Fulness of Times

I am an advocate for preparing ourselves, spiritually and physically, for the coming uncertainties--including the trials and calamities which are shortly arriving. While many people seem to believe the years of tribulation would vary between 3.5 to 7 years. The Book of Revelation is not clear whether the events during the seventh seal would occur simultaneously (which is where the 3.5 number comes from), or if each event immediately follows another, or if some events occur concurrently while others follow. The truth is, we don't know. And, for all we know, there could be time between the various events. Somewhere I came under the impression that the number of years of tribulation prior to the second coming, and the time during which the New Jerusalem will likely be built, would be 14. In other words, my thoughts were there would be either 14 years from the closing of the sixth seal or opening of the seventh seal until the Savior returns. The best reasoning I could come...

The Latter-day Saints (the Mormons), as well as to many other religious people, believe the Constitution of the United States of America is a divinely inspired document. In the scriptures known as the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord states:  "77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;  "78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.  "79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. "80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." (D&C 101:77-80 https:...

Last summer (2015) I felt more anxious. While we had done some preparing and storing up of a few supplies and food, we were far from a year's worth. After reading several books, I decided to begin a more earnest study of the scriptures, getting up early and spending a half-hour or so reading, studying, contemplating, and praying. I also began to take preparations more seriously and got a good start on our food storage, almost making up for many years of less-than-adequate efforts. Within a short time I felt that the really big events, the ones most often focused on in dreams and visions and prophesies, would not be happening at that time. But I also felt it was very important that we get our food storage and increase our efforts towards preparedness. I also discovered that as my preparations increased, and when I was able to regularly study to word of God, my anxiety was replaced by more feelings of peace. I since realized that the anxiety I felt was related to fear, a...

I thought the linked article about the Dead Sea was interesting,  http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/72711/fulfillment-dead-sea-prophecy-begun/  I think it's applicable to the last days in general. Just as it seems the Dead Sea has signs that it can return to life, but most people haven't noticed the signs of life all around (and apparently at the bottom of the sea as well), the signs of the last days are all around us. Those who are heeding the words of the prophets are becoming prepared for the changes that are coming. I think it's always interesting to discuss the signs of the times, and possible timelines, or I should say possible sequences of events since giving an actual time table is more speculative. The test of faith is what we can all expect. I do not think most have had trials enough to really test their faith, which is a big reason I do not believe an invitation to gather (the call-out) will happen until after several big events occur. I know there a...