A Fun Evening with my Children

On Sunday, I wanted to keep my children busy so they wouldn't notice the throngs of trick-or-treaters walking up and down the streets in costumes. This is the first year we didn't celebrate Halloween.  It was kind of tough, even though my husband and I both felt led by God to not participate in Halloween with our children.  I decided to just have a fun evening with my children.

It has caused a little stir.  My older children didn't understand.  They've always participated.  My step-daughter, who was supposed to be with us for Halloween, chose to stay with her mom so she could participate.  We could have forced the issue, but felt that would only create more issues.

Laura and Megan didn't really care.  They just wanted candy.  We began the day at church, which was just a perfect way to focus on God.  We then went to a magic show performed by a Christian ministry.  Magic is probably the wrong word.  They totally tell the audience that there is no "magic", and that everything they do is "tricks".  They even show how to do a couple.  Everything they do relates to the Gospel.  It is so wonderful, like the best object lessons ever!

Then I took the kids out to eat.  How fun that, on a night when all the local kids are busy, we had the entire play area of a local fast food restaurant to ourselves.  The girls played for over an hour after eating.  Even Tasha got in on the fun.

After eating and playing, we went to Walmart.  I had promised my kids candy.  They got candy.  I figured what I spent in candy is a far cry from what I would have spent in costumes.

We ended the evening at my sister's home where there was a bonfire going on.  We roasted marshmallows, and then went home.  By then, all the costumed children were home for the night. 

I know I probably substituted too much this year.  I've read that I don't have to make up for what my kids may feel they are missing out on.  However, I also know that being different is often hard.  They are already homeschooled, which makes them different.  They are already from a die hard Christian family, which makes them different.  These things make us different from even other Christian families we are around.  Christ may have made us different, to stand out for Him, but it can be difficult. 

I don't want my kids to feel that following Christ means a life of "nots" or "can'ts".  I don't want them focusing on what they are "not" supposed to do or what they "can't" do, because that is not the truth.  It's our choice.  We have chosen not to be a part of some things.  We have chosen to do things differently because we feel God has led us in that direction.  We have chosen this way despite the fact that we are often alone in our convictions.  We have chosen this way, trying our best to live for Christ as He tells us and not to look down on those who don't feel as we do.

Yet, following Christ should open up a whole new set of  "cans", a whole new set of opportunities, for Christ.  We can homeschool, which in itself brings many blessings.  Homeschooling for Christ is more than just doing school at home.  It's about preparing my children, through all aspects of our lives, to follow Christ with their own lives.  It's about preparing them for whatever mission field God calls them to, whether their ministry is in business, medicine,  church-work, a foreign mission field, or as a wife and mother.  Their sphere of influence is mighty, and God can do many things in and with their lives.