It’s incredible to live in a country with people who suffer from emotional and mental conditions at alarming rates. More people than ever before are being treated for numerous disorders at alarming rates. It’s estimated that 90% of suicides are by those who suffered. The emotional state of people is out of control. Issues of anger, rage, mental torment, thoughts of suicide, bitterness, resentment; shall I go on? These such issues cause problems. And- they cause problems that medication simply cannot heal. The good news is that emotional issues and problems can be healed simply through forgiveness.
You see; in the Bible you may notice something of interest; God never reacted. Jesus didn’t either. Neither of them were living in outbursts of rage, hostility toward people; yet one could argue they would have good reason right? And yet they were stable; in all things regardless of what surrounded them. And this is where we must get to. Peace in living in all things.
We must get to a place of not allowing ourselves to live in such states of disarray. We cannot be duped any longer by living by our emotions because in the long run it only leads to death. How could it possibly lead to anything other than that?
If you are being led by your emotions you are probably living on a roller coaster ride; hating Trump or hating the protesters all the while the media fuels the fire that is burning you. Let it be clear on both sides of the political fence are bitterness, hatred, hostility and unforgiveness. There is no way to change the past although there is a way to be free from it. And that is through forgiveness. You may be living in the torment of what your parents have done to you or what your spouse may have done; or that you weren’t good enough for the NFL or wasn’t quite the Cowboys cheerleader and all the things that come with the areas of life. Maybe you were passed over for the promotion that should have been yours; except your anger got the better of you and others saw it. It ruined your chances. It’s time to grasp the reality that going forward requires forgiveness more than a cover up.
You see; medication isn’t a cure all. No amount of pharmaceutical drugs will truly reach your heart; your soul for life change. (and I am not saying stop taking your medication) No they just cover them up and when you can’t afford them anymore you will still be what you are. So what is that that you really are? I ask you on this day- what really are you? And who do you want to be? The peaceful, stable, loving person who cares for others and wants to see the good in people? What is keeping you from getting there? Nothing that you can’t handle.
When you see that today’s society is fully in play on your emotions things will change. The goal is to steal you from being able to think, to spend your money properly; to love and to forgive others and yourself. It’s really that simple. So long as you are trapped into being the wretched ignorant crazy person living paycheck to paycheck with no disposable income then you are right where they want you. The eye catching ads of everything to manipulate you into thinking that you actually need that and that your life will be better. No it wont. The manipulated video clips the media plays repeatedly to program your thinking will not free you. Anything that you allow to cause your emotions to be stirred is not of God. Remember Jesus was not reactionary in anything and look at what He endured. If you claim to be His follower then don’t be surprised the attacks would come to you too.
I didn’t know just how out of control my emotions were when I lived in unforgiveness. I didn’t know I was angry. I had no clue. I was hurt and that hurt was released in a variety of ways. Many I had no clue about. And you probably don’t either. You may excuse by saying ‘Oh I’m Italian’ or something like ‘Oh that Irish temper’ when in fact that is not true at all! There are plenty of calm Italians and Irish; so if you are not then why not?
The Bible commands ‘Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.’ (Psalm 37:8) It continues also to read in Hebrews, ‘See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.’ (12:15 NIV) There is always something for us to do in order to achieve all that God has in store. It does require us to be like His Son Jesus. And in doing so it is not being deceived, led by our emotions; and carrying on like crazy people or zombies.
As you make the choice to forgive your life will change. What I can tell you personally is that my eye color changed, my voice changed and my thoughts of my mother changed. I hated her for many years and now I love her like Jesus does. She is a child of God and for me to have fury toward her simply is not of God. It was a process although a process of release of the emotional turmoil and torment that I lived in for many years.
What I also can tell you is that most have no clue the depths of how to handle it. It’s not their fault though. The professionals are not trained in overcoming emotional issues through forgiveness and I didn’t know that either; because I didn’t know unforgiveness was my issue. And so if you want healing to the full it will require a way that once was conventional that now is considered extreme; yeah the Bible. Go figure that what works is demonized but these are the days and times we are in.
