A Simple Home Life

A garden walkway in New York, 1922. (LOC)

 

It is so nice to be at home. This is the place I can rest from all my worries. I do not have to dwell on the troubles of the world. It is a place where I can pray and seek guidance for the everyday decisions that are necessary. As I pray, I remember my own frailties and complete dependence on the Lord to provide. And even though there are often troubles, I know I can trust the Lord to take care of my family. 

Tending the home in a simple way is a welcome duty. I have been putting the house in order. There are folders and bins that need to be sorted. This week, I managed to eliminate much of these items which makes one's surroundings more pleasant. It is an ongoing task to organize and eliminate as we go about the work of homemaking. 

A few days ago, I made a batch of homemade pizza for the freezer. It is a great deal of work and takes much energy. But it will be nice to have this wholesome goodness available later in the week. 

Last night, we were needed for a few hours to help with some of the grandchildren at their house.   We chatted and visited and just delighted in their news and happy plans. We shared snacks and smiles. Then we did our Bible reading and prayer. Soon it was time to rest. The children had their bedtime routine and began to get ready for a quiet time of sleeping.  After they went to their rooms I read to the littlest ones. I read one chapter in their bedtime story-book. Then I tucked them in with a kiss and a hug. I was soon making a quick visit to the rest of the children's rooms. The older ones were sitting up in their beds reading books.  They smiled when they saw me. They knew I was doing the same routine for them their Mother always did each night. It was comforting and precious. Then I went off to the living room to read. Before long I glanced into the hallway and noticed all the lights were out. They were sleeping. All was well. All was quiet.

Today will be another day of living simply in an ordinary way. We have our worries that sort of linger over us like a dark cloud, as seems to be common. But we are determined to find happiness in the gratefulness of our blessings.  There are two trips coming up that I have to go on with our patient.  The first one will happen in just a couple of days. Our car is in the repair shop with the dreaded news that there is a problem with the transmission.  I must not cringe with what feels like financial pressure for all these expenses. But I do have a tremendous need for restraint in the use of our limited funds.  Whatever the Lord wills I must accept. I want to be calm and gracious under these many trials.  I cannot possibly manage without leaning on my precious Lord. So, each day, and each moment, I will remember to find joy in just living a simple life at home. This will bring me a sense of peace knowing that all the details, behind the scenes, will work out for our good as I live out my days serving at home.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A rested heart in - A Carefully Mended Life. 

Something we all need  - Peace Be Upon This House.

The example of my Parents - Minding my own Housekeeping Business.

 

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

 Help for hard times at home - 

House Keeping in Hard Times: Essays and Encouragement from a Christian Housewife

 Paperback, 180 pages

 As you read the entries, you will get a sense of what it is like as a Christian housewife through the ups and downs of life.  Topics include motherhood, marriage, taking care of children, cleaning, living on a low income, saving money, and building up the family with faith as the foundation.

The Value of Housework

Roses and Lilacs - 1890 painting (LOC).

 

I am often walking about the house looking for ways to make things look pleasant and lovely.   It is important to keep things organized, dusted, swept, and in order. But this can be difficult when there is little time and limited energy.  I have to take a lot of breaks in the midst of a great many little efforts, throughout the days and weeks, to keep this house looking nice and welcoming.

Sometimes I think about how nice it would be to buy some beautiful flowers for the table. I am always so happy to see a fresh bouquet of loveliness in a delicate vase.  I like to see it as I walk along, doing my work at home. It always makes me smile. When there isn't money for such luxuries, I try to set the table with a tablecloth. It is possible to keep things looking cheerful with candles, cloth napkins and such. On those days when flowers are available, I am always delighted to place them in the center of the parlour table. 

To cook nourishing food and to serve it with pretty things brings comfort and a bit of joy to the family. How restful and happy we can make the home when we do the housework with great care and contentment! 

In the old days, when keeping house was incredibly labor intensive, it was often necessary to hire outside help.  Some of the poorest families even needed to at least have one girl to help with the work. There is an excellent example of this in the 1800's book, "Aunt Jane's Hero" by Elizabeth Prentiss.  Another book that offers a detailed look at what it was like to hire domestic workers is the book "Born to Serve." This story was originally published in the year 1900.  When we look back to the old days to see how difficult housework used to be, it will inspire us with a sense of appreciation for the work we are doing today. 

A copy of our edition of the book, "Born to Serve." (Photo by Karen Andreola.) 

