HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

We wish you a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

From our Extreme Halloween Family to yours, a SAFE and Very Happy Halloween!

Chapter 69.5: Got Candy?

Happy Halloween To All !

I like to wish people who happen to visit my blog a Happy Halloween.




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Chapter 69.4: Simmering Hot Stove

Ouch! That's hot! No, not a Paris Hilton reference, I'm talking about something much more important. The World Series wasn't even over and the off-season had already begun. Of course, Mr. Premature Exclamation and his sidekick Money Boy (aka, Scott Boras and Alex Rodriguez) decided to finally get a hit during the World Series -- since A-Rod can't get there by any other means.

In an effort to extract himself from The Curse of A-Rod, Money Boy has decided to forego roughly $75 million over the next three years with the expectation that he can earn all that and more. He's probably right, though I actually believe the Yankees won't sign him. They'll have enough problems of their own trying to salvage their franchise. With Joe Girardi annointed as the manager, I suspect the exodus of big names will continue. Rumors abound that catcher Jorge Posada doesn't like his former backup, so perhaps he'll find his money elsewhere. I've predicted that Mariano Rivera will take his Hall of Fame career down the NJ Turnpike to Philadelphia, where he'd turn the Phillies into instant favorites to win the National League East -- if they weren't already.

Then today we hear about Joe Torre's reported conversations with the Los Angeles Dodgers -- and subsequently, Grady Little quits as their manager. Of course, Torre and Don Mattingly, whose son is playing in the Dodgers' farm system, are saying the right things; no one seems to be commenting on the requirement that a minority candidate be considered for the job.

Will this stream of hot stove baseball news stop before Spring Training? Already, the free agent declarations are being filed. The Astros just signed Brad Ausmus for another year. (But who cares, it's just a one-year, $2 million contract.) And we've not even learned who will win all the accolades for their successes during 2007. Then there'll be the general managers' meetings... It goes on and on. My wife was just starting to enjoy the off-season.

Vincent Price Inducted into the Halloween Hall of Fame

That's right folks, Vincent Price has been inducted into the Halloween Hall of Fame this week. The Halloween Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to honoring people who have contributed to the popularity and the history behind Halloween, Halloween costuming and other related fields. After the board selects a group of nominees, they open it up to the public to select who gets to be in the Halloween Hall of Fame. This year, Vincent Price was the 2007 winner with 58.8% of the votes, beating the other nominees by a landslide.

Next year's list of nominees include Halloween greats such as:

• Jamie Lee Curtis - Curtis' film debut was in the classic 1978 horror film Halloween, playing the role of Laurie Strode. Curtis was subsequently cast in several horror films, garnering her the title of a "scream queen".


• Ed Wood - Wood is known as the "worst director of all time." He went down in Halloween history with recognition in the Michael Medved book The Golden Turkey Awards.


• Mary Shelley - Shelley wrote the novel "Frankenstein".


• Rick Baker - Baker was the very first recipient of the Oscar for Best Make-Up for "An American Werewolf in London" in 1981.


• Wes Craven - Craven has secured a place in Halloween history as the "king of horror." The director and writer is best known as the creator of many horror films.


• Tim Burton - Burton is an Academy Award-nominated film director, writer and designer known for the quirky and gothic atmosphere of his films.


• Sam Rami - Raimi came onto the radar of film fans with his low-budget, dark humor horror film The Evil Dead (1981), and has since entertained horror audiences with subsequent Evil Dead movies.


• Vlad III The Impaler - Vlad was a Romanian ruler best known for the exceedingly cruel punishments he imposed during his reign and for serving as the primary inspiration for the vampire main character in Bram Stoker's popular Dracula novel.


• Fred Gwynne - Gwynne is best known in Halloween history for his character in "The Munsters" (1964) as the Frankenstein-like patriarch Herman Munster.


• John Carpenter - Carpenter is considered one of the most accomplished and influential horror and science fiction directors in Hollywood. Some of the classic and most famous horror films he has directed: Halloween (1978), The Fog (1980), The Thing (1982), Christine (1983).

Vote for your favorite nominee at http://www.halloweenhalloffame.org/halloween-nominees.html

Chapter 69.3: Happy Halloween!

My wife and I, who both enjoy a good horror film or episode of Ghost Hunters, went with some friends to the Nightmare Haunted House in New York. It was a blast! The Lower East Side venue looked like an old church, though I don't believe that's what it was.

Groups of twelve were allowed into the haunted house at one time. We wove our way through cramped hallways, never knowing when a masked person might pop out. In many rooms the the looming presence was quite obvious, standing before us or waiting in a corner for the right moment to make a person jump or scream. Each room had a different theme. In one, we had to walk over a bed that looked like someone it had been the scene of a bloodletting. I was in the lead at that point, and a woman dressed completely in black jumped upon the bed; there was nowhere to go, so I had to follow her up over the bed. In another room, at least a dozen bodies in white shrouds stood blocking the path; the room was filled with them. I wasn't sure whether I was allowed to walk through them or if they'd eventually open up some space. When I tried to go around one of them, he moved into my direction -- several times. He wouldn't let me go. It wasn't scary so much as it was confusing. But it was fun.

Also a lot of fun was the bar. Once you had your ticket, you could pre-game in the bar and get a pleasant buzz before entering the haunted house. (In addition to the basic generic beer choices, a nice touch was the brand of wine they served: Gato Negro -- black cat.) But if you're looking for a nice scare, get your tickets soon; the house closes after November 3.

Its Not Too Late! You Can Still Get Your Costume in Time for Halloween!

Did you wait til the last minute? Just get invited to a Halloween party you didn't know about? No worries!

Delivery on October 30th in time for Halloween is no problem!

There are thousands of costumes still in stock on http://www.anniescostumes.com/. Select "Delivery on Oct 30th" to receive your costumes in time for Halloween. On time delivery is guaranteed! The express shipping charge is just $20.00 for rush delivery if you order today. The Halloweem shipping information page will be updated with any shipping and price changes as it gets closer to Halloween.

You will be able to order all weekend and on Monday up until 6pm EST for Tuesday delivery and you can even order on Tuesday up until 6pm EST for delivery on Halloween day!

Happy Last Minute Costume Shopping and Happy Halloween!

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets

NO SCAREDY CATS THIS HALLOWEEN: TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR PET PARENTS

Attention, companion animal caretakers! The ASPCA would like to call your attention to these common-sense cautions that’ll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Red Cross Halloween Safety Tips for Children & Adults

Safety Tips from the Red Cross

With witches, goblins, and super-heroes descending on neighborhoods across America, the American Red Cross offers parents some safety tips to help prepare their children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday. Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep events safer and more fun.

• Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.


• Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms.


• Cross the street only at corners.


• Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars.


• Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!)


• Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.


• Carry a flashlight to light your way.
  
• Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flamable.)


• Visit homes that have the porch light on.


• Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.


• Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes. [Or make sure that your mask eye holes are wide enough for visibility.]


• Be cautious of animals and strangers.


• Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don't eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.
  

Free Pumpkin Stencil Maker

Design and print your own jack-o'-lantern patterns at Better Homes and Gardens website—FREE. Choose from thousands of possible faces or let them create one for you! In five minutes or less you’ll be ready to print out your pattern and carve a Jack-o-Lantern that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Click here to get started.

And for great Halloween costumes and accessories, remember to visit anniescostumes.com.

Get Into the Spirit of Halloween

It's almost time...Halloween is just less than 1 week away and if you're looking for ideas to get into the Halloween spirit, then visit Annie's Costumes. Over the past month, our ghouls and goblins have been working hard to expand our multimedia offerings by creating another Halloween-themed video and new online Halloween Movie Trivia quiz.

"At Annie's Costumes, we really do love Halloween. So, this year, we created a couple of fun videos and even a Halloween trivia quiz game," said Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for Annie's Costumes. "The latest video, called "Meet the Couple", shows some of our funny and sexy costumes, which are great Halloween costume ideas for adults. The trivia quiz game, which focuses on classic scary movies, will stump even the most knowledgeable Halloween fan and can be passed on to friends via email."

We hope you enjoy all the Halloween fun. Do you have any additional ideas for Annie's Costumes? Send in your comments so we can add more ghoulish tricks and treats to next year's Halloween season.

Called Home To Make Disciples

John Sleadd, October 2007

When my parents called me home as a boy it was often not good news. It meant my time to play had expired. Or maybe I was in trouble. It meant goodbye friends, farewell fun and games. It meant hello chores, hello accountability. On the other hand it could mean that supper was ready, which was always of interest to me. Home was generally a place to go because you had to eat and sleep and bathe and do necessary work. Home was where you went when everything else was closed. But the real action was elsewhere, so I believed.

When I was a grown man I called my own children home. It wasn’t just for chores, or dinner. I called them home out of the culture. Naomi was in high school, Nathan and Aaron were in middle school, Alexa was in elementary school and Caleb was being homeschooled. I decided that although the older four were getting good grades, they got along well with their classmates, and they were bragged about by their teachers, I needed them to come home so that I could train them.

Arden and I had started off teaching our children at home. Since we were both public school teachers, and we knew the inside of the government educational system, we were convinced that it would better for them to receive faith-based, individualized instruction at home instead of age-segregated classroom instruction. Arden quit her job to stay home and things went well for a number of years. As each child reached ten years of age, we enrolled them for a year in the public school where I taught so that they could have me, Mr. Sleadd, as their fifth grade teacher.
Then Arden’s health took a dive because of a mysterious illness called fibromyalgia. The disease laid her up for long periods with wracking pain and fatigue. Her erratic condition often left her so debilitated that she needed help with even simple tasks like getting dressed, eating and taking care of herself. She became physically spent, emotionally depressed and unable to teach the children. I decided to enroll them full time in the local public schools.

I figured we’d make the most of the situation and allow the kids to bloom where they were transplanted. Wanting to be a good dad, I indulged them in school sports, private music lessons, church youth groups, and visits with friends. Since Arden was unable to drive, I handled all the taxi responsibilities. At times I covered the shopping and cooking, too, with the kids pitching in when possible. You can imagine what our home life was like trying to keep up with swim team, football, wrestling, soccer, gymnastics, track, piano, violin and trumpet lessons; games, meets, concerts, recitals, parades, parent conferences and school functions—for three different school schedules.

Add to this our weekly church experience where each child was encouraged to attend age-segregated youth activities. Top it all off with invitations to parties and outings with friends, and you’ve got a recipe for family frazzle. I felt like I was herding rabbits. We were in a rat race and the rats were winning. We were fast becoming relational strangers, sharing the same roof and last name. There was no time for discipleship. The public school curriculum was thoroughly secular. The church youth activities were shallow and entertainment oriented. I was witnessing the hearts and minds of my children being drawn steadily to a peer culture and away from the things of family.

I started to recognize a huge discrepancy between the picture of Biblical fatherhood and how I was raising my kids. Certain verses in the Bible began to impress and convict me. The implications of the following Scripture passages hit me like a ton of bricks.

Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Malachi 2:15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.

Malachi 4:5-6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.

Ephesians 5:15-17 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Imagine spending so much time in a house of distorted mirrors that you don’t recognize a true reflection when you see it. I found myself in such a place. My mind told me there was something wrong with this picture and it dawned on me that I was permitting others to train my children. I was not diligently teaching my children God’s Word, and I was allowing them to be surrounded with foolish companions, most of whom had no respect for a Biblical worldview. I realized that sending my children to Caesar’s schools was designed to bring Roman values into my home. Furthermore, our frantic family schedule was evidence that we had been stretched and distorted into the mold of the world. Our commitments to sports, academics and achievement crowded out time for reading God’s Word and for worshipping as a family. I wanted out of the house of mirrors.

I began to study my children closely, looking for spiritual fruit, and paying attention to their attitudes. I asked them a lot of questions about the things that were important to them. I looked for evidence of gratitude, contentment, a love of Scripture, a heart for service, and a preference for family. Finding these things lacking, I prayed for wisdom and decided that a radical change was in order.

Called Home At Christmas
I called my children home during Christmas vacation of 2002. I shared my observations in a family meeting, and confessed that I had dropped the ball in discipleship. I said that I felt God’s Word compelled me to train them properly, from here on, which I could not accomplish with them remaining in secular schools. I confessed that I had left the burden of child training to their mother when she was ill. I asked Arden to forgive me. She did. I apologized to my children for not being more involved in their discipleship and asked them to forgive me. They did. I told them that I would now fully bear the responsibility for their education and that I would need their support and patience in working out the bugs. I told them they would finish their current school year, and be homeschooled thereafter.

My children sat in shock, at the announcement, weighing their losses (friends, sports, etc.). But they understood. They will tell you now that they saw God at work in their dad, breaking me and directing me. I’m sure they also reasoned that I had the rest of the school year to change my mind, so why worry about it.

