Halloween History

How did the name 'Halloween' come about? By the 800s, Christianity had spread into Celtic lands and Pope Boniface IV named November 1 "All Saints' Day." It was a day to honor those who died for their beliefs. The celebration was also called "All-hallows" or "All-hallowmas" (from an old English word "Alholowmesse," meaning All Saints' Day). People began to call the night before it "All-hallows Eve." This name eventually became Halloween.

Why did people start trick-or-treating? Trick-or-treating most likely dates back to early All Souls' Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor people would beg for food. Families would then give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives. Children eventually took on this tradition, known as "going a-souling," and they would visit houses in their neighborhood for drinks, food and money.

Where did the idea of wearing Halloween costumes come from? Dressing up in Halloween costumes also has European origins. Hundreds of years ago, people believed that ghosts roamed the streets on Halloween night, so they wore masks when they left home to fool ghosts into thinking they were other spirits.

So ... those are a few facts I found about Halloween. Have a blessed day, however, you choose to spend it. Halloween or not this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thanks to a friend who mentioned putting tracts in treat bags. I grabbed a hand full of tracts at church Wednesday night and stuffed them into some cute candy cone shaped bags with candy. So not only are kids leaving our house with God's word they are also getting the plan of salvation. We can make a difference. Love to you all.

The Greatest Gift

1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

A sweet hymn ~ enjoy

“Little is much when God is in it,
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ name.

If the place you’re called to labor,
Seems too small and little known.
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own.”


I've had a really difficult week where Satan has been throwing all kinds of darts at me. I would give examples, but all is to complicated to say. My point is a friend shared a portion of a hymn with me just a little while ago and I feel led to post it here for you. It has encouraged me and I plan to memorize it for those moments when I need a little boost. OK I probably won't be able to memorize it because my mind isn't what it used to be, but I will stick it on my frig with my other favorite and uplifting verses/saying. Let's keep praying for each other, we all need it.


Blessings always ~

No school :-)

Didn't you just love teacher workdays when you were a child? I still like them. Olivia and I got to sleep as long as we wanted to this morning and considering it's raining today made sleeping in perfect. We had a nice breakfast together and enjoyed an episode of Little House on the Prairie. One of my friends called and invited Olivia to go with her daughter to see the new High School Musical III movie for the first showing at 12:20 so she jumped all over that plan. Now that she is home from the movie her friend from next door came over and now she is across the street playing inside. So ... it's me and the guinea pig. Oh I do miss her, but I am so glad and thankful she is having an exciting day off from school. Friday is our family fun night so when Chris gets home from work will all go out together for quality family time. I have to admit it is my favorite event of the week. I love my family so much and am so blessed to have them. I hope you are enjoying time with your family. More another day.

Have a blessed day.

More reunion pictures

More reunion pictures

20th High school reunion

What fun we had at my 20th High school reunion. It was held at Summit Pointe from 6 until midnight. My Chris mixed and mingled as if he had graduated with us. The first picture shows me and Chris (as if you wouldn't know that :-). The next picture shows part of our committee members, Christy, Cindy and myself sitting at the sign in table. Next is our group shot (without spouses). The next picture shows our tribute to our classmates who have died. It is hard to believe we have lost so many classmates at such a young age. This last picture is of Bobbie Gist and me. Bobbie and I were in school together from Elementary all the way to graduation. One of my best memories is of us jumping rope together in Elementary school. It was so good to see her after all of these years. We had a great time.

Queen Susan

Ok, ok, there was no Mrs. Chestnut Lake contest, but there was an act of kindness bestowed on me by two very kind people. Where do I begin?? My cousin Diane is co-owners of Bella Capelli Salon with a guy named Steven. He happens to be the Miss South Carolina United States--State Director and works with Pageants. For months I've joked with him about getting a crown for me. I'll be honest; when I was a little girl I watched the pageants on TV and always dreamed of winning a crown. I didn't realize then that you needed to be 5'5 and have a body that...well you know the rest :-) So ... back to my story. Yesterday I went to the salon to get my hair cut and colored. While looking into the mirror to discuss my color with my cousin, Steven pops around the corner and presents me with a crown, sash and flowers. Now, how cool is that? Diane of course was in on this and they really surprised me. I live in Chestnut Lake Subdivision so Diane came up with that title for my sash. I guess when there is no pageant and you are the ONLY contestant then you win the CROWN. I haven't let it go to my head or anything, but if you ring my doorbell right now you'll find me wearing it :-) Needless to say it was a fun moment. The best part was having Olivia with me so she could join in the fun. She thought it was so cool and wanted to know where her crown was, uh oh ... I told her she was smart and pretty enough to win her own. As tall and beautiful as she is I'm sure she will one day. So there is absolutely nothing for you to gain from this story except to maybe smile. I hope that the things I do on this earth will earn me a crown in Heaven one day. For now I will enjoy this crown. Never give up on your dreams. You might be blessed like I was and have some "angels" make them come true. Thanks again Diane and Steven.