When you go before the Lord to deal with your forgiveness ask Him to heal your emotions, to remove the pain, the torment, the bitterness, the resentment, the rage, the hurt, the hostility, the indignation, the tears and then ask Him to fill you with His Holy Truth. Ask Him to remove the emotional flow of all those things to you and you will feel release. You will feel the chains drop. You will feel the flow of all things not of God. You will feel above all the healing and the presence of God Himself. And through that one act of obedience your life will forever be changed. And then when you are through with that; ask Him to bless those who have hurt you; and again your life will change through that one act of obedience. The best part; no pills, no copay. Nothing but you and God.
To bring Julie to your church or business to speak visit www.julieblair.com
For more about forgiveness and walking with Jesus watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
Look around; times are changing. People are changing; the world is changing. No longer are the things that once were reality for today. Gone are the days of leaving your home or vehicle with the door unlocked. Gone are the days of most people carrying cash. Gone are the days of the votes of people counting for something. Gone are the days of people reading maps. And; gone are the days where more people went to church than left. In this day it is time to be prepared and know what your weapon of choice is. Sure you may have the Springfield .45 or the Kimber; or even that sweet AR 15 but so what? What good will it do you when you have no more ammunition? How then will you survive? You need something better, sturdier; stronger, more protective and resilient in any times. You need stronger, better, infinite in all ways. You simply need to be in relationship with Jesus Christ. And through Him; love for there is no other way.
You see; Jesus has been through it all and He came for you. For you! He came to set the captives free and the only way to be free is through Him. You may take your own path; but a good intelligent path is not the God path of wisdom. Your path may have some man-made created routes that will suffice for a time; but what about when time runs short? What then? Your relationship with Jesus will withstand the times of anything. Are you ready? Are you pursuing?
It isn’t about a ‘what if’ scenario any longer but rather a ‘how do I walk in love’ daily in Christ scenario because what if is pure extrapolation in the mind. The events are already occurring on a global scale. Russia invades, men boast; microchipping is increasing and yet the same call from Christ is still the same. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart mind and soul; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Luke 10:27) There is a reason why this is written. Plainly put- it is what will be your protection in any and all days; always.
As we examine where we are and where we are going; it is beyond time yet still time to love one another. We must. We must for ourselves, for our children and their children; and for the call of those who are called followers of Christ; or Believers; or Saints. It is through love in Christ that the entire world can and must be changed. It is time that each of us lay down our hate and pick up our Bibles. (and read them) It is time that we turn off the media’s focus and attention on segregation and separation and starting grow in love for that is where we all will see that none are any different. We all are the same; men, women; the same.
So it begs the question: what are you willing to do? What are you willing to fight for? A loaf of bread? A new i-phone? Or how about a changed heart in the name of Jesus that will move every mountain and break barriers that brings the experience of God to every person you encounter?
It begins with me and it begins with you. When the hearts of people are changed; everything else changes too. One need to look at Hitler and see the devastation of that change in heart or one can focus on Jesus and become more like Him and as a result; change the world one person at a time through love. And that will be the weapon that will last longer than any other weapon you could ever have in your artillery.
Forgiveness is one act and process that places a person in a position of being vulnerable. It is the one place where if you go before the person you are seeking forgiveness from; you may not know the outcome. That for many is scary! Going before the Lord to seek forgiveness too is one where many people are vulnerable and/or do not trust what the outcome will be. Therefore vulnerability of forgiveness keeps many unforgiving.
The good news is this: God’s Word never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has a plan for you life and He provides all your provisions; which means He has given you all the strength that you need to seek forgiveness- and to forgive. Your obedience in forgiving will lead to your breakthrough!
Being vulnerable is part of life; and part of forgiveness. It is one of in some ways trusting the process and trusting the outcome and too more than anything trusting God. Trusting that He is on your side, that He will never leave you nor forsake you; and that He loves you.
