By Kellene Bishop
In outlining the Ten Principles of Preparedness, I’ve lightly addressed the first Principle, that of Spiritual Preparedness. While I make no secret or apology of the fact that this is a website based on Christian fundamentals, I rarely take on the topic of strengthening our Spiritual Preparedness in this forum; I guess because I don’t see myself as any sizable authority on a matter that’s so personal. But recently it’s seems as if I’ve been barraged with widely divers and opposite factions declaring the proper methods of preparedness—“you have to have this” or “ you need to plan like this” or “you need to know how to do this”—and it feels like they are coming at me like a dirty bomb which threatens to not only overwhelm my desires to be self-sufficient, but perhaps even lull me to surrender to the mocking arguments of the masses who would declare “take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry.” But whenever I recognize that I’m becoming overwhelmed with it all, I remind myself to return to the first Principle of Preparedness, to set my heart and mind at ease again, and to renew my commitment to “the road less traveled.” I suspect that I’m not the only one who feels this way and so if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to share with you the thoughts I had on one of my recent returns to what I call the Real Reality of Preparedness.
(If you endure my writings but do not share a belief in these Christian fundamentals, I trust that you will not dismiss all the rest that I have and will share which you may find otherwise beneficial in your pursuit of a self-sufficient life amidst the world’s contrasting view of reality.)
Many of us enjoy the Biblical accounts of the Noah and the Ark or Joseph in Egypt when it comes to strengthening our faith-filled resolve to be prepared for what the Lord has to come, but I recently found comfort exploring some not-so-common considerations of these two individuals.
Scientific conclusions, mathematical predictions, or examples from history can only go so far in guiding our preparedness efforts in the face of a trial because ultimately it is the strength of our faith—our belief—in what we can’t physically see or prove that will determine our ability to endure. Many have shared the wisdom that “it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark”, but I remind myself that it wasn’t even overcast when he began his assignment to build an unfathomable structure for its time that would benefit the world in an equally as unfathomable manner. Unlike us today, Noah had no reference—no collection of Biblical accounts of which he could reference in order to attempt to comprehend the magnitude of what he was to accomplish. To the best of my knowledge there wasn’t yet a veterinarian education program available to him, nor was there a master ship builder apprentice program—let alone one which would educate him in creating such a massive shelter. He certainly didn’t have the benefit of a high-powered public relations firm or mass media to package his message so that it was palatable—a message, I might add, that he was supposed to share when he wasn’t building the ark or gathering feed for hordes of animals. And yet in spite of this he accomplished his gargantuan task based on his view of reality that was very different from those around him. I refer to this as the Real Reality.
With Joseph in Egypt we have a similar set of unprecedented events. One minute he was in prison and the next he was responsible for saving the entire House of Israel from starvation—not just for 72 hours, but for an entire seven years! No I-pad to help track the inventory, no spreadsheets, heavy equipment, and no Costco’s were around to help him out with this task. Like Noah, he too entered uncharted territory of responsibility to carry out his tasks with a faith that not only he had to hold true but which he also had to convince the rest of the House of Israel to buy into so that he might take their crop surplus in order to prepare for a widespread famine. Can you imagine for a moment just how difficult it would be for people to believe in such a prophesied famine? How much did they have to trust Joseph, leaving the critical matter of feeding their family in the hands of a former prison inmate?? How inclined would people today be to buy into such a prediction especially in the 7th consecutive year of massive bumper crops? If such a thing were to happen today, not only would the majority of our fellowmen become complacent and take their food for granted after seven years straight of hearty bumper crops, but you can bet that by the 2nd year they would have leveraged any future crops as collateral in exchange for cash advances in order to pay for “agricultural improvements”, or build roads and bridges to nowhere. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Joseph or Noah to take on these tasks without the benefit of the camaraderie of thousands, if not millions of others who were required to perform these same duties which so many of us benefit from today. It’s not like they had the internet to assist them in finding forums of other like-minded individuals, let alone YouTube to show them how to accomplish their task. Seeing it this way I am struck by the fortitude of faith that these leaders had when the rest of the world’s “reality” was declared to be the direct opposite of the Lord’s prophesied reality.
