Remember to See the View

View from a bridge in Vermont. (Aug. 2025)

 

I love the old ways of quiet living. The rush and excitement of society around me is not something that blends well with a simple way of life. I have seen so many changes over many years. I remember sensing beauty and quietness of the soul from the old days. This was before many changes happened in our modern world.  Knowing  what life was like before these changes, makes it possible for many of us to remain steadfast on a quiet path of stability.

Despite all this, it is possible to remain on the old paths. As we walk, our thoughts are lifted upward, with a child-like faith in our Heavenly Father.  We go through days of difficulty, joy, weariness, and rest, with a steady sense of contentment, knowing we are serving the dear Master.  In this world, we are living as if in a temporary dwelling place. We long for day's end, when our work is finished, knowing a precious eternal home is being prepared for us. 

While we wait and serve, with a cheerful heart of gratefulness, we must remember to enjoy the blessings of each day. One must not get caught up in thorns of sadness and the anxiety of our time. There are many lights of goodness all around us. We have the churches, the Lord's children, and much goodness and kindness to cheer us along. Everything will be okay. All will work together for our good.

Some may go through this life seeing messes, corruption, fear, and hopelessness. The eyes have been distracted away from that which is lovely and good.  We must not focus on our trials. We must not dwell on the troublesome ways of the world. 

There are better ways to occupy our minds with such things that are hopeful. I was taking care of our medical patient last week. He was not feeling well. We were on our way to the hotel so he could prepare for a procedure at the hospital.  I noticed an incredible view over the bridge. A parking area was nearby. I asked him if he felt up to a quick walk to get a better view. He was cheerful and looked all around before trying to go with me. He was not able to  manage even a short walk, but encouraged me to go on.  I quickly walked to the middle of the bridge and got a picture of the scenery through a security fence. The water and the rocks and the trees and the sky brought a sense of awe and quiet. In that moment, there were no problems. All was well in the world as I looked at the view before me. This is what we have to remember. It is more than just stopping to see the view. It is absorbing the view. It is dwelling on the view. It is delighting in whatsoever is lovely and good all around us. Focus on the beauty instead of dwelling on the pain.  When this is done, when we remember this, stress will fall away. The things of the world will lose their glitter. The mind is renewed, and the spirit will soar with a sense of peace that passes all understanding.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 


Old Fashioned Advice for taking are of the family - - A Comforting Sick Room.

My Heritage - The Blessing of Being a Half- Southern Mama.

Hard Times - Living in Reduced Circumstances.

 - 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. 

Quiet Days at Home

Candle and Flowers at our Table. 

I have been staying home and resting for the past few days.  I walked the property to see all the sticks and debris from the winter that must be cleared up.  We hope to have the grandchildren come and help us one day soon.  It has been lovely outdoors with the sounds of the birds and the beauty of nature.  Then it snowed and the ground was all covered again in white.

I have been listening to Christmas music to bring an extra sense of cheer to our days.  I have a CD of an orchestra playing gentle songs for the kitchen. In my car I have a CD of Bing Crosby's Christmas songs.  It is old fashioned and charming.

I have been baking, cleaning, doing laundry, and just enjoying the quietness of home.  There are no worries of the world here to trouble me.  There are no business hours, stresses, or news to cause panic or fear. 

Each morning, just before breakfast, I walk about the rooms for exercise. While this is going on, I hold a book of devotions in my hands and read the daily passage. Then I read several hymns. They encourage me greatly. They bring me a sense of rest and peace.

A page from one of my hymn books. 

I am doing my best to think only about today.  I must not worry about tomorrow. I am weary and worn out.  Tomorrow I will be taking our patient to the hospital for treatment.  I will get as much rest as I can and then in the morning, there will be new strength given to face another day.  

I know Who holds tomorrow. And I know Who watches over me.  All will be well.

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. -

 

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

Extreme Thrift

Reading a mail order catalog at home, North Dakota, 1942, LOC.

 When it comes to being careful with money, we consider our work done well if we stay on budget and live within our means.  This is no easy task in the midst of hard times. It is something to be praised.

In our society, we are overwhelmed with ideas of spending, shopping, and buying. Ads and messages are unrelenting and come to us in many different ways.  We are being quietly coerced by displays and ads that we need things right now. We often live in a way that we see happening around us.  This is common. It will take an understanding and a firm conviction to do things in a different way.

