Carving Pumpkins.

This time of year, a pumpkin on the front porch is a familiar sight.  For the first time, I carved a face - complete with triangular eyes and a toothy grin - onto a pumpkin accompanied by my friends.  The pumpkin, aptly named Ted, now sits on our front steps.  I'd like to think his bright, friendly glow at night brings a smile to the faces of our neighbors.  Ted creates quite a contrast to the ghoulish, sinister decorations that seem to proliferate the yards and homes of many people during the Halloween weekend.  To each his or her own...but Ted remains superior. 

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34

Some biblical encouragement.

A friend shared with me a passage of Scripture today that really spoke to her. I would, in turn, like to share these verses with you.

"Moses said to the Lord, 'You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but You have not let me know whom You will send with me.  You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with Me.'  If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You. Remember that this nation is Your people.'

The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with You, and I will give you rest.'"

- Exodus 33:12-14

We live from day to day, struggling through our lives, and sometimes I think we forget that God knows us by name. 

"Another born romantic, that's me."

I would like to dedicate this post to some of the musicians that either help others praise God in a meaningful way or have set the background music for my life.

Switchfoot. They have been my favorite band for seven years and counting. I saw them for the first time two weeks ago in Mississippi. Their songs have never ceased to inspire me; in fact, this blog is named after a line from "Needle and Haystack Life."  These are men with families that love God and the people they sing to.

Tom Petty. Tom and his heartland rock make me smile.

John Mellencamp. His song "Small Town" pretty much defines my upbringing. "Another born romantic, that's me."

Dashboard Confessional. They are the ones to listen to when you're feeling down. If anyone knows how to express emotions through music, it's Chris Carrabba.

R.E.M. Their music is always relevant to the real world. It's calming and truthful.

Of course, there are tons more, but those are just some recommendations. Enjoy. Breathe.

"Only let us live up to what we have already attained." - Philippians 3:16

Freedom. And Life.

Freedom is important. The freedom to walk outside and appreciate God's creation. The freedom to step away from the world of responsibilities and deadlines that shorten the years of one's life. The freedom of speech provided in the First Amendment. Freedom should not be used for evil. The freedoms that have been given us came with a price. We did not earn them. Someone came before us and paved the way. I think that perhaps we should remember that the next time we focus on our own petty needs, neglecting to notice the hurting people around us. We have the freedom to be selfish, but the freedom to deny ourselves can be forever savored, forever valued. I am not important. But what I can do, what I can say to help others, to point them toward their Maker-that is important. Without God, freedom does not exist. So treasure your life and the people in it while you can. Freedom is once in a lifetime.

"I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free." -Psalm 119:32