Preparing With Peace vs. Fear | a Pantry Prep Chat

[@УлянаКозуля]

Thank you for your calming thoughts. As I live in Ukraine, Kyiv, during the last year I had a "luck" to find out if there's any reason to make food stock. What was really helpful - during the first days of war when bakeries practically stopped working and I thanked myself for flour on my shelves and baked my own bread. In this winter when russia methodically bombed our energy infrastructure with rockets and there was no light for couple hours every day or several days - we always tried to have good amount of drinking water and technical water, candles, charged pawerbanks, flashlights.

[@1870s]

Pinned this comment! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. This is as real as it gets. I'm so sorry you are living through this and praying for peace for you all. Stay safe

[@dawncatalano7443]

We are still praying for you all. Stay safe.

[@УлянаКозуля]

@@1870s thank you for your prayers and support. There was a lot of fear to get frozen this winter, especially in big cities where everything depends on electricity. But here we are in March thinking of new gardening season despite everything.

[@jackielowe2895]

Thinking of you. Hoping for peace soon. You can be proud of how well your country is fighting back.

[@gardenstatesowandsew]

I’m so sorry. My prayers are with you 🙏🏻

[@ramblinrosecottage5983]

There are only a handful of homesteading channels that I watch now, precisely for the reason that so many homesteading channels have become depressingly, and alarmingly, doomsday fear-mongering. Your channel is one of the handful because of your positivity and your wisdom. Keep up the wonderful message. We love you.

[@trapps99]

I agree. I have stopped watching so many because of this.

[@A-G5518]

Same

[@kathryncraig6714]

I agree..Thank you for your content, Rachel.

[@whitespringkids222]

Exactly! When for years a channel talks all the time about how the system is going to fail next week it gets old.

[@LynnerdSkinnerd97]

I literally, basically, just commented the same thing. Our spirit of discernment is leading us away to a place of calmness for preparedness.

[@annettecarroll116]

I had not planned to do a large garden this year, but as prices soared, I realized it would not be wise, and so many are hard pressed for good clean food. So, I decided I will plant a larger garden this year and donate the excess. It will keep me busy and at peace and may help others to stay healthier. A win, win.

[@stacylandis9806]

Yep...my neighbors were more than happy to take my excess veggies.

[@crystalh1402]

Rachel ❤ thank you so very much for your heartfelt message. I grew up with food insecurity and have struggled with extremes, your method of taking stock and being mindful is what has worked best for me.

[@Bethanycompton]

Thank you! My Mother watches a lot of fear mongering KZbinrs saying “prepare, prepare , prepare.” Then she sends them in group chats to the family. I’m trying to have an intervention with her. We both have plenty of food, large gardens, two generators . . . She really has nothing to worry about! Sent this to her. They’re ruining her mental health! She grew up poor and already has an issue with hoarding food.

[@RavenWolfDrum69]

Same I took them unsubscribed

[@crystalh1402]

I grew up with food insecurity and what has helped me is being logical and having a method of keeping track of what I can reasonably use. Praying your Mom can find a way to work on her fear in a healthy way.

[@nebraskaprairieladyprepper3422]

Thank you so much for this video. Lately I have felt paralyzed from watching so many "doom and gloom" channels. I've had to redirect my thoughts from reckless fear, to trust and purposeful action.

[@DoseofEncouragement]

My goodness, I just found your channel by coming across one of your older onion videos & man, all I can say is you are a God send! I've been scrolling through your channel & what a wealth of information you have offered here, thank you so very much! My only regret is that I didn't find you much much sooner! I'm pretty new to all of this from gardening to prepping & everything in between, so I'll be binge watching your videos forever now! 😂 I am absolutely mesmerized by your homestead & past gardens, feeding the farm animals etc. It's all so absolutely fantastic & something I've always dreamed of. 🥰 Thank you again for the literal wealth of information you have shared here, I can't wait to watch even more & this video absolutely got to my heartstrings with peace vs fear, you are sooo right! God will provide, but He absolutely instructs us to use wisdom. God bless you & yours, from your newest fan from Texas! 👋🤠😁

[@DonnaMSchmid]

Thank you so much for stating this... Fear has spiralled out of control these past 10-15 years, which greatly increases the anxiety level of people, and produces immense amounts of anger against certain peoples, governments, political parties, etc. Sadly, certain groups and whole political parties have deliberately USED fear to stir up that anger, as a way to control people through hatred. God bless!

