Get your FOOD STORAGE on

Lately I've been feeling a bit of urgency in this matter, and a special awareness of it's importance. I know it's hard financially to get everything into place, but you can definately build up your supply slowly but surely. If you can, try to pick up an extra can of beans here, an extra bag of rice there.. etc.

Last week when I was driving home from getting some soup for food storage, I was feeling good as I always do when I have hit a good deal. I felt more at ease with our food supply, and was comforted. Then all the sudden I had a huge revelation pop into my mind:

Make a 72 hour kit for your baby. It hit me like a ton of bricks. At first I wanted to slap myself for not having thought of that yet (we already had them for me and my husband), but it came so sure so specifically that as soon as I got inside, I was focused on getting it done. Thankfully we had an old backpack and some random free samples of formula and whatnots, but I also thought about all the other things he'd need: diapers, wipes, CLOTHES, blanket, binky (comfort item), etc. I'm a fan of the Target clearance racks, so I ventured out and found some sweatpants for $1.79 and a sweatshirt for $2. I can't explain the peace I felt when it was all packed and ready to go. After all, caring for my child would be the most important thing to me in an emergency situation. So, I thought I'd get the discussion up and running for the rest of you.. let's get some ideas out there to help eachother, whether it be good deals or storage advice. Who knows? Maybe there's a bunch of us out there who have never thought of an idea that you think is common sense. Comment away! We can all help eachother here.

Some advice from me and my family (my mom is the food storage guru!):

• Have water (bottles or a couple gallons) and a bag or backpack of emergency food in the car for when you're on the go. Also a blanket or two for the trunk.
• Have a warm and a cool outfit for each child packed away in their 72 hour kits.
• If you have no room for storage, get creative. When my sister was in a small apartment, she made coffee/sidetables with stacks of boxes and storage cylinders. Drape some fabric over it, top it with a piece of round glass, and WALLA! I NEVER knew about this til she lifted up the fabric and showed me. It looked SO nice and was completely functional for a small living space. Genius. Also, take advantage of the room under your beds. Water bottles, cans, bags of oats, wheat, rice.. whatever you can muster to squeeze in without hurting the dust bunnies.
• Only stock what you will eat. I've thrown away so many canned goods because they've expired. I never would've eaten them UNLESS there was an absolute emergency - they were gaggy - so make sure you have things that you can cycle through in your cooking. That way nothing goes to waste, and you won't make a bad situation worse by having to choke down those lima beans.
• Protein. Peanut butter, tuna, chili, etc. Don't underestimate it's importance.
• Don't get it all at once. Watch for good sales. You can end up getting twice the amount of storage for the same amount of money if you're smart about it.

And lastly, a couple good resources for all things storage:

http://myfoodstoragedeals.blogspot.com/ -->amounts to store, how to, what to, deals, etc.

http://weeklyshoppingguide.blogspot.com/ --> save the time of searching all the ads and check out what she's found! Updated almost daily.

http://grocerysmarts.com/utah/lists/splashg84csg.php -->COUPONS!



Remember: "The Lord has said, 'If ye are prepared ye shall not fear' (D&C 38:30)."

Please leave additional tips for the rest of us!

Death and Resurrection

"I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption (Alma 11:45). "
"And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.
But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.
He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death (Mosiah 16: 7-9). "

As a child I was SO scared of death. And I'd be lying if I said it didn't still shake me. I think for the most part the reason death scares me is the thought of the mourning and pain I'd have to go through here on earth. But as my understanding of the Atonement grows, I realize that the sealing power gives us hope to be with our loved ones for ETERNITY. And as hard as our grief may be now, our time here on earth is "but a moment". And if we can endure this and live as Christ did, keeping our covenants as we go, we will be with our families forever. Eternity. I can't think of a better gift than that. Definately worth the work to get there, don't you think?

My favorite scripture:

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21: 4)."


