Quote: President Spencer W. Kimball

In referring to the ten virgins mentioned in Matthew 25:1-13, President Spencer W. Kimball stated the following:

I believe that the Ten Virgins represent the people of the Church of Jesus Christ and not the rank and file of the world. All the virgins, wise and foolish, had accepted the invitation to the wedding supper; they had knowledge of the program and had been warned of the important day to come.

They [the foolish] knew the way but gave only a small measure of loyalty and devotion. I ask you: What value is a car without an engine, a cup without water, a table without food, a lamp without oil?

Hundreds of thousands of us today are in this position. Confidence has been dulled and patience worn thin. It is so hard to wait and be prepared always. But we cannot allow ourselves to slumber. The Lord has given us this parable as a special warning.

The foolish asked the others to share their oil, but spiritual [and temporal] preparedness cannot be shared in an instant. The wise had to go, else the bridegroom would have gone unwelcomed. They needed all their oil for themselves; they could not save the foolish. The responsibility was each for himselfFaith Precedes the Miracle, p. 253.

It would behoove those of us today who have the foreknowledge of the importance of emergency preparedness to actually follow through and "Get Prepared Now!"

Tip: Get to Know Your Neighbors

In case you hadn't heard, four LDS missionaries were reported today as abducted. This occurred in the country of Nigeria. Here is a link to the news report.

The only reason I post this is that it was the neighbors of these missionaries who helped inform the local officials. Through great prayer, I believe these missionaries will be released. And through this, perhaps even greater things can happen to bless the lives of those hurt by this event. The Lord can work amazing miracles.

But the news of this brings up a very important point for those living in challenging times. It would behoove us to get to know our neighbors and to serve them, love them, befriend them. During hard times, then, a community can draw together and be mutually helpful one towards another. But if the seeds haven't previously been planted by examples of kindness and love and service, then relationships could be a completely different matter.

TIP: Start establishing a feeling of camaraderie amongst your neighborhood. Volunteer to coordinate a block party. Periodically surprise your neighbors with homemade cookies. Attend your neighbors' kids basketball games. Do all things in moderation, of course. But a little bit of love can go a long way in building a better local community of individuals. Then if or when something more difficult occurs, you will have shown the way to reach out and support/sustain one another.

Quote: President Gordon B. Hinckley

"Now, brethren, I want to make it clear that I am not prophesying, that I am not predicting years of famine in the future. But I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order....That's all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable"(Ensign, November 1998, p. 53).

The Lord doesn't want us to panic. There is no need to if we are making preparedness a lifestyle choice, rather than a one time event. :0)

Year's Supply/Tips: Provide for Your Pets

OK, we all love our pets. But how many times are they forgotten in emergency plans? Right up until walking out the door to go to the shelter...and there is Fido, staring at you with his woebegone eyes.

Many people, as they complete their year's food supply, forget their pets needs...simply out of oversight. So as you plan to complete your year's supply of food and other essential items, don't forget Fido.

He (or she) needs food storage, just like you do. What about water? What about flea and/or tick prevention?

Also, if evacuating, what will your choice be? Most people who love their pets don't want to leave them behind. So do you have a list of hotels in your state (for evacuation purposes) that accept pets? If not, bite the bullet and make that list today. Then go tuck it in your 72-hour kit.

Tip: Try-Its

The brownie troup my daughter belonged to had what were called "Try-Its." I loved the concept. Not very threatening, yet exposed the girls to new things.

Emergency preparedness can be like that. Rather than be intimidated by trying to do it ALL, why not "try-it" in different categories. So for example, for one night try living without electricity of any kind. Yep, this means no TV, no computer (ouch...you mean no email?), no electric or gas cooking, no heat, etc.

Just imagine the adventure! And it will expose many thoughts to you. Do you have sufficient blankets? Do you have a hand operated can opener? Can you live without using the faucets for one evening? Can you cook without typical household electricity?

The list goes on, but I'll stop here. Make sure to keep a flashlight, a pencil and a pad of paper at hand. That way as you notice things you need for your emergency preparations, you'll be able to jot them down.

Again, we never know when disaster or difficulty may strike. We of course pray it never does. But IF it does, your family will thank you, thank you, thank you for your foresight in making sure you prepared!

Tip: Try-its are the best. Small chunks of experiences that are manageable yet inspiring to get prepared now!