Prepper Tip: Powdered Peanut Butter

     Sorry!  But after yesterday's post, I guess I just have Peanut Butter on the brain!  A good friend recently gave me a can of Provident Pantry's Peanut Butter Powder (try to say that real fast three times!) and I figured now was as good a time as any to try it.

     I was definitely skeptical because I knew I was going to have to please the biggest Peanut Butter lover in the world .... my husband, Peace-Loving Warrior.  But he was a good sport and agreed to be the Official Taste-Tester.  

     Right off the bat, I was pleased to see that the only ingredient was peanuts --- no fillers or additives.  And it smelled good; like roasted peanuts!  I followed the directions and added 2 Tsp of water per 2 Tbsp of powder.  That wasn't near enough liquid!  I kept adding small amounts of water until I got the consistency I wanted.  Then we tasted it.  Too bland and chalky.

     The instructions on the can suggest adding a small amount of sugar for taste.  PLW wanted honey, so that helped by adding both sweetness and smoothness to the mixture.  But it still didn't satisfy us.  Next we added just a pinch of salt, and that brought it still closer to pleasing our palate.  Almost there!  The last suggestion on the can was to add vegetable oil to compliment the texture and the taste.  That did it!  It was as close to store-bought peanut butter as we could get.

     I can't say that it tastes the same as the sugar-laden grocery store variety.  But it doesn't have all the partially hydrogenated vegetable oils that come with the latter either; and that's a good thing.  By controlling the amount of salt and sugar you add, along with the ability to choose healthy oils, you actually end up with a product that is not only satisfying but more nutritious.  When you compare the 200 calorie count of Peter Pan with the 70 calories of Provident Pantry, it's a better choice all the way around.

     It's a well-known fact that when the SHTF, peanut butter will be a great source of protein.  Plus we're all going to be craving a good PB&J every now and then.  As fast as the price on this staple is rising at the grocery store, you are better off buying it at BePrepared.com.  At the current price of $6.25/can, it will be a bargain when the store shelves are bare.  

     So, as far as rating the taste, texture and overall experience, I would give it an A minus.  With a little more experimentation with the honey and vegetable oil, I know I could perfect it to meet PLW's standards.  I also think it is a matter of simply getting used to a slightly different taste; after several servings I'm sure I wouldn't even notice the difference.  This is a must for every prepper's pantry!

Psalm 34:8     "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."

     

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 ...." 

      

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."

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.”
   

These Boots Are Made For Walking!

     I know, I know --- the title is overused and corny, but I just couldn't help myself.  But it's something I want every woman out there to give considerable thought to.  How many of you have a good hiking boot?  And by "good", I mean comfortable, broken in, durable?  In a true SHTF scenario, you're going to want something more substantial than your lightweight tennis shoes.
     Just consider this ..... depending on where you live, if you had to hike out of your present location and spend days on the road, or in the backcountry, you're going to need a pretty dependable boot that can take the wear and tear and, most importantly, not give you blisters.  Believe me, if you've made the wrong choice, all 26 bones in each foot will be shouting your mistake!

     So, the first thing you need to do is assess your situation.  Is it wet and marshy where you live?  How about dry and desert-like?  Do you live in a mountainous or rugged area?  Each of these locations might call for a different style of boot.  I'm going to discuss a couple types of boots that are available and you can decide which would best suit your needs.  And it's quite possible that you need more than one boot type for different scenarios.
     Leather lace-up boots.  This includes everything from combat, to hiking, to hunting, and finally, to a work boot.  They come in different styled toes, and can be insulated or non-insulated -- it all depends on the weather where you live.  Gore-tex and other similar membrane-type materials also help keep feet dry.  The most important aspect is the fit and quality of the boot.  Cost is often a misleading factor when it comes to the best boot.  An inexpensive boot that fits great trumps an ill-fitting pair of expensive boots every time!
     Pull-on boots.  This category encompasses cowboy boots, firefighter boots, rubber boots, and waders.  Obviously, there are clear disadvantages to some of these boots if you have to start hiking across country.  First of all, rubber boots don't fit as well as lace-ups, and I'm not sure you would want to hike long distances in cowboy boots.  Put if you need to get in the action quick in stormy weather, a good sturdy pair of rubber pull-ons are your best bet.  I bought a pair of tall, thick rubber boots at Wal-Mart and they serve a variety of purposes if I'm sticking close to home.
     I'm going to give you a couple of examples of hiking boots that I recommend.  The first is the Timberland Women's Chocura Trail boot, which is a durable boot, made for rugged hiking.  It has a Gore-Tex membrane which keeps your feet dry and good traction for when you need it on slippery terrain.  The reviews on this boot are excellent ... breathes well, comfortable, durable, good cushioning, stable, warm .... all the things you want in a dependable boot.  Buyers seem to wear these boots for many years, and then buy the same style when the time comes to replace them.  You can't ask for a better recommendation!

