Holiday Thoughts on Celebrating + A Giveaway

Halloween is such a strange "holiday". I've never been a fan of the scary and creepy, mostly because it makes me uncomfortable and reminded of darkness and hopelessness. I guess you could say, it's sort of a spiritual thing. As a kid, I remember enjoying dressing up and having class parties with pumpkins and scarecrows -- but I disliked the witches and blood that I always saw. Each year we had to bring our sweet little black cat, Luv,  in from outside because we knew that she might get harmed, especially on Halloween night! When we were out for Halloween night, we would often return home to see that the pumpkins on our porch had been smashed despite our bowl of candy left out. That always gave me a bit of apprehension for what could happen during the night.

So how will I handle Halloween as a parent? For now, having only a 2 year old and another on the way, we don't even go trick-or-treating because -- well... candy...and bedtime. I actually have never gone in my life. I had fun handing out candy at my parents house, but some of the kids were dressed so gross, honestly! Tonight we'll dress up our little guy in a cute little costume [probably Tarzan!] and take some pictures, have some friends over -- it will be a great night :)

When we go on walks -- Marshall thinks calls the ghosts that we see in front of people's houses, SNOWMEN! ...and I don't correct him! :)

The holidays I'm looking forward more are THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS!!!! I can't wait :) For Thanksgiving, we actually will be able to be with extended family and a lovely gluten free spread! And for Christmas, we will be pioneering new traditions for our little family. Our church will have a Christmas Eve service and then the adults will carol in bars afterward to meet people who are often lonely and far from Jesus (I mean who do you think is in bars on Christmas Eve?)

Speaking of Christmas, have you noticed that Christmas decorations are already flooding the stores? Go ahead, push out Halloween -- fine by me! Well, I guess it is time to start preparing! King of Christmas sent me an email this week about sharing their giveaway this month --and it is seriously one to celebrate -- so I wanted you guys to know about it!

This great giveaway is super simple to enter and the prizes are (1) their Cypress Spruce Christmas Tree with LED Lights and (2) a $100 gift card to their website! If you need a Christmas tree or ornaments, you should really check them out! They have free shipping, Unlit artificial Christmas trees and 7 foot artificial Christmas trees!

There are so many things to celebrate -- and I don't think Halloween sends quite the right message. Speaking of which, tomorrow is November 1st, All Saint's Day -- and my mom's birthday! :) ahhh much better!

Comment below, because I'd love to know: How does your family celebrate Halloween? What are you looking forward to in holidays coming up?

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Women of Faith - Reflections

Women of Faith this past weekend was my first conference EVER! It was such an amazing and rejuvenating time! I went with three other women from Coastal and loved sharing in the conference and debriefing together as we traveled. The area was packed with women from all sorts of backgrounds, brought together to worship and learn about Jesus Christ! During the opening time of musical worship, I closed my eyes several times to really take in the magnitude of the gathering of women -- and hear so many voices joining in to sing to the King!

I had never heard any of the speakers or musicians LIVE before, so I was in for quite an awakening! I mean, seriously, these people are ALIVE and extremely purposeful with their lives and mission. Natalie Grant, people -- she's a powerhouse!!! I had NO idea that she had such a killer voice until I heard her live. The radio and recordings really don't do her justice! God is using his people in mighty ways. These are people who have grown and overcome by the power of GOD -- they are not pansies. they are not cookie cutter. they are not perfect. their lives have NOT been easy.

I took notes on ever speaker throughout the weekend, and thought I would share with you a few of the nuggets of hope, truth, and inspiration! On the first night we heard from Lysa TerKeurst -- one of the ladies I was looking forward to hearing from the MOST!

{image from Lysa's website}

I was given a copy of Unglued by my friend Angie, and have been really appreciated her honesty and wisdom. I and am hoping to pick up a copy of The Best Yes very soon as well. Hearing her speak live last Friday night brought even more life and reality to her books, for me. She has 5 kids, people, and so much wisdom to share! She made me realize that I am really at the beginning of my life's journey of parenting, womanhood, and ministry.

The Best Yes&Unglued {amazon affliate links}

Lysa taught from 2 Samuel 20 starting in verse 16 where a city was under siege and one.wise.woman. called out, "Listen" for her wise plan to be heard. She was respected as wise, and approached the situation with humility, sound assurance, and the people listened to her advice. She had proven faithful, and they knew her advice was wise. How? She established patterns of wisdom. 

I pray you are blessed with these words!

Have you ever been to a conference before? What did you glean from the experience?

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