Why I Am a Prepper, 2

Continued from Why I Am a Prepper.

Our Spiritual Responsibility:

In terms of our responsibility as witnesses, when we observe our culture's moral descent, we must guard against thinking ourselves better than those around us. We are sinners, saved by grace . . .  SINNERS, saved by GRACE. As we seek to conform ourselves to the character of Christ, we must walk a precarious line.

On the one hand, we must avoid and reprove the ungodliness that we see all around us. On the other hand, we must avoid self-righteous attitudes. We must apply a passage like this to ourselves first and foremost and then to our neighbors.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:8-10 WEB)

We must approach preparedness in terms of our spiritual responsibility to provide for ourselves and our neighbors as we see God's deepening judgment on the Church and the nation. Scripture requires as much.

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. (Proverbs 27:12 WEB; also, Proverbs 22:3)

But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8 WEB)

For these reasons, we prepare to provide our households with food, clothing and shelter for eventual catastrophe.

Beyond our responsibility to witness and to provide material necessities, we also have a spiritual responsibility to provide leadership. As society loses the moral glue that holds it together, we must have real answers about how a community can and should function in terms of God's Word. In fact, Jesus made this a major objective of the Great Commission.

Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and DISCIPLE ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I COMMANDED YOU. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20 WEB)

In other words, we need to have answers for our neighbors as to what went wrong in our culture and how to correct those errors as a community and a nation. Our assignment is to disciple them to think in terms of a Biblical worldview and live in terms of it.

I've linked to an essay, “When the Treasuries are Empty”, that will help you realize what this means.

Why I Am a Prepper

I have not posted on the topic of preparedness for some time. I thought it good to state my reasons for making preparations for possible nationwide disaster.

Laura and I first started thinking seriously about preparing for a possible financial collapse in the summer of 1970. Over time, God has led us to also seriously consider exactly WHY we prepare for disaster. We can summarize the reason in two short phrases: God's judgment and our spiritual responsibility.

God's Judgment:

Throughout Scripture, we see that God judges the sinful behavior of men and nations. In Romans ch. 1, the Holy Spirit gives a comprehensive view of that judgment.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (Romans 1:18 WEB)

Christians often think of judgment in terms of standing at the Great White Throne in the Last Day, but this passage deals with judgment that takes place within history, on earth.

God brings wrath on a society that departs from Him to follow false gods.

Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. (Romans 1:21-23 WEB)

American civil religion gives recognition to all gods of all faiths. As a case in point, consider the prayer service held the day after our current president's inauguration, attended by the Trump and Pence families.

“While most who led prayers and offered readings at the service at the Washington National Cathedral were overwhelmingly evangelical, the long list of participants also included leaders from the Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Bahá'í faiths. The service opened with a Navajo blessing.” (http://www.npr.org/2017/01/21/510948923/trumps-and-pences-attend-interfaith-inaugural-prayer-service)

The Bible tells us that those who serve false gods actually worship demons (I Corinthians 10:20). When Christians participate in joint services with those who worship false gods, they join themselves to demons (see I Corinthians 10:21; II Corinthians 6:15). That we see this on the national stage indicates a problem that runs deeply within Christ's Church in America.

Now, when I speak of God's judgment on America and, more particularly, on the Church in America, I am not referring solely to some future event. Judgment has begun, and it continues day by day. We can see this in Romans.

Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves; who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25 WEB)

America's overwhelming obsession with sexual lust is a sin, to be sure, but more than that, the glorification of sex represents God's judgment on a society. God gave us up to sexual immorality because, as a nation – indeed, as the Church – we have not separated ourselves from the false worship of idolatry and demons.

A 2014 article in Christian Post reveals that this form of judgment has fallen upon the Church as well as upon secular society.

