Hi ladies and any gentlemen who want to participate!
We have just turned the corner into 2012 and this year promises to be a huge challenge in getting ourselves as ready as humanly possible for anything that may come. We can’t know for sure what exactly we will be dealing with, but I’m determined to do my best for my family and for the Church family here at Morningside. So, I’m looking for ways to improve my own organization, and perhaps we can help others to get organized in the process. For some people, this is a huge feat! For others, it’s just a matter of putting your mind to it.
Jim has been doing a lot of teaching about the world’s CONFUSION in 2012. CONFUSION is, of course, the exact opposite of organization. Since 12 is the Biblical number for organization, and we’re entering a year that is prophesied to be chaotic, I find that a little ironic, don‘t you?
So, I’m looking for practical suggestions for preparedness in case of disasters or any other event that might require us to function outside of our usual circumstances and without our usual conveniences. Most of you know that I’m petrified that we’ll be without toilet tissue so I stock up!
No suggestion is too silly or too small, or too complicated or too difficult. What you have to share will be needed by someone!
Who knows? Your suggestion might end up in a preparedness manual.
Let’s help each other get ready!
Learned something new yesterday. Last year I purchased a small generator on sale. It had a remote control for starting, but I didn’t know how to start the thing. I retired as of January 1st so I figure it’s time to get my home straight.. finally after so many years of work. Anyway, the power went off for no reason yesterday.. I mean for hours.. All Day.. So, I got that generator positioned so I could pull it out – it has wheels, got the battery (motor cycle one) and started to install it.. didn’t know the red means hot on the terminal.. but a few sparks later.. all was installed.. Tried to turn on the generator.. had to sit there with the book and check all the gauges, etc. Found one that said it was on.. but after a couple turns back and forth.. the generator started liked a dream.. I was so proud of my accomplishment.. and my adult sons are still laughing.. I reminded them that they might not be present when I need them, and at this rate, I can at least run a cord to the freezer and fridge.. and if all fails.. to the Satelite box and the tv and a lamp.. Maybe I should consider just getting box that converts when the power goes off, but either way.. It’s a time to get to know how to use those supplies and tools we have been storing.. right gals???
As far as drinking water all you need is a couple of drops of clorox bleach in a pail of water and it will be remove anything that would prevent you from drinking the water. Bleach in very inexpensive. Just putting away a couple of jugs of bleach is of great importance.
Hi Lori,
If there is a lack of water, also have canned food on hand. The water in the cans can help hydrate. This way you will have food and water in the can. Have this in addition to the Food For Health buckets and Seychelle Water Filtering systems. Herbs, homeopath medicines, and Western medicines have on hand. You can treat many people with a little, with homeopathy and herbs. Bibles in emergency kits. Waterproofing items. Laminate photos or other precious paper items. Protection for your items and land. When people get hungry or thirsty or see their children this way they will change from nice to unkind and may do whatever they have to to survive. You need to be able to protect your land and your food, water, etc. Train your staff how to physically protect, and train them with guns and other weapons. This isn’t something we all want to do, but we need to learn how to defend. Lastly, items for fishing and hunting are important to have too.
God Bless you and your ministry!
good tip, Marilyn. You can use the water from canned food to cook your Food for Health packets in. Then add the veggies to bulk up the meal for a larger family. The Bible in the emergency kit is a wonderful tip. I will immediately put one in one of my bags. We can’t survive without food or water very long. But we so need, God’s Word to become alive in us. I cannot not live without his Word. We must hide it in our hearts also.
I suspect that our water & power will go. Don’t plan to stock your freezers with so much food you have to cook it all the first 3 days!But for now Wal-Mart sells a frozen biscuit that is delicious! Find a co-op in your area and think about buying local HONEY and assorted grains and beans. These will last much longer if we are hit with that Atomic Bomb and NO POWER = NO ELECTRICITY will work. Not even with a generator. Sorry, but you MUST think and plan for the worst! Which reminds me: my neighborhood has an unwanted trailerpark in it and all are on Gov Checks. They sell drugs and are costantly breaking into my neighbors homes & property. That is NOW. What are they going to do when they don’t get their Gov Check? No drugs? No Money? NO FOOD? I think the tablecloth over the rain barrel is cool. WE MUST CAMOFLAUGE what we can so as to look like every other starving person in the neighborhood. WE MUST BE LED OF THE LORD WHO TO FEED AND HELP. Brother WILL turn against Brother, and the Gov will come and collect what rations we have if they know we have them. There will be Jews trying to escape from America one day. We must help them. PRAY & OBEY.
Dear Lori,
The things that trouble me are the things I seek solutions for. I am thinking in terms of not being able to access money or go to a grocery store. When we had a blizzard last year we were snowed in for over a week. Before the blizzard hit I tried to go to the grocery store to get the things I usually buy weekly, the things I don’t stock up on. Such as eggs, butter, cheese, milk and bread. I could not find a parking place first off, then no shopping carts were available…I went outside in the freezing cold to wait for someone to unload their groceries so that I could have a cart. Got the cart, went into the store and alas..no bread and nothing even close to being bread like either..no English muffins, no can biscuits, not even a bagel in sight..everything was already gone…so I go to the dairy section..no milk, no butter and not one single egg in the entire store. Went to the can goods…no premade ready to eat anything…empty shevles. There were canned veggies and beans, but no soup, ravioli, no tuna…etc.
About that time a man came out of the meat department with a cart full of ground beef. I watched in shock as the people swarmed him. When the hordes retreated there was not a single package of ground beef left. I was speechless but learned a very important lesson.
I learned that I could stock up on eggs and freeze them. Easily done too.
You crack the eggs and whisk them together. If you are using them for baking desserts you add 1 tablespoon of sugar per cup of beaten eggs to keep the yokes from getting gummy…for non dessert foods You add 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of beaten eggs instead of sugar and mix it in to preserve the yokes. You then pour them in an ice cube tray..when frozen put them in freezer bags. One cube equals 1 egg. They taste the same as fresh eggs.
Also I always keep at least 3 loaves of bread in the freezer at all times. I understand can biscuits freeze well too..folks just put the whole can in the freezer. One must allow them to completely defrost before baking. Also the flaky kind do not freeze well. Again I keep several gallons of milk in the freezer as well. It turns yellowish when frozen but tastes great when taken out and defrosted. I rotate my milk not leaving in it for more than 5 months at a time before using. Hard cheese can be frozen as well but are crumbly when defrosted but still tastes great.
Do not freeze cottage cheese, yogurt sour cream and soft cheese..they just don’t come out well.
I have a years worth of your food for life in my closet. I add to my water supply weekly. I stock up on things that can be easily eaten in power outages or if we have to evacuate in a hurry. A years supply of dog food, vitiams, supplements, deodorant, toothpaste etc.
Instead of throwing leftovers away put them in baggies and write the date on the bag. If you have to leave in a hurry or need a quick lunch, just grab that baggy and a bottle of water and go! What isn’t appealing today (leftovers) will be so Delicious in an emergency. I always make to much chili and freeze half of it. A few weeks later I pull it out and have an easy meal.
I am doing what I can but like most other readers I am nowhere near ready. I am doing what I can, when I can. Anything done to prepare will be a big help when the times comes and it is needed.
God bless you and Jim,
Kimberly
Kimberly, these are excellent ideas. The one about the eggs I found very interesting. When I make homemade soups and chili, I also freeze them. I have a chinese produce mart that sells the containers you get wonton soup in. Empty of course. They are wonderful. The seal is tight, you can freeze, microwave or put dehydrated food in them. Thanks for all these wonderful tips.You can purchase sour cream powder and dehydrated cheeses from Emergency Essentials. I believe they have dehydrated cottage cheese too. Along with dehydrated eggs.
Get Organized in 2012
and start blessing our children
Bless Do Not Curse
Romans 12:14
Blessing is a God’s Work
A humble man or woman blesses their Children
They Live in the Light God’s love
They Lift Children Up to God
The Creator of the Universe
They Live in the Fear of the Lord
Obedience to God’s commands
They Speak Eternal Truth
Definition of Bless
To hallow or consecrate by prayer, religious rite or word
To invoke divine care for
To give a blessing: the intent and will of GOD
To Praise, Glorify
To speak well of: Approve
To confer prosperity, peace, health, safety, security or happiness upon
To Protect, Preserve
To Endow, God’s Favor
Cursing causes confusion
Cursing is Satan’s Work
A proud man or woman curses and rebukes
they live in darkness Satan’s anger and hate
they tear children down under their idols
they live in the fear of men and women
they speak lies, facts and history
Definition of Curse
To harm or injure someone by prayer or word
To invoke divine judgment as to punish someone
To blaspheme the Lord’s name
To speak evil of: disapprove, cut people down
To confer poverty, misfortune, sadness and death upon
To injure, destroy or get retribution
To have God’s disfavor
Bless our Children in 2012
Get Organized
and do not curse
The LORD Will Bless You Children, and keep You
The LORD Will Shine Light Truth Upon You
and Give You Grace
The LORD Will Lift You Up
and Give You Eternal Peace
Thank you Lori for all you do. You are a real blessing. I am sure the home you are building for the young ladies will be very special. May the Lord continue to strength you and give you wisdom as you help us all to heal and get ready in every way. You arwe a real inispiration to me!
Roll of plastic with duct tape, in case of a mutated bird or swine flu. Should that scenario happen, and I pray it does not. You would be able to seal your windows. Also in that case you would not want to leave your home for a period of time. So food storage and water filtration are a must. Going to the grocery store, or the mall, out to eat just would not be wise. Think about your pets and have what they would need. I like April’s comment, we have a ways to go to prepare, but one day at a time. Do a little here and there if you cannot do it all at once. Little is much when the Lord is in it and you would be surprised at how the little you do adds up.
I could not agree with Jim and you more when you tell people to get your house order. This very thing has been tugging on my heart for the last year or so. Of course, we know who is doing the tugging! I feel I still have a ways to go to have my house in order but, hopefully, one day at a time I will get there with the Lord’s help.
God bless you and your ministry.
April
In case water supply is questionable, perhaps a paint strainer (5 gal type) stretched over an empty 5 gal food bucket would help filter out debris, then filter again through a Seychelle bottle, etc. I packed a few paint filter/strainers in my extreme emergency bag. They are lightweight and serves the purpose that a t-shirt would to pre-filter before using the Seychelle filter.
Don’t forget to buy some Naptha & 20 mule team borax..this makes laundry detergent. I save hotel bottles of shampoo, soap etc. Free and easy to barter or use. A candle lighter to start fires with. Various sized needles with thread and dental floss (makes great stitches or strong sewing material.) You can’t ever have to much salt along with other spices. Seal items with a food saver…they store longer. Duct tape..lots of it as it is so versatile. Reading glasses (they beat nothing if you break your glasses or have no contacts.) Toothbrushes & paste. Listerine..a bug repelant. Chap stick or vasoline. I hope some of these help. Thank you Lori & Jim! May God continue to bless you and those who listen to the Word!
Hi Lori,great article.I would just like to add,as Judy commented on,that we should buy something each week.I kind of found getting prepared alittle daunting task at first…..and a friend of mine said she sets aside 20 bucks(or whatever you can do)to buy just long shelf life food for storage area….and other items…I think this will inspire other people to start doing the same,from buying here on your site….so as also to support the ministry….to even when we are in grocery store to buy even if its 5 or 10 dollars a week to get some long shelf live food.
Recently I started putting things together for an emergency situation.
What came to mind for storing extra clothes,blankets, pillows etc are the “space bags”. They allow you to remove all the excess air which helps use less space plus keeps them clean until needed.
Nancy Perrine
I am a part of my county’s Medical Reserve Corp, a volunteer organization that serves the community in situations of disaster. Through this organization I have learned of a website that contains large volumes of data about “being prepared”. Here’s the link to the section about creating a family communication plan:
Key points include:
– Consider a plan where each family member calls or emails the same friend or relative in case of an emergency to say they are OK
– it may be easier to make a long distance call than across town so consider an out-of-town contact to serve this role
– Be sure each of your family members knows the emergency contact’s name and phone numbers and has coins, cell phone or pre-paid calling card to place the call
– If you have cell phones in your family, program in the emergency contact for the ICE (In Case of Emergency) number. Be sure to tell your emergency contact they are listed as such
– Teach your family members to text. Texts often get through better than voice
– Write down where your family spends the most time (work, school, day care, etc.) Know these place’s emergency plans and contact information and keep track of that information for easy contact
– Write down names, numbers, policy numbers for doctors, pharmacists, vets, medical insurance, homeowners insurance
– Write down name, SSN, date of birth and other medical information about each family member
– Create a family communication plan wallet size card with this key information (including where to meeting in case of emergencies) and ensure each family member carries this in their wallet or back pack
One of the things that Yahweh has impressed upon my heart to do this year is to sort things as I inventory them into groups: The group I want to keep, and the group that we can use to barter with, or give away to someone who has need in the near future. We will be organizing our garage to store the items we keep towards the house door and the items to give away or barter towards the far walls. That way, there will be no confusion for us as to where to find what we’re looking for, either. One example is that I have saved many needlecraft kits that I bought over the years during closeout sales. I have everything from cross-stitch to needlepoint, to plastic canvas, knitting and crocheting projects and kits with everything needed included in them. I also have books that I want to keep for survival, like “Kurt Saxon’s Survivor” Series books, and “When There is No Doctor” or “When There is No Dentist” books. Those I want to keep, but I have boxes full of Christian Romance, fiction, and even nonfiction books that I am done with and someone else may benefit by them in return for something we may need (like toilet paper!) and would be willing to trade with us for such.
I hope to accomplish this while finishing up my Bachelor of Science in Management degree from the University of Phoenix Online Campus this June! Should we need to move again, we’ll be better organized so that we can keep the assortment of items separated so that everything will have a place in any new place that we move to. We have a heart to move to a Community setting, like a kibbutz, or a self-sustaining ranch, and serve Yahweh in such a place. Our hearts are open for wherever He will send us, however. I hope these ideas help someone else! They’re definitely not my own!
I have been purchasing food and other items from the Bakker’s for over a year now. With the permission of my Pastor, every few months I put on a little ’emergency prepardedness’ display at the back of the church. I put out some of the freeze-dried food, the flashlight, a Seychelle water bottle and some of the other items from the ultimate survival bag. I also put out information sheets to help people get started. Thankfully, it has worked, some have begun to get ready.
I also encourage people to try to get ahead on their medications. I get a three month prescription for my medication but I can get it filled two weeks early every time. I have been doing this for the last two years and I now have enough extra to last me for months in case everything shuts for awhile.
I am grateful that I have a Pastor who believes the same as what Pastor Jim and Lori are telling us. I have been reading their blogs for quite some time and just wanted to contribute something that I thought might be helpful. God Bless.
this is something I have not considered and is helpful to me. We can all help each other. The solar charger with all the attachments is a must have as it will charge cell phones.Will have to purchase one when finances permit.
I would love to have ideas about family communication and any ideas would be especially helpfu.
Tips for storing paper products. I purchased a large ted shed several years ago. I don’t have room in my house for everything I think I will need. So paper products go into the shed in plastic bins, or the boxes from Food for Health. This keeps them more private. Years ago I also purchased land in another state. It has bottom land that is rich and also creeks and underground water. I haven’t had the finances to put anything on it yet. However I had this desire to make it a mountain of hope. I wanted a place where I could put God’s Storehouse there. A place of refuge for Jews and Christians in the coming days. There are deer and wild turkeys, blackberries and herbs growing in those mountains. It is just a longing to do something that would make a difference. I wanted to have a Storehouse and name it God’s Storehouse, where people could have clothing, furniture and food. A small chapel where people could pray and seek God. I had wanted to put wells there and call my mountain the Mountain of Hope. It may just be a dream but God knows my heart is to help people. This land has been untouched by man. My prayer is if I cannot accomplish this that God would raise up someone who can. To be a blessing to Christians and Jews. I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you. Time is running out to be prepared. But we must heed the voice of the watchman on the wall.
I have 4 rain barrels in back of a shed that I had gutters put on for this purpose. They are made of heavy duty new garbage cans. Below them I have 4 more new ones. When I have an overflow of water, I simply open the spigots on the 4 above them. Giving me 8 rain barrels. They all have lids which keeps debris out. I have the Seychelle water pumps to use in an emergency. On my sun porch I have a 55 gallon water drum filled with water. Silver Sol is added to keep the water pure for up to 4 years. A large round tablecloth over top to make it appear as a round table. In a closet I keep 5 7 gallon to go water containers. Also with silver sol added to keep water pure. Why do all this when I have the rain barrels. Just in case a mutated bird flu arrives and we need to stay in our house and close it up. I also learned to dehydrate food from Dehydrate 2 store video’s. Hers is the best. When I find huge discounts on produce I begin to dehydrate and put that up. Water is a must with dehydrated food. I also purchase soy milk at dollar tree. For a dollar. It does not have to refridgerated but can be kept for up to a year on a shelf. I have pet food stored in buckets and sealed. Purchase a few large bags of rice from a chinese produce market. Vacuum pack those. Large bags of flour can be purchased at Costco for under 10 dollars. Health and beauty items, shampoo, lotion etc can be purchased at dollar tree. They may not be what we would prefer but for preparedness can save money. Huge packs of styrofoam cups can be purchased at Costco. The price is actually cheaper than buying form the dollar store. I have the other items Jim offers. Except for the emergency back pack. I purchased a crisis cooker that uses propane, wood or charcoal. I also purchased a solar generator that runs off the sun. Have a solar panel on roof to keep water hot in a power outage. I learned to can years ago, however I find dehydrating the food much easier. When items are buy one get one free I stock up on those. In quanity. I had a savings of 173 dollars a week or so ago. If you have a freezer when meat goes on sale, this usually happens before Holidays. Turkeys at Thanksgiving, Ham at Christmas, Pork at New Years. Look for the incredible buys and sales on meats. Stock mainly that item for your freezer. One week it may be chicken, one week pork, one week beef, one week seafood. You can arrange a shelf for each in your freezer. Learn to make your own breads, cakes from scratch etc. Purchase large bags of beans for protein. Also make sure you have the long term storage items from Food for Health
Louise:
You mentioned above the following………
I also learned to dehydrate food from Dehydrate 2 store video’s. Hers is the best.
Would you be so kind as to share with me where you got the video’s. I would also like to learn how to deyhrate; as we have a smalll organic veggie garden each summer. Right now we freeze them all or acnn some; but would also like to be able to dehyrate foods.
Thank you.
Shirl, just checked in and saw your post. You can just put in Dehydrate2store on google and it will bring up her site. Click on video’s also. I had dehydrated food for a while and thought I knew it all until I saw hers. She opened my eyes to new possibilities and ways to save money. You said you have a small organic veggie garden. I have been doing the same. It is amazing how a little turns into a lot. Take mustard greens. You can dehydrate them so very easily. Pulling off lower leaves first. Same with arugala, herbs and so much more. We can learn from people inside and outside of the church. Celery can be dehydrated, as well as cabbage, carrots, just about anything. Dehydrate 2 store will show you how, how to store it for long shelf life. Canning jars and a vacuum sealer are great to have for this. Oxygen packets in the canning jars with dehydrate food gives a long shelf life.
Lori…I too would like to thank you for your efforts in helping us all get prepared. Here are some things for us all to think about outside of the things you and Jim are already training us on:
Clear Air: Be prepared to improvise with what you have on hand (e.g., dust mask or cotton t-shirt) to filter the air and protect your nose, mouth, eyes and cuts in your skin from microscopic “junk” that can be in the air. Inhaling or absorbing different “junk” through open cuts can make you sick, or cause lung damage. Have heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting, duct tape and scissors in your kit. Use these things to tape up windows, doors and air vents if you need to seal off room from outside contamination.
Family Communication Plan: Your family may not be altogether when a disaster strikes. Plan on how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.
Warmth: If you live in a cold weather climate have warm clothing for each family member in your kit. Including a jacket or coat, long pants, a long sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves. Have a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person as well.
Special Items: Think about your family’s unique needs. Pack diapers, formula, bottles, prescription medications, pet food, comfort items, books, paper, pens a deck of cards or other forms of entertainment.
My wife has lost 4 children, 2 husbands and has survived 2 near fatal car crashes. The accidents have caused several conditions that she has to cope with. She has had a close relationship with God. We were homeless for about six months and we experienced alot of things from the cruelty of humanity to the sovereignty of God. I don’t think my christian brothers are quite prepared for what is to come. Stay close to God. Realize He is in charge of your life. Look toward the prize, run the race, keep to the course. Life is to be lived, stay in the moment. As you see any side of you that doesn’t line up with what you once professed- give it to God. As the carnal nature raises it’s ugly head, you weren’t the first and won’t be the last. Take religion and throw it like a menstrous cloth. Be there for those around you even when it hurts. What is a reputation, what will it buy you? Quality of life is not selling out to the sin that lies around, nor propagating it to others. Jim Bakker is trying to reach out, accept it as unto the Lord. Those around in need, accept it as one of his very own. Love covers a multitude of sin. There are none righteous no not one. This is a dress rehearsal for eternity. Play your part.
I don’t think my christian brothers are quite prepared for what is to come. MY BROTHER YOU ARE CORRECT! They don’t want to believe it. I told a pastor in 1987 what is happening now & of course 9-11 & that we Believers would smuggle Jews out of America, & not to expect to be yanked out of here before going through some hard times! I said, Yes, I believe in the catching away; but just before the WRATH of Father is poured out as HE told me during my cancer. I was told poor poor you, you are so deceived and you need to listen to JVI tapes and I said, then YOU tell Jesus to apologize to Matthew,Mark,Luke,John,Paul,Timothy, ETC. because of the price they had to pay! The cross is not a FREE TICKET TO HEAVEN! Glad YOU know it too! May we all remember we are NOT Alone in THAT DAY. omen.
Lori,
I sure appreciate you and Jim trying to get people to get ready for any disaster. I have purchased some of the food. I LOVE my seychelle pitcher and my fire starter. Each week I purchase extra items to put in my storage area. I date each item and rotate my stock. We have a grab-n-go bag and I have been making a record of my house inventory with a dvd showing each room. Also copies of important papers. One set goes into our safe and another in the grab-n-go bag. I only wish more Pastors would preach these things. I feel my own church family is not prepared. Keep preaching it! I pray for God’s favor and blessings on your ministry.