As we think about the wonderful gift of having homes and families to take care of, it is nice to read about housework. This will bring us some much-needed encouragement!

A few years ago, we republished the book, "Born to Serve," as part of a series of classic books through The Legacy of Home Press.  A lovely review has just been posted on Instagram. It is by Karen Andreola:

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As you go about the work of keeping house this coming week, I hope you will find peace and rest in making things look lovely for your family.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Old Time Manners - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.  

A Simple Life - How to Stop Buying Things that Clutter up the Home. 

Ration Books from 1942 and helpful advice - Adapting to the High Cost of Living.

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

 

Find cleaning inspiration and encouragement in Mrs. White's book, "Gracious House Keeping."

"Gracious House Keeping: Advice, Encouragement, and Cleaning Help for the Christian Housewife."

Complete with Encouragement and Work Charts to cheer you along in your homemaking!

115 pages, paperback.

The Legacy of Home Press presents our special edition of -

"Aunt Jane's Hero" -  by Elizabeth Prentiss.

185 pages, paperback.

The Remembrance of Something Homemade

Pink rose fabric for my sewing project.

 

I am often compelled to make something homemade out of necessity. The price of ready-made food and a variety of new items costs more money than is prudent for us to spare.  My latest need, that has been on my mind, is a Bible cover for one of our house Bibles.  I searched through the drawers and bins and found a pretty piece of pink rose fabric with a black background. But as I unfolded it, this remnant of my domestic history, I was reminded of busy days of long ago.....

I used to make pretty dresses for my little girls out of floral calico. I would make doll quilts out of scraps. I made aprons and little cases for pillows. I would mend and sew, by hand, as I fed and clothed and cared for a house full of children. My daughters and I would hand-sew in the living room as we talked and laughed.  The girls learned to mend and make simple things.  It is a skill that came out of common necessity. When there is little money, we have to find ways to make the home beautiful by our creative efforts.  It was a peaceful form of recreation to sit and sew as we visited. 

These days, ready-made garments are more conveniently available. Many prefer store-bought aprons rather than ones that are made at home. Bible covers are easy to find and easy to obtain for a price. But I would rather make my own humble style of cover than spare the money for a new one. 

Today, as I ironed the pieces for my sewing project, I looked at the pretty fabric and remembered my children when they were little. I thought of all the things we did and learned at home as I homeschooled them. We cooked and baked and cleaned. We studied and read and did math lessons.  And as we did the mending and the sewing, on quiet afternoons, I felt a sense of contentment.  How very grateful I felt to be at home! 

Over the coming days, as I do the work of sewing a new Bible cover, I will remember the happy times at home and the simple days of an old-fashioned life with the family. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Always Remember this - The House Comes First.

The Beauty of an Ordinary, Simple Life - Standard of Living.

A Blessing in Making an Effort - Peaceful Homemaking.

How to Make - An Old Fashioned Bible Cover. 


- 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, in Mrs.White's book:

 -An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife.  Paperback, 77 pages.

Help For Homeschooling:

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White

Paperback, 112 pages

As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool.  

A Frugal Home

Helms family supper in Alabama, 1939. (LOC)

 

There is a challenge when finances are slim. The goal is to live within the family income while maintaining the necessary budget.  I have often read the advice of experts describing how much money can be used for discretionary spending. They talk about how often one can afford vacations, or to go out to eat at restaurants. But what happens when the standard of living does not include such categories in the financial plan?  There are many who are living simply while constantly trying to save for a rainy day. The challenge to this way of life is when the cost of living keeps increasing while the expenses of managing a home become overwhelming.

We have noticed the increased cost of heating oil, car repairs, clothing, groceries, taxes, and the labor charges for household repairs.  While we do expect to pay for such things, there are times when the high bills can be sudden and alarming. This can cause us to panic.  Some may want to give up housekeeping and find a less costly way of life.  Others may decide to consider the options and find as many ideas as possible to cut expenses in order to keep the budget under control. It is certainly a challenge that will happen over and over again, throughout the months, seasons, and years. 

