You Can't Take it With You

In 1938, Frank Capra released his movie, "You Can't Take it with You." I have a copy of this on VHS and have watched and enjoyed it many times.

There is so much you can learn from the movie. But what I get the most is the joy everyone gets out of life. They do not dwell on problems. They do not mope around. Each person in the household has skills and talents that they use each day. These activities not only make the individual happy, but also those around them.

The movie centers around one family living in a charming house. Grandpa is the much beloved and wise patriarch. But he is not the "boss." There is no one in "charge." Yet Grandpa is the one who counsels the family. He takes care of everything and everyone with his gentle and loving presence. Grandpa retired from business more than 30 years ago. He walked away from it because he wasn't happy there. He has been home ever since. His daughter lives there too. She and her husband are creative themselves. Daughter types plays on an old typewriter. She just delights the family with the stories she gets involved in. She also enjoys painting. Her husband invents things in the basement workshop. He works down there with some other gentlemen and they enjoy what they are doing. They often run upstairs to share what they are doing and to give updates. Daughter has two adult children. One is married. She lives in the house too with her husband. They are a happy, jolly couple. She does ballet and smiles and delights those around her. Her husband plays an instrument. It makes such a cheerful, pleasant sound. There is another adult daughter who is being courted by (James Stewart) the banker's son. His family is rich and powerful and stressed to the limit. But for some reason, this young man is drawn to this easy going, content family.

This reminds me of my home. My parents live here with us. I have older children who still live at home. We have a delightful, large home with plenty of projects to keep us all happy. We are creative and enjoy being home.

There is a book I read many years ago, "Your Money or Your Life." This has put the idea of money into perspective. While it is important to earn money for the purpose of survival, charity, etc. It can also destroy ones life if one is burdened or consumed by the pursuit of money.

One other thing to consider is the fact that people are setting up homes with only their immediate family. It is far more economical when grandparents, married children and grandchildren are all able to live together in a large house. I know this is not always possible or ideal, but if the family gets along well and can manage, like in the movie, maybe life wouldn't be so expensive in the first place.


Blessings
Mrs. White

October is No TV Month

Buy at AllPosters.com




We all know what happens in October.... Halloween. During this month, there will be numerous commercials, movies and shows focused around terrifying viewers with scary or evil programming. This is why we shut off the TV for the entire month. It is hard to do at first, but once we get into a couple of days, life gets exciting again:

1. The children get involved with old fashioned projects - like coloring, running outside in the yard, organizing their rooms, reading more books, baking, playing board games, etc.

2. We spend more quiet time together - sitting at the table, or in chairs around the living room and laughing.

3. We read our Bibles more.

4. We are less interested in spending money or buying things. (This may have something to do with all those commercials we had been watching.)

5. We become more creative and start thinking for ourselves. (I once read something about Bette Midler. She said her daughter never watched television. She didn't want it to ruin her creativity.)

Personally, I rarely watch TV to begin with so this will be easy for me. It is the children who enjoy shows like: "7th Heaven," "Arthur," and an occasional movie.

We have gone through periods where the TV was never on. We even attempted no TV for a year! (gasp) Our normal routine, while the children were growing up, was that we only watched videos (old movies, educational programs, etc). They have gotten into a habit of watching more TV over the past few months. I think that when we get stressed or overworked, we tend to want to sit in front of a good program to relax. But this does DISTRACT us from a normal life. I am really going to enjoy this month. I want to see all the amazing things my children can do, without access to the "mindless" (smiles) television.

What do you do to avoid seeing all those terrible shows during October?

Blessings
Mrs. White

Quote

Here is an excellent quote I just came across:


"A faith that can be destroyed by suffering is not faith."

--Richard Wurmbrand

Mother's Helpers

The children are often waiting on me. They do things around the house to take care of me. Last night, Matthew (16) made me a late supper - pancakes. He brought them to me in my room. Amy (14) had set up a program for me to watch on Television and I got to sit and eat my food while watching TV with Amy. It was 10:30 at night. I hadn't eaten all day. I just wasn't able to. So it was so nice to have this treat.

Often, John (12) will make me a cup of hot tea and bring it to me. Each day, Amy makes the lunch. The children are such incredible helpers. I am very grateful.

Well, right now John is helping Matthew clean his room. He is working hard. I needed a drink of juice. (smiles). I noticed he was busy, so I went into the kitchen and (gasp) helped myself. I saw John run by and I told him, "Hey, I am getting my own drink!" He smiled at me with pride and said, "Good job, Mom!!"

I sat down to rest. A few minutes later, Amy came in the room and brought me a cup of juice. She didn't know I had already gotten my own.

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Mother's Touch

Buy at AllPosters.com



Many years ago, after my fourth cesarean, I was in tremendous pain. It took me several weeks to recover. Once I started to feel better, I went back to doing what I love best - cleaning, organizing and making a home.

At that time, we lived in a beautiful three story house on the ocean (in Massachusetts). This house was over 100 years old and very elegant. There was a formal dining room with a chandelier and antiques. (We were temporarily renting this house from an elderly couple.) I went in that room first and started to tidy and polish and clean. I set out flowers and place settings on the table. The room looked beautiful. I dimmed the lights, lit a candle and then went in the kitchen to make a special meal. My husband (who was home recovering from a car accident) came into the room. He saw what I had done, and with a sigh of relief and gratefulness, he said quietly... "I got my wife back."

There was a time when I didn't really care about Mother's day or Valentines day. But as time went on and my children began to grow up, all of a sudden I needed those days. The children get so caught up in their own lives, they don't take the time to show appreciation to their mother. So I had to make these days special. A couple of years ago, I invited my older ones home. They were to bring their boyfriends with them. Here is what I did:

1. I got all dressed up in fancy clothes.

2. We went to church that morning.

3. When we got home, I got right to work on lunch. I laid out refreshments on the table - cheddar cheese, veggies, crackers.

