Postcard from God?

I don't know about you, but my spine tingled when I read this little story from Ireland. If you haven't read it, let me just sum up: Irish construction worker digging in a bog near Dublin unearths a very old-looking book. Archeologists determine that it is a book of Psalms and 1,000-1,200 years old and in amazing condition. When it was found, it was opened to Psalm 83...

Psalm 83 (NIV)

O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. "Come," they say, "let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more." With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you- the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them to lend strength to the descendants of Lot.

Selah

Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, who perished at Endor and became like refuse on the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, "Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God." Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind. As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze, so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm. Cover their faces with shame so that men will seek your name, O LORD. May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD - that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Preparedness Poll Results

Thanks to all who responded to my recent poll. Your interest and input are greatly appreciated. Based on twenty responses, here are the results:

1) I view preparedness as…
a. something for conspiracy theorists and Boy Scouts—0%
b. something I’m actively working towards—55%
c. important but haven’t gotten around to it—45%
d. unimportant—0%

2) I have this much drinkable water stored:
a. none—45%
b. 1 to 3 days—30%
c. 4 days to 2 weeks—20%
d. more than 2 weeks—5%

3) I keep a flashlight within reach of my bed: Yes—55% or No—45%

4) I have the means and know-how to make drinkable water: Yes—35% or No—65%

5) Thinking about preparedness makes me feel...
a. nervous, I don’t like to think about bad things happening—0%
b. unprepared, I know I should prepare but haven’t—50%
c. indifferent, I’ll be taken care of regardless of my efforts or lack thereof—15%
d. confident, I’m doing what I can—35%

6) I have this much non-perishable food stored…
a. not sure, whatever’s on my shelves—65%
b. 3 days—10%
c. 4 days to 2 weeks—20%
d. more than 2 weeks—5%

7) I carry some basic preparedness items (Swiss Army knife, small flashlight, First Aid supplies, etc.), other than a cell phone, daily: Yes—50% or No—50%

8) I try to fill up my car’s gas tank…
a. never, I don’t use a car—5%
b. when the “low gas” light comes on—15%
c. when the tank hits half full (half empty?)—65%
d. whenever I remember to do it—15%

9) I have an evacuation/get out of town bag ready to go: Yes—15% or No—85%

Surprised by the responses? Surprised by your responses? Check back soon for some reflections on the poll. In the meantime, I’d like to hear your Comments.

Update & New Arrival

Thanks for all who've weighed in on the preparedness poll! I've still had a few people responding this week, so I'll give it a couple more days then post the results.

Also, I was going to continue the Building Tangible Margin series with a multi-part entry on Heading Out/Evacuating. In light of the recent fire on the CTA, it occured to me that we should go back to basics and look at Every Day Carry first. There are a couple of very basic items I always carry in my bag that would've come in very handy in those circumstances. Stay tuned for that in the very near future.

And last but not least, there are just some things you're never completely prepared for...


Meet my son, Gabriel Jude. Born June 23rd and doing very well. A daughter and a son both--I am a blessed man.