[@bakerhillfarm]

Sadly, many capitalize on it for monetary gain. Trust and obey!

[@richb.1453]

Good advice, I often work myself up over things I can’t control. I will continue to pray for peace but prepare for the worst.

[@karenbrown1140]

My state just had terrible winds like we’ve never seen ! I have tons and tons friends and family lost power still don’t have it back. They’ve lost all frozen food. This is why I started canning

[@carahinojosa555]

Having a son who is in basic training just makes all the worldly conflicts feel a lot closer. But God is good. ALWAYS. Thank you for this video. It did this mama's heart good.

[@gogogardener]

Praying for your family. My kids served in the military too.

[@valeriecallaghan]

i totally agree. one of my boys is in the USAF and the conflicts do feel closer now - but i keep praying Psalm 91 and 121 over him (and my entire family) - and keep praising and thanking God that he is greater than all our worries combined! God bless you my friend! When you see your son graduate from basic you will feel such pride that you will want to burst !

[@wingmom2019]

​@@valeriecallaghan from one "Wingmom" to another, prayers to you during these days while they are serving 🤗

[@gnixon2488]

I have a grandson who's serving our country I pray for your families as well as those young people the prayers of the righteous availeth much an iron sharpens iron we are one and I'm praying that a hedge of protection be around them morning-noon-and-night and that they know that we love them and thank them dearly stay strong my friends and keep praying for each other love you all

[@nancycarney]

I tell my children and husband that I have no control over world event, the weather or the future. God is still in control. I can however prepare to care for my family. Thank you for sharing these words of wisdom for calming.

[@susanjohnson5988]

I don't watch subscribe to the panic channels. I don't want to be filled with fear. I LOVED your filling the empty vinegar containers with water. I'm going to start doing that. :)

[@amyparker1762]

❤ absolutely spot on Rachel! Being peacefully prepared is a way of life in good times and in bad times. Trusting in Him and heeding His Word most of all is what we are called to do.

[@bakerhillfarm]

Exactly! Trust and obey!

[@tinakarp3996]

I garden because I love it. I can and preserve food, because I love doing it. I have a pantry filled with food, because I love cooking for my family and sharing my blessings. I do not love the ramblings on, of fear mongering homestead channels. I especially do not love homesteading channels which have left their principles behind in order to make a dollar on their vlog. You are a breath of fresh air Racheal, you and Todd. I love watching your channel, I enjoy watching your channel. Thank you.

[@likahawk2730]

While I'm never in favor of panicking...it would definitely be in everyone's best interest to be prepared with alternative SAFE water sources now. What has happened recently in Ohio is just one example of how our lives can be turned upside down in a split second. Being prepared, in a calm and rational manner, is the answer.

[@valinajames209]

When I put food and other items into long term storage I am always thinking about how it benefits my family and friends. Your heart is such a wonderful example for all to follow because you also think beyond your personal needs. Thank you for being a calm, educated voice in a sea of alarmists. You and Todd are the best!!!

[@ljjackson7106]

Nobody gets out of this place alive. LIVE! LOVE! LAUGH! Being prepared is smart and good but you've got to keep your head attached so you can enjoy reality. ❤

[@denisec5919]

Thank U for a sweet peace filled encouraging video. We should be preparing but absolutely not living in fear. The enemy wants to put that darkness on us to distract us from living out our purpose and sharing JESUS in these last days. God continue to bless y’all.

[@dirtroaddestiny]

The homesteading community is vast and different. Some channels are fear mongering some are hardly prepping. I like to follow channels that preach my values I been raised with. I keep my head low and focus on debt free living , growing my own food, and praying. Edited to add: you have a great channel. Calm and professional. ❤

[@lisaholt3627]

I totally agree with you. My husband and I have been married over forty years, and have always grown a garden, raised meat, stock up in five gallon buckets and been ready for anything. We married in the early eighty, which was a very hard time. Jobs were hard to find, and paid very little. I worked for a bank for seven years and made four dollars an hour. My husband was laid off for eight months with no work. We had our first child on the way. Rough times, but God pulled us through. So you are right in your stocking for the unknown. I really enjoy your videos. Blessings to you and your family from Kentucky.

