Shaun Groves heads to El Salvador

A candid response to Halloween

You know I wanted to post these really cute photos from Halloween...but I was reminded of last year and a few friends who had voiced their disapproval over me even allowing my children to participate in this event. (Voices in my head screaming "Heathen!")

I wanted to look up the historical background about October 31st, but wasn't sure what sites to trust. Bok, bok. (That's how chickens talk!)

So I dropped it.

Until now.

Through a major fluke-do I believe in flukes? (searching for website design ideas) I found Christian musician Jason Gray's website and his post about his family and Halloween. It was the most thought-out response I have read in favor of Halloween.

"Making Peace With Halloween"

My husband loves to see our kids dressed up and I love walking with him following our children around door-t0-door every year...it has become such a sweet traditional for us.
I think a night hanging out with the family, eating pumpkin seeds and candy is not "heathen-like" or even "un-Christ-like" I think it is finding every opportunity to celebrate the love in our family. Holding my 5 year old's hand softens my heart...hearing my son say thank you at each door reminds me of what a little man he is becoming and seeing our eldest with her friends reminds me that the sleepless nights and diaper changes are over and a new season is emerging with perhaps bigger challenges. (that spells: t-e-e-n-a-g-e-r)

Jason Gray, if you've ever listened to his music or read about his ministry, is a Christ follower. His insight about legalism and fear in our culture regarding this particular topic, is thought provoking, to say the least.

So we will continue to celebrate our family on the same night that others may not. We will not cower or back down or be fearful, but instead be thankful for another chance to spend time with our children...

For Stellan-Mighty To Save

A year ago I was drawn into blogging by a particular mom; "MckMama" and her story of Stellan. At the same time, this song "Mighty To Save" came out...Stellan is now back into the hospital and I ask for your prayers especially for his parents who've had to endure so much. When Christina and I sing this song, we sing for the Lord and I always think of Stellan...

Weekend in Wisconsin

The weatherman said we would only get one day of sun this weekend. So we took advantage and took 2 out of our 3 kids to the local pond to fish. My 5 year old wanted to play in the leaves we had just raked...

My soon to be 12 year old decided it was a day to fish and gave it a try. No luck today, maybe the littlest one shouldn't have been throwing branches in the water...

But that's okay, it was a nice weekend to hang out as a family. And enjoy the sun while it lasted. They're predicting snow this week, did I mention that?