A Carefully Mended Life

Our table with a homemade cloth napkin.

 

As I went about the work of housekeeping this week, I noticed a carefully mended kitchen towel. It was neatly folded over a towel bar on the stove door. I gave it a little bit of straightening and thought about how it used to be frayed.  The fabric had worn-thin in places. I had folded and tucked and sewed it all back together. It now functions again. It is a pretty sage green, looks charming, and is serviceable for the needs of my kitchen. It makes me smile to think of how much of my home and life is in constant need of mending.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by worries and thoughts and troubles. I get weary and need to rest. But the thoughts plague me. It is then I remember that it is not my burden to bear. I tell myself, "You don't need to fix this. You don't need to think about any of this. All you have to do is rest."  I know that the Lord is working behind the scenes. I need only give the troubles to Him and then I can be at peace. I can take breaks and rest and then cheerfully return to my work.

So many people talk about doing whatever they want. "Live free," they say.  "Do what makes you happy," they advise. But the problem with this is that it causes confusion.  I want to be of the Kingdom of God, doing His will for my life.  The advice is not "do what makes you happy," but "be happy doing your duty."  This is the secret of peace. It is true freedom. To do God's precious work with a joyful heart brings the greatest happiness you could ever imagine. This is peaceful even when times are difficult.  There is the sense of a rested heart even when facing anxious moments, worries, and troubles.  All I have to do is rest in the Lord and He will help mend my life.  There may be scars, but there is a homemade sense of old-fashioned love and simplicity, which brings peace.  I shall not dwell on my worries.  I will rest in the Lord.

There is a thread of hope and comfort when we have the foundation of the Lord's promises in our heart. One of the greatest memories I have is of my father singing gospel songs and hymns as he went about the house and garage doing his work.  During my growing up years I noticed as he read the Bible to himself, prayed quietly and out loud, and humbly sang the old-time gospel songs he loved so much. This affected my entire life. It provided me with an anchor of hope and trust in God that has stayed with me all these many years.  It has helped to mend my life, over and over again, as I cling to those beautiful godly moments of what life really means; of what truly matters. 

I want to be that same example to my children and grandchildren. I want them to know that despite a lack of resources, or a lack of money, we can cultivate a beautiful way of life.  We can overcome hardships and difficulties by doing our very best to walk with the Lord. 

 One of my girls has a spare bedroom that has just been emptied. Her youngest is no longer a baby. He has moved to one of the other bedrooms.  She mentioned how much she would like to turn it into a little room I can use whenever I am at her house. I have spent many hours there helping with the house and children. But to have a little guest room, for my own use, would make things so much easier.   We talked about the possibility of getting a comfortable chair, an end table, and a lamp. I could read in that room. I could rest whenever I felt worn out. And yet, I would always be available, to read to the children, to play with them, to talk, to visit, and to tend to the house. I could do this even if it were only for a few hours a day or in the evenings. What a privilege and honor it would be to serve in this way and be comfortable at the same time. 

When I am helping at my daughter's house, I will bring my mending and sewing-projects. I will help with the chores and kitchen work.  I will keep my focus on them as if I have all the time in the world. And even if it is only a certain number of hours each week that I am there, I want my presence to give them that same memory and example I have of my dear father as he demonstrated a life consecrated to God.  

This is what it means to have a mended life. It is by knowing that we are weak, scarred, and frail, yet leaning on the Lord for our strength. He is like the thread that repairs the holes in the fabric. We are held together by His love and His promises. When we understand that we cannot even walk or breathe without His power, we will have such a grateful sense of dependence on Him. This will free us up to want to be serviceable for noble duties, which is what will bring true happiness for all of our lives.

Blessings

Mrs. White

 From the Archives - 

Frugal Living - A New England Winter on Small Income.

Taking Care of the Family - A Covered Bridge and Graceful Living in Rural Vermont.  

Some Ideas to Help - A Home Without Clutter.

 

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 "At Mother's House" by Mrs. White:

  

For Encouragement in Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, from 2016, "At Mother's House: The Blessing of Being a Christian Housewife."

In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.

There are 40 entries which include:  "Poor and Pretty Living;" "A Home Without Clutter;" "The Money Packets;" "A Church Diet for the Family;" "Bringing Home Baby;" "The Children's Prayers;" "The Shabby Garden:" and "Just a Housewife."

Those who are seeking a peaceful home, with the Lord as the foundation, will find encouragement. (Paperback, 122 pages.)

A Well-Kept Home

Our view of a Rose Garden at the Aldrich house in 2025, Vermont.