[@Tamshazeleyes]

Doing the pantry challenge last year really gave me peace. I was really strict for 30 days to see how long things would last. It gave me such peace to realize we had something different to eat daily so we didn't get bored ... and I barely touched what I had put away. This year, I did 2 months. I now know as long as I replenish what we used, I probably have 12-18m supply of food. Our electricity went out yesterday... I was fine... we have backups to our backups. It gives me peace to know we are ok

[@NanasWorld2007]

When I get to a channel that screams prep and the shelves are empty I just flip to another channel I usually hang with the channels I have subscribed too. I been watching for years. That don't use scare tactics to get people stressed out. I trust God, Do I stock my pantry and freezer yes I am going to have a garden this year that I haven't done in years due to my disabilities, My Daughter has moved in with me and is going to help with the garden I can do the dehydrating and canning freezing all the fun stuff LOL Love Love Todd and you be blessed

[@kathy3178]

I had an aunt who would hoard food waiting for the apocalypse. One day her cans of food ruptured. She had to bring in a dumpster to throw out everything. It was such a waste of time and money. Living in the extremes is never a good thing. Thank you for your gentle and humble words of wisdom. You are a gem!

[@notthecheshirekat2596]

My late stepmother had the same thing happen for the same reason, so wasteful and sad really.

[@nicolemesolella5004]

Yes! Thank you! I stopped watching several channels because they drum up fear and even hate. I don't prep for the end of the world, I prep because it's nice to have food in the house. The world will always be a "scary" place, and that is just life. If you stress too much about tomorrow and try to fill in the blanks, you miss out on the now and all the joy that's in it.

[@jessicahawki7043]

Thank you Miss Rachel! I had to stop watching a few channels as well because of the fear mongering. Thank you for reminding us we slowly and methodically stock up.

[@sherrizanoli1398]

Rachael, I use a hair straightener to seal my mylar bags. Things are always going to happen. My husband's entire family is in the military. He tells me that there is nothing we can do but be prepared for our family. I have enough "hoarded" as he calls it, to keep us well happyl

[@musicianswife8596]

I don’t know if it makes any sense but this video was like a big hug for me. Hearing it’s okay that what I have can be imperfect and that’s okay and I can keep making small improvements at a rational pace is so comforting.

[@debbiehopper5288]

Yes!

[@debbieg677]

Thank you for buying the Palouse Brand whole wheat berries. They are a Christian family owned farm here in my area and are simply amazing people who give back so much not only to the community, but also have stepped in internationally to help others with food insecurity.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I didn’t know they are a Christian family. Thanks for sharing that! Im in SW Idaho, so probably somewhat close to me.

[@randievans8803]

They are a wonderful family, full of integrity. We have known of them for years.

[@debbieg677]

@@cynthiafisher9907 they are based in Pullman, WA.

[@kramitdreams]

I buy from them also😉❤

[@sandys.1891]

I buy from them so it's good to know my money is being spent appropriately.

[@wereadalot]

I literally go stand and look at my pantry when I’m worried. In summer I sit in my garden. A few years ago I kept a few weeks of food. Now I have months of food and didn’t go into debt for it. I took my time and bought some here and some there and learned new ways to preserve things. The simple fact of knowing my family is fed brings me peace in a crazy world.

[@daniellecomeau2996]

Sitting in the garden is one of the most calming things when I am worried or anxious. It helps that there are a lot of gnomes out there too. 😊

[@chrislewis5646]

I started by spending an extra $40 a week at the store..buying 2 instead of 1 ...then we had a very small garden we are elderly and not able to work much in a garden and in a little over 2 years by preserving from the garden buying extra at the store canning meat etc we are fully stocked and can provide us for at least 3 years and we can help our children as well 😀 it's the best thin we have done.

