Of all the things that people find weird about us, one of the biggest is that we spend three hours in church. If used correctly this can be a time of spiritual refreshment, received inspiration, and warm fellowship. It can also be a time of boredom, idleness, or mind games.
As in so many other areas, preparedness is the key. Think of break-the-fast. If many people show up empty-handed but ready to eat, the experience will not be very satisfying (except possibly for those who were first in line). A few hard-working and unselfish individuals may do more than their part, and improve the situation, but the odds of success are better if everyone is contributing.
Our time together on Sunday can go much the same way. If many people come prepared for inspiration and fellowship, the general feeling is better and the chance of individuals receiving needed answers is greater. Your noisy whispering behind me might distract me from the lesson and lead me to be a little angry, or your quiet thoughtfulness and personal remarks may remind me that I am not alone, and that we all have our own struggles but that peace and joy come from living Gospel principles. Your prayer for the teacher may help her say exactly what I need to hear. More importantly, you may hear exactly what you need to hear.
So, what are some things that we can do to make our time in church better?
Study the lessons in advance: Not only are we given manuals, study guides, and schedules at the beginning of the year, but all manuals and study guides are posted under the Gospel Library at www.lds.org. The Relief Society lesson schedule even lists which conference talks will be used on the Teachings for our Times weeks, and those talks are also available on the web site.
Studying the lesson on Sunday morning can be a great way to have quiet time for listening to the Spirit and keeping the Sabbath holy. It makes you more ready to participate in class later, which the instructors will appreciate. Also, it may be that there are points for you in the lesson that are not the most important points for the class as a whole, in a different direction than the class will go. It’s very seldom that all of the material gets covered for any lesson. Spending your own time with the material, for both the Sunday School and the third hour lessons, provides a chance for your individual spiritual needs to be met. After all, it’s not like we don’t have enough time before church, which leads to the second point.
Be on time: We meet at 2:45. Even if you sleep until one in the afternoon, it should be possible to be ready and at the church by 2:45 (although you may find that staying up late and then sleeping in does not set the best tone for the day). Figure out how much time you need, and then allow that time. Being seated a few minutes in advance, able to listen to the prelude music and prepare for the sacrament, will help you to be more in tune with the Spirit.
If you end up late anyway, be respectful about that. Entering quietly is considerate to those around you. Friends can be greeted and outfits admired after the closing hymn.
Be humble: Church should not be a fashion show, or a chance to brag or make a point of how many friends you have, or what a great testimony you can bear because you have suffered so much. Even the times when you are focusing on worries about how others are judging you or how inadequate you feel are times when you are not feeling the Spirit, or even leaving a doorway for inspiration. Any time you are focusing on you, or on what others think of you is probably not a time when you are being strengthened.
Be open to learning: I remember one person who always used to read during sacrament meeting. It did not matter whether the speakers were good or not, they could not bless him. Also, perhaps we should re-evaluate what we consider to be “good”. If a speaker or teacher invites the Spirit, we can learn if we will cooperate. As we are in tune, any comment or scripture can lead us to know and feel what we need. If a teacher or speaker struggles, be understanding. Church responsibilities help us learn and grow, and we may not get everything right at once. This leads to the next point.
Do your church jobs: Are there ways in which you could do your calling better? This may affect someone else’s church experience. Teachers play an important part, but so do those in charge of the music, and even those who participate in small ways like saying a prayer. As you are asked to serve, do so willingly, and bearing in mind what church can be for everyone.
There are callings and assignments that are not carried out on Sunday, but these generally involve serving someone, and as we serve each other the increased love will invite the Spirit. Are your home and visiting teachees there this Sunday? If not, they may need you, and other people who are not officially yours may need you. This leads to our next point.
Be both loving and reverent: We should be aware of others, and open to them. Do not discourage someone from sitting next to you because you were hoping for a cute boy instead. Kindness is more important than that, and having the cute boy there doesn’t really do much, because we are supposed to be focused on other things.
We can go too far the other way, so friendly and happy to see each other that we visit too much, and detract from the Spirit in that way. Stay aware of the purpose of the meetings, because we can socialize some, but we also have other times and activities for socialization, but there are some things that we only get for a few minutes once a week.