     I have a good pair of Merrill cross-trainers, which are kind of a tennis/hiking shoe that is durable and lightweight as well as water proof.  They will be perfect if my car breaks down and I have to hoof it home.  And they are even suitable for taking long walks across rough pastureland.  But for those "extreme" situations, I have a pair of Altama Military Boots.  They are comfortable and durable, and I have no fear that they will get the job done when, and if, I need something for TEOTWAWKI.
     But the bottom line, and the purpose of this post, is to ask you to not neglect this area of preparation.  I would like to think that we will all be able to remain safe and sound and warm and comfy in our homes.  I would like to imagine that nothing will force us to hike long distances for any reason, be it weather-related or man-made.  But I can't tell you how much comfort I derive from knowing that my Altama's are safely tucked away on the top shelf of my closet.   I figure if our military men and women can live in theirs, they are good enough for me.  And they're made in the USA!  These boots are made for survival!
   
1 Samuel 2:9       "He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness."      

Saturday Morning Commentary: Crossing The Threshold to Peace

     This post may turn some of you off, but I feel this must be said.  If you call yourself a "Christian Prepper", I am speaking to you.  You may not agree with me, but I hope you will give me the courtesy of listening to what I have to say.  My only purpose is to get you across "the Threshold."

     As the tension in the air grows, I am discerning a distinct difference among my friends who are "awake."  Everyone is pretty much on the "Prepper" page.  The very essence of "preparing" means to pre-position assets for an undefined event (or crisis); whether it be a hurricane, an ice storm, a comet from outer space, a busted sewer line, grid-down situation, economic collapse, civil unrest, martial law, or terrorist event.  We are no longer taking things for granted.  We are storing supplies and making contingency plans to get through whatever is coming.
     And we know something is coming.  A few years ago, the thought began circulating that America was changing from the country that we knew as kids.  At that time, the view was kind of fuzzy, not exactly in focus.  But today, the picture of America is sharp, well-defined and clear as day.  We know our world has changed!  There is no hiding it, and it is in plain sight.  Forces are aligning themselves to destroy the very heart of America, and I feel the need to speak to a deeper significance of "prepping."

     Because we are all sensing the pressure and the distress of these uncertain times, the urgency to gather together all the necessities to survive such a scenario (in whatever form it comes) has overtaken our lives.  I see those "preppers" who have huge stockpiles of everything they think they will need to get though "it".  With every new threat to our freedom, or new peril to our economy, environment or health, they buy some more "stuff" to calm the anxiety.  I wish I could make them understand one thing .... there's not enough beans and rice, guns and ammo, generators, or toilet paper to give you the peace of mind you are seeking.  You must cross over the threshold of counting on material lifelines to depending on the salvation of Christ.
     Now, before you think I am saying, "There is no need to prep at all.  God will take care of me"; please listen carefully.  I am not saying that at all!  Jesus clearly told us to be awake, stay alert and be prepared.  Read Matthew 24:42-44!  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."  He gave us a brain and He expects us to use it.  He doesn't want us to sit idly by, and do nothing; we are to prepare, with the ultimate preparation focused on His return.

