Welcome!

These monthly newsletters (from January 2011 to present) are to help us all be more prepared. They are written for the Hurricane Utah Stake (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,) but everyone is welcome to make copies. Many other groups and individuals are using them. (Note: Garden tips are for Southern Utah. You may need to adjust to fit your climate.)

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

April 2017 Back to Basics Preparedness Newsletter

Click here for a complete copy of April 2017 Back to Basics Newsletter.

The old saying – “April Showers Bring May Flowers” applies to most aspects of life. As we prepare in advance (that April Rain) we are blessed with future “flowers.” Sometimes the “showers” may be the storms of life, but they also can result in blessings! The effort we make- whether it is to water the flowers, or endure the storm - can bring rich rewards. We often look with fondness and a little nostalgia at the lives our grandparents lived. They were simpler times; life seemed easier. Why was that? Perhaps our grandparents understood the importance of “April Showers” a bit more because of their lifestyle. We can enjoy a similar kind of living.  Much of it has to do with the ability to live within your means, to be frugal, to put away for a rainy day, and to be happy with less. We are among the richest people on the face of the earth. Let us make good with what the lord has blessed us. We can use those “April Showers” to prepare and set aside for a later day when we will be able to enjoy the “May Flowers!” As we establish a working food storage, plan for emergencies, save some money, and increase our spiritual preparedness, we can have the peace that will come when those “May Flowers” bloom! Remember – “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear!”


Included in this month's newsletter:
Expanded Storage - enhance the basic storage - A list of staples, mixes, canned goods and condiment with amounts needed per family for a year.
Disaster Prep- You know the drill! - why we need drills, and a list of suggested drills and things to include in them.
In the Southern Utah Garden - seeds to plant, warning for tomatoes, poisons to spray, fertilizer.
Cooking with Food Storage - comfort foods for emergency situations. Recipes for brownies, four in one cookies, caramel corn, and tootsie rolls.
Provident Living - A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned. Recipes for various cleaners and laundry products.
Provident Living - Easter Eggs Color - avoid the store bought prices by making your own Easter Egg color.
Five Principles of Economic Constancy - do these 5 things from N Eldon Tanner and your budget will do better!
Spiritual Preparedness - quote from Elder Henry B Eyring on this very important preparedness item.

Click here for a complete copy of April 2017 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

March 2017

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2017 Back to Basics Newsletter.

The glorious green month of March is here! March is when things begin to green up. March weather is un-predictable – a “lion” or a “lamb”. March is like Charles Dickens described: “Summer in the light and winter in the shade.”  March brings the first day of spring! March gardens begin to grow and lawns begin to flourish.  And in March we can “march” forward with our preparedness! It is a great time to tap into the “luck of the Irish”. Thomas Jefferson once said, “I’m a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”  Roman Philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparations meets opportunity.” So as we are more prepared – the more luck we will have when facing trials that storms of the latter days will bring. Remember the 6 P’s: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance! Let the Luck you find in March be because you have worked hard and prepared. Then whether the wind blows or the sun shines, we need not fear! We are lucky we know we should prepare, and we can be prepared to be lucky!

Included in this newsletter:
The List: a list of basic food storage broken down into amounts for male, female, children of various ages and teens.
Disaster Prep- What if.... A preparedness question list to assess your preparedness for various situations.
In the Southern Utah Garden: things to plant this month, and chores for March.
Cooking with Food Storage: recipes for Sour Dough Starter, Dads Sour Dough Biscuits, and Flour Tortillas
Gardening - a Family Affair! Getting started - why - where to start- what next - and next time.
Spiritual Preparedness: A "Year Round" harvest to sow - character traits for your garden.


Click here for a complete copy of the March 2017 Back to Basics Newsletter.