I was writing notes for my devotionals the other day, and thanks to The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, I came up with a happy and healthy theme.
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Happy and Healthy
A lot has happened since I said, “I do.” On my wedding anniversary, I pondered what thirty-five years of marriage has taught me.
On December 3, 1988, I took the plunge with a lady I had fallen for nearly two years earlier. We began as college classmates, learned to like each other (despite our very different music and fashion tastes), and fell in love, to the surprise of nearly everyone (including us).
Since that unseasonably warm December day, we’ve had a lot of adventures and misadventures. We’ve experienced career changes and loss. And we found ourselves in ministry. Boy! We didn’t see that coming!
Along the way, we raised two great kids, two cats, and a dog who hated children. Considering my wife was in children’s ministry, we didn’t consider that an asset.
There are time-worn tips on how to have a successful marriage. There are also a few lessons I learned along the way.
- How to solve the biggest problem with marriage
- Thoughts on a Marriage (2021)
- Why you can expect change in a marriage
Today, I am pondering some of the lessons I learned. Here are four observations that come to mind.
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Giant Pumpkin Makes For a Happy Halloween
Is everything a competition? Do we need monster squash? Maybe so, because it seems a giant pumpkin makes for a happy Halloween.
Halloween is almost upon us. When I think about this day, it reminds me of some art I did for a Trunk-n-Treat event at my church. Every year, I would fret about how to decorate my trunk for the event. One day, I thought how much easier it would be if I found a pumpkin large enough to fill the entire trunk.
I then considered the size of the candle and the potential fire hazard. I scrapped the idea. But what a sight that would have made!
Behold the Giant Pumpkin!
As Halloween approaches, many people are busy preparing for the holiday. Some may spend hours searching for the perfect costume, while others focus on decorating their homes and yards. For some, however, the real challenge comes in finding the most oversized and most impressive pumpkin.
Everything is a competition these days, and Halloween is no exception. People go to great lengths to grow and display giant pumpkins possible. These behemoth gourds can weigh hundreds of pounds and are often showcased at county fairs and other events. Some even compete in pumpkin-carving contests, showcasing their artistic skills alongside their massive creations.
But is all of this really necessary? Do we really need monster-sized squash to make Halloween enjoyable? Perhaps not, but there is something undeniably impressive about a giant pumpkin. It’s a symbol of the season, and it can make for a great photo op or conversation starter.
Safe Gourding
Of course, there are practical concerns to consider as well. A giant pumpkin might not be the best choice for a Trunk-n-Treat event due to the potential stress on your shock absorbers. Besides that, have you ever tried removing an oversized pumpkin from a car trunk? Oh, the horror!
However, for those who can display these massive gourds safely, they can be a fun and festive addition to any Halloween celebration. Practice safe carving, my friend! And check your local ordinances for transporting massive fruits in your locale.
Have a safe time with your family this evening. Watch out for an errant giant pumpkin. And by the way, Happy All Saints Day!
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
When it comes to fitting faith into your child’s schedule, our children’s calendars are busier than ever. Between school, extracurricular activities, playdates, and family commitments finding time to nurture their spiritual growth feel formidable.
However, just as we prioritize their education and physical well-being, nurturing their faith is even more critical. So, how do we strike the perfect balance between their hectic schedules and their spiritual development? Let’s explore practical tips to fit faith into your child’s schedule.
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How I envy him!
Isn’t it interesting how boys get jealous of those without manners or good personal hygiene? He’s disgusting: how I envy him!
There is such as thing as “boy funk.” Some kids, like adults, must make an extra effort at good hygiene. When I was growing up, the number one role model for kids going through this issue was Pig Pen from the Peanuts comic strip. Yes, that’s most likely where I got the inspiration to draw this cartoon.