Repost: What A Difference the Light Makes

It's amazing to me how quickly our neighborhood transforms for Christmas.  Lights and decorations went up this weekend.  I don't do much outside, but since we were home I pulled all my inside decorations out on Friday. I was reminded of a post I wrote way back in 2009:
 

 

I love looking at all the lights at this time of year. It's amazing how many things people have in their yards these days - carolers, Santas, reindeer, polar bears, penguins, Christmas trees, snowmen, gingerbread men, angels, stars, snowflakes and even a nativity or two.


The other morning, I was thinking about the unique perspective I get while running in the early mornings. The lights are usually off, but of course the decorations are still out. It's not such a pretty sight. All the beautiful decorations amount to are a bunch wires, metal and extension cords.


As I was thinking about this, two seemingly contradictory thoughts came to mind:

"Things sure look different when the light is shined on them..."
and
"These decorations look so much better when their light is shining."

Hmmm... I pondered if I could write a post about these two thoughts and actually make sense! I turned to see what Jesus said about light. One instance just happens to be in one of the most well know chapters of the Bible. John chapter 3, starting at verse 16:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

So my two opposing thoughts are truly in line with the word of God. It just depends on where the light is. My question for you is - do you have the light ON you or IN you?

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to my readers near and far!  I'm thankful for all of you who read, especially when my posting has been so hit and miss lately.  For only the fourth time in our 31 years of marriage, Les and I are staying home.  Wherever you are, enjoy time with those you love and have some pie!

Our 2021 Poinsettia

We received a poinsettia plant from church last December.  Les has faithfully cared for it.  After a few months the leaves all turned green but it continued to thrive.  A few weeks ago we noticed just a little bit of red starting to peek out:

 

 

Today our plant looks like this:

A quick Google search shows that you can keep your plant alive year round and it will turn red again just in time for Christmas.  The key is putting it in a completely dark place for 10-12 hours a day.  We have not been doing that, so I'm hoping with a little extra care we will see even more red in the next few weeks.

Have you ever kept a poinsettia alive?   Any times or tricks?

Celebrations A'Plenty!

Les and I got home late Sunday night from about ten days in Tennessee.  Our purpose was triple-fold - we were there celebrating the birthdays of both his parents and his sister, Lisa.  These weren't just any birthdays, either.  His dad turned 90 and his mom turned 85!  His "little" sister turned 55 in between his parents' big days. We spent most of our time there visiting, but did get out for some fun by ourselves.  I'll save that recap for another post, today is just about our celebrations. 

Our first celebration was on Sunday, October 30th, Bill's 90th birthday.  Not everyone was able to be in town for this one, but we still enjoyed enchiladas and cheesecake!

Almost the entire clan was able to be together on Saturday, November 5th.  Lance's wife, Monica, is still recovering from a recent surgery so she and their youngest daughter, Hannah, didn't make the trip.  Five of six grandchildren were in attendance:

Galina was able to crop Hannah into the picture, but she was still missed!

 

We really enjoyed sitting in the Wearing's screened in porch.  The weather all week had been gorgeous, but it was cool enough to turn on the heater and bundle up just a bit. 

Have you ever seen NINETY candles on a cake?  And yes, they were all lit!

The original five:

 

It was a wonderful time.  I'm so glad we've had so many years with Pops and Mom McElhaney!