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Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Heart and Home for Any Crisis Big or Small
There are those who've prepared, and those who wish they had. Let Ready for Anything be your go-to guide for facing any unexpected crisis with confidence. Bad stuff happens all the time--big stuff like hurricanes, wildfires, or national emergencies, and smaller-scale yet no less devastating disasters like a sudden health scare, job loss, or a computer crash. But this doesn't mean we have to live in constant fear. Whether you’re in the midst of difficulty right now or being proactive rather than reactive, Ready for Anything gives finite simple steps for preparing your mind, your heart, and your home for any unfortunate circumstance. Full of stories and humor along with facts, tips, and lists, Kathi offers a down-to-earth guide that will show you how to face the unexpected with confidence, relying on God's strength and plan rather than giving in to our fear and anxiety. Her step-by-step plan is easy to implement and will help any Christian be a better steward of their resources, as well as the neighbor who helps in a crisis rather than needing help themselves. For anyone who falls somewhere between "I'll just trust God" and stocking a ten-year supply of canned pinto beans in the pantry, Ready for Anything will show
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2020
47 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Lipp
43 books338 followersKathi loves giving real help and how-tos to move people forward in every area of their lives. With humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to live with meaning.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 29, 2020
Could this book *be* any more timely?
I was super-lucky to get an advanced copy from the publisher, and I'm so very glad I did.
I'm not saying I implemented EVERY suggestion the author listed, but the steps I did take has made this whole Shelter In Place situation we're going through a whole lot easier.
Did I have to elbow some Covid Karen to get at the toilet paper?
Did I have to melt snow to wash dishes?
Did I have to order every online homeschooling curriculum I could find?
No I did not.
Go me.
Thanks, Kathi. Your book will be helpful to readers now, in this crisis, and in any crisis (big or small) that comes up in the future.
I was super-lucky to get an advanced copy from the publisher, and I'm so very glad I did.
I'm not saying I implemented EVERY suggestion the author listed, but the steps I did take has made this whole Shelter In Place situation we're going through a whole lot easier.
Did I have to elbow some Covid Karen to get at the toilet paper?
Did I have to melt snow to wash dishes?
Did I have to order every online homeschooling curriculum I could find?
No I did not.
Go me.
Thanks, Kathi. Your book will be helpful to readers now, in this crisis, and in any crisis (big or small) that comes up in the future.
March 29, 2020
This book is an essential reference for every household. Kathi covers the most crucial topics for crisis preparedness that families need to be ready for anything!
October 20, 2020
I've always struggled between the need to be prepared and those who are what Lipp calls "super preppers." I love the balance Lipp gives in this book that gives practical tips with a humorous twist for any life crisis. She gives good ways to remember the material (like the 3-2-3 principle), gives great lists, and thinks through details such as how to be prepared for even the care of home pets during a crisis. Best of all, she doesn't put the reader on a guilt trip; instead, continues to emphasize the idea of doing what you can and just keep working at becoming better at being prepared. Most of all, I appreciate her emphasis on the idea that being prepared puts us in a better position to help others in times of crisis.
i would give the book a five but I'm giving it a four because I think she left out an important chapter - what to do in case of a medical emergency or death in the family. As I read, I kept saying, how can I be better prepared if my husband has to go to the emergency room or if he dies unexpectedly? No chapter on that one - however, I'm sure I can take the basic principles and figure it out myself. At any rate, this book is a great practical handbook appropriate for any family.
i would give the book a five but I'm giving it a four because I think she left out an important chapter - what to do in case of a medical emergency or death in the family. As I read, I kept saying, how can I be better prepared if my husband has to go to the emergency room or if he dies unexpectedly? No chapter on that one - however, I'm sure I can take the basic principles and figure it out myself. At any rate, this book is a great practical handbook appropriate for any family.
July 27, 2020
This is something I normally don't read or get into, but I guess the pandemic has given me new concerns, curiosities, and anxieties. This is not an extreme prepper book, but there were some detailed parts that I only skimmed. Other sections and lists were more basic and practical for me. For example, I've never had a "bug-out bag" in my life. But now I do. I also have a small stack of canned food, water, paper towels, and TP. Very small stack...but it is way more than I ever had before.
I hope I never, ever need to use the tips listed in this book, but there is something about the act of thinking ahead and having basic plans that gives me a little more comfort. Or at least as much "comfort" as we can have in these topsy-turvy days we are experiencing. Sigh.
I hope I never, ever need to use the tips listed in this book, but there is something about the act of thinking ahead and having basic plans that gives me a little more comfort. Or at least as much "comfort" as we can have in these topsy-turvy days we are experiencing. Sigh.
