A Map Through The Valley: May 2025

Emergency Tea Kit

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

EMERGENCY TEA KIT by Gail K. Kachnycz on 28 May 2025

Having an Emergency Tea Kit is something I highly recommend. I came close to using mine recently, when the stress of the renovation really intensified. The 50 year old siding was removed from our house, revealing fiberboard and tar paper (no Tyvek in 1973!). The following day, rain started and lasted for several days. I was sure the fiberboard would turn to mush and the house would fall down around our ears. When the rain stopped, the walls were covered in plywood, and some Tyvek was applied. Storms returned, this time with wind, which threatened to shred the Tyvek. Finally, three weeks after the old siding was removed, new vinyl siding is in place. The storms apparently also caused a surge which damaged our heat pump, so that also needs repair. Believe me, my Elephant Sisters and other prayer supporters were asked to pray almost daily!

Having a warm drink is very comforting in a crisis. You can sip and collect your thoughts. Here are the instructions for an Emergency Tea Kit:

Select a container that can withstand boiling water. Place packets of your tea of choice inside.

Attach instructions to the jar:

-In Emergency, open lid. Pour boiling water over contents of jar.

-Steep to desired strength. Sweeten if desired.

-Drink slowly, maintain a stiff upper lip. Keep calm and carry on. Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Our house seemed shocked to find itself rather bare.

Between storms, siding was applied. Drilling, sawing, nailing meant a rather noisy environment.

Elephant Sisters

Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Image: Elephant Mug by Gail Kachnycz 15 May 2025

ELEPHANT SISTERS by Gail K. Kachnycz on 15 May 2025

I have a couple of prayer partners that I consider "Elephant Sisters." Why an "elephant" sister? The name refers to the social culture of elephants in the wild. Female elephants form herds related by birth (mother/daughters, sisters and their offspring). When danger threatens, the mature elephants form a protective ring around the young or vulnerable members of the group. This is known as an "alert circle" and is rather remarkable to see. The behavior was recorded when a small earthquake occurred near the San Diego Zoo. You may need to skip through ads. Read the description on YouTube below the video for more information.

Elephant Alert Circle

I hope you can call to mind friends who are Elephant Sisters or "a friend who sticks closer than a brother," (Proverbs 18:24) Caregivers really need that kind of support on an ongoing basis. Elephant Sisters know us well and are ready to provide encouragement and prayer for matters large and small. Although they may offer a scripture verse or make a suggestion for solving the problem, the first thing they do is surround us in prayer. Creating the circle may be as simple as setting up a group text to be in contact both routinely and urgently in a crisis. For guidance on setting up prayer support, see the previous post on Prayer Circles.

Prayer Circles

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 ESV

laugh/cry/inspire

Circles of Love

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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Image: Blossom Bowl at Chanticleer Garden by Gail K. Kachnycz on 7 June 2023

CIRCLES OF LOVE

This year's tribute to mothers is a little different. In most cases, the connection between mother and child is a steadfast demonstration of unconditional love. However, there are times when tensions or misunderstandings lead to resentment and strained relationships. Recently, the poem "Outwitted" by Edwin Markham came to mind. Here it is:

Outwitted; by Edwin Markham

He drew a circle that shut me out--Heretic, a rebel, a thing to flout.

But Love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in!

As Mothers Day approaches, some strained relationships may resurface. Let us do what we can to extend the hand of fellowship, regardless of the response from the other person. Remember how God drew a circle that took us in:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:8-11

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