Losing Our Way

–Survival tidbit

*Ya know, we always think things will be ok, that we will never see hard times, or lack…there’s always a Wally World near you, they will eventually stock it back up, and all our stuff is made in China, we have agreements and deals; they won’t stop shipping their good to us???? Really….? Time will tell.”

‘Preparing to survive after a major disaster is so much more than stockpiling supplies. If we ever face an end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it scenario, we’re going to need much more than supplies if we want to rebuild society. We’re going to need skills.

Farming, blacksmithing, woodworking… These types of skills were fairly commonplace in the 1800’s. But today only a tiny percentage of people know how to do these things. It’s those people who will lead the way after society collapses.

If you want to be a true survivalist, then you need to be the type of person who could go back in time to the pioneer days and get along just fine.

Butchering is something you will have to learn one way or another. You need to know how to properly cut and hang an animal so you don’t contaminate the meat. There is an art to the process of butchering an animal you have taken from the wild.

Herbal medicine will help you take care of yourself and your family members in a world without drug stores. That’s why you should learn how to identify medicinal plants that are found in the wild and how to use them to cure your ailments.

Blacksmithing is a trade that is extremely outdated, but it will come back when large manufacturing companies are no longer around. Iron and steel will need to be forged the old-fashioned way. And because it involves extreme heat, you will need to know what you are doing.

Horse care could become a necessary skill if horses come back into fashion due to a lack of fuel for vehicles. Few people know how to ride horses, which was the main method of transportation up until 100 years ago. Learning how to ride a horse and care for one will be critical to your survival.

Hunting is extremely regulated today, but when it’s the only way to put food on the table, you better know how to do it. It requires some skill and knowledge of animal tracking and how they move. You also need to know the best times to go hunting and where to shoot an animal to kill it with one shot without contaminating the meat.

Shoe making isn’t something anybody thinks about anymore, but when their shoes are worn out and they can’t buy new ones, they’ll be thinking about it a lot. You’ll want to learn how to cut soles and use leather to cover your feet. Shoes will be an absolute necessity to protect your feet when you’re outside.

Woodworking used to be a common hobby up until 50 or 60 years ago. Unfortunately, technology has pushed out skills that were more hands on. Woodworking will be vital for making beds, dressers, cabinets, and anything else made of wood. It isn’t technically one of the most necessary skills, but it will be a valuable trade once things settle down a bit.

Of course, these are just a few of the skills our ancestors had.

For example, many pioneers also knew how to make beer, cheese, knives, and even large structures like grain mills, root cellars, and smoke houses.

Can you think of any other survival skills our ancestors had that our society has forgotten?’

Remember, we’re all in this together, let’s get some knowledge and help each other- it’s going to be rough in years/months ahead.

Credit: Derek P.

Thanks Derek!!!

2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Magic Bracelet

*”When I first started to read this, I thought oh no, not another self-help guru-type write-up. Subsequently, I would not post anything like this, but….well, I like this idea so much, I’m actually going to do it. Join me! Gota get fitted for my rubber band; my magic bracelet…LOL!” –Moraldiplomat

 

‘A simple strategy for personal growth and success!

‘We live in a world of abundance.’ This short sentence is the opening statement of a lesson in the first SMI (Success Motivation International.) program I ever did. The words clearly state that there is so much of everything out there just waiting for you to realize that everyone can have more than you currently have, without taking anything away from anyone else.

In fact the more that you get the more you are able to share with the people that are important to you, as I have often said in my Success workshops. ‘I defy you to become more successful, without positively affecting the lives of others around you.’

What is it that stops you from achieving the success and recognition that you all truly deserve? Well experience tells us that your conditioning to date is what holds you back; conditioning is so powerful and so ingrained that it controls all the things you do.

How then can you overcome the negative conditioning that is holding you back? The simple answer is of course to set a GOAL for what you want, in order to change what you don’t want.

Whilst this is true, many of you need more help to make the necessary changes in your defeating habits, that have been formed by the way you talk to yourself.

You need a Magic Bracelet!

It’s easy to get and it’s easy to use and it works. Simply get an elastic band and begin wearing it on your wrist, no one else needs to see it. Wear it constantly 24 hours a day, for as long as it takes, usually around 90 days, although you may see significant changes well before the 90 days is up, it’s got a lot of work to do, so persevere.

If it breaks simply replace it.

Here’s how it works.

Every time you catch yourself saying or thinking a non-useful thought, or every time you notice a habit that doesn’t help you, snap the elastic band. Yes I know it hurts, that’s the idea it’s supposed to hurt. The pain sends a message to your subconscious mind that you are keen to change this negative idea for something much more positive. So simply say the positive opposite of what made you ‘SNAP’ the band and the new positive thought message will gradually get lodged into your mind thus creating more positive results.

This simple inexpensive magic bracelet will gradually change what you don’t want for what you do want, you will begin to enjoy more of the abundance that is here to share, and your life will improve as a direct result of your wonderful mind and your magic bracelet.’

Credit: Brian L.

