BOOK OF MORMON PREPAREDNESS

I was totally planning on doing a very temporal preparedness post this week.  I had been thinking about earthquake preparedness and safety as well as water storage,  but something jumped out at me in my scripture study that just cannot be ignored. Plus there was that little nudge by the Holy Ghost that said, "This is it. "  So, either I or some (hopefully all) of you need this right now.  Please read with a prayer in your heart that you will feel The Holy Ghost whisper to your heart and mind the things that you should do.

The Book if Mormon was written for us, for our time, for our challenges, and to help us come closer to God.  Every story and every chapter were perfectly placed to teach each of us something.  

Mormon spends 2 whole chapters telling us about Amalekiah (Alma 46-47).  We learn a lot about him, specifically that he had a goal...and he would rest at nothing until his goal was obtained.  He wanted to be king of a people.   When he was unsuccessful at becoming king of the Nephites, he turned his attention to becoming king of the Laminates.  He stopped at nothing to achieve his goal.  He used trickery, flattery, murder, and lies.  And he was successful.  

Mormon also spends a significant amount of time.telling us about Captain Moroni (Alma 43, 44, 46, 48).  We know he was a talented Captain,  that he had a strong sense of right, and that he hated bloodshed.  He had a testimony of Jesus Christ and was willing to defend that testimony with weapons and his life.  He shared his testimony and reminded the Nephites what was important: our God, our religion and freedom, our peace, and our families.

These two men had many encounters, but what struck me was what happened before they met for the second time.  "Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God" (Alma 48:7).  

The Book of Mormon goes on to say that Moroni prepared his Cities, strengthened the armies, erected forts, and made their previously weak spots strengths.  "And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians" (Alma 48:10).

Moroni knew Amalekiah was out there.  He knew what this wicked man was capable of, and he knew that Amalekiah was out to destroy everything the Nephites believed in.  He knew that his people needed to be prepared, not only physically, but also faithfully for the long, bloody war that was about to come.  

Sisters, we are also at war.  This war began in the premortal life.  We chose then to follow our Savior and to fight against the devil and his angels.  Satan has been preparing for a long time, seeking to overthrow the kingdom and to rule over us.  He is using deceit, flattery, and lies, hoping to murder the souls of those belonging to the Betallion of God.  He wants us, he wants our husbands, and he wants our children.

But Jesus Christ also wants us, our husbands, and our children.  He needs us to prepare, to strengthen ourselves to defend our God, our religion and freedom, our peace, and our families.  

For each of us, this will look a bit different.  It may take the form of significant conversations, teaching our sons the evils of pornography and helping them have a plan for when (not if) they encounter it.  It may look like having important conversations with our daughters about the sanctity of life and the miracles that happen when procreative powers are used appropriately,  and help them make a plan for when (not if) the temptations come to sell themselves short.  Preparation may look like teaching a stubborn 2 year old to fold his arms during prayers, or helping a 7 year old learn the Articles of Faith before baptism.

Personal preparation is vital also was we read and study the scriptures, pray fervently, attend the temple, and seek the Lord's guidance to make our weaknesses become strengths. (I have also heard that if couples will regularly do these things together, it will strengthen marriages and tie them together more firmly).  

I CHALLENGE YOU to know, by personal revelation and the power of the Holy Ghost,  what you need to do to prepare yourself, your husband, and your children against the onslaught of Satan.  Yes, it's that important.

BEFORE THE TIME OF PREPARATION HAS PAST

I hate to sound like a broken record, but after reading President Ballif's email this morning, I am feeling compelled to write about fire again.

In our two evacuations I have learned that things can happen really fast.  When the call comes to evacuate, the Prep time is over...ready or not, you have to go.

Please read over at least 1 of my previous posts about fire.  You can read them here, here, and here.

I CHALLENGE YOU to choose at least 1 thing to do today just in case those winds stir up a little too much excitement.  I will be putting together my list of things to grab if I have 10 minutes or less.  I would be in big trouble if I forgot my baby's transplant meds!

FIRE SEASON

Ready or not, here it is.  We had warm Santa Anna winds earlier this week and along with that came fire warnings.  I was always told that October is the biggest fire month.  With warm days and dry grass, it usually is not a matter of if, but when and where the next fire will erupt.  And it doesn't happen just in October.  We have been evacuated in May and December.  Two years ago, I believe the statistic was that 97% of our ward was evacuated in the Lilac Fire.  It can be pretty scary.

