Solar Cooking

A few weeks ago, we had a pumpkin that was starting to go moldy. (Lesson learned on better preservation for pumpkins than in freezing temperatures on the porch for Halloween before bringing them in the house.) Not wanting to waste the whole pumpkin, we decided to cut it up and take the majority of it that was good and prepare it for pies and cookies.

Needing to get this done on a very busy weekend, I pulled out our Global Sun Oven, cut it up into large pieces, placed them into a large roasting pan and put it in the oven before going to church. It was a cold (36 degrees) and partly cloudy day. After getting home from church three hours later, it was over 275 degrees and the whole oven cover was covered in condensation from the moisture the pumpkin was letting off as it cooked.

I let it go another hour to be sure it was done, but I needn't have done so. The pumpkin was perfectly cooked, if not a little overdone and was easily peeled and mashed.

My point is that if it had been an emergency, it would have been just as easy to cook a stew, make some biscuits, or cook some potatoes despite the cold weather. On warm spring days, I have gotten the oven up to over 400 degrees. As long as there is sun, it will cook or bake.

Having multiple methods with which you can cook is very important. I'll discuss other options later. Just rest assured that a solar oven makes the best baked potatoes. They're my favorites.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Dealing with Job Stress

How prepared are you for increasing job stress? Is the fear of losing your job causing you a lot of stress? How about the stress of picking up the slack caused by cutbacks? Is your company asking you to now do the work of two?

I have found that there are several major ways to relieve stress under these types of circumstances.

• Get enough rest. Sleep is often ignored when stressed, and this is one thing you will really need.
• Eat properly. Not only should you not overindulge to chase the stress away, but make sure you are eating fruits and vegetables to keep your health up. Getting sick will only add to your troubles.
• Exercise regularly. Working the stress out will not only make you feel better, it will keep you healthy. (You may want to visualize yourself overcoming, going through or solving your challenges while you work out. It adds to your mental health and can be fun to do when there may be no other alternatives.)
• Reduce your financial stress. Avoid eating out or going to the movies if you are worried about money. The short term benefit will not outweigh the long term load you are placing on yourself, regardless of what your friends tell you. Remember that this mess we are in was created by a "feel good today" attitude.
• Talk openly about your problems with your loved ones. Hiding the problems you are having today will only make it harder tomorrow to deal with them, especially if you have to explain why you did not communicate earlier. A little pain today can help make much happier tomorrows. Honesty really is the best policy.
• Find spiritual peace. Get to know God and the love He has for you. You'll find your very best friend.
  

Following these principles have made an otherwise stressful life very bearable. Try it, you'll like it.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

How to Entertain

I attended a free concert tonight put on by our local library. The performers were the New York Chamber Soloists. I was pleased that my seven year old son enjoyed the performance. I was soothed by the music after a long day at work. My older daughter enjoyed herself as well.

The point is that listening to a small group of talented musicians was a very enjoyable experience and relaxing. I recently acquired a violin in the hopes that one of our kids would show interest in learning to play as we have a friend who will teach them for free. Instead, I am in negotiations to learn to play.

I am seeing it more and more as something that my family will need in the future. Whether it is piano, violin, drums, fiddle, guitar, or another instrument that you may play, the fact that you could provide entertainment for not only yourself, but also for family, friends, or those who are down and out, is a blessing to be shared.

I am beginning to truly believe that it will be very important to have those skills to share.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Mental Preparation

How well do we prepare for unforeseen events that are not catastrophic but are sometimes hard to endure? I was reminded of this today as I sat in major traffic jams going to and from work.

The first was in the midst of light snow and icy conditions as the highway patrol extricated a semi that had jack-knifed and was blocking the pass to the next valley. Sitting several miles from the accident and creeping along, I had to keep reminding myself that I was trying to work on patience and that I needed to relax and just wait until things got moving. I had classical music playing on the radio and thought about more important matters than how delayed I was.

Coming home, I had left work early for an arranged date with my wife but was once again held up due to a major pile-up between a couple of semis and several cars. By the time I hit the backup, I was still miles away from the accident site. I knew it was going to be a long crawl home. I again reminded myself to be patient and enjoyed the music.

By the time I got home, I was too tired for the special outing we had planned, so we changed our plans and went out for a quiet dinner together. Though the evening wasn't the special event we had planned, it was still a nice time together. Despite the difficulties, my attitude had helped to slavage what could have been a terrible day.

If we aren't preparing ourselves to deal with disappointment and trials, we will not have the mental strength to say, "It's OK. I'll go on despite this." How are you trying to prepare yourself?

- Mark

Value is based on perception.