Back in 2005 I relocated to Arizona and bought a house there because my wife was planning on starting a cash based Osteopathic practice in the area. Housing was way overpriced but if you wanted to live in Arizona you had no choice but to pay the price. I purchased a two year old house for $207,000 that the original owner had paid only $150,000 for just two years earlier. By 2006 I knew that my wife’s plans were not going to work out so I knew it was time to scale down and get out of Arizona before the economic crash that I knew was coming hit.
I was telling people in 2006 that an economic crash was coming and that the price of real estate in Arizona would crash but when I mention that to people eyes just rolled. I was the only one on my church board that urged caution about their going forward with a half million dollar preschool expansion. When I explained that an economic downturn was coming the rest of the church board marginalized me like I was someone that was out of touch with God’s plan for our church and economic reality.
By June of 2006 I was quite certain that there would be a crash and I told my wife we had better sell the house and move to something cheaper. We then found a house on 28 acres in Western New York for $95,000.
I put the house in Arizona up for sale in August of 2006. The realtor suggested that I list it for $269,000. I had already noticed that property was no longer selling as fast as it had been in Arizona so I though the price he suggested was too high. I listed it at $249,000. I told the realtor that a housing crash was on its way and he just laughed. He said he just doubled his office staff so it better not. Building was really going crazy in Arizona in 2006. Everyone and their brother was building houses but by late summer of 2006 the buyers for properties over $250,000 had already disappeared.
For the first two months the house was listed there were no lookers at all at my house. What really woke me up is when an investor down the street sold a house normally listed for about $229,000 for $179,000. Apparently he was an investor in property and he realized that the market was past peak. He bought the house for about $119,000 a few years earlier and knew it was time to get out. I got the message and promptly lowered the price of my house by $20,000 to $229,000 and then we moved to the property that we purchased in New York. Even with our property listed $40,000 below what the realtor first suggested we still had few lookers at the house. Finally we got an offer of $219,000 from a U.S. Border Patrol Agent but to make the sale we had to agree to pay all the closing costs.
The person that bought our house paid absolutely nothing down and I paid all the closing costs. People could still do that in the permissive market of 2006. I thought the financing company was being very shortsighted but that was their problem. I just wanted to get rid of the house before things got even worse. We closed in late 2006 and did not lose anything on the house sale because we had only paid $207,000 just a year earlier. Even so, had I sold it six months sooner I could have sold it for at least $20,000 more or $40,000 more than I paid for it just 8 months after I bought it. Prices were going up just that fast in Arizona in 2005. It was insane. Speculators were bidding up the prices so much that a crash became inevitable.
The rest of the story in Arizona and the housing crash is American history and it is still ongoing. This year I saw the same house that I sold in 2006 for $219,000 listed for sale for $140,000. Apparently the government employee that bought my house with zero down and zero closing costs just walked away from the loan rather than make payments on a house worth less than the mortgage.
As far as I can determine the mortgage broker that came up with that loan now no longer exists. The real estate office whose broker had expanded his office now no longer exists and the church that built the preschool expansion continues to have a huge struggle to meet the bills.
I told you that story to say this. We again are on the brink of something that will affect the lives of most people in this country even more than the housing downturn that started in 2006. I think the time for procrastination if you are planning any relocation is over. Do what you are planning to do now or its probably never going to happen.
My message is to myself as well as it is to others. I need to build on the 120 acres I bought in the Ozarks. If you are planning on moving out of the cities, or planning on building a home on some country property, or whatever, you are running out of time to get that relocation accomplished. If you are procrastinating and waiting for the economy to recover or if you are just procrastinating for some other reason the window may close soon. The time to do that relocation or building project is right now.
If you see the danger that is coming especially in the big cities make that move to that rural land now. Sure, you’re not going to get want you want for your house but if you do not bite the bullet and make that move you’re probably going to regret it.
You can find rural reasonable houses with acreage for $100,000 to $150,000 in many parts of this country if you are willing to get away from the big cities. I can almost guarantee that big cities will not be where you wish to live shortly. I can tell you many reasons why, but you probably already read about them on this blog. Let me just give you a quick refresher.
The whole world is becoming very unstable once again. There is more danger of a general world war now than even before the second world war. In case you have not noticed our own government and most governments are increasingly becoming fascist. When government controls economics and private lives through business and regulation and crony capitalism that is really fascism and not just socialism.
The Left leads people to believe that fascism comes from the Far Right but fascism is statist social control seeking to govern and manage everyone and everything. My point is that government will increasingly be controlling everything. In a few years most will not be able to relocate to rural areas because there will be no loans available to finance building in rural areas at reasonable interest rates even if you still have enough wealth left to even qualify for a loan. You may also have to get a permit by the government to even move there.
We are heading toward a world war. Anyone should be able to see that there is going to be a major world war with many Islamic states with their control of oil and state sponsored terrorism. Iran has or will soon have nuclear weapons. That is intolerable for the West for many reasons and something will be done about it and the fallout might not be pretty. Pakistan is also a nuclear power keg allied with China and both are enemies of India.
China intends to take over Taiwan and it believes that it now has the military power to do it. China can blackmail the US with the threat of an EMP and can actually carry out that EMP threat if the blackmail does not work. The leadership of China simply does not care if they lose millions of people in a nuclear war with the US. The Chinese have ghost cites built to relocate people in such a war and they have elaborate underground complexes for good reason.
The USA is funding most of China’s economy so they do not want to rock the boat now but it cannot last and when it ends we will see a belligerent China.
