A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


Showing posts with label Skills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skills. Show all posts

June 17, 2015

Which Battle Are You Prepared To Fight?

     I was having a discussion with my husband, Peace-Loving Warrior, the other day, and it went something like this ...

ME:  With all these crazy headlines -- meteors slamming into the earth; financial collapse coming; EMP possibilities; threats from Russia; domestic race wars; the encroaching police state, etc., etc. -- is there anything specific we need to turn our attention to?
PLW:  At this point, nothing much more is going to matter.
ME:  We will just go with what we have, put on our armor, and rely on God, right?
PLW:  That's our best plan.

     There was a time; 2008 to be exact, when we would have spent anxious hours planning every detail of our "prepper" plan.  We wanted to escape the "expendable" and "throw-away" mindset of our American generation, and return to the sustainable lifestyle of our grandparents.  We wanted to embrace the lost traditions and skills that allowed past generations to perpetuate and preserve things of value.  We didn't want to take anything for granted -- and that included our ability to provide food, shelter, and protection in any storm that threatened our lives.
     But it is now 7 years later, and I feel comfortable in my ability to think critically and solve problems.  I know how to garden, can my own food, start a wood fire, defend myself, and most importantly, do without.  I know I can withstand hardships and I am prepared to live a simpler, less complicated life.  In regard to the above conversation with my husband, this is what "we have to go with", and it's going to be enough.  And that's because I've also discovered in these last few years that it won't be the "things" I have or can do, but my faith that will be my most important asset.  And that's a subject that has been a new revelation to me, as well.
    You see, I want to make it clear that we are not among those Christians who said, "I don't need to do any planning or learn any new skills.  I'm just going to rely on God, because He says He will take care of us."  No, we used the brains He gave us, listened to the Holy Spirit, and completed the instructions we were given.  But we also heard the message that saving this life is not our ultimate goal; that we are to do all we can to help people, tell them about Jesus, and stand tall during our coming trials.
     That doesn't mean that we are to put all our efforts into the fight to keep this life, but we are to live what remains of it to the glory of God.  And to that point, I am sensing a growing split among the Christian community. There are those who are staunchly in the Prepper camp; who are relying on God and their physical efforts to deliver them from this world's troubles.  While believing that God is Sovereign, they are buying as much gold and silver as they can, stocking up on food and ammo, while they plan their exit strategy to a "safe place" out of the country... because God told them that's how they were to prepare.
     Then there are those who are discerning that the real battle that must be won is spiritual.  It's not that they aren't physically prepared, but they see the bigger picture; and what we need to be preparing to fight are the spiritual enemies of God's chosen.  These Christians are preparing to win the coming battles by putting on the armor of God, rather than relying on all their tactical gear and maneuvering abilities.
     In fact, those in the Christian Prepper camp don't want to hear about the Christian Spiritual Warfare camp ... it's too scary and bad for business, so to speak. Christians, generally speaking, don't have a clue that there is even a spiritual battle to be fought.  Satan has fooled them into keeping their eyes downcast and focused on their fellow man and his tactics.  That leaves us all -- Believers and Unbelievers, alike -- completely vulnerable to the real Enemy's attacks.
     As you've heard it said so often, Satan's time is short and he is ready to take as many of us out of the fight as he can, NOW!  And that means attacking us in ways we don't see coming ... through the loss of spouses, parents, children, pets, jobs, health ... and in ways we aren't prepared to defend ourselves.
     So, while I have not abandoned my new skill sets, and still look for bargains on life's necessities at the grocery store, both PLW and I have studied the ways to fight back in the spiritual war that is clearly being waged.  Our armor is not anything that can be seen with the naked eye; our physical enemies will not find us intimidating.  But we plan on being on the front lines of the spiritual battle, and it is that victory we confidently seek.  You see, we know there is a war coming, and there will be many horrendous battles to fight.  But the war in which we are being prepared to fight is in the spiritual realms, and our power will come from the throne room of God, and in the name of His Son, Yeshua.  So, I agree with PLW ... we'll go with what we've got.  It's a plan I can live with ... eternally.

2 Corinthians 10:4    "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."

 

December 22, 2012

They're Suddenly Awake!

     I am pretty certain that PLW and I are not the only ones;  friends who used to look at us with a skeptical eye whenever we voiced our concerns about SHTF scenarios are now seeking our advice on a myriad of subjects.  They can no longer avoid the economic crisis that is literally two weeks away from impacting every American household.  The horrific tragedy in Connecticut has made them aware how quickly our Constitutionally-guaranteed rights can be threatened.  Suddenly they are concerned about securing their future; whether it be storing extra food, gaining firearms training, or becoming educated on such freedom-threatening topics as Agenda 21, ObamaCare or the National Defense Authorization Act.  Suddenly, they are willing to listen.
     While it may be tempting to say, "I told you so", that doesn't serve our nation.  We need everyone to wake up, and there's no time to waste to get them up to speed.  Frankly, I'm not interested in saving face.  I'm more concerned with helping people take the necessary steps to keep their families safe and secure.  So every phone call was a welcome one.  I'm just glad they have finally taken that all-important first step.


     In that vein, I'd like to share a quick story about a couple with young children that we have come to know through our church.  I will call them George and Mary.  They have three young boys, and Mary home-schools them.  You know how there is usually one out of a couple that is intensely tuned in, while the other prefers to avoid looking the monster in the eye?  Well, in this family, Mary is the one who is clued in.  She instinctively knows her family feels threatened.  With her husband's full support, she independently began preparing.  She took an extended course in identifying which natural plants could be used for medicinal purposes, as well as food.  She learned how to make antiseptics, tinctures and salves from native flora.  It took weeks of painstaking research to identify each plant and learn their properties.  But PLW has been the happy recipient of some of her liniments, and highly sings her praises.
     But Mary called the other day and is ready to take another big step.  She and George have had a serious discussion about how they would defend their family in case of attack.  Mary had long ago designed her plan of protection, should there be a home invasion while she was schooling the boys.  But after the recent shooting sprees, they have realized that Evil is on the rise and they need to be able to protect their family from a more sinister threat.  They have also perceived that Mary is more capable, both mentally and psychologically, to be the Protector should that threat arise.  And I applaud George for not letting his manhood be threatened by this reality.  They have determined that he will be responsible for getting the boys to safety, while Mary is prepared to cover their backs. 
     With that in mind, she took the bull by the horns, and located a firearms retailer that still had a handgun for sale.  As I'm sure you are experiencing, if you haven't secured a firearm for protection by today.... well, good luck with that!  Mary reacted quickly, placed numerous phone calls until she located one more than an hour from her home, and reserved it, to be picked up the next day.  Then, being the smart, perceptive woman she is, she didn't wait until the next day, but drove that night to secure her Second Amendment right.
     She has scheduled professional training and is moving forward with her plan to defend her family, should the need arise.  I am so proud of her and George!  Instead of sticking their heads in the sand, they identified what role each of them could best fill in protecting their family and they moved forward.  I am hopeful that conversations like that took place all over America.  If recent events and proposed legislation isn't enough to scare the pants off each and every citizen, then I'm not sure what delusion you're living under.
     So, if friends, family and even casual acquaintances seem to be waking up..... help them!  Let them come to you and then discern just how serious they are; what information you are willing to share; and in what direction you can point them so that they can do their own research and take the proper steps to meet their needs.  This holiday season is a time for sharing and giving, and nothing could be more important this Christmas than helping a family prepare for the future.

