TODAY I MET with the owners of a small Christian publishing company, and gave them a couple of book proposals. I enjoyed meeting them. They're special people, but I don't know if they will be interested or whether we would be a good fit for one another.
MY BOOKS ARE for teens, one fiction, the other a self-help volume.
It used to be when an author wrote a book, he knew there was a good chance it would never see the light of day. Now with self publishing, e-books, print-on-demand, the risks aren't so great--although you never know if people will read your words even if your book is published.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Even if I knew tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
Behind every apple you eat is someone who looked into the future with hope and imagination because an apple seed takes more than 10 years to produce an edible crop.
People keep writing, as I do because they feel they have a good story to tell, something to share, or something to teach. What a wonderful freedom!
For some reason, magazines and newspapers usually reach far more readers than books, no matter how we love books, even in this era when newspapers are folding and magazines are biting the dust. Knowing what is going on in the world from newspapers and writers we trust is a special privilege enjoyed only by those who live in a country based on freedoms and individual rights given to us by God.
In the Bible we're told God's Word will be a light to our paths, to show us the right way to go into the future, and illuminate the dangers that imperil our souls.
I plan to go forward into the days ahead continuing to write with faith, enjoying freedom in every area of my life, and praying God will have mercy on America so that we can keep these freedoms.
If you've dreamed of being a writer, today is the time to begin work on your tomorrows.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
What does work mean to you?
Work consumes the majority of life, and I'm amazed how often it's mentioned in the Bible.
When I think of labor, I always remember my mother quoting a few choice verses such 2 Thessalonians 3:9-11, "He that doesn't work shouldn't eat" and the one that says something about "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might."
Mom might have mentioned this one, too: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands" (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12)
Here's a verse that lays it on even thicker than Mom did: "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:27-29).
But in looking through just a small section of Bible I discovered much more about work. The Bible talks about "a laborer being worthy of his hire" and another that says "When a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation" (Romans 4:3-5).
1 Corinthians 9 is an interesting chapter that talks about the laborer being allowed to partake of the fruit of his labor. It appears the Apostle Paul is into equal justice where those who work get their paychecks and give to charity willingly; instead of social justice where wealth is taken from those who have and given to those who have not.
Yet, I notice the majority of the verses that came up under "Work" in Bible Gateway teach us that it's not by "works" of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy Jesus saved us. Yet, He points out we need to work to build the Kingdom, preaching the gospel so that others may have eternal life.
Work seems as vital to us as the sun is to life. Perhaps we should remember the warning, "Work for the night is coming" (John 9:3-5).
When I think of labor, I always remember my mother quoting a few choice verses such 2 Thessalonians 3:9-11, "He that doesn't work shouldn't eat" and the one that says something about "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might."
Mom might have mentioned this one, too: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands" (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12)
Here's a verse that lays it on even thicker than Mom did: "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:27-29).
But in looking through just a small section of Bible I discovered much more about work. The Bible talks about "a laborer being worthy of his hire" and another that says "When a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation" (Romans 4:3-5).
1 Corinthians 9 is an interesting chapter that talks about the laborer being allowed to partake of the fruit of his labor. It appears the Apostle Paul is into equal justice where those who work get their paychecks and give to charity willingly; instead of social justice where wealth is taken from those who have and given to those who have not.
Yet, I notice the majority of the verses that came up under "Work" in Bible Gateway teach us that it's not by "works" of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy Jesus saved us. Yet, He points out we need to work to build the Kingdom, preaching the gospel so that others may have eternal life.
Work seems as vital to us as the sun is to life. Perhaps we should remember the warning, "Work for the night is coming" (John 9:3-5).
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Points I often Ponder
A few of my own sayings:
"Unbelief is the opiate of the sinner."
"Satan makes sure that every Christian has a legitimate reason to quit serving God, and often another Christian becomes that reason."
That should not be.
"Beauty comes in all colors, shapes and sizes."
From my friend, Ruth: "Each phase of life is more exciting than the last when you serve Jesus."
From St. Peter: "A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him" 1 Peter 2:19. NIV
From my friend, Tania, quoting Jim Rohn, author and motivational speaker:
"You become the average of the five people you associate with most."
From St. John: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).
Another from John: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
From the Apostle Paul: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control" (Galations 5:22).NKJ
"Unbelief is the opiate of the sinner."
"Satan makes sure that every Christian has a legitimate reason to quit serving God, and often another Christian becomes that reason."
That should not be.
"Beauty comes in all colors, shapes and sizes."
From my friend, Ruth: "Each phase of life is more exciting than the last when you serve Jesus."
