Poinsettias — those pretty red flowers that we only see during the Christmas holidays.  Before I get any email about the green and white ones, I know about them but red is the signature color.

Just how do you say the word — poin-set-uh  or poin-set-e-uh ?  What’s correct?  And why does this become the dominant topic of conversation whenever I cross the path of one of these flowers?

I’m a poin-set-uh girl.  It’s short, simple and easy to say.  Now, poin-set-e-uh, that’s a bit more involved.  You have to add that e before the uh, and it’s not always to get that just right.

But what does it matter?  I say pe-can and my friend says pee-can.  Who’s right?  Well, me of course.  Okay, maybe not, but does it matter?  No.  Just like it doesn’t matter if you say poin-set- uh or poin-set-e-uh.  It’s a matter of choice – both pronunciations are right.  I checked with the Websters.

Isn’t it funny how we can get so caught up in how to pronounce the name of a flower we only talk about once a year.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all discussed God’s Word as much as the word Poinsettia?

I stumbled over a verse today — one that I wrote down some time ago.  A verse about words spoken.  Words spoken to us.  Words that are often overlooked, under-appreciated, and misconstrued.  Words that many times go unread.

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

Now, let me share this verse in the Amplified Bible version

I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.  John 15:11

That’s for us — you and me.  Christ’s  joy in us! That’s some amazing stuff.  Hold onto that as you go through the day. Christ’s joy in you. And that your joy may be overflowing.

As for the poin-set-uhs or poin-set-e-uhs, I say we just come up with another name.  What about Razzles?  It’s a fancy name with lots of good points.

1. no other flower has the name razzle
2. it fits with red — red razzle (and you can have green, white, pink or whatever other color razzles)
3. sounds festive —razzle (just sounds like a party on your lips — try it, it’s fun isn’t it)
4. fun to say
5. no misunderstanding on how to say it —razzle

Or we could just go with red flower. Most people would get it.