Proverbs 1:22    "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?"
     

November 17, 2012

America: Getting Down To Basics

     In my little corner of the world, I am noticing a movement among my community of friends.  I have received requests to instruct on pressure canning; our Sunday School class wants to start holding meetings on Learning How To Prepare; and more people are inquiring about where to get their Concealed Carry Licenses and further their handgun training so that they can safely and properly defend themselves.
     It's almost like I am living in two parallel universes.  One community has shed at least some of the scales from their eyes and can no longer deny that our reality is changing.  The other continues to hail the continued perception that "everything is alright in the land of milk and honey."  One group is willing to take steps towards self-sufficiency; the other remains out of touch with a threatening reality.
     For me, nothing much has changed.  I've spent the last few years securing my physical existence as best I can.  I have learned time-honored skills such as bread-baking, soap-making, canning, and gardening.  PLW has taught me how to cook over a fire, defend myself, and be observant of my operational security at all times.
     We were hopeful that 2013 would find us experiencing a revival and renewal of the Republic, at least on the political level.  The failure of that dream has not deterred us from staying the course and taking a fresh look at our lifestyle.
     Unless you have been on another planet for the last couple of years, it is quite evident that the world is headed for a some drastic changes.  The economies of countries around the globe are declining; people are out of work; everyone from nations to individuals are suffering from staggering debt; and it is all unsustainable.  We will soon Pay the Piper, so to speak.
     For those who refuse to see the writing on the wall, the changes will be catastrophic; both financially and psychologically.  Their world will change overnight.  Gone will be the days of Starbucks Mocha Lattes, the next generation of iPhones, and everything on-command; from HD movies, to e-books, to GPS navigation and your stock market report.  Those whose lives still revolve around these conveniences and luxuries can hardly imagine themselves without instant gratification or living any other way than easily and effortlessly.  They will have some catching up to do.
     We need to be ready to help our fellow Americans adjust to a simpler, yet in many ways, more challenging way of life.  No one knows how the world decline will manifest itself .... there are a lot of scenarios that could play out .... but I think we can all agree that there are clear signs that something unpleasant or unwelcoming is on the way.  The simple act of providing food for the table may get more difficult.  Rising food prices, aging utilities infrastructure, and unpredictable and near-supernatural   geologic and atmospheric events can each effect our ability to feed our families.  Think I'm exaggerating?
     Bill Richardson, former Secretary of Energy, in the Clinton Administration, said America was a superpower "with a third world grid."   Last year, the Electric Power Research Institute studied America’s aging grid infrastructure. Most large transformers that regulate power transmission were designed with lifespans of 40 to 50 years to maximize reliability and efficiency. Yet the average age of transformers is 42 years old, and many are plagued by cosmetic breakdowns, like loosening screws and fraying wiring, which utilities have been unable to fix without finding new funding through rate increases. (The Daily Beast, September, 2011).   Those rising utility prices, combined with climbing food costs, healthcare costs, and fewer raises among American workers, can only mean times are going to get tougher.  Throw in another Hurricane Sandy-like event or major earthquake, and American households will suffer.  These considerations don't even include a terrorist or civil unrest component.
     So just think how valuable it would be to know how to hunt and process meat, or grind wheat to make bread.  Would you know the first thing about planting a garden, raising chickens, or cooking over a campfire?  Could you even start a fire?
     These skills were becoming a lost art.  Not anymore.  Prudent and discerning Americans are returning to the basics.  We are regaining the knowledge that has preserved previous generations and are ready to live a lifestyle of sustainability, if it becomes necessary.  We will not be found helpless, nor have to rely on someone else to provide our every need.  If you can learn how to accomplish these tasks, you can survive.   A whole industry has risen out of the American desire to reclaim our self-reliance and our pride.
     I started out by telling you that I am noticing a gradual and subtle shift among those who have been fighting their "normalcy bias" and are beginning to come into the light.  They will need encouragement and support.  We can give it them and also provide a boost to their morale, as they overcome their inhibitions and resistance to change.  We can help secure our families, our communities and ultimately our nation.  We will be valuable to renewing the Spirit of America.  And while you're kneading that dough, or building that chicken house together, throw in a conversation or two about relying on God.  I'm starting to notice that people are more willing to hear that message, too.  And that will lead to the ultimate healing of our land.

Isaiah 42:16     "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

October 19, 2012

Book Review: Joe Nobody's "The Home-Schooled Shootist"

     Many of you will be familiar with Joe Nobody, but just in case you're unacquainted with this Everyman, he expresses all those thoughts and "politically incorrect" questions you have about Big Brother.  He also has a collection of informative and "How To" books that should be in every preppers library.  Joe has asked me to review his book, The Home Schooled Shootist: Training to Fight With a Carbine.  This latest book is an instruction guide for intermediate to advanced shooters, and since I don't feel adequately qualified to give my opinion on such a subject, I thought I would invite my very first guest writer to offer his insight on the book.  
     I have asked my husband, Peace-Loving Warrior, (who is incidentally, quite a shooter, himself) to give an honest review from an experienced shooter.  Here is PLW's critique:


     Before giving you my unbiased opinion on this book, I feel I should give you some credentials, and tell you why Belle felt I was qualified to give you my assessment.
     I just wrapped up a 3-day Advanced Carbine Course with Travis Haley, formally the front man for Magpul Industries, the premiere firearms designer.  He now runs his own gig, called Haley Strategic Partners.  I spent three mentally and physically challenging days learning how to manipulate my carbine under every stress situation imaginable.
     Along with the other handgun and carbine training classes I've taken, I think I'm a pretty good judge as to whether an instruction guide is legitimate and useful for the reader.  So in keeping with an outlaw theme, I'm going to present my opinion as The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.

