tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89383611731107702262024-02-07T10:17:42.918-08:00Honor Him AlwaysA place to share fun and unique ideas to Honor Christ in everything from Holidays to Birthdays to Family night traditions and so much more!Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-5712744543656133252009-04-06T07:13:00.000-07:002009-04-06T10:43:51.491-07:00Easter Eggs and BasketsHoly Week is upon us and I wanted to share with you all some fun ideas the might help you keep the focus on Christ. Our salvation is a gift given through the events we have entered into a celebration of. I pray that we can learn to dwell on this for the whole year and that the entire Holy week would actually feel like a Holy week due to the concentrated time and attention we give it. I'm not there yet with my family but each year we try a little harder to grab the kids attention (and our own) off of "life" and onto the giver of it.<br /><br /><br />Please remember this is not to make you feel guilty or take away any of the fun for your family but it is simply my way of getting your creative wheels spinning.<br /><br /><strong>Spring/Easter Baskets</strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321588989754958530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmr6uG_8vF8rHPfkG23ZharLsBwVSzeeEZR3wJVHoRQgW4enRt2gEiYHfX1sMXox03ZVLE0254I8GemLsJeW5Bfr28YG-50DU-fvrPQU5SsuJQRz0gSYpFZqg_-5yWH7BwYclnvzWZTyk/s320/kids_easter_basket.jpg" border="0" /><br />I have 5 kids and about 2 kids ago we realized that giving each of them an Easter basket full of fun toys, clothes and candy (that I wouldn't even let them eat) of their own was a bit over the top. Here are a few basket related ideas to encourage you to simplify and help you come up with your own way of doing this.<br /><br />- Instead of each family member getting a basket try doing one basket for all to share. Include something that reminds you of each child in it but encourage them to share it all because it is for them all.<br /><br /><br />- Skip the basket thing all together!<br /><br /><br />- If that last one was too hard try doing a Spring Basket at the beginning of spring. You can put all the silly eggs, bunnies, chocolates and goofy stuff in it but give it in the name of the fun season rather than on the most Holy of days! It might be fun to make that a tradition and each year to get a new book your family is going to focus on through the spring season.<br /><br /><strong>Easter Eggs</strong><br /><br />Resurrection Eggs are a fun set of eggs full of symbols that tell the story of the Easter Season. When you buy them they come with a devotional that helps you talk through the events of Holy week with your child. Here are some fun ways to use them as a family:<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321586541635575794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4a7Ozi688CV4hyphenhyphenlNiKeWR981LBQmP1rx49CLxliiL1uZftBNhjYVibPHH99dNCJJPDZsbCULb7ES_HRaqdmlsI71bgN-T21UiqSL_dv4ZfdDP5VD-zrbpO1mY9Y4ymVLtfZuHva2qKoG/s320/eggs.bmp" border="0" /> - Instead of sitting down and doing them in one night use it as your Easter countdown. Do one egg per morning as a family devotional and of course on Easter morning your kids will be delighted with the best egg of all - an empty one... reminding us that Christ has risen indeed!</p><br /><p>- The last couple years we decided to do a scavenger hunt for them. We pulled out the carton like we were going to look at our resurrection eggs and in the carton there was a note from one of the eggs. It said that some guy who doesn't love Jesus had egg-naped them and taken them away so we wouldn't think about Jesus this year. The egg also left a note that if we didn't hurry and find him he might <em>get cooked</em> (hint hint). So the kids ran to the kitchen to save the egg (which they found in the oven) and when they brought it back we opened it, talked about what was inside and then read the note the next egg had given that egg for us. Each egg they went searching for we assigned a new head investigator so that our oldest didn't get to find all of them. It was tons of fun and really kept all of their attention!</p><br /><p>- I was also thinking that this year we would do Easter Egg hunts for fun throughout the season but on Ressurection Day we might just skip that and leave the focus where it belongs - on Christ!</p>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-61669413487154803582009-03-04T19:27:00.000-08:002009-03-04T19:51:44.230-08:00Easter Celebrations<span style="color:#6666cc;">I plan on coming back in here (eventually) and making these more detailed and informative but this is all just taken from notes I used in a class taught to 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> graders last year. This might help you explain to younger ones all the wonderful days of reflection and celebration the Easter season has in it. May God be glorified in this season by us all!</span><br /><strong><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>Ash Wednesday</strong> </span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Ash Wednesday is the 40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays. It is the first day of Lent and is always on a Wednesday (duh). It was a biblical tradition to throw ash over your head to show repentance and at a lot of church services on this day the pastor will use their finger to put an ash cross on our heads while saying something like "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">repent</span> and hear the good news".</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#6666cc;">Lent</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;">Lent is the 40 days, leading to Easter, not counting Sundays (didn't I just say that above?). The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lenten</span> season begins on Ash Wednesday. It symbolizes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">the</span> desert. Lent is a time for people to reflect and prepare for Holy week (the week we celebrate the events leading up to Christs' death and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">resurrection</span>).</span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;">Easter is the celebration of a wonderful gift from God. His love for us should be our ultimate source of joy and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">contentment</span>. During Lent it is a common practice for us to fast from one of the things in our lives that we think brings us joy. Missing out on that food, activity or thing can be a constant reminder to us that indeed our Joy is in the Lord (or at least it should be!).</span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">Palm Sunday</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday. It is the first day of Holy week, a day when we celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jerusalem</span> on the back of donkey. Crowd of people lined the streets waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna" to Jesus. Sadly later the same crowds shouted "crucify him". </span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#6666cc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Maundy</span> Thursday</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;">This is the day we celebrate the Lord's Supper where Jesus introduced the breaking of bread and drinking of wine in remembrance of what He was about to do for us. The word <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Maundy</span> comes from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">latin</span> word <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mandatum</span> </em>meaning commandment. It was on this day that Jesus said "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you". </span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;">Holy Thursday, as this day is also known, is also a time to reflect on Jesus washing the disciples feet ( a humble act of service), Jesus suffering in Gethsemane, and also the betrayal of Judas.