From St. Peter: "A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him" 1 Peter 2:19. NIV
From my friend, Tania, quoting Jim Rohn, author and motivational speaker:
"You become the average of the five people you associate with most."
From St. John: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).
Another from John: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
From the Apostle Paul: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control" (Galations 5:22).NKJ
Saturday, July 31, 2010
DO YOU KNOW THE WORD?
Today I had lunch with a group of folks who discussed the perilous times and the possibility that Jesus Christ could return at any moment.
"What worries me," someone said, "is whether our children know enough about Jesus' return for the Redeemed to even know it will happen in a twinkling of an eye--like a thief in the night.
There can be no doubt about it. Christ's coming will be unexpected by most people. The Bible says, "For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3.)
"Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him" (Matthew 24:42-44).
Jesus told a parable about 10 virgins, five of them wise and five foolish. Five were ready when the bridegroom came, but five others were locked out even though they created quite a fuss.
He told about two men working in the field. One was taken and another left. Two were in bed. One was taken and another left."
Jesus kept saying, "Watch. You don't know what hour your Lord will come." (Matthew 24.)
The only thing we can take to heaven with us is other people, and I hope every member of our family, our extended families, our friends, neighbors, and others with whom we've come in contact are ready for His coming, whether it is the catching away of the church, or walking through the shadow of death.
We need fear no evil, if God is with us.
Do you know how to be ready? Romans 10:9 tells us, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation."
But there is more: obedience to God and His Word. Jesus told the rich young ruler to "Come. Follow me."
We aren't saved by our works, however. "It is not by works of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:4-6.)
Yet, because when we are truly born again and are made new creatures in Christ, we desire to walk in holiness. As we grow in Him and the fruits of His Spirit are manifest in our lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, our lives become different. Then when we receive the Gifts of the Spirit, they work through us in power to win and bless others.
There is so much to gain in knowing Jesus and His Word!
"What worries me," someone said, "is whether our children know enough about Jesus' return for the Redeemed to even know it will happen in a twinkling of an eye--like a thief in the night.
There can be no doubt about it. Christ's coming will be unexpected by most people. The Bible says, "For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3.)
"Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him" (Matthew 24:42-44).
Jesus told a parable about 10 virgins, five of them wise and five foolish. Five were ready when the bridegroom came, but five others were locked out even though they created quite a fuss.
He told about two men working in the field. One was taken and another left. Two were in bed. One was taken and another left."
Jesus kept saying, "Watch. You don't know what hour your Lord will come." (Matthew 24.)
The only thing we can take to heaven with us is other people, and I hope every member of our family, our extended families, our friends, neighbors, and others with whom we've come in contact are ready for His coming, whether it is the catching away of the church, or walking through the shadow of death.
We need fear no evil, if God is with us.
Do you know how to be ready? Romans 10:9 tells us, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation."
But there is more: obedience to God and His Word. Jesus told the rich young ruler to "Come. Follow me."
We aren't saved by our works, however. "It is not by works of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:4-6.)
Yet, because when we are truly born again and are made new creatures in Christ, we desire to walk in holiness. As we grow in Him and the fruits of His Spirit are manifest in our lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, our lives become different. Then when we receive the Gifts of the Spirit, they work through us in power to win and bless others.
There is so much to gain in knowing Jesus and His Word!
Made your reservation?
We just returned from a wonderful trip to visit family. Basic airfare from here to Florida was about the same price as filling up the gas tank in our van.
Cheap tickets usually go fast, and we had to make a quick reservation and pay immediately.
I'm ready for another trip, too. I made a reservation and my name was written down, according to the Book, but I don't know the date of "take-off."
The Commander-in-Chief gave some hints, "When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; but the end will not come immediately. Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places and famines and pestilences and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. They will persecute you...for my name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony."
AMONG THE INSTRUCTIONS is this: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that desolation is near."
Let me insert a comment here. This is the first time in history when perhaps the peace of the whole world hinges on Israel--a nation the size of New Jersey.
Another section of the instructions declares there will be distress of nations, men's hearts failing them for fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man (Jesus) coming in the clouds with power and great glory.
Now when these things begin to happen, He said, "Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
THESE INSTRUCTIONS are from Luke 21. We have more detail in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
FOR THE LORD SHALL DESCEND from heaven with a shout and with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
"Then we who are alive and remain SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
"Therefore, comfort one another with these words."
One more note: The tickets were paid for 2,000 years ago on the cross by Jesus Christ Himself.
Cheap tickets usually go fast, and we had to make a quick reservation and pay immediately.
