by Joseph | Sep 12, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
Right now is the time to prepare your family for emergencies and difficulties. Times are getting much more difficult, and will continue to see an increasing intensity.
The fact is, no-one knows exactly what specific problems or challenges that could eventually result during a major and over-all emergency event. The best thing right now if to prepare for situations that could cause disruption to your normal lifestyle.
Certainly we do not want to operate in fear, so preparing will help us get our families ready when stressful times approach – and will enable us to help others who may struggle with the difficulties. The reality is, we do not know when something may disrupt our lives, or exactly what the turmoil may look like.
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36 (NLT)
To help us prepare, let’s do some planning. The following are some simple tips and recommendations to help us prepare for an emergency. These are very simple action tips that you might find from various preparation and disaster support agencies like the Red Cross. Certainly, most are obvious suggestions, but it never hurts to revisit our preparation plans.
Get an “escape bag” ready
There are other names for the bag, such as: 72-hour kit, bug-out bag, battle box, and GOOD bag (Get Out Of Dodge). The focus of the bag is to get you items ready for a quick evacuation. It is not intended to be an all-out long-term survival kit. Basically, it is a portable kit that is ready to go in an emergency, and contains the items that would be needed to survive for seventy-two hours when evacuating from a disaster.
Water is life, and critical for our survival
Obviously, our bodies require water for survival. Years ago, I lived in South Florida when a major hurricane hit. I took for granted that water would flow into our home. Unfortunately, I was sadly mistaken. A State that was surrounded by water was thrust into a water crisis.
So, make sure to prepare for what you do not know. As much as possible, try to keep a water supply of a gallon for every person each day and one that would be enough for seven to ten days.
Water should be kept in appropriate safe chemical-free containers. Also, make sure that you also have filters and tablets for the purposes of purification ready and available when needed. (more…)
by Joseph | Sep 9, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
WARNING!
I believe a World War is fast approaching and it is becoming increasingly essential that we are getting prepared.
Before I share some thoughts, let me start by saying that I post this with a very heavy heart. I struggle that many people may find the comments I will share to be disturbing or painful. Certainly, it is not my intent to discourage anyone or bring fear. On the contrary, I know we have a Redeemer – and in Him we have Life Everlasting. The purpose of this writing (and the blog in its entirety) is to hopefully provoke actions in preparation.
As I begin sharing a few things, I encourage the reader to pray. Draw close to God and ask Him to carefully prepare you and open your heart to what He wishes to change and establish in you. Ask Him to give you wisdom and discernment.
The things I share here are only my opinions – based on what I believe God has laid on my heart. I suspect that many of my comments will be viewed as controversial and perhaps even a bit alarmist. I am fine with that, as I am only sharing what I believe I am supposed to share.
Years ago, I received a “Preparation Call”. I am not a theologian and in Sunday School had never heard of a “Preparation calling” being something that was available or desired. So, my preparation call was somewhat bizarre. In fact, the calling came at a time when things were very prosperous in America – and long before anyone even heard of terrorism. Our economy was robust, and outlook was encouraging. To get a preparation call during that time was just weird. But… I just felt that God laid on my heart to begin getting prepared, and be ready to help others get prepared. So whatever that meant, I have since tried to live in full surrender to it.
Now… wherever you go, it seems that more-and-more people are getting prepared. People “feel” something is coming, and they are trying to find answers on how to prepare. Unfortunately, there are people who are now using this new heightened sense of concern to spread fear and worry. Some are even using fear to profit. They call themselves “modern day prophets”, when in fact they are only after modern day profits. God will bring them to task.
So, back to the point of this post. Again, let me emphasize that I firmly believe a World War is coming, and it is vitally important that we are preparing ourselves and our families. I believe it will be quite an intense time for everyone. For those who have ignored the call to prepare, it could get frightening.
