It's been quite a while. It's felt strange to not be writing.
My mind has been in a bit of a strange place, too. So much has happened, and yet I've had trouble thinking of something to write about.
Because of the foot surgery there has been no baking days to post. Because of the foot surgery there haven't been any adventures in laundry, either. No big changes on the preparedness or food storage front. No big challenges, no big changes, no big happenings at all. Just the quiet, simple adventures of daily living.
Because of where I live and the preparations we've made, I feel quite insulated from the world. All is quiet here.
At the same time the world is in a frenzy and the "voice of warning" is moving me to action.
Our country is being kidnapped and taken to the land of socialism. Our rights are being threatened. At least half (at current count) of the states in the union have passed bills asserting their state sovereignty under the ninth and tenth amendments. People are losing their jobs, stores are closing, deflation in some markets is rampant and in other markets we are seeing inflation.
So how is it that the world can be in a frenzy yet I can be grounded and calm? How is it that a person can feel the "voice of warning" and yet not have fear?
Imagine a rock in the middle of the ocean during a hurricane. The rock is in the eye of the storm. The storm is the world and the rock is the "preparation of the gospel of peace". I stand on my rock which is my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been instructed to be temporally and spiritually prepared and have done my best to do both. The Atonement will make up the rest.
Therefore, I need not feel the storm. Therefore, I can feel peace.
However, there are people caught in the storm. There are other people on the rock who may get caught up in the storm. Shall I then start to fear the storm, be paralyzed against action, and then get swallowed up by the storm myself? No. I will listen to the "voice of warning" that moves me to action. It is the "Voice of Warning" that comes from my Father.
Joseph of Egypt heard that "Voice of Warning" in the Pharoh's dream and was moved to action. Our Founding Fathers heard that "Voice of Warning" in the actions of the King and were moved to action.
I hear that "Voice of Warning" as I read the news and watch what is going on in the world. What can I do? What shall I do?
This week we had our first "Current Events" group. It may sound benign but it is powerful. We do not simply talk about the news. We prepare for action. Calling our representatives. Writing letters. Collecting signatures for petitions. Making our voices heard. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.
What is done to "prepare for action"? How does one "prepare for the worst and hope for the best"?
I will educate myself. It has been years since I have read the constitution. I am reading it again. I am learning about the real history of our country, not the pablum I was fed in government-run schools. I will continue to read and I will teach my daughter what I learn. She will grow up with an intimate knowledge of the constitution.
I am preparing myself temporally. Storing food used to be "normal". It was considered nonsensical to not store up for the winter. When did we lose that value?
"Stocking up" is not "hoarding". It is wisdom. It is a hedge against inflation. If you are stocked up you are free to shop the specials and sales. You will never have to pay full price for anything. You will also be prepared in the case of a job loss. You will also be in a position to help others when they need it.
I am preparing for emergencies and natural disasters. If I am prepared I shall not fear. I already know what we will do and where we will go if something happens. I no longer have to worry about it.
I am preparing myself spiritually. As I better my relationships with God and Christ I have more peace. I have more courage to speak my mind. I care less what other people think and more about what my Father in Heaven thinks.
The yoke of the world is heavy indeed. It weighs us down and keeps us from moving forward. The yoke is not there so we can pull a wagon or plow a field. It is there only to keep us bound and ensnared. It is a yoke thrust upon us by pressure and force.
Matthew 11:
28 ¶ aCome unto me, all ye that blabour and are heavy laden, and I will give you crest.
30 For my yoke is aeasy, and my burden is light.
Christ's yoke is for those who are already heavy laden. He invites us to take his yoke upon us. It is a choice.
In order to take on one yoke, one must take off the other. He will help us take it off.
His yoke is easy. It is light. We will find rest. For He is meek. He is "lowly in heart" - in other words, He is humble.
His yoke is worn to help us move forward in life. His yoke does not weigh us down but buoys us up. His yoke guides us on a journey. It is a joyful journey - a constant discovery of His Wonders.
The longer I choose to wear His yoke, the more aware I am of His mercy and grace, and the more happily humble I choose to become.
And what about meekness? The word "meek" makes me think "squeak" which of course makes me think of a mouse which makes me think "timid".
Was Christ timid? I cannot imagine it. To stand up to the political and social forces of his day took great courage. So what does "meek" really mean?
One of my favorite authors, Bruce R. McConkie, said this:
"Few virtues have such inherent worth as meekness, for the meek are the godfearing and the righteous. They are the ones who willingly conform to the gospel standards, thus submitting their wills to the will of the Lord. They are not the fearful, the spiritless, the timid. Rather, the most forceful, dynamic personality who ever lived - He who drove the money changers from the temple, and with violence threw down their merchandising equipment (Matt. 21:12-13 KJV) - said of Himself, "I am meek and lowly in heart." (Matt 11:29). "
I shall put on His yoke and I will be meek. I will submit my will to the Father. I will use my dynamic personality for Him as He would have me use it.
And what of the money changers on the steps of the temple of our Constitution? If called to do so I shall throw them down with violence.
Until then, I prepare for whatever action my Father asks me to take. I pray it may always be peaceful.
May there never be a need to defend our God-given rights with violence.
Christ's yoke is for those who are already heavy laden. He invites us to take his yoke upon us. It is a choice.
In order to take on one yoke, one must take off the other. He will help us take it off.
His yoke is easy. It is light. We will find rest. For He is meek. He is "lowly in heart" - in other words, He is humble.
His yoke is worn to help us move forward in life. His yoke does not weigh us down but buoys us up. His yoke guides us on a journey. It is a joyful journey - a constant discovery of His Wonders.
The longer I choose to wear His yoke, the more aware I am of His mercy and grace, and the more happily humble I choose to become.
And what about meekness? The word "meek" makes me think "squeak" which of course makes me think of a mouse which makes me think "timid".
Was Christ timid? I cannot imagine it. To stand up to the political and social forces of his day took great courage. So what does "meek" really mean?
One of my favorite authors, Bruce R. McConkie, said this:
"Few virtues have such inherent worth as meekness, for the meek are the godfearing and the righteous. They are the ones who willingly conform to the gospel standards, thus submitting their wills to the will of the Lord. They are not the fearful, the spiritless, the timid. Rather, the most forceful, dynamic personality who ever lived - He who drove the money changers from the temple, and with violence threw down their merchandising equipment (Matt. 21:12-13 KJV) - said of Himself, "I am meek and lowly in heart." (Matt 11:29). "
I shall put on His yoke and I will be meek. I will submit my will to the Father. I will use my dynamic personality for Him as He would have me use it.
And what of the money changers on the steps of the temple of our Constitution? If called to do so I shall throw them down with violence.
Until then, I prepare for whatever action my Father asks me to take. I pray it may always be peaceful.
May there never be a need to defend our God-given rights with violence.
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Just a little while ago... in my peace I was able to hear Him dancing over me. Yes, my friend peace has returned and stillness is no longer my enemy. I love you.
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