In our case, we have had a difficult year. A staggering property tax bill nearly made us flinch. High heating bills have been almost unbearable. While trying to save for these many rainy days, we repeatedly face an emptying pantry and limited funds to replenish the shelves with nourishing food.  Our latest difficulty is an estimate we received from our mechanic. The car needs a new set of snow tires and other work in order to make it safe for the coming winter. The price is fair and reasonable but hundreds of dollars more than what we can afford. When one is living a life without credit cards, it requires forethought and planning. Everything must be paid with cash. It is necessary (and normal) to be in the habit of saving month after month, as much as we possibly can, year after year. Throughout the seasons of financial rainstorms, the money is wiped out again and again. We rebuild over time and try to get the funds back in place before we are faced with another high expense of basic living. It is prudent to keep a cheerful attitude, to face the trial with grace, and then remember to pray for guidance and help to calmly meet the necessary bills.  

Times are often difficult, for whatever reason, and have been throughout the generations. It is important to have a frugal way of life. A household budget built on the idea of thrift and caution is much easier to manage than one based on whims without a plan. Yet when faced with common bills that are unbearably high, we have to remember to stop and pray.  We do not have to do any of this alone. There is our Heavenly Father who loves us dearly. He answers prayers and will make a way out of the rough waters of finances.  He is the captain of the ship. He knows where we are going and how we will get there. I must always remember to trust Him to manage it all. I am grateful to do my part, then trust Him to do the rest.  

Today, I will find joy in sweeping the floors, making the beds, and baking bread. I will prepare simple meals. I will do the mending, making things last. I will do homemade repairs to keep things nice and pleasant here at home. And I will quietly wait while praying to my Lord. All my worries and burdens are in His hands. Nothing is too big or difficult for Him to handle. How very precious it is to do His work and know that He has everything under control. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.  

A Blessing to Be - Just a Housewife. (With a little history)

Four Generations in the same house - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.

Help for Mothers - The Parenting Report. 

- 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.

Faithful in the Little Things at Home

Our tea roses in the autumn sunlight.

 

There are some days that are quieter at home. There may not be any appointments or errands. Company is not expected. The telephone doesn't ring. These are slow days that sometimes make us wonder, "am I doing enough?"

The more difficult question that may lurk in the mind is, "Does my life at home matter?"  So often what we do as homemakers is not seen or noticed by anyone.  I may sweep the floors, wash the dishes, make the beds, do the laundry, organize paperwork, and so much more, but these are things that don't seem to matter to anyone else. It would be easy to become discouraged if we gave too much thought to the value of our work at home. We must not dwell on such negative thinking. The duties of homemaking are one of the basic foundations for a pleasant home. What we do matters.

A view of the leaves, from this week, at our home in Vermont.

One morning I was not feeling well. Yet there was a restlessness in my heart. I had to get up and do a few things to make the rooms look nice and pleasant. Between several restful breaks, I did little things around the house. I arranged roses to decorate the table.  I baked cookies. I folded and put away laundry. As I worked, I thought that, perhaps, nobody would notice all the work that goes on behind-the-scenes in the life of a homemaker. And yet, as I quietly went about the labor of putting things in order and making things look pretty, I was thanking the Lord in my heart for a beautiful day. I was thinking of comforting Scripture and the words from old-time hymns. I reminded myself that I was doing all this for the glory and praise of the Lord. Instead of feeling discouraged, I felt grateful to have been trusted with the care of a home and family.

Perhaps nobody will ever notice all the little things I do in a day. But I feel the closeness of the Lord amidst my daily work. There is a light of cheer in this quiet corner of rural New England.  What I do may seem unimportant, but it is a great honor and a privilege to spend my life faithfully doing the little things at home.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

The Blessing of Home - Retired from the World.

"There is No Ambition" - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking.

A Tireless Worker - The Benevolent Housekeeper.

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace.

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

 Help for hard times at home - 

House Keeping in Hard Times: Essays and Encouragement from a Christian Housewife

 Paperback, 180 pages

 As you read the entries, you will get a sense of what it is like as a Christian housewife through the ups and downs of life.  Topics include motherhood, marriage, taking care of children, cleaning, living on a low income, saving money, and building up the family with faith as the foundation.

A Cheerful Mother

Tea roses on the front grounds of our property. 

I have been listening to Bing Crosby sing Christmas songs on the CD player in my kitchen. I am baking homemade cookies for the family. I am feeling old and tired but wanted to have a nice treat for the household. As I do the work of housekeeping, I am wearing a comfortable house coat with a pretty blue floral pattern. We have had the wood pellet stove on to help keep us warm. The temperatures have been in the 30's and chilly. It is so nice to be indoors by the fire as I go about the work of making home a pleasant place for us to enjoy.