     That means we are not to put our faith and trust in those "things".   Yes, we will need them to help us persevere and endure.   There are actually two parts to being prepared, and all your stuff, all your training, and all your arrangements will help you to accomplish the basics of prepping.  But, I'm afraid there are too many people who are concentrating on accumulating more gold and silver, more solar panels, and the perfect hideaway, and then discovering that it's never enough.  It doesn't bring them peace.  They are trying to store up their security.  I want everyone to understand that your only real security lies in the saving power of believing in Jesus Christ as your personal savior.  He is the only way to feeling at peace in this crazy, mixed up, evil world.   What is happening to our world is bigger than the next Presidential election,  what is happening in the Eurozone, or the value of the dollar.
     And there are those who say, "I just don't see how 'They' can ever bring us down!  We still have the Second Amendment; we're too prepared and too strong-willed to ever give in to tyranny."  Again, they are putting their trust in human factors.  What we are experiencing is Biblical.  It was foretold thousands of years ago through the Prophets, and just over two thousand years ago by the very One who will come to judge this wickedness and Evil.
     So, if you are experiencing the worry, and the torment, and the despair of the times in which we live, then I'm pretty sure you are making ample preparations to ride out the storm.  But if you're still missing the peace that all that prepper stuff should be giving you, then take that final step and abide in Christ.    Prepare the best you can, but rest in the peace that passes all understanding..... stay focused on your relationship with Him and hold on to the protection and stability He provides.  All else pales in comparison.

Psalm 62:5-6       "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.  Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."

 

Product Recommendation: The Honeycomb!

     How often have you thought, Now, why didn't I think of that?  Well, that's exactly what my brain is screaming today!  A couple of days ago, PLW and I had lunch with J, one of our favorite gun training instructors, and he let it be known that he had a gift for me.  For the life of me, I couldn't imagine what it could be.  As we greeted each other, he asked me if I used a hairbrush.  And I'm thinking, That's an odd question, coming from a man who has taught me how to view a deadly weapon as my friend.  But I answered, "No, I don't have one with me."  And he responded, "Well, now you do", and handed me what appeared to be your normal, run-of-the-mill, black nylon hairbrush.

     "Gee, thanks", I responded, taking the hairbrush out of its plastic bag.  I held it in my hand, and it felt lightweight and sturdy --- just like the nylon hairbrush that it was.  Then J reached for it and with a simple pull, separated the bristles from the handle and ....... I'm sure I had the most stunned look on my face!  This innocent, harmless hairbrush instantly turned into a most potent self-defense weapon; one that any woman could carry and handle effectively.

      You see, when the handle is separated from the nylon bristles, you are left with a stiletto dagger!  The 3 1/2 inch dagger is precision injection molded from Zy-Ex, a tough, stiff nylon and fiberglass composite that contains no metal and is not subject to rust or wear and tear.  The bristles act as a sheath, so when assembled, it really is a hairbrush!  But the needle-like point is perfect for applying to a myriad of soft-tissue areas, and thus disabling an attacker.  The handle of the dagger can be gripped in a variety of ways, and there are virtually no drawbacks to this product.
     And just what is the name of this useful little self-defense weapon?  It is called the Honeycomb, and is distributed by Cold Steel, a company known for being a leader in the manufacture of knives.  They have expanded into specialty self-defense items and the Honeycomb is just one of their innovative products.
     What I like about this nifty little item is that, first of all, it is a real brush, and it weighs next to nothing, so I won't be weighing down my purse with unnecessary clutter.  It is also easy to pull apart and reassemble, and won't be picked up by metal detectors.  You can store it in your luggage, go-bag, or gym bag, and virtually take it anywhere you go.  It is very safe to carry, and at the same time, it is very effective; easily stabbing through several layers of cardboard --- imagine what it would feel like if it is applied to your attacker's shoulder or collar bone area?   What's more, the price is right; it is currently on sale for $9.99!  So it really is a nice addition to your self-defense stockpile.
     So I don't know what manly designer at Cold Steel developed this product, but he was definitely tapping in to his feminine side.   Thanks guys, for thinking of us ladies!

Hebrews 4:12-13     "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

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—"

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."
   

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."
      

A Day Without Water ....

     I know we've all imagined what it could be like when TEOTWAWKI becomes our "new reality".  We've planned, in our heads, how we would get along without all the modern conveniences and trappings of society.  Well, a few days ago, PLW and I got the chance to experience a small slice of what that new existence might be like.

