Godly Homemaking wisdom for a peaceful and joyous home life. . ..
"Faint not; the miles to heaven are but few and short." -Samuel Rutherford
"An Old Fashioned Budget"
***** Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife ***** by Mrs. White - 77 pages, paperback.
Mrs. White's Cookbook
Includes Recipes, Advice, and Encouragment in Serving Meals, Setting the Table, and more. Paperback, 152 pages
An Ordinary Housewife
136 pages, paperback.
Every Home Can Be a Homeschool ~
Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling, Paperback, 112 pages.
A Year of Blessings
220 pages, paperback.
A Sweet Book for Mothers
61 pages, paperback.
"The Wife" - An Inspiring Story
A beautiful message of domestic tranquility when faced with a sudden change in financial circumstances in the 1800's. Paperback, 42 pages.
"Living on His Income"
~ Paperback, 64 pages ~
Old Fashioned Home
Click on Photo to Read.
"Homemaking for Happiness"
~ 307 pages, paperback ~
Domestic Happiness
Click on Flowers to Read
"Introduction to Home Economics"
200 pages, paperback by Mrs. White
The Legacy of Home Address
By Regular Mail
~ Listing of All My Books ~
We currently have 23 paperback books available by Mrs. White.
From "On The Banks of Plum Creek"
"After Laura and Mary had washed and wiped the dishes, swept the floor, made their bed, and dusted, they settled down with their books. But the house was so cozy and pretty that Laura kept looking up at it."
- Laura Ingalls Wilder
"At Mother's House"
Paperback, 122 pages by Mrs. White
"Mother's Book of Home Economics"
312 pages, paperback, by Mrs. White
"Early Morning Revival Challenge" by Mrs. White
- 90 Day Bible Study. ~ 116 pages, paperback
"For the Love of Christian Homemaking"
274 pages, paperback, by Mrs. White
The Elizabeth Prentiss Study
90 Day Bible Study by Mrs. White
From "The Little Preacher" (published by The Legacy of Home Press, page 94.)
"As to her, like most women, she had but one ambition. To be a good wife and a good mother, and to be beloved by her husband and children, was all she asked. [She was] a busy, affectionate, cheerful little housewife, whose voice would never be heard in the streets, but whose memory would always live in a few faithful hearts."
- Elizabeth Prentiss, 1800's.
Housewife:
A married woman who stays home. This is a lifelong vocation. It is an old-fashioned term, and something to be proud of. Not a "domestic engineer." Not a "home manager." An old fashioned housewife, who keeps the home, and abides there. - Mrs. White
"Inspired by the life, writings, and journals of John Wesley (1700's), Mrs. White has created a 90 - day Bible study challenge. .
The
program consists of four, easy to follow, daily assignments. Readers are
expected to rise earlier in the morning than normal; Spend 20 minutes
in prayer, Bible reading, writing in a journal, and reading quotes from
Ministers from long ago. . .
Here is a sample of one of the quotes from the book:
"Think what God has prepared for those who love Him! Oh, that our
thoughts would ascend! The higher the bird flies the sweeter it sings!"
- Thomas Watson, 1600's
The study is simple to follow, but will
take a tremendous amount of discipline to stay consistent to the very end.
If you are up for a challenge and ready for a revival, this book
is just what you need!"
This is a 116-page book, 5.5" x 8.5".
I spent hours searching through my home library, to glean a selection of inspiring quotes from Ministers from the 1600's, 1700's and the 1800's. These include Richard Baxter, Thomas Boston, John Wesley, Samuel Rutherford, John Bunyan, and more (one for each day of the challenge). The book includes a complete bibliography of quotes, so you can see exactly where they came from.
Sample pages from inside the book. (From the Jan. 2024, second edition.)
