Be Ready-Live Ready Compass

Review of American Blackout...

2013-11-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to watch National Geographic's Video, American Blackout. The premise of the video follows the lives of at least 4 different families and couples during a nationwide power outage. It's set in a documentary style that gives the story line a realistic flavor. I found it very intriguing, disturbing, and very thought provoking. I recommend watching it but be warned it isn't a "kid friendly" kind of story. I highly recommend viewer discretion for watching this program with young ones. Overall, the actors did a great job in portraying the trials and tribulations that can come from a nation wide blackout. What happens when a disaster lasts more than 3 days? The first 3 days are the most crucial in any disaster and will determine the level of success of survival as the disaster continues. The story does a great job in showing the lives of people who were prepared and those who were not prepared.

The show portrayed as realistically as it could splicing together real news stories throughout the program. The story line, plot, and progression of the program continued at a steady pace that wasn't hard to follow. The decisions, made by the characters throughout the story, showed great analytical thinking skills as well as ignorant and sometimes dangerous decisions that led to terrible conclusions. I would suggest that everyone have a chance to watch this video to ask simple questions throughout the program. You can watch it here.
One aspect of the film that truly intrigued me was the group mentality compared to the "lone wolf' mentality. An army of one can never replace the safety and support of a community for protection, survival, and support.

In real world scenarios, what did people do in order to survive? In Bosnia, Egypt, Uganda, Argentina, and elsewhere, what did real world "Preppers" do in order to survive? Would individuals in our nation be able to handle a complete an utter breakdown of the rule of law within our nation? Do "Preppers" here in the United States have the right information to be able to withstand a real world crisis? These questions are but the tip of an "informational iceberg" that needs to be asked BEFORE a national disaster happens. The video, in my opinion, did a great job showing the difference between being prepared and not being prepared mentally as well as spiritually. It even went so far as to show that preparedness doesn't necessarily mean being ready.

The importance of this review is to continue to bring to the forefront dialogue that we all need to be having starting now. There have been warning signs and little "tests" of how we would do in a crisis situations. From the "blackout" on usage of EBT cards to the response of the government during a national disaster, over the last couple of months the pictures coming from the news tell an important story. We will be in serious trouble if we don't recognize the necessity of becoming truly prepared. There have been numerous signs that our nation IS on the cusp of a major event happening within our borders. If this is your first time coming to my blog or you've been reading off and on, then I strongly suggest reading over previous blogs. Start looking at "unconventional means" of preparedness that will not break the bank. Start thinking outside of the box because your mind will be the greatest asset in a survival situation. If you are not sure where to begin, email me for more information.

Most importantly, learn how to pray. And, make sure that whoever that you are praying to DOES ANSWER you when the chips are down and you are in desperate need for a miracle. Which brings me back to the show, American Blackout. As much as I recommend this film to watch over and over in order to learn important aspects of the characters and decisions they made, I would not give it an A+ because of the lack of spiritual insight portrayed in the film. As an individual, family, and community, prayer WILL BE the most important tool to rely on when a natural or man-made disasters hit. If you need help in the area of prayer, then go to 24-7 Prayer Ministry. They are an awesome ministry with real people who don't have all the answers but know someone who does.

Until next time, may you be blessed in your lives and be ready for whatever comes your way.

Shalom!

The Test...

2013-10-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

I guess the reason that I enjoy different adventures or the study of survival scenarios is because of the sense of accomplishment in passing a test. I didn't always use to think this way. In school, I would get so worried, stressed, and concerned that when test time came, I had worked my way into a frenzy! Then something changed in my outlook while I was in the military. I started facing challenges that were difficult that would range from survival school training to helping to bring one of our children into the world. So, in the scope of my life, I started to understand that the tests I had to pass in school were not even close to the real life tests that I would face as an adult. Working with youth, doing team building games, facilitating ropes course activities, etc. seemed to give satisfaction on how to work in seemingly chaotic and difficult situations.
This in turn helps with the reason for this blog. The Be-Ready-Compass is a set of tools that help in the preparation for the tests that life will give us. You might not know about the serious test that you will face in the near future, but with the right tools, you can have confidence to be able to handle the situations that may arise. Knowing your true North is the foundation for the Be-Ready-Compass. We have mentioned this in many previous blogs that we should really burrow down in our beliefs asking hard questions. Coming to a very clear and precise understanding as to "why" we believe what we believe. Going East on the compass, health and wealth aid in the importance of having a sharp mind and body. Being able to deal with stress when it comes will become much more manageable when in a healthy state of being. West is about having good gear that you are familiar with using. You might not have all the gear, but if you are in a great community, then you will not need to have all of the gear when you can pool resources together with your neighbors. And finally, the South is about self sustainability. The ability to raise and grow your own food. Becoming dependent on the environment and how to provide for you, your family, friends, and loved ones.

These tools aid in the bigger picture. Because we don't know what a day may bring forth or what tomorrow will hold. Many people who were thrust into situations that required their utmost attention, meaning life or death, would generally agree that they didn't intend on being caught in a situation that could prove dangerous. Over the Summer, we have been busy with teaching fitness classes and principles from the Compass to families, groups, and individuals. There have been numerous stories of unexpected events happening in our nation and around the world. From economies being shaken to governments being toppled, it seems that all of humanity is being tested in this time of history. Why is this so important now?

Because THE TEST has already begun... The test for our hearts, minds, and even our souls. Our lives at this moment in history are at the brink of testing that will continue until Jesus returns. A testing that has been talked about in the Bible for over 2000 years. Our hope is to help provide the tools that will be needed in order to pass this great test. Let's establish what's at stake. There is a great movement among groups and other religions to downgrade the importance of anything that has to do with God, The Bible, or the church. To dismiss the "religious" mind as a foundation of fantasy thought up by mankind. The only problem with this line of reasoning is the forgotten aspect of prophecy that was written thousands of years ago that IS happening today. To further drive this point home regarding the importance of prophecy and the Bible, watch the following documentary. It's one of the best documentaries I have watched in many years. It's very clear and concise with research. So, there are two options...

1) Simply discard the prophecies of the Bible and go back to living life as usual thinking that everything will eventually get back to "normal".
2) Take the prophecies of the Bible as well as the entire Bible very seriously. Get to know The Author of this inspired book of antiquity. Don't believe me or anyone else's opinion. Test it for yourselves by asking a simple question. "If the God of the Bible is real, then can You reveal Yourself to me?" If He does, then obey Him completely and follow the Scriptures. If not, then continue to live your life and at least use the Compass tools as life preparation for the tests that come. It is this author's reason for the very air that he breathes about the reality of a God who cares. My hope is that each person who reads this blog will research for themselves the reality of the Bible because it is written, "That you shall know the truth. And, the truth shall set you free!"

Until next time. Blessings!

Spring is here! Are you ready?

2013-05-26T11:47:00.002-07:00

The sun is out! Birds are singing! The bees are coming out from their slumber. Leaves are green and flowers are budding! It's starting to become warmer and everyone is slowly awakening from the Winter Slumber. We are preparing for another year of being survival ready. The seasons dictate change in our environment and preparation for the year. Surveying our family's current status, then looking out over our community and throughout the nation, there seems to be a growing anticipation for more changes over the horizon. I love living in Colorado and breathing the fresh air and admiring the scenery. Being able to take a deep breath and slowly exhale is a great exercise to do in order to clear the cobwebs in my mind and relax. The scenery is majestic with towering mountains, lush valleys, and beautiful wildlife. Spring is such a wonderful time for "new beginnings" and prepping for the new year. It's time to get outside, plant gardens, plan for the Summer with trips, camps, and adventures. Kids are trying to stay focused on school ending now with graduation in sight!

Then the unexpected happens...a family's home has just been ransacked and robbed. Luckily, they were not

home when the incident occurred, but they lost some important valuables and keepsakes. A mother and a daughter are home when a burglar breaks in so they hide in a closet for safety. A family is sitting at home during a storm and begin to hear what sounds like a train coming only to realize that it's a tornado baring down on their neighborhood. The above scenarios are real and have happened. The question is would you be ready? Are you ready for the unexpected realities of life to rear its head? Do you have a plan in the event of any of the above scenarios were to happen? Is your home protected? Do you have escape routes from your home? Do you have rendezvous areas in the event you are separated from your family during an emergency? What precautions have you taken for you and your family?

Spring is the opportunity to "spring" into action. Now is the time to take stock of what you currently have within your home and prepare accordingly for possible real life scenarios that could happen at any time. From emergency situations that range from natural disasters to national pandemics, how will you prepare to "weather" the storms in your life? Going through the Be-Ready Compass site, there are stories and tools that you can use to get a picture of your current readiness level. You can also use the tools on this site to find out what you may need. However, no amount of preparation can substitute the need to have your "True North" set on your compass. Knowing what you believe and believing what you know as well as having a mission for living. For when tough times come in unexpected times, a strong faith and community will help minimize the fear that could easily engulf an individual.

