Recession Ponderings - Safe Harbour

I woke up long before the alarm was to ring this morning. After realizing I wasn't going back to sleep, I took advantage of the early morning hours to start the coffee and turn on the TV for one of my favorite ways to relax. Two Christian networks play videos by worship.net* and CreationScapes.tv in the wee hours of the morning.

I sat in the Lazy Boy, sipped coffee, and found body... mind... and spirit relaxing in the hour before I had to wake Christopher up for his commute to his 8:00 class.

Watching the beautiful scenery and listening to praise music reminded me of other times I have found comfort in these videos and I thought about the concept of having a Safe Harbour to run to when going through the storms of life.

Just as storms come and go in nature, so we find ourselves in real life storms... some so mild we hardly notice the dark clouds... others leave us feeling as if we were in the midst of the whirlwind, hanging on for dear life. I've found the necessity of providing a Safe Harbour at times, those places I can go to find peace for my soul in the midst of hurricane force winds.

Of course, the storm continues to rage and the circumstances have yet to change. But a Safe Harbour provides peace in the midst of the storm... at times enough to help regain needed strength and encourage us with faith to continue.

What are some of my Safe Harbours... past and now?

• Reading the Psalms
• Talking to God in the morning
• Talking to God when I can't sleep
• Watching the antics of furry friends
• Getting lost in a book
• Baking in a warm and cozy kitchen
• Inspirational music
• Beautiful artwork
• Watching a re-run of an old TV show
• British flicks on DVD
• Gardens in Spring
• Forests in Autumn
• Sunrises and sunsets
• Hiking trails when Christopher was little
• Walking the shores of Lake Michigan
• Picnics at the park when both kids were home
• Breakfast at the Cracker Barrel
• Getting away alone for coffee
• Tea time at home
• Memories of fun family times

Well, I'm sure you "get the picture". While nothing can sooth my soul like getting into the Word... there are Safe Harbours where I run when the storms are raging.

Yours may be different than mine. While working with flour, sugar, and butter can help me temporarily forget my burdens... it can be a burden to another. My husband finds rest for his soul watching Chicago Sports... go figure.

When you are budgeting for tomorrow... make room for that which will be a place of Safe Harbour in the storm.

*For some reason, www.worship.net was unavailable online. I hope this is only temporary as you can watch their beautiful programs at their website.

Picture: Dragon Tulips poster; allposters.com

Two "deepening the pantry" links

Did you think we were lost in our garage, overtaken by boxes and "stuff"? It is well on the way to being back to normal and organized. Hubby worked on one part of the garage and I organized the pantry area. There continues to be a couple hours worth of work but it is so cold right now, I'm waiting for a January thaw.

I have always found when the house is getting cluttered, there is a bottleneck somewhere. In this case, it was a combination of a variety of bottlenecks... all but one originated in the garage. (The other is an ongoing challenge... stacks of books.)

Thank you to all who have commented about the new header. This picture was taken last May when the deck was um... "all decked out" (pun intended)... for Christopher's graduation party. I was prepared to spend some time in devotions, reading, sipping tea, and nibbling on the cinnamon toast (served on a pretty vintage plate) and realized it was a "Kodak Moment".

I am so sorry that I have e-mails backed up since Christmas and a couple snail mail thank you notes waiting to be written. I appreciated everything so much but fatigue had overwhelmed me so that sitting at the computer and doing something simple like writing a note was difficult. I am hearing that even people with no chronic illness are having the same challenges in overcoming these symptoms. Strength is returning... just slowly.

As you know, I have many links on the side bar (scroll down a wee bit) about preparing for difficult times and deepening the pantry. All of them on the sidebar are excellent but two of these bloggers have begun new instruction in deepening the pantry (and preparing for difficult times).

Granny Miller is blogging again (yeah!!!). If you have time, leave a comment about how happy you are she decided to continue blogging. There is a wealth of information from this site, especially for those desiring to learn more "back to basics" skills.

Casaubon's Book is a new blog/site for me. A new series has started about deepening the pantry, whether you have been doing this for years or you are just starting.

There is always something new to learn! Thank you again for (hopefully) being understanding about my tacky lack of e-mail and snail mail writing.

More recession ponderings

Click to enlarge picture

Here are a couple of pictures of my yellow "pantry" in the kitchen. I went through and took stock of what I needed (which was very little, thankfully), checked the expiration date on items like baking powder, filled the jars of salt and baking soda full to get ready for the baking season coming up, filled antique ball jars and jelly jars with the items I bought in bulk at the Amish grocery store on vacation... and generally tidied up everything.

I'll continue to purchase a little at a time as it is much easier on my budget. I make some candy at Christmas and I much prefer to use one of the nicer brands of chocolate chips (for candy) which are a lot more expensive than my usual Hershey's brand. So... I can buy one bag of the good stuff (usually at Target) once in awhile between now and December which will be a base for truffles and such. Same for chopped nuts, vanilla, and other often used ingredients ... one bottle or package here and there is quite do-able.

Another reason I like to store materials for baked goods in my pantry, as well as coffee and tea? When times are tough and pockets are empty (and I saw that happen in the late 70s and early 80s to a lot of people), hospitality is appreciated... especially when a baked good and a hot (or cold) drink is offered. We may not entertain angels but weary fellow sojourners through life will think we have a halo or two. :)

This is the time of year to check the sales inserts in the newspaper for the stores that sell their cans of vegetables on clearance to make room for the new season's harvest. I've been able to purchase green beans and corn (and sometimes other canned vegetables) for a quarter a can now for many years. I haven't seen any this year... yet... but I'm looking. We have two stores in the area that usually advertise their store brands for a quarter a can about now. For about $20.00, I buy for the entire year... mostly green beans but also a flat of corn for veggie soup.

What other items are on my "buy now before prices goes up... will be there when I need them"... list?

Well, I've been reading that cotton is going up in price a lot so it certainly wouldn't hurt to purchase a package of underwear and socks from time to time (the next size up for kids, of course).