Tomorrow's lesson is Chapter 26: Elijah and the Restoration of the Sealing Keys.
Click HERE to read. It is always great to have some time to ponder about the lesson so that we can receive it well, as well as bring our own thoughts to the room. I know our teachers appreciate it when we do!

Love you all.

Thought from Cameo

"We are women now, not children, and we are expected to pray with maturity. The words most often used to describe urgent, prayerful labor are wrestle, plead, cry, and hunger. In some sense, prayer may be the hardest work we will ever engage in, and perhaps it should be."

-Patricia T. Holland

I know I need to hear this because my prayers can get pretty careless sometimes and I know when I have kids I will really want my prayers to matter.

(Thank you so much Cameo!!)

Fear not, little flock..

"These are difficult times. The economy is struggling. There is conflict in the world. But the Almighty is keeping His promise that He will bless those who walk in faith and righteousness before Him.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the way of peace. To the extent we follow it and incorporate it in our lives, to this extent will we be blessed and prospered. What a wonderful thing it is to be involved in this glorious work. Let us rejoice in our great opportunity. Let us serve with gladness."

May heaven’s richest blessings rest upon you, my beloved associates. May faith grow in your hearts. May there be love and peace in your homes. May there be food upon your tables and clothing on your backs. May the smiles of heaven warm your hearts and bring comfort in times of trial.
-Gordon B. Hinckley (“The Condition of the Church,” Ensign, May 2003)

________________________________________

The Lord has said to us:

"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. . . . Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not" (D&C 6:34, 36).

-President Gordon B. Hinckley (CR October, 2003)

Home is a Haven

Our Homes Should Be Sanctuaries Filled with Love and Kindness

“May we . . . demonstrate kindness and love within our own families. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God’s Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells.”

-Thomas S. Monson (“Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008, 90)

It's A Work in Progress

.. for ALL of us:

http://lds.about.com/od/1/tp/marriagearticle.htm

"A false notion about marriage is a too-common belief in the fairy tale phrase, 'They married and lived happily ever after.' To achieve marital happiness, it is necessary that couples work together to overcome difficulties and temptations, and they must show a willingness to meet the other challenges that will always be a part of their married life together"

-Dale F. Pearson ("Love Conquers All'... And Other Fanciful Notions," Ensign, Jun 1973, 14).

First comes first...

“Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith–and then the miracle. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith.”

Thomas S. Monson ( “The Call to Serve,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 48–49.)

You don't need money...

... to have a blast. Get creative!!

Go here for some ideas for fun with the family.

The Promise

"It takes great faith and courage to pray to our Heavenly Father, “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.” The faith to believe in the Lord and endure brings great strength. Some may say if we have enough faith, we can sometimes change the circumstances that are causing our trials and tribulations. Is our faith to change circumstances, or is it to endure them? Faithful prayers may be offered to change or moderate events in our life, but we must always remember that when concluding each prayer, there is an understanding: “Thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42). Faith in the Lord includes trust in the Lord. The faith to endure well is faith based upon accepting the Lord’s will and the lessons learned in the events that transpire.

As we put our faith in the Lord and keep our focus on the eternities, we will be blessed to be able to accept whatever trial we are given, for life on earth, as we know it, is only temporary, and, if we endure it well, the Lord has promised us: “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7)."

- Elder Robert D. Hales
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Found here.

Stand and Lift

Who could use a good lift right now? I mean I could, cause getting out of this monstrous Love Sac is borderline impossible after a good meal... but what about an emotional lift? Spiritual maybe? The skies are gray for what- 98% of the day?- and the post holiday funk seems to be settling in the fog around our beloved (not to mention beautiful) snow-packed condos. Some are sick, some are stressing, and some are just waiting for that spring day full of sunshine that right now seems a little too far away.

So, naturally, we're starting a little bloggidy-blog. We're hoping to keep this a place of warm thoughts, heart-felt encouragement, and a gathering place for friends. We could all use a little cheer. Let's make the clouds open if not for just a minute to let the sun shine on our neighborhood and make our homes all a little warmer.

