lds2

Why eat the health food...just go for the Rocky Road Ice Cream.

This book has been on the best-sellers list for many weeks now and is becoming well known in some bible believing communities. This is a must-see for those who are interested in last-days studies and have friends outside the LDS faith also interested in these things. The thing that I find most interesting is this... "In 1789, newly inaugurated President George Washington gave a prophetic warning at Federal Hall in New York City. He declared that America’s prosperity and protection were dependent upon its adherence to God. Later, the political leaders of the young nation gathered at St. Paul’s Chapel to commit the nation’s future to God’s purposes. That chapel is located at Ground Zero and miraculously survived 9/11 virtually unscathed." There is an excellent summary under the videos in this article... Has America become an ‘end-times’ civilization? Part of the intro... ..."Cahn’s book and subsequent documentary detail how in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on America, the nation’s leaders repeatedly stood and cited the words of Isaiah 9:10, promising the U.S. would rebuild bigger and stronger. But as Cahn points out, those very boasts spoken by America’s and ancient Israel’s leaders were the words God used, not to inspire the Israelites, but to condemn them for their pride. Cahn’s works then show the startling parallel between the warnings of judgment that fell on Israel and events in America today. Yet while many Americans are making “The Harbinger” and “The Isaiah 9:10 Judgment” national best-sellers, the mainstream media has largely ignored their meteoric popularity."...

I totally agree, I don't believe in global warming for the reasons given either. But weather weirding seems very real right about now. I look for RECORD BREAKING when it comes to weather. There has been 100-500 year record breaking weather in various areas all over the world in the past few years and they seem to be increasing in regularity and duration because of these systems that just STOP and don't hardly move!!! That is not normal according to what I have researched. Also the severity of some weather issues seems to be increasing...like last year it was just Texas that had a long standing drought, now it is many more states involved. When the Midwest is involved and the West that is something to be concerned about. Then major flooding in the South. Where else is there to grow crops and whether we like it or not we are the "bread basket" for the world. (Yay, Northern states and Canada, hope they can grow enough to feed us all!) Hopefully this weird weather breaks and moves soon! Praying here... I watch because we are told to expect "increasing" calamities as foretold in Matthew 24 (droughts, famines, earthquakes, etc....at least according to a couple of apostles/prophets.) So I've been "watching with all perseverence" as Elder Bednar has said to do repeatedly over the past few years. ,

Not all drought...Florida is wishing they had a bit more at this point...the preseason forecast was to have just 11 named storms this tropical storm season in the Atlantic but they already have 2 and the season goes through November as we are supposed to be trending towards "El Nino" conditions. But in Florida tropical storm Debby is... Practically parked off Florida's Gulf Coast since the weekend, Tropical Storm Debby raked the Tampa Bay area with high wind and heavy rain Monday in a drenching that could top 2 feet over the next few days and trigger widespread flooding. Tropical Storm Debby soaks Florida's Gulf Coast - Nation Wires - MiamiHerald.com

The weather is really weird out there the last few days. Really hot, really windy and the dust is blowing to the point where you can't see my house if you are across the street. For the past few years there have been major droughts all over the world. It seems the weather patterns form and don't move for a very long time. I am told that is what is happening right now in Utah (major temps and wind but no rain) as well as other states. In the Mid-West they say they "haven't seen it this dry this early" ever...I will look to see what other people are saying...but having watched the drought monitor for years this year looks particularly GRIM considering we are still in June and it looks this severe already. Here is a government source that says that the drought is expected to either continue or increase for the forseeable future... http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/season_drought.gif Here's some other weirdness...I'm sure there is much more, these are the only ones I saved... February... Afghanistan - More than 20 children have recently died due to the cold weather in Kabul which the Afghan capital has been experiencing its worst cold-snap and heaviest snows in at least 15 years Afghanistan hit with heaviest snows in 15 years- 20 children die in cold snap | The Extinction Protocol: 2012 and beyond Europe - the death toll from bitter cold across the continent rose to at least 460. As it has every day for nearly two weeks, the brutal cold claimed lives in several countries and killed dozens more in weather-related accidents. http://news.yahoo.com/europes-main-waterway-ices-deeper-chill-feared-155038639.html March - ALL RECORD BREAKING HEAT WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Last month came in like a lamb and stayed that way, contributing to the warmest March for the contiguous United States since modern record-keeping began in 1895, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said on Monday...This year's balmy March was part of a record-warm winter. The first three months of 2012 broke high-temperature records for the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 42.0 degrees F (5.5 degrees C), which was 6 degrees F (3.3 degrees C) above the long-term average. March brought record warmth to continental U.S. - Chicago Tribune April has Weirdness as well... India - Sugar output effected because of dry weather, still will export this year Sugar Output in India to Decline on Drought in Some Areas - Businessweek Brazil/Argentina - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Drought in major soybean producers Brazil and Argentina cut their production more deeply than expected U.S. cuts Latam soy estimate due drought, prices rise - Chicago Tribune Southeast US - A long-term drought in parts of the Southeast, especially in Florida, has reached severe levels as measured by the Climate Prediction Center's Palmer Index. Florida Drought Fuels Wildfires UK drought in 22nd month - U.K. Drought in 22nd Month Forces Water Restrictions - Businessweek China Drought 2012: Three-Year-Long Dry Spell Spreads To Southwest I didn't pay attention much in May...