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#6633ff;">Good Friday</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#6633ff;">This is the day we reflect on Jesus' crucifixion. Although that is a very sad thing to think about, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">because</span> it is our sins that put Him on the cross, there is also such joy in knowing that he was willing to do that for you and I and most importantly there is hope for us all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">because</span> he conquered death and is truly a king of kings!</span>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-49713626528256717772009-03-04T17:55:00.000-08:002009-03-04T18:15:49.703-08:00St. Patrick's Day Symbols<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3VWvuB6ki6BJ1s1Jwf2QScAiFTiGJVafwMWZcrc7P7mnjQ7g53xDAXQY9epH5aMmcVNy1TQzb8DVHljktjDvH1kuuhqOM6jKn_5hakLxTh8iN2YhCcwKMl4OlCxMVrBmQhQC25rKc6_6/s1600-h/blarney+stone.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309518266224434050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3VWvuB6ki6BJ1s1Jwf2QScAiFTiGJVafwMWZcrc7P7mnjQ7g53xDAXQY9epH5aMmcVNy1TQzb8DVHljktjDvH1kuuhqOM6jKn_5hakLxTh8iN2YhCcwKMl4OlCxMVrBmQhQC25rKc6_6/s320/blarney+stone.bmp" border="0" /></a> <div><strong>Blarney Stone</strong></div><div><strong></strong>- The Blarney Stone is a stone set in the wall of the Blarney Castle tower in the Irish village of Blarney. Kissing the stone is supposed to bring the kisser the gift of persuasive eloquence. The legend says that an old woman revealed the power of the stone to reward a king who had saved her from drowning. Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to speak sweetly and convincingly. It's difficult to reach the stone, kissers have to lie on their back and bend backward or downward while holding iron bars for support.</div><br /><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309518257584685970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8encmsIfI-tyxnocsT9jpdUIb7qSG2b4DpTGmp_VkDvk-6kZ9ym9Od_V4KE0-emH-B-aX7nv_vWnOH1s9ehyZTT-0IRN-5MeAvYiwMQi2Gs4u64EIC3ISWKRFnaL6Z-n81QzMnMDiAFf/s320/shamrock.jpg" border="0" /> <div><strong>The Shamrock</strong></div><div>- An Irish clover. There is not actually one type of clover that is a shamrock.</div><br /><div>- This symbol stems from a story that Patrick used a three leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it to show that although the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three separate people they can still be one.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309518260416090402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYumCiMVFWvtYIM1df0vZr0ePsJUbrOBlAYOWQ0c3GKUlJAZLY-CfbmftJY0xodac6-KPrumFoFxB5QYy-ewL8sc6W97mzjDSh2j1gu8jbthelyoMf0zgu2Q3ChbAiXhSLh6hrYwLzWGij/s320/raibow.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><strong>Rainbow with a pot of gold</strong></div><div>- All I know is that we need to quit seeing this as a symbol of anything other than the Creator of it! St. Patrick's Day or not there is great joy in knowing the same God who made this thing (or not a thing but an pattern of light on rain???) also made me, knows me by name and loves me! I believe the rainbow should remind us of God's love over us and the pot of gold is a reminder of the richness when you rest in it!</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309518261235053298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY233gzQSMQyp-KSTuLcMcuFpfL4smWjPJvS2BRp5uraljOC6ctGnzOiGhIBaHEbCjpYx_w6WNW_4Ny_aznX3I47aTwIfyTot-LLi0V7SOZGIIZaCVwDMzDa6T7fC9zYGXXn6AIQS0o0Ci/s320/pinch.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Pinching<br />- I don't have much to say about this except I sure loved hiding green somewhere in my outfit when I was in school so people would think they get to pinch me and then I got to point out I had a dot of green pen on my shoe and ruin all the fun! Ha Ha - what a great sense of humor I have always had huh?Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-30769923964399341032009-03-04T09:30:00.000-08:002009-03-04T19:25:16.504-08:00Easter BooksHere are two Easter books I HIGHLY recommend... they are both written for younger kids and our family has already read them both several times this Lenten season. The first one is super cheap and the second is not expensive but it's around 10 dollars. The only suggestion I would give is when you read the title and everywhere in the book it has that phrase I change it to "Easter is for YOU and ME"... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">in fact</span> the kids love that part because I say the "Easter is for YOU" and they, as well as dad, yell back "and ME".<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309386776639798722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfquW8KZwg28689nzKXQFl5URleHcrERAQFUQOImOwUZ9iywm_mXkuzTMUVuGMdz3n-MIYDr9KB9Oc_2Bd1a_e8xl1PkARaAnU5kq5I3UQuq_im-54B_VMpJs2-tHSN1fsIcgUkpI4f7o/s320/easter.jpg" border="0" /><br />The one above is written around all the activities we do around Easter time and how they all relate back to the meaning of the season and the one below is written in a format telling the story of Jesus. It says things like "when he called the disciples to follow Him, I think he was calling me (obviously I change that to "I think he was calling you" and the kids yell back "and me". It also has a page saying how he healed the lame and "He knew He would need to heal me" it is super good with great pictures as well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdIX6LHZKXUd3UF-BBBTw1nhcjz-QDfHhWf5jIQsI2uJaqJUk1IDvvpNhSMa2TQJj1SICWuyCHC-cjxXOTwJgQRxfdrOvE5g9aAh75qquYVkd3y5Xl124mkLacDgUU0O-PbPS1SfmV1ix/s1600-h/easter1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309386774625753490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdIX6LHZKXUd3UF-BBBTw1nhcjz-QDfHhWf5jIQsI2uJaqJUk1IDvvpNhSMa2TQJj1SICWuyCHC-cjxXOTwJgQRxfdrOvE5g9aAh75qquYVkd3y5Xl124mkLacDgUU0O-PbPS1SfmV1ix/s320/easter1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div></div></div>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-59291571822619985202009-02-20T12:53:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:15:02.968-08:00St. Patricks Day<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304990620074543490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORYi2TTTd6o_77ufBijLhdPMaWzf0JNKPzmdfl2QmLSw7WXHFYZsbWJmKmQwQTlCdB14_mvYS0WqDZRMLVfpDY4hi3s49DXabDt_x2Rny9fgiNus3KxrAoVszHgOpwrknpZhcT5IQ6mSF/s320/st-patricks-day.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#33cc00;">Okay... here is your brief history lesson on who St. Patrick really was and how he became known as the patron saint of Ireland. Obviously this is history and some parts are disputed but overall most of my research has led to this basic conclusion.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Around 390 A.D. a young boy named Maewyn Succat (later to become Patricus also known as Patrick) was born to Calpernius, a Roman-British army officer. It is believed he was born in either Scotland or Roman England. One day while growing up in Britain he was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. He is believed to have been a slave for around 6 years and the stories around his escape/freedom are varied. That is not the point. The point is that at some point God intervened in this young mans life, he studied to become a bishop and felt God calling him back to Ireland to convert people to Christianity and a relationship with Jesus. He also set up schools and churches all over the area. Ireland was a very pagan nation and the Celtic's really didn't appreciate his teaching or good doing. He was arrested several times and escaped each of them. St. Patrick spent about 20 years traveling Ireland preaching the word of God. March 17th is the day he died and the day chosen to celebrate him.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">So, this St. Patrick's day I encourage you to talk less about green things, leprechauns, and gold and spend more time talking about: </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><span style="color:#33cc00;"><br />- Loving the lost and having a desire to see them saved. Learn the great commission as a family.<br />- Who the Irish people are - learn about their culture not just the rumores about them.