My heart has been going out to those who have been affected by the devastation in Japan. And I keep wondering what can be done? All I can think is that we learn from this. But then I have to say what can we learn? What is it that the Lord wants us to learn? And what should we do for ourselves?
Could we have disasters like this where we live? I believe we could! I have had people asking me what I think about where we live, and I have to say that perhaps the problems we might see here (locally - being Southern Alberta), are the ripple effects of these kinds of disasters. The shortages of certain kinds of foods, or the crazy high prices of certain kinds of food. We will definitely see the high prices of gasoline! The ripple effects will affect our standard of living and our economy, no doubt about it. Are we ready for that? Of course we could also have earthquakes here, we do have a few fault lines not too far from here, and we could see some flooding, but nothing like a tsunami, (we don't have water!). We have tornadoes, we have extreme weather, we could see pandemics, we could see biological warfare problems (due to the army base close by), we have a couple of big plants here that produce toxic goods so we could see possible problems there, and the list can go on. So could we have disasters where we live? You bet! Don't think we are exempt from these things!
So then what is our responsibility? Well, my favorite subject to talk about is food storage, water storage, and just basic preparedness and self reliance in our homes. In any disaster situation the immediate needs are usually shelter, water, food, and warmth, along with hygiene and medical supplies. As we see from some of the most recent disasters, and what is going on right now in Japan, those who have survived and are living in shelters, they need medical supplies, they need water, heat, and food. Those a little further out from the disaster areas are finding power shortages (due to controlled blackouts), they are finding empty shelves at the stores due to lack of available food, lack of transportation, due to shut down in dairies, loss of farms, factories that are not operating, and the list goes on. There is a lack of fuel, many cannot get gas at the pumps because it just is not there.
We have been warned, we have been prodded, we have been pleaded with, for many years now within our church, and even through the governments, to be prepared. Our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), has asked us for well over 100 years now to prepare for any disaster by storing food, clothing and fuel where possible. Many government websites have disaster plans, and tell people to have at least a 72 hour emergency kit, and up to a 3 month supply of food in your homes. Our church asks us to have a one year supply of food and supplies in our homes.
So what can we do? Get prepared in our own homes, for whatever may come our way. Whether it is just high prices, or shortages, or disasters, or gas shortages, or whatever it might be................get prepared!!! Don't think for even one minute that we are safe and won't be affected by what is going on out there in the world. We will, we can, and we will!!!
Our church has Bishop Storehouses that sell basic food supplies in bulk, cheaper than anywhere else, because they want us to get prepared. Take advantage of these. From what I hear in many places that people who are not members of our church take advantage of these more than the members - who have been warned. So find out where the closest one is and head there. We are doing a ward dry pack canning day on April 9th and I am looking forward to that. It is always a great time to get together a group of people who want to get prepared and have a work day.
So again? Could it happen here? Definitely something could, and will at some time. What can we do? Get prepared for whatever may come. We don't know what it will be, but it will come, no doubt.
D&C 88: 88-91. "And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people. For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds. And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people."
In fact it wouldn't hurt to study out the whole section 88. Study, ponder and pray about it. We have been warned! What are you going to do about it?
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