 

To have a home that is loved and cared for spreads a light of goodness to others. I want to be known for diligently taking care of my house and family. I want things to be neat and clean and tidy. Yet I have noticed that the work inside is easier to manage than what is happening outdoors. 

There is a great deal of work to maintain the grounds of one's home. We are constantly battling weeds, overgrowth of invasive plants, and doing our very best to keep a separation showing that which is loved and care for, versus that which is wild and unkept. It is like a battle with the ways of the world. We labor to keep things restful, peaceful, and lovely. We fight off the bad and the destructive. Yet it is a quiet and purposeful endeavor.  It is done with faith and a consistent routine of daily duties.

In the midst of all the work, we find purpose and a creative outlet for the moments of our lives. We have been walking the grounds here, each day, checking the gardens, tending the plants and trees, and enjoying the beautiful flowers. The gentle breeze brings refreshment. We take breaks to gaze at the river bordering our property. We sit on the benches during our walks, on the grounds of this humble old estate. We look at the landscape and are grateful for that which we have been given to take care of. It is a blessing to have a home to keep.

There are still many fall projects we need to accomplish to get ready for winter. There is a section of our property that has been greatly neglected over the years. One can only do so much, we have come to realize.  Our plan is to let some of this neglect continue, as we build up our strength, and then when spring appears in the next season, I will help as much as possible to allay the invasion of destructive plants that our trying to take over our land. If we stay on top of the work, I am told, it can be held at bay.  But when we step away, neglect the work, and let the wild growth in, it will begin to destroy the beauty of our property.  I want to be found faithful in doing my part, despite human weakness and frailty, to do the precious work that has been placed into my hands.

The work of taking care of a home and property is difficult when suffering with pain and poor health. Yet the joy it brings, even when our efforts seem trivial, is rewarding. I am thankful and happy when I can do a little work each day. These little efforts, over a long period of time, will eventually bring good results. 

Sometimes I think of the little sparrow. It gathers debris, leaves, and twigs to form a little nest for a home. This tiny effort is then blessed by the Lord, and the sparrow is taken care of.  I may not be able to do as much as I would like, in the care and keeping of our land, but the Lord will bless the effort.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Something we all need  - Peace Be Upon This House.

The example of my Parents - Minding my own Housekeeping Business.

The Reality - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

 

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

Help For Homeschooling:

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White

Paperback, 112 pages

As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool. 

When Money is Scarce

Fresh produce from our garden from last month.

 

There can be a sense of fear when the cost of living is high. It is important to find ways to lower expenses so we can manage to pay the routine bills each month.

One of the biggest household expenses is often the cost of groceries. The stores are full of all kinds of packaged food for us to heat up at home. They have made much of our cooking easier. But it comes with a cost.  There are also snacks and candies and chips we all enjoy, but the cost is high.  The supermarkets are full of aisle after aisle of an assortment of groceries that are appealing but expensive. When there is not much money to spare, it helps to find ways to cut down on the grocery bills.  

When we have a garden and make much of our food from scratch, we will save a great deal of money.  This savings will help provide some funds to pay our basic living expenses, such as utilities and taxes. 

Years ago, when my parents lived here with us, in this old 1800's house, they would make an old fashioned dinner to share with us. This happened about once each month. Dad would call upstairs (on the house phone) and invite us to supper.  I would tell the children and they would be delighted.   Dad made an old time, frugal supper, with the help of Mom.  It was a common frugal meal that he often had (as a child) on his small farm in Alabama.  I searched my files and found a picture that was taken 15 years ago. Just before we sat down at the table for one of these suppers with my parents, I took a picture of my plate of food.  (See photo below.)  

Frugal supper at our house. 

The frugal meal consisted of homemade cornbread, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and fried potatoes.  This was something I had in my childhood home as well.  My parents were careful with their food budget. Mother never tried out new recipes. She simply made the regular dinners that were affordable and familiar. Her example of serving wholesome food for little cost was inspiring. 

As the cold weather is approaching, here in our rural New England village, I am trying to think of ways to cut expenses. We are still struggling to come up with money to pay for our first delivery (of the season) of Kerosene for the heat. I have not been able to stock my pantry. I am running late on my winter preparations because of high bills and lack of funds. Money is scarce. 

We are coming to the end of the month. There is not much left in the money jar. I will be going out to the garden today and see what I can find. The harvest season is nearly over. But I hope there are some blueberries, sweet peas, and perhaps a cucumber.  This will help provide some of the food we need.  Next month, I hope, things will be a bit easier.

