I've Become My Grandmother

     It struck me like a thunderbolt.  PLW and I were preparing our garden for Spring planting.  Our neighbor up the road was coming to remove the topsoil from last year's garden which we had unwittingly contaminated with chemically-treated mulch the year before.  (That doesn't make for a very productive yield and is one more lesson learned as we "return to the land").  Our plan was to plow a new garden and till the soil, producing the rich, dark dirt that we have previously enjoyed.
     But first, we had to cut the clips and remove the cattle panel fence around the garden that kept the deer out; and then cut the chicken wire off the bottom of the panels that kept the rabbits out.  The T-posts on the ends of the garden were then dislodged and moved to the side. That would allow our neighbor to enter the garden with his front-end loader, remove the offending mulch, and then lower the disc to plow up new fertile soil.
     PLW's first inclination was to discard the chicken wire.  His thinking was, "It is cheap enough, and a hassle to keep track of and store."  It was at that moment that I swear I channeled my grandmother.  "No!" my brain screamed.  "This chicken wire is still good," I said.  "We can re-use it."  PLW maintained that a new roll of chicken wire would be easier to stretch tight and clip to the fence; much less challenging than re-attaching the various-sized pieces that I had laid out on the yard.  "Besides, it's cheap", he reiterated, knowing that the financial aspect of his argument was usually enough to convince me to adopt his side.
     But there it was .... another thought that rose to the forefront of my mind and would not be dismissed.  "But there might come a time when it's NOT cheap," I continued.  "Everything is costing more, and think about how valuable this could be if we needed it and couldn't afford the inflated price?"  With a barely hidden expression of exasperation, he gave up and agreed to keep the chicken wire; BUT ONLY if I laid all the pieces on top of each other and rolled it into one coil that could be stored easily.  This made sense and I was glad to compromise.  He didn't have to deal with a cumbersome amount of wire, and I could relax knowing we hadn't wasted a prospective tool for the future.

     It was then that I understood my grandmother in a new and more personal way.  I could see why she made an effort to save slightly used aluminum foil and never threw away an old, faded dress.  (By the way, have you seen the price of aluminum foil lately?!?)  And those old dresses could be cut apart and made into quilts. Newspapers were saved and used to wash windows with vinegar and water. (That's back when homemakers actually washed their windows!)  String, rubber bands, and old cloth diapers were viewed as utilitarian items with future applications in mind.
     My point is we are a "disposable society".  Yes, recycled plastic bottles and cans are in vogue, and I applaud this activity.  But, too many times, we are eager to throw away something after a single use.  It's easier, faster and more socially acceptable to "buy new".  My grandparents drove their cars until they wouldn't drive anymore.  How many of us trade ours off every two years for the latest model?  And that's nothing!  Do you really need the latest iPhone?  Or do you just discard the old version because everyone else has the new one, and you don't want to be out of step?  Our throwaway mentality needs to change!
     I contend that as the currency wars continue, and the dollar experiences devaluation, we will see the price of commodities across the board rise to levels that will rock the world of average Americans.  The things that they discard and trivialize will become more valuable.
     I now find myself eying items with a newfound appreciation.  I've even been known to wash out a Ziploc bag because it could be reused.  I no longer throw away or give away older shirts or jeans.  They are stored away for the time when I can't afford new clothes or can give them to someone who needs them more than I do.  I can't bring myself to throw away old pillows or blankets.  Mismatched dishes are also stored away.  What if we end up housing extra people who have fallen on hard times?  These are items that will be needed and useful.
     Don't worry!  I haven't given in to a Mad Max vision of the world, but I have discovered an awareness of how precious everyday things could become if the SHTF.  I haven't become a hoarder, but I think twice before I throw something away.  Can I see a future use for me, PLW, or a fellow human being in need?  I set a limit on how much of any one thing we might need and then let the rest go, without feeling guilty.  But I now recognize the values of my grandmother; values that weren't "old-fashioned" or "behind the times".  She was smarter than I gave her credit for.  She already knew something that is becoming a surprising reality for my generation .... nothing is forever and nothing is guaranteed; scarcity and need can become our condition in a heartbeat.  The question is "Can we give up our voracious appetite for the latest and greatest?"  We will soon see.

Ecclesiastes 3:5-7     "... a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak... "

Don't Be Late To The Party

     I don't know if they have suddenly seen that the clock on the wall reads 5 minutes to midnight, or events are coming so fast and forceful that they can no longer be ignored, but more and more people are coming to the realization that they are late to the party.  They have finally arrived, but they are late enough that the party is well underway.  And, trouble is, there's a shortage of party favors.

     So how do we help them?  These folks are going to have a harder time getting themselves and their families really prepared for what's coming down the pike.  Those that have expressed their concerns to me and PLW fit this general description:  no firearm or ammo, no food and no plan.  For many of them, Sandy Hook was the impetus.  The reaction from the Left was swift and predictable.  They were almost salivating over the loss of innocent young lives because now was their chance! Gun control was in their grasp! 

     The Latecomers, for whatever reason, thought that day would never come, failed to react quickly enough, and suddenly found themselves on the short end of the stick.  If you can believe the statistic being touted across the blogosphere, a firearm was purchased somewhere in America every 1.5 seconds!  People are stacked three deep in mile-long lines to enter gun shows , and the ammo shelves at every retailer have been picked clean.  You almost want to laugh at their innocence when they ask, "Do you know where I can purchase a firearm?"  Except it's not funny .... especially when it comes to being able to protect themselves or their family.  

     And even if they are lucky enough to have inherited their dad's pistol, many of them have no idea how to effectively and safely handle that firearm.  So then there is the matter of getting trained, and it is readily apparent that they are behind the curve.  There is more to owning a gun than pointing and shooting.  You must be able to discern when and how to pull your weapon; how to safely handle your weapon around your family and in your house; and how to react in a multitude of scenarios.  If you are smart enough to know you need training, I would recommend finding someone with a high level of training themselves and ask them to teach you.  There is always someone willing to bring you up to speed, whether it is a highly-qualified friend or a professional trainer you can pay.  Believe me, it will be worth the money!

     Then there is the question of food.  Latecomers have seen the devastation of the recent storms and the violent weather in the last few months.  So that has helped fire a neuron or two in their brains and they are starting to realize that it wouldn't take long to deplete the leftover pizza and the couple of pounds of hamburger in their refrigerator.  Any shutdown of food supplies for over 72 hours and their families would be hungry.  Most of them don't have the necessary funds it would take to stockpile all the food items they would need for long-term storage, so they are facing the overwhelming task of determining what they can afford and how quickly they can amass the essentials.

     The real test comes when you assess whether they are willing to live in the past.  By that I mean, can they accept the mindset of gardening for their food, living without modern luxuries (including electricity if the SHTF), and developing skills that their grandparents took for granted?  If all of that .... or ANY of that ... overwhelms them, then I'm afraid they will suffer the consequences of their failed judgment.  

