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Everyday Courage

I was walking out of Walmart the other day and happened to see an elderly man at the check out counter.  A hanger fell to the ground and he was struggling to bend his knees and hips enough to pick it up.  I paused and watched him for a moment.  This, in all the commotion, caught my attention and I paused. 

He could have ignored it.  No one may have noticed or cared.  Someone else could have picked it up.  Doing it was so difficult it attracted attention and could have been very embarrassing to him.  

I’m sure my stopping to stare may not have been helpful.  But, if he could have read my thoughts, he would have heard several things.  I teach yoga and would have loved to be able to gently help him improve his range of motion over time.  I wondered what his circumstances where that made such a normal movement so challenging.  Maybe he had arthritis or a joint replacement.

But, most of all, I call it courage.  His example burns in my mind as a triumph.  He would not avoid trying it even though it was incredibly difficult, even though he had a big audience, and even though what was hard for him would be easy for most other people.

He had the courage to do it anyway.  And he did it his way.  Speed was less important than trying and succeeding at long last. 

And he did succeed. 

I don’t know what conditions he may have that limit his movements, but in most cases movement improves movement.  Trying makes possible what was not possible before.  And, even if physically he is no better off for reasons beyond his control, I am better off–

because he dared to do it –Anyway. 

dsh

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Why prepare (religious)

Why Prepare?

D&C 38: 30  but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

  1.  The Righteous Love the Truth

2 Nephi 9:40  I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken.

 

  •  Truth is, major, adverse conditions and experiences occur in every Life

    • ·          Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

    • Job, Joseph Smith, and even Jesus Christ himself were not immune.

    Righteousness brings blessings but it does NOT make us immune to the challenges and dangers of life.

    • Every single stripling warrior was injured, some very severely.
    • Pick any amazing person you know.  Why are they so amazing? 

     

    1. What, then, is our protection?  Why do the righteous continually prepare?

    It isn’t that our food will save us.  It might float out to sea in a hurricane. 

     

    Alma 48: 15 And this was their afaith, that by so doing God would bprosper them in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according to their danger;

     

     D&C 123: 17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us acheerfully bdo all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the csalvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

     

    1.  We know and trust God

    Enos 1:6 And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.

    1 Nephi 17: 50 And I said unto them: aIf God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. 51 And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot ainstruct me, that I should build a ship?

    May the Lord bless you as you build your ship of preparedness and peace.  Let’s build together. 

    Love, Your Sister, DarEll (Sis. Hoskisson)

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    MARCH OTA #1

    March 2014:  Opportunity to Act

    • Trust yourself.  These are suggestions.  Do what you know is best for you and your family.   

    Group Goal:  All group members will have enough water appropriately stored for 72 hrs (at least 3 gallons per person) by the end of April.  72 hr kits for all members will be complete by the end of August. 

    Beginners (Greenies):  Set aside a regular time each week to think about preparedness.  Consider how you will store water and begin to gather and fill water containers.  Get at least 1 gallon of water appropriately stored for each member of your family by the end of March. 

    Maintainers:  Evaluate your water supply.  If the containers are adequate, empty and refill them.  If not, make the adjustments needed.  Set a time once or twice a year that you will evaluate, rotate, or empty and refill your water supply.  Many people choose Spring and Fall as reminders for 72 hr kit evaluation and maintenance.

    EXTRA MILERS: 

    When you are finished getting or updating your water supply for 72 hrs, help others do the same.

     Ideas:  THESE ARE JUST IDEAS

    1-Give a bottle or gallon of water to someone else along with the challenge of the month. 

    2-Give extra water to a group leader who can gather them to distribute to those who confide a need for assistance. 

    3—Give water to your neighbors for their hurricane preparedness

    4—store more water than 72 hrs.  Get 1 weeks worth or more

    5– buy a high quality filter, a large water barrel, or a rain barrel

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    Prepping 101: On a budget!

    Here is another blog you may find useful

    bassgod14's avatarPrepping, Pop Culture & Politics

    I recently had a close friend respond to one of my posts and ask a very good question related to getting into prepping on a small budget.  I think this is an issue for many folks who are interested in disaster preparedness but have no idea where to start and might be experiencing financial stress.  The irony here is that the financial stress might even be the issue that showed a person the need to be prepared for disasters yet they feel they are unable to implement any basic preparedness principles based on a lack of money.  I intend to show in this post that basic entry level disaster preparedness does not require much cash.

    So lets review the ABC’s of preparedness.  A stands for ALWAYS by informed!  B stands for BUILD an emergency kit.  C stands of CREATE a plan.  You can do two of these things with literally…

    View original post 3,194 more words

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    Step 2: Water

    We can survive on a lot less than we think we can.  Water, though, is a necessity.  Begin by thinking about your water situation:  I’ve read that a gallon a person per day is enough.  That might be enough for drinking and surviving, but it isn’t enough for flushing toilets, washing dishes, and hygiene needs.  So, start with a gallon per person per day, but keep in mind, you will eventually want other sources as well. 