When you get to this place of release and acceptance that it’s ok to be vulnerable your level of love and forgiveness will change. Your heart will soften and your eyes will see the beauty they’ve missed for so long. Hearts around you will be changed and isn’t that what’s it about? A heart changed in love in Him, for Him and by Him?
You have nothing to lose by allowing yourself to be vulnerable. You don’t. You don’t have anything to lose by forgiving. But you do have everything to gain.
In today’s unpredictable society; one day you have it all and the next day your next elected politician steals it from you. What will you do? Trust in the failing stock market? Stock up and head to the hills? What will you do? Where will you put your trust? Your 401k? Let’s hope not! Your return is too unstable to predict and well; I’m not a betting woman when it comes to the money game. The one area of trust though is that God will provide. God’s Word never fails and while it took me years to figure it out; praise Him that I did.
I have many testimonies of the goodness of God but this one takes me back to a time when life was really interesting. I was just kicked out of a church by nasty emails calling me names when I shared that I needed some time alone with the Lord and I didn’t really know may people in Dallas. My income dropped to less than my rent after I had just moved to a larger place for my mother (who stood me up on the move) and I had no way out. I knew that sharing this with many people would only deem me crazy so that wasn’t really an option. No. This was something to be worked through with only Jesus. Perhaps you have been there.
For 10 months He carried me. I didn’t know where anything was going to come from. None. He provided in ways that only He could; and always in His ‘perfect’ time. All I was required to do was trust. And believe me the trusting was the hardest; although He never left me. He will never leave you either.
See; it’s one thing to say you trust the Lord and then use credit cards as your backup and another thing to have absolutely no means whatsoever! When you don’t have credit cards; when you have nothing but Him you will need to make a choice. And you better choose quickly- and Him.
There will never be anyone who can carry you through anything like He can and like He will. No one. And so I share this as some encouragement for you to know that in the midst of your trials He is with you. He always has been. He has loved you and will continue to do so. He will provide; so long as you let Him.
What’s your testimony? What can you share?
For more about love and forgiveness in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
Image belongs to Karen Holland 2009
The story of Hannah provides us much to reflect on. It is one where you can be like her in the beginning or the end- it’s your choice. But rest assured if you try in all your own strength you will fail. Why? Because God’s Word tells us that apart from Him we can do no good thing. (John 15:5) How hard it must have been for her to desire something so much and yet get it; that is until she surrendered. You may think that you are so smart investing in the stock market; and when it fully collapses what will you have? Anger toward God? Bitterness of the loss when in reality you just didn’t listen to God Almighty? Surrender to Him now. The reality is that you have nothing to lose and if you don’t; well you will lose and more than you know.
You see; you can’t have it both ways: serving yourself and God at the same time. You must choose. Hannah finally got the memo and guess what? It was ‘God’ who blessed her with a baby. No one else. No dead god or universe will bless you. It can’t. It doesn’t even know you! But the God who created you and knows every hair on your head can! It is always God and if you deny His ways then you will live with the consequences. It doesn’t matter if you are one individual or one nation turning your back on Him will prove to be disastrous- and one only need to look around and see the devastation surrounding us.
The good news is that there is still time! Who knows how long but rest assured if you do what Hannah did and repent and seek forgiveness; times of refreshing may come. Her bitterness left her ‘and then’ she became pregnant. Now- this would make sense right because bitterness rots the bones so in reality how would she be able to carry a baby to term with bitter bones? But if you choose to be independent and pride yourself for it you will fall. And why fall on your face when you can stand on God’s Word and live to tell about it?
It’s a wake up call for each of us to recognize that regardless of the amount of wisdom you think you have; you don’t. You did not create yourself and you really are not the best thing since sliced bread and when that sinks in and you understand that it isn’t about you but about Him your life will change. When I got over myself and all my accolades of man made ideas and trophies everything changed. Remember that on judgment day there simply won’t be a trophy or stupid ribbon given to you just because you were born. God is a just God and if you don’t choose to show up you won’t reap the rewards. Choose Him now.
