Released

I got released from my calling that got me started on this blog. Gospel Doctrine teacher is the new one. I'm so excited for this, for having an outside motivation to dig deep into the scriptures and apply them to my life. I do intend to keep posting here, but since I've been oh-so-regular thus far, we'll just have to see. Wisdom and order is definitely still the ideal in all aspects of my life, and I hope to keep working on it and sharing it.

“I do not know of a better way to always remember him than to daily study the scriptures. That covenant is not an abstract notion. It can be honored in meaningful, personal prayer every morning and night and in diligent study of the scriptures. When I served as a stake president and interviewed literally hundreds of members of the Church, I frequently would ask, ‘Do you remember and keep the covenants you have made?’ I do not recall many people answering no. When I would inquire further and ask about their scripture study, some would say, “I do not have time.” Then I would ask about their personal prayers, and the answer often was, “I am not as consistent as I should be.” On some occasions I would then inquire, ‘Do you, in fact, keep the covenant to always remember Him?’” (Elder David A. Bednar, “Understanding the Importance of Scripture Study”).

“The only way you can be sure that a busy schedule doesn’t crowd out scripture study is to establish a regular time to study the scriptures” (President Henry B. Eyring Ensign, July 2005, 24).

“Let there be study of the scriptures at least thirty minutes of each day” (Teachings Of Presidents Of The Church: Harold B. Lee, p.59).

“I have heard many well-intentioned Church leaders and teachers instruct congregations to find time for daily scripture study, ‘even if it’s only one or two verses per day.’ Though I understand the point they are trying to teach and applaud the sincerity of that conviction, may I gently suggest that if we are too busy to spend at least a few minutes every day in the scriptures, then we are probably too busy and should find a way to eliminate or modify whatever activities are making that simple task impossible (Elder M. Russell Ballard, When Thou Art Converted, 68)."

From Dani: Long-Term Storage--Grains & Rice

This week's challenge is focusing on Home Storage again- especially grains and rice.

It is easy to incorporate more whole grains in your diet by adding some whole wheat flour in place of white flour in your favorite recipes- muffins, cookies, bread, etc.

Rice is another staple that is easy to make and a family friendly food. Use different types of rice to add variety to your cooking.
Arborio rice is a yummy addition- make a risotto
brown rice
wild rice

Spinach Risotto
1 - 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach
4 c. fat-free chicken broth
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 T. butter
1 c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 c. Arborio rice
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Cook spinach, drain and squeeze out as much water as possible. Heat the broth. In large, heavy pot, heat the oil
and butter; cook onions and garlic until golden. Add rice and cook stirring constantly until grains are shiny with
oil. Add broth by cupfuls until absorbed after each addition, stirring constantly (this will take 20 minutes). Stir
in the cheese, seasonings and spinach.

other grains to remember-
popcorn- that's right! You can grind it to make your own cornmeal for cornbread and keep all the nutrients!

No Crumb Cornbread
1/4 c canola oil
4 eggs
4 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup plain, nonfat yogurt
2 c corn meal
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 c sugar
3 c flour
3 c milk

Powdered milk and eggs work great in this recipe and homemade yogurt. Mix oil and sugar, add eggs, and cornmeal. In another bowl, mix remaining dry ingredients including 3/4 c powdered milk (unless using normal milk than omit). Alternate dry mix and 3 cups liquid ( water if using powdered milk, milk if not). Mix well. grease 9 x 13 pan and pour in mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Have any great grain recipes? We would love to hear them! Lets all work together, combine our knowledge and experience to prepare!

"If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness." -Elder Joseph B Wirthlin- Oct 08 ensign

Water Storage FAQs & Family Prayer

Hot, dry weather will soon be here, and water will be essential for small emergencies ("I’m thirsty and we’re in the car!") and big emergencies (water supply is shut off or polluted) we may face in the coming months. Do you have enough water?

HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I STORE?

• 1 gallon of water per day for each member of your family. 1/2 gallon for drinking, 1/2 gallon for cooking and washing dishes. Two weeks of water is a reasonable, feasible amount to store. For my family of five, that means about 100 gallons of water.
• My family went camping over Spring Break and we used about 4 gallons of water each day for our family of 5, and that included washing dishes, cooking, and drinking. If you plan on cleaning your body, you might need a little more . . .!

HOW SHOULD I STORE IT?

• Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. For the budget-conscious (and who’s not?!?), re-use plastic (PETE) juice or soft drink bottles. For the lazy, you can buy commercially packaged water in many sizes. Check the expiration date and have a plan to use it in the car or otherwise. I like to keep a few cases of bottled water in my garage to grab-and-go and avoid those midsummer trips to Wendy’s for a drink that invariably leads me to buy something else my thighs don’t need!
• Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time. Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.
• Heavier plastic buckets or drums work well too, but if you get giant ones, make sure you can get the water out and transport it if needed.
• Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home. And be careful to store it where it won’t leach the taste or odor from something icky like a gas container or pesticides. A cool and dark place is best, but ours go in the garage on a piece of plywood because that’s the best we can do.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ROTATE IT?

