A Forced Rest

Late yesterday evening, my frailness came back.  It was like an unseen wind that suddenly appeared.  I know it is time to rest.

At first, I felt like I was trying to get ready for a long journey. I made preparations with the children, and warned my husband. "Don't be alarmed," I told them.  "But my weariness has come back."  There is a weakness in my legs that requires me to use my crutches. 

 I needed the family to take over much of my homemaking.  I gave instructions and requests, while glancing around the rooms yearning for a body that worked.  It felt like I was walking away from a dearly loved project. I did not want to be bedridden without my dishes to wash, or my floors to sweep.  But I will yield to the forced rest.

I have this pretty tray, and will have one of the children polish it up.  They can use this to bring me snacks and refreshments during my confinement.  I have old movies to pick out, while I am in the quiet chambers.  The family will go on, in the other rooms of this large old Estate, without me.  They will check on me, and visit me throughout the day, but they will be doing all the work.

Perhaps one will take a break and watch a movie with me?  Perhaps someone will bake brownies as a special treat?  And maybe someone will remember to do the laundry, and hang the clothes on the  line, while I am recovering from something I cannot see?

Please do not worry about me, dear friends.  I have been used to this for decades.  I will be okay again.  These sweet rests are very precious.  They are a blessing, and a gift in disguise.

Blessings
Mrs. White




For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Staying Home

I heard the church bells ringing this morning, in our rural Vermont village. I had forgotten it was Sunday.  The days flow from one to another, and the weeks pass, barely noticed.  There is little need for the calendar, when one cannot leave one's home.  But hearing the church bells was a treat.  I loved the reminder.  I stop whatever I am doing and listen to the bells.  It is a call from the church to the townspeople, to prepare for the assembly of the saints.    Even though I stayed at home, I was blessed by the thought.

I have been without a car for a month now.  I have given up all my good-intentioned endeavors of driving, and taking people where they needed to go.  My errands of grocery shopping and banking, are delayed, but eventually get done.   Not in my time.  This reminds me that it is not my will, but the Lord's.   Here is something I have lost control over. . .  The ability to go out.  . .  I fret at times, but I am at peace and very grateful.  Good things are coming from this.

Today, the house is quiet.  My young adults are finding things to do, here at the Estate, and are enjoying the slow-paced summer days.

I am working on two book projects. I hope to have them ready next month.   Living in a rural Vermont Estate is the perfect atmosphere for writers.

Blessings
Mrs. White



From the Archives:

Our Latest Troubles - When Mother is a Shut-In.

Are you a Member?  - Mother's Benevolent Society.

What would it be Like? - If I Visit You at the Dinner Hour.








For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Winner of - Dear Kitchen Saints - Letters from an Iowa Housewife

On July 8, 2013, we released Connie Hultquist's new book, Dear Kitchen Saints: Letters from an Iowa Housewife.   Connie's incredible marriage testimony had been published twice in Nancy Campbell's Above Rubies magazine (both in 2000 and 2013). 

This book contains a wealth of godly wisdom and is much needed by today's Christian Homemakers!

I hosted a "Treasure Hunt."  Entrants played a little game for a chance to win a copy of Connie's Book. The contest ended today.

The winner is:

Sally!

She will be notified by email and will receive a free copy of the book.

Thank you to everyone who entered!    I am also very grateful for all the help you gave, and continue to give, in spreading the word!





Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Please be one of these - "The Mother Who Isn't Busy."

Remembering old Childhood days - "When Television was Special."

Simple Happiness in Marriage - "When Groceries are the Presents."





An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Learning to Live in the Rural Countryside

Something in the soul tends to slow down and be at peace, out in a rural area.  We think of a vacation spot, getting out of the hectic "city" and just taking a break.  Perhaps we avoid some technology (television, phones, etc).  Maybe we spend most of our time fishing, taking strolls, camping, and just watching a little TV in the evening hours.

We visit more. . . We are more neighborly. . . We have an abundance of time.  We can read, study, write, bake, cook, and take the time to say "hello" to the few we happen to meet in a day.  There is less of a need for money.  This takes away many burdens and much pressure.

This, to me, is something like homeschooling. 

