Tag: Halloween

Categories
holiday

Giant Pumpkin Makes For a Happy Halloween

clusters of pumpkin scattered in the field
Photo by Kelsie Cabeceiras on Pexels.com
Giant pumpkin in a car's trunk - Trunk -n- Treat
Trunk -n- Treat

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!

little girl standing next to wheelbarrow full of pumpkins
Photo by Toni Canaj on Pexels.com

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.

Categories
webcomic

Spooky Customer Service

If there is one thing the Casper, the Friendly Ghost cartoons taught me is that ghosts can have spooky customer service.

Spooky customer service cartoon. A girl says to a ghost, "This is really a bad time for a scare. Can you come back later?"

Judging by the expression of this spirit, I’m guessing he will honor the girl’s wishes. What a nice ghost! I’m sure he will come back later when it’s more convenient.

Continue reading “Spooky Customer Service”
Categories
single panel cartoon webcomic

Mom’s to do List Cartoon

What parent hasn’t had to deal with a to-do list a mile long? My wife has always been a go-getter. Undoubtedly, she inspired this mom’s to do list cartoon

Mom's to do list cartoon. One boy has a scary mask. The other says, "That's nothing. When I want to get scared, I look at Mom's to-do list."

 As amazing as it may seem, there is a cure for the super busy parent. It takes intentionality and discipline. But it is possible. The big challenge is learning to say no when the world seems to be asking us for the moon… and then some!

Continue reading “Mom’s to do List Cartoon”
Categories
Christianity

A Fruitful Fall Event

A Fruitful Fall Event

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to interview a pastor about a fruitful fall event his church held. The children’s pastor at Celebration Church at Arrow Heights held a a family-friendly event the day before Halloween. They christened it the Trunk and Treat Hallelujah Party. Here is a link to the article:

Indiana Church Celebrates Fruitful Fall Outreach, Looks Ahead to Winter and Spring - Church of God Ministries

The organizer of the event has experienced a year of tragedy. But instead of turning inward, she channeled her heartache to ministering in her community. As a result, the area families had a safe, fun fall event that attracted all ages.

Yesterday, I wrote that a prayer of thanks is so powerful. That can be easy when things are going our way. But what about when things are far from ideal? What if we are in a season of tragedy and loss? Can anything good come from sorrow and morning?

By the grace of God, the answer is yes! Granted, it is not healthy to deny our emotions when we experience pain and suffering. We must be honest and allow ourselves to express grief.

But instead of turning inward, we can take our pain and make something beautiful of it.

“He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.”

Isaiah 61:3 NLT

Whatever you are going through, may you find a crown of beauty for ashes.

Categories
holiday

Happy Hallow-Reformation Day!

A flock of birds flying from a cornfield to some trees

Happy Halloween(or Reformation Day)! Yesterday on my run, I encountered what must have been hundreds of birds. As I ran by a cornfield, I heard dozens of wings flutter and a flock took off for the safety of some trees. If it was darker, it would have been a perfectly spooky end of the day.

As I jogged along, I saw and heard more birds. They were chattering while trying to stay warm and dry. I thought about the upcoming winter. The number of birds will be dwindling soon as the cold and short food supplies will test them all.

We experience cycles of life, testing, and death all the time. The days are getting darker and colder where I live. Yet, in six months, it will be a time of rebirth and renewal. It will be a little reformation of the world around us.

Stay safe tonight! Know that no matter how dark things appear, no matter how many ghosts and ghouls come knocking, there will be brighter days ahead. Instead of being part of the dark, be part of the light. May you have a little reformation in your soul and be renewed today.