BE PREPARED

I have been busy as a bee in the midst of Spring blooming season.  These sweet people are here for a few days.

GOSH!  does this capture some personalities!  I am certain we are rocking and rolling as they sweep in for a brief visit during their Spring Break.  Since they will be here for a short time, I began preparing over a week ago.  

The food preparation is all done ahead and frozen so we are ready to eat when hungry.  Here is Lulu's Psketti slowly simmering and cooking down those tomatoes.  Always cooking their favorites, but not wanting to spend the day in the kitchen while they are here, it is all prepared ahead.  I have the pantry and frig stocked with all their favorites after a big trip to the grocery.  AND the important thing, we have activities planned galore!  I have ordered new games and puzzles to keep us all busy in case we get rained out (HIGHLY LIKELY).  It pays to prepare ahead to enjoy their visit to the fullest.  The house will be filled to overflowing, and that is the way I like it.

Greatly enjoying my hiking trips, they always involve a great deal of strenuous activity.  We spend months preparing for each trip, including plenty of hiking locally.  If we have not prepared our bodies for the long days of hiking, the trip will not be pleasant.  In fact, I promise you, we all will be miserable.  Preparation is key for the maximum enjoyment. 

You have heard much about the study we are doing in Small Group.  The blog becomes my sounding board as I reflect upon what I have learned.  I spend about and hour a day preparing to teach each week.  Facilitating the discussion requires knowing the material.  Without adequate preparation, our evening will involve having to read from the book and dream up questions on the fly.  This is such a great study and we will grow from it only if we spend time preparing each week.

I have also written about my Sunday School class and the worship services I attend.  Preparing my heart for worship with prayer and song always reaps the benefit of a deeper worship experience.  If I hurriedly rush around trying to do last minute chores, throw my clothes on, and run out the door, my heart is not open and ready to experience a meaningful morning.  My thoughts are all over the place and not centered on the reason for this pause in the week. 
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.  This always requires preparation. Half hearted preparation usually results in a half hearted experience.   I love spontaneity, but spontaneity comes with risk.  My quiet time always requires turning my thoughts from the world to God.  Seeking God while planning the week's menus results in a grocery list, but not the face of God.  With thought stilling preparation comes heart changing time with The Father.  Preparation is always the key.  

13 “Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; 

Joshua 7:13