• If you have commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers, follow the container’s “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline.
• If you fill your own bottles, empty your water containers (onto your grass!) and refill them every six months.

WHERE CAN I GET CONTAINERS?

You can pick them up locally for cheap at this place in Round Rock:
www.survivaloutpost.com
15 gal: $10 (this is my favorite size because I can actually pick it up by myself)
30 gal: $20
55 gal: $30
(some of these once held soda syrup, but if you can handle that, it an awesome deal)


DO I NEED TO TREAT THE WATER I STORE?

• If it comes from the chlorinated municipal water supply (your tap unless you have a well), then no.
• You should clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) water. Don’t use bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives.
• Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Again, stick to simply bleach without additives.
• The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before use.

FOR MORE INFO

www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/water
www.redcross.org/services/prepare


FAMILY PRAYER

As always, we should focus just as much or more on spiritual preparedness as physical preparedness in our families. How are you doing with family prayer? Our stake president has challenged us to pray morning and evening with our families and as couples. It can be difficult to get everyone together on both ends of the day, but let’s all do our best to try a little harder to do a little better on this one.

Last week we were visiting some relatives of relatives and there were a lot of people in the house late at night, not all members. I was impressed that the father and mother of the home walked into the living room where we were all talking and simply knelt down and invited us all to pray with them. It felt so natural and right, but I don’t know if we would have done the same in our house in a similar situation. I hope we will in the future.

From lds.org:

“The Savior has exhorted us to pray with our families. He said, ‘Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed’ (3 Nephi 18:21). Through regular family prayer, our family members will draw nearer to God and to each other. Our children will learn to communicate with their Father in Heaven. We will all be better prepared to serve others and withstand temptations. Our homes will be places of spiritual strength, a refuge from the evil influences of the world.”

Those are blessings we could stand to receive in our home! Have a great week!

From Dani: Reducing Your Grocery Bill

This week's goals are:
1-To reduce your grocery bill


Tips to save at the grocery store
Make a list: Making a list and avoiding impulse purchases adds up to hundreds of dollars in savings annually

Try couponing: Stick to the items you purchase regularly.

Check your receipt: Make sure you weren’t overcharged.

Write prices down: Keep track of the best prices for your weekly staples so you know which stores have the best deals. Look at the weekly supermarket advertisements to see if the items you purchase frequently are on sale. Shoppers who watch prices and stock up during sales report saving 20% or more.

Avoid snack food: Make your own bulk snack mix when items such as raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and dried fruit are on sale.

Stretch protein: Protein often is the most expensive part of a main portion. You can stretch your protein in casseroles, stews and sauces. Or try bulking up casseroles with extra protein by adding beans or lentils. (can order from the cannery this week still! deadline moved to March 15th)

Order in Bulk: hamburger (91% lean) can be purchased at Sam's in 80-lb boxes (8- 10lb rolls) for much less than normal (ex: $2.00 lb prices change sometimes less) - you can split with others and freeze.

Pack your lunch: Avoid pre-prepared meals- you can make your own for those rushed days. I like to freeze left overs rather than eating them later that week. Freeze and reheat for a quick, convenient meal without the cost of prepackaged food or eating out.

2- Put 1/6th of your 72 hour kit $ goal into your kits- you should now have half your goal- Way to go!!

"Plan and work in a way that will permit you to be happy even as you do without certain things that in times of affluence may have been available to you. Live within your means and not beyond them. … Purchase your essentials wisely and carefully. Strive to save a portion of that which you earn. Do not mistake many wants for basic needs.

Let us as individuals, as families, and as wards and stakes learn to live within our means. There is strength and salvation in this principle. Someone has said that we are rich in proportion to that with which we can do without. As families and as a Church, we can and should provide that which is truly essential for our people, but we must be careful not to extend beyond that which is essential or for purposes which are not directly related to our families’ welfare and the basic mission of the Church."

Chapter 11: Provident Living: Applying Principles of Self-Reliance and Preparedness,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006),114–23

Buy 1 Week of Food

MARCH GOAL: GET ONE WEEK OF FOOD
So set a goal for yourself this month to get one full week of food storage for your family. We are going to work on this every month until June, and then we’ll have it done!

ALREADY GOT IT?
You might have a lot of long-term storage, but there may be short-term items you could add to your food storage to to make meals for your family that would make everyone happy. For my family, that means that I need to have some extra fruit snacks, cheese, and macaroni and cheese in our pantry. A few bags of chips and cookies can’t hurt either! Be sure to consider what you would do if you couldn’t go to the store every week for perishable items like milk, eggs, cheese, meats, bread, etc. You may have a lot of things in your freezer and refrigerator, but in some emergencies you may not have power. You need to have shelf-stable items to help you survive in these circumstances.

Also, if you feel like you’ve already got a handle on your short-term food storage, why not spend a little time or effort sharing what you know and what you have. Talk to your friends and family about how they are doing with their food storage. Make an anonymous donation of shelf-stable foods to a family you know is in need. Offer to teach someone how to make something from scratch. We are all in this together, and if we can help each other meet the goal, we will become a truly Zion people.