4. I made mashed potatoes, homemade biscuits, BBQ meatloaf, peas, salad and lasagna.

5. There were brownies and ice cream for desert.

6. The table was set in an elegant way.

Rachel (21) and her boyfriend came with flowers and gifts for me. Nicole (20) and her boyfriend arrived with a large bouquet of flowers and a card. It was such a special day. All the children gave me precious little gifts. My husband gave me flowers too. But what made the day so wonderful is that I worked so hard to make it great. I made a big meal and smiled and laughed and created a precious day for all of them. It wasn't about the flowers or gifts, it was about the wonderful tradition of home and family and food. It was about having a reason or excuse to celebrate.

This is a Mother's touch... This is what makes a home...

Yesterday I walked up to my dear husband and said, "Baby?"..... "If I give you some money, will you buy me flowers and chocolate on your way home from work?" He smiled and agreed. I was delighted. I thought he would buy me a small box of Whitman's Sampler for $1.00. That's what I suggested. I also thought he would get me some simple carnations for a few dollars. But when he came home, He was so happy to see me. He handed me a dozen roses and a large box of Russel Stover chocolates. What a delight! We went right to work polishing the table and putting the roses into vases. I put on my "homemaking" music (Classical - Canon in D) and the mood was set. It was a Mother's touch.

Home can be the most precious place of all if we put our hearts into it. Despite any trouble that goes on, despite any drama or trials, we need a mother's love to make home a haven.

Blessings
Mrs. White

To get your own Canon in D, go to Playlist and set up your own account. Here is the link: http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#canon%20in%20D%20Watson%20and%20Company


Joining with:
We are That Family.
Titus 2 Day.
Women Living Well.

Review Nutrition 101 Choose Life

TOS Crew Review

Product: Nutrition 101: Choose Life (Book on CD-ROM)

Publisher: Growing Healthy Homes

Price: CD-ROM $79.95

Pages: 448

What is Nutrition 101?

“Nutrition 101: Choose Life! is a three-in-one family nutrition and health program for all ages that presents the major body systems, how they function, their common health issues, the benefits of good food and the consequences of bad food.

Its 448 pages include into six units:

1) The Brain and Nervous System;

2) Digestion and Elimination;

3) Respiration and Olfactory;

4) Muscular and Skeletal Systems;

5) Cardiovascular and Immune Systems;

and 6) Endocrine System and Emotions.

Biblically based and packed with hands-on activities, science and art projects and nearly 80 family-friendly recipes, this program teaches and reinforces the why’s of what we should eat, not just “because I said so.” Containing a complete reference guide filled with nutrition facts, charts, practical tips and an exhaustive index, Nutrition 101: Choose Life! Will serve as a constant resource for improved health and abundant living.”

About the Authors:

“Co-authored by:

1. homeschool mother Debra Raybern, N.D., M.H., C.N.C., I.C.A.;

2. homeschool mother and researcher Sera Johnson, B.MU;

3. mother and writer/editor Laura Hopkins, B.S.;

4. and mother, grandmother and former Home Economics teacher Karen Hopkins, B.S.”

Overall Impression:

This is an outstanding resource. It is very detailed and would make an excellent curriculum for science and health. Basically, it works as a unit study. You read a chapter and then use the discussion questions. You are then given recipes and activities. Everything is designed for your family to absorb and retain the information presented. A suggested schedule is for a five day week, where you are given something to do on each day – such as making the recipe or doing an assignment. There is so much information here; you will have plenty to keep busy for a long time. The photographs in this book are clear and vibrant. I plan to print out all the pages and put them into a binder.

Personally, I have done extensive research on health and nutrition. I was diagnosed and treated for cancer more than 12 years ago. At that time, our family adopted a natural eating program. This book covers most of what I learned. It is encouraging and will provide ongoing support and inspiration for those who want to eat healthy.

Please do not be alarmed by the cost of this book. It has more valuable information than a college textbook. It will also become a reference book and a source for constant study for years to come. It is well worth the price!

To see reviews by fellow crew members:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/718679/

 

* The above quotes were taken from the publisher’s website.

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

Review A Journey Through Learning Lapbook

TOS Crew Review

Product: The Desert Lapbook with Study Guide (Instant download / E-book)

Publisher: A Journey Through Learning

Price: $13.00

I never understood Lapbooks. I’ve heard homeschoolers talking about them, but I really didn’t get the concept. They just seemed like a lot of work and I suppose I am a more laid-back, (non-creative) traditional homeschooler – using textbooks, etc.

However, I was impressed with this product. I printed out the E-book. There are 62 pages. It is full of articles, activities and instructions. If you are new to lapbooking, this would be a great introduction. I found very detailed explanations describing what I was supposed to do. Here are some examples:

1. How to fold your lapbook.

2. Definitions for words such as “Cover labels” “Hot dog Fold” “Cutting Line.”

3. Pictures showing, step- by- step, how to create and assemble your lapbook.

The product contains several articles on the Desert, including types of deserts, the temperature, what insects live there and much more. It is fascinating.

One you read the sections with your children, you then do whatever project is assigned. This includes cutting, gluing, answering questions, etc. Next, the project is then carefully glued inside your folder (lapbook). It is designed to help your child really grasp the lesson and retain what they have learned.

This makes a great art project. There are many lessons you can get out of this, including writing, research, history, science, etc.

There are cute illustrations throughout. I really appreciate the vocabulary section at the end. You will also find forms where your child can write (from memory) what they learned. There is also a space for drawing.

Overall, I love this concept. We plan to work with this at a very slow pace. We will do one project each week.

A Journey Through Learning has many Lapbooks available. They also have a special free offer you can take advantage of:

“Get a FREE "An Overview of the 17th Centruy" Instant Download lapbook (a 13.00 value) when you sign up for our newsletter!”