There was one time when Christopher was nine or ten years old that I knew we were heading for some difficult times so I bought his favorite coat in the next larger size, as well as his favorite pair of sturdy shoes. I remember when I made the purchase that I thought it would be a long time before he would need them but... as usual... time went very fast and how happy I was that I didn't have to make that expenditure when the time came (he wore the same style and color of Lands End coat for about five or six years but he loved it, almost as a security blanket!).

As with so many of you, I shopped garage sales when the kids were little to put back sizes for the next year or two. It was easier to find the clothing for little girls, though. Boys seem to wear their clothes out before they get to the next size. :)

Basically, think of those items you know you will need... that you have money to purchase now... and space. Charlie's Soap is one of those items for me. I forgot to order it when I had the income from the bookstore so I had to purchase inexpensive store bought laundry soap and use up most of my big bottle of fabric softener that I usually keep back for just jeans and sweaters. (You don't need fabric softener with Charlie's Soap). That will be a purchase I'll make soon!

Books and Project Supplies...

Something else I've been known to "put back" before was material for a particular project. I found purchasing everything I needed for a quilt project or a needlework project to be much less expensive than buying the items separately when I saw something that caught my eye (and when it comes to fabric... that is not hard to do). I have a bad case of fabric love, which I gave into only when we visited the two different Amish communities this past summer (both times with a financial gift from someone who loves me).

If one purchases supplies when they have the funds, it is so good to have them available when circumstances are helped by busy hands... whether they be sewing, needlework, scrapbooking, building a piece of furniture, making cookies, drawing pictures for Grammie (hint, hint), puzzles, etc... either put back in a place easily located or "a little extra" in the supplies we use on a daily basis.

Experience has shown me having projects put back to work on is a lot like having unread and interesting books on a shelf already. How wonderful it is to be able to read or get involved in a creative project without having to spend money when it is tight. It frees one to really enjoy the work... or the book... without guilt.

Of course, as far as books are concerned there is always the library... and we did use it a lot... but personally I look at books on my shelf as friends to revisit or to take my time and get to know on my own clock (and it seems I always have to rush through library books). Since books are available at library sales, thrift stores, etc. at minimal cost... I do like to own mine when possible.

That same year I saw the financial storm coming and bought the extra coat and shoes, I also purchased the next year's homeschooling materials ahead of time. It was like having money in the bank... knowing we had the necessary size of clothing and the ability to "do school" another year without purchasing anything the following year (when we were unemployed).


But all of that would involve spending money, even it minimal cost. What can I do that doesn't cost me a thing?

Hmmm... how about learning a new skill... or gaining experience and mastering one you've already started? I've decided to try my hand at some new bread recipes this autumn. By keeping the ingredients on hand, they would make delightful surprises for family and friends.

When we had no income for two different years, it made such a huge difference in morale when I would make a loaf of homemade bread or a batch of cookies, served with coffee and milk. Such items were beyond our budget purchased at the store but they were of high quality and tasty when made at home for a fraction of the cost.

I also plan to learn to knit. I have various needles (purchased at a thrift store) so I'll just need some yarn and a teacher...

I need to spark my brain power a little... okay, a lot. I printed off a Bible lesson recently, written by a woman who has a slightly different take theologically on the timing of the Lord's return... it tweaked my interest when I heard her on TV. It was free and it wasn't so different from my own that I didn't think it could be Biblical. That should get some brain cells recharged... :)

Remember, it's not all about spending money.

Sometimes it is, when one purchases now (without going into debt) what will only go up in the future. Also, deepening the pantry is insurance we can eat in case of a natural disaster, job loss, inflation, shortages, etc.

There are also those things we can do that cost us nothing like get our house in order... literally. Make a new budget and stick to it. Look at our checkbook (or online banking) and see where our money is going (Christopher did this and realized he was spending way too much money eating out between classes so he and I decided how we can resolve that situation). Look around the house and locate any clothing that needs to be wash, mended, and put back in our closet.

Organize our kitchen, pantry, closets, tool chest, garage, etc. so we know what we have. Get down those boxes we haven't opened since we moved and see what is in them. If the contents are not important, if they do not have sentimental value (and even then, is there someone else who may cherish them more than you?), then give them to charity where a person who does need them will be blessed (or have a garage sale if weather permits in your area). Obviously they would not make your heart sing or you wouldn't keep them hidden... right? Make it a family project.

The most important storage we can do for the future?

Store the Word of God in our heart. Put together lists... verses that bring us peace in a time of turmoil. Help your children or grandchildren create a "Fear Not" book with simple verses they can go back to when frightened and perhaps pretty pictures from magazines of flowers, cute animals, nature, etc. Even if you have no TV in your home, the world has a way of intruding and my friends, they will pick up on the uncertainty going on in this time from others.

How much better to do something productive for yourself and for them by facing perilous times directly, letting the hurricane force winds of change and fear meet us head on and we may blink a little... but we won't be moved. The Anchor can only hold if you've taken hold of It. You can live in a concrete bunker with years worth of food and possessions (which I don't!) and die of a heart attack because of "men's hearts failing them for fear".

I have been there... facing the winds of circumstances so fearful that I've thought I'll never be standing when this is all over... but I was. Oh, I was battered and bruised and there was the fallout of the storm all around me... but I not only survived... I was stronger than before the storm began. He designed us this way for some reason... the Potter... the Silversmith... the One who decided before the beginning of it all that this is the season in time and space He wanted us to live.

We are made of dust and dirt that strengthens in the storm when we walk with Him. There is something that happens to us when we have the peace that passes all understanding in the midst of hurricane force winds of adversity. Like Job, we have known of Him but now we know Him... personally. That kind of knowing is only forged in the storm.

So.... do what you can with what you have available... and... as the angels say so often... "Fear Not". :)

Added Note: I was thinking after I posted this that I should tell you this little piece of advice (learned the hard way from my own experience). When you are deepening your pantry or doing some recession proofing purchases... always pray first. If you make purchases out of fear of days to come and not from a well thought out plan... many times money is spent for what will not be needed which could have been used elsewhere.

