Mending for the Home

A living room in Virginia, 1929. LOC

 

On our walks throughout the rooms of home, it is important to see that things are in order.  A clean and tidy house is a restful place to be.  There may be a bit of clutter on a desk. There may be books on the table. Toys on the floor may also be a common sight. But if things are clean and decently mended, it brings a sense that there is a beloved housekeeper doing her part.

Sometimes I will notice old paperback books are starting to deteriorate. This often happens with children's books as well since they are handled frequently. I use clear packing tape to hold the binding and covers in place. This is part of mending in the home. It makes things last longer.

If a ruffle or hem in a curtain is coming undone, put that on the chore list. Or, if you have a few spare minutes, use a hand-sewing needle and put in some stitches to make the curtains nice and pretty.

Older towels and washcloths eventually begin to unravel around the edges. We can fold up the fraying ends, folding them over twice, and hand-sew a new hem. This will prevent further damage as we put them back in good shape.

When making the beds, we are careful to notice any holes or tears. These can be repaired quickly with a hand-sewing needle and a little thread. 

Worn carpets and rugs can even be mended when necessary.  In our old 1800's house, there are thin carpets in some of the rooms. They were here long before we became the current residents.  Around the perimeter of the room, it looks like whoever originally installed them, used some scrap pieces which are not attached to the rest.  This makes it difficult to clean when vacuuming.  The options include installing a metal strip to hold the two pieces down and in place. Or one could simply hand-sew the carpets together, which is what I would rather do since there is no additional cost for supplies. It is also a discreet and almost invisible method and will help retain the beauty of the room.

We certainly do not need to spend all of our time mending and fixing or even thinking about such things. But there is a tendency to put off repairs when we think it might take too long.  We are often too tired to manage it all and just need tea-breaks and rest!  It is not possible to accomplish everything in a day or even in a week. This is why it is always good when helpers are available.

We have an old fabric couch-cover on a small sofa in our parlour.  Hidden away, across the entire back of the fabric, is a large tear. I know how to fix this but have put it off for a long time. One day, as I was straightening the couch, I showed grandgirl the large tear in the back of the fabric.  I told her, "One day we will fix this."  Looking for something new and interesting to do, she responded with, "Why not right now?" I told her I thought it would take years! She just smiled and asked for the fabric. I set her up at the card table with my sewing box.  She had a lovely time with the rest of us all around reading, playing, and enjoying the day.  Soon I noticed she was ready to draw and color at the table. I said, "Have you had enough? Or are you taking a break from sewing?" She smiled as she told me, "I am all finished." I could not believe it as I looked at her work. There was not a single tear anywhere on the fabric.  She laughed, "And you thought it would take years!"  I was so thankful!

Getting help from the younger generation is a lovely way for them to experience thrift, old-fashioned values, and the cheerful joy one feels when doing good things for the home. I am also incredibly grateful for their help in homemaking!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.  

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace. 

 Unwanted Advice for the Family - Quieting Myself for the Good of Others.

 

- 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.

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. 

Managing a Large House

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

 

In the 1950's it was common for many houses to be small and manageable. These were little ranch houses with 3 bedrooms and a bath, in family neighborhoods.  In this time period there were modern appliances to help with the housework.  It was possible for the routine duties of housekeeping to be handled by one person.  Today, I am noticing the construction of larger houses. There is a great deal of work and upkeep to manage such homes. 

As I think about what it is like to take care of a large property, I am reminded of a beautiful old house we used to live in, many years ago.  I hope this will give you some ideas.

First, I will tell you about the house. I was the mother of three small children, with a blessing on the way.  We had just rented a large 1800's Victorian house near the ocean in Massachusetts. The home had 3 bedrooms of servant's quarters on the third floor. There was an enormous wrap-around porch and an oversized front door. The main entryway was very large with a big fireplace. A bench was by the hearth for sitting to get warm, or to wait while a maid notified the mistress of the house that a visitor had come. 

To the left of the front door was a formal dining room. It was cozy with old fashioned wallpaper, windows with thick drapery, and a door leading to the porch. The entire house was furnished with old items that were worn but solid. Across the wide entry hall, on the other side of the house, was a large living room. It had a big fireplace on the back end of the room. Windows were all around 2 sides of the room, which showed a view of the porch. 

