Japan doesn't seem so far...

As most of you, I have been saddened to see the devastation occuring in Japan. I feel so horrible for the awful nightmare the people are experiencing. It just seems to get worse by the day. I really can't even imagine the heartache and struggles. Many times I think what if that were me? My house? My family? I feel so blessed to be safe and only reading about these events instead of experiencing them. I usually feel very lucky but it doesn't take long to feel so removed, safe, and casual. Another month goes by and I read about more tragedies, catastrophes, tsunamis, hurricanes, wars, earthquakes and destruction or whatever it might be, going on all around us in other parts of the world.

Every time I read about these disasters, I think to myself, am I prepared like I know I should be? In our church we believe in modern day prophets who give us revelation. These prophets in recent years have stressed the importance to be prepared and self reliant. We have been encouraged to be prepared with a ready to go 72 hour kit. One that could be grabbed ( to evacuate let's say) in a second and fully equipped with food, water, clothing, first aid and other essential survival items to last us 72 hrs. Members of the church have also been counseled to have at least a three month food/water storage for your family. I feel like I have made efforts to become prepared, but I have many improvements to make. Our 50 gallon water tank has only been filled up once...yes 6 years ago when we got it for the first time. It's water is suppose to be changed twice a year.....and I'm pretty sure we are suppose to have three by now.

Every time I hear about these disasters, I am quickly reminded about the importance of this counsel to be prepared for a disaster. But these disasters are usually half way around the world. I still read about it, and yet it is easy to go about my everyday life taking for granted the many blessings I enjoy here in my bubble....in Gilbert, Arizona. I feel blessed to not worry about snow storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis. But I know that I still need to be prepared. Excuses sometimes take over- "where will I find the money and storage for all that food" ," it would never happen here"or simply finding the time to go through the 72 hour bags and restock food, resize clothes and check for the essentials. But- What would happen if my family lost electricity or access to fresh water during the month of July for 4 days? There are a lot of what ifs that enter into my mind as a mother to three children. I want them to be safe just as much as anything else.

In reading about Japan and the nuclear power plant melt down, I began wondering. Where are the nuclear plants is the US? I don't even know...WELL: Did you know that the largest nucelar power plant in the United States is just 82 miles from my front door? Yep just west of Phoenix. And did you know that : It is seen as a highly targeted spot for terrorist? Those living near the power plant in Japan have been asked to stay indoors and air tight seal their entire home.

Hmmm....I am thinking I need to be more diligent in listening to the advice of our Prophet.
Lucky for you and me, we get a chance to hear them speak in just a few weeks at General Conference. I hope I heed their wise counsel.

As for me, I am pretty sure that water barrel will be getting refilled....oh and a snow storm doesn't look all that bad anymore :).