Russia is now a fascist KGB thug run state and I think it is more dangerous than the Old Soviet Union because it now is more likely to resort to a surprise nuclear attack in a crisis then in the days when the USSR also had great conventional capabilities to carry out military missions. Russia no longer has the capabilities to fight a conventional war with the US and they will not for at least a decade. Nevertheless, Russia clearly intends to control the Middle East and the world oil market and they just might resort to a surprise nuclear attack to get the United States out of the picture. We see that Russia once again is behind just about every anti American effort in the world.
Israel will have to resort to nuclear weapons in the next war with the nearby hostile enemy neighbors that completely surround her. Some of these enemies of Israel have chemical and biological agents loaded on rockets. That war could start at any time.
The whole western economic system is unraveling and is likely to collapse rather soon. We really do not know what this means but it certainly means high costs for everything and riots in every city in the western world. Middle class people will lose most of their wealth.
The social costs and terrorist Islamic presence in Europe will bring a very violent native backlash counter-revolution.
That is just a sample of what is facing us in the next decade and some of this may hit us within months or a couple of years at most. If you’re planning something like moving to a rural area and becoming more self sufficient you need to find a way to get it done now.
If you are planning a change do it now before you get trapped in a situation where you see your hopes vanish. If we have a major economic collapse or if we go on a national war footing or have an EMP this nation will change so radically that building or getting a loan will become impossible.
I think we have perhaps 2 or 3 years at most to relocate or build. After that, Katty-bar-the-door! We could be in an economic collapse, a world war, a civil war and a police state all at the same time no matter who the President is. If you want to do something to change your location and situation you simply cannot afford any more procrastination.
Don,
I think many who come to your blog here know that big events are in the near future, I personally, am so thankful that someone like you is here to affirm these soon inevitable happenings.
I’ve questioned myself for maybe being overly pessimistic over the U.S. and the world’s future events…then I read your wisdom and know that I’m not that far off.
Thank You Don.
I dont think we in the UK are far behind you in the USA. So called professionals running our financial systems. I was recently doing a deal with a bank (on an existing business with them)as a loyal customer for over 20 years with a clean and good credit history, I could not believe the threatening behaviour and position they were taking along with their ammusement at there belief that they had me over a barrel. Thankfully I had the hindsight; or more truthfully Gods guidance; to have a contigency plan. They laughed at me when I suggested they were acting like the mafia, it was’nt a deal it was simple extortion and found it amusing indeed when I said “are you gentlemen sure you dont have balaclava’s in your briefcases”. I was told to take the deal or they would call their loans in and was advised that they knew that no other financial institution would be interested.
Three days later they were back on the phone asking me why my lawyer was asking for the release of all their security on my business and properties and even had the nerve to ask for PROOF and sight of my business proposal with another financial institution.
This is what it is comming to, I think you are right Don. All believers should prayerfully consider their future in this changing world. The scriptures like that in relation to Joseph in Egypt preparing for the famine may be relevant in these days
God bless
Paul
Don,
I / we all are so very thankful that your site and blog exist. I would not have woken up if not for your site. I was searching for information on rebuilding the temple (which of course has not occurred yet) and somehow found your site. I think I read the threats and then the timings and realized I had to wake up and get my act together. Well, my act is on a timetable, and that timetable is purposely shorter than yours. I want to have most self sufficiency measure complete by the end of 21012.
BTW – Just this evening, I finally caught my first keeper rockfish from shore (I had caught some trophy rockfish from charter). Obviously, I am looking to stay put where I’m at and look to the water bounty around me for food — but that will take our community to cooperate versus kill each other. At the moment, I’m optimistic.
I’ve been doing my best to fast and pray this week, especially as regarding the UN and all the turmoil in New York and embassies the world this week. One thing jumped out at me in your blog; that you stood up for your financial perspective during your tenure on the church board. We have been in the same position and have been accused of not having faith, not being in unity, etc.. I contend that the majority is very seldom right, ie; the 12 spies and how that broke down. People today want to hear the “nice prophecies” of peace, prosperity and the advance of the church. There is nothing new under the sun. It is better to be prepared while we seek the Lord and share when we have the opportunity. God bless you all in your preparedness.
Maranatha
Don,
Great article. We bought our house in 1999, and have a very low mortgage, and got a great price. Even with all the drop in value, we are still not in a negative equity position. God really looked out for us. I remember the real estate office near my own office where real estate agents literally laughed when I talked with them in 2006 about the rumors of the bubble bursting. That real estate office is out of business, and has been for the last few years. Proverbs says the wise man sees danger, and hides from it. What a true admonition for today. Living simply, and with as little debt as possible are so important given where things are headed. We had considered selling and buying something larger about 4 years ago, and God clearly closed the door. My wife and I are so grateful that God closed that door! Thanks for your post.
Rod in Oregon
Great predictions of our future! I agree with some of your predictions and some makes me wished it won’t happened. You have a very good point here “If you are planning a change do it now before you get trapped in a situation where you see your hopes vanish. If we have a major economic collapse or if we go on a national war footing or have an EMP this nation will change so radically that building or getting a loan will become impossible.” I agree with you. Though it also wise to think a hundred times, plan and evaluate things carefully before making a move.
