Is Your House in Order?

Have you ever heard the phrase, “get your house in order?”  Well, it is a saying amongst my peers that means, are you prepared.  Do you have yourself and your family together in the way of medical, life insurance, auto insurance, house documents, food in the cupboards, things together, etc.  If something was to happen to you (mother) would your husband (if you have one) be able to take over and carry the everyday duties?  Or visa versa for that matter.

Well, in our struggling economy today in this 21st century with gas prices soaring, mortgage foreclosures, crime not decreasing but increasing the more, etc. is your house in order to sustain the impact of what is to come.  Now, you may be asking yourself, what is she talking about.  Let me try and explain.  In the Bible the Word of God says that in the latter days the world will wax worse and worse.  That means that people will become more and more evil.  There will be more and more crime in the world than ever before.  The economy will become so bad that people will start to do whatever it takes just to survive.  I believe that the Katrina incident wasn’t just for us to pity the people who suffered through that storm, but it was an eye-opener of what is to come.  Katrina was a foretaste of what the United States could become in the near future.  Not covered under water per say, but covered under crime, food, oil, gas, housing prices soaring and no one able to work and make enough to afford to live day-to-day so people will resort to unthinkable actions just to make it.

There are several things you can do to “get your house in order.”

First, make sure you have all of your documents in order.

a.  Copy of the deed to your house

b.  Copy of life insurance policy

c.  Copy of house insurance policy

d.  Copy children and spouses birth certificate, social security cards and any immigration papers as well as any military documentation, marriage certificate, adoption papers, etc.

e.  Current photos of your children and spouse

The tools needed for in-home storage of pertinent documents.  It would be good to purchase a fire-proof, lockable file cabinet or small fire-proof file box.  They come in various sizes.  You can purchase the file boxes and any Staples, OfficeMax, etc.

Once you have the file boxes, place your copies in the fire-proof boxes and place the originals either in your file boxes as well or take them to your local bank and rent a safe-deposit box for a minimal yearly fee.

The most important first step in getting your house in order is something that could be done in a day or over several days.

One last note, after making your copies, it is also a good idea to place your copies in a Zip-Lock bag.  Why do you ask?  Because you could be caught in a natural disaster and your documents could be locked up in your house or in the bank which you most likely wouldn’t be able to access immediately.  It would be a good idea to place them securely in your vehicle (which you most likely will be in or closer to than your house) or if any way possible with a trusted relative or friend.  If you can access your house or your bank then fine, but what if you couldn’t? 

Okay, more on Is Your House in Order coming soon.

Children’s Emotions

• • • • • Parenting Tip July 14, 2008 Helping Kids Deal with Emotions Many families ignore emotions or view them as a nuisance. But emotions affect children more than they realize. One of the keys to helping children understand emotions is to teach them the difference between the feeling and the response. It’s okay to feel sad, but that doesn’t justify treating people unkindly. When Joel was thirteen, his dog, Skippy, died. Joel had raised Skippy from a puppy. They played together, slept together, and Joel had taken care of Skippy when he was sick. Now his beloved friend was gone. Joel’s heart was broken. The pain was intense. He spent the next few days bouncing between lashing out at those around him and withdrawing into himself. His heart was working hard to absorb this unwanted new experience: life without his loyal friend. Mom was patient with Joel, giving him space to grieve and work things out. She initiated conversation with him often and looked for ways to comfort him. Sometimes Joel used his sadness as an excuse for being unkind or disrespectful, but Mom made it clear that grieving was okay; meanness was not. Over time, Joel adjusted to life without Skippy. Mom’s approach was successful because she considered Joel’s heart during that time. Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Emotions are a part of life. Children often need help recognizing and dealing with their emotions. They haven’t learned yet how to process all the feelings their hearts experience. Teaching children about their emotions and the appropriate ways to deal with them will prepare them for experiencing even deeper joys and sadness in the future. Helping children separate what they feel from how they treat you and others is an important part of that process.This tip comes from the book Parenting is Heart Work        by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. This article is taken from Parenting Tips.  See above.