If you haven't started an exercise regimen, then I would recommend getting a fitness goal that is attainable and apply it to your life starting now. The Internet has a plethora of information on exercise regimens for all types of people. Regardless if you don't have weights, calisthenics work effectively in establishing a foundation in order to workout with weights at a later time. There is a workout in our archives that you can use to help jump start your routine for now. Start eating healthy with organic fruits and vegetables. Support your local farmers and purchase your food through them to help your local economy. Or you can start growing your own food and raising your own animals for food so you know where your food IS coming from. Buy essential survival equipment from water filters to multi-tools that can be needed during times of emergencies.

There are many ways that you can secure your home. The most important is making sure you have a community that you trust and neighbors that will watch out for each other and their belongings. Now is not the time to go on "autopilot" in life and cruise along with business as usual. There seems to be a ramping up of anxiety, concern, and stress that are criss-crossing the globe at present. Find out who is in your neighborhood as a resource for being prepared. Connect with your vets because they have wealth of information. They are also one of your lines of defense in the event of civil unrest.

And, I want to close out with an important reminder that honors our Veterans on Memorial Day Weekend. Almost 2 weeks ago, 60 Minutes aired the Rescue of Jessica Buchanan. You can watch the segment here. My hat goes off to the brave woman and coworker that held on for 3 months as hostages in Somalia. But, I'd like to honor our Navy S.E.A.L. on Team 6 for their chivalry and dedication in bringing Jessica home. Thank you to all servicemen and women who have fought, died, and retired in the service of our nation. Each time I write this blog, it's in honor of your sacrifice and values instilled in me when I served in the military. Thank you!

Church Relations

2013-03-20T13:07:00.003-07:00

In the Bible, Revelation 3:14-22 it states, “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

As promised, I felt led to talk about the Church of the United States for this month. Our nation is in the midst of a struggle between truth and lies that permeate our education, technology, government, business sector, media arts, and more importantly, our families. There are different battles that are taking shape across our nation with regards to freedom, morality, the definition of the family, and direction for the nation. There are also rumblings within our world regarding economic stability as well as the future of the dollar. Unless the Church of the United States changes how it conducts itself in the near future, then there will be dire consequences for it surviving the trials ahead.

Since 1992, I was involved heavily in various youth and church ministries up until 2010. Over the years, I've experienced amazing adventures with meeting people who genuinely want to know the God of the Bible. I've also met people who used the church as an organization to further his or her own agenda. At times, I was over zealous in proclaiming my Lord and Saviour, Jesus. And quite frankly, it was turn off at times for people. Sometimes, I found myself playing along the religious games to fit in the church culture. But, in my deepest beliefs within my heart, I wanted to experience God like when I first became a Believer in order to share this experience with others.

Then something interesting happened to me. In 2010, I really read Zechariah 14 in the Bible and started to ask some questions regarding the text I was reading. Why don't we celebrate the Feast Days of the Old Testament? Why did the Church stop celebrating those Holy Days? I started reading other passages regarding the Sabbath and how Father God felt about the Sabbath. I asked more questions regarding why we didn't rest on the Sabbath? Didn't Jesus honor the Sabbath while He lived on Earth? Why did we stop believing that the Old Testament had relevance for us today? The more and more that I started really reading the Bible and asking questions, the more I didn't understand why, as a culture, the church stopped observing certain aspects of Scripture.

Then, something very profound happened to us. Our whole family started studying the Bible and taking it literally for what it said and understanding the Old Testament's importance for today. And then, asking Father God to help us become more like His Son, Jesus. Because, He observed the Old Testament Scriptures and lived by them too. You know what happened to us? We experienced such an amazing closeness to Father God. We learned what it meant to really rest. We also learned that we could no longer continue in church the way we had been experiencing it. Because we wanted to pursue our relationship with Father God in this manner, we became estranged from the world of church that we had experienced over the years. And, we started meeting other people who had also came to the same realization that we had in great numbers.

There seemed to us that an "exodus" from the current church was taking place. Families were meeting in their homes and meeting with other families. Potlucks were common and we started to dive into Scripture like never before. We could ask in depth questions without feeling that we were disturbing the preacher as he talked to us when we were in a building. We could sing praise and worship songs without worrying about how much time we needed to be on stage. But, what was most wonderful was that our kids didn't have to go to children's church or youth ministry. We came together as a family to worship, study, and pray.

So what does this have to do with the Be Ready Compass?

Glad you asked! Our family's true North is set on Jesus. Period. Nothing will ever compromise that fact, and not even the establishment of the Church in the United States or the world. We believe that the Church of the US will go through some serious changes in the near future. In the event of an economic meltdown, what will churches do to maintain salaries? How will churches pay off loans on the building and other projects? Where will churches get food to support the community? What will pastors and priests do to pay their bills as well as minister to their flock who will also be facing the same issues? How will the church prepare the community for the coming changes in our world?

The Church in the US is not paying attention to the times. There are historical and biblical events that are happening right now that were prophesied and foretold in the Bible thousands of years ago. We are living in days in which will be the greatest chapter in the history of the world in terms of a major changeover in the way we all live our lives. This is the culmination of the devil and God's battle over the souls of men before Jesus comes back to reign on the Earth. If you don't believe that a battle actually exists, then check out this link and watch the testimonies of those who reportedly have been brought back to life. Pretty soon, we will see some unbelievable and miraculous events take place.

The dire warning that I have for the Church of the US is to wake up. Pull yourself from your slumber and belief in a rapture to save you from the trials to come. We are in the midst of a major deception that will catch the Church unawares unless we all repent, forsake our idols (things we put before God), and return to the entirety of Scripture. We must be careful of the "leaven (yeast) that permeates the entire lump". The leaven is the teachings of men that have dominated for years and want to become more relevant to a world that IS fading away. The teachings of men NEVER replace the authoritative reliability of Scripture. Church, wake up and live...

Financial: News You Can Use

2013-02-26T16:19:00.002-07:00

I remember growing up believing that someday I would be rich, successful, and famous just like the tv shows I watched in my youth! I wanted to travel around the world, live in a big house, be on television, and be my own boss. Now that I am 40 years old, I am surprised at how my idea of being "financially wealthy" and "successful" have drastically changed since my earlier years. I did have the opportunity to travel around the world through serving in the US Air Force. I have lived in several big houses over the years due to being blessed with a wonderful, large family. I've been my own boss in my own business. And, I had the great opportunity of being on television. How I arrived to reap these benefits came from trust in my Heavenly Father, working hard, and looking for opportunities. But, I am not a millionaire by any stretch of the imagination. I am not considered wealthy in terms of our nation's idea of finances either.

I do consider myself wealthy in terms of my family, friends, and ability to trust that Father God continues to take care of me. Compared to the rest of the world, I am considered to live in the top 5% of the world's population by just living in the United States. So, what does this have to do with finances? And, what does this have to do with the Be Ready Compass? The answer is about perspective.

Why do we use the term "financial cliff" when describing our economy?

I recently listened to a talk of a friend of mine who is a whiz at our financial picture within the US. He was a millionaire a few years ago and then decided over a year ago to simply walk away from it. He believed that his family needed a husband and a father more than they needed the finances. So, here is the deal. He said something pretty profound that made an important impression on me. My friend, Chris, summed up our financial picture that is currently in our nation. He stated that our economy is based off of infinite debt ceiling while living in a finite world. That's right! The debt cannot continue to grow infinitely without a correction since our world is a finite place. Why is this important? Because change is going to come.

In addition, it is written in the Bible that the borrower is servant to the lender. We become slaves to whomever holds our debt. You know that feeling when you get when the credit card company calls during hours of the day when you don't pay them their money on time? Or, when you owe the government money? Or, when you owe a family member/friend money? They basically "own" you until you pay your debt to them or the debt is forgiven (absolved). Unless a person pays cash, a person doesn't own anything unless legal tender (money) was exchanged in order for the item to be purchased. Now, here's where it gets interesting. The United States Dollar is not "true" money. It's similar to a promissory note. The dollar was introduced as money backed by gold long ago. Since that time, it has moved away from the gold standard, and is more of an instrument of debt. You can exchange the dollar for goods with the belief that the value of the dollar is strong on it own merit for exchange. As long as confidence in the dollar is high, then it can continue to work for exchange of goods for now.

Unfortunately, there will ALWAYS be a day when the lenders call in the debt to be paid. If the lenders want something more substantial besides dollars, then how will the debt be paid? If the debt cannot be paid, then the borrower(s) are at the lender's discretion to exact however the debt is to be paid. For a more in depth picture, I suggest clicking here. For example, if our debt WERE to be called in, what would happen to the dollar? What would happen to its value? 401k's, IRA's, Bonds, Stocks, etc.? (Feel free to email me if you need more information on how to better prepare your finances for the future.) What would happen to their value in holdings? What would be used for exchange in its stead? And most importantly, who owns our debt?

