Let’s Hear it for Halloween!

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Halloween in Greenwich Village in NYC is a cultural happening. Lower Manhattan literally shuts down during the parade. Imagine MardiGras, but with costumes and candy, and where the temperature is hovering right above freezing.

It is something you just have to experience.

This is my first Halloween in almost seven years that I’m missing the big Halloween parade. I just got back to Ohio for a shoot tomorrow. So I will be passing out KitKats and Reese’s Cups in the suburbs.

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I think that makes me officially an adult.

Ugh. Say it ain’t so.

Oh well. Over the weekend in NYC, I got carded at the liquor store, and the guy goes – “I could have sworn you were 16.” — I’m hanging onto that with a death grip.

Anywho. Just yesterday, my mom and I were listening to a podcast in the car, and it was one of those Christian-motherhood podcasts. You know the type. Very…I don’t know…peppy. Sunny. Everything is…amazing. And they always feel so blessed.

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Annnywho…the topic of the episode was about Halloween. And it was all about how they weren’t going to be partaking in trick-or-treating with their kids because it wasn’t “Christian.” How they didn’t want to expose their kids to something so secular and borderline satanic.

And I got done listening to the episode, and I was almost angry, thinking…wow, that is a really extreme stance to take.

Later that night, we watched an interesting documentary called One of Us, which is an eye opening exposé about the alleged abuse inside the Hasidic Jewish community in New York City.

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This extreme religious sect has largely closed themselves off from the world, and have created a insular community, with its own Hasidic police force and ambulance system, and private school and bussing system. They’ve created a life where nobody from the outside world gets in, and no one inside the community gets out.

And watching the credits roll, I couldn’t help but draw an eerie similarity between the podcast and the closed off life of Hasidic Jews.

It raised the question:

How do you navigate the secular, godless world as a Christian?

How do you raise your family and keep your faith in a world where God is nonexistent?

Do you close yourself off and forbid your children from partaking in a fun, community tradition of dressing up and carving pumpkins, and hayrides and getting candy in the neighborhood with their friends?

How are we to live as Jesus followers, in a world that disregards Him?

Because I just don’t think that an existence of extreme religious seclusion is what Jesus called us to do.

Be in the world, but not of the world.

I think this quote draws a fine line in the sand, that keeps blurring and fading as time goes on and faith gets pushed further and further out of mainstream culture.

The world isn’t going to nurture your faith. It’s going to lead you to the altar of money and power and selfish advancement.

And sadly, a once-a-week church attendance, and even a christian education isn’t going to foster a fruitful faith life.

Faith starts at home.

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Because anyone can teach their kids to share, and be a good person, and tell the truth. Those universal “goods” are true in every family, Christian or not.

For followers of Jesus, it’s the why behind it.

Why are you being kind to others? Why are you helping those less fortunate or befriending the kid sitting by themselves at lunch?

Why?  – Because we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus on earth. And the fact is, He demonstrated how to love one another. And it’s our job to respond.

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So — does that mean that we board up our windows and deny children the joy of candy and dress up with friends?

I don’t think so.

Because, in my opinion, another hallmark of living a Christian life in a godless word, is finding the good.

And there’s a lot of good to be found with Halloween. I know a lot of people think it is the “Devil’s Night” but frankly, I think that’s just a bunch of poppy-cock.

And frankly, the real thing people should be upset about is the sexualization of little girls with hoochie-mama Halloween costumes that should make their fathers blush. But I digress.

Halloween is simply fun. Kids can dress up and foster their imaginations with costumes. You get to mingle with the neighbors and partake in a community-building activity.


The fact is, I think a lot of Christians can get so caught up in consciously removing themselves from secular activities that, if we’re not careful, decades down the road, we can find ourselves in an reclusive existence that doesn’t look too different from the Hasidic Jews.

Christians can get so up in arms about being counter-cultural — and yes, there is good in that, but as with everything, it shouldn’t be taken to the extreme. Faith needs to be attractive. If you’re going to bring anyone to Jesus, it needs to be appealing.