<br />- What it means to be pagan and how confusing it can be for seekers to find truth with so many pagan beliefs out there.<br />- How even when things seem horrible we need to stay true to God and have faith that He has a plan and will use all things to bring glory and honor to Himself. We are the tools but he is the master planner.<br />- Unlike Leprechauns who keep their treasure hidden we are called to be lights leading the way to the ultimate treasure.<br /></span><br /><br /></span><p><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;">No promises but I will try to get on here soon and post some fun holiday ideas. And don't forget that I said spend LESS time not NO time talking about all the silly stuff. My sister-in-law lets her kids have Lucky Charms (a forbidden sugar cereal in our home) and I might just do that as well this year. <strong></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Don't turn Jesus into a party pooper - He delights in our family fun - just don't forget to HONOR HIM ALWAYS and include Him in the party!</strong></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-7829767969853670352009-02-17T09:13:00.001-08:002009-03-04T09:16:05.581-08:00Valentine's Day - Valentines<span style="color:#ff6666;">Well, I hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day! Here are a few fun "Valentine" ideas. </span><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Instead of candy why not give something their moms might actually let them keep this year. Kenyon gave out pencils with a note that said... Kenyons "write" you are AWESOME! The ones pictured show a different saying but I realized it sounded funny and changed them.</span></div><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303816840270644338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFI62YPD0IKx-F_apCR5l7kuP0ZItyQgYE8YOI584eBkwkvPwBW9MTlmE9zf9El3djFlIGJWkXHYrSJxF6r5EAPWol80bstYKMgk2v7T_FfYPsxKMh5fImFaJuQy-eT8VhyphenhyphenHA9uqdlGPs9/s320/2009+February+263.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Adia being 10 and very emberassed to give boys anything lovey decided to make stress balls (balloons full of corn starch) and attach a not saying... Don't STRESS - I'll be your friend! </span></div><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303816846762728274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BZktPC7V3Bn8PhyZz658yNTiQBrUs1QFgDM01b8StGADouX3cGFIrjftnQ58r-14fndOTlcvxOOzS0ddEINwBVIzX6rHESKjRselIUQSi3ywlt18_jS64SzMTvAFziQZDaKpRZWsp_q_/s320/2009+February+285.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;">For the girls she made bracelets (strips of ribbon hot glued to felt - then she added velcro circles to make them attach) in a bag with a candy ring and the note said "I'm all wrapped up in this friendship" and some said "This friendship has me all wrapped up".<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303816845007591394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3V323o6xFG9yks8GSwepS3vaLUtnh27Jjt7NK7iTdqUIls6WbSLJZanWLjS17G5c9KddScht6Dh9L5pbK7t7m7XAQYPNLoBRusQbCnDxtH45XtDIoElqE-mXBeEwDaKCqodWDBgdNT01/s320/2009+February+286.jpg" border="0" /></span></div></div></div></div><br /><p><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span></p><p><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Avery went with the candy and made candy filled rocks with an attached note saying "Friend - you rock!". These were a bit more time consuming and messy but lots of fun. You take small candies, wrap them in tissue, wrap that in foil and then dip it in prepared plaster of paris - when that dries you paint them to look like rocks. We made our red and pink rocks to stick with the theme. Also to make sure people knew to break them open we put them in a bag that said "Break Me".</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303816850288618322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK49dipiJH4rG2Q_8x3cM747Ts8-qXlzqzDPvVwA0_4t5YsPJ8_cikjZrSwp10R9U7exHaWWH2I2GTNDdsd8RI-BQjtWcNWvjym_LIBSBteJUKeK3b7HDh8-BhXrxQCI9nBtJH5W5L9my/s320/2009+February+258.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span></p>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-53196224586141346382009-01-10T21:46:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:16:28.542-08:00Martin Luther King Jr. Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlyzjEqD8rlYBHP3Y2ucf4Z6AwtPilmlRZ2pTAX1qbvsAVpH3G8wF_fzcRUArnw8EbVM0cE_7c8s-DPLYvHbT-kst1ynfBSoOw1kAZP3gg7RpZUCUYmg3afw9q-uQwgBsJiCjecfebDdN/s1600-h/martin+luther+king.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291575667993839890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlyzjEqD8rlYBHP3Y2ucf4Z6AwtPilmlRZ2pTAX1qbvsAVpH3G8wF_fzcRUArnw8EbVM0cE_7c8s-DPLYvHbT-kst1ynfBSoOw1kAZP3gg7RpZUCUYmg3afw9q-uQwgBsJiCjecfebDdN/s320/martin+luther+king.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>"Without justice, there can be no peace. He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it."</strong><br />Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<br /><br /><div>Pretty soon we will all have a 3 day weekend in honor of one of our nations heroes. I am embarrassed to admit that most of my life I never cared about this holiday or what it represented but I do remember when all of that changed. I was planning out a lesson for Adia, our first year homeschooling, and I remember thinking how important it was for her to grasp the injustice that MLK fought so hard against. Well, when the day came to actually teach her about it we had a biography on him to read and as I started reading (with the goal of opening her heart to issues of justice) the tears came streaming down and I couldn't even talk. I was overwhelmed at the importance of what this hero fought for and had so much guilt that before this day I never really cared. Obviously by wanting so badly for my daughter to "get it" I knew it mattered but I honestly just didn't ever think about it. Soon after that we read our first American Girls book about Addie (a slave girl who runs away with her mom and has to leave behind family) and once again my heart was being torn for what people have gone through over the ages and how much I take for granted my life of little worries. At first I seemed to just wonder if I really would have been a part of the problem or the solution back then. Now 5 years later God has opened my eyes even more and shown me that I don't just have to wonder how I would have reacted then... the fact is slavery still is exist (and in bigger numbers than before), evil injustices are taking place all around us TODAY and just like many back then I have not been a part of the solution, I have closed my eyes to it and I am horrably humbled and sorry for allowing this disconnect to take place in my mind that allows me to know this and yet go on as if I do not. </div><div></div><div>Wow! That was kind of deeper than I meant to go but hey - it's my heart and I had to share.</div><div></div><div>So here are a couple fun things you can do to start softening your childrens hearts to these matters. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>For the little ones</strong>,</div><div></div><div>There are some cute poems and books out there based on a box of crayons and how the crayons didn't like one of the colors to begin with until they realized the value each of them had and how boring the world would be without each of them. This is a simple way to help our young children relate to racism and how mean and ugly it is.