Having made the decision, I had episodes of doubt. On several occasions I found myself wide awake in the middle of the night wondering if I had lost my mind. “God, what are you doing to me?” I asked. “Can I really do this?” Certain of my inadequacy, I found comfort by reading the Bible and praying. Eventually I settled into the mindset that anything God calls me to do, He would supply the ability to complete. I began to look at is as a glorious adventure. How could five kids get a good education at home with a sick mom and a dad who left for his full time job each morning? If it didn’t work out, I figured I could always put them back in school and I’d be wiser for the trying.

Arden and I began to examine our schedule and lifestyle carefully to see what could be trimmed. We prioritized devotional time together over individual time apart. We used our reclaimed time at home to be together to play games and invite other families to visit. We found it easier to fellowship with entire families rather than invite one child to come play with one of our children. We cut most of the sports and maintained most of the music. We cut youth groups. We cut sleepovers. For academics we chose some self-paced curriculum the older children could use to teach themselves. With plenty of modifications and flexibility we found we could focus on godly character development and achieve good scholastic results. I woke my children up early enough to have Bible study each morning before I left for work at 7:15am. Some of them even stayed awake while we did it.

We started singing together as a family and learned to harmonize in four parts. I determined that music would be one of the glues that would bond us together as a family. I bought a drum set, a bass guitar and a keyboard and we formed a family band, calling ourselves Homemade Jam. We started playing jazz, blues and contemporary praise music, which was great fun for me since I had played in dance bands while in college and enjoyed it. We played music in churches, parks, and nursing homes. We played twice at the Medford Jazz festival. My two daughters and I sang a harmonized arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner for the state legislature in Salem one year, and the whole family recorded our first a cappella Christmas CD in 2005.

We found that we had more time to read the Bible and great literature together, and to grow closer in conversation. Arden and I embraced a new vision of parenting that included preparing our children for marriage and for raising their own families in the future. We began to question the practice of superficial dating and became interested in models of biblical courtship.

Called To Build A Covered Bridge Ministry
The ton of bricks that had clobbered me, namely Scripture, became the foundation of a radical, missional mindset. I began to see God’s purpose for fathers more clearly. The clarity of the Lord’s call to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Deut. 6:5), to love our neighbor selflessly (Matt. 22:39), and to make disciples, teaching them all that God has commanded (Matt. 28:20), had amazing ministry implications for dads like me. If a father’s closest neighbors are his wife and children, then it stands to reason that they are his primary mission field. T his missionary work is so important that a man’s ability to manage his family in godliness is a prerequisite for eldership in the church. “He must mange his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (1 Tim 3:4,5)

This understanding brought Biblical purpose into our home. God blessed us with unity and contentment, and soon we felt called to help others find their way out of the cultural house of mirrors. Thus was created Covered Bridge Family Ministries, the bridge representing the father’s protective covering over his household as children are directed over the span of time and circumstances into the next generation. We believe healthy families are beacons of hope in our troubled society, and that Christian households can be effective embassies of ministry for the living gospel of Christ.

For over four years now we have enjoyed promoting father leadership, family-integrated worship and home education. We have sponsored barn dances, variety shows, academic events, family building seminars, and a competitive speech club for homeschool students. To visit out our ministry web page go to http://www.coveredbridgefm.org/. In calling our children out of the secular culture, we felt that it was wise to provide healthy social events and activities to spur them on in their walk of faith. At our very first barn dance our oldest daughter met a young man, who two and a half years later would ask us to court her for marriage. Today they are happily married and are the delighted parents of a cheerful little baby boy.

Called To Transplant
Little did I know what lay ahead. I soon discovered that my newfound perspective on family ministry and father leadership was not widely shared. My own church, where I helped lead musical worship, taught parenting classes, and served as an elder, viewed family ministry as just another program on the ministry menu. While our large church had paid staff dealing with nursery, preschool, elementary Sunday School, junior high, high school, singles, and seniors, no one ministered to families as a unit. Parents were welcome to attend the weekly children’s drama, and to volunteer to work in classes, but no efforts were made throughout the church to unite families in teaching on Sundays. A perusal of the church’s web site, its ministry brochures, and its activities newsletters routinely gave evidence that youth were minstered to apart from their parents. Families did not generally sit together during services, but instead the youth sat together with their peers in one section of the auditorium while their parents sat in another section. I pointed out to the other elders how our regular practices were routinely fragmenting families. On any given Sunday it was typical for children to be dropped off at age-graded Sunday School classes and youth groups while their parents visited an adult class for the first hour. Then, during the second hour, the kids might go to Children’s Church while their parents attended the service. It was therefore possible that the only common experience a family might share Sunday morning at our church was the car ride to and from the building. The fact that my five children sat with me during the service made us feel like a conspicuous island in a sea of segregation. The house of mirrors was inside the church and we appeared to be the ones who were distorted.

I don’t want to unfairly portray my church as being against family unity. We had simply settled into routines and staffing decisions that promoted programs which tended to produce the results of family fragmentation. To be fair, the elders and staff all agreed that family restoration was a serious need. One elder initiated a three day family camp that became a yearly event, which was a wonderful approach to cultivating unity. Several families, mine among them, established age-integrated home groups, which were a blessing to participants. By and large, however, the vision for family restoration did not gain footing among the church staff as a significant priority. My recommendations for the youth minister to equip fathers to be youth ministers in their homes were unwelcome. I determined that my passion for strengthening families could best be explored apart from the ministry model of this church.

After a season of church visits, which I considered fascinating religious field trips for my children, I felt more than ever the need for family-integrated worship in our community. At one particular church my family was actually prohibited from sitting together in the main auditorium, because one of my children, under age ten was required to be in a Sunday School class. To worship together we were forced to watch the service in a remote room on a monitor. Almost unbelievable.

After many months of enjoying our visits at a variety of churches, and concluding that reformation in church practice was needed, we eventually committed to attending Coram Deo, a new, family-integrated church plant in Grants Pass. In time I accepted the position of worship leader which allowed my whole family to minister musically in the congregation. Each Sunday Pastor Dale Meador would preach at Bear Creek Church in Medford, and then drive twenty miles to Grants Pass to preach at Coram Deo. In January of 2007 Dale determined that Coram Deo needed a local pastor, and he asked me to consider stepping into that role. Initially I declined with a string of excuses about my inadequacy, but his persistence, and that of the other elders, led me to view his request as another of God’s promptings.