Not stand-offish. Not “too good” or “too holy” for a little pumpkin carving fun.

People need to see and feel the joy that comes from being a Christian and the way you live. And make it something that people want to be a part of.

Where does that joy come from? Answer: Jesus at the center of your life.

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I don’t really have any answers here – And obviously, I don’t have any kids, so what authority, really, do I have on this topic.

Because there are definitely some strong verses in the bible about how we are to live. 1 John 2:15 and John 15:19 come to mind.

But it just struck me, and I thought I’d share with you, and see what you all thought.

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255 thoughts on “Let’s Hear it for Halloween!”

  2. I love your writing but struggled a wee bit with this post. Living in the UK Halloween was never really such a big deal until the last 20 years or so … as kids we went guising (trick or treating if you’re not Scottish or Irish!) but it wasn’t a big celebration. As a family we don’t celebrate Halloween, partly because it we feel uneasy about it but also because our sons who have autism are absolutely terrified by people in costume. Yes, as a Christian I find Halloween doesn’t fit in with my beliefs but I don’t feel as if I’m closing myself from the world … we celebrate other events with gusto and take joy in decorating our home for Christmas. Thanks for your blog … I love reading your posts and have pointed more and one friend in your direction. Blessings xx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi friend, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. I definitely understand where you’re coming from. I’m sorry that the night frightens your son! That breaks my heart. Yeah I’m sorry if some of my words came across too harshly in the post. Sometimes I get going and it’s hard to reign it in, ya know. Sending big big hugs xox

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Once again, you have a post that is incredibly relevant to so many things right now and I couldn’t agree with you more on this idea that Jesus wants us WITH the people of this world, not apart from it. Jesus chose to accompany himself with the worst of society for a reason, right?

    I’m about to ramble, so I’ll stop…

    Anyways, I truly value this idea that we live among the world and trying to live an exemplary life while living among the world is what is important.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Our Catholic Christianity is the life of our family, LITERALLY, in every possible view of the word! But we ALWAYS took our kids out trick or treating, because it was so fun and innocent. However, even back then, people were starting to get a bit overly-morbid in their decor and in trying to scare little children. You could see it coming, so I would either skip those houses (knowing that my girls would NOT appreciate being scared!), or I would say loudly (in an obvious joking manner), “If you scare my kids, you won’t just be pretending that you’re a ghost anymore….you will BE ONE!” But nowadays, our neighborhood has changed SO MUCH, that the whole evening is truly annoying. I am glad that my kids are now too old for t-or-t, and we no longer hand out candy from our house. (It’s all described in a humorous manner in this recent post of mine, in case you missed it – https://grandmascoffeesoup.wordpress.com/2017/10/25/my-halloween-game-plan/)
    I think the MOST IMPORTANT thing to keep in mind is not to judge. People make their own good decisions, and if you choose instead to keep your kids home, or do a “trunk-or-treat” at your local church, or attend an All Saints Party, that is wonderful, but don’t be gettin’ all high and mighty about it. It is OKAY for people to make their own, prayerful choices concerning their kids, because we all know our own kids best, and God will guide us down the path that is best for them! 😘 🙏🏻

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  5. Thank you for the interesting post! I think it’s so important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I grew up not celebrating Halloween– my mother knew Wiccans (one who committed suicide) and Halloween was a big night for them, so it just freaked her out. However, she always made it clear that she did not believe it was inherently wrong to get dressed up and participate. When I was in high school she left the decision entirely up to me when I was invited to Halloween parties. I went. I was a forest fairy. It was great fun. But, I totally respect her decision to have us go to harvest parties rather than Halloween parties when we were kids. We were very involved in our communities in other ways– going to public school, participating in sports, singing in choir, acting in plays– so, spending one night a year doing something different didn’t isolate us from our community.
    I think issues really spring up when someone feels convicted to do or not do something…then judges others and takes religious pride in their decision.
    Thank for the relevant post! Blessings. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Caralyn, a lovely post. Thank you. And I say, “yes, amen”, to your point about the why behind the impartation of values. Yes, amen, Christians are called – and empowered via the Spirit – to be Jesus’ hands and feet in this world.

