The blogosphere of Larry Lomax

Halloween – why a dilemma?

2009-10-27T12:23:00.001-07:00

For a lot of Christian believers and their families... the word Halloween can cause one to cringe a bit. Like a lot of things, each of us decides how we are going to react to elements of our culture.

Growing up, our family pretty much abstained from Halloween participation in any manner… including not answering the door to the sound of “trick or treat”. We were very aware of the origins of the day and did not want to be displeasing to God by reflecting “evil imagery”. We didn’t participate in even a superficial way, knowing the demonic roots of the occasion. So, I think our “motive” was right, and I fault no one for drawing that line then or today. It’s a personal/family decision.

However, many believers take a different tact on October 31st of “meeting people where they are”; knowing in our culture there will be lots of people out & about, especially parents with kids who want to have fun.

So many churches or other groups over the years have opted to create a “safe alternative”. It takes the form of a “fall” or “harvest” festival which serves as an outreach to the community. Instead of the imagery of witches, goblins, ghosts, haunted houses, etc… you’d more likely see harvest-time décor, as well as a message sharing the hope of the Christian faith. For Christian parents, it allows their kids to enjoy some the fun aspects of this day in the culture (dressing up in a costume, playing games, and getting treats to eat) without all the demonic symbolism. So, I also see some of the merit in that tact as well; others may label it ‘worldly”.

Side note: Even the roots of today’s Christmas echo symbols of pagan idol worship that time of the year, but believers sought to transform the meaning of “sun worship” to “Son worship”. Because of the old pagan symbols, Christians throughout the centuries chose not to celebrate Christmas, as they felt it displeased God. Of course, today many Christians look forward to that time (often with great enthusiasm) placing the meaning on celebrating Christ. I can empathize with both sides of that question of participation.

We all have to make the choices that we feel are best for our families. Our choices may change from year to year, and that’s OK. We also have to be cautious on judging others in how they choose to interact or retract from our culture. We have to know our own vulnerabilities.

Whatever you decide, this time of year does give us an opportunity for a conversation about the spirit realm. The Bible is very clear there are spirits that are evil, and can manifest themselves. In our world today, the evidence of evil influence is everywhere. It’s not make believe, and not something to toy around with. However, God gives us power to push aside those Satanic spirits, if we choose to believe in Him.

Those are my thoughts at this juncture in time… perhaps you have a few as well. May we all look to God for direction in our lives!! - Larry

If "Synchronized Rope Jumping " was an Olympic sport...let me introduce the Gold Medalists

2009-04-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

"Casting Pounds" - Mark & Bart

2009-02-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

Day 4 of Crowns Camp with Mark Hall

2009-02-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Check out more Crowns Camp videos!

The fine art of shoveling snow

2008-12-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

Got a snow man photo?

2008-12-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

Anastasia, Alexander and Julie teamed up on a snowman (right). If you've been creating 'snow people' or animals or whatever... send me a digital picture and I may feature it online. Send the photo, your name, and town to Larry@praise1065.com

Father & daughter team up on new Christmas song

2008-12-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

Mark Harris (of 4 Him fame) releases a new EP "Christmas from the Writers Room." The project includes a song he recorded with his 13 year old daughter, Maddison.

Mark says "I know I am the dad, but I think she has such a beautiful, pure voice." The song "Christmas Is" was written a few years ago by Mark, together with Reggie Hamm and Jim Brickman. Check out Mark's website and hear "Christmas Is"

Check out this drummer! All Becasue of Jesus

2008-11-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

Finding Encouragement in Times of Loss

2008-11-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

A listener recently asked for some song suggestions to help encourage others at a Christmas event who may be suffering some type of loss (death, divorce, employment, etc). I took a moment to think about songs that have personally impacted me.

There's a link to Rhapsody in case you'd like to listen and/or add them to your music library.

Finding Encouragement in Times of Loss
1. Jesus Will Still Be There - Point of Grace
2. River Of Peace - Bob Carlisle
3. Somewhere Down The Road - Amy Grant
4. Home Free - Wayne Watson
5. For Such A Time As This - Wayne Watson
6. If You Want Me To - Ginny Owens

Love that lake view

2008-11-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

I'll be moving soon, and must admit will miss the view from the back of this townhouse in Lacey. Hopefully I'll have a new family to lease it by the first of the year, so they can enjoy the lake when summer rolls around next year.

Where to drop your ballot off on November 4th

2008-11-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

If you live in Whatcom County, here are the drop off locatons

Blaine City Hall 344 H St., Blaine, WA
Everson Fire Station 101 East Main St., Everson, WA
Ferndale Library 2222 Main St., Ferndale, WA
Kendall Fire Station 7528 Kendall Rd., Deming, WA
Lynden Library 216 4th St., Lynden, WA
WWU, Bellingham Room 714 Viking Union Building

Ballots must be dropped by 8 pm sharp, then boxes will be locked
More Washington ballot drop locations

Election Day - make it count

2008-11-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing I am convinced regarding the elections, we must be responsible to "vote our values". What does that mean?

It means you can grasp what is truly important to you... first as a Christian, as a family, as an American. It means you take the time to see if the candidate's stands or ballot propositions match your personal convictions. Determining those stands may involve some truth sifting, as our media is filled with bias and misinformation. I look to sources I trust, from people who share my same values. I also look to the very words of the candidates to see what it reveals... not just in the present during a campaign, but over their lifetime.

