Since we didn't end up moving this fall
like we originally planned, things have settled into routine here which
has been good. We've been able to enjoy friends, family, serving others
- doing all the things that God has called us to do. I figure that
since we're here, God has work for us left to do here, so I need to be
dilligent in seeing what God has for us and doing his will.
The one thing I want to guard against is living so that my focus is all
on my family and ourselves and just having fun together. One thing I've
done this fall is to try to find ways for our family to serve others.
We've raked 2 neighbors lawnes, visited a nursing home, and made cards
for people. One thing I'd love to do is to find ways for our kids to
serve others with their friends. Instead of always just getting
together with friends for them to have fun and play together, have them
work on doing something for someone - even if it's just making a card
for someone.
One additional thing we've started the last two week-ends is to try to
have Saturday suppertime start our "day of rest" or time set apart for
God. Last week we had a "Shabbat"-type meal - I made a Challah bread
(bread with three strands braided together), and we had grape juice,
and a toppings for the bread (PB, Jelly, butter..), fruit and
vegetables. We followed some of the typical activities done at a
Shabbat meal (husband gives blessings, lighting candles etc...). We ate
on our nice tablecloth and let the kids eat on nice dishes. The rest of
the evening is a special family time (last night with friends as well).
We left the nice tablecloth on the table through Sunday lunch to show
the need to honor this day and honor the Lord. We aren't Jewish, nor do
we think we need to follow Jewish holidays, but having this special
meal start our "Sabbath day of rest (though not on the Jewish Sabbath
day), has drawn us together as a family towards the Lord.
This season for us is major Holiday/birthday season! So far we had my
birthday in Sept, Leland's birthday in early Oct, and Devin &
Derek's birthdays the end of Oct. Then we'll have a visit from my
ever-so-fun-and-entertaining brother (who always wants to know when I
cried last... - when was it - hmmmm can't remember Kevin) and family
for a couple of days, Thanksgiving, Judah's birthday the next day,
Cody's birthday the next month and then Christmas (where we may travel
to Wheaton to see my Grandpa who is 99 and going downhill). It's been
fun to enjoy family and family times, but we pray most of all that we can honor the Lord during these times and serve others.
God bless each of you as you go into the Holiday seasons. May the be
filled with specialy family times, memories, and times of giving to
others. God bless.
Melanie
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