Let's live out this life of dichotomy being lights in the darkness. Don't let your flame burn out and don't let it cause destruction instead of peace and calmness. Just like bugs to a light, I hope our lights will draw others and that they can experience the warmth of God's love just because they are near us.

After a recent update on my iPhone, some of my contacts' names were separated from their cell phone numbers. It drove me nuts! I don't know people's numbers and had to respond to countless text messages with "I'm sorry…Who is this?" Names are important.

As part of our welcome we were given nametags with names for us in Kiswahili. My husband's nametag said, "Gitonga" which means "the rich one" and mine said, "Nyawira" which means "hardworking one". I guess I'm supposed to work hard to make my husband rich. :)

Did the title confuse you? No, I'm not into horoscopes or astrology. My faith in Jesus Christ eliminates the need to rely on such things. I'm referring to signs, wall hangings, notes and posters that are around you and in your space.

I had a meltdown this week. It's been a while since I had one, so that's good. I used to joke that I schedule them quarterly. It would happen during my teaching years when all the pressure from my job, along with household responsibilities and my desire to be more involved with ministry and family just overwhelmed me and I'd lose it. My poor husband would witness an episode of emotional weakness that likely had him wondering if it was time to call a professional.

My husband and I have belonged to a small gym near our home for many years now. Of course, the main reason for going there is to try to stay active and keep in shape. But over the years it has become a place where I know many people and I've even made some close friends. It is at this gym that I have been working on the art of friendship-making.

I turned sixty this past week. I am one of the babies of the baby boomer generation. I don't get too hung up on numbers and aging doesn't really bother me, although I must say it's a weird thing to be starting my seventh decade of life.

I'm posting this picture so you can see most of my eleven grandkids and meet my granddaughter Remy. Those are her legs off to the side. Haha. She's a doll and I thoroughly enjoy her. She just doesn't always care to have her picture taken. Somehow her position in this photo reminds me how I sometimes feel.

The song "Silent Night" is a lovely tune, but I have to chuckle to myself when I consider the likelihood of Jesus' arrival actually being a silent night. The busy town was packed with visitors arriving for the census. They were in a stable with a bunch of animals who likely made their presence known. Mary gave physical birth. That's rarely a quiet event. Jesus was a baby. Babies cry. Yet somehow I get it.

Last Friday my husband and I spent a long morning in the ER after he had a little health scare. When a person has chest pain they waste no time!