Like many Christians, I have deep concerns with political movements that are on a pathway to eroding our liberties.... as Christians and as Americans. Policies rooted in socialism (income redistribution) have no Biblical foundation. Americans need to decide if they want freedom , less government, less taxes, and to make their own decisions..... or if they want the government to "take care of them from birth to grave" which means higher taxes, fewer choices, and less personal incentive to work hard. The more we ask of government, we see a far greater result of enslavement through dependency. That, my friends, has no root in Christianity or the founding of this nation.

I hope you'll join me in prayer for our nation. I know God sees far beyond the moment and is sovereign over all.

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Resources you may find helpful
Pray for Election Day
Political Party Platforms
Family Policy Institute of Washington - Voter Guide
FactCheck.org
Principles Over Politics - Wendel Smith blog
Evergreen Freedom Foundation

Your role in the election

2008-10-27T02:59:00.000-07:00

Where candidates stand on issues of interest to Christians. Details.

Favorite board or box game?

2008-10-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

After a Praise 106.5 staff party last year I knew I had to get this game for my family to play. It's called Apples to Apples. It's a lot of fun. If some of the categories are not age appropriate, you can simply remove them from the card stack. There's also a kids version. Does your family have a favorite board or box game? If so let me know and share a comment below.

If you are new at adding comments to blog sites... you will be asked to use or create a Google ID. It's simple and takes less than a minute. You'll be prompted to create a Google account. You can use any existing email address you have. In the password box, I suggest you don't use your email password, but create a new password for the purpose of accessing the ability to comment on this and other blogs.

That painting project

2008-10-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

Even though I have painted numerous rooms & things in my life, I feel like a rookie every time. Had to put some color on these white walls, and I really like this green. Was hoping I spent enough money on a good paint to get 'er done in one coat. Well, after it dried it was pretty splotchy.... that is a word, isn't it? Didn't use a primer becasue the room was already painted. Am guessing the painting pads left too thin a coat compared to the roller. I guess I'm going back for another gallon. Have you had any painting disasters? Or maybe tips I can use? Feel free to comment.

Catching up with Mr Potato

2008-09-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of my radio career is I get to meet people who have some pretty cool jobs.

Got a nice email today from Tony Potato (pronounced po-tah'-toe) and family who shared a visit with me about 4 years ago. Tony (on the left) brought his clan to Orcas Island to see our church summer camp for the day. They were visiting his wife's family who live in the Seattle area, and accepted the invitation to eat some camp food and enjoy a yacht cruise around the San Juan Islands.

Tony's cool job? He was the manager of the band Delirious (Deeper, Have You Heard the Mountains Tremble, Shout To The North). At the time of his visit he was living in the UK, but has since relocated his family to the Nashville area to take on new enterprises in the music industry.

Isn't it cool to get a note from someone you haven't heard from in awhile? Just maybe... there's someone you should drop a note to today. I know I should!

Doing laundry my way - part 1

2008-09-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm not a laundry expert, but I've learned a few things that seem to work for me. It's not a passion, but a necessity that I manage to attack every couple of weeks. Maybe you can learn something, and maybe I can learn something from you.

So what are my "goals" when it comes to washing clothes? 1) they actually get clean 2) the clothing doesn't become damaged (stains, tears) 3) efficient use of time and power

For me it starts with sorting by type and fabric weight. Today I did 4 loads. Shirts (lightweight permanent press); t-shirts ( cotton in various colors); jeans (blue & black); boxer briefs/socks (turn them inside out).

Similar fabrics wash and dry more evenly than mixing various fabric weights in the same load. I don't worry too much about colors bleeding, especially if a colorful item has been washed once or twice.

I also treat stained fabrics with Spray & Wash, then I may refill my spray bottle with my own solution of liquid laundry soap diluted 1 part to 5 parts water (seems to work fine).

Other pre wash activities include zipping up zippers, otherwise the metal teeth can damage other clothing in the load. Also very important to check every pocket to make sure it's empty. I hate it when a tissue goes through the wash cycle, and particles attach to everything!

More later....

So, how was your summer?

2008-09-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

I believe it's a good idea to look back at the times you are able to share together as a family, and now is a good time to reflect on the summer. Granted, not everything may have been wonderful.... but we can also talk about how we handled or are dealing with a situation that may have been unpleasant.

My "good memories" will include the annual week I spend with my kids at Cannon Beach... we were surprised to see some friends there. Cooling off in the lake at Millersylvania State Park. Being co-pilot to my son with his driving permit..... and we didn't crash once.

How about you? Did you have any summer memory makers? You are welcome to post your comments below.

Black & white only

2008-09-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

Some years ago I crossed paths with Jerry Gay, a guy whose work I admired on the pages of the Seattle Times. He was a news photographer, who one day claimed a Pulitzer prize for a photograph he took of some weary fire fighters in the 1970s. (above)

He shot black & white then, and still prefers to shoot that way today. He has resided in the Blaine area the past several years.

His online portfolio is pretty cool, with a number of photo essays I invite to look over. The one on signs is a favorite. Jerry Gay photo essays