I have had so many thoughts about recent events. It is easy to feel powerless as we watch decisions being made in our government that will effect the foundations of our free market, the economy and our lives. I have, for the first time in my life, had real fear about the well being of our country. Don't get me wrong, I have in the past had many concerns about the direction the country is going, about leaders and their motives but I have never felt authentic fear in this regard until now. As the days go by I keep thinking "What can I do?". As one individual living in this huge country how can I affect or change anything? I don't want to be all doom and gloom but I can't help but think "what would those in the roaring 20's wish they had done differently prior to the economic change of their time. What can I do to be positive about my future and the future of my family"?I choose to not be powerless so this is what I feel we can do and I would ask anyone reading this post to please comment and give your ideas so that we can all come together with ideas that will help us be in control of our lives.
1. Speak up in any way that you can. I appreciate the author of this blog, Sarah, for her proactive stance. She called her congresswoman and voiced her opinion. I heard many comments on the radio that those who voted against the bill did so because they were bombarded with calls from constituents. Hopefully now they will revise that bill and make it better. We do still have a voice and they will (sometimes) listen.
2. Be Prepared. Adopt the mind set that you don't rely on government. There is no precedent thus far for government solving problems effectively. You have stewardship over your family and we as mothers need to take that seriously. Things in our country could change and with that knowledge what do you need to do to be prepared? If we have a recession then what will be of most value to you?
3. Be out of debt. This should be done at any level. If you are deeply in debt put that as a priority and begin the process of paying it down. If you have no debt then make sure you are saving and wise in your investments (at this point treasury bonds or any other safe investment choice). Put the credit cards away!! We need to take charge of our personal economy.
4. Store food. If we have a recession or a depression (not likely but not out of the question). The value of the dollar will significantly decrease and inflation will increase. What will be of value to you? Food and day to day necessities. This is important even if we don't have an economic turn down right now. If not now.....it will come at sometime I can promise you that!! The past few days should be case enough for the fact that our economy is fragile and can change quickly. I will never be powerless as far as the care of my family goes because no matter what the economy does I am prepared with food and necessities to take care of our needs. If inflation increases we will see price increases and food will not be as readily available or affordable. I figure all that I buy now and store away will be my most precious commodity. If anyone wants more info on food storage or links to great sites for this just leave a comment with your email and I will get it to you.
These are just a few ideas. I want to hear from you, either with stories of how you or your family has been prepared in hard economic times, or ideas as to what we as mothers can do to be proactive. I know that there are a few people who read this blog and don't comment. I want to hear from you!!
7 comments:
Just want to share this email that I received from a friend. It's a letter sent to her friend from people in Texas who experienced "Ike". What a testimony for preparedness. I think this applies to us all no mater the disaster (economic or natural). Sorry, this is long.
Dear Friends:
We have a 6'x6' hole in our roof, no electricity or running water,
Trees down everywhere. However, because we listened to the counsel
of our Prophet we are prepared. In fact it seems to me that it's
only the members of the church who seem to be calm, prepared, and
helping one another with trees in roofs, flooding, etc.
There is a POD or Point of Distribution in Tomball where we live.
There you get water and ice IF you have enough fuel to wait in the 3-hour lines. We don't have to do that because we have 3 full water barrels, 75 juice bottles filled with water, and our pool, which is
dirty, but we use it to flush.
It is very difficult to get gas. Police guard the stations when
fuel is delivered and you might wait half a day to get up to the pump just to have them
say, "Too bad, we are out". I am grateful that we have a generator.
We run it 4 hours a day to
keep our fridge and light. I am grateful that we have had fuel for
it. You can't even by gas containers as they are rationed.
We can only by bread once a week and limited to 2 loaves at a time.
Water is rationed by the case at the grocery store - 3 cases per family.
The ATM machines do not have power. For the past 6 months I have stashed small bills away because I have had such a feeling of foreboding. We have cash because of that. LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT. Get cash in small bills because the stores can't make change and credit and debit cards often don't work. I had to pay 5 dollars more for an item
because they couldn't make change for me. And . . . PHONES ONLY WORK OCCASIONALY.