“A new study on Christian attitudes toward dating and marriage reveals a broad acceptance for cohabitation, premarital sex and a rejection of traditional gender roles. Experts believe that many Christians are following cultural trends over scripture when it comes to sex and marriage.” (http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-are-following-secular-trends-in-premarital-sex-cohabitation-outside-of-marriage-says-dating-site-survey-113373/)

In two churches that we had joined since moving to SC, we know of three pregnancies out of wedlock. One involved the son of the pastor, another involved the daughter of an elder. I want to reiterate that this particular behavior is not only sinful, but also a form of judgment upon God's people.

The Romans passage also teaches that the homosexuality which has become rampant in the last few years, has come upon us as judgment from God.

For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error. (Romans 1:26-27 WEB)

These scripture passages let us know that judgment has already descended upon America, and it continues to grow. For example, we begin to see the coming of reprobate minds (minds devoid of sound reason) both in the Church and in society at large (Romans 1:28). As we watch society devolve into the wickedness described in verses 29-31, we wonder if society can even hold together. Cultural disintegration follows upon the heels of moral disintegration.

So far, the manifestations of God's anger with us as a people have not captured our collective attention as a call to repentance. Even the calamity of 9/11 did not lead us to humble ourselves. As we see this deepening judgment that has already fallen upon us, we must look to God's Word for our responsibility to Him, to our families and to our neighbors.

Living in a WROL World

Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Isaiah 13:9

I believe God's hand of casts a shadow over our land -- a shadow of judgement to come. For many of us, the worst-case scenario involves the disintegration of society into a WROL (Without Rule of Law) situation.

While I see that as only one of several possibilities, I do see rough times ahead. That's why when my barber sent me the link to the video below, it got my attention.

Special Forces deal with catastrophe as an ordinary fact of life. That's why, when they discuss the possibility of the collapse of civilization, it's a good idea to listen.

CAUTION: The video below contains language and topics that may violate the family standards of some minors who read WARSKYL. I urge all young people to clear the video with parental authority before watching.

To me, it's significant that they do not discuss guns & gear so much as skills and mindset.

Gunshot First Aid

Here's the link to an article I ran across that I thought was informative: Gunshot First Aid for Preppers.

This is an area where I really don't have experience. I'd be interested in hearing from readers with firsthand experience. (I'm looking for people with experience, not just opinions.)

Meditation on I Peter 1:13

Wherefore, girde up the loynes of your minde: bee sober, and trust perfectly on that grace that is brought unto you, in the revelation of Iesus Christ, (1Peter 1:13, Geneva Bible)

This passage should speak directly to you as a Christian sheepdog. I cannot improve on Albert Barnes's succinct and pointed comment comment on this passage:

 The meaning here is, that they were to have their minds in constant preparation to discharge the duties, or to endure the trials of life - like those who were prepared for labor, for a race, or for a conflict.

Oh, and if you have too difficult a time reading the quote from the Geneva Bible, perhaps that's a sign that you need to girde up the loynes of your minde.

By the way, here's a good, illustrated explanation of what it means to gird up your loins. It comes from an article over at The Art of Manliness.

Potential Epidemics and the Sheepdog

Sheepdogs protect sheep. You want to protect the judicially innocent in general and those you care about in particular. For this you have prepared yourself in terms of your physical skills (combatives, emergency medicine, etc.) and your gear.

At this point in time, the orcs that threaten you and your loved ones do not all walk on two legs. Some of them look like this:

I want to protect my family from the Ebola virus as much as you do yours. I have been praying to that end. In addition to trusting the providence of God, I have a couple of principles in mind. that I want to pass on to you:

1. Officialdom and the media will lie to you. Their #1 priority is to prevent panic, no matter how dangerous the situation becomes. Powerbrokers lust for control, and a panicky populace threatens that control.
2. Before society in general panics, you need to take steps in terms of "controlled panic". Map out your priorities and work toward them systematically.
3. In order to plan effectively, you need reliable information. 

In the interest providing you with info, I recommend two articles. The first deals with the CDC's inconsistencies and unanswered questions.