I was walking around my house today and couldn't get the phrase "Stand and Lift" out of my head. I was saying it over and over and over again until I realized I was singing it to the tune of the the Little People toy my son was playing with. It wasn't until I caught myself belting it out in such sweet (yet cursed- you know how those toys with sound get) melody that I stopped to ask myself why it the phrase was running through my mind.

When my husband got back from the last Priesthood Session of Conference back in October, I asked how it went. I usually got a "good" and a quick sum-up of the themes of the talks and that was about all I got until the next Ensign came out. But this time I listened for minutes as he went on and on and on about President Uchtdorf and his talk. He told me the stories and relayed the message so well- I couldn't wait to read it myself. To this day he uses examples from that talk, and it has stayed with me. So if you don't mind I'm going to share a couple of my favorite things he said:

"When we seek to serve others, we are motivated not by selfishness but by charity. This is the way Jesus Christ lived His life and the way a holder of the priesthood must live his. The Savior did not care for the honors of men; Satan offered Him all the kingdoms and glory of the world, and Jesus rejected the offer immediately and completely. Throughout His life, the Savior must have often felt tired and pressed upon, with scarcely a moment to Himself; yet He always made time for the sick, the sorrowful, and the overlooked."

I find it SO easy to pity myself when there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. That is pathetic of me, because I'm sure I spend a lot more time in my pajamas than anyone else around here, yet I always seem to find an excuse or a way to justify why I don't have the time to Visit Teach or to go check in on so-and-so. When the truth is- every time I do go I leave thinking "I wish I didn't have to wait a month to come back." I always feel good once I've gone, and I always stop and question myself about why I don't do it more often. There isn't much out there that is more satisfying than a good relationship with a good friend. Nope, not even those rice krispies staring me down over there. And that is saying something!

President Uchtdorf also tells an example of a man named John Rowe Moyle...

"This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Rowe Moyle. John was a convert to the Church who left his home in England and traveled to the Salt Lake Valley as part of a handcart company. He built a home for his family in a small town a valley away from Salt Lake City. John was an accomplished stonecutter and, because of this skill, was asked to work on the Salt Lake Temple.
Every Monday John left home at two o’clock in the morning and walked six hours in order to be at his post on time. On Friday he would leave his work at five o’clock in the evening and walk almost until midnight before arriving home. He did this year after year.
One day, while he was doing his chores at home, a cow kicked him in the leg, causing a compound fracture. With limited medical resources, the only option was to amputate the broken leg. So John’s family and friends strapped him onto a door and, with a bucksaw, cut off his leg a few inches from the knee.
In spite of the crude surgery, the leg started to heal. Once John could sit up in bed, he began carving a wooden leg with an ingenious joint that served as an ankle to an artificial foot. Walking on this device was extremely painful, but John did not give up, building up his endurance until he could make the 22-mile (35-km) journey to the Salt Lake Temple each week, where he continued his work.
His hands carved the words “Holiness to the Lord” that stand today as a golden marker to all who visit the Salt Lake Temple.
John did not do this for the praise of man. Neither did he shirk his duty, even though he had every reason to do so. He knew what the Lord expected him to do.
Years later, John’s grandson Henry D. Moyle was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and, eventually, served in the First Presidency of the Church. President Moyle’s service in these callings was honorable, but his grandfather John’s service, though somewhat less public, is just as pleasing to the Lord. John’s character, his legacy of sacrifice, serves as a banner of faithfulness and an ensign of duty to his family and to the Church. John Rowe Moyle understood the meaning of “lift where you stand.”'

We can not only make another's day brighter by service or even a quick smile and wave in the parking lot, but our own by feeling the Savior work through us. As we realize how much our Father and the Savior love others, we also realize how much they love us.

I think we could all use a good lift. And I think we can do it together...

Let's start with trying to get me out of this dang bean bag.