Mistakes in Homemaking

Fresh baked cookies from this afternoon. 

 

Throughout my constant lessons in gardening, I am delighted when vegetables grow, when fruit is harvested, and when my flowers bloom.  Last year we planted some carnation seeds in pots, just to see what would happen. It was an inexpensive packet of seeds, but I wasn't sure if it would thrive or even grow in our region. Since carnations are my favorite flowers, I was hopeful.

It was not long before we saw green leaves developing. The plants did well in the pots, but we did not see any flowers.  We accidentally left the pots out all winter long and assumed they would not survive our harsh New England weather.  However, early one spring day, the leaves began to come back.  We thought we would wait and watch.  After a few weeks, buds began to appear. We did not remember what we had planted but hoped it was the carnations from the previous year.  

One day a sweet flower opened; then more and more began to appear. The flowers were red, white, and purple. These did not look like carnations, but I believe the stems look similar to carnations. These must be a certain variety that I am not familiar with.  They have lasted several days and more keep coming.  I noticed they are attracting some bees. This is good for our vegetable garden nearby. It is good when the bees are happy. 

Our flowers.

Each day when I look at these new flowers I think of how many times good things happen through my mistakes. Good things happen despite my flaws and shortcomings.

I have enjoyed walking all over the property and visiting the strawberry garden, the blueberry bushes, and all the beautiful flowers. One of my favorite spots on the grounds is where the tea roses bloom.

Our red tea roses.

It is such a peaceful part of the property to see a view of the landscape near these beautiful roses.

When I finish my walk, I love to be inside, tidying the house, seeing to the kitchen, and enjoying the daily work of keeping house and taking care of the family.  It is sometimes tiring when I have appointments and errands that take me away from home. But we make the best of this necessary work and are extra grateful when we return home again. 

Today, after doing a great many errands I was happy to get back into my kitchen.  I mixed up a batter of homemade chocolate chip cookies. Once the first batch went into the oven, I started walking around the house, tidying up, and then chatting and visiting with the family. It was then I realized I forgot to set the timer on the oven. Somehow, I was able to get to the cookies in time. To my relief, all was well in the kitchen.  

This reminded me of how many mistakes I am often making in homemaking and life in general. It amazes me when things turn out well in the end, just as they should!  How wonderful it will be when we get to Heaven, after stumbling and getting distracted. We are so very blessed to be the children of God. He will welcome us to our Heavenly home, telling us we did well, yet we know it is only because of His grace, and for His glory!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace.

A Blessing - The Light in a Messy House.

Finding happiness at Home - Days without Spending Money.

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

For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback

Holiday Weekend

Flags bordering a little garden area at our home. 

 

I have been very interested in the holiday plans that are happening all over the country this weekend.  I thought about attending a parade or a display of fireworks but don't think I have the energy for such an outing. I hope to watch something on our local public television. I think that would be lovely to just rest at home while still being a part of the celebrations.

The heat has been oppressive the last few days. We also have an air quality warning for tomorrow. This means extra rest and taking a lot of breaks. 

This morning, I gathered several strawberries from our back garden. It was so nice to see many of the berries were ripe and ready to be picked.

Our strawberry garden. 

I don't have a lot of energy but just wanted to check in really quick. I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

It is all I ever want to be - Secretary to the Master. 

Peaceful, quiet Living - Sunday Driver. 

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. -

 

 

For old time encouragement in living simply on a limited income, order Mrs. White's book:

"An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife"

 77 pages, paperback.

A Special Day - 38th Anniversary

Red carnations at our table.

 

On the eve of the first of July, every year, I get out my white tablecloth and put it on the parlour table. The following morning, I usually place my wedding album of photographs beside a pretty floral arrangement. These are little signs that remind us that the day is special.

This year, I wanted things to be a little simpler. Instead of the album, I placed a white framed portrait of us on our wedding day.  When I woke up this morning, I saw an empty vase on the table. I thought I would just walk out on the property and pick flowers that are growing wild, such as a few daisies and such. I didn't want to spend any money unless it was essential. But later in the day, as I walked through the store, I noticed some beautiful red carnations for about $6. It would be a treat, and I thought it would be okay to spend the money.

Now, for the remainder of the day, whenever we walk by the table, we will see the beautiful flowers, the wedding portrait, and the white cloth underneath. We will smile with gratefulness that we are so blessed, not just with 38 years of marriage, but with a precious family.

May the Lord bless our homes with peace, joy, and endurance!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

The greatest work of Mothers - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

Precious Homemaking - A Covered Bridge and Graceful Living in Rural Vermont.

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

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

 

For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback

Peace through Trials

A row of peonies by our river. 

 

At the beginning of this month, someone gave us a box from a food pantry. The giver had selected all the common items that could be found in our kitchen. How thankful we were!  We have had a rough few weeks with both health difficulties and finances. Yet through it all, I have felt a sense of peace and gratefulness.

On the night before Father's Day, I was very ill with dizziness and a feeling of complete weakness. The dizzy part was the most troubling!  I prayed for help and healing. I was scheduled to play in the handbell choir at church the next morning. I didn't want to miss it.  At the same time, I had to accept whatever was out of my control. It had to be the Lord's way and will, not mine. I knew if I didn't make it to church, I would have to let the music director know I would be missing so they could scramble to fill my place. But how sad the very thought of not being there made me feel.  All through the night I had Powerade and water. By morning there was a slight improvement. But there was that lingering sense of dizziness. I rose early and then had two small portions of carefully timed breakfasts (to keep my hypoglycemia under control.)  That morning I was asked by my husband, "Are we going to church today? Are you okay?"   I nodded with a semblance of confidence, "Yes," I told him. "I am okay. We can go to church."  Shortly before we left, I felt so much better. By the time we reached the church and the bells were played, my health was stable and I felt so very blessed. In my heart I prayed, "thank you, Lord." How very grateful I felt!

