Dear Sisters,
In Robert Lewis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verses", he writes a very simple poem entitled "Happy Thoughts" where he says "The world is so full of a number of things. I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings."
Summer brings with it many happy things; swimming, biking, vacations, family time, and for many growing and harvesting a garden, and sharing the harvest with others. The First Presidency offered this message (as stated in "All is Safely Gathered In...Family Home Storage" pamphlet)
"Dear Brothers and Sisters: 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 may care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings..."
There are an abundance of opportunities for preparing for adverse conditions no matter what your circumstances. Contact your ward Preparedness Specialist, Relief Society President, Bishop, or access lds.org for additional guidance and ideas. Share your home preparedness ideas, skill and talents with others, helping them in turn to be more self sufficient.
"Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home!
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
god, our Maker, doth provide
for our wants to be supplied..."
In Doctrine and covenants 38:30, the Lord Himself promises us that "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."
We love you and pray for you and your families.
Sister Cathy Bentley
Second Counselor Stake Relief Society
