Showing posts with label food storage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food storage. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Homemade Stacked Platters
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Wheat, Oats & Milled Flax Seed Waffles
Ever wonder what to do with the wheat in your food storage? Here's a recipe that uses whole wheat and oats to make a delicious waffle.
I created this recipe on my quest to create a healthy waffle since my kids want to eat waffles several times a week. I took the sugar, white flour and fat out. Even my picky eater loved the waffle.
1.5 cups whole wheat flour (I ground whole white wheat in my Vitamix)
1.5 cups oat flour (I ground whole oats in my Vitamix as well)
1/2 teaspoon stevia (instead of sugar)
6 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of salt
2 whole eggs
3 egg whites
1.5 cups plain almond milk
1.5 cups non-fat milk
12 tablespoons milled flax seed (instead of fat like butter or oil)
Grind the wheat and then measure. Grind the oats separately and then measure. Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cook in waffle iron as directed. I imagine you could use all non-fat milk or almond milk if you prefer one to the other, but I used half of each (just make sure it equals 3 cups total).
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Emergency Supply List
With the earthquake and Haiti and the storms in the west, it is a great time to review how prepared our own families are for emergencies. Here's some basic information. I found the information here.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Diaper Wipes
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
-Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Book of Mormon
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Diaper Wipes
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
-Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Book of Mormon
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Talk - "Let Him Do It with Simplicity" Part 1
Here is a talk that I gave today at church today.
Our talks today are based on the talk by L. Tom Perry entitled “Let Him Do It with Simplicity” which was given in the October 2008 General Conference.
This is the time of year when life starts to feel a little more hectic for people. Children return to school, sports teams begin to practices, and so on. As our schedules fill-up I tend to miss the less regimented days of summer. In preparing this talk, it has been a good experience to contemplate how to simplify my own life and not get caught up in things that don’t matter in the long run.
Elder L. Tom Perry shared that since he’s been around a long time, he has learned to recognize “certain patterns in life’s test.”
He said, “There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic.”
Elder Perry suggests that when difficulties and challenges strike, we should think of the hopeful words of Robert Browning: “The best is yet to be.”
Not one of us can predict all the struggles and storms that will happen in life. But through hope and faith we can know of a surety that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is indeed yet to come.
Elder Perry shared a story about a stressful time in his life. He was having employment troubles and at that same time his wife was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. He felt like the adversary was attacking his family full-force.
He and his wife found a way to help relieve their stress. They drove to a place just a few miles from their home to get away for a few moments to talk and comfort each other. Their special place was Walden Pond (not Walton Pond!), a beautiful little pond surrounded by trees. Walden Pond was their special place to pause, reflect, and heal.
As an English major I had read all about Walden Pond in the writings of Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau had separated himself from worldliness for a period of years. In March 1845 Thoreau decided to move out on the banks of Walden Pond and spend two years trying to figure out what life was all about. He settled on a piece of property owned by his good friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. He constructed a small cabin which he made from an old shanty and some lumber from the woods. He kept meticulous financial records, and he concluded that for a home and freedom he spent a mere $28.12. He planted a garden to help sustain his simple life. He planted two and a half acres of beans with the intent of using the small profit to cover his needs.
Thoreau lived independent of time, having neither a clock nor a calendar. He spent his time writing and studying the wonder of nature that surrounded him, including local plants, birds, and animals. He did not live the life of a hermit—he visited the town of Concord most days, and he invited others to come into his cabin for enlightening conversations. When the two years ended, he left his cabin behind without regret. He considered the time he had spent there a proper amount of time to accomplish his purpose—to experience the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle. He felt he had other life experiences ahead of him and that it was time to move on.
From his experiences at Walden Pond, Thoreau determined that there were only four things that a man really needs: food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. I am going to discuss three of these necessities and Thane will cover the fourth in his talk.
The first requirement is food.
We all know that we need to eat food to live and that we need to take good care of our bodies. I read a quote once that said, “If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself!”
In Doctrine and Covenants 88:15 we learn that “The spirit and the body are the soul of man.”
In order to care for our “soul” we need to appropriately nourish both our body and spirit. The Lord has given us the Word of Wisdom to bless us both physically and spiritually.
President Ezra Taft Benson taught us that “Healthful foods, proper rest, adequate exercise, and a clean conscience can prepare us to tackle the trials that lie ahead.”
In the booklet For the Strength of Youth, President Benson’s statements are reiterated:
“The Lord has commanded you to take good care of your body. To do this, observe the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.…”
I know it is a challenge for many of us to find time to prepare healthy meals, exercise, get enough sleep, etc. But it is important for us to do these things. A Spanish proverb reads, “A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.”
The booklet further reads: “Any drug, chemical, or dangerous practice that is used to produce a sensation or ‘high’ can destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These include hard drugs, prescription or over-the-counter medications that are abused, and household chemicals.”
Many of you know that Thane lost his job in April due to company lay-offs. This was quite a stressful time for us as we began to make a plan for living without his income. We had no idea how long it would take to find another job and we were worried about making ends meet if the unemployment continued for an extended amount of time.
As we shared this news with our children, what a relief it was to be able to tell them that we would have enough food because of our food storage. I had collected a three month supply of everyday type foods and a year supply of cannery food little by little. This brought great peace of mind to our family. Our children learned firsthand that there is safety and peace as we follow the prophet’s counsel. It has been a great lesson to our children and us to have to distinguish between needs and wants. Suddenly that special IPOD that Zach had been saving money for became a less important in his mind and he decided to hold on to his money in savings. We all went on a financial diet and have come out stronger. We continued to pay our tithing and fast offering knowing that great blessings come from obedience. Luckily Thane was able to find another job quickly. But that storm in our life has changed the way we spend money and has solidified our testimony of preparedness.
A while back Elder L. Tom Perry taught: "Acquire and store a reserve of food and supplies that will sustain life. . . . As long as I can remember, we have been taught to prepare for the future and to obtain a year's supply of necessities. I would guess that the years of plenty have almost universally caused us to set aside this counsel. I believe the time to disregard this counsel is over. With events in the world today, it must be considered with all seriousness."
President Clark said: “When we really get into hard times where food is scarce or there is none at all, and so with clothing and shelter, money may be no good for there may be nothing to buy, and you cannot eat money, you cannot get enough of it together to burn to keep warm, and you cannot wear it.”
Another basic necessity is our clothing.
Elder Perry reminds us in his talk that we should wear simple and modest clothing. How we dress sends a message to others about who we are.
I remember when Elder Perry talked about how “many fashion designers appear to be trying to make two or three dresses out of the amount of fabric necessary for one.” He said, they are taking too much off the top and too much off the bottom of women’s clothing, and occasionally they scrimp in the middle too. In addition he mentioned that “men’s fashions are also adopting extreme styles” which in his day would have been “called sloppy and inappropriate.”
Elder Perry stated that “Very casual dress is almost always followed by very casual manners.”
He further proclaims that “In the Book of Mormon story of the tree of life, it was the people whose “manner of dress was exceedingly fine” who mocked those who partook of the fruit of the tree. It is sobering to realize that the fashion-conscious mockers in the great and spacious building were responsible for embarrassing many, and those who were ashamed “fell away into forbidden paths and were lost” (1 Nephi 8:27–28).”
Clothes were provided by God to shield and protect us against not only the harsh elements of nature but also the temptations of our fallen natures, which the adversary seeks to exploit.
John H. Groberg wrote a great article in the New Era in 1992 entitled, “Right for the Climate.”
He wrote: “What you wear and when you wear it may have a lot to do with your spiritual comfort.” Imagine you are in a courtroom. All of the attorneys and officials are dressed in their finest clothing. Then the judge enters wearing a T-shirt and shorts!
You certainly are more likely to take the judge seriously when he dresses to fit the occasion. The way the judge is dressed says a lot about the climate of his courtroom and about the type of behavior expected there. Similarly, the way you dress may say a lot about you.”
I think it is true that people do tend to act according to how they are dressed.
On page 8 of the booklet For the Strength of Youth, published by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, we read the following:
“Servants of God have always counseled his children to dress modestly to show respect for him and for themselves. Because the way you dress sends messages about yourself to others and often influences the way you and others act, you should dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you.”
The booklet also warns against wearing immodest clothing: “If you wear an immodest bathing suit because it’s ‘the style,’ it sends a message that you are using your body to get attention and approval, and that modesty is not important.
