Beautiful Devotion after the Rain

This picture was taken down the street from our Vermont Estate, just after the rain, a few days ago.
(Click on the photograph to make it larger.)

 

I have been reading old books like "The Flower of the Family," by Elizabeth Prentiss (1800's) and "Choice Stories for the Family" (1905).  The second book is full of short fictional stories and beautiful poems for the edification of the family. It has been a time of precious devotion.

I was out on errands with my 19 year old son after several days of rain. As we were nearing home, he noticed a rainbow in the sky.  I pulled the car over and took the picture (above).  It is so peaceful looking, and reminds us of the promises of the Lord.

This morning, I came across a poem by Horatius Bonar in a 1905 book. I thought it would be perfect to put on the photograph.  Horatius Bonar was a minister during the 1800's in Scotland. He also wrote many hymns and poems. His writings are incredible and provide great spiritual nourishment for the soul.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

The true work of Christian Homemaking - "The Mission House."

Wisdom from the old Samplers - "To Earn and Not to Spend."

Contentment and Happiness in Marriage - "When Groceries are the Presents."

Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - 

"Mother's Book of Home Economics."

 

312 pages, paperback.

A Shortage of Babies

Library of Congress: Mother and Baby, California, 1939.

When my first baby was born, everyone in the family was so happy.  Company came by to sneak a peek at the sleeping infant.  We even had to make special trips to visit distant relatives so they could see the baby too.  The arrival of a baby was the most exciting thing in the world and such a gift!

I remember how the nursery looked.  I was given many lovely things at the baby shower.  A pretty crib with matching changing table, a high chair, a carriage, and a playpen were all the basics.  The clothes were in abundance, along with baby blankets for swaddling and snuggling.  I received rattles and handmade sweater and bonnet sets. It was so much fun caring for the baby with all the happiness and support.

Each time I announced that I was expecting another child, my mother-in-law would clap her hands with delight.  Her smile lit up the room with her delight!  This happened with each of my five babies (her grandchildren). She was also so happy when any of her children were expecting a treasured baby.

It is important to have this kind of loving support from family and friends.  It makes those difficult days of caring for a sick baby, or not getting enough sleep, so much easier.  While there are certainly rough days of caring for a fussy baby, when we get though those times victoriously, we feel as if we have achieved much! We are doing great work caring for babies and children, and bringing them up in our loving homes!

These days, there seems to be a shortage of babies.  There are not enough welcoming arms to usher them into this world.  A baby and a small child bring such laughter and fun into our lives.  They bring beauty and happiness.  Mother Theresa is quoted as saying:

"How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers."

For those who don't have much experience with caring for babies, there are many willing mentors in grandmothers and good friends.  It is worth the effort to find the right people (when family members are not available) to encourage and cheer you on in the great joy of motherhood.

May God rise up many who will lovingly care for an abundance of babies!

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

The greatest fun in the world - Playing House in Real Life.

Some Encouragement - Inspired to Keep House.

Happy Days - Cleaning House with Baby.

 

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

 


Mrs. White's nostalgic book for Mothers:

"Old Fashioned Motherhood: Baby and Child Care Advice from a New England Housewife." 

62 pages, paperback. 

 

 

An Ordinary Life at Home

Library of Congress: A snowy afternoon in Vermont, 1940

Most housewives used to rise very early in the morning. They would do the wash and then go out into the fresh air, in the quiet of the day, to hang the clothes on the line.  This was a peaceful work.  This was a time when they could pray, praise the Lord for his goodness, and enjoy some little moments of solitude.

A Homemaker would spend time in the kitchen, making a homemade breakfast, standing near the kitchen window doing dishes and making home a pretty place to be.

Sweeping, washing floors, dusting furniture, folding laundry, and making home pleasant and comfortable brought joy to grateful hearts.

Mother would read the Bible and pray.  She would do mostly the same things each day.  The routine brought stability and comfort to the family.  Most everyone had the same kind of home - an ordinary home - where Mother was home and she took care of housekeeping. 

