Treasure in the House

Miniature Bible on our table. 

The grandchildren were expected for an early dinner. I went about setting the table for them.  I was looking for just the right thing to make it special.  I remembered the miniature Bibles I have for babies and preschoolers. I found one and carefully tucked it beside a candle centerpiece. It spoke volumes of what was on my heart. This little book was the secret of my joy and rest and peace as I go about the Master's work here in the home.

At dinner, one of the younger grandsons noticed the book with eagerness.  He asked, "Is that a little Bible?" He was delighted.  It is cherished in his home as well.  

Years ago, Bibles would commonly contain several pages elaborately decorated with the intention of recording the family genealogy.  If someone would ask grandfather when a grandchild had been born, he would get the Family Bible and find the answer.  In the old days, this was often considered proof of the date of one's birth or to confirm the relation of members of the family.

It is a blessing and a joy to have a Bible to read.  One of the greatest memories, for old time families, is the remembrance of hearing Mother and Dad reading from the Bible to their children.

LOC: Abraham Lincoln Reading the Bible to his son, 1865.

Children who grow up in a home where the Bible is loved, cherished, and frequently read, have a wonderful fondness for home and family.  When they grow up, they tend to keep this precious habit of gleaning spiritual nourishment every day of their lives.  This used to be so common in previous generations. 

Young Men's Christian Association flyer, 1919. 

In our modern culture, where constant advertising promotes materialism and excessive forms of secular recreation, it is sometimes difficult to keep one's spiritual bearings.  We can counter this by keeping the Bible prominent in the home.  It should not be dusty for lack of use. It must be the most loved and respected book, more valuable than piles of gold. It is the treasure of the house. 

As I look back over the years as a wife, mother, and grandmother, life was not easy. Yet I feel so grateful and blessed.  We may have been poor, but we always had a Bible in the house.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -


Always Remember this - The House Comes First.

The Beauty of an Ordinary, Simple Life - Standard of Living.

A Blessing in Making an Effort - Peaceful Homemaking.

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An Old-Fashioned Devotional Book:

"Inspired by the life, writings, and journals  of John Wesley (1700's), Mrs. White has created  a 90 - day Bible study challenge. ."

Early Morning Revival Challenge

Paperback, 116 pages.