“Immodest clothing includes short shorts, tight pants, and other revealing attire. Young women should refrain from wearing off-the-shoulder, low-cut, or revealing clothes. Young men should similarly maintain modesty in their dress. All should avoid tight fitting or revealing clothes and extremes in clothing and appearance.”
Dressing modestly is a mark of spiritual maturity. I know I am grateful that our kid’s friends dress modestly and it causes me to respect them more. Learning to dress modestly in their youth means they will have fewer clothing conflicts when they finally receive the privilege of wearing temple garments.
The scriptures also give us advice about clothing. In 2nd Nephi they indicate that costly apparel can be a source of evil pride. The scriptures tell us that the main purpose of clothing is to cover our nakedness. They indicate our responsibility to provide clothing for the needy. And Alma 1:27 tells us that the good Church members “did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.”
The scriptures also talk about being clothed with righteousness, light, charity, and glory. To me this means that what we ARE is much more important than what we WEAR.
I think it is significant to note that when the Savior appeared after his resurrection, he was simply attired. “They saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe.” Jesus could have worn anything he desired, but he chose a plain, white robe.
This teaches me an important lesson. Just as we can be too casual in our clothing, we can also be too pompous. The Savior didn’t need to impress anyone by what he wore. In following the Savior’s example we too can remember that we don’t need to impress people with overly expensive clothing.
In the temple, everybody dresses in white. It is the right clothing for the spiritual climate. And it reminds us that there is no social status before our Father.
Now let us turn to Thoreau’s third requirement, that of shelter. It seems like we are surrounded by reports of the current housing crisis. Throughout the years church leaders have encouraged us not to live beyond our means. Elder Perry said, “Our income should determine the kind of housing we can afford, not the neighbor’s big home across the street.”
President Heber J. Grant once said: “From my earliest recollections, from the days of Brigham Young until now, I have listened to men standing in the pulpit … urging the people not to run into debt; and I believe that the great majority of all our troubles today is caused through the failure to carry out that counsel.”
One of the better ways to simplify our lives is to follow the counsel to live within our income, stay out of debt, and save for a rainy day. Members of a well-managed family do not pay interest; they earn it.
Once again reflecting on our recent loss of employment, I was incredibly grateful that we had saved for a rainy day. I thought to myself that I would rather have money saved up to pay my mortgage than to have extra stuff.
In college I learned about credit card debt the hard way. I was short on money, as every college student seems to be. My roommate let me in on her secret. She said to just charge all your expenses on a credit card and then pay it back later. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of that myself so I began to charge and charge. Eventually I couldn’t even afford to pay my monthly minimum due. I lay awake at night wondering how I could ever dig myself out of from under my pile of debt. I finally told my parents of my dire situation and they offered to give me a loan so that I could pay the creditors and then we agreed on a repayment plan. It took me a while, but after a few years I was able to pay them back in full with interest. But the first year or two of marriage was painful as all our extra money went to paying back my parents for bailing me out in my foolishness. Let's just say that I still use credit cards but that I pay off the balance in full every month no matter what. I realize now that credit cards can be used for convenience, but not to buy things you cannot afford.
True to the Faith, a Church publication, gives the following additional counsel regarding debt:
"Some forms of credit, such as credit cards, have particularly high interest rates. Once you are in debt, you find that interest has no mercy. It continues to accumulate, regardless of your situation—whether you are employed or jobless, healthy or sick. It never goes away until the debt is paid. Do not be deceived by credit offers, even if they make debt seem attractive by promising low interest rates or no interest for a certain period of time.
"Look to the condition of your finances. Discipline yourself in your purchases, avoiding debt to the extent you can. In most cases, you can avoid debt by managing your resources wisely. If you do incur debt, such as a reasonable amount in order to purchase a modest home or complete your education, work to repay it as quickly as possible and free yourself from bondage. When you have paid your debts and accumulated some savings, you will be prepared for financial storms that may come your way. You will have shelter for your family and peace in your heart."
In 1976 Elder Neal A. Maxwell made this prophetic statement at a BYU devotional: "I fear that, as conditions worsen, many will react to the failures of too much government by calling for even more government. Then there will be more and more lifeboats launched because fewer and fewer citizens know how to swim."
I testify that now is the time for each of us to prepare for the storms that will inevitably arise. We need to learn how to figuratively “swim” by ensuring that we can care for the basic needs for our own families.
It is my prayer that each of us can seek ways to simplify our lives as we contemplate how to secure our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and fuel which my husband will talk about in a minute.
I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Our talks today are based on the talk by L. Tom Perry entitled “Let Him Do It with Simplicity” which was given in the October 2008 General Conference.
This is the time of year when life starts to feel a little more hectic for people. Children return to school, sports teams begin to practices, and so on. As our schedules fill-up I tend to miss the less regimented days of summer. In preparing this talk, it has been a good experience to contemplate how to simplify my own life and not get caught up in things that don’t matter in the long run.
Elder L. Tom Perry shared that since he’s been around a long time, he has learned to recognize “certain patterns in life’s test.”
He said, “There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic.”
Elder Perry suggests that when difficulties and challenges strike, we should think of the hopeful words of Robert Browning: “The best is yet to be.”
Not one of us can predict all the struggles and storms that will happen in life. But through hope and faith we can know of a surety that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is indeed yet to come.
Elder Perry shared a story about a stressful time in his life. He was having employment troubles and at that same time his wife was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. He felt like the adversary was attacking his family full-force.
He and his wife found a way to help relieve their stress. They drove to a place just a few miles from their home to get away for a few moments to talk and comfort each other. Their special place was Walden Pond (not Walton Pond!), a beautiful little pond surrounded by trees. Walden Pond was their special place to pause, reflect, and heal.
As an English major I had read all about Walden Pond in the writings of Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau had separated himself from worldliness for a period of years. In March 1845 Thoreau decided to move out on the banks of Walden Pond and spend two years trying to figure out what life was all about. He settled on a piece of property owned by his good friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. He constructed a small cabin which he made from an old shanty and some lumber from the woods. He kept meticulous financial records, and he concluded that for a home and freedom he spent a mere $28.12. He planted a garden to help sustain his simple life. He planted two and a half acres of beans with the intent of using the small profit to cover his needs.
Thoreau lived independent of time, having neither a clock nor a calendar. He spent his time writing and studying the wonder of nature that surrounded him, including local plants, birds, and animals. He did not live the life of a hermit—he visited the town of Concord most days, and he invited others to come into his cabin for enlightening conversations. When the two years ended, he left his cabin behind without regret. He considered the time he had spent there a proper amount of time to accomplish his purpose—to experience the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle. He felt he had other life experiences ahead of him and that it was time to move on.
From his experiences at Walden Pond, Thoreau determined that there were only four things that a man really needs: food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. I am going to discuss three of these necessities and Thane will cover the fourth in his talk.
The first requirement is food.
We all know that we need to eat food to live and that we need to take good care of our bodies. I read a quote once that said, “If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself!”
In Doctrine and Covenants 88:15 we learn that “The spirit and the body are the soul of man.”
In order to care for our “soul” we need to appropriately nourish both our body and spirit. The Lord has given us the Word of Wisdom to bless us both physically and spiritually.
President Ezra Taft Benson taught us that “Healthful foods, proper rest, adequate exercise, and a clean conscience can prepare us to tackle the trials that lie ahead.”
In the booklet For the Strength of Youth, President Benson’s statements are reiterated:
“The Lord has commanded you to take good care of your body. To do this, observe the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.…”
I know it is a challenge for many of us to find time to prepare healthy meals, exercise, get enough sleep, etc. But it is important for us to do these things. A Spanish proverb reads, “A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.”
The booklet further reads: “Any drug, chemical, or dangerous practice that is used to produce a sensation or ‘high’ can destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These include hard drugs, prescription or over-the-counter medications that are abused, and household chemicals.”
Many of you know that Thane lost his job in April due to company lay-offs. This was quite a stressful time for us as we began to make a plan for living without his income. We had no idea how long it would take to find another job and we were worried about making ends meet if the unemployment continued for an extended amount of time.
As we shared this news with our children, what a relief it was to be able to tell them that we would have enough food because of our food storage. I had collected a three month supply of everyday type foods and a year supply of cannery food little by little. This brought great peace of mind to our family. Our children learned firsthand that there is safety and peace as we follow the prophet’s counsel. It has been a great lesson to our children and us to have to distinguish between needs and wants. Suddenly that special IPOD that Zach had been saving money for became a less important in his mind and he decided to hold on to his money in savings. We all went on a financial diet and have come out stronger. We continued to pay our tithing and fast offering knowing that great blessings come from obedience. Luckily Thane was able to find another job quickly. But that storm in our life has changed the way we spend money and has solidified our testimony of preparedness.