HazMat Suits, Ebola, and 100% Safe Air to Breathe

One of the most informative (and longest) articles that I have read about the Ebola phenomenon draws not only from a variety of news sources, but also from an off-the-record bioweapons expert and geneticist. Good, rational assessment and conclusions.

Ebola: First US Diagnosis of Ebola Amidst Growing Concern

I may publish more on preps that I'm undertaking, in the days ahead.

Multipurpose Items for the Prepper (or Anyone Else)

You may or may not be into the whole preparedness movement, but whether you're a prepper, a survivalist or just an ordinary Christian Martialist (as if Christian Martialists were ordinary), you would benefit from looking over the article from Survivopedia that I've linked to below.

It lists a number of uses for common household items like resealable plastic bags, dental floss, and honey. Handy know for when you're in a pinch . . . or the end of the world as we know it.

8 Multipurpose Items to Use for Off-Grid Survival

Preparedness from a Christian Perspective

As a Christian Martialist you prepare yourself to defend those you care about from the orcs among us. Hopefully, you have a kit, no matter how small, that you have assembled for every day carry (EDC) to carry you through potential emergencies. Beyond, this, have you considered your level of preparedness  for longer term emergencies?

The Bible has warned to prepare for political disintegration -- doth the crown endure to all generations? -- as well as economic collapse -- riches are not forever.

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens. Proverbs 27:23-27

Yesterday, my wife and I listened to an interview of Don Kobler, known on Youtube as SouthernPrepper1. If you are new to the idea of preparedness, I highly recommend this introduction from a Biblical perspective:

Prepping and God's Providence

He's a prepper, she's a prepper. Wouldn't you like to be a prepper, too?

Weapon Check, 2

I'm happy to say that I'm not the only one who believes in keeping a weapon at hand (See Weapon Check). I met the author of the following and her husband at a theological conference earlier this year.

A man comes the porch and knocks on my door. I can see him through the window. And through the door which I keep closed--I inform him---due to the threat of home invasions, he asks if we have kids. He's selling educational info. I tell him no, and then he starts asking if this neighbor and that neighbor has children. He would like to save time by skipping houses. I share that I'm uncomfortable answering those questions, and nor do I feel my neighbors would appreciate my telling a stranger where their children live.

I do this all the while wondering if he realizes the black thing I'm flipping in one hand is the holster for the 9mm my husband insists I keep near me while he's gone, which I'm holding in the other. It would explain why he leaned back during the entire conversation. Perhaps now he'll think twice about approaching homeowners and asking residents about neighborhood kids

After I asked her if I could use her story on this blog, she consented and added,

 . . . we finally purchased firearms after hearing far too many stories about home invasions, including home invasions where men knocked on the door and then burst inside when the door was answered. My husband found a pistol I felt comfortable with and made sure I had the proper training, including monthly time on the range. We live in the country and have a constant stream of strangers knocking on our door. Only twice did I feel the need pull it out, but I felt far safer having it in my hand.

The lesson here is that when you and the perpetrator are at your front door, the firearm in your bedroom closet will do you no good.

Weapon Check

Remember this old public service announcement? "It's eleven o'clock; do you know where your child is?" I might ask another relevant question: "If someone broke into your house right now, how close are you to your weapon?"

Over a week ago, I was trimming some branches from a tree that blew over in a storm. Unbeknownst to me, my wife decided to snap a couple of pictures of me on the ladder. 

That's my Ruger SR 1911 in the holster on my left hip. 

(I know the arguments against cross-draw, but the holster ended up there because of comfort and ease of carry. I do not use this holster or position when I'm carrying concealed.)

My point? If you own a handgun, you have no excuse not to be armed in your own home. 

You became a Christian Martialist to defend those whom you care about. This means not only vigilance, but also preparedness, 24/7. 

In case you're thinking of bringing up the shower as an exception (WARNING. ONE USE OF THE "H" WORD):

What the Christian Martialist Can Learn from Batman

I offer this Batman post an example of Providence.