Be prepared to take the sacrament: This is the most important thing we do, and the purpose of the meeting. The refreshment comes because we have repented of our sins again, and been reminded of the promises of our baptismal covenants. As we renew our commitment, we are better able to receive inspiration. We need to be ready to participate.
There may be time when we are unable to participate because of sin. Work with your bishop on this so you can actually make progress. If it is not a sin that should require working with a bishop, but you still feel unworthy, talk to him about this too. He can help you work out the issue, establishing standards or practices that will help you feel ready and worthy every week. There may be times when you feel like you should abstain because you have a bad mood, but wouldn’t it be better to work on the mood, and be ready when the time comes?
We should not be satisfied with merely showing up for church services. We have probably all witnessed cases of those whose testimonies have waned along with their attendance. Somehow, “meeting together oft” is a key element in enduring to the end. Since we need to keep coming, we should be working to make that experience enjoyable and valuable for us, instead of wasting that potential. Then we can reap the blessings.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
February 2009 - Preparing for winter
Due to a previous history of mild winters, the area was caught off-guard by successive snow and ice storms just before Christmas. There were insufficient snowplows in the region, so many roads were never cleared. Usual standby Tri-met canceled some routes and shortened others, leaving many housebound.
Although December of 2008 was unusually bad, there has been a tendency towards more severe weather, so when thinking about preparedness it is reasonable to ask, “What if this is the future?” If this type of weather becomes more common, local governments will have to react eventually, but this may take time. Preparations that you can take to improve your own situation will be more reliable, and will be easy to think about while December is still fresh in your mind.
Location: What are the specific advantages and disadvantages of your area?
I have one friend who lives in a windy and heavily wooded area, and she can count on losing power at least once a year. In other areas, especially where power lines are run underground instead of strung overhead, power loss is rare. Even without power loss, falling trees can cause damage. Is there anything that could fall on your home?
Are you in a flood plain? There are areas that flood every year, and some that are susceptible to flooding but have not done it yet. What about slides? A local home was destroyed in a slide, and the root cause was a neighbor’s faulty irrigation system weakening the base. Some information may not be available, but at least look at what you do know.
In addition to looking at potential damage, also look at transportation issues. If the roads become icy or flooded, how does that affect your ability to get to work or school? Looking at alternative places to stay in case of emergency may be enough, or sometimes it may even be worth moving.
Equipment: Considering both safety and comfort, what do you need?
As a homeowner or renter, you may have a personal responsibility to keep sidewalks clear. Do you have a snow shovel? A snow blower may work for snow only, but will not work with ice. However, having some de-icing agents may also help.
For your vehicle, do you have chains? It is possible to go and get snow tires, but chains can be a one-time purchase, with no additional travel required. If that is something you are interested in, you may wish to acquire the chains and practice with them before the snow starts.
Travel decisions need to be made based on safety and practicality. I saw some people approaching the grocery store on ATVs, and that looked like great fun. However, having an alternative way to get to the store for that single two week period would not be sufficient justification for buying one. Under some circumstances, you may be able to completely avoid leaving the house until the snow clears. Do think about where you might need to go, and how you could get there.
Supplies: Are you well stocked enough to stay in?
In severe weather, the transportation department will usually prefer that you stay at home unless necessary, but necessity can be reduced by advance preparation. Just to honor the basic minimum food storage requirements will mean that you have a three-month supply of food, which should be enough to outlast any ice storm. However, if you are not there yet, getting in at least two weeks worth of food would be a good start. (If the pipes freeze, your water storage will come in handy as well, as long as that is kept above freezing.)
You should also give special consideration to the possibility of losing power, as it may change your needs. If much of your food storage involves refrigeration or freezing and then microwaving, this could lead to difficulties. Have at least some food that requires little to no cooking. You may wish to consider alternative means of cooking, but many of the common solutions that you would use for camping and other outdoor cooking cannot be used indoors. Alcohol-based fuels like Sterno can be an option, but read instructions and precautions carefully, and figure it out before the snow comes.
In the case of a power outage you will also want light. Do you have flashlights or electric lanterns, along with the batteries they will need? If you will be relying on candles, what safety measures do you have in place to prevent fire? That will include the candleholders and methods for disposing of matches, but should also include making sure that the smoke detectors are working.