     And that's not even considering such things as a safe water supply, medicines, or developing community with like-minded people.  If they think buying the basic tools of survival will get them through the coming season of pain, then they probably aren't worth wasting your time.  I know that sounds cold-hearted and callous, but the time has nearly passed for people to get on board.  

     It has become quite apparent to me that God, while still in sovereign control of His universe, is coming closer to harvesting the wheat from the tares.  Until this time, we have all co-existed together, but the line between those who can discern what time it is, and those who are late to the party is becoming clearer and in sharper focus. We will be separated into the genuine and the counterfeit; the authentic and the fraud.  It's good to be ready, primed and equipped, but if you're prepared and still don't know God as your personal Savior, then the clock is ticking for you, too.  No matter how much ammo, food, or training you have, you don't stand a chance if Jesus is not part of your plan; the most important part!  DON'T BE LATE TO THE PARTY!

     I do not feel a sense of triumph over those who made a conscious decision to dismiss PLW and myself over the last few years.  It wasn't easy to have our warnings shrugged off as absurd or foolish; the ideas of a couple of paranoid alarmists.  But, now, I take no joy in their anxiety or their sense of urgency.  I see the panic in their eyes and hear the fear in their voices.  I am only too happy to offer whatever support I can.  I will do my best to encourage them and to instruct them to BEGIN .... just BEGIN!  

     I am no prophet or fortune-teller.  I cannot predict the timeline for future events.  But the fact that the Latecomers are beginning to awaken and the scales seem to have fallen from their eyes, tells me that we can't put Pandora back in the box.  There's only one way to go and that is forward towards our destiny. The last bit of advice I would offer is to pray.  Ask God to forgive this nation for our affronts to Him, and ask for guidance to put this country back together again.  And then go forth and prepare; physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  Help those that God puts in your path and be ready to share His gospel message with everyone.  That's our way out of this mess .... both Salvation and Survival.  That was the goal of this blog from day one, and it's important now, more than ever!

     

Romans 15:4-6     "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Me and Sam Adams: A History Lesson

     You have heard it said that our Constitution and our Founding Fathers are irrelevant to the modern age.  But if you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that I am obsessed with this time period in our nation's history.  I am in such awe of how this country came to be, and admire the men and women who stood up to a tyrant king and fought to establish something that had never existed before ... a country based on "the natural rights of man".  I hope to show you today that those sentiments are just as pertinent as they were nearly two and a half centuries ago.
     Perhaps you are familiar with the fact that the Founding Fathers were fond of using the terms, "natural rights", "Laws of Nature" and "unalienable rights", but aren't really sure what they mean.  Let's start with "unalienable". It figures prominently in our Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights ... 
     I would venture to say that most Americans have a distorted idea of what "unalienable" means.  I would further conclude that they think it takes its meaning from the word "alien", signifying that these "unalienable" rights were unfamiliar or foreign to men of that time.  That is a wrong interpretation, and we actually mispronounce the word altogether.  In 1776, when the Declaration was written, this word was not pronounced as un-alien-able; the correct enunciation was un-a-lien-able, as in "a lien", a form of security interest granted over an item of property to secure the payment of a debt.  For instance, the bank holds a lien against your car, until the note is paid off.
     So now you can see the true meaning of this most important phrase in one of our most important founding documents:  the natural rights that have been given to us by God are not subject to a lien by any king or ruler; they are ours to possess outright.

     And just what are those "natural" rights?  We're all familiar with the language of the Declaration, which says "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness".  But my favorite Founding Father, Sam Adams, expands on this idea and gives us a fuller picture of what our rights from God are.   In 1772, he wrote, "Among the natural rights of the colonists are these: first, a right to life; second, to liberty; third, to property; together with the right to support and defend them in the best manner they can. These are evident branches of ... the duty of self-preservation, commonly called the first law of nature. All men have a right to remain in a state of nature as long as they please; and in case of intolerable oppression, civil or religious, to leave the society they belong to, and enter into another.... Now what liberty can there be where property is taken away without consent?" 
     Can you see how far off track we have gotten?  CNN reports that one in six Americans receive some form of government assistance.  They have abandoned "the duty of self-preservation", and in doing so, no longer possess liberty to pursue their lives as they might dream.  In addition, they have become slaves of the State, their Life and their Happiness is at the whim of a benevolent Master.
     It seems as if America is splitting in half ---- those who are content to receive what the government will hand out; and those who are desperate to live their lives as free men, unencumbered by the heavy hand of an oppressive authority.  I am reminded that it was so in 1776 America, as well.  Only one-third of the colonists believed strongly enough in the "radical" notion of these God-given rights to battle the despotic King George III.  The other two-thirds either could not see the value of living their lives unfettered and unchained, or believed wholeheartedly in the Nanny State and the inability of citizens to rule themselves.   They were content to receive whatever was handed out, or placated with money and power from the "system".  Either way, they were at odds with the fire of free will that burned in the hearts of men such as Sam Adams.
     Mr. Adams was something of a firebrand, and was not afraid to confront his fellow countrymen over their subservient nature.  What he had to say to them in 1776 is just as relevant today.  Ponder his words:  "If ye love wealth better than liberty, [and] the tranquility of servitude [better] than the animated contest of freedom -- go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!"
     We are at a time in our nation's history when you must choose your path.  Are you willing to crouch down to those that promise to feed you?  Or are you willing to stand for something more honorable and noble?  Will you depend on the iron fist for your crust of bread, or will you make your own loaf?  Sam Adams was among a unique corps of men who understood that the right to make of themselves what they wished could never be compromised.  It was a truth they understood as "self-evident".  And they were willing to sacrifice their very lives for it.  Are you?

Psalm 119:44-47    "I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.  I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.  I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them."
   

Lord, Help Me To Turn The Other Cheek!

     The rhetoric is rising.  Whether it is because the citizenry is becoming more polarized, or the elitists feel they hold the upper hand and the will of the people; or perhaps it is simply because the stakes are so high for everyone.  Whatever the reason, it concerns me.

