Looking for a Quote or a Spiritual Thought.....but don't have lots of time to search?

Isn't this a great visual?  Isn't this a great spiritual thought by Elder David Bednar?  Well, I am not crafty (or clever) enough to come up with these beautiful images and quotes all by myself. However, there are many that are readily available. Would you like to see more?

I love this quote by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

I greatly appreciate this one by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.  Especially the "Love is a measure..." 

The Sisters are also quoted.  For me personally, this should be another motto for Relief Society.  "First observe then serve" is a great quote by Sister Linda K Burton.

Isn't this one not only visually beautiful but powerful in it's message?

So, where do these come from?  Where else, lds.org.  To be exact, they come from here.  

So, the next time you are looking for a Spiritual Thought for either yourself, for a lesson (Relief Society, Sunday School, Visiting Teaching, Primary, Family Home Evening) or possibly for a talk, go to www.lds.org and look in the media library.  Lots of treasures to be had in there!

My Volcano Stove, Small Packaging...Big Results!

Have you ever purchased something having intention of using it right away?  Well, that is certainly the case for me.  I bought a Volcano Stove and was very excited to use it.  I walked by it several times and saw it in the closet many times.  I kept thinking to myself, "I need to just get it out and try it"...but alas life happened and my poor Volcano stove stayed packed up...waiting to be tested.

I then was asked to teach a class on Powerless Cooking in the Midwest.  Yea!  I finally had the opportunity to make use of it.  And...I love this device.  I purchased the Volcano II which can use 3 different types of fuel.  And, I love that flexibility.

I like to use a Chimney to start charcoal.  I like the fact that it can prepare all the coals in an equal burn.

The Volcano II easily sets up.  With a quick pull on the handle, the collapsible legs set up.

This device has a 2 plates. One for fuel.

And one to hold my Dutch Oven.

This device is designed to control the heat better than traditional charcoal with Dutch Oven Cooking.  

This sliding vent allows you to control the airflow.  Instead of a quick rise in heat with a quick cooling curve, the vent allows for super heat to surround the Dutch oven and have a more controlled burn or utilization of the heat.  

See how nicely the Dutch Oven fits into the Volcano?

Finally, I spaced briquettes around the top.  Then a short time later, we have a delicious Apple Cobbler to enjoy.

Take Away Points:

• This is a huge addition to your Emergency Cooking plan.
• It makes efficient use of your fuel, which is a major consideration.
• It can use wood, charcoal or propane, which gives you many options for cooking.
• It collapses into a small unit and fits easily into a carrying case that came with my unit.
• It runs about $200.00.

I will use this over and over again.  I am just sorry I didn't take advantage of this wonderful device earlier.

"Biggest Prepper" contest at My Food Storage Cookbook!

Hi all:

This is a shout-out to Megan from at My "Food Storage Cookbook".  She is hosting the "Biggest Prepper" Contest and has some wonderful prizes to go along with it. If you need inspiration to get yourself going or if you just need to learn more, go to her site today!

Learn more about the contest by going here.

Check it out today!

Convenience Food....in your Pantry.!

I glanced at my Facebook page one day and saw a plea from my very pregnant daughter. She was under the weather and posted a plea for homemade Chicken Soup.  She was mostly kidding, but I was in a position to make some for her.

I had everything and didn't have to go to the store....I just love that!!!!!  Having your Food Storage Staples is so very convenient!

I cut the carrots....

Diced the Celery....

I used my "Pantry Gold" (aka Canned Chicken).  I poured the broth into the pan with the vegetables, spices and Bay Leaf.  I also used some of my Chicken Soup base that I use when I need Chicken broth.  This is a shelf stable product.  

I diced the chicken....I personally like to have real chunks of Chicken in my soup.

Instead of Noodles, I put in Barley. I love the texture that Barley gives the soup.

Letting the soup simmer for a few minutes makes the whole house smell wonderful.

Transporting the soup was a challenge.  I remembered that I had these wonderful jars with a rubber seal.  I usually make my yogurt in these jars.  

I used my canning funnel to spoon the delicious soup into the jar....

I placed the freshly made soup into a bag.

Threw in some crackers.....

