War Poured Out Upon All Nations - Armageddon

Listen to President Benson as he shares the things that lie ahead.  He teaches of what is to come SO that we WILL be prepared, not fear, trust in God, and DO all that He has asked of us.  It is a naive person who thinks that these things will not happen.  As one who has studied and read much - I URGE you to do ALL you can to be ready for whatever is ahead.  Not in fear - but...in obedience and...PEACE.

"Be it remembered that tribulations lie ahead. There will be wars in one nation and kingdom after another until war is poured out upon all nations and two hundred million men of war mass their armaments at Armageddon....Peace has been taken from the earth, the angels of destruction have begun their work, and their swords shall not be sheathed until the Prince of Peace comes to destroy the wicked and usher in the great Millennium.

"There will be earthquakes and floods and famines. The waves of the sea shall heave themselves beyond their bounds, the clouds shall withhold their rain, and the crops of the earth shall wither and die.

There will be plagues and pestilence and disease and death. An overflowing scourge shall cover the earth and a desolating sickness shall sweep the land. Flies shall take hold of the inhabitants of the earth, and maggots shall come in upon them. (See D&C 29:14–20.) “Their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets” (D&C 29:19).

"Bands of Gadianton robbers will infest every nation, immorality and murder and crime will increase, and it will seem as though every man’s hand is against his brother.

"We need not dwell more upon these things. We are commanded to search the scriptures where they are recounted with force and fervor, and they shall surely come to pass."  Benson

Perils of Past are Foretaste of What is to Come

Elder McConkie is one of my greatest heroes in life.  I have studied and pondered on many of his writings.  I have sought the Lord for further light and knowledge concerning some of the things he has said as well as personal application of those principles.

Since my teenage years I have studied from his teachings.  Coupled with the scriptures, I have spent many, many hours deeply pondering and praying about what lies ahead.

We need not fear if we have been obedient to Prophetic instruction.  If we have not - we need to Repent and make amends.  The Lord WANTS to bless us.  He knows what is ahead.  He is providing everything He can to make us safe.  We would do well to heed that instruction.

"For the moment we live in a day of peace and prosperity but it shall not ever be thus. Great trials lie ahead. All of the sorrows and perils of the past are but a foretaste of what is yet to be. And we must prepare ourselves temporally and spiritually.

"Our spiritual preparation consists in keeping the commandments of God, and taking the Holy Spirit for our guide, so that when this life is over we shall find rest and peace in paradise and an ultimate inheritance of glory and honor in the celestial kingdom.

"Our temporal preparation consists in using the good earth in the way the Lord designed and intended so as to supply all our just wants and needs. It is his purpose to provide for his Saints for all things are his, but, he says, it must needs be done in his own way. (See D&C 104:14–18.)

"There is a common axiom among us which states: A religion that cannot save a man temporally does not have power to save him spiritually. If we cannot care for our temporal needs in this world, how can we ever succeed in spiritual things in the world to come?"   Elder McConkie, Stand Independent

Government is Sum of it's People

Powerful Message - Painting by Walter Rane

"If government is really the sum of it's people, it follows that they must be watchful, vigilant, and informed lest their liberties become gradually usurped by naive or unscrupluous leaders and they awaken to find their liberty gone."  - Benson

Frequently Asked Questions about Home Storage

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What is a good way of knowing what you have on hand?

Inventories are most important when a family has a complete food storage program that includes rotation. First, tabulate what the family needs. Often the foods are labeled by date and arranged into categories such as those that supply mainly calories (e.g., fats and sugars), those that supply mainly protein (e.g., meats, eggs, and cheese), and those that supply vitamins and minerals (e.g., fruits and vegetables). Second, when a category has been partially depleted through rotation, it may be replaced with a different food that serves the same general function. This type of flexibility lets a family take advantage of seasonal fluctuations in price and availability.

Taking inventory is a good way of inspecting the quality of the food. It also makes the food storage program a living, flexible program that can change with the needs and likes of the family.

What is the best method of storing seeds? How long do they last?

