Are You A Survivor?

In true Hunger Games fashion the kids wanted to make their own bows.

Noah researched the type of good wood to use for this (Box wood) and he and his sister jumped on the ATVs for a little tree exploration and identification.  Couldn't find the exact wood, but settled for some semi-rigid limbs.

Not a bad job!

Speaking of the popular youth novel Hunger Games...as a society how well prepared are we to survive during times of trouble?  With an economy spiraling out of control, corrupt politicians/corporate interests and the many who continue to turn their backs on YHVH (God), it's making for the perfect storm...a society on the brink doom.

This is not an attempt to sound alarmist, but with all the data points aligning, it should be a wake-up call for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.  Every great civilization has fallen because they failed to honor the laws of God.  Our country has been begging for the same fate.

So what are we to do? Collectively it's an almost impossible task and prophetically YHVH has plans on dealing with the nations. It's going to take affecting individuals on a personal basis with hearts of repentance from pride and rebellion for us to gain mercy and wisdom.

So what does it look like to be prepared in a crisis?  While there's no perfect plan, doing anything will help.

First, before anything if you haven't already...repent through prayer and begin to follow the ONE true and living God (YHVH)...that of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Begin studying scriptures and continually asking Him for survival guidance.

Once you have done this, begin listening to His wisdom for reasonable preparation for your family.  If only one spouse chooses this path, move thoughtfully and respectfully.  It's your witness that is the covering for the household and you can making reasonable preparations by incorporating purchases into the household budget.

There are many survival websites, books and experts and much of this information is helpful.  However, it's easy to get feared into thinking you must have all the needs suggested.  This can steer people on the path of thinking they can save themselves with out YHVHs help.  Again, listen to His guidance and decide what is best for your family, finances and situation.

Even though I disagree with most of Mormon theology, they have taught through the years physical preparedness.  At one point they encouraged members to stock up foods for three years, then one year...now they are down to three months.  They still have canneries all over the US and will allow the public of all faiths to use their facilities to purchase dried goods and can themselves.  Prices are generally good and when working as a group you can knock out a lot of food.  I won't get into food storage recommendations on this post but hope to share in the near future.

To begin think... back-to-basics.  Here are some ideas:

• Start a garden of any size or in pots and begin learning how to use herbs.  Purchase and save seeds for future use...preferably heirloom varieties.
• Put together an extensive first aid kit.  
• Besides food storage think about water sources.  You can live for awhile with no food, but water is not an option.  Also, water filters or purifying tablets are a must for potentially contaminated sources.
• If there's no power for days or weeks/months how will you see in the dark?  
• Extra clothes and blankets for cold weather with no heat for each family member.  
• Kind of gross, but ways to dispose of bathroom waste.  Dysentery is a huge problem in countries with poor sanitation measures.
• Many old cloths and towels that can be used for quick clean ups...especially with kids.  Paper towels/toilet paper may eventually run out.
• Vinegar is a great non-toxic cleaner that's cheap.
• If not able to garden, definitely buy plenty of sprouting seeds.  Great source of vitamin C, enzymes and chlorophyll.  Learn about the weeds in your yard and if they are eatable.
• Stock up on extra medications, both prescription and non.  Diabetics can die if there's no access to insulin...unless they plan on eating very little.  
• Firearms.  If you know how to use one, practice and load up on ammunition.  If not...learn now.  Looting is a huge problem in areas of depravity and you don't want those with no conscious showing up looking for your provisions.
• Find a community of like-minded people.  Your best offense in survival is group support, not being a lone-ranger.  God will direct you in who YOU should help in times of need.  Until then be hush-hush about what you have for prepping especially to those who think you're weird for even mentioning the need to prepare.  They're very likely the ones who may show up on your door step demanding assistance.
• If you have babies or are pregnant think about diapers.  Store many disposables or better yet stock up on plain cloth diapers that can be washed and  pinned.  Expecting moms should investigate a birth kit in case something would happen to prevent them from getting to the hospital/birthing center.
• In the event of a weather related disaster, some electronics may be useful...most won't be.  Survival hand-crank radios may offer local updates.
• Technology is great, but in a major disaster like an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) or nuke, all hand-held devices and computers will be junk.  Contemplate this as you invest in technology that creates more dependence on electricity.  It serves a purpose when things are going well, especially when used to further practical skills, but without power they are useless.  
• Most likely during an emergency that comes on quickly there will be no time to travel.  Best to be home if possible and hunker down.  Escaping to some cave or off-the grid location may not be possible.
• Consider a bug out bag for the car in case of being stranded away from home.  Include supplies to get through a few days.  Walking long miles may be the only recourse to getting to your goal.
• Speaking of walking...being in good physical condition is paramount to any prepping.  Having to collect heavy water from a nearby stream daily over long distances is tough when you're out of shape.
• Needs for cooking and heat requirements if you have very cold winters.

Not an all inclusive list, but hopefully food for thinking.

Does the idea of being a "prepper" (as the mainstream media have half-sarcastically coined the process) scary?  At first it may, but when the realization that prepping is a step in self-sufficiency this can be empowering.  Chaos, hungry FEMA food lines and waiting forever for aid during crisis in realty is a much scarier alternative.  Imagine during a major emergency being able to wait inside your home, relatively protected and fed until society settles down.

You'll never regret being prepared...

“…storing extra food is far more practical than maintaining a savings or investment account.  And in terms of withstanding a possible collapse of the dollar or economy in general, you’ll be in much better shape than if your resources are in a banking institution.” ActivistPost.com