A while back Elder L. Tom Perry taught: "Acquire and store a reserve of food and supplies that will sustain life. . . . As long as I can remember, we have been taught to prepare for the future and to obtain a year's supply of necessities. I would guess that the years of plenty have almost universally caused us to set aside this counsel. I believe the time to disregard this counsel is over. With events in the world today, it must be considered with all seriousness."
President Clark said: “When we really get into hard times where food is scarce or there is none at all, and so with clothing and shelter, money may be no good for there may be nothing to buy, and you cannot eat money, you cannot get enough of it together to burn to keep warm, and you cannot wear it.”
Another basic necessity is our clothing.
Elder Perry reminds us in his talk that we should wear simple and modest clothing. How we dress sends a message to others about who we are.
I remember when Elder Perry talked about how “many fashion designers appear to be trying to make two or three dresses out of the amount of fabric necessary for one.” He said, they are taking too much off the top and too much off the bottom of women’s clothing, and occasionally they scrimp in the middle too. In addition he mentioned that “men’s fashions are also adopting extreme styles” which in his day would have been “called sloppy and inappropriate.”
Elder Perry stated that “Very casual dress is almost always followed by very casual manners.”
He further proclaims that “In the Book of Mormon story of the tree of life, it was the people whose “manner of dress was exceedingly fine” who mocked those who partook of the fruit of the tree. It is sobering to realize that the fashion-conscious mockers in the great and spacious building were responsible for embarrassing many, and those who were ashamed “fell away into forbidden paths and were lost” (1 Nephi 8:27–28).”
Clothes were provided by God to shield and protect us against not only the harsh elements of nature but also the temptations of our fallen natures, which the adversary seeks to exploit.
John H. Groberg wrote a great article in the New Era in 1992 entitled, “Right for the Climate.”
He wrote: “What you wear and when you wear it may have a lot to do with your spiritual comfort.” Imagine you are in a courtroom. All of the attorneys and officials are dressed in their finest clothing. Then the judge enters wearing a T-shirt and shorts!
You certainly are more likely to take the judge seriously when he dresses to fit the occasion. The way the judge is dressed says a lot about the climate of his courtroom and about the type of behavior expected there. Similarly, the way you dress may say a lot about you.”
I think it is true that people do tend to act according to how they are dressed.
On page 8 of the booklet For the Strength of Youth, published by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, we read the following:
“Servants of God have always counseled his children to dress modestly to show respect for him and for themselves. Because the way you dress sends messages about yourself to others and often influences the way you and others act, you should dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you.”
The booklet also warns against wearing immodest clothing: “If you wear an immodest bathing suit because it’s ‘the style,’ it sends a message that you are using your body to get attention and approval, and that modesty is not important.
“Immodest clothing includes short shorts, tight pants, and other revealing attire. Young women should refrain from wearing off-the-shoulder, low-cut, or revealing clothes. Young men should similarly maintain modesty in their dress. All should avoid tight fitting or revealing clothes and extremes in clothing and appearance.”
Dressing modestly is a mark of spiritual maturity. I know I am grateful that our kid’s friends dress modestly and it causes me to respect them more. Learning to dress modestly in their youth means they will have fewer clothing conflicts when they finally receive the privilege of wearing temple garments.
The scriptures also give us advice about clothing. In 2nd Nephi they indicate that costly apparel can be a source of evil pride. The scriptures tell us that the main purpose of clothing is to cover our nakedness. They indicate our responsibility to provide clothing for the needy. And Alma 1:27 tells us that the good Church members “did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.”
The scriptures also talk about being clothed with righteousness, light, charity, and glory. To me this means that what we ARE is much more important than what we WEAR.
I think it is significant to note that when the Savior appeared after his resurrection, he was simply attired. “They saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe.” Jesus could have worn anything he desired, but he chose a plain, white robe.
This teaches me an important lesson. Just as we can be too casual in our clothing, we can also be too pompous. The Savior didn’t need to impress anyone by what he wore. In following the Savior’s example we too can remember that we don’t need to impress people with overly expensive clothing.
In the temple, everybody dresses in white. It is the right clothing for the spiritual climate. And it reminds us that there is no social status before our Father.
Now let us turn to Thoreau’s third requirement, that of shelter. It seems like we are surrounded by reports of the current housing crisis. Throughout the years church leaders have encouraged us not to live beyond our means. Elder Perry said, “Our income should determine the kind of housing we can afford, not the neighbor’s big home across the street.”
President Heber J. Grant once said: “From my earliest recollections, from the days of Brigham Young until now, I have listened to men standing in the pulpit … urging the people not to run into debt; and I believe that the great majority of all our troubles today is caused through the failure to carry out that counsel.”
One of the better ways to simplify our lives is to follow the counsel to live within our income, stay out of debt, and save for a rainy day. Members of a well-managed family do not pay interest; they earn it.
Once again reflecting on our recent loss of employment, I was incredibly grateful that we had saved for a rainy day. I thought to myself that I would rather have money saved up to pay my mortgage than to have extra stuff.
In college I learned about credit card debt the hard way. I was short on money, as every college student seems to be. My roommate let me in on her secret. She said to just charge all your expenses on a credit card and then pay it back later. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of that myself so I began to charge and charge. Eventually I couldn’t even afford to pay my monthly minimum due. I lay awake at night wondering how I could ever dig myself out of from under my pile of debt. I finally told my parents of my dire situation and they offered to give me a loan so that I could pay the creditors and then we agreed on a repayment plan. It took me a while, but after a few years I was able to pay them back in full with interest. But the first year or two of marriage was painful as all our extra money went to paying back my parents for bailing me out in my foolishness. Let's just say that I still use credit cards but that I pay off the balance in full every month no matter what. I realize now that credit cards can be used for convenience, but not to buy things you cannot afford.
True to the Faith, a Church publication, gives the following additional counsel regarding debt:
"Some forms of credit, such as credit cards, have particularly high interest rates. Once you are in debt, you find that interest has no mercy. It continues to accumulate, regardless of your situation—whether you are employed or jobless, healthy or sick. It never goes away until the debt is paid. Do not be deceived by credit offers, even if they make debt seem attractive by promising low interest rates or no interest for a certain period of time.
"Look to the condition of your finances. Discipline yourself in your purchases, avoiding debt to the extent you can. In most cases, you can avoid debt by managing your resources wisely. If you do incur debt, such as a reasonable amount in order to purchase a modest home or complete your education, work to repay it as quickly as possible and free yourself from bondage. When you have paid your debts and accumulated some savings, you will be prepared for financial storms that may come your way. You will have shelter for your family and peace in your heart."
In 1976 Elder Neal A. Maxwell made this prophetic statement at a BYU devotional: "I fear that, as conditions worsen, many will react to the failures of too much government by calling for even more government. Then there will be more and more lifeboats launched because fewer and fewer citizens know how to swim."
I testify that now is the time for each of us to prepare for the storms that will inevitably arise. We need to learn how to figuratively “swim” by ensuring that we can care for the basic needs for our own families.
It is my prayer that each of us can seek ways to simplify our lives as we contemplate how to secure our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and fuel which my husband will talk about in a minute.
I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Recipes from the Cannery - Tortillas, Beans and Tomatillo Salsa
I went to a class at the LDS Cannery in Mesa today. They taught us how to make homemade corn tortillas, flour tortillas, beans, refried beans and tomatillo salsa.
Here are the recipes below. Click on pages below to enlarge. You can also print once you've enlarged the pages.
Click here for another recipe for flour tortillas:
http://myrachelrayfavs.blogspot.com/2009/01/homemade-flour-tortillas.html
Here are the recipes below. Click on pages below to enlarge. You can also print once you've enlarged the pages.
Click here for another recipe for flour tortillas:http://myrachelrayfavs.blogspot.com/2009/01/homemade-flour-tortillas.html
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Welfare
Our stake president spoke to us at church today about the need to be prepared. I have been feeling a strong sense of urgency regarding our food storage and emergency preparedness for about 10 years now and I have been actively working on this.
Whether there is a natural disaster, economic challenge, pandemic or whatever, we need to be prepared so we will not fear (or starve!).
Our stake president said we need to actively work on this now if we haven't already. Here are the areas we need to focus on:
-3 Month Supply of Food - Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet until it is sufficient for 3 months.