To see reviews from fellow crew members:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/718682/

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

An Inspiring Parlor

I just read a lovely post over at my favorite blog:

http://homehavenministry.blogspot.com/2009/04/take-look-around-my-parlor.html

Enjoy!

Blessings
Mrs. White

Cupcakes on a Tea Plate and Mom is a Guest

A few years ago, my dear son (16) Matthew bought me a pretty china set. It included a plate, tea cup, saucer and tea plate. It was a dainty white with tiny blue flowers. I just love it! I still remember standing in the supermarket with him, looking at the display. "Oh, Matthew!" I said with delight, "I just love this!" He gallantly smiled at me and said, "is that what you want mother?" I nodded. "It will be your mother's day present then." He kindly picked up the box and bought it for me, using his own hard-earned money. My precious son!


Now, whenever the children set the table, they make sure I get my special plate and cup. Very often, when I am having a little break, I will put two mini cupcakes on my tea plate and enjoy them.

One day, Amy (14) got some mini marshmallows. She offered me some. I put them on my little tea plate and sat in my favorite chair. I put the plate beside me and ate in quiet elegance. Nicole (20) walked by and grinned. She then ran and told the others. I could hear her giggling in the other room, "What kind of person eats marshmallows on a plate!!!" The children are easily amused.


When I visited Rachel (my oldest at 21), we brought some luggage with us and were planning to spend a few days with her. All the children were getting bags. "Mom.... make sure you get one too," shouted one of the younger ones. Rachel immediately corrected her sibling, in her nonchalant way. "No, Mom's a guest. She doesn't have to do anything." (gentle smiles)

All my dear children have this sense of duty about their beloved mother. They all take care of me. This is probably from years of seeing me ill with cancer and such things. They know I am frail so they are used to honoring and blessing me in these sweet little ways.

What fun we have with our children. They are so precious.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Tonight's Simple Supper

We had a sort of "picnic" at the kitchen table. I made everything look elegant. I even used serving bowls. We ate a simple meal. Here is what we had:

1. Tossed Salad -Lettuce, carrots, cucumber with dressing.

2. A Plate of Bread.

3. A Small plate with Knife to use for Mayonnaise.

4. A Small Platter to hold Turkey and cheese for those who wanted to make sandwiches.

5. A Large, pretty bowl with lots of Chips.

We all had a nice beverage and silverware. We sat around the table together, while listening to classical music.

I do have to tell you that my oven has been broken for quite some time now. I am having to be creative with the resources I still have available. I dearly miss
being able to bake. I want to make biscuits and lasagna. I want to bake cookies and make meatloaf. But we will be okay! In the meantime, I love our simple suppers!

blessings
Mrs. White

Inspiring Words from Benjamin Franklin

“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.”



“To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.”



“Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of everybody”



“When in doubt, don't.”


“He that speaks much, is much mistaken”


- Benjamin Franklin

1894 Advice for Housewives

The Following is taken from a book, "Primer of Domestic Economy" by Edith A. Barnett.
This was published in London, in 1894:

1. "Whether the income be small or large, certain or uncertain, the good housewife will keep an accurate account of her income and expenditure.

2. To buy on credit is never economical. Shopkeepers naturally ask more when they have to wait for their money.

3. To have a bill at every shop you deal with is extremely harassing, and makes a housekeeper always feel short of money, since every quarter-day she must settle up her debts and then run in debt again at once.

4. The secret of economical buying is never to buy anything that you do not really need, and not then unless you can spare the money to pay for it at once.

5. A penny saved is a penny got.

6. The pennies saved every day by good management, soon become pounds, and what is wanted is to keep them safe against a rainy day; which is an expression used to signify a time when your income may be less than it is now or some emergency when you may require a little extra expenditure, such as a doctor's bill, or a country trip, or special teaching for a talented and industrious child. Then, again, there is always old age to look forward to, and if that is not already provided for in other ways, some saving should be specially ordained to meet it.

7. Probably women as housekeepers spend the greater part of the money that is spent in the world."

Mama's Prayers

Thank you Mama for Praying for Me



Lyrics for "Thank you Mama for Praying for Me" sung by The Inspirations

Somebody, somewhere was praying that night
When Jesus came in and I saw the light.
It must have been Mama
I've heard her before
as she knelt by her bedside, her tears touched the floor.

Thank you Mama for praying for me
If you had not prayed, then where would I be.
They called you old fashioned, but you loved the Lord
and your prayers touched the Master as your tears touched the floor.

She held to the altar and wouldn't give in
'Til she knew all her children had been born again.
Just an old fashioned Mama, but she loved the Lord
and her prayers touched the Master as her tears touched the floor.

Thank you Mama for praying for me
If you had not prayed then where would I be
They called you old fashioned, but you loved the Lord
and your prayers touched the Master as your tears touched the floor.

Thank you Mama for praying for me
If you had not prayed then where would I be
They called you old fashioned, but you loved the Lord
and your prayers touched the Master as your tears touched the floor.

A Surprise Treat

Last night, I made supper a special event. I scrubbed our dining room table and set out some nice plates. Nicole (20) was given roses by her boyfriend, so these are on the center of the table. We often have pretty flowers around because of him. (smiles). I had a sage-colored candle beside the flowers and lit it. We turned off the lights. Everyone came into the room. I had classical music playing (Canon in D) and it was so elegant. We had a simple meal - bread, potatoes, corn and chicken. It was very pleasant.

This morning, it was very quiet. John did some drawing. Nicole decided to go to the country store (beside our house) to get some coffee. When she came back, I turned around and saw a small bottle of cherry coke. It was for me. (my favorite). I jumped right up and hugged her. What a wonderful surprise!!

blessings
Mrs. White

Hello Mama - Get ready to Cry

Lyrics for "Hello Mama" by The Kingsmen Quartet

Hello Mama

I just called to tell you
All those tears you shed for me
they were not in vain.

