Sunday, October 16, 2016
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot 10 October, 2016
Prayer Breakfast: Servants of
Christ
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana
Oh Father,
grant that those who worship you this day may present their bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to you. By the power of the Holy Spirit make us
strong to fulfill our ministry this day. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
1. Opening - Round the Table
Individual Prayers
2. Morning Psalm: 71
3. Breakfast Reading: 2 Corinthians
4:1-6
4. Breakfast is served
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
a.
News around the valley
b.
Week 31 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
6. Closing - Round the Table
Individual Prayers
7. Benediction
May
the Lord make you strong to do the work of ministry. Amen
Upcoming Events:
0700,
17 Oct 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 24 Oct
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 31 Oct
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 7 Nov
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 14 Nov
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 21 Nov
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 28 Nov
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0645, 15
April 2017 – March for Jesus Christ
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:
Week 31 of 52:
Inventory Management
Keeping your preps organized can be very challenging to say the
least. Most of us do not have ideal storage areas and are putting our
preparedness and food supplies in every free nook and cranny that is available
to us. If you’re not careful, this can lead to an unorganized mess. However, in
order to know how much you have and how much more you need, you must to be able
to account for it. The reality of this situation is if you are ever truly in an
emergency, you want these preparedness items and equipment to be accessible and
easy to find when you need it the most.
There is no clear cut way to store preparedness supplies. Some
store their like preparedness items in groups (i.e. stored foods, tools,
equipment, tack and household items), while others store them according to need
(baking needs, short-term food supply, long-term supply, etc.) Whichever way
you choose to organize, ensure that the area chosen is free from natural
elements and insects. This also helps reduce other pest issues. The best way to keep track of your preps is with
a master inventory list. Here are some suggestions for organization and for
creating a Master List.
Organizing the Storage Area:
- Take out all
your preparedness items from the area they are being stored in.
- Thoroughly
clean the area you are storing your preparedness items and food.
- Ensure that the
area you are choosing to store your food is free of the enemies(natural elements and insects).
- Label each
container, bucket, tub or package with it’s contents, pack date/year and
any necessary instructions.
- Assign
locations in storage area helps to keep items more organized (Med.
Supplies, Baking, Sanitation, Breakfast, Canned Goods, etc.).
- Grouping items
that are used together can be convenient. For example, keep baking
needs such as flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, etc. next to one another
for easy access.
- Place goods
with the longest expiration date in the back and work forward to the
closest expiration date.
- Systematically
rotate and organize your storage.
- Food storage
inventory should be checked every 6 months to make sure that food items
are properly rotated and are used within their expiration date.
Creating a Master List:
- Use Excel or a
spreadsheet software program to better organize and categorize your
preps.
- List
everything! Nothing should be exempt from your inventory list.
- Add the
location of where the prep items are stored.
- Alphabetizing
the list and including the location of where it is stored can be helpful
when you’re in a pinch.
- Store your
Master List in your Emergency Binder.
As you have found in the last 30 weeks, preparedness involves
acquiring a lot of gear, tools and food. Knowing what you have, how much
you have and where to find it is imperative in keeping track of your
preparedness supplies.
To learn more tips for organizing your emergency preps, click here.
To find out how to better inventory your preparedness supplies, click here.
Action Items:
15.
Take all of your preparedness items out of the storage area and
thoroughly clean the area.
16.
Organize your preparedness supplies.
17.
Develop a master list of your inventory supplies.
18.
Store the master list in your Emergency Binder.
Preps to Buy:
- Three Ring
Binder (the larger the better)
- Dividers
- Printer Paper
- Highlighter Pen
(optional)
- Printed Out
Information
- Pens
- Labels
- Plastic
containers or bins or under bed storage containers
- Shelving units
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot, 3 October, 2016
Prayer Breakfast: A Friend of
Souls
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana
Oh Father,
you who are the source of our life, strength, and ministry. In your presence
alone we find help, hope, and life. Send us from this hour as a healing
reminder of your love to all whose lives we touch this day. In Jesus Christ’s
name we pray. Amen.
1. Opening - Round the Table
Individual Prayers
2. Morning Psalm: 103
3. Breakfast Reading: Hebrews 8:1-12
4. Breakfast is served
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
a.
News around the valley
b.
Week 29 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
6. Closing - Round the Table
Individual Prayers
7. Benediction
May
our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and in his
grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you
to always do and say what is good – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Upcoming Events:
0700,
10 Oct 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 17 Oct
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 24 Oct
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 31 Oct
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0645, 15
April 2017 – March for Jesus Christ
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:
Week
30 of 52: Nutrition and Exercise
Each emergency provides us with its own set of unique challenges.