Real old-fashioned thrift is considered extreme in these modern days.  Looking back in history we find that families were not exposed to nearly as much adverting as we are today.  For example, in my childhood home, we had a large copy of a Sears catalog. It was kept inside a cabinet in our living room. It was an annual publication, and we had all the time in the world to look through it and think about what we wanted or needed. There were not any ads to say there was a sale or that we had to buy within 24 hours or a week in order to get the markdowns. There was no pressure.  

I don't think my mother ever went to a shopping mall until she was much older. Even then, it would be very rare for her to have gone to such places.  We went to a stand-alone department store, seasonally, for back-to-school clothes-shopping at the end of each summer. There was really no other need to go to such places. We did not buy new things as many are accustomed to doing today.  My father fixed things that were broken and my mother took good care of what they owned. (To this day, I am still using some towels and sheets that belonged to my mother from long years ago.) These days, it is common to buy some new kitchen items (such as hand towels and oven mitts) to cheer up the kitchen and bring new excitement into the home.  In the old days, one would simply keep the kitchen in good order, nice and clean, and serve homemade meals at a carefully set table. This is what brought cheer and comfort to the family.  The purchase of new towels and oven mitts and other lovely things were more commonly given (to homemakers) as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. They were most welcome and much appreciated!

To live quietly and modestly, with as little necessary cost as possible, is a great accomplishment. Studying the old ways of frugality and thrift will bring us wisdom and encouragement.

 Saving money and living carefully is so important, especially when we have trials involving our health.  I was notified this morning that a medical trip at the hospital is scheduled for our patient (one of our sons) next week. As I am preparing for this journey into the next state, I am looking over the finances and making plans for this to be as low cost as possible.  I am thinking about the old days and how families were not battling the marketing industry as we are now. It is hard to keep our bearings and to stand strong and still. If we can just avoid falling for the shopping-bait, we are more likely to have money for emergencies.

Many of us have financial struggles we are enduring.  If we can live cheerfully and peacefully with a bit of extreme-style thrift, it will be much easier to get through the ups and downs of the cost of living.

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. -

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.

A Rested Heart

Flowers at our table. 

There has been some discouragement and worry in recent days.  We have moods that tend to bring a bit of sadness. As I go about the house, baking, sweeping, and mending, I have to remember to ignore worrisome thoughts.  I have realized that these are the moments when I need to find my rest in a closeness with the dear Lord.  

I must still take care of the family, make the bed, tidy the rooms, and make this a pleasant home.  The emotional swings are unstable and will be healed when we walk through the heavenly gates.  When I remember this, I am greatly cheered.

Yesterday, I was returning from a doctor appointment. I stopped at one of the lakes to take pictures.  The scenery is so quiet and beautiful.  The winter snow is still all around, and the ground is icy in places.  I carefully walked towards the shoreline, before I fell in the snow!  It was cold and difficult, much like the outside world. Yet, in that moment, as I was down, I managed to get a picture.

One of the lakes near our home.

Soon I was walking back towards the car. I heard something beautiful in the wind.  I noticed a church in the distance. It was chiming out an old hymn, "Be Thou My Vision."  I stood still and listened. It brought me an incredible sense of comfort. I was so grateful.

A page from our book, "Hymns for the Home and Family."

I must always remember that no matter what is happening, I must keep doing the daily work. I will do this while looking up. My hope is not in my circumstances. It is in the Lord.

 Remembering the promises from Scripture is so precious:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28. 

I want that rest. I want that sense of contentment and stability regardless of storms around me. I want a stable heart with the peace of God. As for me, there is no other way to live. This will bring a rested heart.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Remembering the old ways - The Comfort of a House Coat.

Practical help - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

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. -

"Hymns for the Home and Family: Devotional with 28 Hymns and Christmas Songs"

126 pages, paperback

ISBN: 978-1-956616-33-0

Lessons on Thrift

One of the historic houses here in Vermont.

The greatest hardships often help build our wisdom and character. This is especially true when we lean on the Lord to get us through the hard days.  Winter is an example of a difficult period of time, particularly in cold climates like ours.  Have you ever read "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder?  It is a historic description of life during an incredibly difficult season. The winter weather was so intense that storms prevented the train from coming into town.  Everyone was waiting for their supplies. Residents and shopkeepers did not receive necessary provisions. They endured what must have been a frightening and discouraging season. I was amazed by the Wilder brothers and their ample supplies they were able to use to help others. 

