"Are you ready yet"! echoed up the staircase and down the narrow hall each Sunday morning at the Johnson home. Trying to get five boys ready for Sunday School was quite a challenge. The call came to keep us on track as the clock ticked faster and faster as the time to leave grew near. We always managed to sleep in just a little longer, and ate breakfast a little slower to make the tension spring turn one notch tighter in the house. Preparation was not our strong suit as kids so Mom and Dad reminded us firmly and usually fairly that it was vitally important to be ready.

Preparation is always an important part fo life. Whether you're getting ready for a test, a talk, or a trip, the prep time is crucial. So it is, even in our walk with Christ. Preparing our hearts to be ready for a word and impact of the Holy Spirit is vital.

We are reminded of this during the season of Lent. Lent is the period of preparation before Easter that helps us proclaim, remember, and respond in gratitude and faith to Christ's atoning death and his glorious resurrection. It's truly a time to prepare to meet Jesus at the cross and at the empty tomb. I would encourage you to take extra time to dig deeper in the word, in a prayer, in worship and in service. Make it a point to reach out as a person or family to another family. God's amazing grace is brought front and center in the time of Lent. With gratitude and praise let's get ready to meet Christ at the Cross. Then when the question comes "Are you ready yet?", we can respond with a resounding YES!

May God Bless You,


Pastor Craig