The final link in our preparation chain is mental preparedness. The sisters in our story both had testimonies of the Savior and both wanted to please the Lord. But the lesson we can learn from this story is that we have to be in tune with the Spirit to know the mind and will of the Lord, not just do what we think He wants us to be doing. If we want to find out what is needful for us, and choose the good part, our minds and hearts have to be prepared.
President Harold B. Lee gave the following counsel: "There are among us many loose writings predicting the calamities which are about to overtake us. Some of these have been publicized as though they were necessary to wake up the world to the horrors about to overtake us. Many of these are from sources upon which there cannot be unquestioned reliance. Are you priesthood bearers aware of the fact that we need no such publications to be forewarned, if we were only conversant with what the scriptures have already spoken to us in plainness?
"Let me give you the sure word of prophecy on which you should rely for your guide instead of these strange sources which may have great political implications. Read the 24th chapter of Matthew-particularly that inspired version as contained in the Pearl of Great Price. (Joseph Smith Matthew 1) Then read the 45th section of the Doctrine and Covenants where the Lord, not man, has documented the signs of the times. Now turn to section 101 and 133 of the Doctrine and Covenants and hear the step-by-step recounting of events leading up to the coming of the Savior. Finally, turn to the promises the Lord makes to those who keep the commandments when these judgments descend upon the wicked, as set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 38.
"Brethren, these are some of the warnings with which you should concern yourselves, rather than commentaries that may come from those whose information may not be the most reliable and whose motives may be subject to question." -Conference Report, Oct 1972, p. 128.
So we see that the scriptures are the place to start when it comes to mental preparation. If we prepare for the calamities preceding the Second Coming we will be ready for anything because the list found in the scriptures is lengthy and varied. Study these suggestions and the scriptures cited in the Topical Guide under "Jesus Christ, Second Coming". You can also go online to lds.org and read talks by modern day prophets about the last days and the Savior's Second Coming.
There are also countless books about the Second Coming, and Emergency Preparedness for that matter, written by faithful church members who are honestly trying to help; but again the scriptures and the Spirit should be your main source.
Going to the temple with specific questions in mind would also be a great way to mentally prepare.
Living in tune with the Spirit so you can receive inspiration on how your family specifically should prepare is essential. With so much to do in such a limited time, we need all the help we can get! Take time to ponder and pray as you study these scriptures and I promise you that practical tasks will come to your mind.
One of the major problems in any emergency is that people go into shock. They panic. They shut down. They make matters worse. Most people just think that "that would never happen to me" and so when they are in a crisis they can't handle it emotionally or psychologically. Mental preparedness includes reading up on potential disasters and necessary responses.
The bottom line is to get all the education you can, and not just in subjects relating to emergency preparedness. How many times have we been counseled by prophets to get as much formal education as possible? There is value in public and private schooling and getting degrees from nationally accredited institutions. But continue learning no matter your stage of life. As mentioned before, any knowledge you obtain in this life goes with you to the next so it's not like any of your studying will go to waste!
Especially since it is the new year, now is a great time to set some goals and get to work!
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