    One observation about Halloween… It has roots in Christian tradition. In Medieval times, on the eve of All Saints’ Day (November 1), those in the community who were poor ventured to the homes of the wealthy and offered to pray for the departed loved ones of those households; the belief being that more prayers from more folk made it more likely that the souls of the dead would enter the paradise of God. Those who prayed, then were given gifts of food and, yes, beer. Also, this day is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 theses; the general drift of which inveighed against the idea that prayers of many guaranteed the salvation of the souls of the dead.

    Again and always, Caralyn, thanks

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  7. I appreciate your post and thoughts. I have mixed feelings about Halloween due to the level of gore, sexuality, and creepiness that has flooded in the past few years. I remember it as fun to dress up and go visit neighbors. My family isn’t big on candy (we still have last year’s candy in a bag!), but look at this as a fun way to go talk to others in our community.

    In regards to part of your post about sheltering and hiding our children away, I’ll refer you to this post that I came across last week. https://herviewfromhome.com/when-i-realized-my-family-was-my-idol/
    Are we so focused on keeping our children safe and immersed in only our faith activities that we keep them from seeing how God actually functions in the secular world? Are they too sheltered from experiencing and sharing God’s grace for others? Food for thought.

    Thank you for your thoughtful writing. I enjoy reading your perspective.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. “And sadly, a once-a-week church attendance, and even a christian education isn’t going to foster a fruitful faith life.”

    Word!

    Blessings on this “All-Hallows-Eve”

    Jim

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  11. This was a very thought provoking post Caralyn, My parents, especially my mom, were truly devout Catholics but they always let us celebrate Halloween. She felt that it was an opportunity for us to dress up and dream of what it’s like to be a princess, dinosaur or a superhero. Choosing our costumes, going out, and having fun was all done as a family affair. The fact that we did this as a family was all that matters.

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  12. I think you read my blog on Halloween last week. It IS, or at least WAS a Christian holy day. It’s a shame that we’re afraid to reclaim it again and return it to its rightful place. We do trick-or-treat. I’m thinking of possibly saying a prayer (quietly probably, so as not to freak out non-believers, lol!) for each home where my kids get treats…bringing back the tradition of prayers in exchange for goodies. If the kids aren’t into it, I think at least I will. Wouldn’t it be a lovely thing to see all Christian children and their parents do that after every treat is given? And all the souls prayed for in just a couple hours. It boggles the mind.

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  13. Preach it Sister!! How on earth are we to be the light and salt to our community around us if we’re not involved in our communities? Jesus command in Matthew 28:19 is GO and make disciples not sit at home secluded. He has given us a sound mind that does not include fear. Another reason it is so vitally important that we stay tethered to Him daily so that we are confident and secure in our identity in Him. We are to be modeling to our children a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus so they can go boldly into the world and give Him to others. Much love to you, Caralyn! Have fun handing out candy, I can’t wait for it to get dark!

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  14. To be honest, I held onto the thoughts you mentioned by segregating my kids from “the world” by taking them to the church activities where the outcome was still the same (for the kids – candy).

    However, in reading your thought-provoking post, I have to agree that we need not bottle up our Christianity under a bowl but allow our light to shine in the darkness around us. People need to see that Christians are in this world, not OF this world anymore. Thanks for the reminder Caralyn.