[@agb6330]

Here’s a little story about Gods provision; Young single Mom with 2 small children moves into her first place on their own. Lo and behold in the drawer below the oven were 4 unopened boxes of ziploc freezer bags. What may seem so inconsequential to many was answered prayer that encouraged my heart that all would be well. Few years prior I had prayed (what I call a pocket prayer), “Lord, I would really appreciate some freezer bags”. I didn’t have the budget even for freezer bags at the time. Was my prayer answered in a timely way? Yes, the provision and reminder that He is my main provider came at just the right time! He didn’t just give me freezer bags. He gave me brand name in unopened boxes, not just one, 4! I still need to remind myself of that and many other instances the He has provided over the years. That was 34 years ago, I’m in a far different situation with a wonderful husband and passel of grands. God is good!!!

[@trinkabassett3457]

I wish there was a love button, because I love this mindset and work ethic. Your videos and chats always make me feel better, not panicked. Thank You!

[@countrymousesfarmhouse497]

I can't ❤ this enough. I've been unsubscribing from some channels lately precisely for their "me first" and super prepping attitude . This calmed my heart so much and you expressed exactly how I feel and act towards being gently prepared in faith. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Rachel 🥰🥰🥰

[@desert_sage_homestead]

Absolutely. Your words of wisdom right there. Many people need to hear this video. Thank you for your wonderful content.

[@chrisa6682]

I agree, it's good to be calm, but people that have the preparedness mindset can afford to be calm. An example is my kids who don't believe anything is going to happen. One told me he didn't want to live in that kind of world anyway so why do anything. I actually don't know anyone who is putting anything by. This is very concerning to me and I am stressing about it. I feel like I have to prepare for everyone I know..lol. I have had this mindset since 1990 or so, so I'm not a newbie, but lately I'm not so calm anymore. Kudos to you to be able to achieve your mental state...maybe I should try a bit harder. Thanks for this episode.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thank you, Rachel!! The push to panic for pageviews hearts my heart for those that can't distinguish between true preparedness and fear/panic. Our family is living through our own 'situation' right now, and I thank God he placed it on our hearts to be prepared for simple times such as these because he knows my heart. And I also have to be especially careful not to begin to rely on my preparedness more than Him because no matter what - He provides what I need. Such wise words - thank you for sharing them!!

[@1TsuNami]

Yes! Exactly! Such a wonderful video. I do “flare ups” when I watch or hear things about world events. I have to remind myself that is the reason we don’t watch tv anymore. I love channels like this on KZbin because I can learn a new recipe or a new task, ect. Without the whole drama thing. Thank you for taking the time to talk about this. 💕

[@patbannwarth7813]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful message today. Calm and peaceful planning and thoughtful living is certainly a better way to live day to day. It is difficult to listen to many You tubers when the theme is so self centered and fearful.

[@lydiadillard4417]

I agree. There are a couple of channels that I love to watch, but I can only watch some of the content. I am not saying anything negative about them. I know I'll start obsessing on what they are saying and not focusing on my day to day tasks. I can worry too much and need to focus on praying more. Your channel gives me peace!

[@margaretfriesen862]

Thank you for the wisdom! It's a breath of fresh air in a world of panic and insecurity. We need not fear for we know whose we are. Thanks, Rachel!

[@daventamhubeler9046]

Thank you 🙏❤️

[@KetenaMaxene]

Thank you for your words. They are exactly how I believe and live. I still watch KZbin, but block the channels that propagate fear. I love your channel. I love your gentle voice. Thank you so very much. Hugs.

[@Stoiccappy]

THIS!! Thank you for your thoughts and words as it's something I've been feeling for about 2 years. "Prepping" is just smart and it's how my grandparents lived everyday...not in fear but it was just wise to put food and other goods by "just in case". We've become a short attention span, disposable society to our detriment. No wonder stress levels in many people are sky high.

[@ginakelley124]

Amen sister! Such a calming voice. It take community and the help of strangers to make it through any sort of disaster! Do what you can to ALWAYS be able to care for you and yours. But, realize you may want to help others. They may actually have skills you don’t. That person asking for a handout might be the Lord or the person that could make a difference in the future.

[@danaschelin3853]

That very last statement you made is exactly why I homestead. I want to know that I can help others in times of need. What kind of a world would it be if I had everything I needed to survive, but let my family, friends, and neighbors suffer? I've stopped watching so many channels because of fear-mongering. Thank you for this.

[@wendyr435]

Amen to that!