There are many, many people out there who believe a battle in the Middle East is brewing. I not only think it is brewing, I believe it is imminent. The Bible alerts us of the importance of this are in the final days, and it is becoming more obvious by the moment that we are seeing the stage being prepared for war. (more…)
by Joseph | Aug 15, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
As a whole grain, dark hard winter or spring wheats store very well. Dried wheat pastas and pre-ground wheat flours can also be purchased, but individuals purchasing these items from a supermarket should be aware their shelf life will not be near as long as that of properly stored and prepared whole wheat grains.
Obviously, whole wheat products are easily acquired both in supermarkets and through preparation specialty websites and whole grain stores. The biggest difference you will find is that items sold in most supermarkets have typically been processed and are stored in such a way that they have a much shorter shelf life. Also, purchasing wheat pasta means your storage will only allow for eating wheat pasta. Buying wheat whole grains means preppers with grain mills can make just about anything they would like out of the whole wheat grains they have stored. A plethora of breads, pancakes and even wheat gluten meat substitutes can be fashioned from simple buckets of whole grain wheat.
Many highly-intense preppers recommend storing enough supplies (including wheat) to last your family a year. Less hardcore individuals suggest two weeks is enough. In the event of a serious disaster where infrastructure is compromised and food is not easily acquired, a supply of food that is enough to last a few months is probably a good goal. Whole wheat grains, when properly stored, can last for well over a year. An excellent grain storage bucket we recommend can be found at www.grainbuckets.com
We all are aware that we live in very difficult times. There is no longer a question about the need to be prepared. Like many people, perhaps you have decided that long-term food storage is a necessary, and you are now working to get prepared in the case of a world or national crisis.
A great place to begin your food storage is with storing whole wheat and grains. Whole Wheat and Grains can be easily stored for long periods of time, and will offer a variety of food options during a time of crisis. You will need preparation food, so it makes good sense to start with grains.
by Joseph | Aug 6, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
My family has been in preparation for many years. In fact, I started preparing before it was cool to be a prepper! That means absolutely nothing except, I’ve been watching, listening, and preparing for a long time :).
Years ago, I heard a preparation call and started on a journey that I assumed was all about survival and a self-sustaining lifestyle. I was looking forward to preparing by learning about gardening, food storage, and emergency preparedness. I never imagined that preparation would be so intense – but then again, when we began this journey most people didn’t even fathom a need for preparation.
Today, things are much different. People all over the world are beginning to see the need to prepare, and are asking “Am I too late to get prepared”? They aren’t quite sure what to prepare for, but they sense that something is happening in the world – and they better get ready for it.
My simple answer to the question of whether it is too late to get prepared is… absolutely not!. But that comes with a disclaimer that there is a limit of time, and once that time runs out – there will no longer be the option for preparation. I believe their is an increasing intensity of events, and the preparation window is beginning to shut. Time is running out.
According to the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13 the five virgins who are prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival are rewarded and the five who are not prepared are excluded. Hear the Word…
1. Then the Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
4. but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5. But while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6. And at midnight there was a cry made “Behold the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!”
7. Then all the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
8. And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”
9. But the wise answered, saying, NO, lest there not be enought for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.
10. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!”
12. But he answered and said, Assuredly I say to you, I do not know you.”
— Matthew 25:1-13
In the days ahead, I will share some of the steps we took to begin our journey toward preparation. For now, the most important first-step is to ask God to change your heart – so that you are prepared to greet the Bridegroom when He arrives.
by Joseph | Jul 26, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
Okay, here it goes – I’m certain I’ll be labeled (again) as some crazy conspiracy theorist, or perhaps a gloom and doom preacher. Feel free to label me whatever you feel is appropriate. I’ve been called lots of things before :).
First of all, let me state that I do believe we are heading toward a collapse. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that I would say that and be completely alone in my statement. Today, however, there are many people who now seem to agree with me.
This is not intended to be “gloom and doom” but a reminder that we must be preparing. I can not fathom how anyone can go through a day without the Faith in knowing the coming Messiah.
