The Truth About Halloween

I published this information last year - compiled by Scott Thomas of Lakeland, Fl.  I thought it appropriate to post again.  Many people seem to be uninformed of the truth of Halloween, thus causing a wide acceptance of this Un-Holy day and ignoring the effects it can have on children.

"Halloween was not the original name of this day. the Pre-Christian Druids and Celts of Northern Europe held a celebration every Nov. 2nd called "The Vigil of Shamhain", lord of death. They held the belief that Shamhain, the lord of death, was overpowering their sun god (Muck Olla), because the leaves were falling, the days were shorter and the weather was getting colder. Their belief was that Shamhain sent the spirits of those who had deceased over the past year into animals, because of the evil they had committed while alive. Then, on Nov. 2nd, the Vigil of Shamhain, those spirits would be released to go back and visit their homes and family members with acts of horror and evil. Therefore, in efforts of keeping these released evil spirits from coming to their homes, a ritual of this holiday included locking up various species of animals (including humans) in wicker cages and burning them alive, all in attempts of appeasing Shamhain and preventing the visitation of these evil spirits upon their homes!

Christians, desirous of their own fall celebration, refused to participate with the Druids, and established Nov.1st, one day earlier than the Vigil of Shamhain, as "All Hallow's Day" (recognizing/honoring christian martyrs and saints). In reaction to the Christians' action, the pagan/satanic worshippers counteracted "All Hallow's Day", preempting them by one day - October 31st, with their own celebration, "All Demon's Night." This festival evolved into the 'high holy day' of all opposing Christ(ianity) and was celebrated via incantations, sacrifice, satanic worship/rituals and horrors for all who opposed them. Finally in a horrid attempt to Christianize the paganistic holiday, the eve prior to "All Hallow's Day" became known as "All Hallow'en" (Oct. 31st) which was eventually shortened to "Halloween."

Keeping the pagan rituals in mind, costumes were worn in order to make the people look like evil spirits, so that the evil spirits that had been released would mistake them for other evil spirits. However, in the event that you could not dress in a costume, you could avoid horrors in your home by appeasing the evil spirits by offering them a "treat" on your front door step. If they liked it, you were safe; if they didn't like it... Finally, the carved face in a pumpkin carries a depth of significance. The World Book Encyclopedia, 1977 edition, vol 9, page 24-26, says, "The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of 'Jack-O-Lantern' is an ancient symbol of 'a damned soul'." The folklore story holds that a man named Jack was banned from heaven and hell and his spirit was left to wander the earth with his lantern until Judgment Day. History holds that people would place these 'lit pumpkins' on their porches in order to display their sympathetic nature towards the satanist - gaining mercy from the horrors that were to be released.

It's more important to follow Christ than tradition. The act of recognizing and participating in any of this day's festivities is, in fact, celebration. Stand for righteousness...and please God.

Reference material: The Occult Conceit - A New Look at Astrology, Witchcraft and Sorcery, by Owen S. Rachleff  

Worm Gruntin in Sopchoppy Florida

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Arkansans take heart. We are no longer the only country bumpkins of the world.  Other states have areas just like ours....you know, that certain out-in-the-boonies place--that's no bigger than a tree stump...and the name of that metropolitan area offers little hope for it to be included in the highfalutin listins' of highfalutin society.  We've always called these little places, podunk towns. 

In 1869, Mark Twain wrote an article called "Mr. Beecher and the Clergy", defending a friend, the Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, whose preaching had come under criticism. Among its roughly 1800 words, he said of the controversy...They even know it in Podunk, wherever that may be. 

A few months back I printed a list of the cities of Florida (just to help me out on the job).  That's when I noticed a town called 'Sopchoppy'.  Sopchoppy is a city in Wakulla County...part of the Tallahassee, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2004, the population recorded is 465.  Course, that was a few years back.  Who knows what the population is by now. 

Sopchoppy.  Arkansas had/has a Booger Hollow - In Arkansas you call it Holler.  

Booger Hollow was a tourist attraction in Pope County ( my home county). According to the sign near the town's entrance, it has "a total population of 6 humans and one coon dog" ( Update: the sign actually says, " Population 7...countin' one coon dog " )

When I googled 'Sopchoppy' I learned a bunch.  Never in my life have I heard of Worm Gruntin' or Worm fiddling, or Worm charming until I googled 'Sopchoppy'.  Learn something new every day. 