Hi Don and brothers and sisters:
I haven’t commented here for awhile. I want to say thank you to Don for being bold and speaking what he has on his heart from the Spirit of God. It isn’t pretty but truth needs to be heeded, amen. It does take courage to speak when we know it isn’t the “fluffy stuff” that people want to hear. At the same time, it is somewhat scary for me to read this posting, as I have no such opportunity to “make a move”. Without getting into too many details, I’ll share my situation. I was a single mom for many years raising my 1st daughter alone in the Lord. Several years ago I got reinvolved with a man from my past who I was in love with and convinced myself that we would get married and it would be alright in the Lord eventually. Well, 8 years later and many trails and tears later, it was not alright. I have finally separated from him until and unless he is able to come to the Lord for true salvation. In the meantime, I am now a single parent again, now alone with our new 3-yr-old. He has been put in jail and faces about 2 yrs time for DUI, I am on welfare with very very little monetary help, unemployed with my home in foreclosure. I suffer depression and anxiety and have other small health issues. I have been diligently looking for work but nothing is opening up for me yet. I am looking to move back into a high-rise apt. complex I used to live in years ago as it would be more managible for me. All this to say, I do not feel sorry for myself…some of this is definately consequences for bad choices but I also believe God is restoring me as I have separated myself from an ungodly situation and am focused on living for the Lord again, instead of a dysfunctional relationship, and raising my new little one in the fear and admonition of the Lord. It isn’t easy and things financially are a constant challenge. I would be consisdered one of the poorest by financial standards, but I know the Lord is with me and will help me. Even with the great possibility of things getting worse economically worldwide, and the fear that can come with that understanding, I believe the Lord will sustain me and my little one and will work all things together for good. We may suffer even more than we are now but it isn’t worth being compared with the glory that will be revealed in us. Suffering for our own bad choices and sins or for terrible things that come upon this world are to be expected and endured, but suffering for Christ and the Gospel is the suffering that will truly refine us and make us those treasures in His kingdom. Please pray for me and my situation but most of all pray that I will bring glory to our Lord through obedience. I will pray for you all here as well. We all do need help and prayer for provision and protection to sustain us through the terrible times that may come but more than that we all need help and prayer to be the vessels he calls us to be in those terrible times. Amen! God bless you all 🙂
Thanks for sharing Lisa,
I think you have a very good perspective on all this. The Lord will provide for all your needs if you place your trust in Him. I pray that you continue to trust Him to guide you through your life. If you do His Spirit working in you will certainly bring glory to Him.
Abba, thank You for Lisa and her faithfulness to You and her example to us! Thank You for giving her courage to manage through her difficulties and those of her family. Please continue to give her strength; please continue to meet her needs: her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Please remind her of how much You *desire* her, and how she is royalty in training! Please remind her that she is liked by You as well as loved. Lisa is a Daughter of the Most High God, in Christ, and NO ONE can remove her from that place of high favor and honor! Please continue to shine through her and make an example to all those around her of how You redeem and turn our ashes to beauty! We also lift up the men in Lisa’s life who have hurt and abandoned her, please work in their lives as well: make them great in Your eyes just as we ask that for Lisa and her children. Please continue to provide for their children that they would grow in stature and grace. Please remind us to pray for Lisa. May we see Your *extravagance* in her life and give You glory! Oh Lord! We *do* love You!!!
Don,
It seems to me that there is a very small percentage of people that can afford to relocate to a rural area. Those in retirement with secure source of income or the independently wealthy, but for those still working with a mortgage the chances seem pretty slim. Even for those who can sell their big city dwelling how many would feel comfortable quiting their job in todays economy with the hope of finding work in a small town or rural area?
If as you suggest interest rates on loans will become unaffordable in the future then property prices could decline significantly. Maybe someone could sell their city residence now and rent and save the money for lower prices later and then move to the rural area. (Not investment advice)
Just this past week I was reading about a guy with some rural property in California and how thieves have taken every piece of metal on his property that wasn’t securely attached to something and selling it for recycling. Young guys pull up to a farm house and if no one comes out they figure no one is home and start looking for things for recycling. I would imagine home invasions in a rural area could be worse than in a city since you are so isolated.
I’ve been living with mom for the past ten years since dad died. You can’t get an elderly person to move from their home. We live on the outskirts of a small city so rioting and violence isn’t a big concern. I am concerned about where I might live if I’m ever on my own again some time in the future. Not having worked for a few years now with no health insurance and only slim prospects of finding a job in this community my savings are gradually going down. I can’t move to a better community with more jobs because I don’t want to abandon an 88 year old mom. Feeling really boxed in in life with no where to go, even if I wanted to move to a rural area I couldn’t do it now and afraid I might end up living out of my truck or at the homeless shelter or tent camping or a govt sponsored fema internment camp. Of course tent camping would be fine if I knew of a year round location with a great climate but the idea of being out there with freezing weather isn’t really appealing.
Hello Don,
I thank God for all the work you do, your perspective and your blog here.
With all my heart however, I hope you’re wrong on your rapture timing. I hope it’s much sooner then 2030-35. With everything that’s going on these days…. in all spheres of life…. it seems to be waxing worse and worse. It’s like a snowball effect when it gets closer to the bottom it getts bigger faster, and faster Faster.
The good guys (ISRAEL) have Sampson option on the table, what about the bad guys, when all hell is breaking loose(above article)? I don’t for one moment think that most governments will contemplate very long whether or not to be the good guy and not reply in kind if chemical/biological/nuclear weapons are in play. MAD is no longer a detterent, but just a way of life for some “peacefull” nations.
Anyway, I hope to hear from you.
Gob bless you, keep up the good work and keep looking up!
MARANATHA!
