Light illuminates our path and shows us the way, both literally and figuratively. It casts shadows from the darkness, brings joy, and inspires reflection. The beauty of light is that we can find it everywhere – we can sit outside and bathe in moonlight or simply light a candle.
In this already very chilly weather, I have done just that and lit a candle or two, so here’s a little light from my house to yours.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
“There is love in everything, and when we really live and view life with an open heart (and live in our truth), the light illuminates the way.” ~ Kasi Kaye Iliopoulos
“I will greet this day with love in my heart. And how will I do this? Henceforth will I look on all things with love and be born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness as it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul.” ~ Og Mandino
“You can overcome whatever is going on around you if you believe in the light that lives within you.” ~ Justine Edward
“Love is a weapon of Light, and it has the power to eradicate all forms of darkness. That is the key. When we offer love even to our enemies, we destroy their darkness and hatred…” ~ Yehuda Berg
Let’s step outside and see … there by my door is a snowman. His little candle shines brightly – flickers on as dusk begins to settle in – and he blows it out as the sun heralds a new day from the East. He doesn’t worry like we do about all manner of things; he just stands and smiles and lights my way and all those who come to call. He doesn’t know of all the terrible things in the world, not the dark hearts of men, nor the sadness in our souls. He just holds his candle steady and throws his light to the small world he knows.
“There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” ~ Edith Wharton
I do love candlelight! I wish the offgassing from the wax didn’t make me sick, and especially the smoke when they’re blown out! These are beautiful 🙂
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I do, too – it’s just one of my favorite things. I’m so sorry that they make you sick. Have you tried soy – does that help? You can eliminate the smoke to a degree with a snuffer – ever tried that? There must be some kind of “real” candle – vs. flameless – that work for people with allergies, no?
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I’ve never tried the soy ones, but don’t expect any oil in the air to be OK with me 😦 The snuffers would probably help that aspect a bit, but since the candles themselves are an issue, I don’t really use them unless it’s necessary (a power outage in which the batteries are dead, too). I no longer allow the lighting of birthday candles to blow them out, either, which is fine by me since it’s highly pagan anyway. Everyone knows how sick it makes me, so they seem OK with it, though my mother gets annoyed every time *sigh*
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Still, candlelight is a wonderful thing and the scents are so great nowadays – I have a new one – Sugared Apple – which is just heavenly. My condolences … 😦
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I used to love all those type scents when I was young, before I became sensitive. Now I know better so even if I were to suddenly get well, I know I wouldn’t use them : / Enjoy, though!
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Btw, Jeanne, I love the new “red” look, especially with the WordPress snow falling. I just love that effect 🙂 I wish they kept it going longer!
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Thanks, Donna – I’ve had so much work on my desk, I haven’t had a minute to blog, but I really needed something new to replace the Frenchie cards. I love the red, too – very festive. And the header scene that’s there now is down at the end of my block .. so pretty. It’s nice that we get to be artists on our blogs, even with almost no time … :oP
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So you got snow when we got rain, I’m guessing! We got snow that day before Thanksgiving, but since then only flurries a couple of time during rain. And you’re right…blog themes aid the artist in all of us. I see it as a form of “interior decorating” 🙂
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I was trying to determine what you meant, then I realized – the snow in my header photo. That’s actually a photo I took a couple years ago. I just love the look and feel, so I pop it in as my header around this time.
Well, being stared down by Miss Jazzy, so I guess it’s time to get going. :oP TTYS! Jeanne
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Love and light to you during this holiday season. There may be rain here on the 25th, yet the candles will be lit. xo
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You, too, Diane. I’m looking forward to a restful and peaceful day. With my candles lit, too.
Hugs, Jeanne
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A lovely, inspiring post, Jeanne. Thank you.
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Thanks, Cynthia. I’m always glad you stop by. Jeanne
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Me too. I hope the holidays will be good to you. You are such a talented – and kind — person, and I will do my small part to bring your talent to others’ attention in the year ahead.
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And the same for you! Thank you for your compliments; they are much appreciated. Bringing my talents to people’s attention would be wonderful, and whenever you may be so inclined, please be in touch and I can tell you what aspects of my creativity I am trying to nurture and grow now … your help would be welcome!
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Will be in touch.
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Great. Thanks!
Jeanne
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