CHOOSE
FAITH OVER
FRIGHT
SONflowers
& Pumpkins
Sprinkling
Love Into
The World
SONFLOWER
B L O G A Z I N E
GAL
I S S U E 6 | F A I T H O V E R F R I G H T
. . . transform
spooky nights
into a shining light
Biblical Symbolism
Protect the Petals
Faith & Fun
Maze Dash
W E L C O M E T O T H E
S O N F L O W E R G A L ® B L O G A Z I N E
Life is like a rollercoaster ride filled with delightful surprises &
challenging hurdles. Over the last few years, I have been
navigating holding onto joy, hope, and trusting in God’s plan as
the source of strength for my loved one battling cancer.
Like others going thru unexpected seasons, I lean on the
fantastic gals in my life. They are the cheerleaders, comedians,
therapists, prayer warriors, and navigators thru stormy seas and
sunny days. A beacon of light and love in this blessed life.
Sprinkles of Love, Hope
Visionary, Designer, Writer, Kindred Spirit
Enjoy a divine new chapter & season for SONflower Gal
Sprinkling LOVE Into The World
More Than a Blog & Not Quite a Magazine
SONflower Gal Blogazine is a blend of creativity, entertainment,
inspiration, heartwarming quick-read articles and digital treasures!
Like a sweet and fun digital faith-based ‘party in a box’ for gals.
Designed to bring a smile to your face, joy to your heart, uplift, encourage
and sometimes a tear to your eye . . . a true reflection of life’s complexities.
Copyright & Trademarks © 2024-2025 SONflower Gal Lifestyle® SONflower Gal Blogazine® 2018-2025 SONflower Gal®
All Rights Reserved. Content cannot be used or copied without written permission.
The content provided in this blogazine is intended for entertainment purposes only.
Please be advised that SONflower Gal, it’s affiliates or the like, do not provide medical, legal, or professional advice.
Kindly understand that any information you choose to read or use from this blogazine is at your own discretion.
It's a celebration and dedication to ‘Gals of Faith’
Plus, enjoy exclusive whimsical artwork with loving gal-focused Bible verses
infused with creativity and charm – sure to add a little ‘glitter’ to your day!
And, be inspired by easy Goodies with sweet faith-based touches,
God Gal Fun, Movie & Music Guide, Special Guests, and so much more.
Here’s the truth, sweet sister-of-faith . . .
Halloween does not need to revolve around fear
or darkness. It can instead celebrate faith, joy,
and community. Rather than shutting the door,
turning off the porch light, or complaining about
how ‘worldly’ it feels—what if we viewed this
night as an illuminating occasion, where
neighbors come to us, transforming a spooky
evening into an opportunity for connection?
Scripture is clear: “Do not judge, or you too will
be judged.” — Matthew 7:1
Faith
Transform
spooky nights into
a shining light . . .
With spooky movies, creepy desserts, scary and
overly sexy costumes, this night can stir up
mixed feelings for gals of faith. We wonder:
And let’s be honest: Christians judging
other Christians for participating?
That might be the spookiest thing of all.
Over
Fright
Should I hand out candy? Do I close the
curtains, turn off the porch light and
pretend no one is home?
But let’s pause and remember what Jesus said:
Let your light shine before others, that they
may see your good deeds and glorify your
Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
The air is crisp, leaves crunch underfoot, and
pumpkins glow like little lanterns on
neighborhood porches. Costumes—some
adorable, some spooky, some downright
hilarious—come alive under the harvest moon.
The streets are buzzing with laughter, candy
buckets, and the occasional fake skeleton
hanging from a tree.
Judging others withers the bloom
It’s easy to look at neighbors enjoying Halloween
and think they’re ‘missing it’. But what if, instead
of wagging fingers, we opened our arms?
Judgment never waters the soil of someone’s
heart—it dries it out. We miss the light of Christ’s
heart — to love people right where they are.
The whispers behind someone’s back, the smug
thought of being the ‘better believer’ — you can
almost hear God giving a heavenly sigh and
saying, “Really? Again?” (If God rolled His eyes,
this would probably be the moment).