     Earlier in the week, I read an article on the Western Rifle Shooters website, that was extremely disturbing.  Titled White, "Christian" and Treasonous:  Who Will They Kill?, the piece was written by writer Frank Schaeffer and was such a hate-filled monologue by a supposedly religious man that I instantly wondered what in his life had twisted his soul.  My emotions ran the complete gamut:  anger at his suppositions about Southerners; pity that his heart is so dark; despair that he represents himself as a religious Christian; and apprehension that his words may be designed to set off a spark that could destroy this country.
     I hesitate to recommend the article, because it serves no purpose.  Yet, I feel we should be forewarned that this hateful verbosity is freely spread across the internet, and in the supposed name of Jesus!  In exposing this detestable diatribe, it is my hope that all who love this country and our Lord, will not react to such vitriol; that we can pray for cool heads and hearts aligned with God's purpose.
     The author purports to write about a segment of America that he claims the MSM is too reticent to expose; namely, in his words, "the far right white mostly southern paranoid extremists, who are preparing for armed revolution and apocalypse."  He goes on to describe the South as steeped in an ideology that is made up of equal parts racism, and an evangelical Christian fascination with the “end times,” among other things.  He feels qualified to list the South's vices:  ‘violence, intolerance, aversion and suspicion toward new ideas’.
     He freely quotes the Southern Poverty Law Center (that should be a clue to his political leanings right off the bat), and maligns everyone from Judge Andrew Napolitano, to the NRA, to Ron Paul and his supporters.  You get the picture.  There are several disturbing aspects to his rant.  He claims to know the mind of the "far right, rascist, gun-loving Southerner" and he almost gleefully promotes his opinion that anyone who supports their Second Amendment right to bear arms has fallen victim to "the delusional paranoia of people who really believe the world is out to get them because it’s changing from white to brown, from homophobic to tolerant, from exclusionary to inclusionary, from anti-woman to pro-woman."
     This alone tells me that he doesn't have a clue as to who I am.  But when he voices his thoughts that assassinations of elected officials could be an inevitable consequence of our "delusion", then he has gone too far.   His obvious bias against gun ownership does not give him the right to declare my reasons for owning a gun; nor does his prejudice give him the liberty to speak for me.  As a journalist, why didn't he attempt a dialogue with someone of the opposite opinion?   But then that would mean that he had to really listen to what they had to say!
     Further research into the writer's background revealed the crux of his tormented mind.  He is the son of the late theologian and author Francis Schaeffer, and has publicly denounced his fundamentalist evangelical upbringing, as well as his conservative roots.  Now a member of the Orthodox Christian church, he writes for a website called patheos.com, which is self-described as "a religion website even an atheist could love."  Indeed, any religion or variety of spiritual reasoning is welcomed.  Articles on this website include such subjects as the virtues of the Emergent Church and the consideration that Jesus might have sinned in the desert.  This false and blasphemous supposition compares his temptation in the desert by Satan with the Scripture of Matthew 5:28 that states anyone who lusts in their heart has already committed adultery.  The so-called experts on this site then ask, so how (if at all) is lusting in one’s heart different than being tempted?
     This is all too much for me!  It was enough to read the libelous and slanderous depiction of Schaeffer's "Southerners"... but to have further research lead back to a website that promotes the Emerging Church and distorted commentaries on the Holy Scriptures is almost more than I can bear!  As I posited at the beginning of this post, the rhetoric is rising.  It is paramount that we do not react to it.  That doesn't mean that we discontinue strengthening our faith, our families or our methods of survival.  We must continue to live our lives by the example set forth by Christ.  Do not fall for the traps set forth by those who would judge us.  Keep our focus on God's kingdom and pray for our enemies.  Be ready to declare evil when you see it, but turn the other cheek when evil tries to draw you into a confrontation.  Rely on Jesus for your strength, as well as your peace.  And never give substance or significance to the lies of those who would lead you down the path to destruction.  Most importantly .... Speak God's truth.

Proverbs 28:5      "Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully."
   

How Does Al Gore Sleep At Night?

     Al Jazeera America?  Really?  Why would anyone think that this controversial broadcasting company has anything legitimate to offer American audiences?  Praised by its supporters as editorially independent, Al Jazeera is believed by its detractors to be funded and manipulated by the government of Qatar, and to be an instigator of international unrest.

     But according to Al Gore and his partner, Joel Hyatt, they sold their Current TV network to Al Jazeera because it “was founded with the same goals we had for Current.” Among those goals were “to give voice to those whose voices are not typically heard” and “to speak truth to power.”  I guess it doesn't matter to them that those "voices" have been some of the world's foremost jihad terrorists.  And I guess it didn't bother Gore and Hyatt that Al Jazeera is known for such anti-American videos as those featuring the late Osama bin Laden, Zawahiri, and American traitor Adam Gadahn.  And I guess they didn't take into account the opinion of Judea Pearl, father of the journalist Daniel Pearl who was murdered by jihadists in Pakistan.  Mr. Pearl has dubbed Al Jazeera “the most powerful voice of the Muslim Brotherhood."
     And when one talks about "speaking truth to power", my first thought is whose truth?  As we have seen with our own MSM, "truth" is very often in the control of the broadcaster.  Beliefs and ideologies are presented as Facts; and those Facts can be misconstrued and exploited to further an agenda.  As a case in point, the Columbia Journalism Review has asserted that Al Jazeera has considerable clout as an opinion-maker:  The channel's tremendous popularity has also, for better or worse, made it a shaper of public opinion. Its coverage often determines what becomes a story and what does not, as well as how Arab viewers think about issues. Whether in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, or Syria, the stories highlighted and the criticisms aired by guests on Al Jazeera's news programs have often significantly affected the course of events in the region.

     In Palestine, the station's influence is particularly strong. Recent polling indicates that in the West Bank and Gaza, Al Jazeera is the primary news source for an astounding 53.4 percent of Palestinian viewers. The second and third most watched channels, Palestine TV and Al Arabiya, poll a distant 12.8 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The result of Al Jazeera's market dominance is that it has itself become a mover and shaker in Palestinian politics, helping to craft public perceptions and influence the debate. This has obvious implications for the peace process: how Al Jazeera covers the deliberations and the outcome of any negotiated agreement with Israel will fundamentally shape how it is viewed—and, more importantly, whether it is accepted—by the Palestinian public.
     Because of this market dominance, the network was widely seen as having a tremendous influence on the Arab Spring.  But the Middle East is not the only region in which Al Jazeera seeks influence.  It has greatly increased its visibility through its internet-based broadcasting division and is also seeking to launch news channels in Turkey, Spain, Latin America, China and Russia --- all in the native languages of these countries.
    The Lefties in this country hail the arrival of Al Jazeera in America.  In their view, the network is responsible for reporting widely dissenting news that put the lie to the sycophantic broadcasts of the state-owned radio and television monopolies in the Middle East.  According to one writer for The Daily Beast, he thought " that the first Arab network to spread democratic principles and free speech would be accepted with open arms in the U.S."
     What The Daily Beast and Al Gore have missed (or perhaps they actually embrace) is the hatred for America and traditional American values that Al Jazeera seems to overwhelmingly promote through its broadcasting content.  Do they not take notice that America is consistently seen as the Imperialist Enemy and our ally, Israel, as worthy of extermination?  I shudder to think of the influence this network might have upon the millions of "useful idiots" that think Jon Stewart is the paragon of news sources!
     It further disturbs me that Time Warner Cable is leaving the door open to the possibility of carrying Al Jazeera America.  Is anyone willing to challenge this playbook from the Devil?  Obviously, Al Gore is willing to sell America's airwaves to a network that consistently presents a favorable view of jihad terrorists who are sworn enemies of the United States.  And he has the nerve to call them "ideologically in line" with his own views.  I will repeat my initial reaction to this whole incident .... How does Al Gore sleep at night?
     Then again, I guess a reported $100 million payout and a seat on the Board of Directors is enough to assuage any guilt that Mr. Gore might feel.  One day he will have to answer for this immoral and dishonorable decision.

