Before learning all these truths I had seriously prepared several years worth of clothing and shoes for my children. I had them all organized and labelled by size in bins. After the Spirit told me to give it all away I was then told to replace it with fabric so their bigger sizes could truly be the work of my own hands (see D&C 42:40-42).
The Spirit told me to get a floor-loom, a spinning wheel, a treadle-sewing machine, and a quilt frame. I then researched cotton seeds and flax seeds and purchased those to learn how to grow cotton and linen. We had replaced many things with wool and I was quite overwhelmed with the prospect of us really growing, harvesting, spinning, weaving, and sewing everything that I prayed with real concern over how we could possibly raise sheep as well. The answer came immediately, "I have prepared someone else to raise the sheep, you just be obedient to what I have asked you to prepare." This experience helped me realize more what a Zion-society would be. It will be a place where we all share of our talents and gifts to build up Zion and freely help one another. The equipment and seeds I was asked to gather may not even be for me to use. It may be that we pool all of our resources together and each accept a trade to learn and willingly share the goods we have produced.
Down the street from us lives a man who has spent much of his life caring for his orchard and garden. He studied the trees and plants to know which ones would produce fruit in the Spring, which would produce early in the summer, then mid-summer, and late-summer, and early fall. His harvest is continual and not too overwhelming because of the timing. What a blessing his experience is and will be to many of us who have just depended on the grocery store for our produce. Over the years as many of us have been caught up in spending our time and energy on all the entertainment and activities that the world offers, this man has been learning how to be a righteous steward over the earth he was given.
A couple of years ago I had a dream or vision where I felt like I needed to learn all I could about the art of sewing so I would be able to teach others to sew for their families and for their livelihood.( I even found a group called the CTA’s or Certified Textiles of America who go around and will train individuals in the art of sewing. ) I pictured having treadle sewing machines and all of us working together. I just imagined maybe we were all up in the mountains of Machu Pichu or something, however maybe I was actually among the saints in Zion?
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