There are Scorners Everywhere

Library of Congress: 1918 Robert Carmer Hill house, NJ

                                             

There have been many great men in history who have given their time, health, and life to do the Lord's work. They have walked through their lives living the old paths despite scorners and hecklers in the sidelines.  In this great country, those scorners were the minority.  Today, it seems, in these modern days, there are many more scorners than there are people of great moral character, who openly love their Bibles and live noble lives.

I once saw a documentary of the life of Elvis Presley.  He sang old time gospel music with the great quartets like The Blackwood Brothers.  Some of these men said they would sing well into the night with him, on their own time, out of the limelight.  There was great comfort in singing, and in hearing, of hymns and old gospel music.

Every summer, my Uncle's church hosted week - long revival meetings. He was the preacher.  Everyone would get all dressed up, on hot summer evenings, and were so excited to hear his sermons.  We sang the old time songs out of the hymnals, and we would be convicted and strengthened by the powerful message. It brought many to tears.  By the time these weeks were up, we would all go home refreshed and equipped to seek a godly life, despite the scorners around us.

I have heard it said by many a preacher - "A Christian ought to be happy!"  When we have a close walk with the Lord, there is a great feeling of peace and joy in our hearts.  There is such joy that even in dark times, we have a bond with the Lord who comforts us and gives us such peace that the world can never know. This peace makes us happy!

The other day, I had a song in my mind, "I'll Meet You in the Morning" sung by The Blackwood Brothers.  I was searching through my tapes and trying to find the song.  I wanted to do some baking in my kitchen while listening to this particular tape. . .  This often happens to me.  What is familiar to us and what is precious to us, in regards to music or literature, gives us a sort of craving.   In this case, it was a craving for good things.  Sometimes the body craves a certain food and, we are told, that it is because we need a certain vitamin or nutrient and that causes the craving.  This can also happen in spiritual matters. Have you ever had a craving for the sound of "Amazing Grace" or "Peace in the Valley"?  This is a need for a spiritual vitamin to sustain you and to give you courage.

In these days, church attendance is down. Modest dressing is "out of fashion".  Purity, kindness, and the beauty of a consecrated life are rare. People today are made fun of for being sober. They are made fun of for following the Ten Commandments.  They are ridiculed for being "narrow minded" and "prudish."  These slang terms are the world's arrows against those who love the comfort and joy of a godly life.

Do not be weary of prayer meetings, all night gospel singings, tent revival meetings, and the daily time of family worship.  This is the old time religion that will quench the cravings of the soul.

Today, more than ever, we need the strength of godliness and holiness so that no heckler can make us stumble.  No heckler should be able to distract us or divert us from the most beautiful, happy life they may never know.  We must stand strong and continue to love our Bibles, love purity, and love a life of "Amazing Grace."  We are on a narrow, difficult path, toward the gates of Heaven.  But God's children shall all meet up together "over yonder" on that beautiful shore on the greatest "morning" of all.

blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -


Difficult Days here at Home - The Shabby Garden.

Homemaking Help - The Secret to a Clean House.

Marriage with Little Money - When Groceries are the Presents.

 - 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.

Preparing for a New England Thanksgiving

Library of Congress:  Currier and Ives, "Home to Thanksgiving," 1867.

I am reminded of my old Massachusetts home at this time of year.   Our family had a membership at Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  I took my children there many times.  We wandered around the living museum observing costumed actors going about the historic daily life of the Pilgrims.

The settlement was right beside the ocean. The whipping-sea winds made the cold Autumn weather icy and bitter.  (Having lived most of my life at the ocean in a nearby town, I know how difficult the winter ocean air can be.) The simple homes the people lived in had fireplaces to keep them warm.  Each house had only one room. They were like tiny cottages with a bed and a table. Each family: mother, father and children lived in their own cottage. I saw the hard work each had to do. There were gardens to cultivate, heavy clothing to wash, outdoor kitchens to work in, an abundance of wood to chop, and babies and children to take care of.  This was all for survival.  This was the beginning of a new life here in America for these foreigners.  I often thought how much warmer and nicer life would have been if they had settled out in the mountains rather than by the cold ocean. But it was far too dangerous at the time.

On each of our many visits to the Plantation, we sat in their humble church.  I was in awe.  I love how the people themselves built the church using the nearby trees for building supplies.  There were straight, plain benches for the congregation, and a place in the front for the Minister.  This was where he encouraged the people and inspired them to holy living so they could face the coming week ahead.  This was where he preached and taught against sin, convicting their hearts and minds to stay on that precious Heavenly path. 

The journey the Pilgrims took to get to this country was treacherous.  Have you seen the Mayflower ship?  A short drive from the Plantation brings you to Plymouth Rock and the Ships for tourists.  We have walked through the boat and have seen the living conditions, which tells me that those people had a strength of character and a moral endurance to accomplish something few of us today could manage. 