Garden seeds should be kept dry at all times, preferably in a cool place, and rotated periodically. Buying your seeds a year ahead will ensure a year’s supply of viable seed quite simply. Some seeds may be grown from this year’s plants, but not all—some plants cross-fertilize and produce unacceptable seeds. Hybrids revert to their genetic forebears, which may or may not be good quality. Some seeds that can be safely saved are peas, beans, nonhybrid tomatoes, and cabbage. However, cabbage and its cousins don’t bear seed the first year.

Read Full Article Here

Making Home Storage a Part of Our Everyday Lives

From an article that teaches the importance of and blessings-in compiling food storage.  Peace of mind is the underlying theme of obedience.  I encourage you all to do prepare in every way that you can.

"When my husband, Brian, was a graduate student, we worked hard to stretch his small income so that I could stay home full time with our children. During one semester, unexpected school expenses significantly depleted our savings. We approached the birth of our second daughter with little more than condiments left in our refrigerator. Anxious about the future and unsure of what to do, I prayed.

"As I prayed, my feelings of concern gave way to a calming reassurance that the Lord would provide. I’m not sure what I expected, but what the Lord sent was an idea: I recalled that my mother-in-law had given us some food storage a few months earlier. I searched through recipes, and the Lord inspired me with ways to use the canned goods to make tasty, nutritious meals. Although it took some creativity, our food storage sustained us over the next few months until the end of the semester.

"That struggle helped me realize the importance of family home storage. My husband and I resolved to make a conscious effort to acquire more food, water, and savings for our growing family. For us, the best way to accomplish this was to find small ways to make family home storage a part of everyday life."

Read Full Article Here

Rugged Days Ahead

"In the light of these prophecies (abomination of desolation), there should be no doubt in the mind of any (man) that the human family is headed for trouble.  There are rugged days ahead.  It is time for every man who wishes to do his duty to get himself prepared - physically, spiritually, and psychologically -- for the task which may come at any time, as suddenly as the whirlwind."  (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 107)

Self-Reliance

In a recent magazine article published by the LDS church - we read a message given particularly to women as mothers in the home.  But, it's meaning and importance is applicable to all members of the family.  As we each become more self-reliant - we find peace in our hearts and homes.  Being able to provide the necessities of life, living within our means, developing good habits and skills, are all ways that help us become more self-sustaining in times of trouble and challenge.  I've found this to be true in my own home.  And...I've also learned that self-reliance does not omit God.  In fact, He is the reason many of us do these things - because He has instructed, taught, and inspired us to do so.  As we're aware of global changes and the reliance on and need for physical commodities - we also are reminded that the real peace and strength comes from physical preparations partnered with faith, obedience and promptings that will keep us spiritually safe in the physical and spiritual challenges that are in the world today.

"Developing self-reliance—the ability to care for ourselves and our families—is the responsibility of every sister. We become self-reliant as we learn to love work, as we seek inspiration to find the best ways to provide for ourselves, and as we work with family members to meet basic needs.

When we are self-reliant, we use our blessings and resources to prepare for and avoid problems. Self-reliance, however, is enhanced as we pray for the courage to meet with faith the challenges that will surely come. Self-reliance also enables us to keep our covenant to care for others.

In Relief Society, we are taught self-reliance principles and skills. Sisters can learn about budgeting, debt relief, employment qualifications, the scriptures and the gospel, teaching others to read and learn, technology, physical health, fitness, addiction prevention and recovery, social and emotional health, preventing illness, gardening, food production and storage, emergency preparedness, and many other things that will help us become self-reliant."  VT Message

Help Single-Moms Prepare

The LDS church is doing a fundraiser to help single-parents (mostly moms) get a better education in order to provide for their families.

Would you consider giving a small or large donation to help?  These families really struggle and your gift can bless and lighten burdens - and....help children who would otherwise suffer more.  By donating and sharing this link - we all make the world a better place.  These women will leave college with a 2-yr. degree and then make a good difference in society and in providing for their families.

Thank you for anything you can do to help in this effort.

What Kind of Preparedness?

There are many ways to prepare.  Which are of most value?  Part of being able to deal with unforeseen circumstances is to be emotionally stable.  Sometimes it takes some work to get there, to let-go of past weights and problems, and move forward in new energies and hope.  Foot-zoning can be helpful with that as can other alternative solutions. (find someone in your area who does it.)