I intend to start this challenge myself, in just a few days. I have also ordered a copy for my youngest homeschool student (age 16). I believe this will be an excellent addition to his studies. The discipline of reading 2 chapters in the Bible each day (from Psalms and Proverbs), writing in a journal, and praying, before the day begins will be a blessing to both of us!
Who Would Enjoy the Book:
1. Teens in youth group or Sunday School.
2. An informal Bible Study Group (perhaps they can each get a copy and check in with each other on their progress.)
3. Homeschool students (high school or college age)
4. Adults
5. A Wonderful gift idea for family and friends.
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. ***
The Parlour Table at Mrs. White's Home in Vermont.
It has been said that Mothers of old time spent their leisure hours reading the Bible to their children. These Mothers also lived a moral and virtuous life. The greatest witness of true character and holiness, are the eyes of the immediate family.
When Mother's hobby and devotion revolves entirely around the home, she has the freedom and the privilege of training her children in godliness. (Do we realize that this is why mothers are being pulled away from the hearth?)
I remember when my children were little. The main part of their education was Scripture. We did not focus on memorizing some verses. We did not do short devotions or read little devotional books. We, the children from the age of solid readers (5 and up) and I, read the entire Bible over and over again, year after year after year.
We also had some help. . .
If the children didn't know the meaning of a word, We looked to the 1800's Webster's Dictionary. This is an enormous, hardcover book that cost me well over $60. It has thousands of pages. The children greatly respected this treasured resource.
If a phrase or passage confused me or the children, we looked to Matthew Henry's Commentary. Or we used the Strong's Concordance. Later, we also added John MacArthur's study Bible to help answer our questions.
But the daily, hour by hour, readings took place using the trusty old KJV Bible. The children sharpened their minds with those "antiquated" words. They sharpened their reading skills and committed to memory (from repetitive reading) many precious truths.
As most of my children have grown up, I have heard and seen how they have faced "giants" of confusing doctrine. I have seen them stand their ground against un-biblical religions and people trying to convince them of another way. And each time, these children have prevailed and stood strong, as the strongest roots of an ancient oak tree. . . Unbending and sure of their Faith. While these children still struggle with their sin nature (as we all will until we reach the heavenly gates), nothing can sway them away from the lessons learned in the old parlour. Why? Because they learned sacred, ancient truths, that have stood the test of time.
The other day, I was sitting at the parlour table. I had my books and Bible laid out before me. One of my teenagers came by and wanted to read with me. We looked through Scripture and looked to our "helpers" to understand passages. And we delighted in spending valuable, fleeting time, on that which was eternal.
Our home may be old, with ripped up linoleum and cracks in the walls. The furnishings may be torn and "dated." We may have plain, inexpensive foods to share. We may have a poor income. But the time spent in my humble parlour, in my school of theology, is the greatest place this Mother could ever be.
Blessings
Mrs. White From the Archives -
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. -
Library of Congress: Member of congregation during the sermon at First Wesleyan Methodist Church, Washington, D.C., 1943
A Wise Old Mother thought of her house as a mission. She craved the idea of being a missionary for the Lord. So she set about, making preparations.
First, she got rid of most of her worldly goods. She did not want to be overly attached to them, or tied - down by caring for them. She sold what she could, just like the Immigrants sold their household items to pay for their trip to a new land. Well, perhaps this mother took the money to pay off a few little debts, or maybe she gave it to charity.
Second, She organized her daily duties. She wanted to have a list of responsibilities. It was a like a job description for running the mission. These are some of the items on her list:
Morning tasks-
1. Chapel. (This consisted of Bible reading, prayer and the signing of hymns)
2. Prepare breakfast.
3. Clean kitchen.
4. Tidy parlour.
5. Handle correspondence and administrative duties.
Afternoon tasks -
1. Prepare Lunch.
2. Clean kitchen.
3. Do the household laundry.
4. Prayer and Rest.
Evening tasks -
1. Prepare Dinner.
2. Clean kitchen.
3. Chapel (This consisted of Bible reading, prayer and hymns.)
In the midst of all her daily work, she had to greet and welcome guests. She was to work right alongside them. Some of her guests found great delight in the daily labors of the mission house. They were able to talk with her, pray with her, and enjoy a bit of respite from the world.
