WEEKLY WISDOM

#4

For all of you reading this that are not in our ward or stake, we have had a "Trucker's Strike" (mock) this week and we are to refrain from doing any shopping for food or supplies this week, if at all possible, and see if we can live off of our food storage. Thus I am refering to this in my thoughts this week.

Motivational Monday - We never know what emergency may befall us during which we may not be able to obtain food (such as a "trucker's strike"). Natural catastrophe such as flood, earthquake or storms may result in temporary inability to distribute food to supermarkets. Under these conditions even having money to purchase food does not mean it can be obtained.

A food storage program is essential to provide for ourselves and our family members in an emergency. The biggest motivator most adults have is to avoid hearing a hungry child cry. Even the most "macho" man is distraught if he cannot provide food to prevent a child from suffering.

Ouote from Harold B. Lee, "There is no person who knows the real purpose for which this welfare program is being instituted but hardly before sufficient preparation has been made the real purpose will be revealed and when that time comes it will challenge every resource of the church to meet it." The responsibility lies with each family to do what we can.

Timely Tuesday – This is a great time to sit down with your family – remember it should always include the family – and decide what you could do with the money you saved from not shopping at the store this week. There should be a bit extra, what about that extra movie we really don't need, or that extra game we might rent, or the magazine at the check out stand. I think you get the picture. There are ways to find extra money. And what do you do with this extra money. GET PREPARED! Perhaps you can plan to invest a little in the wheat order coming up, or plan for your 3 month supply. " The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat." President Brigham Young

Workin' Wednesday – In the back of your brain you know about 72 hour kits and 3 month food storage. We can't add to our kits today, so get planning and thinking, what if you had to "shelter in" because of a pandemic, it could be alot longer than one week, it could be 3 months. Are you ready? If you are great! If not, what are you doing about it? This is all about prayerfully inspired priorities and choices.

Thrifty Thursday – Take time today to show your family where your emergency shut off's are in your house. Where do you turn off your electrical if you need to? Where is your gas valve, and your water intake? If the water is contaminated, you can quickly shut off the main valve coming into your house and use up the good stuff that is in your tanks and lines. If you have a gas leak, you need to know how to shut off the main valve, remembering that you need to contact the city to have them help you turn it back on. If you have a generator make sure your family knows how to use it.

Food Storage Friday – My kids absolutely love these. You can buy them at Safeway and other locations for quite expensive for what it really costs to make them....pennies! My kids have taken them to school as snacks and all of the other kids can't keep their hands off them. They are Talia's favorite! Also watch for our class in November on cooking with Wheat! I will let you know when.

Roasted Wheat Kernals1/4 cup wheat berries (whole kernels of wheat)
1/2 tablespoon oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
Method One: Soak kernels for 6 – 8 hours, drain well, and deep fry in oil until crispie snack. Sprinkle with salt while hot, or popcorn seasoning. Note, you may want to do more than the above amount, your family will like them.

Method Two: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet. Add wheat berries and pop like popcorn. They won't puff quite as much as popcorn, but they will pop. Swirl around in the pan they will burn easy. Sprinkle with salt while hot.
Makes 1/3 cup.