Regardless of the answers, the Be Ready Compass can help in thinking differently in regards to our current financial picture. Being out of debt would be the highest priority for anyone who reads this blog. Aside from the Northern direction of the compass, diversifying dollars into commodities like precious metals, energy, food, etc. would help in the event of a financial correction. Learning how to barter for exchange of goods has worked for 1,000's of years throughout history. Learning what items that would be necessary to barter in society would be prudent to learn; especially, studying how other countries managed through their financial difficulties. But, I would venture to share another perspective. In the Bible, Acts 2:44-45, it states, "Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and good, and divided them among all, as anyone had need." We mention this passage because of our belief that being in a committed community will aid in survival when financial hardships come. We also believe that being personally prepared will help the community survive IF everyone contributes SOMETHING of themselves to their community. Instead of being part of the problem, becoming part of the solution.

In order for this to work, there has to be a selfless attitude by everyone involved that comes from a divine influence. If you read all of Act 1 and 2 in the Bible, then you can start to understand where that divine influence could come from. Are we living in that community yet? No, but we do believe that as times become more and more difficult within our economy, miraculous events could inspire communities throughout our nation to adopt this method of survival. We hope that this blog can be one of many methods of information to start preparing now BEFORE an economic blip happens.

May you all be blessed and prepared for the changes that are happening and will happen in our world! Until next time...

WARNING: Be careful those in the Church of the United States or financial ruin will be swift and devastating to you unless the signs are discerned and you are prepared. Next blog will specifically focus on the Church of the United States.

Deception

2013-01-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

2013 is here! Over the past few days, I've been thinking about the importance of what lays ahead for our family, community, and nation. Our last blog for December 2012 focused on prayer being the ultimate survival tool! Prayer is also the ultimate tool to help in planning and direction for the year. As a part of the Be Ready Compass, setting our "True North" is also key in preparation. As a part of preparation, prayer is our essential life line to overcoming the deception that pervades our nation as well as our world.

Now, deception is a strong word to write a blog about. Why focus on deception? Because Jesus stated in the Bible that in the last days before He returns to be careful about deception. He shared from Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceive you." As a prayer request for our family, we have asked to not be deceived and to have discernment. Deception is a tactic that is employed through our culture to portray a different picture from what truly is happening. Deception has been a stumbling block in my own life when I attempt to employ this method to get what I want. I become tempted at times to mirror back to individuals when I believe that it is being used against me. At times, I find the pull of not walking in truth out of fear of how people would react if I truly shared what I thought.

Father God has been ruminating in my heart to let go of deceptive ways of thinking. Trying to get over on the next person before they deceive me. Father God has also been gracious towards me in that I am still alive even after my many, many mistakes. As I see this working through my own way of thinking, I tend to see it play out in family, friends, and community. I catch myself really questioning motives of people at times. As I am being challenged to live a life of holiness and righteousness, I am also being challenged to look at my surroundings and question what could be possible deceptions that I have allowed into my thinking or input of information. I sometimes catch movies, television, radio, news, and individuals practicing this art. From newscasters to politicians, the manipulation of information causes me to question the "truth". What is really going on around me?

Maybe the truth is so much harder to swallow than the lie? Maybe if we dealt honestly with one another, we would actually hear how messed up each of us truly are. Or there is the other end of the spectrum when the truth can be used as a club to "bludgeon" someone into submission, and so we become scared in sharing truth. Whatever the reason, the danger becomes evident when a person, community, or a nation refuses to acknowledge that deception IS happening. For example, what has happened to the people most affected by Hurricane Sandy back in October, 2012? There are still people without power or a home! Why are we not hearing more about their plight? Is there an assumption that they are doing well? What about the unemployment rate across the nation and its continual rise? More and more people are applying for welfare and unemployment now than the Great Depression. Why are we not hearing more about the people who have lost their homes due to foreclosure or inability to pay mortgages? Could it be to continue to prop up our economy with a false outlook. What about the Sandy Hook incident? Yes, it was a terrible scenario that played out, but what about the kids that are killed every day in inner cities across the nation? Why don't we hear about them and how it affects their communities? Maybe we believe that it's not our problem and so it doesn't affect us.

I keep thinking about the scene in the first Matrix movie where the "Judas" character, Cypher, is making the deal with Agent Smith to betray the group. You can see it here. This scene is one of the most poignant scenes throughout the whole movie for me because of Cypher's choice to go along WITH the deception. He knows the truth, yet he would rather forget and live a life of bliss and happiness in the Matrix as a wealthy actor. How telling.

What in our world, is "The Matrix"? What is truly going on in our nation and our world? Where is the economy heading? Does our debt load even matter? Is the housing market recovering? Is our nation any safer now than when it was during September 11th, 2001? Do we accept the "reality" that is laid before us or do we seek to find truth no matter where it leads?

If you are "awake" and seeking support to navigate our world, then first and foremost get a Bible. Read and study it. It has more on prophecy then any other book in print and answers, IF one is serious about seeking the truth. Pray to and obey Yahweh (God). He does speak to His people and directs their steps in what they should do. And ask the question of why Jesus is so important? Get your body and mind prepared by exercising and eating right. Learn how to farm as well as wild harvest. Become self sustainable. Get off any subsidies or government programs as soon as possible. Become part of a thriving community that supports and helps one another. Don't take your lives for granted. Practice situational awareness and be aware of what's happening around you. Situations can change in the blink of an eye.

I close with this thought. History is full of examples of civilizations and nations that rise and fall. Sometimes, I believe that we put too much faith in our leaders to govern our nation truthfully. More and more I am being challenged to watch what our leaders are saying and doing. We are supposed to hold them accountable to the will of the people. There seems to be a sense of unease in regards to the direction of our nation. This unease encourages me to study history regarding powerful nations of the past. Their examples can give us a blueprint of the stages of life in a nation. A famous quote regarding the stages of a nation is as follows: "The first stage moves from bondage to spiritual faith. The second from spiritual faith to great courage. The third stage moves from great courage to liberty. The fourth stage moves from liberty to abundance. The fifth stage moves from abundance to selfishness. The sixth stage moves from selfishness to complacency. The seventh stage moves from complacency to apathy. The eighth stage moves from apathy to moral decay. The ninth stage moves from moral decay to dependence. And the tenth and last stage moves from dependence to bondage."

What stage is our nation in currently? What do we do about it? And, how do we pass on a legacy to our children and their children and so on? I tend to look on the history of Israel and try to mirror the actions of great men in The Bible. In the book of Joshua, he, Joshua, commissioned Israel and warned them regarding their future. He says something that resonates to me today regardless if Israel heeded his advice. In Joshua 24:15, it states, "And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." May we be counted great in the times ahead.

Until next time, peace and blessings!

Prayer: The Ultimate Survival Skill

2012-12-16T16:57:00.001-07:00

Prayer is the ultimate skill for survival. It's the ultimate tool within the Be Ready Compass. It's the Northern area of the compass that is part of the Spirit. Sometimes it is the most undervalued yet important skill in an emergency situation. There are a number of stories over the years of people who have prayed and have seen the miraculous take place. From George Mueller to Louis Zamperini, stories of unthinkable obstacles being overcome through the power of prayer. But, I want to make really clear about the kind of prayer that I am talking about. I am talking about prayer in the terms of talking with a very powerful, holy, loving, and righteous Being. The type of prayer I am discussing isn't an esoteric and nebulous exercise to meditate and clear one's mind. I am talking about the spirit of an individual having a living and breathing conversation with the God of the Universe, the Supreme God of the world, the all powerful Being to whom many nations and peoples recognize as the Almighty. I am wanting to make sure that there isn't any question as to where I am coming from because I want to set the stage for the last blog of the year and probably the most important one.

At the beginning of the year, we wanted to focus on specific survival themes as to focus time and energy for the average person or family to manage. The year has literally flown by! This year has also been quite memorable with powerful occurrences happening around the world. Earthquakes, storms, tsunamis, hurricanes, typhoons, volcano eruptions, celestial events, natural disasters, shootings, a volatile election, economic collapse in countries around the world, and other unlikely events have happened over the course of 2012. But, the main event that everyone is waiting to walk through is the Mayan Calendar event of December 21st, 2012. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the end of the world. It is the beginning of a new age of belief and reality.

People from various beliefs of New Age refer to this as an age of Aquarius or the next evolution in consciousness for human beings. It's been interesting to hear from a Christian perspective that December 21st is seen as another day on the calendar and hope that it doesn't turn out to be another Y2K farce. Our perspective in terms of survival comes from our research and contacts that something IS about to take place. Some believe something wonderful is about to happen. Other individuals believe in the total destruction of our world. We believe that there is going to be a spiritual shift all over the world instead. Depending on where a person is on the pendulum of belief will dictate the response to this spiritual shift. An interesting video can be seen here for more background on this spiritual shift.

