LDS Freedom Forum

Rincon wrote:How well do you cope with your knowledge that there will be some significant changes to our living conditions in the near future. Can you adjust to the thought and be happy...

I just wish the "collapse" didn't take so long. I have no worries about the possibility of significant living condition changes.

Davedan

Thank you for posting this question. It is good to read everyone's posts and to feel "normal" for once. All of the emotions expressed by others I have felt since my awakening. Mine occurred on trek. My wife and I were called to be a Ma and Pa. Our stake takes no prisoners on trek so to speak. We went 25 miles the first day with no food. We got into camp at 1 AM after a very long day. Our little family fell way behind the main group so we were pretty much alone for the last 5-8 miles. It was a crystal clear night with a full moon. It was one of those times when the heavens opened up for me. I started to ponder on why the church owned such a place. I started to think about all the other church properties in the mountains and I just kinda figured it out from there. I met a friend on the trek that shared "Awakening to our Awful situation" when we got home. Reading that book turned everything I knew on it's ear. The BOM was a whole new book for me after that. Life has never been the same. I struggle with staying motivated to go to work at times because I think what for? I catch myself rationalizing, It's all for not anyway. Other times I get super motivated and plow ahead with reckless abandon. I have made huge stride on being prepared. The dilemma I find myself in most is this. Will I just barely be able to escape with what I can carry on my back, or will I have enough time to load up a big load and move to the land of my birth. That is what I struggle with most. My last child leaves for college this Fall, I don't really want her to go because of my fears, but I can't hold her back. She is super spiritual child so I have to trust that she will be OK, but the Father in me struggles with letting her go. I really worry about my wife. She is not a very rugged person. She hates to be uncomfortable. Her comfort zone has a range from 75-85 degrees. Either side of those it's too hot or too cold for any activity. Camping is out with her. There are times when I feel like I will be left a lone man in the journey to safety. I should not doubt her, but I can't seem to get her to expand her comfort zone. She does can/bottle with me now, but refuses to learn how to make bread. Maybe my delivery is bad, I don't know the answers.
I still am expanding my garden. I have a garden that is bigger then most people building lots. One of the ironies I see in my life is that I am still putting in crops that may take 3 years to come into full production. I feel no reason not to do this, in fact I feel at peace when planning for the future in my garden. I planted asparagus last year which I am very excited to have a small cutting from this year, but should have full production next year. I have enough garden space and plantings to feed a ward for a summer. I may have to do just that and I would love the opportunity to do that if it comes to that.
One of the things I have learned is that preparedness can become a pursuit of the holy grail. There is always something that we need to survive with. I have decided not to pursue some items because they take capital to purchase and they may not be essential anyway. If you have to leave everything behind what good is it to us. There are many unknowns that we can only rely on the spirit to teach us what to do. For a time I considered retro-fitting my house with propane and a back up generator system. In the end it came down to trying to maintain a lifestyle that will not be relevant anyway. I have decided I am prepared enough physically. I am not going to spend anymore money on "things" that may become burdens to maintain.
I have shifted my focus to production, instead of preparedness. I can't remember who posted it on one of the threads on this forum that production is what we will need in the future. I agree with this person 100%. We will have to produce enough to care for ourselves, and families. I reckon I will be able to trade/barter enough veggies to fulfill my other needs. I have developed skills to support me and mine. Not much more you can do than that.

The waiting is the hardest.

Vision,

I like your point about home production. Several of the Brethren has spoken on this. "Prepare for the Days of Tribulation" by President Ezra Taft Benson is a great talk that addresses the topic of home production. In a commodity-based society, people who can produce useful items will be able to barter for what they need.

So, in addition to having the basic food storage, have an area of specialty could provide ability to secure other important necessities. I think a thread on home production would be useful. It will be a totally different economy during the Tribulation period.

I think my family and I are fairly well prepared emotionally, physically, and spiritually for what is coming. Granted no one can prepare for every possibility. And of the things that I know are coming from the words of the prophets and the Lord there is no real possibility to prepare at all -- except that we work at to best of our ability, day by day, knowing and trusting that the Lord will make up the measure we cannot do ourselves. And that is the ultimate trust -- that we are willing to put our lives and the lives of our families, friends, and associates, in His mighty hands for safe keeping. After all who can do it better. Certainly not me.

Okay I take it back -- we are not prepared physically. I've got to have two neurosurgerical operations and I deeply hope and pray I can get them done before the country flies apart. This is the one thing that worries me. But I know the Lord will take care of me because He has done so for many years. When I had both adrenal glands removed because of basal cell tumors in 1972, I was not suppose to live past 1980. But I've out lived most of my doctors. I am one of the longest surviving bilateral adrenalectomy patients in the world and it is only because the Lord has sustained me.

