All HAllows Eve and All Saints Day

LIFE & Death

We start this week with the beautiful holiday of All Hallows Eve. We call it Halloween in the States and treat it a bit different than what it was in the past. All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day on Monday has generally been a celebration of Life and Death for centuries. We are thankful and celebrate all that has brought us and then we celebrate the life of all our friends and family that have passed on. It's really a beautiful family reunion so to speak. A time of reflection and remembrance. A time to be thankful for all the folks who paved the way for where you are now - old friends and ancestors. The early church saw this as a time to celebrate new life found in Christ and remembering the lives of the saints that had passed on before. Other cultures and traditions have done the same for centuries before the Church was even formed. It truly is a magical season to celebrate Life and those who have gone before us. 

Here are some ways you can celebrate this season.
- Take a few moments at dinner this week to talk about what you are thankful for and then talk about a fond memory of a friend or family member who has passed.
- Light a candle and place it in your window in remembrance of a loved one who has passed
- Sit down with your family and grab a photo book and talk about your ancestors with your kids
- Write down a few things you are thankful for each day 
- Have fun and create your own traditions

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SONG OF THE WEEK

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Trick or treat

Last night (October 30th) was Trick or Treat night in our neighborhood and it was amazing. It was the first time the Cox family was really able to get out in our new neighborhood and see all our neighbors. The whole street was decorated and a ton of families were out walking around and sharing candy. Our kids loved it and talked to everyone.  It was a beautiful reminder of how much good there really is around us.  The majority of people, no matter what, are good people. Sometimes it takes a holiday to remind us of that. So many things try to poke the bear and rile us up to split and make enemies of each other, but when it gets right down to it - People really do like to say hello and share candy with one another. I think that's why this season is becoming one of my favorite times of year. Because the human spirit really starts to triumph.

Did your family participate in Trick or Treat this year? Did you decorate your house and give out candy? How did you celebrate?

Leave a comment in our Facebook Group.

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AUTUMN PRAYER

As the trees are stripped of foliage may we be stripped of clutter. As the leaves fall to the ground may we fall into your lap. As the crops ready for harvest are gathered may the wisdom of our days be garnered.

The Book Brunch

Fiction
The Postman
- David Brin
The Mysterious Benedict Society
- Trenton Stewart

Non-Fiction
Band of Brothers
- Stephen Ambrose
The Healing Power of Mindfulness
- Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Double Life of Bob Dylan
- Clinton Heylin

Kids Books
Ruby Holler
- Sharon Creech
Dragon Rider
- Cornella Funke
Halloween Is...
- Gail Gibbons
Fry Bread
​- Kevin Nobel Maillard