Railroad tracks, near our house, during a recent storm.

If those families, in the old days, did not practice the art of thrift, and carefully saved what they could for winter, they would not have survived.

This morning's view of snowbanks along a path at our property.

I often think of that story during the months of January and February. These are the coldest and stormiest months of the year in our rural village.  I am grateful for the shelter of our drafty 1850's house. I am often looking out the window, watching the storms, and seeing a white landscape.  And even though I love to see the snow, I am quietly waiting for spring. 

In order for us to get through these difficult days, I have to remember the old-time lessons of thrift.  When one practices frugality out of necessity, it will change the way one handles money going forward. You will not be able to spend money without great thought and concern. We realize the most basic needs are: Humble food, heat in winter, and modest shelter. These become the focus for the budget. We also need to remember that if we have enough to get through, and a little extra to help someone in need (much like the Wilder boys in Laura's book), it will be such a relief and a blessing. 

Some of the things we are doing right now to practice necessary restraint in spending include the following:

1.  No matter how I feel, as I recover from an illness, I still have to get up and bake bread and make homemade soup - or else there will not be much to eat.  Convenience food or take-out meals are not an option. Homemade meals are more nourishing and cost far less money.

2. We are due for a kerosene delivery next week for our heat. I always struggle to come up with enough money to pay for the February delivery. It is hundreds of dollars and puts a strain on so much of what we need. This is always on my mind and prevents me from spending any money. 

3. I have been trying to use less electricity but am failing in recent days. I have been partly bedridden due to an illness. This has caused discouragement. To help me remain cheerful, I have been watching DVD's of old programs on television. I would rather read a book by a sunny window, but have given-in to the need for a peaceful form of recreation that is costing us money on the electric bill. (As soon as I feel better, I hope to be more diligent with avoiding unnecessary use of electricity.)

4.  I am not shopping. This is the perfect time to buy off-season clothing on clearance. The prices on good quality clothing are drastically reduced. However, we are not buying anything. We will make do with what we have and take care of our things.  If we make things last, while avoiding the spending of money, this will provide us with resources to help in emergencies and to manage basic expenses. 

5. On one of our recent medical trips, we stopped on the roadside to get pictures of the scenery. This has brought me great joy as I love the beautiful views all around me.  How can one worry about anything when we see God's creation in plain view! We, as His children, are dearly loved! 

Living a life of thrift should not be considered depressing. It is a wise and prudent use of money. We should carefully consider all that we do with what we have been given. Whether we live in financial hardship or abundant riches, we must not let money affect our feeling of security or our mood!  

Life means far more than money.  We have the privilege of calling upon our Heavenly Father in prayer. We go to Him with our needs each day. He is the great provider!  Each day we should feel a sense of contentment. We must not worry.  The Lord will get us through this difficult winter, as we seek a close walk with Him.  Always remember that we are His dear children, and He loves us so very much. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

The beautiful testimony of the Mother of D.L. Moody - Poverty in the 1800's.

Making the best of what is available to cheer the family along - Homemade Birthday Dinner. 

Thrifty Wisdom from the Old Days - To Earn and Not to Spend.

 

- 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.

Frugal Winter Days

A snowstorm at our property in Vermont. 

I have been biding my time, waiting out the cold winter months.  We are doing our best to limit all spending and keeping our costs as low as possible. The cost of heat and food is high. We need to be careful with our resources, especially during the cold season here in Vermont.

It has been lovely to walk the grounds of our property. We have cleared a pathway that leads to our river. This borders the back of our land and is beautiful in all seasons. 

Sunlight shimmers on the river, at our property. 

The scenery all around us provides free entertainment and is wonderful to watch.  On a recent trip to the doctor, we stopped at one of the lakes, near our home.  I stepped out of the car and took a quick walk to get some pictures. The lake is thick with ice and is covered with snow.  Suddenly, some snowmobilers appeared and graciously waved to me.  More came up behind them. They were having a great time, enjoying this form of winter recreation.   I watched as they drove by me, directly onto the lake and across the way to their ice shacks.

One of the snowmobilers on the lake near our home. 

I am in awe of the beauty of the season. I am grateful for the peacefulness and quiet days of winter in rural Vermont.  