Ben in Sacramento
Tim,
Obviously most can not relocate to the country. The message is to those people that say they want to but never get around to doing it. I think its getting close to now or never.
I do not see property prices dropping much more than you can build a house for (unless it is old and run down) and most land has value because it can produce something like timber or crops. If the dollar drops in value than it is going to take more dollars to buy a house in the future and if the dollar deprecates rapidly interest rates will put houses out of reach for anyone that needs to borrow the money. It will be cash, or something of value or nothing.
If your going to have a house in the country you really need to be living there and it is best to have the area around the house fenced and gated and have dogs out on the property when you are gone. I have lived in the country a long time and none have opened my gates unless the dogs knew them or I was there to escort them. In fact, it would be very unwise for anyone to do so. That is why my gate is posted beware of the dogs. Believe me, dogs are very territorial and even if they are not bitters most will not take the chance and mess with them. They are better security than weapons or being home because they are a great deterrent but if you have to pull a weapon out you might have to actually use it and then face the consequences..
Living in the country is not for everyone if you feel safe where you are at live there. What you might want to consider after your mom dies is a camping trailer or a cheep motor home. If you do not like where you are at you can always go on the road and most commercial camp grounds have some security. I personally used to like to camp on federal land (not in a federal camp ground) but I would not recommend that for the elderly and it is best if you join a camping club or something these days.
Hi Ben,
Thanks,
Actually, that 2030 – 2035 date is when I think the Lord will come to deal with His enemies and set up his kingdom. The Rapture of believers will be at least 7 years sooner and even as soon as today.
Thanks again to all who prayed for me and great posts here from everyone. We are all in different situations but the Lord has His eye on us all and He upholds us all with His righteous right hand. He will see us through whatever may come until He comes to get us. Can’t wait for that day…I agree with Ben, hoping that the rapture is sooner than later and as Don said, even as soon as today. Sounds great to me!!!!
Lisa ,
I am praying for you . In that passage we all know , The 23rd Psalm , It is The Lord who provides the green pastures and still waters. It is He who anoints our head with oil and prepares the table for us . He comforts in all circumstances in our lives. We all wish ” The
Valley of the Shadow of Death ” wasn’t there but trusting Him is sometimes the only option.
BlESSINGS to YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Brett, Thanks for offering up that prayer for Lisa. I too will pray for you Lisa. Don, thanks for the reassurance of this article. I read just about everything you post. Thanks for being obedient to the Lord and having this website. It’s helped me tremendously and I have recommended it to everyone I know. Your right about people rolling their eyes when they hear this kind of message. They don’t want to hear it or believe it. Your also dead on about the cities being a bad location when it goes sour. I retired from the California Highway Patrol a year ago and worked on a Special Enforcement Unit. We deployed to the L.A. Riots, New Orleans after Katrina and other similar incidents. When these cities across our nation finally do erupt, I guarantee there will not be enough resources to put a stop to the rioting and violence anytime soon, if at all. Your article is of special interest to me right now because my wife and I have had to stay with my folks in southern Oklahoma all summer. My dad is in such poor health he needs twenty four hour care. He looses consciousness and falls randomly. Were putting our home at Tenkiller Lake up for sale Monday to move in with my parents in the country until we can build on my sister’s hundred acres nearby. I remember these warnings from you about a year ago when I first found your site. These observations of yours are absolutely going to take place. I pray that people are listening and paying attention to global events. So, were mustering all the family we can and are going to settle on my sister’s acreage. I know my dad, who is a believer, will not last long. We would appreciate all prayers from our fellow believers that this transition happens quickly. Until then, tell all, of God’s plan of salvation through Christ Jesus.
Mike,
Thanks for your confirmation about the situation and for your service as a law enforcement officer. I know of other law enforcement officers who also think that many urban areas are ready to blow. Another Christian retired California Highway Patrol officer that recently retired due to injury will be moving to the Missouri Ozarks shortly. I think rural Oklahoma is a very good location to be.
Your Dad is in good hands. I pray that your relocation and building plans on your sister’s property will go smoothy.
When the housing market was rising, the state (by any other name) rushed to accomplish real estate assessments to raise property taxes. Haven’t heard or seen from them in years. Hmmmm… Is there any way we the people can sue the state in a reverse back taxes owed class action settlement? There is no way anyone in the land can sell their abode for what the state is assessing their property at.
Don-
I love reading your posts and your regulars comments. It is a wonderful community and makes me feel not so alone. The things you discuss and I believe are things most of my church friends would dismiss.
Anyway- My husband and I are fortunate and live out in the country. I agree it is the place to be. We do have a woodstove for heat, but I keep telling my husband we have to come up with a way to get our water, if offline. We do have a well- a very deep one, and I don’t want to rely on a generator, because I think when those times come, it will be near impossible to get gas for a generator.
Now please don’t laugh at my next question–I also worry about looters- (in the future when the country is collapsing)What are your thoughts on weapons- should a Christian use arms to protect their property or do we let the looters take our lives and property without a fight- knowing that God will deal with them in the end.
Thoughts from everyone on this moral dilema (for me) is appreciated.