The health of 15 of the world’s largest financial institutions has been called into serious question, as Moody’s downgraded their credit ratings... Banking giants including Bank of America, Barclays, Citigroup, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Royal Bank of Scotland all had their credit ratings cut. Moody's takes axe to ratings of global banks Banks downgraded as size of Spanish crisis revealed | Business | The Guardian U.S. stocks tumbled, while commodities entered a bear market, after signals of a global slowdown in manufacturing added to disappointing housing and labor market data at the world’s largest economy. U.S. Stocks Tumble Amid Slowdown Concern - Businessweek[/url All of Spain’s major banks were hit with cuts of one to four notches – worse than expected and sending several deeper into junk status. (Telegraph News, June 25) Gold should be rebounding soon as when stocks go down people have to sell it which often brings the prices down for a bit. Like I said before, I expect things to keep bumping along until at least after the elections. But right now is an unusually good time to buy food and other stores ahead as there is plenty and it is inexpensive compared to other years. My opinion...FWIW But I really hope all are ready for possible adversity (whatever that may be) in the future. The Church has said that they can't help all of us, we must follow the "loving commandment" of our Heavenly Father and "prepare every needful thing" so that should adversity come we can help our family, friends, neighbors and the bishop help the poor and the needy. The Church's message lately has been that we must be self-reliant in order to be able to help others...makes sense.

A few for my collection... “The Savior has commanded the Church and its members to be self-reliant...As people become self-reliant, they are better prepared to endure adversities” and are “better able to care for others in need.” Church Handbook of Instructions *** The "Doctrine and Covenants 29:34–35 tells us there is no such thing as a temporal commandment, that all commandments are spiritual. It also tells us that man is to be “an agent unto himself...” “Can we see how critical self-reliance becomes when looked upon as the prerequisite to service, when we also know service is what godhood is all about? Without self-reliance one cannot exercise these innate desires to serve. How can we give if there is nothing there? Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves... "The key to making self-reliance spiritual is in using the freedom to comply with God’s commandments. The scriptures are very clear in their command that it is the duty of those who have, to give to those who are in need..." "One of the three areas emphasized in the mission of the Church is to perfect the Saints, and this is the purpose of the welfare program. This is not a doomsday program, but a program for our lives here and now, because now is the time for us to perfect our lives..." Elder Marion G. Romney, The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance, Ensign March 2009

Sometimes bad things do happen and there are a lot of smart people right now, who are usually bullish saying some pretty bearish things... But ya know...it's just that one percent you really need to worry about...yep, yep, yep Just kidding I don't want anyone to worry, I just want EVERYONE to be so prepared they will never need to worry because they are both temporally and spiritually prepared for whatever 1 percents are in our future.

$950 BILLION dollar Bailout about to be announced for Italy and Spain Debt crisis: EU leaders set to announce €750bn Spain and Italy bailout deal - Telegraph G20 warns US over deficit amid fears it is the next crisis to hit America has been given a rare warning from G20 countries not to botch its own deficit-cutting measures amid fears that the world's biggest economy could fall off a "fiscal cliff" next year...While the world's most powerful economies urged European governments to do more to end their crisis, the rebuke to The White House reflects increasing concern that America's struggle with its own $15 trillion of debt will be the next to hit the world economy. G20 warns US over deficit amid fears it is the next crisis to hit - Telegraph Fitzpatrick, a 28 year veteran and top analyst at Citibank, which has $1.3 trillion in assets, also said, “the concern levels are still there, and if anything they are becoming elevated.” My Blog Richard Russell, DOW Theorist “You can be sure that the bear market will try to make you believe that you should be in this market.” Russell also cautioned that “Money is rushing around the globe in a mad search for income and safety.” My Blog

If you live near a Honeyville store you might check to see if they offer the cooking with stored foods classes. I know that the SLC store has them every day or two...although I have only travelled to see one of these, the one I saw was excellent.