Jesus longed for unity, praying: “By this
everyone will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.” — John 13:35
When believers tear one another down, the
world doesn’t see a radiant field of SONflowers
blooming together. They see wilted petals
scattered by the wind.
A Porch Light Becomes a
Petal of Kindness
Shine before
others
What if, instead of hiding, we opened
wide the door? Picture your porch light as
a sunflower tilting toward the sun—
warm, bright, and impossible to ignore.
Fear says, hide away.
Faith says, shine anyway.
Fear makes us retreat.
Faith makes us reach out.
Hospitality with heart — serve cider or cocoa
for parents waiting at the sidewalk.
Share candy with a smile — tuck in glow
sticks or sunflower stickers for a joyful
surprise (teens & adults will want one too)!
Dress with delight — sunflowers, fairies,
storybook characters, or even a giant candy
corn (because why not?).
Decorate with light — twinkle lights, lanterns,
or positive pumpkin carvings that say Hope,
Love or any other sweet message.
Each smile is a blossom of joy.
Each candy bar a seed of generosity.
That laughter at silly costumes?
. . . a petal of love unfurling.
When you choose faith over fright, you
become a living bouquet of God’s love in
your neighborhood. Even on a night filled
with cobwebs and costumes, your light
scatters seeds of joy that may bloom long
after the candy is gone.
“Do everything in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
Ways to Shine Bright
Don’t Spoil the Fun
Don’t frown at costumes — the kid in vampire
paint is still God’s beloved.
Don’t replace sweets with sermons — love
first, then let God open doors for deeper
conversations later.
Don’t close the curtains — your porch can be
the brightest spot on the block.
Don’t let fear lead the night — “Perfect love
drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).
When the world knocks on our door, may
they find open hearts, warm smiles, and
the love of Christ glowing brighter than
any jack-o’-lantern.
“THEN THE LAND WILL YIELD ITS HARVEST,
AND GOD, OUR GOD, WILL BLESS US.”
PUMPKINS
biblical symbolism
Psalm 67:6
As autumn settles in, pumpkins begin
to appear on porches, in kitchens, and
in fields—reminders of the harvest
season. While many associate
pumpkins with spooky carvings, God
intended them for far more.
The pumpkin carries beautiful lessons
of faith: its sturdy shell points to God’s
protection, its golden flesh reflects
His warmth and abundance, and its
countless seeds remind us of
fruitfulness and multiplication. Each
one is a quiet testimony of God’s
provision and design.
When you hold a pumpkin this
season, remember that it is not a
symbol of fear, but of blessing. Just as
one pumpkin overflows with seeds, so
too does our God overflow with
goodness, inviting us to plant seeds of
faith that will one day flourish.
Just like sunflowers basking in sunshine,
SONflower Gals soak up the spiritual glow of
the Son—Jesus. Without Him, we are like wilting
petals in the shadows, our joy dimming. But with
His light, we find our strength, our hope, we
blossom, shine brighter and bloom into all that
He created us to be.
Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, “Apart
from me you can do nothing.” He is our
source of strength, hope, and life itself.
The radiant light that
nurtures gals of faith
to flourish . . . this is the
essence behind the name
SONflower Gal
There’s a little magic in a sunflower, isn’t there?
You can’t help but smile at those golden petals
reaching tall, always stretching toward the
sunshine. Sunflowers are not just golden
beauties, they are the ultimate sun-chasers!
From dawn till dusk, they pirouette like sun-
loving ballerinas, soaking up nature’s golden
rays that keep them radiant. Without their
faithfulness to the light of the sun, they
wither and fade away.
®
Choose faith
over fright and
to be the light
thru all seasons
. . . with an open heart,
warm smile, and the
love of Christ glowing
brighter than any
jack-o’-lantern.
T o d a y
I w i l l
Matthew 5:16
As Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light shine
before others, that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.”
I will welcome friends and strangers alike with
open arms, offering kindness and grace. In every
interaction, I will strive to be a beacon of hope,
lifting others up with encouragement and
compassion. Whether through a gentle word, a
helping hand, or a simple smile, I aim to spread
warmth and understanding. In doing so, I hope to
inspire others to embrace the light within
themselves and to share it with the world, creating
a ripple effect of love and positivity that touches
every life we encounter.