Called Home To Pastor
I took an unpaid year’s leave of absence from teaching to explore the Lord’s leading in shepherding a congregation. It was familiar territory to find myself awake in the middle of the night wondering, “God, what are you doing to me?” followed by a sense of peace and even adventure.

What a blessing it is be with my family now in the mornings. I generally rise early for private study, then awake them for Bible study before breakfast. I also enjoy instructing my children in Providential history as part of our homeschool curriculum. My family, in turn, helps me to be a pastor by helping out with worship and producing the church bulletin. I have been meeting weekly with the Bear Creek elders since January as part of my pastor preparation program. We read and discuss books together on theology, church history, preaching, and more. I am trusting the Lord to build Coram Deo into a useful family-integrated body of believers who will rejoice in their calling to grow in God’s Word and to disciple their children.

What exactly is a family-integrated church? It is a church that avoids systematic age segregation because we believe God’s Word calls parents to train their own children. It stresses that a pastor must be faithful to shepherd his own family while he serves the congregation. It assumes that Biblical mentoring implies older men and women should be with the younger members to serve as examples among them. At Coram Deo we emphasize a Biblical view of marriage and family, the importance of family worship and discipleship, the benefits of Christian education, and the need for a plurality of Biblically qualified leaders. We take seriously our charge to equip the saints for ministry, and to encourage fathers to diligently train their children. Our desire is to faithfully preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to help our members make God's Word the centerpiece of their homes.

God turned my heart toward my family. Perhaps He’s calling you, too. He might not ask you to be the pastor of a church, but I believe He calls all fathers to serve as pastors in their homes.

Sincerely,
John Sleadd

Second Life Virtual Halloween Party Tonight!

You are cordially invitied to our Second Life Haunted Halloween Party!

It begins at 9:30PM EST (6:30PM Second Life Time) Tuesday, October 23, 2007 in http://www.secondlife.com/. There will be plenty of tricks and treats. In the virtual Haunted House you can experience trap doors, secret portals, catacombs, blood on the walls and all the other fun things you would experience in a real life Haunted House. Search for costumes or haunted house in world and you will find us!

While at the party, make sure to pick up a costume for your Second Life Avatar at Annies Costumes' Virtual Costume Store. There are many fun virtual costumes: vampires, pirates, wizards and princesses! Deck out your avatars for Halloween!

The third attraction in Second Life is the virtual museum for the Halloween Hall of Fame.

Multigenerational Faith

Did you know that faith can grow cold and vanish in a single generation? Christian parents have an obligation to train up their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord (Eph 6:4). Why? Because the Lord desires godly offspring (Mal 2:15). I tell my own five children that God holds me accountable for training them with a Biblical worldview so that they, in turn, might raise their own future children in godliness. When we view our parental responsibilities as a long term investment in more than a single generation of Christians, we are more likely to resist the trends of the unbelieving culture which lure us into materialistic, autonomous individualism. With Christ as the author and perfecter of our faith, we can look beyond our own lifetimes and launch our children into the next generation.

Below I have included a set of beliefs which contribute to a multigenerational view of faith, followed by some key issues in our culture needing reformation. Finally, a few passages of scripture are listed which speak to the transfer of faith over time through the bearing and training of children.

* Beliefs Contributing to Multi-generational Faith
* Acceptance of Christ as Savior who redeems sinners by grace
* Acceptance of the sufficiency of Scripture and a biblical worldview in all areas of life, including faith and family.
* Acceptance of the father headship in the home for spiritual nurture

* Acceptance of parental responsibility to disciple one's children to replicate faith in their own future families
* Acceptance of age-integrated worship practices as guiding youth to become wise by walking with the wise
* Acceptance of the importance of the church in its role of equipping parents in Godliness
* Rejection of unbiblical models of child training, education and church practices which cultivate peer dependence and autonomous individualism

Key Areas for Transformation

1. Marriage & Children - The promiscuous, serial-dating, no fault divorce culture has become a major impediment to the transfer of multi-generational faith among believers. Christians now divorce more often than non-Christians. What is needed is a return to the biblical principles of purity before marriage and careful preparation under the loving protection and guidance of one's parents before being wed. We call it courtship. In its simplest form it is an agreement between children and their parents to work together, for God's glory, in the decision-making process to select a suitable marriage partner. We have included a helpful link to articles on courtship.

God's purpose for marriage includes the potential for having godly children (again, Malachi 2:15). While it is not my place to judge the size of any man's family, I will say that many Christian couples need to trust God more with their family planning rather than conforming to the two-child culture.

2. Education - The Bible is clear in its call for parents to train their own children. Whether this is done full-time at home, or in conjunction with sending one's child to an institutional school, Christian parents should maximize their ability to instruct their children in godly beliefs and behaviors (Ephesians 6:4).

Unfortunately, the majority of Christian parents in America today have turned the academic instruction of their children over to the secular government schools. In an attempt to achieve religious and multicultural egalitarianism, these institutions have become increasingly hostile to Christian beliefs. The Nehemiah Institute has discovered that a majority of Christian children (75%) attending public schools have accepted a secular humanist worldview. Furthermore, according to the Southern Baptist Council on Family Life's report to the 2002 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, 88% of the children raised in evangelical homes, a majority of whom are educated in public schools, leave church at the age of 18, never to return.

In sharp contrast, The National Home Education Research Institute, found that 94% of home school graduates retained the religious beliefs of their parents. While these data are not strictly parallel in focus, they do effectively show the dramatic difference between the fruit of a secular education versus Christ-centered instruction from one's own parents. Parents whose children are enrolled in Christian private schools should also make it a priority to disciple their own children to the greatest degree possible. Simply put, God did not intend for young children to be trained by institutions. He placed them with parents in families. Let's be careful that what we justify as a delegation of responsibility to others does not become an abdication of our duties to raise our children.

3. Family Worship - The need for fathers to exercise spiritual leadership in their homes is crucial for the transmission of multi-generational faith. Too often, parents assume that the spiritual training of their children is adequately covered by Sunday School classes or youth programs. Again, God does not mandate the training of children by an institution. Fathers would we wise to turn their hearts to their children, to establish regular habits of personal devotions, and then to lead their families in worship, prayer and Bible reading. In the Sleadd family we have made it our habit to have family worship each day before breakfast and after dinner.

