observing

Our family celebrated the Shabbat last week. Part of our schooling, we went into it with excited expectation as the kids prepared many days prior to it. Sometimes I think we don't fully experience the history of our faith when we don't understand or observe Jewish traditions. God established many feasts and festivals in the old testament to help his people recall who He was and what he had done for them. They are full of visual symbolism and meaning. Perfect for young children learning early history of the bible. I wondered why we hadn't done it more. We started observing Passover, incorporating Jewish traditions a few years ago. Easter became something that we prepared our hearts for for an entire week. All of our senses were engaged in celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. Now, as we celebrated Shabbat, we spent a weekend remembering what God has done in the past and in the present. Our hearts felt full Sunday evening when the observance came to a end.

The kids created a simple, pictorial, challah covering. We learning that the covering represents the dew God provided for the Israelites during their journey in the desert. The bread represents arms interwoven, at rest. This is a celebration of rest. The bread also represents the manna that God gave the Israelites. It also represents Jesus, as the bread of life. How cool is all of that? God gave us wonderful visuals to remember his Glory by.


Andy demonstrated his love by giving a blessing to each child. It was clear the kids were effected by the tender gesture.

We washed our hands as a symbol of gratitude towards God, that he has cleansed us. It also reminded us that are needs are on a higher level.


Two candles were lite to remind us of creation (God separating light from darkness) and redemption (Jesus as the light of the world). Grape juice (or wine) is served to show that our cup is full. There is fullness of joy and life.

A simple meal of good soup, some bread and time together.


Seeking God's presence. Remembering our history. Passing it on to our children. A time to worship and to rest. God challenged us in our faith and in the business of our lives that we need to pause and reposition our hearts towards him.

A blessing to observe.