    Solomon

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Solomon, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I think a church halloween festival is a great compromise. and you’re so right! we are to let that light shine 🙂 hope you and your family had a fun evening! Hugs and love xox

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  15. It’s funny how today was our very first ‘Halloween’ experience as a family. This year we moved to a house and now have a doorbell so we qualify for ‘trick or treat’ rings. It was quite uncomfortable. We hadn’t really discussed what we would do if we got a knock on the door. Funny my husband mentioned it in passing during the day but we kinda brushed it off . . . until the bell rang! Awkward moment, I tell you. We were standing before these children dressed up in scary costumes, and for the life of me, I didn’t want my 2 year old seeing any of it before it freaks her out. After so many rings, I eventually settled for this line: ‘Sorry darling, I’m not a halloween fan’. And they would smile and walk away. Thinking about it now as I write this, I probably would have handled it better if I took the time to think of a proper response. I might have even handed out candies.

    Truth is I live in the UK but I’m Nigerian. Nigerians do not do Halloween for many reasons. Yes, the witches and wizards over there aren’t funky, they are real. So we don’t meddle around anything that looks like them, and we certainly don’t celebrate them either. I know when my kids are older they’ll want to know why we don’t join the halloween charade, and when that time comes, I pray for wisdom to teach them in the best way I can that just for the fact that I know how real evil can be, I choose not to play with it.

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    1. Hi Alethea! thanks so much for sharing your experience! yeah, some of the costumes can be very frightening! yeah, i’m with you – I don’t mess with that darkness either – scary stuff. thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  16. Those scriptures, I haven’t thought on them as much as I once used to…
    To not love things in the world, and of the world hating the church

    I love your pic, choose joy and then share it

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  17. I carved a Jack o’ Lantern to let kids know we had candy at our door. Posted a pic of it and got chided on Facebook by a well-intentioned Christian. Thanks for your thoughtful post. Very welcome word!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Ok, I know I posted this back on your last blog, but sending your love and hugs that you were not in NYC today and prayers for all of NYC!! Also wishing you and your family a Happy Halloween!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I’m glad we celebrate Halloween and I also celebrate Day Of The Dead. Back in the 80s and 90s there were too many spouting off about how Halloween was “begging” and “devil worship”. I’m with you, its just fun. Yes, All Saints, and All Souls (which is what Day of The Dead celebrates) are important too, but really its a 3 day importance, and the fun of Halloween should not be left out. Once again, hugs and love that you are safe and weren’t in lower Manhattan today. xoxoxoxo ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  22. REally good thoughts here. The whole Halloween issue is a finer line than you may realize. The “roots” of Halloween are not good — but for the most part, today, it IS primarily a night of fun (I do not think most people give it any thought beyond that). As in all secular activities, we need to be sensitive to the Spirit and heed His direction at all times. As for your main points, you are exactly right… we must always take care to be “in the world, and not of the world.” God has never intended us to seclude ourselves from the world. We simply cannot BE salt or light without connection to the people around us! Great job, as usual. M. A.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I’m always puzzled by gut-reactions like that as well. It is clear that modern Halloween (or at least trick-or-treating) has evolved into an innocent opportunity for children to express themselves and receive candy in return. With all of the actual evil in the world, it seems a bit unhelpful to go looking for it where there is none.

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  24. In a Jesus-based faith, we have always before us a demonstration of how we are to operate in the world in the GOSPELS. The only time Jesus stepped back from the world was the times when he needed to be refreshed in the Spirit and talk with the Father! We have to get an understanding of what it means to “be in the world but not of the world” and as said … it starts in the very HEART of man … which, by the way, is where the HOLY SPIRIT resides in those who have accepted the gift of Salvation. Let us be not only hearers of scriptural instructions as “the church” but let us be doers as well. And the DOING is DRENCHED IN LOVE & OBEDIENCE to God first, and then our neighbor!! How else will the world know WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!?

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  25. Hi, I’m a born again Christian, and I don’t endorse or bring any denomination to you.

    I also recently wrote a post about this very topic of halloween on my blog site.