<strong> </strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Box of Crayons:</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div>poem #1 </div><div>Wouldn't it be terrible? Wouldn't it be sad? If just one single color was the color that we had? If everything was purple? Or red? Or blue? Or green? If yellow, pink, or orange was all that could be seen? Can you just imagine how dull world would be If just one single color was all we got to see? </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>poem #2</div><div>While walking in a toy store the day before today, I overheard a crayon box with many things to say. "I don't like red!" said yellow. And green said, "Nor do I!" And no one here likes orange, but no one knows quite why." "We are a box of crayons that really doesn't get along," said blue to all the others "something here is wrong!" Well, I bought that box of crayons and took it home with me and laid out all the crayons so the crayons could all see. They watched me as I colored with red and blue and green and black and white and orange and every color in between. They watched as greenbecame the grass and blue became the sky. The yellow sun was shining bright on white clouds drifting by. Colors changing as they touched, becoming something new. They watched me as I colored. They watched till I was through. And when I'd finally finished, I began to walk away. And as I did the crayon box had something more to say... "I do like red!" said the yellow and green said, "So do I!" "And blue you are terrific so high up in the sky." "We are a box of crayons each of us unique, but when we get together the picture is complete." NOW IF WE COULD JUST LEARNFROM THIS BOX OF CRAYONSTHIS WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE. by Shane DeRolf</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>When we read these poems last year I printed them out in color for the kids. We read it, talked about it and then did a craft coloring our own crayons to put in crayon box and hang up on the wall... I don't have a good picture of ours but this is all over the internet so you can just google the topic and you will find lots of cute ideas to do with it. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>For the Older Children,</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div></div><div><strong>Justice Gathering</strong></div><div>There is so much you could do... this year I am having some kids over and we are going to focus on what MLK stood for. We are also going to talk about William Wilberforce and the amazing story he has as well. This holiday is not just to honor Martin Luther King but to also honor what he stood for and that is JUSTICE! So when I have the kids over (ages 10 and up) we are going to...</div><div>- talk about MLK and discuss what he stood for, his courage and how he honored God by lovingly seeking justice.</div><div>-watch the movie Amazing Grace which is the story of William Wilberforce and discuss how he fought for the majority of his life for one cause and let nothing get in his way. WOW!</div><div>-lastly we are going to talk about slavery today and all sorts of injustices that are happening now. We are going to discuss that God hates injustice (the Bible is very clear on that!) and that we are all called to do something! </div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Great Book... Be the Change</strong></div><div>This is a book written by a young man (12 at the writing of it I think) who when studying abolitionist realized that we still need them today and began a program called Loose Change to Loosen Chains. He has an amazing heart for God and has done much to open awareness to things like slavery, abortion, sex trafficking and so many other things MLK would have stood with him to fight!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Get Involved</strong></div><div>There are a ton of organizations that continue to fight to fee the slaves today and I would encourage you to get involved with them at some level... even if that is just receiving their newsletters and praying for the ministry</div><div></div><div>- <a href="http://www.ijm.org/">http://www.ijm.org/</a> International Justice Mission</div><div>The founder of IJM, mentioned above, is Gary Haugen and I would strongly suggest reading any of his books on the topic. Starting with The Good News About Injustice (they have a youth edition). </div><div>- <a href="http://www.love146.org/">http://www.love146.org/</a> Love 146</div><div>This is a group started by a group of people who went to India to see for themselves some of the major oppression taking place their. When they went into a brothel posed as customers they were horrified to see not only were these little girls for sale they had their names taken away and were only given a number. Most of the girls looked like they had given up the fight - they had been there too long and had lost who they were... but #146 seemed like she still had fight left in her eyes and must have been new to this evil world they brought her to. This website will help you find ways to support the cause to end sex trafficing, learn more about it and so much more.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Read and Reflect on Matthew 25:31-46</strong> (New International Version)<br />The Sheep and the Goats 31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.<br />34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'<br />37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'<br />40"The King will reply, <strong>'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'<br /></strong>41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'<br />44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'<br />45"He will reply, <strong>'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' </strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div>May we all learn to care more, do more and sacrifice more for the people in this world who need us!</div>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-69092017244467800272008-12-19T07:05:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:17:11.437-08:00Annual Ornaments<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3Gsjz7btkHPGrcf6V2bjry92OMbZW7SZbGHNH90OIeQqhTvWlJCZ_hrOkoBZitYRnd3QwybsjQyvMebURTfuFvsTFOOMA1AnJ-KaHSbTdL-XNPqqDwGLOHCT_5eOonLJnA4pIjdchGzp/s1600-h/2008+December+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281518036022600882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3Gsjz7btkHPGrcf6V2bjry92OMbZW7SZbGHNH90OIeQqhTvWlJCZ_hrOkoBZitYRnd3QwybsjQyvMebURTfuFvsTFOOMA1AnJ-KaHSbTdL-XNPqqDwGLOHCT_5eOonLJnA4pIjdchGzp/s320/2008+December+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>One fun Christmas tradition is giving your children annual ornaments. Each year pick an ornament out for them that reminds you of them (specific to that year). We give ours to the children the night we put up our tree. We actually wrap them and hand them out at random then the kids have fun guessing who's is who's. This year we gave our oldest daughter one with a big monkey bathing a little one and our baby boy who began walking at 6 months got a superman onesie. I think I am also going to start writing them a letter as to why this ornament was chosen for them and give them the letters someday when I give them their box of ornaments. My mom did this for us growing up (minus the letter) and I still see my "annual ornaments" and they make me giggle because of the silly memories they bring back. I have about 3 different raccoon ornaments and my kids think it is funny because anyone who knows me would never describe me as an animal person but there were a few years that I was obsessed with them! Plus when I first got married it was so nice to have 21 hallmark ornaments to start my tree off with that had meaning. My kids even know a bit about me growing up from the ornaments that I doubt I would have thought to tell them otherwise. </p>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-11128365905863133632008-11-25T13:53:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:18:56.108-08:00Advent<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfwerTQjU1ivWMNeTMTB9gbKDPP2Bzq_rlP2F7HQUpUc7fK7NrzbXMlgz-YGAGxx_WPGrsc09vkIGuQHIdEmJtdT8zBc3qOqKibqQvVv5g_HOL4LXH5n9SygtyQO8Z24DB_0iGOccSfuf/s1600-h/wreath.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272718499401038770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfwerTQjU1ivWMNeTMTB9gbKDPP2Bzq_rlP2F7HQUpUc7fK7NrzbXMlgz-YGAGxx_WPGrsc09vkIGuQHIdEmJtdT8zBc3qOqKibqQvVv5g_HOL4LXH5n9SygtyQO8Z24DB_0iGOccSfuf/s320/wreath.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div>This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and I hope you all are anxiously awaiting the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">beginning</span> of a beautiful season of celebrating that Jesus came and is coming again! What good news!