Are We Ready?

...the virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Matt 25:10b

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! "For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Revelation 19:7

The photo above is of Kayla on her way out to meet Andrew before the wedding for photos.


It was about a year ago that we started planning for their wedding. Every time I browse the photos, I marvel at all that we accomplished in those 8 months and what life was like as we got ready. It was full, and busy, sometimes a little crazy, and now I can tell you...especially rewarding!


Looking back, I wonder how? How did we do that? When Kayla first told us she wanted to get married outside on our farm, we said, "No way!" I didn't think we could pull it off. It might be too stressful... But as we researched, and talked with others who had done it, we decided it was what we should do. Here are the things that come to mind:

• Plan: We started with a lunch date to cast vision and began making lists of what we wanted to accomplish.
• Focus: I had to focus on the big day. In doing so, I could prioritize what was on my "to do" list each day.
• Vision: We had a vision of what "the day" would look like.
• Prioritize: When there are so many things to do, knowing what to set aside in light of the goal is essential.
• Diligence with Rest: There were days when I just couldn't "go to it" as I should, but after taking a little break, I would determine to get back on task.
• Saying No: There were numerous things that beckoned us, expecially in the summer, but we had to say "no" to in order to stay on task.
• Prayer: Since our day was outside, we needed it to be a nice one. Daily prayer as I worked in the yard, and made lists helped me not to fear, and to be able to leave the day in God's hands. Anxiety would have bogged down my journey.
• Keeping Track: Continually reviewing how things were going helped us to know if we needed to change something, call someone, or cancel something.

How similar our journey is as we get ready for our future banquet as the Bride of Christ!


It brings me to ask the question,"How are our preparations going?"


Do we have a plan? A focus? A vision? How are our priorities? Are we diligent in our pursuit of purity?
Are we resting in the finished work of Christ as we walk toward our destination? Are we saying "no" to the sin that entangles and distracts? Denying ourself temporary pleasures? Are we meeting Jesus daily and keeping short accounts with Him?


Lord Jesus, your word says you are coming for a Pure Bride (click here for song) who has made herself ready. Help us to keep our focus on eternity and not on our comfort or pleasure in this life. Lord, you say if we love you we obey your commands...Help us love you with our obedience. Where we are wandering and straying from your path for us, bring us back. Help us to desire You above everything. Thank you that you are so Beautiful and Worthy of our devotion and praise. How we long to be in Your Presence!!

Are you ready? Are you filled with anitcipation?

I have to admit, sometimes I forget...that we are headed toward

A BIG PARTY!!!