Happy Halloween to all!

Halloween is a particular favorite with our kids as dress up is their favorite past time! The girls have begun to eagerly anticipate Halloween, not necessarily for the candy (although that is a plus), but more for choosing a costume and dressing up. We began a tradition a few years ago of getting together with our good friends the Lycklamas and the James' and the Hartungs, when they are able to make it, for a Halloween party, instead of trick-or-treating. We realized that our kids were scared of all the crazy decorations, costumes and motion triggers at people's doors. "Why are we scaring our kids for the sake of candy?" I thought. Emily Lycklama agreed and we began our own Halloween night tradition. So, our kids are looking forward to heading over to the Lycklamas tonight for a candy treasure hunt, cheesy ham chowder, crafts, stories, games, cookies, and all while dressed in their finest costumes. We hope you all have an enjoyable and safe Halloween as well.

Isabel is a Southern Belle!

Acacia: Go Team!

Bumble Bee Jamesy

Jack-O-Lantern Brenton

On another note, Jason reminded me this morning as he left for work that today is also "Reformation Day". When you really think about it, what a wonderful day to remember and celebrate, even if it doesn't include dressing up and candy. Think about what it meant when Luther nailed those 95 theses to the Whittenberg door. What an amazing change in history that day brought. I am so grateful that God rose up Martin Luther to read and understand the scriptures and to bring about the reformation, in face of possible death. Luther would not back down from what he new to be true even though threatened with ex-communication from the church he loved and gave his life to, and almost certain death. But God graciously allowed him to live through such threats and lead the way for the protestant church. I don't know if many of you have seen the movie "Luther" but I highly recommend it. It showed so clearly the direction of the catholic church at the time of Luther's life and how God used him to shine light on the truth of the gospel and bring people out of the problems of the Catholic church. Perhaps watching that movie might be your choice tonight (after "The Great Pumpkin"?). Happy Reformation Day!! May God continue to use us, His people, to proclaim the truth of His gospel to those who haven't heard or have been confused by other belief systems.