Often we think we need to be bombarded with social opportunities. We think we need lots of activities to be normal.  When we aren't constantly busy, or around a ton of people, we think something is missing.  This is like learning to live in a rural area; A place where few people live, limited stores,  and the only public transportation depends on how far you can walk.   This is often a culture shock, just like starting a homeschool.  It is so different. 

Somehow, as we learn to get through the adjustment phase, we find a blessing.  We find the joy that is hidden underneath all the social expectations, and all the things we are told we are "missing out on." 

We find that being in a rural area, is just the place to thrive. . . and grow. . . and become a productive, pleasant citizen.  It is a place where our children can thrive, and grow in character and nobility.  We are protected from the onslaught of humanism, ungodliness, and a worldly culture.  We appreciate many more things.  We are grateful.

We often have more time for prayer, for focusing on the needs of others, and for doing good deeds. 

This is what I am learning, in the middle of nowhere, "trapped at home with no car," in Northern Vermont.

Blessings
Mrs. White







For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Ex - Housewife

The other day, Mister had to fill out a jury duty questionnaire. When he was finished, he left the papers on a desk for me to mail.   I glanced at the part where it said, "Name of Spouse," and "Occupation of Spouse."

Here is what he listed as my job:

"Mother and Housewife."

I was delighted and proud.  This is my lifelong vocation.    I have a home to care for.  I have children and grandchildren to tend to.  I am my husband's companion. I keep the home. 

Today's homemaker often has a home where everyone "does their own thing."  Husband and children can microwave their own food. They are capable of doing for themselves, after all.   They can clean the house, do the laundry and anything else Mom can do, right?  Well, of course. But this breeds a home that needs no mother.  This breeds the home where lessons of homemaking, and tender mothering, cannot reach the next generation.

My boys (16 and 20) were talking about working mothers.  I said, "I could never leave this house. I am needed here." I went on to talk about all the things I do, and the just being here.  One of my sons said, "How would we ever eat well if you were not here to take care of us?"  Now this son is an amazing chef himself and a hard worker, but he appreciates having Mom home to keep the house and prepare special meals.  Yes, he can do all these things himself, but why would one want a home without a full - time homemaker, a full-time mother?  The family needs a dedicated mother to make the home a place of rest and recovery.

I realize there are mothers in terrible financial circumstances who currently work.  Many want to be at home.  But there are many more mothers who choose to go out to work because they want to.

Some mothers had been home while the children were young, but then decided to go back to work, or got bored and wanted something new and exciting in their life.   This is called an "Ex-housewife." This term breaks my heart.  It makes me think of a broken home and an ex-family.  It makes me think of a home that fell apart because mother left.

The older Christian mother is to be the example to the younger generation.  Her staying at home, often waiting through the seasons and phases of life, faithfully loving and tending the home, is to be the ideal example to the young Christian Mothers.  What breaks my heart is that many of these Titus 2 Mothers are abandoning the call of home and becoming "ex-housewives."

Scripture says for us to be ye separate.  We are not to mimic the actions and ways of the world.  If there is a mass exodus of women into the workforce, why would the Christian woman join the crowd and leave the home? 

Is it hard to stay home?  When there are financial trials - YES!  Upper class housewives have it easier than the rest. They worry not about money.  But the majority of Christian Homemakers work harder than most people by making food from scratch, laboring in the garden and home and taking care of the family.  This is hard work. But it is a precious calling.  It is a normal way of life for the sweet mothers of yesteryear.  We can keep this going, from generation to generation. But we must learn to never take on the title of being an "ex-housewife."

Blessings
Mrs. White

"Who, but a few wild visionaries, and rash speculatists, and mistaken advocates of 'woman's rights', would take her from the home of her husband, of her children, and of her own heart—to wear out her strength, consume her time, and destroy her feminine excellence—in committee-rooms, on platforms, in mechanics shop, or philosophical institutions?" -   John Angell James, 1800's

For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 



An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Home Shopping (History and Warning)

1940 New Mexico: Ordering from the Sears Catalog, because of the distance to the nearest store.
(Library Of Congress)

It used to be that every home had a Sears Roebuck Catalog.  This was a large book containing every kind of item you could possibly need.  It was a published mercantile for the home.   We would fill out order forms and mail in our order; Then eagerly wait for the postal delivery!   We children were often seen with the catalog, dreaming about the clothes, toys, and decorations we wanted.

