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!