This morning, we did a little rearranging of furniture. I wanted to move the big desk into the main livingroom by the back door.  I placed a lamp on a doily on the side of the desk and then tucked in a comfortable chair.  It looks so cozy and home-like.  When asked why I wanted a desk in the livingroom, I smiled and said, "in case someone wanted to write a letter or have a place to study by the lamp."  It looks old fashioned and charming.

We have been struggling with sickness. We are getting ready to go on one of our medical trips into the next state (for our patient.) Yet I do not feel overwhelmed or alone because I know the Lord is with me. I can rest and be a cheerful mother regardless of all the work and troubles that hover around us. The Lord gives us courage and strength to go about our days doing His work regardless of the trials we endure. It is a blessing!

While I have been sitting here writing, I have been taking breaks to put another batch of cookies in the oven, or to pack up the ones that have cooled. And each time I checked the cooling rack, I noticed some of the cookies are missing. Those in the household have come in and helped themselves to a little of the fresh baked goodness in mother's kitchen. . . Some make cookies for special occasions or for a meeting or event. But the best type of cookies are the ones the family can eat right away.   

How truly precious it is to have a home and a family to enjoy both the good and the difficult days. To do what we can to make their lives more cheerful is such a wonderful work of motherhood.

Blessings

Mrs.White

From the Archives - 

Simple Living on a Walton's Budget - Old Time Homemaking.

Practical help for the home - Peaceful Living by Rules.

Old time values - The Blessing of Being a Half - Southern Mama.

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

Find cleaning inspiration and encouragement in Mrs. White's book, "Gracious House Keeping."

"Gracious House Keeping: Advice, Encouragement, and Cleaning Help for the Christian Housewife."

Complete with Encouragement and Work Charts to cheer you along in your homemaking!

115 pages, paperback.

Homemaking for the Sick

Floral painting, 1896. LOC.

 

When one in the household is ill, it is helpful to do a little extra housework. This will brighten the sick room, lift the spirits, and make things more comfortable for the patient.

I often like to do the housekeeping in a sick room when the patient has stepped out to another room, or into the kitchen. I can then enter the room, quietly and discreetly, and empty the trash, put out a fresh garbage bag, remove any empty tissue boxes, and neatly arrange the bedside table. In the early morning, when possible, I will open the window and let a little sunshine brighten the room. Very often, the patient is too weary or overwhelmed with sickness to manage these little duties. It is nice to be of service in this way.

Whenever possible, it is good to have cheerful flowers in the house, especially when someone is feeling discouraged or going through a difficult time.  This afternoon, I walked all over the property to see if we had any flowers available for the house. I managed to find 2 roses. I brought them indoors and placed them in a small glass jar on the bureau.  They look pretty by the light of a dim lamp.

Our garden roses on a bureau. 

We have not had many flowers in the house this year. I used to buy inexpensive carnations for the table on a regular basis. But since there has been a lingering financial strain on our finances, I have not indulged in such spending.   It was so nice to find a few flowers in my own yard when I needed them today.

Lately, I have been praying that there are not any more needs.  It is not that we "want" to buy things. It is that so many needs keep appearing.  When this happens, we just pray and ask the Lord to provide. We must not let anxiety, fear, or troubles cause us to worry. This type of stress can make us sick. We need peace and rest as we calmly go about the work of taking care of the home and family. We bring cheer and happiness as we serve with a joyful heart.  

Someday, when we are the ones who are sick, the family will come forward and remember our example of tender care. And they will take care us in the same dear way we have always done. What a gift that will be!

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives 

Old Time Manners - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.  

A Simple Life - How to Stop Buying Things that Clutter up the Home. 

Content at Home - Days Without Spending Money. 

 

- 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

A Carefully Mended Life

Our table with a homemade cloth napkin.

 

As I went about the work of housekeeping this week, I noticed a carefully mended kitchen towel. It was neatly folded over a towel bar on the stove door. I gave it a little bit of straightening and thought about how it used to be frayed.  The fabric had worn-thin in places. I had folded and tucked and sewed it all back together. It now functions again. It is a pretty sage green, looks charming, and is serviceable for the needs of my kitchen. It makes me smile to think of how much of my home and life is in constant need of mending.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by worries and thoughts and troubles. I get weary and need to rest. But the thoughts plague me. It is then I remember that it is not my burden to bear. I tell myself, "You don't need to fix this. You don't need to think about any of this. All you have to do is rest."  I know that the Lord is working behind the scenes. I need only give the troubles to Him and then I can be at peace. I can take breaks and rest and then cheerfully return to my work.