Hence, the focus of this blog is prayer. Whether someone meditates or prays, the question comes back as to what's the benefit? If an individual wants to center his/her mind, then mediation is a tool that helps to relax and focus on breathing techniques to find "peace" that can last for the moment. Meditation can be centered on ancients texts for inspiration; like Bible verses. Prayer on the other hand is a lifelong skill that doesn't grade on experience. It's just as easy as talking from one person to the other. It's about talking with someone whom a person believes hears and will answer them. My background and instruction regarding prayer has revolved around the wonderful ministry of 24-7 Prayer. In the history of the United States of America, the God of the Bible has been associated with our nation. The amazing aspect of our history was that we were never a perfect nation and yet, He offered His leading and guidance towards us. We had a heart that wanted to follow and trust Him to guide us. Whether in times of peace or war, our nation has been connected with the God of the Bible.

Over the last 20 years, this connection has become almost completely severed as a nation. People are now being ridiculed and openly mocked for professing faith in the God of the Bible. Since September 11, 2001, when was the last time our nation went to churches in record numbers? During terrible tragedies and horrible experiences within our nation, what has America done to overcome? Pray. We have prayed for our neighbors, fellow Americans, service men and women, and sometimes even for our enemies. Louis Zamperini was mentioned in the beginning of this blog. He was a World War 2 serviceman and Olympic athlete. The book Unbroken details his life as a young boy to becoming a WWII bombadier on a B24 Bomber. His plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean where he had to survive 47 days in the open ocean. Like many other people in his survival situations, he prayed. I won't ruin the story as to what miraculous events happened in the course of his life, but I will encourage you to read the book. His story reminded me that prayer is so important now more than ever.

In the course of our history as a nation, there have been many stories of individuals who have prayed to the God of the Bible and become acutely aware of His reality! From unexplained events to divine appointments, the God of the Bible has answered those whom have truly sought after Him. As the year ends, what peace will anyone have as world events unfold? Threat of war, the coming new age, deception, global leaders abusing power, and natural disasters are just a few issues that we all will be facing in the coming year. All the gear, gold, or guns in the world won't make a difference UNLESS there is a true connection with this same God of the Bible to guide us through the coming events in our world.

In closing, I want to give a gift to all of my family and friends. I want to give a gift of encouragement that changed my life over 12 years ago. There is an audio book that will only be available via an unlisted link on this blog for a small window of time. This audio book hopefully will be an inspiration as it was to me. I want to thank my family and friends who helped us raise funds towards our missions trip to Hawaii. We did not make the amount needed to cover the costs of the missions trip and so we will be unable to attend this session of YWAM on January 4th, 2013. The funds will go towards inviting orphans and youth to become a part of our family in the not too distant future. We are now looking at how to adopt and where we are led to adopt from currently. The community we are currently serving in, wants to build a greater infrastructure for being survival ready through creating a People's Emergency Action Team (P.E.A.T.). We are currently building a very unique team that will work with the local county sheriff. There has been interest shown by at least one other notable sheriff in the nation in sharing our community findings. We are very excited for what the New Year holds and want to express our thanks in sharing our gift of an audio book. In encouragement of prayer, the theme of the book will be inspiring as well as challenging. Listen to it and give us your feedback as to how it impacts you. Go to this link to listen to the audio book. Enjoy and have a safe and Happy New Year!

Community 101-Our Journey

2012-11-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Being in community with people is hard work. I think that the saying usually goes that church (communities) would be perfect if it were not for the people! Anyone married realizes that it takes work to cooperate and move as one with your significant other. Being in community takes work because of the different ideas each individual has within the group for direction to move ahead. Finding common ground on a mission, set of beliefs, and organization is hard; especially, when everyone has the best idea. We are convinced that in the coming months our nation and our world will go through a major shift geographically and geopolitically. Since our last posts earthquakes, volcanoes, natural disasters, the threat of war, and a very divisive election have seemingly upped the tension in our world. Major political shifts have been taking place and there is a general unease in our nation. It seems that we all know something is amiss and we are waiting to exhale from our collective holding our breath once it all takes place.

There is also the other end of the spectrum. There are people who don't want to accept the changes that are happening in our world. There seems to be a false sense of hope that it will be "business-as-usual" once we get through these "bumps" in the road. Either way, reality has a tendency of destroying any sense of "normalcy" we may have in the moment by throwing a curve ball or two. What happens when an avalanche of proverbial curve balls start being thrown that disrupt our world? Is it safe to be alone or in a community? Hopefully, we can share that finding a community will be worth the trials and heartaches suffered during the search for the right one.

The Be Ready Compass can work with any community willing to make each other a priority! Living together on a property or within a neighborhood depends on the community. We have tried both and find that both have advantages and drawbacks. The most important piece to the puzzle is what you can AGREE on instead of what you disagree on. Finding common ground creates a community that has many members with different perspectives and talents for support. New ideas can foster a more detailed picture of the problem that surfaces. In the company of many counselors, there is wisdom.

Since April/May of this year, we have been involved with a small community that wants to be prepared for any event! We've been meeting once a week to create a plan in how we work together in the event of a local or national emergency. Individuals from all walks of life have come to discuss ideas and brainstorm areas of concern. From hippies to businessmen, there seems to be a common ground. We all believe that there is a need to be prepared and the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has helped to solidify our purpose to work together! We have linked up with our local law enforcement and leaders to ask how we as a community can support them. And, we have asked them for their input on where they might need our support and help. This is the first and most important step in building community; fostering trust and cooperation with our local leaders.

Our law enforcement officials receive important information as to what threats are in our community, state, and nation. Unfortunately, there have been times in our nation when those who have represented law enforcement have abused their authority and eroded our trust in their purpose to protect us. However, there are those who work in law enforcement who truly care and serve honorably. If our true sheriff and police officers are not supported, then we are left to ourselves and our ability to defend our property, possessions, and person. They have important training that can be crucial in the event of a local or national emergency. Instead of alienating our police and sheriff departments, we are wanting to work with them because they are part of our community. Next, we are asking who would need the most help in the event of a disaster? We are asking the location of our most needy members of our society and how to help them. We go over the community's food and water supply. We inventory our energy supply and back up when necessary. We locate our farmers and ranchers. Most importantly, we get from behind our electronic gadgets, televisions, video games, movies, cell phones, computers, and other distractions, to get to know our neighbors! What an amazing concept!

We are proud of the fact that our small town is taking the initiative to come together BEFORE an emergency happens. We are also learning that the economical landscape is changing and investors are looking for communities to invest rather than our current market. We are in a time of innovative ideas. "Survival Ingenuity" is helping to broaden our perspective of investments that have a different kind of return. Imagine an investor who comes in to a town to help local farmers and ranchers receive important resources to get their product out to the market place. In return, there are benefits of eating locally grown food and circulating revenue within the community. For the investor, his/her return can broaden beyond just financial gains. We have local jobs that can be created to support the community offering a means for families to survive.

Our communities must be solid on the foundation of morality to be able to work together. Even though our community has varying beliefs, we believe that when the storms come and trials show themselves, that the solid foundations will stand. Caring for one another even above one's own desires is a high calling. This takes a special type of morality that has to be divinely inspired in order to work together. Religion doesn't work because of the man made ideas that prop themselves as God's laws or truths. Religion only works IF there is a Divine Being that is both a loving father and a righteous judge who gives us the ability to move beyond our own capabilities. In the days, weeks, and months that follow, when we face difficulties that are beyond our abilities, what solid foundation will we use to stand on? Where will we be able to find hope and strength when difficult situations arise? Where will the strength come to continue outside of ourselves when we are tired? Our country seemingly had a spiritual awakening after the horrible events of 9/11. We need to get back to that time. It's unfortunate that our time of spiritual renewal quickly ended to business as usual within a year.
Hopefully, we will return to a foundation that has withstood the test of time, the different ideas of people, the misguided attempts of leaders, and rising/falling of nations. Check out our Important Links page to get more information about a source of strength that doesn't rely on religion but a relationship! Stay tuned and keep the faith!

Excited about the Be Ready Compass

2012-09-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Our family has been involved in some adventures from working with Wounded Warriors-Sons and Daughters of America to learning how to farm this past year. We are excited about the Be Ready Compass because of the ability it has given us to learn additional skills regarding survival. We've been in an intensive sustainability & farming project for the last 5 months in Northwestern Colorado. We have learned about being in community, gardening, irrigation, water rights, animal tending, harvesting, and anything else that is required of us. A local farm here has asked us to consult with them on how to become survival ready! It's not a huge news flash that our economy is in desperate need of an over-haul. In an election year, many promises are made but nothing truly changes unless we do something to make a change in our own lives. The most important job right now is to have self-sustaining skills to survive all the changes that are happening within our world. From global unrest to unemployment, how does a family survive in our current age?

Survival ingenuity is an asset that we have mentioned before in previous blogs. Being able to think outside the "box" and develop skills that can be taken anywhere in the world, is a critical need for any individual or family living in the 21st Century. Our community here has asked us to present a class over the Be Ready Compass. We will be sharing our information on how to work together as a community. The exciting part in this request is the ability to convey our experiences in a transparent and down-to-earth manner. Our different experiences of being in communities have ranged from disappointment to excitement. Learning how to focus on the commonalities instead of the differences. Focusing on our common beliefs that we can grow and learn together. That in the event of an emergency or problem, we can come together to provide protection, support, and help.

