No crystal ball needed...Heavenly Father has given us the answers

TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR PROPHETS. No matter where we are, or what situation we find ourselves in, we cannot claim that we didn't see it coming. Even more important than that, we cannot claim the we hadn't enough time to prepare. Through prophecies, found from ancient scripture to modern-day, we have been warned. It's like an open-book test...the test is real...so are the answers and they lie immediately before us. What a comfort it is to have my scriptures within arm's reach. Even today, there was peace within me when I unwrapped my new Ensign. "I assure you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face in the world today. He loves each of us and will bless us as we strive to keep His commandments and seek Him through prayer.
...We are a global church, brothers and sisters. Our membership is found throughout the world. May we be good citizens of the nations in which we live and good neighbors in our communities, reaching out to those of other faiths, as well as to our own. May we be men and women of honesty and integrity in everything we do.
...My brothers and sisters, just as eternal exile from God may be the most searing anguish, so eternal life in the presence of God is our most precious goal." -President Thomas S. Monson (Until We Meet Again, October 2008 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).
I am grateful for our worthy Priesthood Leaders, who teach us from direct revelation. The mantle upon their shoulders is so incomprehensible. The relationship they share with the Father is profound. My faith is in my Heavenly Father, and His trust is in these men. Prophets are compasses by which we can find our way home. The scriptures repeat time and time again that we know not the day or time that Jesus Christ will return, yet we know from Prophets throughout the ages that the moment draws ever closer with each passing sign. If we follow the Prophets, we shall be preserved. If we are prepared, we need not fear. The luxury of time is no longer ours....we know what we must do. There is no excuse for neglecting the spirits entrusted to us...including our own. We must follow the prophets: pray always, STUDY the scriptures, hold Family Home Evening, pay an honest tithing, honor our covenants-CLING TO THEIR COUNSEL! Ignoring the Prophets leaves our lamps without oil. Without oil, we will find ourselves seeking replenishment, only to return as the Bridegroom's doors have been shut. Heavenly Father loves us and wants more for us; WE should want more for us. Peace is available. Hope is still alive. We know what must come to pass in order to usher in the Fulness of Times. We can make it. Following the Prophets makes this a reality for us...remember, we're taking an open-book test, so let's diligently turn to our resources!