If he is anything like me he had to take some time away from the intense gloom and doom. It has a way of wearing on you you know, especially when you know the road were are on has no turns. I dont know about the rest of you but Id like to see things go ahead and collapse just to get it over with so we can get to building this place (the US) back up. The only way we will be able to solve anything is to finish breaking the system first.

Sitting and knowing its comming but it always seems to be kicked down the road another month is very stressful.

 

I guess I'm more like Schopenhauer then. For me, it's a mechanism of blowing off steam from grim news. If it made me upset, I'd quit too.

 

Hopefully, he's busy working!

 

FK was on site this AM at 9:15:thumb:

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?p=1989097#post1989097

so we know he has been around.

 

I like to think of each of us as Jungian archetypes. Some of us are real, some are something other than you think, some might even be multiple people/groups/interests. You can never say for certain, but that's the name of the game in the anonymous digital arena (I remember the 300 baud BBS days). Maybe he's out enjoying the good weather (been fantastic here the past couple weeks).

 

Hmm,now that you mention it.....I haven't seen CheapSuits around here lately,either. I hope he hasn't been summoned up to the mothership, or "disappeared" by the PTB :, I always liked his input.

 

I miss him also............nuf sead.

 

Maybe they are one in the same?

 

BOO!!

I have been busy traveling to Boston, ME, NC, SC, and the Eastern Shore of VA. But more so than that, I was invited to give the sermon this past Sunday at the 11 am service at our Church. The sermon was to be 25 minutes long so this was not a toss together 7 minute testimony, not that there is anything wrong with that.

The subject matter was sin and temptation. It was the easiest piece to write, but the most challenging to read and deliver. It has caused much inward analysis on my part and God is working in me in a way I never thought possible right now. I delivered the sermon on Sunday to over 300 people from age 5 (my daughter) to age 93. It was humbling, and I was mentally exhuasted afterwards. My prepping has taken a most serious turn in a direction I was not prepared for, and although I do not know how this road will end, the ride is liberating and thrilling. This experience has caused me to look at life, and our situation, in a manner that, had I no trust in God, I would say I am not ready for. The reception of the sermon was touching and emotion for me. People were coming up to my wife today in town saying they were in the audience and were moved. If this sounds like a gloat session, it is not. I am trying, probably miserably, to convey the sense of responsiblity I now feel to share my thoughts and views on so many religious and societal topics in a way that I have never thought of. It is as if my life is a snow globe and God just turned it upside down, but has not returned it back to normal yet. I am just so overwhelmed with humble emotions that I do not know what to do. My paradigms have been smashed and what I thought would be my future career/work path may now be surpassed.

It has been a really incredible couple weeks and I am blessed beyond what my sinning flesh deserves. My cup overfloweth and has flooded the basement. God is making me lie down in still pastures, "Be still and know that I am God"...... I have a stillness about me now that I have not had in a long, long time.

I am also amazed at the evolution of this subsection forum. I learn so much here and feel such a sense of community and fellowship where complete strangers can get in fights, work out issues, vent, laugh, and be open and honest. Many here are to be commended for sharing their talents but even more are to be commended for revealing their vulnerability to these most serious topics and reaching out to leverage the knowledge of others. It is not a noble act for me to share my talents, it is a responsiblity. Noble is the person that can sit their ego under the bed where it belongs, and come here or anywhere and fill that void to better themselves and others. This forum goes well beyond finance and economics, it is amazing to know the genesis and witness the evolution. I used to start almost every thread here, which was a treat, and now I get to participate in the collective thought, which is much more powerful and complete than just my ideas and perception.

I am here, trust me. Lurking like a proud father and watching a close knit community grow in these uncertain times. I have had so many PM's lately, which has been so neat to answer and assist where possible. It is just such a blessing.

No one here has been more caught up in the current situation of our globe than I have. But God has extended his hand to my shoulder and kept me still of late. My spiritual prepardness has been lacking, and needed "two a days". I feel more complete today that I ever have. Regardless of your religion or affiliation, I pray you find the inner peace I have round lately. It dwarfs any measure of gold or silver.

As always brothers and sisters, God Bless.....

 

This, my friend, is the most meaningful post of yours that I have ever read. Your financial insight is always appreciated but the 'stillness' you shared struck a chord in me. I was wracked with anxiety of the state of our country/world two years ago when I joined this board.
I have learned so much from our community and it has been invaluable. But at the end of the day, if you lack spiritual preparedness all is for naught. Thank you so much for sharing your heart today.

sincerely,
Teri

 

I think FK went off and had an epiphany...

 

Okay, enough of this idle chit chat and go over to my post about this mortgage mess and tell us what is going to happen. <with a smile>

 

 

God bless you FK. The opportunity to take a deep look inside ourselves is often a rare one. It sounds like you took this opportunity and with guidance was able to share gods work with the congression (sp?). I can only hope the message was received with the passion and understanding it was offered. What a great honor.

Even as a newbe here I have always looked forward to your posts to explain and put into light all of the economic research I had done. You have a way of putting ideas into works so others can understand.

 

Still waiting....

On a youtube video to pass on to peoples completely unaware of the dangerous times we are heading to.