I'm ready for another trip, too. I made a reservation and my name was written down, according to the Book, but I don't know the date of "take-off."
The Commander-in-Chief gave some hints, "When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; but the end will not come immediately. Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places and famines and pestilences and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. They will persecute you...for my name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony."
AMONG THE INSTRUCTIONS is this: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that desolation is near."
Let me insert a comment here. This is the first time in history when perhaps the peace of the whole world hinges on Israel--a nation the size of New Jersey.
Another section of the instructions declares there will be distress of nations, men's hearts failing them for fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man (Jesus) coming in the clouds with power and great glory.
Now when these things begin to happen, He said, "Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
THESE INSTRUCTIONS are from Luke 21. We have more detail in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
FOR THE LORD SHALL DESCEND from heaven with a shout and with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
"Then we who are alive and remain SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
"Therefore, comfort one another with these words."
One more note: The tickets were paid for 2,000 years ago on the cross by Jesus Christ Himself.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
HOW TO FACE PERILOUS TIMES #7
After all these weeks of discussion about the United States of America at risk, I wonder how to conclude. So many worrisome things are occurring, even beyond economic problems, unemployment, staggering national debt, terrorists’ bombing attempts and nations who hate us building nuclear bomb arsenals.
I worry about the spiritual state of our nation, where it seems everyone—even those who claim to be Christians—use the Lord’s name in vain for every emotion under the sun. Although churches schedule prayer meetings, few attend. During services, we pray for the offering and the folks in the hospital, but seldom do we storm the gates of heaven in earnest intercessory prayer for a generation going to hell because they don’t understand what the Gospel is about. Our secularistic society has effectively interfered with reaching young people with the truths of the abundant life Jesus gives on earth, that there is a divine purpose for each person to be here at this time in history, and that Jesus is their only hope of exiting from this world alive.
There are no easy answers to the mess in which we find ourselves. If we’re honest, we know perilous times have come. It’s tempting to be discouraged.
Then I remember Paul’s questions, inspired by God, to the church: “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:30-32KJ).
The Bible is full of promises about God’s faithfulness. Peter wrote, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
He adds, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love” (2 Peter 3-7NIV).
What are some of those promises?
Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8).
He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
He will supply all our needs. (Philippians 4:19)
He watches over us and even notices when a hair on our head turns loose. (Matthew 10:30-32).
He answers prayer. (Luke 11:9-11).
He gives joy and peace. (1 Peter4 7-9).
He will give us power to witness when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8).
If we resist the devil, he’ll flee from us, and greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. (James 4:7).
We can overcome through the word of our testimony. (Rev. 12:10-12).
The promise of salvation and infilling of the Spirit is for us, our children and our children’s children. (Acts 2).
Through accepting Jesus as Savior and making Him Lord of our lives, we will live forever.(John 3:16).
Jesus will come again and take us to where He is, where we will live also. (John 14).
Sometimes it pays to read the back of the Book. Have you read Revelation 21 and 22 lately?
These words were told by Jesus to John in his vision: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
He continues with a promise and a warning, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of water of life freely. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
In chapter 22, he declares, “ Behold, I am coming soon!” not once but three times. “My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done…. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city….”The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come! Whoever is thirsty let him come and drink of the water of life freely.'”
I worry about the spiritual state of our nation, where it seems everyone—even those who claim to be Christians—use the Lord’s name in vain for every emotion under the sun. Although churches schedule prayer meetings, few attend. During services, we pray for the offering and the folks in the hospital, but seldom do we storm the gates of heaven in earnest intercessory prayer for a generation going to hell because they don’t understand what the Gospel is about. Our secularistic society has effectively interfered with reaching young people with the truths of the abundant life Jesus gives on earth, that there is a divine purpose for each person to be here at this time in history, and that Jesus is their only hope of exiting from this world alive.
There are no easy answers to the mess in which we find ourselves. If we’re honest, we know perilous times have come. It’s tempting to be discouraged.
Then I remember Paul’s questions, inspired by God, to the church: “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:30-32KJ).
The Bible is full of promises about God’s faithfulness. Peter wrote, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
He adds, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love” (2 Peter 3-7NIV).
What are some of those promises?
Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8).
He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
He will supply all our needs. (Philippians 4:19)
He watches over us and even notices when a hair on our head turns loose. (Matthew 10:30-32).
He answers prayer. (Luke 11:9-11).
He gives joy and peace. (1 Peter4 7-9).
He will give us power to witness when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8).
If we resist the devil, he’ll flee from us, and greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. (James 4:7).
We can overcome through the word of our testimony. (Rev. 12:10-12).
