This will be a short one, folks, as I have 5 hours of teaching and 3 hours of traveling to do today. Which brings me to my point.
There seems to be a mythical view of how I get prepared… as if I spend every waking moment doing so. And as a result I perhaps have more time than others.
Photo c/o blogs.zdnet.com
Well, let’s be clear. I have a JOB, just like all of the rest of you. My JOB involves teaching, writing, researching, and communicating. I easily work 12 hours a day. Then when I’m finished I have meals to plan and cook, groceries to buy (not to mention the couponing I do), time to “veg” by going to a movie or being social, church responsibilities, and being an accessible family member. Additionally, I have all of the added responsibilities of running a business (legal stuff, taxes, employee issues, etc.). Oh, and somehow I manage to put preparedness priorities in there as well. As you can see, I don’t have any more time to dedicate to preparedness than the rest of you do. In fact, in some instances I may have a great deal less. The difference in what I do and what others may do has nothing to do with time. It has EVERYTHING to do with priorities.
The same holds true with money. My husband and I have been through some doozies over the last 2 years. I certainly don’t have an excess of money–which is exactly why I’ve picked up on couponing. Since preparedness IS a priority to me, couponing aids me in accomplishing that goal as well as being able to afford some other preparedness priorities. Again, it’s about priorities, not money.
With a little creativity, food storage can be done in an 800 sq ft apartment. Photo c/o move.com
Space is the exact same thing. While I don’t live in an 800 square foot apartment anymore, I used to before I got married 10 years ago. And yet even then, I still had a year’s supply of food and water in my 800 square foot home. It was about priorities, rather than some aesthetics. I still entertained in that little apartment and thoroughly enjoyed my surroundings. But I made all of my aesthetic judgment calls based on being able to be an independent, prepared woman, rather than just one more single, helpless female. I got creative with storing item under the bed, behind the clothes in the closet and made it work.
Knowledge is a priority to me as well. Yes, I need a fluffy mental break periodically and I would also give up nearly any time to enjoy the company of my nieces and nephews. But when I have a choice between a good novel or a book that will help me to be more informed and reliable, I choose the latter and I love it. I feast on it. It’s not about gloom and doom for me, folks. It’s not just about being able to “say” I love my fellowmen, but actually PREPARE to love them in every sense of the word by possessing the skills and supplies to aid them if and when it’s necessary. Believe me. I have family members that worry me to no end because of their lack of awareness about what’s going on around them. But I don’t stop in my efforts to prepare and teach them because they ARE my priority.
Recently I had a friend who had been ill for several week. She was also having some serious financial hang-ups and couldn’t even afford to go to the grocery store to get some items for her household. Well, I didn’t have any money that I could share with her at the time, but can you imagine how happy I was that I could give her FOOD? Lots and lots–even food that she loved and enjoyed.
Forgive me if I offend anyone by bringing some scriptural aspects into this topic. (I try to be sensitive to the beliefs of a very general base of readers.) Most who read the Bible believe in prophets and prophecies. That being the case, isn’t it obvious that we cannot pick and choose which prophecies we believe in? We can’t possibly believe in a Second Coming of the Lord and not believe in the Armageddon that is sure to precede that coming. Hopefully we strive everyday to be ready for that Meeting with the Lord. That said, it’s equally important to prepare to survive the prophesied turmoil and chaos so that we can be present AT the Meeting. Ultimately, preparedness is the ACTION that comes from believing in the prophecies.
So there you have it. Preparedness Pro shows you that she’s got a life and challenges just like you. The question is what we do with those challenges and how we prioritize.
To see our upcoming event schedule, click here
Check out our inhome-course programs
Subscribe to Preparedness Pro today and never miss a thing!
For any questions or comments on this article, please leave a comment on the blog site so that everyone can benefit!
Copyright Protected 2009, Preparedness Pro and Kellene. All Rights Reserved. No portion of any content on this site may be duplicated, transferred, copied, or published without written permission from the author. However, you are welcome to provide a link to the content on your site or in your written works.
23 Comments
Michael · October 2, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Much of our preparedness has come in response to my wife’s fears. When we were house sitting my in-laws home even though they had homeowner’s insurance, she felt like we needed our own renter’s policy. It turned out I had to have my tuba replaced a year later, and the insurance paid 100% for musical instruments. We moved into a little apartment, and she was afraid we didn’t have adequate food storage, so we bought 500lbs of wheat at $14 a bag. Now it’s more like $20-$30 for the same brand. We have seen great results from getting prepared in the short term, and it eases her long term fears as well. I don’t seem to be as aware as she is, and I’m thankful I have her for that. It definitely takes time and money to become prepared, but the consequences later will be far worse if we don’t exert that the resources we have now to acheive that peace that comes from preparedness.
