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Sunday
while the earth remains
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease," Genesis 8:22.
While it is highly important to store grains and legumes to sustain your family in times of trouble, it is equally important to use the little land available on your town lot to plant edible landscaping. After all, you can't eat grass. Learn how to use grey water, composted plant matter and paper, wood chips, perennial vegetables, fruit trees, and berry bushes to create an eye-appealing, spirit-enriching, vitamin-forest which will bring out the roses on your children's cheeks. Refusing the king's meat and incorporating grains and legumes and fruits and vegetables from your garden, you will reap the positive rewards of the Word of Wisdom.
beyond grains and legumes
There are so many ways to cook our veggies, grains and legumes without using electricity. In places were there is lots of sun, a Sun Oven is a good option. Even in the sunny Rocky Mountains, there are some days without enough sun to allow solar cooking. On these days, get out the rocket stove.
Sure, I occasionally still use rice cookers, slow cookers, and other electric devices. However, cooking with sunshine or twigs gives me satisfaction that can't be measured. It's as if I'm reaching in the pockets of the utility company and retrieving my money.
If you haven't yet purchased these home preparedness items, put them on your list.
Also consider a simple composting toilet or an elaborate one for other needs.
Sure, I occasionally still use rice cookers, slow cookers, and other electric devices. However, cooking with sunshine or twigs gives me satisfaction that can't be measured. It's as if I'm reaching in the pockets of the utility company and retrieving my money.
If you haven't yet purchased these home preparedness items, put them on your list.
Also consider a simple composting toilet or an elaborate one for other needs.
Monday
thrift leads to health
Learn to use basic grains, seeds, and beans, which we have been asked to store by God's prophets. Using these thrifty basics as your main source of food along with your vegetable garden and fruit tress, your health will improve to the point that you reverse many degenerative diseases. Plus, your budget will thank you. I've found it even more economical to buy my beans and grains in 50# bulk packaging than to can it, because I go through it constantly. I keep enough bulk on hand for 6-9 months and rotate in the canned long-term things a bit at a time. Because they grow so fast and sometimes eat large amounts of food, this practice is especially helpful for families with growing children.
I'm not sure what caused the resistance to the do parts of the Word of Wisdom, but it is clear. It pleases the Lord if we use flesh as food only in times of need: except in times of need (winter, cold, famine, and excess of hunger). In Joseph Smith's day, winter was a time of famine in many cases. Hyrum was Joseph's dear brother, best friend, and patriarch of the church and obviously knew the mind of the Prophet. He said, "God...knows what course to pursue to restore mankind to...pristine excellency and primitive vigor, and health; and He has appointed the Word of Wisdom as one of the engines to bring about this thing, to remove the beastly appetites, the murderous disposition and the vitiated taste of man, to restore his body and vigor, promote peace between him and the brute creation, and as one of the little wheels in God's design, to help to regulate the great machinery, which shall eventually, revolutionize the earth, and bring about the restoration of all things...let them be sparing of the life of animals..let them be sparing of the life of animals, it is pleasing saith the Lord that flesh be used only in times of winter, or of famine...Let these things be adhered to; let us lay aside our folly and abide by the commandments of God; so shall we be blessed of the great Jehovah in time and eternity; we shall be healthy, strong and vigorous; we shall be enabled to resist disease; and wisdom will crown our councils, and our bodies will become strong and powerful, our progeny will become mighty, and will rise up and call us blessed.... We shall prepare ourselves for the purposes of Jehovah." (Hyrum Smith, Times & Seasons 3:799-801)
Here's science that backs up the Word of Wisdom. View the video with an open mind and heart. Listen to the Spirit, and you'll know what to do.
I'm not sure what caused the resistance to the do parts of the Word of Wisdom, but it is clear. It pleases the Lord if we use flesh as food only in times of need: except in times of need (winter, cold, famine, and excess of hunger). In Joseph Smith's day, winter was a time of famine in many cases. Hyrum was Joseph's dear brother, best friend, and patriarch of the church and obviously knew the mind of the Prophet. He said, "God...knows what course to pursue to restore mankind to...pristine excellency and primitive vigor, and health; and He has appointed the Word of Wisdom as one of the engines to bring about this thing, to remove the beastly appetites, the murderous disposition and the vitiated taste of man, to restore his body and vigor, promote peace between him and the brute creation, and as one of the little wheels in God's design, to help to regulate the great machinery, which shall eventually, revolutionize the earth, and bring about the restoration of all things...let them be sparing of the life of animals..let them be sparing of the life of animals, it is pleasing saith the Lord that flesh be used only in times of winter, or of famine...Let these things be adhered to; let us lay aside our folly and abide by the commandments of God; so shall we be blessed of the great Jehovah in time and eternity; we shall be healthy, strong and vigorous; we shall be enabled to resist disease; and wisdom will crown our councils, and our bodies will become strong and powerful, our progeny will become mighty, and will rise up and call us blessed.... We shall prepare ourselves for the purposes of Jehovah." (Hyrum Smith, Times & Seasons 3:799-801)
Here's science that backs up the Word of Wisdom. View the video with an open mind and heart. Listen to the Spirit, and you'll know what to do.