If you want the turnaround in your life it requires obedience to God’s Word. Period. If you want a solution to the problems in the wonderful USA it will require repentance and forgiveness. Period. You cannot add sin to the pure Word of God and think that you will get God’s best. This cannot happen, is not happening and will not happen-ever. God is worth more than the sin people want to live in. Those that are attempting to do so are simply revealing which side they are on and it’s very clear is it not that of God.
It’s time to humble ourselves before the Almighty and do so before it is too late. Acts 3:19 is very clear ‘Repent, and seek forgiveness, so that times of refreshing may come.’ No times of refreshing come ‘before’ humbling. They can’t. God does not and will not bow down to the sin that you want to live in and why should He? He created you remember?
And so in these times the rewards that come through seeking forgiveness are vast. I am here and that’s how I know what is on the other side of forgiveness. But if you wish to deny the fullness of forgive that by the way; can ‘only’ come through Jesus you will live in less than what He initially planned for you. You see; forgiveness is between you and God and when you go to everyone else but Him you miss the entire point. It is not your neighbor or the pope that has any authority to wash your sins away. None. So it’s time now to get that your life to come is based upon your willingness to align yourself with God’s Word. My prayer for you in the name of Jesus is that you would want Him more than you want to keep the sin that is killing you. And rest assured He is the only one who can save you. No other dead god or government entity can. Best to just overcome your flesh and do so now while you still can. You have nothing to lose and a life to gain!
For more about forgiveness and the power of walking in it watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. Check your local listing. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv
Each religion has an idea of forgiveness and an interpretation; although the relationship with their Creator is what appears to be missing some in them. Forgiveness may be a part of their ideas although striving to be a better person does not mean that you are. It would be like believing that if you drive your vehicle faster you will become it. In the end being better person may be good if this is the only goal; although being better does not mean anything other than trying harder to not repeat mistakes. And if you subscribe to a religion that has no standards you are only fooling yourself. Sin is sin whether we like it or not and living in it doesn’t change because we just don’t see it. I lived in the sin of unforgiveness for decades and argued that I did not; until I saw the truth. John 8:32 tells us plainly, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV) In knowing the truth it will be up to you to take the steps necessary to doing something with it. Unless something is done and there is restoration of self to your Creator or Abba Father then what really is the point? What would be the point of spending a lifetime trying to be a better person on this earth and still end up going to hades when you die? Once I understood the larger picture of forgiveness as a Christian I grew to the level of maturity of forgiveness and the magnificent role that it should play in the hearts and lives of every Believer.
In Christianity, forgiveness is beyond the act of sin. When there is forgiveness of sins there is a transformation within the person to the original intent that God had in mind. There is a restoration of the person to the Father that takes place that cannot take place in other religions. A man made religion does not restore anyone to who they were created to be because no one knows! These other religions are simply based upon individuals seeking themselves for self-change and then trying to manifest their own change for self-glory and that is even if there is a reason to need forgiveness in the first place.
The life change that occurs through the process of forgiveness is just one reason why it is so important in the life of a Christian. I didn’t know that until I went through it. I did not know how forgiveness would impact my life. Not only this; I had no clue the impact that unforgiveness had on my life and would have continued to have on my life and those around me. The best example I can share takes us back to New Years Eve 2006 and the beginning of 2007.
I spent two full days in my room forgiving. I was given a deadline of what must occur and my elders would pray in agreement with me to ensure that every open doorway of unforgiveness was closed. And so happy New Year! I endured through that time persisting to know what forgiveness was and how or where to begin. I went before the Father and stood there in silence. Then as I fell to my knees I cried; and the continued for what was probably minutes but felt like hours. I was unsure of what I was doing although I knew I had a task to complete and that if I failed my life would be as miserable as it had been to that point. As the hours went by and God spoke clearly to me what the process was, to whom I needed to forgive and all the details that were required my healing and deliverance through forgiveness was in full force.
By the end of the two full days in my room I was never the same. I sent two letters to two people sharing my forgiveness toward them for the pain and agony they caused to my life. One was to my adoptive mother for the abuse I endured at her hands the other was to my biological mother who abandoned me at age three. Both responded. Both lives have been changed.
