right around the corner, when things come back to life again.

Resilience comes to mind as I think about the symbolism. Resilience is the ability to bounce back after difficulties. It’s the toughness to endure anyway despite the circumstances.

Daffodils are a perfect picture of resilience. They spring up each year at the end of winter, after they have had a dormant season. During that dormant season they don’t seem to be alive but they are still alive in the dark cold soil, out of sight just waiting for the proper time to rise up once more and bloom. The blooming season isn’t very long but they are gloriously beautiful in full bloom. The flowers fade but the long leaves remain green for months withstanding the hot sun, then once again they go through the dormant stage until it’s time to rise up again to bloom.

We can live our lives like that. Life is tough with challenges coming from every side but we can bloom where we’re planted. After hard life seasons we can bounce back stronger and ready to bloom and flourish once more.

I don’t know about you but I’m inspired to “ Be resilient like a daffodil”. Rise up… Bloom…Spread Joy everywhere we go.