On The List......

Preparedness Websites:

I am a follower of many blogs and websites. I love to learn from those who share the same interests and concerns that I do. I am also grateful when good folks like you all take a few minutes of your precious time to read our blog. It is my hope that you find something of use, a nugget or two to use in your busy daily lives. Every once-in-a-while, I am touched by the kindness of others.  I have fortunate to be mentioned on various lists as a site to visit.  Just to be included on the same lists as other's who are notable is really a great honor.

I have never been at the top of the lists, but I am really just fine with that. I will continue to look and learn, search and find, and experiment and share in my efforts to help you be as self-sufficient as can be on a daily basis.  I do this not because I am preaching a doomsday philosophy. Rather, it is a 'real-life' philosophy.  My husband's business tends to be cyclical.  We have used our food storage, and DIY skills for years.....and have always been fine.

No one knows when they may need to call upon their preparations either in skills or with food or 'stuff.  One thing is for sure, if the day hasn't come to you yet, it most likely will.  I would encourage you not to put your head in the sand.....invest in yourself and your family.  Live with more peace, live with more confidence, live with the opportunity to share and serve others because you have taken the time and interest to become more self-sufficient.

Now, if you want to see where I landed....it was down on the list...but yet still on the list(s). Thank you to those who considered me and those who took a moment to vote.  While looking on the list, please visit the many experts listed!  You will be amazed and hopefully curious to learn more!

1.  EndoftheAmericanDream.com

2.  Survivorstop50.com

It's the end of another year.  It is the time that many reflect and make goals for the future.  Make a list, make a plan, learn!

Consider it!

Look where I went....

This is an actual parking lot in Shipshewana Indiana.  Actually this is the parking lot on one side of a store with automobiles on the opposite side of the building

This town certainly did have some really "Neat Stuff".

I like the "Seven Sisters Eatery" (in light of the popular "Six Sisters" wonderful info we all see on the Internet as of late)

I am telling you, these businesses are "the best" for having resources for those with a preparedness mindset.

Look was on the shelf!  I have never seen Tattler lids on a store shelf.

Look how cool this stove is!

I like this Compost Trash Can....

Things were reasonably priced!

Nearly every grain or flour you can think of.

I took my time going down the spice aisle....I just wished I had more space in my luggage to bring many of these home!

I found these metal lids (on the right) that are the same size as the lids I use with my gallon jars.  I use these to store my food storage staples.

You might ask why I would replace the lids....well it is a simple reason.  The metal lids have a gasket in them where the plastic lid does not.  These fit perfectly on my existing containers.

These are Airlock devices for fermenting foods like Sauerkraut etc.  I have paid over $6.00 a piece for these. In these stores, they were just under $2.00.  I nabbed a few.

Although not pictured here, there was the largest selection of Lodge Cast Iron ware (and huge pieces as well), crocks, bottles, canning supplies, and baskets that I have ever seen.  

One thing that I really loved is the fact that they did not accept credit cards or debit cards....absolutely none!  However, they had an ATM nearby so that customers could retrieve cash for their purchases.

Take home message:

• If you live near an Amish community, you are very fortunate.  You can access Food Storage Staples and Preparedness items all in one place.
• I love that customers were required to pay cash and cannot use debt.
• It is a way of life for these great folks.  They practice what they preach every day.  

These are lessons that we all can take advantage of....

America does have a voice...

(Image courtesy of 101.7 KSAM)

The results are in, the choices have been made.  Some in our country are celebrating and others are greatly concerned about staying the course.  I am grateful to all who voted....no matter the outcome.  We know one thing for sure, the make-up of our 3 branches of government essentially remains the same.  We have lived it and should know what is coming down the pike for the next few years.  

As it stands now, in less than 2 months we will all experience a significant tax increase, and in 2014 we will all experience a significant change in health care, which we all will be financially supporting.  We know that there has been a significant drought as of late and that meat and most likely grain prices will soar.  With these realities and many others.....the bottom line essentially requires us all to tighten our belts even more than we have before. 

I see the need for "self-reliance and preparedness" to be the important relevant topics not only now, but in the coming years.  As such, I commit to trying to bring information and skill sets to you (and our family as well) that will assist us all in the path we face.  

If you wish to make suggestions, I would really welcome them.  

No matter the circumstance, there is always a brightness of hope.  Here is a quote from President Howard W. Hunter in 1993:

"So I hope you won't believe all the word's difficulties have been wedged into your decade, or that things have never been worse than they are for you personally, or that they will never get better.  I reassure you that things have been worse and they will always get better.  They always do--especially when we live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ and give it a chance to flourish in our lives"

We have always needed to be a prayerful people.  Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ always have their arms open for us all.  Perhaps this is a reminder for some and a continued pattern for others.

President Hunter also stressed the following:  "Disciples of Christ in every generation are invited, indeed commanded, to be filled with a perfect brightness of hope." in association with the scripture below.  

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:  Ye shall have eternal life.  (2 Nephi 31:20)

 So let us press forward....we can do this!

"Nonnie....let me show you our......Chickens!"

I recently traveled to the east coast. I was visiting a new little family member who had just made an appearance.  While there, my grand-daughter wanted me to meet.....her chickens! I knew my son had been trying to raise chickens to be a little more self-reliant.  Well, it appears that he has succeeded.  The family often gets 'green eggs' (and no ham!). My grandchildren are quite enthralled with the egg laying venture.  

I wondered how much it cost to feed them.  I came to learn that they keep their vegetable scraps as well as the egg shells.  They break the egg shells into very small pieces.  They take the vegetables and shells and feed them to the chickens.  Reportedly, the egg shells help the eggs that are laid in the future to have hard shells.  I kidded them that they were teaching their chickens.....to...be...cannibals!  

These folks live in a temperate climate, but still provide 'housing' for their flock.  

I haven't taken this step yet, and most likely will not due to the restrictions of the area that I live in.  However, I am very pleased to see one of my children make this choice to be more self-reliant.  Maybe one or more of my kids did learn a thing or two when they lived with their Dad and I.  We can only hope:)

Consider it!

Self Reliance.....new page at LDS.org

"We become self-reliant," explains Julie Beck, president of the Church's organization for women, "through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being."

This is the opening quote from a new webpage about Self-Reliance located at http://www.lds.org/topic/self-reliance/index.html.

You will find quotes, resources, and specifics outlined by Elder Robert D Hales.  Learn more by going to the above link.

"Let us be self-reliant and independent..."

"Let us work for what we need. Let us be self-reliant and independent. Salvation can be obtained on no other principle. Salvation is an individual matter, and we must work out our own salvation in temporal as well as in spiritual things."

Marion G Romney

In the Lord, all things are possible. Watch for 2 articles in the upcoming January issue of the Ensign. They deal with self-reliance and the importance both Temporally and Spiritually. Here are the links for your convenience:

• http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=08de47a27a2b5210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
• http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=819047a27a2b5210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

As 2010 approaches, take inventory of your Temporal and Spiritual needs of yourself and your family. Make resolutions to address them and prioritize.