This quiet life was like living out in the country during a winter holiday.  It was like the days when there were horses and buggies, and traveling was not common before automobiles became the normal mode of transportation.  Staying at home, tending the home, caring for the family, and helping others was ordinary.

This type of life is what the current generation is missing. They are starving for something they have never personally experienced.  They are used to technology, multi-tasking, entitlement, self- absorption, and the frantic pace of the constant bombardment of modern advertising. 

An ordinary life at home is one of the greatest needs of our time. We need mothers who will peacefully tend the home and genuinely love to be there.  They need to be brave and patient.  They need tender hearts and self-less spirits.  The keeper of these ordinary homes are best found among those who are on their knees in prayer, and in those who find their greatest joy in reading the Holy Scriptures. 

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

The Way it Was - Caring for the Family at Home - A Comforting Sick Room.

Contentment with our - Standard of Living.

A Godly Mother is the Hostess at -  The Mission House.

- 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 

Corrie ten Boom - In My Father's House

Corrie ten Boom was one of the most inspiring people of our time.  Her faith in God was incredible. She was called of Him to endure unbelievable pain and trials.  Through it all, she was a light of hope and warmth, as an ambassador of the Kingdom of God.

Corrie is best known for her book, "The Hiding Place."  This is about the holocaust and the concentration camps. Her family hid Jewish people in their home, to protect them from the Nazis.  Her family ended up in the camps.  She was the only one from her family to survive the prison camps.  She later became a "tramp for the Lord" (as one of her books is titled).  She travelled and spoke about her faith and encouraged others.

I have read, and owned, several of Corrie's books over the years.  However, old books tend to fall apart over time and need to be replaced.  The content of some books are so valuable, you want to get a new edition and take care of it as long as possible.  "In My Father's House" by Corrie, is one of those books. 

Lighthouse Trails Publishing has come out with a beautiful  new edition of Corrie's book.  This edition includes more than 50 photographs from Corrie's childhood and home.  "In My Father's House" is about her growing up years. It shows the foundation of her training and experiences that made her the strong, godly woman she was, which enabled her to endure the War and the aftermath. 

In this beautiful edition, you will read about her loving parents, her three aunts, her brother and sisters.  You will read about her father's life as a watchmaker and repairman in Holland.   You will read about little Corrie's concern for the lost souls in her town, and how her parents lovingly guided her to have compassion for others.  

I loved reading about her Mama! What a beautiful and wise, dear lady!  She was an incredible mother and an excellent wife.  Her father was also a very hardworking, patient, wise man. Corrie's memories of home life are instructive and precious.

The pictures of Corrie and her siblings are endearing.  I loved seeing her old home and the furnishings.  If you get a chance, look at the back cover of the book and see the gorgeous picture of sweet, little Corrie as a child.  It will give you a gratefulness to be a mother of your own children. It will encourage you to tenderly care for your own babies and raise them up to do God's work in this difficult world.

* This is one of those books I plan to re-read at least once each year. *



In My Father's House by Corrie ten Boom
Lighthouse Trails Publishing
ISBN # 978-0-9846366-2-4
(This is the beautiful 2011 edition with the family photographs.  It includes Scripture quotes that "Father ten Boom shared with his wife and children.")



* Disclosure - I received this item for review purposes.*

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

The Sanctuary of Home

LOC: Living Room at a Home in Wisconsin, 1945.

There will always be storms brewing out in the world, for Mothers to silently fight.  There will be lurkers, with ulterior motives, trying to lure the residents away from a godly home.  There will be temptations of events to keep mother so distracted and busy that she doesn't remember how to keep home a quiet place of rest.