The promise of salvation and infilling of the Spirit is for us, our children and our children’s children. (Acts 2).
Through accepting Jesus as Savior and making Him Lord of our lives, we will live forever.(John 3:16).
Jesus will come again and take us to where He is, where we will live also. (John 14).
Sometimes it pays to read the back of the Book. Have you read Revelation 21 and 22 lately?
These words were told by Jesus to John in his vision: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
He continues with a promise and a warning, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of water of life freely. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
In chapter 22, he declares, “ Behold, I am coming soon!” not once but three times. “My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done…. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city….”The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come! Whoever is thirsty let him come and drink of the water of life freely.'”
Monday, April 19, 2010
Perilous Times #6
How do we prepare for perilous times?
Preparedness is how the wise live. We prepare to meet God, prepare for His coming, and also prepare to live a life pleasing to Him.
Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow, but several scriptures show us the importance of being ready for possible hard times physically as well as spiritually.
Providing for people living under our roof is extremely important. Paul wrote to Timothy, "If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (1 Timothy 5:7-9).
Before the perilous times during the flood, God told Noah to take every kind of food that was to be eaten and store it away in the ark" (Genesis 6:21).
One of the miracles in Joseph's life was the dream he interpreted about years of plenty followed by years of famine. The interpretation of the dream helped Egypt store up so much food for the coming famine, they had food to share, which benefitted Joseph's family.
One of the things notable about the Proverbs 31 woman is she provides food and clothing for her household.
During much of the last century, nearly every family kept two years' food supply in their cellars. These folks went through the Great Depression and didn't forget it There were long food lines, as there were in recent years in the Soviet Union when the nation collapsed and many people went hungry. Our parents and grandparents knew jobs weren't that secure in their day, and eating often depended upon good weather for crops, and good health for their chickens and other animals. So they stored as much food as they could.
Some religions, such as the Mormons, advise members to store a year's supply of food.
How should we prepare for the future in these perilous times?
Some folks are investing in gold. I'd think that's only for the wealthy, and is said to be more for insurance than investment. But we literally can save our change. I heard the other day it costs three cents to make a penny. Copper is so valuable today thieves strip houses under construction of their electric and telephone wire to get it. They're even stealing air conditioner compressors to get copper.
There's still a little silver left in other coins. Dump your change in a jar every day. Someday a penny might be more valuable than a paper dollar. If you find a wheat penny it's surely worth more than one cent.
Then, keep the pantry and freezer full. Put away 100 pounds of dry beans. They aren't very expensive and they'd fill tummies for a long time. If you never need them, you can donate them to a mission or charity. Beans will last for years if kept away from dampness. Beans estimated to be 10,000 years old buried in the tombs of Anasazi Indians were planted and grew, bringing back a variety that had been lost.
I made a list of things that would be good to store just by purchasing extra now and then when items are on sale. You can make your own list. But pray for wisdom to know what to store for your family's unique needs.
* Vegetable seeds, non-hybrid (If really hard times come, we could find a place to plant. I grow quite a bit in flower pots with the bottoms knocked out so the roots can go into the soil. My version of a "raised garden".)
* 100 pounds Pinto Beans or a variety your family likes
* Rice (At least 25 pounds)
* Other dried foods, including macaroni and cheese
* Cooking oil (This can turn rancid. Use before expiration dates.)
* Flour If you use quite a bit, aim for 50 pounds.(Put in freezer at least overnight to prevent weavils.)
* Sugar (25 pounts? It's easier to keep than flour)
* Corn meal (Freeze overnight).
* Soda, salt and baking powder
* Cereal (Watch expiration dates. Use oldest first.)
* Canned or dry milk (Great for gravy, cream soups, etc.)
* Canned fruit and vegetables (these will keep way beyond expiration dates)
* Canned meats
* Macaroni, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce with meat
* Coffee and tea.
MEDICATIONS
Don't always throw away old prescriptions or medications. A pharmacist told me some drugs just lose strength, and won't do that stored in a cool, dark place. The Drug Handbook, however, says outdated Tetracyclaline, has caused kidney damage, so it must change chemically when it gets old. If possible, just keep extra prescriptions ahead if you can and don't let yourself run out of those you use regularly. Use older prescriptions first.
Buy up extra:
Hand sanitizer
Aspirin (low dose daily might prevent heart attack. Take a whole aspirin for heart attack symptoms as you head for the hospital.)