Glad all is well.




Sierra Dave

 

Glad to see FK that you have your priorities in order.

God first and family 2nd.

 

A pleasant read.

 

I for one can appreciate the eduction....both financial and spiritual....

This subforum has been incredibly informative for me, I check it regularly if not daily...

I've noticed cheapsuits has been missing from the forum as well, I miss his input...even if he is an Indy fan...:

 

The sovereignty of God cannot be overlooked in these trying times. We tend to forget that. Preaching of the 'prosperity gospel' has also turned people away from the truth. Somehow no one likes to think about the words of Jesus: If you would be my disciple deny yourself, take up your cross DAILY, and follow me. We want things to be cushy, and there really are always going to be trials and tribulations this side of eternity.

What tends to be missing from this board is looking at 'prepping' as simply an element of our walk as ambassadors for Christ. We are to be salt and light in the world, and if/when we see a large scale societal collapse, those of us who are prepared are going to be in a much better positions to do Kingdom work. Too much of what I read around here is a 'me first' mentality, which raises the question WHY DO IT? If we aren't going to be able to serve others (and that is not just immediate family; for me that includes the body of Christ AND unbelievers whom the Lord brings across my path) then it ultimately is just a narcissistic pursuit.

Jesus sent out His disciples with the admonition to be 'as wise as serpents'. We need wisdom in these days, and even more if/when it does hit the fan. For the follower of Christ, issues of sharing resources will involve VERY tough choices. It is my conviction that much of those decisions will be opportunities for growth in our faith and relationship with Him.

 

The sovereignty of God cannot be overlooked in these trying times. We tend to forget that. Preaching of the 'prosperity gospel' has also turned people away from the truth. Somehow no one likes to think about the words of Jesus: If you would be my disciple deny yourself, take up your cross DAILY, and follow me. We want things to be cushy, and there really are always going to be trials and tribulations this side of eternity.

What tends to be missing from this board is looking at 'prepping' as simply an element of our walk as ambassadors for Christ. We are to be salt and light in the world, and if/when we see a large scale societal collapse, those of us who are prepared are going to be in a much better positions to do Kingdom work. Too much of what I read around here is a 'me first' mentality, which raises the question WHY DO IT? If we aren't going to be able to serve others (and that is not just immediate family; for me that includes the body of Christ AND unbelievers whom the Lord brings across my path) then it ultimately is just a narcissistic pursuit.

Jesus sent out His disciples with the admonition to be 'as wise as serpents'. We need wisdom in these days, and even more if/when it does hit the fan. For the follower of Christ, issues of sharing resources will involve VERY tough choices. It is my conviction that much of those decisions will be opportunities for growth in our faith and relationship with Him.

Truly an excellent post, IMHO one of the best comments I have read in a long time in this forum. There really is an amazing mix of people and views on this site. I don't come here for investment information and tips (there are MUCH better places for that). I come here to see how some people are reacting to the situation, in the same way that I go to libtard sites to see what they are thinking, and market pumpers like CNBC to see what they are thinking... i.e., read all views before taking a position.

24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and wealth.
25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27 "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
28 "And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
30 "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
31 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'
32 "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

(Matthew 6:24-34, NASB)

I used the NASB version rather than the KJV since it drives home the focus on worry, compared to the KJV translation which says "take no thought of" which can be taken in ways not intended. The focus is worry (and of course the Kingdom of God), and if you worry then your faith is weak.

There is danger in pulling things out of context from the Bible, and there are many parts of the Bible that relate to wisdom, investment/stewardship, and preparation for coming hard times. I would encourage some of you that have not tried the part in bold above to give it a try:

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6-7, NASB)

Thanks again Aldo for the witness and spreading the Gospel.

 

FK have missed your work, but it seems you have a higher calling remember many are called but few are chosen, make sure you listen to your calling and your Creator for his path and do not tarry for he is is present and waiting for His chosen

 

I've noted a much stronger religious bent to FK's inclinations. Has this gotten stronger, or am I just noticing it more? I'm agnostic/atheistic myself -- no offense intended, just wondering how religious folks combine religion + preps (like Beck and the Mormons). Is it lack of faith that leads to prepping, and concern about the material plane? I've got no faith whatsoever, so all of my eggs are in the physical basket. If there is a creator, he/she/it/they have no interest in saving people from plague, genocide, warfare, tyranny, etc. historically speaking.

 

I've noted a much stronger religious bent to FK's inclinations. Has this gotten stronger, or am I just noticing it more? I'm agnostic/atheistic myself -- no offense intended, just wondering how religious folks combine religion + preps (like Beck and the Mormons). Is it lack of faith that leads to prepping, and concern about the material plane? I've got no faith whatsoever, so all of my eggs are in the physical basket.

Good question. For some, I think it is a lack of faith or perhaps an overriding issue of control. For me, it is about rounding out and completing my personal journey and faith walk and coming to the realization that I spent more time in the gym, than in the Scripture, that I spent more time running, than in prayer, and that my spiritual prepping was lacking. So it was/is more about completion and balance, than anything. If this is the end, then nothing I have, or you have, will help us outside of our spirit and relationship with Christ (as I see it, if you are not of the faith than you have your own thoughts and they probably do not include "the" Biblical ending that I am referring to). Do I believe that God will always provide, yes, but I also believe that God is giving me this insight/talents (as they concern finance, economics, and society) so that I may protect my family during these times.