Many died on that ocean voyage.  Many also died before the first year on the Plantation.  I am sure the Pilgrims prayed constantly for health and continued courage.  The Bible was the most important book to them.  They taught it to their children.  They comforted one another with its words.  They lived it!

That first Thanksgiving was modeled after the Biblical time of feasting. The Pilgrims, who were deeply religious, most likely were inspired to do this from Leviticus 23: 34, which is the commandment for the Feast of Tabernacles (or "Sukkot"- meaning "booths" or "temporary dwellings").  This was a time to gather up the harvest to worship and thank God for his provision. 

This time of year, many of us want to throw a large celebration.  We might spend far more money on food than we can afford, and not even consider its folly.  The high cost of food makes many of us poor.  For those who have farms and are growing their own apples and fruits, have their own turkeys, and grow their own vegetable - these are the people who can have a plenteous table with food grown for very little cost, with the work of their own hands.  But for the rest, who have to buy every apple to make a pie, or have to buy the turkey and the potatoes and all the rest, far too  much money can be easily spent.  This is not the purpose of the Thanksgiving holiday. 

In our home, I have to count the cost.  I have to find the sales and "scour out the land" to make our Thanksgiving wonderful, but something we can afford.  We will have our own family and guests as well.  It will be a precious and delightful time.  But I will host this in a manner in which I can afford, and with creativity and the works of our own hands.  I will make what I can, and buy what I can afford.  We mothers can make these special times because of our labor and prudence.

The Pilgrims were a humble people who sought after holiness.  Their first Thanksgiving feast was a joyous time to enjoy the prosperity of an abundance of food the Lord had provided for them.

Let us follow their example despite a consumerist, ungodly culture around us.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -


What Life is Like - Living Without Credit Cards.

Mother inspires the Family - The Cultured Society of Home.

Summer Days at the Estate - Walking the Gardens with Baby.

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

Read Mrs. White's book on Saving Money and Inspiring Charity -Economy for the Christian Home.  Paperback, 110 pages.

Early Morning Revival Challenge

"Inspired by the life, writings, and journals of John Wesley (1700's), Mrs. White has created a 90 - day Bible study challenge. .

The program consists of four, easy to follow, daily assignments. Readers are expected to rise earlier in the morning than normal; Spend 20 minutes in prayer, Bible reading, writing in a journal, and reading quotes from Ministers from long ago. . .

Here is a sample of one of the quotes from the book:

 "Think what God has prepared for those who love Him! Oh, that our thoughts would ascend! The higher the bird flies the sweeter it sings!" - Thomas Watson, 1600's



The study is simple to follow, but will take a tremendous amount of discipline to stay consistent to the very end. 

If you are up for a challenge and ready for a revival, this book is just what you need!"


This is a 116-page book, 5.5" x 8.5".    

I spent hours searching through my home library, to glean a selection of inspiring quotes from Ministers from the 1600's, 1700's and the 1800's.  These include Richard Baxter, Thomas Boston, John Wesley, Samuel Rutherford, John Bunyan, and more (one for each day of the challenge).  The book includes a complete bibliography of quotes, so you can see exactly where they came from. 

 

Sample pages from inside the book. (From the Jan. 2024, second edition.)

I intend to start this challenge myself, in just a few days.  I have also ordered a copy for my youngest homeschool student (age 16).  I believe this will be an excellent addition to his studies.  The discipline of reading 2 chapters in the Bible each day (from Psalms and Proverbs), writing in a journal, and praying, before the day begins will be a blessing to both of us!


 Who Would Enjoy the Book:

1. Teens in youth group or Sunday School.
2. An informal Bible Study Group (perhaps they can each get a copy and check in with each other on their progress.)
3. Homeschool students (high school or college age)
4. Adults
5. A Wonderful gift idea for family and friends.

 

"Early Morning Revival Challenge" 

First edition: August 2013

Second edition: January 2024

Second printing: September 2024

116 pages, paperback. 

 Blessings
Mrs. White

(Note: This post was updated on May 3, 2026.)

From the Archives:

Lessons from my Aunt  - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.
 

Frugal Living - A New England Winter on Small Income.

Taking Care of the Family - A Covered Bridge and Graceful Living in Rural Vermont. 

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

Amazing Dedication

Library of Congress:  Scene in front of a church, 1943, Washington, D.C.

Somewhere, in the middle of the world,  a heavenly light shined down on a virtuous Mother.   The angels watched, as she walked the earth with amazing dedication to the Lord.

Through her life, temptations came, but could not take her away from her mission.  It all started one afternoon, when she shut off the television, put aside a magazine, and vowed to give up her collection of worldly fads.  Something had happened.  The things of earth had suddenly become dim. Her worldly interest had faded.  The former things of the heart had passed away.   All it took was one little, hesitant step toward the warmth of holiness, and she was overjoyed with a yearning for heavenly treasures.