In 2000 the "Worm Gruntin' Festival" began in Sopchoppy, Florida, which claims to be the "Worm Gruntin' Capital of the World". The event includes a ball and the crowning of a "Worm Gruntin' King and Queen".  The Festival is the second Saturday in April every year 8am till 10pm. 

Worm Gruntin' is a method of attracting worms from the ground. Most worm charming methods involve vibrating the soil, which encourages the worms to the surface. "Worm grunting" refers to the use of a "stob", a wooden stake that is driven into the ground, and a "rooping iron" which is used to rub the stob.

And to think:  in 2008 researchers from Vanderbilt University demonstrated that the worms surface because the vibrations are similar to those produced by digging moles, which prey on earthworms.  Betcha the Worm Gruntin' competitors could have given Vanderbilt that information and saved a heap of research money.  They could've studied something more important, like why little children fall off tricycles. I forgot, that one has already been done.

Below is a video, via YouTube, that you can watch and learn about Worm Gruntin.  This couple makes a living at it.  Hey, don't laugh.  You probably watch Swamp People.  This is no different (believe me).


Worm Gruntin in Sopchoppy Florida - YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKNv6ZrC5mg -

Well, I halted my research of Sopchoppy with the Worm Gruntin discovery.  I'm sure there's more to the place...but I'll probably never know.  Nope.  I don't do worms.  No Place, No Where, No How, No Time.

Americans, we 'done' ourselves proud!  Out in them thar' hills and swamps.  Who knows what you will find....or where.....

Have fun Americans!  We're still somewhat free!  Enjoy while it lasts.

....

Benjamin

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I haven't met him yet.  But, I know his name.  It's Benjamin.  I can't wait to see him.  He's due to arrive around Thanksgiving.  No, he's never been here before....He's never been anywhere before, actually.  But he will make his first appearance in Arkansas.  Now, I fully intend to be there, although he won't remember who is present at his debut of life...

I prayed for him the other day.  Prayed that he will be a man of God...with a heart for God. He doesn't know about homework...or the fun he will have, or the girl that will one day steal his heart.   He's just a baby.   Sleeping and nourishment will be his focus and he will cry about both of them any time, any place, day or night.

His name is from the Hebrew name בִּנְיָמִין (Binyamin) which means "son of the south" or "son of the right hand". Benjamin in the Old Testament was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob and the founder of one of the southern tribes of the Hebrews.

Benjamin will be my fourth grandchild.  I have Brooke, Scott, Chloe and now Benjamin.  Great-G-children are Lexie, and Noah.  I am blessed! They are all beautiful.  Absolutely, I'm prejudice!  Each of them won my heart the moment they arrived!   

Bank on it.  This will be a great holiday season and I'll certainly post pictures of all my babies - even the grown ones!

Children really are a gift from God.
 
I know you feel the same about yours...
.....

Favorite Photos, by me...

Taking photos has been a source of pleasure for me...I'm sharing a handful of them on this particular blog.   They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  So I've just saved lots of writing time and you won't have to take time to read!

Just enjoy the view!

:)

An Open Gate...

Psalm 118:19 "Open to me the (temple) gates of righteousness; I

 will enter through them and I will confess and praise the LORD."

I Come Before You, Lord

Into Your Presence

I Come Before You, Lord

Through temple Gates

of Righteousness

I Come Before You, Lord

In the Holy Name of Jesus

With Hands Lifted High

In Worship and In Praise

          - - - Jane Powell

Dear God, I'm sorry...

Today I answered a call that came in on my line at work and used the designated greeting. The first words spoken on the other end were laced with anger:  "My G-d!" ... the woman unleashed her frustration because of the necessary wait time until a phone was free to receive her call.  I was blessed to share a few minutes out of my life with this angry woman (NOT) !  She continued spouting her displeasure while using the Holy Name of God to express her frustration.

I haven't recovered from hearing her words.  Sure, I know it's par for the course.  It's just people!!  Let it roll.  Get over it.