The moon is a "faithful witness" in the heavens. That makes me think of what we know about "witnesses." Psalm 89:37 (KJV) 37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Matthew 18:16 (KJV) 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. But it isn't just the moon that lands on Jewish Holidays in 2014-2015 the two solar eclipses are on their "new year" day and on the Feast of Trumpets Feast day as well. One interesting thing about the "Feast of Trumpets" is that it has always been linked with the "resurrection of the dead."

I've highlighted the most important parts if that is any help my friend! This is a very good video explaining how amazing God's signs to us really are...if you just want to learn about tetrad's start 6 minutes in... John Pratt explains part of how jubilee's are used by the Lord in the ancient calendar...but for the House of Israel a jubilee was a time of great celebration where the land remained fallow FOR A YEAR and where all the land and people were returned to their original lands and family/tribe, all debts forgiven, slaves/servants freed, etc. Jubilee is an "Interval of 49, not 50 The ancient calendar is described as dividing the year into 50-day seasons, and also the jubilee is described in scripture as reckoning 50-year periods. As has been discussed in detail earlier,[3] the Lord says he counts a year to a day, and so whatever pattern he uses for the day should match that for the year also. As also described in earlier papers, the Lord counts the first as the last and the last as the first, and so it turns out that these are really what we would call 49-day seasons and 49-year jubilees, because the 50th is the same as the 1st." Jubilee Calendar