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  26. Thanks and well written Caralyn – I too have been conflicted on this very topic and I do have kids so another perspective always helps. We all value your opinion and life lessons else we wouldn’t be reading your blog (lol) but seriously – I believe you are right when you quoted “Be in the world, but not of the world”. Let Gods light shine through you onto others. Best wishes to you in this season!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. It is such a fine line to tread. On one hand, we want to protect our children and have them grow up and serve and love God, but on the other hand, if they don’t interact with the world at all, how will they know how to fight evil when they encounter it? We all know how sneaky the devil can be. He doesn’t always lead us astray in the big, obvious ways. It’s usually in the small, “little”, seemingly harmless ways. Such a fine, fine line to tread. And just like everything, I think we need to remember to keep our eyes on God. He will help us navigate the world, while remaining His and not of this world. How do we live in the world but not be of the world is what we all need to figure out. Thanks for the thought provoking post, as usual:) We do participate in Halloween to a certain extent. The kids dress up, we have candy and we trick-or-treat at Gramma’s but that is it. We will usually do something fun, like play games and whatnot, but we also live in a very rural area and would have to drive somewhere to really get involved in trick-or-treating.

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  28. The bible versus always make my head spin and I find myself deep in study determining meanings! lol.. I agree with your article. As a father of five and of course wanting to make my kids happy and have fun in local festivities. Not to mention Halloween and scary movies, good and bad, *laughs*. Has always been fun, if not even a tradition! You can remark on the evil but you also have to see the good in all things. Teaching what is wrong, what your emotions tell you. The respect and faith you help your children understand. The respect and faith you discover, that you never knew existed before you had children! Some people need to loosen up. I wanted to watch “One of US” for awhile. thank you for reminding me! God bless… HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

    Side Note: What if there was a big Halloween party in heaven.. Make you wonder what the Big guy would be? How many devils? lol.. okay.. i’m rambling..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for this reflection. Yeah me too! I so agree – there is good to find in any situation, and I think the joy of community and imagination – when done in a spirit of fun – is good. hahah that’s a funny thing to think about! haha hugs to you xox

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  29. And a post like this, dear lady, is why I love your blog. I remember walking my kids around to trick or treat when they were little. We were walking up the sidewalk when we heard a lady at the door yell at some kids “WE DO NOT DO HALLOWEEN, WE ARE CHRISTIAN!!”

    OK under my breath I muttered something I won’t type here. My oldest looked at me (he was 7) and said, “what does christian have to do with Halloween?”

    I was not raised going to church, nor did I raise my kids going. But I was raised that Halloween was just a fun time to wear a costume and get candy. So it at the time I didn’t have a good answer for him.

    Its one of the last truly fun things for kids. And for kids who never grew up. You are exactly right, walling things like this off from your life in the name of religion does no good for anyone. One of my most devote friends looks forward to taking her kids out every year!

    KUDOS for handing out candy, and lady, if you can into the winery I work at from time to time, you would be carded everytime!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Tony! Oh gosh, thank you so much. Yeah, I definitely agree – when celebrated in the spirit of fun and community and creativity, I don’t think there’s anything to think twice about. That’s the exact same thing my mom said – she said, “there just aren’t that many purely fun things for kids anymore. let them have halloween!” haha sounds like the two of you are on the same page! 🙂 thank you for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  30. Amen. I am new to Christianity after a very long absence but in this short time I come to realize that being a Christian is not about pointing the finger or being the moral police; it’s about how I treat people with kindness and forgiveness ( including forgiving myself) Its about my relationship with Jesus and him healing me of sinful behavior. I think kids should be allowed to be kids and have fun like everyone. If you board up the windows and keep the outside world from coming you are doing more harm than good. Eventually that kid is going to resent you and equate Christianity with being punished every time they want to have a fun ( like the rest of their friends) Somewhere down the line they will leave the church and might not come back. So thank you, I enjoyed reading your post.

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  31. We celebrate because there’s nothing wrong with dressing up and trick or treating. I’ve known really strict parents who don’t allow their kids to partake in any way and I feel that’s damaging because kids feel like they are missing out and may come to resent the faith and rebel when they’re older.