Perhaps it was a wise blessing that neither Noah nor Joseph knew fully what was really in store for them far in advance of their accomplishments; they might have been inclined to give up or find excuses as to why they couldn’t accomplish their designated tasks. “Feed the House of Israel for seven years” or “get on a ship with smelly animals for an untold period of time” just might be enough to overwhelm me even on a good day. I’d expect that even the best of men would doubt the proposed reality of the situation not to mention the significance of their role in a master plan of God’s to save humanity, wouldn’t you? I have a tough enough time getting up for 9:00 a.m. church let alone “saving” the future of mankind.
Today we are faced with not only believing in the extensive warnings of unfathomable and unprecedented series of events (as disclosed by John the Revelator), but we’re also to believe that we will somehow survive them if we simply prepare. One third of the earth’s population dying, millions of lives lost in a brutal war, a cessation of buying and selling as we’ve known it all our lives, a halt of transportation, and a pandemic resulting in grotesque deaths preceded by rancor all over the earth. This isn’t exactly a polite topic of conversation to have at the dinner table let alone instances which a sane person would want to think about and it certainly isn’t readily accepted as a rational reality. But when you are willing to swallow the reality of all of these woes, the price of “being prepared” seems like a pretty good deal if it will get me a ticket to the VIP seating. (Is it just me or does a 50 pound bag of quinoa seem so insignificant in comparison to such events?) But if we are willing to accept these prophecies as the Real Reality, then not only do we need to muster the faith to believe in such instances, but we have to believe that we will endure such trials AND even help others to endure them as a result of our preparedness today. Yeah, I can understand why such a thought process would be overwhelming and difficult for most to wrap their minds around. I suspect that sometimes it almost feels a bit narcissistic to think that one might not only survive such events but also thrive in such circumstances. But you see, that’s where the faith comes in; it’s where we have to be strong enough to see things as they really are—the Real Reality—in order to not be deceived and swayed by the words of the masses of so-called experts and pay no attention to the fingers of scorn pointed at us. Instead we must” be believing” in the Lord’s reality. The Real Reality has always been at odds with what may seem to be and is certain to always be that way too. We’ve all read the book. We know how the story ends, right? The good guys are woefully outnumbered, but they still win. Truth is truth regardless of who believes it, right? You think enduring is tough? Sure it is, but remember that it’s just the beginning as we are also expected to even go to the extent of forgiving those persons who will spew insults and may even go to the extent of ostracizing us or attempting to falsely “report us” as guilty of committing some crime because our independent, preparedness behavior is so at odds with the rest of the world.
Yup, that’s a tall order to expect from anyone, but the good news is that He’s provided us abundantly with the tools and resources to step up to such expectations? We are surrounded by an abundance of resources and supplies that can even be obtained freely. We have the very real benefit of prayer and the scriptures to guide us, and we even have the benefit of today’s communication technology that enables us to connect and exchange thoughts so that we don’t have to feel so alone in our task.
I joked earlier about the lack of YouTube or the internet that these men lacked to assist them with their task, but what I also try to remember is that they had a superior Educator and Companion to navigate their uncharted territory, and so do we. I firmly believe that the task we are up against will be met with no less Assistance if we make sure to take time to strengthen that first Principle of Preparedness—that of Spiritual Preparedness, because as I stated earlier, there’s no scientific conclusion that will be able to explain away or rationalize what we are up against in these latter days. Sure there will be headlines and the occasional rumblings to lend some credence to what’s to come, but we can’t ever expect that our faith will be joined by the belief and acceptance of the masses—to be proven factual by science or official declaration. Instead, more important than firearms, food and first-aid will be the need for an unconquerable faith; and when such these great and terrible events begin to unfold in rapid succession our Spiritual Preparedness will be met with the ability to see the Real Reality.