I have combined several sources in my research and not all (obviously) are correct, but they may be interesting (to those that find such things interesting) Tetrads are four total lunar eclipses in a row spaced 6 months apart, they are often called blood moons. The ones that are most significant for study are those that fall on Jewish Feast Days... A few tetrads leading up to Jesus birth: 189-188 BC, 166-168 BC, 149-148 BC (tetrad dates and some historical facts come from Youtube video by Word4Dummies who is not LDS) Then for 310 years there were no tetrads, but much happened... 36 BC Herod destroyed 2nd temple (exactly 500 years after the destruction of Solomon's Temple?) 31 BC Battle of Actium, Roman's take Jerusalem 4 BC - 1 BC (LDS John Pratt leans towards April 6, 1 BC) "The length of the Savior’s life is traditionally believed to be about thirty-three years because he was baptized when he “began to be about thirty years of age” (Luke 3:23), and his ministry lasted somewhat more than three years, as described earlier. That Jesus was within one year of age thirty at his baptism is consistent with John the Baptist beginning his ministry at age thirty, as was customary for those of priestly descent (Num. 4:3), and with John being about six months older than Jesus (Luke 1:24–27)." (John Pratt) 9-12 AD (Jesus would have been ~12) When he was at the temple (some believe that he opened the next seal then and that was His purpose in staying behind) 15 AD End of 30 jubilees from 1486 BC (end of 40 years in Wilderness) (Word4Dummies Youtube) Start of 40 (jubilee) years that will end in 2015 AD (Word4Dummies Youtube) I think he is backwards engineering significant numbers here) ~27 AD Baptized by John Consequently, the fifteenth year of Tiberius, when John the Baptist began his ministry, was probably August/September A.D. 28 through August/September A.D. 29. Less likely between 26-27 AD. (John Pratt) ~30-34 (33 most likely) AD Friday, Preparation for Passover Death, Resurrection would have been First Fruits? "Length of Ministry. The book of John specifically mentions three annual Passovers during the ministry of the Savior, counting the one at his death (John 2:13; John 6:4; John 11:55), but implies an extra year between the first two because a spring harvest is mentioned (John 4:35) followed by another Jewish feast (John 5:1). Thus, it follows that Jesus’ ministry was not less than about three and a half years, and included at least four Passovers. Counting four Passovers from A.D. 28–29 brings us to A.D. 32–33 as the most likely Resurrection years (with a lower limit of A.D. 29, when one counts from A.D. 26)." (John Pratt) Blood Moon Eclipse at Crucifixion/Passover "Thus, if it is accepted that a lunar eclipse was observed on the day of the Crucifixion, then Friday, 1 April A.D. 33, is the only candidate among the potential dates listed in Table 1.32 If so, this eclipse could put an end to arguments for other days (Thursday) or years (A.D. 30 or 34). Because the Resurrection occurred on the Sunday following the Crucifixion, it is proposed that Sunday, 3 April A.D. 33, is the day that best matches the Gospel writers’ description of the Savior’s resurrection day." (John Pratt) "...if the Savior was born on the first day of the first Nephite year and died on the fourth day of their thirty-fourth year, then the length of his life was thirty-three Nephite years plus three days." 70 AD Destructon of Temple Tetrads after Jesus Life Begin 1 - 162-63 AD 2 - 180-81 AD, 3 - 198-199 AD 4 - 227-228 AD 5 - 238-239 AD 6 - 245-246 AD 7 - 256-257 AD 8 - 267-268 AD 9 - 285-286 AD 10 - 332-333 AD 11 - 350-351 AD 12 - 360-361 AD 13 - 390-391 AD 14 - 408-409 AD 15 - 437-438 AD 16 - 455-456 AD For 310 years there were no tetrads 636 AD Fall of Jerusalem to Moslems 17 - 766-767 AD 18 - 784-785 AD 19 - 795-796 AD 20 - 802-803 AD 21 - 813-814 AD 22 - 824-825 AD 23 - 842-843 AD 24 - 860-861 AD 25 - 878-879 AD 26 - 889-890 AD 27 - 900-901 AD 28 - 918-919 AD 29 - 936-937 AD 30 - 947-948 AD 31 - 965-966 AD 32 - 976-977 AD 33 - 994-995 AD For 310 years there are no tetrads 1095-1272 Crusades (1-9) 1290 Jews Expelled from England 34 - 1305-1306 AD 35 - 1323-1324 AD 36 - 1341-1342 AD Jews Accused of Causing Black Death in Europe 1349 1st Holocaust (666 years before 2015) 37 - 1352-1353 AD 38 - 1370-1371 AD 1392 Jews Expelled from France 39 - 1399-1400 AD 40 - 1428-1429 AD 1453 Fall of Constantinople 41 - 1457-1458 AD 42 - 1475-1476 AD 1492 Jews Expelled from Spain, Colombus in New World 43 - 1493-1494 AD -- TETRADS BLOOD MOON ECLIPSES OCCUR ON PASSOVER AND TABERNACLES 44 - 1504-1505 AD 45 - 1515-1506 AD 46 - 1522-1523 AD 47 - 1533-1534 AD 48 - 1562-1563 AD 49 - 1580-1581 AD 49th to 50th Tetrad 7 X 7 Beginning of FULLNESS OF TIMES? Jubilee Tetrad sees the gentiles come to the New World, the establishment of the United States, and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the Earth and most notably the return of the keys of the priesthood by the Lord around Passover (Easter Sunday) 1836. For 328 years there were no tetrads 1620 AD Mayflower landed in America 1776 AD Declaration of Independence 1830 AD Restoration of Church 1836 AD Easter Sunday 3 Apr 1836 the Savior, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared in succession in the Kirtland Temple and restored priesthood keys required for the dispensation of the fulness of times. (See D&C 110.) Elijah’s coming had been prophesied more than twenty-two centuries earlier by Malachi. (See Mal. 4:5; D&C 110:14.) The Restoration of Priesthood Keys on Easter 1836, Part 1: Dating the First Easter - Ensign June 1985 - ensign A Virtual Passover - Elijah 1844 AD Death of Joseph and Hyrum (Restoration sealed with blood of two prophets?) 1876 AD Ottoman Constitution Paves Way for Return of Jews to Israel 50 1909-1910 AD (11 April 1909 Eretz Israel (Tel Aviv) The first modern Jewish city, was founded on the sand dunes north of Jaffa with the building of 60 houses) 51 1927-1928 AD (Great Depression) US (much persecution in MSM and attacks on Jews), USSR (creates uninhabitable part of Siberia a Jewish bufferzone with China) and England (refuses to speak out against Arab attacks against Jews in Israel) 1948 Return of Jews to Israel 52 - 1949-1950 AD -- TETRADS BLOOD MOON ECLIPSES OCCUR ON PASSOVERS AND TABERNACLES 1967 Return of Jerusalem to Jewish Control 53 - 1967-1968 AD -- TETRADS BLOOD MOON ECLIPSES OCCUR ON PASSOVERS AND TABERNACLES 54 - 1985-1986 AD -- TWO of the ECLIPSES OCCUR ON PASSOVER AND TABERNACLES (LDS Randy Hall believes ~1985 was very significant...need to review my notes to remember why) 1996-1997 AD - TWO ECLIPSES OCCUR ON PASSOVER AND TABERNACLES "Actually on Passover 1996 the last total lunar eclipse occurred that was totally visible from Israel. This eclipse occurred in the 6000th year from Creation if the chronology developed in Signs of the End is correct..." Signs of the End - The Four Lunar Eclipses (Interesting this was around 1997? the year that it is rumored that the 7th seal has opened was said in conference.) 55 - 2003-2004 AD 1 Dec 2003 - Symbolic Geneva Peace Treaty (some Evangelical Christian's believe start of anti-Christ reign) 9 Jul 2009 - G-8 Meeting (other Evangelical Christian's think this starts 1260 day reign of anti-Christ) 21 Dec 2012 - Starts Tribulations (20 Dec 2012 Gathering) That's kind of interesting since we think there will be a day of gathering sometime also, hopefully NOT IN WINTER! at least that is what I pray for.) (Words4Dummies Stuff) Apr 18 2014 Passover Oct 8 2014 Tabernacles (Oct 9 Sukkot) Apr 2015 Passover Sep 28 2015 Tabernacles Supermoon and Bloodmoon Eclipse "Therefore, the first lunar eclipse of 1949 occurred during this war for the establishment of Israel. The next tetrad began on Passover 1967, which was just six weeks before the Six-Day-War. Therefore, these two significant wars of Israel were covered by each tetrad period. Therefore, it would make sense that the tetrad of 2014-2015 would cover another significant war in Israel. The question then remains if the tetrad marks the beginning or end..." Signs of the End - The Four Lunar Eclipses or ??? 15th 400 Years 1986 BC - 2015 AD 4000 Yrs Abrahamic Covenant ENDS 40th JUBILEE YEAR since opening of Seal in 14-15 AD (have not checked for accuracy) 120 Jubilees since 3986 BC Temple Dedication (Word4Dummies, Youtube) 23 Sep 2015 is the Day of Atonement "Another item of interest is that the Day of Atonement 2015 is precisely 2,520 weeks from the regaining of Jerusalem during the Six-Day-War on June 7, 1967. 49 times 360. This comes five days before the final lunar eclipse of the 2014-2015 tetrad." Signs of the End - The Four Lunar Eclipses Acts 1:11 (Word4Dummies, Youtube thinks Jesus left on Pentecost and will return on Pentecost) I also believe that Pentecost will be significant in last day events don't know how though... Dec 21, 2012 + 1260 Days is 3 Jun 2016 End of Anti-Christ (Word4Dummies Youtube) *** I know these notes are hard to follow because they are hard for me to decipher after I make them so good luck to all two people that might find them interesting...