This week I made a couple of posts to this blog that referred to comic books. Then, a couple of days ago, I received an email from Off the Grid News entitled "4 Survival Lessons from Batman".

The lessons listed in the email apply to a far broader group than preppers and survivalists. To see whatI mean, take a look at these excerpts from the letter. My comments are in brackets [-]

Here's a concept of critical importance: Batman actually worked himself "super." He did this not only by hard work, but by keen decision-making, incredible determination, commitment to his cause and the progressive development of his super-survival skills... all the same things you and I have access to right now.

. . . So let's look at 4 ways you can use Batman's hard-core survival skills . . .:

1. Decision Making: You'll need to start thinking right now about making the hard decisions that are coming your way fast. This will be necessary in order to actually stay alive in an increasingly hostile world. Hey, for the most part we are way too soft in our decision making skills. Sharpen your skills by [scenario based practice, which you can do in the real world or by mental imaging.]

2. Determination: Think about the determination it will take to live and thrive in a major melt-down.[Or in a life-or-death confrontation.] It's important to stop and contemplate about how easy life is for us by historical standards.  Consider the early days of our country's existence. Think about the life and death decision making skills the Pioneers possessed that kept them alive.

3. Commitment: Are you sincerely committed to "making it" when things get bad? Are you committed to your God? Your Family? Your Community? Your Church? Your Friends? It's easy to be committed when things are going well. It's much harder when conflict arises and struggles come along. True commitment requires digging deep and staying focused on the most important things in life... commitment to relationships.

4. Skill Development: Start to progressively develop your core survival skills over time. Go camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Have weekend drills for the whole family. Practice, practice and more practice. There is simply no way to shortcut this part. You have to pay a price. It worked for Batman, it will work for you.

The most important part of this is to understand that you've got the exact same "powers" that Batman had. You have the amazing power of choosing to take action.  Don't pass it up. If all you do is "think" about survival, you'll never be a hero... let alone a super-hero. The one thing that makes a hero a hero is that he or she acts in a heroic manner when their time comes. Your time is coming. Be ready.

One more thing. It's important. Batman may not have had super powers in the sense that other super-heroes had... but he did have a nifty utility belt and a Bat Cave loaded with incredible tools that made Batman much more effective in crunch time. [You must choose your gear carefully, train to use it properly, maintain it, and make sure you will have it where and when you need it.]

Defiance: Book Review

. . . . More recently, I have read a non-fiction book that relates the account of a group of Jews that built a community deep in the Belorussian forest as they hid from the Nazis. In the book Defiance, Nechama Tec follows  the wartime accomplishments of Tuvia Bielski and his brothers as they . . . .

To continue reading this post over at Christian Warrior Online, CLICK HERE.

Post Apocalyptic Society

I like post-apocalyptic films. I see The Book of Eli as a high water mark in the production of such films. As I like to interpret it, the movie ends with a hope that the Word of God will provide the foundation for a new beginning for society & culture.

A Mad Max type of chaotic anarchy cannot go on indefinitely. People cannot, for long . . . ..

To continue reading this entry at Christian Warrior Online, CLICK HERE.

How to Protect Your Family from Nuclear Radiation, 2

Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant disaster earlier this year brought it to the attention of Americans, however briefly, that nuclear plant accidents -- even half a world away -- can bring the threat of radioactive fallout right to their doorstep. In the wake of  that incident . . . . 

To continue reading this article over at Christian Warrior Online, CLICK HERE.

Home Invasion & the Christian Warrior: Are You Prepared?

I assume that most of you reading this right now are at home. If so, do a little mental exercise with me. 

Suppose armed intruders invaded your home at this instant . . . . 

To continue reading this post over at Christian Warrior Online, CLICK HERE.

Rationale for Preparedness

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Proverbs 22:3)


To continue reading this post as it appears over at Christian Warrior Online, click here.

Christian Warrior as Sentinel

Yesterday one of my daughters plus husband & 8 children stopped in for a visit before continuing a whirlwind business trip. As they made their way to the car to leave, I stood over a pile of doggy-dooders with my flash light . . . .
Click this link to see the rest of the post and the picture.

