The Practicality of Preparing

 It seems as if everywhere one turns there is another voice, then another, and another still trumpeting the alarm to prepare for whatever is coming. All agree: something is coming. Yes, indeed. We are traveling a path none of us have ever walked before. How do we prepare for that which never has been? There are some small things that can be done and will serve the greater good whether disaster of epic proportion or every day ordinariness is on the path before us. 

Making certain we have all of our daily necessities gathered is an obvious first step toward preparedness. However, before we begin even this, prayer yields the best results. Pray. Pray. Pray. Keep praying. Don't stop until there is complete and total peace within. If any fear or anxiety are still present in any form, pray until total peace reigns. 

With so many people sharing ways to prepare and what items to stock up on, I was surprised when I felt led to share practical items for consideration. After pondering over the most effective way to share the ideas that have come to me, it seemed as if a list will serve us best. As always, this is meant to be basic information used as each individual needs or desires. Individual situations will have unique needs for the ages and life situations of the  Weigh it and do what you are led to do in your personal situation.

• An actual paper Bible, not digital or electronic
• Books both informative and interesting (think necessary, helpful knowledge and personal enjoyment - don't forget books for the children)
• Paper for writing, sketching, drawing, painting, etc. for all ages 
• Pens, pencils, crayons, markers, and other desired writing/art supplies for all ages
• Scissors, twine, string, tape, wire 
• Handheld tools such as pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, hammer
• Journal or notebook for writing thoughts, feelings, and recording necessary information
• A journal or notebook already filled with information pertinent to daily living such as recipes, prescriptions, addresses, contact information, important dates that can be kept close at hand 
• Recipes for homemade options for food products, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and prescriptions to be included in above journal/home binder
• Ingredients to make alternative products if the brands used are not available to purchase
• Cleaning supplies for washing and cleaning by hand (Dishwashers don't use the same detergent/soap as hand washing does.)
• A tentative daily plan/rhythm written in above journal (Times of emergency contain a potential for stress and anxiety; having a tentative daily schedule/rhythm written out ahead of time gives us one less thing to do should an emergency situation arise.)
• Paper copies of all important legal documents (Know where important documents are located. No one wants to be searching high and low in a time of emergency.)
• Quick, easy, yet nutritious food stuffs that do NOT require heat and/or water to prepare (This may require forethought and advance research.)
• Needed prescriptions and/or alternatives
• Toiletries (don't forget extra toothbrushes and DO)
• Water - fill any and all empty jars and or containers in the house with water. They are being stored already, they might as well contain something useful. Water can also be canned. Instructions are online.
• Water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and flushing toilets (Toilet tanks will require manual filling after/before each use when power is out. Water used for washing hair and bodies can be saved and reused for flushing toilets.)
• Candles or some other non-electric source of light - consider battery-powered sources
• Reflectors/something to use as one to increase light from candles and/or lamps
• Oil lamps and enough oil to fuel them for the desired amount of time
• Non-electric utensils and tools for daily living (consider daily activities and notice whether they utilize electric/digital tools - i.e. rolling pin, whisk, broom, dust pan, wash pan, buckets, coffee/nut/spice/grain/meat grinders and/or choppers)
• Sewing/mending kit and supplies
• Craft instructions and supplies
• First-aid kit
• Small, portable heating source and stove that are safe for inside use
• Means of providing non-electric refrigeration or gather shelf-stable alternatives to refrigerated items
• Deck of cards, dominoes, blocks, marbles, puzzles, or other forms of amusement/entertainment that do NOT require electricity
• Simple toys that don't take up a lot of space but are comforting and fun for little ones, if needed
• Favorite drinks: coffee, tea, hot chocolate (The comfort a favorite drink brings contributes to a person's overall well-being.)
• Cards and small gifts to give should there be any birthdays or special occasions fall during the time of emergency
• Extra blankets and warm clothes for winter time 
• Cool clothing options for warm seasons
• Mouse traps
• Trash bags
• Disposable dishware, napkins, wet wipes, and paper towels for times when water and electricity are unavailable
• Seeds for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers (both medicinal and beautiful)
• Personal hygiene products