-Drinking Water - Store drinking water
-Save Money - Establish a financial reserve by setting aside a little money each week, and gradually increase it to a reasonable amount.
-Year Supply of Food - Once families have achieved the first three objectives, they are counseled to expand their efforts, as circumstances allow, into a supply of long-term basic foods such as grains, legumes, and other staples.
Our stake president said until we have our houses in order (with our 3 month supply, water, savings and year supply of food) he would counsel us that we should probably not be going to Disneyland, going to the movies, going to plays, buying unnecessary items, etc. When you go to buy something you don't need consider the fact that if you can't feed it to your children, it probably isn't worth having instead of the food. I 100% degree and have been personally prompted on this subject myself.
Even if someone has been blessed with things of the world more than they "need," I believe they have an additional responsibility to use that extra money wisely. Do you really think Heavenly Father wants some of us to always drive the latest car, have the name-brand clothes and go on cruises while others struggle to eat, have a home and to get a basic education? Think "Law of Consecration" and you'll get a clearer picture.
Here's a link to some great information from the March 2009 Ensign magazine on being prepared and self-sufficient:
http://lds.org/churchmagazines/EN_2009_03_00___04203_000_000.pdf#page=58
President Monson said: "Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their.... supply of food.... and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free." (May 2001)
President Hinckley said: "Everyone who owns a home recognizes the need for fire insurance. We hope and pray that there will never be a fire. Nevertheless, we pay for insurance to cover such a catastrophe, should it occur. We ought to do the same with reference to family welfare." (November 2002)
First Presidency Message in April 1942: "In the day of plenty, prepare for the day of scarcity."
Whether there is a natural disaster, economic challenge, pandemic or whatever, we need to be prepared so we will not fear (or starve!).
Our stake president said we need to actively work on this now if we haven't already. Here are the areas we need to focus on:
-3 Month Supply of Food - Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet until it is sufficient for 3 months.
-Drinking Water - Store drinking water
-Save Money - Establish a financial reserve by setting aside a little money each week, and gradually increase it to a reasonable amount.
-Year Supply of Food - Once families have achieved the first three objectives, they are counseled to expand their efforts, as circumstances allow, into a supply of long-term basic foods such as grains, legumes, and other staples.
Our stake president said until we have our houses in order (with our 3 month supply, water, savings and year supply of food) he would counsel us that we should probably not be going to Disneyland, going to the movies, going to plays, buying unnecessary items, etc. When you go to buy something you don't need consider the fact that if you can't feed it to your children, it probably isn't worth having instead of the food. I 100% degree and have been personally prompted on this subject myself.
Even if someone has been blessed with things of the world more than they "need," I believe they have an additional responsibility to use that extra money wisely. Do you really think Heavenly Father wants some of us to always drive the latest car, have the name-brand clothes and go on cruises while others struggle to eat, have a home and to get a basic education? Think "Law of Consecration" and you'll get a clearer picture.
Here's a link to some great information from the March 2009 Ensign magazine on being prepared and self-sufficient:
http://lds.org/churchmagazines/EN_2009_03_00___04203_000_000.pdf#page=58
President Monson said: "Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their.... supply of food.... and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free." (May 2001)
President Hinckley said: "Everyone who owns a home recognizes the need for fire insurance. We hope and pray that there will never be a fire. Nevertheless, we pay for insurance to cover such a catastrophe, should it occur. We ought to do the same with reference to family welfare." (November 2002)
First Presidency Message in April 1942: "In the day of plenty, prepare for the day of scarcity."
Thursday, October 2, 2008
72 Hour Kit Food Ideas
Here is a sample list of food items for a 72 hour kit. Not exactly "health food" but I think most kids would eat it and it would provide energy. Click on picture to enlarge and print.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday School - Book of Mormon Lesson 36
Book of Mormon Lesson #36: “On the Morrow Come I Into the World”
3 Nephi 1-7
1. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: [3 Ne. 1:13 – On the morrow come I into the world] Does the spirit enter the body at the time of conception; at the time of quickening, when the mother first feels signs of life within her; or at the time of physical birth? Can it possibly come and go before the time of birth? We do not know. Such has not been made known to us in the latter days. We do know, however, that the words of God are often spoken through his servants by divine investiture of authority. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 6.
2. David J. Ridges: Many believed, based on the signs given, and were baptized, bringing peace to the land. However, Mormon has an immediate warning for us in verse 22, next, namely, that even at a point when strong testimony has been given, as to the truthfulness of the gospel, Satan cunningly plants seeds which can lead to future doubts and apostasy, perhaps far down the road. Certainly one lesson for us in this is that we can’t merely ride along through life basing our commitment to God on past testimony alone. We must keep intentionally living faithfully, in order that on-going testimony is borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon Made Easier, part 3, p. 92.
3. George Albert Smith: A man, traveling through the country, came to a large city, very rich and splendid; he looked at it and said to his guide, “This must be a very righteous people, for I can only see but one little devil in this great city.” The guide replied, “You do not understand, sir; this city is so perfectly given up to wickedness, corruption, degradation and abomination of every kind that it only requires one devil to keep them all in subjection.” Traveling a little further, he came to a rugged path and saw an old man trying to get up the hill side, surrounded by seven great, big, coarse looking devils. “Why,” says the traveler, “this must be a tremendously wicked old man, only see how many devils there are around him!” “This,” replied the guide, “is the only righteous man in the country, and there are seven of the biggest devils trying to turn him out of his path and they all cannot do it.” Deseret News, 11 November 1857.
4. Theodore M. Burton: [3 Ne. 1:24 – contention in preaching] Whenever you get red in the face, whenever you raise your voice, whenever you get “hot under the collar,” or angry, rebellious, or negative in spirit, then know that the Spirit of God is leaving you and the spirit of Satan is beginning to take over. At times we may feel justified in arguing or fighting for truth by contentious words and actions. Do not be deceived. Satan would rather have you contend for evil if he could, but he rejoices when we contend with one another even when we think we are doing it in the cause of righteousness. He knows and recognizes the self-destructive nature of contention under any guise. General Conference, Oct. 1974.
5. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: [3 Ne. 2:2 – Satan did get possession of the hearts of the people again] While there is no particular reason to question Satan’s powers of originality, it would seem that he scarcely needs creative or novel approaches as long as we do not learn from the lessons of the past, as long as we continue to stumble over the same things that ensnared the ancients. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 11.
6. H. Verlan Andersen: Giddianhi accuses the Nephites of robbing his people of “their rights and government” (3 Ne. 3:10). This is the identical appeal which Communists make to the laboring class today. They appeal to their selfishness and tell them they are exploited and robbed under the capitalistic system and are denied their rights of government. The Communists propose the establishment of what they call the “dictatorship of proletariat” whereunder the workers are supposed to own all the property and run the government. One can hardly imagine a greater deception than this but it is the appeal made nonetheless. Giddianhi also speaks of the “everlasting hatred” (v. 4) of his people for the Nephites. V.I. Lenin, first Communist dictator in Russia and one of the chief theoreticians of Communism had this to say: “We must hate. Hatred is the basis of Communism. Children must be taught to hate their parents if they are not Communists.” Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen, p. 61.
7. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: The secret society of Gadianton is directed by malevolent men, persons whose craving for power and profit is so great that they are unable to make the kind of reasoned judgments and the kind of far-reaching preparations which would stand them in good stead in the future. Despite their terrible appearance, the Gadianton warriors were no match for Jehovah-sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. He who promises to fight the battles of the faithful, of those who hearken to his word and go at his call, even he defeated the secret society in this episode. Yes, the Nephites were properly prepared for war, but God was their general and he it was who brought the victory. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 19.
8. Gordon B. Hinckley: [3 Ne. 4 – preparation and food storage] Life is fragile, peace is fragile, civilization itself is fragile. The economy is particularly vulnerable. We have been counseled again and again concerning self-reliance, concerning debt, concerning thrift. So many of our people are heavily in debt for things that are not entirely necessary. When I was a young man, my father counseled me to build a modest home, sufficient for the needs of my family, and make it beautiful and attractive and pleasant and secure. He counseled me to pay off the mortgage as quickly as I could, so that, come what may, there would be a roof over the heads of my wife and children. I was reared on that kind of doctrine. I urge you as members of this Church to get free of debt where possible and to have a little laid aside against a rainy day. … As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need. But let us not panic nor go to extremes. General Conference, Oct. 2001.
9. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: [3 Ne. 5:13 – I am a disciple of Jesus Christ] The word disciple is closely associated with the word discipline, and it might be said that a disciple is a disciplined believer or adherent. The word literally means “a learner” and denotes one who follows the teachings of another. A disciple, however, is not merely a pupil but is an imitator of the teacher. In the Jewish culture of Jesus day, a disciple of a rabbi would leave his home and move in with his teacher. He served the teacher in the most servile ways, treating him as an absolute authority. He was expected not only to learn all that his rabbi knew but also to become like him in character and piety. In turn, the rabbi provided food and lodging and saw his own distinctive interpretations transmitted through his disciples to future generations. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 23.
10. Gordon B. Hinckley: [3 Ne. 6 – a class society] My brethren, what a wonderful thing is the priesthood of God. There is nothing to compare with it. … It is classless. Every worthy man, regardless of nationality, ethnic background, or any other factor, is eligible to receive the priesthood. His obedience to the commandments of God becomes the determining factor. Its bestowal is based only on worthiness before the Lord. … Such is the wonder of this priesthood. Wealth is not a factor. Education is not a factor. The honors of men are not a factor. The controlling factor is acceptability unto the Lord. General Conference, April 2000.
11. M. Russell Ballard: [3 Ne. 6:18 – willful rebellion] There is a big difference between an honest mistake made in a moment of spiritual weakness and a willful decision to disobey persistently the commandments of God. Those who deliberately choose to violate God’s commandments or ignore the standards of the Church, even when promising themselves and others that someday they will be strong enough to repent, are stepping onto a dangerously slippery slope upon which many have lost their spiritual footing. General Conference, Oct. 1977.
12. Sydney S. Reynolds: [3 Ne. 6:20 – men inspired from heaven] Sister Gayle Clegg of the Primary general presidency and her husband lived for a number of years in Brazil. Recently she had a Primary assignment in Japan. As she came into the chapel on Sunday, she noticed among the Japanese Saints a Brazilian family. "They just looked Brazilian," she said. She only had a minute to greet them and found the mother and children very enthusiastic but noticed that the father was rather quiet. "I'll have a chance to talk with them after the meeting," she thought as she was quickly ushered to the stand. She delivered her message in English, which was translated into Japanese, and then she felt impressed to bear her testimony in Portuguese as well. She hesitated as there were no translators for Portuguese, and 98 percent of the people would not understand what she said. After the meeting the Brazilian father came up to her and said, "Sister, the customs are so different here, and I have been lonely. It is difficult to come to church and not understand anything. Sometimes I wonder if I would be better off just reading my scriptures at home. I told my wife, 'I'll give it one more chance,' and I came today for what I thought would be the last time. When you bore your testimony in Portuguese, the Spirit touched my heart, and I knew that this was where I belonged. God knows I am here, and He will help me." And he joined the others in putting away the chairs. Was it a coincidence that the only Portuguese-speaking member of the Primary presidency was sent to Japan instead of to Portugal? Or was it because the Lord knew someone there needed what only she could give—and she had the courage to follow a prompting of the Spirit? One of the great blessings of having a calling in the Church is that the Lord, through His Spirit, will inspire us to help those we are called to serve. General Conference, Oct. 2003.
13. L. Tom Perry: The word inspiration is sometimes invested with a [significance] almost identical with that of revelation. … To inspire is literally to animate with the spirit. … Divine inspiration may be regarded as a lower or less directly intensive operation of spiritual influence upon a man than is … revelation. The difference therefore is rather one of degree than of kind. General Conference, Oct. 2003.
14. Joseph Smith: [3 Ne. 7:6 – government destroyed] Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction. Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, chap. 15.
Next week: 3 Nephi 8-11 “Whosoever Will Come, Him Will I Receive”
3 Nephi 1-7
1. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: [3 Ne. 1:13 – On the morrow come I into the world] Does the spirit enter the body at the time of conception; at the time of quickening, when the mother first feels signs of life within her; or at the time of physical birth? Can it possibly come and go before the time of birth? We do not know. Such has not been made known to us in the latter days. We do know, however, that the words of God are often spoken through his servants by divine investiture of authority. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 6.
2. David J. Ridges: Many believed, based on the signs given, and were baptized, bringing peace to the land. However, Mormon has an immediate warning for us in verse 22, next, namely, that even at a point when strong testimony has been given, as to the truthfulness of the gospel, Satan cunningly plants seeds which can lead to future doubts and apostasy, perhaps far down the road. Certainly one lesson for us in this is that we can’t merely ride along through life basing our commitment to God on past testimony alone. We must keep intentionally living faithfully, in order that on-going testimony is borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon Made Easier, part 3, p. 92.
3. George Albert Smith: A man, traveling through the country, came to a large city, very rich and splendid; he looked at it and said to his guide, “This must be a very righteous people, for I can only see but one little devil in this great city.” The guide replied, “You do not understand, sir; this city is so perfectly given up to wickedness, corruption, degradation and abomination of every kind that it only requires one devil to keep them all in subjection.” Traveling a little further, he came to a rugged path and saw an old man trying to get up the hill side, surrounded by seven great, big, coarse looking devils. “Why,” says the traveler, “this must be a tremendously wicked old man, only see how many devils there are around him!” “This,” replied the guide, “is the only righteous man in the country, and there are seven of the biggest devils trying to turn him out of his path and they all cannot do it.” Deseret News, 11 November 1857.
4. Theodore M. Burton: [3 Ne. 1:24 – contention in preaching] Whenever you get red in the face, whenever you raise your voice, whenever you get “hot under the collar,” or angry, rebellious, or negative in spirit, then know that the Spirit of God is leaving you and the spirit of Satan is beginning to take over. At times we may feel justified in arguing or fighting for truth by contentious words and actions. Do not be deceived. Satan would rather have you contend for evil if he could, but he rejoices when we contend with one another even when we think we are doing it in the cause of righteousness. He knows and recognizes the self-destructive nature of contention under any guise. General Conference, Oct. 1974.
5. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: [3 Ne. 2:2 – Satan did get possession of the hearts of the people again] While there is no particular reason to question Satan’s powers of originality, it would seem that he scarcely needs creative or novel approaches as long as we do not learn from the lessons of the past, as long as we continue to stumble over the same things that ensnared the ancients. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 11.
6. H. Verlan Andersen: Giddianhi accuses the Nephites of robbing his people of “their rights and government” (3 Ne. 3:10). This is the identical appeal which Communists make to the laboring class today. They appeal to their selfishness and tell them they are exploited and robbed under the capitalistic system and are denied their rights of government. The Communists propose the establishment of what they call the “dictatorship of proletariat” whereunder the workers are supposed to own all the property and run the government. One can hardly imagine a greater deception than this but it is the appeal made nonetheless. Giddianhi also speaks of the “everlasting hatred” (v. 4) of his people for the Nephites. V.I. Lenin, first Communist dictator in Russia and one of the chief theoreticians of Communism had this to say: “We must hate. Hatred is the basis of Communism. Children must be taught to hate their parents if they are not Communists.” Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen, p. 61.
7. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: The secret society of Gadianton is directed by malevolent men, persons whose craving for power and profit is so great that they are unable to make the kind of reasoned judgments and the kind of far-reaching preparations which would stand them in good stead in the future. Despite their terrible appearance, the Gadianton warriors were no match for Jehovah-sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. He who promises to fight the battles of the faithful, of those who hearken to his word and go at his call, even he defeated the secret society in this episode. Yes, the Nephites were properly prepared for war, but God was their general and he it was who brought the victory. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 19.
8. Gordon B. Hinckley: [3 Ne. 4 – preparation and food storage] Life is fragile, peace is fragile, civilization itself is fragile. The economy is particularly vulnerable. We have been counseled again and again concerning self-reliance, concerning debt, concerning thrift. So many of our people are heavily in debt for things that are not entirely necessary. When I was a young man, my father counseled me to build a modest home, sufficient for the needs of my family, and make it beautiful and attractive and pleasant and secure. He counseled me to pay off the mortgage as quickly as I could, so that, come what may, there would be a roof over the heads of my wife and children. I was reared on that kind of doctrine. I urge you as members of this Church to get free of debt where possible and to have a little laid aside against a rainy day. … As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need. But let us not panic nor go to extremes. General Conference, Oct. 2001.
9. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: [3 Ne. 5:13 – I am a disciple of Jesus Christ] The word disciple is closely associated with the word discipline, and it might be said that a disciple is a disciplined believer or adherent. The word literally means “a learner” and denotes one who follows the teachings of another. A disciple, however, is not merely a pupil but is an imitator of the teacher. In the Jewish culture of Jesus day, a disciple of a rabbi would leave his home and move in with his teacher. He served the teacher in the most servile ways, treating him as an absolute authority. He was expected not only to learn all that his rabbi knew but also to become like him in character and piety. In turn, the rabbi provided food and lodging and saw his own distinctive interpretations transmitted through his disciples to future generations. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 4, p. 23.
10. Gordon B. Hinckley: [3 Ne. 6 – a class society] My brethren, what a wonderful thing is the priesthood of God. There is nothing to compare with it. … It is classless. Every worthy man, regardless of nationality, ethnic background, or any other factor, is eligible to receive the priesthood. His obedience to the commandments of God becomes the determining factor. Its bestowal is based only on worthiness before the Lord. … Such is the wonder of this priesthood. Wealth is not a factor. Education is not a factor. The honors of men are not a factor. The controlling factor is acceptability unto the Lord. General Conference, April 2000.
11. M. Russell Ballard: [3 Ne. 6:18 – willful rebellion] There is a big difference between an honest mistake made in a moment of spiritual weakness and a willful decision to disobey persistently the commandments of God. Those who deliberately choose to violate God’s commandments or ignore the standards of the Church, even when promising themselves and others that someday they will be strong enough to repent, are stepping onto a dangerously slippery slope upon which many have lost their spiritual footing. General Conference, Oct. 1977.
12. Sydney S. Reynolds: [3 Ne. 6:20 – men inspired from heaven] Sister Gayle Clegg of the Primary general presidency and her husband lived for a number of years in Brazil. Recently she had a Primary assignment in Japan. As she came into the chapel on Sunday, she noticed among the Japanese Saints a Brazilian family. "They just looked Brazilian," she said. She only had a minute to greet them and found the mother and children very enthusiastic but noticed that the father was rather quiet. "I'll have a chance to talk with them after the meeting," she thought as she was quickly ushered to the stand. She delivered her message in English, which was translated into Japanese, and then she felt impressed to bear her testimony in Portuguese as well. She hesitated as there were no translators for Portuguese, and 98 percent of the people would not understand what she said. After the meeting the Brazilian father came up to her and said, "Sister, the customs are so different here, and I have been lonely. It is difficult to come to church and not understand anything. Sometimes I wonder if I would be better off just reading my scriptures at home. I told my wife, 'I'll give it one more chance,' and I came today for what I thought would be the last time. When you bore your testimony in Portuguese, the Spirit touched my heart, and I knew that this was where I belonged. God knows I am here, and He will help me." And he joined the others in putting away the chairs. Was it a coincidence that the only Portuguese-speaking member of the Primary presidency was sent to Japan instead of to Portugal? Or was it because the Lord knew someone there needed what only she could give—and she had the courage to follow a prompting of the Spirit? One of the great blessings of having a calling in the Church is that the Lord, through His Spirit, will inspire us to help those we are called to serve. General Conference, Oct. 2003.
13. L. Tom Perry: The word inspiration is sometimes invested with a [significance] almost identical with that of revelation. … To inspire is literally to animate with the spirit. … Divine inspiration may be regarded as a lower or less directly intensive operation of spiritual influence upon a man than is … revelation. The difference therefore is rather one of degree than of kind. General Conference, Oct. 2003.
14. Joseph Smith: [3 Ne. 7:6 – government destroyed] Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction. Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, chap. 15.
Next week: 3 Nephi 8-11 “Whosoever Will Come, Him Will I Receive”
Monday, September 22, 2008
Emergency Preparedness Tips from Houston
Here is a letter from a woman in Houston who dealt with the recent natural disaster there and was able to help others. It is a great reminder to us all to be prepared.
Our family was very prepared since we experienced the drama with Rita 3years ago, but there is still more that we could have done. I can not begin to express to you how important it is to be prepared. We all think these kinds of things will never happen to us, but they will and it is VITAL that you are READY and prepared.
When we received the offer to move to Houston 5 years ago, I made it a matter of prayer and the thought that kept coming to me was "prepare your food storage"...I now see why. There is hardly anything in the stores, nothing perishable. There is little gas. Our friend drove 30 miles to get gas near our home...it took him 2 hours in line to finally get the gas. We are feeding our friends who don't have power. We hope to help more. It is surreal and unbelievable until you are living through it.
Please prepare yourselves. Here's a list of things that are very important to have
-well stocked fridge and freezer
-generator (this is a huge, huge deal and so worth the money-- this can keep your freezer going)
-gas
-emergency money
-a lot of bread, peanut butter and other sandwich items
-propane for your barbecues
-paper plates and utensils
-frozen fruits and vegetables
-LOTS OF WATER!!!
Mark has already been out on work parties and starting this weekend the church will be out every weekend helping to clean up and rebuild. I am so thankful for wise counsel to be prepared, now I am a living example--please do not wait to prepare yourself.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Article - Food Storage Means Putting Your Grocery Store in Your Home
PROVO, Utah -- The concept behind Marie Ricks' food-storage system is simple: Put your grocery store in your home, not down the hill in the store.
The method, however, takes research, planning and a system to get a year's supply of food as taught by leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ricks presented her ideas during Campus Education Week at Brigham Young University under the heading "Home Organization: The Better Way to Live -- Organizing, Housecleaning and Food Storage." A professional home organizer, author and motivational speaker, Ricks is also a homemaker, teacher, newspaper columnist and former radio-show host.
The key to living the principle of food storage is to first decide to live it, she said. Getting started is really not that difficult."
Always buy double," she said. "If you need one, buy two. If you need two, buy four, if you need four, buy more."
Ricks eschews buying food family members won't eat and jokes about the plethora of wheat stored in many Mormon homes.
"Eat what you store and store what you eat," she said.
She also advises against storing food or other items that produce mold or dies. As for milk, that's not a part of the food-storage ritual. If folks want to store powdered milk she suggests using it just for cooking.
The first step in getting started with a food-storage project is to inventory all food items in the home. Then review shopping receipts over the next four weeks to get an idea of what the family will need for a year, and anticipate other needs, she suggests.
Once the inventory list is complete, determine what each item costs, then decide how fast you can purchase the items until you have a year's supply, she said.
As items come home from the store, date stamp everything with permanent ink, then decide where to put it. Some people hold off starting their food storage because they don't know where to store it, she said.
She doesn't accept that.
Some ideas: Replace the box springs and bed frames with storage boxes for bulk items; use the back six inches of the cupboard where items get shoved back and forgotten.
"Buy first and worry about where to put it later," she said.She also suggests putting bulk items, such as rice and wheat, in 4.25-gallon round containers. The lids seal better, and they are not too heavy for the average woman to lift.
She also suggests doing food-storage shopping twice a year."It takes only three rotten days two times a year," Ricks quipped. "It's good to do this before your husband knows the money's gone."She suggests "cherry picking" with three favorite stores.
On day one take your inventory list to the stores and price the items. On the second day, after evaluating prices, go back and buy the items. On the third day, put it away.
Don't worry about sales, Ricks said. Although sales save money, the time, struggle and gas can make them irrelevant.
Some folks watch sales for a month, then buy and get it over with for the next six months, she said.
Some other tips:
Use care in shopping. "Too much choice destroys us."
How to get teenagers to stay out of the food storage: "We have a two-letter word -- no."
To keep husbands out, "put it under lock and key."
Potatoes and onions store best in a container with slightly moist sand.
Food that becomes questionable: put in a bucket and label "do not eat unless you are dying."
Don't worry about bugs, she said, because you're storing only for a year.
For nonfood items, Ricks suggests the same method: inventorying first, then "guesstimate" what you'll need for a year, research prices, then buy.
She suggests an ample supply of toilet paper."It is the most secure thing you will ever buy. No TP is miserable," she said.
Finally, keeping the commandment of having a year's supply on hand will reap blessings, she said.
Source: http://mormontimes.com/WC_education.php?id=1901
The method, however, takes research, planning and a system to get a year's supply of food as taught by leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ricks presented her ideas during Campus Education Week at Brigham Young University under the heading "Home Organization: The Better Way to Live -- Organizing, Housecleaning and Food Storage." A professional home organizer, author and motivational speaker, Ricks is also a homemaker, teacher, newspaper columnist and former radio-show host.
The key to living the principle of food storage is to first decide to live it, she said. Getting started is really not that difficult."
Always buy double," she said. "If you need one, buy two. If you need two, buy four, if you need four, buy more."
Ricks eschews buying food family members won't eat and jokes about the plethora of wheat stored in many Mormon homes.