     The Good.  There is a lot to like about Joe's book.  The reader can tell that Joe has poured out his fountain of knowledge and experience in a sincere effort to get those who are awake up to speed on their skills and training.  Joe starts off this guide with a powerful statement, which if taken to heart, may be the most important mission statement in the entire book:  "This book is about dominating in a gunfight."  
     Joe gets to the point and tells the truth.  His book is really about setting a baseline from which untrained shooters can assess where they are on a scale of skill levels.  This is done through a series of various drills.  After all, how can you improve, if you don't know where your baseline is?
     This book is very comprehensive and informative.  To go into detail about all the drills would be exhaustive, but they are all helpful and instructive.  So let's just talk about generalities, OK?  If you purchase this book, here's what you will learn on your way to becoming a formidable gunfighter:
1.    The OODA Loop - if this is new lingo to you, purchase this book!
2.    Natural Point of Aim
3.    Weak and Strong Hand Shooting
4.    Mag reloads and "immediate action drills" (Joe teaches some fantastic drills in Chapter 3.  If you don't know how to run your gun, then get this book!
5.    Equipment Checklist
6.    Stance - Grip - Sight Picture and Trigger
7.    Zeroing and Dry Firing
8.    Barriers & Corners
9.    Ballistics of the 5.56
10.  Reloading the 5.56

     This is just a taste of what you will learn.  Will it make you a better gunfighter?  Well, my friend, that's up to you.  Will you be willing to find the time to train, and improve, and commit his drills and actions to muscle memory?  If the answer is "yes", then get this book.  In all honesty, this isn't a book to read and leave stored in your hard drive.  To really learn from it, this book will take effort and training on your part.

The Bad.   I've read other reviews of this book, and they see it as a replacement for real training.  But I strongly disagree.  This opinion doesn't reflect on Joe or his book, but when a gunfight starts, you will only be as good as your training.  If that training is not committed to muscle memory, and you are stuck in your adversary's OODA loop; then you, my friend, are in trouble.  So get some qualified, professional training, and add Joe's drills to your routines and range sessions.  This book is a great addendum to your training regimen.

The Ugly.  OK, this may be unimportant to most people, but I'm not wild about the cover of this book.  As a prepper, I can appreciate Joe's target audience.  But this book is a legitimate guide and cross-over book --- both preppers and shooters have much to gain from Joe's base of knowledge.  For me, the cartoonish aspect of the cover minimizes the important information within.  But, hey, maybe it's just me.
     So, all in all, I give Joe five stars on content, and three on the cover art.  To sum it up .... Get this book!

Proverbs 15:31-32       "If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.  If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. "

September 27, 2012

The Importance Of Training ... In Everything!

     This past weekend I attended a two-day Handgun Training Course.  As the holder of a Concealed Handgun License, I take my responsibility seriously.  Just because I have the license in my wallet, it doesn't mean I am qualified to defend myself, or that I will react properly and safely in any given scenario.  It's all about Practice and Preparation.
     The same could be said about everything I am doing to get ready for a changing world.  Just as our handgun class reviewed all the basics of safe gun handling, and then moved into new skills that tested my stamina, my resolve and my mindset; so must I apply this same attitude to any new situation or crisis I may find myself in.
Train with a simulator to make
gun-handling safe & automatic
     For instance, I was forced to think how I would have reacted in the recent Batman theatre shooting in Colorado.  I was taught that each of us needs to formulate our own mindset on how we would respond to a home invasion, a mass shooting at the mall, a sudden attack in a parking garage.  I realized that I need to think through all these events and know how I want to respond before I am forced to make a sudden decision.  If I have to think about it then, it is too late, and my decision-making process will cost me precious time --- and quite possibly, my life.  I need to prepare my response and then practice the skills to attain the desired response.  The most important elements of this approach are that the response needs to be automatic, and the skill be flawless.
     It made me realize that I should use every situation I find myself in as an opportunity to review what my plan of defense would be.  The next time you go to the grocery store, church, sporting event, or even if you are home at night watching TV; make a point of knowing where your exits are, what you could use for a barricade, how you would defend yourself if confronted with an armed assault.  Do you have any weapons available, or are they stored in the trunk of your car, or locked in the safe ---- useless to you in your time of need.  And if it's dark, can you load and unload your weapon by feel?  If you're shot in your strong arm, can you transition to your weak arm and continue defending yourself?  If the attack comes at you swiftly and by surprise, can you draw your weapon quick enough to save your life?  The only way you can answer "Yes" to any of these scenarios is if you have practiced, practiced, practiced.
     This same mindset can be used to think how you would react if you suddenly found yourself without power or water.  Do you ever go through the steps in your mind of how you would feed your family?  Keep warm in the winter?  Supply water for drinking, washing and gardening?  Do you know how to light a fire?  Do you know how to hunt for your food?  I could name a hundred different day-to-day events that we take for granted in our spoiled modern lives.  But if you haven't at least thought about these situations, let alone know how you would respond and have the skills to adapt, then I would highly recommend that you acquire the knowledge and then practice cooking your food over a fire, planting and harvesting a garden, collecting rain water for survival.  Because, the time to actually call upon a survival mindset and employ these useful skills is not at the moment you are first faced with a crisis.  It will be too late, then.  You must automatically shift into survival mode without losing a beat; no whining, no feeling sorry for yourself.  With training and practice, the process of altering your lifestyle will be smooth and orderly.
     One other thing I learned this last weekend, is that the time to get yourself physically fit for an altered future is now.  We spent a rigorous 12-hour day on Saturday in nearly 100 degree weather.  Fighting dehydration and exhaustion along with acquiring new gun training skills took both a mental and physical toll.  That made Day Two even harder for me.  My stamina was fine, but the constant up/down and kneeling punished my knees pretty good.  So I learned another valuable lesson.
     I've got to be ready for any and all physical aspects of a new future.  It will be too late to train and get in good shape when I'm faced with a much more labor-intensive way of life.  I'd rather suffer through the aches and pains now in the comfort of a nice warm bath, with access to both a heating pad and an icepack -- both of which will not be available in a grid-down situation.
     And lastly, I will train my heart and my mind to study and know the Scriptures.  This is a skill that will sustain me throughout anything Evil can throw at us.  And it, too, must be practiced until it becomes automatic; until we can recall the particular message that our Lord spoke to us for just such a time.  It is the one skill that will never fail us, yet it is the easiest to ignore.
     I know that it's so easy to put off what we don't want to do.  None of us really want to contemplate what our minds and our souls are telling us is likely to happen.  Adapting our easy, laid-back culture to accommodate training and alternative lifestyles is costly and time-consuming.  But take it from me, as tired and sore and mentally drained as I was at the end of my weekend, I can't wait to take the class again.  The training I participated in strengthened my resolve to be prepared.  I want to be confident and ready to adapt to any life-threatening situation that comes my way.  And I know I can't accomplish that mindset by sitting on the couch and procrastinating.  I can't wish the world away and I won't be swept along with the tide of chaos and fear.  I will just keep practicing, one skill at a time.  If nothing else, I can be of help to others in their time of need, and all this training can only help me sleep better at night. That is a gift in itself.

