Welfare

Our stake president spoke to us at church today about the need to be prepared. I have been feeling a strong sense of urgency regarding our food storage and emergency preparedness for about 10 years now and I have been actively working on this.

Whether there is a natural disaster, economic challenge, pandemic or whatever, we need to be prepared so we will not fear (or starve!).

Our stake president said we need to actively work on this now if we haven't already. Here are the areas we need to focus on:

-3 Month Supply of Food - Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet until it is sufficient for 3 months.

-Drinking Water - Store drinking water

-Save Money - Establish a financial reserve by setting aside a little money each week, and gradually increase it to a reasonable amount.

-Year Supply of Food - Once families have achieved the first three objectives, they are counseled to expand their efforts, as circumstances allow, into a supply of long-term basic foods such as grains, legumes, and other staples.

Our stake president said until we have our houses in order (with our 3 month supply, water, savings and year supply of food) he would counsel us that we should probably not be going to Disneyland, going to the movies, going to plays, buying unnecessary items, etc. When you go to buy something you don't need consider the fact that if you can't feed it to your children, it probably isn't worth having instead of the food. I 100% degree and have been personally prompted on this subject myself.

Even if someone has been blessed with things of the world more than they "need," I believe they have an additional responsibility to use that extra money wisely. Do you really think Heavenly Father wants some of us to always drive the latest car, have the name-brand clothes and go on cruises while others struggle to eat, have a home and to get a basic education? Think "Law of Consecration" and you'll get a clearer picture.

Here's a link to some great information from the March 2009 Ensign magazine on being prepared and self-sufficient:
http://lds.org/churchmagazines/EN_2009_03_00___04203_000_000.pdf#page=58

President Monson said: "Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their.... supply of food.... and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free." (May 2001)

President Hinckley said: "Everyone who owns a home recognizes the need for fire insurance. We hope and pray that there will never be a fire. Nevertheless, we pay for insurance to cover such a catastrophe, should it occur. We ought to do the same with reference to family welfare." (November 2002)

First Presidency Message in April 1942: "In the day of plenty, prepare for the day of scarcity."