"Eat what you store and store what you eat," she said.
She also advises against storing food or other items that produce mold or dies. As for milk, that's not a part of the food-storage ritual. If folks want to store powdered milk she suggests using it just for cooking.
The first step in getting started with a food-storage project is to inventory all food items in the home. Then review shopping receipts over the next four weeks to get an idea of what the family will need for a year, and anticipate other needs, she suggests.
Once the inventory list is complete, determine what each item costs, then decide how fast you can purchase the items until you have a year's supply, she said.
As items come home from the store, date stamp everything with permanent ink, then decide where to put it. Some people hold off starting their food storage because they don't know where to store it, she said.
She doesn't accept that.
Some ideas: Replace the box springs and bed frames with storage boxes for bulk items; use the back six inches of the cupboard where items get shoved back and forgotten.
"Buy first and worry about where to put it later," she said.She also suggests putting bulk items, such as rice and wheat, in 4.25-gallon round containers. The lids seal better, and they are not too heavy for the average woman to lift.
She also suggests doing food-storage shopping twice a year."It takes only three rotten days two times a year," Ricks quipped. "It's good to do this before your husband knows the money's gone."She suggests "cherry picking" with three favorite stores.
On day one take your inventory list to the stores and price the items. On the second day, after evaluating prices, go back and buy the items. On the third day, put it away.
Don't worry about sales, Ricks said. Although sales save money, the time, struggle and gas can make them irrelevant.
Some folks watch sales for a month, then buy and get it over with for the next six months, she said.
Some other tips:
Use care in shopping. "Too much choice destroys us."
How to get teenagers to stay out of the food storage: "We have a two-letter word -- no."
To keep husbands out, "put it under lock and key."
Potatoes and onions store best in a container with slightly moist sand.
Food that becomes questionable: put in a bucket and label "do not eat unless you are dying."
Don't worry about bugs, she said, because you're storing only for a year.
For nonfood items, Ricks suggests the same method: inventorying first, then "guesstimate" what you'll need for a year, research prices, then buy.
She suggests an ample supply of toilet paper."It is the most secure thing you will ever buy. No TP is miserable," she said.
Finally, keeping the commandment of having a year's supply on hand will reap blessings, she said.
Source: http://mormontimes.com/WC_education.php?id=1901
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
I'm not sure if this is true or an urban legend, but either way I think it reminds us that we should be prepared.
Subject: President Packer -Acting 'President' of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
From the wife of Boyd K. Packer's grandson: (The Packer family has two family reunions each year, one in July and one in December.)
July 4, 2006 - President Packer gave counsel to his family as the patriarchto get their storage and preparedness items. He said, "The next step is toprepare to leave our homes if necessary."
From the wife of President Packer's son: December, 2006- President Packercounseled his family to "Get prepared now. There is something serious coming very soon."
Adult session Saturday night of Stake conference in Holladay, Oct. 2006 -President Packer opened he meeting up for questions and answers. One brother asked him to comment on why there had been no talks on preparedness at general conference. President Packer responded that President Gordon B. Hinckley has told the brethren not to speak on preparedness anymore. We have been counseled on it for more than 100 years. "Now the Lord will preach His own sermons."
Leadership meeting of a South Jordan stake conference, Sept. 1, 2006
Presiding Bishop David Burton: Keep your eye on the Prophet, beingself-reliant has always been part of the church. Statistics show that no matter what the Church does, no higher percentage than 15% have storage. We are not going to say any more, but our people are going to need to be prepared. For example, what if somebody released a virus? What if it caused a pandemic? What if that led to quarantine? What if the quarantine was enforced? The office of the presiding bishopric has tried to come up with a plan, but we don't know what we could do. The responsibility lies with the head of each family.
Stake conference, Elk Ridge Stake, August 2006, Elder Woods: The time ofpreparation is past; now is the time of consummation.
Stake conference, Mapleton, January 2007, Elder Edgely of the Presiding Bishopric:
1. Store water
2. Store 1 month supply of "comfort food"
3. Store at least one year's supply of food
4. Have emergency cash on hand (2-4 weeks' salary) DO IT NOW
From Roger K. Young, Feb. 28, 2007 - Things are happening and they aren'tgood. Again, my opinion is worth about O, but I believe that things areprepared to turn very, very ugly unbelievably fast. When it happens, it canbe like a car wreck. Everything is fine until all of a sudden a drunk driver comes from nowhere and hits you, a multi-car derby happens and then the world you know has changed in a matter of seconds.Things are speeding up. This "change" could happen any time. The Gadiantons are on the move, big-time, and are about ready to spring a few surprises. Everything we've been talking about appears to be in process of happening. The calm before the storm is about over. I pray that we will have more time , even four more years. But I don't see how that is possible unless absolute miracles happen. We must live like it is many years away, but prepare as if it is tomorrow. I am retiring from warning others to prepare and from being high profile to concentrate on preparing myself and my family. I am doing this after much fasting and prayer.
Bishop Edgley's comments at the stake conference a few weeks ago are critical.
PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE.. TEMPLE, TEMPLE, TEMPLE, TEMPLE.. PRAY AND LISTEN, PRAY AND LISTEN, PRAY AND LISTEN, PRAY AND LISTEN. FOLLOW THE PROPHET, FOLLOW THE PROPHET, FOLLOW THE PROPHET, FOLLOW THE PROPHET.
What more can I say?
Subject: President Packer -Acting 'President' of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
From the wife of Boyd K. Packer's grandson: (The Packer family has two family reunions each year, one in July and one in December.)
July 4, 2006 - President Packer gave counsel to his family as the patriarchto get their storage and preparedness items. He said, "The next step is toprepare to leave our homes if necessary."
From the wife of President Packer's son: December, 2006- President Packercounseled his family to "Get prepared now. There is something serious coming very soon."
Adult session Saturday night of Stake conference in Holladay, Oct. 2006 -President Packer opened he meeting up for questions and answers. One brother asked him to comment on why there had been no talks on preparedness at general conference. President Packer responded that President Gordon B. Hinckley has told the brethren not to speak on preparedness anymore. We have been counseled on it for more than 100 years. "Now the Lord will preach His own sermons."
Leadership meeting of a South Jordan stake conference, Sept. 1, 2006
Presiding Bishop David Burton: Keep your eye on the Prophet, beingself-reliant has always been part of the church. Statistics show that no matter what the Church does, no higher percentage than 15% have storage. We are not going to say any more, but our people are going to need to be prepared. For example, what if somebody released a virus? What if it caused a pandemic? What if that led to quarantine? What if the quarantine was enforced? The office of the presiding bishopric has tried to come up with a plan, but we don't know what we could do. The responsibility lies with the head of each family.
Stake conference, Elk Ridge Stake, August 2006, Elder Woods: The time ofpreparation is past; now is the time of consummation.
Stake conference, Mapleton, January 2007, Elder Edgely of the Presiding Bishopric:
1. Store water
2. Store 1 month supply of "comfort food"
3. Store at least one year's supply of food
4. Have emergency cash on hand (2-4 weeks' salary) DO IT NOW
From Roger K. Young, Feb. 28, 2007 - Things are happening and they aren'tgood. Again, my opinion is worth about O, but I believe that things areprepared to turn very, very ugly unbelievably fast. When it happens, it canbe like a car wreck. Everything is fine until all of a sudden a drunk driver comes from nowhere and hits you, a multi-car derby happens and then the world you know has changed in a matter of seconds.Things are speeding up. This "change" could happen any time. The Gadiantons are on the move, big-time, and are about ready to spring a few surprises. Everything we've been talking about appears to be in process of happening. The calm before the storm is about over. I pray that we will have more time , even four more years. But I don't see how that is possible unless absolute miracles happen. We must live like it is many years away, but prepare as if it is tomorrow. I am retiring from warning others to prepare and from being high profile to concentrate on preparing myself and my family. I am doing this after much fasting and prayer.
Bishop Edgley's comments at the stake conference a few weeks ago are critical.
PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE.. TEMPLE, TEMPLE, TEMPLE, TEMPLE.. PRAY AND LISTEN, PRAY AND LISTEN, PRAY AND LISTEN, PRAY AND LISTEN. FOLLOW THE PROPHET, FOLLOW THE PROPHET, FOLLOW THE PROPHET, FOLLOW THE PROPHET.
What more can I say?
Friday, June 20, 2008
Letter from Senior Missionary in Africa - Follow the Prophet and Make Home Storage a Priority
Here is an email from Sister (Donna) Elam, who is serving with her husband in the Kenya Nairobi Mission.
