May Newsletter 2

Emotional Goal...Learn and Live the ABCs for an Abundant Life. "So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment...Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities." —Thomas S. Monson, "Living the Abundant Life", Liahona and Ensign, January 2012

Spiritual Goal...Don't falter in your previous resolves with personal and family scripture study and prayer, FHE, journaling, and so forth. Review your goals and update them. Continue with building your scriptural knowledge and spiritual strength with purposeful daily devotions. “I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine.” Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Light within You,” Ensign, May 1995, 99

Physical Goal...Drink water as your only beverage for the next month, preferably distilled. After this month of eliminating all other beverages. Check your weight; likely you'll find you lost weight and feel better. Keep up your exercise program. "Your body is a temple, a gift from God. You will be blessed as you care for your body. Choose to obey the Word of Wisdom. When you are obedient to this law, 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. You will be prepared to serve the Lord...To care for your body, eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep." For the Strength of Youth, Emotional and Physical Health

Financial Goal...Do you remember to pay an honest tithe? Doing so you will do more to build your financial security than anything else. Do you bless the lives of others with a generous fast offering? Caring for the least of God's children, we show our devotion to Him. He has blessed us all so abundantly. Let us give back just a little and help God bless the lives of others. “The fundamental principle of all Church relief work is that it must be carried on by fast offerings and other voluntary donations and contributions. This is the order established by the Lord.” J. Reuben Clark

Storage Goal...As your garden begins to produce, eat what you can fresh. Then dehydrate some of what is left. A wonderful seasoning that I've used for years is made of real food for real flavor. Instead of bouillon cubes which are just balls of artificial flavoring, salt, and hydrogenated fats, make nutrient dense veggie broth powder from dehydrated, powdered carrots, onions, tomatoes, peas, celery, green bell peppers, green beans, zucchini, mushrooms (optional), and parsley. It makes most anything taste better. Additionally, each tablespoon added is like adding 1/2 c. pureed vegetables.  You can't beat that--some people skip the powdering step and simply add 1/2 c. mixed dehydrated vegetables to their soups, sauces, and stews for flavor and nutrition. Even though it is nice to do this in an electric dehydrator under 115F, in this area it is warm and dry enough to dehydrate produce outdoors in the sun under cheese cloth. One of our favorite lunches is food storage soup aka Lentil Soup. Soak 1 c. red or brown lentils for 3 hours and then sprout for 12-24 hours. Drain and rinse well each 12 hours. Bring 6-8 cups water, 1 t. dried oregano, and 1/2 t. red pepper flakes to a boil in a heavy pot. Add lentils and 2-4 T veggie broth powder or 1/2 to 1 c. dehydrated veggie mix, and immediately, put a lid on the pot. Turn off heat, leaving the pot on the burner. Allow soup to cook with captured heat until it cools to serving temperature. Add salt and pepper to taste plus a bit of olive oil if desired. This is a living soup, which sprouts will continue to grow in the refrigerator.

Emergency, Evacuation, and Pantry Kits...sometimes food isn't as important as entertainment. Do you have coloring books or paper, crayons, Uno, Skip-Bo, and a couple toy cars in your kit?

Provident Living...The first week of May plant a couple more dwarf cherries, apples, pears, plums, apricots, almonds, or peaches especially rated for zone 6 with late spring freezes. The second week of May plant several raspberry canes and grape vines rated for zone 6. The third week of May, plant second or third year asparagus roots in a shallow trench. As the roots sprout and grow, add compost and shredded leaves. In the fall, add compost and a thick layer of leaves (or wood chips per BTEM). This asparagus can be harvested next spring. The fourth week of May, plant out flower, strawberry, eggplant, melon, cucumber, squash, and pepper seedlings, and zucchini seeds. Either use row covers, a hoop house, or cover nightly until the first week of June is past. Begin to harvest spinach and lettuce and replace these with beans as harvested. Whenever one crop reaches maturity and is harvested, scoot the wood chips aside, add compost, Azomite and/or micronized rock dust, a pinch of mushroom spores (mycelium), and re-plant that spot with a fall/winter/over-winter crop: leeks, kale, green and red head cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, bok choi, Nappa cabbage, fennel, carrots, beets, onions, and cauliflower. Then move the wood chops back in place. And while you are outside with your children, teach them to paint the fence, build a garden trellis, or do other maintenance; remember to make this fun. "Follow the prophet. He has counseled us to plant a garden and fruit trees. This year don’t just think about it—do it. Grow all the food you possibly can. Also remember to buy a year’s supply of garden seeds so that, in case of a shortage, you will have them for the following spring...Plant fruit trees, grapevines, berry bushes, and vegetables. You will provide food for your family, much of which can be eaten fresh. Other food you grow can be preserved and included as part of your home storage. Wherever possible, produce your nonfood necessities of life. Sew and mend your own clothing. Make or build needed items. I might also add, beautify, repair, and maintain all of your property. Home production of food and nonfood items is a way to stretch your income and to increase your skills and talents. It is a way to teach your family to be self-sufficient. Our children are provided with much needed opportunities to learn the fundamentals of work, industry, and thrift." Vaugn J. Featherstone, April 1976