Lack of Money in the Home

Hand painted Milk Can at Mrs. White's home in Vermont.

There is a lack of money in many homes these days. It could be for a variety of reasons such as a health crisis, disability, a natural disaster, the economy, the rising cost of living, or even years of accumulated debt. This is nothing new.

The problem is when the focus is on the money or the lack thereof.  We need to practice the art of making a home and a life using less money.  We can spend our time making things, or laboring in the domestic arts. This is a beautiful way to pass the time without thinking about shopping or how to come up with more money in order to have extra to spend.

 

A hand-sewing project, for quiet leisure moments.

Genuine hard times have been happening for generations. It sometimes happens in cycles.  If we learn as many necessary skills as possible, we are more likely to weather these difficult storms.

There are going to be moments of panic - such as when a car repair bill is higher than expected, or when there is an expensive basic need for the house. Often these expenses take away from accumulated savings and give us a moment of fear.  Then we need to look to our provider, our helper in all troubles. We look to the Lord and we focus on the task at hand. He will take care of us. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We may not understand or know what to do, but a solution will come when we patiently wait on the Lord. 

It would be wonderful if we could find serenity in our surroundings and in the beauty of nature around us.  Money cannot buy the peace we feel when we hear birds singing in the morning or when we gaze at the setting sun.

 

Lake view near Mrs. White's home.

When we bought our 1850's house, here in rural Vermont, we found an old milk can on the property. It was hand painted with a charming inscription which says, "Be it ever so humble there's no place like home."  This has been the motto of the ages for generations.  It has been a normal way of life to have limited funds.  The blessing and the riches are the result of a strong foundation in the Lord. We seek peace and find joy as we serve Him.  We do His precious work by taking care of our family. 

Homemade bread at Mrs. White's table.

 

One of the most important skills we can ever learn is to entirely trust the Lord for all of our needs. We need to increase our faith. The Father will give us all we need in order to do the work He has given us. This world is not our permanent home.  We are on the path to an eternal rest. There are mansions being prepared in Heaven.  We will have a great reunion with family and there will be no more worries or tears or fears. After all the struggles in this life, we will walk through the Heavenly gates with the greatest sense of joy we will ever experience. Knowing all this ought to make us the happiest of people. This will bring a great light of peace and rest and contentment into our hearts and lives.  

 

The parlour table at Mrs. White's house.

Many people are struggling today and worrying about how they will get by. Just keep working joyfully in the home, especially when there isn't much money. Homemaking is one of the greatest privileges I have ever known. Just start cleaning, decorating, baking, serving and making home a pleasant place to be. Make home a lighthouse of peace and welcome. It doesn't cost any money to spread happiness. These very acts will help bring joy to all hearts.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Overcoming trials at Home - Make an Effort. 

When We Couldn't Take Care of our Property - The Shabby Garden. 

Reality and Wisdom - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

 

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

- It is an honor to be the bookkeeper for the house! - 

Find detailed instruction and inspiration in budgeting on a small income, along with a method for keeping a handwritten ledger, in Mrs.White's book:

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

 Paperback, 77 pages.