So why do I think there will be a collapse? Well, everything I’m seeing tells me so. You see, for a long time America has been the greatest financial powerhouse on the planet. Today, not so much. We are about to lose our lunch. Those who have held to a faith in the government structure will soon be very disappointed.
At this very moment the government wrestles with this issue of raising our debt ceiling. Basically, we have to borrow more money to keep us floating. At some point (which I believe is now), you simply can not continue borrowing above your ability to repay.
I certainly pray for our leaders and appreciate their hard work on this matter. It’s a very, very, difficult decision and one that will create major issues regardless of which way it goes. I recognize the difficulty. You see, I contend that regardless of the vote – we are heading for a collapse. Heed the call to prepare!
The US government likes to borrow money rather than make the tough choices of which programs to cut. We have become a Country of Entitlements and have continually fed the animal until it is very difficult to wean. The more we feed it, the closer we come to our own demise.
(more…)
by Joseph | Jul 25, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
In my lifetime, I have never seen such despair and ambivalence. People are afraid and many are losing hope. The times have impressed people to begin living more simple lives, and to prepare.
In fact, many people have felt a call to prepare and to be ready for the difficulties that are approaching. Those difficulties could be in the form of political or economic crisis, or they could be a catastrophic natural event like an earthquake or drought. Whatever the difficulty, countless families are now seeing the importance of preparing.
My family has been in active preparation for years now, although I’ve shared often that it is not what I assumed it to be. When I originally started on the journey of preparation, I assumed it was all about storing provisions and learning how to plant a garden. Certainly, those were/are important in the process of preparedness, but the real need of preparation is much greater.
God is calling us to a deeper Faith in Him. We can, and should, be better prepared for events that will impact us in a major way – but more than that, we need to be steadfast in our Faith. We need to be prepared to meet our God.
As we simplify our lives and look for ways to sustain our families in emergencies, we should also be preparing and softening our hearts to hear from God. Store the Word of God in our hearts, so when the times of troubled waters come – we are prepared.
“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” Psalms 69:1-3
by Joseph | Jun 21, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
Preparation is now taking on a new and vital importance. For those doubters who have scoffed at the need or call for preparation, I hope you will soon arise from your sleep.
Many people never thought that the world and domestic events would push things to the point of where we now find ourselves. It is an amazing time to be alive! Prepare to meet thy God!
World events are changing very quickly with daily reports of wars and upheaval all over the globe. Everything is becoming more intense and will continue to intensify as we draw ever closer to the end of the age.
As I look over the events of the day, there are some amazing things that are happening – yet, most people do not seem to take notice (or perhaps prefer to ignore them).
Economies all over the world are failing (especially in the West) and people are taking to the streets in protest. Countries are selling their assets just to stay afloat and perhaps survive a few more months. Are we so ignorant to believe that a few changes will suddenly and effectively change the ultimate outcome? I am not an economist, but I just believe it is folly to assume we can continue “economy kiting” with more bailouts.
The more I see that is happening, the more I am convinced that people must expedite preparations. The world economy is in peril, and many leaders believe the best way to stimulate the economy is for war to emerge. When you look at the events all over the globe, it’s not a stretch to see that the US and other Countries are positioning and preparing for war.
Within the next six months it will likely not shock many people to see the US expanding operations and engaged in Syria, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, or Pakistan. In addition, it seems highly likely that Israel will be pressed on its borders, with significant new rocket terror from all fronts. (more…)
by Joseph | May 26, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
Emergency preparedness is an important part of taking care of your family. In addition to preparing for a possible natural or man-made disaster, by taking care of water and food storage, and having a first aid kit, you should also take steps to ensure that your finances will not be overtly affected by a wide scale situation, and that you will have enough funds on hand that will allow you to be mobile if needed. There are many different things that can be done to make you sleep easier at night, but the following are a few basic steps that should not be overlooked.
