Our gift exchange with our God

From Dave and Gail : We don't know how or when this got started but since it has worked so well for us for over 50 years, we want to share it with you.   

In spite of our deep love for, and friendship with, one another --- once in a while we each encounter little irritants in one another. 

You know, little things like, one puts the glasses top side up in the cupboard while the other turns them upside down, one puts the toilet paper on the opposite way the other thinks it should go. Sound familiar? Little unimportant things that some couples let fester. 

As they have occurred we have simply categorized each as an IN SPITE OF  (relegating them to their proper place of unimportance)  and go on with life.

As in, I love Dave in spite of . . . and Dave loves Gail in spite of  . . .

In happy marriages both the husband and the wife consider their relationship to be a treasure of infinite worth---Something to be nourished and strengthened daily. Their marriages are based on cooperation, not negotiation. 

Disagreements can be expected on occasion, as each spouse comes from different backgrounds and different ways of doing even simple everyday things. Discussion is the way to handle those times, along with mutually agreed upon compromise when needed. Arguing is nothing more than a power struggle!  

Recognizing that the most important work that anyone can do takes place in their home,  couples consciously turn off electronics and tune in together by making their dinner hour and the family time that follows the center of their day and the object of their best efforts.They share household duties, and share in getting their little children ready for, and putting them, to bed. Ideally, following that, the electronics stay off allowing the couples to share meaningful time together. 

Successful marriages are built on the foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings. Couples do not consider the commandments to be a buffet from which they can pick and choose only the most appealing offerings.

In happy  marriages transparency is a key element to that happiness. Ideally, couples should make all financial decisions together, both have access to all information; both keep their social media use fully worthy in every way with no secret Internet experiences nor anything that approaches the appearance of impropriety---either virtually or physically. 

Joy is gained when marriage is not a 50-50  relationship but rather a 100-100  --- one in which each spouse strives to give their best to the other. 

In fulfilling marriages husbands and wives treat each other with respect and as equal partners, making decisions unanimously, with each of them acting as a full participant and entitled to an equal voice and vote in decisions. At no time should it be a competition. 

Humility, (and repentance in partnership with forgiveness) maintains (or restores) harmony and peace. 

Consider the letter at the center of the word pride.  Pride is pure selfishness and the need to always be right. 

Humility is selfless, not selfish. It doesn't demand its own way or speak with superiority. Humility answers softly and listens kindly for understanding, not vindication. 

Working towards a great relationship requires each of us to realize, and accept the fact, that we cannot change someone else. With faith, effort, and the help of God, we can honestly examine our own self, and make changes in our own  heart and behaviors. Taking needed steps to improve ourselves improves our attitude and our improved attitude improves the atmosphere in the home as we strive to treat others, especially our spouses, as we want to be treated.

Our Lord has commanded couples to cleave to one another, or in other words to be completely devoted and faithful to one another. Couples, when marrying, should  leave behind their single life, establishing each other and their marriage as their first priority. 

Much of the above comes from  a talk by L. Whitney Clayton, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Dave and I, still very much in love and "in like" after 50 years, second everything he says.  If you would like to listen to, or read,  the complete talk simply click below

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/marriage-watch-and-learn?lang=eng

Part 7 - Gain Peace of Mind by Having a Complete First-Aid Kit for times . . .

when it will take more than a kiss to make it better!

This post concludes my "Just in Case" series. 

 I sincerely hope these posts have made a difference.

Your answers to the following questions will tell you if they have made a difference in your life: 

• Have you started thinking about what your family will need in times of need?

• Have you started taking steps so you will have the items on hand to provide for your family when the need arrives?

Getting started begins simply by doing just that, basically putting one foot in front of the other --- taking one step, then another, then another. 

• Will you continue gathering basic emergency needs until you have sufficient for each family member for, at the very least, three days (72 hours of basic survival amounts of food and water)?

Self-Discipline is the ability to carry out a resolution after the enthusiasm is gone!


If you missed the two (un-numbered) posts that introduced this series please go back and check them out. Actually, even if you did read them initially 

I ask that you look at Why are Realists Called Alarmists again --- Please! As one picture says more than one thousand words can say, viewing these emergencies are vivid, indelible reminders   of how fast things can change and how horrific these changes can be.

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2013/05/are-you-prepared-for-emergency-national.html

One thing we know for certain is . . . we never know for certain!

Simply Preparing for "Just in Case" Brings Peace of Mind gives a simple overview

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2013/05/simply-preparing-for-just-in-case.html

It really can happen --- you may suddenly find yourself in a situation that requires . . .

     more than a kiss to make it better!



Last year, as I began my  "What If . . ." series, I posted on the wisdom of assembling a comprehensive first aid kit "just in case."  

