January 2023 Back to Basics Newsletter

Click here for a complete copy of the January 2023 Back to Basics Newsletter.

“Ring out the old, ring in the new…ring out the false, ring in the true.” Alfred Lord Tennyson penned those words long ago, but they “ring” true still today. The old year has gone and baby new year arrived. With it brings all the opportunity of New Year Resolutions and New Beginnings. Even mother nature itself has shed the old, and the new is starting again. Soon sap will flow in the trees, and buds burst from the soil and branches. So it can also be with us. Whatever old we want to rid ourselves of- this new year is the perfect time. This year as you set those new goals, include preparedness and provident living in your plans! While the nights are long, make plans for gardens, food storage, and emergency preparedness. Then as the month progresses, instigate those plans. How can you add to or polish up your provident living habits? What did you mean to do last year that just didn’t get finished? Now is a great time to send “old year habits” out the door. Let the new ring true. Be prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

New Year- Old List - a list of 3 month and one year basic storage items, and successful storage suggestions.

Ere the Winter Storms Begin - things you should have in your car for winter travels.

Spiritual Preparedness - three ideas for New Year Resolutions from President Nelson.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips to prune, prevent, plan, plant, and prepare in your garden

Pruning Tips - basic pruning tips, including illustrations.

Disaster Prep - items to be sure you have at home to be ready for disasters.

Cooking with Food Storage - Recipes for Wheat Thins and Granola.

Thoughts on Being Prepared - four quotes to motivate us.

 Click here for a complete copy of the January 2023 Back to Basics Newsletter.

December 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the December 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.

It is hard to believe another year is almost over, and another Christmas season has arrived. It truly is “The most wonderful time of the year!” It is a wonderful time to give gifts, provide service, and sing in choirs! We celebrate as we decorate homes and yards, go to church dinners and company parties, and enjoy neighborhood light displays. The celebrations are many, the décor glittering, and the lights twinkling and inviting. But in the midst of all of these expressions of Christmas Joy, let us not forget the “Reason for the Season.”  Let us be sure to keep the Savior at the center of our CHRISTmas. We celebrate his birth because of his life and His atonement. Perhaps the best way we can celebrate His birth and life – is by being obedient. “The great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life.” (Eyring) Being prepared helps us get through those storms! Following the commandment to be prepared, is a way we can celebrate the birth and life of Christ. Let us include both spiritual and temporal preparedness in our celebrations this year. If we are prepared, we shall not fear!

Included in this month's newsletter:

A Preparedness Christmas - ideas to give for gifts to help your friends and family be prepared!

Surviving Winter Emergencies - ideas to help you stay warm in a winter emergency at home or away.

Spiritual Preparedness - Voice from the past - quotes from Dallin H Oaks and Bruce R McConkie.

In the Southern Utah Garden - things to do in December for your garden. Includes an idea for your own compost bin.

Provident Living: Croutons - using the leftover bread instead of wasting it.

Disaster Prep: What level are you? - five levels of preparedness to help us identify where we stand and give ideas of where we would like to be.

Cooking with Food Storage - favorite Christmas recipes you can make using items from your storage.

Troubleshooting Food Storage - a list of things to help if you are having trouble getting going!

Click here for a complete copy of the December 2022 Back to Basics Newsletter.