The Evolution of Jack

Does anyone else remember back in the day when we made jack-o-lanterns by pretty much just cutting out triangles?  The standard pumpkin looked something like this...

A couple of weeks prior to Halloween, these happy jacks started showing up on most porches.  Some were bigger, some were smaller, some weren't so round.  But really, this was what most of them aspired to.

But NOW, I rarely see the standard.  Instead, they have much more unique faces.

Some have amazingly detailed faces.

Some don't have faces at all!

Some have faces, but no candles.  This jack-o-lantern wasn't even gutted.  I guess that's one way to keep the top from falling in.

Some have faces that are painted on.  I guess this is a safer option... unless you choose to use lead paint.

Some jack-o-lanterns aren't even pumpkins!  What the heck?!

Some jacks were created using multiple methods.  At first this one started off as a standard jack, but then someone chose to carve the brain.  I didn't know jacks had brains!

Some don't even seem to have anything to do with the theme of Halloween.  I could have put any number of pictures here.  I found pics of jacks with Hello Kitty, Tigger, ESPN, hearts, and all kinds of other things that had little resemblance to the original jack.

And of course, I found a jack-o-lantern that took advantage of the contours of the top of the pumpkin.  This one also has a hat and hair.  It's like a Halloween costume for your jack-o-lantern!

The jack-o-lantern has come so far.  But since I'm not a huge fan of Halloween, my favorite jack-o-lantern looks more like this...

Seven Word Status

[pictures from The Fashion Code]

There's nothing like wearing clothes that fit.

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

[from the first reading at mass this weekend]

The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.

Seven Word Status

I've never been a fan of Halloween.

Luke 18: 1-8

[the gospel at mass this weekend]

Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.'"
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Seven Word Status

Those Oregon helmets are oh-so-hideous.

Focus T25

I know it sounds crazy, but I'm going to give it a shot.  I'm going to do T25.  And I'm starting today.  I haven't consistently worked out in over a year.  I come up with EVERY excuse in the book not to get a workout in.  I know this Focus T25 is an advanced workout.  But they have a 'modifier', someone who does an easier version of every move.  I think I can hang with her.  And if I hang with it long enough, perhaps eventually I'll be able to hang with the big guns.  At any rate, it's only 25 minutes per workout (one workout M-Th, two workouts F, stretch on Sunday).  I can do 25 minutes.  Heck, ANYONE can do 25 minutes!

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Beloved:
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:
such is my gospel, for which I am suffering,
even to the point of chains, like a criminal.
But the word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,
so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,
together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy:
If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.

Seven Word Status

Thankful today for the gift of music.

"There Will Be a Day" - Jeremy Camp

I have to admit, I'm really getting swept up in all the stress and uncertainty concerning all-things-government.  I work for a Defense contractor.  It took us six months to get our contract signed during the sequestration and government furloughs.  Then less than a month later, there's a partial government shutdown.  Luckily I've been able to work throughout this ordeal.  But it's been a constant stressor as to how long that will last.  Now with conversations concerning the debt ceiling on the horizon, I just don't know how to handle it all.

I needed a reminder from a couple of my friends that I can't fix it all.  I don't even have to understand it all.  I need to keep in mind that God has my back.  He's in control.  Even if we screw things up over and over again down here... which we seem to be mastering lately... He still has us in the palm of His hand.  And one day, we'll be right there with Him.

Lord, please keep my head on straight.  Don't let me get all wrapped up in things I cannot control.  Remind me daily, hourly, in every minute, that I have YOU looking after me and mine.  Keep me positive and focused on the things I can control.  I know that through You, I can do anything.  In Your Holy Name, amen.

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have 
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab 
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth, 
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew 

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings 
That there will be a place with no more suffering 

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears 
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face 
But until that day, we'll hold on to You always 

I know the journey seems so long 
You feel you're walking on your own 
But there has never been a step 
Where you've walked out all alone 

Troubled soul don't lose your heart 
Cause joy and peace he brings 
And the beauty that's in store 
Outweighs the hurt of life's sting 

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings 
That there will be a place with no more suffering 

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears 
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face 
But until that day, we'll hold on to You always 

I can't wait until that day 
where the very one I've lived for always 
will wipe away the sorrow that I've faced 
To touch the scars that rescued me 
from a life of shame and misery 
oh, this is why, this is why I sing

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears 
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face 

2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

[from the second reading at mass this weekend]

Beloved:
I remind you, to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me,
in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit
that dwells within us.

Seven Word Status

Spending quality time with several household cleaners.