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-if-your-first-aid-cupboard-is-bare.html

Important Note: The supply list included in the below post was compiled about 30 years ago when, as a Church group, we assembled our kits.  Since the majority of the items are still "accurate" I didn't see any reason "to reinvent the wheel" as the saying goes.  You may not recognize a few of the old "stand-by" liquids listed but many are still available and still totally appropriate.  Your pharmacist will be able to advise you in this area and make suggestions/alternatives.

If you are creative you can save a lot of money in putting this kit together by 

• substituting, where practical, things you already have on hand*
• finding items in your cupboards that may be duplicates 
• going in with a few friends so you can divide and share

* Following are a couple of internet sites for making your own band-aids/bandages. There are numerous other sites if you want to search further.

The first one is an  excellent and extensive but simple tutorial from July/August 1995 Backwoods  Home Magazine, shows several different types made from used white bed sheets or similar white material and  "ace"/elastic bandage wraps from stretch-type pants. The second one teaches you haow to make an "ace"/elastic bandage wrap from athletic socks.

http://theamericansurvivalguide.com/a/c/BHM/Emergency%20Prepardness%20and%20Survival/Medical/How%20to%20make%20your%20own%20dressings%20and%20bandages...By%20Marjorie%20Bur.pdf


http://www.ehow.com/how_5892269_make-elastic-bandage-home.html


Being ready "just in case" brings peace of mind---the peace of mind that "will allow you to sleep when the wind blows" . . .



A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When the farmer asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep when the wind blows." This puzzled the farmer. But he liked the young man, and hired him.

A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace.

The young man slept soundly. The farmer and his wife then inspected their property. They found that the farm tools had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements. The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn was properly locked. Even the animals were calm. All was well.

The farmer then understood the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep when the wind blows." Because the farmhand did his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. So when the wind blew, he was not afraid. He could sleep in peace.

The story about the young farmhand illustrates a principle that is often overlooked about being prepared for various events that occur in life. There was nothing dramatic or sensational in the young farm hand's preparations -- he just faithfully did what was needed each day.

Consequently, peace was his, even in a storm.

It is that simple!

Part 6 - Gain Peace of Mind by Being Prepared If Women's Personal Products are Unavailable. . .

Uh-oh here comes Gail with another one of her unmentionable
posts. 

 A few days ago I  directed a long-time and long-time-no-see friend  to my blog for the recipes for microwave bread and butter pickles and Greek Yogurt.  Because of the date of our exchange (and thankfully just in time) I remembered to warn her that the first post she would encounter would be the one on "disposing of human waste."  I assured her it  was not my usual blogging topic.

The fact of the matter is  --- 

no matter who we are, at what point or station or circumstance in our lives  we all gotta go and for some --- flow.  And it is helpful if the under-discussed could be openly-discussed. 

Sanitary Hygiene Products were a  most welcome invention back in the day. What may surprise  many of you is 1) back in the day actually wasn't too many "days" ago and 2) necessary sanitary products aren't necessarily sanitary!

When I was just getting started, these products came in plain brown wrappers.  

If you want to learn more and, more importantly, want to learn of some alternatives just-in-case --- simply click on each of the following. 

This first one gives you some interesting history on where the commercial products all began and some back-then-frank-talk you will probably find amusing.

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-if-i-dared-discuss-feminine.html

This next post is the getting-back-to-the basic whys, wherefores and, most important, how-to's ------ just in case you want them or may need them. 

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/07/what-if-you-consider-going-back-to.html

I haven't even tried to give time-line assignments for this post but I hope you will give yourself some time to get past the yuck factor and consider the possibilities of  knowing how to go back to the basics ---- just in case. If you do choose to be prepared in this area I hope you will not put off preparing.

I am Simply Gail, trying to be down to earth  in broaching these basic plain-brown-wrapper subjects. Sorry Heidi, I don't feel it is TMI.

Part 5 - Gain Peace of Mind By Being Prepared When the Power Fails . . .

Isn't it amazing how much light remains in our homes when we turn off all of our lights?  

IF WE are the ones to turn our lights off!  

No so when the power shuts off, for whatever reason - - - a completely different situation.

Gone are the little glowing areas from our computers, televisions, microwaves, stoves, radios . . .

Gone are the street lights and multitude other sources of ambient light.

Unless there is a  moon, it is dark! So dark you can't even see your hand in front of  your face.

Qualifier: we lived on a remote atoll in the Central Pacific Ocean for six months. There are zillions of stars in the sky, so many, so close and so bright in those isolated areas they do provide some light --- even a few that cast a beam across the water. It was/is beautiful and beyond belief ---  that was there.

