Happy Pumpkin Day!

~Jack O’ Lantern Poem~

I am a Jack O’ Lantern
My lights will shine so bright
For I’m a Christian pumpkin
My symbols tell what’s right

My nose is like the cross
On which our Savior died
To set us free from sin
We need no longer hide

My mouth is like a fish
The whole wide world to show
That Christians live in this house
And love their Savior so!

The story starts at Christmas
My eyes are like the star
That shone on Baby Jesus
And wise men saw from far

My color, it is orange
Just like the big bright sun
That rose on Easter Day
Along with God’s own Son

And so on Halloween
Let’s set our pumpkins out
And tell the trick or treaters
What God’s love is all about!

Happy Jack-o-lanterns to all of you out there!

Yesterday we tackled pumpkin-carving. I haven't been this brave for about 4 years, but since I have such a great pair of extra hands, I felt all ambitious. We were going to do it outside, but the weather did not exactly cooperate, so we moved the pumpkin project to the kitchen (thank goodness for concrete floors!). We had fun, and you know how it goes with small kids - they are all excited initially, but then wear out quickly when it's actually work. Can anyone relate :-)) ?

The biggest "challenge" was to gut the pumpkins. Now do I have a bunch of wussies, or what, but they were sooooo disgusted by the slobbery, stringy mess inside the pumpkins. Elia (he was gagging already) asked, all exasperated : "Why do they put all those seeds in them, anyway?".

We discussed what to do with all the pumpkin seeds, and since I could not remember how to roast or toast them, Anya volunteered to google it, and lo and behold, a few minutes later she had a recipe neatly printed out. Let me tell you, she is one computer savvy 8 year old!

Designing and carving the faces was more fun, and the level of participation rose dramatically. The results are VERY cute.

Nina and Elia showing off the tools. As you can see, there is no pumpkin innards to be seen yet, hence the grin on Elia's face is still HUGE ;-)

Nico was the only one who carved his pumpkin all by himself!

Yep, the lid fits!

And the mess is growing...

Alex is getting his cleaned out, too!

Look at all those pumpkin seeds!
And then the beautiful results.... First Nico's...
then Anya's...
Nina's.... (she HAD to have a ladybug pumpkin)
Alex's

And Elia's (who had to have the biggest pumpkin)And "Big Anja", who carved a pumpkin for the first time in her life.
Grandma and Caleb were the happy bystanders (or -sitters.. :-) )
We lined them up at the edge of the driveway and lit them after it got dark.
That's quite a pumpkin family!


What is it like to be a Christian?

"Well, God picks you from the patch
and brings you in and washes off all the dirt on the outside
that you got from being around all the other pumpkins.

Then he cuts off the top
and takes all the yucky stuff out from inside.
He removes all the seeds of doubt, hate, greed,
and all those other bad things.

Then he carves you a new smiley face
and puts his light inside of you to shine for all to see!
It is our choice to either stay outside and rot on the vine
or come inside and be something new and bright!"

Author Unknown

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If I Came...

If Jesus came to visit,
And on Halloween we'd meet,
I've often pictured Jesus,
With the children on the street,

He'd walk along beside them,
His mission would be clear,
His shining light would surely,
Make the darkness disappear.

He'd walk to every home,
There'd be nail marks in each hand,
And patiently He'd knock,
At the door is where He'd stand.

He'd be pouring out His love,
So everyone could see,
That Halloween for Jesus
Is an opportunity.

No matter how you celebrate,
His light can surely shine,
If your in the street or out,
Anywhere will be just fine.

So, however you decide,
To spend your time this holiday,
I hope that you will shine His light,
And let Him lead the way.

Copyright© by Debby Orstad

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Here is a story that teaches kids some interesting Halloween Details , and this one is a Halloween story about a Black Kitty