[@lorrimanns]

I am so thankful for you! I don't watch all the fear and panic videos. I know my God is providing and protecting me and my family. Again thank you so much for sharing , it's wonderful to hear that we are not the only ones who know God is with us.

[@Cathy-re2eo]

My trust is in God! I have some extra! I have what we have left from 1/2 a beef! We have wheatberries, spelt berries, barley, beans to make Ezekiel bread grinding my own flour and whatever bread we want/need! I want a garden and have been wanting to try gardening and canning again! My husband had heart surgery which lead to over a year of infection in the sternal incision wound and now kidney cancer, we haven’t been able to do a lot! I am not worried for me! I am concerned for kids though I know God will help them! My youngest said in response to me saying I wish I could help them more, she said you are teaching us to trust God for our needs!

[@megsmith3526]

One of my favorite videos!!! THANK YOU. I have extra food, I am trying to be like “the ant”. I am trying to be wise about food in our root cellar/pantry. I DO NOT WANT TO BE AFRAID, because God tells me not to be. He’s my rock, He’s my fortress, I trust in Him. Thank you reminding us that we should be praying and seeking His wisdom. And… thank you for helping us who have so much to learn about gardening and using the food we garden, etc. I’ve learned so much from you but this is the first time I’ve left a comment. Praying for wisdom for you in how and what you teach, Meg

[@barbarabell1171]

Preach it sister!!! God expects us to do all we can do and He will handle the rest!

[@adreannacosper3799]

I really enjoyed this video. 2020 opened our eyes to not being prepared, but I also hate the thought of hoarding more than you need or things you aren’t even going to use. We have been very thoughtful with prayerfully building our stock as we financially can. I learned to Can watching your videos and will be forever thankful. Not only has it put my momma heart at ease, but has added speed and convenience to cooking good meals for my family during busy seasons.

[@sherryseay6918]

Amen sister, I try to be smart and be prepared and I always thank God for what I have.

[@heatherrue2655]

I have my kick in the pants channels and my calm channels and you are in the later group. I’m happy you’re addressing the elephant in the room though, because some channels act like nothing is happening and that makes me worry about them. No one really knows what’s going to happen, but there’s nothing wrong with being prepared for whatever challenges we might face. Thank you, Rachel ❤

[@daveandellenbartlett8725]

We are in our 70s…our preps are mostly geared towards ‘inflation proofing’ our pantry. Thank you Rachael 😊

[@Taking_Back_Thyme]

Exactly why I stopped watching several homesteading channels. It’s easy to get wrapped up in fear. I appreciate you. Thank you. 🙏❤️

[@michelledillon5077]

Thank you for this reminder. I also have noticed an increase in the fear driven channels and cannot watch them. Even from channels I formerly enjoyed. Thank you again for taking the time to share your faithful views and calming practices.

[@virginiaquintal]

I save everything also I even use my detergent containers for water to flush toilets when the power goes out, same with the fabric softener, and I use my milk jugs and such for water

[@jmsuther01]

My family has been prepping for years because we live in a hurricane zone. We’ve always kept store bought canned food on hand. Since 2020, I have been more focused on diversifying our preps to include dehydration and home canning as well as starting a kitchen garden for our most consumed items. Just in case we have a more extended period of supply disruption.

[@judydrouhard2651]

You are so right. So many u-tubers are using the scare tactic. I know that God will supply all our needs but we do need to be wise. We do not have the space to have a huge stockpile but we do what we can to have what we might need for a few months. Thank you Rachael! 🥰

[@MsCarletta]

Absolutely on point. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

[@OurGreenAcreHomestead]

Thank you for a peaceful and calm approach to being prepared. I stopped following the sensationalist channels. Your voice is calm and gentle. I am working on building my skills and stores. Blessings to you and Todd and your family.

[@debphelan6245]

❤ Rachel, I actually cried when you spoke to us about the world events and that you’re not alone if we catch ourselves feeling anxious. You spoke to my heart, as friends and family don’t understand why I can food and garden. I’m 68 years old but still consider myself a Girl Scout. I too have to talk myself off that ledge, tell myself we will be ok and thank God for every day. Thank you so very much for sharing. You touched my heart and thank your for being YOU. God Bless You and your Family ❤️ P.S. I too keep water in my used vinegar jugs ☺️

[@melaniepaige84]

Prepper or not. Religious or not. There's nothing wrong with being smart for you and your family's safety in a peaceful manner. I agree having basic knowledge of growing/finding food and water is key. 💜

[@sunnyrlc4411]

Wow..I dont know how I've never found you til now. You remind me of a dear friend of mine who also has a gentle, calming nature. You are a blessing to us all. Thank you for sharing your life.