Begin Today: Inventory your flashlights and batteries. Inventory lanterns (and their fuel) and any other sources of non-electric light you may have on hand. Inventory your candles and and matches. 

Continue:  Organize what you have on hand, list what you need and purchase, as you can, enough so that you can feel prepared just in case . . . Be sure to include small flashlights, for each member of your family,  in your grab-n-go bags.  

Expand: As you see fit for your family and what you may need or find helpful. 

Our Supply Contains  ---- wonderful finds from the Dollar Stores!

• Glow bracelets/necklaces---multiples in each $1.00 package.
• Solar yard lights, again from the dollar store.  They are still going strong after a full year outside---still as bright as the more expensive ones in our neighbors' yards.

We have brought these solar lights inside when the power has gone off. They provide good and safe light.  If the power was still off the next day we would simply put them outside to recharge.  We have additional ones in storage that we haven't activated. Actually we did pull the little activation tab on two of the storage ones this season to see if they were still good and they were!

To use now,  they are great pushed in the dirt outside a tent when camping, inside the tent for a safe light, and for fun and/or decorative light in the house, even when there is power --- just in case for fun!

I have tried to put these just-in-case-posts in order of importance, which gets harder and harder to do, as I go along, because we each have personal priorities. Stored WATER is the absolute first.

Because we are who we are, because we love the security of being prepared, because we like to experiment  with things we can do/make ourselves and well, just because ---- we have expanded in this area.  If you would like to gain more light on the subject of light -----

How to Make Simple Five-Minute Matches for use in adverse conditions
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/search?q=matches

Safe, Quick to Make, Long-Burning Oil Lamps --- using fuel that will not catch fire --- vrom  things you probably already have on hand
 http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/search?q=oil+lamps

Guide to Lasting/Burning Times for batteries, candles, fuel and more
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/alternate-lighting-and-cooking-sources.html

Once again,  I love to hear from you, and I respond to all appropriate comments. We are having so many spam problems  we have had all "anonymous" responses blocked.   If you want to contact me please do it personally through our e-mail address, listed in the bar on the right side of the blog.  Thanks for understanding.

Part 4 - Gain Peace of Mind by Simply Having an Essentials Bag Ready to Grab-N-Go at a Moment's Notice . . .

As I mentioned a few posts back*, at the beginning of this series, a grab-n-go back is quick and reasonably priced "insurance" for each member of your family. 

And, just like any other type of insurance, hopefully it will never be needed but if it is ----- it will prove invaluable! 

*just in case you want to refer to it
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2013/05/simply-preparing-for-just-in-case.html

The toughest part of assembling a 72 hour kit is deciding what items are ESSENTIAL.

Please, don't let that overwhelm you and/or stop you. 

Begin TODAY:  Consider your family situation (ages and needs, etc.) and start making a list of the absolute essentials you would need to survive for at least three days. (Three days is the average length of time it takes for services and help to arrive and kick in following a disaster.)

Early in my blog, I did two posts on grab-n-go bags:  Each will give you suggestions, guidelines, and things to consider to get you started.  The actual deciding is up to you based on the needs of your family. 

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/12/11-what-if-putting-together-grab-n-go.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/01/16-what-if-non-food-considerations-for.html


CONTINUE:  Obtain a container(s) for these items and start filling it ---as quickly as you are able. 

It is suggested that each member carry their own supplies as much as their age and size allows.

Keep Making Progress: Don't just stand there and do nothing . . .


Even if progress is slow, you and your family will be winners in a time of need! Start where you are and build as quick as you can. The only way you can lose is if you never start!

P.S.  In my earlier posts when listing canned items, "pop top" lids are suggested. Since that time I have read of a few concerns with that type of lid (in situations where they may be accidentally crushed -- causing them to pop open). If you choose to use the "regular" type of cans, be sure to include a small can opener.

P.S. I love to hear from you, and I respond to all appropriate comments. We are having so many spam problems  we have had all "anonymous" responses blocked.   If you want to contact me please do it personally through our e-mail address, listed in the bar on the right side of the blog.  Thanks for understanding.

Part 3 - Gain Peace of Mind By Being Prepared with "Hard Copy" Contact Information . . .

Just in case some of you may not be old enough to even know what I mean by hard copy when I refer to your contact sources. . .
                My grandmother survived the San Francisco, California earthquake of 1906. I have a letter written to her from a boyfriend across town, expressing his concern for her. It took two weeks for the letter to reach her.

They didn't have many ways to contact one another back in those simpler times. What information they needed they usually had written in a little note book which they carried with them. I also have one of those in my possession. It belonged to my grandmother's father.