She also had boarders to care for. These were of all ages, from babies to adults. She had full charge of their care and was quite busy with all their concerns and needs. She found this to be exhausting, but greatly rewarding. She was honored with the "burden," and felt privileged to have them staying with her.
At other times of the day, she would be called away on a mission errand. She was to dress accordingly, knowing she represented the mission house. She had to be an ambassador of that important work and had to be pleasant to all she met. She had grace and dignity and an incredibly strong spirit.
Sometimes, she would walk the grounds of the mission house and enjoy some peaceful quiet, alone with the Lord. This made up for when her time with the Lord was an almost never-ending conversation with the Master of the Mission house - These were prayers and thanksgivings and praises that could not be uttered because of the overflowing joy in her heart.
Last of all, she worked through weariness and became stronger. She worked even when no visible results came from her efforts. She worked and worked and worked, at the Mission House, and made it a shining example of a resting place for weary souls.
But the secret to her motivation, was one quiet morning, as she read this dear quote from a group of "real" missionaries, as they struggled to do God's work in foreign lands: "O Lord," they had prayed, "Send revival. . and let it start in me."
Blessings
Mrs. White
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* This post can be found in my book:
LOC: Praying during the sermon at the First Wesleyan Methodist Church, 1943.
The Housewife of old used to look forward to Sunday Morning. She would spend the morning in delightful anticipation of fellowship and Church services. This dear mother would get all dressed up in her best and help the family get ready. As she walked out that door, with Bible in hand, she would take one last look around and know that her work at home had been done well. It was time to rest. It was time to be refreshed and take a break from the world and all its trials and labors.
I like to think of going to church each week as an example of the end of our lives. During the week, we housewives do all our work. We do laundry, wash floors, make meals, handle appointments, phone calls, shopping, bills, and heavy cleaning. This is our labor in the world. When that church day arrives, we take a much deserved rest. We have our reward.
To me, the end of my life will be like Mother's day. I will be sitting in a church pew with my dear husband beside me. All our grown children will have put aside their wanderings in the world and will be there with me. They will have the hearts of humble servants and everyone will be grateful to be there. The precious sermon will start. . . Yet there will be tears welling up in my eyes because all my children are with me. They made it! And it will be just like the way it was supposed to be all along.
May it be so.
Blessings
Mrs. White
*This post can also be found in Mrs. White's book, "Mother's Faith."
Library of Congress: Immigrant Family at Ellis Island.
The culture around us is changing rapidly. Each generation becomes less and less recognizable to the last. There is a craving for the newest and the latest idea. Often Mothers are tempted to walk away from the old path and blend-in with the world around them.
We need mothers who will be a living example of the old ways. We need mothers with courage and discipline to stand strong in these times.
In my son's Karate class, the teacher will run to each student and try to knock him over. The student must always be on guard. He must stand tall and fixed. He must be unbending to resist the attack. This is the kind of strength we mothers need. The attack is the seduction of a worldly culture- seeking materialism, partying, endless fun, and ungodly living. Mothers must be seeking to glorify God, rather than self. In this, we must walk the old paths and be the light to the world around us.
Have you ever met an older person who lived through World War II? Or have you met someone who lived through the great-depression? They are the last of the witnesses of those difficult times. They have seen many things. They have experienced many things. We learn from them. We watch how they live now, and hear them speak. . . and we get a glimpse into the reality of history. This is part of seeking the old paths.
This current era is changing rapidly. The music, the food, technology, family life, and social expectations are almost unrecognizable to previous generations. In order to keep godly culture alive, we must not conform to society around us. We must seek strength to be a witness of the era in which we now live. This is impossible to do alone. We need God's help.
"Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will." - Jonathan Edwards, 1703-1758
Early in the morning, before the sun comes up, I am reading my bible, praying and getting the house in order for another day. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to keep myself in a godly, serving frame of mind. It takes a lot of sacrifice and discipline, but when I listen to inspiring music, and read inspiring literature, the joy and reward that comes from such a sacrifice is the most precious thing in the world.
Today, are you getting ready to face your family? Will they be comforted by your loving presence? Will their morning grumpiness fade away in the shadow of your cheerfulness?
This morning, I listened to one of my favorite songs, "Without Him." It was from the Gospel Hour. They were paying tribute to 90 year old Eva Mae LeFevre. She got married at 17 and lived a godly life. She was an old-time gospel singer with her family. In this tribute, her son Mylon, in his 60's, said he was proud to be her son. He told her, "You're a wonderful godly Mother."
She died in 2009, less than 2 years after this tribute was recorded. Eva was a classy, kind lady. And I want to be just like her.
After watching this program, and getting my heart in order, I am ready to face my family this morning.
Before the invention of television, video games, and radios, families had more time for religious duties. We often get caught up in doing good things. Yet, sometimes those good things are overindulged, instead of done in moderation.
One of the most important things we can do, with our families, is have a time of morning devotions. We can gather around the living room, or kitchen table. Everyone comes with a sense of awe and reverence - it is family devotion. The Bible is read by Dad. The Mother smiles warmly at her children. The little ones and teens sit quietly and listen closely. Then it is prayer time and the family is dismissed to the events of the day.
What a precious way to begin the morning.
Blessings
Mrs. White
Some quotes -
They are not merely to be taught out of some elementary book that they must love God, but you must show them God is loved. If they observe that no worship is paid to that God of whom they hear, the very best instruction will prove useless; but by means of Family Worship, these young plants will grow "like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season: his leaf also shall not wither." - J.H. Merle D'Aubigne
Family Worship increases the spirit of reverence for God and His Word. Children copy their parents’ spirit and example. If parents begin the day by invoking God’s blessing, by consecrating the early hour to His service, they show their estimate of the value of worship. - Rev. M. Simpson
You must read the scriptures to your families, in a solemn manner, requiring their attendance on your reading, and their attention to it. - Matthew Henry
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:
Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.
I love walking into an old-time church. The congregation is often a humble, kind group who are there to join together in prayer and worship. These kinds of churches are hard to find, but they are such a blessing!
I think about these churches when my Father (Grandpa) is out working on the property. He is in his 70's and keeps busy maintaining the grounds and doing repair projects. He has full possession of our two-car garage. He uses it as a workshop. There is a wood stove in there, counters, and tools. He also has a cassette player and 8 track player in there.
Throughout the day, I can hear the sounds of holiness coming from the garage. Grandpa plays old gospel music or old sermons of his brother preaching. It gives me a warm feeling of comfort. I am safe here because of Grandpa. I go about my housekeeping with the windows open, and I can hear the precious sounds of worship and spiritual nourishment. It awakens me to live a holy life. It protects me from worldly distractions. It is a testimony that says, Grandpa is here.
In my section of the house, I am often listening to sermons or old gospel music. I read my Bible and pray and delight in spiritual duties. I am continuing Grandpa's tradition and passing it on to the next generation. As my children age and mature, they will be drawn to this kind of life. They will be drawn to the peace and joy which comes from religious duties. It is the legacy of holiness.
blessings
Mrs. White (Updated Feb. 2025: Nana and Grandpa lived with us, here in this house, for 9 years. They passed into heaven some years ago.)
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
Library of Congress - A farm worker's home 1941 Idaho.
When we first moved to Vermont from Massachusetts, I had just gotten out of the hospital for severe physical problems. I had been a cancer patient years before and was undergoing tests and treatment for more difficulties. It was unbearable and I continued to suffer.