I guess you can take it all the way down to, "Well, if you think God will provide then why get out of bed and go to work?".... I get that point of view (Ara, not saying that is what you were saying...), but it falls short in my mind. If I was putting all my faith and security in gold, I would be really questioning my faith. But for me, it is not so much about "prepping" to survive that which is out of my control, but really becoming self sustaining so that I can preserve a quality of life for my family and I. If prepping took the place of my faith, I would be in trouble! If it is the end, I don't think my Rtak II or seed bank will make a difference to the Savior!!!!!

 

The genuinely spiritual, over the great march of human history -- whether the Buddha, Christ, Hindu ascetics, tribal shamans virtually worldwide, etc. -- had no interest in physical "prepping". They usually taught quite the opposite: drop all attachments to physical things, get rid of material possessions and the quest for them, travel lightly, pray, meditate, etc. Material concerns ultimately become a prison, a source of permanent fear (fear of loss), etc. The genuinely spiritual has no need for hoarding, and this is the same message taught by all the world's great religions.

In my own case, it became problematic to reconcile the two paths. Either one has faith, or one does not. You can't really have it part-way. If one has faith, there need be no attachment, no real need to hoard or accumulate. If one does not, then one is obliged to prep. I realized that ultimately I have only my own wits. There is no benevolent anthropomorphic deity, guardian angel or politician looking out for me or anyone else so far as I could determine: it's a dog-eat-dog world. Now I can't say that this is the way for everyone else, this was just my own path.

There is definitely evil, but no Problem of Evil (theodicy), unless one introduces a benevolent deity who doesn't help the poor, downtrodden, innocent, etc. Then I guess you have a Problem of Prepping. There is a benevolent deity, but he/she/they/it are not looking out for me, therefore I need to prep?

 

The genuinely spiritual, over the great march of human history -- whether the Buddha, Christ, Hindu ascetics, tribal shamans virtually worldwide, etc. -- had no interest in physical "prepping". They usually taught quite the opposite: drop all attachments to physical things, get rid of material possessions and the quest for them, travel lightly, pray, meditate, etc. Material concerns ultimately become a prison, a source of permanent fear (fear of loss), etc. The genuinely spiritual has no need for hoarding, and this is the same message taught by all the world's great religions.

In my own case, it became problematic to reconcile the two paths. Either one has faith, or one does not. You can't really have it part-way. If one has faith, there need be no attachment, no real need to hoard or accumulate. If one does not, then one is obliged to prep. I realized that ultimately I have only my own wits. There is no benevolent anthropomorphic deity, guardian angel or politician looking out for me or anyone else so far as I could determine: it's a dog-eat-dog world. Now I can't say that this is the way for everyone else, this was just my own path.

There is definitely evil, but no Problem of Evil (theodicy), unless one introduces a benevolent deity who doesn't help the poor, downtrodden, innocent, etc.

Noah had alot of interest in prepping. He was quite faithful.

 

So in order to have faith one needs to give away their home and all their belongings?

I must have missed that part.

 

I certainly don't want to engage in a theological debate. (For instance, I can't address the topic of Noah in a sensible fashion, as it appears to be a Jewish rehash of the much-older Sumerian Gilgamesh myth. And being neither Jewish nor Sumerian I don't even claim genetic ancestry with it... I have nothing against Jews, but I don't see their religion/spirituality as my own either. If I had any reason to be spiritual, I guess I'd go with my own ancestry.

I can only speak for myself. If I were a person of faith -- whatever the religion -- I'd skip the concern with prepping. I'd find ways to downsize, live with a tiny footprint, drop materialism, and focus on spirituality. If I had my doubts, then I'd quit seeing myself as a religious person.

 

Wow, FK. Just... Wow.
Quite stirring posts.
The peace and stillness is contagious.
I think I could use a long walk in the woods today.
Thank you.
WSierra

 

So people who stored up food in the 1600's getting ready for winter were actually doubting their faith by doing so?

I don't want to engage in a theological debate either but the premise that in order for one to be a good Christian one must be penniless, wandering the street waiting for a meal to appear in front of them miraculously is just completely flawed.

 

Yahshua gave us a mind of understanding, and by His Spirit the ability to discern the times, and prepare for such. Perilous times are coming, that much is promised...there really is no reason to be unprepared; even for seven lean years.

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

Whether I live or die matters not, but my personal choice is to be here when He rends the heavens and come down! Hopefully I can be a faithful servant to minister to and nourish those He sends my way in the meantime.

 

Yahshua gave us a mind of understanding, and by His Spirit the ability to discern the times, and prepare for such. Perilous times are coming, that much is promised...there really is no reason to be unprepared; even for seven lean years.

Temu, your a man of wisdom and I thank you. You have a way of saying a lot with just a few words and I appreciate that. Nuff said.

 

FK is one of the most respected members of this board.

Can anyone tell me why he doesn't have any awards??