Thursday
September Newsletter 2
Since the theme of this month's visiting teaching message is Self-Reliance, there is no need to write anything else. Even though I've moved on and am no longer Self-Reliance specialist, I plan to continue this blog in a likewise manner. To understand the vision of Self-Reliance, read the following visiting teaching message and begin working on the goals found here from the very beginning. If you've been keeping the goals thus far, use the following to gain a little direction concerning your role for lifting others in need.
Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide for the spiritual and temporal well-being of ourselves and of our families.
As we learn and apply the principles of self-reliance in our homes and communities, we have opportunities to care for the poor and needy and to help others become self-reliant so they can endure times of adversity.
We have the privilege and duty to use our agency to become self-reliant spiritually and temporally. Speaking of spiritual self-reliance and our dependence on Heavenly Father, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught: “We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants—through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others.”
Elder Hales counseled us to become self-reliant temporally, “which includes getting a postsecondary education or vocational training, learning to work, and living within our means. By avoiding debt and saving money now, we are prepared for full-time Church service in the years to come. The purpose of both temporal and spiritual self-reliance is to get ourselves on higher ground so that we can lift others in need.”
From the Scriptures
Matthew 25:1–13; 1 Timothy 5:8; Alma 34:27–28; Doctrine and Covenants 44:6; 58:26–29; 88:118
From Our History
After the Latter-day Saints had gathered in the Salt Lake Valley, which was an isolated desert, President Brigham Young wanted them to flourish and establish permanent homes. This meant the Saints needed to learn skills that would allow them to become self-sufficient. In this effort, President Young had great trust in the capacities, talents, faithfulness, and willingness of the women, and he encouraged them in specific temporal duties. While the specific duties of Relief Society sisters are often different today, the principles remain constant:
1. Learn to love work and avoid idleness.
2. Acquire a spirit of self-sacrifice.
3. Accept personal responsibility for spiritual strength, health, education, employment, finances, food, and other life-sustaining necessities.
4. Pray for faith and courage to meet challenges.
5. Strengthen others who need assistance.
What Can I Do?
1. How am I helping the sisters I watch over find solutions to their temporal and spiritual needs?
2. Am I increasing my spiritual self-reliance through preparing for the sacrament and sacrificing to serve?
Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide for the spiritual and temporal well-being of ourselves and of our families.
As we learn and apply the principles of self-reliance in our homes and communities, we have opportunities to care for the poor and needy and to help others become self-reliant so they can endure times of adversity.
We have the privilege and duty to use our agency to become self-reliant spiritually and temporally. Speaking of spiritual self-reliance and our dependence on Heavenly Father, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught: “We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants—through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others.”
Elder Hales counseled us to become self-reliant temporally, “which includes getting a postsecondary education or vocational training, learning to work, and living within our means. By avoiding debt and saving money now, we are prepared for full-time Church service in the years to come. The purpose of both temporal and spiritual self-reliance is to get ourselves on higher ground so that we can lift others in need.”
From the Scriptures
Matthew 25:1–13; 1 Timothy 5:8; Alma 34:27–28; Doctrine and Covenants 44:6; 58:26–29; 88:118
From Our History
After the Latter-day Saints had gathered in the Salt Lake Valley, which was an isolated desert, President Brigham Young wanted them to flourish and establish permanent homes. This meant the Saints needed to learn skills that would allow them to become self-sufficient. In this effort, President Young had great trust in the capacities, talents, faithfulness, and willingness of the women, and he encouraged them in specific temporal duties. While the specific duties of Relief Society sisters are often different today, the principles remain constant:
1. Learn to love work and avoid idleness.
2. Acquire a spirit of self-sacrifice.
3. Accept personal responsibility for spiritual strength, health, education, employment, finances, food, and other life-sustaining necessities.
4. Pray for faith and courage to meet challenges.
5. Strengthen others who need assistance.
What Can I Do?
