Being Prepared~

Memorizing God's word is soooo rewarding!  I am working on Acts 3 (the story about the lame man at the Temple).  I have 3 verses to go!  We always have to be ready to share the hope that is in us (I Peter 3:15).   ~ Be ready to share a testimony, quote scripture, and encourage someone in need.  If we are ready God will give us opprotunities to use our skills for His Glory!   

 Great family examples of being ready~

A few years ago at a Father/Son retreat my brother Grant was asked by the director of Camp Barakel if he would be willing to recite the book of Jonah that evening during Chapel.  Since Grant had been practicing what he already had memorized, he was ready to encourage others in the Lord by reciting. 

Grant reciting the book of Jonah at one of our Dance/Scripture performances

~Photo by Vince~

Over time I have accumulated quite a few stories that I have shared at our Bright Lights group.  I keep all of these stories in a folder on my shelf so that when I have a chance to use them I can quickly find one for whatever subject I want. 

As some of you know, we have been in a few shows with a drama group.  At each of the rehearsals there is a devotional done by one of the cast members.  Last year I was able to share the story of Mr. Eternity with them because I had been ready.  

"It is a great feeling to be used by the Lord!"

1 Peter 3:15 (King James Version)

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

An example of NOT being ready~

Up above I used examples from our family's ministry, this is another example from our ministry about not being prepared. 

For awhile I depending a lot on Haley to get everything for me when it was time for dance class or a dance presentation.  I would be walking out the door and say, "Haley, did you get me a water bottle? ...Oh, did you get my whistle?"  Haley is a wonderful sister and she always would say "yes".   But, one time we arrived at our destination for a performance and I realized that I hadn't got my Irish whistle, as usual I said, "Haley did you get my whistle?"  This time she hadn't and I wasn't sure what I was going to do! 

We ended up finding it, praise God, but I needed to learn responsibility and not expect everyone else to do things for me.