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  32. Love your comments on Halloween and spirituality. I couldn’t have said it better. I agree that the best way to live is with love, compassion, a hunger for social justice fully living in the world secular or religious. Too often people want to retreat into a narrow black and white world. It can be dangerous as you described well with the Hassadic Jews. This happens among all faith groups. I think Jesus would be pleased with your attitude about faith. You describe so well what I believe. So let us go and celebrate Halloween. The New York tradition sounds awesome. Blessings on your day.🎃

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  33. Hi,
    I didn’t have time to read all the comments, so perhaps someone has already said this, but it is something to think about. Halloween is the only time non-Christians come to our door asking for what we have to give!! I mean think of that!! It is mind-boggling. Now, I don’t advocate beating them over the head with tracts or the Bible, or anything like that, but we can show love and engage in conversation. And in the South where I live, we have “trunk or treat” parties at church which are fantastic opportunities to introduce people to Biblical thoughts.
    Anyway, I just thought that was a great way to think of Halloween.
    Blessings to you~

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  34. so well said!!! Thank you for this insight. I am trying to raise my toddler– and as the world is becoming further and further away from my faith and God— I am honestly worried. and I too thought– I can’t just shield her from the entire world. What good is that? I believe God is always testing our faith.. this world- it is an entire test!! It is what keeps our faith so strong.

    And I definitely am not shielding my daughter from innocent fun of trick or treating!! (although, I may limit her chocolate afterwards HAHA)

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  35. You’re right, it is difficult to decide where to draw lines at. Growing up, our house was a “no Halloween, no Santa” zone. But only after enormous amounts of research into the origins of every single little tradition. By the time I was in high school my parents had realized that if you research almost anything long enough, it will contradict what the Bible says. In the end, it’s all just a big balancing act trying to maintain the standards that you most want to instill in your children and that you want others to see in you.

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  36. So true. I have always tried to raise my kids the right way, teaching them kindness and empathy of others and those things are gifts from God, that should be passed onto others. In our home we have always celebrated Halloween and even though my kids are grown now, we love opening our doors to all those kids just being kids and sharing smiles with one another.

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  37. Christians can be so annoying at times. I’m a Christian and I posted a Halloween short fiction piece this week called Witches Road. I’m sure some of our followers disapproved of it.

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  38. Sister, I love you — but …

    “Be in the world, but not of the world” is a conformist interpretation of what Christ actually told his disciples — that the reason they were hated by the world was because they were not of the world (John 17:14). Yes, we are physically present, but we are not to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2). That is, we are to be set apart as a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9).

    Not unlike the Hasidic Jews, Christians are to be a distinctive people separated from the customs and traditions of the world. So, in my home there are no carved pumpkins, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, or Easter eggs. None of these are Christian traditions although some Christians have adopted them.

    One of Israel’s greatest sins was that it adopted the customs and traditions of the heathen nations. Of course, they were judged harshly by the LORD for their disobedience, and expelled from the land.

    When the world looks at a Christian they should have the same sense that you expressed with regards to the Hasidic Jews.

    People of God should be distinct, and hated for their distinction. It is not our duty to make Christianity attractive to the world, but to be the light of the world — which hates the light because it exposes people’s sin.

    When my sister stopped believing in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny she decided that Mom and Dad lied about God as well. Halloween is a Celtic tradition which is the summer sacrifice to the Druidic gods. The only way to escape the god of death was to wear a costume or disguise. Like Israel, Christians have co-opted these traditions and, in so doing, have conformed to the world.

    We can’t use the defense of Christian liberty, either. We don’t have the liberty to drink, for example, if it causes a brother (in recovery) to stumble. We don’t have the liberty to celebrate Halloween if, by so doing, a brother might conclude that it’s alright to consult a fortune teller. An elder in my church, exercising his liberty, collected boxes of pornographic magazines which he kept hidden from his wife. No, when Paul wrote that all things are lawful (1 Corinthians 10:23) the literal Greek text reads:

    “All things that are lawful to do, I may do”, but not even that is absolute if what you do causes a brother to sin.