Even if your heat comes from gas, if the distribution is run by electricity, a power outage will be an issue. It may be wise to have some extra blankets on hand. If a fireplace is available, do you have wood and kindling for starting the fire? Have you ever started a fire before? Practicing when it doesn’t matter makes a huge difference.
This is also a good time to think about winter clothes, especially while some items may currently be on clearance. How did your coat do? Do you have a winter hat? Scarves and gloves do not need to be expensive, but add to your overall warmth by trapping heat at key areas of heat loss. Shoes or boots that are suitable for snow can be incredibly useful. Maybe you will wish to accessorize with some crampons or snowshoes, or that may be overkill.
Consider what you encountered this winter, and then think about what is likely for next winter.
Although December of 2008 was unusually bad, there has been a tendency towards more severe weather, so when thinking about preparedness it is reasonable to ask, “What if this is the future?” If this type of weather becomes more common, local governments will have to react eventually, but this may take time. Preparations that you can take to improve your own situation will be more reliable, and will be easy to think about while December is still fresh in your mind.
Location: What are the specific advantages and disadvantages of your area?
I have one friend who lives in a windy and heavily wooded area, and she can count on losing power at least once a year. In other areas, especially where power lines are run underground instead of strung overhead, power loss is rare. Even without power loss, falling trees can cause damage. Is there anything that could fall on your home?
Are you in a flood plain? There are areas that flood every year, and some that are susceptible to flooding but have not done it yet. What about slides? A local home was destroyed in a slide, and the root cause was a neighbor’s faulty irrigation system weakening the base. Some information may not be available, but at least look at what you do know.
In addition to looking at potential damage, also look at transportation issues. If the roads become icy or flooded, how does that affect your ability to get to work or school? Looking at alternative places to stay in case of emergency may be enough, or sometimes it may even be worth moving.
Equipment: Considering both safety and comfort, what do you need?
As a homeowner or renter, you may have a personal responsibility to keep sidewalks clear. Do you have a snow shovel? A snow blower may work for snow only, but will not work with ice. However, having some de-icing agents may also help.
For your vehicle, do you have chains? It is possible to go and get snow tires, but chains can be a one-time purchase, with no additional travel required. If that is something you are interested in, you may wish to acquire the chains and practice with them before the snow starts.
Travel decisions need to be made based on safety and practicality. I saw some people approaching the grocery store on ATVs, and that looked like great fun. However, having an alternative way to get to the store for that single two week period would not be sufficient justification for buying one. Under some circumstances, you may be able to completely avoid leaving the house until the snow clears. Do think about where you might need to go, and how you could get there.
Supplies: Are you well stocked enough to stay in?
In severe weather, the transportation department will usually prefer that you stay at home unless necessary, but necessity can be reduced by advance preparation. Just to honor the basic minimum food storage requirements will mean that you have a three-month supply of food, which should be enough to outlast any ice storm. However, if you are not there yet, getting in at least two weeks worth of food would be a good start. (If the pipes freeze, your water storage will come in handy as well, as long as that is kept above freezing.)
You should also give special consideration to the possibility of losing power, as it may change your needs. If much of your food storage involves refrigeration or freezing and then microwaving, this could lead to difficulties. Have at least some food that requires little to no cooking. You may wish to consider alternative means of cooking, but many of the common solutions that you would use for camping and other outdoor cooking cannot be used indoors. Alcohol-based fuels like Sterno can be an option, but read instructions and precautions carefully, and figure it out before the snow comes.
In the case of a power outage you will also want light. Do you have flashlights or electric lanterns, along with the batteries they will need? If you will be relying on candles, what safety measures do you have in place to prevent fire? That will include the candleholders and methods for disposing of matches, but should also include making sure that the smoke detectors are working.
Even if your heat comes from gas, if the distribution is run by electricity, a power outage will be an issue. It may be wise to have some extra blankets on hand. If a fireplace is available, do you have wood and kindling for starting the fire? Have you ever started a fire before? Practicing when it doesn’t matter makes a huge difference.
This is also a good time to think about winter clothes, especially while some items may currently be on clearance. How did your coat do? Do you have a winter hat? Scarves and gloves do not need to be expensive, but add to your overall warmth by trapping heat at key areas of heat loss. Shoes or boots that are suitable for snow can be incredibly useful. Maybe you will wish to accessorize with some crampons or snowshoes, or that may be overkill.