Hebrews 12:11       "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

September 20, 2012

Book Review: Brushfire Plague

     I take it as an extreme compliment when I am asked to review a book.  And being a writer myself, I approach each book with a critical eye.  I know the discipline it takes to finish a novel (having done so myself) and the heart and passion that each author puts into their work.
     So it is my pleasure to recommend Brushfire Plague by R.P. Ruggiero.  Frankly, this book is a refreshing departure from the spate of "survivalist" books on the market.  Don't get me wrong, I applaud and encourage all the new novelists who have taken up the cause of Liberty and the protection of American values.  We need all the books we can get to spread the word among our uninformed countrymen.  Authors such as James Rawles, Matthew Bracken and William Forstchen have set the bar high.  Through their exceptional books we have explored what will happen to our country in the event of a breakdown of our republican-style government, foreign troops on U.S. soil, and the devastation of an EMP attack.  With Brushfire Plague, we examine what would happen when a deadly virus sweeps the land.
     The book is written in a very engaging style, drawing us into the relationship between our hero Cooper Adams and his young son, Jake.  A devastating plague has swept the globe and Cooper swings into action, determined to save his family, his neighborhood and his country.   The plot is conceivable, and the characters are credible.  Mr. Ruggiero captures both the flaws and perfection of our human nature.  Just imagine a plague sweeping the globe and how it would quickly reveal the best and the worst of society.  While reading the story, I could easily see how this scenario would play out in my own community and among my connections.
     You will recognize those who become the natural leaders, and those whose egos must be stroked to maintain harmony.  You will identify the skills that will be necessary and those who are capable of implementing them.  There will be "takers" and there will be "givers".  The interplay between characters is natural and logical; neither false nor forced.  In short, it is a well-written story.
     But it is more than that.  I believe it is a plausible situation.  The whole time I was reading it, I couldn't help thinking, "This is going to happen."  So I am especially appreciative of the preparations and instruction that the author so deftly works into his plot.  Hidden in the midst of the gripping story of survival amid fast-spreading illness, societal decay, and violence are many suggestions for how to prepare and protect your family and your neighborhood.  If you have friends and family that need a wake-up call, this book will open their eyes.
     It's all there --- how to organize your neighbors; how to defend against looters and organized gangs; how to combat a government who exploits the situation; and how to just survive day-to-day.  If you are a dedicated survivalist, you know all the steps to take.  But this book presents a well-reasoned timeline with which you can compare your plans.
     And we even get a look at how the Bill Gates/Eugenisist movement might instigate their plan to de-populate the world.  Believe it or not, it is in their plans and what better way than to develop a virus?  Brushfire Plague examines how, and if, the world could recover from such a diabolical plot. 
     The book is available through Amazon or PrepperPress.   It was a thoroughly enjoyable read, although I must admit, as a writer, that the occasional typo, or words left out, make me flinch.  But in this new genre of "survival" and "prepper" books, it is a foible that I can overlook.  These books are providing a valuable service to those who are willing to take advantage of what they have to offer.  And what better way to take our medicine than in an absorbing, riveting story?  I can't wait for the sequel!

P.S.  The book is available both in Paperback and on Nook at Barnes & Noble.  Get it anyway you can!

Psalm 107:2       "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe ...." 
      