But when I hear His Name spoken with such disrespect, it hurts.  If it hurts me...how much more it must break the heart of God. 

So, in this blog, I just want to say,
"God, I'm so sorry...  
I'm so sorry for all the people who use your Holy Name as a curse word...
I'm so sorry people have no respect for You...
I'm so sorry they don't love You...
I'm so sorry people think you don't matter...
I'm so sorry they don't know how wonderful You are...
I'm so sorry they don't love Your Name...
I'm so sorry they don't really know You...
I'm so sorry Your Name is not praised as it should be...
I'm so sorry that the woman used your Name today as a way to simply express anger...
I'm so sorry..."

A couple of weeks ago, I was on the phone with another lady who was calling from an attorney's office - she spoke to another person briefly (in another language) and then in swearing tone, I heard her say: Jesus Christ.   Since I was still on the phone with her, I couldn't help but say, I know Him!  There was silence ... and I proceeded to handle business...

I should spoken up today, too...but I was stunned. "I'm sorry, God, for not speaking in Your defense."

I am so sorry, Lord.  Forgive us for our sins...
...

YOU'RE LEAVING HERE...

I started a temp job a few weeks ago.  About fifteen of us experienced a crash course and by the 4th day we were touring the small second floor cubicles which were to become our home for a few months.  I noticed the permanent employee cubicles were decorated with everything imaginable - personalizing  their home away from home. 

On our first day in our 'personal cubicle' most in our group quickly decorated with frames and pictures...collectibles of all sorts.  Me?  I figured since it was a temp job, there's no need to get all gushy with it and settle in with artwork and trinkets.  A lady next to me bought a clock (with a chicken on the face of it) and hung it on her cubicle wall.

I did use a push pin to hang an extra spanish looking paper napkin.  That's my decoration. 

I just don't see the need to settle in as permanent in a temporary position. 

It reminds me of this life - on this earth.  It's not permanent.  Some folks work so hard to make this a permanent home...they have forgotten that this is temporary.  We are leaving this world one day - headed to the dwelling place of God.  Don't get too caught up with things you will leave behind.  Albert E. Brumley's song "This World is Not My Home" has been on my mind:

verse 1: 

This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through

My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue,

The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door,

and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

verse 2:

They're all expecting me and that's one think I know

My Savior pardoned me and now I onward go.

I know He'll take me through, though I am weak and poor

and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

verse 3:

Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally

The Saints on every hand are shouting victory

Their song of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven's shore

and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

Chorus:
O Lord you know, I have no friend like you
If Heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

No, I just don't feel like we will be here very long.  This world is not our home.  Jesus is coming back for us.  Just any day now...  but then, that's another gospel song that I don't have room to share....

Remember, this is all temporary....don't get too comfy...
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GET AN ATTITUDE!

We are complex, valuable, and funny people.  Each with unique features. But we are alike when it comes to emotions...we all feel the effects of spoken words or non-verbal language from others.  People have the ability to cause a sense of defeat or they can create a sense of  victory within us. Here are the results of sensing victory or defeat: 

Victory or Defeat -- It's All About Attitude

When People Sense Victory         When People Sense Defeat
They sacrifice to succeed                  They give as little as possible
They look for ways to win                 They look for excuses
They become energized                     They become tired
They follow the game plan                They forsake the game plan
They help other team members         They hurt others

Somebody wrote:
Attitude, to me, is more important that facts. It's more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is  more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.

Winston Churchill said, Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.  But, I believe attitude is a BIG Thing that makes a BIG Difference!

People are funny in that another person can affect one's attitude in an instant.  A look, a spoken word (or many words), a freely given opinion......they can stir your emotions, causing you to have a sense of victory or a sense of defeat. Then you respond accordingly!  Something about that just doesn't seem right.  How do we refrain from allowing external 'people' to affect the internal 'us'...  

Thomas Jefferson said: Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.

Keeping the right mental attitude is key!  Often, a positive "I can do this" attitude exists simply because you choose to have that attitude, regardless of external influences.  It's a challenge to block out negative attitudes brought on by negative people, negative circumstances, and negative self-talk.

I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord....

Get an attitude!   An attitude for victory.  ON PURPOSE, become steadfast...unmoveable!  There are advantages to having a victorious attitude: increased life span, less depression, reduced level of distress, increased sense of well-being, along with stronger coping skills.