Cuz you see there was
something happened
tonight while I was traveling
down a lonely road
I thought that you should be the first to know
I'm not the same.

All those dreary days, they're over now.
Those sleepless nights are passed.
All those prayers that you have prayed so long
They're answered now at last.

I'm not the man that I used to be
and Mama you can sleep tonight
for I've found Jesus, now everything's alright.

All because
I'm not the man that I used to be
and Mama you can sleep tonight.
I found Jesus now everythings alright
It's alright.

The Homemaking Spirit

I was thinking a little about my childhood. My father did a wonderful job keeping a pleasant religious spirit in our home. I learned a lot just by observing the way he lived. In his spare time, he was often reading the Bible or working in the garage while listening to gospel music.

When my children became teens, my father pulled me aside and gave me a present. It was a set of cassette tapes and book. This was what he used to help him get through our teen years. I had no idea that he had been secretly reading such things! The set was made in the 1980's I believe. The advice was by a godly father who talked about what the teen years were like for public schooled children. He explained how to be there for your children, how to help them feel loved, and how to be a gentle guide in their lives. I have since misplaced this and will do a major search for it. I would really like to listen to it again.

Remembering these kinds of things is what puts me in a mood to love home. I love keeping house, cooking for my family and cleaning.

This morning I was so happy. I was cheerful, gave the children extra hugs and just did my chores with a "spring in my step."

The Homemaking Spirit is about loving home. It can be passed on to others - be it your children, your guests or your friends around you. In order to love home, you have to be cheerful. You cannot let the outside world's ills upset you.

Someone has to keep the home fires burning. And the homemaker is the ideal person for such a job. She is protected under the the covering of her home. Her family loves to come home to see her and to enjoy her quiet and gentle company.

This morning, when I was thinking about how content and at peace I was, Nicole (20) said she wished she could be as happy as I was. "Well, I have been reading my Bible this morning." I told her. Then I said part of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."

May you have a pleasant day at home!

Blessings
Mrs. White

Review StudyPod Book Holder

TOS Crew Review

Product: STUDYPOD Book Holder

Price: $19.95

Size: Approx 7 inches by 9 inches

About this product:

To quote from the website:

“Developed by a teacher, the STUDYPOD provides a simple way to improve your studying. It holds any size textbook and study sheets upright at a comfortable level (similar to the angle of your computer screen) helping maximize your focus. It holds virtually any textbook wide open, freeing hands for writing, typing or eating. You’ll love the book-like design and the handy internal pocket that can hold your other study supplies.”

You can watch a video segment showing exactly how to use this.


Overall impression:

This is a very sturdy book holder. What I love is the fact that it can fit neatly into any bookcase for storage.

I love the inside pocket which will hold treasures (or pens and pencils)! There is also a secret feature. On the inside, there is an interesting design. If you look very closely, you will see a number of inspiring quotes, such as: “Eighty percent of success if showing up.” – Woody Allen.

If you need a way to make studying easier, this might be just the help you were looking for.

To see more reviews by fellow crew members,
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/721260/

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

The Duggars, Vision Forum Families and Mothers Whose Children Didn’t Turn out Right

 

NOTE: This article has been "missing."  I originally wrote it on September 12, 2009. I took it down a few days later.

When I first posted it, there was a tremendous response. Over the course of three days, there were 400 visitors. This blog does not have that kind of traffic. On a normal day, I might have 30 visitors. I received some precious comments from readers. The reason I took down the post? I didn't realize there was a movement against the Duggars / Vision Forum families. I worried my post might cause some confusion or pain in families who have come out of cults involving a life of outward standards and obedience. However, the majority of my readers are not  living that kind of life. These are just regular people. They love their children but are hurt when they stumble around aimlessly in the world.

We WISH our problem was that our daughter didn't want to wear a long skirt or cover her head. We WISH it was just about standards.
However, the sad reality is these waywards are often involved with drug use, alcoholism, humanism and the like which are hurting them. We are not rejecting or shunning these children. They are in our homes. We love them and comfort them and pick up the pieces when they continuously fall.   It is much like watching your child live out John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" right before your very eyes.  We pray for them  to "come home" to the peace and light of the Lord whose promise is very dear and true: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Since this post was taken down, I have heard from more mothers who have been greatly encouraged by it. One dear lady, whose older child had been arrested and has been through the courts, said she was printing out this article and putting it into her Bible. God bless her! I have realized that there are more mothers who need to hear this article, than a few who are offended by it. This is why I am putting it back up. However, the comments are closed. If you need to contact me about this article, please email me directly at: puritanlight@gmail.com

 

------------------------

The Duggars

I saw a picture of the Duggar family recently. They announced the pregnancy of their 19^th child. They all are so happy. Their children are nicely dressed and well behaved. But the most important thing of all is seeing their grown (adult) son sitting with his new wife. He has the same vision as his parents. He will live the same godly life. This is a sign of their success as parents. Or is it? Bear with me here. No matter what we do as parents, we cannot take the credit for children “turning out right.” It is God who does these things. So the next time you see that family and begin to feel like you are not good enough, instead, I want you to bless the Lord for working in their lives. There are a few things I want you to understand about them.

1. God put them in a position of fame to be a ministry. They are a witness for the Lord. We need to pray for them, much like we pray for any missionary – pray that God stays with them and blesses them, because the world is watching.

2. If you will notice, they have a beautiful home, well trained children who play instruments and a calm mother. This is because they have been blessed with both parents home to train those children. They do this as a team. They are also wealthy and financially wise. They were trained in this, it does not come naturally. (Read their book and you will see their humble beginnings.) With money, they are able to pay for music lessons, buy what they need at auctions, and keep Dad at home to help Mom.