Years later, they stopped publishing.  New ways of shopping were coming into fashion, and perhaps mothers at home were becoming more mobile - more able to go out to the stores. Mass shopping, for fun and recreation, was gaining popularity.   One of the saddest days in American family history, was the day Sears stopped printing their catalog. 

In the late 1980's cable television started appearing in homes.  This also brought a home shopping channel.  We were able to sit under constant sales pitches, and put under pressure, to order within the next 5 minutes or the item would be "gone."   Many bought jewelry, decorations and clothing through the telephone.  The panic of the ending sale played with the emotions and made us feel like we had to have it now.  . . This was the beginning of brainwashing (or brain-training) to turn the culture into a shopping- focused society, rather than a home- and- family focused society. Prudence, diligence, patience and hard work were being slowly eroded from our characters.

Today, we have Internet sales, and online shopping options.  This is certainly helpful for those who are generally homebound, or unable to get out much.  But we are still seeing the "buy now," and the "sale ending tonight" pressure that we never saw in the old Sears Catalog.  If we are not aware of these sales gimmicks, and are not armed with knowledge to fight off the fear of not "getting that sale price,"  we will be sucked into the lure of shopping for recreation; buying things we don't need, and of shopping without hesitation or prudence. 

Shopping from the comfort of one's home, with seed catalogs and Lehman's catalogs, while gathered around the kitchen table, are good ways of slowing down the spending process.  We may dream over the items, plan what we will do with them, and carefully come up with a wise shopping decision.  This is one way to counteract the consumer craze that has taken over our nation.

Blessings
Mrs. White




Did you get a copy of our newest book?

 "Dear Kitchen  Saints:  Letters from an Iowa Housewife" was written by Connie Hultquist.  Her amazing marriage testimony was recently published in Above Rubies Magazine.  Her book is a treasure of wisdom and encouragement!




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

Cleaning House with Baby

It is certainly a challenge to keep house, when there are babies and small children around. But these are the loveliest times of all for the homemaker.

Babies often look on curiously at all the work we do in the home.  They are shocked by the noise from the blender, the vacuum, and the washing machine. 

One day last week, I was making a cake.  I had baby in the carriage.  He watched as I brought down the large mixing bowl (to his level), and used my electric hand-mixer to stir the cake batter. He loved it!

I have put him in the walker while vacuuming the carpet.  It is easy to play fun games with baby, when one is cleaning.  He enjoys seeing all the action going on at Grandmother's house.

We garden together, hang clothes on the line, wash dishes, sing hymns, sweep floors, and wash the high-chair tray!  Well, I do all those things while baby watches.  (Much like when I am helping Mister with his stuff, He does all the work, while I stand nearby.)  It's really the being together that is wonderful.

Part of playing with babies and children most certainly happens while we are living our normal, daily life.  We just bring the children along in our activities, making our work and our days delightful.

Blessings
Mrs. White



Did you get a copy of our newest book?

 "Dear Kitchen  Saints:  Letters from an Iowa Housewife" was written by Connie Hultquist.  Her amazing marriage testimony was recently published in Above Rubies Magazine.  Her book is a treasure of wisdom and encouragement!




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

Bioque Day Cream / Night Cream $90 Value - Giveaway

It's time for another Commercial Break.  This is brought to you by Bioque, skincare that Vogue Magazine calls, "The anti-aging line that took Hollywood by storm."


"Breakthrough signal technology helps wrinkles and fine lines appear less visible, giving the appearance of more youthful skin."


This company has authorized a give away for my readers.

One winner will receive both of the following:

1.  REJEUVENATING Night Cream "(Give skin cells their just dessert.") 

and

2. REJEUVENATING Day Cream ("Gourmet nourishment for VIP skin cells.")

 They are each valued at $45.00.

To enter for a chance to win, please leave me a comment sharing your favorite beauty tip. 

For additional Entries:

1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Monday, July 15, 2013. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.


-  You must include your email address in your profile, or in your comment, or I can't find you if you win! - Anonymous comments will be void.