[@lavernebufmack5091]

You are so right, and I thank you for sharing your wisdom with us! So sad we don’t hear more of what you are saying. I am an eighty one year old lady and it it makes me feel really encouraged to hear such good advise from someone so much younger than me! Bless you, young lady. Been watching you for years, love you both!

[@dawncatalano7443]

Thank you for this video! I am right along with you. My saying for this year is "Be prepared, not scared". We are told to be prepared and to fear not. There is nothing wrong being prepared for rain while enjoying the sunshine. I had a few, what I call, "chicken little" channels I followed. One day I asked myself, "what am I learning here?". Keep doing what your doing. You two are such amazing teachers and I look forward to learning all I can (and I do share what I learn). Have a blessed day! 🌻❤️

[@lavernfoy4591]

Thank you so much for the wonderful message. I have stopped watching a lot of KZbin channels because of the panic they are putting out. I believe it’s wise to plan for the future, and it’s like they have no trust in the LORD at all. Maybe they feel like it’s helping but not everyone has the means to prep like they do. Truly I’m out here trusting GOD! 🙏❤️

[@cherylirvin3919]

I am in agreement! There are things going on in the world that are concerning but besides prayer there isn’t much we can do. My mother who lived through WW1 and 2 and had a son in the Korean conflict would say, “I’m going to trust God and do my best. I will not give in to fear. I will only die once - not every day.”

[@LynnerdSkinnerd97]

I definitely feel like you. There are many homesteading channels that I won't watch anymore because they urge people to prep using fear. The way they come across disturbs my spirit and gives me anxiety, so I know God doesn't want me watching them. THAT is why I watch you and Todd! AND Becoming a Farm Girl (one of new Faves!). I have a family member who sends me links to articles on what I'll call doomsday stuff, and I tell her to STOP, get off social media, and just live like God teaches us in the bible. That way, no matter what comes our way, we will be prepared. If it makes you anxious, it is not of God.

[@marysimpson8457]

I greatly appreciate the rational and calm perspective you presented today. I watch youtube channels to learn, get inspired, and enjoy the fellowship of like minded people. Lately, so many have spread the doom and gloom mentality it has produced fear instead of a confidence in the Lord caring and providing for me.

[@teresecox4109]

Your words are so helpful and calming. I definitely find myself becoming anxious about everything going on. I stopped watching most news, and unfollowed several channels that I found myself obsessing over. Thank you for your honesty and sincerity in sharing this. Your are so spot on!

[@citygal2198]

This was an excellent commentary and a much needed message to so many! We all need to remember that while we prep, not one of us will leave this earth until the Lord is ready. We all have read the last chapter of the book ;). I say we should plan to visit each other face to face in a couple hundred years or so!

[@singerjo5791]

Hmmmm….not going to be nearly that long. Hopefully, not even 7 more years.

[@janisnickelson4060]

I appreciate you touching on this. We are all in this together. Some channels are too much right now and it is comforting to go where things are more positive, thank you for being that Rachel!

[@carolynfulton4060]

Rachel, maybe you’ve watched some of the same videos I had been watching-that I no longer watch. Yes, we do need to prepare for emergencies-but I just can no longer stomach those dooms day criers. These same used to be perfectly sane but some seem to have taken leave of their good sense. Thank you for being the voice of reason in this world of uncertainty. Take care and God bless! ♥️🌹😊

[@JanetsAppalachianKitchen]

I've been trying to get back to the memories I have of my Grandparents farming and my Grandmothers canning and freezing foods. They didn't have available to them what we have today and I am grateful for the tools I can have to preserve our food. We are living in end times, we may not see it, but we are going to live it. I'm doing what I can to prepare for my husband and I and the grandchild we are raising. It's not easy, I find myself praying for guidance, and trying to survive cancer along with my husbands. We are truly blessed with folks like you.