Heather
re: arms… I see no problem with standing up for your rights and personal protection and security. Turn the other cheek is a far cry from being killed / violated – bandits won’t stop at looting, don’t kid yourself. The thugs will violate and kill you. In the country, arms will be more useful to your well being. In the city, however, arms may not be all that useful – maybe in the very short term, but certainly not long term. Marshal law would be the only solution to the ensuing nightmare and that won’t happen for quite some time.
re: well… get your water tested – if the water isn’t worthy, you may or may not be able to filter it / purify it. If you water is worthy, it is still a good idea to have filters and purification tablets. Have a generator that you can hook to your existing pump… Also, I have a manual well pump, which was a few $K, but worth it. I went to simplepump.com and I’m very happy with it. Talk about peace of mind, knowing I can simply pump water.
Craig,
Everywhere I know of there are procedures in place to challenge your property assessment if you think it is too high. You need to look into how you do that in your area.
Heather,
The only way your going to get water out of deep well is with a powered pump. So if you do not want to depend on gas for a generator you are going to have to have to use water that is above ground, for example dig a pond, or have a large tank or a cistern, otherwise know where the nearest natural water source is located and prepare to haul it with some kind of hand or horse pulled wagon.
The children of Abraham have used arms to protect themselves, family and country throughout history. Look at it this way. If you are protecting material things because you are selfish you should expect to reap certain consequences. If you do not protect what your family actually needs to survive on you are probably a coward and worse than an infidel.
I still say a fence and dogs are the best defense against criminals. More than likely if you have dogs you will never have to use weapons. Let the dogs determine right or wrong if someone deliberately trespasses on your property. They also do their job for just room and board.
By the way, I just will add this. Even though you have a deep well for clean water you may have ground water that can be reached by a hand dug well and/or pumped with a hand pump. I have had property that had both a deep well and a old hand dug well.
Don,
I absolutely agree with your assessment. We are on the cusp and while I think TPTB are attempting to stave off economic collapse until after the next election, all they can offer is more of the same (printing-> devaluing currency-> inflation) and I’m not too sure if they can push it off.
Regardless of the economic collapse, you are spot on in your thoughts about the volatility in the world.
It is interesting to note that the four characteristics of a superpower are economic, military, diplomatic and cultural strength. It is my opinion that we no longer have any true economic strength (40 cents out of every dollar is “borrowed”) and the other three hinge on that. If a world war breaks out, considering our economic condition, the US will lose its military as well as diplomatic strength (diplomatic strength is already faultering due to our economic condition). And as the USD continues to break down, our cultural influence does as well.
Just some things to consider– not to be in fear over because this is all part of God’s plan. But, I’m with Don, if you have the ability to act, then do so. Even if it is building up a supply of basic provisions (beans, bullets & bandaids).
Good Morning Heather , Craig , and Don
Since there is some discussion here about water and wells, most of the water wells in my neighborhood have gone dry the past 2 months. My area has city water, but most of us have wells
for watering our yards as the lots in my housing track have 2/3 to 3/4 acre lots. My neighbor across the street has been here 27 years and said the wells have never gone dry before. I live
in east Wichita , it’s one mile east to the next county and the Andover city limits. Some people in west Wichita also have dry wells. Just thought this might be worth sharing.
I have also looked in to those rain water collection and holding devices. They are pretty cheap and they can hold a lot of water (just disguise or camouflage it so no mischievous thug shoots it full of holes). And, there’s your H2O heater tank, plus your bathtub and laundry tub – you can fill them up based on existing pressure in the system. I’ve also looked at the “natures head” (don’t want to overlook that).
We’ve gotten in the habit of keeping the vehicle gas tanks filled. Don’t forget to get a siphon (on sure, you’ve got a hose, but it’s nice to have a pump based mechanism). As the watchmen may point out, God has given us a bit of a heads up – we should not be deadbeats. “Time for procrastination is over”.
An easier idea might be to stock up on bottled water and also invest in one of those UV water filters ( runs on batteries) and some bleach to kill bacteria. I live between the great lakes and the finger lakes so I’m not so worried bout finding fresh water where I’m located. I just don’t know if I should be planning for hyperinflation and civil unrest or a worst case scenario like emp. Anyway I like the upstate ny area there are many good places to live in event of a meltdown.
As usual, a good discussion. Have read the whole thread. Don, our family is unable to get out of our suburban home at this time. Sure would like to stay safe. My husband is “in law enforcement” at the office level. He is concerned about the unstable young people who are increasinly involved in crime and have no real employment. ///Also, will be praying for you Lisa.
Collecting rain water in some places is problematic. Here in Colorado it’s actually illegal, if you can imagine that. Not sure if a generator would survive an EMP, but the cistern or pond idea has merit, especially in a part of the country that receives rain. I think digging a shallow well is a good way to go, and even if the water isn’t pure, it can be filtered. We bought a Big Berkey water filter for just this reason earlier this year. Haven’t unpacked it, just put it aside in case.
Don, the Ozarks seem a popular place. My wife and I will probably be moving to out little cabin there this spring.
A generator absolutely must be low tech – zero IC circuitry what so ever. I have an older model / Briggs-Straton engine and I also have it literally grounded. I think the electrical components should withstand an EMP. However, with that said, I certainly am not looking to a generator as nothing more than a stop gap for the “ramp down” scenario — meaning, for maybe a week or two, if it happens to work, I may be able to power my low tech freezer and my dorm fridge. Unfortunately, I have new kitchen fridge/freezer (samsung) and it has computer circuitry — for which I totally cringe. I am beyond furious with the culture / state putting computer circuitry in essential utility appliances. I would love to get a hold of a low tech fridge, but getting that past the misses wouldn’t happen. I have a hard time convincing the misses of the realities about to befall us, but that’s another battle. In any case, this is all ramp down scenario anyway. In a little over a month after an EMP, anything electronic is useless, more or less. My concern with having low tech appliances and a low tech older vehicle like a 6 cyl. Nova is for longer term — say, 2+ years after the EMP. I do plan on surviving, but who’s to say?