1. How am I helping the sisters I watch over find solutions to their temporal and spiritual needs?
2. Am I increasing my spiritual self-reliance through preparing for the sacrament and sacrificing to serve?
Friday
August Newsletter 2
Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Goal: Is this all getting a bit routine and mundane? Even though we should find joy in improvement, it sometimes feels lonely. You don't have to do it all alone. Why not invite a few friends to join your daily exercise or begin a challenge group like Sister Kimball? "Each year she challenged the women to read along with her the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, Jesus the Christ, or some other such book. She rewarded those who met the challenge with lunch at her home," Camilla, Caroline Eyring Miner, 178. If you can find a copy of this old favorite of mine, read it for some great inspiration.
Storage Goal: Are you diligent with usage, inventory, and rotation? Do you have the basics and beyond? If you are just beginning, go back to the very first newsletter and begin there. If you have been following the program, here's a thought. Do you have means of personal sanitation, a portable potty, hygiene kits, and a portable bath/shower? How about a James Washer or 5-gallong bucket+plunger to wash clothing? These are more than just a good idea, they are vital in an emergency situation. When the sewers and water go, one of the first problems is cholera. Remember Haiti after the recent catastrophe? A toilet can be as simple as a lined 5-gallon bucket or as complex as your budget allows. The same is true of showering. Do your research and find a solution. But, you say, water is too precious in an emergency situation. True, but shower/bath water can be reused to wash clothing. It's called grey water. Read about the spiritual importance of basic food and hygiene in this moving New Era article.
Provident Living: “We hope you are making this [gardening project] a family affair, with everyone, even the little ones, assigned to something. There is so much to learn and harvest from your garden, far more than just a crop itself,” Spencer W. Kimball, Apr. 1978. "[Gardening will] remind us all of the law of the harvest...We do reap what we sow. Even if the plot of soil you cultivate, plant, and harvest is a small one, it brings human nature closer to nature as was the case in the beginning with our first parents," Spencer W. Kimball, Apr. 1976. Since the secret to good health is greens, I'm always on the lookout for delicious, non-bitter varieties. I found a new one out here on my mission at a tiny Thai restaurant that deserves a shout out. Food allergies require me to order off menu. When I asked for steamed vegetables, they brought me a plate of perfection that contained an extremely delicious, unknown, mild green; the stems were similar to asparagus in texture with tender, sweet greens. Upon inquiry I was told it was Chinese Broccoli (Kai Lan). After researching, I discovered it can be grown as an annual or perennial. To grow as perennial, sew in late summer, harvest throughout the fall, cut down to stump, and mulch heavily. In the spring, it should come back up similar to asparagus for a spring harvest, stall out during summer, and have a second life in fall. Repeat. If you buy the open pollinated variety from Kitazawa Seed Co, you can use as an annual (or perennial), planting as broccoli in spring and saving the seeds in fall. Definitely going to give this one a try in pots up here, since it's like bonus asparagus that lasts for months instead of weeks and is ready in weeks instead of years.
Storage Goal: Are you diligent with usage, inventory, and rotation? Do you have the basics and beyond? If you are just beginning, go back to the very first newsletter and begin there. If you have been following the program, here's a thought. Do you have means of personal sanitation, a portable potty, hygiene kits, and a portable bath/shower? How about a James Washer or 5-gallong bucket+plunger to wash clothing? These are more than just a good idea, they are vital in an emergency situation. When the sewers and water go, one of the first problems is cholera. Remember Haiti after the recent catastrophe? A toilet can be as simple as a lined 5-gallon bucket or as complex as your budget allows. The same is true of showering. Do your research and find a solution. But, you say, water is too precious in an emergency situation. True, but shower/bath water can be reused to wash clothing. It's called grey water. Read about the spiritual importance of basic food and hygiene in this moving New Era article.
Provident Living: “We hope you are making this [gardening project] a family affair, with everyone, even the little ones, assigned to something. There is so much to learn and harvest from your garden, far more than just a crop itself,” Spencer W. Kimball, Apr. 1978. "[Gardening will] remind us all of the law of the harvest...We do reap what we sow. Even if the plot of soil you cultivate, plant, and harvest is a small one, it brings human nature closer to nature as was the case in the beginning with our first parents," Spencer W. Kimball, Apr. 1976. Since the secret to good health is greens, I'm always on the lookout for delicious, non-bitter varieties. I found a new one out here on my mission at a tiny Thai restaurant that deserves a shout out. Food allergies require me to order off menu. When I asked for steamed vegetables, they brought me a plate of perfection that contained an extremely delicious, unknown, mild green; the stems were similar to asparagus in texture with tender, sweet greens. Upon inquiry I was told it was Chinese Broccoli (Kai Lan). After researching, I discovered it can be grown as an annual or perennial. To grow as perennial, sew in late summer, harvest throughout the fall, cut down to stump, and mulch heavily. In the spring, it should come back up similar to asparagus for a spring harvest, stall out during summer, and have a second life in fall. Repeat. If you buy the open pollinated variety from Kitazawa Seed Co, you can use as an annual (or perennial), planting as broccoli in spring and saving the seeds in fall. Definitely going to give this one a try in pots up here, since it's like bonus asparagus that lasts for months instead of weeks and is ready in weeks instead of years.