May 26, 2020
Was very fortunate to be a beta-reader for this book last year...very excited to dig into the final version (starting with the first few freebie chapters that come with the pre-order bonuses)! Great time (in the middle of Covid-19) to revisit our emergency preparedness plans and bring some measure of reassurance at a very uncertain time! Looking forward to reading it again!
June 19, 2022
This book was insightful in the learn from my mistakes way. It also caused me to laugh and smile quite often with their personal funny stories. I can also relate to some of the mistakes made as I'm also learning to correct them and be prepared rather than hopefully I don't need to know these things.
The religion aspect of the book is a no for me.
The author seems to think you can only get protein from meat when in fact it's in everything of varying degrees this includes your fruits and vegetables.
When prepping I like many are on a limited income and already taking care of a child and a disabled adult. Buying products to also take care of my neighbors who are not preparing for themselves in any way is definitely the least of my concerns. From reading this I have seen that she has her husband's source of income her writing income as well as renting out rooms and one of her two houses as Airbnb. It seems as though she's finally learning to budget money and letting us know the mistakes we all often make in wasting money when there's so many free sources or cheaper sources of everything we partake, and should learn to do better.
Relying on your neighbor in times of a crisis when it comes to things you could be learning to do yourself now is bad. The author states that one of them is good at CPR and first aid and one's a good handy man but why not attempt to learn those things for yourself instead of relying on somebody else? With the internet, youtube, libraries a lot of us have access to we can and should be trying to learn.
For me the declutter now for a storage area is a good section. I am a decluttering clean person so I agree with that section. Author however states that she didn't stay on top of laundry very well and has been in a bind. This I do daily so that in the event of something I have clean clothing at all times as well as doing it daily means that there is no need for me to take my few free days and do this all day. Same with the dishwasher I was lucky enough to be able to install this year to save a lot of my time.
The author also seems to care nothing for those we would label as extremist preppers or long-term preppers. It seems like the goal of this book is just to prepare you for about 2 weeks instead of the possible month or even year that people have had to Bunker down or quarantine themselves for any reason as well as no source of water except for stores and imports.
This is the fifth prepper book I've read I find that there's one thing everybody seems to be missing from their medicine list. We should stock up on vitamins because in times where we are not able to get the proper nutrition from any food we can use vitamins as a supplement. Yes, they are not filling but at least we'd supplement a fraction of our required vitamin and mineral intake.
The religion aspect of the book is a no for me.
The author seems to think you can only get protein from meat when in fact it's in everything of varying degrees this includes your fruits and vegetables.
When prepping I like many are on a limited income and already taking care of a child and a disabled adult. Buying products to also take care of my neighbors who are not preparing for themselves in any way is definitely the least of my concerns. From reading this I have seen that she has her husband's source of income her writing income as well as renting out rooms and one of her two houses as Airbnb. It seems as though she's finally learning to budget money and letting us know the mistakes we all often make in wasting money when there's so many free sources or cheaper sources of everything we partake, and should learn to do better.
Relying on your neighbor in times of a crisis when it comes to things you could be learning to do yourself now is bad. The author states that one of them is good at CPR and first aid and one's a good handy man but why not attempt to learn those things for yourself instead of relying on somebody else? With the internet, youtube, libraries a lot of us have access to we can and should be trying to learn.
For me the declutter now for a storage area is a good section. I am a decluttering clean person so I agree with that section. Author however states that she didn't stay on top of laundry very well and has been in a bind. This I do daily so that in the event of something I have clean clothing at all times as well as doing it daily means that there is no need for me to take my few free days and do this all day. Same with the dishwasher I was lucky enough to be able to install this year to save a lot of my time.
The author also seems to care nothing for those we would label as extremist preppers or long-term preppers. It seems like the goal of this book is just to prepare you for about 2 weeks instead of the possible month or even year that people have had to Bunker down or quarantine themselves for any reason as well as no source of water except for stores and imports.
This is the fifth prepper book I've read I find that there's one thing everybody seems to be missing from their medicine list. We should stock up on vitamins because in times where we are not able to get the proper nutrition from any food we can use vitamins as a supplement. Yes, they are not filling but at least we'd supplement a fraction of our required vitamin and mineral intake.
May 26, 2020
I set a BIG AUDACIOUS ADULTING GOAL for myself toward the end of last year and started working on it well before the COVID hit the fan in 2020.
That goal:
Ensure our family is actually prepared to handle an emergency or crisis BEFORE a situation arises.