So, now is the time to be prepared.  There are a lot of things you could do, but I'll give just a few ideas that you can do quickly.  You can refer to this post, ( http://byesboos.blogspot.com/2018/08/last-week-we-drove-to-motherland-i.html?m=1)  and this one (https://byesboos.blogspot.com/2017/12/firewhat-we-learned-and-what-to-do.html?m=1) for other (and yes, more of the same) ideas.  Prepare as much as you feel you are able. Pick 1 or 2 things to do every week for a month (or longer!), and do not procrastinate.

(1) Talk about wildfire as a family.   Establish a meeting place if evacuation takes place and phone lines are down.  Know where you will evacuate to.  Designate a friend or family member within a reasonable distance to stay overnight with if needed. Talk to them about your plan.  If you plan to stay at a hotel, know ahead of time where you will go.  Review "worst case scenario" situations and how your family will deal with them.  

(2)  Gather vital records and insurance documents in an easy to grab and go manner.  Some prepare emergency binders, some have a portable file box that is easy to take quickly.

(3)  Make a list of important items you need to take if you are evacuated.  Put the most important items on the top and go down the list from there.  You may have 10 minutes, and you may have an hour to evacuate.   Your brain will turn off in an emergency, a list helps to make sure you don't forget and it gives clarity and focus.  Ideas are medications, diapers and baby food, your 4 year old's blanket he will not sleep without, vital documents, etc. Keep this list somewhere very easy to find, like taped to the inside of a kitchen cabinet.

(4)  Prepare your yard.  San Diego Fire requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures.   Keep weeds, grasses, etc mowed down. 

(5)  Prepare grab and go kits.  72 hour kits, complete with Pajamas and a change of clothes are great.  At least have a bag ready with food, water, and maybe a game or other time-passing item.  A car kit with food and water is a good idea too.  If you have mice around, like I do, consider getting cans of food with easy open tops.   Don't forget plastic silverware.   I promise if you are stuck in traffic, a cold can of soup will taste wonderful.

(6)  Store sentimental items in plastic bins.  Most of our homes are equipped with fire sprinklers, so we may come home to water as well as fire damage.  The water may save our homes, and plastic bins may save our stuff.

(7)  Close the windows.   Most homes burn from the inside out as embers are sucked into the house through open windows or roof vents.  San Diego building codes changed after the 08 fires to prevent attic vents from sucking in embers (make sure you get the newer vents if you plan on reroofing).  You cannot always control the vents, but you can control your windows. 

(8)  In the event of evacuation, tell your ministering sisters/brothers where you are going.  Also check in on those you minister to.  If you know the fire is close to a certain member, and you do not minister to them, please DO NOT call them.  Texting is OK, but they are probably trying to evacuate and getting phone calls from half the ward is distracting and hinders what they need to get done (ask me how I know...).  They will appreciate your texts and feel your love.

(9) Register your cell phone with the local reverse 911 service.  This provides information you want to know...like when it is time to leave and when you can go back home.

Of course, there is always more, but I CHALLENGE YOU to choose at least 3 things to do now to be prepared when fire comes.

MINDFUL SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

General Conference is in just a few short weeks.  We also have the blessing of having the Women's session this Conference.  Last year's prophetic council to the sisters of the church helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined.  

President Nelson encouraged us sisters to read the Book of Mormon, specifically making note of the scriptures that talk about Jesus Christ.  I was slow starting, but with yellow pencil in hand, I read and I marked and felt like I was closer to my Savior than I had been for awhile.  I did not realize at the time how much I would need to draw on this newfound strength just a few short weeks after finishing the Book of Mormon.

Preparing for spiritual experiences takes time.  Actively praying and studying is an important part, but as I was reading this morning, a couple verses jumped out at me as another way to prepare:  Alma 7:15-16 states, "Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

     And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me."

After reading these verses, it hit me that our daily actions of repenting and keeping the commandments also help us to prepare.  

I have found that as I do my part, expecting spiritual experiences and preparing for them, I am never disappointed.

General Conference will be great whether or not you come prepared, but I know that it can be life-changing if you put forth the effort to receive all that Heavenly Father has for you.