August 29, 2012

Beware the Concealed Carry Permit Holder Without Training

     You have heard me say it before .... if you are going to be handling a firearm, you need to get trained!  And you have heard my own confession .... I held a Concealed Carry Permit for two years before getting certified training, and I was appalled at how much I didn't know about carrying a weapon for self-protection.  And I feel compelled to sound the alarm again.
     This past weekend my friends, Tom and Ashley, who have trained alongside PLW and myself for the last few months, felt qualified to get their Concealed Carry License.  They attended a one-day class, along with 25 other gun-owners, which included classroom instruction on laws that pertain to concealed carry and self-defense, as well as a firearms proficiency test (to assess how accurately you shoot a target).  We spoke to our friends at the end of the day, and this was their response:  "It was downright terrifying!"
     The story they told perfectly illustrates what I've been warning about.  According to Tom, people arrived at the class with a wide array of weapons; some in plastic bags, and many not even knowing the make and model of the gun they were qualifying with.  He was horrified to witness people with their fingers on the trigger and muzzling everybody in sight!  He said he was amazed that just by taking a class and being able to hit the target, these 25 people would soon be allowed to legally carry a weapon, and most of them would become dangerous not only to themselves, but the general public.
     I am in no way advocating restrictions on Concealed Carry permits.  I am a firm believer in the Bill of Rights and the Second Amendment.  Our right to keep and bear arms should not be infringed upon.  But I'd like to take it one step further.  I'd like to call upon all citizens who decide to take advantage of this most important right to take the responsibility of educating themselves on gun safety before they apply for a CCL.
     The fact is that a large majority of the people in Tom and Ashley's class will never carry a weapon for self-defense.  Their firearm will either stay tucked away in their car or within the confines of their home; rarely, if ever used.  Which is exactly my point!  If you are not going to familiarize yourself with your weapon; know how to safely load and unload it (even in the dark); learn how to manage different stoppages (commonly known as "jams"); or acquire the skills to effectively shoot behind barriers and at multiple targets at different distances --- all conceivably present in a "self-defense" situation --- then that permit tucked away in your wallet does you no good.  You are not automatically protected just by possessing it!  
     Not only do you have a responsibility to yourself to know how that weapon works and to handle it proficiently and safely, you have a second responsibility .... to cause no harm to innocent bystanders.  Just consider the Empire State Building shooting last week.  New York police are responsible for injuries inflicted on nine innocent bystanders during their shootout with the perpetrator.  And they've supposedly had training (but that's a whole other topic).
     My point is this:  you have no business carrying a firearm for self-defense unless you have had certified training in the handling of that weapon.  Through the different scenarios I have run through in my training classes, I can promise you that when confronted with an aggressor, it will be nothing like your CCL class where you stood in front of a target at 3 yards and pulled the trigger.  Your adrenaline will be surging, your heart will be pounding, you're likely to get tunnel vision, and you won't remember a thing that you did.  That's why you have to rely on professional training that will teach you muscle memory and automatic responses.... through countless repetitions of learned skills.  You don't acquire that through osmosis in an 8-hour CCL class.
     So once again, I'm ringing the bell, and shouting from the rooftops.  Just because you passed that Concealed Carry License class, it does not mean you are ready to carry a weapon for self-defense!  Please be sensible and get some instruction; know what that permit entitles you to do and then learn how to correctly operate that weapon and safely defend yourself and your family.   Legally being allowed to carry is simply not enough!

Hebrews 12:11       "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

August 22, 2012

The Next Generation of American Workers: Are They Strong Enough To Endure?

     I'm really worried.  I have had the occasion to observe, as well as talk to, many young people who have just graduated from college, or are about to enter the halls of academia in the next couple of years. They all seem so unaware of how quickly their reality could change. 
     Those that spent tens of thousands of dollars on a college education now find themselves unable to find employment; facing the very real possibility that they may not be able to afford to move out of mom and dad's basement in the foreseeable future.  With astronomical school loan debt, they are forced to take a part-time job, (or two) at an hourly rate far less than the lofty salary they thought went hand-in-hand with a college degree.  Their resumĆ©s and applications go unanswered, the job offers never materialize, and they appear stunned that no one warned them this might happen.  And many of them think the solution is to pile on more debt and go to Graduate School!  They think, "Surely, someone will want to hire me, then."
     Which is what concerns me about those in the final stages of their high school education.  They blindly follow the same game plan of their parents; twelve years of primary and secondary education, with the expectation that they will follow this with four years of undergraduate schooling, and then proceed right into a six-figure salary.  What are their parents thinking?  Where have they been the last four years?  
     The recent college graduates are suffering from anxiety and depression.  I know, because I'm seeing it in my own family.  They are almost shell-shocked.  "This is not how it was supposed to be." And the saddest part of this new reality?  Many of them can't see that it probably won't get better for awhile.  They still think that a college degree equals a job.  They've been told their whole lives that this is the natural progression towards prosperity; that without a college degree you don't stand a chance.  Now that they are faced with a new reality, will they be able to regroup?  Reinvent themselves and forge a new path to success?  And will their parents be able to accept this new paradigm?
     But, let's go back to the high-schoolers.  It's not too late for them.  I can't imagine, in this economic environment, that any parent would be willing to saddle their child with mountains of college loan debt.    Yet I know many who just can't visualize their child taking another route to a fulfilling occupation or profession.  I've talked about it before .... there are some jobs where an academic education is necessary.  The medical profession is one.  But there are many in which a young person could intern or train, while earning a respectable salary and gaining valuable hands-on experience.  Within a few short years, they can achieve certification and begin their own company or organization; all without compiling a sizable debt.
     I guess here's where I'm going with this:  I am seriously worried about the state of mind of millions of twenty-somethings who could become disillusioned with America and her vast opportunities.  When hope and possibilities vanish, I'm scared that they will become prime targets for socialist propaganda.  They will listen to anyone who promises them a home of their own and food on the table --- even if it comes in the form of a handout.  They've already been bombarded with messages of "social justice" and "collective conscience" while receiving that expensive college education.  Thoughts of "American exceptionalism" and "ingenuity" have all but been erased from their impressionable minds. 
     So how do we remedy this and change the course of the next generation of American workers?   I'm afraid I don't have the answers.  But I DO KNOW it doesn't lie in a worthless diploma and a degree in political science or african studies.  We need manufacturers and tradespeople in this country!  We need to learn skills, not how to earn money for a non-profit organization!  Until we can redirect our goals and aspirations, and teach our young adults how to work for themselves, instead of waiting for someone to give them a paycheck, I'm not sure they have the fortitude to weather this season in America.  And I'm not sure they will secure this great country for a future generation.  
     Those of us who have learned the value of inventing ourselves, (instead of letting the State and Educators tell us what we should be) need to mentor and advise.  We need to train up this generation who are disappointed and discouraged; we need to point the way to a reinvigorated American dream.  And that means talking to them about their political choices --- they make a difference!  Talk to them about career choices; if you have a marketable skill such as electrician, welder, or mechanic, you will always have a job.  Those occupations may not sound as sexy as an Artistic Director or Digital Media Manager, but I guarantee you this:  you won't ever have to live in your parents' basement!  Let's do what we can to help this floundering generation see the light and put America back on the path to unparalleled excellence.

1 Corinthians 10:13    "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

August 21, 2012

Would You Know How To Handle A Medical Trauma?