Julene · October 2, 2009 at 8:55 pm
I totally agree with you!! Being prepared is all about priorities. Desire, commit, and keep the commandment. I loved this post. Thanks for taking the time to write it. By the way I found your blog the other day and I bookmarked it and I love it. You do fabulous work!!
TacticalIntelligence.NET · October 2, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Thanks Kellene.
Anything that becomes a priority in our lives we find ways to make it work (even if we live in an 800 sq. foot apartment). Preparedness is really a mental attitude.
My journey into preparedness began in my early 20s with an intense passion for wilderness survival skills. Up until the last few years when I got married and had my first child, I’d been studying/practicing and occasionally teaching wilderness survival skills for a little over 10 years. But I realized that those skills — while very helpful in an EOTW scenario — did not translate completely into family life (my wife isn’t too keen on living in a leaf hut with our baby 😉 ).
So recently I made a mental shift into more practical forms of preparedness: food and water storage as well as searching for ways to become more self-reliant/off-the grid etc. In a little over one year by putting a little aside every month we were able to build a years supply of long-term food storage, 2 weeks of water storage (we live in an area with lots of water) and a 3-month rotating supply of stuff we always eat.
We are now completely out of debt and are working on saving (mostly precious metals) and getting ourselves more ‘off the grid’ so to speak.
I don’t make a lot of money and my wife is home with our child but despite all that we were able to get ourselves prepared because it was a priority. I don’t say this to boast but for everyone to realize that we can all become better prepared with a little focus, sacrificing other things and some creative thinking.
– Erich
L Holmes · October 2, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I was blessed by God to be raised by two wonderful parents. My mother was six years old when Hitler marched into Paris and my father was twelve years Air Force and ten years Boy Scout Leader. I learned at a very early age what personal responsibility meant, sacrifice and self sufficiency were equally important. I now have a year + supply of food, water, medical, and personal items stored. I have a plan, a back up plan and a back up plan to the back up plan. LOL.
The most important item in my arsenal however is my belief in God and our Lord Jesus which strengthens and guides me each and every day. If you have ever seen the twirling light of the Holy Spirit as you prayed, you understand what I mean. I am in this world but not of this world, just hanging out till it’s time for our departure. In the mean time, good luck and Gods grace to everyone.
Summer · October 2, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Great post! I live in a 960 sq. ft. apartment right now, and while I don’t have a year’s supply yet, I’m working toward it and getting rid of other things to create space for what I think is more important:preparedness!
Kris · October 3, 2009 at 1:41 am
You also work out/exercise. Just had to help you out with your list of stuff you do:) I’ve been reading….
Caren · October 3, 2009 at 1:52 am
Thanks for the inspiration. I’ll be reprioritizing this weekend. Thank you for all the helpful information. You do wonderful work.
Linda · October 3, 2009 at 2:06 am
I started preparing about 35 years ago when we first got married had to live in the poverty level for a few years. We soon had children and I wanted to make sure we had what we needed to feed them. Now fast forward 35 years and our boys are all grown with families of their own and we are in a much better financial situation but those early years ground us and taught us what was important and we’ve been able to avoid debt and preparedness is just part of our life. We are still preparing and trying to be more independent including now building a greenhouse we’ve wanted to years! It’s actually a great way of life.
Lisa · October 3, 2009 at 2:09 am
Hey folks…I’m a low income mom, recovering from an auto accident. I have been a preparedness chick for a good 15 years. I am lucky to have 2 mobile homes and a large shed to store the things I find useful. I have lots of campng gear. I focus on things I can use that do not require electrity. I also enjoy learning outdoor living skills. I belive it is important to know wild edibles. Northern Minnesota, where I live, has an abundance of free, organic, wonderful food provided by Mother Nature.
Dani · October 3, 2009 at 2:42 am
Great post. It’s true–where there’s a will, there’s a way. People always come up with a way for what’s most important to them.
Kellene · October 3, 2009 at 3:57 am
You are a hoot, Kris!
Kellene · October 3, 2009 at 3:59 am
That is a blessing indeed!!!
Kellene · October 3, 2009 at 4:00 am
Definitely not boasting. Inspiring is more like it. Thanks!
Believer · October 3, 2009 at 4:35 am
I am now working on my 3rd years supply. The first one I lost when I was divorced. The 2nd one I gave to my daughter and her family. And now I’m working on my third. I have a lot of food storage—still working on that,plus other necessary things. I live way below the poverty level. There are lots of other things I would like to buy, but I don’t because preparedness is my priority. I live in a tiny apartment, but there is food or other supplies in every nook and cranny. If I can do it anybody can if they really try.
