Halloween & Christians

I'm going to be honest: I don't know where to draw the line at Halloween. Annually, there are internet debates, hurt feelings, and general nastiness over whether Christians are to celebrate various holidays.


Well, Halloween rubs elblows with The Occult and that is my issue with it, not how it started 600 years ago. Frankly, I'm not a pagan, and I don't worship mother earth... I don't dance naked in the moonlight... I just want to eat some candy corn and enjoy the season of harvest.


Yet- There are many who feel even Harvest Festivals are a sin, because they apparently have possible pagan origins. Well, if your giving God the Glory NOW, does it really matter that heathen civilizations didn't hundreds of years ago?

What's wrong with Autumn, Harvest, Sweet-Corn, festivals and letting the kiddo's dress up as bumble bees and pumpkins? I'm genuinely asking. Here's what the Bible says; (thank you Carla),


2 Corinthians 6:14, 19: What do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness...Therefore come out from among them, and be separate."


So obviously, we must stay away from any and all activity that envolves evil and wickedness. This would include scary movies that involve murder-for-entertainment... haunted houses, and costuming that glorifies evil, etc... that's a given, right?


My question to the reader is: how adament are you about Halloween vrs. Harvest? Does your church participate in alternative activities for the children? Do you think *some Christians* are over-reacting, or do you think the issue is glossed over and churches need to wake up?



I'd like to hear your honest opinion... nevermind what I think, because opinions can change. We should be like iron sharpening iron, so let's hear it!

Genuine Gratitude

You know the song; "Count your many blessings name them one, by one... Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!" I remember singing it since I was a little girl. As I write, the song is dancing through my head like an anthem, not a hymn!

Gratitude, from the deepest place in my heart cannot be explained in a word other than THANK YOU LORD. Today I am grateful for the generosity that the family of God has shown my family recently. I actually was wondering not two weeks ago if there was anyone who would reach out to me in the event of a crisis? If something were to happen to my husband, would I bear the brunt of this alone? Who do I know that would reach out and help me emotionally??? Financially??? Physically??? Spiritually???

Several family members come to mind... I know there are a few who would and maybe a one or two more that would if asked. But I don't really have the genuine confidence that anyone other than my children and very immediate family really care much about me. I spoke to my husband about it and honestly, he didn't have a lot of confidence that anyone other than my children, my Step-Parents, and possibly a brother care one way or another about me. It perplexes him, as his family is so close.

So the pity party lasted about an hour, and I quickly left the topic and the party behind me. Trust in The Lord with all thine heart... lean not unto they own understanding.

As I went about my usual business, I noticed my husband was rather quiet of late. I was concerned that he may be depressed? He said no, but he had some jobs cancel on him, and told me we'd best sit on our hands. Without going into detail, we have suffered some financial blows in the past few months. I wrecked our car, thus we had to put money into a new one... jobs cancelled, so and so forth. The reasons don't really matter, but to get to the point: We were getting nervous.

Because I am naturally a survivalist, I make a list of all we have, what we will need, and what can wait. Scott is planning the bills based on priority and we are both at a loss as to handle what was left in our bank account. To make things worse, we were charged for an ATM withdrawal that never happened. The ATM was out of cash, but they docked our account...

Now, you've all been there. The downward spiral of disaster seems to defy gravity at times, doesn't it? But oddly, at the very same time that we are scratching our heads, God does his BEST WORK with those who love Him. Honestly, I'd think He was showing off, if I didn't know any better?

I had friends reach out to help us with clothing, as I've gotten rather portly as of late and have few winter clothes. I was given a brand new, made just for me dress, and several hand-me-downs that are so pretty, I feel almost skinny again!

Food has magically appeared in my freezer. MAYBE I forgot I bought it, but I wasn't counting on it and to top it off, I found 3 coupons for FREE bread product OF MY CHOICE at the Bakery Thrift Store!

Then a check comes. A substantial check from a dear friend. He and his family didn't have to, they joyfully volunteered. This was initially hard to take, because I am usually on the flip side of the coin. And help comes in various forms, but we try to assist when we see the opportunity. Sometimes it's just listening to someone... or helping someone with clothing, food, or household goods. We aren't wealthly, so usually, it's just pitching in and being there.

We never thought of ourselves as the ones who would need a hand, but suddenly; there we are. You have to swallow a little pride to put yourself on the receiving side of charity. But isn't that the point? I don't think I have ever felt so humble...so grateful... so CARED FOR.

Then it hit me; there are people who love me enough to reach out to me in a crisis. My family consists of both those who are blood relation & those who are related to me through the blood of Christ.