Back in the entry hall, near the front door, was a wide staircase. After walking halfway up, there was a landing to stop and turn to the left before continuing up the next part of the steps to the second floor. The back wall contained a stained-glass window. 

The downstairs rooms were dark without much light, until one went down the back hall to the enormous kitchen. It had a finish of burgundy counters with dark wood cabinets. But the most beautiful thing about this room was the large picture window, behind the breakfast table, which showed a stunning view of the ocean.

Off the kitchen, there was a laundry room, bathroom, and back entrance to the porch.  Just around the corner from this was a servant's staircase to the second floor, followed by another set of stairs to the third floor. 

There were three bedrooms on the second floor, along with two bathrooms and a large fireplace in the center of an open foyer. 

The three fireplaces were the main source of heat for the entire house and looked like it would keep the house warm and cozy. This would have required domestic help to keep the firewood loaded and the home-fires going.  The house also included a modern oil-heating unit but was still difficult to stay warm all winter without the use of the fireplaces. There were doors on every room, including the kitchen, living room, and dining room. This helped close them off, when necessary, to keep the warmth and coziness of heat inside each of the rooms. 

At first, I could not even imagine how I would ever keep this house clean! But something wonderful happened shortly after we moved in. Relatives came to pass part of the winter with us.  We gave a second-floor bedroom (with a large picture window) to my parents. They had a peaceful and lovely view of the ocean.  A third-floor bedroom, right near the back stairs to their room, went to my teenage sister.  They were in the process of relocating and had just sold their house. It turned out to be such a wonderful blessing to have them there with us for a few months. There were many people to help me with housekeeping, cleaning, shopping, and kitchen work.  

During those lovely months in that great big house, we enjoyed homeschool days, welcoming company, baking and cooking, and helping each other. When the baby was born, my parents were there to help make special meals. The first night home from the hospital, a dinner tray was brought to my room so I could rest in comfort with the baby beside me in a bassinet. I knew my other three children were being well cared for and were much loved. I enjoyed hearing the laughter, talks, and play in the other rooms throughout the house while I recovered.  The routine of home and order continued and there was happiness.

My sister told me recently that her favorite memory of living in that house was seeing me sewing in the old dining room by the dim lamps. I was making dresses for my girls for Christmas. It was so cozy to have the snow falling around that large house while we enjoyed an old-fashioned way of life. 

When it was time for our relatives to move to their new place, we missed them greatly. I was thankful, however, that my husband was able to be home a great deal of the time.  I remember bringing him the 2-year-old so I could make lunch. That little boy loved sitting with his father!  Or I would bring him the baby to hold just so I could take a shower.  I was always quick because I loved having the children with me and near me.  

Without that extra help from my parents, I had to think of ways to maintain the house.  It was too much work for any one person! There would be stress, worry, hassle, and poor health if I tried to do it alone.  

I will share with you some ideas that I have found to be helpful:

1. Divide the Work

We should have a written outline of the daily and weekly work that needs to happen. This can be divided up among family members based on their skills and abilities. For example, a 5-year-old can fold laundry. A 7-year-old can sweep floors, etc. 

In large homes, you might even consider assigning certain rooms to family members as their responsibility. For instance, a 10-year-old could dust, vacuum, and tidy 2 of the bedrooms, as well as the living room. 

When everyone is working together, they are forming a bond of unity. Each child will also learn to have a good work ethic and a dependable character. 

If the work is shared among the family, it will free up a great deal of time and energy. 

2. Close up the Rooms

When there are too many rooms to manage, some can be closed up for a season. This would be done by giving the room a thorough cleaning and then covering furniture with sheets to protect them from dust and damage. Then simply close the door.  Later, when the room is needed again, it can be "opened" by removing the sheets and doing a quick cleaning. 

3. Add Maid Service

In cases where it is not possible to manage all the work, it makes sense to hire domestic help.  This helps provide work to someone in need while helping the lady-of-the-house manage her home without being overwhelmed. 