Psalm 10:7       "His mouth is full of curses and deceit and oppression; Under his tongue is mischief and wickedness."
   

A New Year & A New Slant On Gun Control

     I could not end the year and begin the New Year without recognizing the shattering effect that the violent acts in Aurora, Newtown, and now Rochester, NY, had on our American soul.  The nation mourned as innocent lives were lost to the actions of mentally unstable men who chose to use a gun to murder defenseless victims.

     As we expected, there followed a national (and governmental) debate over gun control.  We've heard all the arguments, both pro and con.  And now it seems that in just a couple of days, Senator Feinstein is set to introduce what amounts to the most iron-fisted and oppressive limitations we have ever seen on our Second Amendment rights.  

     Taxes, registration of gun ownership, and all-out bans on many firearms appear to be just the beginning of the government's campaign against gun-owners.  I don't have to tell you that this means each legal gun owner has some decisions to make.  In that vein, I want to share an email that I received from an anonymous reader.  I think it brings a unique point of view to the discussion.  Here is the email in its entirety:

Dear Belle,

     I thought you might like to hear a different angle on the current gun control debate.  As was expected after the recent string of gun-related deaths, the public rushes out to buy every gun and box of ammo they can find.  The shelves are literally empty!  Frankly, I am growing weary of the paradigm battle that starts with every ammo sell-off.  

     I also know that the media will never look at these "active shooter" events for what they really are.  They like the sport of stoking the fires of the moronic 51% of the country that can't think in a critical capacity.  Conspiracy theories orbit around this new brand of "crazy", and I'm inclined to jump on board any number of the crazy trains, but the truth is, at this late stage, it doesn't really matter.

     The current administration is pushing the outcome.  The 51% who have no skin in the economic game or the Fiscal Cliff, don't really care about your gun rights.  As long as they continue to get more free stuff, then let the Second Amendment disappear.  Then you have patriots like the NRA, who are standing relatively silent and dumbfounded, offering no solutions to this outright attack on our rights.  Consequently, we have seen the fear-buying start, and the sell-off cycle repeats itself.

     When retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods and Cheaper Than Dirt folded and removed their inventory from shelves, the response from Gun Culture 1.0 was swift.  This portion of the citizenry who has grown up around guns made their opinion known: "You'll get no more of my business."  But Gun Culture 2.0 is where the real influence lies.  These are new people to "the gun game"; a high percentage of them being women who recognize the importance of being able to defend themselves.  Both of these groups need to pull together and yield nothing to this latest gun grab.  

     Americans need to understand what is at the heart of this Feinstein Bill:  High capacity rifle magazine bans lead to high capacity pistol magazine bans.  Assault Rifle bans lead to every other gun you own being banned.  Even Michael Bane (the head of the Outdoor Channel's gun show line-up, and  most listened to gun podcast) had to endure a waiting period of sorts.  His weekly podcast, which normally airs on Wednesday was pushed back to Friday, so corporate brains could pick the appropriate footsteps in the minefield of public opinion.  No doubt his intentions are good, but he needs to realize that whatever Gun Culture 1.0 was in the past, it won't cut it in this new dynamic.

     2013 is going to be a brawl that our currently intact Second Amendment rights might not survive.  These latest shooting episodes have rocked the world of preppers, shooters, and anyone who is a self-thinker.  And thus, the fear-buying has begun, because I surmise that the writing on the wall just got a whole lot clearer.  The truth is, we can't deny these are pivotal events, and whistling past the grave-yard isn't going to work this time.  

     The NRA fired a weak salvo, that in my mind, hit nothing.  We better get some leadership, and fast, on this issue.  I see the beginnings of a hemorrhage that the NRA is moving too slowly to address.  I can't help but think that if the money we, as a collective, threw into P-mags just these past couple of weeks had been channeled towards a real message, with real leadership, then Mr. O would have to put a cork in Biden, Feinstein and the Moron 51 crowd.  Here's a thought:  Let's say Feinstein gets her $200 tax and registration on every gun you own.  All those who lay low will become instant felons.  There goes the voting rights of the cornerstone of the country.  Can you see that Obama and the Progressive Left are playing 20 moves ahead, and the patriot with his M-4 is no factor at all?

     So we better realize that we have some decisions to make.  Are you willing to risk a felony to maintain your Second Amendment rights?  Because if you are, you better wake up to the fact that a felony will take away your license or your credentials; and if you need a license to conduct your business, well, there goes your livelihood.  Attaching a felony to even 5% of the gun crowd will devastate the Conservative Right.  You can bet that there will be someone at that voting place making sure, that as a felon, you don't get to cast your vote.  

     Could you decide between becoming a felon and keeping your unregistered M-4?  Stop and run the logical argument in your head; look at where the Supreme Court numbers will be in the next four years.  Will the possibility of a felony on all gun owners change their ability to put food on the table, make a living, change our lifestyles?  You damn right it will!  The gun crowd needs to put this possibility into their hard drive and let it compute.  

     I'm beginning to feel as though we are at Bracken's first chapter in the yellow book.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's time to get off your butts and start entertaining some very ugly possibilities.     (Check out www.enemiesforeignanddomestic.com).  Yes, I will agree that it's time to buy more food, ammo, P-mag-30s, and a Belgian Malaois named Spike.  But all that won't preserve our rights.  The time to stand is now.  If not now, when?

Signed, 

Old School

     This email really hit home for me, and made me see the Big Picture.  There's been a plan to rid this country of the Second Amendment for quite awhile, and we are seeing it play out before our very eyes. We have been complacent, thinking that the anti-gun lobbies were not strong enough to defeat over two hundred years of tradition and the overwhelming number of lawful gun owners.  But threaten our livelihoods, our voting rights, and the fear of a criminal record, and how many citizens would be willing to throw in the towel?  Old School is right.  Each of us have some decisions to make.  And those decisions could profoundly change who we are as a free citizenry and the future of our republic.   Where will you draw the line?

Jeremiah 6:16     "This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’"

     

     

  

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?"

     

What Do You Value?

     As I step back from the whirlwind that is our political and social landscape, I am trying to determine what I can say that will make a difference in people's lives.  For those who are in a state of panic, I want to bring a sense of calmness about the state of our country and a realistic approach to our future.  For those who think that the electorate made the right choices, I want to present a creditable alternative to their opinions; have a respectful and considerate dialogue.  And for those who may not see the world from a Biblical viewpoint, I want to broaden their perspective and help them look beyond their comfort zone.  I realize that I have no credentials that makes me think I can accomplish all this, but it's in my heart to try.

