Only Take What You Need 1/22/2026

 Good Morning,

I just sat down with a hot cup of Door County Raspberry Almond Coffee and it is time to write. 

As our country prepares for some rough weather in the next few days I find myself wondering what  type of fears people are embracing. A wintery storm which includes very low temperatures, snow and ice  is being predicted to cause some problems. 

Proverbs 3:27-28ESV Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go and come again, tomorrow I will give it." 

Our country is very large and the weather on one side of it can be warm, while the other side of the country can be very cold. The problem is when the warm parts of the country also turn cold and icy. An ice storm is predicted to cause some problems in the South Eastern portion. 

People in those parts are not used to icy roads, and lack of power due to the ice knocking down power lines. The news coverage has warned of shortages in supplies which has caused some fears. I was sent a couple of pictures of what the stores look like as people rushed to fill their pantries with supplies for the next few days.

I am thinking as to why should there be everyone rushing to buy items that those who can afford to have extra already should be stocked up. It seems that they aren't prepared for a disaster. I can understand that those not too financially secure might have difficulty making it through a stretch because a full pantry is a luxury that they cannot afford. So besides not being able to be contently supplied they have to contend with shortages.

My thoughts are this. If you can afford to have extra supplies on hand for emergencies you are blessed. It is best to be able to share with those less fortunate some of your excess. Not thinking ahead causes shelves to empty quickly and and panic sets in.  A few cloth diapers and some extra baby formula are hot commodities in a disaster scenario. 

My point today is this, be prepared for disasters as much as you can. When buying one can of beans in the future, buy two and slowly build up your supply locker.  Spring is coming, so the yard sales will be popping up. Purchase an extra blanket or two from someone who is cleaning out their excess. Watch for sales on bottled water and store a case of it. 

Be disciplined to not use your survival supplies out of laziness. Keep the emergency supplies for emergencies not for the family picnic in July. 

Most of all when needing to stock up before a storm, only take what you need and no more. Your insecurities might cause a true panic for others. 

There  can be tough times ahead. Why make them tougher than needed for yourself and others?

Be safe, be prepared and think of others. 

Marty