Halloween

I'm not really into Halloween, as most of you know, but the past two years we have participated in a way that protects our children from fear and promotes servanthood and family fun. I hope that doesn't sound uppity or religious, because neither is my heart. Jimmy and I have the commission to raise up these children to know and love the Lord, so anything we do or don't do is just us aspiring to live up to that calling. And honestly, whether we participate traditionally in holidays and such, is not likely to impact our children's future as much as how we live or don't live Jesus on a daily basis in our home.

I let Grace Louise pick out whatever costume she wanted to wear from her dress-up box and Jamesy, well, he wore the only costume we had that fit him! Granny Dubose was handing out candy at the nursing home where she lives, so we paid her a special visit first! We don't see Granny often, so I was blessed to see the way Grace Louise honored her great-grandmother with attention, hugs, and even patience. Mmm, that girl makes me proud!

Like last year, we served hot chocolate, offered bug spray and cold water, and handed out bags of candy with our church information. Unlike last year, our bags said Awaken Church Florida, not CrossRidge. 

Jimmy and I have been connected to the Body of Christ at CrossRidge since 2008. God has used this group of Believers to grow and shape us like we never could have imagined. Our awesome pastor/friend and his family have recently been called onward to another city and church. The remnant that remains at CrossRidge has merged with a church planter new to our area and is moving forward with God's vision for our city- to awaken the lost to life in Jesus Christ and to awaken Believers to who God made them to be! We are planting a church in north Lake Wales, by the mall, launching February 9, 2014. Why another church? Why not? An amber alert, an alarm for the lost. If a child is missing, do we limit the search and rescue crew to a few? Of course not! 

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:15-17

Carrying on a family tradition- carving a pumpkin with daddy!

Cutest pirate man and strawberry "cortcake" evaaaaaaaa!!!

Arggghh!