Now that the harvest is here, we are very busy. Our task has been to rally volunteers, assess the needs of the farm to become more efficient, and provide important direction in how to address needs. As we have been blessed with this opportunity to share the Be Ready Compass, we have been afforded another great opportunity. We want to continue to share this tool with a much wider audience. We've been accepted into a missions program with Youth With A Mission. The program would be for 3 months of training and 3 months for participating in a missions trip. As a family, this would be a life changing opportunity!

This opportunity would be a valuable experience for our family as well as a great blessing to share the Be Ready Compass to an International Community. As we serve in a missions trip through Y.W.A.M Ships, we would travel to an area in the world on a service project. This is a homeschooling family's dream as well as a great learning opportunity to make a difference in a world that is looking for answers. We believe that we have an amazing network of family and friends who will come behind this effort. We want to share our experiences while on this trip and share the blessings of lessons learned. We are raising at least $30,000 for the 6 month trip. For more info on Y.W.A.M., click here. If you want to help us reach our goals, then feel free to donate on the blog in the left hand corner and/or send us information on fundraising ideas. Any donation no matter how small or big, will be used to support this important endeavor.

Thank you to all have contacted us to offer their support and ideas towards this missions trip. Our hope and prayer is that we would be a blessing to our internet community. We hope we are offering solutions instead of complaining about the problems in our world. And, we hope that we are a blessing to each of you too. We will be providing updates as we reach our fundraising goal! Have a great and beautiful day!

Grab & Go Bags w/out Distractions

2012-08-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! We are back on track and sharing again about the importance of being prepared. This time it's about Grab-n-Go Bags. What is a Grab-n-Go Bag? When an emergency or disaster occurs, you and your family need to leave as quickly as possible. You will need food, first aid, shelter, protection, clothing, gear, etc. Grab-n-Go Bags can store all your necessary equipment and material for a rapid evacuation. The Red Cross and Federal government suggest a minimum of 72 hours worth of material to be equipped for such emergencies. A good friend of mine, Survival Expert Aton Edwards and author of Preparedness NOW!, suggests that you and your family need up to 7 to 10 days worth of survival gear. I whole-heartily agree! With a family large family, an individual will need to adjust accordingly to the needs of their family!

HOWEVER, make sure to personalize YOUR bags. Quite a few pre-planned bags are not conducive to what you or your family may need. Essential items you will need will be the following:

Water Container/Filters
Emergency Food
Outdoor Cooking Gear/Portable Stove
First Aid Kit/Medicine/Eyeglasses/Sunglasses
Fire Starter Kit/Candles/Lamps
Radio/Walkie Talkies/Radio Scanner
MultiTool
550lbs. test nylon cord/Fishing Line/Wire
Toiletries/Sanitation/Hygiene
Ziploc Storage Bags/Garbage Bags
Documents
Money/Bartering Items
Sleeping Bag & Mats/Tarp
Tent(s) [Durable not Walmart!]
Rain Ponchos
Gas Masks/HAZMAT Clothing
Durable Change of Clothing plus Boots
Knife/Protection/Sharpening Tools
Important Documents (I.D., Passports, etc.)
etc.

Is there more? Yes! There is always room for more and depending on your EXIT STRATEGY, you may need less! In times of emergency, you may have to make decisions to leave certain gear behind in order leave quickly. Do you know how to improvise using your surroundings? Do you have skills that can help you procure food, find water, build a shelter, etc.? Do you know how to protect your loved you and your loved ones? These are all important issues that you need to have addressed so that you are ready in the event of an emergency or disaster!

Which brings me to my next point! Over the last few months, our family has had the privilege of helping an organization raise funds. Our time with this organization ended earlier this week. We have a deep and abiding faith in Father God that His timing is perfect in His will for our lives. In fact, He has spoken to us about staying on track in helping others prepare for issues that our nation and world will soon face. Here is a song that, we believe, explains it perfectly! Go to this link.

The day we stepped down in working with this organization, we were asked to help a family and others in a community to teach classes on survival. Talk about a SIGN! If you are interested in wanting to learn more about our classes, then feel free to contact us soon. Our schedule is starting to quickly fill up for the knowledge our Father has downloaded to us.

It's great to be back in the saddle again! We are not planning to be distracted anytime soon. Thank you everyone for prayers and support! We will be sending out more blogs to catch up so keep watch!

Do We Learn From History?

2012-04-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading an important book that inspired me to think seriously about our world and its future. It challenged me to ask myself what I would do if put in the same situation? The book was called, The Bielski Brothers by Peter Duffy. The movie, Defiance, and the book are based off the story of Jewish brothers living in Russia during World War 2 and what they did to protect and save their Jewish countrymen. It was a terrible time as the Germans were launching their assault campaign into Russia on their quest for world domination during the early 1940's. Many villages were traumatized by the killings of its citizens; especially, the mass round up of Jewish Russians who were driven out into the woods to be slaughtered. The book made me pause and think in terms of how I would react to the systematic destruction of a group of people. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, then I would highly recommend taking time out to research the story about these brothers. Their approach to rescuing their Jewish compatriots, family, and friends reiterated the importance of community. The brothers were credited with saving over 1,000 men, women, and children by living in the dense woods of Russia during the war. They organized a community to survive and protect itself from the German incursions into their land.

For the month of April, we have been afforded the opportunity to stay on a property where there are people building a community before relocating back East. We are sharing from the Be Ready Compass to survey what's happening in our world and being ready to meet the changes with a systematic approach. Reading the book made me come to the understanding that without God (Yahweh) leading a nation, man will fill that position with himself acting as a god. What happened in the 1940's was a horrible and terrible time in our history. Unfortunately, our world is ripe for another World War that threatens stability in the world and will have dire consequences on people and their families. This could all happen again and is happening in some nations throughout the Earth. Our recommendation for this month would be to purchase a copy of The Bielski Brothers, check it out from the library, or watch the movie Defiance. Learn from their experiences, both their mistakes and their triumphs. Ask yourself what you would do in the face of great evil? What would you do when faced with the choice of helping your fellow man or focusing on your own need for survival? Go back and read earlier blogs from the Be Ready Compass. Do you have a Bug-Out-Bag? Do you know what a Bug-Out-Bag is? Do you have food, water filtration, and the essentials in the event you would need to relocate to a safer location? If not, then when will you set the time to prepare? And above all pray, pray, pray, pray, and when you are done, pray some more! Take time to visit our sponsors on this site to have what you need as time allows.

Bielski Family

The Bielskli family received a far greater reward than just helping their fellow man. They left a heritage for their family for generations to come as individuals who became a light to help people during desperate times. What legacy will you leave behind when your name is remembered? Will you step up to make the necessary decisions to help those around you or will you be a part of the problem? How is history being taught so that we don't forget the atrocities of the past? Check out this video that uses the history of World War 2 as a means of confronting another current issue in the U.S. Also, send us stories of what you are doing to be prepared.

May the Father of Truth protect and guide each of you! Blessings!

Hungry for More?

2012-03-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Food...I'm getting hungry just writing this blog. Food is a cornerstone of our nation and at our very culture. Growing up and have block parties that consisted of either bar-b-que or fish fries! Sunday after- church-potluck specials still inhabit my childhood memories. The smells and aromas of my mom in the kitchen as we grew up in Texas still cause me to wish I could have her cooking at times. I can't stop thinking of how we had specific spices that we always used for our food to tantalize our taste buds. This was a time where going out to eat was a luxury that was seldom experienced, yet was enjoyed even after the moment. Whether it was Thanksgiving or running to Jack-N-Box, I have many memories associated with food. It's almost so much a part of my memories, I am happy to say that I don't remember a time when food was scarce or hard to come by.

As we start the year off in an economy that is running at turtle speed and ever increasing prices, I am thankful that food has been a consistent supply for our family. We have been blessed to continue to eat even without work always being available. Our nation is a rich and blessed country where food is readily available whether at the store, restaurant, or a friend's home. But, what happens when, for instance, our food prices start to increase faster than our income? How do we overcome the rising gas costs that affect the shipment of our food to local grocery stores? Unless you grow a garden and/or raise animals, what else can you do? What's your caloric intake during a survival situation? For both February and March of this year, we want to focus on having your cupboards stocked with essential food items. We want to emphasize the importance of food storage, canning, growing your food, and raising your food. We also want to highlight the importance of getting back to nature. Do you know how to wild harvest your food? Make sure to go over our blogs that cover the Southern Exposure of the Be Ready Compass. For information on what your caloric intake maybe, click here to find out.