Thank you all for reaching out and letting us know we are sincerely loved.

Jumpin Jack:-)

Jack is doing well.. The Vet has treated him for the tapeworms and he's had his first round of shots.

The doc says he IS part Rottwieler and part COON HOUND! Is that funny or what?

He's still wild... but getting calmer every day. Star is good at showing him the ropes around here.

Blessings,
kelly

Introducing: JACK!

Our new puppy Jack! He's part Jack Russell and ??? At least that's what we think. Who knows?

Jack has been with us a little over a week, and tomarrow is our first Vet visit. Poor boy has tapeworms, but otherwise seems healthy.

Star is *coming around* and not growling at him near as much and he's learning what *gentle* means around Minnie Lou.

He will make a great camping dog! He doesn't try to run away and just stays at your heels. We love him already.

Transition To Modesty

Most people have mixed feelings about my wardrobe and my beliefs in general. I would suspect that because of most peoples defensiveness, they think I project my beliefs onto them. That couldn't be further from the truth.


Everyone who becomes a believer in Christ becomes a follower. We learn to follow the Word and thus a transition of the heart begins at the moment we realize we were nothing but dirty rags to begin with, and through the blood of Jesus, we are saved. In other words; We don't deserve it, and there is nothing we can do to earn it.


However, being a Christian is not without responsibility. Some get hung up on GRACE, and while I believe in grace, I don't believe you just pray the prayer and go on about your business. Grace is there to bridge the gap between your weakness and Gods Holiness.



So the subject of dress comes up quite often between family and friends. It is often suggested that I don't need to dress modestly and God doesn't care what I wear. Well, I think God cares about everything! The Bible says so. You certainly don't want to be responsible for causing a brother to stumble do you? Appropriate dress isn't just *suggested* in the Bible.


"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows".
Matthew 10:29-31

Did you know sparrows are mentioned over 40 times in the Bible? God used them as an example that nothing is beyond His concern.... this includes our dress and our intentions.


Which leads us back to dress: Do you really believe God doesn't care what you wear? Now, I am not suggesting a cape dress = salvation. It doesn't make you holy, and the quote from my Mother comes to mind: "Pretty is, as Pretty does". Wearing a cape dress doesn't make you any holier than standing in a garage makes you a car.
But, modest dress is an outward reflection of your desire to honor God. As you progress on your journey heavenward, ask God what he wants of you? What would HE like you to wear?

Trust me,.. He will show you if your heart is open. It may not be a cape dress at all. But it will be modest, and reflect your desire to serve The Lord as you put one foot in front of the other.

Go forth, and serve.

Appreciate What You Have

I admit that I have a lovely home. It suits our every need. It is far more spacious than the apartment we lived in for eleven years. It was cramped, but we never felt like life would be better someday when we _________. (fill in the blank)

I can't say that I am any *happier* now, than then. Am I more satisfied? Yes, in some respects; Knowing that I am buying my home and somehow contributing to my own welfare, verses paying someone else to live in their abode is gratifying. But it isn't what brings me genuine contentment.

Mowing my lawn, planting trees, nuturing the land, repairing the home as it needs it is all rewarding by virtue of it's own design. But my contentedness comes from my love of God and family. God has shown me in His word that my needs are simple. It is society that puts the pressure on us to have luggage and purses of certain varieties that send the message to the world that we are on board with whatever the latest fad is and willing to pay a premium, no less.

I am not against a quality product. I prefer certain brands over others, but do try to find my favorite brands at outlet prices, or better yet; gently used. I know that Ralph Lauren and Eddie Bauer Comforters outlast the Walmart brand by a longshot, and buying a cheap product often times results in a short life-span of the article, therefore causing more expense in the long run.

But when are our appetites satisfied? Well, I will tell you something that many a Grandmother knows: What is appreciated most is what was created with your own two hands. The things I treasure most in my home are probably not a lot to look at, but someone who loved me took the time to stitch it, spin it, crochet or knit it. I have a little bit of cross stitch from my Sister In Law that reads: "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.". It is lovingly hemmed in red ribbon and has hung in my home for years. I know the love she put in it and wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China.

So while magazines, and the government are pushing us to spend, spend, spend... may I suggest gently to the reader that this will never satisfy. You must create contentment from within, and it simply cannot be purchased.