     So let's start here .... America is changed.  Period.  The electorate have made their choice and it will take us further from our Founding principles.  There can be no debate about this fact, because it is now in the history books.  I recognize that not all of America voted for this change.  Indeed, I would submit to you that a majority of our citizens did not want this change; but through apathy, fraud and deceit we are nonetheless transformed.  

     For two generations now, our universities have become increasingly fraught with professors who believe that America is a greedy, intolerant, bigoted, warmongering, empire-building, destroyer of Mother Earth.  Does that about cover it all?   They have led our youth to reject the traditional values of this country in favor of moral equivalency.  In other words, one opinion or belief is just as good as another; all things are equal in value and tolerance is the mantra of the day.  That is, unless you happen to uphold the Judeo-Christian point of view.  "They" proclaim that there is no tolerance for this narrow-minded ideology, and it must be either transformed or eliminated altogether.

     So just what are some of these Traditional Values that we see disappearing from our social and political culture?  How about the Right To Life?  Abortion is now a permanent part of our culture, and with the advent of Obamacare, we will see less effort to sustain life among the critically ill, whether they be newborns or elderly.  It will simply cost too much.  The value of Life has been diminished, and America has changed.

     Let's consider the Traditional Values of Marriage and the Family.  I believe in the Biblical principle that marriage is between a man and a woman, is a lifelong commitment, and that the vows I took before God are sacred.  I do not believe it is good for a society to have single parent families, whether by design or neglect.  

     In conjunction with this value, Sex education in our schools has not curbed the rampant spread of sexual diseases or unwanted pregnancies; and it has now grown to include the promotion of homosexuality, bi-sexuality, and transgenderism as acceptable forms of sexual expression.  When sex is no longer considered as special and revered, it results in pornography, deviancy and infidelity.  This further erodes the fabric of our society.  Marriage and the family are no longer respected, and America has changed.

     What about the Traditional Values of Patriotism and Loyalty to Country?  It is no longer fashionable to salute the flag, put your hand over your heart as you sing the Star-Spangled Banner (if it's even heard anymore!), or believe that this is the greatest nation on earth.  I remember a U.S. Government professor I had in college back in the 70's who refused to teach beyond the WWII era, because he spouted a philosophy that America no longer deserved to be the leader of the Free World.  It was his belief that we had become corrupted and gluttons for power; we were no longer a compassionate or giving people.  We had become Evil Capitalism personified.  I think about how many of those vulnerable minds were deceived by his misguided views, and went on to raise children and grandchildren that were the heirs of such false ideologies.  "Love of Country" is now considered outdated, and a One-World view is the correct perspective.  America has changed.

     I wish I could tell you that these values will once again become prevalent; that give us an election cycle or two and we will be back on track.  But once again, my Biblical worldview tells me otherwise.  If you are a Believer, then I am talking to the choir.  You know it.  You see it.  If your faith is not at the forefront of your life, and you are still focused on your job, your mortgage, the political climate, retirement, the kids' college educations, or how to get by for the next four years, then what I'm saying sounds like doomsday and religious nonsense.

     But here's how I see it .... our battle is over.  We have tried and failed to save the Republic.  The measures that will be put in place (and rapidly) will change the face and depth of America.  We are getting what we asked for, as a country.  Whether you personally voted for it or not, it is coming.  We are moving from God's leadership and authority that was established at our Founding, to the leadership that our sins as a nation have wrought. 

      But do not despair!  The battle is now God's!  God does not turn His back on His people without offering a way back.  If we revive our churches and our schools and our government to Godly principles; if we seek a relationship with Him above seeking security through our jobs, titles, material possessions and human bonds .... then He can use what we asked for to His will and purpose.  He will go before us and fight the battle to regain our footing and our fellowship with Him.  He can restore us and  re-establish Himself as our Authority.
     But here's the deal:  We have to do our part and turn the direction of our culture back to Him.  It's the only way.  It is not enough to want it; we must actively pursue it or all will be lost.  My concern is this:  Those of us who believe these values are worth pursuing are going to be replaced by those who belittle and disparage them.  That, combined with the Force that wants them eliminated forever, means we need a miracle.   Only God knows. 

1 Samuel 12:13-15      "Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the Lord has set a king over you. If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors."

     

     

The Truth Will Set Us Free

     Last week I spoke to you of "steeling ourselves for what's ahead" and "rebuilding and restoring our liberties", along with "getting in sync with God" ---- all principles that I continue to encourage and advocate.  Make no mistake --- I am not content to accept this new reality in which I find myself.
     But over the weekend I felt myself changing positions, so to speak; actually being moved in thought and spirit to a new vantage point from which to view our difficult plight.  Maybe it was the fact that, on Saturday night, I finished leading a year-and-a-half group study on the Book of Revelation, and saw "the Big Picture" in a clearer light.  This was followed by the Sunday morning declaration of my Sunday School teacher that "America is done!"  Perhaps it was because I realized that he spoke not of a mere political or social or economic condition, but of a Spiritual decline.

     Then it dawned on me ..... nearly a year ago, I was prompted to begin this blog. The catchy little title of "Salvation and Survival" appealed to me because I wanted to wake my countrymen and women up to the necessity of physically preparing for hard times; but I also wanted to include a not-so-subtle word from God to reach those who needed to hear from Him.  I now understand it really is about our salvation and our ability to survive what the world will bring against us.
     Don't worry!  I am not going to quit commenting on what I see happening to this country that I love so much, or offering solutions to bolster your preparedness.   We have to live here and our situation cannot be ignored.  But it is so much more apparent to me that there is no political solution to what ails us.  We cannot be healed by a different leader from the other political party; or even a third party! There is no difference between them!  It matters not whether a Democrat or Republican is in office.  Indeed, it was a Republican-appointed Supreme Court (under President Eisenhower) that first took God out of the classroom in 1962.  It was a Republican-appointed Supreme Court (under Richard Nixon) who gave us Roe vs. Wade and the permission to legally kill our unborn children.  And it was a Republican-appointed nominee (Sandra Day O'Connor under our beloved conservative Ronald Reagan) who cast the deciding vote, allowing the Ten Commandments to be removed from the Courthouse.  So much for putting our faith in a political party or movement!  And that's the problem!
     What we need to come to terms with is this .... Our beloved land is sick in its soul and there is only one cure for that.  It is not worshipping a political savior!  But sadly, we have fallen short on fulfilling that potential, too.  You see, not only do we not find salvation or deliverance through our political institutions or system, but our faith and the Church have been compromised, too.  I'm sure I will be soundly condemned of blasphemy and heresy, but it just became so transparent to me in the last couple of days.
     Think about it!  The Church, in its unfounded fear of losing its 501(c)3 status has strayed from teaching Biblical Truth and become comfortable in teaching a gospel of prosperity and grace.  After all, any mention of Judgment and the pews are empty and the coffers are bare.  So the pure doctrine of the Bible is watered down and compromised, while acceptance of gay marriage and abortion are tolerated and promoted in the hopes that they will garner votes.
     I am going to go out on a limb here.  I believe that many Christian voters held their nose and voted for Mitt Romney, despite their reservations about his Mormonism and the conflict they felt with their Christianity.  Even Billy Graham's website wiped clean any mention of Mormonism as a cult, as the Evangelical voting bloc sought all possible ways to both avoid offending anyone, and eliminating any Biblical objection to voting for their candidate.  Biblical Truth was compromised for votes.
     COMPROMISE is the acceptance of lower standards.  And I venture the opinion that as Christians and Americans, we have compromised our very souls.  The Church is losing its influence as more people claim they have no room for religion in their lives; while the number of those who find their faith challenged is also climbing.  When the Truth is diluted and the power of the Gospel's message is weakened, it leaves people feeling empty and misguided.  Believers begin questioning the value of faith in their lives.  That is what has happened in this country.  The Truth has been lost and Compromise is killing our faith!
     If America is to find her way back to her purpose, we as a nation and a Church, must return to the Truth.  All compromise and deception must be removed.  I recently read a devotional on a prayer website that stated, "We are not insignificant pawns, subject to the whims of politicians, but powerful servants to the will of our God."  Did you get that?  I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God FIRST, and that is where my allegiance should lie.  So I ask you .... Are you ready to become powerful?  Not in the sense of the world, but through the Spirit of God?  And are you willing to stand for God's Truth instead of a "Gospel Lite"?  I believe our Salvation and our Survival depend on it!
     I have heard it said, who you are does not depend on your circumstances.  It is your circumstances that reveal who you really are.  And I think we can all agree that our circumstances are pretty dire.  But I no longer want to be identified by my political party or my social leanings.  I am a child of God, seeking to serve Him and fulfill His purpose for my life.  I know I am here, at this time, for a specific purpose.   My hope is that I will hear His call on my life, see the Truth in the world around me, and share it with you.  I now know there is no political Salvation, and my Survival depends on a different kind of election .... my election to an eternal relationship with the True Savior of the world.  That's what I wish for you.

