Being Spiritually and Physically Prepared

Chesapeake Ward Relief Society Activity: January 26

What a wonderful activity!  A great way to start the year by becoming better prepared!  Thank you to Sister Shanklin – our RS Provident Living Specialist who coordinated the evening, and thank you to all who prepared and participated in activity!

Spiritual Preparedness: We never know when those moments may come when we will have a trial of our faith or perhaps we suffer from the exhaustion of daily life.  Keeping our spiritual lamps full is a continuous process, we are always using our reservoir of oil to keep the light burning, we also share that light with all who around us.  We learned the importance of keeping our spiritual lamps full and the sure ways to keep our lamps full:

1. Experience the power of prayer in your daily lives. Talk with our Father in Heaven every night and every morning. Tell Him how it is with you. In your daily prayers you might ask, “Father in Heaven, what can I do today to help in thy work?” You might simply ask, “What should I do or not do to be a better member of my family, a better friend, a better member of the Church, a better student at school?”

2. Become familiar with a few favorite scriptures and then gradually add new ones as you study the scriptures each day. We need women who use and read the scriptures like letters from home to know what our Father in Heaven wants them to do and not do while they are away. By studying the scriptures we learn why there must be good and evil, why we must be tried and tested. We learn why we must choose for ourselves and why we must be responsible for our choices.

3. The third sure way to obtain the oil, the light to guide you, is to keep the commandments of God. Remember always that the further you are from the negative influences of the world, the closer you are to your heavenly home.

Let us all be filled—filled with the light, the strength, the faith that comes from prayer, scripture study, and obedience to God’s commandments each day of our lives. Let us stand united together, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart, and hand in hand, bonded together by that light that never grows dim. We’ll hold our torches high that Christ’s true light through us will shine, His name to glorify.  Ardeth G. Kapp, “Stand for Truth and Righteousness,” Ensign, Nov 1988, 93

Physical Preparedness:  We had a representative from Baltimore County speak to us on being prepared with a “grab and go” bag (72 hr kit) and what our local government resources are. We were also reminded if we are prepared, we will be that much more prepared to help others in need! 

“We do live in turbulent times.. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties.” – Thomas S. Monson

The Prophets and Church Leaders council us on being prepared, there are many resources set up by the church to help us get our families better prepared for the future, given the recent devastation in Haiti, we need to consider how are we prepared to face these uncertainties.

We else did we learn?… Displays, hand outs, and hands on:

• Dry Pack Canner Demonstration (Courtesy of Sister Coyle)– did you know if you properly seal the right kind of grains & beans they can last 30+ years!
• Tips on 72 hour kits (Courtesy of Sister Kimball) Preparing the whole family for what ever may come  - including children and pets
• Gardening (Courtesy of Sister Wessel) Having a garden, even a small planter can be a very valuable resource for fresh fruits and vegetables.  
• Water Storage (Courtesy of Sister Huebner) for 3 day storage we need to have 1 Gallon of water per person per day.
• 3 Month Food Storage (Courtesy of Sister Shanklin)– What could you make for dinner with only the food on  your shelf/ pantry? Don’t go to the store! Just what you have?
• Longer Term Food Storage (Courtesy of Sister Shanklin)
• Artisan  Bread Making Demonstration 4 ingredients/ 5 minute – very tasty recipe! (Courtesy of Sister Shanklin)– Recipe to come!

If you have any questions about any provident living topic – just ask Sister Shanklin, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience and can help teach you how to better prepare yourself and your family.  Remember “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” D&C 38:30

Helpful Links & downloadable files:

• www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/emergency_prep/index.html 
• www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/emergency_prep/petpreparedness.html
• www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/emergency_prep/personalpreparedness.html
• www.providentliving.org
• www.ready.gov/kids/_downloads/familylist.pdf
• www.fema.org/kids
• www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm
• www.ready.gov
• http://preparedness.families.com/blog/category/390
• Emergency preparedness and 72 hr kits for children pdf
• 72 hour kits Tips and Info pdf
• Emergency Preparedness for Pets pdf
• Weather Safety pdf