Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere

We had quite a fun couple of days this week. On Thursday, Carter and I went to the Pumpkin City pumpkin patch for a morning of fun. By far, his favorite event was riding the "choo-choo". He held Thomas the Train in his hand the entire time, and I think the pumpkin patch didn't matter at all compared to the train.
On Saturday, Ryan and I took Carter to the Irvine Regional Park. We came in his bee costume, but he wasn't very happy about that at all. The train ride took his mind off of the costume for a bit, but his grumpy countenance and a stinky diaper convinced us to put him back in normal clothes for the rest of the time. We walked around the park and went in the zoo. The highlights were the train, of course, and the hay maze. After just one time through, he was able to remember exactly which turns to take, running at mock speed through the hay bales, leaving mommy and daddy in his dust. It was a gorgeous day, and we beat most of the late morning crowds. Here are a few of the pumpkin patch pictures for you to see.

Kids' Activities in October

Since I spent time posting the praise of autumn (post below), I thought I'd offer some fun suggestions to readers with young ones. Some of these can even be done as adults with no kids! I've tried to eliminate any Halloween/scary activities. Some of the places had a haunted house on the premises for older kids, but I pray most of these are mainly harvest type activities. Make sure to enjoy the season and give thanks for the times together!

Compass Bible Church Fall Fest--Every year this event amazes me, and it's FREE! Bring your little one in a costume. Enjoy rides, insane amounts of candy, costume viewing and game booths. It is a safe, fun alternative to neighborhood trick or treating on Halloween, and it is supporting a church, not the worldly, pagan celebration all around us. Find out details at http://www.compasschurch.org/.

Julian--Apple picking, here we come! South/East, near San Diego, but inland. This quaint little town relies on the tourists it draws in the autumn. Due to frost and lack of rain, many of the orchards are not doing the usual apple picking events. You can still pick apples at two or three of the orchards, but some require reservations. (look online). Make sure you visit the "old western" type downtown area for hot apple pie that can't be beat. On the 27th of October, you can go and also enjoy the elementary school carnival. It will take place behind the high school. The same day, there will be live music and a bbq. Look online at www.julianca.com/ for details, directions and any reservations that might be required.

Pumpkin City's Farm at the Laguna Hills Mall--The admission here is free! Come take photos in the pumpkin patch and hay stacks. They have rides that cost money, but there are live animals to pet and visit for free. This is a great activity for infants and toddlers! You can find it in the parking lot right against the freeway. (by Sears)

Santa Ana Zoo--They are having an October celebration October 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28th from 5:30-8:00 pm. The main part of the zoo is a harvest celebration, but they will have a separate haunted house for teens and older kids (just FYI). It is free for ages 2 and under and it is $10 for anyone over 2. There will be candy, games, animals (of course) and stories. Have kids wear their costume. There is also a very short train ride for 3$ per person. Find out more at santaanazoo.org.

Irvine Regional Park--They are having their 2nd annual pumpkin patch. Even if it isn't a fall celebration, this park is amazing! They have the pumpkin patch through October 31st. You have to drive into the park, which is $3 per car on weekdays, and $5 per car on weekends. They have a 12 minute park trainride, which goes through the pumpkin patch and park. It is $4 per person. Check out the coupons online at http://www.irvineparkrr.com/. They also have pony rides for $4 each (except Mondays), a 20 minute hay ride for $4 per person, a moonbounce for $4 for 15 minutes, a haymaze for free, face painting on weekends for $4, and carnival/fair type food to buy for lunch or dinner. They also have a zoo on the premises. It is $2 for anyone over 3 years old. The zoo is small, but we love to visit the bear exhibit. Just FYI, there is a haunted house event somewhere in the park for older kids. On the 27th of October, there will be a kids' costume contest, which has to be entered by 11:00. This is a great park, so check it out even if you don't go this month.

Lake Mission Viejo--If you are a member of Lake Mission Viejo, they are having an October celebration from 1-4 on October 20th. There will be a pumpkin carving contest, a magic show for little ones from 3-3:30, game booths, moon bounces, and a costume contest. Find out details at www.lakemissionviejo.org/.