</div><br /><div></div><div>For those of you who do not know Advent is a Latin word meaning Coming. The season of Advent is a time of preparing our hearts for the fact that Christ came and is coming again. Traditionally people use an advent wreath with 4 candles going around and 1 center Christ candle to light. You light one each Sunday leading to Christmas and the center candle Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. For more info on the meaning and depth of the season just google it... there are so many resources. With the ages of my children we don't go too in depth on the meaning behind the candles we just light them and say"He's Coming" "He's Coming" and each candle our voice is more animated and excited.</div><div></div><br /><div>I just wanted to encourage you to spend the whole season celebrating the only ONE worthy of a month long birthday party where all the attention is placed on Him and the fact the He is a perfect gift to all of us. Try to use each of the symbols of the season to teach the TRUTH of the season! Remind the kids that the tree points up - not down to the presents but up to the TRUE PRESENT who is very PRESENT to us all and loves when we look to Him and seek Him in our daily lives. Remind them that the gifts are reminders of the ONE TRUE GIFT we have in JESUS! Every symbol that is going to be in front of their faces for the next month is an opportunity to draw their hearts back to the one who made them.<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272718498284099106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49rHiQHo_Q6WlNClDmuOH-JH1h_Vr4y1TgnUmd4FZ0HyBYqClOmobHzeMAfE_alLC3Yg0gn1bgjS80_AtZVr7qtnJfZKwDze27yH7V4Oi4ss27b81WQgs31riyR5hRuqY3ViGLBZdCb7x/s320/advent+book.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Our family spends each night before bedtime going through a special Advent book <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">beginning</span> December 1st. In it there are beautiful doors on each page that you open and read part of the Christmas story from. Each day we get to open one more day and by Christmas morning we have read the whole story straight from the bible and the kids have most of it memorized since we start from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">beginning</span> every night. The pictured book is an heirloom addition that I am not sure is available anymore but I know they have another red version you can still buy. </div><div></div><div>After we read the story we talk about what we read then we all get to pick one Christmas song of worship to sing to Jesus and of course we finish the night of in prayer to our favorite Birthday Boy ever! I find these times so wonderful and they really help us keep our hearts focused on the real reason for the season. </div></div>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-77825267829419684572008-11-21T07:40:00.001-08:002009-03-04T09:19:26.860-08:00Dinner DevotionI think almost every family has the tradition of taking time at the dinner table to thank God for his blessings and share with each other what they are thankful for most from the past year. Just in case some of you do not do something like that I would encourage you to give it a go. It's my favorite part of thanksgiving! After the food is served (don't make people eat cold food) we just go around the table and each person shares what they are thankful for.<br /><br />The only twist to this is that in the past couple of years I have called the family members that can not be with us and typed out what they had to say on small strips. Under everyone's plate I put somebody else's thoughts. So along with sharing each person own things they are thankful for they read who ever's paper they got. I know this means a lot to my mom and MIL as they have big families and it helps us feel like we are together.<br /><br />Don't forget to save those and keep a binder (yes, I have a binder for just about everything) with previous years comments. One year about a week before thanksgiving I even sent an e-mail to everyone including the families "thankful fors" from the previous year to remind everyone to get thinking and feel blessed because no matter what your circumstances are if you have access to this blog I have a feeling YOU ARE VERY BLESSED!<br /><br />Oh and one more suggestion... read a part of the Thanksgiving Proclomation by Lincoln.... it's got some good stuff in it!<br /><br />HAPPY THANKSGIVING!Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-31793589796261729702008-11-20T19:49:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:19:49.676-08:00Tree of ThanksHere is something super easy, fun and meaningful we did this year... <div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270962839567325394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sbzfwjQMIev1jxO9SaqsFdScpgx2Tm32XIk3udPyNwyBLxnfMN9qm7ZtGUcv1LVS1fzUiW5WhYdt_zjKGM_kwBb5z-1v-UCpeWWtIFpLlsK0mSk3BC00geX1X1gJ3MgnTUa72Bkj6Ri2/s320/08+Oct-Nov+531.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270962845230219474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgC5fNYwJP4TdY-D7ia06z-YXojTgE-nuum9m-hNaKMyfHw3zOXqK9tUeYjPaD1OPZmD2vGWpcvHaVzMnJTWpRHK1-htIyB0PCvIcr97F2lpOM2MTO77k43ptU3xDvZdGDoAXAwnLSddb/s320/08+Oct-Nov+532.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Each night as we did our evening devotions focused on thankfulness and our many blessings the goal was to have each family member add another leaf to our tree. We just wrote something we wanted to thank Jesus for and signed our names then picked a branch and stapled it on. We had a great time with it and then when my sweet little nephew went to heaven our tree stopped growing for awhile. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for our family. Although I long to see my little nephew again right now I can say that I am so thankful for his life and all he did to further God's kingdom in his short 9 years on earth. What a blessing to be his Aunt. He wanted to live his life in ministry and he did and his life story will continue to minister to many for years. I hope to start growing our tree again tomorrow and am thankful for the big reminder in my home of all we are thankful for and most importantly WHO we are thankful to! It's pretty special that on our tree this year are the words heaven and so many things relating to what our family was in the midst of this year and the innocent child like approach our 5 and 3 year old had on it. I will for sure be keeping our leaves this year and starting next years with them. </div><br /><div></div><div>More Ideas:</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Thankful Turkey:</strong></div><div>My sister's mother in law does something I hope to do in my home eventually. Last year I got the hand prints and this year I will as well in hopes next year I have enough to start my turkey. I think it is one of the best ways I have heard of to display previous years blessings in a fun, cute and special way. So what you do is have each family member trace their hand and write on it what they are most thankful for that year. The next year you will use these laminated hand prints to be a big turkey tail of a turkey body that you draw and put somewhere to display on your wall. This is super special because not only is it a cute handmade decor item but it shows the growth of the children's hand prints, the growth of the families hearts as they mature and go from being thankful for toys, to people, to grace and so on and you can even include the people you spend your Thanksgiving with and then it is a trip down memory lane as you see hand prints of people who you have been with in years past. My sister loves this turkey in her MIL's house and enjoys reading her hubby's words from his teenage years when he said things like "I'm thankful we only have to do this once" to his adult years and her name made it on a hand print! I will try and get her to take a picture this year and post it if I do.