What we do in fear rarely shows profit, what we perform in faith does. :)

The priority list is working

Shelves in my kitchen

I truly can say we are back in the 70's inflation again (even if the government does not). Everything is not only going up in price, but making a drastic move on the upward side. Whoever puts out government statistics does not know math... only creative bookkeeping. :)

We are on the budget plan for our utilities, where the bill is the same each month until it is adjusted to another level (up or down) in the summer. We just received our natural gas bill with the adjustment for the coming year. We are going from approx. $90.00 a month to $130.00 a month. Last year I believe the adjustment was only a couple of dollars. Yikes! I'm very good at keeping the house cool in the winter but I can do much better at using less hot water. This is war, my friends between us and inflation.

When I was cooking last night, I thought of those items I had purchased from our priority list this past year. The skillet, saute pan, and the sauce pan were all purchased with some of the money I earned at the bookstore. They are all great quality and make cooking from scratch much easier and healthier (since my nonstick skillets had all been chipping the Teflon-- or whatever-- for awhile).

As I've mentioned before, we keep a Priority List so when we get "extra" money in (working at the bookstore, birthday, Christmas, and other gifts) we don't blow it on things we don't really need. Our purchases are well thought out, although I'm sure some people wouldn't always agree with our choices. As I told my daughter recently (concerning comments made about them purchasing the better washer & dryer), I try not to let those kinds of words bother me. We should not judge what is deemed important to other people.

I was telling her about the purchase of the large jars to hold my unbleached all purpose flour and bread flour (shown on the bottom shelf of the above picture). Some would say I should have used the gift card for pantry items but I knew how much these would be of value in the long run. I use a lot of flour and these two items hold more than the average container and they have a very tight seal. Not to mention the red lids make me happy... and sometimes just having things around that makes us happy is a very good thing. :)

Another good thing about buying the large jars, I was able to use the jar which had previously been holding my bread flour for keeping wheat waiting to be ground for whole wheat flour (which is stored in the refrigerator after being ground). It can be seen off to the right, sitting on top of the off white container which now holds soft pastry wheat... the gift that kept on giving... of organization.

The bread knife was purchased with the same gift card. One does not know how dull their old bread knife is until they get a used one. I should have replaced it ten years ago. Although I'm not throwing it out! It works very well for slicing foods other than... bread.

With prices going up, how good it is that we have made those purchases of items needed already. I thought of the difficult time I gave my husband in the beginning of spring when he wanted to use the money he made at the bookstore to get the deck cleaned and sealed. Yes, I have thought of it every time we have had huge storms and enormous amounts of rain pounding that deck. Sigh... it was money very well spent.

I just wrote out a new priority list in my scrapbook journal. Hubby's continues to be added to on an 8 1/2 x 11 page of scrap printer paper. Either way, they are becoming more essential as we must think through our needs as inflation continues to eat away at our income (it has already taken all of our discretionary funds!).

Don't let anyone put you down because of what you know to be important purchases for you and your family. Large jars with sealed lids that are a pretty color of red... keep the bugs out and make my heart sing. With a world that seems crazy right now, items that make your heart sing will become even more important as we spend more time in the kitchen and at home.

This post is part of the Recession Ponderings continuing series of thoughts and ideas.

Stocking Up

Local honey, recycled jelly jars, a good thing.

My long time cyber friend, Carrot Top, wrote me an e-mail and asked what I thought was important to stock up on now as prices continue to go higher. (Hi, CT in Texas!). Since this is a stock up week, I have been pondering it a great deal.

I have always been one to stock up for the future, the only change is how deep I can afford to keep the pantry. That comes from having Depression era parents (and in-laws). However, it is a little different now. I now also keep an eye out for those products which will become more expensive in future months (should inflation continue and there are all indications it will). If nothing else, the food will probably not go down in cost. Some items I have to pay full price but others I wait for a real stock up price.

For instance, I bought the honey above full price at the end of last year's Farmer's Market because... that is when I usually stock up on honey from the "honey man". I bought two half-gallons and poured them into the recycled jelly jars. Should they solidify (and they will if kept long enough), it is a whole lot easier to place a small jar in a bowl of hot water and let it liquefy than try it with the half gallon or gallon containers. Trust me, been there! The jars above are from one half-gallon jug since I purchased them a few weeks apart for budget purposes (they were around $16.00 a each). Since there has been a problem with bees the past few years, honey continues to go up in price.

I have recently purchased about four bags of granulated sugar and six to eight bags of flour when they were both deeply discounted. I expect I'll continue to purchase flour as it goes on sale and sugar if I find it cheap. Wheat continues to go up in price and sugar can be affected by the lowering of the dollar, high transportation costs, etc. I poured most of the sugar into a large Tupperware container but I keep brown sugar and confectioner's sugar in their individual bags, in a Rubbermaid type container.

Coffee prices are also rising and they can go sky high on little notice. I read recently that the "blocks" of Folgers coffee have at least a two year shelf life (they are vacuum sealed). Since I have had to revert to cheaper coffee, I'll probably buy a few of them once in awhile to put in the pantry. Should the really good stuff go on sale, I'll do what Laine did... she mixed her cheap coffee with the good stuff.

I also stocked up on dried pasta recently when my favorite brand was buy one- get one free at the grocery store. Pasta keeps for at least a year if you store your individual boxes in a plastic container (aka: Rubbermaid or similar brand). I bought an entire, huge bag of elbow macaroni when I was in the co-op and it was still good when I came to the end of the container, over a year later. (It was also stored in a large Tupperware type container.)

Storing jars of pasta sauce and Alfredo sauce (my sister got me started on the jars of Alfredo sauce... Target's store brand is amazingly good... serves four) then you have a quick, easy, inexpensive meal quite fast. Although, I often make my tomato based pasta sauce by mixing a favorite organic pizza sauce (I used to order it by the case but now only buy a couple cans at a time) and a can of tomatoes with ground beef or Italian sausage... purchased on sale.

