Chag Sameach

Well, the holidays are upon us.  Actually they are almost over.  Tonight was the first night of Sukkot,or Feast of Tabernacles.  It is when God commanded his children to dwell in booths to remember the time when God was with them and leading them in the desert for 40 years.  So we had a specail dinner and then went out for a sukkah stroller (to look at all the different sukkah our neighbors built).  It was fun, and by the end Shireli was pointing and saying "Sukkah!"  and we learned next year we need our own.

Here are just a few of what they look like around our area.  More to come tomorrow.  And for the talented in the last picture there are 4 sukkahs.

Freedom and Joy again!

This past week, I (Stefan) had a God encounter that was very significant to me.  Since I'm the one mostly involved at Succat Hallel and Samantha is unable to fully participate in any watches with me at this moment and season of our lives, I've been having some difficulty.  I was fully engaged in the watches, and was even able to feel the move of the Spirit on my times during the sets, but something was not fully there.  Then, last Tuesday night, God showed me how I've avoided fully enjoying my time in His presence.  I'd come to think that somehow, it was unfair if I enjoyed my watches and Samantha didn't have the same experience while watching that kids, or the opposite of my experience.  I had this feeling like, it was rude and insensitive of me to come home all bubbly when her day had not gone that well.  The Lord was so good to expose that lie.  Then as the lie was broken off, I was able to fully embrace the part of enjoying the watches I participate in.  I realized that me enjoying myself fully, would release a breakthrough over the challenges at home as well.  The next morning, I found myself significantly more energetic when I woke up, and the watch that I participated in that afternoon was completely different.  It was alive in every way, and I knew I had fun, because as they say, "time flies when you're having fun" :-)  God took me to a new place in the revelation of the ecstatic pleasure of His presence.  I can truly say, oh, the joy of His presence.  There's nothing else like it.  Oh, the Joy of knowing Him and being known by Him.

Purim

So, it is Purim here in Jerusalem. A time when we are commanded to have fun and celebrate.  So the four of us went to the First Jerusalem Train Station (we heard there was suppose to be a carnival, but it wasn't ready yet).  We all shared a smoothie and played in the kids area with blocks and bubbles.  We had a great time.

But the part I will remember is when we were sitting drinking our smoothie.  This little boy walked by with his mom and just stopped and starred at Shireli with a huge smile.  His mom said he loves Elmo.  It just made my day to think that Shireli being dressed in her costume made this little boy so happy.

It's the little things like this we need to notice.  The rest of the day didn't go the best, having to leave was like pulling teeth.  But we have to remember joys. 

Shireli playing with blocks.

I'm cookie monster, no wait, I'm Aaron.

The three of us at a party, Cookie monster, Elmo, and 80's Pop Star

Cookie monster and Elmo riding the Jerusalem bus

For those who don't know Purim is the Festival of Esther.  A time when the Jews were suppose to be exterminated but God stepped in through the life of a young lady named Esther (Haddasah).  She and her family and friends prayed and fasted and she went before her King uninvited and she found favor in his sight.

Now a days we remember it by reading the story and adding sound effects, we "boo" for Haman, "Aww" for Esther, and "Yay" for Mordechi.  We dress up in costumes.  We give Purim baskets with treats and noise makers.  There are fire works.  It is a time to celebrate life and God's saving grace while our enemies remember it also and increase the rockets fired into Israel.  But God is still faithful like he was back then.