Tylenol
Diarrhea meds, Gatorade and Pedialyte
Benadryl and other allergy medications
Antiacid
Calcium
Vitamins--multi, vitamins C,D,B-12, B-6,E, mega-3; iron (take iron only if anemic), cranberry pills for bladder and kidney health
OTC cold remedies you can take
Eye care
Hand, laundry and dishwashing soap
Clorox or other disinfectant
First-aid supplies
BATTERY-OPERATED RADIO, batteries
When you buy new supplies, put them behind the other products so the older is used first.
Some people store bottled water or water purification tablets
.
Preparedness is how the wise live. We prepare to meet God, prepare for His coming, and also prepare to live a life pleasing to Him.
Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow, but several scriptures show us the importance of being ready for possible hard times physically as well as spiritually.
Providing for people living under our roof is extremely important. Paul wrote to Timothy, "If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (1 Timothy 5:7-9).
Before the perilous times during the flood, God told Noah to take every kind of food that was to be eaten and store it away in the ark" (Genesis 6:21).
One of the miracles in Joseph's life was the dream he interpreted about years of plenty followed by years of famine. The interpretation of the dream helped Egypt store up so much food for the coming famine, they had food to share, which benefitted Joseph's family.
One of the things notable about the Proverbs 31 woman is she provides food and clothing for her household.
During much of the last century, nearly every family kept two years' food supply in their cellars. These folks went through the Great Depression and didn't forget it There were long food lines, as there were in recent years in the Soviet Union when the nation collapsed and many people went hungry. Our parents and grandparents knew jobs weren't that secure in their day, and eating often depended upon good weather for crops, and good health for their chickens and other animals. So they stored as much food as they could.
Some religions, such as the Mormons, advise members to store a year's supply of food.
How should we prepare for the future in these perilous times?
Some folks are investing in gold. I'd think that's only for the wealthy, and is said to be more for insurance than investment. But we literally can save our change. I heard the other day it costs three cents to make a penny. Copper is so valuable today thieves strip houses under construction of their electric and telephone wire to get it. They're even stealing air conditioner compressors to get copper.
There's still a little silver left in other coins. Dump your change in a jar every day. Someday a penny might be more valuable than a paper dollar. If you find a wheat penny it's surely worth more than one cent.
Then, keep the pantry and freezer full. Put away 100 pounds of dry beans. They aren't very expensive and they'd fill tummies for a long time. If you never need them, you can donate them to a mission or charity. Beans will last for years if kept away from dampness. Beans estimated to be 10,000 years old buried in the tombs of Anasazi Indians were planted and grew, bringing back a variety that had been lost.
I made a list of things that would be good to store just by purchasing extra now and then when items are on sale. You can make your own list. But pray for wisdom to know what to store for your family's unique needs.
* Vegetable seeds, non-hybrid (If really hard times come, we could find a place to plant. I grow quite a bit in flower pots with the bottoms knocked out so the roots can go into the soil. My version of a "raised garden".)
* 100 pounds Pinto Beans or a variety your family likes
* Rice (At least 25 pounds)
* Other dried foods, including macaroni and cheese
* Cooking oil (This can turn rancid. Use before expiration dates.)
* Flour If you use quite a bit, aim for 50 pounds.(Put in freezer at least overnight to prevent weavils.)
* Sugar (25 pounts? It's easier to keep than flour)
* Corn meal (Freeze overnight).
* Soda, salt and baking powder
* Cereal (Watch expiration dates. Use oldest first.)
* Canned or dry milk (Great for gravy, cream soups, etc.)
* Canned fruit and vegetables (these will keep way beyond expiration dates)
* Canned meats
* Macaroni, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce with meat
* Coffee and tea.
MEDICATIONS
Don't always throw away old prescriptions or medications. A pharmacist told me some drugs just lose strength, and won't do that stored in a cool, dark place. The Drug Handbook, however, says outdated Tetracyclaline, has caused kidney damage, so it must change chemically when it gets old. If possible, just keep extra prescriptions ahead if you can and don't let yourself run out of those you use regularly. Use older prescriptions first.
Buy up extra:
Hand sanitizer
Aspirin (low dose daily might prevent heart attack. Take a whole aspirin for heart attack symptoms as you head for the hospital.)
Tylenol
Diarrhea meds, Gatorade and Pedialyte
Benadryl and other allergy medications
Antiacid
Calcium
Vitamins--multi, vitamins C,D,B-12, B-6,E, mega-3; iron (take iron only if anemic), cranberry pills for bladder and kidney health
OTC cold remedies you can take
Eye care
Hand, laundry and dishwashing soap
Clorox or other disinfectant
First-aid supplies
BATTERY-OPERATED RADIO, batteries
When you buy new supplies, put them behind the other products so the older is used first.
Some people store bottled water or water purification tablets
.
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