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.

Bringing Cheer to the Hospital

A garden walkway in New York, 1922. (LOC)

 

I cannot count the number of visits we have made to the hospital in the past few years.  We have learned to enjoy the view, see the good, and to smile along a necessary path we would not have chosen for ourselves.   

In waiting rooms, it is common for some to worry and feel anxious. As we notice those around us, coping with their own struggles, it is comforting to share a pleasant smile with a sense of reticence, knowing we must not intrude in the lives of strangers. 

I was walking outdoors with our patient. The landscaping was lovely and peaceful. There were walking paths all around the hospital. We enjoyed the fresh air while waiting for a procedure to begin. Even though we only had 10 minutes to spare, I wanted to fit in a restful walk to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature.

Soon we were back inside, walking the halls. It was early in the morning, a quiet part of the day, as we went along.

Walking through hallways in a New England hospital.

At the main reception desk, I paused to see an assortment of complimentary items for guests. I selected a word-search puzzle, a coloring paper, and a package of crayons.   Our patient (who is nearly a foot taller than I am) looked at the crayons and thought I was going to color. "No," I told him. "This is for the little girl I noticed in the waiting room. Her mother is a patient."  When we got back to our designated seating area, I stopped to ask the girl's father if she would like the crayons and coloring page. He nodded thankfully as the little one hopped up and gratefully accepted the items.  Soon we were back to our walk, going down the quiet halls and just waiting to be called.

After a short time, I was alone in the hallway, sitting in a comfortable chair and saying little prayers. Time always passes so slowly. People come and go.  Names are called and there is more waiting. 

The hospital becomes dreary and one longs to get out in nature, to find peace, to find rest. But we must not worry or fret. We must try to bring cheer and goodness in whatever place we are called to occupy.

In such places, we cannot help overhearing the conversations around us. An elderly gentleman answered his cell phone.  It seemed his wife was in recovery, and they wanted him to come.  He sounded relieved and grateful.  After he left, our patient appeared. He was unstable on his feet and weary, but ready to go.  As I walked toward him, I noticed a beautiful red leather bag in front of a chair. It was clearly abandoned. Then I thought of the elderly man. In his haste to rejoin his wife, he must have forgotten he had been put in charge of her belongings.  There wasn't anyone else around. Nobody else would have known the circumstances.  I asked our patient to wait for a few minutes and went to the reception desk to explain what I heard and give them the red bag.  As I walked away, I could hear them talking about the patient. I knew they would get it back to her before she even noticed it was missing. What a relief that would be to the elderly husband!

We started to walk back through the hospital. I was told that our patient refused a wheelchair. I smiled. He wanted to walk out of that place himself! 

How very grateful we are to be finished with another one of our hospital visits!  It is wonderful to be home. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

For detailed help in caring for the ill, from my Mother's example - A Comforting Sick Room.

A Blessing - The Light in a Messy House.

Unwanted Advice for the Family - Quieting Myself for the Good of Others.

 

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

Now Available from The Legacy of Home Press:

Old Fashioned Homemaking: Essays and Encouragement from a New England Housewife by Mrs. White

176 pages, paperback

ISBN: 978-1-956616-38-5

A Garden Walk

Lilac bushes in front of our house in Vermont.

 

On this beautiful spring afternoon, I looked out the front window and noticed the lilacs were in bloom. I wanted to just stand beside them and enjoy their delightful scent amidst the gentle scenery over the landscape. 

Before I reached the front grounds, I had to do some work around the property.  I have a little basket with garden tools that I carry around with me.  I also use a small hoe. (The normal size one is too heavy for me.)  These items are stored in the garage, just inside the doorway. I will ask my husband, "will you get the baby-hoe for me?"  He just smiles as he hands me the tools. 

Garden tools and "baby-hoe" by the rock garden. 

I cleaned up the weeds around our Sweet William plants, in anticipation of the lovely flowers they will soon bring forth. 

There is a tiny rose plant in front of the house. I cleaned up the weeds and grass around the base to give it some room.

Tiny rose plant in front of our house.

I checked the large rose plants to see that they didn't need any help from me today. Then I quietly walked across the grounds to the back gardens.

There is a fenced-in area for our strawberries. I used the baby-hoe to remove the tiny weeds as I walked through the little rows.  The blueberry plants have signs of delicate flowers beginning to appear.

Strawberry and blueberry gardens on the back grounds.

The river, which borders our property, has a peaceful, rushing sound.  There is a row of peonies planted by this river.  I can see a few buds forming. I can't wait to see them grow!

Row of peony plants by the back river.

After I finished my walk, I went to the lilac bushes. I had a pretty vase of water with me. I selected several branches and arranged them in the vase to bring indoors. It will provide the front parlour with homemade beauty and a lovely scent. 

Many years ago, whenever the lilacs were in bloom, my mother would say, "you better get some for the house. They will not last!"  She and Father lived here with us, in this old 1800's house for nearly 10 years before they went home to Heaven.  I still think of my Mother's sweet voice as I go about the work of taking care of the gardens, walking the grounds, and enjoying the flowers. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

PS - We are getting ready to leave on our medical trip. I hope to write again very soon.

From the Archives -

My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.  

A Blessing to Be - Just a Housewife. (With a little history)

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

- 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.

Slow and Steady at Home

The Ashley Family at home in Maryland, 1937 (LOC). 

 

The wood stove has been such a comfort these last few mornings. We have had a frost warning, with some cold wind.  The warmth from the stove has been such a blessing. It is nice to be at home.

There have been many appointments and activities. I have been babysitting grandchildren and going to their school events.  There has been a need for many errands which take me away from home more than I would like. It is difficult to get enough rest.  Yet, through it all, being with the family is wonderful.

Being with one's own family, having quality time, is like taking a break from the world and getting a good rest. To talk and visit and share a meal brings such encouragement and refreshment.  I have to remind myself to stop worrying about problems and just enjoy the moments before me.  

Whether sitting quietly by the wood stove drinking tea or surrounded by children at the table, nothing else really matters.  Life is a precious gift.  It is best to enjoy every moment.

I need to get busy with baking, cooking, and housekeeping. This type of labor is what brings joy to the household.  This is done at a steady pace with many breaks. The breaks and the rest are the secret of a peaceful heart.

When taking care of the home and family, it is important to minimize stress and unrealistic goals. When we are doing too much, we may lose our patience, become grumpy, and be unpleasant to everyone around us. Overworking only brings burnout.  It is important to remember that one cannot do anything without the dear Lord.  When we rest in Him, we are reminded of the frailty of life. We are not to be burdened with too much work.  With this realization, we learn to do things in an unhurried manner.  This is like a light of goodness, inspiring others as we go about our duties. We may be doing less, but we can do it beautifully.  

Doing things slowly, with a greater focus and care, is a gracious method of life - we quietly trust the Lord as we calmly go about the day's work. Regardless of the stresses of life or the behavior of others, there is a sense of quietness for the mind.  It should be no surprise that trouble and difficulties are mixed in with the good.  With this understanding, we are able to appreciate, and enjoy, the precious time we have with family. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Advice for a Happy Home - Peaceful Living by Rules.

Careful thrift in the Home - Reducing Expenses.

Always Remember To - Make an Effort. 

Old Time Manners - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.  

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

For Encouragement in Christian Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, "Homemaking For Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home."

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

Entries are arranged by season, and include:  "Keeping a Frugal Kitchen;" "Missing the Lilacs;" "An Evening Walk in the Garden;" "At Grandmother's House;" and "Chores for Grandchildren."

You will also find a few photographs showing a little of the local landscape.

Paperback, 307 pages.