More Provident Living Ideas
I am seriously addicted to finding frugal ways. It's not that I really need to be ultrafrugal anymore. It's more like a hobby to squeeze my pennies until they scream for mercy. Since I am allergic to many ingredients in commercial, personal hygiene products, I needed to find an alternative to shampoo and conditioner. Baking soda and apple cider vinegar work very well, causing me to realize we are better off without the chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, and many soaps. How is it done?
The first time I tried no-poo, I did it all wrong and practically recked my hair. After research and experimentation, I learned the best formula. When you begin, dissolve 1 T baking soda in a cup or two of warm water. Work through roots of hair and message scalp for about 30 seconds. Focusing on the roots and scalp, rinse with 1 T apple cider vinegar diluted in a cup or two of warm water. Then rinse with running water. If you tend toward dry hair, put a drop or two of olive, grape seed, apricot, kukui, or coconut oil in your palms and rub it into your hands as if for lotion. When it is nearly absorbed run your hands over the ends of your hair. (These also make great lotion or facial moisturize, especially grape seed for oily skin. Or try making my variation of Rosemary Gladstar's famous cream below.) As your hair becomes accustomed to this method, you will likely need to reduce the baking soda and vinegar amounts until you only use 1/4 t baking soda and 1 t vinegar. I also like to use herbal infusions in place of the water. Sage, comfrey leaf, calendula flower, marshmallow root, rosemary, nettle leaf, and yarrow are some hair-nourishing favorites.
Right after we began our mission, we ran out of soap. (I am used to having a huge supply of sundries to fall back upon. Out here it is just like being a newly wed again.) Anyway, I remembered reading an interview with Queen Latifa whose grandmother taught her to wash her face with baking soda. With that inspiration and my good experience with no-poo, I tried it. Weird at first, it worked quite well. Since soap always left me itchy in the past, I switched to baking soda for good. How is it done? Put a tablespoon or so of baking soda on a washcloth or your palm. Add a bit of water in the shower and use the paste to wash as you would soap. It's that easy.
Baking soda is so useful. Another personal hygiene usage is tooth brushing. Either by itself or mixed with a drop of mint essential oil, it gets teeth squeaky clean and breath nicely fresh. Sucking on whole cloves helps freshen breath after eating strong foods as well.
Finally, body deodorants don't have to come from the drug store either. Talc has been linked to ovarian and lung cancers. Aluminum is toxic and linked to Alzheimers and breast cancer. If it's not safe to eat, it's not safe to put on your skin. After all skin absorbs everything you put on it. Mix 1 part tapioca starch, 1 part cornstarch or rice starch, 1 part arrowroot Powder, 1 part baking soda, 1 part redmond or white clay, and 1 part dried, powdered citrus peel or flower petals or orris root for a delightful deodorant powder. If one ingredient is not available, double one of the others. This is so nice stored in an old fashioned powder box and applied with a puff for the feminine set or in a powder shaker for others. Something else to consider on this vein. Most body odors can be reduced or eliminated with diet. Since processed 'foods' and animal products contribute to the build up of bad bacteria in the body, body odor sweat is exacerbated with their consumption. A high intake of chlorophyll from green plants reduces odor. (Also true for bad breath, eating and/or eliminating poorly naturally cause odors.) Once again, the secret is in the greens.
Some people will only use naturally mined Baking Soda from Frontier or Bob's Red Mill. I'm not sure about that one yet.