I recently stocked up on my favorite Red Gold tomatoes when they were buy one- get one free. I can never have too many canned tomatoes. There are two stores in my area that annually sells their brand of canned veggies for a quarter a can. This is always done in autumn when they are clearing out "the old" for the new crop. They keep for a long time (supposedly shelf safe for at least two years, especially for non acidic foods... nutrient value begins to go down after that, or so I've heard). I have seen them go on sale at other times so keep an eye out for special sales.

I always buy meat when it is on sale and buy "for the freezer". If it is not on sale and it is not in the freezer, that recipe will be made at a later time when it is on sale. We have meatless meals a few times a week, too. Right now I'm working on a way to better organize my freezer. My store had good quality ice cream buy one- get one free and I stocked up at that time. I'm hoping they have another soon since we are on the last container. :)

We receive the daily newspaper. Partly for my husband so he can keep up with his crossword puzzle habit and so he can follow his obsession with the University's various sports programs. However, we save more than we spend on the newspaper with the store sales fliers twice a week as well as coupons. I read the store sale fliers the way he reads the sports pages... with a fine tooth comb. :)

We live on a very tight budget but stocking up when things are on sale helps stretch it a great deal. (Getting an item half off is like doubling your income on that purchase.) My goal is to stock up as much as my budget and my space allows. I have a large set of shelves in the garage where I keep my extra pantry items. My yellow pantry in the kitchen is stocked with all my baking supplies, herbs, spices, vegetable oil and olive oil, etc.

I have a linen closet in my bathroom where I can keep extra toiletries. That is an area where I still have to work on a great deal. I may have to start CVS shopping! I always try to have one of the large packages of TP and one roll of Viva paper towels as extras but I'm thinking I'll try to keep at least two extra when possible.

I'll share as I go along, how I'm stocking up. I already know I'll be going over to the large grocery store the farthest from me (which Stephanie thinks is so funny that I call it far away since most of her shopping requires many miles in the van!). I saw from their sales flier that they have a lot of buy one -get one free specials this week. I'll go through it today and write down items I need. That store is also the only place close to us that puts King Arthur Flour on a great stock up price (which is where I bought the flour last month).

I highly recommend going over to Manuela's blog to see what she posted about her pantry. It is a work of art. Such great ideas!

Preparing for an emergency

Sallie, at A Gracious Home, has written a post today about preparing for natural disasters.

I've been thinking of the same thing again recently, even before the news accounts of the flooding in England.

My introduction to the Internet happened when I became an Administrator on an emergency preparedness website in the 1990s. I have long been interested in the subject, probably as part of my interest in simple living and getting back to the land (before I became a Yuppie...a very long story).

At the website, I was in charge of the books section (of course!) and the section that dealt with items that can be purchased to help through a crisis. I had been researching the subject since the 1970s and I enjoyed being a part of that site and teaching what I had learned. Most of my longtime Net friends were met there.

I know our state continues to have commercials once in awhile, suggesting a few weeks worth of food, water, and emergency supplies in case of natural, man made, or terrorist type disasters. However, one of my friends who lives in the American Southwest told me last year that she had a long conversation with people in her nearest town who were in charge of local emergency preparedness. They were suggesting stocking what one could for even more than a few weeks. She said they don't believe most Americans take the need for preparedness seriously (you'd think we would after Katrina).

I've already written a great deal about it under Homemaking In Difficult Times. I also have some Preparedness Links on the lower right hand section of the side bar. Basically it is as easy as purchasing some extra necessities each time you go to the grocery store as well as at least one container of water with each grocery store visit until you have enough (water must be rotated as the plastic is meant to break down over time ...ask me how I know).

There is plenty of information available if you want to do further research. There is a lot that can be done on a budget, too. Items must be stored properly. A little research will reap big rewards. Along the way, you also come to realize the important of simplicity in cooking and homemaking. :)

Thanks, Sallie, for the reminder!

Beauty in the midst of trials

I hope you liked the pictures. I plan to take some more soon, especially of the way the flowers near the front porch turned out this year. I need to trim the hedges out front before taking a picture but we are in the midst of a few days of (much needed) rainfall.

Many thanks for the comments and e-mails about the latest homeschooling post. I will always be thankful we decided to homeschool Christopher after a couple of difficult public school years (and their unwillingness to do anything but drug him for the ADHD symptoms). It has been a great experience.

Not perfect, though...by any means. Into the homeschooling soup we had Christopher's severe ADHD symptoms, his dad's physical and emotional challenges, major financial reversals, multiple moves, and my own development of a chronic illness. Life happens in the midst of imperfections.

It would have been easier if we didn't have all the challenges but then again...I can't complain about the results. I think many of Christopher's good character points (and those of his older sister) have come about because they did have to go through pretty severe trials when young. They both have seen miraculous answers to prayer, as well as the benefits of never giving up when life becomes difficult.

As I look back, it is not in spite of the various trials that I care so much about living a life surrounded by beauty ...literature, music, art, great food, flowers, taking tea, etc. It is because of the trials. By choosing to surround myself with beauty, I was able to handle the circumstances that were out of my control a little better.

Life isn't perfect...far from it. This isn't Heaven, yet. However, we can choose to become depressed and bitter or we can choose...beauty. It doesn't have to cost much, for a life of simplicity can be quite freeing of those things which drag us down financially. As long as we stop to enjoy what we have and not always be thinking of our next purchase (which can be a challenge whether we shop at Macy's or Goodwill), then we have peace as we learn to find fulfillment with less. That doesn't mean the "less" can't be wonderful. Far from it, if we are going to have less in our homes then I would hope what we do choose is something of beauty and value...and not disposable. (Well, except my camera.)

UP's comment in another post, talking about his mom finding comfort from her mental illness by baking in her kitchen, reminded me of my sister's mother-in-law when I was growing up (remembering that most of my brothers and sisters are old enough to be my parents!). She had a small kitchen that overlooked her backyard and the forest area behind it. Every time my mom and I would visit her, we would find her with her apron on and making something wonderful in that small kitchen. She reminded me a lot of Aunt Bee on the old Andy Griffith show. I know her circumstances were not the best but her home was always filled with good smells, tasty treats, and a clutter free environment that was so peaceful.