    So, for a 72 hr emergency kit, you would need at least 3 gallons per person of safe, dependable drinking water.  Start with getting enough for your family for ONE day and work up to 3 or more.

    Container Tips:  Thick, clear plastic water jugs work well and do not deteriorate like the milk jug type.  Milk-jug type water containers break down over time and may leak out and ruin things.  Smaller quart size water bottles might work better for putting in back packs, etc. 

    Walmart and hardware stores will often sell water jugs in camping sections or near the same area where gas cans are displayed.  Gas cans are red.  Water cans are usually blue or white and usually are 2, 3, or 5 gallon size.  The larger cans are great for storing more water for longer than 72 hrs or for washing and hygiene uses. 

    Two problems we’ve had with these blue and/or white large water containers:  We had no problem with them leaking when stored indoors or in the garage.  But, stored outdoors, the sun and weather broke them down over a year or so and they ended up cracking, and being useless.  So, they will need protection from the elements to stay secure.

    A certain type of square water jug has a spigot that when stored in it leaves an open back end of the spout exposed on the top of the jug.  This just collects dirt and may compromise the integrity of the water.  Take care to experiment a little with the jug before you buy it and make sure it will actually be airtight. 

    Bleach containers:  To use or not to use:  Bleach gallon jugs are actually made of very strong material and will last well.  BUT, we don’t want our children getting confused and accidentally drinking or using bleach like water.  My solution:  After ALL THE BLEACH IS GONE and it just smells like bleach but the bleach is gone, I fill it with water.  The left over chlorine will not be enough to harm and can keep nasty things from growing in it.  Then I TAKE OFF THE LABEL and I write H2O on it with a permanent marker.  So my water storage in these containers says H2O FOR CLEANING ONLY on it.  I wouldn’t trust drinking this water, but it will store long and well for other uses.  Also, children who are not old enough to understand the symbol will not know it means water.  I have had no incident that caused me to worry with this system. 

    Water and rain barrels:  These can be purchased online or around here you can pick them up at the local green market.  The ones we have are thick, blue plastic, hold 50 gallons I believe and we have had no problem with them even out in the weather for years. 

    In general, water must be rotated every year to stay tasting good.  But, I understand even old water can be boiled or aerated to make it safe and drinkable.  So, having water is by far preferable to not having it.

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    Step 1: Schedule a Time

    Like anything, preparing takes some time and thought.  Start today by looking at your schedule and deciding on a time you will be able to prioritize your emergency preparedness.  If you have no preference, choose Monday morning or Monday evening.  (I’ve found that if you want something done, Monday is a winner).  Do not become overwhelmed.  It does not even require an hour.  Plan at least 20 minutes to do SOMETHING each week on your preparedness.  Even if you only think about it, those thoughts will eventually lead to action. 

    If you are too busy one week, just come back to it.  Don’t let an immediate need go neglected because of your plan, but don’t let your plan always be neglected, either.   Just keep coming back to it.  If you do your plan even 80% of the time you will move mountains a teaspoon at a time.  But, if you find it is almost never happening, reschedule:  pick a different day or decide on which activities you can and will sacrifice to make this path of peace a priority.    

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    It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

    Preparing to prepare is a little like preparing to be a distance runner.  You have to want to prepare.  You have to know why you are doing it and why it is worth the sacrifice of time and resources.  You have to schedule a time to do it.  You have to budget some money for it.  And, you have to DO your plan.  All of this takes time.  Be patient with yourself.  New athletes or people trying to lose weight often fall, crash and burn on the very same hurdle:  Too Much Too Soon.  Take small steps.  This is a lifestyle change.  Work it in to your priorities and your way of life.  Make a spot in your schedule.  Take it easy on yourself.  Small consistent steps will get you and keep you places where short, exhausting bursts never can.  That is the purpose of this site:  to provide support for you while you become a person who is and continues to be peacefully prepared. 

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    Balance

    English: Circus tent A circus visits Pittencri...

    English: Circus tent A circus visits Pittencrieff Park nearly every year. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    My life has been a circus tent.

    I’m learning how to juggle.

    I set up a great big show.

    No crowd could burst my bubble.

    I’d spin a plate.  I’d throw a ball.

    I’d run about, AMAZE!

    I had the happy crowd abuzz

    with each new feat

    on stage.

    But, it got harder

    and harder to impress.

    So many balls and plates

    an inevitable mess.

    Until balance seemed an impossible circus trick,

    and I needed a real-life balancing act.

    So, I asked the Ring-leader how it could all be done

    and He a-light and full of fun

    surprisingly replied,

    “just spin one plate.”

    © 2007 DarEll S. Hoskisson