     Medical Trauma is something I never felt I needed to be too concerned with.  After all, you just call 9-1-1, right?  An EMS unit shows up, takes over, and you or your loved one is treated on the spot, or transported for further medical treatment.  But we all need to realize that it is entirely possible that you might be the first responder  ---- or the ONLY responder ---- if the SHTF.
     With those concerns in mind, PLW set about finding how many people would be interested in learning some basic medical techniques, and then locating some medical personnel that would be willing to teach a non-licensed group, within the bounds of what the law allows.  We really wanted to find someone who had both medical and military training, since they were likely to have knowledge of the kinds of wounds that any of us might encounter at the scene of a car accident, a hunting accident, or accidental shooting at the gun range.
     So, for eight hours this last Saturday, I was part of a group of people who took this responsibility seriously.  We were taught by a husband/wife EMS team who have also served as Military Medics, both overseas in the War on Terror and stateside, in the National Guard.  While they made it clear that there is a difference between Civilian Trauma and Combat Trauma, there are many similar scenarios.  We could learn from their treatment techniques and possibly help save a life.
     Obviously, if TEOTWAWKI occurs, severe injuries will result in loss of life.  But there are some injuries that we, as civilians and non-medically trained personnel, can do something about:  1) Bleeding from extremity wounds,  2) Lung trauma (Tension Pneumothorax in medical jargon); and 3) Airway Obstruction Trauma to the face or airway.  Just knowing how to react and treat these three types of injuries can help you to save your own life or that of your buddy or loved one.
     The first thing we learned was how to treat bleeding from a wound to an extremity.  We learned how to identify whether that wound required a tourniquet (in the case of arterial injury) or combat gauze (due to profuse bleeding; a venous injury).  We learned where to apply a tourniquet and how to correctly apply it; and which tourniquet they recommended.  We practiced applying them to each other; one to the arm, one to the leg.  We learned what it should feel like and how to apply it quickly.  Additional information was given on how long to leave it on, feeling for a pulse, and when in a crisis, it's "Life over Limb."
     Watching a video on applying combat gauze was most helpful.  It was one thing to have someone tell you to stuff the wound, layer the gauze, while continuing direct pressure, and holding that pressure for at least three minutes .... and it's another thing to see what that actually looks like.  That picture in my head will serve me well if I'm ever confronted with a compressible hemorrhage.  If you are interested in watching this video, you can click here.  (WARNING:  THE VIDEO IS GRAPHIC, but this was an actual military training exercise performed on a pig, showing the use of combat gauze and demonstrating the proper technique. If blood isn't your thing, please skip it.)
     We learned about treating sucking chest wounds with a Chest Seal or HALO, which helps stop bleeding and the devastating results of a collapsed lung.  We also learned how to apply a nasopharyngeal tube (to a medical dummy), in case we are ever confronted with an airway obstruction.  We learned how to recognize shock and prevent hypothermia.  We learned how to assess a penetrating eye trauma, and construct an eye shield out of a dixie cup.
SOF Tactical Tourniquet
     And finally, we learned how to build our own "blow out kit."  This kit is something that you can keep with you as part of your BOB, and it includes many items you may already have, (such as ace bandages, thermal blanket, tarp, etc); while introducing new items that are more medically-related (SOF Tactical tourniquets, Quik Clot, Chest Seal, etc).  You can buy already-assembled kits and supplement them with necessary items like stethoscopes, scissors for cutting away clothing, and gatorade mixes for dehydration.
     But most importantly, get together a group of like-minded people, seek out expert medical training and put together a kit that will enable you to attend to a variety of trauma and medical situations.  Our professional medical team is going to put together an extensive 2-day CPR course for us in the fall; expanding on what we learned this first session.  I just don't think we can go wrong in having this information.  It only makes us more prepared for the eventual emergencies and crises we will be facing.  

1 Peter 2:24       “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
   

July 31, 2012

Community and Knowledge Elevates Us All

     I have expressed my opinion in the past that I see a widening gap between those who want to broaden their knowledge about the state of our world, and those who want to escape the mounting tension by pretending that everything is business as usual.  The latter continues to occupy the majority of their time with shopping, eating out, Facebook, texting, watching reality TV shows, the mall, and any activity that will avoid taking steps to alter their state of preparedness.  The former are no longer satisfied with these mundane pastimes that our culture promotes.  Their reality is so markedly different from their fellow Americans, that they sometimes feel they reside in a parallel universe.
     Because of this growing contrast, I see a budding subculture within temporal America; one that is hungry to learn new skills and explore unfamiliar territory.  Take for instance a class that I and Peace-Loving Warrior will be attending in August.  Trained medics are going to conduct a one-day class for those interested in knowing how to treat acute trauma.  The methods they will teach us are used on the battlefield, but in today's world, our everyday experience can turn in to a battlefield.  For instance, when we do our self-defense training at our local range, we are surrounded by people with guns and live ammunition.  Although we are trained by highly professional people and have never encountered an accidental discharge, that doesn't mean that it can't or won't happen.  In cases of gunshot wounds, or knife wounds, or a slip of the ax when chopping firewood, most injuries fall into one of three leading preventable causes of death:   hemorrhaging of an extremity, tension pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or airway obstruction.   It is possible that you will encounter all three in the event of a natural disaster, civil unrest or terrorist activity.  Would you be able to successfully treat such an injury?
      I am part of a community that recognizes we will not be able to count on anyone coming to our rescue, should any of the above scenarios occur.  We don't want to take the chance that a loved one suffers due to our lack of knowledge.  So we took the initiative and decided we would learn what we could effectively do to give proper medical care within our limited scope.  We contacted professional EMTs who were also trained as medics in the military, and set up our own Continuing Education course.  After this training, the medical experts will recommend a "blowout kit" that we can keep on hand should we ever face any of these situations.  This is a medical kit designed to treat life threatening wounds in the field until a higher echelon of medical care can be attained.  Bottom line?  After this training, we might be able to save a life within our community.  Without it, the chances decline sharply for anyone severely injured.  But the point I want to make is this .... we decided what we needed to know and we set about gaining that knowledge.
     And I have another friend who signed herself and her two sons up for an extensive course in recognizing and harvesting native plants for both medicinal and food supplies.   She homeschools her children and saw this as an opportunity to enhance their education.  But she also realizes that any number of crisis scenarios will greatly limit our access to medicines.  Therefore recognizing that the agarita bush in our part of the Southwest is effective as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-protozoal is valuable knowledge.  It's berries are also edible, and make a delicious jelly.
     She has also learned that the berries of the much-maligned cedar tree are an effective diuretic, and useful in treatment of urinary tract infections as a urinary antiseptic. They must be taken in small doses, and caution must be used, as they are very potent and can become toxic over time.  Juniper berries are also used as a flavoring for meat marinade in some recipes, and contain vitamin C.  The needles can be used in steam-inhalation therapy as part of an herbal formula that helps open upper respiratory tract and clear mucous during a chest or head cold, or flu.  Learning to recognize wild persimmons, onions and desert yaupon as food sources could soon be useful information.
     I point out these two educational classes as prime examples of a new "awareness" among a certain segment of Americans.  We instinctively realize that the existence we've taken for granted may soon change --- and we must be able to adapt and adjust.  By expanding our areas of expertise, we not only give ourselves, but the communities we may find ourselves a part of, a chance to survive and flourish.  We are enlarging our "territory", so to speak --- not limiting ourselves to a subservient role in society, but making ourselves responsible for our own care and protection.  When society breaks down, we don't intend to sit idly by, waiting for some outside agency to come to our aid.  We want to be as mentally and practically knowledgable and prepared as possible.
     So if there is an area of preparedness that you feel you are lacking in, what are you waiting for?  Contact an expert, set up a day for training, invite others and expand your knowledge.  God gave us a brain and an instinct for survival.  How did both of these become so stagnant in this generation of Americans?
   