One aspect of emergencies that is always present and yet one we tend to
overlook is the fact that we must adapt to the physical challenges an emergency
presents. Some may find themselves chopping more firewood, or scaling rooftops
or bending over more while gardening, thus putting more stress on the back. In
any case, if your body is not prepared to handle this influx of physical
activity, you will be more susceptible to injuries and strain.
The term “survival of the fittest” is not just a phrase someone
coined to describe the evolution of organisms who best adapt to the
environment. In a survival sense, those who are the fittest will have the
greatest chance of surviving. Our bodies were not designed to sit stagnant at a
desk for 8 hours a day. We have large muscular systems that were created to
help us maintain a physical activity level. Yet, we have been conditioned to be
sedentary due to our jobs, and ease of transportation. How do you think you can
survive if your body is not conditioned to make it?
Here’s another scenario, say you and your family have made the
decision to bug out of the city. If you have not conditioned your body to
hike with multiple pounds of gear strapped to your back, then you will a very
difficult time bugging out. Lugging around extra pounds on your body on top of
all the gear you have in a bug out scenario will quickly wear you out, could
potentially cause an injury and even put you in harms way. Therefore, we must
begin preparing the body now for those physical activities we may find
ourselves in. Here are a few changes to consider:
You are what you eat – Make healthy snacks ahead of time to avoid
binge eating. When you are ready for a more dramatic change, get rid of your
weaknesses (junk food, sodas, ice cream, chips, etc) and begin incorporating
more healthy meals into your diet. To learn more about healthy eating habits,click here.
Drink lots of water. We all know that water helps your body and
organs function properly, so start drinking more water. It really does a body
good.
Bring on the protein. Adding more protein into your diet helps
rebuild muscles that are torn from exercising. It also provides with more
energy.
Strengthen your muscles,
especially those in your back by stretching exercises such as yoga.
Cardiovascular activities are also a great way to strengthen muscle groups and
lose the extra pounds.
Stretch regularly – Stretching promotes blood circulation,
strengthens and elongates muscles. Stretching before any type of activity can
assist in preventing injuries from occurring.
Create muscle memory. Any
activity you believe you will be doing in an emergency situation, begin
practicing in order to develop muscle memory. You want your body to be able to
fall back on what it knows and what it is used to doing when an emergency
occurs. This “second nature” response is very beneficial in an emergency
situation.
Take your vitamins. Vitamins have a beneficial effect on the body
and also help build stronger muscles as well as assist in building the immune
system.
Stop the bad habits. Make a commitment today to stop consuming
anything that is harmful including alcohol, tobacco products, and harmful drugs
and substances. You do not want to be dealing with withdrawl symptoms during an
emergency.
Personally speaking, I dusted off my elliptical machine last year
and began incorporating an exercise program into my daily life. My goal was to
prepare my body physically for working outdoors. When I began, I could barely
do 20 minutes at the lowest setting. The more I continued, the easier it got
and I have worked myself up to 45 minutes/ 2-3 times a week. I have also
included doing yoga to further strengthen my muscles. What I did not realize is
the largest change I noticed wasn’t the sweat equity, but I became more aware
of what my body needed. Another great reward was the increased energy that I
had. With three kids, a busy lifestyle and my homesteading hobbies, I needed
all the energy I could get; and spending time on the elliptical gave me that
much needed energy boost.
What you may find after incorporating physical exercise and
stretching is that not only will you begin a physical transformation, but your
mind and spirit will transform as a result of making healthier choices. Being
physically well is realistic and a very important aspect of preparedness. Peter
Holy, CEO of 123 Feel Better Company suggests that, “A physically
healthy person is someone who strives to do all that they can to maintain their
body at the optimum level of functioning both in times of sickness and good
health…Total health reaches far beyond Physical Wellness, but adequate Physical
Wellness provides a good foundation for a whole and complete life.”
Action Items:
1.
Start an exercise routine and make a commitment to do at least 10
minutes a day of physical activities and gradually build up when your body gets
used to the workout.
- Begin a daily vitamin regimen.
- Plan healthy meals before you go grocery shopping
and stock up on healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, seeds and
nuts, trail mixes, eggs, yogurt, etc.
- Always stretch your muscles before doing any type
of physical activity.
Preps to Buy:
- Speak with a
wellness advisor or physician about what your physical exercise plans are
and short/long-term goals. See if they can give you any pointers.
- Buy any
exercise equipment needed for your exercise regimen.
- Begin
purchasing foods that will enhance your health. Some super foods to
consider can be viewed here.