4. Invite Relatives to Stay

This is my favorite option. When there is plenty of room it is so nice to have family come and stay. In the old days, an aunt, grandmother, or cousin in-need would come and help the family in exchange for room and board. One would want to make sure the relatives were of good character, honorable, and dependable. Their addition to the household ought to be considered a blessing and not a hindrance. I imagine a dear grandmother who loves to cook and bake. She has a pretty room, with a view of the landscape, all to herself.  When she finishes helping for the afternoon, the children often find her reading the Bible in a rocking chair. They are grateful for her company and help in keeping house for her beloved family.

There are many ways to manage a large house. We have to consider our standard of cleanliness and order. Do you have high standards or moderate ones? Consider what is most important and what you are capable of doing.  One does not want to be fretting, nagging, and suffering to keep to a higher standard than is possible. When a housekeeper is able to face the day's work with a sense of calm and cheer, her level of work is right where it should be. 

Whether the house be small or large, the same routine of daily and weekly work is required.  Even though it takes much longer with a large house, it can be a lovely way to spend one's days. May you find a way to manage things beautifully with joy and a love for 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.

 

Adding Loveliness to the Day

Flowers and fingerbowls at our table last night.

 

I have been going through a great many paper napkins lately. The cost is getting to be too much.  But with frequent company of little ones, and a need for good manners, I use napkins at the table for all meals and snacks.  The use of cloth napkins with small children would require many changes of table linens, unless we use fingerbowls. 

Last evening, I set out a tablecloth and prepared a few things for company. Grandchildren were expected to arrive this morning. I wanted to present them with my new plan and delight them with the beauty of an elegant table.

During our time of morning refreshments, I showed the children little dessert bowls. This was to hold crackers, cheese, cookies, or even blueberries from our garden. Whatever snacks we expected to enjoy would be served in the little bowls.

Animal crackers and homemade cloth napkins at our table this morning. 

The grandchildren looked at me with happiness as they sat at the beautiful table. I used a pretty creamer as my water pitcher.  I asked grand-girl, "Would you fill up the water pitcher?" She was delighted with this special chore. Then she walked around the table filling up the little crystal bowls with water. "Only half full," I told her.  These are tiny 2-ounce cups that look so pretty at the table. 

We always ring the dinner bell when serving meals or snacks at our house.  Someone stands in the doorway and rings the bell. Soon all the children stop whatever they are doing and come running towards the table. 

I showed them the fingerbowls. I explained, "The napkin goes on your lap. After you eat, or whenever you need to use your napkin, carefully swish you fingers in the fingerbowl and then dry them with the napkin." Then I demonstrated how this works. Soon they tested it out for themselves. I watched throughout our time at the table and noticed that even the 4-year-old did this with great care and interest! 

When it was time for lunch, I removed the tablecloth and became more practical. I set out placemats at each spot. This would be much easier to keep things neat. I would not worry so much about the children getting everything messy. 

Placemats and fingerbowls at our table. 

The children did so well with our new formal way of enjoying meals and snacks.  It added a touch of class and manners to the atmosphere.  Part of the routine of our day often includes the teaching of etiquette and courtesy. These lessons can happen naturally throughout the day. 

Living in an old humble house can either be pleasant or difficult, depending on the attitude. We have limited resources here, but this can lead to creative ways to add beauty to our lives. I want to be cheerful and happy as I come up with ideas for making the best of our circumstances. 

My whole purpose had been to save money on napkins. It turned into something far more special. Whether we have something as simple as grilled cheese sandwiches or chicken with potatoes, it is a joy to linger at a well-set table. 

Today, as we said grace before our meals, I was so thankful for the opportunity to add a little loveliness to our day. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

To Cheer up - Surrounded by Good Things in the Home. 

Financial Struggles - A New England Winter on a Small Income. 

A Mother's Greatest Use of Time - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

 - 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.

The Little School at Grandmother's House

One-room schoolhouse in Plymouth Notch, VT. (July 2025)

 

Whenever the grandchildren are here, they come alongside and share in activities that I love.  We cook and bake, keep house, read books, sing hymns, and do school.  There are a great variety of old-fashioned things to do here at the old homeplace. 