When we arrived in Vermont, to our newly purchased country store, Mr. White and I had a deal. I would help him, along with our children, for one year, then he would hire an employee to take over so I could tend to our home cares. This proved to be the most difficult year of my entire life. I am grateful I was right there with my husband and children. We lived above the store, and it was like one big house. But most nights, I would fall into bed in tears of agony. My frail body could not endure the trauma of so much work for very long. Or, so I thought...
After many months of this, I suddenly began to heal. Most of my pain was gone. I had become stronger. I had worked so hard, and the Lord had rewarded me with better health. I did my duty, no matter what it cost me.
I thought about this last night. I have been ill for several days. Just so weary. I was tempted to skip my Bible study. I was just about to fall asleep when I remembered something from the book, Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss. You see, the main character, Katy, was staying up late waiting for her husband to come home. In the room with her was her elderly father-in-law who had just arrived that day to live with them. He was depressed and sorrowful. His wife had died, and he felt like a burden. But he said something significant. He said something like: "At what hour does my son do family prayers?" It was getting very late at night, and he dearly needed sleep. Katy told him not to worry, but to go on to bed. There was no need to wait for his son to come home. But he responded with something like this - "I will do my duty, no matter what it cost." When I remembered this passage from the book, I was stung in the heart with conviction. I was startled out of my selfish stupor of being tired, and called for my Bible and record book. My dear 13-year-old son got them for me, and we sat down together and did our Bible time. We did this no matter how tired we were, or how sick I was. We did it no matter what it cost.
There is a beautiful quote from Jonathan Edwards:
~ “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.” ~
In October of 2009, I created a life transforming study. It is designed to help you have daily personal devotions.
The format helps discipline us, using daily assignments like Prayer, Keeping a Journal, Bible Reading, Listening to hymns (or gospel music) and reading portions from a wonderful book written in the 1800's by Elizabeth Prentiss, "Stepping Heavenward."
This is a 90 day program and has been adapted for individual use. This was originally a free download,which is no longer available.
In 2021, we expanded the study into a book.
The original study was a printout that one would place into a binder notebook
.
.
The new deluxe edition includes these special features:
- Introduction by Mrs. Sharon White
- Portrait of Mrs. Prentiss, from 1882.
- About "Stepping Heavenward," including reviews written in 1871.
- Detailed directions for the study with inspiring details from the letters of Mrs. Prentiss.
- Instructions for an optional Group Study format called "The Prentiss Study Club." It also has 12 weeks of weekly check-ins for those who want to do the program with others.
- The Study itself has 90 days of assignments with a place to check off each item as completed.
- A brief biography of the Prentiss family at their summer home in Dorset, Vermont (in the 1800's). This includes details of their family life, and photographs taken in 2019 by Mrs. White when she visited Dorset a few years ago. You will see a little of the town and the Prentiss home.
- Reference notes include details of sources and other helpful information and guidance.
-------------------
In addition to having a copy of "The Prentiss Study" book, you will need the following in order to do the study:
- Your Bible. (I use the KJV.)
- A copy of the 1800's book, Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss. (This is a fictitious journal, which has inspired and changed women all over the world.)
- A journal or notebook to record your diary entries.
- Access to hymns or gospel music.
- Time for Prayer each day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Below you will find a link
to each edition of "The Prentiss Study Deluxe Edition" It
is available in both paperback and hardcover. Both editions are 105
pages. The hardcover edition is especially sturdy and beautiful and
will make an excellent addition to any home library.
I hope you enjoy the study! If you are able to get "The Prentiss Study" and like it, I hope you will be able to leave a review on Amazon. It would be a great help to me. Thank you!
Library of Congress: Mountain Family in Kentucky, 1940
I've been thinking a lot about material goods. Television is full of nice houses, nice cars, and people spending money on things that seem like necessities. I see people all around me with newer homes, good paying jobs, and cash with which to splurge. I have to shake this all off because that is not my value system.