MacAvram: Muslims at the Gate

[MacAvram: from Scottish Mac ("son of") and Hebrew Avraam ("Abraham"); a son of Abraham by virtue of faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:29); a covenantal rather than genetic designation.]

Here's a bit of fiction I dashed off. I do not assert any connections to reality. It may be best to consider it total fantasy.

MacAvram was at war . . . 


He carefully removed the surface divots from the forest floor before he began to dig in earnest. He placed the divots aside and then deposited the earth from the hole on a tarp. 


After he dug down about three-and-a half feet, chopping away tree roots with a hand axe, he carefully place the waterproof package containing the AK-47 and three empty magazines in the bottom of the hole. Next to them, he put another container that contained the 90 rounds of ammo from the magazines along with 100 rounds he had picked up from the compound's ammo storage.


He filled the hole with enough dirt to make a small mound, then pieced the divots back into place as precisely as he could. As he had filled the hole, he put in odd pieces of scrap iron in hopes of fooling anyone with a metal detector.


Then he sprinkled pine needles and mold over the area to approximate a match with the surrounding ground. After he hauled away the excess soil, the average person would not notice the spot unless they were looking for it, and after the first good rain, only someone with the skills of an Apache tracker would find it at all.


Yes, MacAvram was at war. He had not initiated it, nor had he wanted it, but he was at war all the same.

**************************************************

It all started one morning just before dawn. In God's providence, Mac had awakened and, unable to sleep, sat down at his computer to begin sifting through the day's email.

The squeal of brakes drew his gaze up and out the window, where he saw an old three-ton truck rolling to a stop at the chain-link gate out front.On the back of the truck, he saw some figures with Islamic headgear and faces masked by scarves.

Mac immediately picked up his Remington 870 which already had two rounds of #8 shot in the magazine. As he headed toward the front door, he scooped up five double-ought shells and began feeding them into the weapon.

His hours of practice loading the weapon paid off, for he reached his front door in just a few seconds, as he completed the loading process. By now, the dog was barking, and he stepped onto the front porch to find that an intruder bearing an AK-47 had come over the gate and was more than halfway across the yard.

Mac fired through the porch window and scarcely noticed the wood and glass that exploded outward into his yard, as the intruder fell. Another sat awkwardly perched atop the gate, unsure what to do.

A bullet whizzed past Mac as he realized that a terrorist standing on the back of the truck had fired at him. Evidently he had been too excited to take careful aim. Mac's adrenaline was up, too, but he exhaled slowly as he sent a load of double-ought directly toward the shooter.

No sooner had he dispatched that attacker than he turned his attention to the one on the gate, who now attempted to bring his AK to bear. Mac fired at him, and as he tumbled over backwards, one pant leg caught on chain link material, and the sound of ripping cloth marked his slow, head-first descent to the ground.

No more than four or five seconds had passed since Mac fired the first shot. At this point, the truck engine revved as the driver began to let out the clutch. The rear window blew into the cab as Mac fired again. The truck lurched and stalled.

Somewhere in those chaotic seconds, MacAvram had noticed one last terrorist who had run along the chain link fence, using the vegetation that grew there for concealment. By now, Mac's wife had appeared behind him at the front door, carrying her Ithaca Model 37.

He called back to her as he headed toward the gate, "If any of them moves, shoot 'em." Keeping his eyes in the terrorist's direction, he slowly unlocked the gate and pushed it open with the muzzle of his Remington.

A full-auto hail of .30 caliber bullets sprayed past the gate as Mac jumped back. Figuring the shooter's magazine to be empty, MacAvram stepped out the gate and killed the terrorist just as his spare mag clicked into place.

Just a few minutes later, the terrorists' reinforcements arrived. They wore badges and rode in cars with flashing lights and sirens, but their words and deeds did not favor the man who had just defended his home.

Who fired first?


I did.