And, of course I put "someone's missing Dinosaur Train" in the bag.  You see, not only was my daughter not feeling well, but her little 2-year old son was fussing because he could not find his one of his favorite toys. It had accidentally been left behind during one of his visits to our house.  

What is the 'take-home message'?  Having a well-stocked pantry and Food Storage allows you to do things on the spot.  Yes, I did use fresh carrots and celery, but a well stocked refrigerator is also part of being prepared.  I could have used dehydrated vegetables if I wanted to.  I just decided to use the fresh vegetables.

Ultimate convenience comes from having your Food Storage Staples available.  Yes, Food Storage is absolutely 'convenience food' at your fingertips.  

Would you like the recipe?  It comes from an old Cookbook I have had for a very long time.  

Chicken Rice Soup (The New Pillsbury Family Cookbook 1973)

• 3-4 lbs stewing chicken cut into pieces (I used my canned chicken-1 Pint)
• 3 quarts (12 cups) water
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• 6 peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning, if desired
• 2 medium stalks celery, chopped
• 1 small onion copped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup uncooked brown or white rice  (I used Barley instead)

In large saucepan, combine chicken, water, salt, peppercorns and poultry seasoning.  Bring to boil. Cover and simmer 2-2 1/2 hours or until hours or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken and peppercorns.  Skim off fat. Cut meat from the bone and return to soup.  (Isn't the canned Chicken easier?).  Add remaining ingredients. Continue simmering, covered, 30-40 minutes or until rice (Barley in my case) is tender.    For Chicken Noodle Soup, omit rice and 1-2 cups uncooked noodles.  Cover until noodles are tender.  

Try It On A Cold Wintery Day!

Unrest in the Ukraine....the World is Smaller Than We Think

There has been a great deal of news coverage on the unrest in the Ukraine over the past few weeks. 

Image courtesy of Bleacherreport

We have seen, Bogdana Matsotskachoose, give up her Olympic  dream of her life to go home and support the protestors in their home land.  

Image courtesy of PBS

Protesters and Police have clashed, too many have lost their lives.  There has been a change in leadership and a fledgling government is trying to stand on wobbly legs.

I have watched, as we all have, these events on the news.  As badly as I have felt for the citizens of this country, it all came home to roost for me today.  My friend placed this plea on her Facebook page (with the names removed):

"Asking a favor - Putin has asked his parliament for permission to send military troops to Ukraine - specifically Crimea. We are fasting tomorrow for the people of Ukraine and the missionaries there (especially the one who is near and dear to my heart - Elder (son)) - could you add them into your fasting and prayer tomorrow? And - if you aren't the fasting, but the praying type - could you lift them up in prayer. My heart hurts for this people and their division and what it could mean for their country. Thank you so much!"

How could I or anyone not feel for this family and the all of the families who live in this troubled corner of the world?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made the following statement today.

Church Statement on Missionaries Serving in Ukraine

Salt Lake City-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement today regarding missionaries serving in Ukraine:

Due to civil unrest, 23 missionaries serving in the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission have been removed from the Crimean peninsula and transferred to other areas within the mission as a precautionary measure.

Many around the world are  participating in Fasting and Prayer today and tomorrow. If you can find it in your heart, can you please include the missionaries and the people of the Ukraine in your Prayers and Fasting.  

If you are new to Prayer, it isn't difficult. Find a quiet and secluded place.

• Begin by calling on The Father by saying "Heavenly Father" 
• Take a minute to offer your thanks for the blessings that you are grateful for.  Suggestions might be for your family, health, shelter, etc
• Ask Heavenly Father for the things you are calling upon him for.  (If you feel so inclined, ask for protection and care to be upon the People of the Ukraine).
• End "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen"

Our Brothers and Sisters abroad need our help.  Please find it in your heart to include them in your Fasting and Prayers.

ADDENDUM:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released the following information:

Ukraine
Given the evolving situation in Ukraine, 22 missionaries serving in that country will end their missions early and return home over the next few days. This includes missionaries originally scheduled for release in March and April of this year and allows the four missions in Ukraine to better accommodate the missionaries who were moved out of the Crimean Peninsula. Missionaries who have been in missionary training centers preparing to enter Ukraine are being temporarily reassigned to other missions or will remain at the MTCs on a short-term basis (see previous statements issued this week).