South Coast Plaza Pumpkins and Pancakes--This is a fundraiser for CASA (helping abused children). It is the 28th of October, from 8-11. It is $30 per person, with anyone under 2 free. They are having costume contests, live music and entertainment, an animal show, trick or treating, pancakes and coffee, a balloon artist, arts and crafts and roaming cartoon characters. Find out more or purchase tickets at www.southcoastplaza.com/pumpkins.

These are some of my favorite fall ideas, but you might know one you can share. Add ideas for myself and others in the comments section! I'll do this again in November, as all the Christmas activities begin!

Autumn Praise

"That my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:12

There is just something spectacular about autumn. Even the name "autumn" is beautiful. It brings visions of crunching leaves and blazing crimson trees to mind. There are so many things I enjoy about my favorite season. The anticipation of the holidays approaching is always fun. I finally get to put some decorations on the house--leaves cascading over the doorway and a harvest pumpkin in the yard. Chilly air means snuggly clothes and fires in the fireplace in the evening. The end of summer means I can break out my recipes for soups and stews once again, and coffee and tea taste better in the frosty air of morning. Once in awhile, I catch a hint of smoke in the air--someone burning a real, wood fire in their fireplace. Family sees more of each other as we get together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sleeping at night is pure happiness, as I can pull all the covers up tight and wiggle into the warmth of bed--unlike the "kick off the sheets" nights of summer. I love the sound of football on the television on a lazy Saturday or Sunday, while cookies bake deliciously in the oven.


Just today, Carter and I paused in Costco to glance at the Christmas trees, which, though early, sent gleeful chills in me. It isn't just the lights and Christmas music, it is everything it promises. It gives us a glimpse of laughter, parties, cinnamon and gingerbread, decorations, and the big, excited eyes of our little ones. Most of all, though, it gives me the joy that is bursting in my heart when I think of the blessings God gives us this season. He gives us the tradition of Thanksgiving, a beautiful holiday given to us by the Christian pilgrims, thanking God for survival, friends and His provision (this they did in a season of much despair, adjustment and, sadly, even death). They knew their Savior had all sovereignty and power. They trusted him, despite their circumstances, and they praised Him for any and all blessings. In the celebration of Christmas, we remember that God gives us the gift of Jesus Christ, who came in human form to live a life of example for us and then sacrificed Himself to atone for our own sins and depravity. He gave us a hope and future when He rose again and went to be with His Father in Heaven.


Thanksgiving and Christmas are joyful because they are foundational on God's promises and the hope we have in Him. If you are facing a hard season in life, look past your circumstances and thank God for the hope of this season. Despite what this year has brought, God has a plan, just as sure as He will give us a glorious, refreshing autumn after the heat of summer. In the flickering glow of the red sky or the soft breeze as it tickles your face, see the fingerprints of your Creator and the love He has for you. Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Encourage One Another: Dale and Shawna Thackrah

I was remiss last week and didn't post a I Thessalonians 5:11 entry. I am going to do one early this week to make up for it. The couple I would like to recognize today are Dale and Shawna Thackrah.

Pastor Dale is in charge of the care ministry and does biblical counseling at our church, Compass Bible Church. Shawna, his wife, is a committed member of the worship team every weekend, and she also works with the high school ministry and co-leads a small group in Women's Bible Study. Both are busy for God, investing in people, God's precious flock, and not in the things of this world. "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Col 3:1-2

The love and purpose of Christ are ablaze in their lives. I always find both of them approachable, real and truly caring. They are never too busy for a "hello" or a smile. They never have pretense or an air of superiority. In fact, they are often known for their joy in laughter and never taking themselves too seriously.

I have known Shawna for years, having been in high school youth group together. In all that time, she has always been a sweet and caring individual, always putting others before herself. In fact, she routinely says to me, "I ran into so and so from youth group this week." I have no idea as to whom she is referring. Why? I was a self-absorbed high schooler who was worried about my own recognition, and she was a loving example of Christ, paying attention to others and listening, even in the hard teenage years. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

I don't know Dale as well as Shawna, but the fact that his job is Pastor of Care Ministry at our church speaks volumes. I have had the privelege to speak to so many members of our church who were touched by the thoughtfulness of the program he leads. In addition, his biblical counseling has shed light on issues for many friends struggling with the sins of this world. I do know that Pastor Dale always has time to smile and ask how my husband or I are doing. He pours himself out to others and still radiates joy and peace. I can't imagine how busy he and Shawna are, and I often pray for their own care and comfort, from our Heavenly Father, as they feed his sheep.