Isaiah 65:1-3     "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.  To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’  All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations— a people who continually provoke me to my very face ..."
   

James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

     This letter from the Apostle James, the brother of Jesus, seems to be written specifically to us, doesn't it?  Just like the early Christians, we find our faith tested.  But as James reminds us, these trials serve a purpose.  They help to refine us, evolve us and ultimately grow us to flourish in whatever plan God has for our lives.  Remember that the purpose of our life is to glorify God, and if we are lacking in some manner, it is His prerogative to deal with our shortcomings and push us in a different direction.  It is our choice whether or not to view these trials as an opportunity to grow towards Him.

     I receive a newsletter from a Messianic Jewish organization in Israel, and it's always interesting to see their worldview.  This month, writer Phil Wagler perfectly captures what we are facing.  He writes, We are in a season of transition and tension being prepared for the coming of Jesus. When He comes we will be like Him (I John 3:2). Therefore, this is also a time of becoming more like Him. We will be then, what we are becoming now. He is bringing us into His likeness. He has ways of removing from us everything that is not like Him.... We stay the way we are until the pain of remaining the same becomes too great. God brings trials to pressure us into becoming complete.

     And that is what our Scripture today is reminding us.  We are far from being complete in His image, and there are sure a lot of things in this world that are not like Him!  We all know that, and we know our society and nation need to change.  So is it possible that we might look outside ourselves and upon our coming trials as a reason to glorify the Lord who is allowing them to happen?

     Can you consider this .... that Faith is a decision to walk through circumstances which are beyond our abilities?  We MUST come to the realization that circumstances have no power over us and that the issue is not what happens to us, but how we respond to it!  Our faith is increased by walking through difficulties, and choosing to be obedient to His discipline, as hard as that might be.

     So once again, I remind you that our faith is increased by walking through difficulties.  And there is no doubt that we have a difficult path before us.  You must embrace the fact that God usually does not remove painful situations but gives us grace to go through them. That grace is our victory.  And as writer Wagler summarizes, We must trust God's government over the circumstances in our life.  And count them all as joy for His glory!

Where Do We Go From Here?

     As the days pass, we try to grasp the dynamics of the American people and what values they voted for during this Election.  We're beginning to hear all the different explanations and excuses:  we are changing from a society of workers to a nation of victims; there was widespread voter fraud; people saw no clear-cut choice between the two candidates -- if you actually studied the records of both, they were eerily similar; both have embraced Big Government; therefore people stayed home.  The actual turnout for 2012 was less than that of 2008.

     But the time for dissection and analysis is over.  It is the time to regain our center of balance and plot our way forward.  This is not a time to feel defeated or dejected.  We are at this point, whether we like it or not, and we need to make the best of it.  Make no mistake, I'm not spreading a "lollipops and roses" outlook.  Things are going to get unpleasant, to put it mildly.  This will mean rising costs in everything ..... taxes, food, utilities, housing, commodities.  There will be more regulations on everything .... our businesses, our healthcare, our retirements.  Our Constitutional rights, especially the 2nd Amendment, will come under extreme attack.  The religious freedoms of Christians will be restrained, while we will be forced to accept gay marriage, abortion and Sharia law.
     I am not pointing out these troubling implications from the Election to further depress you.  These are not new issues --- we saw them coming over the last few years.  So now that these issues are more than likely going to be our new reality, we must steel ourselves and create a shield against further encroachments on our beliefs and standards, and ready our spear to defend the last bastion that is our God-given freedoms.  If we won't stand now, then when?
     I heard an excellent commentary today that pointed out this interesting aspect:  what we do during the coming years, and how we regard the changing culture of our country, will determine our success in overcoming this hostile environment in which we find ourselves.  If we have a chance of recapturing the essence of America, then we must figure out a way to navigate the coming "wilderness" and become an advocate for reform.
     Just like Jeremiah warned the Israelites just before they were taken into captivity and marched to Babylon, the re-building of America will be neither short-term, nor easy.  We already see a divided populace; we are far apart on so many issues, with neither side willing to compromise their values.  Indeed, as Christians, we cannot compromise our Biblical principles and beliefs.  So what do we do when finding ourselves facing such a foreign and alien landscape?
     I referenced Jeremiah in a post, way back last December, with this specific Scripture about God's plan to give His people in exile hope and a future.  Reread this quick post.  It is most applicable in our current circumstances and was echoed in the commentary I heard today.