    Solomon, when he adopted the customs and traditions of his pagan wives, fell out of favor with God. Caralyn, you are a seed of truth planted amongst a garden of weeds, but Jesus warned that the weeds grow up and choke the good seed.

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    1. Hi friend, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. This is definitely a powerful perspective, and I appreciate you sharing it with me. I definitely agree that we need to be the light of the world. that is how i try to live my life every day. I know I fall short a lot, but I do try. Thanks again for stopping by. lots of powerful food for thought. Hugs and love xox

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  40. I am a little late weighing in on this. I have been too busy with life to read much; however, I am glad I took time to read this. I believe that you are on target. As Christians we are called to be His light in the world. We are not called to exile ourselves from secular society. If we did that we could never go to a ball game or watch television. Halloween is not about devil worship, it is about kids and candy and spooky, scary fun. Just because I dress up like Dracula doesn’t mean that I am a vampire or a devil worshiper. It is “pretend.” If I dress up like an angel it does not mean that I am one. If you are so insecure in your salvation that you cannot pass out candy at halloween, then you need help.

    God Bless!!

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  41. You made a cute angel. I like what’s God’s is God’s and what’s man’s is man’s. It was a social compromise for certain holidays. I have a Rabbi friend and, we go to the deli. We don’t discuss religion unless he’s come to church or I’ve gone to Temple. So. We split a sandwich and talk. My Amish friends are much the same way. Yes. Insular. Yes. Women are more restricted but, one must hope they are somehow finding a path to God without the pop culture influence of man. I really don’t know who’s path is, more better. I do like the sense of community of people that you can touch. That believe. That trust in faith. It’s all very powerful.

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    1. Aw thanks Kenzie! This is a great perspective – it’s true – what’s God’s is God’s. It really makes me think about what I *should* be giving to God that I’m not right now. Hmmm sobering. Thanks for stopping by! Hope you’re having a great night 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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      1. I’m in New Orleans. 😳I think it’s, important to keep your spiritual self more than fellowship. Humans are social and there can be misguided leaders. Pop culture is a kind of religion itself with, similar restrictions on female behavior as Hassidism. In dress. In attitude. I want to think all of us if we are with God we are giving the most for our communities. I’m not the best guy but it does help me to see people as, people.

        I like that about you, also. That you are a person that has tried hard to keep God, in everything. I’m sensitive to the struggle of others because I’m, right there. A paycheck away from just, losing it all. It’s not your fault that what you say may appear as insensitive. We are all working toward our authentic selves.

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      3. I don’t know how you make it New York. The tolls to get there from Chicago are $400 for me. I’m glad you’re there though. It’s where the serious actors go. My friend in LA, sold a screenplay, went to Mexico for a month, came back broke. That’s a great example of the working actors between LA and NY.

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      5. When Coke gave me all those truckloads of water for Hurricane Sandy. I used my last week’s paycheck for tolls for six of us. Then, my card for the rest. It’s a hundred to cross the GW bridge. Plus, parking tickets at the deliveries. Even, during disasters.

        Unlike larger companies where, you do get 80% back I get 10-20%.

        I was triathlon training at the time so I just used my bike savings and, skipped a few races. Oh well.

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  42. Hi BBB,

    Yes, we need to be salt and light that does affect our world. I am seeing believers hidibg out and it is easy to close the door to our neighbors. If there was ever a time we need believers to be all in it is now. Other Christians may not get it, but Jesus does.