Why did you fire on them?


Men armed with automatic weapons were coming over a closed locked gate. In my book, that's a home invasion.


Do you have any idea why they would single you out for this alleged attack? 


(Alleged attack?!!)


Well, I've been outspoken on the internet against Islamic terrorist cells that train at more than 30 bases around the nation, including here in South Carolina. Maybe they wanted to shut me up.

After seemingly endless interrogation, the police confiscated his shotgun -- because department policy dictated that they take any weapon used in a homicide. When he protested that the homicide was justifiable, they said it was not for them to decide, and they were just doing their job.

When he pointed out that these terrorists might have friends who would want to finish the job they had started, the police asked if he had any other firearms in the house. At this question, MacAvram decided to just shut his mouth while he was behind, to keep from falling even farther behind.

Mac was not at home when ATF arrived, searched his house and confiscated all every gun there. They told his wife that, as a suspect in a homicide investigation, he was not allowed to own any firearms. They comprised the third wave of terrorist invaders.

MacAvram knew he was at war. The first wave of invaders had failed; their allies in the second and third waves had rendered him helpless for the next attack.

**************************************************

When he arrived home, MacAvram spread the soil from the tarp in his garden. Then he went inside and carefully cleaned his Bowie knife with laundry bleach to destroy any DNA that might hide there. 


He rinsed it thoroughly with distilled water to remove the corrosive bleach and then dried it and sprayed it with WD-40. As he worked, a crackling fire in his grill consumed two bloody arrows.


Later, as he clicked to the online news reports, his horse bow* leaned on the wall within reach, where he once kept his shotgun. The news video began to play.


The FBI reports that it is investigating a break-in at a rural Muslim community where three people were found murdered early this morning. One man's throat was cut, while two others' throats were pierced by what investigators speculate may have been hunting arrows . . . .


The report called it a "community" rather than a paramilitary training compound. It also failed to mention that all three "victims" were carrying fully automatic AK-47 rifles, but of course, before law enforcement arrived,  the training compound's leaders no doubt hid the two assault rifles that Mac had left behind.


Yes, MacAvram was at war. He had not initiated it, nor had he wanted it, but he was at war, all the same. He did not intend to lose.


*A short, powerful, recurve bow, such as used by the Mongols and other mounted archers.

Is Society Collapsing?

Over at the site named "The Economic Collapse" you will find an article entitled 18 Signs the Collapse of Society is Accelerating. I've known about some of them, but others are [bad] news to me.

You might want to look things over, especially if you need a little motivation to get your preparedness program in gear. Things are getting nastier, and the author hits the nail on the head -- economic hardship is not causing the collapse, but merely uncovering the erosion of personal character that has taken place over the past couple of generations.

Do you see any signs of a disintegrating social order -- large or small -- where you work or live? If so, I hope you will share them in the comments section

There Be Goats!!

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens. (Proverbs 27:23-27)

I noticed the passage above several years ago, before it became popular with survivalist/preparedness gurus. I re-read it today, with a sense of contentedness after we picked up two milk goats.

In January, Laura sold our milk goat so we could get away to attend our 3rd daughter's wedding. After a good deal of prayer, the Lord's gracious providence (through some Christian acquaintances) provided us with two milkers at a price we can afford.

Their kids were just weaned, so they are not used to being milked. My wife will milk them for the first time tonight, and I will be on hand to help, in case they show skittishness at the milk stand.

Training them to the milk stand may take a little time, but we are looking forward to fresh, raw milk and also the homemade cheeses (mozzarella, chevre and feta are my wife's specialties), yogurt and kefir. Those delicacies along with eggs from our chickens could easily supply the three of us with more protein and probiotics than we need.

It should go without saying that we must put our trust in the Lord, not in our possessions and preparations. Nevertheless, our God works through the circumstances and resources that He puts at our disposal.

Therefore, today I breathed a sigh of relief as I reviewed the state of our flocks. Bless the name of Jehovah and His anointed King.