Action not reaction to economic crisis

One of the most compelling reasons for establishing a food storage plan is now being played out on the international stage. The economic downturn is more than an academic exercise. The events of the past few weeks will, undoubtedly, affect more and more people in a direct and substantial fashion. To qoute the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others. "

The Church recommends that every family have a three month's supply of food, a store of drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted and a financial reserve in a reasonable amount. When local laws and custom allow, the Church also encourages long term storage of food that you can use to keep alive, such as wheat, white rice and beans.

Please see: http://www.providentliving.org/welcome/0,10803,1653-1,00.html

My previous discussions looked at the average cost of food in the U.S. Through provident living and the proper use of a food storage program, it is possible for a family to spend far less than even the Thrifty Plan advocated by the United State Department of Agriculture.

This is a much repeated story but perfectly applicable to the crisis of the day:

A farmer needed an extra hand to help on his farm. One young man came to interview for the job. "What are your qualifications?" the farmer asked. "I can sleep when the wind blows," the young man said. This simple reply confused the farmer, but he was desperate for help and the young man was hired.

The young man was a diligent worker through the harvest season, but the farmer still questioned his answer.

Autumn ended and the first cold storm of winter came late one night. The farmer panicked as the winds began to blow. Calling the young man for help, the farmer grabbed his coat and pulled heavy boots on his feet. He was disappointed to find the young man asleep in bed at a time like this. Grudgingly he ventured out alone planning to shuffle all of the animals in the barn and then fix that last hole in the roof. He mumbled about the young man sleeping and was sure all the farm equipment was left standing in the field, collecting rust from the snow.

However, when the farmer reached the barn all the animals were tucked safely inside. In fact, clean hay had already been set out for the new day. Not a single hole could be found in the roof, and the tractor was parked perfectly in the shed.

"Who could have done it?" the farmer wondered. And then, he realized what the young man's answer meant, "I can sleep when the wind blows."

How many of you can sleep when the wind blows? The first step, in our economic hard times is to have a basic food storage plan.