In Scripture, we are told to follow the Lord with all our heart.  There is no room for other loves, or worldly ambitions.  There is no room for worldly pursuits, because that would take away the time and the heart from the focus of the mission.

We are told not to turn aside.  We are not to become distracted by the glitter or the entertainment in this world.  This too will weaken the loving heart and take us away from our mission.

All earthly pursuits that are not founded on a godly vision, will be but hay and stubble at the end of one's life.  

The holy war, for the virtuous mother, is to recognize the subtle distractions and to have the courage to ignore them.  It is a daily battle. One that makes one incredibly weary, unless one is constantly warming oneself by the beauty of Scripture, old time sermons, hymns and solid church fellowship.

What else do you think Susanna Wesley (1600's) meant when she said, regarding the spiritual training of her children,  "I have lived such a retired life for so many years.  No one can, without renouncing the world in the most literal sense, observe my method: and there are few, if any, that would entirely devote above twenty years of the prime of life in hopes to save the souls of their children." ***  Two of her nineteen children, went on to be famous ambassadors of the Lord. John Wesley was an amazing preacher.  His brother Charles wrote some of the most beautiful hymns one could ever hear.

How else could any of this happen without Amazing dedication?  Is it painful to say no to the world and all its glitter?  Of course!  Is it painful and wearisome to stay on that little narrow path? Certainly. But the discipline it takes to make the effort is rewarded and relieved, when the flood of peace and heavenly joy comes in to renew and regenerate the mother's spirit.

At the end of her life, when others look over the earthly possessions of the departed, they expect to find worldly goods to sort.  Instead they find a hymn book, and  a tear stained Bible (for the path is hard, but worth it). Everything else was gone.  Because by the time she reached the heavenly gates, all her interests and worldly cares had dropped away.   Leaving the beauty of a dedicated life that amazed the souls she left behind.

And this heroic legacy made many want to stand strong for this same cause, the cause of being a holy light in a corrupt world.  On that day thousands more virtuous mothers came along and filled her place on this earth.  This is amazing dedication because of the AMAZING GRACE and LOVE of our dear Lord.

Now let me ask you this. . .  . Are we really following him? Or are we like the toddler child who is constantly getting tangled in the weeds of the world?

The virtuous mother craved and loved the church. She loved her Bible above all things.  She observed daily religious duties for the sake of her soul. And these small efforts kept her on the holy path.  This is what made the light shine down from heaven.  And the angels watched and were blessed by her life.

Blessings
Mrs. White

*** This quote from Susanna Wesley can be found in the 1993 book by Arnold A. Dallimore, "Susanna Wesley: The Mother of John and Charles Wesley," page 57. ***

From the Archives -


The Classic Old Fashioned Housewife.

Managing Money - The Housekeeper's Budget.


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


*** Update - This post can also be found in my book, listed below:

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

Paperback, 312 pages.

Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking

Library of Congress:  Sitting Room at 121 Henry Street in Detroit Michigan, 1915

We've all seen the busy housewife, who decorates and bakes and throws delightful parties.  She shops and she plans. She is so active in, and out of, the home that many look at her and wonder where she gets her energy.  Most observe her life and despair of trying to mimic her!  She is her own star and she is unreachable!

There is another way.  It is the humble, basic way of simplicity.  It might look meager and poor. It might even look too easy.  But this way can be obtained by far more housewives, if they only realize it is okay to be simple.

There is a slowness to it. . . There is no ambition. . . It is the quiet servant - the meek one, who guides the home.  This housewife putters around the house and yard, cleaning and cooking in her own way. 

In the old days, oatmeal or porridge was the morning meal. Perhaps some bread and butter went with it.  No family was served processed, sugary cereal because it had not yet been invented.  Now today, can you imagine serving morning guests some oatmeal?  How many would balk at it?  But it is healthy and nourishing and warm and comforting!

A simple lunch of baked beans and biscuits with hot tea might be served during the afternoon break from chores.  This isn't a take out meal, or a fast food lunch. It isn't an elaborate planned out menu item.  It was what was available in the pantry.

Domestic occupations were not about planning elaborate events for the home. The simple duties were for the comfort of the family and basic survival. The laundry, the sweeping, the mopping, the cooking, the dusting were all on the normal agenda at home.   The homemaker would put on her housedress and apron and be "on duty" for the day. She was there to tend to the home and family.  She was not the 'event planner' or the one to spoil the children by gratifying their every worldly "want."

There is something very basic and very lovely about an old time home-life.  Bible reading and family prayers were done morning and evening. The family would have afternoon prayers with the noon meal.  They would break from their labor to worship the Lord.  Thoughts of heaven, eternal rest and joy were the ambition.   The focus was on the journey home and the blessed example they could leave to those around them.