P. S. I really do want World Peace :-)

Renewing my mind

Romans 12:2 says: " And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Dear Lord, you know my weaknesses and that in the area of renewing my mind I need work. Father I ask that you will help me to identify wrong thoughts and replace them with godly thoughts. I know the way I think affects the way I act. Lord I want to act more like you and less like me. I want to be a wife Chris can be proud of and a mother Olivia looks up to. Father I don't like being quick to anger or critical. I want to be meek and say encouraging words. Help me as I go through this day Lord to seek you first. I want to repent of my wrongdoings and start fresh right now. Thank you Lord for loving me just as I am. Be with those reading this, help them today too Father. Thank you, Lord. I love you. Amen.

Exciting days ...

I have to start off by bragging on my sweet Olivia. The Horizons gifted teacher called me last night and asked if Olivia could join her class? I met with her this morning and after reviewing the details I signed her up. She is a bright little girl who got her smarts from her dad :-) I made good grades in school, but I worked very hard for them. Everything seems to come easy to her and her dad. I think her creative side is going to enjoy the set up of this Horizons class; which meets every Tuesday from 9 to 2:00. Today will be her first day and she and the other students will be making a musical instrument. I had the privilege of meeting the gentleman who will be teaching them. This class is going to be very different from the classroom instruction and I can't wait to hear all about her new adventures.

Now let me brag on my Chris :-) He killed his first buck this weekend (pictured above). It wasn't the monster buck he wanted, but it put him on the board and got him in the game. I am very proud of him. He enjoys hunting and being in the woods; it's a nice break from his chaotic work days.

I am just happy to have found a cute dress to wear to my 20th High School reunion this Saturday. I can't believe I have been out of high school that long, but ...I have. Time really does fly. I am looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up on their lives. Isn't it amazing how you can go for 20 years without seeing someone and yet pick up where you left off? I think that is a gift from God. We are all bound together as brothers and sisters in Christ and that bond will forever link us.

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household."Ephesians 2:19

Praise the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.

Blessings~

Can you spell T-O-Y-O-T-A ?

Well, here is the update on my vehicle search: Chris has a friend who owns a car leasing business. He asked him to be on the lookout for a cross-over type vehicle in a certain price range. Well, the guy called Friday and told us about a Toyota Highlander that sounded perfect for me. He emailed 9 pictures of it and I was impressed. My first car was a Toyota and they get great gas mileage. He said I could test drive it all weekend, so we picked it up Friday afternoon. It has lots of room, a CD player, sun roof and lots of neat storage. Ok, it is not a Lexus, but it is in our budget. So ... it looks like I will be the proud owner of a 2005 Toyota Highlander. It was a one owner car and is very clean; it looks brand new. Olivia is thrilled; she has put a few of her CD's in the vehicle and said she can't wait to show her friends in the car line. I am very happy and feel blessed to finally have this vehicle dilemma solved.

God is so good to meet our needs, right when we need them met. Thank you Lord, for providing this wonderful vehicle for me.

Have a blessed day.

A Lexus wannabe on a Kia budget

Yesterday I drove a Lexus SUV and I have to say it lived up to ALL of my expectations:-) It had the wood trim steering wheel; that was effortless to the touch. A moon/sun roof and leather seats. It was love at first drive. Then I called Chris to tell him that I was driving a Lexus and his first words were "don't fall in love with it". OK how ironic is that? It was too late. BUT today is a new day and I know we have a budget so ... we'll see what kind of new vehicle I end up with over the course of this weekend ( I hope). Pray that we will find a Lexus we can afford, oops did I write that ~ sorry ~ . Pray that we will find an affordable vehicle that is a good value :-) AND if it happens to be a Lexus that would be fine. Is it wrong to pray for a luxury vehicle?? You all know me simple, mill hill girl, but there's just something about a Lexus. Oh well, a girl can dream.

On to other news: I did not lose weight this week when I weighed in at class Wed. night, but I have lost 3 inches around my waist. I don't know about y'all, but I'll take that any day. If I lose 4 more inches I'll be back to where I was when I got married 12 years ago. So I'm going to try to lose more inches and let the pounds fall off when they want to.

