Oil For Our Lamps and Preparedness

This past Saturday I was invited to attend a Women Conference titled "Oil for our Lamps" and it brought to mind many things.

The presentation in itself was beautiful and the singing very uplifting! I realized I would have been very sorry if I had not attend and I made the most of my time spend with other ladies listening to speakers and hearing others sharing their experiences.

I find myself at a time in my life like so many others I imagine, wondering if I am indeed prepared. Do I have enough oil for my lamp? Have I listened and learned enough to sustain me to face the times when my lamp will be needed?

Is my Faith strong enough to help me in bad times as well as good times? Should I be more willing to prepare myself spiritually and physically? Am I really too busy to do more? And most important, have I done enough for my family? Are they prepared?

Being prepared is something we can do in so many areas in our lives. It is not limited to Faith and preparing for life after death but also in the event of a major catastrophe.
As the daughter of a commissioner for the Boy Scouts movement and the wife of a scoutmaster, I have always been told that "Be Prepared" in an excellent motto.

One of the speakers brought to our attention however that our outlook on disasters especially needs to be adjusted. It is no longer if but when something will happen. The YoYo statement or You are On Your Own certainly reached out to all of us especially in view of the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chili and the remembrance of the aftermath of Katrina.

As women we find ourselves the pivot of our family and therefore it is on us that our loved ones will depend for survival. Getting organized for possible disaster does not mean we have to be pessimist and expect the worst but to be prepared for such eventuality would make a major difference.

I must admit I have been too laid back in regard to stocking food for example (something my daughter reminds me of daily) and too trusting in regard to access to water. Our community owns the water system but in the case of a major catastrophe I just might have to face the possibility I might not be able to rely on it.

Our First Aid kit has been depleted as well and whilst I know my family does have some measure of survival skills I also know I have no outside contact (a person outside of this area we can all contact to find out how any of us have managed). I am also too trusting a disaster will happen at home whilst it could very well happen anywhere.

At times I found myself smiling like others whilst we listened to the speaker last Saturday. It happens elsewhere, often in poor countries, we are better prepared for anything, we know more today than ever etc...

At other times I was jolted out of my complacency: help will not come in 72 hours (so why is my pack only for 3 days?).

In the event of a major disaster such as Natural, Economic, Pandemic, Earthquake I have nothing to use for commodity. Post War Germany found their citizens using salt and oil for theirs!

I learned at this Emergency meeting that 4 pounds of salt is needed per person per year... 14 Five gallons buckets filled with charcoal briquettes will allow a family of 4 to have one warm meal a day for a whole year... Scope is excellent as an alternate antiseptic, you should always carry a whistle and our bodies craves warmth in time of stress...

So I have taken duly note of the many sites mentioned on that day which will help me to be MORE prepared.

http://www.ready.gov/
http://govlink.org/3days3ways
http://www.survivorblog.com/
http://providentliving.org/
http://survivaltopics.com/
http://stockstorage.com/
http://stovetec.net/
http://ravenlore.com.uk/

The class ended with the following statements:

- It is better to be a year too early than a day too late!
- When it starts to rain, it is too late to build an ark!

I must admit I am not as nearly close to being prepared. I will try harder in all areas but I am still a dreamer...

Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron

It is my opinion that this fictional work by Ian Morgan Cron goes hand in hand with the theme of the Life Recovery Bible and to be sure, a good addition to any family library.

I laughed and wept as each chapter unfolded. This is truly a book about life's lessons.

A successful minister suddenly finds himself questioning life and the resulting confrontation between the Elders of the church and his congregation ends in a leave of absence which sends him on a journey of recovery. He meets wonderful people including a life long lost Uncle whilst following the trails of St Francis of Assisi thus the title.

Albeit a work of fiction it includes many actual events as well as historical facts. I was however surprised by the ending and therefore give it a 4 1/2 star rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The New Life Recovery Bible

I recently chose the NLT Bible to review and thought to share here my thoughts.

