Preparedness - Week 4

Week 4 preparedness

Store what you eat - eat what you store

date and rotate as you go!

store.lds.com

Successful food storage depends on several factors; 

*easy access - organized for quick meal preparation and inventory check

*well ventilated - never store on cement floor, use a crate under wheat buckets...

*cool (best at 40-60 F) - dark - dry - clean

*proper containers - heavy non-toxic plastics, mylar, metal or glass with tight fitting lids

*rotation - organized with dates to minimize flavor loss and spoilage 

*quality & variety - for nutrition and appetite 

Weekly Update - November 1st - November 6th

FAITH

"Principals of Temporal and Spiritual Welfare"

Ezra Taft Benson Lesson 21

Doctrine:

The Lord is anxious and willing to bless His people temporally and spiritually.

However, the Lord will not do for us what we can and should do for ourselves. But it is his purpose to take care of his Saints. Everything that concerns the economic, social, and spiritual welfare of the human family is and ever will be the concern of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The strength of the Church welfare program lies in every family following the inspired direction of the Church leaders to be self-sustaining through adequate preparation. God intends for his Saints to so prepare themselves “that the church [as the Lord has said] may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world.” (D&C 78:14.)

Invitation to Action:

Through energetic, purposeful, unselfish work, we obtain life’s necessities and grow in godly attributes.

Man is commanded by God to live by the sweat of his own brow, not someone else’s.

Ours is a gospel of work—purposeful, unselfish and rendered in the spirit of the true love of Christ. Only thus may we grow in godly attributes. Only thus may we become worthy instruments in the hands of the Lord for blessing others through that power which can lead to changing the lives of men and women for the better.

We should be humbly grateful for this challenge, this heritage, this opportunity for service and its abundant rewards. How fortunate are those who may follow the Lord’s plan to develop this power and use it for the blessing of others. That is what the Christ did. That is what we are privileged to do.

*When we produce and store food, we reap immediate benefits and prepare for future needs.

We encourage you to be more self-reliant so that, as the Lord has declared, “notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, … the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world” (D&C 78:14). The Lord wants us to be independent and self-reliant because these will be days of tribulation. He has warned and forewarned us of the eventuality. …

Food production is just one part of the repeated emphasis that you store a provision of food … wherever it is legally permissible to do so. The Church has not told you what foods should be stored. This decision is left up to individual members. …

*Peace and contentment come into our hearts when we save a portion of our earnings and avoid unnecessary debt.

I would respectfully urge you to live by the fundamental principles of work, thrift, and self-reliance and to teach your children by your example. … Live within your own earnings. Put a portion of those earnings regularly into savings. Avoid unnecessary debt. Be wise by not trying to expand too rapidly. Learn to manage well what you have before you think of expanding further.

More than ever before, we need to learn and apply the principles of economic self-reliance. We do not know when the crisis involving sickness or unemployment may affect our own circumstances. We do know that the Lord has decreed global calamities for the future and has warned and forewarned us to be prepared. For this reason the Brethren have repeatedly stressed a “back to basics” program for temporal and spiritual welfare.

Do not leave yourself or your family unprotected against financial storms. Forgo luxuries, for the time being at least, to build up savings. How wise it is to provide for the future education of your children and for your old age. …

Promised Blessings:

Brothers and sisters, peace and contentment come into our hearts when we live within our means. God grant us the wisdom and the faith to heed the inspired counsel of the priesthood to get out of debt, to live within our means, and to pay as we go—in short, to “pay thy debt, and live.”

To listen to or read the lesson click here:  

https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-ezra-taft-benson/chapter-21-principles-of-temporal-and-spiritual-welfare?lang=eng

Relief Society Announcements: 

Lesson Schedule

November 8th - Stake Conference
November 15th - Ezra Taft Benson Lesson 22
November 22nd - Teaching For Our Times - Stake Choice
November 29th - Bishop's Choice

Recipes on the blog:

Have you seen the new recipes on the recipe blog? Help me add to them by sharing your favorite fall recipes!

Please send them to:  drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083.

Visit the ward recipe blog:  www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com

Visit the Relief Society blog:  www.burton4thrs.blogspot.com

Preparedness - Week 3

Week 3 preparedness 

Family Home Evening - Home Storage

Objective: To engage the whole family in planning home storage

Song: "Faith" p. 96 Children's song book

Scripture: D&C 109:8 & Daniel 1:4-21

Lesson:" Message from the First Presidency

"Dear Brothers and Sisters, Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.  We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings."