In addition to repentance and obeying the commandments, you can find some more Conference Prep ideas here (http://byesboos.blogspot.com/2018/10/recharge-weekend-ahead.html?m=1) and here (http://byesboos.blogspot.com/2018/03/come-with-question.html?m=1)

I CHALLENGE YOU to find ways to prepare to receive the word of the Lord. They do not need to be elaborate or take a ton of time.  I promise the the mindful effort you do put forth will be multiplied by the blessings and answers you receive.  

PREPARING FOR RAIN

One of my family's favorite movies is Facing The Giants, a Christian film about a High School Football coach who can't seem to do anything right.  In one part, an old fan who prays for the students in the school tells the coach a story and asks a question:  There were two farmers who desperately prayed for rain, but only one went out and prepared his fields to receive it.  Which do you think trusted God to send the rain?

I guarantee each of us is praying fervently for help.  I know often I have wanted Heavenly Father to just answer my prayer in one quick fix.  But most of the time, He doesn't work that way.  There is usually something we can do to help out.  I am reminded of the scripture in 2 Nephi 25:23 "...it is by grace we are saved after all we can do."

The Lord expects us to act.  This is a gospel of doing!  I guarantee Heavenly Father is eager to help us, but we have to show faith by preparing to receive his blessings. 

I challenge you to think about what you need most desperately.  I am sure you are already praying for it.  But think of what you can DO.  How can you prepare your fields to receive the rain?

As a side note:  This is Conference Weekend!  It is a great time to make sure you have new batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

SMALL CONTAINER GARDENING

I have a confession.  I am not a gardner.  My husband is the one that loves to garden and grow things.  It is because of him that we have 200 fruit trees, a large garden, and other stuff growing.  He is always the one to instigate planting the garden and the one to remind us to pick and process.  We all help, but he loves it.  I've learned a bit along the way, so hopefully I can share.

I had a request recently for some container-type gardening (Hey Jennie!).  This type of gardening works great if you are renting, have a small yard, want to keep things a little more contained, or just plain don't want to dig up a patch of your yard.  My grandpa would always grow tomatoes in big pots around his yard, so I knew it worked.  I pulled out a little pinterest fun and was blown away!  So, I guess this container gardening thing is a big deal!

Based on my limited research and experience, I'll try to outline a basic container-type garden that you can easily do. 

(1) The Container.  Get one bigger than you think you will need.  It can be a big terra-cotta pot, a decorative plastic pot from Home Depot, or one you make yourself.  Last year, my husband had a bunch of 2x6s that he did not have a use for, so he made garden boxes to put throughout the yard.  Make sure your container can drain.  Most pots do have a hole in the bottom for drainage, this is good.  With our garden boxes, we put 1/4" mesh across the bottom instead of a solid bottom.  Adding some small rock or gravel to the bottom of your container will also help with drainage.

(2) Soil Prep.  Some suggest to use a "soilless" material for the dirt.  This keeps it moist and resists compaction.  A good potting mix would also work.  And if you use just dirt from your yard, we are lucky that San Diego soil is decomposed granite, which drains beautifully (as opposed to clay soil that would cause problems in your planter).  Whichever way you choose, adding some compost (maybe a "shovelfull") will also add nutrients to your mix.  Mix in a bit of granular organic fertilizer before planting.

(3) Supports.  Some plants will need supports such as tomato cages for tomatoes and trellis for climbing beans. 

(4) Plant.  It is a bit easier to start when you have a plant already growing.  You can buy "starts" at Lowe's. Home Depot, and WalMart, season permitting.  There are several local nurseries that are typically cheaper than the big box store that also carry these.  You can also easily start seeds inside by planting them in soil--my great-grandma would do this in egg cartons.  We have had great luck here just planting seeds directly into the soil because the climate is so great.  Some of the best plants to start with would be  potatoes, chard, lettuce, cherry and bush tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, summer squash, zucchini, Asian greens, pole beans, and herbs.  Some seed companies even have a section of seeds appropriate for container gardening. 

(5) Taking care of your plants.  Find a sunny spot to place your container (I maybe should have put this first...it will be a lot lighter without dirt, rocks, and plants in it!).  Most vegetables need about 60% sunlight per day.  Plan to water your plants at least twice a day, or use a self watering planter to keep it wet.  Watch it closely as vegetables need a consistent water supply.  Fertilize weekly with a water-soluble fertilizer.

Hopefully the harvest will make it all worth it.  But there is something about getting your hands a little dirty and growing some of your own food that makes you (and your family) appreciate the gifts God gives us. 