A big part of emergency preparedness is having cash available. This doesn’t mean funds in a savings account, money that in a normal situation would be easy to withdraw; it means actual cash that is hidden somewhere in your home that you can access if there is an emergency situation. If the power goes out throughout a large urban area, and for a long period of time, then credit card transactions and direct debit from your account may not be possible. If that is the case, then your foresight to have emergency cash on hand will serve you well, as it will probably be the only form of payment accepted.
After the situation has been resolved, then the next step is fixing the problems and confusion that occurred. Your emergency preparation should have involved making backup copies of all relevant data related to your finances. On an external drive, you should regularly backup any recent transactions made online, and your credit card information. The idea here is that even if there is a massive power surge that fries your computer, followed by a power failure, once things have been restored to normal you should be able to hook your external drive to an unaffected computer and recover all your data.
Another important step to being prepared for an emergency is having financial records and important contact numbers and names of people in a safe place. In fact, this information should ideally be stored in more than one place, in the event that the first location is compromised. Safe locations could involve an external hard drive, a safety deposit box, a home safe, or some other hidden location. Once the situation has been resolved, these records can be accessed and used to make a quick transition back to normal, and they can often suffice as evidence in case the original data has been lost or damaged.
It is hard to anticipate every eventuality, but one major part of emergency preparedness will always involve money. Make sure you have cash available for buying things even when there is no power, and make sure that you have a backup of financial records stored somewhere safe. It is not just the crisis that you need to prepare for. You need to make sure that when it is over that you and your family will be able to successfully survive the aftermath.
by Joseph | May 20, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
Every day it seems more-and-more people are concerned and are beginning to prepare. Some are not quite sure what they are preparing for, but I hear most say they are preparing for disaster.
I heard a preparation call more than 30 years ago. At the time, I didn’t quite understand what it meant to “prepare”, but I tried to just step on Faith. As it turns out, what I assumed was preparation is far more intense than I ever imagined.
The urgency and importance of preparation has never been more critical. As I hear comments from US Government leaders and see the direction we are headed as a Country, I realize that we are racing toward difficulties and disasters that we have never encountered before. The arrogance and audacity of hope founded on intellectual ascent may soon unleash peril upon us – if there is not repentance.
The stunning developments that are now unfolding impress upon me the urgent need for people to prepare. I believe there is an increasing intensity coming that will shake the foundations, especially if our leaders abandon Israel.
On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. New International Version
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Prepare, because the day of the Lord is upon us.
by Joseph | May 19, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
As we continue with the assignment of sharing the need for preparation, it seems we are now joined by the US Government in proclaiming the need to prepare for the Last Days Apocalypse.
In fact, in a recent and popular post on the Center for Disease Control site there was a somewhat disturbing article entitled “Preparedness -101: Zombie Apocalypse“.
Do you think the US Government knows something they are not fully disclosing to a sheepish public? Well of course they do.
I am quite sure the title of this recent article was carefully chosen to create attention and interest from a generation that seems to be strangely fascinated with the horror element and the spread of death through viral interactions. I certainly understand the desire for the Center for Disease Control to market their message of preparedness and certainly recognize the need to alert people of the need to prepare for difficult events.
However… as I read the article on the CDC website it does not really impact me as simply an attention-grabbing horror show fantasy. The fact is, the Bible has already disclosed the events that will unfold and has given us warning that we should be prepared for such events. Why are we now so surprised that even secular Governments are beginning to recognize the times that we live?
In the Book of Revelation we read:
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. Rev. 6:8
I believe it is quite ironic that the US Government CDC website used a viral death plague as an apocalyptic description. The CDC urges us to get prepared because such a scenario is not out of the question. The fact is, the Bible has already given us this warning.
Governments regularly shout the message to their people to get prepared for earthquakes, famines, flood, disease, unusual weather events, and terrorism. We regularly hear of wars and rumors of wars, and even receive warning of impending disasters in the heavens (increasing solar flares, meteors, comets, etc). (more…)