I set out to do a little at a time to slowly get the recommended things together, you know the "Earthquake Kit" I've thought about since the Spring Break Quake of '93 and never completed. So I set a plan in motion to complete tasks throughout 2020 that would have us prepared by end of year. Even while living through a pandemic I'm doing my best to complete small tasks to be better prepared than we were the day before. The BEST thing to happen to support this BIG AUDACIOUS GOAL? The new book Ready For Anything by Kathi Lipp - GAME CHANGER! It's a simple guide for those who want to be prepared, not scared AND who are not seeking to dig a bunker in the backyard. It feels good to be getting things in order instead of being overwhelmed by it. I am so grateful for the guidance and wisdom in this book and that it's keeping me away from the anxiety producing internet rabbit holes when one does a search for prep/survival advice online 🤪
#Schumazing #ReadyForAnything #PreparedNotScared
That goal:
Ensure our family is actually prepared to handle an emergency or crisis BEFORE a situation arises.
I set out to do a little at a time to slowly get the recommended things together, you know the "Earthquake Kit" I've thought about since the Spring Break Quake of '93 and never completed. So I set a plan in motion to complete tasks throughout 2020 that would have us prepared by end of year. Even while living through a pandemic I'm doing my best to complete small tasks to be better prepared than we were the day before. The BEST thing to happen to support this BIG AUDACIOUS GOAL? The new book Ready For Anything by Kathi Lipp - GAME CHANGER! It's a simple guide for those who want to be prepared, not scared AND who are not seeking to dig a bunker in the backyard. It feels good to be getting things in order instead of being overwhelmed by it. I am so grateful for the guidance and wisdom in this book and that it's keeping me away from the anxiety producing internet rabbit holes when one does a search for prep/survival advice online 🤪
#Schumazing #ReadyForAnything #PreparedNotScared
August 3, 2020
Perfect book to read right now! It offers really practical suggestions and is told in a way that inspires laughs along the way. I loved that this is NOT a survivalist book. In fact, the things she suggests are the the bare minimum of what the American Red Cross and FEMA suggest for every American household to do to be prepared for an emergency. She also roots things in scripture such as, "She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12 (NIV)
Proverbs 21:5, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (NIV)
Proverbs 30:25, “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.” (NIV)
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12 (NIV)
Proverbs 21:5, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (NIV)
Proverbs 30:25, “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.” (NIV)
February 19, 2023
Good book on emergency preparedness for those wading into it. Good balance of nuts and bolts of getting prepared with a yes, bad things can happen but don't live in fear of the future vibe
I know a lot about emergency preparedness and there has been a shift in the last 30 years. From kooky conspiracy nut to a sound person doing the right thing.
This is written for regular folks coming into learning what to do for the first time.
Preparing for natural disasters, etc is much easier if you have a house instead of small apartment. But her style is doable and encouraging.
Good read, would recommend for those just wading in.
I know a lot about emergency preparedness and there has been a shift in the last 30 years. From kooky conspiracy nut to a sound person doing the right thing.
This is written for regular folks coming into learning what to do for the first time.
Preparing for natural disasters, etc is much easier if you have a house instead of small apartment. But her style is doable and encouraging.
Good read, would recommend for those just wading in.
August 30, 2020
I thought that this book was very practical and very doable. Other “prepper “ type books are overwhelming and make you feel like the average person could never get organized enough to survive very long in case of a disaster.
This author takes a more practical approach: At the very least, be prepared to get through a two week period without the amenities of modern life - food, water, electricity. She had practical suggestions that didn’t require special equipment. I also appreciated her approach to family and neighbors - that being prepared included being able to help others in need also.
This author takes a more practical approach: At the very least, be prepared to get through a two week period without the amenities of modern life - food, water, electricity. She had practical suggestions that didn’t require special equipment. I also appreciated her approach to family and neighbors - that being prepared included being able to help others in need also.
April 20, 2020
This book was a quick, simple read with tons of ideas on how to be more prepared for any emergency so that you don't find yourself scrambling to handle it. While I don't think I will honestly implement every idea here, I definitely am already putting more of them into action and thinking of ways to be more prepared for whatever may come. Love the way it made me change the way I think about prepping!
June 28, 2020
Another FUN and helpful read from Kathi Lipp!
I can honestly say I have read all the books Kathi has written. Her West Coast language and casual companionship offers even a first time reader a laugh, a warming of the heart, and the opportunity to learn how to be ready for anything. Many of the highlights from her previous books are featured here too, which are foundational for effectively being “the hands and feet of Jesus” Kathi describes.
I can honestly say I have read all the books Kathi has written. Her West Coast language and casual companionship offers even a first time reader a laugh, a warming of the heart, and the opportunity to learn how to be ready for anything. Many of the highlights from her previous books are featured here too, which are foundational for effectively being “the hands and feet of Jesus” Kathi describes.
