Friday, October 31, 2008


It's a beautiful morning here at the troops.

There is so much "ugly" going on in our nation and in the world right now. It's hard for me to not get discouraged thinking about what the future holds.

Those of us who believe in God and in a limited government and free enterprise are a minority.

On the horizon we see greater taxation, more powerful government and limited freedom - the very things our forefathers fought to free us from.

And as if that's not enough, it's Halloween today. We don't "do" Halloween at the troops. But you can't go in Wal-mart or anywhere else without being exposed to it.

For me, it's enough that everything about it is dark and frightening - so opposite of the Light of the World, who is Christ Jesus.

Phl 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Jhn 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Rom 13:12
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
2Cr 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Eph 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

I'm so grateful for the beauty of creation that the Lord gives us. It's His reminder to us of His nature, His beauty, His great love for us.


May the Lord grant you His wisdom, His angels to watch over you and may he give you the grace to be His light in a dark and dying world.

9 comments:

Zimms Zoo said...

We don't do halloween either and some of our friends do and that makes it harder for the kids.

But they know why we don't and they understand that. Plus our neighbor always brings them candy and that makes it all better.

jo said...

is this your street? and your yard?? beautiful!!!! God is not reliant on earthly circumstances to accomplish His purpose.

Mrs. Troop said...

Thanks for the reminder, Jo! I keep having to tell myself that!

And yes, that's our street and yard. It IS beautiful - I enjoy it every single day.

Carla said...

"But the thief comes to kill, steal and destory: But I have come that you may have life and life to the fullest." John 10:10

We don't do Halloween either and I agree with you on all points.

Lori Leigh said...

Happy Friday friend! I ADORE your street and your yard. LOVE the trees. Such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing your pictures. I agree with the whole -not celebrating halloween-thing. We are trying to be in the world but not of the world and it amazes me how quickly the world seeps in if we are not constantly on guard. But I have to say that we are also trying to reach our neighbors and let the kids be kids. I just don't know.... I think tonight we are going to let the kids dress up as cowboys and go trick-or-treat at the neighbors on our cul-de-sac. I've decided that there is not much difference than that and going to a crowded fall festival tonight and dressing up and getting candy there. We may decided differently for next year. We will just have to see. At our new house we seem to have lots of families on our street with small kids and even though we do have our standards, I don't want to be so legalistic that we lose opportunities to build rapport and witness to them. Like I said, we may change our minds next year and join you at your mother's house! Ha! Have a great day friend!

Lori Leigh said...

I think we are going to let the kids dress up this year and hand out candy with tracts. But we'll just see. We've always just avoided Halloween before and not done anything which is probably what we will do next year. We seem to be on a very close-knit cul-de-sac. We are just praying about the right thing to do but I agree with you that this is a holiday that i want no part of.

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen, thanks for the great post. We don't do halloween either; however, we managed to stop at Braums and enjoy a 9000 calorie ice cream something!! Helps ease the pain of EVERYONE (poor kids) else getting candy in our neighborhood and family!! Love, SUMER

Anonymous said...

Wonderful pictures! We enjoyed staying in on Halloween and spent time together. With Dad gone we worked on an outdoor project with my sister and relaxed for the evening. I agree, need to be careful to stay away from evil!

jo said...

Just wanted to say hi on this Monday to tell you that I'm praying for you guys and that in the last week - I've made three - yes three of your cooking for a crowd recipes. We ate it like a crowd too!!!! Thanks. Love you. Got a new blog post/request from one of my friends/stalker readers/non-commenter types. :)
Can you describe an essential wardrobe for your kids?