For Wednesday, October 21st, 2026

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH, 2026

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

IN TEXAS 

Sunrise:   7:37 am

 Sunset:   6:55   

pm

Life is a special occasion !

Hallmark

Today is National Apple Day which is when  we celebrate all things apple.  This holiday  is dedicated to growers in the UK and around the world to promote the rich cultural and historical significance of apples as well as the importance of orchards and apple related products in agriculture and heritage.

There are over 7,000 apple varieties globally. There are thousands of apple cultivars each with its own unique chacteritics in terms of flavor appearance and texture.   Because we use apples for lots of reasons, such as fresh consumption, baking, or cider production, new varieties are continuously being developed.  

Red Delicious apples are known for their bright red skin and mildly tart flavor. They are enjoyed fresh but can also be used in salads and for baking.  Gala apples are small to medium sized and have a sweet, crispy mildly tart flavor. they are excellent for snacking and used in salads.  Fuji apples are known for their firm texture and slightly spicy flavor  They are great for eating fresh and hold up well in storage.

 

Granny Smith apples known for their green skin and tart flesh.They are often used in baking and making apple pies.  Honeycrisp are prized for their crisp texture.  They are good for snacking and have become increasingly popular.   Braeburn apples have a sweet, slightly tart crisp texture.  They can be used fresh and for cooking.  Pink Lady apples are know for their sweet tart flavor and crisp texture .  They are enjoyed fresh and in salads.

On this day mnay people tour orchards, learn about apple cultivation and appreciate the beauty of these landscapes. Many fairs are organized where people can engage in activities like apple pressing to make fresh juice, cooking demonstrations and creating apple themed arts and crafts.

Today provides an opportunity for communities to celebrate the harvest season.  Some use the day to raise awareness of conserving traditional orchards and planting new ones to safeguard future apple cultivation, 

The holiday was created by Sue Clifford and Angela King as part of the charity Common Ground in the U.K.  It is a non profit dedicated to promoting the importance of the local landscape and its associated traditions.  It aims to reconnect people with the land and its fruits, emphasizing locally grown produce and orchards.

Apple Day has become popular and is celebrated Oct. 21st each year.

Celebrate today and enjoy an apple!

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT  FOR TODAY

You're the apple of my eye!

I love apples and enjoy them about anyway you can fix them.  My oldest son got my mom’s apple butter recipe and he and his family make apple butter every year.  We all get to enjoy the fruits of their labor as they generously share with all of us.

  

My hometown has an Apple Festival every year and sell apples and all kinds of crafts.  Food carts are there of just about every kind you can think of.  I always get my first seasonal apples and jug of apple cider.  

DS#6 has an Apple butter fair where they live and I got to to with them one year and we watched them making apple butter in a huge pan outside over and open fire.  That is the way my grandmother would have made it but the kind my mom made was much simpler done in the kitchen.

The kids always love to go to our local apple orchards every year to pick their apples.  They say they are better if they pick their own.  

Apples are very good for us and the old saying, An apple a day keeps the doctor away is very true.  They are very nutritional  for us to eat.

The only thing on the schedule for today is Bible Study this morning and of course rehab therapy.

Enjoy an apple today !

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

I list at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

14,662 for nutritious and delicious apples

14,663. for orchards to pick your own apples 

14,664. for DS#1 and his family who have continued the tradition of making Apple Butter!

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Benjamin Franklin 

a smile,a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma