Two Letters Re: Preserving a Digital Library

James,

Regarding the article “Preserving a Digital Library” written by “H335”: Windows XP requires [remote] activation [from a Microsoft server]!

If XP runs at all after a fresh install, it’ll only be for a few days.  If you find yourself reloading XP on a computer in any sort of a grid-down situation, you’re not going to be calling up Microsoft to get your fresh install of XP activated.  Without activation, you can’t even log in to Windows XP.

If you want to run a Microsoft operating system, I’d suggest Windows 7.  I’ve been running a copy unactivated on a laptop for well over a year just to see what it will do. It complains a bit, but has yet to stop me from using it in any way.  I have no experience with Windows 8.x yet.

Or, use an operating system that doesn’t require any sort of activation. Just my $0.02. – F.C.

James,
I wrote about the tin “whisker” problem a couple of years ago and you published it on your blog, but it merits bringing up the subject again. As an electronics design engineer in the space environment and high reliability systems it is worth nothing that since the RoHS initiative that caused the lead to be removed from solder in modern consumer electronics the MTBF is reduced by an order of magnitude, even if the equipment is stored unpowered the tin will still grow whiskers.

Since modern electronics has very close spacing, especially laptops and the such, the whiskers can grow and short pins in a matter of months in some cases. Please have your readers research this for themselves. NASA has done the best job in this area I have seen. I have experienced first hand failures due to this phenomenon, I will see if I can get you some SEM
pictures. Old desktops will last longer due to the larger size components and component spacings in some cases. If you have old pre RoHS computers keep them even if you are stuck with Windows 98 SE or Windows 2000, in the long term of 10-20 years after TEOTWAWKI it may be the only hope. I personally back up data on different brands of CD’s once a year and keep the old ones too. Please see the following listed web sites. Note that the wikipedia link will
not paste correctly due to the trailing “)” at the end of the link.

http://nepp.nasa.gov/WHISKER/
http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/background/index.htm
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2008/apr/03/research.engineering
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisker_(metallurgy)

Regards,

– Jimmy in California

Economics and Investing:

More details on Mulligan Mint ‘s legal troubles with Republic Metals have emerged in a recent motion before the court, for a writ of attachment. Once again, I don’t recommend placing any orders with Mulligan Mint–at least not until they are free of these potentially show-stopping legal encumbrances.

Reader Allen C. sent: Why Incomes Could Fall For the Next 30 Years.

When is theft not considered theft? When a national government does it, on a grand scale: Poland reduces public debt through pension funds overhaul. (Thanks to John N. for the link.)

Items from The Economatrix:

A new contagion is brewing gold could see mega-highs, according to two super-bank economists

The Global Financial Death Spiral, Part 2

Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Nick R. mentioned that the price of .308 ball ammo is now back below $700 per thousand. (It was at least $1 per round, in January.) Is the ammo drought finally ending? Even .22 LR is coming back down in price. (For a while there, I thought that Walton Creel would have to give up his life as an artist.)

   o o o

My friend Terry H. mentioned another pistol recall. This time it is the S&W M&P Shield.

   o o o

The American Redoubt may be growing: State of Jefferson: Board votes for separation

   o o o

G.G. flagged this: Tables turned on armed robber who tried to hold up an Iraq war veteran: Thief stares down the barrel of quick thinking victim’s gun after trying to steal from a store

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Warning: D.C. cops under orders to arrest tourists with empty bullet casings. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.)

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 48 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A.) Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course. (A $1,195 value.) B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any of their military surplus gear, E.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value), F.) A $300 Gift Certificate from Freeze Dry Guy. G.) Two BirkSun.com photovoltaic backpacks (one Level, and one Atlas, both black), with a combined value of $275, H.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo. and I.) A roll of $10 face value in pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver quarters, courtesy of GoldAndSilverOnline.com. The current value of this roll is at least $225.

Second Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training. Together, these have a retail value of $589. C.) A FloJak FP-50 stainless steel hand well pump (a $600 value), courtesy of FloJak.com. D.) $300 worth of ammo from Patriot Firearms and Munitions. (They also offer a 10% discount for all SurvivalBlog readers with coupon code SVB10P.), E.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials F.) A full set of all 22 of the books published by PrepperPress.com. This is more than a $200 value, and G.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.), B.) A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206, C.) Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy. This is a $185 retail value, D.) A Commence Fire! emergency stove with three tinder refill kits. (A $160 value.), E.) Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security., E.) A Tactical Trauma Bag #3 from JRH Enterprises (a $200 value).

Round 48 ends on September 30th so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Preserving a Digital Library, by H335

Many articles have been written on preserving food, weapons, ammo, and various other perishables. While there are also many articles regarding the preservation of digital information, rarely do I see one written with the thought that perhaps the infrastructure itself might no longer be intact. This article will address several key areas, including equipment, media, printing and reproduction, testing, and backups. While books and print materials are critical to maintain, electronics can be preserved and protected even against a Carrington Event or EMP weapon.

My approach here is Keep It Simple As Possible (KISAP). The more technologically savvy may argue their personal preferences on any number of items, but my intent is to provide a minimum level of attainability for the non-techie user. I make some recommendations for preparation that may involve outside parties. This is deliberate to make this task doable for as many people as possible.

Equipment

Where to obtain hardware I need?

Surplus auctions. This includes schools, municipalities, public utilities, auction houses, etc. When evaluating equipment for this project (specifically computers) look for items marked ‘obsolete, works, no Windows 7 support’. What you actually want is older working laptops, preferably identical models for spare parts. Often you can pick these up for very cheap or even free. I’ve seen entire pallets of 20 or more laptops with CD burners, travel bags, mice, and extra batteries sell for $50.

Ebay and auction companies for asset forfeiture and repossession from failed businesses are also good sources.

What do you need for hardware?

Computers

Look for two or more laptops, preferably identical models, which were designed for Windows XP. You don’t want Apple systems for this project. One will be operational and loaded, one will be a spare. You can get by with two, one loaded and one spare, but given the cost of surplus laptops you should have a third or fourth. If you can pick up more than two, I suggest that you keep two loaded and ready to use and the remainder for spares.

Look for units that have a built in CD or DVD recorder, or purchase a standalone CD/DVD burner that plugs into a USB port. As always, if you buy a new one, have a spare, and have a spare for your spare.

Printers

You will need at least one USB connection style black and white laser printer. No ink-jet because ink goes stale and hardens, print heads go bad, and ink jet printers are quite wasteful. Laser printers have longer lifespan and the cost per sheet is much less. Black and white laser printers can be obtained for under $100. Buy this item new. Budget for or buy a second identical model. I would not suggest a multifunction copier/printer as they are more complex and have a lower (worse) mean time between failures (MTBF).

You will need extra toner cartridges for the printers. Given that most toners for home use laser printers will top out around 2,000 pages you should plan over time to store enough toner for a minimum of 10,000 pages. This sounds like a lot, but if you are looking at a grid down or TEOTWAWKI, this extra reference material may be invaluable for barter or survival.

Paper

Lots of paper. Medium weight paper takes more space but is much more durable than light weight. And since printer paper may be in low supply durability is a factor. Store as much as you can make room for. This is an instance where recycled content paper isn’t advisable. It tends to draw moisture more than virgin paper and moisture is going to be your enemy here.

Anti-static storage bags

Various sizes. Ziotek makes some good ones that are resealable. You need a variety of sizes including ones large enough to hold an entire laptop.

Conductive aluminum foil tape

A 45m roll of this runs about $20 USD, and will last for a long time. This tape is also useful for a variety of other things including entry detection (it tears easily), sealing Faraday type storage cages, and grounding sensitive electronics.

Media

Recordable CD-ROMs. The 50 or 100 pack spindles at Costco are perfect. I want to point out that I did say CD, not DVD. While they are slightly less common, CDs suffer less from “bit rot”, which I will elaborate on later. You will also need some paper CD sleeves.

Secure USB Thumb Drives

These are useful for holding securely encrypted data. While IronKey is the ‘gold standard’, I personally recommend (and use) DataShur devices. They are somewhat lower cost than an IronKey, but they have a significant advantage over the IronKey in that there is no software required to run on the computer or device to which you are connecting the DataShur. This means less compatibility issues. Purchase at least two. They run ~$120 US. These are where I store supply inventory spreadsheets, scanned copies of critical papers (Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, etc.).

Software

• Windows XP
You will need at one copy of Windows XP for each laptop you want to have in a ‘ready to go’ state. Many surplus laptops may come with a Windows XP license sticker on them, in which case all you will need is a copy of a Windows XP installation CD. These are now a dime a dozen and are easily obtainable. If the laptop doesn’t have a Windows XP License sticker (with the product key), you can either look for one that does, or purchase new copies of Windows XP that vendors are trying to unload since support is being discontinued in 2014.
• Adobe Reader (Free download from Adobe.com)
• PDF Creator (Free download, PDFForge.org)
• Darik’s Boot and Nuke (Free download from DBAN.org if you are a do-it-yourselfer and tech savvy)

Preservation issues
Storing Paper

Paper is very sensitive to relative humidity and moisture. If you are doing any kind of dried food storage you probably know how to handle this already, but if not you need desiccant packets, and airtight storage containers. Store in a relatively temperature consistent location. You can use the dry ice trick to exhaust the air from storage container just as you would with foods.

Storing Electronics

Remove the batteries from the laptops for storage. They won’t be any good over the long run, but you’ll want to keep them to insert back into the laptops when you fire them up and test them every six to nine months. Laptops tend to get cranky when they don’t have a battery inserted, even if the battery is no good. Store electronics in a relatively temperature consistent location. Swings in temperature will cause connectors and chips to work loose from sockets.

Store all items in anti-static bags along with desiccant packets. This especially includes the laptops, and all their power supplies. Don’t over pack the bags. Once packed, seal the bags, then double seal with the foil tape, making sure that the tape wraps at least 1/2 inch around each side to the front of the bag.

Store the bags in a full metal cabinet or a Faraday cage. Do not ground! An oversized ammo can (like a mortar flare can) is also good for this, but you need to make sure that there is metal on metal contact all the way around the interior of the lid and lip of the can. Sand the area around the gasket on the lid down to metal. Then sand the top edge of the inner lip that meets the gasket down to metal. Make sure you don’t have any burrs. Make a double sided layer of foil tape (stick the two sticky sides together) so that you can have a foil on foil seal over the gasket. This will provide the conductivity to provide full electromagnetic shielding. Please note this does make it vulnerable to rust. (It is a tradeoff.)

Storing the printer

This is a little more difficult. There are a couple ways to do this. Cut anti-static bags down and use foil tape on the seams (both sides). Place a layer of duct tape over the foil tape (both sides). Form a large enough bag to store the printer. Another way is to just store the printer in an airtight bag (heavy duty garbage bag with desiccant) and place it into an EM shielded cabinet.

How to put all this together

Unless you are technically savvy or somewhat of a geek, this is where I recommend you involve a third party. I would suggest a local (non-chain) computer tech or your favorite local geek. You’ll usually get better service, and generally they are not going to look too oddly at you when you bring in three or four laptops to have them security wiped. 🙂

Take the laptops in and tell them you picked them up surplus, and would like them security wiped with DBAN (Darik’s boot-n-nuke) because you want to start playing around with laptop hardware. This will probably cost you no more than $50 in a shop. If you know a local computer geek you can probably get it done for the cost of a six-pack of beer or their favorite caffeinated beverage!

I’d also suggest bartering out having your friendly geek load Windows XP and Adobe Reader on the laptop(s). This will cost more in a shop, but if you tell them they don’t need to be updated or patched as they will never be on a network, it’ll usually save them quite a bit of labor. As far as bartering, a lot of geeks are closet gun lovers and would love to shoot. A day at the range burning some powder can get you a lifelong computer geek friend at your disposal. And if you have gadgets (laser sights, range finders, chronographs) to show off….well that’s like nectar to a bee. 🙂

IMPORTANT!

I cannot stress this enough: DO NOT, DO NOT, and DO NOT EVER connect these laptops to the Internet. They are never to be connected to ANY network. Software should only be loaded from CD/DVD or USB thumb drive. Putting them on a network (wifi/wireless, wired, or the Internet) will guarantee their compromise. If you can’t listen to this, I suggest you abandon this project entirely. I’m that serious.

Storing your data

Collect your library of data on any other PC. By installing PDF Creator on that PC, you can print any web site, article or other file (word document, excel spreadsheet) as a PDF file and save it on your PC. These PDF files can be viewed or printed on the laptops using Adobe Reader.

Create an index (this can be done as simply as putting it in notepad). You will want to keep a printed copy of this index updated and stored with your data library. The index should list the filename, disc it is stored on, and some important keywords (medical, first-aid, wind power, etc.)

Once you have started your library collection and want to archive your first set of data you will insert a blank CD into your main PC where your files are saved. Windows should open up a box asking you if you want to burn files to the CD. You will answer yes; you want to create a data CD. That will open up a window showing the files on your CD (initially blank). You can copy and paste the files or simply drag them from where you have them saved into the blank window. Depending on what version of Windows (XP, Vista, 7) or what CD burning program came with your computer this process may be slightly different, but there will be a button or selection that says to ‘burn to disc’ or ‘write files to disc’, or something along those lines. Once you have burned them to the disc you can verify the process worked by inserting the CD into one of the laptops and see if it has your files on it.

Long term storage of CD, DVD, and thumb drives

All of these media suffer from a process sometimes called bit rot. This has to do with the chemical (for the CD/DVD) or electro-chemical (for USB thumb drives) properties. In a nutshell, over time the data will lose its integrity. This is why the best practice is to burn three identical copies of the DVD or CD, taking them from three different spindles of blank discs. The statistical likelihood of bit-rot occurring in the exact same files on all three discs in very, very, low.

All CD/DVD and USB media should be redone every three years at most. For the most critical materials I usually recommend 24 months. So every 24 to 36 months, copy a set of the files from the CD/DVDs back to your main PC. Then update them and burn them to entirely new discs. Always, always, always verify each one of these discs before destroying the old copies.

This is also a good time to rebuild your index and consolidate discs as you will gradually accumulate new materials. Every time I rebuild my library I’ll have accumulated with anywhere between 30-45 discs (10-15 discs with two additional copies of each). When I’m done I usually have 3 or 4. I also use this time to delete old or obsolete materials.

Final Thoughts

It is possible to accumulate a good digital library along with a reasonable chance of it surviving EM events. If you aren’t worried about EM events, your storage and preservation process becomes much less cumbersome, with moisture and temperature your primary concerns.

The cornerstone of Information Assurance is CIA: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability. To quote Gandalf on Confidentiality “Is it secret? Is it safe?” Don’t disclose the existence of your digital library. Multiple copies and spares help verify Integrity. Regular testing of the hardware and rebuilding the media ensure Availability.

Like most preparation, the startup is the most frustrating. Once you have your gear lined up, and your validation and assessment process worked out (how often to test, how often to refresh your library, etc.) it can operate as smoothly as your well cared for firearm.

This is also a good way to preserve and duplicate rare or hard to find items in your library. Purchasing a flatbed scanner (which can be picked up pretty cheap on eBay) will allow you to scan in other materials you own which may be out of print and hard to obtain multiple copies. Just remember that even though they may be out of print, they may still be copyrighted. So don’t give out those electronic copies in violation of the law.

Letter Re: Beware of Fake Cold Steel and Trijicon Products

Dear JWR,
I was just surfing the Internet and found a site selling a lot of fake goods, called DHGate.com.

How about a supposed Cold Steel Trail Master for under $20? Seeing these fakes makes me glad that I got all that I’ll need years ago–long before the risk of buying fakes. I think that there should be a loud warning put out about this.

Here is a link to their fake Cold Steel knives.
 
They also have fake Trijicon scopes for sale.
 
Beware! – Simon M.

Economics and Investing:

Ol’ Remus of The Woodpile Report pointed me to this piece by Michael Pento: Will the Last Person to Leave the Treasury Market Please Turn Out the Lights? Pento’s piece begins: “Wall Street and Washington love to spread fables that facilitate feelings of bliss among the investing public. For example, recall in 2005 when they inculcated to consumers the notion that home prices have never, and will never, fall on a national basis. We all know how that story turned out. Along with their belief that real estate prices couldn’t fall, is one of their favorite conciliatory mantras that still exists today. Namely, that foreign investors have no choice but to perpetually support the U.S. debt market at any price and at any

Business stalls for equipment manufacturers–outlook for precious metal companies flat

Items from The Economatrix:

Money Is Not Safe In The Big Banks

The Jobs That Could Save the Middle Class

Five Reasons the Fed Will NOT Taper in September: “What’s the Hurry?”

Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Jim T. mentioned that there is a very lively discussion going on over at Surivivalistboards about how to make friends or enemies with your neighbors at your newly-acquired retreat.  Is is very easy to tell who is from the city and who is from the country, from the responses. I think some city folks need to be educated on how things work in the country.

   o o o

Readers H.L. and B.B. both sent: Illinois State Police Begin Registering Concealed Carry Instructors. [JWR’s Comment: “I hate Illinois Nazis.”]

   o o o

As I mentioned before, for National Preparedness Month, Mountain House has removed their Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) restrictions on their authorized dealers for long term storage foods packed in #10 cans. This is the first time the company has ever done so, and it has created the opportunity for low prices that haven’t been seen in decades. There are now four SurvivalBlog advertisers are Mountain House dealers, and I strongly recommend that you stock up to take advantage of these sales prices in September.

Here is a summary of the four September sales on Mountain House foods in #10 cans. They are all offering deep discounts and most of them are offering free shipping:

  • Camping Survival – Up to 54% off.
  • Freeze Dry Guy – Meats are 40% off. Everything else (entrees, fruits, vegetables) is 25% off.
  • Ready Made Resources – 45% to 70% off.
  • Safecastle – An average of 49% off, in a range from 45% to 65%. (With further rebates and incentives for Royal club members.) 

Because of the huge volume of orders expected, you can expect up to a 15-day delay before your order ships, with all four of these Mountain House dealers. Note that the deepest discounts are limited to selected varieties and to stock on hand, so place your order soon. Check with the vendors’ web sites often, as they will be adjusting some pricing during the month, and listing the food varieties that have run out.

   o o o

More Global Warming Climate Change news from this alleged “Summer” in Alaska: Deep Cold: Interior and Northern Alaska Weather & Climate

   o o o

Adam sent a link to a news story about a wolf attack. (As the Canadian timber wolf packs proliferate and spread out, attacks on livestock, pets, and humans are certain to get more commonplace.)

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"Civilization, as we know it, is largely the creation of psychopaths. All civilizations, our own included, have been built on slavery and mass murder. Psychopaths have played a disproportionate role in the development of civilization, because they are hard-wired to lie, kill, cheat, steal, torture, manipulate, and generally inflict great suffering on other humans without feeling any remorse, in order to establish their own sense of security through domination." – Andrzej Lobaczewski, in "Political Ponerology: A science on the nature of evil adjusted for political purposes"

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 48 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A.) Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course. (A $1,195 value.) B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any of their military surplus gear, E.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value), F.) A $300 Gift Certificate from Freeze Dry Guy. G.) Two BirkSun.com photovoltaic backpacks (one Level, and one Atlas, both black), with a combined value of $275, H.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo. and I.) A roll of $10 face value in pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver quarters, courtesy of GoldAndSilverOnline.com. The current value of this roll is at least $225.

Second Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training. Together, these have a retail value of $589. C.) A FloJak FP-50 stainless steel hand well pump (a $600 value), courtesy of FloJak.com. D.) $300 worth of ammo from Patriot Firearms and Munitions. (They also offer a 10% discount for all SurvivalBlog readers with coupon code SVB10P.), E.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials F.) A full set of all 22 of the books published by PrepperPress.com. This is more than a $200 value, and G.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.), B.) A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206, C.) Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy. This is a $185 retail value, D.) A Commence Fire! emergency stove with three tinder refill kits. (A $160 value.), E.) Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security., E.) A Tactical Trauma Bag #3 from JRH Enterprises (a $200 value).

Round 48 ends on September 30th so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

The Most Important Preparation You Can Make, by T.M.

1

Because you are reading SurvivalBlog, I am going to assume you are already well on your way to becoming more self-sufficient.  And since I am making that assumption, I will also assume you are making the proper preparations to live that lifestyle. You are acquiring guns and the proper, good quality ammunition, although now impossible to find at a decent price, if you can find it at all.  It’s also important to remember the often forgotten parts such as cleaning supplies for your weapons and training such as self-defense, gunsmithing, and ballistic information.  You are storing food that is good quality and also long lasting food such as freeze dried. Along with food are water, water storage, and purification tools. Heirloom seeds are another important survival tool. I think this is one of the things that is often overlooked by many these days. On a side note, if you do the math, you pay many times more at the Big Box stores for little tiny seed packets compared to what you would pay by buying the seeds in bulk. When you buy the seeds in bulk, it is imperative that you store the seeds in a dark, dry, and cool place. Be sure to rotate them according to date and use up the old ones or donate them. I always say teach a man to grocery shop for a meal, but teach him to garden and he’ll feed himself for life.
 
So then what can I offer you in preparation for your survival and your freedom? When I first read JWR‘s books, I realized he had one item of preparedness right that I feel many people overlook. One thing that is so important, that without it, I believe you are in deep trouble.

No, it’s not guns, silver, water, or food. It is much more important than any of those. It is my belief that the most important “survival” item a person can possess is salvation. Some of you may be thinking “Oh no, here we go again, another preachy thing that someone has been trying to talk me into for years.” But please, just hear me out.

I’m not trying to sell you anything, nor am I trying to condemn you. I believe not many people in the “church” today have done a good job of explaining things. Or I’m also willing to bet we “the people of the church” have hurt, betrayed, condemned, or have tried to sell you on something it seems like we don’t live by ourselves. Therefore to you people on the fence or non-believers, I would like to apologize. I would also like to try to explain why I believe some of us people of faith have hindered your growth, or downright turned you away from coming to know what Jesus Christ has truly done for everyone.

First off, I am no expert. I myself have only read the Bible a few times. I do however study it every day and have for several years. I am a 36 year old husband and father of four boys. I am merely a self-proclaimed auto technician “master” who over the past 18 years of working on cars, has spent the last six years studying and listening to the Bible and any radio sermons or podcasts I can find. So enough about me, here’s what I can offer. Or perhaps I should say what God has to offer you. I believe in what the Bible says. I believe that the world is in a “fallen” or evil state. I believe that the Bible is 100% accurate in everything it claims. I believe that all people are sinners and that we are in need of a savior. I believe that Adam and Eve were made in the image of God. Not that God looks like us necessarily, but that they were made spiritually alive and the day they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they spiritually died. They did go on to die a physical death hundreds of years later. So now that this is a fallen world and we all are in fact sinners and born spiritually dead. I do believe God manifested in flesh, came to Earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead in order to make your salvation possible. But most of all I would like you to understand God’s perfect love and the acceptance he has for you. I don’t believe you can start understanding, until you understand his forgiveness. Jesus died for you without you asking him to. He also died without you doing anything for him. Because of what He did, God now perfectly loves and accepts you. If you accept and acknowledge that you are a sinner and you are in need of a savior, He will accept you into his kingdom. God forgave you because of his perfect love for you.

I truly believe that seeking a relationship with God and realizing that you can only be saved because of what Jesus did for you, is the best preparation you can make for yourself and your family. While it is important to be responsible, take care of your family, and have the necessary tools and items, the time here is like a blink of an eye compared to eternity. Once you start to understand your God’s love, you will have the most freedom you can experience here on Earth. And once you understand God’s love and forgiveness, you will not be bound by this Earth nor the people or government on it. It is the one and only survival tool that follows you everywhere. It never wears out or needs replacing. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you are, because it’s 100% free. It is the true prep for your future. It is my belief that if you invest in your relationship with God, it will pay you back more than anything or anyone can. I know without a doubt, if you seek him, you will find him. You may not always find ministries that have pure and good intentions. And you may not get true doctrine taught. If anyone says or teaches that it’s Jesus plus this or that, you may want to question their teachings. It is Jesus… it is only Jesus. What he offers is available to you all. No matter what race, class, age, no matter what you have done. No matter how bad you think you have sinned, he waits for you. I think once you start to understand Jesus and what he has done for you all, you will begin to understand his love and the completeness of his forgiveness. I came to Christ many years ago, but only in the past few years did I understand the complete forgiveness we all have received. Only through this will you start to know God’s love. So when I think of survival, true survival, I can think of no better way than living for eternity with God. What better prep can you offer your friends and family? So I beg you all, please consider God as your most valued “prep”.

God will never leave you nor let you down. Trust me, if you seek him, you will absolutely find him. I’m not asking you for any money or trying to sell you anything.  I only want you to experience God’s love, forgiveness and friendship. I know of many free resources for anyone who wants it. After a lot of consideration, I decided not to post them. I’m not affiliated with any one church or resource, and I don’t want people to think I’m drumming up donations for these people. But if anyone has questions on anything Biblical or wants any resources, I’d be happy to help in any way I can.

So the ball is truly in your court. God waits for every single one of you. So if you want to be saved, it is very simple. What must you do? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:30-31). Why do you need to be saved? We are all infected with sin (Romans 3:23). We are all born into sin (Psalm 51:5). We all choose to sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Sin is what caused us to be spiritually dead…”unsaved”. Because the penalty of sin is infinite and eternal, only Jesus could pay the penalty. Jesus has fully paid for all of our sins and has already done all of the work necessary for your salvation. Just receive what he has done for you. Believe in faith what Jesus Christ alone has done for you. Believe in him and you will never perish (John 3:16). Jesus is the way of salvation (John 14:6). Growing to know Christ is a wonderful journey that will fulfill every need your heart has and in every step of the way, you can be confident that God loves you (Matthew 28:20).

Odds ‘n Sods:

Troll culture has reached the border of free Michigan: Labor Day ‘Mackinac Bridge Walk’ will feature warrantless bag searches. (Thanks to F.G. for the link.)

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The Buzz on a Bumper Crop of Yellow Jackets. [JWR Adds: My readers throughout the Inland Northwest have confirmed my own local observations that this summer has been light on mosquitoes, but heavy on yellow jacket wasps and bald faced hornets. ]

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News from Nanny State Britannia: A knitting group said it was no longer allowed to meet at a library because its needles are “dangerous” and its members are too noisy. (Thanks to Andre D. for the link.)

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I see that Walther is still concentrating on what they’ve always done best: pocket pistols.

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Speaking of pocket rockets, most folks have already heard about the factory recall of Springfield 3.3 XD-S pistols in certain serial number ranges. (Thanks to Nick G. for the link.)