3. Please realize, this family, like all families, have their trials. All children have a sin nature. Why is this not shown on television? Because that is not the purpose of the show. It is to encourage us and to focus on that which is peaceful and lovely. It would be tacky, vulgar and inappropriate to show every aspect of their private lives. There is no need for this. But be assured, those children, as well as their parents, struggle with sin like we all do.

4. They have a mighty and strong faith in the Lord. This is something we all need on a daily basis.

Vision Forum Families

Have you seen them? Mom, Dad, lots of precious, godly children. Many have looked at them and given up on their own families. They feel inadequate, depressed and miserable. Why? Let me explain some things:

1. We are commanded in Scripture to “marry in the Lord.” We are not to be unequally yoked up together with unbelievers. Yet the majority of Christian women, have married ungodly men. This is the first mistake. Once done, it cannot be fixed; however, there is a way to work through it. (Read Elizabeth Rice Handford’s book, “Me? Obey Him?”) Are you beginning to see my point? The “Vision Forum” families have both a godly mother and a godly father who work together as a team. They have the same vision for their children. This is the main reason those families are living admirable lives.

2. I have heard many complaints from potential customers of Vision Forum. They say the products only depress them or present an impossible kind of life. Please, may I encourage you to seriously consider the purpose of these products? If we read the books and listen to the tapes, it will help us grow and mature in the Lord. Their resources are phenomenal. Take whatever nourishment you can get from them, and adapt them to fit your own family’s circumstances. For example: They have an audio CD, called “What’s a girl to do?” This has to do with daughters at home and what they should be doing with their time. It is wonderful. Yet it does not apply to my oldest two children. They are ages 20 and 21 and have chosen another way. But I still have a 14 year old daughter, who I can use this with. I can glean the message and come up with more ideas that will work for my youngest girl. I also have their Audio kit, “Entrepreneurial Boot camp,” which is fabulous. We purchased this when we owned a store. It gave us some ideas and encouragement to keep going. We were at a point of giving up, but this helped us stay focused. A few years later, we sold the store, but we found the Audio kit to be a tremendous resource and still listen to it. While we cannot practically use all ideas presented, we do benefit from it anyway.

3. Have you heard of the Botkin girls who wrote “So Much More?” This is a phenomenal book. The girls have helped create many resources while working with their famous parents. Some look at them and what they have accomplished and feel inadequate. “Why didn’t our own daughters turn out like that?” You may think. But please understand, we are not ALL called to be out in the limelight. We are not ALL called to do the same work. Most of us will have a quiet life at home, without anyone even noticing us. We can be godly mothers who stand in the background and do our “anonymous” work in the way God has asked of us. Instead of feeling bad about the Botkins, we need to pray for them, just like we do the Duggars. They are in a serious position in the public eye and we need to consider them to be missionaries. Pray for them! Let us not be self-centered, or have self-pity, but let us refer people to their work as a resource for godly living. Let us not complain, because if we do, it is for selfish reasons.

May I venture to say something difficult? If we complain about the Duggars or the Botkins or the Vision Forum families, could we be acting like Cain who was jealous of his brother Abel? Please, seriously consider this thought….. We really need to encourage our family in Christ. Please do not compare yourselves with them. We need to support their work, pray for them, love them and be grateful that they are a part of our family in the Lord!

Mother’s whose children didn’t turn out right

This is the saddest thing of all…. So many mothers have prodigal children. We can understand why these mothers will weep and mourn for their families when they see other people whose children stayed in the faith. This kind of Mother, the Mother of children who didn’t turn out right, is the saddest of all mothers. She walks around this life, wondering if she could have done something different, if she had been good enough. Her sorrow shows in her precious eyes for all to see. There is hollowness when you see her. There is deep pain.

Now let me put this into perspective – I want you to know that many godly mothers have prodigals. Here is a sample list:

1. Ruth Beth Graham (wife of Billy Graham). She had five children. More than one was prodigal. Her son Franklin was the most famous prodigal. He has written a book about this, “Rebel with a Cause.” He also went on to run an amazing charity – Samaritan Ministries.

2. Monica. This was St. Augustine’s Mother. She was a godly, loving woman who raised a brilliant son. Augustine rejected this faith and chose to live an immoral life. Monica prayed constantly for her son’s salvation. One day, she was so heartbroken, she went to a Bishop and begged him to reason with her son. This man refused. Why? Because he knew Augustine to be a brilliant man and could not debate him. He knew he wasn’t capable. But Monica continued to beg and weep so this man said to her, “Go, go! Leave me alone. Live on as you are living. It is not possible that the son of such tears should be lost.” And, as we all know, he was later converted and came back to his Mother’s glorious faith!

3. To read more about prodigals, please read Ruth Graham’s book, “Prodigals and those who love them.”

Now let’s look at Scripture. Didn’t Solomon have an ungodly son? Didn’t Job have some ungodly children? What about Jacob and Esau – were they perfect and godly? Please realize that something is going on here. We are not going to be able to simply “follow 10 steps to raise godly children.” It doesn’t happen that way. Please be assured that if you have a prodigal, or an adult child who is making bad decisions, you must have patience. Didn’t Abraham and Sarah wait many years before having their promised child? And how long did Noah work on the Ark before the flood came? Patience is the most important virtue we can have.

I am going to share something personal here. First as a young wife, I had to learn that my husband’s flaws were designed to change me. Whatever trials I faced, because of him, were meant to purge and mold me into the image of the Lord. It took me a few years to figure this out. Once I did, I was able to yield.

