Getting Ready for Hard Times

World War I (Canadian) poster, around 1918, LOC.

 

It should be no surprise that hard times are often on the horizon. There is a great deal of work to do to manage one's home as well as one's finances.  Yet, despite all this work and preparation there must be a beautiful way of life which provides good memories, plenty of smiles, and a lot of gentle kindness.

As I was walking the grounds of our property these last few days, I noticed the growth of our fruit trees and berry bushes. Even though I have longed to enjoy the warmth of spring and the delight of the season, I know how short the summer will be.  I have a great deal of work to do to get ready for a bitterly cold winter season, here in Vermont.  Yet, this walk, among the peacefulness of nature, calmed my nerves. It filled me with a sense of gratefulness. 

Flowering cherry bush at our home.

I have been saving money for several months to pay for our annual order of wood pellets.  Each year, if we order enough for the next winter, by the end of May, we receive a discount.  Since prices have been so high with food and gas and utilities, I am hesitant to part with this money.  It almost feels like I have some security to have this money put aside. But it is for a purpose, and that purpose is to pay some of our heating costs for next year.  I will have to place the order soon. Once this happens, and that money is gone, I must remember to find joy and peace and contentment in our way of life, rather than from having my security in money. I must trust my Heavenly Father.

There are good times that provide a quality of life with little cost. Our family got together and helped provide a way for us to visit our relatives in Massachusetts. Some of the grandchildren, along with their mother, wanted to go with us.  The little ones had never seen the ocean. We took this short trip last week. 

My view of the ocean from last week.

In order to make this trip cost as little as possible, it was scheduled at an off-season time of year.  There were no tourists crowding the beach.  There was no cost for parking. The expenses were very low.  However, we had to endure the cold, the ocean wind, and the rain as we walked along the shore.  I took some pictures and a few video clips, but the wind was very intense, making it an almost humorous endeavor. 

The children ran along the beach, enjoyed the seagulls, and were enamored by the crashing of the waves.  Since they are used to freezing Vermont temperatures, they didn't mind the cold spring days by the sea!

A view of the water at the Yacht Club in Massachusetts.

We packed nearly all of our food from home. We had sandwiches, salads, fruit, and homemade baked goods. We enjoyed visiting relatives in their 80's and 90's.  We went to the cemetery to say a prayer and leave flowers for my grandparents, aunts, and others in the family who have gone ahead to their eternal rest.

Benches by the ocean in Massachusetts. 

Now that we are back home, I am trying to find ways to manage a limited budget to pay for groceries.  The cost of living keeps increasing, making it necessary for me to get creative and to work harder at home.  I will be enjoying homegrown salads and fruit from our gardens, once these begin to grow on our property. This will save money but also give us joy as we gather the harvest with thankful hearts.

It is important to conserve, avoid waste, and to make do. But this must not be a harsh life of deprivation. There is joy in observing nature, being kind to others, and making life comfortable and pleasant for the family. 

There may be many hard days ahead. There may be financial struggles or trials with health.  Through it all, it is important to take time to have devotions, pray, attend church, and focus on getting our strength from the Lord. I want to spend my life walking with the Lord, staying close to Him, and doing His will. The result of all this will bring a light of happiness and cheer that will encourage everyone we meet, in good times and bad, every day of our lives.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

An encouraging example - My Mother's Chores.

Finding Genuine Happiness at Home - Peace be Upon This House.  

Practical help - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

Ration Books from 1942 and helpful advice - Adapting to the High Cost of Living.

 To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 Help for hard times at home - 

House Keeping in Hard Times: Essays and Encouragement from a Christian Housewife

 Paperback, 180 pages

 As you read the entries, you will get a sense of what it is like as a Christian housewife through the ups and downs of life.  Topics include motherhood, marriage, taking care of children, cleaning, living on a low income, saving money, and building up the family with faith as the foundation.