Question 1: What more could we do in preparing our food storage? (possible answers; make a plan of what we use and what is needed, find ways to save money in order to make needed purchases, organize and rotate what we already have, learn how to use what we do have...)

Question 2: What ways can a years supply of food storage be beneficial? (possible answers; Provide peace of mind as we obey counsel, To help in cases or personal or natural disaster, To strengthen skills in using basic foods...)

Activity suggestions;

Activity 1: If you have stored basic food items (wheat, rice, dry beans, lentils, powdered milk, honey...) as a family, research recipes you all can agree on trying.  Then make a plan to prepare a meal together.

Activity 2:  Involve the family in organizing and/or rotating the food supply you already have.  Take inventory of what is needed to work toward three months or a year supply

Activity 3: Plan and graph a 30-day balanced meal plan together (breakfast, lunch & dinner), with ingredients and amount needed.  Times the ingredients by 3 or twelve for your storage goal.  

Discuss a strategy of how you will shop for and preserve the foods needed.

    

Weekly Update October 25th - October 31st

FAITH

"Therefore They Hushed Their Fears"

Conference Talk by Elder David A Bednar - April 2015

Doctrine:

Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. He declared, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23).

The peace Christ gives allows us to view mortality through the precious perspective of eternity and supplies a spiritual settledness (see Colossians 1:23) that helps us maintain a consistent focus on our heavenly destination. Thus, we can be blessed to hush our fears because His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives. His ordinances and covenants fortify and comfort in times both good and bad. And His priesthood authority gives assurance that the things that matter most can endure both in time and in eternity.

Invitation to Action:

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

The counsel Alma gave to his son Helaman applies precisely to each of us today: “Yea, see that ye look to God and live” (Alma 37:47). We should look to and have our focus firmly fixed upon the Savior at all times and in all places.

“Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

Promised Blessings:

Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And “perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16). I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears (see D&C 50:25) as we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment.

To listen to or read the lesson click here:  

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/05/saturday-afternoon-session/therefore-they-hushed-their-fears?lang=eng

Sister Spotlight:

Cassie Jensen

(by Shaunae Green)

Cassie was born in Driggs, Idaho - and lived in 5 different cities in California. She lived in LA most of her young adult life before moving to Rexburg where she met her husband.   She loves eating at Arby's and Wendy's.  Her favorite treat is Florence's chocolates, she use to make candies with Florence before the store came about - she even had 2 bags in her fridge to share!   Three traits that define Cassie are;  happy, always having fun and loving to everyone.

Other questions;

What was your favorite tradition as a child?  "Once a year when I was little,during the summer our whole extended family would get together at Driggs, Idaho. We would go fishing, play games, and eat lots of food!"

What is your personal philosophy? "Just have fun and be kind!"

What one thing sh couldn't live without, she replied; "The gospel and my husband"

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life and how have you done it?  "My youngest son Randall passing away at the age of 4.  I was able to overcome it through comfort from the Lord, and to know that I will see him again someday.  When I feel sad, I garden and it helps me feel better."

Where is your favorite place to be? "Right Here"

What activities have you loved to do?   "I loved to swim, play basketball, snow ski, volleyball, fish, and hunt for deer.  Now I just love to visit with people and have them come see me, and go out to eat at places."

What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?  "My husbands beautiful wood carvings"

How do you define a mothers success? "To know that you have taught them to love others, and to be a good person."

What is the best advice you have received?"Go to the temple"

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.  "I'm Crazy! My kids always call me crazy crazy Cassie!!" she said with a laugh, then more somber; "I am scared that I will be lonely"

Relief Society Announcements: 

Lesson Schedule

November 1st - Ezra Taft Benson Lesson 21
November 8th - Stake Conference

Relief Society Activity -  Fall Harvest Share

Thursday, November 5th  - 7:00 p.m.

Bring something for the Share Table, either something you have canned, dried, Etc...and if you desire something for the tasting table!

Recipes on the blog:

Have you seen the new recipes on the recipe blog? Help me add to them by sharing your favorite fall recipes!

Please send them to:  drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083.