We are creative because we are created in the image of God...who creates. I think He has to absolutely love to create. He didn't have to make food with flavors that not only taste good alone but become spectacular when mixed together. He didn't have to create flowers of all colors and designs. He didn't have to make puppies, or kittens, or horses, or the duck billed platypus (which I think is truly proof that God has a sense of humor). I'm glad he decided we would have sunrises and sunsets...for we didn't have to have colors like that. Not to mention the four different seasons for those of us who live in such environments.

No, beauty was His idea...in the midst of trials...in the midst of darkness...in the midst of a fallen world.

Comments about the market

Okay, Brenda...your blog is already a little difficult to define. I mean, really...do we link it to books, homemaking, tea time, or what? Now you're giving economic advice so are we to add business or economics? Nope...it's still me...tea time loving, bibliophile, Grammie who loves Starbucks when finances permit a treat. However, in my past life I did do some corporate stuff and economy watching.

I actually started out in college planning on majoring in economics but instead became engaged to a graduate student (whose undergrad degree is in economics and master's is in wood technology and furniture engineering...that's a mouthful!). I never did lose my interest in business and the economy and for years continued reading on the subject (which is how I held some interesting jobs in the corporation...reading...so see, it still fits the title). It was after my son was born and I knew my suit and high heels days were behind me that I didn't read much about corporations and such. I do still read some political and economic websites when I'm curious about what is "really going on in the world".

When the front page of papers and our 24 hour news channels are concentrating on blond women who either are heading for a train wreck or have already met their demise because of wrong decisions while the world situation is in truth...dismal...sometimes we have to look for truth someplace other than national news media outlets. (Thus, my search online.) Only my local news outlets have been telling me anything worth watching or reading lately.

All that to give a small reminder...small but important. There are so many things going on in the world today that anyone with a bit of discernment can see we are in unstable times. We've been told it is not "if" but "when" we will have another major terrorist attack on our soil. We are in the midst of wars and rumors of wars. The price of oil is expected to continue to rise and we know if there is any instability in the Middle East, it will quickly sky rocket. (IF there is any instability?)

We have so many distractions from what is important. We must be realistic about our purchases we make, thinking through what is a need and what is a want. If we feel God has told us to make a move, why are we waiting? On the other hand, if we want a different house but He has told us...wait...why are we talking to Realtors? Has He been whispering in that still small voice, telling you to learn a new skill or prepare a garden? Are you using extra income to deepen your pantry with necessities...or...are you making a purchase that you know, in your heart, He is telling you is not the best use of your money right now.

There are too many people who have great discernment, people I trust, who are getting this "feeling" that things aren't right. The world may look like it is out of control but it isn't. He still holds us in the palm of His hand and he is still the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. He knows everything going on in the world, even in smoke filled back rooms and whisper filled caves...and He is not worried.

Use wisdom, think through decisions, pray, ask for guidance, prepare instead of fear...little things add up to a lot. He placed you in this time and this place for a purpose which only you can fulfill. Be salt...be light.

As the angels say, fear not...

Storm Watch

We are under a Winter Storm Watch today. The meteorologists are saying we could get the worst snowstorm in ten years. So I stopped by the grocery store to purchase milk and eggs, a couple of other items needed for a recipe I want to try this week, and potatoes while the 10# bags are buy-one-get-one-free. Even if we do not have a blizzard, the drifting snow could make traffic difficult to get "into town". I also stopped by the gas station to make certain the car has a full tank of gas.

Then additional amounts of "possible snow" were added so I had my son stop at the grocery store on his way back from town for another two dozen eggs (they last for weeks and weeks when kept in their original containers in the frig). He went to Wal Mart since it is on his way home. He said he had to drive around until someone pulled out to get a parking place (and this one has a huge parking lot!)

I now have enough milk and eggs and I can make bread so we're good to go. Judging from the local and state newscasts, people are kinda' hoping for a big storm...especially school children who are not homeschooled.

I was thinking on the way home (from stopping by the store) about my need to "top off" the gasoline in the car and the food in the frig...how being under a Storm Watch changes everything. I had already finished my major food shopping last week but the realization that it may be difficult to run into town for a few items made me feel that desire to make certain we had "enough". I suppose it is a natural nesting instinct.

That's the way I feel about life in general right now. As I look at the world situation, hear the news, and see the signs all around me, I feel God has given us a Storm Watch. That's why I feel we need to look closely at how we are living our life, the decisions we make, how to spend our money. Those who have their ear to the ground are saying trouble is brewing, just like the storm to our west.

Living in the Midwest, I hear about the economic troubles of the auto industry quite often on the news. I hear how rising oil prices have affected the farmers, not only here but all over the country. It doesn't take much imagination to go down the road where terrorism could lead the country. Definitely a storm brewing. I'm certainly glad there is peace as well as wisdom available from Above. He is in control and I can sleep safely tonight in knowing that. I don't know how people can have peace in these troubled times who have no foundation of Faith.

So...as the angels say, "Fear not".

Practical preparations for any emergency

I just loved this blog post from Stranded in the Mountains. Although it is about preparing for blizzards, it is good information for anytime we see an emergency situation on the way.

Deepening our pantry, deepening our faith

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Proverbs 22:3

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:25-27

So...I've spent days trying to write a post about deepening the pantry. Nothing came together, words tumbled over each other, thoughts didn't make sense. When that happens, I (being slow but not altogether daft), knew God was trying to get my attention. You see, my real passion in life is not emergency preparedness, it is...trust...trust that He will meet your needs. That's been the result of Job-like experiences. The more we are willing to submit our life to Him, the more we can trust He is in charge. It may look like total chaos but it isn't. He is still on the throne and the world (and our life) is on His clock...not ours.