It makes me happy to hear of people that are prepared/preparing out of obedience. Wonderful!!! Like you, there are some things in the news that really bother me and I stay away from those articles for my own happiness and wellbeing. For me it isn't the financial stuff so much, but it is the articles on torture, rape, and other horrendous acts particularly related to children and the other stuff that shows how depraved some people are becoming. I feel sick after just reading the headlines of such things. But reading the financial stuff does make me think of my Sunbeams and other people I love and I just want to do all I can to help others get ready because, regardless of how much as I would like to, I can't help all the family, friends and aquaintances that have said, "I'm coming to your house." .

Not so different from "The Secret" Law of Attraction...The law claims that desirable outcomes such as health, wealth, and happiness can be attracted simply by changing one’s thoughts and feelings. During the millennium something similar (but involving a lot more work) could work. But until then we are living in a telestial world where there are those living and not who would wish to control us and the world in every way. What this "test" the prophets have been talking about will look like I can't say, I don't believe from what they have been saying that they can exactly either. So how an ultimate end of the financial world as we've known it (dollar) collapse could happen is anyone's guess. It could be hyper-inflation or deflation, global banks failing, a devastating natural calamity in the US, a "black swan event," disease, famine, war...seriously just read Matthew 24 regarding what WILL happen in the last days and use your imagination. It could be organized or chaotic...or ??? It could be days or many years away. .

"And so today in these strangely perilous times, in the true Church of Jesus Christ we teach and live the principles of His gospel... The senior leaders of the Church will virtually always be seasoned by decades of preparation... But we will stay on course. We will anchor ourselves as families and as a church to these principles and ordinances. Whatever tests lie ahead, and they will be many, we must remain faithful and true." President Boyd K. Packer, "The Test", October 2008) The Test - general-conference

Fed’s Holdings of U.S. Debt Have Jumped 452% By Terence P. Jeffrey, June 7, 2012 On Jan. 28, 2009, a week after the last nomination, the Fed owned $302 billion in U.S. Treasury securities. On April 25, 2012, the latest date reported, the Fed owned five and a half times that much in U.S. Treasury securities–$1.668 trillion. (CNSNews.com) Back in 2008 people were saying when the Fed starts buying US debt watch out that will be the end of our financial system as we have known it. But instead of a drop off the cliff we have seen a steady decline. People were expecting a big drop or collapse of the dollar as those countries who buy our debt started selling to get some value before it was worthless, etc....the selling hasn't happened...at least not yet, BUT they have been diversifying and using their US dollars to buy assets around the globe, particularly mining operations and farmlands and foreign properties both private and publicly owned (even in the US), and major corporations and businesses. They have been buying companies and then taking the US technology and copying that for further copy-cat businesses in their own countries, etc. China is even currently buying major banks, and "bailing out" small countries, etc. Russia have also been buying and building up their military with the profit from their oil reserves, etc. China and Russia now have improved stealth technologies that we don't have. Russia also has control of the major oil pipelines and gas lines feeding much of Western Europe. But countries who have bought our debt are not buying as much and are getting out of using the dollar for international trade agreements which continues to hurt our economy. For instance China is buying oil from Russia and Iran and has made a trade agreement with Japan without using the dollar. India is buying a huge amount of oil from Iran each day using gold, etc. AND the FED is buying an ever increasing percentage of US debt rather than other countries. Money continues to be created out of thin air by the trillions to keep the international banks afloat, etc. .

"As these data show, if you have access to a defined contribution plan--and participate--you are among a select group." How Does Your 401(k) Match Up? There are a lot more employers offering 401K plans rather than retirement, but matching dollar for dollar is a whole 'nother kettle of fish...and many more people are working lower income/part-time jobs which do not provide such benefits and/or are considered out of the employee pool completely for statistical purposes. Of those who can and then do participate in 401(k) plans 1/3 of those plans match dollar for dollar which as the above article says encompasses "a select group." *** Last week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its annual long-term budget outlook report and the 2012 numbers are not looking good at all. In fact, the CBO said that the federal debt is going to rise to 70% of GDP by the end of this year...wow!!! that will be the highest percentage since World War II!!! The report also paints a really scary picture of the future of entitlement spending, as the retiring Baby Boomers will cause government spending on health care, Social Security, and Medicare to go through the roof as a percentage of GDP in the coming years as they age and require more services that must be provided by the younger already struggling population. As most of us know SS has been something of a ponzi which can't be supported by a declining younger population. (And this doesn't include the continual flow of people getting laid off each week and needing government assistance.) Congressional Budget Office (CBO) .

LM M - I'd say we both have been more fortunate than most... Right around 2008 my family moved partly because real estate was going down quickly. The house's highest value was $600,000 and we sold at ~$500,000 and were able to buy a farm in the Intermountain West that was mostly paid for. Since then the original house sold in foreclosure for $110,000. Many of our friends have suffered greatly being underwater on their mortgages and still have $2-3,000 payments each month. We bought precious metals that have more than doubled in value since then. We completely got out of the stock market and have been very glad to not be part of that roller coaster as I don't believe that ride is going to end up anywhere where I want to be. We also have been fortunate to not currently be in debt and most of our children are in college. In my opinion, increases in the stock market and gold reflect inflation more than profit lately. I think the stock market is much more likely to crash than precious metals...yet even though Goldman's commodities "guru" recently predicted gains between 20-40 percent I would not put the bulk of my money there either. I would follow the counsel of the first presidency...treat debt as a "plague," buy a paid for modest home, have a financial reserve (not all of it in a bank), store food 3 months ahead of when you will need it and then have a longer-term supply of basics that will keep you alive if there were nothing else and additional storage that in case of adversity you can help your family, friends, neighbors, and help the bishop feed the poor and the needy. Most of us aren't so fortunate as to work someplace long enough to retire as companies are going under, being sold, etc. anymore. You are VERY fortunate to work someplace that matches 401Ks as that is very rare in today's world. It is much easier to see significant net worth increases with such good fortune. When we get to the "other side" we can compare and see who made the best financial decisions for the long-term... but I'm sure we can agree that the best financial advice out there is from the First Presidency found here...https://www.lds.org/family/family-well-being .