My adoptive mother apologized for the pain she caused me and asked for forgiveness. She did not know the depth of her actions. My biological mother actually called me and we spoke. Since that time she has given her life to Jesus, became baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit. She has received many spiritual gifts and is a guest host on my television program ‘Living in Forgiveness.’ To underestimate forgiveness is to underestimate the commands and outcomes of God’s Word.
The importance of forgiveness is that it is what will change your life and who you are in Christ. It will change your relationships with other people and with the Father. You cannot not be changed when obedient to the Word of God. So why not make 2016 the year and today the day that your relationship with Christ, your obedience to Him; and your life changing in abundance in Him be the resolutions that you live by? Mark my words- you won’t regret it.
For more about freedom in forgiveness in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CT on the UANetwork. Check your local listing or stream live at www.uanetwork.tv. For prayer requests and resources visit www.julieblair.com
The new year has entered and people are of course ready to start off on the right foot; and of course time to get busy. But at what cost? Let’s face it: when you remove yourself from being busy your hearing from God can and will increase. Let us not forget what busy really is: Bound Under Satan’s Yoke. And who wants that? The bondage of busyness kills even the slyest of them all; so don’t be fooled.
When we look at this new year, this new season it’s a wonderful time to get things in order. Many start off with the goals of new promotions, vacations in the sand; and perhaps a degree or two. Oh the plans of mice and men! Of course then there are the typical new years resolutions but how many of them have you already broken? Perhaps one too many beers or a skipped workout? Don’t worry you aren’t the only one. And besides who says that you even have to have a day to start a resolution in the first place? Forgive yourself for the unpromised promises that you made that you already knew you weren’t going to keep. Your fingers were cross behind your back; we all know it. We’ve all been there. So don’t feel bad. Instead; be glad that you don’t have that guilt and remorse hanging over your head and look for those treasured moments when you hear from God. don’t let anything cloud that judgment or hearing as it will only be a lost opportunity and who needs another one of those?
I know that when I stopped making new years resolutions my life did and didn’t change. It changed in that I didn’t have to engage in the conversations about what they were and I didn’t have to feel bad about not following through. I didn’t have to think about what resolutions I would make and break; because I know myself that well. And then it didn’t change because life kept going and that would make sense as it does regardless of what day it is or what tradition people follow. That in and of itself removed a level of busyness that I realized was pure clutter and that too; had to be removed.
You see; when you remove all the clutter; in the spiritual and natural your life will change. Sure everyone has an app for that; expect how cluttered does your phone and life become just to get organized and yet still not hear from God? We live in a time where people have more access to make life simpler and easier; yet it is more complicated. Oh the experience of the oxymoron. It’s time to remove all of what you are allowing to cause yourself to be busy and get to the foundation of life; and that is and can only be in Christ. And you truly don’t need an app with customized alarm for that. Just let it be.
If you step away for a moment and reflect on the experiences that you crave with Christ but never get who’s fault is it? His? How could it be? His Word is clear that He will never leave nor forsake us. It’s His Word that tells us to be still. So it must be us; which would make sense right? In the era of trying to be more, do more, get more, live more, experience more, see more and share more we have become a society of less. Less tolerant, less loving, less forgiving, less related, less healthy, less experienced; and less in hearing from God. It is time now that the trend must turn. It must. Or the experience we get will be one that there won’t be an app for.
The choice is yours. What do you truly want? One more gadget that you need a degree to operate? One more promotion in title only that steals your time from your family yet pays less? One more program to watch that only kills your mind? One more drink that numbs the pain of years past? Or do you truly want one more experience with God Almighty that is one you will never forget; leaving you to be on watch for the next one more experience with the God Almighty that will leave you forever changed in yet one more way that couldn’t ever come through any other means? If you chose the latter you choose life and isn’t that what His Word tells us? Of course. So on this day while everyone is priding themselves on being busy in the name of busyness; why not take the route less traveled? Make your own way by removing the clutter the bondage of busyness breeds and increase your hearing from the One who is ready to give you more than what you could ever dream or imagine. You won’t regret it.
