Hi Torrance Stake Family, Carson Ward Family, Family and Friends,
Rainy-Day Emergencies
Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's my parents taught us to always save for a "rainy day". What is a "rainy-day"? It is a day when an emergency comes up and you need money, or food, to get you buy on what ever is going on at the time. It can be a day with just a drizzle or a day with a down pour. I am grateful for parents who taught this important principle.
There were many times in our family as our children were growing up we had times for that "rainy-day" savings. It was not easy when all 6 of children need new shoes at the same time. It was not easy when an emergency medical bills came up and took some of our monthly budget. It was not easy when the hot water heater needed replaced. It was not easy when my husband was hurt on the job while on the road and he could not work for 3 months, disability checks do cover all your expenses. It was not easy when the car needed a costly repair that what not in the budget.
But I am grateful we had our "rainy-day" savings, both monetary and food storage. When my husband was injured in the accident we had about 6 months of food storage that helped. We did not need to go to our Bishop for assistance with food or other items. With our small "rainy-day" savings we were able to pay our bills along with the disability check and not have to go into debt.Our "rainy-day" savings was able to off set those emergencies and extra expenses that came our way.
It is not easy...I know it is not easy to save money and add to our food storage when you have a young family with many financial needs or you are on a fixed income. But I also know you cannot afford not to save and add food to your food storage. Even if it is just a couple of dollars a month and a couple of extra cans or packages of food a month, it all adds up quicker than you realize. It may mean giving up a want to provide for a need, but it is well worth it, both spiritually and temporally.
I am grateful for my husband who taught our children when they got married to start a savings account. To faithfully put at least $1, or more if possibly, into a savings account monthly. When they saw the saving account growing they desired to put more away. Many times our children have come to us and thanked their father for teaching them this valuable principle.
"When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior's example to serve and bless others." (Robert D. Hales)
This quote came from a great article by Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2009 General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with some great advise on "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually". Click
here to read the entire article.
Sit down as a family, or by yourself, and start a "rainy-day" savings account of money and food storage. I promise you your lives will be richly blessed. And, you will be able to help yourselves and others, be it family or strangers, when the need arises.
Spiritually Prepared
Quotes from the 185th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sunday Sessions, April 5, 2015 . . .
Sunday morning session :
Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church and Prophet, spoke about the blessings of the temple. "When we enter the doors of the temple we leave behind the world. There is beauty, order, rest from the world transcending any other feeling--peace. When we go to the temple we remember covenants we have made. The blessings of the temple are priceless."
Rosemary M. Wixon, General Primary President, stated "Children sing the joy that comes from Jesus Christ." She spoke of a time when she was a young woman and had may gospel questions, she wanted to know the truths. Her questions grew harder, the answers became harder, sometimes the answers did not come, she struggled. She knew she needed her own testimony and could not rely on others. She stated, "Upon the rock of our Redeemer we must all build our foundation. Answers come when we search and pray. Answers come in quiet, simple assurances."
Jose A. Teixeira, Of the Seventy, stated in "General Conference we receive council and a warning. We need to follow the Savior's teaching, kind and loving example in our life. We need to achieve righteous goals. Today there are many resources to help us know Jesus Christ. We need to understand the role of Jesus Christ in our lives. We will have more joy, but still have trials. There is joy in living in righteousness, despite the trials in morality. Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today." He stressed the importance of making wise choices online. "Joy exist when we keep the commandments and peace will abide."
Bishop Gerald Causse, Of the Presiding Bishopric, stated "we take things for granted. We look but do not really see. We hear but do not really hear. He said the Savior said, 'Blessed are the eyes that really see.'" He shared about his sister's inactivity and how she came back. "We can receive revelation how best to help those we love."
Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Today is Easter Sunday, we should always remember the Sacrament prayers, the most sacred day of the year. His brotherly hands and arms that reached and saved us from the abyss and falling. We cannot totally understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Adam fell that men might be. The Resurrection must come by reason of the Fall. Today we celebrate the Resurrection from death and our sins. He did what no other could do. It was the most consequential and generous gift ever given to man. He suffered, died and rose from death. Redemption's grand design where justice and mercy meet."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2nd Council in the First Presidency, stated "Easter Sunday we celebrate the most glorious and wanted event of the world. The destiny of all God's children changed. We should never loose sense of awe and profound gratitude towards our Savior. He brought salvation to all who believe in Him. God loves us deeply and unconditionally. The grace of God unlocks the gates of heaven and opens the windows of heaven. Grace is a gift of God. We need to obey the commandments of God out of our love for Him."
Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Easter Sunday is a day of gratitude. We worship Him. Moral agency is the essential part of God's plan for all his children. The Savior followed God's plan. Our agency to keep the commandments defines who we are, have a body, progress, have a family, have joy and eternal life. The Spirit increases our power to do what is right. The faithful use of our agency depends on our freedom to enjoy the blessings. There are 4 corners to religious freedom: 1. Freedom to believe, 2. Freedom to share our faith and our belief with others, 3. Freedom to form a religious organization-a church, 4. Freedom to live our faith. We need to share our personal witness with conviction and love. Jesus Christ was willing to die for all who believe. We need to speak up, be informed, join others that have religious freedom and live to be a good example. We need to exercise our agency with a covenant to act, run, not walk, follow the Holy Ghost and exercise the freedoms given to us. The Savior freely gave, because of this we have the opportunity to choose freedom."
