Prepare for Unexpected Events

Prepare for Unexpected Events

 

 

Do you prepare for unexpected events every day?

Like a flash of lightning, a car attempted to speed around us as the highway narrowed to one lane entering our town. And, just as quickly, the small car hit the median dirt, and became airborne. The time to prepare for unexpected events had passed for each of us. All we could do was watch — and pray!

“Lord, protect her – please, Lord, don’t let her land on another vehicle! Lord, please, please, don’t let anyone be hurt.”

Her car spun like a top above the median and the traffic in the two southbound lanes. In seconds, the flying vehicle came to rest, wheels down, in the grassy ditch west of the crowded highway.

Later as I stood on the side of that hot, dusty highway hugging a sweet young girl, my mind was flooded with the “what ifs”.  I strongly believe God had a chorus of angels guiding her to safety and protecting others. As I had watched her car from takeoff to landing, I knew it had to be God’s protection for her and those nearby.

The incident caused me to seriously ponder a couple of things; perhaps you may want to do so as well.

#1 Our priorities reveal how we prepare for unexpected events.

This young girl valued her job; she admittedly was hurrying to get to work on time.  However, what temporary priorities kept her from allowing plenty of time to get to work?

I’ve been guilty myself of wanting to ‘make up time’ when I’ve allowed some insignificant thing delay my departure. I wonder what my priorities reveal about what things are really of value in my life.

#2 Our confidence in times of stress comes when we prepare for unexpected events.

On the onset, one would say this young driver was very prepared for unexpected events. She had confidence because she had her up-to-date insurance papers readily available.

She had her seat belt securely fastened (praise the Lord!), and her hands on the steering wheel.  Yet, her next statement revealed the reality of the situation.

“I thought I was going to die!”

My heart broke as I thought of her young life and what could have been. So quickly our lives can change.

“Honey, surely God had angels holding your car above the danger and setting you down in a good place. Thank Him that you are okay. No one else got hurt, and you will be fine.”

None of us are promised another breath; not a single one of us. How important it is to make sure our relationships as well as our possessions are in order.

There is peace in the midst of the largest storms in the eyes of one who knows for sure Christ is in their hearts.

Do you have that peace? None of us are promised another breath, not one. Feel free to write me if you have questions.

Hugs AND Prayers,

Here is a wonderful Bible Study on the Promise of Peace in the Midst of the Storm.

 

5 Keys to Building Self Esteem in Others

5 Keys to Building Self Esteem in OthersBuilding self esteem in others is easier than you may think. Today’s headlines run the gamut from bullying kids to neglecting senior adults. Those who lack self-esteem are most vulnerable. Many have never been told how special they are; that they have value and purpose.

Here are 5 keys to building self esteem in your family, friends, and even the work place. While I am using our young great-grandson and his coloring as an example, these keys will apply to all ages.  (See his signature in purple? Wow!)

  1. BE SLOW TO CRITICIZE.  What did you notice first? Did you wonder why someone let that young child scribble in the book? The pride Logan shows in his finished picture could be quickly crushed if his coloring was ridiculed.
  2. BE QUICK TO PRAISE.  Practice looking for good in all things. Praise young ones for finished projects. Praise older adults for not giving up; for staying strong, for their encouragement through the years.
  3. LOOK FOR TEACHABLE MOMENTS. While Logan colored from his new book, his mother read these words from the facing page: “Patches says …Thank God for how He made you. Thank Him for loving you so much, just like you are.” She read Psalm 139:14 and other encouraging words from that page.
  4. FOCUS ON THE PERSON, NOT THE SITUATION. Building self esteem in others can be as simple as overlooking mistakes (or our perception of them), accidents, spills, or awkward behaviors, Harsh words cut deeply and leave big scars.
  5. ALLOW SELF EXPRESSION WHEN APPROPRIATE.  Can you imagine this little one as a teenager looking at the scribbles and remembering how his mother praised his work? He may laugh at the silliness of it now, but he will always remember her encouraging words and love and that he was special to her and to God.

It’s worth noting that we each see things differently through our experiences, preferences and needs. As we learn to value the individual above all else, we both are richer.

From Patches’ commentary on page 74 of Patches’ Biblical Coloring and Activity Book:  “Do you ever wish you looked differently? …. Let me tell you something that is honestly true about you: You ARE very special! God planned you … He loves you ...”

Do you know someone who needs encouraged? Patches’ book has been enjoyed in nursing homes as well as in classrooms.  Why? Because every age needs to know they are loved! Please leave a comment on Amazon.com if you have enjoyed the Biblical Coloring and Activity Book. Thanks!

 

Tips on Storing Fresh Produce Safely

Tips on Storing Fresh Produce Safely

Here are easy tips on storing fresh produce safely.

Summer means Farmer’s Markets and fresh produce at the local grocers. It often means shopping carts filled to the brim with crisp greens and fragrant perishables.

Sadly, it can also mean wasted dollars as much of the food will perish or wilt before it is consumed. Here are a few simple tips to help you in storing fresh produce safely and longer.

Some fresh produce facts:

  1. Cold sensitive foods such as potatoes, onions, garlic, and winter squash lose flavor and moisture in cold temperatures; keep them in pantry in cool, dark place.
  2. Produce needs to breathe: putting in air-tight bag speeds up decay.
  3. Keep foods whole when possible to enable longer storage life.
  4. Store apples, apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew in frig apart from other fruits because they are gassy.
  5. Avocados, unripe bananas, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and tomatoes are gassy but do not like refrigeration.

 

CHOPPED SALAD OR GREENS – These keep longer if stored in a covered bowl lined with a paper towel. After washing, pat dry with towel as excessive moisture hastens spoilage.

POTATOES, APPLES, AND ONIONS – An apple stored with potatoes will help keep potatoes from sprouting. Onions need to be stored separately. Hint: to keep onions up to 7 months, drop them in panty hose (tied between each one) and hang in cool, dry place.

ALL FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES – Do not cut until ready to use for longer life and best flavor. A little lemon juice will keep sliced apples from browning if you have leftovers to keep.

BERRIES, SMALL FRUITS, AND GREENS – For best results, clean fruits, vegetables, and greens in a solution of one part white vinegar and ten parts water to remove dirt and pesticides and prevent mold.

BANANAS – Store bananas away from other fruits as they produce high amounts of Ethylene gas. If you need them to ripen super fast, place in closed plastic bag; the gas they produce will be locked in and ripen them. Plastic wrap around the crown of a bunch of bananas will slow ripening.

TOMATOES – Store at room temperature away from sunlight for longer life. Plastic bags or wrap promotes spoilage; keep them dry and cool.

CELERY, LETTUCE, KALE, BROCCOLI – Store these items in the refrigerator in tin foil to decrease their spoilage time.

For a great alphabetical list of veggies and fruits and how long they will keep, click here.

Worth noting: fresh produce stored in the refrigerator should be put in drawers and not in the door to maintain regular temperature. It is best to use glass containers as some plastics increase spoilage time.

What works for you in storing fresh produce safely? Share with us.

Hugs,

Keep your eye on my kid’s page; some good news coming real soon!