Get Away to a Farm

Hello everyone!  My famiy and I decided last weekend to just pack and go.  We had no earthly idea where we were going.  We did have plans to visit a friend of mine further south from where we live, however that fell through.  The kids were looking forward to just “getting away.”  So I started packing and within 15 minutes had my bags by the front door (we still didn’t have a destination as to where we were going!).  While my lovely family was still trying to wake up and get dressed, I got on the computer and started Googling Lancaster County.  Well, after searching for less than 15 mintues, I found this wonderful place.  The Shenks are owners of this wonderful celery, corn, hay, soybean, etc. farm located in the heart of Lancaster County.  The family we stayed with were Mennonites.  Mennonites are very similar to Amish people.  Anyway, If you have kids and would like for them to visit a working farm, then by all means, check out the farm we stayed at!  Here are some pictures.  The pictures I took can’t compare to theirs. 

                             

                                             

                            

My kids got to feed a miniature goat named “Butterscotch”, a mother sheep called “Madelene” and her baby lamb whose name I forgot.  My kids also got to gather eggs from 30 chickens out of the chicken coop!

The Shenks asked us to visit their Mennonite church on Sunday and we did.  The Word of God was so right on time!  Funny how God will use whatever and whoever to minister unto His children!

 Tidbit:

Did you know that some of the Old Order Amish communities have cars?  Yes, the Old Order Amish will paint the bumper of their vehicles black.  

So if you ever wanted to visit and stay on a farm for a couple of days or even weeks and if you can stand to smell cow and pig dung first thing in the morning, then you would enjoy the farm life! 

So there you have it.

Peace,

SWT

Homeschooling during the Summer

Well if most of you didn’t know I home school my two kids. They are 13 and 10. I’ve been homeschooling going on five years (September 2008). I get a lot of questions about home school, but one that stands out is, “do you teach during the summer months?” My answer to that questions is YES!!!! Now I know what you’re probably thinking, no we do not sit in class all day and my kids can’t go outside, etc. They each have one book and that book is called Summer Bridge Activities. Each day they have one lesson to complete. If they do a certain amount of reading and complete a section in the book by a deadline, they are rewarded for their efforts. I have to initial everyday that they read a book for an hour or so. If they do not complete their assignments before the deadline, they do not receive an award. So, you see I am not a taskmaster. I’m a mother who refuses to let my children minds take a break during the summer months because “school is out.” The static for most children who does nothing in the way of educational stimulation during the summer months loses 60% of what they learned during the previous school year.

If you would like to see a sample of the book I am using right now for my daughter see the image below.

If you have kids and would like to make sure they don’t lose what they have learned during the school year or would like to improve in a certain area over the summer, then I highly suggest going to your local Barnes & Noble Bookstore or Borders or even Amazon.com where you can look inside some of the books and see what they offer. The books are categorized by grade level. For instance, if your child finished the 5th grade this year and is entering the 6th this September then you would purchase 5-6 book, etc. So, check it out and see what you think.

Peace.