It has snowed nearly every day this month.  There have also been many sicknesses throughout the schools and at the homes of our extended families.  One of my girls called last week to say they were all sick. I offered to get her supplies at the market. Did she need Powerade, popsicles, or Jello?  She recited a short list for me so I could get what was needed.  When there are so many sicknesses in the community, I wear an old-fashioned pair of Lady's gloves. (They protect me from germs.) I bought these in 2020 during the pandemic. They are charming and comfortable and can be worn in all seasons.  They remind me of the old days when a lady would not leave home without her gloves and a pretty hat.

My pretty white gloves. 

While I was in the store, I noticed all the beautiful flowers on display for the upcoming Valentine's Day.  I could not help stopping to admire them, thinking how pretty they would look on our table. However, if my husband is with me in the store, I do not want him to see me looking at the flowers because we do not have money for such luxuries.  I do not want him to offer to buy them for me when our budget is so limited, and cash is needed for much more important necessities. I will look at pretty things for sale, but I will not buy them.

 I left the grocery supplies on the doorstep of my daughter's home and was happy she had what she needed. They were soon better and all was well. Then another major snowstorm came while most of the children were at school.  My daughter called as soon as the storm abated to ask me for help. Could she bring me the baby for a few hours so she could attend to some needs at the school? Would I be at home? I quickly consented, saying, "Yes, I am here. I will always be here." I was so thankful to be able to help. 

We are living in difficult times. Despite winter storms, financial struggles, sickness, and hardships in the world, we must find ways to be content.  Living simply on a small income is an old-fashioned way of life.  Our days ought to be full of kindness and good deeds, with a love for home. 

 Frugal living and taking care of the family are daily endeavors, filling our time with good things. It is a joy to be found faithful in homemaking.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace. 

When 4 generations lived here together - Gracious Homemaking.

Remembering my Childhood - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

 - 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, 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.

A Strict Budget

Selecting seeds for a Victory Garden, 1943. (LOC)

Many are facing financial challenges. Despite careful saving and spending, the expenses seem to increase each year.  They are grateful to have their bills paid and some groceries in the kitchen. Yet, many worry when there isn't any cash left over to get through the month.  

This is when we need to get creative. We need to know how to get by and to manage the kitchen and the home when there is little money available. We need to be cheered along and encouraged.

We are in this same situation as so many others are right now.  I have heard people mention the idea of a "no spend" month.  This sounds like a good discipline to avoid spending money unless absolutely necessary. 

Here are some ideas that may help:

Spare Change

 The older housewives used to put coins in a money jar and hide it away for a rainy day.  They would keep adding to this so that when a need arose, they could face the trial and have some cash to meet the expense. I believe most of us have some change put aside in case we need to put a little gas in the car, or buy milk, or bread.  It is comforting to know there are coins saved away to help get through the month.

Count the Days

When you are trying to get through the month, waiting for things to improve, it is a good idea to count how many days are left for the month. Currently, we have 25 days until the end of February. Sometimes, when we think about it in this way, it is less overwhelming to realize we only have to get through a certain amount of time before things get better.

Cut Back on Electricity

In my effort to save money I am reminded of how important it is to avoid the waste of electricity.   In the winter months the days are shorter. I need to get all my work and reading finished during daylight hours. It would be good to go to bed early. This will save the use of electricity, such as the use of television and lights.  In the old days, homes were lit by candles, lanterns, or gas lamps.  It made sense to get to bed early. 

Plan to Garden

Many of the seed companies have free catalogs available to send out to potential customers.  We can get our minds off today's troubles when we look through these catalogs and imagine starting a small garden as soon as spring arrives.  Do you remember Victory Gardens?  In the 1940's, families were encouraged to start gardens to help provide their households with food.  There is a lot of labor involved but the cost of seed is minimal. If you can do this, even on a small scale, you will spend less at the grocery store.

Stop Thinking About Money

Do you think about money every day?  Is buying something often on your mind?  Since we are bombarded with advertising, it is no surprise if you do.  It is better to keep busy with projects and activities around the house.  The older housewives spent more time cooking and cleaning than we do today because they did not have all of our modern conveniences.  They would also spend their time sewing clothes, mending quilts, and darning socks. They would bake bread and simmer stew on the stove while they were occupied with other household tasks. They were too busy to always think about money. 

