~*~His Precious Gems~*~: October 2008

Friday, October 31, 2008

Should Christians Participate in Halloween?

The October 31st holiday that we today know as Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. It is a holiday that generally glorifies the dark things of this world, rather than the light of Jesus Christ, The Truth. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

My family does not celebrate it or participate in it. We do not believe that our children are "missing out," and neither do they. Other days are used for costumes and parties. We have found that Halloween provides an excellent time to remind our children that, as Christians, we are different, and not of this world. John 1:10 "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not." 1 John 2:15 "15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." We have to live in the world but don't have to be of the world. We are called to be sanctified- set apart.

What about church "Harvest Festivals" held on October 31? Although we understand the rational and good intentions behind them, we don't think they are the best approach. Harvest parties on October 31 tend to assume that our children need something to take the place of Halloween, since they won't be participating in the secular and pagan celebrations. It suggests our kids are missing out on something. And indeed they are, if we allow them to spend Halloween in celebration. There are better things to do on Halloween than partying.

Also, we need to teach our children that the fight isn't against occultists, non-Christians, Christians who feel differently than we about Halloween, or institutions that promote Halloween. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

1 Thess. 5:22 says "Abstain from all appearance of evil."

Romans 12:9 says "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

Take a moment to really think about what God would like you to be doing this evening with your children. Are you truely honoring His commandments? Psalms 84:11b"the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Day at Sea

I have a love/ hate relationship with the days at sea. I love the fact that you are able to participate in so many different activities. I love that you can lounge around on the balcony. I love that you can hang out at the pool. It really is great. However, I was sea sick each day the boat was in motion. While docked, I was great. It affected all of us except Emily. Thanks to the person who suggested the Bonine. It really took the edge off but then I had a headache lingering in it's place. Even Rebecca had to take the medicine.

Here's the view from our balcony. Again, I ask, why would anyone not want a balcony?

You could see Cuba in the distance. This picture was taken at 15x zoom so it was really far away.

Isn't the water gorgeous. After this trip, I never want to get in that brown merky stuff.

Can we say YUCK!?!?

Key West

Locals call the area the "Conch Republic." Early settlers farmed key limes here; later inhabitants salvaged cargo sunk on nearby reefs to create young America's wealthiest city: Key West. Florida is home to this southernmost point in the continental U.S. It's where you can stroll the streets Hemingway called home. It is about 5 miles long and 2 miles wide.

We learned that even though it is a small island, you still need a taxi or scooter to get around it. We walked around and saw nothing in particular. It was hot and humid. Emily had to go to the bathroom. After attempting to walk to the beach, we decided to turn around and head back towards the ship. We saw a man sleeping by a store front and both girls thought he was dead. That was their first encounter with a homeless person.

Here is the amazing view out on our balcony.

Why would anyone settle for an inside room is beyond me.

Emily's pajama party with Goofy in her club.

See? Not lots of pictures from now on!

Breakfast at Parrot Cay

We had dinner the first night at Animator's Palate and I know I took a couple pictures and a video of the colors changing but I can't find them right now. I have 1907 pictures and videos from those 2 weeks to sort through. I'm sure I'll come across them at one point as I scan through them.

I woke up early Sunday morning and tried to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. Again, just like at Daytona Beach, it was cloudy. Instead of taking a bunch of pictures, I just sat on the balcony and had some alone time with God.

For breakfast, we went to Parrot Cay and the main characters came around to all the tables.

Off to Key West, Florida for our first port of call.

Bon Voyage

Someone asked me if I had taken lots of pictures from the cruise. In reality, I didn't. It just happens that most of the pictures I took were at the beginning of the voyage.

Here are pictures from the Sail Away Party and the rest of our first afternoon/evening on the cruise. (excluding dinner at Animator's Palate)