SWT

Parenting

• • • • • Parenting Tip July 3, 2008 A Demand, A Desire, and A Wish Children develop typical responses when parents give a no answer. The three-year-old bursts into tears because he can’t have candy in the store. The ten-year-old says, “Fine!” and huffs off to the other room when her mom says “no” to more computer time. The fifteen-year-old starts yelling at his mom because she won’t drive him to his friend’s house. Each of these situations provides an opportunity to teach contentment. One dad said it this way, “I taught my twelve-year-old son the difference between a demand, a desire, and a wish. When he comes down to dinner and sees spaghetti, he might express a wish saying, ‘I wish there were meatballs in this sauce.’ Or, he might come down and say, ‘I want meatballs in my spaghetti sauce.’ That’s a ‘desire’ response, stronger than a wish. But when he comes down and says, ‘I’m not eating that spaghetti without meatballs,’ and then makes unkind statements to his mother, he’s moved to demandingness. This distinction has helped my son because now he tries to move demands back to desires or wishes.” One of the signs of spiritual maturity is that a person exchanges demandingness for contentment. Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that contentment didn’t automatically appear but it was something he learned, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Contentment is being grateful for what you have instead of grumbling about what you don’t have. It’s a spiritual quality that adds peace and joy to our lives without feeling that we need something more. As with many spiritual qualities, contentment is learned at home. Children are often tempted to be demanding with parents and others. When we, as parents, teach our children to accept a no answer graciously, then we are moving them toward contentment. This doesn’t mean that your children need to release any sense of ambition in life. It does mean that as they work toward a goal, they maintain an internal peace and the ability to accept limitations and value relationships in the process. For more ideas about developing contentment, read chapter 5 in the book Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids. To gain some fun curriculum for kids that teaches the value of correction, consider the Treasure Hunters children’s curriculum for kids ages 3-12. If this tip was sent to you by a friend and you’d like to continue to receive tips yourself, you can sign up at www.biblicalparenting.org.

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Obedience vs. Our Will

“When we totally surrender our WILL then we can totally OBEY God.”

God desires to bless us.  We must totally trust Him.

Are you Prepared?

Mr. Prepared Says Keep Your Family Fed When Disasters and Emergencies Strike!

 A massive hurricane hits your town.  A large earthquake shakes up your neighborhood.   The power’s out, the stores are closed, the water system is screwed up - and you open the kitchen pantry, only to find a couple of Pop Tarts and a can of spaghetti sauce.  Not a good feeling!

 I’m Mr. Prepared here to tell you that owning an approved Emergency Survival and Supply Kit in the event of a disaster or emergency is the only way to go.  Just find a safe place somewhere in your home or apartment where it won’t get disturbed and store it safely there – for you and your loved ones’ own safety!

 First aid supplies, weather radios, batteries, waterproof clothing and tools are all important parts of any disaster preparedness kit.  But the most vital is having food and water on hand to get you through the days – and possibly weeks – when there’s none available in your immediate area.  The Red Cross advises you to have two weeks of food and water on hand – and they know what they’re talking about! 

 You don’t have to go to the trouble of gathering all those materials and making your own survival kits – you’ve got enough to do (and if you’re like me, you’ll put too much junk food in)!  Anyway, the experts have already done the work for you.  There are all sorts of different kits to get you through 72 hours, two weeks – or even, believe it or not, 3 months!  Any disaster that has you eating on your own for that long’s got to be a whopper – but they make these kits for a reason, and they’re not just for people who never like to leave the house!

 If you’d like some guidance from Mr. Prepared as to which kits just do the job and which kits just plain rock, you can check out some I’ve reviewed and approved at http://www.mrprepared.com/products#2.  I give each of these kits my exclusive Mr. P rating – either one “P” (It’s a Start!), two “P’s” (You’re Getting There!) or three “P’s” (You’re Prepared!) – but you’ll be able to judge for yourself and view the contents of each kit to see what suits your situation best. 

 So stock up, folks!  You’ll be glad and so will your tummy!  Also, feel free to download free my Top 10 Facts for Hurricane Survival at MrPrepared.com.  Put  www.MrPrepared.com in your favorites and check it weekly for the latest emergency preparedness information tips.  Don’t forget to Watch Mr. Prepared TV for the latest emergency preparedness videos when you visit www.MrPrepared.com.

 I’m Mr. Prepared - bringing Awareness to Preparedness!