We wanted to promote AlpineAire as an important piece to your survival tools in these current times. Having a stocked pantries with canned food, dehydrated food, and jarred food will aid in the sustaining of your households. Having a source of food alternative to your local grocery stores is ESSENTIAL to survival! Not only can you be prepared in the event of an emergency, but can also be available to help others who maybe in need. However, I must share an important disclaimer in regards to storing food. I would suggest researching your state anti-hoarding laws that are in effect so as to not bring undue difficulty to you or your family. Feel free to go to this link for more information on proper storage of your sustenance. By March 30th, 2012, we will be placing an order through AlpineAire. If you or someone you know would be interested in ordering, then contact me via email. I thank all who ordered in January for their Berkey filters. We will be making another order on March 30th as well for anyone who missed our last order in January, 2012.

As always, our hope and prayers for you is that you are discerning the times in which we live. Be blessed.

h2o-West on the Be Ready Compass

2012-01-12T10:54:00.056-07:00

Water...the essential element for all manner of life! About 3/4 of the Earth is made up of water, and around 98% of it is salt water that is not fit for consumption. Less than 1 % of water on the Earth is available for human consumption. The human body is made up of more than 60% of water. Blood is close to 92% water. The brain and muscles are about 75% water. Are you thirsty yet? If you read last month's blog regarding the Rule of Threes in Survival, then you know that it takes about 3 days to die without water. In a survival situation, after securing a fire and shelter, you MUST have water and food in order to function in a high stressful situation. Having water is good, BUT the right kind of water can make the difference between life or death! For the month of January, your survival item in a Grab-N-Go bag and home needs to be a filtered water bottle or filtration system. Having a filtered water bottle is essential in a survival scenario. If you have to leave your home, community, etc., then you have to have a source of pure, clean, and drinkable water. If you have to stay in your home, community, etc., then having a filtration system for your home is very important. A filter can help take out large amounts of contaminants, microorganisms, chemicals, etc. in the water as well as high concentrations of fluoride. We recommend the Berkey Water Filtration System as on of the the BEST filtration systems in the world to purchase. Research reviews, consumer reports, and other publications on the gravity fed system of Berkey. Or, find a filtration system at your local store, department store, or outdoor store. There are so many filtration units that it's better to have at least one than none at all.

But, what happens if you don't have the money to purchase a filtration system. What if you are on the move or in a wilderness setting? Then, make sure to practice this technique in building your own water filtration system. According to the picture on the right, take 3 poles and secure them at the top like a tent. Secure 3 cloths (made of textile cloth) in 3 levels underneath each other to the poles. Have something to catch the water after it passes through the 3 cloths. In the first cloth, place grass. In the second cloth, place sand. And, in the third cloth, place charcoal. The charcoal can be procured from a fire or burnt wood. Allow for the water to pass through and flow down to the bottom container. Make sure that the items needed for your system fit in your cloth so that the water can pass through to the bottom of your system. Don't be skimpy, use enough of the items around to be able to filter out as much debris and contaminants as possible. You can take water from a stream, pond, or lake. The example for your ready-made filter can be re-sized to a smaller edition by cutting the bark off of the tree at about 12 x 8 inches and using it as a funnel. A layer of grass, sand, large pebbles, sand, coal, sand, and smaller pebbles can be used for the layers of your filtration system. In Survival School, we had our own canteen and a small bottle of iodine tablets. When we came upon a river or stream, we would fill our canteens and place the iodine tablets in our water. We would have to wait 30 minutes in order to test if the water was drinkable BEFORE satiating our thirst. Make sure to have a bottle of iodine in your stock as a fall-back measure to your filter.

For all of you who are interested in purchasing a Berkey Water Filtration System, then contact me via email to place your order. If you have questions on pricing or what would be the best system for you, then feel free to connect with me. I will be placing an order at the close of business day 5pm M.S.T., January 20, 2012. Stay tuned for the next installment of important gear to have for your household!

Survival Priorities for 2012

2011-12-27T12:15:00.002-07:00

It's the end of the year of 2011. A lot has happened to us as a family, our nation, and our world. We believe along with the rest of the world that there is more to come. We've shared about the importance of having the Be Ready Compass as a tool to navigate in an everchanging world. To have the mindset that change is on its way and what to do about it! Now, it's time to use the tools that we have been given. Seemingly Elenin was just a blip on the radar as well as the Feast Days that have come and gone. Or was it? Here is a listing of earthquakes and activity since Elenin and judge for yourself. Going into the new year, our blog will be different in terms of content. Our goal now is to promote different gear and products to have on hand for the changes that will be coming.

Starting in January 2012, we will be focusing on an important topic for each month as well as an IMPORTANT product to have on hand. Also, we will share an alternative that can be used if funds are not available. Time is of the essence and being prepared is THE NUMBER 1 PRIORITY for 2012! So pay close attention to this blog and the information we will be sharing over the next 12 months. Read the Bible and make sure you know what you believe and believe what you know. From the Mayan Calendar to the different religious groups who are predicting a change in our world as we know it, the expectation that something will happen is HIGH. We believe and feel that with the threat of war, economic collapse, food shortages, epidemics, earthquakes, floods, and natural disasters, and unrest will increase this next year. Are we all ready for the changes? Are we prepared for the next phase of change for the new year? Are those who are in the church of the United States ready? For our last blog of the year, we will close out with an important thought from our friends at Survival Blog.

The priorities are thinking, air, shelter, water, food, and hope. These are the rules of thumb and approximations. You will need to be proactive in addressings these needs; especially, when facing the threat of harm or even death.

The survival Rule of Threes:

It takes about three seconds to die without thinking
It takes about three minutes to die without air
It takes about three hours to die without shelter
It takes about three days to die without water
It takes about three weeks to die without food
It takes about three months to die without hope
Try to have at least three ways of preventing each of the above (a backup to your backup).

May God (Elohim) have mercy on us all and strengthen us for what is to come!

What would you do if...? Part 3

2011-09-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Elenin:

OK, OK. I know that many people are writing this off. Maybe there is nothing to it. The reason we mention it is that it seems irrefutable that on the dates of Elenin's alignment with earth, the sun and other planets that we have seen HUGE earthquakes.

So, mark your calendars with these Elenin dates.

Closest Pass of Elenin: POSSIBLE POLE SHIFT? 16-17 October [In the middle of Tabernacles]

Debris from Elenin impacts the earth: 5-6 November

Next Closest Alignment of Elenin: EARTHQUAKE(S) 23 November

Last Alignment of Elenin: 21 December 2012 (Supposedly presumed to be the end of the world due to the end of the Mayan calendar. We believe that this could be a target for the revealing of Nephilim or fallen angels.)

Signs in the Sky:

On September 29th- October 6th, we will see the Revelations 12 sign in the sky. This similar configuration appears every three years around this time, BUT this time it has
Elenin in the crown of the woman. It does not often appear in this exact configuration.

This was the sign in the sky at the time that Yeshua was born. Is it just a coincidence that this sign appears between Trumpets and the Day of Atonement? Yahweh set the stars as a means of setting times and seasons (Gen. 1:14-15)

Will we see more signs? Keep looking up.

Miscellaneous Prophetic Signs:

Earthquakes are increasing exponentially.

European Union needs bailout (September 8-9)

United States increases debt ceiling once again (September 12, 2011)

Increased flooding, hurricanes, and natural disasters of all kinds.

Wars & Nations rising against nations

Bird and Fish Kills (Hosea 1:2)

Famine

Pestilence

And yet, if we take Scripture literally, we ain't seen nothin' yet.

So, you may ask, what is the point? Why does this matter?

Because we have been told that these feast days, the holy days of Yahweh are the days that are HIS. (Leviticus 23:2) This year, we are seeing an unprecedented amount of heavenly signs. Elenin could rear it's ugly head and produce some horrific seismic disasters in the earth. Israel and the Middle East scenario is coming to a definite crossroads. Is peace possible? Is war imminent?

The actors on the prophecy stage all seem to be present. When will the curtain open? When will Act 1 begin?

We believe that it is possible that we are about to enter the beginning of the final seven years as we celebrate the Feast of Trumpets this year. This is a bold statement. We could be wrong, but we will know soon. Tune into our next two blogs to find out why we are making this bold statement.

The first will deal with the "what if" of our statement. If it is the beginning of the seven, what should we see? What should we expect? What clues does Scripture give us?

The next will deal with the Big Picture. Let's back up from the seven years and examine it based on the Biblical calendar. And see what happens... (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11)

Feel free to comment and share any additional information that you may have too.

What would you do if...? Part 2

2011-09-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

In the last blog, we started off asking the questions of what would YOU do IF you had a short time left on Earth? Well..., we are going to cover in this blog and the next one, several different layers of events, that might stimulate more discussion. We spoke in veiled terms in our last blog about events and signs in the sky that seem to be pointing to end-times events. It could be very soon that the thin veneers that we call society, economics, and community are ripped back to show the seething monster that has been lurking.

Where to Begin?

Grab a calendar and get ready to do some figuring!

