Betsy St. Amant's Blog, page 13
October 29, 2012
Halloween Week
So this time of year I always bring up quite a controversial topic - what do you do about Halloween as a Christian?
For my family, we go to the carnival at our church, wear a pretty (not scary) costume, and get enough candy to last until Thanksgiving :)
We do this for several reasons:
1. It's how I grew up. I grew up going to carnivals or trick or treating in my grandmother's neighborhood in a Minnie Mouse costume or something of the like, getting a pumpkin bucket full of candy, and then being hyper for the best part of the next two weeks ;)
2. It's fun. Truly, it's a fun time, and as a girl turned woman who STILL loves to dress up, it's a great excuse ;)
3. It lets my child participate in a secular event but still be different from the majority - and that's how I view my role as a Christian. We are to be IN the world but not OF it. For me, Halloween is an example. She wanted to be a witch at one point for her costume and I said no. I said that was scary and that we don't do Halloween that way, we don't glorify that element of it. Halloween wasn't about being scary or looking scary for us, it was about dressing up as something pretty and trick or treating, practicing manners (saying please and thank you for candy) and having fun playing games at the church. She readily accepted all that (even at 4 years old!) and chose a fairy costume. (We didn't go the Merida route because I'm not dealing with another wig after she was Tangled Rapunzel last year! haha)
4. I support my church's decision in that instead of avoiding the night altogether, we provide an alternative. Get kids off the street, offer something safe, show them Christians have fun too (wink), keep an eye out for a witnessing opportunity, and introduce them to our church. I see no downside there!
I know there are Christians out there though who feel that participating in Halloween in any form, even the above, is still celebrating a pagan practice and it's best to lay low. I totally respect that opinion! Everyone has to follow their own convictions for their family.
So what do YOU think?
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For my family, we go to the carnival at our church, wear a pretty (not scary) costume, and get enough candy to last until Thanksgiving :)
We do this for several reasons:
1. It's how I grew up. I grew up going to carnivals or trick or treating in my grandmother's neighborhood in a Minnie Mouse costume or something of the like, getting a pumpkin bucket full of candy, and then being hyper for the best part of the next two weeks ;)
2. It's fun. Truly, it's a fun time, and as a girl turned woman who STILL loves to dress up, it's a great excuse ;)
3. It lets my child participate in a secular event but still be different from the majority - and that's how I view my role as a Christian. We are to be IN the world but not OF it. For me, Halloween is an example. She wanted to be a witch at one point for her costume and I said no. I said that was scary and that we don't do Halloween that way, we don't glorify that element of it. Halloween wasn't about being scary or looking scary for us, it was about dressing up as something pretty and trick or treating, practicing manners (saying please and thank you for candy) and having fun playing games at the church. She readily accepted all that (even at 4 years old!) and chose a fairy costume. (We didn't go the Merida route because I'm not dealing with another wig after she was Tangled Rapunzel last year! haha)
4. I support my church's decision in that instead of avoiding the night altogether, we provide an alternative. Get kids off the street, offer something safe, show them Christians have fun too (wink), keep an eye out for a witnessing opportunity, and introduce them to our church. I see no downside there!
I know there are Christians out there though who feel that participating in Halloween in any form, even the above, is still celebrating a pagan practice and it's best to lay low. I totally respect that opinion! Everyone has to follow their own convictions for their family.
So what do YOU think?
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October 26, 2012
In the storm...
I posted on Jesus's voice in the storm today on http://www.girlsgodgoodlife.blogspot.com
Come check it out if you think it might help you... :)
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Come check it out if you think it might help you... :)
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October 25, 2012
Another fun historical...
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAccidentally AmishBarbour Books (October 1, 2012)byOlivia Newport
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word From The Author:I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.
We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.
Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.
I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.
Thanks for stopping by my site, where conversations and adventures begin with a click. I hope we’ll run into each other often.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?If you would like to read the first chapter of Accidentally Amish, go HERE.
Purchase here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASI...
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Enough said...
Book Info
About At the Feet of Jesus:
You were made for more than serving God; you were made to know Him.
Intimacy with God-to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted.
For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, At the Feet of Jesus extends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver's beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and "Going Deeper" sidebars are also woven throughout.
Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus-where true life begins!
Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide.
Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/erC31
Meet Joanna:
Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna's greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor's wife.
Find out more about Joanna at http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/.
http://litfusegroup.com/author/jweaver
Win an iPad from Joanna Weaver and RSVP to her Live Webcast Event {11/8}
Celebrate the release of At the Feet of Jesus with Joanna Weaver by entering to win an iPad and RSVPing for the "True Life" Webcast Event on 11/8!
One blessed winner will receive:
An iPad
The Year in Bethany Trilogy (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit and Lazarus Awakening
At the Feet of Jesus for YOU and Five of your friends.
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "True Life" Live Webcast Event on November 8th . Connect with author Joanna Weaver and her special guest for an evening of encouragement, laughter and a Q&A! There will also be gift certificates and books given away to participants.
So grab your copy of At the Feet of Jesus (or one of Joanna's other books) and join Joanna on evening of November 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!
Christian Women Online
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About At the Feet of Jesus: You were made for more than serving God; you were made to know Him.
Intimacy with God-to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted.