One night in 1998 while living in Sandy, Utah, I had to work a 12 hour shift to fill in for someone who got sick. I did not feel at all well but I went anyway. When I got home I asked the brother across the street to come give me a blessing. And what a powerful blessing it was. The spirit was so strong. In this blessing a voice came from him that was not his own. The voice said through him, "Last night death called for you but I held back its hand. I will continue to hold back its hand as long as you do the work I ask of you."

I know the Lord is there for me with a knowledge that goes beyond understanding. I deeply hope that each of you have the same knowledge and know that in these coming times the Lord will be there for you. Regardless of how bad its gets, can you image how much worse it will be for those who do not have this understanding or even simple faith (although faith is never really simple).

But I know they will curse God while we stand together knowing all is truly well in Zion.

Randy in Gunnison

Hmm, looks like we're all in the same boat, each of us with our own worries and struggles. I'd be more than happy if it all came down--- as soon as basketball season is over--- still got some cheering in my old lungs.

I'm excited for the future! But then I'm an old man and my future will soon be in the Spirit World, can hardly wait! Daddy used to say, do the best you can and then punt! Pretty soon, I'm going to punt! I'll leave mortality to Our Lord and-- you youngsters, hope you learn something! I know whats on the other side of the veil and will be happy to get there!

I like Paul have fought the good fight, it'll be enough!

Bob

Bob,

That scripture was the last scripture my dad read to our family before he passed away a year ago. I hope we have you with us for a good long time, even though I know you are anxious to see your sweetheart. :ymhug: I look forward to some long chats with you and getting to *really* getting to know you. You may have to wait a few millenia while I advance to your kingdom though! =))

The comments above are much appreciated. I was wondering if I was the only person feeling the stress, but I see I am not alone. I am an old man, and I have been aware of what has been happening for many years, but had supposed I would be in the cemetery before the winding up scene. Now it seems there is a possibility that I might be front and center for the full ordeal.

We have made many preparations, but I also realize we are surrounded by neighbors who live hand to mouth. I know we must share, so the storage we have is actually for others, and we will be in the same soup line with them after a few weeks.

My g. g. grandfather died in Wyoming. His wife pulled the handcart the last 300 miles while caring for four daughters, one being only two months old. The account of their adversity has humbled me, but maybe our turn for a dose of adversity is on the schedule. I hope I can remain faithful like she did. I don't fear cold or starvation near as much as I fear wicked people, and loss of our freedom.

Thanks for all of your comments.

Rincon wrote:The comments above are much appreciated. I was wondering if I was the only person feeling the stress, but I see I am not alone. I am an old man, and I have been aware of what has been happening for many years, but had supposed I would be in the cemetery before the winding up scene. Now it seems there is a possibility that I might be front and center for the full ordeal.

We have made many preparations, but I also realize we are surrounded by neighbors who live hand to mouth. I know we must share, so the storage we have is actually for others, and we will be in the same soup line with them after a few weeks.

My g. g. grandfather died in Wyoming. His wife pulled the handcart the last 300 miles while caring for four daughters, one being only two months old. The account of their adversity has humbled me, but maybe our turn for a dose of adversity is on the schedule. I hope I can remain faithful like she did. I don't fear cold or starvation near as much as I fear wicked people, and loss of our freedom.

Thanks for all of your comments.

LOL You boys who talk about being old! Phah! Old is good especially for us not much younger people who can learn from your wisdom...Get your feet out of the grave you guys! (and Bob, I am talking to you too!) ) =)) O:-)

I really appreciate the vulnerability and sincerity in many of the above posts. I feel honored to be on a forum with people that carry such a sweet and tender spirit about them. I have pondered on something that has been referred to a time or two here: that of not being equally yolked with your spouse in this preparation. I am in that situation. My wife suffers me most of the time, but actually, the more prepared I am, the more uncomfortable she is. I have come to believe that we need that mellowing effect or we would each perhaps go too far one way.

The waiting is a strange concept. Life happens in the now. I do get carried away sometimes wondering what it will be like then, but that takes the power out of the moment. I think we each have our concerns and worries, but they are what keeps us attached to the Lord. If we were in full control, we would probably follow the patterns of old: and settle into pride.