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great article kellene ~ about being prepared ~ i live in a neighborhood where people believe that ‘you can buy anything in this world with money’ and they don’t see the need to “store” anything except cash and flash. no matter how many times our church leaders have told us to be prepared spiritually and temporally, they just don’t get it. my neighbors laugh at me for the lengths i’ve gone to, to store the necessities of life, but i’ll bet they’ll be the first ones knocking on my door when things get tight. they make jokes about all the canning i did this last summer, but i’m sure they’ll remember me fondly when they crave a little chicken or bacon or beef to go along with the sego lillies they’ll be foraging. and my water tanks will look pretty good too, when they run out of diet coke. they say i’m nuts to have a manual clothes wringer or so many briquetts for my dutch ovens, and they just can’t understand why i had to buy ANOTHER pressure canner. sure, they’re down with the 500 pounds of callebaut chocolate i’ve tucked away, but can’t comprehend why i bother with all the grains, honey, beans and rice. they have no interest in putting away even the most basic items. they have every toy imaginable, from elaborate motor homes to yachts, but they have not even one bucket of wheat or one gallon of water set aside. i recently bought a berkey imperial water filter and tried to interest a few neighbors in that, but they couldn’t be bothered. they said nothing will ever happen to our city water supply, and there’s always costco and walmart just down the hill. kellene, i believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to prepare for themselves and their families, and it’s frustrating to have so many highly educated stupid people here who wouldn’t miss a conference talk for anything, and claim to believe everything that comes out of the prophet’s mouths, yet refuse to act on their counsel ~ even laugh at it! we have a great emergency preparedness leader in the ward who plans wonderful lessons and activites for the ward to teach them about all aspects of being prepared, but there have been many times when only one or two people show up to participate and learn. as disgusted as i’ve been with their lack of interest in being prepared for what’s to come, that being said, i do realize that life is a cafeteria, and we all have our favorite commandments as well as our free agency to choose them. i just hope that what i’ve squirreled away will be sufficient to feed them all, because no matter how my neighbors feel about me, i will still share with them, all that i have.
Kellene, thank you for teaching us that the first principle of preparedness is spiritual. This principle has been spotlighted in my life lately. In fact I have been teaching others this principle of late and therefore strengthening mine in the process. It is one of the things that carries me through the valleys of life and helps to push out the panic that threatens to engulf me from time to time. There is much to look forward to and this principle makes it possible to do that without fear. Thank you for letting your light shine!
Every thing you said is so true! It really hits home with me as I find it a constant struggle to filter out all the “noise” and focus on the Lord. We (the ones with the “unconquerable faith”) have the obligation to take the harder path, the one of self-sufficiency and to not be dependent (on commerce, the government, or society in general). It’s a lot of work! There is a lot of sacrifice! But when you take a minute to reflect on Noah and Joseph and what those men did, it does make it a little easier. They were chosen by the Lord to help people and to lead. I don’t compare myself to these great men but I do think it will be a prepared person that will lead us out of a darkness that is coming. We don’t know when or how so we can save and prepare as best we can, but the biggest prep of all is that “unconquerable faith.” This is the kind of faith that we need to teach our children. We may still be a hundred years away from this global change, but if we teach our children (and everyone who is willing to learn) this unconquerable faith we (mankind) will survive. Also, when kids understand and have faith they learn everything else (gardening, survival, prepping, firearms) easily and willingly.
IF the crisis as prophesied in Revelations are a couple of generations away, (I personally feel that it’s much closer than that) then it’s much more likely that our children will be more likely to embrace a faith filled, self-sufficient lifestyle if we live accordingly today.
few people ever live to touch the lives you have thank you
Ruth, you said that so well.
Kellene, I’ve come to realize that for many people, their only purpose is to be a nag, know-it-all and/or a naysayer. The only thing these people do well is provide a lot of background noise. Thank you for having the courage to be a doer and a teacher.
Bible prophesy says that if the events that John the Revelator come to pass…. there’s a good chance the church has already been raptured and there will be no “coming out of the darkness.” While that may sound scary – as a Christ follower I am safe in the knowledge that christians will be spared much (or, depending on your theology ALL) of the seven judegments. (The book “The End” by Mark Hitchcock is a great book to make sense of Revelations). Yes, I do prepare, but not from God’s wrath… the wrath of man concerns me more. I pray for the wisdom to balance my preparedness with my faith and trust in my Savior. Not trying to nitpick the article or comments… but bible prophesy holds great interest for me. Great article – thanks much.
