Weekly Challenge and Assignment (Week of May 1st)

Hi Carson Ward, Family and Friends,

Quote:

"Church members can begin their home storage by storing the basic foods that would be required to keep them alive if they did not have anything else to eat. Depending on where members lives, those basics might include water, wheat or other grains, legumes, salt, honey or sugar, powered milk, and cooking oil."..."When members have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day." ... "Families who do not have the resources to acquire a year's supply can begin their storage by obtaining supplies to last fora few months. Members should be prudent and not panic or go to extremes in this effort." The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, January 20, 2002

It does not take a natural disaster in order for us to need our Food Storage. As I see loss of jobs, lower incomes, and gas and food prices rising quickly, I see the wisdom in this counsel from our Church leaders. They have been counseling since the reorganization of the Church, to be prepared. I continually hear on the news and read in the newspaper and on the Internet that foods like corn, wheat, legumes and other items have increased 45%. Emergency Food Storage companies are running out of number 10 cans of freeze dried and dehydrated foods due to a high volume of demand. They are trying to increase production to meet the heavy demands, but it will take weeks to restock the emergency food storage companies. Their prices are also continually rising due the cost of produce they get are rising. It may even get to a point that they may no longer be available. Grocery stores usually keep a two week supply, but who knows when their supplies may be unavailable too.
Times are definitely tough! But do not panic as the quote above states. Just start and continue to add to your food storage. Heavenly Father will bless you as you strive to follow the commandments. D&C 78:22 states--"And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things...." The more self-reliant we become the more we will feel at peace, secure and not fear!

Weekly Assignments:

First Assignment--For those of you working on your 72 Hour Emergency Food Kits- 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit (Remember, you need one for each family member. You will need 3 of each time because we are using the same menu for each day, makes it much easier. This kit along with the other 2 kits should be placed in a backpack. Each kit should be in a large plastic zip lock bag to protect the food from water damage.)

This week add the following (if you are just starting, check out the other three blog postings after this one). See blog posting Week of August 22nd for more details:
a) Trail Mix (you will need 3 small bags or one extra large one you can divide into 3 portions, do not divide until you open it)
b) Gum (3-5 sticks for each day)

Second Assignment--

Add some items to your Food Storage or replace items that need rotated and use the older rotated items in your daily cooking.

Weekly Challenge:

Shelter--

If there is a disaster you may not be able to stay in your home, you will need some type of shelter. If you have a tent(s), get them out and look them over for any damage. Repair any damages. If you do not have a tent or some type of way to build a shelter (a large water proof tarp with rope and duck tape could make a shelter) then either purchase a tent big enough for your family, or several small tents, or items to make a shelter. If you do not have the money then start saving for one. May be skip a night out to the movies or dinner so you can use that money to put towards or purchase a tent. This is a great time of the year to purchase to a tent. Many sporting good stores and other stores like Target, Walmart have them on sale due to the camping season starting.

Note: This week Big 5 has a 4 person Columbus Sunridge 8'x8' tent on sale for $30, regular price $64.99. Sports Authority has tents on sale too, 3 person tent $39.99, 5 person tent $49.99, and 9 person tent $109.99. These are great deals! Leave out a trip to the movies or out to dinner with the family this month and you could pay for this tent.

Remember: Post your name and comment below to have your name entered into our Ward Monthly FREE Giveaway Drawing. Our next drawing will be the last Sunday in May.