[@hancockhale]

Those blueberries look delicious! It is pretty hard to grow berries here in Hawaii, but we do our best to grow what we can on our little homestead. I wonder if a greenhouse would help maybe? Any ideas?

[@1870s]

Probably too warm in Hawaii to grow them there, they need the cold.

[@hancockhale]

@@1870s yeah, that's what my wife has always told me. Tough reality of warm weather:(

[@ConcealedKari]

Thank you, Rachel. You and Todd are my favorite channel. You are level headed Christian followers that the world needs more of now.

[@shelleycatlin3727]

Rachel, I have been feeling the same way… have quit watching several channels for this exact reason.

[@jeanblackwell6791]

Thanks so much for your sweet words of encouragement. This is just what I needed to hear. Bless your heart for sharing your feelings with us. 💞

[@cedarcottagefarm2885]

I normally just watch and never comment. I started gardening and preserving decades ago. My mother-in-law taught me how to can and preserve. Gardening is fun. Canning and preserving is fun. Cooking from scratch is fun. You can work full time, raise a family and do these things. I do them for enjoyment. In return it saves me money. Excess produce is shared with others. I don’t understand all this doomsday prepping people are yapping about. It’s nice to see others sharing how to preserve videos, gardening videos etc. If you have a backyard plant a garden. If you are an apartment dweller, find the videos on the internet that show you how to grow fruits and veggies on a deck. Some of the so called experts just make me laugh, but you can teach an old dog new tricks. Thank you for having a nice interesting and peaceful channel with no drama.

[@candacesykora2238]

This was a great and reassuring video! Thank you. I also loved the tour of your systems. It's a nice insight of how others are organizing and tracking their pantries. I agree, the KZbin world is going crazy. We just had a ton of rain followed by ice and I was so happy to not leave for groceries! Lastly, I love your reminder to not waste and to have faith in what you are doing and what He has planned.

[@vickihogan8207]

Several months ago I found myself panicking about not having enough reserves for ourselves, much less my family. And one morning God spoke to me and said “do what you can and I will make up the deficit”. In other words, don’t be afraid-trust ME.

[@christiansingle1]

Sunday I had to make a rue. I needed flour. I don't bake, so a five pound bad of flour will last me forever. When I got out an almost full bag of unbleached whole wheat flour from my pantry which is stored in a canister that I bought for my hope chest in 1979, I decided to check out the date. Yep, it was 2009. It was perfectly good. If it wasn't I wouldn't have used it. So I say don't get rid of anything unless you know for sure something isn't good. Sell by dates are not the gospel. I've had more than a few things go bad quite a while before their sell by date. Just use the good sense hopefully God gave you.

[@marge3157]

Great message. I think if people would actively prepare then there is no reason for the fear factor. Store what you eat. Eat what you store.

[@pamclark6686]

Thank you, Rachael. This is what I personally needed to hear. I've been praying for more peace in the thoughts of events both in the world and in our own back yard. I just went through my pantry and had to throw a couple of things out, as well. I use and rotate thru everything but, apparently stocked too much of a few things that were past expiration and had to discard. I an working on putting together small packs of things like beans, rice, salt and flour for giving to needy folks to be able to make a couple of meals when times do get really bad. I store my ground flour in mylar with oxygen absorbers or in brown paper bags, oxygen absorbers and sealed with foodsaver bags. No light no moisture and no air. The flour can last years that way. I usually go through it in about a year or so though. I do the same with my beans, rice and oats. Everything is then stored in a 5 gallon bucket. I'm also a canner, and gardener. I do the same with my empty vinegar jugs along with much more. Lol. Great minds think alike. Always praying things don't get as bad as we think but, having peace about it surely helps. Greetings and Blessings from south Texas.

[@beckygreen6847]

I agree whole heartedly Rachel. All fear mongering is such a turnoff. Peaceful wisdom wins the day!

[@PamsMountainGarden]

Lovely, sensible message! I have stopped subscribing to so many channels for this reason. Yes, it is good to be prepared for disasters but being in a constant state of churn is unhealthy. You must remember to live as best you can. Thank you.

[@franwilson9324]

Wish I could give you more than one “like”. This was very well said, mature and thoughtful. Your calm and measured delivery underlined the message that I hope will be heard. Thank you Rachel!