For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, At the Feet of Jesus extends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver's beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and "Going Deeper" sidebars are also woven throughout.
Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus-where true life begins!
Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide.
Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/erC31
Meet Joanna:Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna's greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor's wife.
Find out more about Joanna at http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/.
http://litfusegroup.com/author/jweaver
Win an iPad from Joanna Weaver and RSVP to her Live Webcast Event {11/8}
Celebrate the release of At the Feet of Jesus with Joanna Weaver by entering to win an iPad and RSVPing for the "True Life" Webcast Event on 11/8!
One blessed winner will receive:
An iPad
The Year in Bethany Trilogy (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit and Lazarus Awakening
At the Feet of Jesus for YOU and Five of your friends.
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "True Life" Live Webcast Event on November 8th . Connect with author Joanna Weaver and her special guest for an evening of encouragement, laughter and a Q&A! There will also be gift certificates and books given away to participants.
So grab your copy of At the Feet of Jesus (or one of Joanna's other books) and join Joanna on evening of November 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!
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October 24, 2012
Scribble Chicks
Visit me today at Scribble Chicks! www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com
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October 23, 2012
Whew
Thanks to anyone and everyone who prayed for me yesterday :)
I met one deadline and am hard at work today on another. I also managed yesterday to catch up on laundry and dishes, spend snuggle time with my sick preschooler, tidy up the house and cook a homemade soup and a homemade apple cake for my hubby, who wasn't feeling great either.
I'm convinced God gives moms super immune systems. Everytime my hubby gets sick in any form, my daughter does too. And by the grace of God it skips me, because, well - who else would take care of them?
Thankfully Little Miss is back in school today despite a misadventure in the car on the way there (don't ask) and is excited about her show and tell day. Whew.
Better get back to the deadlines now. The end is in sight ;)
What are you doing today?
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I met one deadline and am hard at work today on another. I also managed yesterday to catch up on laundry and dishes, spend snuggle time with my sick preschooler, tidy up the house and cook a homemade soup and a homemade apple cake for my hubby, who wasn't feeling great either.
I'm convinced God gives moms super immune systems. Everytime my hubby gets sick in any form, my daughter does too. And by the grace of God it skips me, because, well - who else would take care of them?
Thankfully Little Miss is back in school today despite a misadventure in the car on the way there (don't ask) and is excited about her show and tell day. Whew.
Better get back to the deadlines now. The end is in sight ;)
What are you doing today?
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October 22, 2012
Head above water...
Today is a head above water day. Deadlines of various kinds loom, my emotions are low, and my Little Miss is home sick. Prayers appreciated as I tread water--and tread in God's promises.
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October 19, 2012
One of Susie's best...
Susie's done it again. One of my favorite authors, showing up as always with a fabulous story for readers that never fails to touch, inspire, warm, and refresh. Sometimes I hate to rave about authors because I feel like it's going to go over your head or you'll brush it off as "oh yeah right, no one is that good" - but uh, Susie is :)
Check out the details below of her new read that's about a woman in the witness protection program. This story has some fabulous "what if's" that make you think hard about your own life and priorities--and the consequences of lies. Yikes.
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section if you've gotten to read this one already!!
Click here to purchase your copy!!!!
http://ow.ly/e6zml
About the Book:
A Deep Haven Novel
Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.
To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.
No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.
Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?
Meet Susan:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.
A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.
Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
You Don’t Know Me by Susan May Warren | $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and Facebook Party {10/23} Author: Susan May Warren <!--/entry-meta
Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren’s latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don’t Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!
One fortunate winners will receive:
A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whoever!) The entire set of Deep Haven Books Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the “You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23 . Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!
So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!--> Blog Tour Schedule
http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/you-dont-know-me-by-susan-may-warren-200-weekend-getaway-giveaway-and-facebook-party-1023
I was given this book free of charge by the publisher for an honest review**
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Check out the details below of her new read that's about a woman in the witness protection program. This story has some fabulous "what if's" that make you think hard about your own life and priorities--and the consequences of lies. Yikes.
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section if you've gotten to read this one already!!
Click here to purchase your copy!!!!
http://ow.ly/e6zml
About the Book:
A Deep Haven Novel
Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.
To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.
No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.
Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?
Meet Susan:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.
A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.
Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
You Don’t Know Me by Susan May Warren | $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and Facebook Party {10/23} Author: Susan May Warren <!--/entry-meta Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren’s latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don’t Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!
One fortunate winners will receive:
A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whoever!) The entire set of Deep Haven Books Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the “You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23 . Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!
So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!--> Blog Tour Schedule
http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/you-dont-know-me-by-susan-may-warren-200-weekend-getaway-giveaway-and-facebook-party-1023
I was given this book free of charge by the publisher for an honest review**
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October 18, 2012
Happy anniversary....
to Moby Dick! :)
161 years. Wow.
I feel old. Because that book was old when I was young. I actually had no idea it was THAT old.
Novels are just so cool.
Have you read it? (and see Google for a fun pic and info on this famous novel!)
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161 years. Wow.
I feel old. Because that book was old when I was young. I actually had no idea it was THAT old.
Novels are just so cool.
Have you read it? (and see Google for a fun pic and info on this famous novel!)
Christian Women Online
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October 17, 2012
Scribble Chicks Craft talk
Join me today at http://www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com and talk craft with us :)
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