Visit the ward recipe blog:  www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com

Visit the Relief Society blog:  www.burton4thrs.blogspot.com

Preparedness - Week 2

The Church published the pamphlet All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, outlining guides for home preparedness that give Church members a simplified, four-step approach to building their home storage.  The 1st step is; Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet until it is sufficient for three months.  The following may help with this first step and as you look at your longterm goal of a years supply of the same.  Watching grocery adds and sales are always helpful when trying to stretch a budget.

Preparedness week 2

Saving money through grocery sale cycles:

January

• Post Christmas:  Look for regular baking items packaged in Holiday packaging 
• Super Bowl: Cheese, Sandwich items, Condiments, Crackers, Snack foods...
• National Oatmeal Month: Most Quaker brand items will be on sale 
• Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins
• Seasonal Items: Canned soups & Chili, Household Cleaners

February

• National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit & Veggies, Pie Fillings, meats...
• American Heart Month: Aspirin, Cholesterol Meds, Low Cholesterol foods
• Chinese New Year: Soy & oriental sauces, Ramen, stir fry veggies, water chestnuts...
• National Hot Breakfast Month:  Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Waffles, Syrup, frozen potatoes
• Valentines:  Chocolate, Hershey’s, 
• Other: Dog Foods, Push on store brands

March

• Frozen Food Month: All frozen foods
• Seasonal Items: Household Cleaners; Gardening supplies 
• National Peanut Month: Peanut Butter, Peanuts
• St Patrick’s Day: Potatoes, Corned Beef
• Easter / Passover (sometimes not until April): Eggs, Ham, Horseradish, Spices, Sugar, Chocolate Chips, Coconut, Butter, Baking mixes, Marshmallows

April

• Easter / Passover " "
• Daylight Savings: Batteries, Smoke / Carbon Monoxide detectors, Light Bulbs
• Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver items, Eco-friendly items, Natural Cleaners
• Post Easter: food items
• Other: Olive Oil, Popsicles (they change inventory), Kelloggs Cereal, ConAgra Products

May

• Memorial Day (Most will be on sale again in late June / Early July):  Charcoal,  Grilling Meats, Salad Dressing, picnic and camping foods and items, and Juice Drinks
• Allergy Meds: Alavert, Zyrtec, Claritin etc (and generics)
• Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
• Cinco De Mayo: Salsa & sauces, tortillas, Taco seasonings...
• Other: General Mills Cereal

June  Full priced summer items early this month wait until next month

• National Dairy Month:  Eggs, cheese, Milk, Cream, butter, cream cheese, yogurt...        (all dairy products can be frozen)
• Father’s Day & July 4th (end of June): BBQ items & meat
• National Headache Month: Aspirin, Sinus meds, Other Painkillers

July

• More 4th of July BBQ Sales 

August

• Back to School (may continue into September through Labor Day): Lunch meat, Bread, Cold Cereal, Granola bars, fruit snacks and school supplies
• Clorox Cleanup:  Sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizers
• Seasonal Clearances:  Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal

September

• Diabetes Products: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
• Tomato Products: Canned tomatoes, sauce, paste, juice, spaghetti sauce, soup
• Other: Honey, Oral care, condensed soups

October

• Daylight Savings: Batteries, Smoke / Carbon Monoxide detectors, Light Bulbs
• Other: National seafood month

November

• Post Halloween: Candy and regular food items packaged in Holiday packaging clearance 
• Peanut Butter Month: Peanuts, Peanut Butter
• Holiday Baking Sales: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
• Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, soup, broth, Stovetop Stuffing, Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows

December

• Post Thanksgiving sale
• Christmas: Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Egg Nog, Deli items, Instant Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows, Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham, Turkey
• Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Chocolate Chips, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream

Prepare Ye Every Needful Thing - Family Home Storage

First Presidency Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.

We realize that some of you may not have financial resources or space for such storage. Some of you may be prohibited by law from storing large amounts of food. We encourage you to store as much as circumstances allow.

May the Lord bless you in your home storage efforts.

The Basics of Family Home Storage

Three-Month Supply

Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.

Drinking Water

Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted.

If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soda.

Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Financial Reserve

Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount (see Prepare Every Needful Thing: Family Finances guide).

Longer-Term Supply

For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply with food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.

These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (D&C 109:8).

Visit www.providentliving.org for more information about home storage.