Category Self-Reliance

Cement sign for Civil Defense Caves outside Rexburg, Idaho

Civil Defense Caves

A few years ago when I was in Idaho, I learned about Civil Defense Caves. I knew the government had underground bunkers for government leaders in case of a nuclear war but did not know any preparations had ever been…

Squirrel with a chestnut

Lessons in Self-Reliance

In the April General Conference of 1981, Elder Mark E. Petersen told this story: “On the street in front of my house is a row of chestnut trees. In the spring they are beautiful, all covered with gorgeous blossoms. “As…

Smartphone with an "X" over it

Smartphone-Free Skills

The July 14, 2026 edition of USA Today included an article by Rachel Hale titled “My month with a ‘dumb phone’ showed me there’s a lot to learn.” Ms. Hale is a youth mental health reporter who has spent the…

Collage of 4 photos - grocery ads, home canned chickpeas, homemade bread, a raised garden bed of green bean plants

The Self-Reliance Skill of Frugality

Several years ago, I read a newspaper article on how much the food stamp program, SNAP, was helping people unemployed or underemployed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am glad there was some help for them. I am glad there were…

Four kitchen towel aprons

Aprons from Kitchen Towels

I find that most purchased aprons are:1) Too big for me even with adjustable straps, and2) Not absorbent or soft enough to wipe my hands on So, years ago, I started making my own aprons out of kitchen towels. They…

Two home air conditioning condenser units

Regular Maintenance

Where I live in the South, it’s time for the annual maintenance check on our air conditioning units. Yearly checks have allowed our condensers to last long beyond their expected life. The last one replaced was 48 years old. We…

Collage of butane stove, Pantry Cooking cookbook, storage bins, cyclist's emergency kit

Self-Reliance Gift Ideas

Gift the gift of self-reliance and preparedness this Christmas. Here are some of many ideas for gifts: –Camp stove or butane stove –Solar oven –Rocket stove —Wonder oven –Water bath canner –Pressure canner —Ball Blue Book —So Easy to Preserve…