Nat Crawford - Executive Coach, Speaker, Leader

I had been wondering what to write about next when my oldest son, Simon asked "Why do we say 'amen' after we pray?" I was blessed because I had just researched this very same topic. Christian or non-Christian, we all say "amen" at junctures in our lives. We're familiar with it, but few know why we say it. It's not saying "Peace out, God" or "I'm good here." No sir. It is saying, "I lay aside my request, my will and submit it to your will , God." This realization is so important because it removes us from the assumption that prayer is purely an opportunity get goodies from God. Rather it is a chance to communicate, listen and ultimately submit to God's will.  Remember, Jesus taught us how to pray:      Our Father who is in heaven,      Hallowed be Your name. 10       ‘Your kingdom come.       Your will be done ,      On earth as it is in heaven. 11       ‘ Give us this day our daily bread. 12       ‘

Okay, first I know this seems like a weird topic to target in July. Maybe, but I have a reason. A month ago I boarded a plane for Los Angeles. It was in LA that I spent two weeks learning from the greatest minds in apologetics, as well as being at the "Star Trek Convention" for Christian apologists. It was great. On a personal note, I walked away from my time with some great friends and a renewed (and challenged) belief in Christianity. It was during one of my lectures the topic of Halloween came up. Hence, this is why I blog now. So, should Christians "celebrate" Halloween? By celebrate I really mean partake in it. Okay, a brief history lesson to understand where Halloween comes from. It originally was a Celtic feast of Samhaim. It was a night that Druids believed the separation between the natural and supernatural was breached. Druids believed demons and witches were released to bully humans. Those concerned with the Druids beliefs would camouflage themselves