Believe it or not...I have not had a bath in 4 days, Today was the
first day I got to wash my hair with pool water. I haven't fixed my hair in a week!!! It just doesn't matter anymore. We cannot do laundry because we don't have water. So, we wear our clothes until they are literally disgusting. When we do finally get water we will have to boil it since it is contaminated.
I am grateful for my parents. When we got low on generator fuel they drove 45 minutes to help us. They filled up their cans and brought us 10 gallons of fuel, which kept us going until this morning at 6:oo, am when we finally found some gas.
A prepared Family and a loving extended family is the key to
survival and making it through right now. I know that my parents would drive to the end of the earth to help me and it's nice knowing they are there. I know that I would do the same for my children.
I want all of you to know that I have such a testimony of following the counsel of our living prophet. There really is safety and peace in your heart if you are prepared. Please get your generators, 5 gas cans full of gas, canned goods, baby items, baby wipes to bathe, and all the water you can store...even if you have to trip on it in your home. Have your lanterns, crank flashlights, tarps, rope, etc. ready to go because you never know when it will be your turn to endure the test. It's overwhelming, but it's going to be ok eventually. I have a home, I have food, and I have water, because I listened to the counsel of the prophet. Please make sure you do the same. It's time to have your life in order. Tomorrow may be too late.
I love you all so much. I wish you were here. Take care!
Jyl
That is incredible. Bray please send me the email.parkercox74@hotmail.com I loved to get more info. I think I'll be going to the bank and Sam's club this week. Normally I shop once a week buying only the things I need for meals that week. I'm ALWAYS over $100. Which I used to be at $75. Rob and I are taking the leap of Giving to God first. We have been giving $30 each time we went to Church. Now I'm convinced it's got to be 10% off the top. He's struggling with "We can't pay this right now! Maybe 5%..."
Thank you for all your wisdom and faith. I truly look forward to hearing from you and Sarah. The part in my Video post about making me question...that's what you girls are to me. Opening my eyes wider and questioning things around me more.Blessings and Love.
What an awesome post Bray! It sounds simple, but how true those simple truths are. I can NOT stress enough, PAY OFF CREDIT CARDS! When there is a will, there will be a way. And stop buying "stuff". Use your 'stuff' till it breaks, not till it is out of style.
Sara, I can't agree with you more. We tithe 10% and I have found the blessings far exceed the sacrifice. I believe when we make that sacrifice out of faith, financially things will work out...that dosen't mean we will be rich but we will be able to take care of all financial needs despite the extra we are giving. In regards to food storage. When you go to the store you can watch for things on sale and buy extra each time and you will be amazed at how much you can store quickly. I always watch for canned goods and things with a long shelf life and get extra. It dosen't have to mean spending too much extra each month. I will email you the sites I recommend for info.
hi. interested in the food storage sites. dpayne06@yahoo.com
thanks!
This is an excellent post! I am so worried about the state of our country! I am disgusted that the Senate passed the bailout today! I think this "necessary" bailout will lead to a devastating depression and soon! Our government is attempting to falsely inflate our economy and someday we will have to pay the Piper for this! I am very, very worried. I saw on www.drudgereport.com yesterday that a Harvard economist said that any bailout would lead to eventual financial devastation and that bankruptcy was the best alternative for the ones our idiots in government are attempting to bailout. I couldn't agree more...it's almost like we've borrowed time for a moment adn when the bill comes due...none of us will be able to pay...we are headed for financial doom as far as I am concerned!
Thank you for your post. I am what one would call "A Political Junky" I grew up inside the beltway and went to church or school with many elected officials and their children. I am scared to death for this nation...not just the economy. We are on a really rocky path. I am disgusted at the politicians that I have personally voted for that claim they are making the best choices for our country...by ignoring me and most others who share my opinions. I just spent almost $1000 at Sam's Club and Costco over the past 2 weeks just on food storage. This food has been added to the already 6 month supply that we have for all 4 members of our family. I am trying to do my best to be prepared because the only people I can rely on are me my family. I know that faith and fear do not go hand in hand, so I have tried my best to be prayerful and do my part.
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