Halloween is Here!

I’m sure that no one reading this post is thinking, “I have NO idea what to do for a costume tonight.” That kind of thing never happens right?

Oh good gravy, let’s be honest. Life gets away from us and before we know it something that’s been on the calendar for six weeks is now six hours away. {How does that happen?}

Today’s post has a few fun ideas for last minute costumes.

These costumes could work for young and old alike. I’m not creative enough to come up with these but I found several cute and simple ideas from BuzzFeed.

If you’re reading this because you’re in a hurry for a costume let’s not delay. Time is wasting!

Static Cling

moneycrashers.com

Operation

benchodroff.com

LadyBug

7alltogether.blogspot.com

Stick Man

indulgy.com

Cute ideas, huh? One other source you may want to check out is the story featured in this WGN News Video Link. Adorable and affordable ideas are demonstrated. (It includes punny ones…you know, drawing a large quarter on card board and then wearing it on your back——–Quarter-Back!)

Sometimes there just aren’t enough DoAheads in the world to keep up with life, so in case you’re running behind I hope these ideas will help you and your’s enjoy Halloween!

An added bonus today is a terrific article from a friend of mine about being missional on Halloween. The author forwarded me the article this week and I’d love to share it with you. Let’s hear from Michelle:

Three Ways to Be Missional on Halloween

Dad, what are ghosts?

My daughter asked her dad this question one morning before school. When my husband replied that ghosts weren’t real, she quickly responded, “My friend says that ghosts are dead people that come back to life.” Every year beginning around the end of September we engage in this battle. My kids’ friends love this time of year. However, I realize that October 31st is more than just a fun night out. It reinforces the daily spiritual battle we as Christians and as leaders of our homes, face.

Whether or not to participate in Halloween is one that many Christians wrestle with. Some refuse to allow Satan to take the glory for himself and seek to glorify God. Others avoid the events altogether, clinging close to Bible verses such as 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14.) Either way you choose, make sure you are at peace with yourself and with God.
But one day of gorging on sweets and wearing silly costumes is only a small reminder of the spiritual battle that is waging wars in our kids’ souls everyday. In an age where The Walking Dead is deemed good TV viewing and new horror movies pop up every month, our children are embroiled in a war far bigger than just one night a year.

Perhaps you are torn between avoiding it altogether, and seizing the opportunity to reach the non-believers. If you choose to participate, here are three things you can do to survive the October 31st festivities:

Know the word- knowing what the bible has to say about the paranormal can help educate your children on what’s right and wrong about the dark side. Deuteronomy 18:10-11, Luke 24:39 and Romans 8:38 are great places to start.

Reach the lost- if you do go out trick or treating, be intentional about meeting some neighbors along the way. As you wait for your children to ring the neighbor’s bell, strike up a conversation. We met some new neighbors a few years ago when we bought our first house. Because of that meeting, my husband officiated their wedding ceremony and we have been friends ever since.

Redeem it, don’t avoid it- You don’t have to slam a bible over someone’s head to impact someone’s life. If you give out candy, wrap a piece of paper to it with a bible verse. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8) is a great verse, as well as Proverbs 16:24 and Psalm 119:103. Also, let the neighbor kids know, if they ever feel unsafe at any point in the night (other kids harassing them, they get lost, etc.) designate your house as the “safe house.” Reassure the kids that they can come to your house and stay there until you can contact their parents.

Whatever you choose to do when October 31st rolls around, make sure you put Christ at the center of it. What the enemy intends for evil, you can turn into something good.

If you’d like to hear more from Michelle you can hook up with her at www.michellelazurek.com!

Have a safe weekend friends and come back Monday because we are ready to dip our toes into the water of gratitude.