This is the same thing with our older children… Let me explain…. Have you ever sat in church listening to a sermon and prayed that your child was listening (because they needed to hear it). Have you ever done that? Have you ever gathered quotes, Bible verses and words of wisdom to share with a struggling young adult? What kind of response did you get? Do you see where I am going with this? It is not what we say or what they hear; it is the quiet, methodical example of a godly mother that will slowly change that child. They see us suffering through trials and remaining steadfast in the Lord. In time, this will move them, not by what we say or do. But it is more than that………. God put that child in your life to CHANGE YOU!!! I will explain:

I want to share something with you…… One of my adult children has rejected the Christian faith. This child wants nothing to do with it. This child has chosen the world and is suffering in it. But you know what? I am suffering too, because this child’s actions are a Thorn in my side (much like Paul’s thorn in Scripture). This child causes me great heartache and pain. This child is abrasive and difficult. And I have learned something amazing from this.

I have been provoked to tears and frustration by the actions of this adult child. This child is putting me though such misery….. But I will remain faithful to the Lord. When I falter, by getting mad, or losing my patience, (God help me!) I get back up and try again. My lesson, that God is teaching me, is not to be moved. He is teaching me to remain steady despite the torture.

Here is the lesson:

I was watching a movie about this guy who was learning to play basketball. He was in the court with his coach. He had to remain focused and unmoved. He had to run around, keep the ball, and shoot it into the basket. He had to do this despite the distractions, noise, and misery around him. In order to train him, the coach would blast an air horn in his ear. He would do this repeatedly, suddenly, and sporadically. The guy learned to play without being distracted by this irritation!

This is what the Lord is teaching me through my wayward adult child. One lesson I have learned is to “be slow to speak.” I am to have a meek and quiet spirit, even in the face of such difficulty. I have learned not to ask questions. I have learned to just be the gentle mother and let God handle the rest. It is His job to change her, not mine. And this takes time.

I have “given” this child over to my husband. When she tells me about something she is going to do, I say, “Tell your father. You are too much for me to handle.” And we both smile. He will take care of this.

Mr. White told me that this child is “sleeping.” The Bible says “Ye must be born again.” A child cannot go through life without a conversion. There must be a re-birth. So this child is sleeping, as my husband tells me. She will wake up one day.

In the meantime, the greatest lesson of all I must learn through this is not to lose my patience or virtue. My goal is to remain faithful to the Lord. I must remain calm in the face of misery. It is not an easy task. I am reminded of a famous quote:

"If I profess with loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except that little point which the world and the Devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point." - Martin Luther

And so, my dear ones, if you are having trouble with your children, please yield to this teaching and know that God is working in you and through you. The end result will be a glorious testimony, a godly mother, and a converted child. God bless you and keep you through this difficult time.

Blessings

Mrs. White

 

"Oh, you that have passed from death to life, you have reason indeed to be thankful! Remember what you once were by nature—dead. Think what you are now by grace—alive." - J.C. Ryle

Review Guardian Angel Publishing

TOS Crew Review

This review consists of five different E-books.

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

 First

E-book: No Bones About it - The Sum of our Parts Series (Book 1) by Bill Kirk

Suggested readers: Children, ages 8 - 13 years old
Length: 30 pages

Despite my "nervous" and "fragile" condition (I get queasy when reading about medical subjects),  I did learn quite a bit from this book! For example: I had no idea that our bones are made of minerals like calcium, phosphorus and sodium. Sure, I've heard people say that our bones need calcium, but I didn't know our bones were made of calcium! There is also an explanation of types of fractures, which I found particularly interesting, since my 14 year old daughter recently "chipped a bone" in her wrist.

This would make a great science book for studying  bones. There are short and catchy facts, with illustrations. These are charmingly called, "Factoids."

  I think this would be a very easy book for children to understand and be introduced to the skeletal system.

This book is extremely well done and very educational.

Price: $5.00

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Second

E-book: Andy and Spirit go to the Fair
By Mary Jean Kelso

Length:  24 pages

The illustrations are really cute and colorful.   The story is about a handicapped boy, Andy, who enters his horse, Spirit
(a former wild horse),  in a competition. The description of the fair - the sights and sounds,  all were very well done. This is a cute
story that teaches  a good lesson. It has a nice moral that many children would enjoy.

At the end of the story, there is a section explaining "how wild horses are managed in the US." There is also information about
adopting a horse of your own, through a government program. This is a nice educational book.

Price: $5.00

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Third

E-book: Maybe we are Flamingos
By Safari Sue Thurman

Length: 30 pages

There are nice illustrations and very little text which will make it an easy read.

The story explains, through the viewpoint of two baby flamingos, the kinds of foods they are supposed to eat. I am sure toddlers would enjoy this book. 

Price: $5.00

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Fourth

E-book: Rainbow Sheep
By Kim Chatel

Length: 25 pages

The Illustrations look like fuzzy, colorful felt. I have no idea how they did that! Very cute!
This story would definitely hold the attention of preschoolers! It is an imaginative creation.

At the end, there is an educational section called "Felting for Fun." It includes an explanation and materials needed to create something yourself. You also learn how to make "felted soap" and your very own "felted sheep!"

Price: $5.00

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Fifth

E-book: Earthquake
By Susan J. Berger

Suggested age for readers: 6 to 9 (but I am sure older children and adults would enjoy this too!)
Length: 30 pages

This is an educational book with "factoids" explaining interesting facts. You will learn the types of earthquakes, what they feel like,
aftershocks and much more. It is full of colorful, charming illustrations. One fact that really surprised me was that there was an earthquake in Boston, in the year of 1755!! I had no idea. I am from Massachusetts and thought these only happened in places like California!

The book also shows you how to prepare an emergency kit and tells you what to do during an earthquake. This would make a
great science book. It contains a lot of excellent information.

Price: $5.00

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To see more reviews on this, by my fellow crew mates, please visit:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/718692/

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

The Quiet part of my Day

It is after midnight. I just finished tidying up my kitchen. My living room is clean and polished. I am sitting at the table with tea and an open Bible. The house is quiet. Mr. White and (son)Matthew are still awake. It is like they are guarding the home. They do not sleep very much.