Proverbs 1:5     "let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—"

July 27, 2012

Sisters In Arms

     There is nothing more satisfying to me than seeing the enthusiasm with which my female friends embrace gun training.  Although I may have a year or more of instructor-based training on them, we all start out at the same place:  unfamiliar with gun handling, afraid of the recoil, and no confidence in our abilities.  But in no time, we will all be on the same level and advancing and sharpening our skills.
     The transformation is startling.  In Debbie's case, one 8-hour Ladies-Only gun class, taught by certified instructors who specialize in training women, saw her go from a fearful, nervous beginner to a woman who can't stop talking about what she learned, how she "loves" her gun now, and is excited to take the next step in training.  For Carol, who had more experience in gun handling, the class gave her confidence that she was learning all the proper procedures and could now practice on her own and perfect her skills.  And all three of us can now train together, and provide real back up and support for our husbands, should the need ever arise.
     And the real surprise has been the commitment my friends now have for getting their Concealed Carry permits.  Now that they are developing the skills, they can see the real benefit of carrying to defend themselves.  Terri was thrilled to get her permit in the mail, and has been an ardent student in training for different scenarios, including learning to defend against multiple aggressors.  It's amazing how proper training can make that permit have so much more significance.
     Like me, these women are "sensing" a new reality and a real need to take advantage of our Second Amendment right.  Until recently, the gun culture in this country has been "a man's world."  But training courses and shooting ranges are seeing a brisk business, and women are the driving force.  And in households where there has been no previous gun owner, the woman is very often the initiator.  As a home-schooling mom, my friend Bindi, is taking control.  Her husband is following her lead, and agreed to get training, although he is not as motivated as she is.  But Bindi points out that she is at home all day (alone) with their three boys, and she knows she only has herself to count on when it comes to protecting their family.  She is calm and composed as she explains that a gun is the extra layer of protection she needs to defend her children.
     Of course, the anti-gun advocates will point out that having a gun in the home is risky; the potential for harm to a child or an innocent victim makes gun ownership a liability.  But if you ask any of my friends if they worry about safety when a gun is present in their home, they will tell you that with the proper training, those concerns disappear.  Parents must ultimately be responsible for securing that weapon and keeping it out of the reach of curious minors, but there are more than enough ways to accomplish that.
     And it's almost laughable, the way the media just can't admit that women are becoming gun owners in increasing numbers.  They will cite poll after poll --- Gallup, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and independent retailers --- that back up the rising statistics, and then provide some lame excuse why these numbers should be ignored .... because there is no "corroborating sales information", or because the polls are stacked in favor of the gun rights gang.  After all, they snicker, the NSSF has a "dog in the fight."  
     I invite any one of them to come spend a Saturday in any gun retail store, or walk a gun show (where they are still allowed) and see just how many women -- of all ages, sizes, and demographics -- are in attendance.  I guarantee you they have better ways to spend their weekend, and are not just following their husbands around out of boredom.  They have seized the opportunity to become self-reliant and in command of their own safety.  We no longer have to sit on the sidelines and rely on a man to come to our rescue.  Now we are an equal partner in the protection of our homes and families.
   
Ecclesiastes 4:12     "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
   

July 26, 2012

Book Review: "Founders" by James Wesley Rawles

     I am extremely honored to have the privilege of providing you with an early review of James Wesley Rawles' latest book, Founders, A Novel of the Coming Collapse.   As you are well aware, I am an avid fan of his writing, and from the moment I read his first book, I must credit him with giving me my wake-up call in a style that was meant to inform, not panic; to educate, not radicalize; and to give sound instruction on how to prepare for the impending disintegration of our country.  And he has done it all in compelling stories that capture your imagination.
     As I began this final novel in the Collapse trilogy, it dawned on me how the idea of "The Group" and a survival retreat in remote Idaho was such a foreign idea back in 2008.  When we were introduced to Ken and Terry Layton in Patriots, they seemed on the fringes of the "Survival" movement.  Were they visionaries, or merely extremists?  Time has proven that both Rawles and his characters possessed clairvoyance.
     In Founders, we now find the Laytons in the midst of the full-blown "Crunch", and executing their plan to reach the Idaho retreat.  What I loved about reading this book was how skillfully Rawles has woven "teachable" moments into the riveting storyline.  Through Ken and Terry's cross-country trek we are introduced to countless survival tips that we should consider and implement.  If your circumstances could find you traveling long distance on foot, you would do well to pay attention to what they include in their backpacks; their methods of travel and how to avoid "refugees" on the road; and the way they barter their security services for room and board during the non-travelable winter months.
     And true to form, the book abounds with other fascinating characters.  There is Sheila Randall, the innovative owner of a microstore during the Crunch; Maynard Hutchings, who abdicates the sovereignty of America to become the head of the Provisional Government; Ben Fielding, a Messianic Jew and member of the Resistance; and Captain Andy Laine, our hero from Survivors, who agrees, along with his wife, Kaylee, to work undercover for the Resistance.
     There are countless other personalities that contribute to the story, and demonstrate the mindset and skills that will be necessary to survive the very real collapse we are facing.  For me, perhaps the most beneficial element of Founders, is the mental picture Rawles paints of just how this country might change when the economic collapse finally occurs.  It helps me to visualize what that could look like; how the structure of this country might be reshaped and how we are most likely to respond.  He vividly portrays what hyperinflation will look like with empty store shelves, a rush to buy tangibles; and a race to pay off mortgages with inflated dollars before the reset button is activated.
     At first, there will be a "benevolent" new administration; a seemingly well-intentioned "Provisional Government" (PROVGOV).  Then we begin to see controls gradually increase, and key industries and utilities "nationalized".  Wage, price, currency and credit controls are instituted and the PROVGOV establishes a "New Army" to maintain domestic tranquility; only to find out that they are a foreign occupational force and the UN is calling the shots.  This may be a novel of fiction, but it reads like the real world.
     There will be Christians who planned on being raptured before this SHTF, and thought that prepping showed a lack of faith in God's providence.  This is the same mindset that the people of Stalingrad held during WWII, and just like those poor souls, millions will starve and freeze during the first winter of the Crunch.  And then there is the looting of America by the foreign UN-sponsored troops who are hired to "pacify" the "terrorist sympathizers" who don't agree to be taxed at 40%.  The New Army then helps themselves to the priceless inventory of jewelers, coin dealers and gun shops across the U.S.  All those that resist will be shot or arrested.
      But don't think that Rawles leaves us without hope.  There is the Resistance, and the author makes it quite plain that this type of totalitarian regime will fail in America for a multitude of reasons, including  the spirit of liberty that resides in the bosom of every patriot.  Never count us out, and never think you've defeated us.  Like the patriots of '76, we know how to fight against foreign tyranny on our home soil.  Rawles is able to capture that uniquely American resolve and you'll be proud of how we acquit ourselves.  In the end, his novel leaves you with a portrait of our country in the far future-off that will both surprise you and confound you.  And that's the goal of any good novel.  Well done!