Stop Worrying

I was tempted to worry today.  I paid most of our bills, including the cost of filling our kerosene tank for our heat.  After looking over what was left for the month, I was surprised to realize there isn't much left.  I had to remember that today, all is well. I am grateful for the privilege of prayer. I have a Heavenly Father who will take care of us. I must not worry. I must have faith and trust. This gives me a sense of peace and rest.

It takes a great deal of effort to live on a strict budget. It is an incredible accomplishment to manage on a small income.  The benefits of frugality, thrift, and prudence help bring about a better quality of life. 

Simple days of wanting less, while joyfully serving the Lord, is a wonderful way to live.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Peaceful living From the Old Days - Sunday Driver. 

Overcoming Worries and Troubles - Reviving the Prayer Journal.

Taking Care of the Family - A Comforting Sick Room.

  - 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.

Old Fashioned Motherhood - My Book

Old fashioned advice for Mothers:

In 2014, I was busy helping take care of some of my grandbabies. They were such a precious joy to have here. As I cuddled the littlest baby in my rocking chair, I was reminded of how it used to be, in the old days, when I took care of my own children.   I wanted to write out some of those memories and share some advice on motherhood in an old-fashioned Christian home. The book was originally published in May of 2014.  

I have just finished updating this book and a new edition is now ready. Here are the details:

- I have added a charming feature to this one. It contains the most darling paintings that I found in a lullaby book from the 1800's. I have scattered them throughout the book.  You cannot help but smile as you read through the brief chapters and see the paintings.

A look inside the book, "Old Fashioned Motherhood."

- The text of this book is the same as the original edition. But the format has been updated and made easier to read.

- The book contains nostalgic advice on motherhood including encouragement in setting up a home, taking care of the new baby, helpful ideas for stories and playtime, helping create a peaceful home, the care of babies, toddlers, and young children, finances (with practical advice for living on one income), a Godly heritage, and much more.

- I have also added a bonus article to bring encouragement to weary mothers. 

"Old Fashioned Motherhood" is a small book but packed with encouragement and help for the old time Christian home. It will help bring a gentleness and a sense of peace to your home. 

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

by Mrs. White

61 pages, paperback.

ISBN: 978-0-692274-73-6

I hope you find the book helpful!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Encouragement and Manners - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.

Through good times and bad - Keeping the Family Homestead.

Practical ideas for a happy home - Peaceful Living by Rules.

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

Winter Writing by the Fireside

Evening view of a rose plant on our table. 

I have been diligently working on two little writing projects. I am often in the guest room with a tv table to hold my computer. Then I plug it into an old printer so I can see how the work looks on the pages.  (I hope to announce the projects soon, over the next week or two.)  

When I need a change of scenery, I sit in a rocking chair by the fire. The humming of our wood-pellet stove is comforting. I am thankful for the warmth of home. 

 Whenever I am doing a project, I set up the card table near the chair, so I have a temporary place to put everything I need.  As I work, some in the family come in to visit. I take many breaks to do my chores and to rest. Everything is put aside and forgotten whenever company arrives.

To keep busy during this winter season, I have been taking care of a rose plant. This was given to me a few months ago. Each morning, after I open the curtains in the parlour, I place the potted plant on a windowsill.  This provides plenty of sunshine. I check to see if it needs to be watered, then I leave it alone until nightfall. It is then taken out of the window and placed on a table until the next day.  I have been doing this, as a daily chore, for months.  I have been amazed to see a great deal of new growth, many new leaves, and now two new roses have appeared. It is my hope that the plant will make it through until early May. This is when our last frost is expected. Then we can plant it out on the front grounds of our humble estate.

There have been many stressful days so far this year. There are always worries and concerns to be dealt with. It has been a great occupation (and a distraction) for me to sit and write and plan out little projects I want to work on this coming year.  I am grateful to have a quiet home in a rural village. It is an idyllic place as long as we keep calm and rested. Our faith in the Lord and our daily religious duties of Bible reading, prayer, and the singing of hymns are the greatest comfort of all.  

I have been baking bread, cookies, and brownies. I have been doing my daily and weekly chores. These domestic arts bring cheer and happiness to the home.  I hope to get out my sewing box and do some hand-sewing as soon as I finish my writing projects. It is lovely to have beautiful things to do at home. 

I have not been online very much these last few weeks. I have been a little overwhelmed and weary.  I just wanted to write a little note to say, "All is well."