August 19, 2020
This book was really helpful in understanding what we need to know, have and do if a crisis should happen (earthquake, snowstorm, no power, evacuation, accident, etc) as no one thinks clearly when in panic mode. It is not a full on “prepper mode” book but one about families and the need for necessary preparedness. She gives concise lists, action items and such. I feel equipped to act and that always makes you feel more powerful.
November 24, 2020
This is the kind of book that scares me because I think the steps will be huge and unachievable. Once I finished chapter two I knew I could move forward. The steps to be ready for anything are actually doable and not that huge at all. You break them down into achievable steps. Kathi is wise and humorous as she shares how she and her family have prepared for emergencies. A must read for anyone who wants to be ready to anything!
April 16, 2020
This book is extremely timely which is amazing but it is so much more than just preparing for a pandemic. It has practical steps in an doable format with enough humor mixed in that it isn't stressful. She doesn't overwhelm you but instead prepares you. Awesome read and I am so happy to have this information to help me prepare for future emergencies.
October 6, 2020
I am a closet prepper, anyway, but I really appreciated the simple, realistic, common sense approach and advice for steps that are attainable and not overwhelming. Particularly timely during an uncertain season where we have been feeding various disasters e.g. COVID-19 globally and wildfires locally.
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May 10, 2022Couldn't finish. Not sure why I checked this out on hoopla or what, exactly, I was expecting. But this didn't pass the very low bar of keeping my interest. It's just emergency preparedness stuff. Don't have to be a prepper to be prepared for emergencies and then taking you through her process from what I gathered in the first 20 minutes or so before saying, "no thanks."
July 21, 2023
Good Basic prep. coverage. Liked that it wasn’t like doomsday prep - no moving to the middle of nowhere and totally off the grid as the only answer.
FYI - Book is rooted in Christian religious beliefs with references to bible verses or following certain biblical teachings. Easy to read around if that is not your thing but prevalent enough to be worth noting.
FYI - Book is rooted in Christian religious beliefs with references to bible verses or following certain biblical teachings. Easy to read around if that is not your thing but prevalent enough to be worth noting.
April 17, 2020
This book couldn't of come at a better time in my life. I procrastinated and the need to be PREPARED FOR ANYTHING and with Kathi's book she gave me the tools to start to be PREPARED..Read the book and you won't be sorry..
October 15, 2024
A practical guide to prepping that focuses on being Jesus’ hands and feet in a crisis. Many of these tools I use already but it was a good alternate perspective and has a lot of good practices I’ll put in place.
February 9, 2025
Pre-Deciding is the key!
Kathi takes what could be a daunting, scary subject and makes it deal-withable! I love this book! I am in Community Emergecny Response Team, and I write novels about natural disasters, and these are all the same pieces of encouraging advice.
Kathi takes what could be a daunting, scary subject and makes it deal-withable! I love this book! I am in Community Emergecny Response Team, and I write novels about natural disasters, and these are all the same pieces of encouraging advice.
June 8, 2020
It's hurricane season in Florida and for the first time in 10 years I actually feel prepared. Kathi gives practical but simple steps to take to be prepared for anything.
September 10, 2020
A very detailed and concise book about preparing you and your family for any emergency. Good, sound advice.
September 16, 2021
Great stuff in here! Makes the process seem easy and doable. I can’t wait to start implementing what I learned.
September 26, 2021
Very thought provoking. Not doom and gloom. There are many references to further information on her site, some stuff contained in the book. I will definitely be putting some things in place.
March 9, 2022
I will be reading this again - great info!
October 6, 2022
Useful tips to prep your home and family to be safe in the event of a disaster!
November 8, 2023
Audiobook. I enjoy listening to this author
September 18, 2024
I love Kathi Lipp! She is hilarious and practical!
April 8, 2020
I have been fortunate enough to work on the launch of this book. Preparedness is not something I like to think much about. Sure...I want to be prepared for disasters and emergencies, but the idea of what that might take has always overwhelmed me.
But Kathi Lipp's step-by-step approach is like having a good friend holding your hand. In Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Heart and Home for Any Crisis Big or Small, there are projects to prepare you for everything from unexpected job loss and family crisis to disaster and sheltering in place.
And yet none of it induces a panic attack. It's just practical and encouraging.
I have found I'm more prepared than I realize and more capable than I know. Still working out all the suggestions in the book, but we are way more confident as a family than we were before tackling the projects in the book.
But Kathi Lipp's step-by-step approach is like having a good friend holding your hand. In Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Heart and Home for Any Crisis Big or Small, there are projects to prepare you for everything from unexpected job loss and family crisis to disaster and sheltering in place.
And yet none of it induces a panic attack. It's just practical and encouraging.
I have found I'm more prepared than I realize and more capable than I know. Still working out all the suggestions in the book, but we are way more confident as a family than we were before tackling the projects in the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews