Be Prepared

Almost weekly it seems, we learn of a new disaster occurring somewhere in the world. But disasters can also happen privately within the walls of our homes. Calamities such as the loss of a job, an overwhelming debt, a serious injury, a home mortgage we can no longer afford to pay, and so forth. We believe in being as prepared as possible for such challenges. For example, we are advised to have an adequate supply of food, drinking water and financial reserves.  

source: mormon.org

In addition to being prepared physically, we should also be prepared spiritually.  There have been a number of natural disasters lately and a lot of people have been thinking about how they can be prepared.  "What we will need in our day of testing is a spiritual preparation. It is to have developed faith in Jesus Christ so powerful that we can pass the test of life upon which everything for us in eternity depends."

"The great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God’s commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return in glory to our heavenly home."  (October 2005 General Conference)

                                        -Henry B. Eyering

How can I be prepared?

1. Develop Faith in Jesus Christ
2. Grow closer to Heavenly Father through prayer
3. Have Charity and serve others
4. Study God's word

Service in Action

Today we had the chance to work at a food bank in Butte.  It was fun to put into action the principle of service that we were reminded of at our zone conference.  We did several odd jobs like sweeping the floor, stacking pallets, and breaking down boxes, but the job that we all enjoyed the most was helping the people get food into their cars.  There was something in their eyes that you could tell they were tired and in need of assistance and it was neat to help them out.  We also enjoyed talking with the man in charge of the bank because he was a great guy.  You could tell by the way he acted that he was a great guy and really cared for these people.  The whole time we were working with these volunteers there was a great spirit of service there.  Everyone was eager to help out in any way that they could.  With all of the evil in the world today, it was nice to see people working together for others with cheerful hearts.  Service gives back to you more than you put into it.  I know this principle to be true and received a wonderful feeling for helping others today.

Zone Conference 2 (Service)

In the last zone conference post I talked about one of the solutions we came up for overcoming the winter blues. Another solution that was suggested was to do missionary work or service to others.  There are many people in this world that could use a little service.  As missionaries we find opportunities all around us and often have to decide which people to help.  Service comes in a variety of forms and can be as simple as smiling at someone or holding a door open.  In the scriptures it talks about how when we serve our fellow men, we serve God Mosiah 2:17.  When we serve God or our fellow men we qualify for extra blessings if we do the service with a good attitude.  Just like it says in Mosiah 2:9,  this is one of the mysteries of God.  You would think that the person we are serving is being blessed, and they are, but we are also blessed as a result of serving them. The Christmas season is the perfect time to watch out for those in need and provide service for them.  Not only will they be blessed by your service, but you in turn will be blessed.  Part of having the spirit of Christmas is having the spirit of service.  This will also help pull you from the winter blues as you focus on others and not yourself.  Christ gave us the perfect example of service.  His whole life was filled in the service of His people.  The greatest act of service was performed by Him and I am so grateful for His sacrifice.  As a gift to Him who is mighty to save, let us serve one another this Christmas season.

-Have I Done any Good in the World Today?

President Monson shares inspired encouragement to give service and help to those who are in need.