I am listening to classical music (Canon in D - Pachelbel). It is soothing.

Proverbs 31: 18 ".... her candle goeth not out by night."

I realize my readers don't like it when I stay up all night, but it is sometimes the nicest and quietest part of my day. I will sleep tomorrow.....

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Cozy Day in Vermont

The leaves have already started to change colors. I walked our property yesterday, to head over to the post office. It is right next to the country store, beside our yard. As I walked the long path through the field, I noticed colorful leaves on the ground. There was a gentle wind. I could hear the rushing of the river beyond my vision. It runs the back of our property.

I am excited about the changing seasons. Soon it will be snowing and cold, but I will be warm and cozy at home, sitting beside our wood stove.

This morning, I tidied up the kitchen, polished our stove and put on some water for tea. The early sunlight streams through the windows. I lit a candle and placed it on the center of the stove.

I will drink hot tea and sit in my favorite chair and I will read. I love this quiet life. My children are up and about. They will do some schoolwork and then help with chores later on.

Mr. White was home with us all day yesterday and has been on a mini-vacation. It is precious to have him here with us. He has such wisdom and calms us all whenever trials come.

I feel at peace and content at home. I feel protected and secure. This past week, there has been a problem with our 20 year old daughter. Mr. White has told me not to worry, that all will be well. Later, Matthew (16) came to me and explained some things. He said, "Mom, Dad and I will take care of this. You have nothing to worry about. It's going to be okay. I will handle it." He is a precious boy.

I am grateful for these men who make it possible for me to be peaceful and happy. I will work hard to prepare good meals for them, so they will always feel welcome and loved. Home is our precious haven.

Blessings
Mrs. White

College Prep Genius Part One

As a crew member for TOS (The Old Schoolhouse Magazine), I have received several wonderful products to review. I am currently working on "College Prep Genius."

This is a DVD, book and workbook to help prepare your child to take the SAT test.

I will be using this product with my children during this month. In the meantime, I wanted to share some quick information.

Here are some helpful links from their website:

About the Author, Jean Burk.

Article: Prepare Your High School Student for College


Article: Free College Can Happen to You


You can also take a free, SAT pre-test at this site:


Enjoy!

I will post Part Two with the actual review very soon!

Blessings
Mrs. White

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

Inspiring Mothers from History

Elizabeth Prentiss (Beloved Christian Author)1818-1878
http://www.readseries.com/auth-oz/prentiss.html

Abigail Adams (wife of president John Adams) 1744-1818
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/first_ladies/abigailadams/

Christmas Carol Kauffman (Beloved Christian Author)1901-1969
http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/K3859.html

http://www.mennolink.org/books/search.cgi?bk.mk.02.txt
(this link is to a book about her)

Susanna Wesley (Mother of 19 children, including John and Charles)1669 - 1742
http://www.historyswomen.com/womenoffaith/SusannahWesley.html

Elizabeth Rice Handford (Beloved Christian Author) Still Living
http://www.thechristianview.net/Elizabeth_Rice_Handford.html

A House with No Computer

In 2007, we had some serious changes in our family. We sold our business and settled down to a very quiet, simple life. My computer had broken so I was unable to write or use the internet.

This lasted for 2 years. It was a house with no computer.

I remember all the wonderful moments I had of peacefulness. I remember cleaning and tidying and sitting in my favorite chair. I thought of my grandmothers. They had a quiet life at home. There were no distractions or temptations from technology. They didn't have televisions or computers.

As I grew up in my childhood home, we had no computers. Life was wonderful. Everyone talked or visited or chatted on the telephone. ... When my husband and I had a family of our own, there were no computers. There was no such thing! It was not common to have a computer in your home! The thought never entered our minds. I have raised my children and home-schooled them, mostly without a computer.

A few months ago, my husband bought us a new computer. I have been back to work with my writing and projects. At times, I find the computer to be an unwelcome guest in our home. It is distracting.. . I have decided to challenge myself.

I plan to spend no more than one hour a day on this machine. I will break that up into 1/2 hour segments. Once in the morning and once in the evening. I will check emails, do research, write and then close it all down.

If I have something to write or an idea, I will pull out an old fashioned notebook and jot down my thoughts. I want to get away from this machine.

I crave a house with no computer.............

Blessings
Mrs. White

The Bible on the Kitchen Table

Buy at AllPosters.com



During the Sabbath, I have a beautiful white lace tablecloth on my kitchen table. It is a sign for the family to remember this is a special, set-apart, day.

When the Sabbath ended, I tidied up the house and lit a candle. I placed a Bible on the table. It sat near the candle and glowed in the flickering light. I placed my hand over the top, and noticed the name. It belonged to my youngest son (12). I opened the pages and saw some notes. They were written by Grandpa (age 70). At the end of the notes, he had signed his name with love.

There is a tradition in our family. Each grandchild, on their 10th birthday, receives a new, large - print Bible with their name on the cover. Grandpa writes some loving notes inside - notes to help each child through life, by clinging to the Lord and his precious laws.

Right now, this witness..... this heritage.... this legacy.... sits on my kitchen table, under the candlelight and brings us all great joy.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Just a Regular Mom

I have been doing a little bit of reading today. I am seeing a lot of godly Mothers who are very busy at home. They seem to be doing it all. They are super organized, have home businesses, have great goals and accomplish them, have sweet looking children and are amazing.

But, you know what? I am exhausted reading about their lives, their teachings, their lessons and their devotions. I am tired.

I am just a regular mom. I live a quiet life. I love cleaning my house. I love making a home. I adore my children and I am grateful that they ALL adore me back. I have a 21 year old who still calls me "Mommy." I am happy in my quiet simple life. I do not have any ambitions. I have no strength for that. My children's home-education has consisted of the basics, and lots of Bible. They are all very hard working children who take care of me.