Having a pantry is a good thing for anyone. It saves us money in the long run as we can "shop the pantry" and restock when items are on sale. If we make certain we have at least one "extra" of our essentials on the shelf, we will not have to make a trip to the grocery store for one item and come home with two sacks or more of groceries (not to mention the cost in time and gas). It is good to have a 72 hour "pantry" as I've written about before. It is good to have a hospitality pantry where we keep items we can put together at the last minute for company or a tea party for the family. It is especially good to have a pantry with our basic food stuffs, just like families have done for a hundreds of years. It is good to have "extra" in the freezer and refrigerator. It is important to have the knowledge to cook/bake/stew/simmer/put-together basic meals for the least amount of money. All good to do and to know so I have continued to add links for this knowledge for you to come back to as time permits.

What I realized, why the words were not coming together was...it's not about the stuff. You can find all the information you need to put together and deepen your pantry elsewhere. What I know, what I have experienced, what I want to share is this...it is all about Trust. You may pray and feel God wants you to deepen your pantry so you have months of food and supplies on hand. You may pray and He wants you to only keep a basic pantry. Both require obedience to His will for your life, He knows the future and that path you will walk through in the months to come. What He doesn't want from you is fear.

I remember about a year ago, praying about something my son wanted to do at the time. The only reason I didn't want to do it was it would require me having to drive at night. I do not see well at night. I do not like to drive after dark. I see well enough TO drive, I am just uncomfortable. I can remember God dropping the answer into my heart as much as if He shouted it in my ear. It was so absolutely real...His answer. "Never make a decision based on fear." Never...ever..as in absolutely never...make a decision one way or another because I am afraid. Fear may influence any decision I make to be the wrong decision.

We must never deepen our pantry because of fear. We must never keep from deepening a pantry due to fear. I saw this in 1999 with one of my best friends. I knew God was calling me to deepen my pantry and I had the money at the time to do so. My friend had prayed and felt God was telling her the opposite, to purchase some extra items of food but not to deepen her pantry very much. She and her husband felt they were to buy a generator of all things (and not much extra food?). Well, in the year that followed my family went through a job loss and was able to grocery shop from our pantry. We learned a valuable experience in what we would use in an emergency (in this case a job loss) and what we wouldn't (nothing would make my son eat beans). My friend ended up moving within a few months (and wouldn't have wanted to move all that "stuff") to an area of the country where they lost power quite often. Hmmm...that generator came in handy. God knows...

It is important to spend time with Him before the crisis. We don't plant the seeds when we need the harvest. We plant the seed and give it time to take root and grow in our lives so when we need to hear from Him, when we need that Word that is stored in our heart and mind...we are ready.

Sometimes we do not understand what God is calling but we have to learn to hear Him. We don't hear Him perfectly but the more we try, the better we get. When we returned here from Michigan, we knew...with no doubt...He was calling us to come back here. We had no money folks...none...zip. He was asking us to completely step out on faith much more than He ever has before. However, He has required that faith through the years which built up to this moment. He also had the circumstances in place which required us to make that decision (the house we were living in was being sold).

So...my cyber pals had gotten together and sent us some money for the first step. Renting the first U-Haul, the gas that would take, and a month's rent on the storage unit for all of our stuff. Then we had just enough money the next week (almost to the penny) to again rent a U-Haul to take the remainder of our "stuff" to the storage unit and we could stay at a friend's house for a week. We had no money for food and we were doubtful there was enough money for gas for the U-Haul and our car. As we were backing out of our driveway, our next door neighbor came running to tell us goodbye. Our neighbor...not a Christian...looked a lot like the biker dude he was...our neighbor we had shared Christ with and told him our story...came to say goodbye and tell us he would miss us. He handed us a $100 bill. He just "felt" it was a good thing to do. He had no idea we had no money. God did...God uses everyone He can when he needs to meet a need.

So my friends, the two verses I have placed at the top of today's blog post may seem to contradict each other but they don't. We are to prepare for tomorrow when He tells us to do so. We need to ask Him if we are to give up some of today's luxuries to have basic needs set aside for tomorrow's crisis. Sometimes He tells us...yes. Sometimes He tells us...don't be concerned, He will take care of tomorrow. Both verses are absolutely Truth.

Once again, as the angels say...fear not.

New links and a recommendation

I have created a new set of links just for preparedness sites. I'll be adding more as I'm able to review some of my bookmarks.

One of the sites I placed in the Preparedness area is The Urban Homemaker. Technically they are not a preparedness site but they send out a catalog and have wonderful articles about homemaking, cooking from scratch, canning, etc. They sell high quality products and they have a book section that contains my favorite homemaking books. They view preparedness exactly as I do, nothing more than the way our grandparents "prepared" by having a good pantry and the knowledge needed (cooking from scratch, canning, gardening, etc.).

Both my daughter and I have purchased items from The Urban Homemaker and have always received outstanding service. They even called her to warn her of the shipping cost on one item she had ordered.

I had to make a mid-week run to the grocery store this morning. I was looking at the deli area where I saw prepared deviled eggs in a container, ready to be picked up. The cost was $10.99 for twenty-four half eggs (one dozen eggs mixed with a little mayo, mustard, and relish). I walked out of the store spending just a little more than that purchasing two sacks of groceries including; ten pounds of potatoes, one bag of oranges, a gallon of milk, bananas, one jar of Prego spaghetti sauce, one block of Colby cheese, and uh....two donuts...blush (my blood sugar really was very low and the second donut was for my husband...it had lots of nuts just as he likes them). All for a little over $13.00. It would have been less if I could have avoided temptation and not purchased the donuts. (Yes, I did take advantage of great sales on most of the items.)

The store purchases reminded me again of frugal preparedness. It's just as much about knowledge as it is about stocking up. If we know how to cook from scratch, our pantry is stocked with the "lowest common denominator" of basic foods. That's what generations before us did, how they were able to be prepared for difficult times...like winter.

Now, I must get caught up on today's homekeeping gotta do's for tomorrow I will be gone all day. My son is taking part in a debate tournament and I will be judging in the afternoon. When I return, I'll post about deepening the pantry on a budget.

Don't forget to click on The Urban Homemaker link above and order their catalog. Marilyn also has an e-mail newsletter which sends out important information about their products and their phone interviews with interesting people (having mostly to do with homemaking). If you already receive their catalog, do leave a comment so others can know they are highly recommended. If nothing else, you will love their books.