Have you been celebrating the Feast Days of the Lord? We started over a year ago and have been amazed at the significance of these Days! Now, we are heading into the fall Feast Days: Trumpets, Day of Atonement & Tabernacles. (See Leviticus 23 for a Biblical primer on the feast days and go to the link)

Feast Days

The Feast of Trumpets is a day that historically has been a day to look for the Messiah. Trumpets are blown- it is also the beginning of the year for the Biblical calendar. The Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur is a day of fasting and affliction of the soul. On this day we are to spend time with Yahweh and confess our sins and shortcomings. We are also to make things right with our fellow man if we have anything that remains unconfessed or unreconciled. Tabernacles or Sukkot is an awesome celebration looking forward to when we will one day live forever with Yahweh. No longer separated by sin, Yahweh will tabernacle or live with us as intended before the fall. (Zechariah 14)

Each of these days point toward Messiah. The Spring Feast Days have already been fulfilled by Yeshua our Messiah. On Passover, He was the lamb- the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. He was the firstfruits and fulfilled Feast of Unleavened Bread by His resurrection- the hope of our salvation. At Pentecost, he sent the promised Holy Spirit. This accentuated the celebration as Jews gathered from afar to celebrate the giving of the Torah (teachings) on Mount Sinai. Those that gathered saw the Holy Spirit given with signs and wonders.

We now look forward to the fulfillment of the Fall Feasts bringing about the reign of Yeshua as King for the millennium. At the Feast of Trumpets, we believe that He will return for His bride at the end of the seven year tribulation. (At the last trump.) The Day of Atonement is the day of judgement at Armageddon as well as the final judgement at the end of the Millenium reign of Yeshua. Tabernacles which will be celebrated in the millennium (Zechariah 14) points towards our final rest in His presence. This is the final goal of the gospel: Repent for the kingdom of Yahweh is at hand.

So, what in the world does this have to do with what is going on right now? Get your pen and your calendar. There are at least five grids that you need to overlay on your calendar. If you are geeky like me you may want to color code. (Just sayin')

Here goes: The grids in their order of appearance:

1) Feast Days

2) Israel

3) Elenin

4) Signs in the Sky

5) Miscellaneous Signs (as mentioned in Matthew 24, Luke 19, Mark 13, and the book of Revelations)

Feast Days:

Trumpets: sundown of the 26th through sundown of the 27th of September

Day of Atonement: sundown of the 6th through sundown of the 7th of October

Tabernacles: sundown of the 12th through 13th of October. Then the whole week is celebrated each evening with other families, fellowship, music, worship and a general celebration of His presence. Then it closes on the evening of the 19th through sundown on the 20th of October.

Israel:

Here it is: the proverbial prophetic finger to the wind. Which way are the winds ablowing now? Certainly, the threat to divide Israel has been active for at least the last 20 years. As the UN convenes its 66th session on September 13th, we see the stated goal of Palestinians to be recognized as a sovereign state. Many nations have stated their support for this initiative and there has been much talk about dividing Jerusalem.

On September 2nd, Turkey cut off diplomatic and security ties with Israel. Tensions are mounting in the area as Turkey is threatening to send their warships into Israeli territory to protect flotillas that are delivering supplies to the Gaza strip.

Will war be kindled in Israel? Which spark will ignite the piles of kindling that have been doused with gasoline?

Stay tuned for next weeks blog and the culmination of our research...

What would you do if...? Part 1

2011-08-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have an important question today. "If you KNEW that you had a few months to live, what would you do with your time?" Would you get in touch with your family? Would you make things right from past mistakes? Would you get serious with finding out if the God of the Bible is truly who He says He is? What would you do with the time? Would you spend more time with your family? Take more vacations? Visit far off lands? What would you do...? Would money be as important as it is today for you? Would you finally go after your dreams or dream job? Or would you do absolutely nothing? And wait... The Northern quadrant of the Be Ready Compass helps to pin down our beliefs and "why's" for answering the above questions. Even though this isn't a very exciting or cheerful thought to bring up, why ask such a question? I answer this with another question. Has ANYONE heard about ELENIN? If not, then take a look at this video.

Now that we have a point of reference, let's look at some very interesting data regarding this entity because it doesn't act like a comet. This celestial body has a gravitational pull and has a history of affecting our planet when it comes into alignment. Here is a history of each time it has aligned with our planet Earth, the Sun, and other planets and what happened on those dates. There are future alignments happening very soon that WILL have an impact on us based on this pertinent information. What the most important aspect regarding this information pertains to this September 29th-October 16th, 2011. These times are extremely important due to the Biblical Feast Dates and Holy Days associated with Scripture. On September 29th, 2011, the Feast of Trumpets is scheduled. On October 8th, 2011, Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement is scheduled. And, on October 13th, 2011, the Feast of Tabernacles is scheduled. The significance of these dates will be shared in the next blog. I suggest doing your own research and looking at past blogs regarding how to be ready for such a time. Take time look over this blog in regards to ELENIN and adjust your lives accordingly. Make sure to go over each quadrant of the Be Ready Compass to make sure that you have the bare minimum for surviving future events that are coming and will affect each of us! I am not saying that this is the end of the world, but I do have another important thought in regards to the times we are living in. Stay tuned for Part 2...

Hungry?

2011-08-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

I've been inspired this early am to write on the importance of the Southern section of the Be Ready Compass! This section encompasses sustainability. This is an important aspect to the compass because of the focus on food for your survival. After watching the news and being further disappointed with the performance of our government in balancing our budget, I have been concerned with the lack of care towards financial responsibilities for our nation. We cannot continue to keep spending or printing more dollars for that matter. The value of goods and services will continue to rise or inflate due to the amount of dollars being printed. If this is the case, then prices will continue to rise creating a burden for ALL OF US. The job front IS NOT keeping up with inflation in order to feed families or individuals; unless you are above the middle class in terms of finances. So, what is another means of survival in terms of food WITHOUT the huge overhead of cost to purchase groceries?

We are so glad that you asked! We received an invitation to watch a group of individuals on youtube.com. If you haven't already heard about this group, then take a look at their opening video. The Urban Farming Guys have truly inspired me to look at more cost effective means of having sustenance for the family! Their videos are fun, easy to follow, and cost effective. I am digging the fact that the amount of space needed to farm in Urban City, USA is not only doable, but necessary! My prayer and vision is to see urban farming, community farming, and school farming spread all across this nation! Setting up these types of farming methods will be INVALUABLE in the near future. And, the best part regarding this information is the cost effective means of implementing these procedures for urban farming. What would happen if more homeschooling communities, churches, organizations, families, individuals, youth, etc. took on the task of creating these urban farming centers across the US? How would the grocery bill look for each household in America? What would happen to the health and wellness of people through eating truly organic food raised in the community? Could this be done? I don't know, but I am hopeful that Yahweh has a plan and I want to invite everyone to pass this on to as many people as possible! Catch you later on the flip side!

P.S. The E-Book is coming soon....

My Time on the One Man Army

2011-08-02T15:49:00.001-07:00

One Man Army has helped to set the tone for the reality TV show of the season! The show pits elite and highly trained participants against each other in 3 challenges. The challenges are meant to test strength, speed, and mental dexterity. Therefore, it truly takes a unique individual to overcome the different missions assigned throughout the show. The participants have law enforcement, military, tactical, and weapons background. The competition is VERY REAL, yet there is a camaraderie that comes through for the amount of respect the competitors have towards each other.

What I liked about being a part of Fear Is Not An Option episode was the ability to showcase the BE READY COMPASS! The challenges are set up for the individual who can complete each task despite the trials faced. So, being focused on the task at hand was extremely important! The show undoubtedly uses personalities to create drama and tension throughout the show. But, make no mistake about it! It's probably the best show in terms of building a bond between the contestants that I've seen in a while. Having participated on the show, I am not sure about the philosophy each of the participants, but I do know that bragging rights are HUGE on a show like this! Between warriors, there is a need to be challenged! At the end of the day, a warrior wants to know that the goal was accomplished, the task completed, the mission a success!

The most important aspects to the show were off camera. There were no scripts or staging for the challenges. The challenges were real! Between each of the challenges, the participants have to wait and keep "relatively" quiet. It's during these times that the bonding takes place. We had the opportunity of getting to know each other as well as talk about our experiences.

In the BE READY COMPASS, North designates what we believe and why we believe what we believe. This also encompass our wants as well. A sense of urgency to finish a task can be a great motivator in terms of survival. However, the sense of urgency cannot overwhelm the need for discretion, wisdom, and discernment. Having competed and won, I know that prayer, focus, and drive were prime motivators for me. I praise Yahweh for the opportunity to compete and win. Time will tell regarding what's next for the us. But, I am excited about projects that are forthcoming and will share over the months! Stay tune!

Last but not least, my hat is off to all of the competitors on the show of One Man Army. I am proud to call them friends and we keep in touch regularly. I'd like to hear from each of you regarding the show. Please leave a comment! If you are interested in helping us move forward with our Television/Internet production of GREEN MY CRIB, then email me for more information.

Stay Tuned for our free ebook download available within the month!

Does the Be Ready Compass Work?