    In the next week or two I am doing a post on this subject. It is called “50/50”. The idea is that believers who have faced challenges or even death in their life know they live in two worlds. This temporal one is passing away and not where we find out happiness. Our forefathers knew this, but society is changing. I wanted to do a thank you for those people I know who live in with one foot on this world, but are also walking in Eternity. I wanted to showcase a few bloggers, such as your self who live this. I wanted to give you all shout outs for what you do, a link to your blog, and whatever you want to promote. Being a writer it is easy to work on a solitary fashion. However, I feel like the Lord is telling me to support and work with others in online ministry. This is a first step and if you feel like this is something to do let me know. I am asking folks to send me a link and if you have a digital pic, great, I can use an cartoon Avatar. If you have any question or concerns you can email me at: garyavants66@gmail.com.

    Thank you,

    Gary

    On Mon, Oct 30, 2017 at 4:00 PM BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

    > beautybeyondbones posted: “Halloween in Greenwich Village in NYC is a > cultural happening. Lower Manhattan literally shuts down during the parade. > Imagine MardiGras, but with costumes and candy, and where the temperature > is hovering right above freezing. It is something you just ha” >

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    1. Hey Gary! Thanks for sharing this. I can’t wait to read 50/50! It sounds like an incredible idea. And wow, I am truly honored that you would want to include me on your list! Sure thing. I will send you that stuff right away. Thanks again 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  43. Hi Caralyn.. Life was busy this past week, so I read Monday’s post now, following Thursday’s. When I heard of the attack in NYC, I immediately thanked our Lord Jesus for Him guiding you by His Spirit to choose to be with your Mom and Dad, then I could pray for the injured, and their families, along with the families of those who were deceased.

    Anyhow, you nailed it on this post, when you wrote:
    “Where does that joy come from? Answer: Jesus at the center of your life.”

    Jesus Christ is the True Giver JOY, by His Spirit:

    Galatians 5:22
    22–23 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions:
    joy that overflows,
    peace that subdues,
    patience that endures,
    kindness in action,
    a life full of virtue,
    faith that prevails,
    gentleness of heart, and
    strength of spirit.
    Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

    The actions of a few, comparatively speaking, on Hallowe’en, cannot be allowed to stop our Christian children and grandchildren from having fun, either at a church / school party, or getting candy from neighbours. A few on our street go waayyy overboard, in decorating eerily, but when our grandchildren come over they skip those houses.
    Somehow, as Christ followers, we need to influence our communities, but if we stay away from everything they do, how will we ever meet and chat, and have an opportunity to share Christ.

    Thank you for another blessing Caralyn,
    God Bless You Abundantly,
    Luv,
    George
    😀🌹❤️😘

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    1. Hi George! Thanks so much for that – yeah what a sad day for nyc, and then today in Texas. It really is so tragic. What is happening in the world? Lord, help us. That’s so true – we need to be a light in the darkness. Thanks for this encouragement. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  44. I love the way you think deep about things. It’s so hard to find that these days. Personally, a God given vision burning in my heart has always been my guiding light to keep me on track. That, and “Prayer before coffee”. Thanks for visiting my site. I’ll drop in here from time to time just to see how you’re doing. The journey of a soul is always interesting.

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  46. This is very good. As I just had my first child, I had to ponder this Halloween whether or not to celebrate. My husbands parents lock their doors, shut off all their lights, and ask holier than thou over anyone who chooses to trick or treat. My parents pick crazy costumes and drive around to everyone they know and love to get pictures with loved ones and lots of candy. Halloween IS a satanic holiday actually, so that bothers me. I don’t think it is something to be “celebrated”. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. But I still handed out candy. Maybe next year I will hand out little bibles or something. I’m still not sure what we will do, but I know for certain that closing yourself off to the world will only shut others off to Christ. I do know that I WILL always hand out candy. 🙂 because that’s what Jesus would do. Smile and greet all those beloved little children and tell them they are loved. ❤️

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  47. Hello there I am new to this whole blog thing but I am doing my best to work my site up! I would really appreciate some loving or critiquing if you have a minute. I am working to share the love of Jesus as well. Thank you so much and have a great day:)

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