An Ounce - For Your Consideration

The principle is well illustrated in a parable about three sisters. One is always sad, one is forever mad, and the third is constantly glad. The analysis of these sisters and the impact of their attitudes are brilliantly illuminated for us to examine and understand.

This Message might seem a little disconnected from the kinds of preparation you might normally think of when you consider ‘preparedness’. It is, in my opinion, the most import part of preparedness. If you can ‘get it’ – and internalize it – you are going to be light years ahead of those who don’t ‘get it’. 

The original source of this parable is Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorff (an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) as it was delivered in 2017. My delivery will quote him, but I use the parable to illustrate a different (but related) principle.

Suppose things have gone a bit up-side-down because of a disaster in your life, and you’re trying to get by after the water has been shut off, the power is out, and you don’t know when it’s coming back on. What can you do?

There are a few resources you should know about in your home that might make such a situation a bit better. They are there, even if you don’t know it. 

Is Looking Out for Number 1 Selfish? Maybe not? Many bemoan the apparent ongoing cultural trend of people who are only interested in themselves. This approach to life can easily be condemned as thoughtless, self-absorbed, foolish, un-kind, and all kinds of much-less-than-wise, thoughtful, or good. But is there something else there? Is it always bad to put yourself first? Is there a chance that there might even be wisdom in it?

Listen to a fun story about a sweet lady who can teach us that take care of yourself is a vital part of helping others.

This cautionary tale is told with my wife’s permission. Back in 1983, when we first got together, she was going to surprise me with our first really nice meal ... oven-baked pork chops and the trimmings – yum! Things didn't go so well - but we laugh about it now.

Sometimes you’ll be the beetle struggling with life – and sometimes you can be the bird who provides hope, kindness, and a new perspective.

When facing disasters and challenges in our lives it is important to remember that light will follow the darkness. It is the eternal nature of things, the sun always rises. One of the great lies that we are often tempted to believe when we are in crisis is that the crisis, with its darkness, will never end. But, the darkness always flees – all we have to do is wait for it (and yes it is easy to say, and seldom easy to do).

My sweet wife has always loved shoes. For whatever reason shoes make her very happy. Being the guy I am I have never really understood it. I can appreciate of good pair of boots, a nice looking pair of dress shoes, or a comfortable and durable pair of athletic shoes. For her, it goes to another level. Maybe it’s a genetic thing. Who knows?

Why does this matter? I guess it doesn’t really ... Except for the subject of a radio talk show interview that I listened to several months ago.

This is a bonus episode. It differs from our other episodes in that we step outside the weekly schedule, and the regular format of the podcast, and drill down on things like interviews with experts and product reviews

This bonus episode is all about blades. 

So whether you need a great set of kitchen knives, a good tool for camping and hunting, or you’re a prepper and looking for a great survival knife, we’ll get some information in this episode that will help you recognize how to make the best choice, and get the best tool for your money.

The older generation can be very precious to us because of the wisdom they can provide if we are willing to listen. Today, we’ll learn lessons from a couple of sweet ladies in their 80s. Unfortunately, it’s a lesson they would probably be happy to have not learned for themselves about placing an emergency kit placed in your vehicle. 

(This version of the episode was rewritten and re-recorded in April 2023. Script was shortened and simplified.)

What can the observations of sheep by a seven-year-old boy help us to learn about ourselves? The words of my Grandfather to my seven-year-old self can teach us a lot about how we choose to respond to a challenge.

Sometimes the simplest actions can have powerful consequences.  It is easier than you might realize to prevent a thief from choosing your home as a target. Hear my simple story and learn from my mistakes, so you don't have to learn from your own.

Episode re-engineered in 2023 to improve sound, content, and formatting.