So many people talk about doing whatever they want. "Live free," they say.  "Do what makes you happy," they advise. But the problem with this is that it causes confusion.  I want to be of the Kingdom of God, doing His will for my life.  The advice is not "do what makes you happy," but "be happy doing your duty."  This is the secret of peace. It is true freedom. To do God's precious work with a joyful heart brings the greatest happiness you could ever imagine. This is peaceful even when times are difficult.  There is the sense of a rested heart even when facing anxious moments, worries, and troubles.  All I have to do is rest in the Lord and He will help mend my life.  There may be scars, but there is a homemade sense of old-fashioned love and simplicity, which brings peace.  I shall not dwell on my worries.  I will rest in the Lord.

There is a thread of hope and comfort when we have the foundation of the Lord's promises in our heart. One of the greatest memories I have is of my father singing gospel songs and hymns as he went about the house and garage doing his work.  During my growing up years I noticed as he read the Bible to himself, prayed quietly and out loud, and humbly sang the old-time gospel songs he loved so much. This affected my entire life. It provided me with an anchor of hope and trust in God that has stayed with me all these many years.  It has helped to mend my life, over and over again, as I cling to those beautiful godly moments of what life really means; of what truly matters. 

I want to be that same example to my children and grandchildren. I want them to know that despite a lack of resources, or a lack of money, we can cultivate a beautiful way of life.  We can overcome hardships and difficulties by doing our very best to walk with the Lord. 

 One of my girls has a spare bedroom that has just been emptied. Her youngest is no longer a baby. He has moved to one of the other bedrooms.  She mentioned how much she would like to turn it into a little room I can use whenever I am at her house. I have spent many hours there helping with the house and children. But to have a little guest room, for my own use, would make things so much easier.   We talked about the possibility of getting a comfortable chair, an end table, and a lamp. I could read in that room. I could rest whenever I felt worn out. And yet, I would always be available, to read to the children, to play with them, to talk, to visit, and to tend to the house. I could do this even if it were only for a few hours a day or in the evenings. What a privilege and honor it would be to serve in this way and be comfortable at the same time. 

When I am helping at my daughter's house, I will bring my mending and sewing-projects. I will help with the chores and kitchen work.  I will keep my focus on them as if I have all the time in the world. And even if it is only a certain number of hours each week that I am there, I want my presence to give them that same memory and example I have of my dear father as he demonstrated a life consecrated to God.  

This is what it means to have a mended life. It is by knowing that we are weak, scarred, and frail, yet leaning on the Lord for our strength. He is like the thread that repairs the holes in the fabric. We are held together by His love and His promises. When we understand that we cannot even walk or breathe without His power, we will have such a grateful sense of dependence on Him. This will free us up to want to be serviceable for noble duties, which is what will bring true happiness for all of our lives.

Blessings

Mrs. White

 From the Archives - 

Frugal Living - A New England Winter on Small Income.

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

Some Ideas to Help - A Home Without Clutter.

 

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

 "At Mother's House" by Mrs. White:

  

For Encouragement in Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, from 2016, "At Mother's House: The Blessing of Being a Christian Housewife."

In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.

There are 40 entries which include:  "Poor and Pretty Living;" "A Home Without Clutter;" "The Money Packets;" "A Church Diet for the Family;" "Bringing Home Baby;" "The Children's Prayers;" "The Shabby Garden:" and "Just a Housewife."

Those who are seeking a peaceful home, with the Lord as the foundation, will find encouragement. (Paperback, 122 pages.)

A Well-Kept Home

Our view of a Rose Garden at the Aldrich house in 2025, Vermont.

 

To have a home that is loved and cared for spreads a light of goodness to others. I want to be known for diligently taking care of my house and family. I want things to be neat and clean and tidy. Yet I have noticed that the work inside is easier to manage than what is happening outdoors. 

There is a great deal of work to maintain the grounds of one's home. We are constantly battling weeds, overgrowth of invasive plants, and doing our very best to keep a separation showing that which is loved and care for, versus that which is wild and unkept. It is like a battle with the ways of the world. We labor to keep things restful, peaceful, and lovely. We fight off the bad and the destructive. Yet it is a quiet and purposeful endeavor.  It is done with faith and a consistent routine of daily duties.

In the midst of all the work, we find purpose and a creative outlet for the moments of our lives. We have been walking the grounds here, each day, checking the gardens, tending the plants and trees, and enjoying the beautiful flowers. The gentle breeze brings refreshment. We take breaks to gaze at the river bordering our property. We sit on the benches during our walks, on the grounds of this humble old estate. We look at the landscape and are grateful for that which we have been given to take care of. It is a blessing to have a home to keep.

There are still many fall projects we need to accomplish to get ready for winter. There is a section of our property that has been greatly neglected over the years. One can only do so much, we have come to realize.  Our plan is to let some of this neglect continue, as we build up our strength, and then when spring appears in the next season, I will help as much as possible to allay the invasion of destructive plants that our trying to take over our land. If we stay on top of the work, I am told, it can be held at bay.  But when we step away, neglect the work, and let the wild growth in, it will begin to destroy the beauty of our property.  I want to be found faithful in doing my part, despite human weakness and frailty, to do the precious work that has been placed into my hands.

The work of taking care of a home and property is difficult when suffering with pain and poor health. Yet the joy it brings, even when our efforts seem trivial, is rewarding. I am thankful and happy when I can do a little work each day. These little efforts, over a long period of time, will eventually bring good results. 

Sometimes I think of the little sparrow. It gathers debris, leaves, and twigs to form a little nest for a home. This tiny effort is then blessed by the Lord, and the sparrow is taken care of.  I may not be able to do as much as I would like, in the care and keeping of our land, but the Lord will bless the effort.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Something we all need  - Peace Be Upon This House.

The example of my Parents - Minding my own Housekeeping Business.

The Reality - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

 

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

Help For Homeschooling:

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White

Paperback, 112 pages

As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool. 

When Money is Scarce

Fresh produce from our garden from last month.

 

There can be a sense of fear when the cost of living is high. It is important to find ways to lower expenses so we can manage to pay the routine bills each month.

One of the biggest household expenses is often the cost of groceries. The stores are full of all kinds of packaged food for us to heat up at home. They have made much of our cooking easier. But it comes with a cost.  There are also snacks and candies and chips we all enjoy, but the cost is high.  The supermarkets are full of aisle after aisle of an assortment of groceries that are appealing but expensive. When there is not much money to spare, it helps to find ways to cut down on the grocery bills.  

When we have a garden and make much of our food from scratch, we will save a great deal of money.  This savings will help provide some funds to pay our basic living expenses, such as utilities and taxes. 

Years ago, when my parents lived here with us, in this old 1800's house, they would make an old fashioned dinner to share with us. This happened about once each month. Dad would call upstairs (on the house phone) and invite us to supper.  I would tell the children and they would be delighted.   Dad made an old time, frugal supper, with the help of Mom.  It was a common frugal meal that he often had (as a child) on his small farm in Alabama.  I searched my files and found a picture that was taken 15 years ago. Just before we sat down at the table for one of these suppers with my parents, I took a picture of my plate of food.  (See photo below.)  

Frugal supper at our house. 

The frugal meal consisted of homemade cornbread, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and fried potatoes.  This was something I had in my childhood home as well.  My parents were careful with their food budget. Mother never tried out new recipes. She simply made the regular dinners that were affordable and familiar. Her example of serving wholesome food for little cost was inspiring. 

As the cold weather is approaching, here in our rural New England village, I am trying to think of ways to cut expenses. We are still struggling to come up with money to pay for our first delivery (of the season) of Kerosene for the heat. I have not been able to stock my pantry. I am running late on my winter preparations because of high bills and lack of funds. Money is scarce. 

We are coming to the end of the month. There is not much left in the money jar. I will be going out to the garden today and see what I can find. The harvest season is nearly over. But I hope there are some blueberries, sweet peas, and perhaps a cucumber.  This will help provide some of the food we need.  Next month, I hope, things will be a bit easier.

Even though times are tough, we must not be discouraged. We could be dealing with health issues, financial woes, or trials within the family. Regardless of the trouble, we need to look above it all and focus on the Lord. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I have to remember the Scriptural direction to seek the Lord first and all that is needed will be provided. I must trust my heavenly Father. I will not worry. When I remember to do this, I am flooded with peace and a grateful sense of joy. Trying to get through the hard times becomes an adventure as I watch the Lord working in my life. How very precious it is to be a child of God.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives 

Four Generations in the same house - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.

Simple Way of Homemaking - The Four Little Tasks of Home.

Content at Home - Days Without Spending Money. 

 

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