By Kayla Young For most of my life I have thought that the Bible was filled with oxymorons. Maybe that is not the best way to start out a spiritual blog, but it is true. We are to have joy in the middle of persecution (you know, tortured and hated but happy!). Or free to […]

Written by Laura Bernero The clock read 6:42 and I was ready. Soups were simmering on the stove. Music from my favorite Pandora station was drifting lazily through the room. The furniture was arranged neatly, with plenty of seats for all the guests. Utensils and napkins were within arms-reach of the Pinterest-worthy snacks. It was […]

Written by Caitlin Closs As a first year teacher I feel like I am constantly in a state of preparation.  Preparing lessons, notes, worksheets, tests, quizzes… and the list continues as soon as one thing is accomplished there are 3 new things to prepare for. It seems the world demands a constant state of preparation.  […]

Written by Chelsea Lecander “She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” (Lk. 10:38-40) Preparation is a posture, not a pursuit. In an age where preparedness has become practically synonymous with activity—doing things, […]

Written by Debbie Garrett For me the word preparation immediately brings up “to do” lists in my head. I have to admit I’m a task-oriented person, so this fuels me. I love to cross things off the list as I take care of item after item. I’m afraid though, that this obsession of the ‘doing’ […]

“The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 Preparation. The word makes me think of being completely ready. Ahead of schedule, no stress, set up for whatever is coming. God asking us to be prepared has nothing to do with our readiness. As you will read this week, it is about things like willingness […]