Kellene, another great article to make people think, which you do so well. Just one detail though, about Joseph. None of his family was in Egypt at the time the preparations were being made for the coming famine. The only person he had to convince to begin storing the extra food was Pharaoh. He commanded and all the Egyptians complied. Joseph’s family came to Egypt to buy food and then moved there during the famine. Not a detail that changes your narrative but I know you’re always so right on, I thought you’d want to know. Janet
Perhaps I didn’t express my thought properly. I’m of course familiar with the fact that his family wasn’t nearby and of course that the Pharaoh issued a law that Joseph be given the excess of the crops for storage, but law or no law, I have to believe that each household had to question whether or not they could put their faith in Joseph to fairly distribute the surpluses to everyone. I think I would certainly respond that way if my bishop issued a directive that all of us church members were to bring our food to one location and that someone else would be in charge of distributing it fairly. The same would be the case if it was a gov’t official making such a directive. Just because Pharoah issued a decree doesn’t mean that no one would question whether or not they could trust that they would be provided for–especially by someone who didn’t have a royal or leadership background among their community.
You said “Is it just me or does a 50 pound bag of quinoa seem so insignificant in comparison to such events?” I thought that yesterday, as I was packaging up a big bag of quinoa. I got it all done, then looked at it and thought “It’s not enough! It never is!” Some days the fear and overwhelm outweigh the hope and faith. Thank you for reminding us of the need for faith in the face of all the chaos the world throws at us.
I agree with your article wholeheartedly. A side thought; I have found it best for me to avoid using phrases like “the end of the world” because i think in some minds folks believe i am making my own predictions about end times. i tell people i prep to try and continue my present lifestyle in case there is a disruption, of any kind, in goods or services. the other consersations will follow. I check your site every day for the pearls you share with us.
Having surplus (that is stored so that it won’t spoil) is also a hedge against inflation (and I’m remembering that there was a blog entry here on grocery prices recently).
Noah worked on that ark for such a long time. This article was thought-provoking. If Noah could blog, I wonder what he would tell us? I know he had divine wisdom, but I would like to hear about the things he stored in faith that he might have questioned at the time.
Excellent article, Kellene….this is going out to everyone I know, and twice to those who think I am an old fool for preparing constantly…..well written, as always. Keep up the good work…….
AMEN!! Really glad to see the Christian mindset is still strong in this day and age. THANK YOU for all your efforts in helping us to be better prepared to take care of our families and ourselves. I cannot imagine trying to go through the world we are in now, let alone the coming tribulation without faith in God!!
Thank you so much for that! I too believe that our Savior will help us make up the difference we lack – AFTER WE DO ALL THAT WE CAN DO. It’s always good to get a “spiritual adjustment” to help stiffen our spine and spiritual perspective. Now, (smile) arise, go forth and conquer.
We are highly blessed just to know what we know….
Wonderful, well-thoughtout article. I love Juniper’s thought process also. It is wonderful and part of preparedness that we learn skills and share with others. It is in that vein that we realize we shold share our physical stores as well. that is part of the spiritual preparedness that goes hand in hand.
As a preparedness specialist in my ward (church), I tried to teach both aspects. I was drawn to preparedness in 1981, and steadily have expanded my knowledge base. This purpose of sharing has affected my childrens’ lives. it always does my heart good to go to their homes and see their stores, and how they live their lives. As others have said, the collapse like in Joseph’s time, may not come for a generation, so preparedness is to be shared with others, and not just ourselves.
thanks…I fully agree with what you have written. A few friends have finally realized that maybe, just maybe the revelation is upon us….or coming soon, and it looks like sooner than later. I have heard several Christian leaders say they believe the anti-christ is alive in our world today, just waiting for his time to come….(Charles Swindall and David Jeremiah are two). Who knows, but the world is in a mess, and I, for one, am glad to have the Lord Jesus Christ to depend upon, but I also believe that He told me a couple of years ago to prepare and store food and other necessities, and learn how to garden (which I am still learning – it’s harder than it looks), to get our home ready for power outages, water shortage, and other things that could happen. I have been working on it, but still feel very much behind where I should be. I just have to keep plugging along, and am very glad to have sources like this one to bring along fresh ideas that I just haven’t considered or thought of. Thanks again.