The children are always happy when I suggest they get out the instruction books for drawing. I give them white paper, pencils, and crayons. They practice drawing comics and landscapes. They make miniature books, pretend-restaurant-menus, and write adventure stories.

I produce blank index cards, rulers, and scissors. They enjoy making their own flashcards and decorative items. One of the little ones invented a little club and designed membership cards, just for fun, using the index cards.

I select old textbooks from the bookcase and hand them out to the little ones.  These are McGuffey Readers, Ray's Arithmetic, and old history books. We read, make up spelling tests, copy lessons, play math games, and linger over the fascinating entries in the history books. 

Some of our old school books, still in use after 30 years. 

I have a packet of reproducible math drill sheets.  I have had this packet ever since my own children were little. It is stored inside the original envelope and holds the answer book inside.  I use these papers to make copies of worksheets for the children. The youngest ones use an abacus as they start the process of doing these fun math games. From the youngest to the oldest, they all enjoy the challenge of solving multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction problems. 

Often, in the quiet of the afternoon, many of us rest on couches and chairs and read books while someone plays the piano. 

Piano and Christmas song book at our house. 

The piano bench holds song books and instructional materials to teach beginners how to play.  My piano was a generous gift, received some years ago, for which I am so grateful! Personally, I have no idea how to play, but I love to practice with the little booklets.  My grandchildren love to learn, at their own pace, while I sit nearby and listen.  This afternoon, one of my older grandsons played (using both hands), a lovely melody with beautiful notes from the Christmas book. Hearing him play O, Come All Ye Faithful was such a peaceful and beautiful way to pass the afternoon. 

We have board games, blocks, puzzles, lawn games, and a variety of old-fashioned toys. The children also help me sweep, set the table, clean the kitchen, vacuum carpets, and do their part to keep house neat and orderly while they are here.  Whenever we run low on treats, I have helpers to bake cookies and cake and serve to the others as we enjoy the blessing of homemade food. As we work, we talk and smile.  We help with the baby, serve those who are tired, and remind one another to watch our manners and show kindness and patience. The children work right along with me as we go about our ordinary days at home. 

I have kept all my school supplies and books and expect them to remain in continued use from generation to generation, here at the old homeplace.  This is just a little school at home which, for as long as I am living, will always be open for my precious family. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

The Blessing of Home - Retired from the World.

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

 The Inspiring Example of D.L. Moody's mother - Poverty in the 1800's.

 - 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. 

The Benevolent Housekeeper

Yesterday's view of part of our property, here in Vermont.

 

In the old days, when it was difficult to travel, relatives might drop in unexpectedly. The family would invite them in and expect their company to stay a few days to visit and rest.  The house was always open to their extended family. This kind of living required a neat and organized home. There must be food in the pantry so one is not taken unprepared. The rooms ought to have regular cleanings and be keep neat. The housekeeper would see to this work daily, as a normal part of life. 

The lady of the house would not be selfish. She did not save the best room for herself.  She would work hard to make the common rooms (of parlour and living room) look inviting and restful for herself but then welcome any one of the family to enjoy them as well. She would not shoo them away, as if she were the only privileged one to enjoy the little nest she had prepared. This was because she worked hard to make all the rooms as nice as she possibly could. She knew others needed rest and quiet moments as much as she did. She did all this, not for herself, but for her family and guests.

She had a spirit of cheerful service. At any moment, a child or adult might need help. She would stop her work and attend to the call. Did one need a snack or drink?  Was one overheated from the summer air and in need of special care? She oversaw all the work of the house. She did not weary herself with overwork, nor did she do it all alone. There was a restful pace and much help from the residents of the home. The main portion of her time was happily spent in playing house and tending the family. Her kind heart and cheering ways brought smiles to those around her. They wanted to be in her house and to come alongside as a help to her. And because of this, she thrived in such a life work! 

She was the tireless worker of the home who found her strength and joy in a close walk with the Lord. She was much loved and dearly appreciated. Her presence helped make the house into a real home.   It is a post, a lot in life, to be a housekeeper on duty. It is a great calling and a much-needed way of life. 