I was thinking today about the author, Elizabeth Prentiss. She was an amazing writer from the 1800's. (She actually lived in Vermont!) She was a minister's wife and the daughter of a minister. She wrote the most amazing, precious, spiritually nourishing books I have ever read in my life. These are all stories, fiction - but they are powerful lessons about having a godly, calm, peaceful home life.

In some of her books, there is always a much loved Mother or grandmother who adores her Bible and sits and reads. She is treasured by the characters in the books. She is a wise and much loved presence in the home. This "mother" has no ambition but to comfort and counsel her children. Her only daily task is to be with her family and to nurture them.

I want to be just like her...... I get glimpses of my future. My oldest girls, ages 20 and 21, have both told me that someday, whenever I want, they will provide me with a darling room in their own homes. They will take care of me and I will be a part of their own families. This is the regular mom, but it is a godly mom and that is who I aspire to be.

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Peaceful Day

I have been reading the latest issue of Above Rubies magazine and just love it. I am also reading a book, called, "The Strong Family" by Charles R. Swindoll. It is phenomenal.

Yesterday, I sat in my chair beside the living room window. I just read for hours. I had the window open and enjoyed the fresh air. I hung our clothes on the line in the morning. Later, in the afternoon, Amy (14) and I went out and got them. We have such fun with the laundry. Why? Because our clothesline is surrounded by trees. So we have to "hit" the clothes (to get any bugs off them), then we take them down, and "violently" shake them. That does the trick! We just laugh as we get our exercise. Then we trudge up to the front property, head up the porch stairs and then climb a flight of 15 stairs to put them into the main living room.

Today, I am going to make sure it is a peaceful day. I love to read and will sit quietly and enjoy a good book. I will make a nice lunch with Amy's help and we will prepare for a pleasant evening here at home.

No worries or troubles will get to me...... I am going to focus on serenity.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Blog Awards, Tag, Mondays and Wednesdays

I just wanted to share a little information about common things going on with blogs.

First let me say that I am very new to blogging. I used to have another blog that I posted to on occasion (this was a few years ago), and have only been doing this one for a few months. Things are still fairly new to me.

Here are my thoughts, and an explanation of why I don't participate:

1. Tag (or being tagged). While I am sure this is fun for many, I have found it to be more like a game and difficult for me to follow. (Personally, I cannot stand playing games on the computer....)

2. Mondays and Wednesdays (those not me Mondays, etc. that are so popular).
This would take a lot of effort for me to format a post to fit these guidelines. I would rather not be involved! Besides, I don't want to "force" a post. I only want to write when I have something to say.

3. Blog Awards. I have seen so many nice awards on other blogs and wondered how they got them. How sweet, I would think. But then one of my dear, kind, wonderful readers gave me two awards. I was so grateful and thankful! But when I went to see how to retrieve them, I was shocked. There are strings attached. Basically, how awards work (if I am not mistaken) is you have to find a certain number of other bloggers to give the award to as well, or do a special post answering questions. I was exhausted just at the thought.

While I do enjoy seeing these kinds of things on other blogs and don't think they are "wrong,' I do have to say they are not right for me here at this blog. Honestly, I have such a hard time in day to day life and would probably burst into tears to have to jump through all those hoops to get involved.

So please, understand my position. Thank you so much to those who have offered these things to me, but I really am way too tired to take on any more than I am already committed to.

Blessings
Mrs. White

How to teach a 2 year old to Clean

Many years ago, when my children were small, I was very ill. I had just given birth to my fifth child. The oldest was nine years old. I was being treated for cancer and couldn't do much. I had already taught my children to clean and do most of the housework.

Matthew was four years old at that time. He was in charge of our living room. This was where all the children played. We had two large toy boxes in there. Matthew had to pick up all those toys and keep the room neat. Well, one day, he asked me why he had to always clean that room. . . He was such a cutie. . . So I said, "Well, if you don't want to clean, then teach Amy how to do it and then you'll never have to clean it again!"

Amy was 2 years old then. She was an adorable little wild girl. She LOVED her brother so much and was his very best friend. So Matthew sat there on the coffee table and told her what to do. He made the whole thing into this fun game for her. He would say things like, "run and get that bear... now throw it in the toy box...now grab that block and throw it in there too!" He had her racing around the room, laughing and working. She had that room clean in no time. I just stood in the doorway and watched.

When the room was all clean, Matthew crossed his arms over his chest and smiled proudly. He looked back and grinned at me. He never had to clean that room again.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Not in the Mood to Keep House

Have you ever slacked in your chores? This morning I am not in the mood to do any housework. I have to really work on it. I have been ill for the past several days and haven't been able to do a lot. Because of this, I am out of my routine. I have to get my 'bearings' and get back to work. Here is what I am going to do to help set a mood for cleaning:

1. Put my hair up.
When I took home economics classes in school, we were required to put our hair up before we were allowed to do any work.

2. Put on an apron.
I made a few different aprons, so I have a choice, depending on my outfit or mood. Wearing an apron is like a housewife's uniform.

3. Put on a CD.
I listen to:

- Classical, if I want to work slowly and enjoy each task.

- Gospel, when I need the spiritual nourishment (which is most of the time).

- A Sermon, when I really need it. (A few times a week).

- or, when I really cannot seem to get motivated, which is probably this morning, I listen to....... Waylon Jennings... I love two of his songs in particular: "Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys" and "A Good hearted Woman."

I better get to work!

Blessings
Mrs. White

Teaching Articles

The Schmidt Family hosted this week's "Carnival of Homeschooling," which is a collection of wonderful articles by various bloggers. Here is the link:

http://www.homegrownmommy.com/2009/09/01/carnival-of-homeschooling/

This was my first time participating. Enjoy and happy reading!

Blessings
Mrs. White