I have had a large number of nonmember friends lately who have wanted info on food storage, ask questions about it, and feel we are coming to a bind. They don't have a full picture as we do, but I am convinced that many of them will be happy in a Zion situation, once they learn what it is about. I find I must just trust in God. Any worries that surface for me are quickly placed in my trust bucket. It is getting lighter each week. I thank each of you for your goodness. It is and has been a blessing to so many. This is a nice community. In a real way, the sharing that goes on here is a kind of United Order already isn't it. I appreciate your consecrations.

Amen.

Raindrop wrote:What bothers you about it? No SUV? No more Netflix? No more WalMart?

I'll take the 1850's myself. :ymapplause:

Then you'd have to be a gunlinger, but then again, you may have been able to homestead some land and live in peace. Anybody's guess.

Songbird wrote:I vacillate between being paralyzed to being frantic with activity. Last week with all that was going on, I was sure we were not going to make it through the week. This week, I feel like some have mentioned, I need to work on my spiritual prep more.

I'd be a liar though to say I wasn't worried...I mean, I am prepared temporally, and I study the scriptures daily, but I feel so weak in so many areas.

I also watch programs or movies on the net to help me "forget".

All that said though, the thing I love is coming here and "keeping in touch" with the things that come up on the threads during the day. I love that many post news stories and others post things on finance, gardening, health, support, and then there are always the absurd things...I try to let those go. But this helps me with my sanity. God knows, that if it weren't for the things I have learned on this site, I would not be where I am today. Thanks to many of you! :ymapplause:

Even though we don't really know when the cleansing will occur, putting speculation aside, can we take consolation in thinking that when the time comes there will be many, many saints and other good people helping one another to press forward, finding safety, sharing with one another, etc, as the Savior would have us do? I do not think any one of us will be alone. And I think this is where we get hung up. No man is an island, and I hope this rings true in time of disaster. What do you think.

If we could take a poll...
how many on this forum have anxiety?
how many have depression?
how many feel despair?
how many have trepidation?
how many have feelings of solitude in face of disaster?
how many fear being left behind when others are running to other locations in search of safety?
how many fear dying alone?

Well I think the members of this forum have faith, hope and charity. I think there are those that will share with others at their own peril. I think that the ones who possess these fears and worries ARE THE STRONG ONES, THEY are the ones that will be there to help others to succeed. Are we to assume the 2060 Strippling Warriors were not afraid at times while facing their demons? It was their faith in Jesus Christ that kept them motivated, right? We can do the same in the face of our demons, right? We can be valiant, helpful and encouraging to others. We can have love, hope and a bright glow within us because we are CHILDREN OF GOD!

Original_Intent wrote:Bob,

That scripture was the last scripture my dad read to our family before he passed away a year ago. I hope we have you with us for a good long time, even though I know you are anxious to see your sweetheart. :ymhug: I look forward to some long chats with you and getting to *really* getting to know you. You may have to wait a few millenia while I advance to your kingdom though! =))

Study Buddy, study the scriptures, the words of the prophets. Seek the Spirit by learning, by study and by faith. When you sense the Spirit in your life you have been forgiven of all your sins back to baptism. Because the Holy Ghost cannot dwell in an unclean tabernacle he has to cleanse you first. Many of us are like the Lamanites that our Lord spoke of in 3rd Nephi 9:20-21, cleansed by the Holy Ghost "and knew it not!"

Bob

I'm not a prophet of doom and gloom. Everywhere I turn I see improvements to humanity. Technology and innovation is advancing at a rapid pace. Imperialistic rulers are falling one by one. Great times lie ahead!

bobhenstra wrote:Hmm, looks like we're all in the same boat, each of us with our own worries and struggles. I'd be more than happy if it all came down--- as soon as basketball season is over--- still got some cheering in my old lungs.

The season is over Bob (thinking of BYU!). But stick around will you?? :ymcowboy:

shadow wrote:

bobhenstra wrote:Hmm, looks like we're all in the same boat, each of us with our own worries and struggles. I'd be more than happy if it all came down--- as soon as basketball season is over--- still got some cheering in my old lungs.

The season is over Bob (thinking of BYU!). But stick around will you?? :ymcowboy:

We ain't done yet, team and coaches will get things straightened out, our guys have big hearts---

Bob

bobhenstra wrote:
Study Buddy, study the scriptures, the words of the prophets. Seek the Spirit by learning, by study and by faith. When you sense the Spirit in your life you have been forgiven of all your sins back to baptism. Because the Holy Ghost cannot dwell in an unclean tabernacle he has to cleanse you first. Many of us are like the Lamanites that our Lord spoke of in 3rd Nephi 9:20-21, cleansed by the Holy Ghost "and knew it not!"

Bob

Bob, thank you for what you wrote and how you wrote it. It brought a sweet and memorable experience. I thank you.