Many of us crave this kind of life, but we are often tripped up and confused by what goes on in our culture.  A routine of home-life, the act of ironing or washing floors in the quiet of the morning (while praying or singing old time hymns) can help keep us grounded.  Are we not pilgrims and strangers on this earth?  May the Lord help us to avoid acting like the "stars" of this world.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

Training Children - Nobody Wants to Clean a Messy House.

A Precious Time - Walking the Gardens with Baby.

 - 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."

Find stories of home life, with photographs of my home, in this encouraging book. 

 Paperback, 200 pages. 

A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology

The Parlour Table at Mrs. White's Home in Vermont.

It has been said that Mothers of old time spent their leisure hours reading the Bible to their children.  These Mothers also lived a moral and virtuous life. The greatest witness of true character and holiness, are the eyes of the immediate family.

When Mother's hobby and devotion revolves entirely around the home, she has the freedom and the privilege of training her children in godliness. 

(Do we realize that this is why mothers are being pulled away from the hearth?)

I remember when my children were little. The main part of their education was Scripture. We did not  focus on memorizing some verses. We did not do short devotions or read little devotional books.   We, the children from the age of solid readers (5 and up) and I, read the entire Bible over and over again, year after year after year.

We also had some help. . .

If the children didn't know the meaning of a word, We looked to the 1800's Webster's Dictionary. This is an enormous, hardcover book that cost me well over $60.  It has thousands of pages.  The children greatly respected this treasured resource.   

If a phrase or passage confused me or the children, we looked to Matthew Henry's Commentary.  Or we used the Strong's Concordance.   Later, we also added John MacArthur's study Bible to help answer our questions.

But the daily, hour by hour, readings took place using the trusty old KJV Bible.  The children sharpened their minds with those "antiquated" words.  They sharpened their reading skills and committed to memory (from repetitive reading) many precious truths.

As most of my children have grown up, I have heard and seen how they have faced "giants" of confusing doctrine. I have seen them stand their ground against un-biblical religions and people trying to convince them of another way.  And each time, these children have prevailed and stood strong, as the strongest roots of an ancient oak tree.  .  . Unbending and sure of their Faith.  While these children still struggle with their sin nature (as we all will until we reach the heavenly gates), nothing can sway them away from the lessons learned in the old parlour.  Why? Because they learned sacred, ancient truths, that have stood the test of time.

The other day, I was sitting at the parlour table.  I had my books and Bible laid out before me. One of my teenagers came by and wanted to read with me.  We looked through Scripture and looked to our "helpers" to understand passages. And we delighted in spending valuable, fleeting time, on that which was eternal. 

Our home may be old, with ripped up linoleum and cracks in the walls.  The furnishings may be torn and "dated."  We may have plain, inexpensive foods to share.  We may have a poor income.  But the time spent in my humble parlour, in my school of theology, is the greatest place this Mother could ever be.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -


What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

What To Do When - There Isn't Much.

Joyful Homemaking with - Kitchen Sermons.

 

- 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. 

Home Entertainment without Movies or Television

Lately, I have gotten into some bad habits. I forgot what it was like to just enjoy home without distractions.   I forgot how to pass the time at home in a pleasant way. This coming week, I am hoping for a more quiet, simplified life.  I have a plan. It will last for 7 days.  I will not watch television. . . not even DVDs. I am even willing to stay away from classic favorites like The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie.

I want to read more.  I want to hand-sew, and bake, and spend more time enjoying kitchen work, and my household duties.  I wonder if this bit of time I didn't realize I was missing out on, will enable me to delight in washing windows,  iron more, and enjoy decorating and organizing on a regular basis.

Unexpected guests are more welcome when I am not involved in a program, even something as pleasant as You Can't Take it With You, Starring Jimmy Stewart.  I think this constant access to a "home theater" (television) where I can see "plays" (movies) and programs any time I want has made it less special.  I am hoping that this 7 day fast from television will help me set a new routine of watching one thing a week. . . one thing that is carefully selected. . . something that will be enjoyed and appreciated much more than what has been too accessible.

This week, I hope to do the following things:

1. Sweep my front porch every morning (in the beautiful summer air).
2. Hang clothes on the line before breakfast.
3. Read my Bible more, and read calming, inspiring literature more.
4. Bake and cook more often.
5. Mend and Sew for relaxation, while visiting in the parlour (my living room).
6. Enjoy hours of homemaking - such as decorating, organizing, polishing and shining things up.
7. Write old fashioned letters to cheer and surprise the recipients.

Dear Readers, I would love to hear your thoughts:

- If you were to take this week off from common home entertainments, what would you do?

- If you don't watch television or movies, what does your family do throughout the day?