Consider what you encountered this winter, and then think about what is likely for next winter.
Monday, April 13, 2009
January 2009 - Setting goals
Last month we talked about remembering the most basic counsel, of having food storage and financial well being, as presented in the “All is Safely Gathered In” pamphlets. If these two areas are neglected, progress in other areas will be less valuable. That does not mean that it is not helpful or appropriate to set goals in any of the old Provident Living areas.
Some time ago I received a document that had been used in Hillsboro Stake to assist leaders in doing a personal and family preparedness assessment. I modified that to make it more applicable to singles. (This primarily meant removing the questions about whether or not you are teaching your children good principles in these areas. If you have children now, or when you do, that is a good question to ask.)
This is separate from the preparedness survey that I am collecting from ward members, but it will probably share one feature, in that viewing all of the questions together can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Despair is not a helpful reaction. Focus on what you have, and what you need, and set appropriate priorities for your goals. There should be goals, and the start of a new year is a great time for setting them, but don’t lose perspective in the process. Remember, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
As we keep our perspective, maintaining a sound mind, we will know how to focus our efforts, and following through will help us feel the power of preparedness. Being prepared, we shall not fear (D&C 38:30), and we can also cast our fear by perfect love (Moroni 8:16), so it all works together in such a way that we do not need to be discouraged.
That being said, here are the questions for the six areas:
Social and Emotional Strength
· Do I follow the counsel of the prophet by having regular scripture study, daily prayer, and attending the temple monthly? Am I benefiting from it?
· What events in my past have I not dealt with emotionally or still make me feel uncomfortable?
· Have I got confidence in my abilities and self-esteem?
· Am I able to receive and understand personal revelation?
· Do I observe the Law of the Fast and pay a full tithing?
Resource Management
· How many months of income do I have in the bank that can be drawn on in case of emergency?
· How do I utilize a monthly budget and tracking spending?
· Am I working to eliminate consumer and other unnecessary debt?
· How much do I put aside in savings on a regular basis?
· What resources do I have that could help me improve my financial situation?
Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness
· How many weeks or months of food do I have hand?
· What do I do to rotate what food I have in storage?
· How much water and other necessary goods do I have in case of emergency or loss of income?
· How much food and other items do I need to have for a year’s supply?
· What do I have prepared in case of a short-term emergency (72 hour kits, first aid kit, etc)?
· Within the confines of my available space, what am I doing for a garden?
Employment
· How does my job challenge me?
· What do I like best about work each day, and am I accomplishing all that I can?
· Am I currently using my talents in a satisfactory way? If not, how can I prepare for a more fulfilling career?
Physical Health
· What do I do to exercise regularly?
· When is the last time that I had a physical exam?
· What do I do to eat a balanced diet?
· Am I physically able to meet the demands of my normal life?
· Would I be physically able to meet the demands of different emergencies?
Education and Literacy
· How will my education provide a career that will meet the financial needs of my current or future family?
· What am I doing to upgrade my education within my chosen career?
· If I could no longer work in my current career, or there was a loss of a source of support, what other options would I have?
As you can see, these questions are not so much specific items on a list as they are a help to getting you to analyze and ponder your current status, and how it might be affected by other events. What would you want to be different? What would work well?
Regardless of your circumstances, there are steps you can take to improve. Think about the goals that will make the most sense for you, and then pursue them in faith. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Some time ago I received a document that had been used in Hillsboro Stake to assist leaders in doing a personal and family preparedness assessment. I modified that to make it more applicable to singles. (This primarily meant removing the questions about whether or not you are teaching your children good principles in these areas. If you have children now, or when you do, that is a good question to ask.)
This is separate from the preparedness survey that I am collecting from ward members, but it will probably share one feature, in that viewing all of the questions together can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Despair is not a helpful reaction. Focus on what you have, and what you need, and set appropriate priorities for your goals. There should be goals, and the start of a new year is a great time for setting them, but don’t lose perspective in the process. Remember, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
As we keep our perspective, maintaining a sound mind, we will know how to focus our efforts, and following through will help us feel the power of preparedness. Being prepared, we shall not fear (D&C 38:30), and we can also cast our fear by perfect love (Moroni 8:16), so it all works together in such a way that we do not need to be discouraged.
That being said, here are the questions for the six areas:
Social and Emotional Strength
· Do I follow the counsel of the prophet by having regular scripture study, daily prayer, and attending the temple monthly? Am I benefiting from it?
· What events in my past have I not dealt with emotionally or still make me feel uncomfortable?
· Have I got confidence in my abilities and self-esteem?
· Am I able to receive and understand personal revelation?
· Do I observe the Law of the Fast and pay a full tithing?
Resource Management
· How many months of income do I have in the bank that can be drawn on in case of emergency?
· How do I utilize a monthly budget and tracking spending?
· Am I working to eliminate consumer and other unnecessary debt?
· How much do I put aside in savings on a regular basis?
· What resources do I have that could help me improve my financial situation?
Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness
· How many weeks or months of food do I have hand?
· What do I do to rotate what food I have in storage?
· How much water and other necessary goods do I have in case of emergency or loss of income?
· How much food and other items do I need to have for a year’s supply?
· What do I have prepared in case of a short-term emergency (72 hour kits, first aid kit, etc)?
· Within the confines of my available space, what am I doing for a garden?
Employment
· How does my job challenge me?
· What do I like best about work each day, and am I accomplishing all that I can?
· Am I currently using my talents in a satisfactory way? If not, how can I prepare for a more fulfilling career?
Physical Health
· What do I do to exercise regularly?
· When is the last time that I had a physical exam?
· What do I do to eat a balanced diet?
· Am I physically able to meet the demands of my normal life?
· Would I be physically able to meet the demands of different emergencies?
Education and Literacy
· How will my education provide a career that will meet the financial needs of my current or future family?
· What am I doing to upgrade my education within my chosen career?
· If I could no longer work in my current career, or there was a loss of a source of support, what other options would I have?
As you can see, these questions are not so much specific items on a list as they are a help to getting you to analyze and ponder your current status, and how it might be affected by other events. What would you want to be different? What would work well?
Regardless of your circumstances, there are steps you can take to improve. Think about the goals that will make the most sense for you, and then pursue them in faith. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Monday, April 6, 2009
December 2008 - Back to Basics
In February 2007, the Church released two new pamphlets with the common heading “All Is Safely Gathered In.” One focused on Family Finances, and the other on Family Home Storage.
At the time, I focused more on the change in emphasis from getting in a year’s supply of food to encouraging a three-month supply, although there was still a subtext of storing more if possible. It seemed to me to be not so much a message that three-month’s supply is enough, as an acknowledgment that members were not getting in a year’s supply, and maybe changing the focus to three months would make it less intimidating.
That may well have been a factor, but there was a bigger movement that I did not appreciate at the time. Previously, Provident Living had focused on several subheadings:
· Home Storage
· Physical Health
· Spiritual, Emotional, and Social Health
· Education
· Employment
· Resource Management
The providentliving.org site had sections and guidelines for each of these areas. The subheadings are still on the site, but there is less information, and more of a referral to scriptures and gospel principles rather than tips on how to build your 72-hour kit.
To some extent, this may reflect similar trends of simplification and focus on the Spirit. Think of the transition to Preach My Gospel. Nothing essential was lost, though things certainly were simplified. In some ways, moving away from set discussions might make teaching harder, or more work, but there is a gain in spirituality and in inspiration that makes it better. This doesn’t mean that the six regular discussions, six new member discussions, missionary guide, study guide, and rulebook were bad.
By the same token, there is nothing wrong with tips for 72-hour kits and first aid training and plans for accumulating your food storage over a year, but sometimes we can get so caught up in what is interesting or clever or cute that we forget the basics. At times a reminder of what is most essential is good for us.
In addition, there is nothing more valuable than food storage and financial stability. As I have reviewed different disaster scenarios is my mind, those two items keep recurring as the most useful. You have to be able to eat, and there is a limit to how much peace of mind you can have if you are not debt-free.
So, what are these essential basics? The pamphlets are online at www.providentliving.org, but they are both very short.
Family Home Storage
· Have a three-month supply of food. If you have nothing, start by getting in a week’s supply and work your way up. Once you establish a three-month supply, store more if you can, but it is essential that you get at least that.
· Store some drinking water.
· Establish a financial reserve.
Family Finances
· Pay tithes and offerings.
· Avoid debt.
· Use a budget.
· Build a reserve.
· Teach family members.