The lady of the house can be on call for the household. She does her daily chores with skill and efficiency. Yet, even though there are flaws in her methods and trials in her day (as it is impossible to get through life without mistakes), she continues on, much like a child learning to walk who falls but keeps getting back up. There is a childlike joy in being home and doing our very best with laughter and peace! She will find joy in serving the home and family. For in this, she serves her precious Father in Heaven. 

There is a sense of benevolence when serving in the home. It is a spirit of goodness in a lady. She is gracious and kind and loving. She is productive and industrious. But the most important part of her character is that in any moment, she is prepared to stop whatever she is doing to help and to serve for the glory of God. 

I will give you an example of this from my own childhood days: My Father was a southern gentleman, a preacher's son, and an Army Veteran.  He liked to see us happy and enjoying our play. We never had to wonder what we would wear, what we would eat, or where we would live. He provided it all. This gave us stability and a great sense of trust and freedom from worry.  He expected us to do our chores, to do as we were told, and to be good children. We read the Bible, went to church, and sang hymns. He led by example. He did all this with a great love. It was from the heart.  Whenever he would call me, I would drop whatever I was doing, as if it wasn't important. I would get right up and say, "Yes, sir?"  I was always ready to serve. 

In like manner, I want to do this for my Heavenly Father. I will go about my days, keeping house, reading books, enjoying the blessings of home and food and family. I will know that at any moment my Lord and Master will call out for me. I must always be listening and watching in case I am needed. When he calls, I want to drop whatever I am doing and gratefully get right up and say, "Yes, sir? What may I do for you?"  How wonderful it would be to live such a dedicated Christian life!

May we seek and strive for the beauty of being known as benevolent housekeepers.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace.

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

Unwanted Advice for the Family - Quieting Myself for the Good of Others.

- 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, in Mrs.White's book:

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

 Paperback, 77 pages.

A Guarded Life

Our river in the early morning sunlight. 

 

Old time home-life is something many crave. We want a place to get away from it all.  We want a break from the business world and from news reports. We want a rest from the ringing of the telephone and constant demands for our time. Home should be a place of rest and refreshment.  Going home ought to be something we look forward to. 

It has been difficult to observe the changes in culture where the world and society have slowly become a part of everyday life. There doesn't seem to be any rest for the family.  

 Living a more private life, a guarded life, can bring rest and comfort. We may very well be able to find this in nature and in reflective moments enjoying the beauty of the scenery around us. 

Years ago, when I was growing up in Massachusetts, we lived near the ocean. There were both public and private beaches nearby.  It was common to walk a great deal of the time, without interruption, in all seasons.  (This was before there were pocket telephones or the internet.)  It was about a mile to reach the corner store, or the town bus-stop.  For much of the year, I would walk to the private beach and sit quietly to watch the waves of the water. I would listen to the rushing of the ocean and feel the coolness of the wind. This was peace. This was a way to rest from the ways of the world. 

Blueberries, at our property, in the morning light.

Today, I am grateful for gardens and walking paths. We have a river bordering our property which is such a privilege to see.  But all of the beauty in the landscape would not be noticed if I was preoccupied by the troubles and drama of the world around me. I must live a guarded life.

As the dear children of our Heavenly Father, we can find a precious peace that is uncommon.  There should be a separate way of life from society-at-large. There are certain things we will not do. There are places we will not go. There are things we will not read. This is guarding our way of life. It helps to protect our peace and our meditation on that which is holy and good and righteous. 

In old literature and in biographies, from the 1800's, we can get a sense of what life was like at home before the television set, radio, or computer came along.  What is so striking to me is the lack of commercials, advertising, and subtle propaganda that they were not exposed to. Sometimes, I think, we need a break from it all. It may be as simple as turning home into a vacation spot, by shutting off technology and putting it away for a time.  

I sincerely believe we need more moments of listening to nature, walking outdoors, and having a great deal of time to listen to the Lord speak to our unhurried hearts.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Encouragement in Homemaking - Keeping an Old Farm Journal. 