 - Mothers must learn to make home a sanctuary. -

Today, the sporadic holiday traffic out front is bringing sudden and alarming noises.   I have a baby here who needs his morning rest.  I closed the blinds to keep out the heat of the sun.  I closed the front windows to stop the traffic sounds.  Then I opened the back windows so we can hear the soothing sound of the rushing water of the back river.  Baby will sleep soundly at our quiet Estate.

Sometimes we have to shoo out certain people from rooms in our house, in order that we may keep a gentle home running.  We may even send loud children outdoors to play. It is good for them, and good for us.  Mothers often send guests home when the hour is getting late.  The home must have order, and the residents must have their wholesome rest.

Bible time and prayer-hour should be sacred events, that occur at regular times.  When Mother is delighted and peaceful and rested, the family will happily follow her in the parlour for the time of worship.  It will be almost as awe-inspiring and precious as reading a beautiful bedtime story.  The short time of devotion is a time of reverence and holiness.  It is a discipline in consistency and a lesson in serving the Lord.

When family and guests enter Mother's sanctuary (of a godly home), they should immediately sense her joy and warm welcome.  The residents know Mother works hard to make home a pleasant and happy place. 

Is this ideal place worth fighting for?  Is it worth shutting out the world at regular times so the family can enjoy a respite, taking refreshment and rest they dearly need? 

When they leave Mother's well-tended sanctuary, will their hearts yearn to be back soon?  Will they get homesick for that loving place? 

Babies and small children need rest and order and the routine of a home nursery.  In this fast paced world of overindulging in everything, wouldn't it be worthy if more Mothers created this same type of nursery at home for all who enter?



Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Practical help for the home - Peaceful Living by Rules.

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

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

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

 

It's A Wonderful Life - by a Sweet Pastor's Wife

For the last several months, I have been reading a book by Terrie Chappell.   She is the wife of  Paul Chappell, who is the Pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in California.

The church, when they first arrived, was falling apart and in a terrible area. There were only a few congregants.  It now has a membership of over 7,000 people!

Mrs. Chappell is a homemaker and Mother of four grown children.  She is known to be a sweet, meek-hearted lady who loves the Lord. She is a dedicated Pastor's wife and is much loved by those in the congregation.

She was urged to write a book to encourage women.  "It's A Wonderful Life: Serving God Joyfully in Marriage and Ministry" is the result. 

This hardcover book consists of three sections and sixteen chapters. There are 257 pages.

Section One is about our Personal life.  This covers the definition of a godly wife, becoming a godly woman, preparing for ministry, etc.

Section Two is about Family Life.  She talks about balancing the family and the ministry, praying for your husband, developing memories, etc.

Section Three is about Ministry Life.  Here you'll find a wealth of wisdom on challenges in the ministry, hospitality, and being a blessing to your church family.


Terri writes as if she is standing before us, at a Mother's Tea, speaking in a friendly way; making us smile, laugh, and want to take notes!  She mixes her own life stories with beautiful lessons about living a godly life.  

She shares both practical ideas and humble encouragement.   Even though the book has a great amount of help for the wives of pastors, it is also greatly needed for wives of laymen.

Mrs. Chappell writes in a gentle way that makes you feel as if she is a dear friend.  I highly recommend this book to wives!!




  Publisher:  "Striving Together Publications" - "It's a Wonderful Life."







*Disclaimer - I received a copy of this product for review purposes. This review is my own personal opinion. I would not recommend a book unless I sincerely found it to be beneficial.*



To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.



The Note in Mother's Pocket

Illustration by "Van Bloemen" (1792-1844)

Throughout the day, worries often come to mother's mind.   She may be troubled about this child, or that one.  She may be concerned about finances or stormy weather.  She may be worried about her husband or how to handle some difficulty.

These thoughts can make her shaky, sad and fearful.  But the wise mother has learned a little secret.  She keeps a note in her pocket.

This note is a little reminder of the answers to all her troubles.  She will go about her homemaking duties, washing clothes, polishing furniture, doing dishes, tending the children and making food.  Every so often, she will reach in her pocket and remember the note.  This soothes her rising fears.