As for anything being illegal – well, when you are instantly transformed from 201X to 1870, we’re also back in the wild wild west. Collect all the rain water you want, then – of course, filter and iodine crystals are required.
Craig ,
Good place to find old low tech appliances is used appliance store. Do you live in an area where there are any auctions ? I see a lot of old stuff that works at an auction I go to in Wichita on a regular basis.
Just want to say thanks again to everyone for their prayers. You are all so special. God bless you all in all things in all your needs now and the future. Since I see some of you are disussing actual mechanisms that will help you out during this time to survive, I also wanted to mention that I saw an ad today on World Net Daily about something called the “Crisis Cooker”. It looked like a good idea for about $200. Not sure if any of you would need or could use something like this but I thought it was a neat idea…hope it helps someone here. God bless all of you always. 🙂
Interesting post Don.. Lets pray it won’t get that bad. Have to say I am amazed at the cheap prices you outlined. I am in an Australian city with an acre of land and my house (nothing special) is worth around $500k ($A and $US are at parity). Australia wasn’t really affected by the GFC, and they say that a price slump is coming here as well. I actually do have the opportunity to get a job in a smaller community and move out of “the big smoke” but have been arguing with myself about it. Prices there are no cheaper – mining booms have caused a property bubble just about everywhere.. You comments give me pause to think it over a little more and see if I can listen a little harder to what God wants for me and my family. Blessings.
I personally think that things won’t get as bad as our fears. Rampant inflation, unrest, etc., won’t be the norm until after the Rapture of the Church. What we are seeing now is basically the rehearsal of the judgements after the Rapture. I’m not saying that we will not suffer at all. There are many Christians suffering loss of material things right now because of the economy, etc.
Based on what is in Revelation and God telling us that believers are not appointed to wrath, we won’t see the worst of things. The judgements in Revelation are judgments against the unbelieving world after the Rapture and the Restrainer are pulled out of here. And this is what the post-tribbers can’t explain. God never allowed his people to be caught up in the brunt of his Judgement anywhere in the Bible.
He’s not about to change His nature just because these are the last days.
Don can chime in on the Restrainer, which he will contend is Michael and that blog had some contention in the comment thread, but otherwise it sure seems to make sense to me — which really takes the heat off of us, the bride, to be the restrainer, for which I breathe a sigh of relief and it sure makes my load a bit more realistic.
As a scientist, I prefer to deal with realities and truths as opposed to fears. My various preparations for future uncertainties are generally lost cost and low effort. The EMP scenario is rather easily accomplishable by any of the growing number of rogue enemy states out there and the consequences can not be understated or trivialized. The E1
… accidentally hit an errant keystroke… The E1 and E2 components destroy sensitive electronics, which would be useful after the power comes back on had those devices not been destroyed, while the E3 component takes out the power grid and equipment thereof which is irreplaceable domestically.
The americas are not mentioned in revelation which “speaks wonders”; As for whether or how God will take care of His own remains to be seen, but of the millions that died or suffered immensely in the past WW conflicts, how many were saved? When I pray, I don’t get the “don’t worry be happy” message coming back. When I pray [these days], I’m asking for wisdom. Wisdom trumps fear.
While I’m here — don’t forget firewood.
Lisa ,
You have been placed on my P.U.S.H. list which is “The Pray Until Something Happens ” list. If you feel you need encouragement I would recommend checking out a retired pastor named Ben Hayden. His website is http://www.changedlives.org . Please let me know how it works out for you should you feel lead to check it out. BLESSINGS!!!!!!!!!
Why is there no mention of the gospel on Mr. Hayden’s website? He seems very secular and part of the “Prosperity Gospel” crowd.
Frank,
We are not talking about the tribulation. The US is not the Church you really have no idea how bad it will get here before the Rapture of the Church. I am sure there were Christians in World war II and our own Civil war.
Frank ,
I thought I answered you on Ben Hayden , but maybe I did not submit my post. Since 1972 I have listened to Ben Hayden and have never heard him preach ” The Prosperity Gospel ” . I can only speak for myself , but I find Ben Hayden to be a sincere Christian and his messages have been a
personal blessings to me. BLESSINGS to YOU!!!!!!!!!
This is so insightful, Don. God gave us common sense (or is it sixth sense of some sort?) and we might as well use it. God tell us things through hunches and if we only learn to listen to His “voice”, we are guided on what we have to do about certain aspects in life. I think that’s what happened in your case, God told you about the coming economic crash and it’s a good thing that you listened. God bless us all.
To Don Fritts:
Thank you for putting me on your PUSH list. 🙂 I will check out that website. Also just to let everyone know…I have a job interview this coming week as an office assistant in an accounting firm. This was my last type of position also – 3 yrs ago – so I think I will be a good fit. We’ll see if the Lord opens this door, if not, I’m looking for others to walk through as well. Thanks again to all you guys and gals here. This is a very special website…I appreciate Don’s frank and up-to-date posts and I enjoy the company of saints here that share their comments. Not a lot of infighting, like other blogs I have attended. Keeping it real and mature, that’s the way to go…in love. God bless you all. I’ll keep this blog posted on the Lord’s awesome goodness to me and thanks again to all. Amen!
