Provident Living Night

What Is Self-Reliance?

"Self-reliance means using all of our blessings from Heavenly Father to care for ourselves and our families and to find solutions for our own problems.' Each of us has a responsibility to try to avoid problems before they happen and to learn to overcome challenges when they occur... How do we become self-reliant? We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being."
-Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

A Gospel Responsibility

"As we live providently and increase our gifts and talents, we become more self-reliant. Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care. Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others. It is important to understand that self-reliance is a means to an end. Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others. Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance."
-Elder Robert D. Hales

For our Relief Society activity for the month of February we had a night about Provident Living.

How do we plan for meals? Sister Page taught, one good way to start is to make a list of menu items that your family likes. Include main dishes, side dishes, breads, etc. After that you will have a place to start. Here are some good tips:

*Look in the fridge: what needs to be used?
*Look in the pantry: what do I have on hand?
*Look in the freezer: what needs to be used?
*Look in the grocery ads: what are the good deals?
*Look in cookbooks.
*If you have a meal calendar, see what is scheduled.

Sister Page has a system when she plans meals. She tries to rotate chicken, beef, pork, fish, and meatless dishes. She also rotates the staples that fill you, such as: pasta, rice, potatoes, beans, and breads.

Why do we want to cook from scratch? It's better, it costs less and is usually more healthy for you.

Sister Sheri Jamieson spoke to us on saving money by using coupons and pinching your pennies.

The purpose of coupons:
-save money
-build food storage
-stretch money
-get our of debt
-it's fun!

How to save money on your shopping:
-Accumulate Coupons
-Get organized
-Food Storage
-Use Coupons wisely
-Shop Online

Shopping tips:
-Don't shop hungry
-Use a list
-watch expiration dates
-check on discrepancies at check out
-check out clearance sections

Join Co-ops
Co-ops provide quality, healthy food at a substantial savings through cooperative purchasing; and build a sense of community by bringing people together and promoting volunteer service.

Co-ops websites:
www.foodco-op.net
www.bountifulbaskets.org
www.fieldtofamilies.com


Some other helpful or related websites:
www.pioneerwoman.com
www.recipezaar.com
sudio5.ksl.com
abc4.com
www.pinchingyourpennies.com
www.grocerysmarts.com Utah passport is:g84rcm
norahsrecipes.blogspot.com