Faith
Over
Fright
Lord, may she shine brightly this
season, even in the midst of spooky
sights, flickering jack-o’-lanterns,
and shadows that dance across her
porch. Let her faith sparkle and
outshine any fear that tries to sneak
in, and let her heart overflow with
grace, laughter, and the kind of joy
that makes even the tiniest trick-or-
treater pause and smile.
May her home be a warm beacon,
glowing like a sonflower under Your
light, welcoming everyone who
comes to her door. May her words
be sweet and comforting, like a
gentle breeze on a crisp autumn
evening, and her actions reflect Your
love in ways that surprise, delight,
and encourage all who see her.
Keep her from judging, from turning
away, or from dimming the light You
have placed within her.
Timothy
1:7
for her
Prayer
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear
but of power and love and self-control.”
By following safety tips, you can enjoy the evening with a
greater peace of mind. Safety should always come first.
Pray Beforehand
Ask God to cover your home with His
peace and protection (Psalm 91). Pray for
the safety of every child and family who
comes to your door.
Keep Your Porch Well-Lit
A shining porch not only helps kids see
clearly, but it also reflects the light of
Christ (Matthew 5:16). Darkness can invite
mischief; light brings welcome and safety.
Answer the Door with Discernment
Not everyone who knocks may be safe.
If something feels ‘off’, you can speak
through a storm door while keeping it
locked. Trust the Holy Spirit’s nudges.
Keep Treats Pre-Bagged
Instead of letting little hands grab from a
bowl, prepare small bags of candy or
goodies. This keeps things clean, quick,
and safe.
Have Another Adult Present
Don’t greet trick-or-treaters or strangers
alone. Even having a friend, spouse, or
older child nearby adds a layer of security.
Christian Safety Tips for
Trick or Treat Visitors
This is just a small list of safety tips. Please research additional ways to stay safe.
*Children under 18 should never hand out candy alone or without the supervision of an adult.
The content provided in this blogazine is intended for entertainment purposes only.
Please be advised that SONflower Gal, it’s affiliates or the like, do not provide medical, legal, or professional advice.
Kindly understand that any information you choose to read or use from this blogazine is at your own discretion and risk.
Protect Your Pets & Home
Keep pets inside and away from the door
so they don’t get startled or accidentally
slip out. Lock other doors and windows in
the house while you focus on the front.
Set Boundaries with Grace
If someone lingers or makes you uneasy,
you can politely but firmly end the
interaction. A simple: “Have a blessed
night, take care!” and closing the door is
okay.
Share Kindness, Not Fear
Your smile, a gentle word, or even a little
card that reads “you are the cutest
pumpkin” and tucked into little mini candy
bags can shine God’s love.
End the Evening Wisely
When you’re done handing out treats, turn
off the porch light, lock up, and thank God
for the chance to bless your neighbors.
Never invite anyone you do not
know inside your home and keep
valuables out of sight & reach.
Chocolate-Dipped
Sunflower
Petals
Wrapped In Sonshine
Awww… sweet Autumn and sunflower season — where the air smells of cinnamon,
cozy sweaters, and little joys wrapped up in golden light. 8 These sunflower-shaped
sugar cookies are made with goodness, each one half-dipped in rich velvety
chocolate — because even sunflowers deserve a little extra sweetness!
Packaged in charming bakery bags, each
bundle is adorned with a whimsical sticker
on the front and a “not-your-average recipe”
on the back — filled with ingredients like
1 scoop of kindness, 2 cups of gratitude,
and a sprinkle of heaven.
“Let your light shine before others.”
— Matthew 5:16
A cheerful craft of kindness.
Perfect for sharing at Fall gatherings,
gifting to gal pals who could use a smile
or keeping as a cozy treat for yourself.
Every goodie bag carries a touch of
sonshine and a gentle reminder that even
small acts — like sharing something sweet
— can shine His light into someone’s day.
Let’s make something sweet — not
just to bake, but to share! Collect
your cookie ingredients and your
packaging treasures: bakery bags
with peek-a-boo windows, stickers
full of joy, and a heart ready to
spread kindness.
Blooming with Sonshine
Your favorite sugar cookie recipe.