Don, I was not implying the US was the church. Inflation, etc will be a WORLDWIDE thing since as the US dollar, the Chinese Juan, and the Euro goes, the world goes. You’re also comparing two totally different times, Biblically speaking, when you try to lump what I stated in with the Civil War. An American Civil war is no where to be found in the Bible.
It is obvious that we are nearing the last of the last days.
Cool Beans Lisa,
How awesome you have a job interview coming…things are looking better already : )
Frank,
You’re missing the point. I do not think the fall of the United States has anything to do with the timing of the Rapture. The US is likely to be removed from superpower status even before we get into biblical prophetic events.
I pointed out the Civil War because it was by far the bloodiest war in our history. Every family lost people and there were plenty of Christians that died on both sides. There was no Rapture escape clause to remove these Christians.
The fall of the present economic system is not the end of the world either. They will just come up with something else. And no, it will not be the mark of the Beast because we are not in the Tribulation yet nor is the technology to make that possible likely to be in place worldwide in this decade.
What you might need to consider is that the US is judged as a nation even before end times events and I have given plenty of reasons on my website how that can happen. With a EMP just being one and the collapse of the dollar being another.
We are near the end days of Bible Prophecy but I keep telling you it may not be quite as soon as you and some others wish to believe
I guess your interview is coming up this coming week.
Prayers going up for you, here to.
I forgot to direct the post to Lisa:
Sorry Don, I know you are trying to save on electrons as the squirrels in the generator wheel are starting to protest. I sure don’t want PETA making a squirrel visit.
Lisa,
I guess your interview is coming up this coming week.
Prayers going up for you, here to.
Don, I am well aware the fall of the present economic system is not the end of the world. The Bible states this exact thing. Something will need to implemented to replace what is collapsing. The entire “EMP” threat is a red herring and that is because it would cause chaos almost at an instant and that is the opposite of what TPTB wants.
Look to Israel and see how the M.E. is aligning against them to see where/when things are headed. Everything hinges on them and it’s wise to not forget about them.
And I keep telling you that the Rapture may not be as far off as you think. 😉
Hello Everyone-
I appreciate all the discussions on Wells, generators and such. I live on the Maryland Eastern Shore- so the water is tainted with arsenic from all the farming I guess- so I will have to stock up on water filters.
AS to how bad times are going to get- I agree with Don, I think we are going to go through some really rough times before the Rapture, but God has given us wisdom to”read” these times and prepare.
Don Fritts- I love the P.U.S.H. acronym. I will definitely pass that on.
And last but not least- Lisa, I will be praying for you as well. Let us know how the interview goes.
Franks
Who even knows what TPTB stands for or what they want? They are probably just a figment of your conspiracy imagination.
As far as I know most of our enemies want the US out of the way and an EMP is one way to achieve that and all of our enemies know that.
By the way, we just had two X class flares on the sun in just three days and they are expecting more in the next few days. If we have a big X flare with a CME pointed at the earth at that time that could take care of our electrical grid without an enemy EMP. We can be done in by the Sun or the Son anytime. The fulfillment of end time prophecy does not depend on the survival of the United States.
You also seem confused. I put no timing on the Rapture at all, it could happen today. I say the end of the age is probably not until around the 2030’s. If that means the rapture is way in the future to you in your eschatology, that is your problem not mine.
Don,
Unfortunately in our acronym happy world, people don’t always define them. They should at least define them the 1st time.
I think TPTB = The Powers That Be
Thanks, the powers that be in the West probably would like to know that they actually have that kind of power over the Islamic wackos, North Korea, China and the KGB thugs of Russia.
I too believe we are nearing the end but I do not feel we are to be flling water bottles and bathtubs or finding cozy homes in the country. ( No offense meant) but we should be spreading the word, reading our bibles and praying for Gods will adamantly. If the wars and wrath come we have no one to look but up. Pam
pam o’neill,
I too have thought about what you just said…however, I have also thought, how are we to minister ‘The Word Of God’ if our bodies are depleted of water and food ?
Pam,
Even FEMA tells people to have weeks or months of spare water and food around. So do you think we also should not listen to those in Government that God appointed for our well being?
As for bathtubs, nobody here is talking about filling bathtubs now unless you want to take a bath. The point was that after the power goes out there will be enough pressure in the lines to fill bathtubs with water. We did that when I was a kid. Otherwise you could not even flush your toilet when there was a power outage. Don’t assume that just because many Christians have made electricity our God to supply our modern needs that the God of electrical forces will remain faithful. God does not promise us continued electrical power.
Christians should be reading our Bibles and praying but even the early Christians under persecution by the Jews and the Roman State took safety precautions and they are still doing that in countries where there is persecution. There is always balance. If you can get out of the cities why would you want to go through the riots and expose your children to the antichrist influences found there? Lot choose the cities and we are told the consequences. Abraham had no such problem. We are told to be wise and not to be stupid like those in the world that will follow the pied piper off the cliff.
I am not stopping my life or putting my life on hold because we are threatened. Wisdom: keep your head in the game (watch and pray). I have made sensible life alterations, focusing on essentials. As Don said, “balance”;
One key alteration of my otherwise normal life I made this year was to get out on the water and go fishing. If an EMP / CME were to never arrive (which would be welcome, of course), I still can’t call the effort I’ve spent out on the water (and doing pretty well in the catch [and release] department, praise Jesus) a waste. I did get a “folding boat” with a trolling motor (not to mention oars), and if there were no electricity, I could effectively get out on the water and even run a gill net. I don’t consider this time and effort and learning experience a waste by any measure.
