When I worked at a sewing store many years ago, one of the regular customers came into the store around Christmas time, and brought me some delicious homemade jams and a little Christmas Cactus. She said the plant would bring me years of enjoyment. She was so right!
Now, over 12 years later, the original Christmas Cactus that was given to me, is huge and sits at home. I get so excited when I see the blooms starting in November. It is still blooming now, in April, giving me over 6 months of colorful enjoyment even during the darkest of days.
From that one plant, I started two more. Both of these are at the Pueblo store. One is mine, the other I gave to Cynthia, the store manager in Pueblo. Both cactus sit in our office in Pueblo basking in the sunshine.
When we were ordered to temporarily close the sewing stores by the State, Cynthia took them home, and is doing an excellent job keeping them happy in the sunshine. Both plants, like their "momma" plant at my house, are still producing blooms.

It's so very easy to become distraught during these days of darkness and uncertainty. Tears flow, and anger builds, and sadness sets in.
But can you imagine the hurt, anger, and sadness those who faithfully followed Christ experienced? Helplessly watching Him crucified for no wrong doing. Can you imagine the tears that flowed from their eyes to see Him suffer like he did? I have to think those were very dark days for all of them to experience.
If I would ever have the opportunity to go back in history and literally "watch" history in the making, I would choose the morning Mary discovered the stone rolled away, assuming her Lord's body was stolen. She had to have been devastated! But through her tears, she doesn't see who is standing before her, asking her "Why are you crying?" It is then, she recognizes Christ, and all her sorrow turns to pure joy.
That is where I am today. It is very easy to be disheartened, afraid, angry at the circumstances which are out of my control. But somewhere in the midst of my tears, worry and doubts, I can hear Him ask me, "Why are you crying, Kim?" And I am filled with overwhelming joy, knowing His arms surround me, and He's holding me tight and secure.
We all have free will to choose, granted to us by God. He loves us so much that no one could ever completely comprehend it. He gave His Son as the sacrifice for our sins. It is a gift, but you have to accept it.
John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10
From my heart.
Enough said.