Sunflower image press cookie cutter.
Chocolate melting wafers (dark
Ghirardelli is my favorite, what’s yours?).
Shiny gold cookie sugar sprinkles.
Small bakery bags with window (size
3.9x3.1x8.2 from Amazon). Note: cookies
are 3.5 inches round, so this bag size is
perfect. Not too big and not too small.
Stickers for the front and back side of
the bakery bag. Design your own or use
the ‘free’ SONflower Gal digital
printable stickers. (Subscribers Only).
The Sweet Stuff You’ll Need
to Create & Share:
Subscribers Only
Free Digital Printable
Bakery Bag Sticker Designs
Download >
Wrapped
In Charming
Bakery Bags
Chocolate-Dipped
Sunflower Petals
Helpful Tips for Success:
Completely cool the sugar cookies
before dipping.
Dip half of the cookie first, then let
cool to harden (before doing sprinkles).
Once the ‘half chocolate’ is hardened,
use a small spoon to make a chocolate
circle center and immediately add
sprinkles. Let COOL ... then shake off
excess sprinkles
Stick the stickers on the bakery bags
before opening, then add cookies.
Wash your hands before assembling
bakery bags or you’ll get grease on the
bags and that’s not pretty :)
Treats + Truth at the End of the Trail:
When gal pals reach the end of the
maze, reward them with fun, fall-themed
treats! Each goodie comes with a
inspirational tag featuring a scripture
about life’s twists and turns and the
bright light waiting at the journey’s end.
Autumn
Faith & Fun
Maze Dash
Host a Faith & Fun Maze Dash:
Gather your besties and team up two by
two for a joyful maze adventure!
Together you’ll laugh, race, and lean on
faith as you wind through twists and
turns — all on the way to discover the
sweet treats waiting at the finish line
guided by His light.
Gals Pals + Faith = the sweetest treat
at the end of every path.
The Harvest Maze is a bit like a garden of faith—full of winding paths, surprise turns
and blooms waiting to be found. Just as a sunflower keeps turning toward the light,
we too keep turning toward the Son who guides us. Even when the way feels twisty,
His love helps us blossom and find the path that leads to joy.
Your word is a lamp to my
feet and a light to my path.
— Psalm 119:105
Pathway Popcorn
Treat: Kettle corn or caramel popcorn
Packaging: Small mason jars or clear
treat bags with Autumn color ribbon
Tagline: “Follow the path; joy awaits
at the end!”
Verse: “The Lord will guide you
always; He will satisfy your needs in a
sun-scorched land and will strengthen
your frame.” — Isaiah 58:11
Sonflower Sweets
Treat: Sunflower-shaped cookies or
chocolate sunflowers
Packaging: Cute cookie box or
window bag with Autumn color ribbon
and sunflower sticker/tag
Tagline: “Bloom in His light and find
sweetness along the way.”
Verse: “Let your light shine before
others, that they may see your good
deeds and glorify your Father in
heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Twisty Trails Treats
Treat: Licorice twists, sour belts, or
gummy ropes (or other twisty treat)
Packaging: Bundle twists in a cello
bag tied with Autumn color ribbon
Tagline: “Life may twist and turn, but
God’s light guides the way.”
Verse: “Your word is a lamp to my
feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105
Joyful Journey Mix
Treat: Candy corn, pretzels,
chocolate candies, nuts, raisins
Packaging: Mini burlap (my favorite)
or kraft bag with twine & mini dry
sunflower accents
Tagline: “A sweet harvest awaits
those who journey with faith.”
Verse: “Let us not become weary in
doing good, for at the proper time we
will reap a harvest if we do not give
up.” — Galatians 6:9
Faith & Fun
Maze Dash
Sweet Treat Ideas
with Bible Verses
MacDonald
Jamie MacDonald is a rising
Christian singer-songwriter
celebrated for her single
‘Desperate’, which became a hit
on Christian radio. She captivates
audiences with her soulful voice
and impactful faith-driven lyrics
that reflect her journey of
overcoming past challenges.
More About Jamie >
Listen >
Desperate
b e m i s s i n g
A r t i s t y o u m i g h t
Jamie
There are times in life when it seems like all your worries
and heartaches come crashing down at once, right?