     As many of you know, when you live in the country, you can be assailed by all kinds of pests and plagues.  Our foremost nemesis are gophers!  Just like Carl Spackler in "Caddyshack",  PLW can be found setting his traps and sneaking up on them in his best Bill Murray imitation.  But this time, the gopher won!
     When we moved onto our little piece of property four years ago, we were blessed to receive the land and improvements.  Apparently, there had been a temporary home on the property at one time, so with minor upgrades, we were set to go.  We trenched new electric lines from the pole to the house we built, but since the water well was functional, we didn't have to make any changes there.
     And that's where the gopher outwitted us.  The previous owners of the property, as so many landowners do, just dug the trench from the meter loop at the pole, to the electrical box on the water pump, and just laid the electrical wire in the ground and buried it without conduit .... nothing inherently wrong with this method; it can last up to 20 years like that.  Unless Mr. Gopher decides he's going to chew through the insulation on the wire.  
     Who knows how long it's been like that?  We've been so dry and subject to a drought; but as soon as we started getting our tropical rain this week, the wire shorted out.  One minute we had water.  The next, we didn't.

     I have to admit that with my current mindset, I didn't panic as I might have several years ago.  I guess I've been a "survivor-in-waiting".  And I say "I", because everyone knows that women don't usually respond to these kinds of situations as calmly as men do.  PLW reacted as he always does; he's a man, and men fix things.  But this was a little present from God to me.  It was another of His teaching moments.  And this is how I responded:  I immediately started assessing how this was going to effect us.  The first thought was .... the toilets.  I could manage without water for the dishwasher or washing machine for a few days, and we had bottled water to brush our teeth.  I was immediately thankful that we had purchased our hand pump!  I knew that all we had to do was pump buckets of water for all of our needs.
     We could pour buckets of water through our AquaRain water filter and have drinking water; we could pour a bucket of water into the toilet tank and have bathroom facilities; we could heat water on the stove for baths, washing dishes and even clothes, if we had to.  Bottom line:  with our hand pump, we were only slightly inconvenienced.  And I have to tell you a few years ago, I would have been overcome with a sense of panic.  I would have been fully ensconced in my "normalcy bias", unable to comprehend how to get through any kind of breakdown or collapse of my modern lifestyle.

     I was surprised at how quickly I shifted into "prepper" mode, and started evaluating our living situation in a different light.  In the past, I would have dreaded dealing with all the consequences of such a failure of services.  But I found it stimulating to figure out how to adapt familiar practices, and I actually felt grateful for the opportunity to evaluate if we are properly prepared, and where we still lack solutions.
     We were fortunate.  It only cost us the price of a spool of 12-guage electrical wire to get us up and running.  This next week, after the ground dries out, PLW will trench a new line, encapsulate the wire in conduit (to better confound Mr. Gopher!), and bury it anew.
     Granted, if it had been the water pump itself, we would have suffered a greater financial loss.  But we still would have gained much more than it cost us.  Because I realized that even without the water pump, we would still have access to water with our hand pump.
     The only way we will ever be without water is if the water level drops below our simple pump, and more tubing will solve that problem.  While the drought is far from over, receiving over 6 inches of rain this week, has been a further blessing.
     So now I think God gave us this little trial, so we could test ourselves and see, not only how we would respond, but where we are on our scale of "preparedness".  I am happy to know that we passed this "easy" test, and instead of bemoaning the inconvenience and the disruption to my orderly life, I accepted the challenge and saw the situation as a learning experience.  I know that this is just a dress rehearsal, and the future that awaits us will demand more of me.  But I think I'm up to the challenge; because I no longer have any expectation of "normal" in its old terms.  I've taken one more step towards acceptance of the inevitable.

James 1:3-5      ".... 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.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Saturday Morning Commentary: Who Do You Trust?

       I think it's time that we make an honest assessment of those we can rely on.  It seems that the line will soon have to be drawn in the sand.  You will know which of your family, friends and neighbors see eye-to-eye with you on the state of our country and how best to prepare ourselves for whatever the future holds.  And you will know those who will be obstructive, and those who will take and not give back.

      It will be absolutely imperative to know who you can trust.  Who can you count on to lend a helping hand in your survival plans?  Who is willing to be part of a community of like-minded individuals and who is more concerned about protecting themselves?  Because I promise you, it will take a community, pitching in together, for us all to make it through the coming hard times.

     Within our own little group, Peace-loving Warrior and I know who will stand with us, and who are in it for themselves.  We are fortunate; most are generous with their time, their skills and their knowledge.  We all realize that our chances of survival grow when we combine forces.  Not all are Believers, but we know that when we have the combination of faith and fortitude, we are unbeatable.