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Thankful Tree</strong>:</div><div>For those of you who move around a lot this is especially good for your families. It's the same idea as above but instead of hand prints each person picks a special leaf near your home to write what they are most thankful for on. The person who shared this idea with me said they use contact paper on them and then write with permanent markers. It;s special to them because they have leaves from several states and also all the fun things they were all thankful for hung on the wall for a beautiful fall decoration. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Don't forget if you have some great ideas for any of the holidays to share them with me (<a href="mailto:amy@honorhimalways.com">amy@honorhimalways.com</a>). And check back often as December is sure to have lots of good stuff on here! I will be posting before the end of the week on Advent as the season is soon to begin and I hope to encourage you all to participate in the celebration that He has come and is coming again! </div><div></div><div>Blessings!</div></div>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-23737763982983111402008-10-31T19:41:00.000-07:002009-03-04T09:20:22.895-08:00Discussion BoxOne of my favorite traditions that we do all year is called Discussion Box. I find it especially enjoyable and meaningful during November when we are trying to refocus as a family and soak in the fact that we are SO BLESSED!<br />Discussion Box is just a decorated box, bucket, tin or plain old bowl full of questions. We keep it on our dinner table and each night different kids draw out a question. Then we go around the table answering the question. It really helps us parents not to talk about "grown up" stuff and leave the kids out. It also helps the kids learn about each other and us. Most importantly though... it gives everyone a chance to share their thoughts and feel special. I usually change the questions based on the theme of the month... Here are some good November/Thankful questions to give you an idea of what we do.<br /><br />- Name something about each family member you are especially thankful for.<br />- What food are you most looking forward to at Thanksgiving and what food are you hoping isn't on the table?<br />- Tell us a story of a time you felt God used you to be a blessing in someone else's life.<br />- If you were on the Mayflower what would have been the hardest thing for you and what might you have enjoyed?<br />- Would you rather be an Indian or a Pilgrim? Why?<br />- Do you think we spend enough time talking about the effects the pilgrims had on the natives of America? What do you think are some effects we should always remember?<br />- Think of a creative way we as a family could bless a group of people in need this month?<br />- Would you rather dress up like an Indian and do a tribal dance for our family on Thanksgiving OR dress up like a pilgrim and sing a hymn for everyone?<br /><br />This is one tradition your family might enjoy in November (watch out... the kids might not want to stop after Thanksgiving). In fact even if I run out of questions in my box the kids still say "Can I do discussion box" and that means they get to make up a question. We have had so many wonderful conversations with each other based on these kinds of questions and I would encourage you to give this a try! DO NOT forget that this is not a teaching time for us as parents... it is a time for our kids to share their hearts! KEEP IT FUN!<br /><br />Fun Fact... this is how I told my husband and kids we were expecting baby #4. I filled our box with several papers that all had the same question typed on them. The question was this... Babies are such a blessing from God! How do you feel about the fact that God has blessed us again with another baby growing inside moms belly? I had asked Kyle to read the question and as he read it he started laughing... then he looked at me and saw tears in my eyes. He quickly got up and gave me a big hug. Adia started asking what was going on and then dad read the question to the kids and we all laughed and had a wonderful evening talking about the baby we would soon meet. Now Adison is 2 and that is such a precious memory for us all!Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-65123852414567907362008-10-22T19:48:00.000-07:002009-03-04T09:20:52.983-08:00Reformation Day<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFH69cKK3SuJmb7ZTi4H56SSuVBf8vSmIYY1o0V0M0AE6BAxNfxio2wQlIc-lcFo3KMeAFdDL9AMveEVa29EMuj4OkzuDLAziiNFlE7i-JhTmKHsD1jjTjNm5BgAhZaWmFUzSYtbHroIc/s1600-h/luther.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260185315004175282" style="WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFH69cKK3SuJmb7ZTi4H56SSuVBf8vSmIYY1o0V0M0AE6BAxNfxio2wQlIc-lcFo3KMeAFdDL9AMveEVa29EMuj4OkzuDLAziiNFlE7i-JhTmKHsD1jjTjNm5BgAhZaWmFUzSYtbHroIc/s320/luther.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>October 31st, 1517 is the day that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis to the door of castle church in Wittenberg, Germany. This was the beginning of what is known as the Protestant Reformation and has had a huge impact on the world in many ways. I want to encourage you to learn more about this day and to celebrate it. This was the beginning of common people having access to God's word and people were learning to read just to know for themselves what it says. This began the realization that Salvation is a gift given to us.. not something we can earn or buy! <strong>"Through faith alone in Christ alone”</strong> began to be heard all over Europe. The reformers urged people to transfer their confidence for salvation from the church and its religious traditions to Christ alone. They encouraged people to read the Bible. They also preached that the Bible should serve as the Christian’s final authority. Could there be a better reason to have a party! It is estimated that about half of the people who call themselves "Christians" worship God in a church that couldn't even be here if it were not for the events of this day!<br /><br />How are we all (myself included) so focused on Halloween when this day stands for oh so much more! I challenge you (and me) to learn more about this day and to celebrate it. Start simple... look up the facts and learn them. Then next year, when you have more time to prep, have a "Reformation Party"... that could be just you as a family or you could invite others to come join you. Also if you are someone feeling convicted to avoid Halloween you could use this as a time to reach out and change the focus. To be a light we have to be seen!<br /><br />Here are a few ideas to make it a celebration...<br />- Listen to German music<br />- Eat German food<br />- Dress up in Renaissance attire<br />- Learn and Play Luther's battle song... A Mighty Fortress is Our God<br />- Have a castle building contest<br />- Play Hide the Heretic (Hide and Seek)<br />- End the Indulgences<br />- Bible Relic Contest (Have kids make or find something and sell why theirs is best)<br /><br />For more info on these games and to get more ideas check out:<br /><a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/UnderHisConstruction/414225/">http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/UnderHisConstruction/414225/</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qE5fIgUJ5ATqMvTJrrgOdZldZ8m04T6efl2VOIjwXvSTvuokix8ZGEhPWDtKUOUrlvxDA2zLuJ5CdvzzVPt5O4XKzGz1U6kshWv0dskRrwwFBLoS7AIrXy2yq73YA10JKImyR1aDwyL_/s1600-h/luther+movie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260379131317901890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 95px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qE5fIgUJ5ATqMvTJrrgOdZldZ8m04T6efl2VOIjwXvSTvuokix8ZGEhPWDtKUOUrlvxDA2zLuJ5CdvzzVPt5O4XKzGz1U6kshWv0dskRrwwFBLoS7AIrXy2yq73YA10JKImyR1aDwyL_/s320/luther+movie.jpg" border="0" /></a> The moive "Luther" would be worth watching as well. I found it extremely interesting and educational. If I could change things about it I would but over all I learned a lot from it. It is rated PG-13 so this might not be the best thing for the whole family but I would recommend seeing it.