This contest is closed. The winner is:  Brianna

 

*Disclosure - "The information and product have been provided  for review purposes."*

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

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Pepperidge Farm Presents - Goldfish Mac and Cheese

It's time for a commercial break, brought to you by Pepperidge Farm:


My favorite goldfish is now available in Mac and Cheese!

There are four kinds:

1. Nacho Cheese

2. Cheesy Pizza

3. Cheddar

4. Butter Parmesan


The pasta shapes are the perfect size, not too thick.   When one opens the package of powdered cheese, the delicious scent and freshness comes through beautifully!   You'll also enjoy the adorable comics on the back of each box.


 - Walmart is the exclusive store where you can find this great new product. -





*Disclosure - I received this item, and information, for review purposes.*






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

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

"Dear Kitchen Saints"

In 2000, Nancy Campbell of "Above Rubies Magazine" published an anonymous marriage testimony.  The writer included an email address.

   I contacted this anonymous writer, wanting to thank her for her courage and bravery in sharing her story with so many wives. I knew it would be an incredible encouragement to them.  She emailed me back, saying she knew who I was! I was stunned.  It turned out that we had both been writing for Crowned with Silver and Sarah's Promise magazines!  I had loved her articles in those publications and was amazed to read her testimony. 

Her name is Connie Hultquist.  For 13 years, she has been writing almost daily to a group of homemakers, encouraging them, building up their faith, and helping to strengthen Christian homes all over the world.

Recently, Nancy Campbell reprinted Connie's marriage testimony, in the February 2013 edition of "Above Rubies."  This time, she included her name.  There was also an update.   Connie, married almost 40 years, was now widowed.    Her testimony went out to 100 countries and many have written seeking her advice and encouragement. 

In light of this response, Connie and I worked together to come out with a book.  It was just released today!  It is called, "Dear Kitchen Saints:  Letters from an Iowa Housewife."    This book is much needed in today's Christian homes. 

Wives of this generation have it harder than ever.  They desperately need old time wisdom and encouragement.

Would you like to go on a Treasure Hunt for a chance to win your own copy of Connie's book?


GIVEAWAY

For a chance to win, I need you to do 2 things:

1.  I have created a google document for you to fill out, as you discover the answers to some fun questions:

Here is - The Treasure Hunt Form.  (Just follow the instructions in the document. No rush, take your time.)

2.  After you submit your treasure hunt form (whether it is right away, or a few days from now), come back here and leave me a comment letting me know you did it.



I would also love your help in getting the word out.  Will you tell others about the treasure hunt, and about the new book?  I would appreciate it so much! 




Blessings
Mrs. White


P.S.  Connie's new blog is called, "A Revival for Homemakers."  Be sure to visit when you get a chance!







An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

When Mother is a Shut-In

Life has been very quiet here at the Estate. I have been cooking and baking and keeping house, at a slow, peaceful pace. I have not been able to leave the property. We have no car and no public transportation, in our rural area.  Mr. White is getting rides to and from work.  It has now been 2 weeks since I've been able to attend our beloved Church.  Our car is in the shop and we don't know if or when it will be repaired. 

I have loved staying here at home.  It has been a great blessing. It has also been an important lesson for me:  Staying home, for a wife and mother, as much as possible, is the greatest thing she can do. Why? Because she is creative at home.  She is not harried or under pressure from constant errands and outings.  She can cook from scratch more and monitor the economy of the kitchen inventory. Her sweet presence in the home is invaluable to the family for a great many reasons.

Staying at home, for a homemaker, is part of the job description.  The reward is incredible!

Yet, there are still the worries without a car, even if it were just for Mister.  We must have a running, dependable vehicle.  We must.  There are groceries to buy, banking to do, and a job for him to get to.  Today, I had a sort of childlike wonder about it all. I trust the Lord.  I know He is doing some great work.  So I willingly yield to this trial, making do and bringing as much light and joy into my home as possible, while we wait. 

My mother-in-law used to keep a running note on her fridge.  She rarely left home. So when she was almost out of laundry detergent, trash bags or milk, she would write on a note on the fridge.   I never heard her complain or panic about running out of milk (like I am sometimes tempted to!).   Papa, her husband, would pick those things up at the store on his way home from work, on a certain day of the week, or when he had time.   