Image belongs to its owner.
Love in today’s society must reign. it doesn’t matter what part of the world or who you are. Love must reign. It must if we intend to live as Christians. And in these times; we must stand in accordance with God’s Word to love our neighbors regardless of what we think of them. We must love and be prepared in and out of season to walk and live in love.
In a recent conversation; I listened to a story about a group of people were discouraged and disappointed after studying and watching to learn about the Shemitah, the blood moons; and other various things that were expected to take place.
These people followed along intently and believed all the words spoken and all the concepts taught; and waited for what would occur. Sounds great right? Except; it didn’t. The expected calamity did not strike on the day or the days that were prophecied. As a result; the group was left with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Situations like this are not uncommon; they are just not probably talked about daily at the dinner table. It is one though that leads us all to be prepared and in a way that only is in love.
You see; you can be the best prepper and listen to this alleged prophet or that and have every study guide and 2,000 rounds of ammo but if you have no love for your neighbor you have nothing. What do you think you will do when calamity strikes and you instead of love; hate? What will happen to not only your neighbor but to you as well? If you allow yourself to get discouraged by one person then what will happen when there are three or four or more that have a false word? There can be no room for anything but love; and love for another.
No one is doubting that these are tough times for the world. One doesn’t need bifocals or binoculars to see it. It’s here. Look around. Some are looking for that specific date except the largest clue that is evident when Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 25:13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (NIV) The search to know this or that instead of focusing on love and hearing from God will only serve as a distraction and right now; who needs more distractions?
It is time that in order to know and be in the know that it isn’t about this person teaching or speaking that; but the Almighty God speaking directly to you. Period. When you get to a place of hearing directly from Him and in love- you will be more prepared for anything than you can possibly imagine.
There is much going on in the world today. Your world; my world. The world that neither of us are in. It’s all changing and the time is now to be prepared. The time is now. Apostle Paul makes it clear that we must be prepared. We must be prepared in and out of season; but what exactly is the ‘in’ season? What is the ‘out’ season? If you look carefully isn’t any season you are in the the ‘in’ season? Therefore by deduction you must be prepared at all times in all ways for all things. You must be. But in what way? All ways.
We must first prepare our hearts to live in love and forgiveness. There is no way other than this. You cannot wait for a disaster to strike to love and reach out to your neighbor. You must now. You must fill your heart with love and forgiveness overrunning.
We must stand firm in faith. If you struggle ask for more faith. The disciples did. They knew they needed an increase in measure. Why? Because in order to forgive they would need faith. Luke 17:4-5 is clear: Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” (NIV) Ironic too that they needed faith to forgive. Do you? Ask and receive!
Now while standing firm in faith in the Lord is one thing; it too requires action. Remember that faith without works is dead so when it appears the world may be falling apart around you what are you doing to be prepared so that you can stand and not fall faint of hunger? You must be able to stand as how can you help your brothers and sisters in need? It is not time to be dependent upon others but upon the Lord so that you can be of service to others on His behalf.
It got me thinking to say the least. How prepared am I? What do I need to be prepared for? What is my faith level? What is in my heart? Not only this; what is in my pantry? You see; we must be prepared and in all ways. Winter is here are you ready?
In Colorado growing up people were prepared for winter. It was normal life. People had gardens and the crops were canned for winter. It was life. That was the norm. Those of you who grew up in climates similar can relate I’m sure. The blizzard of 1982 was one such example. It came on Christmas Eve. It’s not one people soon forget. The other ones that people still talk about are 1997 where in Coal Creek Canyon 56″ of snow was reported in less than 12 hours. In 2003 people were snowed in for at minimum 5 days. Because some cities outlawed driving people skied to the nearest grocery store; before everything was shut down. How ingenious right? Yep wear a backpack and ski to the market. You do what it takes and have what you need in order to complete the task. You can’t drive and for me that year I didn’t get out for more than 5 days. Nothing like being snow bound!