I know that these steps have already made a difference for faithful saints, and times are coming when it will become even more important. The steps you take now need not be drastic. A few extra sale items bought each week quickly add up to a small food stockpile.
Financial reserves may seem more hopeless, because you can think that even if you were to save ten percent of each check, which would be sizeable, it would still take you ten years to have one year’s worth of income saved. However, interest compounds and new ideas for economizing come to mind once you focus on it, and you will find that even a slowly building nest egg brings peace of mind.
Many of you have 72-hour kits and camping equipment. That is nice, and there is a good chance that it will be useful at some point. Do not consider it enough. Regardless of what concerns you have now about the transitory nature of this period of your life, or other ways that you would like to spend your money now, or no idea of where you would put storage, consider the principles in All Is Safely Gathered In as essential. They came in a message from the First Presidency.
Other preparedness steps are good, and next month we will go over the expanded areas with questions that you can ask yourself about your own level of preparedness, and you can set some goals for the new year. However, before you look at the additional ideas, seriously look at your home storage and financial reserves, and see what you can do differently. Taking those steps will help you weather whatever storms may come.
At the time, I focused more on the change in emphasis from getting in a year’s supply of food to encouraging a three-month supply, although there was still a subtext of storing more if possible. It seemed to me to be not so much a message that three-month’s supply is enough, as an acknowledgment that members were not getting in a year’s supply, and maybe changing the focus to three months would make it less intimidating.
That may well have been a factor, but there was a bigger movement that I did not appreciate at the time. Previously, Provident Living had focused on several subheadings:
· Home Storage
· Physical Health
· Spiritual, Emotional, and Social Health
· Education
· Employment
· Resource Management
The providentliving.org site had sections and guidelines for each of these areas. The subheadings are still on the site, but there is less information, and more of a referral to scriptures and gospel principles rather than tips on how to build your 72-hour kit.
To some extent, this may reflect similar trends of simplification and focus on the Spirit. Think of the transition to Preach My Gospel. Nothing essential was lost, though things certainly were simplified. In some ways, moving away from set discussions might make teaching harder, or more work, but there is a gain in spirituality and in inspiration that makes it better. This doesn’t mean that the six regular discussions, six new member discussions, missionary guide, study guide, and rulebook were bad.
By the same token, there is nothing wrong with tips for 72-hour kits and first aid training and plans for accumulating your food storage over a year, but sometimes we can get so caught up in what is interesting or clever or cute that we forget the basics. At times a reminder of what is most essential is good for us.
In addition, there is nothing more valuable than food storage and financial stability. As I have reviewed different disaster scenarios is my mind, those two items keep recurring as the most useful. You have to be able to eat, and there is a limit to how much peace of mind you can have if you are not debt-free.
So, what are these essential basics? The pamphlets are online at www.providentliving.org, but they are both very short.
Family Home Storage
· Have a three-month supply of food. If you have nothing, start by getting in a week’s supply and work your way up. Once you establish a three-month supply, store more if you can, but it is essential that you get at least that.
· Store some drinking water.
· Establish a financial reserve.
Family Finances
· Pay tithes and offerings.
· Avoid debt.
· Use a budget.
· Build a reserve.
· Teach family members.
I know that these steps have already made a difference for faithful saints, and times are coming when it will become even more important. The steps you take now need not be drastic. A few extra sale items bought each week quickly add up to a small food stockpile.
Financial reserves may seem more hopeless, because you can think that even if you were to save ten percent of each check, which would be sizeable, it would still take you ten years to have one year’s worth of income saved. However, interest compounds and new ideas for economizing come to mind once you focus on it, and you will find that even a slowly building nest egg brings peace of mind.
Many of you have 72-hour kits and camping equipment. That is nice, and there is a good chance that it will be useful at some point. Do not consider it enough. Regardless of what concerns you have now about the transitory nature of this period of your life, or other ways that you would like to spend your money now, or no idea of where you would put storage, consider the principles in All Is Safely Gathered In as essential. They came in a message from the First Presidency.
Other preparedness steps are good, and next month we will go over the expanded areas with questions that you can ask yourself about your own level of preparedness, and you can set some goals for the new year. However, before you look at the additional ideas, seriously look at your home storage and financial reserves, and see what you can do differently. Taking those steps will help you weather whatever storms may come.
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