- If you plan on
hiking outdoors, consider a good pair of hiking boots. More information
can be viewed here.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot 12 September, 2016
Prayer Breakfast: Forgiveness
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana
Oh Father,
you who created me and called me to ministry, pour out your Holy Spirit on me
today so that I may be s wise steward of these precious gifts. In Jesus
Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
1. Opening - Round the Table
Individual Prayers
2. Morning Psalm: 3
3. Breakfast Reading: Ephesians
3:1-20
4. Breakfast is served
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
a.
News around the valley
b.
Week 29 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
6. Closing - Round the Table
Individual Prayers
7. Benediction
Go
forth now as God’s Servant. Remember God’s presence often and draw strength
from the knowledge that the One who calls and sends also sustains. Amen
Upcoming Events:
0700,
19 Sep 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0700, 26 Sep
2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
0645, 15
April 2017 – March for Jesus Christ
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:
Week 29 of 52:
Charity
Within each of us is an innate need to be compassionate towards
our fellow man. With December being the most celebrated month of the year,
it is equally the most altruistic. We tend to give more during this
time because no one likes to see suffering while they are celebrating. Further,
when we give to our brothers and sisters in need, we feel generous and
kind-hearted.
Preppers tend to find themselves in conflict over the subject
of charity during an extended disaster. Although many want to help, there is a
large concern with drawing unnecessary attention to oneself when
lending a hand. In regards to the unprepared, many believe that
desperation knows no boundaries. If a person were desperate enough, they may
not only want the hand out you are giving them, but the “whole enchilada.” Many
fear that the unprepared would make attempts to overtake your home to get
to all of the supplies, or get a group together to attack your home. A
person can never be too paranoid in a situation like this.
Many believe that helping others is not only the right thing to
do, but may help improve your own survival situation. Of course, if you help
the wrong person out they may come back and take the rest of what you have at
any means necessary to get it. But if you help the right person out, they may
be there to help you out when that wrong person comes knocking for more
supplies. I believe that many of us are “cut from the same cloth” so-to-speak
as far as our believe systems go, and will feel compelled to help our
fellow man when the right situation presents itself. Being spiritually and mentally equipped to handle those asking
for charity can help you feel less conflicted.
Those that are at odds with how they could provide
charity and still maintain good OPSEC and keep
a secure home at the
same time can take alternative measures to ensure their safety. To put it
simply if you want to help those in need, ensure that you take measures to
provide charity inconspicuously and anonymously. This can be
achieved by going through a third party to give out the charity to eliminate
the danger involved in face-to-face donations and blowing your
operational security. This method would also eliminate the risk of people
knowing that you made a donation and risk others spreading the word
around that you have extra supplies at your disposal. A third
party could be a member of a church, a charitable organization, a friend
or family member. For example, you could drop the donation off at
the church door with a note asking that the donation be given to someone
who could benefit the most from the charitable donation. Further, if
someone comes by your property asking for help, you can direct them to the
church or organization that you donated to.
Ensuring the well-being and safety of your family is
the reason why you are getting prepped in the first place. In my
humble opinion, before any charity occurs, ensure that your family
has enough to survive before giving away precious supplies. Further, we
never know how long a disaster can last, so keep this in mind before you
decide to provide charity. (To gauge how much food your family needs for
extended emergencies, use the food calculator at
Ready Nutrition.) If you are fortunate enough to have any extra
supplies consider setting the charitable items aside in a separate
location from your family’s supplies. This will keep your supplies more
organized. For the most part, keep the basic survival needs in mind when
setting aside items for charity. Basic survival items such as food, water,
baby supplies (diapers, formula), medical supplies, blankets, etc.
In all honesty, if you are not in an isolated area, it would be
very difficult to ignore those in need. Survival during a long term
disaster depends not only on making the right choice, but the smart choice that
is right for your family. And we all know that sometimes the smart choice is
the hardest one to make. I am not here to tell any of you that providing
charity is right or wrong. I am simply trying to present both
sides of this preparedness issue.
Action Items:
1.
Use the food calculator at
Ready Nutrition to determine how much food you have for an extended disaster.
2.
If you are planning on storing charitable items, store them away
from your family’s supplies to ensure they do not get mixed in.
3.
When purchasing charitable items, keep the basic survival needs in
mind.
Preps to Buy:
- Canned goods of
soups, stews, vegetables or fruit
- Boxes or cereal
- Dry goods
(rice, beans, oats, etc.)
- Water
- Jars of peanut
butter
- Protein bars
- Diapers and
wipes
- Infant formula
- Infant cereal
- Baby food
- Powdered milk
- Protein/calorie
drinks
- Soap
- Feminine
hygiene supplies
- Medical
supplies
- Pocket bibles
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