Sometimes, when times get really tough, mother will take the note out of her pocket.  She will lay it down on the table before her, and she will read it.  Seeing the words on the note comfort her greatly.  Then she puts the paper back in that special place, where she can carry it around everywhere. 

There is something from Scripture in I Samuel 17:47.  It is a very precious message.  No matter what our troubles, no matter what Goliaths we face, or our children face, ". . . the battle is the Lord's. . ."

And these are the very words on Mother's note.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

 Some help - Why The High Cost of Food?

Are You One of These?  - The Old Time Housewife.

What happened when I rushed ahead - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.

  - 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.

 

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.

Sweet Hours at Home

Evening at home is a lovely time, even in the most humble home.  The housewife might be mending by the fire, smiling at the children while they play.  Father is reading the paper, and sharing a bit of news that may interest his little brood.

The family has had their supper, and finished their nightly chores.  They enjoy some time in the warm room, forgetting the days troubles.

The world is shut out. The day is done.  These are sweet hours on the home front.

Soon it is time for family prayers. . .  The Bible is read.  Prayers are said.  Then each one is tucked into a warm bed.

Another precious day has become a beautiful memory.


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Old Fashioned Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

Encouraging children to clean -  Nobody wants to Clean a Messy House.

Finding Genuine Happiness at Home - Peace be Upon This House.  

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

Do Not Disturb

"American Homestead" by Nathaniel Currier, 1869

At any moment, we are troubled by many things. Our peace, in this world, is always on the brink of danger. A feeling of calmness, that things are okay, is often elusive.

The main offense, that robs us of our peace, are the words of others.  This may be news, gossip, slander, troubles, or facts.  When someone speaks words of discord to us, or speaks words of facts that will upset us, they have spoken something dangerous that will disturb our souls. 

Everything we see, or hear, or experience, does not have to be shared with others.  What we say to others, can cause them harm, even if the information is true.   What we share with others, even in confidence, can cause them pain, even if that was not the intention.  Do not trouble the mind of others.  Do not disturb their peace.

The Chofetz Chaim tells us that "Loshan hora (lit., evil talk) is defined as information which is either derogatory or potentially harmful to another individual.. . . . A statement that could potentially bring harm to someone - be it financial, physical, psychological or otherwise - is loshon hora, even if the information is not negative."

I cannot even count the number of times someone told me something, or shared some news with me, that I considered to be gossip.  They considered it to be telling me something important or what I needed to know, but I considered it a disturbing of my peace.  Often, people tell me things just before I face a trial.  Or just before I am about to go to sleep.  Then I am troubled for hours.  But I keep the "news" to myself, so as not to spread the harm of a disturbed mind. 

Will there ever come a day when genuine gossip will cease?  Genuine gossip is sharing truth with others.  Even this is a vexation of spirit.  Why bring people down with facts and news and sad things?

When will we learn to speak life into others? When will we learn to share positive, uplifting words that will encourage a weary soul? 

Be quiet. . . Be meek. . . Keep it to yourself. . .  It is a blessing,  a good deed,  to spare someone the pain of negative talk.  More often than not, they really don't need to know what you are about to say.

Blessings
Mrs. White


P.S. It just occurred to me that homes where there is constant drama and misery are homes where gossip and sharing of the latest troubles are daily conversations. While homes where the residents use restraint and discretion in speech are happy and peaceful.

From the Archives -

Frugal Living - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

Fill the Mind with This - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology. 

Homemaking Help - The Secret to a Clean House.

Order a copy of this Peaceful devotional, Reprinted from a rare miniature book from the 1800's.

"Daily Food for Christians."  ISBN: 978-1956616064

Includes one year's worth of daily devotions. Preface by Mrs. White. 

Originally published by the American Tract Society. We have brought this book back into print through The Legacy of Home Press.

 Paperback, 215 pages. 

Excellent and highly recommended! 

