More December pictures

Here are pictures from Christmas Pageant last weekend, the art class last week, our new puppy Tucker and gift unwrapping. More from us later. Trying to get a couple of things done before the blizzard hits tomorrow!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

WildBranch Ministries.

Let's see if I've done this right!  Here's an article I read yesterday that is just awesome about the Hebrew Roots movement of YHWH.  Please let me know if I've added it correctly!!! http://www.wildbranch.org/teachings/articles/08information.html

Gingerbread Build Off!

What a great afternoon with friends! It was a total success with the appropriate sugar high that followed!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

December Fun!

We've a blast the last few days!  The cub scouts from Jesse's pack marched in the Manassas parade on Saturday.  They were so cold and did a fantastic job.  Our pack has 84 boys and from the looks of the group assembled, we had lots on hand for the fun!!

Then last night, we jumped at the chance to ice skate with friends at the Harris Pavillion in Old Town Manassas.  The kids skated amazingly!  I truly couldn't believe how well Jesse did up and down the rink after some time getting used to the ice under his feet.  I think we'll make this a weekly event throughout the winter.  It was bitterly cold last night, the cup ontop of the hot chocolate thermos wouldn't come off until I'd gotten it in a warm car.  I don't know how those kids did it for two hours, but they did.  It's rough going around here this morning with them waking up slowly.  We have shopping to do today and one never knows if a shake from Chick Fil A could await them at the mall.  Hmmm...maybe that will stir their stivers this morning!  Enjoy!  Next up:  The Ginger Bread House Build Off with Classical Conversations!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our First Shabbat!

It was our first real Shabbat and I loved every minute of it.  Dinner was wonderful.  The children lit the 3 candles on the table.  (We don't have a menorah, but I did tell them it was the 3rd night of Hanukkah; a festival we'd understand more about next year.)  So we had 3 candles.  Emily switched out one of the candles and brought out a crystal Angel candlestick holder to ensure Messiah was represented.  I was touched at her attempt to keep the focus on the signifigance.

John came home and lead us all in the Torah Portion reading for the whole week.  The children enjoyed the telling of the story of Joseph and his brothers.  The redemptive portion of the story brought tears to my eyes as I think of one of our own children with so much to overcome.  It was a joy to have John read the Word to us!  Thanks, honey.  We love you.

Sabbath was nice.  We rested a ton in our own way.  John enjoys cooking for us as a way to truly relax.  He made an amazing fish chowder.  We enjoyed watching college football together and conversation.  John and Jesse marched in the local Christmas parade  (for the first and last time....with the local Cub Scout Pack.  John is the Den leader.)  After the sun went down we called the kids onto the bed and each prayed a prayer of Thanksgiving over our day and a chance to rest and enjoy being a family.

I'm surprised by the Ruach and His leading.  The changes we are trying to make seem very natural and normal.  I'll have to ask John if he's feeling the same way.

I'm so grateful to all of you for your comments and words of love and prayers on our behalf.  I've printed a calendar so I can keep up with the actual days and did order the book from Amazon on the Feasts of Isreal.  It looked wonderful to me and a great compliment to the Walking with Y'shua and Biblical Holidays Books we already have. 

We are ready to dig in and start enjoying the Feasts of Yah!
Happy Hanukkah to all!

The Last Tree

These will be the last 'Christ-mas' trees that will ever be in our home.  The closer December has come, the more John and I have just wanted to avoid this season of year altogether.  Having Truth revealed to us about the pagan roots of Christmas and Easter this year has been tough to swallow.  It's always been our desire to follow the I AM and His Son, Messiah, in spirit and in truth.  So, we sat down with the kids while putting the trees up and just talked to them about what the heritage behind Dec 25th is all about.  We've also told them that we'll be celebrating the Hebrew Feasts this coming year, as Messiah did.  Then we came up with a brilliant idea!  Most of the ornamentation on our tree are hand carved, wooden ornaments.  We are going to take the ornaments down this year and turn them into decorations for wooden wreaths to hang in the livingroom.  We have plenty of ornaments to make 4 wreaths, one for each child to take into adulthood as a memory from their own childhood. 

As it's Friday and sundown will begin the Sabbath, we are preparing in our home today.  I'll be making a roast in the crockpots, some stirfry veggies and fresh bread from the breadmaker.  We also picked up some sparkling cider for the kids.  John won't be able to make it home right at sundown, commuting in D.C. doesn't allow for that right now.  However, dinner will be ready for 6:30 sharp and he should be home by then.  The kids finished up a bit of light schooling this morning and are busy at chores to get the house ready for a restful Shabbat.  I'll add some pictures later of our first Shabbat meal.  Tonight is also the 3rd night of Hanukkah.  We hope to be celebrating this time of dedication in a more clear light this time next year. 

In the meantime, can anyone tell me what day of the year it is, for REAL?!  Is there a widget I could download for my blog to help me/us stay on track?

Please keep praying for us, T.O. families.  We seek Messiah and Him alone.  John still has many concerns about this way of life and taking things in the Bible out of context.  I share some.  We simply want Truth in our home to be present, leading us as we rebuild and seek the I AM's Light shining on our path.