Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Happy Home Keeper

 Maureen O'Hara with her Mother in 1948.




It is so nice to be in charge of a home.  It is like being a hostess to all who enter.  We are responsible for many things. We do our best to keep the home nicely decorated and clean. We keep a watch on the kitchen pantry to ensure there is plenty of nutritious, economical food. We do our best to avoid waste and are inventive with our resources.

How nice it is to take a break from overseeing the many facets of home keeping to sit and visit with guests - family and friends who stop in from time to time!

One of the most important things I've found to do is to get up a little earlier than all the rest to get dressed and ready for the day.  I have more patience and kindness when I have some quiet moments to prepare for the day. Then I am ready to face whatever comes, with a cheerful attitude.

Yesterday I had spent a few hours doing paperwork, paying bills, and sorting the mail.  I also had to make phone calls about different matters of insurance and bills.  A few times, as I worked, I was anxious and upset. But I prayed and was able to quickly regain my composure. Bills and other such stresses are normal parts of our lives and there is nothing whatsoever to panic about.  All is well, while we do the paperwork. And all is well, when it is finished.

I had on a pretty apron and was all dressed up to stay home.  I baked and cooked and cleaned. I was delighted when company stopped by, and an outside project was started.  My boys were busy putting up a screened - in tent back by the river. It is delightful!

It is nice to take down the bedding, get it washed, and put fresh sheets on the beds.  It is also pleasant to wash curtains and freshen up the windows.  These are some of the pleasant jobs of home keeping.

I have hand-sewing projects put aside for those idle moments when I want to keep busy while resting at the same time.   Soon I hope to get an old sewing machine working so I can make little dresses for one of my granddaughters.

I have a wooden tray for lovely hospitality.  When guests are here (even if it is just extended family), I can use the tray to serve iced tea and brownies.  The tray is just a special way to add a touch of class to our lives.

We dress and act in a classy way regardless of the noise and antics of a busy household. This bring an example of calmness and peace to those around us.  . .  We are the anchors of gentleness and grace in the home.

Whenever we have to go out, it is always nice to put on a pretty dress and a nice necklace.  This helps bring a bit of formality and elegance to our demeanor.  I recently heard of a sweet comment spoken by a butler who was in charge of young children in the home. This was in the 1960's.  They were getting ready to go out.  The Butler said (in his British accent), "One does not venture out into public dressed like a ragamuffin." (gentle smiles). Sometimes we just have to be reminded of good manners.

Of course, our clothing doesn't have to be expensive;  But clean and neat and decent is certainly necessary.  Just like our homes!  We don't need rich furnishings or rich foods. A homemade home is much more charming because it is made with creativity, love, and dedication!  A Home keeper ought to take pride in her home and the work she does there.

 A job worth doing ought to be done with all our might.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

As Lovely as This - The Cultured Society of Home.

A Simple Life - Living Without Credit Cards.

Passing it on to the Next Generation - Building a Strong Work Ethic in Our Children.


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Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book -Mother's Book of Home Economics .  Paperback, 312 pages.











16 comments:

MaineFarmMamma said...

This makes me smile. My 4 yo daughter would agree with the butler (although her fashion choices may differ widely from his). When ever we are getting ready to "go to town" she brings me her brush and an elastic and spray. She then says "I can't go to town with my hair in my face mama!"

Unknown said...

Dear Friend,

I am always encouraged when I read your blog. I love caring for family and home.
I am a widow and live on our homestead with my son and his wife and their two young daughters. It is a peaceful home with God honoring living. My son is a Pastor and I am honored that God has allowed me to serve in this capacity.
Thank you for keeping the home-fires burning in my heart.

In Christ alone, Trish Clark

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Reading your blog has helped me keep a cheerful attitude this week.

I find that since my washer broke a couple of days ago, it takes me about an hour to wash a load of clothes. Four hours spent so far yesterday and today. I think that two loads a day will be all I can do. It's hard on the arms and back. Fortunately, the spinner still works on the machine, so the hard wringing part is done for me! God is good. Someday we'll get it fixed or get another. For now, I will do my best to keep up.

Be blessed!
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

Anonymous said...

Oh Mrs. White, such a lovely post. Very timely for me as I have a houseguest right now that I am Prayerfully trying to serve which is proving itself a CHALLENGE;)
I would love to hear your thoughts on dressing nice, neat, feminine, in a culture with other women that are middle aged christians but they dress like immodest teens? I get funny looks! This will not stop me, but have you had this experience? I would also like to encourage Laura there from Harvest Lane. I have been hand washing and line drying for 14 months for ourfamily of 6. New appliances are not in the budget presently. So! I just joyfully think of it as my physical fitness! Hang in there and think of the pioneers!
God bless
Mrs.O

Rhonda said...

That butler wouldn't think much of how so many people venture out in pajama pants,etc. I won't describe all the crazy clothes I see because I really try to forget them.
Like you, I am just so happy to be a homemaker 😍❤️

Deborah Montgomery said...

I've been extra busy lately and am longing for some quiet homemaking days to get my nest back in order. So many of the women I know are busy running around doing ministry, and I often feel guilty for not doing "enough." I'm constantly battling this. Your blog is such an encouragement to me. Blessings, Deborah

Unknown said...

This is so encouraging to me as a new wife and mom of an 8 month old (I had him before I was married, but I feel so blessed that God forgives!) :) I love taking care of our home and my husband. I wish more women my age could understand why being a better homemaker is a huge goal of mine!

Anonymous said...

Mrs. White, how do you handle Internet usage in your home? Are you online much during the day? I have found such encouraging information online, but once I star reading something I end up being online for far too long!

I love your blog so much. Your books, too. Such encouragement and wisdom!! Thank you for sharing with us!!!

JES said...

I couldn't agree more! :)

Michele Morin said...

This is wonderful! I love homespun wisdom and the respect that you give to common and necessary tasks done with love.

Jen Weaver said...

"I have more patience and kindness when I have some quiet moments to prepare for the day." This is true for me too!

Lisa notes... said...

Such a sweet portrait into your day. Thanks for sharing the things that make a difference for you so we can be encouraged to make differences in our own homes as well.

The Charm of Home said...

Just lovely! I so do the get up before everyone else thing. I like to get it together before I am hit with requests! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

The Charm of Home said...

I will feature this tomorrow at Home Sweet Home!

A Candle to Read By said...

God has given us the home and family to take care of and nurture. I am grateful for those gifts. Thank YOU for your encouragement! You make everything so lovely!

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Just read this again tonight. I saw my previous comment. Guess what God did? Within just a few days, He inspired someone to purchase a washer for us! I never found out who did it. The dealer just called me to pick it up. It's used, but it works great. Thank you Jesus!

God bless you and meet your every need in Christ Jesus!
Mrs. Laura Lane