Today writing things down seems unnecessary and even crazy. 
              Why would we bother when all we have to do is pull out the little gadget most of us have as our constant companion, scroll and click! Instant contact from anyplace to anywhere.  Wow!

But what if . . . the power grids (or whatever the things that keep our electronic world afloat are called) suddenly went down?

It really could happen, as impossible as that seems. Actually, there are probably any number of reasons that could happen. Or will happen.

We used to memorize the phone numbers of family and friends we talked to often. For the most part now, we know them by the order in which we punch them in. Our "electronic" brains know them. How many are safely tucked away in our physical brains?

This is a very scary what if ---- even for me who still likes "hard copy" in most cases.

How much more scary should it be for those who are electronically dependent---or addicted!

Remember, insurance brings peace of mind.

For our “insurance” I made wallet-size lists of all of our 

family members with all of their contact numbers and

 addresses---home, work, college, etc. We even listed our 

doctor and our medicines, including strengths and dosages.


If you have been following these just in case posts you know that, in each one, I suggest you do something TODAY and then to CONTINUE. This time, I will leave it to you to figure out the steps you should take to gain this contact-information-security for you and your family and, hopefully, follow-through.

Things we have done:

• Sent copies to our children and (hopefully) they made copies for their children.

• Made additional sets, laminated them, and attached them to our emergency get-up-and-go-bags so they would not be misplaced.  (Watch for that  Just in case post, coming soon.)

If you want to visit my older post on this subject and see far, far older pictures (of the earthquake damage taken by my grandma with her Brownie box camera) just click the link below and you will instantly be there.

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-if-you-lost-all-of-your-electronic.html


P.S. I love to hear from you, and I respond to all appropriate comments. We are having so many spam problems  we have had all "anonymous" responses blocked.   If you want to contact me please do it personally through our e-mail address, listed in the bar on the right side of the blog.  Thanks for understanding.

Part 2 - Gain Peace of Mind By Being Prepared to Store Human Waste . . .

No matter who you are, when you gotta go you gotta go and . . .
The lack of sanitation facilities following a major disaster can quickly create secondary problems unless basic guidelines are followed:

Water flush toilets cannot be used when water service is interrupted because the water remaining in the fixture is not sufficient to flush the wastes down. Clogging may result and your living conditions become just that much more uncomfortable.

If the toilet is NOT able to be flushed, it can still be used. This is less stressful for most people than using some other container. Remove all the bowl water. Line it with a heavy-duty plastic bag. When finished, add a small amount of deodorant or disinfectant,
securely tie the bag, and dispose of it in a large trash can with a tight fitting lid. This large trash can should also be lined with a sturdy trash bag. 

Sewage must be disposed of in ways that will prevent contamination of water supplies. Digging holes in the ground to bury raw sewage should be avoided because doing so can pollute fresh ground water supplies. 

Failure to properly dispose of human wastes attracts flies and can  lead quickly to epidemics of such diseases as typhoid, dysentery and diarrhea.  

Almost any covered metal or plastic container will do. You can use a covered pail, a 5-gallon bucket, or a small lidded kitchen garbage container for an emergency toilet.  Anything that has a cover and will hold the contents until you can dispose of them will serve for sanitary purposes at first. 

The following are  simple things that should not be dismissed or . . .  poo-poo-ed! They utilize things you most likely already have on hand. They cost nothing and require minimum storage space, while having the potential for maximum usage in time of need.

Begin Today: Gather some plastic grocery bags and empty cottage cheese, sour cream and/or similar containers

If you are like me you already know how handy these items are for everyday use. Imagine how indispensable they will be in an emergency ---as containers for disposing of whatever needs to be disposed of; adding an additional "layer" of secure containment.

Continue: 

As you can, accumulate a supply of heavy-duty plastic bags, twist ties, disinfectant  and toilet paper. 

Note: a good disinfectant that is cheap and easy to use is a solution of 1 part liquid bleach to 10 parts water. Dry bleach is caustic and not safe for this type of use.

For more on keeping safe and clean just in case we find ourselves in the thick of it, click on the link below to  go to my previous post What if there was suddenly no means of disposing of human waste?

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-if-there-was-suddenly-no-means-of.html

And,

To learn how we compactly store plastic bags for everyday use and for emergencies, click on the link below to go to my previous post Quickly capture kitchen clutter . . . in stuff you usually throw out

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2013/05/quickly-capture-kitchen-clutter-in.html

Watch Your Progress: 

Each step, not matter how small, is a step towards  peace of mind insurance! How great does that feel?

Reminder:  I love to hear from you, and I respond to all appropriate comments. We are having so many spam problems  we have had all "anonymous" responses blocked.   If you want to contact me please do it personally through our e-mail address, listed in the bar on the right side of the blog.  Thanks for understanding.