(The release date for Founders, A Novel of the Coming Collapse, is September 25, 2012.  Wait until that day and order your copy at Amazon and Barnes & Noble!) 

Numbers 10:9     "When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies."
      

June 29, 2012

Summer Harvest Continues

     My baby steps into the world of home canning continues.  This last week, I was once again blessed with the gift of about 10 pounds of green beans.  While I'm learning, through my mistakes, about what works in my garden and what doesn't, I'm happy that others see fit to share their success.  I will try never to turn down free vegetables!


    So I dumped several rounds of beans in my large kitchen sink, washed them, and sat and enjoyed a nice afternoon movie while I sorted through them.  I snapped those that passed inspection and broke them into 2" pieces, ready to deposit in my pint-sized canning jars.  I divided the beans into two groups; one for regular green beans, the other batch for Dilly Beans.


     After pouring hot water over the first round, and adding a 1/2 teaspoon of salt, they were ready for the canner.  That was easy!


          While the first batch were in the pressure canner, I began preparing the Dilly Beans.


     I have to admit, I've never tried these, but everyone raves over them, and I'm a sucker for trying something new.  I made a brine of vinegar, water and canning salt.  Then I dropped a clove of garlic into each jar, along with some dill seed, and creole seasoning.  The canning recipe called for cayenne pepper, but I didn't have any, so I figured the purpose was to spice up the beans, so the Creole Seasoning should work ..... I hope!


     When I finished, I ended up with 7 pints of regular green beans, and 7 pints of Dilly Beans.  Not bad for an afternoon's work!  But I must confess, I am still learning.  I know that I am not packing my jars tight enough, although it seems I am stuffing and damaging the vegetables as I'm loading the jars.  And I still have trouble remembering the step to run a spatula around the edges of the jar to get rid of excess air bubbles.  
     I'm not embarrassed to admit that I'm a novice and I welcome all comments to help me become a better canner.  And I know this much .... I have more admiration and respect for my mother and grandmothers who canned all the time.  It is a time-consuming and fatiguing endeavor.  A day after I canned these beans, I was all day on my feet canning tomatoes and spaghetti sauce.  I was exhausted after blanching and peeling over 50 pounds of tomatoes and then chopping onions, bell pepper, garlic, and dried herbs for the sauce.  




     As I was taking my tomato peelings out to the chickens (which I discovered LOVE them!) I had to chastise myself for even thinking of my tired feet.  "Thank you, Lord, for this bounty of food", I whispered, and as I gazed upon my jars of beautiful, red tomatoes I was truly grateful.  Between God, good friends, and gardens we will be eating well this winter.

Psalm 65:10-11         "You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.  You crown the year with your bounty, your carts overflow with abundance." 




   

June 20, 2012

A Bountiful Harvest!

     I have definitely been bitten by the canning bug!  Ever since taking the class a couple of weeks ago, I have been canning everything I can get my hands on.  Last week I canned 14 pints of meat; I cleaned out my freezer and all those chuck roasts and sirloin steaks that tend to get shoved to the bottom of the freezer are now sitting in my pantry.  Peace-Loving Warrior and I ate the initial pint that I canned in the class and we thought we had died and gone to heaven.  I simmered the meat in brown gravy and served it over brown rice.  It tasted like roast beef that had been slow-cooked all day!  It was so tender that it fell apart as soon as my fork touched it.  And I have to admit, it won't win any beauty contests in the jar.  Most people turn their noses up when they see it, but take it from me, they are missing out!
     Earlier this week I went on a canning binge...... once again I cleaned out my freezer and combined my frozen raspberries and strawberries and made jam.  I also canned jalapeƱos from my garden, home-made salsa, and spaghetti sauce.  My garden didn't produce as many tomatoes as I would have liked, so I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of my neighbor's largesse.  Thanks to Steve and Debbie, I was able to put their generosity to good use.  The photos below will give you an idea of how I spent my day:

Raspberries simmering on the stove

Jalapenos fresh from the garden
Salsa, ready to be canned
Spaghetti sauce bubbling in my husband's grandfather's pot.
He was a canner extraordinare!  He would be so proud of us!
(From left to right)  Raspberry jam, Salsa, JalapeƱo slices, Spaghetti Sauce.
All in a day's work!

     It's amazing how fulfilling it is to spend a day in the kitchen slicing, dicing and stirring.  When you see those containers come out of the canner, you are seeing good health and well-being in a jar.  You know exactly what is in those jars and where it came from.  It's like it came straight from God!  So that's my tip for you..... in the midst of the chaos and the uncertainty, you can bring some stability and goodness into your home.  You've done something worthwhile for your family; both beneficial and nourishing.  And you certainly aren't getting that anywhere else!  Bon appetit!

1 Timothy 4:6       "If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed."