I have often shared that part of the reason why I do what I do is because I just can’t handle the thought of millions and millions of people needlessly suffering when just a little bit of guidance, encouragement or support could have made a difference. My entire life is seasoned with the various answers to those prayers that I’ve offered–answered in the form of the right person at the right time to say or do the perfect thing.
I realize that it may seem like all we do on this site is shed light on all of the bad news out there that gives us a sense of urgency to our cause; or perhaps this site can be a source of anxiety by illustrating that we have a hundred more things that we’ve just got to do, or to buy with strained resources, or BE in spite of disabilities. You could even say that this page can be nothing more than a thorn in our side that torments us with how much further we have to go. But the reality of all of this is why I’m convinced that the 1st Principle of Preparedness, Spiritual Preparedness, be a priority in all the things we do. We’re not just saving our own lives, we are literally saving the lives of those we love now, those we may love in the future, and even those that we may never meet that God will choose to bless through our efforts today. This whole site is about doing what we can now so that we can BE the answer to our own prayers and those of others. I realize that the fulfillment of those needs can be overwhelming to all of us. And guess what? It’s perfectly OK to take a step away when feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand and YES, I absolutely DO know what that feels like. But so long as I never tire of nurturing that relationship with Him, I know that I will never have to do any of this alone. Not today; not tomorrow; and not even when it appears that the world around me is completely falling apart and it appears that my efforts aren’t anywhere near to being sufficient to stand against the destruction all around me.
The fact of the matter is, storing water, food, clothing, money, etc. is no match for a well-placed earthquake, house fire, or flood, right? In a matter of milli-seconds all of that effort can be nonexistent, right? So why do we do all that we do when everything can look so hopeless sometimes? My answer is because how things APPEAR are not necessarily how things actually ARE. The fact of the matter is, even if a hurricane were to send all of my tangible assets in every direction, I still have kept my very important part of a contract with a very important “Silent Partner” and even though I may not have anything to show for those tangible efforts someday, I can still have everything I’ll need to fulfill my promises to Him.
Now, about this Silent Partner…
This “Silent Partner” is a total game changer in the world that we see around us. He’s better than Michael Jordan, Superman, Santa Claus, and Moses combined! More importantly, he’s better than Atilla the Hun, Adolph Hitler, Emperor Hiruhito, The Joker, and satan (small “s” intentional) himself–combined! And all that I do today to help myself and my fellowmen tomorrow binds Him to be my partner in conquering all of the mayhem around me today and until the end of time. All I have to do is my little tiny part.
I know, like so many of you, that even that little tiny part can feel like the weight of the world on our shoulders. I’ve experienced what it feels like to be truly hated, disappointed, flat out wrong, inadequate to the task, slandered, defamed, and abused in a myriad of ways. But in spite of all that, I still don’t have to do it alone. I still get to have this “secret weapon” in my corner if I make room for Him.
Tonight I wanted to share with you this quick 5 minute video. It was created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but it’s certainly packed with a universal message for Christians all over. As I watched this video, that familiar lump in my throat came quickly, accompanied by big, embarrassing tears–not just because of my own struggles which tend to drown out the quiet communication with God, but the thought of seeing just a glimpse of the reality that many are struggling with their trials but attempting to do so without any “secret weapon” was just so sad to conceive. I already know He’s there and yet I still have moments in which I wish the world would just swallow me up and give me rest. Imagine how much more lonely and how much more desperate one must feel if they have to face this overwhelming set of odds against them without the Hope that they can make it through?
It’s my hope that through our efforts to strengthen our own Spiritual Preparedness that we can not only avoid being a casualty of this war between good and evil that will most certainly ensue and escalate beyond what any of us have imagined, but I hope that our efforts of Spiritual Preparedness now will be the tool by which we find and assist any others who aren’t quite yet aware that they too have this same Super Partner by their side.
Yes, there are “Mountains to Climb” and promises to keep. Let’s never forget who’s on our side and that we’re never doing this all alone.
35 Comments
Donna Blickenstaff · February 22, 2013 at 4:18 am
Very moving video… thanks Kellene, I needed to see this, my frustration with trying to prepare enough for my family has been overwhelming, I just keep thinking I’m not gonna get it done in time and because of it my family will suffer, but you know with God on my side how can I go wrong. I just need to stop-take a deep breathe- and just do the best I can do and always ask him for guidance. I need to put him first and have faith that he will guide me on the right path… God is good…
Jim - your greatest admirer... · February 22, 2013 at 4:26 am
Thanks, Kellene for another wonderful article…you are in many ways a “secret weapon” for many of us, and I, as your greatest admirer, thank you for being there for us. Thanks for all you do…
Lisa · February 22, 2013 at 4:27 am
Kellene: May God continue to richly bless you my friend! Keep plugging on!
Lynn · February 22, 2013 at 4:40 am
Thank you Kellene! You have been an answer to a prayer tonight. Truly you have. You inspire me to keep on going. Just keep putting one foot forward at a time.
Sheri · February 22, 2013 at 4:42 am
Wonderful post. Thank You for sharing this video. It seems that no matter what happens, no matter what the tribulation is, all roads leads back to God.
Carrie · February 22, 2013 at 4:45 am
Thank you Kellene for this touching video. I loved the “angels to the left and to the right to bear us up”. We need to remember that every day. Life has become so overwhelming with all it’s serious problems that it is sometimes hard to remember God walks by our side. We need to ask for guidance each day to do the work He wants us to do and take the path He wants us to take. Most important is to let us know we are not alone and He is always with us.
Kellene Bishop · February 22, 2013 at 5:31 am
Thank you so much for your never-ending kindness, Jim.
Kellene Bishop · February 22, 2013 at 5:32 am
Believe me, Donna, I have those moments where I NEED a self-imposed “time out”. It does get overwhelming and that’s what the adversary wants to happy. So reset, remember who you are, and keep on keeping on.
SMT · February 25, 2013 at 11:24 pm
Thank you so much for this! Truly, if God is on our side, whom should we fear?? It does get hard and overwhelming – so many other things scream for attention. At one point, my prep work looked pretty good – then my adult children started getting laid off and I offered to help. So they have been “shopping” at Mom’s for some time now – 2 1/2 years of under employment for 2 families. They are doing the best they can – they pull doubles when the opportunity exists. They pick up odd work if they can. It is not their fault that their place of employment chooses to give 20 people, 20 hours of work instead of just 10, forty hours of work. And who is to say they are not correct in their approach??
Now, I have no idea what food and preps I have left, where my gaps are, I just know I have a lot to do to get back to where I was…….and now we find out my hubby will be laid off for one day a week for the next 22 weeks. …. that will equate to approx. $600 a month cut in pay.
Maybe the storage was for now – the last few years and what is yet to come…..I shouldn’t panic that I don’t have a full year’s in advance for year’s on end. You know what? I don’t care anymore – I’m just going to take it one day at a time, share what I have with who needs it, and if push comes to shove, if the Lord can make the widow’s oil and meal hold out, he can do it to mine too!
I just have to slow down and take one day at a time – too see more, feel responsible to do more, panic – it just hurts too much. I will hold my Heavenly father’s hand, and reach out for others and just put one foot in front of the other. It’s all I can do right now.
Debbie · February 22, 2013 at 6:31 am
Thank you so much Kellene. I am so very, very appreciative of all your help and efforts.
Danielle B · February 22, 2013 at 8:09 am
I needed this so much tonight! I’m truly thankful for your courage and your willingness to invest in me. I feel overwhelmed almost daily. The happenings, the news, the reports, it’s all coming on so fast now, it takes my breath away. My husband and I are in the process of starting up a small business. We ask ourselves almost every night, “Why the heck are we doing this now? Are we crazy?” The answer is always the answer our favorite radio host says, “Stand where God tells you to stand. That’s the safest place to be.” We aren’t relying on our own strength, wisdom or ability to provide. The Holy Spirit guides us and provides for us. In August we left our families, our church, and 98% of our things behind in Virginia. We loaded our three small children in our van, what possessions we could fit, and headed for Montana. My husband had very unexpectedly lost his job in VA. We cried and questioned God for three days. Suddenly, standing in the kitchen, my husband and I turned and looked at each other. At exactly the same time we said, “It’s time.” We both knew deep down what our Guide was saying. We’d been talking and planning for six years, and had no real idea how suddenly it would all come together. Our families thought we were crazy, but “somehow” it all worked out. God didn’t catapult us to Montana. It was one day’s work, and then one day’s work, and then one’s day work…
Thank you for reminding me of that Kellene.
HomeINsteader · February 22, 2013 at 1:17 pm
Donna, your message caught my eye. I think we’ve all been here. I have learned something valuable, which I’d like to share, if I may.
I believe that all knowledge is a gift of Holy G-d (I write His name this way as a demonstration of my understanding of the depth of His Holiness and the Holiness of His name – a personal form of worship).
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
If all knowledge is a gift of G-d, then, when I fail to utilize those gifts, I fail to use what He has already given me. Therefore, I am called to use whatever knowledge I already have in any given situation, and to apply that “wisdom” to the full extent of my capability. Having done that, having done all that I am able to do in the “natural”, having applied whatever knowledge I have, exercising the gifts He has provided, I have done all that I can do, and nothing more is required or expected of me.
When I have done all that I can do, my job, then, is to stand back and watch Holy G-d take over. In other words, when I have done all that I know to do, all that I am able to do, in the NATURAL, it is my job to stand aside, raise holy hands in praise and worship – for Holy G-d “inhabits the praises of His people”, and wait for Holy G-d to take over in the supernatural. He has not failed me yet, nor do I believe He ever will.
He does not expect us to do anything beyond the gifts and abilities He has given us. He does not expect us to strive to work in the “supernatural” (beyond the natural). That is His job, alone. We are not equipped for it – but Holy G-d surely is!
I hope this helps you in some way, Precious Ones.
G-d is GOOD, all the time! ALL the time, G-d is GOOD!
HomeINsteader · February 22, 2013 at 1:20 pm
A beautiful word, in season! Thank you, Kellene Bishop. You inspire us all. A beautiful Woman of G-d.
Elizabeth · February 22, 2013 at 1:59 pm
This is such a beautiful article and beautiful video, Kellene. Thank you.
Terri · February 22, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Thanks, Kellene. I needed that today.
Lori Busman · February 22, 2013 at 3:10 pm
God is good!
Dorothy (the perky gramma) · February 22, 2013 at 3:25 pm
Incredible message. Thank you for sharing. My favorite part was
“If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble…”
It is because my complete life is grounded in that foundation of faith, which is a gift; that gives me the power to endure each and every day.
We are never alone in the journey. He is always there.
He also gave us a gift of you Kellene. <3
hamiltonflashes · February 22, 2013 at 5:07 pm
Kellene, once again you have perfect timing. I have a sister in law in hospice care and is due to pass away anyday. She has led a wonderful life as a pastors wife and always did good. She is so young and we can not understand why she is being taken so soon. But I do know we have the support from our Heavenly Father. Thankyou for the boost today.
Cathie · February 22, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Thanks, Kellene, for this wonderful message to remind us that we’re not alone! I really needed this today. Sometimes all the “stuff” going on in the world gets to be almost overwhelming – but I try to remember that our wonderful Lord is always watching out for us. I just have to remember to ask Him for help and guidance, as being our perfect parent – He always waits for his children to come to Him.
Deena · February 22, 2013 at 6:48 pm
I so needed this lesson today. Thank you and our Heavenly Father for everything.
Joan Hanlon · February 23, 2013 at 12:55 am
Thank you Kellene. I am not LDS, but I am extremely interested in Family History and therefore find myself in Salt Lake quite often. A couple of years ago the National Genealogical Society had its annual conference in Salt Lake and LDS created a series of videos that were outstanding! They can be found here: https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Family_History_Library/Group_Visit:_Videos
NYC Girl · February 23, 2013 at 1:22 am
THANK YOU KELLENE FOR THESE WORDS. THEY HAVE COME AT A PERFECT TIME. I AM ALSO IN THE THRESHOLD OF SOMETHING NEW IN MY LIFE. A SENSE OF URGENCY HAS TAKEN OVER ME & I HAVE RETURNED TO THE LORD, SEEKING HIS FACE AND HIS GUIDANCE. GOD IS CALLING ME FOR SOMETHING BIG, CALLING ME TO UTILIZE THE GIFTS THAT HE HAS PLACED IN ME FROM BIRTH….I TOO AM PREPARING AND I KNOW IT’S NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF. GOD IS OPENING MANY DOORS BECAUSE ONLY THE STRONG WILL BE ABLE TO STAND IN THE MOMENT OF CALAMITY & HOLD UP OTHERS THRU THE STORM. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME EVERY DAY. I SEE MUCH OF MYSELF IN YOU. PERHAPS WHY I JUST “CLICKED” WITH YOU THE MOMENT I SAW YOUR FIRST VIDEO & READ YOUR FIRST ARTICLE. CONTINUE TO ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE USED OF THE LORD FOR HIS GREAT PURPOSE! WE LOVE YOU! WE BLESS YOU! WE THANK YOU!
Jacque · February 23, 2013 at 1:53 am
Thank you for sharing this video. We can only do the best that we can & always trust in God. With what is coming in this world, I don’t think we could make it mentally without God – no matter how well we have prepared. God Bless you!
suzie queue · February 23, 2013 at 2:55 am
Yes, but the key to God helping you is to ask. We must ask for Him to come into our lives. He won’t do it uninvited. I saw an interesting You Tube of an interview with a former Satanist-turned-Christian explain how Satan manages to hang on to non-believers and those who are lost. He and God have an agreement. He cannot interfere with Satan’s work, uninvited; that is, if someone is lost in the “dark side”, God cannot just come in and save him, unless the person asks God for His help. As soon as the lost soul asks for Godly help (or Jesus), they are right there for him. But unless asked by that person, he is in Satan’s territory. That is why it is so important that people know just how powerful the name of God and Jesus are. (the demons know who they are and tremble) and these two, along with the Holy Spirit are our shield against the evils and darkness of this world and mankind’s only salvation.
Jan in Canada · February 23, 2013 at 7:28 pm
Thanks Kellene and thanks especially today Suzie Queue. I have been so angry lately (at those who are contibuting to the mess [especially the multi-nationals whose only goal and purpose is make more money and to hell with the world], being overwhelmed with preparing for whatever’s coming down the pike, and at those who choose not to listen and get ready themselves – I don’t want to be looking after you) and haven’t slept for two weeks. I can accept God at an Earthly level, but really have trouble at a Hubble level – it’s all so big and we are all so small. But last night, after reading this at 2:30 in the morning, I decided to ask God to come back into my life. I slept better than I have in quite a while. The First Principle is the one I have the most trouble with – so I guess it’s the one I have to work on the most. Again, thank you both.
Pastor G Parkin · February 23, 2013 at 3:46 am
Thank you Kellene. Sometimes we mistakenly think that having a relationship with God will make things easy, or easier. That problems will be fewer, smaller. We rest, and rightly so, in that wonderful Scripture that says ‘God will supply all our needs,’ missing the point that sometimes what He supplies is the need. We need the problems to strengthen our relationship with Him. But He never tests us beyond our means of surviving the test. You can not learn how to sail, to really handle that boat, until you leave the harbour. So our wise and loving Lord bring obstacles, problems, into our lives. Not comfortable for sure, but needed.
When its all said and done, we find that He was there with us, guiding and strengthening us. But, if you have no relationship with Him, you miss the comfort and guidance He would happily provide so that the obstacles become just exercise in a muscle building program. He wants to be our exercise coach, the one who encourages us to work past our comfort zone.
If we are willing, He will use us as someone else’s coach. And that’s what bloggers like you do. You are standing beside those less fit and encouraging them in their struggles. But being a coach doesn’t mean we don’t have our own exercise program to endure.
May He bless you and strengthen you.
Pastor Garry (PAOC)
Kat · February 23, 2013 at 5:52 am
Thanks, Kellene. I have just embarked on a new phase in my life. My husband of 15 years died unexpectedly, leaving me with our three children to finish raising. I am finding new strength as I turn to my silent partner who has been with me through it all. Thanks for your words.
Meghan · February 23, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Thanks for sharing! It always amazes me that people prepare and prepare and prepare physically but leave themselves unprepared spiritually. In these dark times that we are preparing for (and even now) we will need His strength and His provision, His protection and wisdom more than anything else. It is His grace and mercy that makes us able to be doing what we are. It’s so comforting to know that there are others who believe in Jesus whom God is speaking to about being prepared. What we do is not just about doing it for ourselves and our families, but also about being a light in the darkness and salt in the earth when those things are needed the most. 🙂
Carolyn · February 23, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Kellene, don’t know where to begin.You have helped me so much in all parts of my life. When I become overwhelmed ,you have simplified not only prepping but how to deal with approaching all problems which seem insurmountable. Have been on and off with God for so many years,wondering if he is or isn’t there and today you gave me new hope that he might be there after all. The cheerful way you handle all obsticles has inspired me greatly. You are one of America’s greatest women!
Kelly · February 23, 2013 at 9:15 pm
May you be blessed and Thank you.
carolyn · February 24, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Thank you. Thank you for being you…and all you support you share with us. Thank you God for leading me to your website.
ValerieK · February 26, 2013 at 6:25 pm
Thank you for the reminder to stop ~ breathe ~ focus ~ move on when ready. It has been so trying with the state of our government thinking only political instead of rising above their pettiness and finding a REAL solution to this ever growing spending problem. I too am one of those people who will likely be furloughed one day a week until the end of the year and lose $600 a month and this with my husband and 2 elderly parents to care for . It’s sometimes hard to see the tress for the forest. Again, thank you for reminding us this very important step to preparedness and our well being!
ValerieK · February 26, 2013 at 6:27 pm
That which does not break us ~ makes us stronger!
Susan hilburn · March 4, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Hi! Your comments on the world situation are never and could never be a thorn in my side! I see all these little daily updates as His way of gently pointing me in the right direction, reminding me the remember that the world is not as it seems, and your pointers on preparedness as a light that shows me the way and lifts my spirits! Susan
Reita A · March 5, 2013 at 7:31 pm
What a great video……I needed to be reminded–as I am in the middle of climbing mountains right now. Thank You. And thank God for all the blessings I have been given.
Comments are closed.