I found this site in by chance looking for something completely different which lead to something else and then something else again.
How and where does one go about getting prepared for these troubling times ahead? Where to begin? What is the biggest priority? While I have some stuff tucked away, nothing to the likes of what some folks have mentioned here. Am I too late? On one hand, I do have a faith in Christ and the Gospel. My knowledge seems woefully in adequate to some of the posts I've read here. On the other hand, I am beginning to feel that I have not been paying enough attention in church.
Any guidance would be much appreciated.
Where does one start?
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Mahonri
- Master
- Posts: 3949
- Location: Where you want to be when crap hits the fan, but I'm not telling.
Re: Where does one start?
Welcome!
First point of advice: Take every piece of advice given here with a grain of salt.
IMO, it is not too late, but do not procrastinate.
Stick to the words of the Prophets, and stay away from alarmists. Things are bad and will get worse, however there is a difference between being spiritually and physically prepared and falling for every boy who cried wolf that comes along.
On these topics, study all of the Prophets of the restoration. This will take some effort, but the more effort you put into something righteous, the more blessings you will receive.
Folks can give you pointers, but the Gospel is something you have to work out on your own. No one can do it for you.
Again, welcome, and have a good time.
First point of advice: Take every piece of advice given here with a grain of salt.
IMO, it is not too late, but do not procrastinate.
Stick to the words of the Prophets, and stay away from alarmists. Things are bad and will get worse, however there is a difference between being spiritually and physically prepared and falling for every boy who cried wolf that comes along.
On these topics, study all of the Prophets of the restoration. This will take some effort, but the more effort you put into something righteous, the more blessings you will receive.
Folks can give you pointers, but the Gospel is something you have to work out on your own. No one can do it for you.
Again, welcome, and have a good time.
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durangout
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 2835
- Location: Bugged out man, WAY out
Re: Where does one start?
It sounds to me like you have already taken THE MOST important step: Putting your faith in Christ. everything else is secondary.
Yes, you have time. Don't worry. My two suggestions are to read the B of M as a family and to follow the instructions in The Church's provident living pamplet. Those two things alone will take a long way to being "prepared".
Think what "being prepared" means. To me, to be prepated, I have to live providently which means I need to be self-suficient which means I can choose whatever path I wish or in other words, I have insured my free agency. Wasn't free agency what the war in heaven was all about anyway? This is the war that is raging today all around us. Satan is trying to take aways our free agency with bail-outs, food stamps, gov't programs...
By coming to the realization that you have, you are ahead of most of the members right now I would wager.
Yes, you have time. Don't worry. My two suggestions are to read the B of M as a family and to follow the instructions in The Church's provident living pamplet. Those two things alone will take a long way to being "prepared".
Think what "being prepared" means. To me, to be prepated, I have to live providently which means I need to be self-suficient which means I can choose whatever path I wish or in other words, I have insured my free agency. Wasn't free agency what the war in heaven was all about anyway? This is the war that is raging today all around us. Satan is trying to take aways our free agency with bail-outs, food stamps, gov't programs...
By coming to the realization that you have, you are ahead of most of the members right now I would wager.
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AngelPalmoni
- captain of 100
- Posts: 254
- Contact:
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singyourwayhome
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 1047
- Contact:
Re: Where does one start?
Start by organizing what you have. Think about Joseph in Egypt- he was able to wisely organize and keep track for Pharaoh because he'd learned to wisely organize and track for Potiphar. A year or two's supply can feel like Pharaoh's storage if you have a large family! Inventory what you have, and prayerfully study and consider what to do next. As said previously, the "All Is Safely Gathered In' pamphlets are wonderful. Notice the order they give for the steps listed.
D&C 109:9 "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
9 That your incomings (what you do within the walls of the house) may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings (what you do outside them) may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High" (in other words, so that what you do will truly be the Lord's mind and will, to be of the most service to your family and others)
Sometime back I read one of the General Authorities' talks, I think from the 60's-80's, who said not to try to add to what you have until you can properly take care of what you already own. Does anybody remember this and where it came from?
