Arise, shine for your light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Gross darkness shall cover the peoples of the earth, but my glory is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)

Yesterday was such a sweet day with my husband. We drove to Ein Kerem, which is a beautiful town nestled in the Judean Hills just outside of Jerusalem. We had lunch at one of our favorite restaurants and then ate a gelato and walked around. It was way too cold for gelato, but it was soooo good anyway. I should have gotten a hot chocolate instead.

We came home took naps and then lit the Hanukkah candles… just the two of us with the gray of evening falling to night, and the three candles burning against the dark.

Later we drove to a congregation in Jerusalem and enjoyed some wonderful worship and fellowship.

Today is busy with shopping for guests from the states. Some of our dearest friends arrive tomorrow, and I am hosting a huge dinner party tomorrow evening with some of our neighbors too. It will be fun, but much to do with getting the apartment ready and shopping and cooking. I would say we are officially “back in saddle” here in Israel…

I feel the wind of His pleasure…