Thanks Brian

 

Xanax And Ice Cream (Poem)

“I have to give credit where credit is due. I woke up one recent morning thinking about something my sister Jami said. She mentioned Xanax and ice cream in the same sentence. I’d never heard the two used in conjunction with each other. Thought about it all day. Later, going to bed, I woke up around three A.M. with that thought of Xanax and ice cream in my head; in the dark I grabbed my flashlight, a notebook and pen and started to write. The following is what came out.

Yeah, it’s mystical, cryptic…I’m not even sure what it means to me, but as poems often do, they mean something different to different people. Yeah, the poem has a meaning to be implied, but probably only to me. However, I hope you can find another meaningful meaning behind the veil of this epigram.” –Moraldiplomat

Xanax And Ice Cream

‘My poet today, a shroud over the journey;
the answer behind a veil……this is my tale.

An unusual event exists, while I eat my Xanax and ice cream.

A daughter’s wish, a father’s kiss.
Where there’s madness there’s sadness.
I’m waiting intently munching on Xanax and ice cream.

Altered looks, awkward styles;
I’m killing my flesh, just for a while…….
must be the Xanax and ice cream.

A burley man in the sand, taken by charm;
but goes to work doing no harm.
I’m in a vase, sound the alarm- I’m the team!
I didn’t bring my Xanax and ice cream.

Mother goose is on the loose, happy she is as well.
We stood watching, took a dip in hell;
the water is fine with my Xanax and ice cream.

Pinocchio’s on her strings, I’m made but with no wings.
Halloween in the 4th, I need to be normal;
one day I can fly, if I could just have what seems, that tasty semblance of Xanax and ice cream.

Borrowed memories from the past, no they don’t last;
but they will with Xanax and ice cream.

Dismal days fill the gaps, stress no more.
My time has come; as for the rest of us, it’s Xanax and ice cream.

Up ahead in the distance I see the finish line, I can almost scream! I know what awaits….it’s my Xanax and ice cream.’

– Moraldiplomat

Promise Yourself

Promise Yourself…….

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To prepare for the worst but to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too wise for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear; and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in and demonstrate your faith so that the whole world sees Who is on your side.

 

Survive Tools/Knowledge

It’s one thing to prepare for a temporary disaster like an earthquake or hurricane. It’s a whole other game to prepare for a long-term disaster that cripples the power grid, communication systems, and transportation networks. Without those, we’d basically be living in the 1800’s again. To coin an adage, “it’s not a matter of if, but when.” Whether it’s man-made or nature made, disaster is around many corners. If you’re not listening to God, better get some skills; well, get some skills anyway, if not for yourself, for those around you.

Back in the day, things were very different. People were more hands-on. To get through day-to-day life, they needed all sorts of skills that many people have never even heard of. These skills were so commonplace that they were often take for granted. The average pioneer may have thought, “How could anyone not know how to make soap?”

The modern world has made life so easy there’s simply no need to learn pioneer skills. But if we face a big enough disaster, this will change fast. We’ll discuss some of these lost survival skills which are worth learning if you really want to be prepared for the end of the world as we know it. If your ancestors could to learn these skills, then so can you.

Sewing clothing by hand is going to be the norm after shopping malls and department stores become a thing of the past. You’ll need to know how to use a needle and thread. Additionally, you’ll need to know how to sew buttons and apply patches to clothing as needed.

Knitting is another useful skill you’ll want to have. Without clothing stores, you’ll need to know how to knit socks, hats and fluffy sweaters. Especially in the winter. Another benefit of knitting is the ability to make clothes that you can barter for the things you need.

Making soap will come in handy when your supply of soap runs out or is destroyed. You don’t want to risk your health by not being able to wash your hands regularly. Plus, you’ll feel much more comfortable if you can clean yourself every now and then. Fortunately, soap making is a skill that anyone can learn.

Fire starting without matches or a lighter is one of the most important skills you can learn. Lighters and matches are going to run out eventually, so you need to know how to start a fire without them. Start learning some of the primitive methods for starting a fire and how to keep it burning for hours without going out.

Candle making that uses animal fats, oils or beeswax will ensure you always have light. Your candle making ability will also give you plenty of candles to barter with.

*shared info

Do You Have What it Takes to Survive? Take the quiz now (LINK) 

Recommended (purchase) to add to your bug out bag below!

Survival Spark Magnesium Survival Fire Starter with Compass and Whistle (LINK) 

I’d rather be ready (for the sake of others) and not need to be, than to need to be ready only to find out it’s too late. What seems stupid to do now maybe very wise looking in the days/years ahead. We all want “peace”, but this is earth, and peace the world’s way only leads to bondage and your freedoms taken away; until true peace from God comes to earth, be ready, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Mt 10:16); stupid can happen really fast and without warning, you may be called to do things you are not ready, not trained or believe in doing.

Have faith in God, but be aware of the evil of the day (we should not be ignorant of his devices or the people that do his bidding)- We are in this together- it’s not all about you; your neighbors are all around you and they need your help, they need you to know, they need you to stand in the gap; they need your love. Evil, it’s still in the world and has not plans to leave anytime soon.

