In this economy, many of us are struggling. There is a confusion added to this, about standard of living. We see magazine covers at supermarkets of beautiful homes and elaborately prepared foods. We see television programs about rehabbing houses, and making them "livable" with the latest upgrades. This is like an upgrade in standards, and it costs far more money than most of us can manage.
It used to be that thrift stores and churches had decent clothes available for free, or for a meager cost. Many mothers used to talk about the missionary barrel. When times were hard, they would find clothes and remake them with what they had at home. They made lovely things with their own efforts, out of cast-offs.
Mothers were able to create recipes based on what was left in the pantry, rather than what was for sale in the store.
Home repairs and maintenance was done to survive, with scrounged supplies, or inexpensive parts to make-do, for those with little money.
I realize we need certain skills to create out of little, but we can certainly learn.
Money used to mean something different than it does today. Money was for basic housing and basic needs, and an occasional treat, rather than for splurging and spending on what we want right now. [Or what we think we need in this confusing, consumerist, culture.]
We need a good does of the history of the family during hard times. We need to read about the depression-era mothers, the pilgrims, and the pioneers to find a way to overcome the culture of today, with dignity and grace.
Blessings
Mrs. White
For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.
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