Many years ago God gave Pharaoh a dream, interpreted by Joseph, about 7 coming years of famine. Because of this dream and its correct interpretation, Joseph was able to help Pharaoh use the present years of plenty to store food in order to prepare for the future years of hardship, thus saving countless lives. Today, from pandemics and natural disasters to wars, EMP threats, food shortages and price increases, the national debt and the constant Fed ‘quantitative easing’ threatening to eventually … [Read more...]
The story of our grape arbor
Almost two years ago we moved from the house we spent our first eight years of marriage in, a house that was special to us in so many ways but, with four children, was literally bursting at the seams. If love grows best in little houses, maybe that explains why Kim and I LOVE each other so much! How small was it? So small that, while you were watching TV in the living room you get a pillow from the bedroom, then grab a drink from the fridge in the kitchen, all without leaving the couch. We loved … [Read more...]
Homesteading – claiming a small piece of certainty in uncertain times
Let's face it. The world is a crazy place, and it's getting crazier by the minute. Between nuclear disaster, endless wars, pandemic disease, the collapse of the dollar, worldwide food shortages, and various and sundry governments (city, county, state, federal, the UN - you name it) that all want to get in your pockets and run your life, sometimes things can feel pretty hopeless from a little guy's perspective. And believe me, I'm a 'little' guy. Between myself and my wife, we 'control' four … [Read more...]
How to can strawberry jelly
Canning is a great way to preserve fresh food for a rainy day. Not only does home-canned food taste better, but it’s often cheaper than buying a similar item at the store. Plus, you get the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s in the food you eat! Unfortunately, the perception that most people seem to have of home-canning is that it’s too difficult and time-consuming to actually undertake. Not so, and we intend to prove it! When we talk about canning with other people, we usually tell them … [Read more...]
Basic Bread Recipe
One of the most amazing changes our family has made over the years has been switching to home-made whole wheat bread using flour we grind ourselves. Not only is it so much healthier than stale store-bought bread using flour processed and stripped of most nutrients, but it tastes better too! Here are a few basic recipes. We use the first one for our basic loaf at least every other day (with 4 kids, it goes fast!). Basic Bread Recipe1 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup honey (we use honey granules but you … [Read more...]