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Home Economics - Why The High Cost of Food?

Class and Style in Homemaking - When Mother is the Maid.

Don't Change - Even When the Children are Growing up - Sitting Alone at the Kitchen Table. 

 

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

The Blessing of Being a Half - Southern Mama

I have a dis-attachment, somehow, to the cares of this world. I think it has a lot to do with having a strong cultural background and then living in a different place.

My father is from rural Alabama and my mother is from suburban Massachusetts. We grew up in a beautiful, wealthy town, south of Boston. But the culture of my father's life was with us every moment. We travelled to Alabama many times. My Uncle was a minister and had a small church, packed with the sweetest people you could ever meet. Many cried with joy, or repentance, at his revival meetings.

Have you ever heard the beautiful, humble songs of the saints in those old rural churches, down south? The melody echoes in my memory, even after all these years. The thought of them brings tears to my eyes.

When poor, gospel country clashes with rich, majestic values, there is a shaking of the character.  There is a yearning for a life that is true and poor (in worldly goods) and grateful.

There is a reason this old reserved New Englander has a tremendous attachment to the old southern ways.  I live in a cold society. It is full of culture and worldliness. But my heart is in the memories of the old Alabama life.

It is the world where Grandma wore pretty dresses, and spoke with such a deep accent, I could never understand her.  She had the sweetest heart!  I can still see her smiling, walking across the hill on the family property.

I remember her old house. It was humble and precious and just like something you would see in a movie from the 1930's. It was a white, 2 story, with a large covered front porch. The furniture was clean and neat and simple. Mothers in those days would set out tablecloths and bring you a drink with lots of ice. They would make sure you were happy!  The home and the neighborhood were nothing like the suburban area in which I lived.  It seemed like rural Alabama homes held the hardest working, strong families you could ever meet.

 I remember living there for part of a summer, as a teen, and being given some lovely dresses. They fit me perfectly and were homemade. I only wish I still had them. You can't find beautifully made fashion like that anymore.

The Bible was the book everyone wanted to read. It sat predominately where all could see it. It was treated with the greatest respect.

I cannot even remember anyone not going to church. Everyone got dressed up and went together.  Oh, and the music of that time is outstanding.  Famous gospel singers openly loved the Lord. You could hear it in their songs. They knew where the real money came from - singing the old godly songs, knowing the reward was in Heaven.

The homes were neatly kept and lovingly cared for.  The summer heat was intense but just right. There were gardens and delicious home-cooking.  Neighbors watched out for neighbors and were friendly and thoughtful.

The sermons in the old country churches would melt the heart of the coldest sinner. They touched the soul and would never leave you. This is the southern culture that has stayed with me all these years. And so I listen to old  gospel songs, from the likes of Roy Acuff and J.D. Sumner to help me stay strong in this cold-hearted world around me.

Sometimes I wonder what will become of my children, who have never been down south. But I know that my habits and values from those memories, are vivid in their daily lives. Somehow, they may just become half-southern without even realizing how it happened.

The reality of what I crave from this heritage, is old American values frozen in time. That is what the southern lesson is to me. It is the memory of what was, and what I must keep alive each and every day of my life.


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Oh, how wonderful this would be! - A Mass Exodus of Women Coming Home. 

 I want to be - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.

 A happy day of -  Gracious Homemaking.

 

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

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  Paperback, 274 pages.

What Sundays Used to Mean to Housewives

LOC: Praying during the sermon at the First Wesleyan Methodist Church, 1943.

 

The Housewife of old used to look forward to Sunday Morning. She would spend the morning in delightful anticipation of fellowship and Church services. This dear mother would get all dressed up in her best and help the family get ready. As she walked out that door, with Bible in hand, she would take one last look around and know that her work at home had been done well. It was time to rest. It was time to be refreshed and take a break from the world and all its trials and labors.

I like to think of going to church each week as an example of the end of our lives. During the week, we housewives do all our work.  We do laundry, wash floors, make meals, handle appointments, phone calls, shopping, bills, and heavy cleaning. This is our labor in the world. When that church day arrives, we take a much deserved rest. We have our reward.

To me, the end of my life will be like Mother's day. I will be sitting in a church pew with my dear husband beside me. All our grown children will have put aside their wanderings in the world and will be there with me. They will have the hearts of humble servants and everyone will be grateful to be there. The precious sermon will start. . . Yet there will be tears welling up in my eyes because all my children are with me. They made it! And it will be just like the way it was supposed to be all along.

May it be so.

Blessings
Mrs. White

*This post can also be found in Mrs. White's book, "Mother's Faith."

From the Archives -

A Precious Lesson! - All of God's Children Have Shoes.

What it Takes - Old Fashioned Duty of a Homemaker.

Encouragement in Duty - Make an Effort.