I have been doing work about the house and resting as much as possible. I am often sitting by a window in the downstairs room where I can sit and see a peaceful view of our landscape. I watch the birds playing and flying around as they sing sweet chirping songs.  

There have been many days of sitting with grandchildren and playing games of scrabble and doing projects. These children are the joy of my life!  I must remain peaceful and healthy to be here for them.

We had a financial crisis arise.  To meet this need, I gathered what was left of our grocery money and withdrew some funds I have been saving for annual bills (including our house insurance and property tax bill). My saving for yearly bills takes me many months.  We managed to avert this crisis, but the money is now lacking. To recover this loss, my only way of fixing this is to use money, over the next few months, that is allocated for food. I know this will hurt, but careful use of money is very important, especially when one is living on a fixed income.  One of our household began to panic. I said, "We are only promised today. God's mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.  We will be okay. The Lord will provide."  Somehow the warmth of peace filled our hearts. It brought rest and comfort knowing the promises of God and claiming them for each day.

Sometimes I forget to take care of myself. I forget to eat. I think it is okay to keep going without breaks. When this happens, my health suffers and it brings on a crisis that tends to stop me in my tracks and wake me up.  I need to do better at making sure I remember to take care of myself. This reminds me of my spiritual health. I would be so unhappy and worried if I did not meditate on the precious words of Scripture. I am often reminded of old-time hymns, such as "Take Time to Be Holy." In this song, we are encouraged to seek God's blessing for everything we do and every decision we make.   Each day I make my plans and often, I am called to do something else.  I have accepted this, feeling a sense of honor that the Lord is leading me to do His precious work. As I keep busy with my homemaking, I pause to reflect on the goodness of God, and I wait for His call.   When I am needed, I feel so blessed to do the labor for the day that he leads me to do. I am grateful!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -  

A Peaceful Heart - The Quiet Kindness of a Titus 2 Mother.  

 Testimony of the Mother of D.L. Moody - Poverty in the 1800's.

Some ideas to help - A Home Without Clutter.

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

Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:

 

"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." 

 

Paperback, 200 pages. 

Tending the Property

United States Department of Agriculture, 1917 poster. (LOC)

 

It is very cool here in the mountains of Vermont.  The last fear of frost has passed. We were able to get our seeds planted in the gardens in the early part of this month.  We have assorted lettuce planted in 3 different patches in the front and back grounds.  We have peas, cucumbers, and tomato seeds all settled in the soil.  There are a few more scattered items in pots waiting for a more permanent place for the summer months.

Seeds planted with labels in the back yard. 

I have been pruning, walking, and checking on all the fruit trees, blueberry bushes, and our strawberry garden.

Our strawberry garden with a few pinwheels.

There were a few warm days, which were beautiful as I walked all over the grounds of our humble 2-acre estate.  A cool breeze spread a scent of lilacs over the property.  I have already taken in 3 cuttings of fresh lilacs for the parlour table.  The birds and butterflies are enjoying the flowers.  My sister sent me a packet of assorted flower seeds that pollinators will like. We have planted these in a designated spot near the fruit trees and bushes. 

Our garden patch of flower seeds. 

I have come to appreciate the need for a large amount of flowers to keep the pollinators happy.  We have seen bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  These visitors should be encouraged as that is how the vegetables and fruits are helped to grow and produce a harvest.

It has taken me years to understand the need for making it a priority to have a garden, even though I have much to learn. It is best if we do this at our own pace, in our own time, in our own way, without pressure or worry.   I used to think it was not worth the trouble of trying to garden when so many others were far more experienced than I was. I have come to realize that no garden has to look the same. We will develop a love for gardening if we are not comparing what we have with others.   It is lovely to simply plant and enjoy the land we have been given to tend. Time will bring experience and a reward for our hard work. 

Pacing myself has always been a problem. On a recent warm day, as I tended rose bushes, cut lilacs, and checked on our assortment of gardens, I became very weary.  I went indoors for the day to read and do some housework. I did not realize how exhausted I was, and possibly dehydrated, until the end of the day when something happened. I was standing in the living room letting the family know I was going to get ready for bed.  All of a sudden, I collapsed in a heap on the floor.  We were stunned!  I was quickly ushered off to bed and had to rest and take it easier for a few days.

We came up with a solution that might help. We scraped up $20 and bought a little pool.  I now take a few breaks, when outdoors, to sit and rest by the pool. It is set up on the back of the property in an area that looks like a little campsite.

A seat by the pool for my gardening breaks. 

I am amazed at how nice it is to just sit in a comfortable chair and put my feet in the water.  I hear the sound of the birds, the rushing of the river beyond, and enjoy a quiet rest. It is refreshing and helpful!

It is such a blessing to enjoy this lovely season and delight in the beauty of nature!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

My Mother's Example - A Home Without Clutter.

What happened when I rushed ahead - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.

Taking Care of a family of 4 generations in one house - Gracious Homemaking.

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

 

Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:

 

"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." 

 

Paperback, 200 pages.