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| Winter scene at our house (from earlier this year). |
It has been snowing here for days. After a short period of nice weather, a chill has settled in our area. There is a quiet sense of beauty despite the cold. I am grateful for a warm winter coat, and a cozy fire by the couch.
I have been making a lot of vegetable soup and freezing it in portions. There is homemade bread, brownies, and a little popcorn for an inexpensive treat. The prices at the grocery store seem to remain stable. I usually buy the basic items we always need on hand. These include simple ingredients along with fresh fruit and vegetables. It is important to save money, to conserve, to keep things simple, and to make sure the family has good wholesome food. This often requires extra labor in the kitchen, but as long as I can rest as much as possible, somehow, the work gets done.
Saving money is on the minds of many. Yet in the midst of this careful sense of prudence with our resources, there has to be time for joy, goals, dreams, and plans. Whenever possible, taking walks in the beauty of nature will bring us rest and refreshment. The moments we live through will become memories that either cause discouragement or make us smile. I would rather do things that bring smiles.
One night last week, as we were coming home from church, we could see the moonlight shimmering over one of the frozen lakes. There was a hush over the landscape as there was no traffic and little noise. As we drove around a corner, looking at the snow and ice on the trees, there suddenly appeared, through the darkness, a large deer. It gracefully leapt across the road in front of us. Somehow the driver was able to slow the car down just in time as we watched the deer disappear into the woods on the other side of the road. I was so relieved that I was not the one who had been driving the car that night! We had been protected, watched over, and saved from a possible accident. Instead of worrying, we were able to quickly regain our composure and just gasp at the awe and wonder of the beauty of nature all around. We thought with gratefulness of the majesty of God and creation.
Going out and about through the days and weeks, we enjoy our way of life and are blessed. In the midst of heavy snow and cold weather, we attended a morning church service this past weekend. The sanctuary was emptier than usual when we took our seats. The service began and more people started to come through the door. As the first hymn was announced, it was discovered that the music director was outside shoveling snow. Some were arriving late. Soon the congregation was full and a precious service commenced. It was comforting to see the effort it took for many of us to be there. It was a priority and it was a blessing.
In these days of uncertainty, it is important to do our very best to keep the joy of living alive in our hearts and minds. We must remain cheerful, especially in hard times. Trips for outings, church, visits, and errands are becoming more and more expensive because of the price of gasoline. I have seen our local prices rise at least three times in the last couple of weeks. This does not worry me because I remember rougher days we have lived through. I remember a recession where the price of gas was $5 a gallon. In those days we did not have the privilege of driving very often. Errands had to be less often. There were not as many church events or services we could attend since there simply wasn't enough money available to meet the high expense.
As we face each new day, we must not let the high cost of living cause discouragement. It is important to accept our circumstances and seek direction from the Lord. We are a people of hope and faith. Every morning is a new start with a fresh set of goodness to accomplish. What a wonderful work we have been given!
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
A Lesson in Beautiful Living - The Quiet Kindness of a Titus 2 Mother.
My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.
Unwanted Advice for the Family - Quieting Myself for the Good of Others.
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Old Fashioned Homemaking: Essays and Encouragement from a New England Housewife by Mrs. White
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8 comments:
We certainly are a people of hope and faith, Mrs. White, and because of Jesus being with us, we can rest in His presence and His promise as we traverse difficult days. May God surround you with His comfort and assurance that He will provide in these days of uncertainty. Blessings!
A beautiful post Mrs. White! We do indeed need to keep joy in our life. The news and worldly attitudes tend to keep everyone stressed out, divided, and unhappy. We need to stay away from all that as much as possible. Living simply and accepting what the Lord has given to us can bring joy and contentment.
Here in Australia we are experiencing similar fuel price hikes but we are maintaining a calm attitude. We have also been through worse with interest rates at 18% and we still managed. I am reminding myself and others of Philippians 4:8 and searching for these excellent and praiseworthy things, just as you did with nature and with church. Seeking God and a sweet fellowship with Him and our church congregation is a priority, for sure. I saw a hawk in a suburban tree this morning and was amazed at the sight but also at what God had gifted me, like you and the deer.
Here in the UK we are experiencing huge rises in heating oil and petrol prices, which just means that we are sensible about how far we need to drive. The whole world seems a dark place, but if you look for those little beams of light it is so cheering. Coming home today i saw a hedge full of creamy white blossoms, the Blackthorn is blooming. It was a treat!
Thank you Mrs. White, for your wise and encouraging words!
Jo
Hello, Mrs. White. Whenever I begin to feel a bit anxious, I remember I can come here,. Your perspective added to your comforting presence always brings me a sense of peace. Thank you for that. Have a cozy day.
Dear Mrs. White, what a beautiful picture you have painted of the frozen lake and moonlight. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and often see the moonlight on the bay water. Gas prices here are already well over $5 and $6 in some places. Pray for us.
What a delight to be back visiting my dear blog friends. I always enjoy encouraged with your posts. You have such a heart for the Lord, and share it in such a beautiful and gracious way. I have felt the Lord's presences to real over these months of delay and pain waiting for my surgery. The Lord had taught me much. I'm so greatful to see His healing power in my physical and spiritual life. God bless you as you minister to all of us.
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