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

 

 

 

Getting Ready to Face the Family

Early in the morning, before the sun comes up, I am reading my bible, praying and getting the house in order for another day. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to keep myself in a godly, serving frame of mind. It takes a lot of sacrifice and discipline, but when I listen to inspiring music, and read inspiring literature, the joy and reward that comes from such a sacrifice is the most precious thing in the world.

Today, are you getting ready to face your family? Will they be comforted by your loving presence? Will their morning grumpiness fade away in the shadow of your cheerfulness?

This morning, I listened to one of my favorite songs, "Without Him." It was from the Gospel Hour. They were paying tribute to 90 year old Eva Mae LeFevre. She got married at 17 and lived a godly life. She was an old-time gospel singer with her family. In this tribute, her son Mylon, in his 60's, said he was proud to be her son. He told her, "You're a wonderful godly Mother."

She died in 2009, less than 2 years after this tribute was recorded. Eva was a classy, kind lady. And I want to be just like her.

After watching this program, and getting my heart in order, I am ready to face my family this morning.

Blessings
Mrs. White

 

From the Archives -
 

Marriage - Are you Still Tricking your Wife?

Cheerful with what we have - An Elegant Home Despite Poverty.

The Hardest Thing of all - No Matter What it Cost Me.

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

 

 

Morning Devotions for the Family

Before the invention of television, video games, and radios, families had more time for religious duties. We often get caught up in doing good things. Yet, sometimes those good things are overindulged, instead of done in moderation.

One of the most important things we can do, with our families, is have a time of morning devotions. We can gather around the living room, or kitchen table. Everyone comes with a sense of awe and reverence - it is family devotion. The Bible is read by Dad. The Mother smiles warmly at her children. The little ones and teens sit quietly and listen closely. Then it is prayer time and the family is dismissed to the events of the day.

What a precious way to begin the morning.

Blessings
Mrs. White


Some quotes -


They are not merely to be taught out of some elementary book that they must love God, but you must show them God is loved. If they observe that no worship is paid to that God of whom they hear, the very best instruction will prove useless; but by means of Family Worship, these young plants will grow "like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season: his leaf also shall not wither." - J.H. Merle D'Aubigne

Family Worship increases the spirit of reverence for God and His Word. Children copy their parents’ spirit and example. If parents begin the day by invoking God’s blessing, by consecrating the early hour to His service, they show their estimate of the value of worship. - Rev. M. Simpson

You must read the scriptures to your families, in a solemn manner, requiring their attendance on your reading, and their attention to it. - Matthew Henry

 - 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

No Matter What it Cost Me

Library of Congress - A farm worker's home 1941 Idaho.

When we first moved to Vermont from Massachusetts, I had just gotten out of the hospital for severe physical problems. I had been a cancer patient years before and was undergoing tests and treatment for more difficulties. It was unbearable and I continued to suffer.

When we arrived in Vermont, to our newly purchased country store, Mr. White and I had a deal. I would help him, along with our children, for one year, then he would hire an employee to take over so I could tend to our home cares. This proved to be the most difficult year of my entire life. I am grateful I was right there with my husband and children. We lived above the store, and it was like one big house. But most nights, I would fall into bed in tears of agony. My frail body could not endure the trauma of so much work for very long. Or, so I thought...

After many months of this, I suddenly began to heal. Most of my pain was gone. I had become stronger. I had worked so hard, and the Lord had rewarded me with better health. I did my duty, no matter what it cost me.

I thought about this last night. I have been ill for several days. Just so weary. I was tempted to skip my Bible study. I was just about to fall asleep when I remembered something from the book, Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss. You see, the main character, Katy, was staying up late waiting for her husband to come home. In the room with her was her elderly father-in-law who had just arrived that day to live with them. He was depressed and sorrowful. His wife had died, and he felt like a burden. But he said something significant. He said something like: "At what hour does my son do family prayers?"  It was getting very late at night, and he dearly needed sleep. Katy told him not to worry, but to go on to bed. There was no need to wait for his son to come home. But he responded with something like this - "I will do my duty, no matter what it cost."  When I remembered this passage from the book, I was stung in the heart with conviction. I was startled out of my selfish stupor of being tired, and called for my Bible and record book. My dear 13-year-old son got them for me, and we sat down together and did our Bible time. We did this no matter how tired we were, or how sick I was. We did it no matter what it cost.

There is a beautiful quote from Jonathan Edwards:

 ~ “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.” ~

Blessings,
Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

A Simple, Godly life with an eternal Perspective - Fighting the Money Seeking Mentality.

 Happiness while Living Frugally - Making Money Last.

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

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

A Lovely Old Fashioned Study for You

The Elizabeth Prentiss Study

Elizabeth Prentiss

In October of 2009, I created a life transforming study. It is designed to help you have daily personal devotions.