We are also getting our house squared away, sooner rather than later — get that roof inspected! If there aren’t any materials to be had, let alone affordable, your leaking roof won’t be fixed properly.
Right now, $$$ have value. Later, doubtful (regardless of WW or CME et al). If you think you can live under “don’t worry, be happy”, flat out – you are a fool.
There is an article on FoxNews this very moment of Iran having plans to station ships near US waters. Even a few years ago you would have never heard or taken something like that seriously. The top headline is that 20,000 heat seeking missiles in Libya are now missing.
Again, if you think you can live under “don’t worry, be happy”, then you are a fool.
Craig,
I agree with you and hey, fishing is a relaxing, enjoyable, cerebral experience anyway…so whether you need to fish upon a future disaster or not, your time fishing is not a waste.
I doubt there are many “don’t worry, be happy” naive type people on Don’s blog here…Don’s blog is an educational experience that draws us closer to the Lord Jesus Christ.
I think we are much more aware than the general populous.
Personally, I find these times exciting, to see what’s happening in the world and to see how it coincides with scripture makes me feel lucky to be alive at this time.
I am thankful for what little I do have and I know that no matter how bad anything may get, it’s all in God’s hands…with that comfort, I don’t see how any believer can be in hopeless distress now or upon the inevitable future events.
Those that are now or will be in severe distress in the future are those that have their hopes in man, not in the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
Craig ,
Totally agree with you , I refuse to stop living because something may happen. We know that there is trouble ahead and I have done what I know to do in preparation. Of course , I will forget or neglect something important , but if I had to depend on myself I’d be in trouble anyway. Do what you can and the rest is in God’s hands, and He told me no power can take me out of His Hand. Hope you catch lots of fish.
Don relocates to the middle of no where and calls me a conspiracy theorist. That’s rich, Don. Unfortunately, your mind isn’t open to anything other than your own personal viewpoints.
Peace to you !
Frank,
I have told you before that I am here because my wife took a job here. I really had nothing to do with our location. I would be living in Arizona or thereabouts if it was only up to me. Apparently you have a selective short memory.
The real dangers to our nation have nothing to do with TPTB like you think. It has everything to do with people in this nation that will not take a stand against evil either because they are cowards or because they love it themselves. I think my post tonight pretty much covers the topic.
It is not some secret cabal of Satanic elitists that are going to destroy this nation. We are doing a fine job all by ourselves.
Don,
I don’t understand why you would debate this with Frank.
I think it is wise to relocate to the boonies…future events or no. Why would that have anything to do with conspiracy theory even if you did do it for the coming events, which you obviously didn’t.
Not only that, I find the boonies to be much more peaceful than living in the city or near a city.
~David,
Only to set the record straight.
I tell people to get out of the cities because anyone can see where the US is headed and the cities are not going to be a fun place to be. I do not tell them to go to the country because I think TPTB are about to cause a world economic collapse. There will be an economic collapse at some point because we departed from reason to allow a system based on trust when people are not trustworthy. We also have thrown caution to the wind and are open to many external and internal dangers. We can blame ourselves not TPTB. They are just a convenient excuse that some use for our own moral failings. Blame the bankers. Blame the Jews. Don’t never look in the mirror.
This is interesting to me. I have been considering moving to rural Alabama. I live outside of Atlanta. The only problem I have with it is that I would have to sell my house and I assume I could go in debt $20,000 to $30,000 if I do so and right now I am not in debt (except for the house). If I would not go into debt it wouldn’t be that hard of a decision.
I’ve just managed to get onto this bit of The Prophetic Years. It’s nice to find so many committed Christians discussing their thoughts; as well as those concerned people who are praying for Lisa. (I will be doing so too, Lisa, having read your comments.)
As to the Rapture: it can happen at any time or we can die before it occurs.
I don’t want to die but, for us Christians, I think death would be preferable to the Great Tribulation–especially when there will be folks around who want to die but won’t be able to.
Dave Hunt proffers an interesting point.
He doesn’t think things will be too bad immediately prior to the Rapture–generally, that is–as people will be continuing pretty much as before (Matt 24:38).
My understanding of that Scripture is similar to Mr Hunt’s.
It doesn’t strike me that that majority of people, then, will be in dire straights. Some of us, as Christians, may well be having it tough for “through much tribulation we enter the kingdom.” But that’s nothing to with the Great Tribulation. We suffer through Satan’s “…wearing down of the saints.”
The Great Tribulation is God’s wrath–which Christians are not appointed to (1 Thess 5:9).
My point, though, is if (as I read Matt 24:38; and I could possibly be overlooking something) things don’t seem too bad immediately prior to the Rapture and we are on the brink of economic disaster, then the Rapture itself me be imminent.
I wonder what others views on that are.
Martin,
If things were not evil on the earth before the flood there would not have been a flood. Genesis says “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
That hardly sounds like things were not bad on earth before the flood. Sure people were getting married but the point of that statement was that people did not know that judgment was coming, not that the world was at peace.
Also, consider the black death and the dark ages, I think it got pretty bad on earth before the Rapture. Or in modern times the second world war for those living in Europe, Russia and Asia. Or consider the bloody civil war in America and we really are talking about the fate of America here.
So obviously it can get pretty darn bad before any Rapture, as it has before. I think there will be another world war before the Rapture and I also think America will cease being a superpower before the Rapture. Therefore, to believe that we will escape hard times in America on a Rapture hope is probably a false hope.