The Reason

In my last blog I addressed what seems to be the number one question concerning my light show: “How do you get the music to play on the radio?” However, there is another thing I feel like I have to explain when I get asked - “You have Halloween Lights?!?” 👀

Yes. . .yes. . .Yes 👏. I 👏. Do 👏. 🙂

But I typically follow it up with this reasoning: it is so much work to assemble the show, get it running, and then work out all the bugs that I basically have to start at Halloween to be ready for my big show at Christmas. ⏳ That’s why using the LED lights that you can make blink whatever color you would like is so beneficial. It’s easy then to make a quick Halloween show that others can enjoy. 🎃

But quite frankly, that is my logical, more selfish reason for starting in October. On our website, www.fosteringtheholidays.com, you will find our overall Mission and Vision.

Our purpose has always been to light up the Holidays for those who come see our show. Sunday night, I was reminded of exactly why we do all of this and why starting during Halloween does more than just prep for Christmas.

As many of you know, we are trying to make it safer for people to come out and see the show. To help with that we built a circle driveway wide enough for 2 cars to pass through. So, now that we have cars pulling up in the driveway, that gives my family and I opportunity to go pass out candy to the kids when we are home and available. Sunday night was one of those times. I approached a car and met a young man named Broc.

He and I connected because he immediately asked, “How do you do this?” So, we chatted and then I asked his parents if I could walk him around the yard for a second. I showed him the controllers and the singing pumpkin. I explain how I have a computer that sends information out to these controllers, and they tell each light exactly what to do. I knew he didn’t really understand it all, but he never lost focused and was so sincerely interested. It absolutely made my night.

I really enjoyed my little visit with Broc, but the coolest part was this FB post Cassie sends me a couple of days later. She works with a teacher who is friends with Broc's mom, and she made sure we saw it.

Now this is what it’s all about. 🙏

Closing Thoughts

This kid is special – I knew that after my visit on Sunday; but as I have been reflecting a bit this week, I really knew that before I ever met him. You see, they ALL are!

I am reminded of the story in Mark 10:13-16:

13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Emphasis mine)

I have a Halloween show, not just because it helps me prepare for Christmas. It’s not to just light up our house and bother our awesome neighbors beside us and across the road who kindly put up with our shenanigans; but it’s to light up the lives of others during the holidays, especially our children and those who need a little extra joy in their lives.

This whole idea is why I am also so grateful for all the people out there choosing to make a difference in the lives of children everyday: Youth Ministers, Bible School Teachers, Teachers, Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, Day Care Workers. . .the list could go on and on. . Thank you so much for making a difference in the lives of our children. Thank you for taking them in your arms just like Jesus did because you know they are the future – not only in this world but in eternity as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Our Challenge

Let’s continue to take these amazing children into our arms and provide all the blessings that God has provided us to give (vs. 16) – so when they leave us, they can go create their own light show for the Lord (Matthew 5:14-16). Now that’s truly what it’s all about.

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