4. Corporate Worship - The American Christian church has become increasingly program-based and consumer-oriented. Christians would be wise to return to the age-integrated practices of the early church where households functioned as embassies of the Lord and where congregational gatherings included families worshipping together. Coram Deo Church in Grants Pass is a family-integrated, disicple-making church that supports the Godly work of parents to train up their children in the faith.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World

Looking for some Halloween fun for the little ones? Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL is just the Halloween Party for you!

Event Highlights:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade!
  



• Trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom® Park at numerous locations.
  



• Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular — where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky!
  



• Characters decked out in their favorite costumes — so wear yours, too.
  



• Some of the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions.

Buy tickets online* now or call (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639)†

See the Walt Disney website for details.

Chapter 69.2: Rox & Sox

We're all set, now. The Boston Red Sox vs. the Colorado Rockies in the 2007 World Series. Depending on how well the Rockies are able to maintain the momentum they had in sweeping through the first two rounds of the playoffs, this could be a memorable series.

After seeing how the Red Sox came back against a very good Indians team, I find it hard to believe the upstart Rockies will be able to overcome them. But anything can happen in a short series. My prediction: Red Sox win, 4 games to 2.

Fantasy Fest Costume Contests 2007

TravelVideoTV.com reports on this year's Fantasy Fest festivities:

Entries in previous years have included a group of gigantic dancing Chinese takeout containers and a sea hag driving a 10-foot-tall blue and pink sequined replica steam engine, and competitors in the 2007 Pretenders in Paradise costume competition are expected to dream up equally elaborate and flamboyant ensembles.

A highlight of Key West's annual 10-day Fantasy Fest celebration, Pretenders in Paradise is to take place at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, on an outdoor stage beside Key West Harbor at the Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa, 1 Duval St. The costume competition is celebrating its 25th year in 2007, and features a theme of "Somewhere Under the Rainbow" to complement the overall Fantasy Fest theme of "Gnomes, Toads & White Rabbit Tea Parties."

Each year, Pretenders draws over-the-top costume entries ranging from solo efforts to multiperson collaborations. Entrants put on full-scale performances, complete with lights and music, to entertain standing-room-only crowds.As well as being a lavish display of the costumer's art, the contest can be extremely lucrative for its winners. Judges award cash prizes totaling $10,000 in categories for professional, amateur and group entries.

Tickets for Pretenders are $28 per person, available beginning Oct. 1 at the Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa.Exotic as it is, Pretenders is just one of Fantasy Fest's lively lineup of masking and costuming challenges. Set for Oct. 19-28, the festival offers creative spirits a wide variety of opportunities to explore their taste for glitz and glitter, offbeat originality and exuberant design excess. For example, "Mad Hatters" can strut their stuff at the 25th annual Headdress Ball. Set for 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, the Headdress Ball traditionally draws entrants sporting elaborate masks, cowls, bonnets and other headgear -- all vying for cash prizes awarded by local celebrity judges.Themed "Shrooms, Blooms & Mad Hatter Plumes," the gala is to take place under a gigantic tent in the parking lot of the Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval St.Between headdress presentations, attendees can enjoy a nightclub-style talent revue featuring top local entertainers. Tickets for the headdress happening are available at www.keystix.com

At least 10 other costume competitions also are scheduled for Fantasy Fest 2007, including the annual "Red Night" Wednesday, Oct. 24, at Fogarty's, 227 Duval St.; and the Southernmost Masked Mania Costume Contest at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, poolside at the Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval St.

For more on the happenings this week at Fantasy Fest, check out the official Fantasy Fest website: www.fantasyfest.net

Marvel Costume Contest Ends Oct 22nd

This article comes from the Comicbox Web Site:

Marvel tells us: Do you spend every Halloween dressed up as your favorite Marvel super hero or villain. Well, Marvel wants to see you in your costume and they’re handing out prizes to the best-dressed Marvel fans. All you have to do is head over to www.marvel.com/costumecontest right now to enter Marvel’s Costume Contest!
The deadline for submissions is October 22. Then, from October 23 through October 29, Marvel fans will be able to vote on Marvel.com for their favorite Marvel Costume Contest entry. Then, before you go trick-or-treating, check Marvel.com on Halloween day to see if you’re one of the winners of Marvel’s First Annual Costume Contest and Marvel Costume Contest Voter Sweepstakes!
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a personalized “handbook style” page to appear in a Marvel comic book and be spotlighted in a feature article on Marvel.com along with a signed Captain America Omnibus by Ed Brubaker! Plus, one randomly selected voter will win a signed Captain America Omnibus by Ed Brubaker for helping judge the competition.
What are you waiting for?? Grab your Marvel costume, your digital camera and head to Marvel.com right now to enter Marvel’s First Annual Costume Contest!
For complete rules visit www.marvel.com/costumecontest/

Costumes for Kids In Iraq

I came across this article last month about Hunter Hotaling, a 6 year old boy [pictured above]who undertook the challenge of sending 100 superhero costumes to the children of Iraq. Even though, they did not ask me, I love this idea and sent some super hero costumes to help out Hunter on his mission.

Hunter's mission is to help his father, Capt. Andrew Hotaling, and the captain's military transition team bring smiles to the faces of Iraqi children.

According to information provided in a press release, Hunter's endeavor began when he asked his mother, Mary Anne, if he could join the Army. Hunter told his mom that he did not want to fight, he said he wanted to be the "chore guy."

After receiving an e-mail from his dad to send leftover Halloween costumes to Iraq, Hunter set a goal to gather 100 costumes.

His mom said e-mails were sent out across the nation and within a month Hunter met his goal.

I am happy to know that we helped Hunter and in turn, helped the children in Iraq by bringing them the joy of fantasy and letting them know that they are super too!

Halloween Recipes From the Food Network

This weekend, the Food Network started showing their Halloween specials. The shows are so much fun, not only do they showcase great recipes and help you create a menu for your Halloween Party, but all the Food Network stars are in fabulous costumes! You are sure to find some great Halloween party menu ideas both on the shows and on the Food Network web site. Of course, you will find plenty of recipes for Halloween sweets and treats, but also check out the savory Halloween dishes, like Emeril's "Vampire Chicken on a Stake with blood wine sauce", Paula Dean's Sea Creature Soup, Rachael Ray's Yummy Mummy appetizer, creepy cocktails, and pumpkin recipes. If you are in need of visual help and miss the shows on tv, you can see the videos online.

Halloween Makeup Tutorial DVD

This is a demo of the full length DVD available at www.stageandtheatermakeup.com/beautycastdvd.htm

The full length DVD gives you step by step, visual instructions on how to get the best sexy look to go with you Halloween costume.

