The preparedness theme for January is about preparing your mind, heart and spirit. A person who is strong spiritually, mentally, and emotionally is much more equipped to deal with life’s challenges and crisis. One way to focus your mind on things that are positive and that will strengthen you spiritually is to memorize some of your favorite hymns. Then you have them ready to hum, sing, or think.
This used to be one of the things Elder Packer recommended when you needed to keep unhealthy thoughts out of your mind. Many people have had the answers to prayers or the reassurance they have sought come in the form or words from a hymn.
Hymns fortified the pioneers as they traveled the long miles and faced the trials and hardships of colonizing the desert valley. Their spirits were lifted and their faith focused in the right place.
While we are always counseled to study, pray, and attend church, learning a hymn a week can be a great goal for this month.
*See the paper for this month under 2020 papers. The papers this year are supplements to the guide from last year. Don’t have that guide? Look under 2019 preparedness guide. You can download any of the papers in PDF format and create pages for your own binder if you like.