Settling in For Winter with Great Faith

Thanksgiving Table at Mrs. White's House, 2023.

One recent evening, my husband had to go out on an errand. He invited me along for the drive, knowing I wanted to see all the Christmas lights in the neighborhood.  We have snow on the ground and it looks very peaceful.  There is not much traffic here in our rural village so it was a quiet drive in the country. I loved seeing all the lights and the pretty homes as I thought of family and this wonderful season.

Every time it snows, my husband comes to find me to make sure I am able to look out the window. He doesn't want me to miss it!  This happens frequently, all season long. I never get tired of seeing the snow falling and swirling over the landscape, here in Vermont. It always makes me smile.

I have been cleaning and organizing and working in the kitchen.  There are two different kinds of homemade bread in the freezer.  If we do not have a full house, the homemade bread lasts longer than necessary, so I freeze it in slices.  In this way, I make bread less often, but can easily take out a slice and warm it in the toaster oven, each day, as needed. 

I have been trying not to worry or fret or be anxious. We all have obstacles and trials in our lives.  It may be about having enough food to eat, money for little gifts for Christmas, car repairs, or heat for the house.  I have to remember to pray each day for today's need and not worry about what may happen tomorrow.  I need to seek a close walk with the Lord every minute of the day in order to find rest and a feeling of security.

Last night I was studying the passage in Matthew chapter 6, which encourages me in learning not to worry about our daily needs.  Then I read from an 1800's pulpit commentary, which used to belong to my father.  There are various detailed explanations about the passage that are helpful to read. I will share a quote here:

"The best preparation for to-morrow is to do the duty of to-day. This is a great practical rule which, if followed, eases life of most of its burden."

In the midst of homemaking and taking care of the family, we are often faced with some obstacle. This should not stop us in our tracks.  I must not be distracted from the beautiful work of shining a light of cheer and goodness to those of my household. 

We should give ourselves to the service of God. We are called to this higher duty. Dwelling on our worries and wondering if we will be provided for is a waste of our time. The Lord feeds the sparrows and makes the flowers of the field beautiful.  We are very precious to Him and much loved. He will take care of us.  

I am often being reminded that while it is natural to worry when faced with a sudden fear or financial trial, I must not remain in that troubled state of mind.  We must send up a prayer to our dear Heavenly Father and know He will take care of everything.  In that moment, we must stop worrying. We can trust Him with great faith that all will be well.  

Our daily troubles may very well be designed to nudge us, to remind us, that we must pray and ask for our day's portion.  It helps us to go directly to the Lord as it strengthens a bond of closeness in our walk with Him. Our needs and worries are a blessing when we are drawn closer to God, as we look to Him for help in every aspect of our lives.

Winter tends to be a harsh time of year because of frequent illnesses, financial needs, and the struggle to stay warm and fed. Yet there is also a beauty in this season. We tend to stay indoors more than at any other time.  This is an opportunity to provide a happy home with great patience, long-suffering, mercy, love, and an understanding heart.   It is a quiet sort of peaceful life, with a strong foundation in love and service. 

I am looking forward to many snow days, sewing projects, baking, and frequent visits from the family. I am grateful to stay at home and pace myself as I clean and decorate and cook and bake.  This will be a lovely winter season with a focus on good deeds and many acts of kindness, as we shine a light of hope and encouragement. We will do all things for the glory of God.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives 

Are You a Member? - Mother's Benevolent Society.

Old Fashioned Thrift  - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

The precious joy of taking care of Grandchildren - I hear Angels Crying.

 

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Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:

 

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

 

Paperback, 200 pages.