For Halloween Makeup: www.stageandtheatermakeup.com/halloweenmakeup.htm

13 Days of Halloween on the Sci Fi Channel

Starts Tonight!
Make sure to get you fill of horror movies this October. The Sci Fi Channel is featuring 13 Days of Halloween with a horror movie each day. Many of the movies they are featuring are never seen before Sci Fi Channel originals.

Meet the Couple Video Featuring Sexy Couples Halloween Costumes

For more information on any of the couples costumes featured in this funny video, see The Funny Couples Costume Page on AnniesCostumes.com.

For more costume videos, visit The Extreme Halloween Channel on You Tube.

30 Days of Night Vampire Movie

Just in time to get into the spooky Halloween spirit! 30 Days of Night opens today and is being called "The Best Vampire Movie in Decades".



Does the movie live up to its billing?

Best Horor Movies of All Time

Check out MovieFone.com for their Countdown of the Best Horror Movies of all time. There is a new movie each day, with the #1 movie announced on Halloween.

Did your favorites make the list?

You can vote for the scariest movie character of all time in Extreme Halloween's Scary Halloween Survey.

Chapter 69.1: My Hat's Off, But Don't Cry for Joe Torre

As a young Mets fan, I had a special feeling for Joe Torre. He briefly worked as a player manager -- almost as uncommon in the 70s as it is unknown in the 21st century -- and to my eyes seemed like the perfect man to lead the misfit Mets. I felt bad when the Mets fired him -- just when they seemed to be making progress! -- and happy when he took the Atlanta Braves to the playoffs in 1982.

While Yankees fans were unimpressed when he became the manager of their team in 1996, I was happy to see him return to New York. And as impossible as it is for me to say this, I almost rooted for him when they beat the Braves in the '96 World Series. Almost. When Jim Leyritz hit that home run that turned the tide, my hatred of the franchise returned.

When a man takes his team to the playoffs for twelve consecutive years, you'd think his job would be secure. A team that appears in six World Series in twelve years -- you'd think the job would be secure. But, no, they ask him to take a 33 percent paycut and sign a one-year contract, ostensibly to train his likely replacement, Don Mattingly, and look like a money-grubbing weakling to his players. The Yankees have every right to not re-sign their manager, whose contract had ended. But to most fans -- Yankees fans or not -- their actions are an insult to a dignified man. Yes, he would still have had the highest salary for a manager, but he deserved better treatment.

Whether the Yankees hire Mattingly, Joe Girardi, Luis Sojo, Bobby Valentine, Tony La Russa, or Buck Showaler, I expect them to struggle next year. Mariano Rivera, who is on the downside of his career but still effective, has said he won't return if Torre doesn't. Roger Clemens is done. Jorge Posada is a free agent, but I expect they'll re-sign him. And their much lauded young arms are still inexperienced. They will not have the steadying hand of Torre around; let's see whether that matters.

But Torre will be fine; of that I have no doubt. He could easily become the highest paid analyst in television -- not manager money, of course, but it would keep him in the public eye and keep his endorsement options wide open. Or he could manage elsewhere. Is Tom Trembley's spot in Baltimore really secure? Probably. And Torre might not want to manage in the same division as the Yankees just yet. The Royals have some good young players. They could use a steadying influence, though he's really done better with established ball clubs. So, ditto the Pirates, whose managerial spot is open too.

I suspect Torre won't manage in 2008; he'll be in TV land for a year. But by 2009, if Willie Randolph falters with the Mets, I could see Torre having a triumphant return to help open Citi Field. Stranger things have happened.

Play the Halloween Movie Trivia Game!

Have fun playing our new Halloween Movie Trivia Game. Six tricky trivia questions! How many can you get right? Do you know how Freddy Kruger's mother died? Play to find out! Then you can send the game to your friends - share the Halloween fun!

Universal's Halloween Horror Nights

It's that time again!

Freddy Krueger, Jason and Leatherface join forces at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights® during the following dates: Oct. 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, 31 & Nov. 1-3.

Come face-to-face with three of the biggest names in horror at Universal Orlando® Resort's 17th annual Halloween Horror Nights®, Amusement Today's 2006 Golden Ticket Award winner for Best Halloween Event.

Get tickets now.

For great Halloween costumes and accessories, visit Anniescostumes.com. (Remember, you're not allowed to wear costumes inside the park, however.)

Sweet and Spooky Halloween Drink Recipes

This fun article on Halloween Drinks from Better Homes and Gardens magazine’s website will help you add spark to a Halloween party with some unusual punches and beverages.


Creepy concoctions include: Ghoul’s Punch (complete with floating frozen ‘hands’!), Haunting Hot Chocolate, Spritzed Fruit Drink with Wiggle Worm Ice, Blue Slime Sipper and more.


Check them all out here.


For great Halloween costumes and accessories, visit Anniescostumes.com, too.

Time is Running Out to Buy Your Halloween Costume Online

It's crunch time folks! If you still haven't gotten ordered your Halloween costume online, you better do it soon. Here are some tips for online shoppers ordering last minute Halloween costumes.

First, when ordering online Halloween costumes, make sure that they are purchased from a Halloween store that keeps a real-time inventory. If their inventory isn't up-to-date, you may order a costume that's not in stock and not get your costume in time for Halloween. At Annie's Costumes, our automated inventory manager informs shoppers immediately if the online Halloween costume they're interested in is out of stock.

Second, be aware of the shipping time lines. Since Halloween is on a Wednesday this year, if you need a costume for celebrations the weekend before, place your order through a online Halloween costume store by Thursday, Oct. 25, selecting next-day delivery. For delivery by Halloween night, place your order for next day delivery on October 30th. Make sure to check the store's website for cut off times and details. Annie's has a variety of shipping options available and will be updated daily at www.anniescostumes.com/order.htm.

We have thousands of costumes still available for adults, children and babies for last minute Halloween shoppers. Have fun selecting your online Halloween costume!

Blog Reader's Special Giveaway! The Nightmare Factory

We really appreciate all of our blog readers and hope that you enjoy the content we put together for your reading enjoyment! In appreciation, we have a special giveaway for the first 5 blog readers who leave a comment letting us know you would like our giveaway item. And what are we giving away you ask?

A FREE copy of The Nightmare Factory book from Fox Atom Comics!

This is an awesome new graphic book based on the short stories of Thomas Ligotti. It is suggested for mature readers, so you must be 18 years or older to qualify.