Living in climates like Denver people have 4-wheel drive vehicles- and they moreso know how to drive in the conditions too. In most cities across America; people aren’t equipped for such weather as snow and ice; or even cold. We can look around and see the weather changing and vastly. Many talk about global warming yet it’s been the opposite so figure that one out. So are you prepared? Some say living in Texas the weather is changing daily. At least it’s daily. Other places it’s hourly! I remember in Denver laying out at the pool in the morning and by evening experiencing 2″ of snow. In other words have sunscreen and hot chocolate handy every day. Even in July you can get snowed in the foothills in as I’ve experienced that too.
In reflection of a few things that would be necessary for survival is one that has thinking I need to step up my game. Dallas is different and regardless of where I live or where you live; you must be prepared. You don’t want to be cold and bitter now do you? See; grocery stores only have supplies for three days. Three days! What if the weather is so bad that the power is out longer than that? Or what if where you live the weather is ok but where the goods come from the weather isn’t? What if the weather is so bad that the trucks can’t even get to your city to deliver the products you need? What then would you do? It occurs to me that there are some things I need to take care of. It’s not like I will be able to just use my cell phone and order pizza. And if I could the two hour wait for it to arrive cold may not be the best either. So it’s best to just be prepared. Love, forgive and have extra toilet paper.
A few things to think about to be prepared are:
1- Water. Of course everyone needs water so this goes without say. If you start now stocking up on water then you are set for drinking but what about the other areas of your life? What about showering, cooking, or anything else. Don’t you need to be able to flush the toilet so you may need more water? It takes about one gallon to fill the tank so keep some on hand just in case. If you have the drinking water do you really want to pour that down the toilet? The large blue containers you can fill up with a few gallons of tap water and then store them in the garage so you have something. You wouldn’t want to store your drinking water in the heat in the garage as it will only take more like plastic than it already does. One thing I do is fill a gallon of water from the shower while I am waiting for it to heat. Yes it’s that much! The other thing I do is keep another gallon jug by the kitchen sink so that while I am waiting for hot water I collect all the cold water. I use that to fill my dog’s water bowl and to water plants. Why pay money for it to go down the drain?
2- Food. Of course you have to eat and because you may not have electricity or know when it will be restored you definitely have to plan. I remember during the Superbowl when Green Bay played in Dallas during that week I had no electricity for a day. Needless to say it was cold from the ice storm. No one can drive on ice and keeping warm is obviously priority along with eating. Think about what you would eat for more than just one meal. What is your daily food consumption now? How long will the food in the refrigerator and freezer last? How would you prepare it? During the aftermath of Hurricane Ike many people grilled all their meat from the freezer since they had no electricity. I was told years ago to take old water bottles and fill them with water but not all the way full and then store them in the freezer for occasions just like this. Perhaps a few MRE’s and other items should be accounted for before it’s too late. Foods high in protein and require no cooking are the most obvious. Plan for additional foods for the children and infants in your family. Not only this; how often do people eat out of boredom? Planning now will help you know what you have so your level of irritability won’t be so high. The last thing you want is to get stuck with a Costco size container of old stale cheese balls.
3- Paper items. Toilet paper, napkins and other items are good to have on hand. Nothing would be worse than the last roll of toilet paper! Because water supply is limited doing dishes won’t be easy using paper products can serve the purpose. Count for how much toilet paper you use per month then perhaps an extra month supply would be good. Obviously if you are single you use less than a family of five; but still that is the last thing you want to run out of. One opened item of anything is never enough!
4- Protection. It’s wise to be able to defend yourself in all seasons. Bad guys are everywhere. While we must walk and live in love and forgiveness we must be wise too. Keeping current with firearms training and having ammunition is just prudent. My CHL is current and being proficient in using it doesn’t take much time out of my life. It’s just one of those things that is no different than taking care of the laundry or baking cookies.