I keep thinking about Malachi's promise of the windows of heaven, and more blessings than you can receive... I think we have to be careful to receive/collect the things that will do us (& others) the most good, and to pass by (or get rid of) the things of lesser importance (so we have room to receive more of the most-important ones). Quickly. But without panic or knee-jerk reactions. Prudently.
D&C 109:9 "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
9 That your incomings (what you do within the walls of the house) may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings (what you do outside them) may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High" (in other words, so that what you do will truly be the Lord's mind and will, to be of the most service to your family and others)
Sometime back I read one of the General Authorities' talks, I think from the 60's-80's, who said not to try to add to what you have until you can properly take care of what you already own. Does anybody remember this and where it came from?
I keep thinking about Malachi's promise of the windows of heaven, and more blessings than you can receive... I think we have to be careful to receive/collect the things that will do us (& others) the most good, and to pass by (or get rid of) the things of lesser importance (so we have room to receive more of the most-important ones). Quickly. But without panic or knee-jerk reactions. Prudently.
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pritchet1
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 3600
Re: Where does one start?
Priorities:
1) Be temple-worthy and keep that recommend up-to-date.
2) Pay attention to what is said In General, Regional, Stake and Ward Conferences.
3) Do your Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching.
4) Establish and Keep Family networks alive.
5) Then do the other "prep" things.
Follow the Provident Living Emergency Preparedness Manual stuff the church posted online;
http://www.emergencypreparationforum.com/ldsmanual.pdf
Don't advertise that you have "stuff".
At one time, we had quite the Emergency Preparedness organization going on in our stake, but in one of our meetings in a member’s home, a member of the Stake presidency suddenly appeared and told us to cease and desist immediately! We were in shock, but complied, not knowing why. It wasn’t until much later, after a couple who were in our ward for a short while left, who worked for FEMA, that the Bishop at that time, then came to me and said not to ever give him any information whatsoever regarding family preparedness lists, so he could deny he had such information, so materials and resources prepared by each family would not be confiscated. Only then did I understand the admonition given by the member of the Stake Presidency earlier. They knew, but could not say. When we follow the admonitions given, we will be blessed.
1) Be temple-worthy and keep that recommend up-to-date.
2) Pay attention to what is said In General, Regional, Stake and Ward Conferences.
3) Do your Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching.
4) Establish and Keep Family networks alive.
5) Then do the other "prep" things.
Follow the Provident Living Emergency Preparedness Manual stuff the church posted online;
http://www.emergencypreparationforum.com/ldsmanual.pdf
Don't advertise that you have "stuff".
At one time, we had quite the Emergency Preparedness organization going on in our stake, but in one of our meetings in a member’s home, a member of the Stake presidency suddenly appeared and told us to cease and desist immediately! We were in shock, but complied, not knowing why. It wasn’t until much later, after a couple who were in our ward for a short while left, who worked for FEMA, that the Bishop at that time, then came to me and said not to ever give him any information whatsoever regarding family preparedness lists, so he could deny he had such information, so materials and resources prepared by each family would not be confiscated. Only then did I understand the admonition given by the member of the Stake Presidency earlier. They knew, but could not say. When we follow the admonitions given, we will be blessed.
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Legacy
- captain of 10
- Posts: 36
Re: Where does one start?
Thanks for all the info. At first I was rather panicked that perhaps I have missed the boat and would never be able to catch up. After reading many things here, I can safely conclude that no, I did not miss the boat, however, I don't have time to waste. Things are happening daily and if I dare say so, perhaps hourly. I must be efficient with my time. About 2 years ago, I've noticed a change in what has been taught and said. I just never been able to put it all together. Thanks to the many knowledgeable folks here, I am learning a much broader sense of where things are going and hopefully, how to best be ready for it.
