Wow. I was so interested in all that you had to say in response to my post about Halloween. Thank you, one and all for contributing!  If you happened to miss the post, check it out here, and if you missed the comments on my blog's Facebook page, you're going to want to check those out as well, over here.  And while you're at it, click "like" to follow Frame of Mind on Facebook, because I have been posting the links there, rather than on my personal profile.  It is an easy way to follow all of the blog info in one place.

Anyways.....

  I must say, the comments were so fascinating to read.  Most were defending reasons NOT to partake in any Halloween festivities, which was no surprise considering that most of the circles I am in would hold to that belief. I really appreciated all that you shared, and that you took the time to share it!  Randy and I choose not to celebrate it as well, and I agreed with much of what you all had to say.  Thanks for sharing!

   There was, however, one comment taking the other side, and it actually voiced the very thoughts I'd been having on this issue recently.....redemption.  I had even written up a paragraph or two on those very lines in the original post, but then deleted it wanting to solicit the reader's view first, before imposing my ideas. It is so interesting to me that the redeeming of certain activities that may not be wholly sanctified applies to other areas in our lives, but not ever Halloween. 

   For example....we apply it to football.  Quite a few comments mentioned the immodesty/immorality/seductive costume aspect of Halloween....sound anything like those cheerleaders on the sidelines?  Now folks, one thing you need to realize is that I am not condemning football.  I am actually a bona-fide, college football fan these days, thanks to my dear husband.  There are many things I love about a good competition, a good game, a good rivalry.  I believe in good sportsmanship, and one of the ways to "redeem" the activity of football is to partake in the game without partaking in the drunkenness, lust and cursing that seems to abound in a stadium.  I think being polite, civil, sober, clean-mouthed is a great way to "shine your light" in the darkness. 

   All I am saying is that it is interesting how we tend to redeem certain aspects of our culture, but not this one in particular.  I'm still not sure where I come out on the whole redemption-aspect, as our culture has taken Halloween to a whole new level...can it be redeemed?  With God all things are possible, but some say that within the parameters of the holiday's meaning, intents and original purpose, it cannot be.   And if you choose NOT to redeem Halloween, and therefore take no part in it, well than that is fine and dandy.  But just be careful that if you list your reasons for choosing to do so as "there are certain activities that Christians should have no part of"  you might run into some other areas in life, in which that may also apply.
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    And this is where you come in again.  Thoughts/opinions all welcome! I truly love a good debate, and it's all in good fun.:)  I have no soapbox really, as I am just trying to flesh out all of my beliefs on this issue,  and enjoy hearing from others who have been taking that journey as well.  Bless you all for taking the time for my little mental musings on this blog. 

   There were a few exceptions over the years.  A haunted house/woods/barn as a teenager now and then, and my one and only trick-or-treating experience.  I was about oh....maybe 3 or 4, and mom dressed my older sister Shannon and I up as clowns and let us go up the hill to Grandma's house.  We did not celebrate Halloween in our family/community but doesn't every mom secretly want to dress up her kids in costumes to see how darling they are?  I mean, come on....how CUTE would my girls be in costumes??!  I mean, look at them on that tractor and imagine one as a lady bug and one as a tiny baby panda bear.  I might never recover from the onslaught of cuteness.  O.k.  *End rant of own kids' cuteness that everyone disdains but secretly wants to do themselves*

  
  So now, satisfy my curiosity.  Do you celebrate Halloween? Why or why not? Share with me your experiences growing up, your perspectives both then and now, your personal take on the issue, and how you arrived there. I think we all have things to learn from each other, and I'd love to hear from you!