Great advice from Nancy Campbell

When I was going through my files, I came across a wonderful article about preparedness from Nancy Campbell at Above Rubies. Click here, then click on Articles & Stories, then Articles by Nancy Campbell, then Certainty in Uncertain Times. I did a cut and paste to Word of this article many years ago. It's great stuff.

I've been so humbled by the comments and e-mails. Frankly, I was uncertain if the subject of Homemaking in Difficult Times (Emergency Preparedness) would cause people to not want to read my blog. Back in the 90s, the concept of preparedness caused some division in the church. I am so thankful that the feedback has been positive. I expect with all that is going on in the world, it is no longer considered a lack of faith to think ahead and be prepared for the unexpected.

I lived in Detroit on 9/11, right off of 13 Mile Rd. (downtown Detroit proper starts at 8 Mile Rd., you can do the math). Believe me, I remember what it was like to see no airplanes overhead, only military and police helicopters for a long time. My husband was on a plane that day and I didn't know if he was alive or dead until that evening as his plane would have been going from Chicago to New England. I remember the warnings that Detroit was a probable target, and we lived within a two mile radius of those targets. It can happen, it will happen again.

We had just moved back to the Midwest when a tornado ripped through our town, just a couple miles from where we were living. I drove into the parking lot of the church where I was on staff and there were parts of cars and houses hanging from the trees. It can happen.

Read the article by Nancy Campbell immerse yourself in His Word and, as the angels say...fear not.

Additional 72 Hour Advice

Nita from South Carolina posted these hints in Comments. I thought they were so good, I'd place them here.

I also completely forgot about our beloved furry friends in the last post. I speak from personal experience, if you have cats or other small pets...always keep their pet carrier where you can quickly reach it. We had a car fire when our cats were just a couple years old. The car was in the driveway but the fire department evacuated our house. We could only grab hold of one cat and that one scratched us while we were holding it (their front claws are declawed, believe me their back claws work!).

Also, we put our cats in their kitty carrier during tornado warnings. For dogs, make certain you always know where their leash is so you can clasp it to their collar. Make certain you figure in water for them in your 72 hour preps, as well as food (and litter for cats). I'm afraid my experience is only with cats and dogs!

Here are Nita's comments...excellent!

Hi Brenda!

I'm going to share some of my own suggestions, gleaned from the personal experience of living on an island on the coast of South Carolina (ie, Hurricane country!)

1. At the first sign of a problem, fill up your car with gas. Gas pumps can't function during a power outage. Also, everybody else in the world will be at the gas station if there is a possible evacuation, and you don't want to waste gas sitting in line waiting for gas!

2. Other items to add to your supplies:
-paper plates and cups, plastic utensils - to avoid wasting water washing dishes.
-baby wipes - can be used to wash hands and faces, even bodies for a day or two.
-if you have children, keep a few small, new toys hidden away. If you have to evacuate, a new toy can keep them distracted and they might not pick up on Mom and Dad's concerns about the situation.
-a very large pot that can go on top of a grill - we were without power for 11 days in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo. We had water, but had to heat it up on the grill to take baths. It will take forever to heat up enough for a bath if you're using a saucepan!

Hurricane season here is June 1 through the end of November. In November I usually rotate unused supplies into "general use" and replace them about May.

Finally, make sure there is some sort of contact person (family or friend) in a different location, and make family members aware of that person's identify and phone number - so if there is an evacuation, everyone knows to check in with that person, and that person can keep track of where everyone is.

Hope these tips are useful!
Nita in South Carolina

Abundance style emergency preps

I was looking through my files regarding the basics of emergency preparedness yesterday, researching 72 hour kits one can purchase, when I realized how perfectly this fits in with the "Celebrating a Year of Abundance" theme at A Gracious Home.

Every family needs to have at least a 72 hour kit put together and you will find plenty of websites on the Internet who are willing to put one together for you...at a high cost. I have found most "kits" put together by other people usually have items I will not use and they are missing those things I must have. Even if you have the money, it is better to put a 72 hour kit together yourself. So many of the items suggested are probably in your home right now only not together in one place. By taking the time to put together a list and shopping in your own home, you will save a lot of money.

So, what is a 72 hour kit? It is nothing more than the most important items you need all put together in one place in case an emergency situation hits your neighborhood (or just your home!). The idea being that you are on your own without government assistance for at least 72 hours after an emergency would hit your area. (Most people in the preparedness field today believe it would take more than 72 hours for government to respond but it is a good starting point.) Remember Katrina...

I look at the basic 72 hour kit a little differently than most articles I've read. I look at it from a Mom's perspective. So here are some basic ideas and I'll be writing more about in depth preparedness. The first two things to do cost you nothing but have far reaching rewards. First...pray! God does give us wisdom (read the first chapter of the book of James). Second...get to know your neighbors and be involved in a fellowship of like minded people (in my case, a church)...build community! No one can make it on their own, whether the crisis affects the entire community or just your family (as in a health related or financial crisis).

Then look around your house to see if you can find a large Rubbermaid type container you aren't using. (One big enough to hold groceries to last a few days.) Also, look for an unused adult size backpack or large duffel bag. These are often at Goodwill for a few dollars.

In the Rubbermaid type container, place food items your family likes that require no cooking, enough for three days. For instance, boxes of cereal that are easy to eat by hand (the obvious is Cheerios, the favorite of every toddler), granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, trail mix (homemade or purchased), crackers, nut butters, jelly (jelly made with real sugar does not need refrigeration when opened), instant drinks to be used if hot water is available (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, Tang), etc. Look around, see what you have in the house you can set aside today.

Foods made for camping are excellent choices if you are used to them and have them on hand, anyway. The container can be kept in a safe place where it doesn't get too hot or damp (and away from family members looking for a midnight snack). If you have a lot of cabinet space, you could put all of these items in a kitchen cabinet as long as everyone knows these for for an emergency. I have found the Rubbermaid type container works best for me.