She writes:
Jessica (and all the sisters in Sahuarita 2nd and 4th Wards),
Thanks for sending me the emails. Since we are serving a mission in Africa, I can't take advantage of them but I wanted to share some thoughts with you concerning food storage.
When there was the terrible violence here in Nairobi,Kenya in January, people were unable to leave their homes for many days - those who did not have a supply of food and water were in really bad shape. With fuel prices going so high, there are now truckers strikes in many areas of the world. When the truckers strike, the stores empty out in a matter of hours. Also, if the electricity is out (as it is here quite frequently) you are unable to purchase anything, as everything now is operated by electricity. As the economic situation in the world gets worse, it is critical that we have a good supply of food, water and emergency supplies in our homes. We do not know exactly what will happen in any particular area, but we will all be affected in some way.
I am so thankful for the gospel and the teaching we have concerning home storage. I hope and pray that all of you will heed the counsel of the prophet and make home storage a priority.
Love to all,
Sister Donna Elam
Kenya Nairobi Mission
She writes:
Jessica (and all the sisters in Sahuarita 2nd and 4th Wards),
Thanks for sending me the emails. Since we are serving a mission in Africa, I can't take advantage of them but I wanted to share some thoughts with you concerning food storage.
When there was the terrible violence here in Nairobi,Kenya in January, people were unable to leave their homes for many days - those who did not have a supply of food and water were in really bad shape. With fuel prices going so high, there are now truckers strikes in many areas of the world. When the truckers strike, the stores empty out in a matter of hours. Also, if the electricity is out (as it is here quite frequently) you are unable to purchase anything, as everything now is operated by electricity. As the economic situation in the world gets worse, it is critical that we have a good supply of food, water and emergency supplies in our homes. We do not know exactly what will happen in any particular area, but we will all be affected in some way.
I am so thankful for the gospel and the teaching we have concerning home storage. I hope and pray that all of you will heed the counsel of the prophet and make home storage a priority.
Love to all,
Sister Donna Elam
Kenya Nairobi Mission
Thursday, June 5, 2008
How to Eat an Elephant - Food Storage
Food Storage (Very Basic 1-yr Plan)
January
Store 7-10 gallons of water per person.
February
Store 200 lbs of wheat and/or flour or whole grains per adult. Also store 10 lbs of salt per person.
March
Store 30 lbs of powdered milk per adult.
April
Store 30 lbs of sugar/honey per adult.
May
Store 30 lbs of dried beans/legumes per adult. Or store canned beans if you wish.
June
Store 10 lbs of fat/oil per adult.
July
Store 7-10 gallons of water per person.
August
Store 200 of whole grains/flour per adult.
September
Store 30 lbs of powdered milk per adult.
October
Store 30 lbs of sugar/honey per adult.
November
Store 30 lbs of dried beans/legumes per adult. Or store canned beans if you wish.
December
Store 10 lbs of fat/oil per adult.
January
Store 7-10 gallons of water per person.
February
Store 200 lbs of wheat and/or flour or whole grains per adult. Also store 10 lbs of salt per person.
March
Store 30 lbs of powdered milk per adult.
April
Store 30 lbs of sugar/honey per adult.
May
Store 30 lbs of dried beans/legumes per adult. Or store canned beans if you wish.
June
Store 10 lbs of fat/oil per adult.
July
Store 7-10 gallons of water per person.
August
Store 200 of whole grains/flour per adult.
September
Store 30 lbs of powdered milk per adult.
October
Store 30 lbs of sugar/honey per adult.
November
Store 30 lbs of dried beans/legumes per adult. Or store canned beans if you wish.
December
Store 10 lbs of fat/oil per adult.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Quotes - "Lay Up in Store"
This is from the article entitled “Lay Up in Store” by Bishop Keith B. McMullin
From President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, we hear:
"Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year's supply of food…. and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free."
From President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Lord's prophet, we hear:
"The best place to have some food set aside is within our homes... We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week's food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months… I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all. Begin in a small way,… and gradually build toward a reasonable objective."
Inspired preparation rests on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, obedience, and a provident lifestyle. Members should not go to extremes, but they should begin.
We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes of life. Please see to it that those entrusted to your watchcare receive these two pamphlets entitled All Is Safely Gathered In. Exhort them to prepare now for rainy days ahead.
Encourage our members to regularly put into their home storage a few wholesome, basic food items and some water that is safe to drink. They should save some money, if only a few coins each week. This modest approach will soon enable them to have several months' reserve. Over time they can expand these modest efforts into a longer-term supply by adding such essentials as grains, legumes, and other staples that will keep them alive in case they do not have anything else to eat.
From President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, we hear:
"Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year's supply of food…. and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free."
From President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Lord's prophet, we hear:
"The best place to have some food set aside is within our homes... We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week's food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months… I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all. Begin in a small way,… and gradually build toward a reasonable objective."
Inspired preparation rests on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, obedience, and a provident lifestyle. Members should not go to extremes, but they should begin.
We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes of life. Please see to it that those entrusted to your watchcare receive these two pamphlets entitled All Is Safely Gathered In. Exhort them to prepare now for rainy days ahead.
Encourage our members to regularly put into their home storage a few wholesome, basic food items and some water that is safe to drink. They should save some money, if only a few coins each week. This modest approach will soon enable them to have several months' reserve. Over time they can expand these modest efforts into a longer-term supply by adding such essentials as grains, legumes, and other staples that will keep them alive in case they do not have anything else to eat.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Food Storage - Suggested Amounts
I'm not trying to sound like a whacked out Survivalist, but we have been counseled for years about having a year supply of food in case of hard times. Many people have not followed this counsel for whatever reason even though it was given by several prophets. Now all of a sudden there are news reports of food shortages and all of a sudden people are thinking more seriously about their year-supply so it seems. Funny how people listen to the news more than the prophet. Prophets give us warnings in advance and the news tells us as things are already happening. We don't have our full supply, but you can bet we are working on it and have been for years. We have kicked it up a notch over the past year though.
Below I have listed the minimal amount of food each of us should have for one person for one month. Multiply by 12 to figure out a year supply. For instance, our family of five needs to have 1,500 lbs. of grains and 300 lbs. of beans to survive. But we're also storing other foods that we'll want to eat, as well as toiletries, water, paper goods, cash, etc. I strongly encourage everyone to start building their food storage because I think there are hard times coming.
Minimum amount of food storage for one person for one month:
25 lb. Wheat, white rice, corn, and other grains
5 lb. Dry beans and other legumes
Below I have listed the minimal amount of food each of us should have for one person for one month. Multiply by 12 to figure out a year supply. For instance, our family of five needs to have 1,500 lbs. of grains and 300 lbs. of beans to survive. But we're also storing other foods that we'll want to eat, as well as toiletries, water, paper goods, cash, etc. I strongly encourage everyone to start building their food storage because I think there are hard times coming.
Minimum amount of food storage for one person for one month:
25 lb. Wheat, white rice, corn, and other grains
5 lb. Dry beans and other legumes
Food Storage - How Long Does it Last?
Findings of recent scientific studies conducted by a team of researchers at Brigham Young University show that properly packaged, low-moisture foods stored at room temperature or cooler (75°F/24°C or lower) remain nutritious and edible much longer than previously thought. The studies, which are the first of their kind, increase the estimated shelf life for many products to 30 years or more (see chart for new estimates of shelf life). Previous estimates of longevity were based on "best-if-used-by" recommendations and experience. Though not studied, sugar, salt, baking soda (essential for soaking beans), and vitamin C in tablet form also store well long-term. Some basic foods do need more frequent rotation, such as vegetable oil every 1 to 2 years.
While there is a decline in nutritional quality and taste over time, depending on the original quality of food and how it was processed, packaged, and stored, the studies show that even after being stored long-term, the food will help sustain life in an emergency.
Cannery Food - New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-LifeEstimates (In Years)
Wheat 30+
White rice 30+
Pinto beans 30
Apple slices 30
Macaroni 30
Rolled oats 30
Potato flakes 30
Powdered milk 20
While there is a decline in nutritional quality and taste over time, depending on the original quality of food and how it was processed, packaged, and stored, the studies show that even after being stored long-term, the food will help sustain life in an emergency.
Cannery Food - New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-LifeEstimates (In Years)
Wheat 30+
White rice 30+
Pinto beans 30
Apple slices 30
Macaroni 30
Rolled oats 30
Potato flakes 30
Powdered milk 20
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