<br /><p><br /></p><p>Okay, I don't know about you but I am going to make this a focus in my home this year. Not sure how yet but when I figure it out I will let you know. If you have any great ideas or input be sure to let me know! </p>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-17837827260521900542008-10-19T22:19:00.001-07:002009-03-04T09:21:17.847-08:00Just Say NO!I had a good e-conversation today with a lovely lady who shared how her family is in the "no Halloween" group and I am sure a lot of us might relate to her feelings about how we are called to be holy (set apart) and how we as a church body are failing in so many areas. Here is a book she recommended along with a quote from her on how her family spends the evening. Thank you Friend (wasn't sure if you wanted your name on here)... you are a gem!<br /><br /><br /><br />Book Recommend:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV2hYek8IbR4Xpbh6Xi02wSgZvQ0721QGo-qjKBrIM8_sRtxABOTUhd5kxyMNbDYPT2h6pWckB3oPUEAjNuTHPhSq3Ju5a4jKOStPqsVz3qHNOS_bsEWYfVn30e-MpbQmU1bwNdJ-Bp_Y/s1600-h/halloween.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259102353397487026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV2hYek8IbR4Xpbh6Xi02wSgZvQ0721QGo-qjKBrIM8_sRtxABOTUhd5kxyMNbDYPT2h6pWckB3oPUEAjNuTHPhSq3Ju5a4jKOStPqsVz3qHNOS_bsEWYfVn30e-MpbQmU1bwNdJ-Bp_Y/s320/halloween.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br />"We choose to make this a solemn night of prayer and intercession for the lost and those deceived this night…we circle up and approach the throne of Grace together as a family…and set aside all the “fun”…for one night. I believe in the long run…it will stick in their hearts and minds far better than substituting or attempting to redeem an evil day."<br /><br /><br /><br />Our family too will spend a part of Halloween evening praying for the people that come to our door but the difference is that at this point I feel led to keep the door open. I can totally understand where she is coming from though and wanted to share her idea with those of you more comfortable staying out of Halloween altogether.<br /><br />Halloween night our family actually continues on our "Missionary Month" theme with getting a new book on a Missionary and trying to read it in one night (starting when the doorbell rings for the first time). Last year we got DC Talks book on Martyrs (it's a bunch of great short stories) and it was huge so we were really discouraged that we didn't even make it a 3rd of the way through before I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. So far <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Adia</span></span> wants to stick to that one again but I want to reach the goal and get a new (short) book. We'll see.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yosDvdktzxNPTYDhHY0oGRiRzO_1a1AfNkWPukcCSxeS3wEWc_YHXu_rCkIUaMzSZnbVuLW8cdP0J73D_bOwTAFUdjzkE7oqN3y58vQvPWzYklTjfXiGcM9qoCDQd81WUGYabgKRqThF/s1600-h/martyrs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259105899616980674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yosDvdktzxNPTYDhHY0oGRiRzO_1a1AfNkWPukcCSxeS3wEWc_YHXu_rCkIUaMzSZnbVuLW8cdP0J73D_bOwTAFUdjzkE7oqN3y58vQvPWzYklTjfXiGcM9qoCDQd81WUGYabgKRqThF/s320/martyrs.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-70216964741617009542008-10-15T18:38:00.000-07:002009-03-04T09:21:34.636-08:00Pumpkins, Pizza, Parables and Parties!<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-glyTjzgdjzT4LyghxH1y3XZG-vVMgKwwvk_bh0ptLguBgCYkjhTy_pZZI16VL81Ks29O-3pwDcIdYGPm8hZfbL9vM0expSeKri7DAOf2o2OROwGKQjCoAGCfjHdogfRbu7U0dSYYV80/s1600-h/pumpkin+hill.jpg"></a></p><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Pumpkin Parable:</span></strong><br /><br />Okay, this is more for the younger kids but I believe that any tradition you start that the kids <strong>enjoy</strong> young they will also enjoy as the grow older just because it's a "tradition" and that makes it fun!<br /><br />Did you know carving a pumpkin is a perfect parable for our walk with God. First we are full of yuck, then he cleans us/forgives us and then he fills us with his light to shine and attract others to Him. Wow! Sounds so obvious once someone points it out huh? It may seem weird to turn carving a pumpkin into this but as I have shared so many times in the past if we are going to have symbols put in front of our faces all the time why not think of FUN ways to make them always draw our hearts and thoughts back to God. I can't guarantee where or how my kiddos will spend Halloween or Fall all their lives but I can bet you that it will be hard for them to ever carve a pumpkin when they are older and not think about the plan of Salvation!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIW-cY0YfABPwBrKdkj8Eiw91PWyHkImdCvZAwo5R8zIxw8f5_RZLI4vVSE6fL6UiW5u38KMH1LqzSIR_9fcN9LPmqSqqqtLtUZHu1XSRTDjSVZjDSDz_sM2FteABJw48ZXMAAz0NWhENd/s1600-h/pumpkin+book.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257562749673694306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIW-cY0YfABPwBrKdkj8Eiw91PWyHkImdCvZAwo5R8zIxw8f5_RZLI4vVSE6fL6UiW5u38KMH1LqzSIR_9fcN9LPmqSqqqtLtUZHu1XSRTDjSVZjDSDz_sM2FteABJw48ZXMAAz0NWhENd/s320/pumpkin+book.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_FM2typKhnlwoGWH7Nn8lKyhTVkG2v2l54bSnGtmgvD57uUfOYn_z7KmqcxwoQnDYeXrcMvIf9MOujZq5Qt-r6i-Rh_nrC5ajhelVEeSyjog9e27Lyrxo0bFP6Ca3AN-DjubmEMSM0LB/s1600-h/pumpkin+patch+parable.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257562750033393186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_FM2typKhnlwoGWH7Nn8lKyhTVkG2v2l54bSnGtmgvD57uUfOYn_z7KmqcxwoQnDYeXrcMvIf9MOujZq5Qt-r6i-Rh_nrC5ajhelVEeSyjog9e27Lyrxo0bFP6Ca3AN-DjubmEMSM0LB/s320/pumpkin+patch+parable.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So those are 2 books I highly recommend that are based on that concept to read as you empty out your pumpkin and learn about Salvation at the same time. We do it different each year. Sometimes we read each step of the story as we follow the process with our pumpkins and sometimes we read the book the day we plan on carving pumpkins with dad when he gets home. The first one is geared to I would say 2-5 year old and is written as a short rhyming story. While the second starts with a farmer lovingly planting, caring for the seed and is much more of a story. They both have verses on each page to go along with it as well.<br /><br /><strong>Don't forget this is still supposed to be fun and simple... no being all serious and making them sit quietly around you while you read in monotone!</strong><br /><br />Also, since we are supposed to be lights for Christ my oldest daughter always carves a candle into one of our pumpkins... it's another fun reminder what this is all about and what we are called to be (a smiley face can be a good reminder too!). And don't forget scary pumpkins are very similar to that pagan festival I told you about a few posts ago.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Pumpkin Party:</strong><br /></span><br />If you have lots of energy this year then have a pumpkin carving party and let your kids invite friends over to join in on the fun... maybe invite some kids who don't come from Christian homes and this could be a way to introduce them to the gospel. Just don't do it over your tile without putting something down and don't let them put their feet in the pumpkins... you will be finding seeds all over for days to come... yes, I learned that lesson the hard way! And my husband did say "I told you so" about 50 times!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgoYETemGyApTtvwuQR7lduCidTs-EsHfM9U28Y26z6RguoEbsajhrLFK7rP1AvnUEoYx1Xi67v8jVdMm4wNOf9QRbFN1vdh2Q9P-PUoaniU3d8v3IjJDkJtY5ls88mUimpwithcy4qr9/s1600-h/pumpkin+feet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257568336274289858" style="WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" height="150" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgoYETemGyApTtvwuQR7lduCidTs-EsHfM9U28Y26z6RguoEbsajhrLFK7rP1AvnUEoYx1Xi67v8jVdMm4wNOf9QRbFN1vdh2Q9P-PUoaniU3d8v3IjJDkJtY5ls88mUimpwithcy4qr9/s320/pumpkin+feet.jpg" width="255" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0CglyXusEiBcB2-NeHzUMBs1mkiilkpfWYdAxzhbp-RotwPSvGtGg82_LruXhwr7VIXx7FE3tO7OuQ6VDVbqGuWdCtfDobtap6tf470DA9ID1J0IEsflSeYR61iiS-JA3uZaUfC8Ghxw/s1600-h/pumpkin+party.