I crave a spiritual life with less possessions. My permanent home is in heaven. I pour all my energy on my children, my husband, and my family, seeking my reward in the next life.
Do you remember when large families and hard work were the norm? Do you remember the depression era days when neighbors were neighborly and had time to visit, encourage and help each other out?
Why are people choosing to have less children and more possessions? Why doesn't anyone want to stay at home and focus on building up the family? How often does anyone even read their Bible anymore or go to Church?
Somewhere along the line, the American Dream spiraled out of control. It is not about being surrounded by fine things. It is about having a HOME and a FAMILY.
I am going to print out some of these old pictures (like the one above) and imagine all the precious souls being trained to do God's work, who will shun worldly goals. We mothers need to start spending more joyful time in daily religious duties and making home a godly culture. We need to be the example of being God's servant and fulfilling His calling on our life to our children. We need to stop being distracted by the glitz and glamor of our society.
This week, I am going to pull out all my old Depression-era books and I am going to read and study about the old days. I am going to be inspired by the Old Time Mothers and their godly wisdom. And I am going to wage a war, in my heart, against seeking an abundance of money, which is the ultimate enemy of trust and faith in an omnipotent God.
I love the sound of church bells on a Sunday Morning. It is like the whole town is awakened and being called to think about God and to come together to worship. It is a somber moment when those bells ring. I can hear them from my house.
For some reason, many people stopped dressing up for church. It used to be that we put on our best clothes and our biggest smiles and walked gratefully to the church building. We did this out of respect. We dressed up to show it was an important event and it meant something more than just being casual at home.
Ladies used to wear hats and gloves to church. The gloves were often a pretty white and were crocheted. You can still find gloves like this at The Victorian Trading company. But we should be able to buy them from our local stores. Why are they so hard to find?
I have a box of gloves we found in the attic of one of our investment properties we bought several years ago. This box has gloves of different colors and fabrics and were well worn. There were also letters and postcards inside, dated from the 1940's. It is a treasure!
Imagine the family getting their Bibles and heading down the street to the local church. What a precious sight!
There is a time, in a homemaker's day, called The Sewing Hour. It is when she sits quietly in the parlor and works on the sewing. Perhaps she is mending the family wardrobe? Or maybe she is hand-sewing a hem on a new garment? I am often working on an apron. There was a time when I would crochet a baby afghan, or sew a toddler quilt while praying or singing hymns. This is a precious time of quiet devotion.
I urge you, dear ones, to use this time to listen to a godly, inspiring, convicting sermon.
When the hour has past, you will put down your sewing and your heart will be full. Even though you may hold back tears (because of the sermon), you will get up and minister to your family!
Blessings,
Mrs. White
To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
So many mothers have trials and sorrows. They cry out to God because of wayward children. Or, perhaps they shake their head in despair when their young child continues to do wrong. We need a country of strong, encouraged mothers. We need Mothers to understand that all children, all people, have a sin nature. Our families will be imperfect.
Whenever you see a lovely family of Bible Hugging children- know you are only seeing an image. Those children still sin and give their parents trouble. Perhaps they bicker, or disobey, or even lie. But they love their Mother and they love their Bible. It doesn't mean they are going to be perfect. Let's get that clear, first off.
Children silently observe all that Mother does. They know what she is really like. It cannot be hidden in the home. Mother, we need to know we cannot do any of this alone. We need our dear Lord and I will tell you how to find strength from Him.
1. Strive to live a simple, unworldly life. Find time for recreation for the sake of the body, but it must not be the consuming of one's life.
2. Read the Bible more than any other reading material. Read it to ponder. Read it while praying. Read it while weeping. Read it for strength.
3. Pray with all thy heart and soul and strength. Pray diligently throughout the day. Pray for each child by name. Pray for courage. Pray for faith and love of God's holy way. Pray about everything.