Also, if you have canned fruits, vegetables and meats already in your cupboard, these will be useful (as well as a really good manual can opener). For a 72 hour kit, a gallon of water per person per day for drinking. I know emergency preparedness sites talk about more but they include personal hygiene needs. When you see an emergency may be on the way, fill up your bathtub, your sink, and every clean container with water!

You have GOT to replace those water containers you purchase at the grocery store after about six months...otherwise they are manufactured to disintegrate back into a landfill. Ask me how I know...water everywhere.

Added Note: I have decided to add a link about water storage. There are so many ways to store water and it is a necessity. Click here for a good water storage information article. Remember...a little bit put back is better than nothing.

Make a list of items you know you need in an emergency. Either store them in the duffel bag or keep the bag near where you store the supplies, ready to be put in the bag if necessary to leave the house. Here are some ideas that are pretty much universal and very basic:

Flashlights*
Candles**
Matches and/or butane lighters
Battery operated radio
Batteries
First aid supplies
Basic first aid manual
Whistle (in case you need to signal)
Cash (small bills...$5, $10, $20...what you can afford)
Swiss Army Knife (I bought one at Lowe's...very inexpensive)
Large, heavy garbage bags (a multitude of uses)
Cotton work gloves
Personal hygiene supplies
Baby formula if necessary
Disposable diapers if necessary
Prescriptions

Bible
Books to pass the time (honest...I have paperback fiction books purchased for this use)
Board games/cards

* There should be at least one flashlight in each bedroom and a heavy duty flashlight for the house, along with extra batteries.

**Be careful about candles, especially if you have small children and/or pets. I have a collection of heavy candle holders because I have cats. They have a handle on them so I can carry them from room to room. (All purchased at Goodwill or garage sales.) I have found during power outages that tea lights work great to supply a little bit of needed light. They are cheap and can fit into various containers, tucked away in safe places. Large, three wick candles work great and are not easily turned over. Never leave any candle unattended.

Obviously the sky is the limit when thinking of preparations. These are the very basics but those things people would probably have in their houses, anyway. It is all about...planning. Thinking through and making lists (it's that Living Life On Purpose things again). Make a list of food items you have put back for an emergency and the date you placed them there. Rotate in fresh ingredients every six months (and eat the oldest food). This way you are not only keeping your supplies fresh but also your foods are familiar to the family. A good idea is to replace a few items each month, that way you are not having to replace all of them at one time. Make a note on your list the date you "refresh" each item. (Ahhh come on, you wanted to get organized, anyway...right?)

You can find a lot of information online (I am putting together links now). At your next library book sale, look for books about preparing for Y2K. Skim the books and see if they are the type that give good advice for preparing for emergencies. If you must, place tape over Y2k and write in...preparing for any emergency.

Do what you can...with what you have. Don't get overwhelmed by long lists. Any preparation for an emergency is better than nothing.

Dare to Prepare, a book review

If you want one book to help you prepare for emergencies (whether they be weather related, terrorism, etc.) then this is the book for you. It is a large book with LOTS of pictures and easy instructions. It is truly the only book you would need.

The book is written by my cyber friend, Holly Deyo. I was so excited when it arrived in the mail one day, a gift when I was going through a particularly difficult season a couple of years ago. I could not put it down, it was fascinating. I've researched this subject for a very long time and she not only covers the elementary aspect of preparedness but there was a lot there I didn't know.

As I have mentioned before, I used to be the administrator of the book section of a preparedness forum. I have read a lot of preparedness books and this is (by far) the best. It is simple enough for individuals and families who want to know the minimum needed to prepare for a hurricane or winter storm. It is in depth enough for families who choose to live off the grid! It is also very good for homeschooling families to use with older children with lots of pictures and easy instructions (like how to make soap in a blender).

Holly and Stan are like minded friends, people who look at preparedness from a Christian perspective. They are also real people...Velveteen Rabbit real. I've "known" them since the 1990s. (Isn't it odd how you can get to know people so well when you haven't met them in person?) I keep dropping hints that they need to start their own blog. (They used to have a great newsletter.)

If you want to learn more, this link will take you to the Dare to Prepare section of their website. Over the next week, I will be adding links for good preparedness sites.

Homemaking in Difficult Times...an introduction

I was reading the title of a TV movie recently to my son, asking him if we had seen it before. I called out the title and he wasn't certain. I told him it was about a huge storm that could wipe out all humanity on earth. He said he didn't think we'd seen it but it "sounded like something we would watch". Sigh... Yes, the same person who absolutely adores "British flicks" also loves disaster movies of all kinds. I love to see how humanity gets itself out of this predicament or another.

I cannot remember when I wasn't interested in emergency preparedness. It could be because I was born to older parents who had gone through the Great Depression. Both my mother and father were really into stocking up when it was possible. My father also worked a seasonal job so they prepared for Winter...literally.

It could be because I grew up in the time students were taught to expect a nuclear attack at anytime. I can still remember the dreams I had during the Cuban Missile Crisis, dreams of an army marching into my small town. I can't remember the name of a road near my house but I can remember that dream and I was a very young child at the time.

I dipped my toes in the vast ocean of the Internet because of my interest in emergency preparedness. I was an administrator of a preparedness forum, administering the book forum (of course!) and the equipment forum. I eat up preparedness books and magazines like some people read Agatha Christie. (I'm convinced it is a God given interest, either that or I'm on the edge...)

After thirty years of reading and research, I believe it is far better to call it Homemaking In Difficult Times. Emergency preparedness brings back memories of hiding under school desks in case Russia attacks (did you ever think of how silly that was?) and Y2K preps in the garage. In reality, we live in a troubled world my friends. True preparedness starts with His peace in our hearts and continues with thinking through what we can do to make any emergency easier to live through. In our home, we have used our preparedness in bad storms, after ice storms, and extended unemployment.

I'm looking forward to sharing information in the next few days. I'm prayerfully thinking of what to write. I don't want to be an alarmist and, at the same time, I want to face reality. When I first started researching, the only information available for emergency preparedness was from Mormon books or from Survivalists. I could handle the Mormon books, even if I did not agree with the theology. The Survivalists books scared the bajeebies out of me. I don't want to do THAT. :)