Kevin W. Pearson, Of the Seventy, stated "Herber J. Grant said we need to not loose our testimony and stay faithful to the end. We are not immune to Satan's tools and deception. We need to liken Lehi's Dream unto ourselves, 6 principles. 1. Don't forget to pray, 2. Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him, 3. Press forward with faith, the path leads to Christ, 4. The Book of Mormon is the key to spiritual survival, 5. Don't be distracted, and 6. Stay by the tree. Once we enter into covenants there is no going back. When struggling and spiritually lost, study the Book of Mormon everyday, it will change your life. The Holy Ghost will change our heart and what to do next. Enduring to the end determines our discipleship and blessings. Stay by the tree."
Rafael E. Pino, Of the Seventy, stated "Latter-day Saint revelations show God's Plan of Happiness for all His children, gives us an eternal perspective. Life is like a jigsaw puzzle, each small piece has a place in the picture, even when we do not know where it fits first. The Lord knows were a piece belongs so it fits into the commandments. Hope keeps us anxiously engaged in a good cause. The Lord knows what He wants to accomplish in our lives."
Neil L. Anderson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "In the Sacrament we pledge to follow Him and keep the commandments. He quoted Elder Maxwell, 'If everything is going great for you, just wait, trials will come.' Heavenly Father opens windows for miracles to happen. Let the Lord work in our own lives. He is the grand architect. We need to be spiritually awake and alert to see His hand at work.The gospel will roll forth to the ends of the earth. God is mindful of every people. Doubt not, fear not. Not one sparrow will fall without God knowing it, we are of more value than many sparrows. Our faith grows as we anticipate the glorious day of His coming. It will exceed anything we have seen. He will come in glory and with angels, the sun and moon will change, all flesh shall see Him together, we will kneel in reverence, it will be an unforgettable reunion. All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God, all shall see Jesus Christ, Savior, Son of God (Isaiah). Prepare for His coming."
Jorge Zeballo, Of the Seventy, stated "What is our responsibility as members?: 1. Seek own salvation, 2. Duty to fellow man. Our responsibility to our Heavenly Father: 1. Learning our duty, doing what is right is not enough., 2. Making the decision, the choice is ours, honor our decisions., 3. Acting accordingly, Atonement essential to forgiveness, the path is narrow, stay on the path, press forward, keep the commandments., 4. Willing to accept the Father's will, even if it does not match our desirous. We are responsible to Heavenly Father and seeking Him."
Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "Is the Sabbath Day a delight for you and me? There is much needed relief from weekly duties, made for man, it is spiritual and physical renewal and a rest from daily duties. It is a commandment to remember the Sabbath Day and to keep it holy. It is a covenant. My conduct and attitude is a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. The fullness of the earth is promised to those who keep the Sabbath Day holy. What does it take for the Sabbath to be a delight to you? It strengthens family ties, you teach the gospel to children and study the gospel. No other work transcends teaching children the doctrine of the kingdom, family history work and visiting the sick and lonely. Not pursuing your own things on the Sabbath takes work. We need to concentrate our money and time. Keeping the Sabbath shows our love to God. True believers keep the Sabbath Day holy. 'Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him'."
If you would like to read their entire talks please go to
lds.org where you can listen, read and print them.
April Monthly Assignments
Food Storage: Rice . . .
Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to see the information about adding rice to your food storage.
Emergency Preparedness:
Vegetable and Herb Gardening . . .
Go back to last week's blog posting dated March 29, 2015 to learn about our April Assignment, "Vegetable and Herb Gardening".
Emergency Preparedness Ideas
One again a 3.5 earthquake hit Southern California USA on April 12th and has reminded us we live in earthquake country. Thank goodness no damages or injuries occurred, but it reminds us to be prepared. Below are a few steps to help us be better prepared.
1)
Water: Each person in your family, do not forget your pets, should have 1 gallon of drinking water per day, enough for 7-10 days. It includes drinking, cooking and sponge bathing.
2)
Food: Each household should have non perishable foods stored in their pantry, etc. Next time you go to the grocery store pick up some extra granola bars and canned foods. Mark the expiration dates on the packages and cans.
3)
Under the bed earthquake kit: Each family member should have an under the bed earthquake kit in a large plastic zip lock bag tied to the bed post so you can find it after the earthquake, things do move. It should include a pair of sturdy shoes, a flashlight with batteries, a whistle, a bottle of water, extra pair of prescription glasses and prescription medications. Each room should have a crowbar in case you need to pry a door open.
4)
Fire extinguisher: Have a few strategically place around the house, especially the kitchen where fires can start. Make sure you know how to use them and check them to make sure they filled.
5)
Smoke detectors: Make sure all smoke detectors are working properly. It is best to check them monthly. If the batteries need replacing do it immediately. Do not wait for a fire to find out they do not work. There should be one in every bedroom, at the top of the stairs and at the bottom of the stairs if a two story house. If they have a carbon monoxide detector too, even better. Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector.
6)
Evacuation routes: Take a quick minute and plan two exits out of each room in the house. Keep the exist plans on the back of the bedroom doors. If you have a two story house, each room should have a fire escape ladder and each family member should know how to use it. Have an assigned meeting place outside. Do not go outside during an earthquake. Take cover under a strong table and hold on. If in bed, stay there, cover your head with the blankets until the shaking has stopped.
7)
Special needs: If you have pets, children or adults with special needs make sure you have planned for them with medications, extra water, food, activities, etc. Children need to be distracted by having some activities like books to read, board and card games to play, etc. Keep all electronic devices off because it drains the system. The emergency response team and local governments need the lines open for emergencies. Stay off the phones to keep the lines open. Only use if a real emergency.
(This information came from the Torrance Disaster Preparedness Team Alter System)
For more ideas on what to do before, during and after an earthquake check out the blog posting on the right, under "Postings", "Before, During and After an Earthquake".
Comments: Your comments are most appreciated. We all learn from each others experiences and knowledge. Please leave your comments or questions below. I will answer your questions. Thank you.