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257568339416931026" style="CURSOR: hand" height="179" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0CglyXusEiBcB2-NeHzUMBs1mkiilkpfWYdAxzhbp-RotwPSvGtGg82_LruXhwr7VIXx7FE3tO7OuQ6VDVbqGuWdCtfDobtap6tf470DA9ID1J0IEsflSeYR61iiS-JA3uZaUfC8Ghxw/s320/pumpkin+party.bmp" width="274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or you could read the story and let them decorate a pumpkin instead (doesn't really reinforce the point but it's still fun). I know there are a lot of little ones (girls especially) who think cleaning out a pumpkin sounds super yucky!<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VxwO6Rm1pF0YKe0yrwPHXseZudaqRJJNkH5UtoHNlVl9G7KMUo0k1n8wCMHUe8AlMOt74ONp4WQThEdsrDb-dYRl8C2Olh39xVhqgoreOZVj1fABRd7AkW5qEr-tguLMw_X6rfcY5U1j/s1600-h/pumpkin+decor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257571338761998914" style="CURSOR: hand" height="199" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VxwO6Rm1pF0YKe0yrwPHXseZudaqRJJNkH5UtoHNlVl9G7KMUo0k1n8wCMHUe8AlMOt74ONp4WQThEdsrDb-dYRl8C2Olh39xVhqgoreOZVj1fABRd7AkW5qEr-tguLMw_X6rfcY5U1j/s320/pumpkin+decor.jpg" width="258" border="0" /></a></p>And you can decorate pumpkin cupcakes with the theme... SMILE JESUS LOVES YOU!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx9kA2hp503QDYLgBhhqHUc0tOvbI-YSqeyvy6xauSAkifPxptqlMuU2KGENkMXLrlzP9Px5o82JgFWR5DaVEBwK34hbkro0KPYdCFZhDtMUJkfxivhFNfpJ3cqky28w2qy0q0zuVsQ3d/s1600-h/pumpkin+cupcakes.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257571343493342866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx9kA2hp503QDYLgBhhqHUc0tOvbI-YSqeyvy6xauSAkifPxptqlMuU2KGENkMXLrlzP9Px5o82JgFWR5DaVEBwK34hbkro0KPYdCFZhDtMUJkfxivhFNfpJ3cqky28w2qy0q0zuVsQ3d/s320/pumpkin+cupcakes.bmp" border="0" /></a></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Pumpkin Day:</span></strong><br /></span><br />So for us... we are turning pumpkin carving day into a holiday of it's own. We will have pizza, pumpkins, parables, pumpcakes and a family pumpkin party the week after we go to the pumpkin patch. I'm not up for making a huge event out of it but we might have to get another family involved to spread the love and the fun!<br /><br />Let me know what you do!Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-69837827210249609492008-10-14T10:27:00.000-07:002009-03-04T09:21:52.098-08:00Hall of Faith<p align="center">If you are just visiting it makes more sense to read the previous post first!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AnfiFctZYpBlXoZx8y4a1dzWwYCf47LyrbaqpzmXScW5rNVFqCe99GAxQInXJ-wT4iK2BT26SZjKJpwCQrc-jLo89Th648CSN-Q-f9PDHVdYYOidNVV_FQgMuwo3gFeyxa5taPx5VyIq/s1600-h/2008+October+070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257065076012189218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AnfiFctZYpBlXoZx8y4a1dzWwYCf47LyrbaqpzmXScW5rNVFqCe99GAxQInXJ-wT4iK2BT26SZjKJpwCQrc-jLo89Th648CSN-Q-f9PDHVdYYOidNVV_FQgMuwo3gFeyxa5taPx5VyIq/s320/2008+October+070.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One fun thing we do each October is have a Middleton Family Hall of Faith. THis is a fun way to honor people who have given their lives for Christ and it is something the kids and I really enjoy.<br />All we do is hang a big bulletin board and each family member that understands the concepts can induct someone they want to display. We put a picture of the person or the country they lived in, why they are inducted and who chose to induct them.<br /><br />Some examples from this year:<br /><br />Who:Teenage girl in China (From the Martyrs Book)<br />Why:Because she wasn't afraid to say she loved Jesus even though it cost her life.<br />Inducted By: Adia<br /><br />Who:Avery<br />Why: Because I love Jesus and want to follow Him.<br />Inducted By: Avery Middleton<br /><br />Okay, so Avery didn't really die for Christ but she was so sure she should be inducted and I just couldn't tell her no. </p>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8938361173110770226.post-83759736163562309272008-10-14T09:22:00.001-07:002009-03-04T09:22:08.719-08:00What is Halloween Really About???<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexKlUbytiFhi4XkE3wbNPr-iD16vwm_Al_gQlJ6eWK8E7F4iKtkcU2C19cfShf-_OKdx8D7IWzLLPtOUENZ7mRj_1__nJrNUN7T91MnO1TrmnIqmKxVObOkGLjMhO1_6gz8Xv66ghA2L-/s1600-h/kids+with+pumpkin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257056447680182962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexKlUbytiFhi4XkE3wbNPr-iD16vwm_Al_gQlJ6eWK8E7F4iKtkcU2C19cfShf-_OKdx8D7IWzLLPtOUENZ7mRj_1__nJrNUN7T91MnO1TrmnIqmKxVObOkGLjMhO1_6gz8Xv66ghA2L-/s320/kids+with+pumpkin.jpg" border="0" /></a> In some circles Halloween is the forbidden holiday and to be honest I used to be in it. Whether you find yourself in or out of the "forbidden circle" please continue on. As Christ followers we have to decide what we are going to celebrate and why and there is freedom to come to our own conclusions and to be okay with whatever we decide. If we are wrong then the Holy Spirit can convict us and until that happens plesae relax and be confidant that you are capable of making the right decision for your family.</div><div><br /><br />So here is my brief and so not perfect explanation of the day (obviously this is history and every source changes the details but I think this will give you a decent idea with very few details because that can get too confusing)... Way back when there was a pagan festival on November 1st called Samhein. It was from the Celtic culture and it stood for the lord of the dead. It was believed that on that day a veil between this realm and the spiritual realm was lifted. People feared the roaming spirits and dressed up in evil costumes to scare them away. As you can see Halloween has a lot of ties with that old pagan festival and I do not believe if it were still Sanhein any of us would participate.</div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>BUT... the good news is that the church, who celebrated All Hallows or All Saints day in May, thought the pagan festival was not a good thing and like they had done with many other pagan festivals they tried to put a holy day on the same day to redeem it (it worked a lot better with Valentines Day and Christmas) So All Hallows, a day to honor people who gave their lives for the gospel/Christ, was moved to November 1 as well and October 31 became "<strong>All Hallows Eve</strong>" which is where we get the term Halloween. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>So with that information I hope you can choose to celebrate the redeemed day in a way that honors Christ and consider avoiding things that closely resemble Sanhein and instead focus on people who are in heaven that set a great example to us and deserve to be honored. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an AWESOME book, from Focus on the Family, with way more details and TONS of FUN ideas!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz950HIVTrHmOyEmteWuT4c7_omxonZLjIr_J-rKYOcSm6XW7JMUUWYfB6Iky7YtV0X2Ya4A7jrkvqRmEaENbis2cW5FWTrgLB4WQuPw1a9BoUr19WffqQmkPBuLvGaHPIpzpM9Ee0Ipie/s1600-h/book.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257579268082166578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz950HIVTrHmOyEmteWuT4c7_omxonZLjIr_J-rKYOcSm6XW7JMUUWYfB6Iky7YtV0X2Ya4A7jrkvqRmEaENbis2cW5FWTrgLB4WQuPw1a9BoUr19WffqQmkPBuLvGaHPIpzpM9Ee0Ipie/s320/book.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div>Chapters like...</div><div align="center">Underground CHurch Party </div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Movies, Memories and Monsters</div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Doors of Opportunity</div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Fear-Not Party</div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Harvest Boxes</div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center">All Saints' Day</div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Luther's Legacy </div><div><br /></div><div align="center">and more... it is a HONOR HIM ALWAYS MUST HAVE!</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>Amy Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978244544918249156noreply@blogger.com2