     In a nutshell, here is where I think we go from here .... we continue to do what we know is right; what we have to do to survive exile in our own country.  We strengthen our families.  We reinforce our Christian roots and fortify our Churches with God's Truth, not the world's.  We begin taking our schools and educational systems back.  We stepped away from our duty to safeguard our history and our Judeo-Christian principles, and let the likes of Madelyn Murray O-Hair and godless Communistic influences dictate what our children are taught.  We build up our communities at the grass-roots level; teaching and modeling a strong work ethic and pride in self-sufficiency --- teach our citizens how to achieve, rather than how to receive.  We also need to toughen up and become bolder in representing our conservative values; we can no longer sit on the sidelines.  Get involved in everything from your School Board to your local elections to joining an activist group.  Speak up and speak often.
     As the commentator stated this morning, "It took the Progressives 100 years to accomplish their goals.  They were patient and picked away at our institutions while we stayed silent and let it happen."  Do not get discouraged!  The Tea Party didn't exist just four years ago, and they made dramatic inroads on the political scene.  Let's not lose this momentum.  Let's play it smart and play it for the long-term.
     But I want you to be clear on this concept:  we are in for a long period of repair and reconstruction.  This erosion didn't happen overnight, and our liberties will not be restored quickly .... perhaps not even in my lifetime.  But we can begin to build on the foundation and vision that have been reawakened in the American psyche.  We can instill in the next generation a respect and hunger for what our God planted on this continent over 230 years ago.  And we can show both our misguided countrymen and our enemies that we don't give up.  We believe in fighting for freedom, and recognize that while our God has allowed us to continue along this path, He will toughen us and temper us into a people who will one day reclaim our heritage.   Let's begin today!

Psalm 80:7     "Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved."
   

Forging Ahead!

     In the aftermath of the election, this story should be an inspiration and a "kick in the pants" for everyone!  We had our little pity parties yesterday, so today it's time to get back to work and back on target.  God is in control, but we have our part to play.  Stay focused on Him and get back in the game! 

     About a week-and-a-half ago, PLW and I enjoyed a quick visit from some friends we hadn't seen in awhile.  They live in Santa Fe, New Mexico and enjoy an affluent lifestyle.  Unlike many in that cultured and prosperous town, they are soundly conservative in their political views, yet insulated against many of the concerns that we in the fly-over states share.
     They are interested in getting their Concealed Carry licenses (none too soon), so we did a little training and ran some drills.   I thought it was quite revealing and right on target when Mr. Santa Fe remarked, "I feel like I'm having to learn how to ride a bike all over again."  He grew up hunting and is quite comfortable around handguns, but like all of us, was amazed at the difference between target shooting and real gun training.  They are both eager for more of the latter.
     That night, after PLW grilled some fantastic T-bone steaks, we enjoyed a fine bottle of wine and discussed the state of our country.  Mind you, this was pre-Election, so we were all hopeful that our fears wouldn't materialize.  That being said, it probably won't surprise you to know that Mrs. Santa Fe was much more intuitive about what we are facing.  She just hadn't fit all the puzzle pieces together.
     An event the night before at a hotel in a major city had set her warning bells off.  Soldiers with "Homeland Security" written on a deuce-and-a-half-style truck, and sporting curt attitudes, left them with lots of questions, and provided our conversation starter.
     I could have gone into all the theories about the National Guard training for civilian unrest, the government buying up humongous quantities of ammunition, or any number of conspiracy speculations.  But I wanted to find out what they were doing about preparing for any kind of collapse.
     They live a fast-paced life, with both of them having a successful business that doesn't leave much time for scouring the internet and keeping up on the latest news.  While they both "feel" that things are headed in the wrong direction, they are not on the same page as to what to do about it.  We discussed our dire economic situation and all the scenarios that could result in a societal breakdown.  What were their plans to defend themselves against a total disintegration of services, law enforcement and food supplies?  Did they have a plan for evacuating the city?
      It was obvious that Mr. Santa Fe wasn't buying into the necessity of making plans.  (I'm sure that has changed after the election results last night.)  While not discounting that a collapse could happen, his attitude was "If all this is coming, why even go into work tomorrow?  What am I working so hard for?"  He couldn't see beyond an image of chaos to how to survive on the other side.  (Classic "normalcy bias".)

     Now, Mrs. Santa Fe?  That was a different story!  She said, "We have a summer cabin up in the mountains, but we just shut it down for the winter.  We couldn't go there."  My response was, "Why not?  Let's consider it!"  At first she went through the list of all the things that made the cabin a poor choice ...... it was small; there was no electricity, so it would be freezing in winter; they would have no access to water since the cistern would be dry or frozen.  As I pointed out that the cabin might not be the optimal solution, it was all they had.  If Santa Fe is burning, where would she go?  I could see the light bulb go off over her head.

     I asked her, "Do you have a wood burning stove?"  The answer was yes, but they would need to get several cords of wood delivered in the next couple of weeks before the snows came.  I pointed out that the smallness and remoteness of the cabin made it a perfect "bug out" location, and there were people all over the country that would be envious of their situation.  I also told her that her cistern probably wouldn't freeze since it is underground, but in any case, they could melt snow for water, and in the spring and summer their small mountain lake could provide water that could be filtered through a Berkey water filter.  Another short-term problem solved.
     As we went down her checklist of concerns, she quickly became excited as she realized that first, there was a real need to begin thinking about this kind of scenario, and secondly, that she really could solve much of her logistical problems and make this happen.  Her biggest issue was food.  They had none stored and she would need to get it to the cabin as quickly as possible.
     We told her to start with beans and rice, peanut butter, canned goods.  She swung into action, making a detailed list and calling the caretaker of her cabin to get her cords of wood ordered and delivered.  She called her son in Colorado and was delighted to find that he was way ahead of her and has been mentored by someone who has him up to speed.  He was on board and eager to help with getting supplies to the cabin.
     She took down phone numbers for Emergency Essentials and planned on calling from the road as they made a few more stops before heading back home to Santa Fe.  She was on fire!  Now, I have to tell you that her husband thought we were nuts.  I asked him, "Do you just think we are crazy?"  And he answered, "No, I can see that what you're talking about could happen, but I just keep thinking, 'why am I working so hard' if it's all going to come crashing down?"  It's obvious that he's not there yet.  But she's not waiting.
     They left the next morning, and she made me promise I would keep her updated on things as she needs to know.  After they left us, they travelled and visited more friends, but she wasn't waiting until she got home to set her plan in motion.  The text messages and phone calls told us she was handling business.  She hit a snag when she was told that buckets of rice and beans were on back order for 3-4 weeks.  (In obvious anticipation of the Election.)  Her disappointment was compounded by an extremely rude customer service rep at Emergency Essentials. Not a good experience for a new Prepper!  But we are helping her to find alternatives.
     She knows she's behind the curve, but she's determined to get her ducks in a row.  They are fortunate in that they have the financial means to acquire all they need now.  It will just take a lot of time and effort to coordinate it all and transport it to their safe location.  But I have no doubt that she will accomplish her mission.  She has the ability to see things quickly and sharply, and she's not afraid to take matters into her own hands to secure her family.  I'm so proud of her!
     Now I want to caution others that might be reading this post, or who know someone who should be reading this post, that it is not too late!  The Election results should have set off warning bells for anyone who is even paying the slightest of attention.  But after Tuesday night, the window is closing fast.  PLEASE consider making plans to secure your family's safety and well-being.  If you have a strong sense that what I'm saying is right, then act on it!  Don't wait for everyone in your household to get on the same page.  Take the bull by the horns and make it happen!   The lives of your family members may very well depend on your efforts.

