The Bucket February 2008

To kick off this edition, we have one matter of business we must discuss. Our ward has been asked to serve in the cannery on February 21st from either 7:00am to 10:00am or from 8:00am to 11:00am. In total we need 4 sisters and 4 brothers. We will be working on a beef stew assignment which means we will probably be able to buy up to three cases per volunteer. As many of you already know, beef stew is truly a meal in a can. People with beef stew in their storage have no fear about what the future brings! Please call me to reserve your spot! Remember, at the temple you make your covenants; at the cannery you keep them!


On a different note, I have been thinking a lot about how food storage fits in the bigger picture of the gospel. Other than just emergency preparedness, gathering and utilizing your food storage shows obedience and a willingness to follow the prophet. Once your storage begins to really accumulate, there is a great comfort and reassurance which casts out all fear. Personally, I don't have everything in place. There are still a few key elements that my family is lacking and I feel a gnawing discomfort. Granted, my imagination is quite vivid, but if disaster struck and we were not prepared, I could just see my wife and kids looking at me with fear in their eyes. I don't want my lack of preparation to add to their fear. “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.” It is this sentence from the Proclamation that teaches me that food storage is a priesthood responsibility. (More on this in future Buckets). If that isn't enough, consider this, “Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.”


On the lighter side—The Bucket is now globally syndicated via the World Wide Web! People across the country and around the world are “surfing the site.” No autographs please. There are some useful links on the site. Please check it out—http://www.onlinebucket.blogspot.com/. While deeply religious, it isn't a church-sponsored site.


If you don't already know, I love you all. You have blessed my life so much. I am attempting to make what has usually been considered a “dull task” at least a bit entertaining. Please use me as much as possible. Whether it is with family home evenings, bread-making parties or wheat-sprouting extravaganzas, I am willing to do whatever it takes to help your family. Give me a call if you are stuck.


As Always,