I hope to post some pictures soon. Time is flying this month I can't believe my 20th high school reunion is 8 days away. I'll aim for posting pictures of that event. Until later; thanks for your positive comments. You inspire me. Remember to start praying now for the election and our government leaders. We can make a difference. God be with you and your family.

Blessings ~

The steel rod in the road

It's only Wednesday and my van has been seen by a garage guy 3 times this week. Yesterday I took it to my brother-in-law's garage only to find out it needs $600 worth of work. I thanked him and told him not to schedule anything for now. He put air in all of my tires and sent me on my way. I went on two errands and came home for at least an hour before leaving for the car line at school. As soon as I pulled into the line I noticed a steel rod laying in the middle of the road. I thought it looked dangerous so I hopped out and moved it to the curb. While bending down to pick it up I heard this hissing sound. I looked over to find a huge cut in my tire. I'm talking about a "V" shape cut in the rubber. I did a 3 point turn in the car pool line and proceeded to park in the visitors parking at the school. I had to walk in and have Olivia called to the office since I couldn't drive around the school to pick her up. Then I had to call Chris and get him out of a meeting just to come to our rescue. By the time he got to the school my tire was completely flat. He took it off and dropped us off at home while he had it repaired. He soon returned to take us back to put the tire on. While he was working Olivia I walked over to get that steel rod. I wanted to keep it; seeing how it kept me from being broken down and possibly embarrassed in the car line. As Olivia and I walked to find it, it was no where to be found. I'm not sure who would have picked it up. I did tell the school officials that it was out there, but nonetheless ... I truly believe the Lord had that rod there for a reason. I could have ignored that steel rod and it's potential danger by staying in my van, but I didn't. I believe the Lord used that rod to keep us safe. After all I wouldn't have known about the cut tire if I hadn't gotten out to move it. I guess I'm telling this long story to say: sometimes when we see an opportunity to do the right thing we don't take it, but this is a simple reminder of the blessing we could receive if we'd only seize more opportunities. How many steel rods have you left in the road? Nothing happens in life by chance, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 Now the Lord gives us free will, so we can pick and choose. I could have chosen to ignore that rod and let someone else deal with it, but because I didn't ignore it, it saved me time and embarrassment. Everything; good, bad, convenient, inconvenient, happy and even sad happens for a reason. Will you allow God to use you in all circumstances? He's not going to send you through them alone? He will always be with you and guide you if you'll just accept him and trust his will for your life.

Look out for your steel rod today.

Blessing,

Crazy schedule

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you can't see straight and you feel like if one more thing is added to your calendar you will SCREAM.... well that is where I am sitting right now. I have a van that isn't half running and desperately need a new vehicle, I have my 20th high school reunion soon and still have no clue as to what I am going to wear or when I'll have time to try on clothes. On top of that all of my yearly check ups and doctor appointments fall in this month. I had to reschedule one from next week until April of 2009 ( wow I'm already working on next year!! ) this is crazy. Some days I'd like to move out into the country milk my own cow, chop my own fire word and just find a quiet place to read, but I live in the real world so I guess I'll keep running to Ingles for my milk and hit the thermostat for my air/ heat. Of course with the oil crisis it makes me think those Amish people really know how to live. Oh well, I'm not saying much today, but that's because I have to leave for another appointment in 10 minutes and I don't have time to type. I like to write; some how writing things down eases a little stress for me. I do have a blessing to share this morning. I washed Olivia's clothes late last night and was asleep when I should have taken them out of the dryer ... praise the Lord when I grabbed them this morning they were not wrinkled at all :-) I was very surprised and glad that I didn't have to iron or add one more thing to my plate. God is good even in the little details of my life. If I take time to notice all that He does for me even in the midst of my crazy schedule it gives me hope that yes, I will get it all done and yes He is with me. God be with you too.

Blessings,

October fun

Anyone reading this knows we are a Christian family ... with that said, I'll tell you we enjoy Halloween. We know all about Satan and his demons and evil spirits. However, we take something that could be evil and make it good. Every year I print out the Bible verse John 3:16 on a little strip of paper. Olivia and I fill snack size Ziploc bags with candy and the Bible verse strip. We pray over the bowl of bagged candy and know that every child who leaves our house is taking God's word with them. It is not expensive and could change someones life. Olivia and I work hard sorting the candy and putting the bags together, but you wouldn't believe the conversations that can open up with your child if you try this. It will give them a sense of pride and let them know that they can change the world for Christ. Olivia goes to a few neighbors to "trick or treat", but she would rather give out candy than go door to door. Every year we decorate our yard and porch to make it inviting and she hands out the message of Christ with candy. Try it; you and your family may start a new tradition and I promise you will be blessed.