As a Christian, I fall on this scripture : "I belong to my Savior and God, and He is the almighty One. I am the recipient of His love and of His grace. Therefore I am heir of the kingdom of God. All things are mine" 1 Cor 3:21

And : Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Phil 4:1

So yes, I agree we all have needs, but do we really understand the difference between a desire and a need? Looking at the homes I grew up in, they were very small in comparison to todays rambling 3000 plus square foot houses. I fear that some people think they couldn't bear to live in less and that makes me rather sad. Sometimes, it is the closeness of family... of cousins sleeping in the same bed, or brothers, and dogs, and whatever else we could manage to sneek in that brings me the greatest joy in recollecting. Learning to share space, time and manage is a greater lesson that we can pass on to our children that will give them temperance and compassion as adults. Is giving our children the very best of everything really helping them or hindering them? Not to fear; I do not begrudge anyone a happy childhood, but my question to you is; what creates an atmosphere of happiness and contentment? Is it your own room and all the electronica your parents can afford? Does this produce happiness?

Or does the decisiveness of the parents that LIFE IS GOOD, and it's not based on how many toys you have, or what kind of car you drive. The fact that your alive, healthy, and able to help others is what you teach those children, and amazingly, the cycle will continue with their children if you plant the seeds of joy now.

I have never spent one moment happier in better living quarters. But I have had many moments that I realized how happy I am regardless.

Riding The Fence

Do you ever find yourself riding the fence between what you know your supposed to do and what society deems acceptable behavior? I do nearly everyday. Most recently to make my hit list of things I refuse to indulge in: Professional Wrestling.
Now, before you laugh... hear me out. This is just one slight example of how television, marketing, and greed have brainwashed us into accepting something that should be unacceptable.




Watching cable tv, I am stunned at the amount of indecency that has made it's way into our living rooms. I remember 15 years ago when wrestling was an exaggerated form of machismo and acrobatics. There was always a *Dick Dastardly* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Dastardly
type bad guy set up to loose the fight (at the last minute) as children's hero's such as Hulk Hogan flung them against the ropes and pinned them to the ground. Me and my children cheered as The Hulk or any other *good guy* defended their title and paraded around the ring, belt held high over head. Back in the day, that's what little boys did...scream at the tv and talk about who their favorite wrestler's. Mom's just tried to look enthusiastic, clap and cheer when the boys did and nuke another bowl of popcorn.



Those days are history. Not that it was ever a dignified event.... sure, it's cheesy, but when did it become so"porn-like"??? Yes, I know even boxing matches have pretty girls between rounds, but what I saw in 30 seconds or less would have made a sailor blush! Next channel! But the next channel is filled with music videos of young girls gyrating on a pole... next channel: Desperate something or another... Next channel; bloody simulated violence. STOP.


I am all for art, and freedom of expression. But enough is enough. I am stunned when I think that I am 47, and remember when the word *sex* wasn't used on television, and Ricky and Lucy slept in separate beds. Samantha and Darren were *expecting*, and no one needed to see how they arrived in that situation on the 6 previous episodes. Do we really need ALL the details, regardless of how graphic they are? Sitcoms are now making jokes about things that I would get fired for if I discussed them on the job. Why? Because jokes of a sexual nature, in most everyday situations such as work, social events, church, school, etc.. would be considered, even TODAY, as indecent, infringing, and at the very least; tasteless. But apparently television is the exception? We can all gather in our living rooms and have a laugh about things that would otherwise embarass us to no end if we were sitting in an office with our coworkers, or our Sunday School Class, or the PTO Meeting? Isn't that a double standard?


Yes, I know every generation worries about the one after them... but the amount of deception, and vulgarity that everyday America is exposed to is frightening. An entire generation or more is completely desynthesized from what was not too long ago considered obscene. I am not in any way suggesting that sex, in it's rightful place is obscene, no, that is not the case. Sex is beautiful and intimate... an absolute mystery that is never completely unraveled between two people. They spend their whole married lives loving each other as God intended in a delicate physical union, and THAT is beauty at it's finest. Children most often spring forth as a result and the cycle continues. That type of intimacy is often times a way to say to a spouse, what words fail in every detail.

But the way it is minimized, and portrayed in the media to be so meaningless and slight tells me that not very many people care. That it IS becoming as common as light bread, and noone really values it as a loving act between a husband and wife. Very few revere it as sacred anymore. That chills me to the bone.


I am going to get off the fence and stop my bad habit of *channel-flipping*. I am going to memorize the good channels (yes, there are still channels that are not corrupted), and only view what is edifying to my mind and spirit. Maybe just a good book instead? A walk around the block, or a vigorous hoe in the garden? Will you join me? We may just change the world one network at a time.