Jn 15:18 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”

Jn 15:19 “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

Jn 17:14 “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

1 Jn 3:13 “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. ”

Jn 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Your Skills- Get Some

*Survival thoughts

Our modern society is highly dependent upon we’ll call the “system.” Not only do we rely upon utility services to bring us electricity, water and natural gas, but also on an incredibly complex supply chain which provides us with everything from food to computers. Without that supply chain, most of us wouldn’t know what to do.

This situation is becoming worse, rather than better. When I compare my generation to that of my children, I see some striking differences. For my generation, it was normal for a boy to grow up learning how to do a wide variety of trade skills from his father, and seemingly everyone knew how to do basic carpentry and mechanic work. But that’s no longer normal.

If we extrapolate it back, we can see that my father’s generation knew even more – and my grandparent’s generation even more. Those older generations were much more closely tied to the roots of an agricultural society, where people were self-reliant. There are multiple skills they had which modern society no longer considers necessary.

But if we were to have a breakdown in society, those skills which we never bothered to learn would become essential. Those who don’t know these skills would either learn or die.

Our last Afternoon Alert discussed some of these essential but forgotten skills, and we’ll describe a few more here.

Tanning hides isn’t too difficult, but there is certainly a learning curve. Learning how to scrape away the fat on the hide without tearing it will ensure every hide you harvest will be in good shape. Hides can be used in your own home, shelter, as clothing, or for barter.

Gunsmithing is a skill that will not only ensure your guns are kept in good working order, but could also become your trade in a post-collapse world. Learn the inner workings of various types of guns and what it takes to repair them.

Construction knowledge including how to frame a house or build log cabins will be very useful. Very few people know how to make a home that is structurally sound. You’ll want to know how to make trusses, how to make foundations from stones, and the best kinds of wood to use.

Gardening is something many people dabble in, but you need to have a very firm grasp on how to till fields, when to plant, how to combat plant diseases, and when to harvest.

Gardening will be one of the main food sources after TEOTWAWKI and you won’t have time to practice when your life depends on it. You need to learn how to grow in bulk and how to raise crops you wouldn’t typically grow like wheat, oats, and pinto beans.

Food preservation without the luxury of electricity is going to be a necessity. You need to learn how to build a solar dehydrator and how to preserve meat to store for months at a time without putting it in a freezer or refrigerator. Learn how to make a smoker to preserve the meat you harvest as well.

 

Remember, we’re all in this together,

Derek P.

Thanks Derek

RECOMMENDED READING

‘Chance Favors the Prepared Mind’

-Louis Pasteur

Naked and Afraid (Reality TV)

*Survival Moment

Obviously this was developed by and for a select group of, apparently rich mentally disturbed deviants for their fun or pleasure and apparently prefer to stay in the shadows. Anyway………

NAKED AND AFRAID WIKI LINK

The contestants on Naked and Afraid probably wish they had taken a crash course in textiles before they shipped out. I don’t know about you, but I was raised with a little modesty, and enough smarts to avoid the casting calls for stupid reality TV shows.

But if the money was right, and I decided to display my bare buttocks to the world while attempting to survive in a harsh environment, you can bet my derrière wouldn’t be exposed for long. I’d find the best local materials to twist into string, and then weave the string into some clothing and footwear. We’ll talk about how.

First, collect some fiber. Hundreds of species of plants, vines, and trees around the globe have a fibrous inner bark. Strip off a large amount of this fiber and shred it into long strips. Grab a long strip with a small diameter and twist it until it kinks. Hold the kink, and keep twisting each bundle of fiber.

If you twisted clockwise to begin the cord, then keep twisting the fiber bundles clockwise, allowing them to encircle each other counter clockwise. It is the opposing force that make will make the line strong. Splice in new fibers to continue twisting as long a line as you need.

Once you have dozens of yards of string, you can start thinking about weaving and looms.

You might imagine knitting and crocheting to be the domain of sweet little grannies, but those skills allow you to crank out hats, socks, sweaters, and pretty much anything else you’d need from the clothing department.

However, knitting and crocheting aren’t easy skills to master. Creating a primitive loom is a lot easier for most folks to accomplish, and the squares of cloth they produce can be sewn into almost anything.

To make your loom, tie four softwood sticks together to make a square or rectangle. Use small metal nails, wooden pegs, or sharp hardwood thorns (like honey locust or hawthorn) to create pegs on opposing sides of the frame perimeter. This could also be done with stakes in the ground, or lines hanging from another line (as in net making). For the loom, wind some of your string back and forth between two opposing sets of pegs, tying off each end of the line.

Now tie off a new line to the first line, and start weaving the new line over/under—back and forth, just like you did when making that potholder for mom at summer camp. Each course should be pushed tight to the prior one.

In ancient times, the weaver would make the cloth and a second tradesman, the fuller, would tighten the cloth. But if you’re in survival mode, you’ll need to take care of it all yourself. Remove the textile from the loom, tie off any loose ends when finished, and use it as you see fit.

Credit: Jonathan C.

Alrighty then….Thanks to Jonathan for this survival moment.