Called To Love

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"  1 Peter 3:15 You wake up abruptly, realizing that you slept through the alarm. You forgot to lay out your clothes the night before. You didn't pack your lunch. All of the things you have to accomplish today now come rushing into your mind and you find yourself completely unprepared for what the day has in store for you. We have heard "Be Prepared," said by the Boy Scouts for years but have you ever considered what it means as a Child of God? We must be spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically prepared. This balance prepares us for whatever direction our journey takes us. Being spiritually prepared means that God through the Holy Spirit is guiding us. It helps us to navigate the what, who, where and whys that we will face. Being emotionally prepared m

"Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Experiencing death is, to say the least, traumatic. It takes a mental, emotional, and spiritual toll on everyone who has been affected by it. Our physical bodies experience chemical changes, our emotions are elevated and we question God... asking why? This week I have not only experienced these effects, but I have witnessed loved ones and friends do the same. I have done much praying... yes asking why, but more than anything asking... "What Next?" God reminded me that if we have a relationship with Him, we will see them again. He also reminded me that those of us who remain still have a purpose, and God still has a plan. Those of us who know Christ must make sure that our friends and loved ones have every opportunity to know Christ as well. Live the word before them, ask God for the