 For more information, and to see the special features of this book, please visit The Legacy of Home Press blog.

 

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

 

 

Renewing of the Mind for Motherhood

"At the Farm" Painting by Pieter Hendrik Koekkoek.

 

"You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God's fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God,  as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of Hosts."  - Charles Spurgeon


Dear Mothers,

Don't let the world distract you away from the most important job you will ever have. Don't let them pull you away with promises of money, fame and good times.

Here, in our humble homes, little by little and bit by bit, our quiet, steady influence in the home will impact society and succeeding generations. But it takes years and years to see the results. It takes toiling and tears and patience.

Mothers, don't give up.  Joy will certainly come on resurrection morning.

Blessings
Mrs. White

For a beautiful, godly home life - get this 1800's Marriage Manual - Aunt Jane's Hero.

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

The Home Road To Heaven

Last night, as I cleaned the kitchen in the late hours of the day, I listened to a sermon on CD. It was a loud, old time preacher, and his words were encouraging and inspiring.  The echo of his voice went throughout the rooms and we all heard as we worked.

One of my teens asked me a question about what the preacher was saying. I answered quickly and then was silent. We were all fairly silent as we went about our evening routine.

This morning, as I did my exercises, I listened to old southern, Classic Gospel Music, and it comforted me.  This kind of "good propaganda" goes on in our home frequently, and it is necessary to keep us on a straight path despite a maze of choices in this life.

We read our Bibles, but not as often as we should. We sing hymns, but not like we should.  Our daily failures only make us realize how very fragile we are, and how much we need the Lord each and every day.

This early morning, before my family wakes up, I am preparing my mood and my mind for the labor before me. It is more than just a mother's hospitality of cooking and serving. It is about ministering and encouraging them all toward heaven. For Home is my duty. But mostly, Home, for us all, is the road to Heaven.

blessings
Mrs. White

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

The Virtue of Silence

Painting by Adriana van Ravenswaay,1872.

 

The world is full of gossipers, people who talk about others and don't keep to their own affairs.

The world is full of reality. There is no discretion.

The world is laden with careless, thoughtless discussions which bring nothing but idle pain.

The world is full of arguing and always wanting to be right or to win.

The world is full of people who are not loyal to friends and family and share things they ought not.

Yet there is virtue in silence.

Blessed are the meek. Blessed are the peacemakers.

There is virtue in silence.


The art of dignity and privacy are virtues we need to cultivate. 

 

Blessings,
Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

 

Peace despite trials - Mother's Rose Colored Glasses.

God's precious care of our lives (Includes a story about Mrs. Charles Spurgeon) - All of God's Children Have Shoes.

Peaceful old time Living - Quiet Duties of Home.  

Beautiful Summer days at home (and living on a "Walton's Budget") - Old Time Homemaking. 

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

Be sure to Order a copy of this Peaceful devotional, Reprinted from a rare miniature book from the 1800's.

"Daily Food for Christians." 

 ISBN: 978-1956616064

Includes one year's worth of daily devotions. Preface by Mrs. White. 

Originally published by the American Tract Society. We have brought this book back into print through The Legacy of Home Press.

 Paperback, 215 pages. 

Excellent and highly recommended! 

 For more information, and to see the special features of this book, please visit The Legacy of Home Press blog. 

*  This same book was owned by 1800's author, Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss. *

 

Nearing Home by Billy Graham

Book - Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well by Billy Graham

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Price - 11.65

When I first heard about this new book, by beloved evangelist, Billy Graham, I wanted to own it! I love everything written by this preacher and his family. I own books by his late wife, Ruth, his son Franklin and his daughters Anne and Ruth. Their entire family is inspiring.

But most of all, I was eager to read about 92 year old Billy Graham's experience with old age, and what his life is like since his dear wife, Ruth, passed away.

