A Mother's Legacy

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What is going on in this dear old house? It looks like a happy place to be. I imagine children inside, with bright eyes and rosy cheeks. I am sure it is supper time. The family is probably gathered around the table, smiling and chatting.

A house with small children is the sweetest place on earth. Their antics and ideas can entertain the entire family. They are precious and delightful.

It is so much easier to remain at home and enjoy home, when there are small children around to care for.

In this picture, twilight has now come. Supper is finished. All are sleepy and cozy and off to bed. Mama probably tucked those children into warm beds and then sat nearby and read them a godly story to help teach them about morals and good character. I am sure the children were eager to listen, but then nodded off to sleep.

I know many Mothers are tired. They sacrifice so much to keep the home going. I pray they have the strength to keep at it with a cheerful spirit. I pray they are getting plenty of rest and are not overly busy with other projects.

Family, hearth and home are some of the most precious words of all. It is enough, dear ones, to be focused almost entirely on making a home. This is where the greatest legacy can reach generations of our descendants. May you not be weary in well doing.

I can see many mothers with glistening tears in their eyes. They are so tired. They have walked sick babies in the night, ready to collapse. These mothers have cleaned up spill after spill from clumsy toddlers. They've done it all with a knowing, understanding smile for their loving families. God bless them!

I am so proud of you for dedicating your lives as mothers. I want you to smile and laugh and be happy today. Enjoy the art of keeping a home. Enjoy those dear children in your care. I Hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings
Mrs. White

To Encourage the Downcast Housewife

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It is dark outside, but cozy and warm in our house. Everyone is home and they are quiet. I have had such a blessed day. I want to encourage all of you who are suffering right now.

One day last week, I took my selfish 'self' to the supermarket. I only had enough money to buy one item. I looked around a little and had tears in my eyes because I could not buy anything else. There were so many things I wanted - frozen pizza, cookies, crackers, fruit, juice. But I didn't have any money so I began to cry. I had to straighten myself up and hold my head up and get out of there.

I have enough. I am okay. But it was hard to go without those little extras, those treats that make life more pleasant.

Then a few nights went by and a package arrived. It was a food box from our church. (How did they know?) I was praising God and so grateful that He answers our prayers.

This morning was very hard. Because of the Christmas holiday, Mr. White was supposed to get his paycheck a day early. But it didn't arrive on time. It is Thursday and the banks were closing at 1 p.m. They would not re-open until Monday. So even if he did get his check later, we would have no money until Monday. That was not okay. We were running out of food.

(The other day, my son asked me if we had any hot chocolate. I smiled and laughed and tried to make him happy. I said, "only rich people have hot chocolate. But we have plenty of Lipton tea." We made a joke about it. It was a treat and we just didn't have the money for it.)

Everyday I have been sending someone to the post office, hoping and praying there would miraculously be a check from somewhere so we could buy some extra food. But nothing came. I kept praying and trusting God. I knew he would provide, somehow.

This morning, Mr. White had fallen asleep. He was exhausted and in pain. He was not able to get his paycheck. Well, I had to take one of the children to an eye appointment. I had $10 to put in the gas tank and $8 to buy milk and bread. I got home and realized I was going to have to take some of our mortgage money out of the bank to buy groceries to get by until Monday. But just one last time, I asked my son to check the mail. He came back with a stack of things. In that pile, was a little card with a return address, but no name. I opened up the card and there was money inside. The note simply said, "Blessings from a friend." Tears welled up in my eyes. I gathered the children around and thanked God!!!!!

We went grocery shopping. I was smiling, content and happy as I selected our food. I bought milk and meat and bread. I bought cheese and ingredients to make a couple of our favorite suppers. I even bought some hot chocolate. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that person, whoever it was that has blessed us so very much. I cannot thank you enough, but I pray that God gives you back "ten-fold."

Tonight, there is food in our house and we are greatly blessed. Things are getting better. Our crisis is only temporary and will improve in a couple of weeks.

I pray you are all doing well and have great faith in the miracles of our dear Lord.

Blessings
Mrs. White

No Room at the Inn - a Look at hunger and Homelessness

The Hungry Planet Bible Project has produced a media packet to bring awareness to the problem of hunger and homelessness. This packet includes the following:

1. A DVD - ROM.
I watched this video on my computer. Several people were interviewed. The video is very clear and makes you feel like you are right in the same room as the people on-screen. There are a variety of reasons people become homeless - it could be a job loss, medical expenses, drug or alcohol abuse and even domestic violence. It is sad to see families with children who have no place to call home. It is also devastating to think about their suffering from hunger.

2. Audio CD.
A reading of Luke chapter 1 - 2:20.

3. The DVD-ROM includes PDF files designed to show us how to help those in need.

Statistics show that, "In 2003, children under the age of 18 accounted for 39% of the homeless population; 42% of these children were under the age of five."

You will also find a list of ideas on "How to Help," and a list of instructions to help churches coordinate a food drive.

The resources in this packet have a Biblical basis, using James 1:27 at its core.

From the back of the Disk case:
"Each purchase of this product will prompt a donation to organizations and ministries that help those in need."

The Title, "No Room at the Inn," brings a sad realization that when Jesus was born, there was no place for him, other than a manger. It is devastating to think of so many who are homeless, hungry and suffering.