Thanks for the reminder, Kellene. I know that God is my source. However, part of Him being my source is the talent, knowledge, and foresight He has given me to prepare ahead. For many years I lived day-to-day because “God was my source.” I have now grown up both physically and spiritually. I only wish that all Christians would study the entire Bible, not just the parts that please them. They will be like the virgins that don’t keep their lamps filled. Please keep up the mission that God has entrusted to you. You changed my life with your message!
Thank you Kellene, for being courageous enough to take a stand for your faith & for what you believe in. Every word in the Bible is TRUTH. It just doesn’t really matter who doesn’t believe it, or who it offends, that’s doesn’t change it. The Lord God Almighty is VERY real & His Word is very real. I have a newfound admiration in you for standing firm. The Lord WILL bless you for the stand you have taken.
Thank you, this was just what I needed to read at this time in my life. Frustration had set in. I just felt as if there were too many possible scenario’s. I must trust in his guidance. Thank you.
THANK YOU for having the intestinal fortitude to stand up and speak the truth. As a minister for over 20 years, I began prepping only 2 years ago at the continual “nudging” of the Lord. The religious bias is very strong, and causes alot of the Church to stick their heads in the sand and pray that everything goes away somehow. But in the Bible, Jesus warned the people in advance, that one day they would have to flee Jerusalem and not even to come down for their stuff when they saw what was happening. How smart they would have been to have a “bug out bag” ready. God told Noah to stock the boat with food and water, even though He could have sent “manna”. Another time, God kept multiplying a widow’s flour and oil so that it never ran out. The key to surviving and helping others survive is to LISTEN TO GOD. AND THEN DO WHATEVER HE SAYS! He is the ONLY One who knows what’s coming and how to prepare for it. He will tell you what to do if you ask HIM. But don’t be surprised if He tells you to prepare in advance so you can help yourself and others. Keep telling it like it is Kellene. Like Elijah in the cave, God has others out there who believe the same way.
Working on having a storm shelter/basement next year. One of the things that will go into that area will be a Bible. Currently I am storing away extra cans of this or that and started learning to can this fall. If my husband only knew of how many plastic bottles I have stored away in case of emergency for water he would laugh and shake his head in disbelief LOL…although he did manage to pick up lots of Mason jars for me recently at an auction. We know that we are blessed with the amount of food we have on our shelves (and freezers), a good well, and the seeds we have waiting for spring to arrive to plant. I am blessed with a husband that can build things and does mechanical work as well. I am in the process of putting together a book for cooking that will help me use/substitute items from our stockpile when the internet or electricity is no longer available to do research on. Keep up the great posts!
This is a wonderful article! Thank you so much. I have found that God will give me several nudges as to what I must do. If I don’t follow he will sometimes knock me to my knees. It’s so much better to follow the nudges! You are a real inspiration Kellene!
Thank you sweet one for a wonderful article…Wish the whole world could read it..
Kellene, thank you for standing up for what you believe in and being willing to share it with others. I am VERY new to prepping and feel so blessed to have found your website!!!! I just ordered your “enough to share” dvd regarding couponing, and received it two days ago. Have watched it all the way through and it really opened my mind to some new thought processes! Thank you! (Can’t wait for the manual to arrive, I am ready to get started!) I come from a Christian family and many of them have the thought process that God supplies manna. Well, I believe that, but I also believe that God expects us to take actions, that the word teaches us to prepare. It’s great to have someone share that perspective. Thanks again for all you do to help, share, educate (and in a way that promotes peace/security, not fear) it is appreciated!
The Resource Guide is actually ON your DVD in a PDF format. So no need to wait.
I like to remind people that the miracle of the “loaves and the fishes” started with SOME loaves and fish. I really have a hard time empathizing with people who think that God’s mercy somehow absolves them of being anxiously engaged in preparing. I just don’t get it.