Spiritual, Mental, and Financial are also part of Preparedness. 

When we speak of preparedness we most-often think of food and survival supplies.   These are important and can be life-saving.  We need to continue our preparations in all these areas.  But, I would suggest that of all ways in which we can prepare - Spiritual is most vital.  For if we are spiritually prepared, and ready, then...we will also be prepared in all the other ways. 

Shucking Corn - Clean Ears Every Time

This is a cool 2 min. video on how to have perfect corn.  If you don't use a microwave this won't work for you but may give you some ideas.

Strong Temporal Homes

“Not only should we have strong spiritual homes, but we should have strong temporal homes.  We should avoid bondage by getting out of debt as soon as we can, pay as we go, and live within our means.  There is wisdom in having on hand a year’s supply of food, clothing, fuel (if possible), and in being prepared to defend our families and our possessions and to take care of ourselves.  I believe a man should prepare for the worst while working for the best.  Some people prepare and don’t work, while others work but don’t prepare.  Both are needed if we would be of maximum service to our God, our family, and our country.”  - Pres. Benson

WHEN distress or disaster comes (not "if)

“Do all of you ...have a year’s supply of the basic commodities?  Be sure that you consider it very seriously....WHEN distress or disaster comes ...we must be ready to help each other.”  - Pres. Kimball

FAR SHORT of being truly PREPARED

“...we still have a great concern that as a people we are far short of truly being prepared.  The heart of welfare services’ success is not church preparedness but member preparedness....I am afraid that some members are laboring under the illusion that in difficult times the Church will take care of them.  This is not so.  The Church is prepared to take care of a limited number of members for a relatively short period of time.”  

 - Bishop Victor L. Brown

Second Coming

"This is the last and great dispensation in which the great consummation of God's purposes will be made, the only dispensation in which the Lord has promised that sin will not prevail.  The Church will not be taken from the earth again.  It is here to stay.  The Lord has promised it and you are a part of that Church and kingdom -- the nucleus around which will be builded the great kingdom of God on the earth....How I wish we could get the vision of this work, the genius of it, and realize the nearness of that great event.  I am sure it would have a sobering effect upon us if we realized what is before us."  Benson

LDS Leaders Prepare us for Second Coming

7 Mistakes of Food Storage

Expert and Author Vicki Tate shares valuable information about the 7 Mistakes of Food Storage.  Read through the article and gain helpful insights as to how to continue to prepare!   7 Mistakes of Food Storage

Also, order her wonderful recipe book for further knowledge.

Being Self-Reliant

"Apparently there will be certain tribulations that will disrupt the nations of the world to the extent that the Church will have to be self-reliant." - Pres. Benson

 “Unfortunately, there has been fostered in the minds of some an expectation that when we experience hard times, when we have been unwise and extravagant with our resources and have lived beyond our means, we should look to either the Church of government to bail us out.  Forgotten by some of our members is an underlying principle of the Church welfare plan that “no true Latter-day Saint will, while physically able, voluntarily shift from himself the burden of his own support”.   - Pres. Benson and Marion G. Romney -1980

....but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.....

Abomination of Desolation

“In the light of these prophecies (abomination of desolation), there should be no doubt in the mind of any priesthood holder that the human family is headed for trouble.  There are rugged days ahead.  It is time for every man who wishes to do his duty to get himself prepared – physically, spiritually, and psychologically – for the task which may come at any time, as suddenly as the whirlwind.”  - Pres. Benson

Strong Homes; Spiritual and Temporal

“Not only should we have strong spiritual homes, but we should have strong temporal homes.  We should avoid bondage by getting out of debt as soon as we can, pay as we go, and live within our means.  There is wisdom in having on hand a year’s supply of food, clothing, fuel (if possible), and in being prepared to defend our families and our possessions and to take care of ourselves.  I believe a man should prepare for the worst while working for the best.  Some people prepare and don’t work, while others work but don’t prepare.  Both are needed if we would be of maximum service to our God, our family, and our country.”  - Pres. Benson

Highest Priorities....

"We counsel parents and children to give HIGHEST priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.  However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform."  First Presidency letter, 11 Feb. 1999