Thank you for the post Kellene. You are absolutely right about making preparedness a priority.
Shawna Schwarzmann · October 3, 2009 at 6:46 am
Thank you for the continued inspiration, it is most appreciated.
jamie · October 4, 2009 at 2:01 am
I know what you are doing can be done. I suspect you don’t think you are special doing what you do. But I also think that you are doing more for preparedness than the US government. Yes we do have to come to your site. I think most of us want to learn. You don’t think you are special you are just doing what you do, and sharing it. That’s what makes you special. Bask a bit in how great you are. You are making a difference.
Now when do we get the next post?
jamie · October 4, 2009 at 10:00 am
You fire us up. You make it happen. Yes we want all to get on board. Well it’s not going to happen. I am sure there are times that you feel you are only preaching to the choir. They are folks that will not listen. Heck I have them in my family.
I just want you to know that we are taking your knowledge and spreading it around. It’s a bit like throwing out seeds. We don’t know what will take root. But we still have to throw out seeds.
I know I have learn tons from you. I know that are at least 2 in Idaho that are making stuff happen. It seems that others are finding you a good resource.
So you gave me a kick in the pants, consider this your pat on the back. I wish I could to make it more personal. You are doing good girl.Rock on
Kellene · October 4, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Thanks Jamie. Comments like these give me “the shot in the arm” that I need to keep on keeping on.
razr · October 5, 2009 at 3:00 am
Jamie is right!!! you are special…thanks to you I am pretty prepared as of no. I had built a 25×35 log cabin right next to my house It was originally intended to be a studio for me to do my crafts…well we all know how the economy has gone…so now I just finished putting in a wood cookstove so that If I have no electric I can keep warm traded my neighbor let him have some big trees for cutting me cookstove size wood…then thanks to Woodirae I now have 1 years supply of freeze dried and dehydrated food from Costco (Iluv this site) plus I have been couponing and hitting the sales….so you see you are important…you have changed my life mad me more aware and much more active in my own survival…ps stocked up on ammo as well not bad for 68 years old….thank you so much for all that you do!
jamie · October 6, 2009 at 4:46 am
Well we, My mom and I have got 2-4 weeks boxes set up for all the “kids”. I am a little frustrated by their naivete.
Water will always flow from the tap, toilets always flush, stores will always be full. Gas stations always have gas, Power will come back in a couple of hours, ATM will always have money in them. Phones and Cell phones always work.
Yes I was a weird little kid I watched the news during the 70’s. I knew the economy in the US. I remember the “Malaise” Speech. I think what’s coming to America is gonna make Custer’s last stand, look like a love-in.
I have great faith in the folks in “flyover country”. We are getting prepared, we have food water guns and ammo. You think Afghan tribesmen are tough. Meet my mom, see razr 68 years old and making it happen. razr you are one tough old lady and you are making it happen. Inspiration for me and I hope for all of us folks. Like Leonidas of the 300 said when asked to give up his weapons. “Come and take them.”
Dang it we will win, because we are prepared. Get fired up folks we got someone that gives the knowledge. Thank you Kellene. We are spreading the word. Get positive, get focused, get your pressure cooker. I control my destiny.
Jaime Makin · October 6, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I truly love how you stated “The difference in what I do and what others may do has nothing to do with time. It has EVERYTHING to do with priorities.”
I think it can become difficult to stick to priorities because we allow ourselves to become distracted. There are a million other things that want our attention. How do you discipline yourself and keep your focus so strong or your priorities in sight?
I find that most often when I start to get organized or determined to accomplish my goals something ALWAYS comes up (i.e. my kids get sick, the car breaks down, my daughter needs some special attention with schooling, Family members have other needs/demands on me, fixing up our new home and moving in…)
You are inspiring with your strong passion! I want to prioritize my life better. Can you teach us how to keep priorities in check while other things seem/tend to take higher precedence. I seem to loose my focus all too often. =)
Thanks for your uplifting articles!
OnMyWay2Glory · October 8, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Please, no apology for bringing up scripture. Thanks for the posts.
jamie · October 12, 2009 at 4:43 am
Lady, you just wear me out. You are doing awesome. I can have my little pity party. Then I read what you are doing. Kinda knocks my pity party all to heck. Keep it happening and keep me updated. Fun to watch you make stuff happen, and then all the folks that say “I can’t do this. or it easy.” No it is work but totally worthwhile. Well if a 68 year old women on SS, and a disabled vet can do it. We can too….
I remember a thing I got told in the Army if it was easy anyone could play. Well this is simple but not easy.
Comments are closed.