The format helps discipline us, using daily assignments like Prayer, Keeping a Journal,  Bible Reading, Listening to hymns (or gospel music) and reading portions from a wonderful book written in the 1800's by Elizabeth Prentiss, "Stepping Heavenward."


This is a 90 day program and has been adapted for individual use. This was originally a free download,which is no longer available.

 In 2021, we expanded the study into a book.  

The original study was a printout that one would place into a binder notebook

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The new deluxe edition includes these special features:

- Introduction by Mrs. Sharon White

- Portrait of Mrs. Prentiss, from 1882.

- About "Stepping Heavenward," including reviews written in 1871.

- Detailed directions for the study with inspiring details from the letters of Mrs. Prentiss. 

- Instructions for an optional Group Study format called "The Prentiss Study Club." It also has 12 weeks of weekly check-ins for those who want to do the program with others.

- The Study itself has 90 days of assignments with a place to check off each item as completed.

- A brief biography of the Prentiss family at their summer home in Dorset, Vermont (in the 1800's). This includes details of their family life, and photographs taken in 2019 by Mrs. White when she visited Dorset a few years ago. You will see a little of the town and the Prentiss home. 

- Reference notes include details of sources and other helpful information and guidance.

                        -------------------

 In addition to having a copy of "The Prentiss Study" book, you will need the following in order to do the study:


- Your Bible. (I use the KJV.)

- A copy of the 1800's book, Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss. (This is a fictitious journal, which has inspired and changed women all over the world.)

- A journal or notebook to record your diary entries.

- Access to hymns or gospel music.

- Time for Prayer each day.

                                                                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Below you will find a link to each edition of "The Prentiss Study Deluxe Edition" It is available in both paperback and hardcover.  Both editions are 105 pages.  The hardcover edition is especially sturdy and beautiful and will make an excellent addition to any home library. 

The Prentiss Study Deluxe Edition paperback.

105 pages, 6 x 9.        ISBN: ‎ 978-1956616040

The Prentiss Study Deluxe Edition hardcover. 

105 pages, 6 x 9.      ISBN:  978-1956616057

I hope you enjoy the study! If you are able to get "The Prentiss Study" and like it, I hope you will be able to leave a review on Amazon. It would be a great help to me. Thank you!

- Also available from The Legacy of Home Press:

 

Stepping Heavenward - The paperback edition:

ISBN # 978-1956616002

295 pages.

6 x 9

Enjoy!

Blessings
Mrs. White

- 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."

Find stories of home life, with photographs of my home, in this encouraging book. 

 Paperback, 200 pages. 

The Old Time Mothers

When I was a young girl, I remember dreaming about having an old house. I imagined a large front porch, peeling paint, and a simple home. This was the reality for the Old Time Mothers. They lived in cabins on the Prairie, or small homes on farms.

Their houses were clean and these mothers worked hard preparing meals to feed their families. There was no television, no computer, no phone, and no malls. Life centered around the family, hard work, and godliness.

These mothers did not complain. They were too busy to worry about 'self-help,' or what they were 'missing out on.' These saints of old depended on God and prayed often. They had great faith for all their needs. They were blessed beyond measure.

I cannot imagine seeing a dusty Bible in a home like that.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Church Bells and a Respectful Appearance

I love the sound of church bells on a Sunday Morning. It is like the whole town is awakened and being called to think about God and to come together to worship. It is a somber moment when those bells ring. I can hear them from my house.




For some reason, many people stopped dressing up for church. It used to be that we put on our best clothes and our biggest smiles and walked gratefully to the church building. We did this out of respect. We dressed up to show it was an important event and it meant something more than just being casual at home.



Ladies used to wear hats and gloves to church. The gloves were often a pretty white and were crocheted. You can still find gloves like this at The Victorian Trading company. But we should be able to buy them from our local stores. Why are they so hard to find?

I have a box of gloves we found in the attic of one of our investment properties we bought several years ago. This box has gloves of different colors and fabrics and were well worn. There were also letters and postcards inside, dated from the 1940's. It is a treasure!


Imagine the family getting their Bibles and heading down the street to the local church. What a precious sight! 


Blessings,
Mrs. White

How a Godly Mother May Guide an Imperfect Family

Sunday dinner, 1942, Connecticut (LOC)

So many mothers have trials and sorrows. They cry out to God because of wayward children. Or, perhaps they shake their head in despair when their young child continues to do wrong. We need a country of strong, encouraged mothers. We need Mothers to understand that all children, all people, have a sin nature. Our families will be imperfect.

Whenever you see a lovely family of Bible Hugging children- know you are only seeing an image. Those children still sin and give their parents trouble. Perhaps they bicker, or disobey, or even lie. But they love their Mother and they love their Bible. It doesn't mean they are going to be perfect. Let's get that clear, first off.
 