Despite the "bailout" for Spain the DOW was down over 100 points today, perhaps because of this news...and that was from 2007 to 2010...how many people have "recovered" their losses since then or have they had to dip into savings even further, have the values of their homes gone up or continued to decline with double digit losses in most areas since then? Americans’ wealth plummeted 40 percent from 2007 to 2010, Federal Reserve says - The Washington Post .

True. The question is what rules will be in place to be part of "civilization" and the new world economic system that will be put into place...and will we be able to follow the rules and still keep our integrity? I hope so, but I think our integrity will be tested to the limit. The reason why I think so is found here... "This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory... You will have all the persecution you want and more too, and all the opportunity to show your integrity to God and truth that you could desire... Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a TEST, a TEST is coming, and who will be able to stand?... All true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit; many will apostatize and others will stand still, not knowing what to do...The Saints will be put to tests that will try the integrity of the best of them. The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes. The time will come when the government will stop the Saints from holding meetings. When this is done the Lord will pour out His judgments. (Life of Heber C. Kimball, p.446-451, Orson F. Whitney)

I think I'm ready for that "better world" that President Joseph Fielding Smith talked about, but then I think about how I like my hot showers, and internet, and eating out, and comfy warm bed and...

For those who are interested...this does come from some blog, but it gave me ideas on what I might need if something similar ever happened here. 10 Things That We Can Learn About Shortages And Preparation From The Economic Collapse In Greece 1. Food Shortages CAN actually happen. 2. Medicine Is One Of The First Things That Becomes Scarce During An Economic Collapse 3. When An Economy Collapses, So Might The Power Grid 4. During An Economic Collapse You Cannot Even Take Water (and especially clean water) For Granted 5. During An Economic Crisis Your Credit Cards And Debit Cards May Stop Working 6. Crime, Rioting And Looting Become Commonplace During An Economic Collapse 7. During A Financial Meltdown Many Average Citizens Will Start Bartering 8. Suicides Spike During An Economic Collapse 9. Your Currency May Rapidly Lose Value During An Economic Crisis 10. When Things Hit The Fan The Government Will Not Save You

I was noticing in the article about the Supermoon that the one in 2015 will be in September so I wondered if that would be near the Tabernacles Jewish Feast Day Blood Moon event and it appears that they will coincide on the same day! I haven't seen anyone else put these two events together... September 28, 2015 Solar Eclipse Article The blood-red moon signifies trouble for Israel •Passover: April 15, 2014 | Total eclipse visible in Australia, Pacific, Americas •Tabernacles: October 9, 2014 | October 8, 2014 Total eclipse visible in Asia, Australia, Pacific, Americas •Passover: April 4, 2015 | Total eclipse visible in Asia, Australia, Pacific, Americas •Tabernacles: September 28, 2015 | Total eclipse visible in East Pacific, Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia (This is the only one visible from Jerusalem at moon-set) Four total blood-red moons back-to-back are rare, the only time it happens on four Biblical holidays is in 2014/2015. The only times last century these occurred together was in 1967/1968 when Jerusalem was recaptured. Hebcal used to determine older Jewish holidays. Feasts and Years 2014 & 2015 - Total Lunar Eclipse - Zimbio Supermoon...Moon closest to Earth on 2015 September 28 the moon will be 356,877 km Is biggest and closest full moon on May 5, 2012 a supermoon? | Tonight | EarthSky

Recently we had a Supermoon on May 6, 2012 and a "Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse on May 20 and Venus Transited the sun on June 6, 2012. Astronomers say all three happening this close together won't happen again for another 4 million years. Venus transiting the sun was a very big deal to some ancient religions having to do with the rebirth/coming of their god. I wonder what they would have thought if they were alive to see all these "signs in the heavens" happening within a few weeks of each other.