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Careful thrift - Reducing Expenses.

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

A Simple Life - Days without Spending Money. 

- 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. 

A Year of Blessings - Our New Book

Our newest book. 

The Legacy of Home Presents our newest book as part of our Classic Book reprint collection. It is a daily devotional from the 1800's: "A Year of Blessings and a Blessed Year" by Rose Porter.

How the book was found:

During one of our recent medical trips, in early December, we stopped in an antique shop.  This was on our way through a rural town in Vermont. I wanted to browse around and enjoy looking at all the treasures from long ago. I did not expect to buy anything.

{Inside the antique shop.}

Then we entered a room full of vintage books.  It was a quiet room with many bookcases. There were a great many interesting volumes, but nothing that really caught my attention until I saw a little, faded book. The title simply said: "A Year of Blessings."  It was published in the 1800's by a company with which I was familiar.  After investigating further, it was decided that this book needed to come home with me.  I watched as the store clerk carefully wrapped it in a beautiful bag and then I put it safely aside until we arrived back at home.

My intention was to transcribe the entire contents, reformat, redesign, and bring this book back into print. It took a great many hours of typing and a great deal of work to get this project finished. I wanted to have it ready for the first of the new year. I am now greatly relieved (and exhausted) to have it ready and available!

This book was originally published in 1885.

Our new edition:

I have added some special features to our new edition. These include:

- Photographs of inside the original copy. 

- A preface by Mrs. White

- All Scripture is from the KJV Bible.

- I have added one of four illustrated mottoes at the beginning of each month. These are from the 1800's by Currier and Ives.

Details:

The book contains a devotion for each day in the year. These are focused on blessings.  There is a Scripture and then a quote from a variety of sources, including Spurgeon, Alexander, and Kempis.

There are 220 pages. It is a paperback edition with a beautiful winter scene on the cover from Currier and Ives.

Here is a sample page from inside our edition:

Sample pages from January.

The book is now ready for sale:

~ Daily Devotional ~

"A Year of Blessings and a Blessed Year: The Legacy of Home Press Classic Edition" by Rose Porter.

220 pages, paperback. (5 x 8)

ISBN: 978-1-956616-37-8

I hope you are blessed and inspired by the daily readings!

Any help you can offer with getting the word out about our new book would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

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. -

Retired from the World

One of the covered bridges, here in Vermont, Dec. 2024.

The culture around me has changed so much in recent years. Advertising, marketing, and constant news have seeped into almost every aspect of life.  I read that television was not commonly in American homes until the 1950's.  Now we have much more than this with the internet. It is noisy in the world of society.  Our thoughts and spending are affected by the culture. It is difficult to think when we are walking along the glittery road of life. 

In rural New England, we have the opportunity to step away from the hectic pace of life.  Winters are bitterly cold, keeping me indoors. It is the season of rest. It is the time to remember simple days from long ago.  Thinking about the history of family and faith can bring a sense of calm. It reminds one of the beauty in old-fashioned living. 

As this year is coming to an end, we have the opportunity to start fresh in the New Year. I want this to be a peaceful year. It could be a year of contentment and rest regardless of the normal trials and storms that always come along.

We will find joy in simplicity. Stress and pressure will melt away when we are not caught up in the latest message of the social world around us. With each passing day, we can gain a greater sense of purpose in the quiet work of serving in the background. 

The other day, the house was peaceful and quiet.  I went to the window to watch a group of snow-birds playing in the trees.  Red cardinals were in a little nest nearby. Snow was falling heavily making the landscape white and peaceful. This reminded me of the blessing of serenity in home life.  

In the coming months, there may be hardships with health, finances, and much more. These often come throughout each year. I want to face them with grace and patience. I want to be ready for the daily tasks with a cheerful and willing heart. 

 When we realize there are far more important things in our short lives than what is happening in the culture around us, we will experience a sense of relief.  

Serving the Lord each day, as we trust and let go of our fears, is wise.  Remember to give our burdens to our Heavenly Father and find goodness in the daily work at home. To find a way to live in the world, but not of it, is a great accomplishment. I want to learn to do this each day.  My hope is to retire from the world, and settle in to my ordinary life of homemaking.

May your Christmas and New Year bring joy and peace.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

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

Old Time Frugality - Keeping the Family Homestead. 

A Precious Lifetime of Duty at home 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