     And it's time to become more selective about what we divulge in regard to our preparations.  I will admit it's hard not to want to help someone by showing them all you've done, but I would caution you to be careful about sharing too much.  When times get hard, people will do and say anything to put food in their stomachs. 

     But you have to know who to let in to your inner circle; to whom you can put out a call for help; and who you can count on to answer that call.  Since I have an active imagination (sometimes to my extreme peril), I have imagined a crisis or chaotic scenario and who I would want to have my back.  If it comes down to surviving TEOTWAWKI, I know who I can count on to pitch in on working a garden, who can be responsible for guarding and defending our properties, and who will be willing to lend a helping hand with mechanical and structural issues.  These are all people who have been involved in long, detailed discussions and planned for such scenarios.  We don't know it all, but we have confidence in our ability to adapt and to help each other out.  Because everyone will be concerned with protecting their own property, knowing who you can trust to come to your aid is something you should seriously consider.  You know that saying.... "No man is an island".  And that will never be more true than when the SHTF.  We will need each other, and now is the time to identify survival partners.

Psalm 62:8        "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

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." 

   

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 jalapeños 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, Jalapeño 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."

So Simple and So Rewarding

     As I told you last week, my friend Terri and I were going to a canning class.  I had some experience with steam canning spaghetti sauce from my garden vegetables, but I wanted to know more.  I can't tell you how excited Terri and I were, and we probably embarrassed ourselves by repeating it exuberantly and often during the class.  Along with seven other enthusiastic ladies, our small group were the recipients of time-honored knowledge on canning and preserving.
     Our class was led by a woman and her two daughters, and daughter-in-law.  They live in a homestead community and canning is a way of life for them.  They have the good fortune of gathering produce from the bountiful harvest of their community gardens, and they can it every day.  I was jealous!
     And I was thrilled to learn that we would get a taste of canning several different types of food, and today, I'm going to share with you the one that I was most interested in learning about.
     My husband made me promise that I would ask them about canning meat, since a grid-down scenario would render our refrigerators and freezers full of meat useless.  So guess what the first thing we canned was?  Steak!  I was so thrilled and couldn't wait to tell him that it was not as mysterious or difficult as I had imagined.
     We started with a nice, hunk of red meat -- chuck steak is what we canned, but any piece of meat will do (more about that later).  We simply cut the excess fat off the edges and cut the meat into approximately 1 inch x 1 inch cubes.  Then we spread out the meat on our cutting board, and added salt and pepper.  That's all!  You can add other herbs and spices if you desire, but I figured the simpler, the better.  I can flavor the meat when I cook my recipes in the future.
     Then we packed the meat into our pint jars, as tightly as we could, leaving about an inch of space at the top.  Then the lid was added and screwed down with the ring.  Our jars were positioned in the canner and cooked at 10 pounds of pressure for 90 minutes.  And the result were beautiful jars of cooked beef, afloat in their own juices.  The cooking process produced the liquid in the jar, without adding any extra.
     I was amazed that it was that simple!  The following pictures give you an idea of just how uncomplicated and effortless it was.

Cut meat into small squares

After seasoning, pack meat into jar as tightly as possible. 

Can for 90 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure

Meat is fully cooked in its own juices

     Now for the REALLY interesting pieces of information.  We were told that you could take any tough piece of meat, and by canning it, you will get a piece of meat so tender, it will fall apart on your fork!  Our instructors said you could take the toughest old rooster and can it, and you would think you were eating gourmet food.  Also, canning venison eliminates the game-y taste.  Plus you can quarter a chicken, and a quart jar will hold the breasts and legs/thighs.  Just think - a tender, juicy chicken in a jar! So my plan is to take the less choice meats in my freezer, thaw them and can them.  Otherwise, I know they would stay in the bottom of my freezer until they were burned, and would then be thrown away.  And I cannot stand the thought of wasting food when I know what we are facing!

     Needless to say, I invested in an All-American canner, which is the only brand I would consider.  I really couldn't afford it, but after realizing that I could provide organic, healthy, and superior food --- and know EXACTLY what was in the jar --- it just seemed a no-brainer.  No more wondering what additives have been thrown into the mix, or where the food came from.  But the best thing about learning this skill is that I can just imagine my grandmothers smiling down from heaven!

Psalm 63:5      "I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you."