Halloween or All Hallows eve

Christian perspectives on the observance of Halloween are strongly divided. Some believers feel complete freedom to observe the holiday, others run and hide from it, many boycott or ignore it, a number celebrate it through more positive and imaginative observances or Christian alternatives to Halloween, and still others choose to take advantage of Halloween's evangelistic opportunities.

Some of today's popular celebrations associated with Halloween have pagan roots stemming from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain. This harvest festival of the Druids ushered in the New Year, beginning on the evening of October 31, with the lighting of bonfires and the offering of sacrifices. As the Druids danced around the fires, they celebrated the ending of the summer season and the beginning of the season of darkness. It was also believed that at this time of year the invisible "gates" between the natural world and the spirit world would open, allowing free movement between the two worlds.

During the 8th century in the diocese of Rome, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day to November 1, officially making October 31 "All Hallows Eve," some say, as a way of claiming the celebration for Christians. However, this feast commemorating the martyrdom of the saints had already been celebrated by Christians for many centuries prior to this time. Pope Gregory IV broadened the feast to include the entire Church. Inevitably, some of the pagan practices associated with the season persisted and have been mixed into modern celebrations of Halloween.

I struggle with this one and really sit on the fence, I can fully appreciate all of the above but I also think along the lines of " where is the harm in this?"
My cousin over at daily-happenings joined in the fun at her son's school and can not see the harm on the surface neither can I .
I do struggle with the dressing up as witches and devils tho but cartoon charachters and donuts on a string is not harmful.

Having said that Hannah had to wear fancy dress to her work last Friday and she looked good.

I can see no harm in pumpkin carving either .

In England the tradition ( imported from USA) is to be ghoulish now this I have a problem with.

But what do I know I am just a single voice amongst millions .

So Happy HAlloween where ever you are and what ever you are doing.

Independance Day 2010

Happy Independance Day 2010

Firstly I would urge you to go here A Bloggers tribute to.4th July and read why Americans are proud to be American.
I am not American but My wonderful Aunt has lived there since the early 50's when she married a GI in Newmarket England.
I have to say whilst I am immensely proud to be English I so love so much of the American way of life especially their love of cinnamon flavoured products. Oh and Bath and Body works.

My family in Spokane will have mixed feelings this 4th July as Grandma Lyla ( sorry not sure how it is spelt) has died. She was 98 and had been an amazing person I only had the pleasure of meeting her twice but the second time she remembered me ( I guess I am hard to forget) . imagine having lived through 97  Independence days .

Brilliant Birthday Bash

Ceris & Matt

Two Generations celebrating together

Linda and her Mum

This is one of my best friend  I don't have a sister but if I could choose someone to be one I would choose Linda

Hannah & Linda

Chris & Matt

The newest Member of the family Millie

This is the Mullin Family Mike, Nik,Linda,CerisMat,Roy & Ken

And this is the rest of the family .

How do we know them?

Well when we moved to Market Drayton in 2000 Our children became friends with each other. We share lot's in common. 3 of our children sgare birthdays us parents got married on the same day in 1984.

And basically it feels as tho we have known each other all our lives.

Matt and Chris are best Friends as are Nik and Hannah

and Ceris is kind of Nan to all of them and a bit of an adopted mum to me .

This party was special for many reasons one was obviou because we were celebrating 2 birthdays the 2nd was because it was a chance for Ceris to have all her family  (- 2 grandchildren) together and finally in September Matt is more than likely heading to Afghanistan so it was good to celebrate now.