To Trick? To Treat?

This seems to be a hot topic among Christians today...and everyone has an opinion, so, why not me?

We used to celebrate Halloween the way everyone did...going all out on the decorations, spending an idiot amount of money on costumes, candy, pumpkin carving...you name it. I have some great pictures of the kids when they were younger. Both of my oldest kids are gifted artists and the pumpkins they carved were truly amazing.

I myself grew up going door to door begging for candy on this night. I remember our neighbors would make popcorn balls from scratch. We had other neighbors give us home-made candy apples and fresh cookies. My parents themselves sat on the porch handing out candy, and woe to the child who did not say thank you as they walked off. (and by the way, I'm not yet 40 so I'm not rhapsodizing Little House on the Prairie times.)

So, the debate of whether Christians should celebrate or not, is not my top concern. We all have to answer for our own actions. What saddens me is that my kids have never known a time when they could walk down the street and not worry about getting accosted, have never had a care-free spirit of eating homemade popcorn balls and candy apples (unless I made them...and after eating my treats, they don't usually ask for more--okay, so I can't cook well!) We didn't know about child-molesters, tainted candy and other such misery. Our children are growing up with it.

So, what do we do? First, let me say that there is a neighbor who locks her gate and has a sign posted "sorry, children, we are Christians and we don't celebrate evil. Please don't ring the bell." Has this person opened herself up to witnessing? Before knowing the Lord, I made sure I steered clear of that "nut-case." I couldn't believe these people were so judgemental. Now, as a Christian...I still steer clear of that person, and I still can't believe they are so judgemental (am I judging?). We are called to be witnesses to Christ, of knowing Him and making Him known. Does hiding behind locked doors to "stay away from evil" provide an opportunity for doing as I have been commissioned? I don't believe so.

I am still a sinner, I still depend on the blood of Christ to cleanse me, I still talk to everyone who will respond. So, again, what do we do? My children still dress up, albeit not in scary costumes, they hit a few blocks of begging, and then come home and wait for us to inspect the candy. My oldest sits on the porch and hands out candy with bible verses attached...the little we do on this night may not be much, but we try to do what we can. After the inspection, we turn off the lights, I pop popcorn, mix it with candy, eat caramel apples I made (sometimes) and we watch movies. This is our little routine.

I've done the research and know more about the history of Halloween than most people, but I've also prayed about this, and my children have prayed about it. Tonight, as we prepare to hit a few blocks and beg for candy, I will keep in mind my Lord, long for the old days, then come home and pig out with my kids...what can be better than that?!

I am the wretch

I have a shirt that I bought at CBD.com that states "I am the wretch the song refers to." It's crazy how many times I've had people ask me "what does that mean?" and worse, "No you're not!". Truly, the 2nd one is worse.

First, what does it mean? (besides the obvious). I am a sinner, saved by grace. But, I won't let Satan deceive me by not letting me take it further....I am also 100% worthy, wholly eligible, absolutely a co-heir with Christ...not because of anything I've done, but because of what He's done for me.

I'm forgiven...need I say more? My son has a favorite saying..."daily Christian dying." I didn't understand it at first, but, like the guy he is, he reminded me that I must die to self, to everything that does not coincide with the Word. So now, I'm trying to live it...that is, to die it.

But when I hear "no, you're not," I cringe...simply because I know the truth. I know my past, and I am grateful my God is a forgiving God. Because of what Christ did for me on the cross, I also have eternal life...I have a place set aside for me when we join Him at the heavenly feast.

Christ died for me, the least I can do is live for Him.

My Joy

My oldest son is getting ready to graduate. Only a few more months and he's off into the world. Kind of scary, since he's been homeschooled most of his life. I'm scared, some for him, mostly for me. Is it selfish to be afraid of not having him next to me? For 18 years, what a joy he's been!
I have a very special bond with him. He's my helper and the one I lean on when the homeschool day gets tough. He instinctively knows when I'm hanging on by a thread and am only willing myself to continue the day. Thankfully for him, that doesn't happen often. Oh, what a joy he is!

He's unsure what he wants to do. He's a very gifted artist, but is unsure if he wants to do this for a living. He has a passion for Christ that shames me when I think of myself at his age. He wants to be a fireman, an architect, an artist for God, spend three years with Master's Commission, can't wait to fall in love, prays to marry a godly woman...what a joy he is!

Others don't always understand him. A difficult birthing left him with the inability to think abstractly. He tries harder than anyone I have ever met, and I am not being biased. What comes easy and natural for most comes at a sweat for him. And still, what a joy he is!

As a big brother, he looks out for the younger ones, yet can tease them endlessly. One minute he's poking fun, the next he's saying sorry. Although he only has one biological brother, he's accepted his adopted siblings with ease, even though at times he feels like he's been pushed aside. And yet, he has remained a joy.

With unfathomable love, in a day of myspace, texting and hooking up, this young man has tried hard to stay true to His God. He's given into temptation, repented, and fallen again, but always manages to get right back up. Yes, what a joy he will always be!

Title

I'm new to blogging, wanted to first explain the title.

God loves me, in spite of all I do...

I am a mom to 8, several biological, several adopted. I cook, I clean, I help my husband raise our children...

I also am very human...I call myself a Christian, but I need to learn to BE one, not just act like on.

So, the title...In Spite of Me...He's here.

I hope to get a handle on blogging...sometime I just need an outlet, and for the few minutes a day that I have to call my own, I like to write...with or without viewers, my thoughts will be recorded!