In the vicinity where I once
lived and served, the Church operated a poultry project, staffed primarily by
volunteers from the local wards. Most of the time it was an efficiently
operated project, supplying to the bishops’ storehouse thousands of fresh eggs
and hundreds of pounds of dressed poultry. On a few occasions, however, being
volunteer city farmers meant not only blisters on the hands but also
frustration of heart and mind.
For
instance, I shall ever remember the time we gathered the Aaronic Priesthood
young men to give the project a spring-cleaning. Our enthusiastic and energetic
throng assembled at the project and in a speedy fashion uprooted, gathered, and
burned large quantities of weeds and debris. By the light of the glowing
bonfires, we ate hot dogs and congratulated ourselves on a job well done.
However,
there was just one disastrous problem. The noise and the fires so disturbed the
fragile population of 5,000 laying hens that most of them went into a sudden
molt and ceased laying. Thereafter we tolerated a few weeds so that we might
produce more eggs.
No member
of the Church who has helped provide for those in need ever forgets or regrets
the experience. Industry, thrift, self-reliance, and sharing with others are
not new to us.
We should
remember that the best storehouse system would be for every family in the
Church to have a supply of food, clothing, and, where possible, other
necessities of life. The Lord’s storehouse includes the time, talents, skills,
compassion, consecrated material, and financial means of faithful Church
members. These resources are available to the bishop in assisting those in
need.
We urge
all Latter-day Saints to be prudent in their planning, to be conservative in
their living, and to avoid excessive or unnecessary debt. Many more people
could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had a
supply of food and clothing and were debt-free. Today we find that many have
followed this counsel in reverse: they have a supply of debt and are food-free.
I repeat
what the First Presidency declared a few years ago:
“Latter-day
Saints have been counseled for many years to prepare for adversity by having a
little money set aside. Doing so adds immeasurably to security and well-being.
Every family has a responsibility to provide for its own needs to the extent
possible.
“We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare
for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. We urge you to be
modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid
debt. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from this
bondage. Save a little money regularly to gradually build a financial reserve.”1
Are we
prepared for the emergencies in our lives? Are our skills perfected? Do we live
providently? Do we have our reserve supply on hand? Are we obedient to the
commandments of God? Are we responsive to the teachings of prophets? Are we
prepared to give of our substance to the poor, the needy? Are we square with
the Lord?
We live in
turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to
prepare for uncertainties. When the time for decision arrives, the time for
preparation is past.
Teaching
from This Message
Considering the needs of those you visit, think of ways you can
help them become more self-reliant in employment, finances, food storage, or
emergency preparedness. Think of a skill you could share with them, such as
gardening or money management, that would empower them to follow President
Monson’s counsel.
For ideas on teaching this message to youth and children, see
page 6.
Youth
I
Served Again
By Jaíne Araújo
The author lives in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
One day,
after finishing a service project, I was walking past our meetinghouse and saw
two sisters who were cleaning the building. My words simply came out: “Sisters,
do you need some help?” One of them smiled at me and said that I had arrived
just in time because they were the only ones cleaning and they were very tired.
She said that she had prayed that the Lord would send someone to help. I was
very happy to be an answer to her prayer. I had just finished giving service to
someone else and was also tired, but I followed my heart and offered to serve
more.
It is a commandment to work with joy (see D&C 24:7). When we have the desire to serve at all
times, we can help miracles happen in other people’s lives. Our lives become
more meaningful when we serve. The Lord really does love us, He helps each of
His children, and He will give us the strength to serve.
Children
Are
You Prepared?
Answers: True, True, False, True, False
President
Monson has asked each of us to be prepared for hard times and to help others
during their hard times. Take this true-or-false quiz to see if you’re ready!
I can
always find someone to help. True □False □
I can be
grateful for everything I already have. True □False □
I don’t
have any talents to share with anyone. True □False □
Saving
money for later is a good idea. True □False □
I need new
toys and clothes to be happy. True □False □
“Needful
Hearing”
cji
9/1/14
Often to
listen to wants
hearing
not the shoulds
putting
aside relevants
preparing
not for needs
ignoring
Prophet’s voice
seeking
another’s counsel
needful
hearing absent
when
needed the most
hearing
for the eternal
thus
also here on earth
that
what’s important
the
shoulds not wants!
Copyright
© 2014 – cji