Featuring the Serenity prayer as its introduction, one of my all time favourites, it includes a twelve step devotionals, in fact a reading chain of 84 Bible-based devotionals tied to the Twelve steps of Recovery and many life changing features such as Recovery profiles, notes, reflections and themes.

I especially liked the Serenity Prayer devotionals placed next to the verses they originated from, to be sure a meaningful 29-day reading program.

Additional features includes book outlines, great topical and devotional indexes as well as an excellent user guide for any troubled families or individuals on the road to recovery.

In our challenging times, you will find yourself reaching out for this Bible time and time again and I gladly give it a 5 star rating.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please note as part of every Web or Amazon review that Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Spring, daffodils and cherished babies

http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/

Spring must be in the air as irises are coming up, daffodils are blooming as well as snowdrops and hyacinths and yes, it is sunny! Albeit still a tad chilly in the am, I could not resist and opened the windows! Fresh air, and I can hang the laundry out! Bliss!

Browsing for new ideas for tiny hats and clothing for babies I came across the above title. I had not idea who Erika Knight was but checking her website I discovered she is a fellow knitter and very talented too. I just love the photos above! I think my next pennies will have to be spend on these books!

P.S. I was lucky to locate the first book at our local library and I can attest it is just as good as I hoped! Guess who is knitting and of course dreaming?

Please note this post reflect my opinion only and I was not remunerated in any way for it!

Puppy love: Meet MacInstosh

As I look online for most things these days like everyone such as recipes, books, historical facts, movies etc... I find myself seeing all sorts of things I am drooling over as my daughter would say!
I am amazed at the many talents displayed in blogs for one thing. Since I struggle to accomplish most things these days I cannot but admire the energy and skills I have seen!

I thought I would take a moment and see what I do, sort of a test if you like.

I love to read, no doubt about that and I have a good memory for facts. I love to knit and I enjoy it very much. That is in fact a ministry in my case according to my husband. If I am going to knit something it is always for someone who needs it. It must explain why the sweater and scarf I started 2 years ago for myself is still in the basket...

I love to cook albeit this has become more of a chore these days...I am often tempted to just grab anything! Still, I just baked some Madeleines...

I am however in love with Corgis! Life without McIntosh (or chocolates!) would just not be the same! Corgi antics is what makes life sweeter! They love us with no reservation, a ball, a frisbee, a treat here and there and they are the best of companions!

And look below who is dreaming now?


To the doggie park we go! Mac and I will share more of those dreams later... You never know what we might teach each other...

Remembering and Lily of the Valley

Perhaps due to the very mild winter our daffodils have not only shown but I notice a bloom soon to open! As a small child our little walled garden yield first crocuses and hyacinths followed by one of my favourite, Lily of the Valley.

As I recall on May 1st traditionally a sprig of lily of the valley was given to family members and friends alike. I miss this tradition ! Granny spoke of our Grand Pa hiding a small sprig in his overcoat to bring her on that special day. A little on the shy side and at 6ft3" he probably did not want the whole world to know how much she meant to him! He never forgot and

she always remember it!

I cannot think of something sweeter! Dreaming again...

Love and Fireworks

Fireworks over Toccoa is the title of the book I just finished reading last night. An Advance Readers' Edition, the book was loaned to me by a thoughtful friend and I could not put it down.

A debut novel written by Jeffrey Stepakoff, this was truly a moving story filled with surprises. Like many people I am sure, I have marveled at fireworks in the past not realizing how much skills, even traditions are tied into it.

This book speaks of all of this, family values, passionate love, pyrotechnics, war effects on the ones in the front lines as well as the home front and of course as in all things in life, decisions that ultimately changes our lives. Albeit unknown to me this author is credited with many play writings such as The Wonder Years, Sisters, Major Dad, Dawson's Creek etc...I am however very much looking forward to his next novel!

Please note this is my opinion and I received no compensation for adding it to my blog.