*I received this product, for free, from the publisher, for the purpose of sharing my opinion.*

The Home Arts

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I have a darling, old singer sewing machine. It sits in an antique cabinet. It is so pretty, and reminds me of something one would see in a museum. I remember sewing little dresses for my girls when they were 4 and 5 years old. I wanted to have those dresses finished quickly so I stayed up late into the night and worked on them. The fabric was black with pink roses all over it. I also made them matching hair ribbons, and everything was trimmed with white eyelet lace. I enjoyed sewing for my babies. It gave me such a warm feeling.

I have baked lots of bread over the years. My favorite is Italian. I used to make it with a big pot of homemade tortellini. Everyone loved this old fashioned, homemade supper. I enjoy mixing up dough and working with my hands to make food for my family. I love to serve it for them and see them smile. I love to hear how much they enjoy my cooking.

I have taught my children how to mend their clothes. Whenever they have a rip, I see them with my sewing box, fixing their own clothes and it makes me so proud.

My Mother taught me how to iron and do laundry. When I was a young girl, I was responsible for my own clothes. We had an enclosed porch on the side of our house, on the second floor. I could stand out there, near the dryer, and iron my skirts. We had lots of windows with a view of Boston Harbor. I loved watching the boats go by while I did my work.

These are just some of the many home arts. When we are working around the home, for our families, we are truly living a life that nourishes the soul. It is such a blessing to care for our loved ones.

May we all do it with a cheerful smile and a grateful heart.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Obstacles Welcome

 

Ralph de la Vega is President and CEO of AT & T Mobility and Consumer Markets. He came to America (alone), from Cuba, when he was 10 years old. In his book, Obstacles Welcome, he shares his story of hardship, motivation, hard work, sacrifice and education. His book is inspiring and will encourage and inform many people.

I love his focus on family and leadership. His skills and talents are exceptional. He teaches essential skills through personal examples, concrete ideas, and motivation. I love his writing style and was impressed with his overall message.

Whether you are an emerging leader, a homemaker, employee, or young person, there is plenty of helpful advice in this book to adapt to your own situation.

* I received this book, for free, from the publisher for the purpose of sharing my opinion.*

Academic Assessment Test- Review

TOS Crew Review

Product: Academic Assessment Tests- Explore and Plan

Publisher: ACT Advantage

Website: http://www.actadvantage.org/

Price: Explore ($22.95); Plan ($22.95)

*I received this product from this company (for free), for the purpose of sharing my opinion.*

ACT Advantage has created tests to help parents see how their children are doing academically. Each (timed) test consists of four subjects:

1. English

2. Math

3. Reading

4. Science

I had Matthew (17) take Explore, which is designed for students in grade 10. Amy (14) took Plan, designed for 8^th graders. Neither child enjoyed this test. It was not fun. It annoyed them greatly. (smiles). As a matter of fact, I have been nagging both of them for several weeks to actually sit down and do them. I finally won the battle this week and am now able to write this review.

I was not surprised in the least bit when I saw their results. I know how they are doing academically because I have been their teacher since they were babies. I really don’t have a need for evaluating their progress. However, it is good for them to take practice tests. This will help them in the future.

The kind of families who would benefit from this resource are:

1. New homeschooling mothers who are unsure about how their children are doing. These teachers will be able to see weaknesses so they can plan a course of action for improvement.

2. Students who plan to take the SAT, GED and other tests. It is essential they have some testing practice.

You can find more information here about Explore.

For information about Plan, go here.

To see reviews by fellow crew members:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/738900/

To find out more about my reviews, please visit "Introduction to our Homeschool Parlor"

A Housewife's Pink Mood

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Early in the morning, as the sun is streaming through the curtains, I rise and walk towards the window. I see birds. I motion for them to come hither. They chirp a lovely melody and enter my room to help me dress for the day. The dear sparrows! I sing and hum through the house in my apron, looking angelic and peaceful.

This is a housewife's "pink mood." While I am in this mood, catastrophe hits my home. Children argue. Drama ensues... Everyone messes up the house simply by their presence. But I am as cheerful as ever. I am in my pink mood.

I hum and sing and gently tap children on their shoulders and ask for help. They smile and laugh because my mood is catching. Everyone gives up their trials and starts to laugh with Mother.

There are rare occasions that I am angry (perish the thought)but this is how that works: I might raise my voice (shout?). This is so rare that the older children are startled. They hug me and say, "Mother, what is wrong? This is so unlike you." They make it better for me. They may even buy me M and M's to cheer me up. They love my pink mood and will do anything to help me get it back.

One day, I was sitting in a corner chair near the hearth. I was happily looking out the window at the front property. I was content and as peaceful as could be. Matthew (17) and Nicole (20) came over and stood nearby. They began to analyze the situation. I heard them mumbling to each other:

Matthew: "Look at her... Not a care in the world... she has no worries at all."

Nicole: "I wish I could be that happy!"

I just smiled at them. Then I got up and made some nice hot tea. I love my pink mood.

But do you know what? My house is never going to be completely clean. Yet I delight in polishing and scrubbing. I don't necessarily do this to get it all finished, but to enjoy the process of making a home.

My children are going to have their normal squabbles and my husband, at times, will be angry with me. This is a normal house, just like everyone else's. But what I wish for all of you, is to learn to get into a pink mood. It is like living with one foot on earth and one in Heaven. It is having peace that passeth all understanding. It is the most joyous place to be.

If you spend time in the presence of the Almighty and find your source of strength and happiness there, you will develop the sweetest heart for home and motherhood that you could ever imagine.

You may not always retain the pink mood, for our emotions fluctuate and cannot be trusted. We will also experience painful trials and tears, but our goal is to get back to pink as soon as we can. Tears are good for the soul, but smiles are even better.

May you all have a wonderful day!

Blessings
Mrs. White