They called these days Purim...

And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, to stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, as the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor....wherefore they called these days Purim.... Esther 9:20-23,26

The Feast of Purim began tonight at sundown and continues until tomorrow at sunset. Jewish families still celebrate Purim by reading the entire story of Esther at synagogues, fasting, giving to the poor, giving presents to one another, and feasting. Coincidentally, I finished my study of Esther the same day Purim began.

Ways to celebrate Purim with your family:
1. Read your kids a bible story about Queen Esther. Anytime you say "Haman" let them shout and bang loud instruments showing their disapproval of the man that hated the Jewish people.
2. Collect spare change to help the poor, or think of your own way to help.
3. Fix your family's favorite feast.
4. Make Hamantashcen Cookies (Haman's Ears)
5. Get yourself a beauty treatment or pedicure.
6. Buy some hand lotion and It's Tough Being a Woman for the Queen Esther's in your life.
7. Watch One Night with the King.

Macy thought the whole idea of eating Haman's Ear Cookie filled with red strawberry jelly was a little disgusting. Nate thought bloody was better than ear-waxy, since the real recipe called for apricot jam. Thanks, Macy, for being here to celebrate Purim with me, since the rest of the family rolled their eyes. I enjoyed our talks, your spiritual maturity level amazes me. Keep on living for Jesus. You're an awesome Sister.

Sending a prayer out for Jude Tucker, he is in the hospital due to stomach virus that left him dehydrated. Get better, little buddy.