5- Toiletries. As I said before an opened anything is never enough. Are you at the bottom of the shampoo bottle? Last roll of the toothpaste? What then if you run out before the weather clears and your store is restocked. How terrible would it be to not be able to brush your teeth for a few days or weeks?
6- Lighting. Candles of course can work just great; but how many would you need to use for light and warmth? When I look around my town home I see 20ft ceilings with an open floor plan which means all the warmth going everyone else except to me. I would need to get creative with where I would spend my time because I obviously don’t want to waste my candles. My personal idea is pretty simple. My bathroom is a decent size and is closed in so it would make the most sense to set up shop in there. I would set up an air mattress in the bathtub and that room would be the warmest with less heat escaping. I would roll a towel in front of the door so that no heat could escape; or at least very little. Sitting on the air mattress also gets me off the floor where it isn’t warm. Because my dining room, kitchen, living room; and bedroom all have windows using candles simply would be better in the bathroom. GE sells the LED lanterns that take D batteries so for 20 bucks I have light and with my candles have warmth. Don’t forget the matches or lighters. I have a fireplace that was one thought although the bathroom would still provide better options for longer warmth because the heat could be contained.
7- Pet food and supplies. You can’t let your pet go hungry now can you? Of course not! My Olive needs her food too. How much does your pet consume daily? What about flea, tick or heart worm medicine? Having these items on hand will only help you better protect your animal. Perhaps a few extra treats or raw hide bones would serve as a distraction from the situation. You may also think about a dog sweater or sweatshirt. While most with the purse dogs spend more on these items; your lab or Great Dane may need one too!
8-Prescriptions. While it’s easy to call the pharmacist to place the prescription order on most days; you most likely wouldn’t have phone service to make the call or be able to get to that location to purchase it. Having enough supply on hand is wise as you would have to have your mother or child suffer those consequences! Or better yet; have essential oils and recipes on hand. Sure it may be great to think you can hop online to find those recipes; except if you have no power for any length of time is this realistic?
9- Extra glasses or contacts. If it’s dark and you lose a pair of glasses now you are stuck. Stuck using your light to go search in the cold of the night to find them when if you had an extra pair in an easy to find location you would be just fine. You would hate to harbor unforgiveness toward yourself for not taking care of this oh; years ago when your spouse mentioned it. You don’t want to hear the proverbial ‘I told you so’. This is one thing on my list without a doubt! I’ve never lost a pair but that doesn’t mean an extra pair wouldn’t be beneficial. I’m also learning that too many things that can be done tomorrow can wreck havoc on it too! Tomorrow eventually becomes today so why not just do it now?
10- Blankets & Down Comforters. If you happen to be like many bachelors you may just have your sheet and comforter that you sometimes use; or even perhaps you have the old quilt from someone years ago. Having enough blankets to keep you warm is a definite! If you hold up in one room you can always use one at the base of the door to keep any heat from escaping; or the towel as I mentioned. My favorite is my down comforter; although I have two other bed sets and numerous other blankets that I have picked up along the way. When buying a down comforter buy the one that has the most ounces of down per square. It may cost more although it is the best purchase you can make! I have had mine for almost 20 years and it is one item I don’t ever see myself parting with. This one item that can definitely serve it’s purpose. Of course if you have the sleeping bag that you use for those hunting excursions those will work just fine. Always keep blankets on hand because you can use them to create a bed in case and that will generate heat as well for you. You can also use the blankets to cover windows in addition to draperies as that will help keep the warmth in.
11- Generator. Sure you may not want to spare the expense of a few hundred bucks and no one blames you; except for someone who told you to buy one years ago. For those who like to really be prepared it may be the best way to go. While others may be suffering; those with the generators wouldn’t lose any power so perhaps it is something to consider.
While there are many other items to include like salt for the driveway or front steps, sturdy ice scraper; and a prepared mentality this is a good start. More people die in the cold of winter and the number of people who die from unforgiveness is evident too. Just be prepared by forgiving, loving and ensuring that you are able to take care of yourself. When that day comes you will be glad you did!