Children silently observe all that Mother does. They know what she is really like. It cannot be hidden in the home.  Mother, we need to know we cannot do any of this alone. We need our dear Lord and I will tell you how to find strength from Him.

1. Strive to live a simple, unworldly life. Find time for recreation for the sake of the body, but it must not be the consuming of one's life.

2. Read the Bible more than any other reading material. Read it to ponder. Read it while praying. Read it while weeping. Read it for strength.

3. Pray with all thy heart and soul and strength. Pray diligently throughout the day. Pray for each child by name. Pray for courage. Pray for faith and love of God's holy way. Pray about everything.

4. Live out your commitments without wavering. Do what you promise to do, even if it causes you pain, exhaustion and suffering. You will be a shining example of a dedicated, responsible soul if you can be trusted to keep your word.

5. Work hard. Work with whatever you have been given to do. Work with all your strength and might- whether it be in your housekeeping, cooking, mothering, gardening or what have you. Do it with pride and commitment.

6. Talk about God with your children.  Tell them about your prayers and the answers when they come. Show your children your total trust and faith in your Heavenly Father. Do this in normal, daily life- as things come up - rather than in forced conversations.

7.  Offer Grace and Mercy to your children. Do not hold grudges. Forgive at once! Forgive even if they are still acting up! Forgive, smile, show compassion and love them with every bit of your strength.  Forgive them over and over and over again - without end.

8.  Speak life into your children.  Lift them up. Praise them and tell them how much you love them and are grateful for them.

9. Do good things for your children. Make an effort to cook their favorite meals and make home a special place they want to be. Make a pleasant and loving home for your family.  Do good things for them, unconditionally - even if they are acting troublesome. Show them love through your actions.

10. Live out a godly life before them. Pray openly. Read your Bible openly. Sing hymns or listen to gospel music openly. Go to the Master and fill your heart with love and holiness and then face your family, fully equipped to minister,while doing your homemaking tasks.

11. Confess your faults. If you are in a bad mood - tell them you are sorry. If you made a foolish decision- repent of it. Show them that none of us are flawless, but God has great mercy and we can only cling to him as the source of our hope.

12. Never bend. Know what your convictions are and do not change them with the times. Do not try to join in sinful, worldly living just to be friends with your children. You are the Mother. You are the example. You must stay strong and live out a godly, holy life before your family. Do not bend to their childish, immature worldly whims. I cannot stress this enough. Children will grow up, remembering your example. One day they will cling to the old ways and realize it was your source of strength.  Long after you are dead and gone, dear mother, they will remember your strong character and godly ways. Don't underestimate the power of a committed, godly life. 

13. Realize that money and things are never going to be more important than one's convictions. If you are seeking money at the expense of your family, or at the expense of your moral values - pray and find a way to drop it as quickly as possible. Nothing is more important than the salvation of the souls of your children. Do not let money, things, or the world's standard of life destroy your only chance of bringing up godly children.

 I want to paint an image of what this looks like in an old fashioned home. Mother has her daily duties. We thank God for her work, because it gives her something important to do. She cannot spend all day wasting time on television, constant eating and lounging. She needs to be about the Master's business - and that is the keeping of the home. She should pray for love for her job, so that it will shine through and bless those around her.  I can see her right now, washing clothes, hanging them on the line. I see her humming and smiling while she makes supper.  Now she is reading the Bible and sharing a verse or two that has blessed her. All her worries are cast on the Lord in prayer. She goes about her daily life, unhurried, and in peace.   The children feel safe and secure because they know Mama is there.


 Dear ones, our daily religious duties are an obligation. We do them whether or not we feel like it. It is what helps keep us on the straight and narrow. If we follow our own way, our own desires, we will be led astray. Perhaps we don't want to go to church. This is an enormous struggle in many homes. We don't want to go. But if we go out of obligation and gratefulness to God, we are setting an amazing example to our children. 

We, as mothers, will have children of all ages, at all stages on their religious journey. Some have been saved, some are struggling in sin, some are confused, and some are under the chastening hand of God. We need to be there, praying, smiling, encouraging and seeing them through these rough years. We may be weeping now, as we work in the harvest fields, but in the end, we will rejoice, bringing our sheaves with us. All that matters, at the end of it all, is not the fun we had, or the worldly things we indulged in, or the money we earned. What matters is walking through the pearly gates, with the souls of our beloved children following us into heaven.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Old Fashioned Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

Wisdom from Colonial Days  - To Earn and Not to Spend.

Taking Care of the Family - A Covered Bridge and Graceful Living in Rural Vermont. 

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

Learn How To Manage Money on a Small Income, with this helpful book:

- 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, with lots of thrifty ideas, in Mrs.White's book:

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

 Paperback, 77 pages.