From the back cover:

Enter the universe of renowned horror master Thomas Ligotti - a universe where clowns take part in a sinister winter festival, a scheming girlfriend makes reality itself come unraveled, a crumbling asylum's destruction unleashes a greater horror, and a mysterious Teatro comes and goes.

In the tradition of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, Ligotti's sophisticated tales of terror take us to places few would suspect exist, where madness is only a though away. The Nightmare Factory adapts four of Ligotti's most chilling tales into fine graphic literature by famed writers and artists Stuart Morre, Joe Harris,Colleen Doran (The Sandman), Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night), Ted McKeever (Batman), and Michael Gaydos (Alias). Featuring all-new introductions to each story by Thomas Ligotti.

I will add posts to let the winners know how to contact me. The book will be mailed to you free of any charge - ENJOY!

Chapter 69: Rocking Good Time

The Rockies win the pennant! The Rockies win the pennant. The Rockies win the ...

No, it just doesn't have the same ring to it that other teams might have created, though, to be honest, neither does "Congratulations to the National League Champion Diamondbacks," though we've heard that and more in the past.

But, as a National League fan, I do wish former Met Clint Hurdle and his team well in the World Series, whether they play the Indians or the Red Sox -- both of which will give them a run for their money. I'm surprised that Arizona wasn't able to break the Rockies winning streak, and I'd be more surprised if they can sweep their eventual World Series opponent. But stranger things have happened.

For now, the Rockies have to withstand nine days of dormancy. Let's see what kind of club they have when they finally take part in their first ever World Series.

Top Halloween Costumes for Boys and Girls...YouTube Style

Extreme Halloween Network gives a visual tour of the top ten Halloween costumes for boys and girls on YouTube.com. Inspired by movie blockbusters and popular TV shows, these awesome Halloween costumes include classic favorites and newcomers such as Jack Sparrow, Star Wars, the Power Rangers, Shrek, Spiderman, and Batman.

"We're excited to be able to provide a visual tour of the Top Ten Halloween costumes this year," said Shari McConahay, Marketing Director for the Extreme Halloween Network. "Seeing the kids Halloween costumes from all angles really helps parents and kids decided what they want to dress up as for Halloween this year."

The top ten Halloween costumes for boys and girls were determined by sales trends and an annual survey, voted on by parents and children around the country. Visit http://www.extremehalloween.com/surveyform.htm to vote in this year's poll.

Think Pink Costumes for the Cure

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we are honoring all women who have battled or are in the battle against breast cancer. We have put together a great line of pink costumes and costume accessories for our Think Pink Costumes for the Cure promotion. For each of our think pink costumes sold in the month of October, 10% of the sale will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can help us and celebrate Halloween all at the same time. Visit: www.anniescostumes.com/thinkpinkcostumes.htm

Thank you for your help and support!

Chapter 68.9: 700 Years and Counting

My, how the time doth fly. Seven hundred years already? Feels like only a century or two. That's right, today is the seven hundredth anniversary of the arrest and masacre of the Knights Templar. The legend (and after 700 years, I think most things are either legends or matters of faith) is that King Philip IV of France was in deep to the Templars -- who, despite their vows of poverty, were the richest mo-fos in the world, in part because they invented checking and were pretty swift with a sword, so no one was going to say "Yeah, you and what army" when Vinny Templar came looking for his cut.) So Phil, with the help of Pope Clement, set out to wipe out his debts in one fell swoop and take out the Templars to boot. That occurred on October 13, 1307. It was a Friday (though I'm no savant, so I'll take that calendar thing as a matter of faith), which some say is why Friday the 13th became associated with bad luck.

Of course, there are other theories about Friday the 13th, and since today's Saturday, I'm not going to expound on that. If you're interested, I encourage you to use your library card.

Why should I care about this date? No real reason. But for many years, my wife and I have joked about the Sinclair connection to the Knights Templar. Those who read or watched The DaVinci Code should be aware of Roslin Castle, which is a Sinclair castle in Scotland that contains numerous Templar and Masonic references. The Sinclairs were key leaders in the Knights Templar. There is also a legend (and this is clearly at best a legend, no basis in fact as far as I'm aware) that the Sinclairs are derived from the daughter of Jesus and Mary Magdalene and were somehow in the Merovingian line -- a point I don't even see in Wikipedia, so I'm certainly not giving it much credibility.

Like I said, I've got no real reason to pay this much attention. However, if you heard the news yesterday (Oh boy...), you may have heard that the Knights Templar were granted a reprieve on the charges of heresy, which were Pope Clement's basis for allowing Philip to send his hit squads out to arrest and kill the Templars. Oh well, what's 700 years between friends? Happy Friday the 13th, enjoy your Saturday!

Build The Church

It was back in August. I was in Medford with the Bear Creek Church elders for my weekly studies to become a pastor. We were sitting in Grilla Bites Café discussing the future of Coram Deo Church, and my new responsibilities as part of the staff. When I asked what I should be focusing on, Pastor Dale put a pen to a paper napkin and printed, “build the church.”

That’s my goal in teaching from Paul’s Epistle To The Ephesians. I've chosen to highlight three major themes of emphasis to help us understand God's will for His church in the first century and today.


The Church Called Out (Redeemed & Adopted)
The saints have been chosen before the foundation of the world and predestined for adoption through Christ into God's kingdom (Eph 1:4-5). Our effectual calling delivers us from spiritual death and God's wrath, from the futility of the course of this world, and from the power of Satan (Eph 2:1-5). We are saved by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9) in order to glorify God through good works, which are the fruit of faith (Eph 2:10).


The Church Called Together (United & Equipped)
In Christ, the saints are reconciled to God and are joined together as the holy temple and dwelling place of God's Spirit (Eph 2:22). Christ has given leaders to the church to equip the saints for the work of ministry and attain unity (Eph 4:12-13).


The Church Called To Serve (Sanctified, Strengthened & Prepared for Active Duty)
The saints are called to walk in newness of life (Eph 4:24), building one another up (Eph 4:29), making the best use of our time (Eph 5:16), and rejoicing with one another in submission and reverence (Eph 5:19-21). We are to honor and serve God in obedience through husbands loving their wives, wives respecting their husbands, children obeying their parents, and fathers training their children in godliness (Eph 5:22-6:4). We are to engage in spiritual warfare by putting on the full armor of God, by standing firm in our faith, and by praying at all times (Eph 6:13-18).


I pray that as we explore Paul’s glorious letter to the saints in Ephesus, we will sense the hand of God knitting us together and building us up as the Body of Christ, His Church. We are indeed His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Eph 2:10).

