Good Friday

As you know, today is Good Friday. The day we celebrate Jesus' death, which seems rather weird to say. But we do celebrate. Not like other holidays, where there's food and fun, but in a more solemn way. And, although it's sad that Jesus died, he came back to life. That He thought us worthy of dying for is in itself a thing to celebrate.

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" -which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." Immediately one of them ran and for a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
(Matthew 27:45-50)

Christmas or mas?

Ah, only a few more days until Christmas. Just the thought of the food, the presents, and the fun is making me happy. But too often -far too often- we forget what the season is really about. And what I have been wondering lately, is that if someone doesn't believe in God, then why do they celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is the day where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. All Christians know that. Christmas = Christ + mas. The most simple way to say it is this:
If you take away Christ from Christmas, what do you have? Christmas - Christ = mas. And what, now, exactly, is a mas? I don't know either. So if all of these people -people who don't believe in God- aren't celebrating Christmas, what are they celebrating?

I truly just don't get it. Christmas has become too commercial, too material. It's too much about 'Santa Clause' and presents. And worse- it's not even enough about giving. So many times this year, I have been asked what I want. I don't really want any stuff. I want to become a better Christian, but that is not a gift one can give. People are forgetting what the season is truly about- the birth of Jesus.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2: 6-7)

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2: 16-18)

So all of you, please remember the story behind the holiday. And I would appreciate comments; I love hearing other's points of view. Thanks!

Thanksgiving- Giving Thanks

Wow, it's already Thanksgiving! I can hardly believe it. This month (and year) have flown by. I can't wait until mealtime. All that turkey, and dressing, and cranberry sauce! That's not even the best part! Mmm. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bars, oatmeal pie... Yum. My mouth's watering thinking about it.

But that isn't all. We have to remember that Thanksgiving isn't just about the food, family, and fun. It's about giving thanks. I'm sure you all know the story of Thanksgiving. But a lot of times, we don't remember the story behind the holiday. We get caught up in the fun, and forget what it's really about. So on this day, remember to thank God for all those things that he has blessed you with.

Now, you may have a lot of stuff and a lot of money, so you have a lot to be thankful for. But you may have not very much stuff, not very much money, and live in a tiny apartment. You have a lot to be thankful for too. Because no matter who you are, I'm sure you have at least one of these things: good parents; loving friends; wacky siblings; or a pet. And I know two things that everyone -and I mean everyone- has. A loving heavenly Father who you can count on is the first. The second is a beautiful, amazing country and world. So if you don't have anything else to be thankful for (which I'm sure you do) thank God for those. And those things will always be there.

Jessica

15 Things I'm Thankful For

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I thought we'd post 15 things we are(Alex, Jessica and I)thankful for.
I am thankful for....
1.Being a Christian
2.Having all my basic needs met, like food, water, shelter and medical care. It so many people don't have these thing.
3. My family.
4. Protection from dangers like suicide bombers and Communism.
5.Being homeschooled!
6. All of my pets.
7. My piano and musical abilities.
8. My sports activities and the ability to do them.
9.My blogs and the great blogs I read.
10.My wonderful friends!
11. My church and church family.
12. Being a quaint, profound and unusual person.
13. My confidence in myself and others.
14. being content
15. The little things that we take for granted.

If you would like to do this, feel free. Just leave a comment with your blog and name on it.

Is Halloween Evil?

Attention everyone! Though this is posted by me (Jessica) it was actually Savannah who wrote it. Because she doesn't have enough computer time to post, she writes the articles, and I simply put them on the site for her. So here's what Savannah has to say.
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In a few days most people will be carving pumpkins and Trick-or-Treating. But for some people, it will be just an average night.
All my friends are Christians, and 60% to 70% celebrate Halloween. The other 40% to 50% don't have anything to do with it. Recently a friend of mine told me that Halloween was Satan's holiday and celebrating it was worshiping Satan. She asked my sister if we celebrate Halloween and she (my sister) said yes.

My answer to the question: 'Is Halloween evil?' In one sentence my answer is... It can be, but it doesn't have to be.

The same friend that said Halloween is Satan's holiday also said that she thinks her neighbors burn cats as an offering to the Devil on Halloween. Now that would be sick, twisted, cruel and evil. Playing pranks on people is as well. Dressing up in over the top costumes such as the Devil, or scary things I find to be evil as well. But, if you avoid Pagan, cruel, and twisted things that are associated with Halloween, I believe you can celebrate Halloween as a Christian.
In my family we carve pumpkins and Trick-or-Treat for Halloween. We dress up in costumes such as princesses, coal miners, cats, surgeons, old men, or scarecrows. For us, Halloween is about having fun and enjoying Fall, not worshiping Satan.

If you are wondering, 'Why celebrate it if it is even associated with being evil?' Here is my answer: Do you celebrate Christmas? I assume you said yes. Christmas can be evil when the focus is taken off Jesus and onto money and presents, but we celebrate it anyway with the focus on Jesus.

Do you celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?