The book contains glimpses into his own life, memories of his family, and plenty of Biblical lessons for the reader. He talks about the retirement years, struggles with the pain of old age - both physical and emotional (loneliness, depression, feeling useless, etc.). He says he has a walker, wheelchair and cane beside his bed.

If you are young, the book will give you compassion for the elderly and inspire you to want to be more considerate and find ways to encourage them.
If you are middle age, the book will help prepare you for your own life as an elderly person. You will understand what is up ahead, and be guided towards these years by one of the greatest preachers of our time.

If you are at the age of retirement, you will be nodding with knowing smiles, while you read. You will be advised, encouraged, and guided into a more productive life - whether from a wheelchair or a sick bed.  You will find your joy and purpose again!

Overall this is an excellent book.  You will feel as if you are sitting in the author's home, near the fireplace, gleaning wisdom and encouragement. You will walk away refreshed and ready to face life with new vigor, regardless of your circumstances.

*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

Blue Collar - Working Class - Housewife

Library of Congress: Provincetown, Massachusetts Family, 1942

 

Sometimes I feel like a pampered housewife, who has it made.  I don't have to earn money. I don't have to financially support my family. But I do have to work very hard at home.

In the old days, homemaking was more time consuming. Wash day was an enormous undertaking. Baking and Cooking, before processed foods were available, took the majority of mother's time.

Wealthier women could hire a cook, a maid and even a nanny to help with the children. These women were the pampered ones - they were the wealthy class.  They did not have to work at all.

There is a middle ground - the white collar working class. I cannot speak for them, but I know they are well educated, work in specialized jobs - law, medicine, etc, and often hire help for some of the work at home.

As for the old fashioned, blue collar housewives, we are still here.  There may not be as much heavy labor for us, but there is still so much to do! We must constantly economize, run errands, cook, clean, bake and care for our children. It is a struggle to come up with extra money for treats or presents. We have this healthy glow in our cheeks which comes from heavy labor.

Yesterday, I was reading  "Mama's Bank Account,"  by Kathryn Forbes. I love reading about life in the 1920's for the working class! This Immigrant Mama had such wisdom:

- Whenever she was relieved after a trial, or worry, she would say, "Is Good." This comforted her family and herself.

- "A mop is never good. Floors should be scrubbed with a brush." [I loved this one!]

- I also loved how she would take the weekly income, sit at the table surrounded by her family, and carefully put coins in stacks for things like "The landlord," and "For the Grocer."

She was such a hardworking mother. She was a working class mother. These mothers have helped build this country with their own hands.

We mothers are still the foundation of society. Even though money is scarce, and we are often tempted to leave home to earn an income, our work at home . . . our influence at home,  is essential.



blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

What many of us crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.  

Financial reality - Retirement Planning for the Poor.  

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For old time encouragement in living simply on a limited income, order Mrs. White's book:

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

 77 pages, paperback.

 

Resting at the Estate

Even a simple, humble home can have beauty. I like to call our old house an estate. It brings a touch of elegance to our lives.

I like to walk around the property and just enjoy the scenery. I enjoy sweeping the porch and the stairs. I like to sit at the picnic table and read a book.

Resting, here at home, means moving around slowly and being grateful for what I have.  It helps me to take a break from the weekly worries.

Thinking of home as an estate, keeps me calm and sweet-natured. I feel priviledged and content.

"A Lady is at her best when she exhibits a modest and retiring manner." - from, Keeping Hearth and Home in Old Massachusetts   *

May your weekend be relaxing and pleasant. . .  And may home-life be lovely.

Blessings
Mrs. White

* I bought this book, many years ago, in the gift shop at Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth Massachusetts. It is a treasure!

The Vision of Home

Painting by Mark Stilleven Van Bloemen, (1792-1844).

Temptations, Invitations and Urgings keep trying to call me away from home.  They keep trying to get mother away from keeping the home.

There is so much tranquility here. It is a slow - paced kind of life, when Mother is always at home.  She is able to cook and bake and clean. She is able to pray and spend time with her family.

