by David Bay, High Councilor

The trees in front of the Stake Center have lost almost all their leaves. Just a week ago today as I walked to an early morning meeting, I noticed that most of the leaves were still on the trees. Later that same day I noticed the carpet of leaves on the grass and the sidewalk. By this morning there were only a few leaves left in the trees. I have a front row seat from my kitchen window to watch the annual dumping of leaves at the Stake Center. I don’t know what kind of trees are planted there, but I know that once the leaves start fall, they are almost all down within a week. I’ve watched other trees lose leaves more slowly. I know for sure that when the leaves begin to fall, cold weather is on its way.

Jesus Christ used the idea of seasons of the year as he taught about knowing when to prepare. He told us that we needed to understand the signs of the times. Matthew 24: 32 – 33 “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”

President Nelson instructed the Church in General Conference that the most important work that we can do is to work on the gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil. “The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives. For centuries, prophets have foretold this gathering, and it is happening right now! As an essential prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord, it is the most important work in the world! … When we speak of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve. Anytime we do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.” Russell M Nelson – Let God Prevail – Oct 2020 { https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/46nelson?lang=eng}

What preparations do you and your family need to make? I don’t have those answers, but the Lord does. As you prayerfully search for direction you will be guided as to what appropriate steps you can take to increase your preparation. Keep in mind that the Church encourages us to prepare and discourages us from increasing our debt to make that preparation.

Our Stake Welfare/Self Reliance Committee is trying to provide resources that can help you in all aspects of your preparation. These include physical, educational, health, employment, home, production and storage, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual aspects. No one can or should be working on all these at the same time. We need to choose individually. So let the Spirit be your guide. Some of these resources will be critical to you here and now, others not so much for you now and that is okay.

So as the annual seasons change, look at the seasons of your life, the seasons of your family and the seasons of the Earth’s existence. Then prayerfully consider what do you need to do now to prepare for the events that will come.