Getting Along - The Secret to a Happy Home.

The Blessing of Taking Care of the Family - A Comforting Sick Room.

 - 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. 

The Missing Joy in Homemaking

Side yard at the Aldrich house, Plymouth Notch, VT. (July 2025)

In the old days, there was much productive work to do in the home. There were gardens and flowers to tend outdoors. Inside, there was sweeping, washing, cooking, baking, and laundry. The work made one tired enough to sleep at night. The family slept with a sense of peace and rest knowing the time had been well spent. 

Before the introduction of convenient food into supermarkets, Mother would make all the meals from scratch. She would bake break, cookies, and cakes. She would make hearty soups and stews. Husband and children would love Mother's home-cooking.  They would help her with the work of harvesting, canning, and preserving food. They would help her set the table and do the dishes. Mother was not entirely worn out because she had helpers with the work. This was how they spent time together and learned the skills of home. This was how the beautiful work of homemaking was passed down through the generations. It used to be considered a life-long calling and a precious vocation to be a homemaker. 

Sadly, there has been a change in the way homes are being managed. This became very clear to me this week. I had been watching a program on DVD. It was a reunion episode of The Waltons. All the children had grown up.  Mother, Olivia, had a job outside the home. The kitchen seemed almost empty compared to earlier days.  I used to love seeing Grandma and Olivia bake break, make all the meals, mend, clean, and iron the clothes.  It was comforting for the family. They presented a common way the family-home used to function. It inspired peace and stability. 

But after Grandma got sick, things seemed to slide on the program. Olivia did not continue on with the work of homemaking from the heart. She seemed discontent and restless.  By the time the children had grown up and the grandchildren started to arrive, we find Olivia going to college to seek a degree. We see her working at a job, teaching school.  Back at home, the kitchen looked like an empty room. I mourned for the example that had been lost of her working alongside the younger mothers (her daughters) as she used to do with Grandma.  Something had slipped in the next generation. Olivia, as the new grandmother, did not keep up with the old ways, as the generations before had always done. 

Towards the end of the television program, we see John sitting at the kitchen table one evening. He and Olivia were having apple pie as they talked. John was happy as he said something like, "I didn't know you had time to make a pie."  She stood up from the table, began to clear the plates and explained that she did not, in fact, make the pie. She had bought one ready-made at the local mercantile. She told him, "Times are changing."  When I heard this, it made me sad. I thought of how we, as God's children, do not change with the times. 

I believe Olivia Walton lost that sense of joy, that sense of an anchor, which is necessary when doing the Lord's precious work. 

This is what is missing in homemaking today.  It is the joy of doing the work, passing it on to our children and grandchildren and continuing it each day, to the best of our ability.  

Please do not get weary in well-doing. There is a rich blessing in taking care of a home and family all the days of our lives. Please do not lose the joy. 

I want to be the grandmother who is always home for grown children and grandchildren. I want to be here for great-grandchildren. I want to be found faithfully keeping house for the family. This is a gift that must be practiced each day so that the skill of old-fashioned homemaking is never forgotten. 

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.

- 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.

Summer Update

Morning sunlight through the trees at our house. 

I have been struggling through the summer heat but now things seem to have cooled off. The light rain on the landscape is lovely to see on the green grass. I have been checking on my little gardens and flowers each day on my walks around the property.  

Cluster of tea roses on our front grounds. 

There have been worries and health trials over the last several weeks. In the midst of it all, I have been trying to regain strength and energy to live joyfully each day. I have been watching (or listening) to a sermon most mornings. I take notes because it helps me to concentrate and remember what I am hearing. This has been such a blessing and a great source of peace for me. 

We are doing our best to save money for necessary expenses. I am trying to avoid spending money as much as possible. We had a major house repair cost last week. It was shocking but we are trusting our Heavenly Father to get us through. Remembering the sermons I am constantly listening to helps keep me quieted in heart. 

