I wrote last week that I was writing about preparing for emergencies in the 1990s. At that time I started researching how other people prepared and how they kept a pantry. But almost all the information available was either on survivalist websites (and not the more gentle preparedness oriented website I was a part of) or Mormon websites that mostly depended on storing wheat and two or three other items in case of emergencies.
There was some information available from homesteading magazine sites. Among the best was (and still is) Backwoods Home Magazine, which is written by people who live the lifestyle.
But something began to happen as more and more people began to get a nudge from God that they should keep a deep pantry... at the same time more households were owning personal computers and the Internet was becoming more popular. Websites and forums began to pop up written by everyday people sharing their experiences. Then about ten years ago people started writing something called blogs.
Since you are reading these words, you are one of those of whom I write (and consider myself among you) who enjoys learning more and something else... knowing you are not alone in your desire to deepen your pantry.
For what began in the 1990s and flourishes today is a community of people and resources around the world that provides not only information... but also a knowledge that God is speaking to everyday people that very need to set aside some today for tomorrow.
You may be the only person in your family and neighborhood who has heard that call to a pantry lifestyle. Others may scoff and what happens so often (unlike what Reality TV indicates), most people who live such a lifestyle do it quietly. So being able to read online that there are thousands just like you was... and is... quite amazing.
I don't know about you but it was proof to me that I really was receiving a nudge from Him. I am certain my nudge began long ago so I could learn a lot to write a lot and share as much as possible. And to assure you that you are not alone.
I will continue to share websites and online articles as I find them. You will have noticed I haven't been sharing many links lately but that is due to lack of computer access to research them as I once did. But I do have a few today!
One of my newer favorites is The Bluebirds are Nesting and if you do not have it bookmarked or on an rss feed, do it now! I also have it on my list of Favorite blogs on the sidebar and I signed up to receive updates through e-mails.
You will not only find great pantry and preparedness information there but also the latest on Laine's Letters. I think that is how we met, through correspondence about Laine.
The Bluebirds are Nesting can be found in Australia (where it is currently Summer) and here. There is a link on the sidebar to follow if you only want to read about preparedness and one for the pantry... and one for Laine.
To read the article archives of Backwood Homes Magazine, click here. If you are not Libertarian, just ignore the more political links. But I have to tell you there is some darn good stuff there (and some humorous writing... one has to laugh or cry).
Stan and Holly Deyo have been longtime friends. Although we are not in contact much these days, they are still an e-mail away when I have a question. While they have entire books on the subject of preparedness (with Dare to Prepare one of my favorite such books, mine has a sweet note written in it so it is especially wonderful), they also have plenty of free information... here. The links are on the left sidebar, you can bring them full page by moving the bar (that allows you to scroll up and down) further to the right. Try it and you will see what I mean.
Someone had asked me about water purification, you will find information on their website!
If you click on "Home", it takes you to their website Home Page. I love to read what they think about what is going on in the world but it is not for the faint of heart. ;)
I have a lot of links on the sidebar here, too. Just scroll down... a lot. I need to go through them again as the last time I did, some were now unavailable. Especially the very old articles from the Internet. But most are still available with a plethora of good information.
I will continue to keep an eye out online for good, recent information.
11 comments:
Such a treasure trove of information.. well considered and thoughtfully shared. I thank you. I'm well acquainted with Backwoods .. though thought they were no longer active for some reason. Thank you for the links also to sites I'm not familiar - will be perusing in the coming days/weeks.
I remember to this day the day that the Lord nudged me to begin to prepare. I wondered why. To make a long story short, dh lost his job and we basically lived on our stockpile for a year. Now I am getting the nudge again so I will start preparing. We have a tiny mobile home so I will need to get creative in storing, however I know it can be done!
Can't wait to have the time to sit and read all of the links you have shared!!! I have found that many Mormon mommy's are doing great blogs on everyday food storage these days, many using long term food storage and great recipe's!! Thanks as always for sharing your info and posts
Water purification...who knew that I'd ever be interested until this week's news...oh my!
Your friend has a cute and informative blog. I'll be snagging her blog button. Thanks for the links.
I checked out "the bluebirds are nesting" and found it to be quite pleasant and informative, but what really struck me was exactly what you wrote....that we who want to be prepared are worldwide, and we are NOT alone! The older I get, the more I see the need to be wise and aggressive with my homemaking skills. AND...to share them with younger women. Which is what you do so well, Miss Brenda. thank you!
Thanks for the links! I've been on Backwoods before but not The Bluebirds are Nesting. Looks like a good site. I need to build up my pantry once again.
Deanna
Thank you again for all you help and information Brenda. I am sorry but when i went on the blog of your friends Stan and Holly there were no sidebars you mentioned. I used their link on your post. All I see is the information on their book Dare to Prepare 5th edition. I clicked on the picture of the book title and up came more information on it than the first page had but that is it. There is nothing else on the page or a 'home' link anywhere to click on. Any ideas? :)Sarah
Thank you very much Brenda. It is funny how this "nudge" to prepare and build up the pantry seems to have struck so many people. My best friend Helen has joined the challenge with me. She is guest posting on Wednesday. I know you will love Helen. She read on of your posts... I think I linked to it or told her about it, it was Pantry Lifestyle- When you have nothing to give. She said it was the most beautiful thing she ever read! Well, I think you will like her just as much! Thank you for being so generous and such an encouragement. xxx
Hi-love your blog and have been deepening my pantry:) Looking for Laines link on the "bluebirds are nesting"-I don't see it. Annabell commented awhile back Laine was going to start a new blog this month!! Patiently waiting:) Wondering if you are talking about her old blog or new one. thank you
Becky
I am so thrilled to find you AGAIN..strange but I somehow lost track of this wonderful and beautifully put together blog.
I [again] added you to my "Honor roll of blogs" and each time I come back I am so taken with the visual...when I stop being speechless I will seriously get back into the content...rofl at ME!
I am so glad to discover you AGAIN!
I went back on your friends blog and this time did indeed find the left side links to pursue more information! Thanks! :) Sarah
Post a Comment