The First Question

I get asked quite a few questions about my crazy light show. I love them all because I can literally talk for hours about pixels, sequences, display elements, controllers, etc. People have learned not to ask too many questions, because even though I’m not a “chatty” individual – for some reason – I get “chatty” as soon as someone shows interest. 🤓

However, I bet you can’t imagine the first question typically asked of me; or the number one thing people want to know. No. . .it’s not controlling and sequencing 60,000 individuals lights to blink a variety of colors so to make it appear they all dance to music. It’s not how I make a specific element, or how I network the 10 controllers sitting in my yard. The number one question is (drum roll) – “How do you get the music to play on the radio?”

Even though this is the easiest part of the whole thing, let me go ahead and explain it. You never know when you may want to broadcast something from your front yard and need to know this information. 😛

Below is what is called an FM Transmitter. I bought this off of Amazon for around $100, though it’s currently unavailable like many items in today’s world 😫. This device simply takes your audio and converts it to a modulated radio signal.

Even though it’s not needed, I added a larger, “professional” antenna to support the range in which it will broadcast. Note this item is also currently unavailable 🤦‍♂️, but I purchased this around $60 back last year when you could actually buy anything you needed.

All you do next is (1) turn on the power, (2) find a channel that is unused, (3) set a few parameters, and (4) hook up your computer. It is literally that simple. But I will say – as simple as it is – it is still vitally important to the show. Without music – it’s just a bunch lights doing something that doesn’t make sense. With music – it becomes magical (at least to me). 😉

Closing Thoughts

As I reflected on the questions that are asked of me concerning my light show, I started thinking about all the questions that were asked of Jesus. In my research, I ran across a very interesting article by a gentleman named Taylor Holmes (How Many Questions Did Jesus Answer? (taylorholmes.com)). The name of the article caught my attention, “How Many Questions Did Jesus Answer?” In his studies, he concludes that Jesus answered 113 questions in the gospel accounts. Out of the 113 questions, Taylor says that 52 of the answers were to His own questions. That leaves 61 questions where he provided an answer to others who asked him something, but as you all know, Jesus was more prolific at asking questions than answering them.

I have read where the Scriptures record over 300 questions asked by Jesus. But I want to draw your attention to one of the first questions recorded in Scriptures. It’s found in John 1:38. Read the context and the question below:

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.”

Jesus asks, “What are you seeking?” Note – He doesn’t introduce Himself. He doesn’t ask them about their day. He doesn’t comment about the weather. He simply gets right to the point which is what I will do now.

I get asked many questions, but usually the first one is about the radio. I believe the first recorded question by Jesus is still a question we all need to answer today. What are you seeking? After just a little time with Jesus, Andrew went declaring to Peter “we have found the Messiah” (vs. 41). Remember, without Jesus, your life is just a bunch of flashing lights that don’t make sense. With Jesus – it becomes magical. What are you seeking? Seek Jesus in all that you do.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this blog and supporting us as we continue Fostering the Holidays.