Ingredients: 3/8 c. apricot kernel oil, 3/8 c. sweet almond oil, 1/8 c. cocoa butter, 1/8 c. coconut oil, 1/2 oz. bees wax, and 8 oz. calendula hydrosol or distilled water. Any of these oils can be substituted with other natural, cold pressed oils such as kukui, olive, grape seed, avocado oil, macadamia oil, mango butter, shea butter, etc. Melt wax, butter, and oils over a double boiler. Let cool, mixing every now and then, until creamy. Pour into the blender. Turn speed on high and slowly drizzle hydrosol or water into the running blender until all has been absorbed and the cream clunks agains the side of the blender. Add 25 drops essential oil (or not) and blend briefly to combine. Put in small jars and refrigerate overnight. Usually, I fill 4-5 4 oz. canning jars and store the unopened ones in the back of the fridge until needed. Clean out the blender with a cloth and use it to oil wood furniture. This works fantastically from hair to toe especially on cracked heals.
Wednesday
July Newsletter 2
Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Goal: We've already learned that getting out and moving in fresh air brightens mood and strengthens muscles. Let's combine this with serving our sisters. Certainly, in all but the iciest weather, we can walk to visit teach. It's been said there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing. Bundle up and go visit. “The responsibility for each person’s social, emotional, spiritual, physical, or economic well-being rests first upon himself, second upon his family, and third upon the Church if he is a faithful member thereof.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 77.) "Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day, when you lounge around doing nothing. It's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it." Margaret Thatcher
Storage Goal: Hopefully, you are beginning to use your storage as an integral part of your daily food preparation: oats with bottled or dried fruit for breakfast (microgreen smoothie optional), lentil soup made with dehydrated veg mix and bean sprouts for lunch, bean burros or tostadas with bottled salsa, sprouts, and microgreens and Spanish rice made with dehydrated tomato and peppers for dinner. It's so simple and saves bundles of money. Eating like this also saves your health. Nevertheless, this means going to the cannery and restocking food storage should be part of your monthly budget. Don't use it up without replacing it regularly. "As you practice the principles you learn, you will see your food storage program grow, you will save money, you will learn new methods of storage, you will enjoy your food insurance against the day of need, and you will feel the approval of your Father in Heaven as you follow this law." New Era, November 1984
Provident Living Goal: "If you don’t have a traditional garden plot, you can plant vegetables and herbs in containers that fit on driveways, balconies, roofs, and even window sills. This activity can be interesting and rewarding for adults and children alike. Planting a garden, even a small one, allows for a greater degree of self-reliance. With the right information and a little practice, individuals and entire families can enjoy the many benefits of planting and tending a garden." lds.org Here's a fun, gardening idea for those short on space. How exciting to take up 4 square feet for a nice sized garden. It could be used indoors in front of a sunny, sliding-glass door or with supplemental lighting during winter. Mmmmm...greens during winter. In days gone by, Brigham Young wondered why more saints didn't grow strawberries and greens in greenhouses as he did. Pioneers were known to suffer vitamin deficiencies because they lacked vitamins C and B during winter such as strawberries and greens have in abundance. Consider some sort of indoor gardening with sprouts, microgreens, or one of these great water barrel gardens. Or maybe this one with an added drain/bucket.
Storage Goal: Hopefully, you are beginning to use your storage as an integral part of your daily food preparation: oats with bottled or dried fruit for breakfast (microgreen smoothie optional), lentil soup made with dehydrated veg mix and bean sprouts for lunch, bean burros or tostadas with bottled salsa, sprouts, and microgreens and Spanish rice made with dehydrated tomato and peppers for dinner. It's so simple and saves bundles of money. Eating like this also saves your health. Nevertheless, this means going to the cannery and restocking food storage should be part of your monthly budget. Don't use it up without replacing it regularly. "As you practice the principles you learn, you will see your food storage program grow, you will save money, you will learn new methods of storage, you will enjoy your food insurance against the day of need, and you will feel the approval of your Father in Heaven as you follow this law." New Era, November 1984
Provident Living Goal: "If you don’t have a traditional garden plot, you can plant vegetables and herbs in containers that fit on driveways, balconies, roofs, and even window sills. This activity can be interesting and rewarding for adults and children alike. Planting a garden, even a small one, allows for a greater degree of self-reliance. With the right information and a little practice, individuals and entire families can enjoy the many benefits of planting and tending a garden." lds.org Here's a fun, gardening idea for those short on space. How exciting to take up 4 square feet for a nice sized garden. It could be used indoors in front of a sunny, sliding-glass door or with supplemental lighting during winter. Mmmmm...greens during winter. In days gone by, Brigham Young wondered why more saints didn't grow strawberries and greens in greenhouses as he did. Pioneers were known to suffer vitamin deficiencies because they lacked vitamins C and B during winter such as strawberries and greens have in abundance. Consider some sort of indoor gardening with sprouts, microgreens, or one of these great water barrel gardens. Or maybe this one with an added drain/bucket.
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