2011-06-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

After a much needed hiatus, we are back just in time for a monumental blog! Our lives have been truly enriched over the last few months! Why? Because the Be-Ready Compass has been put to the test on national television. That's right! In about a month's time, the true test of the compass will be shown on the Discovery Channel in July. I had the opportunity to participate in a reality television show called the ONE MAN ARMY for the Discovery Channel. The basic principles of the show are on the link. More information will be forthcoming, but here is a little taste of the what transpired on the show. There is a small promotional video for the show.

Our prayer and goal is that the information on this blog will be a blessing for each and everyone! We truly believe that our world is changing at a rapid pace. Being ready is better than being surprised! More information will be coming in the days and weeks to follow.

Kalvin (K-Dawg) Evans

DETOX is the Name of the Game

2011-03-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

We've all seen the radiation fallout maps due to the terrible disaster in Japan. And, by the way, if you need some help knowing how to pray for Japan, click on this link. Go to the right side bar and get busy. You'll find a focus that you don't see in the news. This is real stuff from people on the ground.
It's extremely likely that we all will need to deal with the fallout from this terrible disaster for years to come. This disaster highlights a HUGE problem in our world today. We are besieged daily by all forms of toxins, radiation, electrical, chemical & even noise pollution.
Just read a great article the other day... (Go to www.stevequayle.com and search for "Medicine & Nutrition for Survival March 2011.) It said that the number one survival factor for every human being on the planet is your inherent genetic ability to detox. Yes, you can increase this ability with good nutrition, exercise, and a detox regimen, but it is your body's inherent ability to deal with toxins that will give you the survival edge. Please go and get this article soon. It is 20+ pages. Get it. Read it. Study it. Tell those you love to read it.

Most importantly, stock up on the simple remedies and solutions that you will need to detox. Baking soda reigns supreme for many reasons. Here's another great article that you should read and spend some time with preparing for your family and friend's needs.

Please, please don't read these and panic. There is much to digest and apply here. The information is heavy. Many of our friends are really upset about what they see going on in the world right now. It's true. This is not an easy time. It is good to have a sense of reality about the events that swirl and black clouds that threaten... but be aware that this is not the final reality. This is simply a change-over. We are praying for your blessing and your health.

² Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

May your soul (mind, will, conscience & emotions) get along well. May you prosper. May you find peace and blessing as you enjoy the gift of others around you. This only happens when your hope is in your salvation: Jesus or Yeshua. If you have questions about this, we'd love to talk with you more about our faith. This is THE point of everything.

And another great verse for these times: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God, and the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus."

Corrie Ten Boom's Thoughts on Tribulation

2011-03-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

We do not believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. In fact, we consider it to be a dangerous deception, as many will undoubtedly be upset and feel disillusioned when they are still here and the Great Tribulation is obviously well under way. Many may fall away from the faith and even take the mark of the beast because they won't know what to believe anymore. They certainly won't want to believe in something that is a fallacy, and who can blame them?

Check out this amazing letter from Corrie Ten Boom. She passed away in 1983 and yet her words are fresh for today. If you pay attention to nothing else on this blog entry, you should definitely read this letter. It will encourage you and base you in reality.

If you are wanting to see where we are coming from in Scripture as it pertains to the rapture, check out this link. It seems that the pre-trib rapture theory hasn't just sold millions of books and spawned numerous cheesy movies, it's also the basis for this web-based service in which you can have e-mails sent to those you love who are left behind after you're gone. All for a low, low price. Hmmmm....

So much is happening. Hold fast to your faith. Crack your Bible. Memorize. Practice His presence. Obey His words. This is reality. Everything else will be shaken.

Discerning the Times

2011-03-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

The battle of ideologies is intensifying everywhere you look. The main stream media stages fights between talking heads of different beliefs everyday. We are a land of many different opinions; as many ideologies, it seems, as animals at the zoo. Even in conversations with friends, we're often surprised by the vast differences in our thought processes. Although, we don't think that we've cornered the market on understanding, it is amazing how truth seems to be perishing in the streets.

What is truth anyway? How do we find it? Can it be discerned?

Last year, our family was a part of a wonderful study called the Truth Project. It's comprised of 13 teachings that focus on building a foundation to understand truth. Many of us who have grown up in the church often are missing this Biblical understanding. The first study laid it out pretty simply: Truth vs. Lie. What is the truth? Not even a small child needs you to tell them what a lie is. Isn't that fascinating? We all know what a lie IS. Truth defined simply is reality. A lie is deception about that reality . Lies are insidious and lurking everywhere we turn.

We base our decisions, our hopes, our dreams on our good faith in other's words. We expect these words to be true. Truth builds a rock-solid foundation that will guide us and keep us out of situations that cause difficult circumstances in our lives. Truth is, life is difficult! No one is looking for more trouble than they already have. Our faith in a lie can twist and turn our lives like a cheap carnival ride- lurching, jerking, whip-lashing us into circumstances we are not prepared for.

In light of the uprisings within the Middle East, protests in Wisconsin, and the turmoil within our own government on a myriad of issues, how DO we discern the truth? Who do we believe? As you already know, the information that we are listening to, reading, and watching isn't the truth. Why do we say this? Look at the fruit of this information. This information never results in peace or hope. It causes anger, confusion, worry, concern, disappointment, stress, and depression. Many people avoid the news entirely because they sense the confusion that it brings.

There are misleading perspectives, slanted ideologies, false teachings, and propaganda being spread throughout our world at frightening rate. The Bible tells us over and over again what it will be like at the end of the age. Major world-shaking events are becoming as common as brushing our teeth... truly, it is difficult to discern when you feel you are being sucker-punched every few minutes. The sheer speed of events often has a paralyzing effect on us. It keeps us from doing what we need to do. We must seek truth. We must get in the Word. We must obey whatever God tells us. If we don't hear His voice, then we need to learn how to. (Look on the LINKS page for resources.) Discernment is possible only when we take a deep breath and take time to be with Jesus. This God-given discernment gives us the ability to spot a lie like an eagle spots its prey. Once we've spotted the lie; only then, can we prepare. Preparation is key to survival; if we are frozen by fear, we will not be able to move forward.

We want to encourage everyone to do "due diligence" to uncover information in a world that is changing every second of every day. You don't have to take our word for it- you can see it happening. This ability to discern the truth vs. the lie does not come easy.

We can't be sure how you are discerning the times right now. The world is in a chaotic state of affairs. We have to rely on someone greater than ourselves. This year is a pivotal year for direction in our preparation for survival. Our beliefs are being tested every day. Our prayer and hope is that you correctly discern the times in which we live and seek truth no matter where it leads. Be perceptive and vigilant. Resources are available to the diligent and information is not lacking. Be aware and share questions as well as thoughts within your community. Do this and you will NOT be caught unawares when unforeseen circumstances arise. Be ready and be blessed!

New Madrid Fault Line Troubles? Really?

2011-02-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

Just a quick note today. We've been looking at some pretty telling information recently from a youtube channel called patrioticspace.

Click on the link and watch the 30+ minute video that talks about the fish/bird kills, the impending exercise scheduled for May in which they are planning to "simulate" a huge earthquake on the New Madrid fault line and more.

Why is this important? First of all, this may not be true. It may be pure conjecture. But, there are many good points to consider here. What would you do if you were in an earthquake of this magnitude? Do you know how to survive? Do you know how to offer care to others who will need it? What is causing these massive bird and fish kills? They are still continuing all over the globe. It's also interesting to note that the week before the terrible earthquake in Haiti, US Forces conducted a full-scale exercise in Florida simulating an earthquake in Haiti and their intended response. Coincidence? Maybe. No wonder our forces were able to respond on the ground in Haiti so quickly. They'd practiced everything the week before and just happened to have supplies stockpiled there that they quickly transported to Haiti. There is much to think about here and we would love for your feedback on this. We won't pretend that we know it all or have this figured out.

What action should you take about this issue? First of all prayerfully consider it. If you think there is a remote possibility of this occurring as we do, pass this information on to family, friends and anyone who will listen. Next, stay in prayer. Intercede for these areas that will be hardest hit. Pray against the evil that is being planned. Remember this awesome truth first uttered by Joseph: "..that which you meant for evil has been turned for good."

We've got more to say on this. Stay tuned.

Great Medical Tutorial

2011-02-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Check out the youtube channel: ThePatriotNurse. We are working through her tutorials. As we watch them, we'll post the specific videos with some other comments and ideas for medical care, etc. from a natural viewpoint. This woman is no-nonsense and offers a wide breadth of practical information.

We've attended first-aid classes and watched videos. These are quick, to the point, and truly helpful. She's got 30 videos in all with an average of 7-8 minutes per. This gives you some great medical survival info in just four hours. We all waste that much time in just a few days. Find a way to take the time to prep your medical knowledge. Someone's life could be saved because of what you learn.

We haven't watched but a few of these, so we cannot vouch for all of the content. So far, so very good and informative, though.

Be blessed and press in to what is most important!