FOOD STORAGE IN A BOX
I have found it helpful to put one week of food in a plastic storage box. I like this idea for a few reasons:

1. I have a visual indication of how much food we need for one week, and I know it’s done!
2. It’s portable and convenient—I can take it with me in the car in an emergency, or pull it out on a particularly busy week. I have a menu plan, shopping list, and recipes inside the box, so it’s easy to re-do it when I use it.
3. It keeps treats that I have stocked up on out of sight and out of mind (for the kids AND me!).

From Dani On Budgeting

Here's some words of wisdom from my friend Dani on budgeting:

Sitting down to review where you spent your money is not something we think of as fun....but it can be a very useful tool. When you regularly sit down and see where all your income is going, you:

1. are able to see where adjustments need to be made
2. are more likely to think before spending
3. have more money (true)- it is amazing how much can slip through our fingers in small unplanned purchases
4. have a sense of control over your money rather than it controlling you
   

So sit and either make or modify a budget for your family. Try having a little "mad money" in the budget that we can spend on anything we want. It will make the budgeted life not feel too restraining.

Put 1/6 of your cash for your 72 hour kit goal in your kits this month. (We should now be 1/3 of the way to our goal! Way to go!)

From One for the Money By Elder Marvin J. Ashton:

"Teach children to make money decisions in keeping with their capacities to comprehend. 'Save your money' is a hollow pronouncement from a parent to a child. 'Save your money for a mission, a bicycle, a doll house, a trousseau, or a car' makes understandable sense.

"Family unity comes from saving together for a common, jointly approved purpose. In our home we found it unifying to have a child save for a major project and then, when the amount was achieved, we matched it with a predetermined percentage, similar to what the Church does with the wards and stakes in building and real estate matters.

"God help us to realize that money management is an important ingredient in proper personal welfare. Learning to live within our means should be a continuing process. We need to work constantly toward keeping ourselves free of financial difficulties. It is a happy day financially when time and interest are working for you and not against you."

Make a 1-Week Menu Plan

Last month we tracked for one week what we ate and spent on food. If you did it, were you surprised by the end result? Did you spend and eat more or less than you expected?

If you missed last month’s goal, just pick up where you are. Track what your family eats and what food you buy with the attached menu plan for a few days. Doing this will help you know better how much food and what type of food you will need for your one-month supply.

This month we want you to take the attached menu plan and make a 1-week menu plan of foods your family likes that will keep well for a while. It’s up to you to decide if that means shelf-stable, freezer-safe, or lasts-a-long-time-in-the-fridge. To save money, take a long look at your pantry. Think about what you could make into meals with what you already have. I like to take an ingredient or two and type it into an online recipe site like allrecipes.com or myrecipes.com and see what what recipes come up.

As we are working on our 1-3 month food storage, we’ve realized we need to get creative on some major food items because we can’t necessarily store a month’s supply—things like milk, bread, cheese, yogurt, and fresh produce. Everyone will have their own solutions and dilemmas as they work on this, but here’s some ideas we’ve discovered that might help:

MILK. Keep a pitcher full of dry milk all mixed up and ready to go in the fridge to use for anything where the taste of the milk doesn’t matter—in baked goods, pancakes, sauces, pudding, etc. You could also keep a gallon or two of milk in your freezer if you have space (it takes several days to defrost, but it tastes fine).

CHEESE. There are shelf-stable cheeses out there (Velveeta, Laughing Cow, etc.) and I learned recently how to can cheddar and mozzarella cheese in jars (let me know if you’re interested, and I can help you do it—it’s really easy!). Some cheeses will keep well in the fridge for a long time, or can be grated and frozen for even longer.

BREAD. Keeping enough bread in your freezer for 1-3 months could take up a lot of space. Why not make your own? Store-bought bread pales in comparison to the homemade stuff! Another added bonus: it doesn’t seem so much like a cop-out to open a can of soup, add fresh-baked bread, and call it dinner. We sometimes have fresh bread and hunks of cheese for dinner with a simple green salad. This can be a huge money-saver if your family buys into it! Think baking bread is something you will never do? Try it. You might be surprised it will taste, even if it doesn't turn out looking pretty!

YOGURT. Did you know you can make yogurt from dry milk? We have a little machine that does it, but basically you just take some milk, add a little yogurt with live cultures, keep it warm for about 6 hours, and you’ve got yogurt. From the yogurt you can make yogurt cheese and all sorts of great baked goods, dips and sauces.

FRESH PRODUCE. Some vegetables and fruits stay fresh a lot longer than others. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, garlic and onions can keep for months. Winter squashes, apples and oranges will also last long in a cool place. Or why not try growing your own produce? This is a perfect time to prepare the soil for your spring garden and start planning it out. You can get details about the right time to plant things on your local county extension service website. Our our county's website we can get recommendations for plant varieties and fall planting times.

Once you get a one-week menu plan that you’re happy with, make a shopping list and go shopping. Congratulations! You will then be 25% finished with the goal of 1-month food storage by June 30th.