I’m grateful that you’re doing your best to be as ready as you’re able.
Thanks Kellene. Didn’t realize it was on the DVD. Yeah! I know what i’m doing tonight after work!!!! You’re a blessing, Thanks again for what you are doing!
How so very appropriate to have entered this site looking for your advice on your wonderful cooking skills and to find a Christian based philosophy. We have decided to start prepping and it seems very overwhelming. Though many people may think it must be wonderful to live in Hawaii, we are seriously at a disadvantage even for the smallest of occurrences. It was comforting to read your statements and to actually find a valid resource. Thank you.
So here’s why I’m a little jealous that you live in Hawaii–3 reasons actually: Coconut milk, coconut water, and coconut flour. I’d LOVE to have those items accessible to me here like they are to you. You can make just about any traditionally gluten dish with coconut flour. *grin*
I will research those ideas as I am just a newbie. But even when I find out….my husband and I are isolated from a very important thing…..our families:( thanks for your input. Can’t wait to figure out canning and preserving!
Thank you Kellene for expressing a valid point of view. I personally am not christian or even mono-theistic however I do follow a spiritual path. Being spriritually prepared is valid no matter what your faith. I am a prepper because the world of man is a dangerous place and I have children and grandchildren who need to not only survive whatever life sends but to thrive. The best way to teach them how is to do it myself. Thank you for all your advice and wisdom and all you do to help us prep for what ever is coming.
And Deborah, thank YOU for building on what we all have in common as opposed to what makes us different.
Although I am not LDS I really appreciate your insights, Kellene. We do have many things in common and that’s good enough.
I just wanted to add that since a great portion of the Bible is prophecy (2/3?) it has to be there for a reason. What would be the point of having so much prophecy if not to tell us to prepare and what to prepare for? I have always loved the Scripture saying that “those who endure to the end will be saved.” That means that some WILL endure to the end. If some will endure to the end, then that means *I* could endure to the end–the end of the tribulation, which will be the end of this age and the beginning of the thousand year Messianic Kingdom. So a couple of years ago I coined this phrase for myself and use it to encourage others when I can. It makes a great signature line and you are all welcome to adopt it for yourself: “I CHOOSE to survive and arrive alive!” It’s amazing how much difference it makes in your mind and life to already have the choice made.
Connie thanks for your kindness and for building on our commonalities. I never want to make someone feel unwelcome simply because I shared a bit of my religious feelings on a matter.
Thank you so much, you lifted my spirits tonight and to all the readers that made comments on this subject it really helped me when I needed it.
God Bless You All, and Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much for this timely post. Even though I am reading it almost a month after it was written, I needed it tonight. I am just starting out and have been getting very overwhelmed feeling so behind. I even had to just stop reading anything prepping for a week or so because I was getting so anxious. Since then I have been reading a wonderful ebook on faith building and have started to “let go and let God.” I have found that putting my faith in Him and listening to His nudges about what to do brings my anxiety levels to a manageable hum. My grandmother always said that God expected us to do for ourselves and then he would pick up what we couldn’t manage. Your posts (not just this one but others I have read) help me to remain panic free and just striving to keep preparing as I can. Thanks again. Happy New Year!
I think the verse that best describes what we do is Proverbs 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. God Bless you and thanks for all you do.
I am not LDS either but I do frequently read many LDS blogs and websites because I too believe in being prepared. I am Christian but hubby and I never agreed upon an actual church because we very much disagree with the vast majority of what is preached on Sundays. We still teach our kids about God and pass on our faith and morals to them, we just do not feel we have to do that in a building one day a week.
2 of my kids favorite stories are Noah and Joseph. I also try to teach them as many preparedness skills as I can.
Most of the people that I know think I’m nuts for stockpiling stuff and trying to do things “the hard way”. I just like to keep in mind that even if nothing happens anytime soon, I still have to retire some day and I don’t want to depend on the government for SS income, I want my kids to grow up knowing that they can do it themselves and hopefully they will pass that to their children as well.
In the world we live into today the crazy ones are the ones who think everything is fine and that the government will take care of them no matter what.