May we grow strong in love and deeds.

Fashion May Cry

I haven’t been interested in the Devil May Cry series since the first game, but the 4th installment is looking pretty kick ass. All that goodwill nearly went down the toilet when I caught sight of this ridiculous looking mask, gauntlets, and boots combo above. I mean really, they’re flat out embarrassing.

I say “nearly went down the toilet ” because the look of something is only half the story in a game. Check out how the gauntlets are literally exploding with destructive force and the boots whir like crazed spurs from hell. They look like they’ll be an utter blast to use and see in action. How they look standing still is another matter, but how often do you do that in a DMC game?

Another interesting development is the evolution of Lady. She had this spunky, schoolgirl-theme outfit complete with ammo backpack and skirt. My favorite part about her original look is actually her hair. Lucky for me then that it’s somewhat still the same for her DMC4 look, but now she’s featuring more of a business travel assassin vibe.

I’m not sure how I feel about this new pseudo-suit. We’ll have to see if they explain how she got to this stage in her fashion life and if it works into her play mechanics.

Annie's Costumes Launches Second Life Store

Annie's Costumes just launched a virtual haunted house and costume shop in Second Life. Avitars are able to shop for costumes and then be spooked as they walk through the virtual haunted house.

This move only increases the web presence of this amazing company. “Going virtual just seemed like the next step for our costume shop,” states Shari McConahay, Marketing Director for Annie's Costumes, “We worked closely with Ten Golden Rules and LeftBank Studios to design a Second Life costume and clothing line that would reflect the true spirit of Halloween. All the classic Halloween costumes are represented from vampires to witches, from pirates to princesses.”

Chapter 68.7: This Championship Season

A quick note before bed: Though the Rockies have taken the first game of their series with the Diamondbacks, I'll make my predictions about the NLCS and the ALCS.

Red Sox vs. Indians: Red Sox in 7 games -- tough series and it could be one for the ages. This may be the start of a long-term rivalry, especially if the Yankees start to disintegrate.

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Rockies in 6 -- this is also a tough series to predict, and I didn't expect the Rockies to defeat Brandon Webb. But I don't think they can continue to win with the regularity they've displayed, no matter how impressive it is.

Halloween Safety Tips

• With Halloween fast approaching, here are some great Halloween Safety Tips from the Los Angeles Fire Department:
  

BEFORE HALLOWEEN:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
  Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.


• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.


• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.


• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.


• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.


• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.


• Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.


• Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.


• Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire.


• Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.


• Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.
  

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

Remind Trick-or-Treaters:

• By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.


• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.


• Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.


• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.


• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.


• Never cut across yards or use alleys.


• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.


• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.


• Always walk. Never run across a street.


• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).


• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.


• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.


• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.


• No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.


• Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
  

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.


• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.


• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

Find a perfect (and safe!) Halloween costume and accessories at Anniescostumes.com.

Come To Church

By John Sleadd, August 30, 2007

Dinner’s Ready
“Come and eat!” This command rings out regularly in the Sleadd house at dinnertime. My children (5 total, 4 remaining at home) have rotating chef duties and they call the rest of us to the table when the food is ready. Sometimes it’s hard to get everyone gathered together. We are scattered throughout the house, or around our acre of property engaged in various projects. Someone’s in the studio practicing a musical instrument. Someone’s in the back yard catching frogs. Someone’s on the computer composing a blog post. Someone’s on the couch with an exciting book.

“Come and eat!” is repeated, a little louder. The supper chef wonders why no one is coming (One of the reasons we rotate this duty is to give each child the responsibility and experience of serving). “Hey, the food is getting, cold,” we are warned. Eventually, we all get washed up, sit down, give thanks, and begin our meal. We enjoy conversation and companionship as our stomachs are filled.

Church is often like this. A pastor prepares a meal of God’s Word to nourish his congregation. Any number of projects and activities distract us, but we lay them aside to gather together on Sunday morning as the Lord’s people. Or should.

A Commitment Problem
For over a year I have enjoyed leading worship at Coram Deo Church. It has been a pleasure to welcome the congregation into corporate celebration to sing and pray and enjoy warm fellowship. Now, in my new role as teaching elder, I have the immense pleasure of studying and preparing to nourish the Body of Christ with His Word. Sometimes I wonder why folks who attend our church do not “come and eat” each week. Some of them drop in from time to time as if the church is a restaurant and they are customers. Perhaps this is because they don’t understand the importance of being together regularly. I’d like to review the basic purposes of the church and why believers should commit to showing up every Sunday.

1. The church ministers to God through praise and worship. Christ is the head of the church. We are the body. A healthy church is committed to honoring God through unified worship under Christ. “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” (Psalm 22:22) “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)

2. The church ministers to believers through nurture and discipleship. The body of Christ is comprised of many members, each important in the function of the whole. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Roman 12:10-13) “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

3. The church ministers to the world through evangelism and mercy. Christ has given all believers a testimony of faith, which we are to share freely. We are called to be light bearers in a dark world, commending salvation in Christ alone, and the sufficiency of God’s Word, the Bible. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:35-36)

I recognize that many of the passages I’ve cited above can be interpreted within the context of a home fellowship. Researcher George Barna has documented the popularity of the house church movement, into which many people have retreated from institutional church models for various reasons. The second chapter of the Book of Acts sets a clear biblical precedent for believers to meet in their homes, but it also includes regular attendance at the temple. “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)

Honoring Community
It’s true that members of a family could eat dinner in their own rooms to fill their stomachs. But think about the other elements of a good meal that would be missing. When we talk to each other about how good the food is, it actually tastes better. When we praise the chef for preparing it, we celebrate excellence in cooking (and the cook feels appreciated). When we converse and laugh and practice good manners together (still working on that in the Sleadd house) we get full hearts as well as full stomachs. When we read from the Bible, or from other uplifting material, together, we are inspired to think and to grow and to serve in unity, to become more like Christ.

An Earnest Plea
Dear people of God, do you honor your brothers and sisters in the faith by being with them? Or are you dating the church? Do you realize your potential to be a blessing to others in the congregation? Or do you imagine that going to church is only about satisfying your own needs, and not about serving others? I pray that the Lord would ignite a fire under your soul that prompts you to walk in deeper faith, which means humble commitment. I pray that you would delight in the fellowship of the saints, and make it your habit to build up your local church. Find one and settle there long enough to become united in spirit. It begins with showing up regularly, and on time. It grows with love and good deeds.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)