This past week (October 7th-October 13th / 15 Tishri to 21 Tishri), my sons and I camped out underneath the stars to fulfill part of the command given by the hand of Moses in the Torah concerning the Festival of Tabernacles (Succoth).  I have studied this and other commandments for years but have always had excuses as to why I could not sleep in the outdoors for the full week.  Never again!

The moon was full when the festival began.  This is by design and every year it is the same.  This festival is one of the three Annual Pilgrimage Festivals.  For further study, please read Exodus 23:14-17; 34:23-24; Deuteronomy 16:16-17.  The weather was absolutely perfect and the view of the moon and the stars was breathtaking!

We saw shooting stars, told Bible Stories and just had a wonderful time together.  This week under the stars was the best week’s sleep that I have ever experienced.  I truly believe that I have never felt closer to my sons or to God.

The Festival is meant to point back to the Exodus and Passover which also takes place in the middle of the month and so it too is shined upon by the full moon, and also forward to a time when God will once again cause His people to dwell in booths.

As a result of this time with God, I felt a closeness and communion that I have never felt. I can say without reservation that my life was forever changed and I would venture to say that so were my boys.  I intend to host conferences each year and invite others to participate in these festivals with us beginning next year. Stay tuned for announcements on this front.

One of the thoughts that hit me in the tent this week comes from the book of James - the brother of Jesus. Read it for yourself in James 1:22-25.  I am a believer.