4. Live out your commitments without wavering. Do what you promise to do, even if it causes you pain, exhaustion and suffering. You will be a shining example of a dedicated, responsible soul if you can be trusted to keep your word.
5. Work hard. Work with whatever you have been given to do. Work with all your strength and might- whether it be in your housekeeping, cooking, mothering, gardening or what have you. Do it with pride and commitment.
6. Talk about God with your children. Tell them about your prayers and the answers when they come. Show your children your total trust and faith in your Heavenly Father. Do this in normal, daily life- as things come up - rather than in forced conversations.
7. Offer Grace and Mercy to your children. Do not hold grudges. Forgive at once! Forgive even if they are still acting up! Forgive, smile, show compassion and love them with every bit of your strength. Forgive them over and over and over again - without end.
8. Speak life into your children. Lift them up. Praise them and tell them how much you love them and are grateful for them.
9. Do good things for your children. Make an effort to cook their favorite meals and make home a special place they want to be. Make a pleasant and loving home for your family. Do good things for them, unconditionally - even if they are acting troublesome. Show them love through your actions.
10. Live out a godly life before them. Pray openly. Read your Bible openly. Sing hymns or listen to gospel music openly. Go to the Master and fill your heart with love and holiness and then face your family, fully equipped to minister,while doing your homemaking tasks.
11. Confess your faults. If you are in a bad mood - tell them you are sorry. If you made a foolish decision- repent of it. Show them that none of us are flawless, but God has great mercy and we can only cling to him as the source of our hope.
12. Never bend. Know what your convictions are and do not change them with the times. Do not try to join in sinful, worldly living just to be friends with your children. You are the Mother. You are the example. You must stay strong and live out a godly, holy life before your family. Do not bend to their childish, immature worldly whims. I cannot stress this enough. Children will grow up, remembering your example. One day they will cling to the old ways and realize it was your source of strength. Long after you are dead and gone, dear mother, they will remember your strong character and godly ways. Don't underestimate the power of a committed, godly life.
13. Realize that money and things are never going to be more important than one's convictions. If you are seeking money at the expense of your family, or at the expense of your moral values - pray and find a way to drop it as quickly as possible. Nothing is more important than the salvation of the souls of your children. Do not let money, things, or the world's standard of life destroy your only chance of bringing up godly children.
I want to paint an image of what this looks like in an old fashioned home. Mother has her daily duties. We thank God for her work, because it gives her something important to do. She cannot spend all day wasting time on television, constant eating and lounging. She needs to be about the Master's business - and that is the keeping of the home. She should pray for love for her job, so that it will shine through and bless those around her. I can see her right now, washing clothes, hanging them on the line. I see her humming and smiling while she makes supper. Now she is reading the Bible and sharing a verse or two that has blessed her. All her worries are cast on the Lord in prayer. She goes about her daily life, unhurried, and in peace. The children feel safe and secure because they know Mama is there.
Dear ones, our daily religious duties are an obligation. We do them whether or not we feel like it. It is what helps keep us on the straight and narrow. If we follow our own way, our own desires, we will be led astray. Perhaps we don't want to go to church. This is an enormous struggle in many homes. We don't want to go. But if we go out of obligation and gratefulness to God, we are setting an amazing example to our children.
We, as mothers, will have children of all ages, at all stages on their religious journey. Some have been saved, some are struggling in sin, some are confused, and some are under the chastening hand of God. We need to be there, praying, smiling, encouraging and seeing them through these rough years. We may be weeping now, as we work in the harvest fields, but in the end, we will rejoice, bringing our sheaves with us. All that matters, at the end of it all, is not the fun we had, or the worldly things we indulged in, or the money we earned. What matters is walking through the pearly gates, with the souls of our beloved children following us into heaven.
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I just found the perfect quote from Mother Teresa. I will print it out and put it on my fridge. I seriously had tears in my eyes as I got to the end of it.
Here is the quote:
The version found written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