Living in San Diego County is awesome for gardening because you can do it year-round.  There are a few things that grow better in different months, but to start out, I recommend planting something . your family will like.  If you want something to grow really fast, radishes are a winner!

There are so many great resources online for doing container gardening.  I particularly liked these two websites:  The Farmer's Almanac and Gardener's Supply Company.

I challenge you to plant something edible.  Take care of it, watch it grow, and share the "fruit" of your labors with someone you love.

PRESERVING FOR A FUTURE DAY

As a young mom, I served in my ward's Relief Society Presidency.  It was an amazing learning experience and I loved the sisters I served with.  Our Relief Society President used to talk about her past "lives" and how she used to do things, but had let go of them to do other things.  It is crazy to think that now I am about the same age she was when I first knew her.  It is a little humbling to realize that I am an "old mom" and that now I also think about my past lives and have to make a decision every day how to spend my time. 

In one of my past lives, I was a canner.  Every year we would coincide our summer Utah trip so that we would come back home to Denver in the height of peach/pear season on Colorado's Western Slope.  We would stop and buy boxes of peaches and pears, squishing our kids into the smallest possible spaces to make room for fruit.  Then we would spend the next several days canning, usually while trying to help babies and small children resume a regular nap routine. 

Fast forward to now when we have our own fruit trees and a bunch of fruit that needs processing.  We canned a bit our first couple years in California, but then soon realized that there is always something growing, so fresh fruit is always available.  We did not eat our canned fruit because who wants canned when something else is fresh? 

Living on our "farm" with 200 fruit trees, grapes, blackberries, and a garden usually gives us a pretty good variety of food year-round.  We try to eat as much as possible, process some, and give away some too.  Today, I thought I would share some of our "preserving techniques" in what we have learned the last few years. 

Canning:  Ok, we still do a little.  We can pickles with our home-grown cucumbers, and I have canned pickled beets.  These are 2 things you do have to can to get the right flavor.

Jam:  In June we pick blackberries like crazy, just over a gallon a day at their peak.  We freeze some in ziploc bags to make pies and have on top of our oatmeal in the mornings, but the majority get made into freezer jam.  My kids love it and if we have especially yummy pancakes, we can go through a pint in one meal.  We also put up guava freezer jam in the fall as that is usually when our guavas hit peak production and our blackberry jam is running low. 

Saucing:  Our Applesaucer definitely gets the most miles at our house.  It is a hand-cranked contraption that separates seeds/skins from fruit.  I used to use it when I canned applesauce (in another life), but now we use it to sauce our soft guavas.  We put the sauce in ice cube trays, freeze it,  and use the guava to make smoothies.  Many of our babies have loved eating the guava sauce.  My nephew used to clammor for "globa."  I also use our saucer to puree our pumpkins (post-Halloween--after they are cooked) and if we have an abundance of cherry tomatoes, I will also make them into tomato sauce.  (Freezing both after processing)

Juicing:  The grapes and hard guava we can't eat gets juiced.  It is usually a weekly event and we have produced up to 5 gallons of guava juice in one week.  We drink it for about every meal until it is gone, then it's about time to juice some more!

Citrus Juicing:  We tend to pick most of our citrus just as we need it, but there are times when the lemons and limes get a bit overloaded.  We juice a bunch at a time and freeze the juice in ice cube trays.  It makes for a quick pitcher of lemonade or limeade!

Freezing:  With our own trees and garden, it is often hard to get a big quantity of something to can.  The freezer has become our friend.  As tomatoes are ripe (and too much for us to eat), I wash them, cut out the stem part and any bad parts, and throw them in the freezer in Ziploc bags.  When it is time to use them, I just run them under hot water and the skins come right off...awesome for use in soups or spaghetti sauce.  I have also frozen zucchini, though it doesn't freeze great.  If I grate it, I can make zucchini bread.  If I slice it, It doesn't taste too bad in soups. 

I know I haven't covered everything, but these are some of the methods we use to preserve our food past its season.  I rarely buy fruit or vegetables at the store and with our awesome growing climate, it isn't too hard to grow something, even if it is only in a little pot.

I challenge you to find something to grow...plant more than you think you will need and find a way that is easy for you to preserve the excess.  You will be amazed at the satisfaction you will feel when you pull it from the freezer or your shelf.  It's a great feeling!