Are you ready for all that Fall has in store for you this season? If not; we want to let you know about our great new list of ten great ways to prepare for fall.
The Hebraic month called Elul, which we are stepping into today, is all about preparation. It isn’t just a physical preparation, but it is about the preparation of the soul. At first this might sound tedious and a bit like work; but in the end it is more like restoration and the pathway actually leads to joy. Joy is a huge factor in seeking to carry out these ten ways to prepare for fall.
Aspire to be on the same page with God for your life.
Knowing that you are on the same page as God for your life is vitally important. Once you go through these times of preparation; you come out on the side of joy and your Fall feasts and festivals will overflow with great celebration and abundance. Want to know more about Teshuvah? Try this link: https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/teshuvah-a-series-of-elul-meditations-meditation-2-seasons/
Here are ten ways to prepare for fall:
- Visit a vineyard. Perhaps this sounds like a strange task (because it is a lot of fun,) but visiting a vineyard will put your mind to thinking about how God refines our lives. He adds to our original creation every day – bringing us closer and closer to the things He destined for our time in His plan for mankind. We are like fine wine being gathered for the harvest. There is a process involved and it must take place, but oh the celebration that comes later.
2. Begin to make your plans for Rosh Hashanah (The Feast of Trumpets.) This is a very important day of the year. It requires preparation and planning. If you do a little each day the tasks will be fun and creative. Don’t wait until the last minute and expect to receive a blessing. Now is the time to get ready.
3. Make your plans for Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles.) This will be the culmination of all of your preparations of the year. Now you can finally rest, relax, enjoy the fun and fellowship of others. Make it easy on yourself by allowing yourself luxury where ever possible. God truly wants you to enjoy the abundance of the harvest of the year.
Enjoy the Spiritual Harvest!
For the ancients this was an agricultural harvest. For Christians of today this is a spiritual harvest. Prepare to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit and to celebrate with great joy. Learn a new dance, song, poem, anything that will help you to share the joy with others. Think of a story to tell, a new sukkah decoration, a new recipe to share with those that you love.
4. Before arriving at the Feast of Tabernacles, we will travel in time through The 10 days of Awe. Make your plans to observe these days.
Remember the word “Awe.”
This word suggests wonder.
Why not begin to plan how you will celebrate the wonders of serving such a Great God during these days. Observe the beauty of His creation, the bounty of His blessings, the fellowship of other believers. Watch the leaves turning and ponder God’s handiwork. Look at the night sky and see how lovely the stars shine down from the heavens. Offer prayers with Psalms of Thanksgiving and songs of praise each day.
5. Decide what offering you will bring to God at The Feast of Trumpets. This isn’t a tithe, it is above the tithe. An offering is something that comes from the heart. True offerings originate out of love instead of obedience.
What has God been asking of you this year?
Your Body:
Do you need to promise to work on the temple of God’s Holy Spirit who now dwells in (your physical body)? Why not offer to make a conscious effort to improve your health.
Your Soul:
What about your soul? Could you be spending more time in prayer? Offer to set aside a certain time each day for the coming year.
Your Mind:
Maybe you need to go deeper into the study of the scriptures. Make a plan to do this and promise God that you will keep that vow this year.
Your Spirit:
Is there a sin in your life that needs to be removed and overcome? Ask God to help you as you consciously work on that particular part of your life for the coming year.
Your Attitude?
Has God put on your heart to donate money to a certain cause? This might be the time to follow through.
Is there something that you could do for others that God has pointed out to you? Now might be the time to start.
There are a million ways you can make this fall first-fruits offering. Pray and ask God what He would require of you as your offering for the coming year. Determine to keep your word and follow through.
6. The time leading up to the Fall Holy Days is a time of reflection, examination and repentance. It might be useful to keep a journal of your thoughts as you enter the times of meditation and prayer.
Write down the things God shows you. Draw, paste in souviners that remind you of what God is speaking to you.
If you do this each year, you can look back at your thoughts from previous years in order to see how God has allowed you to grow in His ways and to move further into the destiny He has purposed for you.
Each new year will feel like another step upon the path that He has mapped out for you. It is encouraging to see how you are growing from year to year when you look back.
7. Go outisde and enjoy the changing season. Take long walks in the woods and notice the beauty of the changing landscapes. Maybe walk beside a lake and throw in stones for all of the sins you are asking forgiveness for this year. As the pebbles sink into the water; let the ripples that form remind you of how God is going to use your life to circle out and bless others. Once you let go of the things that are holding you back, your joy cup will begin to fill up and overflow.
The Fall season is also a good time to enjoy a late garden or work in your flower beds. The changes of the season will speak to you and whisper of the glory of God.
8. Gather together your favorite fall recipes. This is a good time to go to the store and replenish your cooking supplies so that you will be ready to prepare a festive feast for others when the moment arrives.
9. Plan for building your sukkah. Gather everything you need to make a beautiful place to sit with family and friends and remember all of God’s blessings of the past year. This link from The Tree of Life Bible Society blog has a lot of helpful crafting ideas to use in your sukkah: https://tlvbiblesociety.org/blogs/blog/how-to-celebrate-sukkot-try-this?srsltid=AfmBOorR_B2j3VqRBevBtJq45Dw81b22zYm2UNR2vVj-fdIlzVoHoa2c
As soon as The Day of Atonement ends, you are free to start building and arranging this special place to share with God and others. If you need some stories to read inside your sukkah this year, consider purchasing Gail Landgraf’s book called GOLDEN TALES FOR RAINY DAYS from Amazon.com. Why not purchase it ahead of the time for the feast so that you will have it ready?
10. Do devotions and meditations along with prayers to God for all of the days of Elul.
A helpful book for this would be CHRISTIAN MEDITATIONS FOR ELUL written by Gail Landgraf. This book can also be purchased from Amazon.com.
Here is yet another book by Gail Landgraf that provides daily devotions for The Ten Days of Awe is THE TEN DAYS OF AWE FOR CHRISTIANS. Of course this book can also be purchased at Amazon.com.
So; get ready!
Hopefully, by following these suggestions and carrying out these ten ways to prepare for Fall, this is going to be the best fall ever!
Our list could go on and on. Fall is a full and abundant season. It seems there is so much to think about and prepare for when the fall season rolls around. Let all of your preparations be done with joy, love and worship. Why not explore our ten ways to prepare for fall? Above all, honor and celebrate Messiah with each breath that you take along the way.
Happy Fall!
Gail, this statement spoke to my heart. “Do you need to promise to work on the temple of God’s Holy Spirit who now dwells in (your physical body)? Why not offer to make a conscious effort to improve your health.” Thank you for the reminder! Step by step, I’m doing this. Love this post.
Thank you Sandi. That is something I’m trying to do too. Glad to be in good company.