Dummies.com says:
A positive attitude doesn't guarantee success, but a cynical attitude guarantees failure.

It's for sure...if you have an attitude for victory, you will enjoy life a whole lot more.  And who is there among us that doesn't need to have a bit more fun out of life? 

Just tell me...who?
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Andy, Benji and Marley

                                             

I went for my usual evening walk around the 1/4 mile loop this evening...and I learned a lesson.  Don't look down at your feet while walking.

I was walking and listening to my mp3 player, in deep thought, looking down...suddenly a small black lab bounced into view around my feet - I was startled!  Then I looked up and saw two of his friends, size medium and large, running toward me.  I gasped slightly, a little frightened...until I noticed their owners hurrying to assure me that the dogs were friendly. 

The man had three wide leashes hanging loosely around his neck.  I wondered why they were hanging around his neck instead of the dogs. 

My second lap around the loop brought me in contact with the labs again.  This time I welcomed the smaller one as he bounced up to me with his tail wagging.  In a brief visit with the owners I learned the names of the labs:  Marley, Benjamin, and Andy.  Andy was the heaviest and the oldest. 

I tried to imagine life in their house with three large labs. 

The lady appreciated the fact that I was 'gracious' about her dogs scaring me.  Probably because she knew they should've been on a leash.  I'm thankful they were labs...for they are usually friendly dogs. 

A startling moment was turned into a pleasant memory.  Maybe my attitude had something to do with it.  Now, if I should meet Marley, Benji, and Andy on my walk, I will be glad to see them. 

Nice boys.

.....

AMEN! Oh, did that hurt you?

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +


Dangerous words: prayer and amen!


Chief U.S. District Judge Fred Biery declared that the Schultz family and their son would “suffer irreparable harm” if anyone prayed at the high school graduation...he banned students and other speakers from using religious language in their speeches.

There are times when words fail, even me! This is one of those times. Oh, to be profound as the great Ralph Waldo Emerson, to think with the depth of Ted Dekker, but alas, it is not to be! I have but a simple blog. 

Among the banned words or phrases are: “join in prayer,” “bow their heads,” “amen,” and “prayer.”  and....remove the terms “invocation” and “benediction” from the graduation program - His ruling also prohibits anyone from saying, “in [a deity’s name] we pray.”

If they violate the order they will find themselves in legal trouble!  Judge Biery ordered that his ruling be “enforced by incarceration or other sanctions for contempt of Court.  But, the judge did grant students permission to make the sign of the cross, wear religious garb or kneel to face Mecca.

I wish I could just turn my head, or at least put my head in the sand (at the beach).  I wish my feathers didn't get ruffled.....but they do!

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott called the ruling unconstitutional and a blatant attack from those who do not believe in God -- “attempts by atheists and agnostics to use courts to eliminate from the public landscape any and all references to God whatsoever.  This is the challenge we are dealing with here,  (It’s) an ongoing attempt to purge God from the public setting while at the same time demanding from the courts an increased yielding to all things atheist and agnostic.”

Ah, but then, perhaps I do have Dekker depths.  Now I understand!

Now I understand why it caused the student a great deal of anxiety.
Now I understand why the Schultz family and their son would “suffer irreparable harm.

1.  The words we speak are powerful
2.  Life and death are in the power of the tongue.
3.  By confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and believing in our heart, we can be saved.
4.  Speaking words (with faith) produces power to move mountains.  
5.  Words of worship brings God into the atmosphere of our praise.
6.  Words of praise elevate us into the presence of God.
7.  Praise words are disgusting to the devil and he runs away from them.

Romans 10:10 "...and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Matthew 17:20  "And Jesus said unto them.....for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Psalm 22:3 "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."

Judge Biery you have just confirmed what the Word of God has been trying to get us to understand all along!  We owe you a gratitude of debt. 

I am so excited!  My feathers are ruffled...but with the excitement of truth!  I am dangerous to the devil.  So much so...that he can't tolerate a simple word as 'amen' in a high school graduation.
So.  AMEN!  AMEN!  AMEN!  And may we all close with a resounding Amen!

Amen.
:)
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