Postscript:   I got a call from Mrs. Santa Fe last weekend, and she sent me photos of all her supplies, her cords of wood, and the small storage unit she had delivered to her mountain cabin.  She has also scheduled a bulldozer to dig out her mountain pond to retain more rain water.  She has accomplished her goals in one week and once everything is in place, she will return to living her "normal" life, knowing she has secured her family as best she can.  She told me that Hurricane Sandy only served to accentuate the warnings we had given her, and proved that she was doing the right thing.  Then she called yesterday and thanked us for taking the time to educate her.  She said that if she had not taken the emergency steps to prepare, she would have been devastated on Tuesday night.  She said this is only the beginning, and she will be continuing to educate herself, while adding to her stores.  She is evidence of what one person can accomplish when they put their plan in motion.  You may not have the same financial means as my friend, but you can begin and take one step at a time.  Share her story with anyone who needs a reminder that time is wasting!  

Proverbs 1:5    "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—"

Press On

     I am writing this post as the truth is sinking in ..... the much-hoped for resurrection of America is fading from sight.  As an intelligent Twitterer just wrote, "Between free stuff and freedom, free stuff won."
     As much as this discourages me, I will not give in to fear, apprehension or panic.  While there may be a huge disconnect among a majority of the populace about the true state of our country, I am fully aware of what is at stake.  And I know you are, too.  When you think about it, we have been preparing for this over the last four years.  We have seen it coming, and told ourselves that maybe, just maybe, we still had time to change the course of events.
     Whether it is God's judgment or just poor judgment on the part of voters, the United States of America will clearly be a different nation in the coming months and years.  But there are two things you must understand.  First: The spirit of freedom is not dead.  Those of us who believe in the exceptionalism of America will not suddenly abandon our vision, give up on our goals, or adopt the entitlement mentality.

     We will do tomorrow what we did yesterday ..... continue to advance the ideas of personal liberty; support and defend the Constitution; and keep alive the ideals of our forefathers.  We will work harder at becoming more self-sufficient; expanding our skills and learning to live in a simpler manner.
     I will leave the second-guessing to the political pundits.  I will not waste one moment rehashing the campaign or the election, and I will not be looking to blame someone else.
     I will put my head down and work harder to secure my little corner of the world, while looking forward to educating others about how to protect theirs.  If we are honest with ourselves, we knew before this election, that the die had been cast.  The path we are on is unsustainable, and a different President was only going to buy us a short reprieve before it all unravels.
     So nothing has really changed.  What we have been preparing for is most likely going to happen a little faster.  You have been in training, so now is the time to get in control of your thoughts and your plans; and for lack of a better message .... deal with it!  You know what to do.  Just do it!
     The second thing we need to embrace, and most important, is that God is still in control.  It is time to move beyond the body politic and get in sync with the body of Christ.  No politician, nation, state or society can improve your life like a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Yes, we still have to get up tomorrow and go to work to support our families.  And we are obviously still concerned about the economy, rising taxes and the Middle East.  But there is a greater reality waiting for those who trust in Him to be their guiding light.
     We are at a crossroads, make no mistake about it.  And we are more than likely going to experience our future in a very different America.  But we have not changed!  We are still God-fearing freedom-lovers, with a never-give-up attitude.  I will still continue on the journey God has set before me, and work just as diligently for the things I believe in.  I will read my Bible each day, talk to Him more, preserve our history, not give in to despondency or tyranny, and get ready for some hard times.
     I suggest that you do the same.  Now is not the time to bemoan the situation we find ourselves in.  Now is the time to dig deep, know who you really are, and get prepared.  We are not defeated.  We are standing strong and going about the business of who God made us to be.  We will keep the flame of freedom alive, and we will endure whatever comes our way.  Never forget:  He will neither abandon nor forsake us.  We can do this!

2 Timothy 4:4-5     "They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry [work or service]."

New York: A Look At Our Future?

     By now, everyone has probably seen the images coming out of New York and heard the stories ..... long lines at the gasoline pumps that eventually don't work because there is no electricity to transfer the fuel from the tanks to the pumps to the cars ..... people dumpster-diving for food out of trash bins ..... no way to heat homes in the near freezing weather; the elderly and the young are suffering ..... no water, no food ..... tempers rising, looting beginning.

     In case you are one of those who have scoffed at the idea of storing extra food and supplies, take a look at the "real-time" picture of what that looks like when a crisis occurs.  Keep in mind that this is you, if you have not taken the time to prepare.  How much easier would it be on these folks if they had only a month's supply of canned goods, flour, rice, beans, and water?  Just think how much less stressful their lives would be if they had a little camper stove with some stored propane, or a Deadwood Stove which could be fueled with the multitude of broken limbs from the storm.  With their stored sleeping bags, extra blankets, Dietz lanterns and Berkey water filtration systems, they could manage their situation quite well and avoid the panic that is beginning to engulf their neighbors who are waiting for Big Brother to come to their aid.
     Whether this is a judgment upon our nation, or a blessing, is up to you.  You can either view this chaos as out of your control and something that someone else needs to fix, or you can thank the Lord that you have been given a vision of what you still need to do to secure your family's comfort and safety.  I'm sure there will be millions who will take on the mantle of "victim", but I'm equally positive that there will be others who will finally listen to that still small voice and be able to discern the steps they need to take.
     I plan on using this as an opportunity to, first of all, pray for my country and hope that those who have been indecisive will have their eyes opened and begin to take action.  Secondly, I will evaluate my own preparation plans against what I see unfolding in New York and New Jersey and make changes, accordingly.
     But the thing that has unnerved me the most was a comment PLW made this morning.  We were discussing the activities of the "sheeple", and he looked at me and said, "If I was China, Iran or North Korea, I'd be thinking, 'Yep, just one little EMP over the center of America, and we've got 'em!' "

     Watching the images coming out of the East Coast, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that most Americans living in big urban cities would be unable to survive the aftermath of an EMP.  They are totally unprepared to take care of themselves and have taken no steps to protect themselves or their families from starvation, lack of water or heat.
     They are sitting, paralyzed by their circumstances, and waiting for the government to come rescue them.  Guess what?  There is no guarantee that anyone will be coming, and if they do, you will not be living the life you were accustomed to.
     I pray that this will be the wake-up call that our nation has needed.  I realize that some will never think for themselves and will submit to martial law and even death, before they consider saving themselves.  But I'm hoping that those who have been sitting on the fence, or who have not completely bought into their partner's Prepper Plan will have the veil removed from their eyes and see the importance of having a plan in place.
     Use this heart-breaking situation to plead your case.  Ask your spouse or family member to see Hurricane Sandy as a precursor to a survival situation; a harbinger of what could come.  Show them this blog post, and then pray for a change of heart.  There's still time to execute your plan!

Psalm 94:8      "Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?"