The other day, I was working in the kitchen and getting so much accomplished. I made several batches of suppers for the freezer. This was for those rough days when I needed to rest, or focus on other things. But I needed to stay home and have the strength to finish my work.

I remember someone mentioning Nehemiah in the Bible and how he could not come down from the wall, because he was doing God's work. Was something trying to call him away?

I don't want my home to fall in ruins because I did not have a heart for it. I have a calling to be here. Please, don't tempt me, or distract me away from my work.

What a great blessing it is to have a vision of home. It is not only a vision but a dedicated heart. It is a form of heaven on earth - an artistic endeavor in hospitality, and of creating the beauty of a traditional family.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Mrs. White

 From the Archives:

What many of us crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

Remembering my Childhood - When Television was Special.

Encouragement - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

 

 - 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.

Childhood Home as the Nursery

"New England Cottage" painting by Edmund H. Garrett, 1800's.

Sometimes my grown children get homesick. They miss the days of the nursery - where Mother is here for them all the time. When Mother bakes cookies, makes supper and plays games. It is the soothing seclusion of a loving home - where the world is shut out for a time.

I can often see pain, in the eyes of my teenagers. But I cannot make it go away. I cannot stop them from hurting, or from suffering, in this life. But I can be here, with a loving smile and open arms.

I can listen to their stories. . . without judgement. . . I can hear their trials and tribulations and say nothing. This is the resting place. Home is the place to recover from the world. But I cannot make the world go away.

So I play cards with them. .  We gather around the table and we laugh and have a good time. We all have hurt in our eyes, but we push it aside.

And we play pool, in our beat up, unfinished porch that we call the game room.  We play on teams and I hear stories and jokes and I hear things I never thought could be so funny! I enjoy my teenagers and grown children. But I do not try to run their lives. I do not try to control them.

I am the keeper of the nursery.

Come here, my precious babies, when the world has become too painful. . . Come home to the nursery, where I will always be - with the cookies and the cards and the loving smile.

(Love Mom.)


blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Advice for a Happy Home - Peaceful Living by Rules.

Careful thrift in the Home - Reducing Expenses.

A Peaceful Old Fashioned Bible Time - The Prentiss Study. 

 - 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.

A Clean and Happy Home

I have been working on my kitchen for the past hour. The dark green counters are polished and clean. The sage cabinets, red breadbox, and pretty curtains make the room look very unique. I love to keep it clean.

A few months ago, I ran out of kitchen matches. I really miss lighting candles. I usually keep a large scented one on the center of my stove top. I am missing that little touch of romance in my home.

I gave the children a list of chores to accomplish by 3 p.m. It has been lovely seeing them help with the household tasks.

In just a little while, I will start supper. But first, I want to straighten pillows in the parlour. I want to vacuum the carpet and tidy the hutch shelves. I want to dust the window sills.

I will listen to Mozart, on my kitchen radio, while I work.  There is nothing like the joy of a clean and happy home.

Blessings
Mrs. White

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

Let us Not Be Weary

The Homemaker has one of the greatest jobs in the world. She is the keeper of the home and of the family. She creates beauty with her skills . . with her hands. . and with her heart.

In the early morning, she can be found in prayer and Bible study. Then she starts her daily tasks:

She does the mending, ironing and washing. She prepares the meals. She tends to the children. She helps her husband in his work. She is diligent, but takes many breaks for refreshment.

Obstacles come that seem insurmountable. Perhaps these are designed to force her to stop and remind her to rely on God, rather than on her own strength.

After a time of rest, she can continue on, creating beauty and joy for those around her.

In the evening hour, she settles her house down and soothes and quiets their weary souls. She comforts them with her kind compassion and she makes home the happiest place on earth.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Working when you don't want to - Housekeeping Despite Lack of Motivation.

A Lovely time of Serving the Family - Spending the Day in the Kitchen.

- 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.