Getting Ready for the Storm-Being Wise

My husband knows when the weather is changing or a storm is expected because I shift into overdrive.  It is an internal -gut reaction that begins turning the gears in my brain and body. 

He shakes his head as I stock up on toilet paper, canned beans and meat. Smiles as I make sure vehicles are full of gas and the animals are fed.  Chuckles when I begin to bake and cook and rush to get all of the laundry done.  Finally, he gets annoyed when I begin voicing my list to do with expectancy.

Growing up, it was not an unusual winter to find ourselves out of electricity for a minimum of days and sometimes a week or two.  When this happened we found ourselves out of water and without electric heat.  Wood was carried in by the armful and cans of food kept us full.  

Mom kept our pantry full of canned food, freezer full of meat and tried to have over the counter medicine on hand for when we were snowed in.  Getting ready for the storms meant preparing the winter before.  Buying the seeds, planting a garden and raising a calf.  Butchering, harvest and canning in preparation.  

Stocking up on food and provisions was not out of fear but out of wisdom and prudence.

A few years ago a large winter storm shut down the transportation of food into our area and within a day the shelves began looking pretty bare. Did you know that stores usually have just enough for a few days?  Have we  forgotten how vulnerable we are to any length of loss of electricity or mobility. 

Gas pumps would not work.  Nor would ATM's or my home or cell phones.  My family doesn't have alternative heat like I did growing up nor the tools that one would need to "tough it out."  I've read the disaster kit checklist but like many of you..pushed it to the back burner.

SO HOW DO I PREPARE IN FAITH AND TRUST  FOR THE SAFETY AND PROVISION OF MY FAMILY?

1. Work hard and do what I'm supposed to do.  Trust and Obey.
2. Tithe and give in preparation for eternity.  Store up treasures in heaven.
3. Sow in my spiritual, relationship, career and professional development, health and finance.
4. Be proactive in learning new skills.
5. Practice being an observant person and being aware of what is happening in the world.
6. Have a plan and make a list. Print out the list and check it off as you get the items.  AICPA Recommends the following:
1. First-aid supplies
2. Prescription medication
3. Canned goods and a can opener
4. Water
5. Batter-powered radio and extra batteries
6. Extra cell phone batteries
7. Flashlight and extra batteries
8. Matches, candles, glow sticks
9. Toiletries and personal hygiene items
10. Extra bedding, sleeping bags, protective clothing
11. Cash
12. Rolls of plastic sheeting
13. Sandbags and shovels
14. Copies of important documents
15. Bank accounts numbers, insurance numbers etc.
    
7. Save. Save. Save.
1. Save Money.  Have An Emergency Fund.
2. Have an emergency plan.  Food, medicine, water and supplies.  Where would my family meet if our house was destroyed by fire etc.
1. I do the "What's on sale?" plan.  When black beans are 10 for $10 then I pick up 10.
2. If I need a can of tuna then I pick up an extra can to keep for emergencies.
3. I order my medicine when I am eligible instead of waiting until I'm out.
4. I try to keep our vehicles full of gas.
5. I buy shampoo, deodorant,  soap, tooth paste etc. when I pull out my extra bottle from the shelf.
6. Buy batteries during Christmas sales.

I think the key to a healthy preparation is to do so out of faith and trust in God's provision and always having an attitude of responsibility for myself and my family.

Taking inventory of those motives and attitudes are just as important as the inventory of emergency supplies in our house.  

• Am I seeking to be self-reliant out of arrogance or fear or from a sense of taking responsibility for the needs of my family? 
• Am I selfishly planning my future? Do I have a greed or a hoarding attitude?
• Where is the line of obsession and preparation?
• Do I trust God with all of my heart and strength?