Even though times are tough, we must not be discouraged. We could be dealing with health issues, financial woes, or trials within the family. Regardless of the trouble, we need to look above it all and focus on the Lord. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I have to remember the Scriptural direction to seek the Lord first and all that is needed will be provided. I must trust my heavenly Father. I will not worry. When I remember to do this, I am flooded with peace and a grateful sense of joy. Trying to get through the hard times becomes an adventure as I watch the Lord working in my life. How very precious it is to be a child of God.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives 

Four Generations in the same house - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.

Simple Way of Homemaking - The Four Little Tasks of Home.

Content at Home - Days Without Spending Money. 

 

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 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

A Pleasant Home

Pretty flowers on our table.

 

In the quiet of the day, I have been settling myself in the downstairs parlour. This is the front room with a large picture window. It is pleasant to look out at the landscape and observe the beauty of the day through lace curtains.

Each day, whenever I get a chance, I sit on a comfortable bench and play the piano.  I am learning to play at home with the help of beginner books and advice I can get, when needed, from grandchildren. I have assorted music books of hymns, Christmas songs, and some classical music (from Beethoven and Chopin).  I play only my favorite songs. I do this quietly and slowly. It is peaceful.

The other afternoon, after I had finished playing the hymn, "Shall We Gather at the River," and "Nocturn" by Chopin, I went back to my housework and baking. One of the family walked in and said how nice it was to hear the sound of the piano from one of the upstairs rooms. How lovely.

Sometimes, while I am playing, someone will come into the parlour and sit on the couch just to quietly listen.  Whoever is listening is simply hearing a beginner playing simple pieces of music with numbered notes since I have yet to comprehend the meaning and placement of the notes. I am grateful for beginner music books that provide a way for me to play beautiful songs in a simple way. 

It is a blessing and a privilege to have a piano in the house.  It provides me with a respite from all the common concerns of daily life.  It brings beauty and loveliness to our routine. When I think of all the ways we are encouraged (by the advertising world) to make home a beautiful place by spending money on redecorating and the constant spending of money on amusements, I am simply content with playing the piano and keeping house. Whatever our skills and resources, it is good to use them in a way that brings love and joy and rest as we provide a pleasant home for the family. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

What Many of us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

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

Old Time Frugal Living - A New England Winter on a Small Income.  

 

 - 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.

Preparing for Winter

Freshly cut wood near our river. 

 

There is a chill in the air, here in the rural mountains of Vermont. After many hot days of summer, the cold weather is approaching.  Our first frost date is expected in a few weeks. We are getting ready to settle in for the cold season of a New England winter.

Firewood is needed for the downstairs wood stove.  Downed trees, on the grounds of our property, are being cleaned up. Much of this wood has been cut and stacked, ready to be moved for easy access, closer to the house.  The cost of kerosene (our main heat source) is very high. The firewood helps supplement this cost. It will also take the chill off the rooms since we must keep the thermostat on a lower temperature.  The lower setting will ration the kerosene throughout the season. We are expecting high bills. When there is a limited income, one must think about the coming year, rather than just this week, or this month. Cutting costs and saving money is essential. We are doing our best to prepare. 

As I walked the property this morning, a gentle fog was evident. It is such a peaceful sight to see the grounds and to know how very thankful we are for this place.

Our grape vines on the edge of our property. 

The garden has provided us with vegetables and fruit.  There is nothing like having fresh produce from one's own garden. It is a blessing.

Our red tea roses.

I have spent the last several weeks taking care of grandchildren, enjoying our playground and porch. It has been restful to be home with the family.

There have been many trials and worries. But when they come, I am compelled to pray, "Lord, help me through this."  It is impossible to stay calm, to avoid anxiety, and to be at peace without the comfort of the Lord's guidance and blessings.

There is beauty all around us.  We focus on that which is lovely. We thank the Lord for all the goodness He provides. Then when we are faced with trouble, we pray for rest in His wisdom and the acceptance of His will.

As I go about the coming days of baking, cooking, cleaning, and being here for the family, I will be at peace. I will not fear the coming winter.  I will do all I can each day and then trust the Lord to take care of what feels impossible. All will be well. God is so good. He takes loving care of His precious children. I am forever grateful.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Cheerful Elegance - Adding Loveliness to the Day.

Her Daily Routine - My Mother's Chores.

God's precious care of our lives - All of God's Children Have Shoes.

 

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

An Ordinary Housewife: Essays and Remembrances of Simple Living in a Christian Home by Mrs. White, paperback, 136 pages.

Special features include:

- Cheerful advice from a minister, 1910.

- Historic photographs of home and family life during the 1920's to 1940's.