I wanted to give you a little update on the blog. Sometime ago, I had set up a second channel on YouTube. This one was just for scenes of our peaceful river and local lakes and such that I wanted to share.  I used my main channel for things like sharing how to bake or sew.  I recently took down all the videos on the scenery channel and was going to shut that one down. I also took down my videos on the main channel because I was so tired and wanted a break.   A problem happened when I finally went to delete the scenery channel.  Without my realizing it, the account was connected to my main (sewing and baking) channel I use for the blog. You may have noticed it is missing! I did not intend for this to happen, but now both channels are now permanently deleted.  I was shocked at first, but now at peace.  I will focus on other things. I have another book idea I want to do but am so tired, I will have to wait.

Summer has been lovely here. We have had frequent visits from the grown children and grandchildren. They are my favorite kind of company! 

Today will be a lovely day serving the Lord.  It is an honor to be at home and to trust my Heavenly Father for everything.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Overcoming Worries and Troubles - Reviving the Prayer Journal. 

Encouragement - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.

A Blessing in Hard Times - Peaceful Homemaking. 

 - 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. 

Remembering Dr John MacArthur (Updated)

 Brief Biography of Dr. John MacArthur by Iain H. Murray, 2011

Many years ago, my father encouraged me to become a prayer partner for the Grace to You ministry.  I promptly wrote a letter with a request to join.  Each month, a letter from Dr. MacArthur was mailed to me.  I loved reading those letters and looked forward to them each month.  There was always an offer for a free resource, such as a sermon or book. My agreement, as a partner, was to pray for the ministry and the pastor. I cheerfully and gratefully did this every single month for decades. Then I would send away for the offer.  Because of this, I have several sermons on CD and many books.

One year, my brother and his wife sent me a gift of a MacArthur study Bible. It was beautifully bound with our family name engraved on the cover. I was delighted.  In my household, whenever I had a question or wondered about a passage of Scripture, I would say, "let's see what John MacArthur says about this," or I would look up what Matthew Henry (from the 1700's) had to say.  I consulted the two commentaries to help me understand and to find reassurance. 

My father, the son of a revival minister, (and brother of a preacher) was a long-time supporter of Dr. MacArthur. I inherited some of his old cassette tapes.  I will share a picture of one of the tapes. This will help to show you how long the sermon ministry of Grace to You has been a blessing.

Sermon by Dr. John MacArthur, on Cassette tape, from 1981.

I always found Dr. MacArthur's voice and sermons to be comforting and helpful. He was bold in his warnings and often sent a wake-up call to us about what was going on around us. This was incredibly helpful.  When there was a problem, a worry, or a concern, many of us would look to preachers like him for help and reassurance.  There are very few dedicated men of God (in the spotlight) in our times.  He was one of them.

The sermon ministry later modernized to include sermons on CDs. I would often listen to these on a CD player I kept in the kitchen. I would bake and cook and sweep while the sermon was playing. How grateful I was for the privilege of hearing sermons in this way, at any time, instead of just once a week at our local church. 

Commemorative CD of his first sermon at Grace to You Church, 1969. 

I believe many of us are spiritually starved. Yet, there are so many resources to help us along the way. There are lights on our path to heaven, to guide and encourage.  Pastors like John MacArthur are some of those helpers. 

Sermon on CD from 2015. 

In his biography, written in 2011, the richness of John's spiritual heritage is incredible to read. His father and grandfather were faithful servants of the Lord. They were preachers who guided their congregations and their families.  It is instructive to read of the environment in which John was brought up. It is a helpful and inspiring book. 

I am so thankful for the life-work of this servant of God. I am also thankful for his family and church who supported and encouraged him.  Their faithfulness helped John to do his work.   

This very week, Pastor MacArthur has gone home to his eternal reward in Heaven.  While this is a great loss for us here, it is a gain for Heaven. Yet, because of the behind-the-scenes work of so many, his books and sermons will remain, encouraging us for years to come. I am very grateful.

(Edited Update: 7/28/2025) **** Click on the photo below to hear the audio of Dr. John MacArthur talking to his granddaughter about Heaven.****

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John MacArthur (@gracetoyou)

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Tribute - Remembering Dr. Charles Stanley.

Old Fashioned Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

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

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

Encouragement from the 1800's:  

~ 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)

A Classic Reprint, brought to you by The Legacy of Home Press.