[@Nicolecoco126]

Really appreciate the calm, level-headed, God first approach to homesteading and sharing that sometimes the world/flesh can get to even you too and how you recognize it to find Him and find peace. Also what you check to be sure to have on hand. Thank you

[@tinasteen7643]

Rachel, Such wise words! I loved hearing your thoughts on prepping. So many channels that I used to watch and enjoy, I can no longer watch. I went to them for any knowledge on topics such as gardening, canning, raising chickens, etc, but that’s not their purpose any longer, it seems. I appreciate hearing your concerns and also your calmness in speaking about them. I feel exactly as you do! Thanks so much!

[@vickimartin6083]

I whole heartedly agree with you. I always wondered why my mother always worried about my brothers and me until I became a mom, now I also worry about my grandchildren.

[@ramonajolley1966]

Hello! I understand just what you are saying. Being prepared when hubby came home sick and of course I did as well but having things here prepared was such a blessing. I had faith that we would be fine. We were and are. Even not feeling well I sat out in the garden and listened to the birds. Felt the sun on my face. I knew that HE was with us!!

[@carolynmoody9460]

I've stopped watching so many of my favorite pepper channel for this very reason..fear factor as if we ourselves can't see... I want watch other Pepper's to spend time with like mind people plus sometimes I learn tip an tricks or something I never thought of... love all you do 👏👏👏

[@debbiefetters3905]

I struggle with anxiety and had to stop watching videos I used to enjoy. You're right, we need helpful information & calm instead of fear. Greatly appreciate your wise words. Moving forward by stocking and learning new skills. Baby steps are good. Prayers & thanks to your kiddos who are serving 💗

[@maryminardi8018]

Well said, Rachel! Be prepared out of wisdom, not out of fear. Blessings!

[@isabelsebastiao-vieira2152]

Hi, it is Izzy, the 59 year old Canadian widow, who has lived in Portugal for over 26 years now. I loved your video tonight. I haven´t had time to see your channel for a little while now. I wanted to tell you that I have been a follower of yours for a good 4 years now. Thank you for all the awesome content and God Bless you, your husband and the kids.

[@galeharris6696]

Blessings to you, Rachel. Your thoughts and words are very wise, and I find them so true. My parents went through the Depression and WWII, and so I do have mindset of "make it do or do without", and I am like you in that I save containers of all types, make clothes and blankets by crocheting and quilting--you name it for frugal crafts and skills, I've probably tried it! But your words resonate. I have a pretty deep pantry, and also I work to maintain a lively local community, as I live in a rural area. I make sure to touch base with my neighbors, and they with me, and that builds my sense of security and, dare I say, sanity!💞

[@crystalcouch6871]

Absolutely. Be smart and be prepared, but don't let it all push you past your limits, mentally, physically, emotionally, or financially. No matter what happens, God wins!

[@celiawiggins3161]

Thank you for your calming voice while still getting your message across to those willing to listen. I have stopped watching a lot of u-tubers that are, in my opinion, causing so much drama on their channels. You shared a lot while not being so negative. We should do what we can to be prepared, without making our lives any more stressful than it is. Keep praying and doing what you do. Stay blessed.

[@sandrachandler7839]

well said/done. I find that i hafta put the phone down n walk away ..a lot lately.. and just breathe. I'll pick up a book, play solitaire, go outside to chop/stack wood or just watch a plain ol' dvd.. to just enjoy myself and not watch/think/do "current event" prepping for a little while

[@BootsandBountyHomestead]

Yeah, I don't talk NONE of it on my channel. We just keep doing our everyday thing! We don't even watch the news. Usually unless my husband tells me or if I see it on YT, I don't have a clue what's going on. And yeah, I don't watch those "you need to buy now" channels. It's so redundant and we are working to have everything we need anyways. It's nothing new to us, I've done this my whole life. It's the newbies I worry about that didn't grow up this way. They have so much to learn in such a short amount of time! Thanks for sharing Rachel!

[@robertaappleby2729]

Appreciate hearing a more thoughtful approach to being prepared...the generally panic mode driven, end of the world scare tactics that are flowing thru you tube has made me reconsider who I spend time watching..we never know what tomorrow brings but can only do our best to live our best life, keep family close and plan the best we can