Trip to North Carolina

Yes, it's been a while since I posted a blog and here is why - I was in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina! I travel to different places from year to year when I keep the Feast of Tabernacles. For those of my readers who are not familiar with this fall festival, it's a week spent looking forward to and preparing for God's coming kingdom. The word "tabernacle" refers to a temporary dwelling, such as the rental my family and I stayed in, picturing the temporary nature of this life.

Each day we gathered to listen to messages about the meaning of these days. In contrast to the troubles of the world around us, God's kingdom is going to be a time of peace and rebuilding. What mankind has destroyed will be renewed.

"They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," (Isaiah 11:9, KJV).

"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose," (Isaiah 35:1).

Lake Junaluska, North Carolina is such a beautiful place already, but I rejoice to think of finding beauty everywhere - and with it a peace that can't be found in the world today! I enjoyed all the time I was able to spend in this millennial setting.

I enjoyed exploring the path around the lake. One section is beautified with roses in just about every color. Off in the distance sit clusters of short green mountains. I particularly enjoyed exploring the various trails and gardens that were everywhere and snapping photos of the varied flowers and plants along the way.

Kayaking on the lake was one of my favorite activities. Although I got a touch of sunburn, it was a beautiful day and the water reflected the Carolina blue sky. Although I didn't find enough time to go swimming this year, I did enjoy sitting at the water's edge and reading with my feet basking in the cool, refreshing water.

Although the fall foliage was not in full color yet, my family and I explored the Great Smoky Mountains on a train ride from Bryson City to Fontana Lake and the Nantahala Gorge.

One of my other adventures involved hiking at Waterrock Knob. My friends and I began the hike as the sun was setting and reached the top when it was dark enough to see countless stars and the Milky Way Galaxy.

This year's trip to the Feast of Tabernacles has been incredibly blessed. I'm grateful for all that I have learned and the wonderful friends and family I was able to share these experiences with!