It is such an encouragement to know this couple and witness their lives. They are truly used by God, and the rewards they are saving up for themselves in heaven are immense. Thank you, Dale and Shawna, for all your sacrifice and time. It is noticed and is influencing so many others!

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

Be holy, because I am Holy

Preparing for an upcoming women's Bible study, I was studying the passage of I Peter 1:13-21. The theme of the passage is holiness. It says,

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not confrom to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. but just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.' Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious bloodof Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who
raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in
God."

Holiness. It is a word that seems anything but us. That is because, unfortunately, it is often the case. However, as this passage explains, we should strive to identify with and master the practice of holiness. We have God's example and Spirit to help us. Are we actively seeking such holiness in our lives?

First, we are told, in verse 13, to prepare our minds for action and to control ourselves. This is not an exercise in passivity. We must prepare ourselves by knowing God's will, rules and characteristics. Think of all the tests or sports for which you might have prepared yourself over the years. Hopefully, you did not spend 5 minutes reviewing notes or running laps and think, "I hope I can pray tonight that God will help me in this area and I will succeed tremendously tomorrow." More than likely, you spent hours studying, days training, or even years preparing yourself for an ultimate goal. Not that God can't do it alone, but He asks that we seek Him and run the race in perserverance. Are we putting that kind of effort into attaining holiness?

This sounds hard. It is. It is work, but our hope in our salvation and grace before God's throne should give us joy, motivation and endurance in the midst of the training.

God tells us we can't expect to be holy if we conform to the world. (verse 14) This is such a convicting statement for all of us. We might pride ourselves on not partying, swearing, stretching our credit cards, or cheating on our taxes, but how much of a stranger are you in society? Do you know what characters are on that television show you shouldn't be watching? Do you read gossip magazines or watch media shows on television that might qualify as gossip? What line do you draw when going to or renting a movie? The line should be pure holiness.

You might say, "I can't ever see a movie then! Hollywood doesn't make movies that are holy!" Well, there might be a very, very select few, but, perhaps this means we shouldn't be joining in this practice if we can't be holy in doing it. Believe me, this is a scary thought for me. I love to be a chair potato and watch movies to relax. However, holiness is not about comfort. It is all about sacrificing the pleasures of this world and wanting to please the Father we adore and love.

The verses tell us to fear God. (verse 17) We need to realize that holiness is a command, not a polite, passive request. We also need to recognize God's qualities. Think of the strongest, most mighty thing you can imagine--a gigantic mountain in the Sierras, the roaring ocean, a thunder and lightning storm, a howling hurricane, a screaming tornado, a hissing, spitting volcano of lava and ash, an angry earthquake, a scorching sun, the chasms of the Grand Canyon, or a vast, unexplorable universe. These are God's creation. Think of who He must be in order to speak and create such wonders. We don't fear God enough because we don't take the time to understand His capabilities, His characteristics and qualities. This affects our obedience and urgency when we error in our understanding of who God really is.

What will you do to pursue holiness today? You recognize, if you are a Christian, that Christ painfully poured out His life and rose again, in order that you and I might be reconciled to our mighty Creator. (verses 18-19) Our humble thankfulness and love should spur immediate action. Make a plan with specific details. Cut out that television show, throw away the magazine with gossip that enslaves you, change the conversation when a friend starts disparaging another friend, tell a friend to hold you accountable to not practicing a particular bad habit, and PRAY FOR GOD'S HELP in revealing sin and giving you motivation and strength to change the error into holy behavior.

Be holy because He is holy. He is our precious, all-powerful, loving, righteous, merciful, gracious, perfect, all-knowing, all-present, eternal, unchanging, and HOLY God. Be holy because He asks you to be. That is motivation enough.