You might feel as though you’re hanging by a thread,
losing hope, with no energy left to pray. In those
moments, you yearn for a miracle—the divine power to
see you through. You will find comfort in Jamie
MacDonald’s song ‘Desperate’. It resonates perfectly
with those overwhelming times when life feels
unbearable, yet it doesn’t leave us stranded. Instead, it
encourages us to call (or cry) upon the Lord, and allow
Him to bear what feels too heavy for us.
Hope
So, turn up the volume, sing out loud to the heavens,
release those tears and let your heart be filled with hope.
Even in times of despair, we can thrive when we raise our
hands and open our hearts to Him.
I sincerely hope this song brings you
comfort during your challenging seasons,
just as it has for me.
s o n g l y r i c s
d e s p e r a t e
I'm at the end of myself and I'm
Tired I've tried all that I know to do
Right now it's just by a thread but I'm
I'm hanging on to you
I'm running out of hope
I need a miracle
And if I ever needed you it's right now
Desperate
Desperate
Oh I need heaven, need heaven and I'm
Prayed all the prayers I can pray but I
I won't stop knocking til you open the door
You can move a mountain
You can calm a storm
I know you can cause I've seen it before
And you're my only hope
I need a miracle
And if I ever needed you, it's right now
Desperate
Desperate
Oh I need heaven, need heaven and I'm
Oh God I'm desperate
Down on my knees
Send help from heaven
Cuz that's what I need
Redeem this wreckage
Restore my peace
I'm not asking I'm begging
Lord come through for me
I need heaven and I'm
(chorus)
(chorus)
(chorus)
Jamie MacDonald
H e r H e a v e n l y
He is my radiant light and my
blossoming garden of salvation—
who then should I fear?
- Psalm 27:1
s c r i p t u r e
A charming and
heartwarming Bible verse
tailored for gals
... infused with a
touch of joy
She blooms in His light like a sunflower in the
morning—lifting her face to the warmth of His
presence, unafraid of the shadows behind her.
The sunflower knows where its life comes from,
and so does she.
She finds the courage to keep blooming
bold, bright, and beautiful—reflecting His
rays of sonshine onto others.
In every trial, she turns toward the One who gives
her strength. In every joy, she radiates His love. She
is not wilted by darkness, because her roots are
planted deep in Him.
F A I T H O V E R F R I G H T P S A L M 2 7 : 1
h e r d e v o t i o n a l
In quiet moments of prayer,
she prays for the courage and strength to be a light in the darkness,
unafraid of the shadows behind her.
She blooms in His light like a Sonflower . . .
reflecting His rays of sonshine onto others.
She lets His light and love guide her every interaction . . .
keeping her from judging, from turning away and hiding,
or from dimming the light You have placed within her.
In quiet moments of prayer . . .
Do you pray for the courage to be a light in the darkness?
She blooms in His light like a Sonflower.
Do you reflect rays of sonshine onto others in seasons you may not agree with?
How can you turn darkness into an opportunity to bloom brightly?
She lets His light guide her every interaction . . .
Do you struggle with judging others, especially during seasons like Halloween?
What are you most afraid of? Are you worried about the judgment of others
(especially sisters-in-Christ) towards participation in Trick-or-Treating?
her reflection -psalm 27:1
FAITH OVER FRIGHT
MAMMOGRAM
FALL
FUN-TIVITIES!
PETALS &
HARVEST & HOPE
Petals of Love
Seeds of Scripture
Trick Free Treats
Blessings Over Boo’s Board
PETALS
& PRAYER
PRAYER
Timothy
1:7
Gal to Gal
Bloom to Bloom
Protect the Petals
2 Every bloom needs a little tending, and our blossoms are no different. A quick
check is like giving your petals sunshine and water—keeping them vibrant,
strong, and ready to flourish. Skipping a check? That’s like forgetting to weed the
garden—trouble can sprout before you know it.
. God reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that
our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. What
better way to honor Him than by nurturing the
blooms He’s entrusted to us? So this season, let’s
be faithful gardeners of our own beauty. Protect
your petals, cherish your blossoms, and keep
your SONflower shining bright.