Website:http://www.mrprepared.com/

Vacation

Going on vacation?  Check this out!Be Blessed! The Proverbs 31 InvestorTM, Summer Vacation Edition   July, 2008
In This Issue Saving Money on Planning Your Vacation Saving Money Once You Arrive at Your Destination Dear Friends: This month’s edition is dedicated to you and your vacation this summer. Yes, I know gas prices are crazy. The housing market is in disarray. I’m watching a a news report now on the tumultous Dow. But on days like this, I also remember Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. (Psalm 23: 1-3 The Book) Enjoy your time this summer and I hope these tips help you do just that on a budget. Keep emailing me! Carolyn
Saving Money on Planning Your Vacation   Even in this age of high gas prices, if you like to travel, there are some unique ways to save time and money - not only on your travel plans - but also for the entire trip. To save on your travel arrangements, check out  travelzoo.com to receive weekly discounts on hotels, flights, cruises and combination packages. You’ll be surprised at some of the great deals you can find on this website. When using expedia.com, travelocity.com, or any other of these types of trip planner websites, bundle your services with a flight, car rental and a hotel. This can save you up to 40% on your entire trip. But watch for hidden fees and charges. If you’re driving, make sure your oil has been changed and check the air pressure in your tires. This will help on saving fuel. Also, bring along your own snacks and drinks rather than stopping at the gas station or fast food restaurants along the way. Saving time and money may be as easy as planning ahead this season.  It’s About Time! will be released in January of 2009. Click here to pre-order this book: It’s About Time!		Saving Money Once You Arrive at Your Destination   Once you’re on vacation, here are some helpful suggestions on saving even more money: Discount or free days: Before you leave for your vacation, check the websites of some of the attractions you want to visit for a list of days that are free or discounted. Many museums and galleries have discounted or free days that can save you hundreds of dollars. City Pass: Major cities in the U.S. have a City Pass where you pay a certain amount of money up front per pass that allows you to see several city attractions at a fraction of the cost. Check out  www.citypass.com for more information. Souvenirs: I know how much you love those trinkets, but unless you are an avid collector of spoons or t-shirts, pass on the souvenirs. It’s nice to buy a loved one back home something special from your exotic location, but why not just send a postcard? Souvenir shops in hotels and along main streets are huge temptations for stuff you don’t need. That’s why they call them “tourist traps.” Don’t fall for it anymore! Dining at fancy restaurants: Most restaurants have off-peak days when the menu is much cheaper than if you went on busier nights, such as Fridays and Saturdays. Before you make your reservations, call ahead to find out about their “cheap eats” menu.
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God’s Word is Yea and Amen!

2 Corinthians 1:20 states…

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

You know God is an awesome God!

Yesterday afternoon as I was driving home, I noticed a beautiful rainbow in the sky.  This rainbow reminded me of the word of God in Genesis 9:12-16 when God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

You see, God has a way of encouraging us to never forget that His Word is true.  If you are facing some difficult situations in your life then put in rememberance His promises. ”For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” –2 Corinithians 1:20

“…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” –Isaiah 55:11

God sent His Word–Jesus.  [ The Word Became Flesh ] “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Salvation

Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly.  The Word of God states “Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life no one cometh to the Father except through me.–John 14:6

Provision

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”–Philippians 4:19

Direction

“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.”–Proverbs 4:11

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the “rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”–Isaiah 42:16

Healing

“…who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,”–Psalm 103:3

 

                                                   

                   This is the actual rainbow that I saw this week.

Lastly, God remains faithful to His Word.  He continues to Keep His covenant.

SWT

Take No Thought…

Great day!

The other morning I woke up from a dream and a scripture was still ringing in my ears that a woman of God had mentioned in my dream.  She said, Matthew 6.  So I got up and immediately starting reading Matthew 6.  This chapter of Matthew is very famous for some people quoting, “take no thought for what you are to eat, wear, etc.”  Well, I meditated on the whole chapter and really didn’t think much about it anymore.

Last night my husband hands me a bag of clothes and states that it’s been in the car from my mother-in-law and that he just remembered to take it out.  Inside the bag were clothes for my husband, me, my daughter and son!  God is GOOD!  He knows what you need before you even ask Him.  What was in the bag was something that I didn’t think I needed for right now.  But as I thought about it, the piece of clothing my son received was swimming trunks.  Guess what, he needed a pair of new swimming trunks!  PRAISE JESUS!

So, whatever you need or is worried about read Matthew 6:25-34.  The whole book of Matthew is excellent to read to keep ourselves humbled.

Peace!

SWT