My only thought now.

Be Prepared - Mentally, Physically, Spiritually

Another earthquake this time it hits Chile. I shudder in disbelief as I'm looking at the pictures of the after affects. I remind myself everyday to be grateful. But not just grateful, the spirit reminded me, I must focus more on the other 5 "Be's", counsel given by Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley he said: Be Humble, Be Prayerful, Be Honest, Be True, Be Clean. What plain and simple concepts we can remember! We must BE PREPARED.

In a minute, my life can change or end. Like those that have suffered in Haiti and Chile. It's so hard to comprehend, but I've been trying to comprehend. In relief society the lesson was about trials and commandments, and why the Lord gives them to us. They are to help us. Commandments keep us safe from harm, Trials test us, teach us, humble us, to see if we will focus on the Savior and submit ourselves completely to his will. I commented during the lesson and said it shouldn't take a sad tragic calamity to cause us to help others. We should be helping family, friends and our neighbors everyday. Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ most importantly. Being prepared, such as food storage.

I admit. I find myself living in my little La La Land, fantasy world, where everything is perfect, nothing bad happens. My husband reminds me quite frequently that there are always bad things happening and realize I must face the brutal truth of it. I don't want to. I have to. It doesn't mean I need to get enveloped in the sad events or "what if's". It just means I need to get out of my dream world, so to speak. I shouldn't be scared or sad 24/7, but just be aware, faithful, optimistic and...PREPARED.

It also means I focus more on what I do every day with my time. Because I want to live each day like it's my last. Strive to be the best I can be. Things that ARE already part of me daily are:

• Saying I love you to my husband and daughter.
• Kissing my husband when he gets home and thanking him for how hard he works to provide for our family.
• Maintaining good health (eating well, exercise, etc.)
• Strengthening my marriage. By listening and understanding each other.
• Making dinner every night. My husband deserves it. And it makes home, smell like home. (My mom was a pro at that. I loved it.)
• I sing church hymns/songs often. It helps us feel the spirit more daily. Strengthens our testimony.
• Reading, playing, and just enjoying every moment with my daughter.

Things I need to MAKE a part of me are:

• Find a scripture each day that I can ponder and apply to my life.
• Not let little things annoy or upset me.
• Focusing on the things my husband does that shows he loves me. And not be so needy (haha!)
• Attending the temple once a month as a priority.
• Work on my little bad habits that I forget about often.
• Remember we are all God's children. Love my enemies.
• Better food storage!
• Finding ways to share the gospel more often (with neighbors/acquaintances).
• Financially prepared and aware.

Those are just a few that I know will make me feel more prepared physically, mentally and most importantly spiritually. I pray that I will be more mindful of those around me. To find ways to serve others and serve the Lord in anyway I can. I want to be his instrument. I want to become like my Savior. I want to be remembered as someone who always put the Lord first. And for my children to learn and remember to always put the Lord first. So when and if a devastation occurs, I will be strong enough physically, mentally and spiritually to handle it. Concluding that in all things I will always put my trust in the Lord.