My pantry is running low and I wonder when I will get to the market.    A few days ago, I made chocolate chip muffins.  I used apple juice instead of milk, because I knew I couldn't spare the milk.  Yesterday, I made my sons Macaroni and Cheese, but we had no milk to mix in with the powdered cheese. So I used a little spring water instead. It turned out just fine, and the boys enjoyed their lunch.  If I didn't know to do these kinds of things, I would not be able to calmly make it through this trial.

Something amazing is up ahead for us.  I believe it. . . We've had many rough financial times, and this year is no exception.  But we've been down this road before.  I have seen miracles and been greatly blessed by them.  Today, to keep a holy faith, I pulled out my favorite children's books:    "Uncle Arthur Bedtime Stories."  I will read these in my parlour chair during homemaking breaks.  I will read about sweet families who prayed and pleaded with God for their daily bread.  Tears will fall as I rejoice with them, as God works in mighty ways!  These are true stories written by Arthur Maxwell, and are gems!  Reading these today, will encourage me in my own prayers, and help me on my walk to victory.

Blessings
Mrs. White






For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 





An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

The Sanctuary of Home

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

 - Mothers must learn to make home a sanctuary. -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Blessings
Mrs. White




For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 


Tweet

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Walking the Grounds with Mister

[Part of Mrs. White's front Property.]

 I was walking the grounds with Mr. White, in the early evening, here in Vermont.  We checked on the strawberry plants up on the hill.    We paused to watch the rushing river behind the property.  Birds were chirping, as we felt a gentle breeze.  Earlier in the day, I had helped plant radishes and spinach in a small raised bed in the front garden.  (My helping means I stand there while he does all the work.)   

Throughout the day, we had good-naturedly annoyed each other.  This is what best friends do.  We annoy and we laugh.  After decades of marriage, we understand communication.  We know to laugh instead of taking the jokes too far.  We know to make light of home life.

Mister led me to the picnic table on the front lawn.   He had spent the day mowing our 2 acres.  We were enjoying the reward of all his work. 

Rain started to fall.  Somehow, I managed to talk him into carrying me back into the house.  This is something he will only do for me once a year.  This was the perfect time. 

We made it to the front porch, as rain poured down on us.   It was time to get back to indoor housekeeping.  Dishes needed to be washed. Supper needed to be made.  I had laundry to fold.  But I was smiling and happy.  Our outdoor adventures on this cool summer day had been peaceful and pleasant.  Somehow I had forgotten about my broken down car, or being "trapped" at home.  I forgot about the bills, and the stress of life. 

We are enjoying the beauty of our Estate and waiting out the financial thunder and lightning and downpour.  And as we wait for the storms of life to pass, we wait joyfully and patiently for the next step; for the next orders from the Lord.  He will provide and take care of us.  In the meantime, I will walk the grounds with Mister and Keep house and I will be grateful.

Blessings
Mrs. White





For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 


Tweet

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Homeschooling with Grandbaby

We sat in the parlour in our old antique chairs.  Baby was in his carriage.  My teenage student was beside me.  Baby had a little toy to keep him occupied.  The children listened while I read, "The Declaration of Independence."  John (15) and I discussed a little about our nation's history and the characters of the signers.

Soon it was time for a Math test.  John sat at the kitchen table and started his test.  Baby and I went into an adjoining room so John could have quiet.  I could still see him through the doorway.

I set up baby's carriage near my chair and pulled out a fun game, "Phonics Firefly."  This light-up game teaches letters, sounds, spelling and the alphabet song.  I went through all the games with him. He heard the letters and sounds over and over again. He was intrigued! 

Later, I read colorful books to baby. I enjoy the stories and love to have a young one to read to again.  . . Baby listened to our family worship time (Bible reading, hymns, etc.).

We walked the gardens at our Vermont Estate and were delighted to see strawberries ready to be picked.  We noticed 2 of the rosebushes are showing white and yellow roses!  Every so often baby hugs me, and pauses to look at me with a smile.

Then I walked baby over to the high flagpole on the front property.  He looked up to see the American Flag waving in the wind. . .  Baby sighs.  . . It is so precious when Baby sighs.

Regular life is mixed in with our homeschooling hours.  There are meals to cook and dishes to wash. I clean bottles and dress the baby.  I rock him to sleep, and soothe his fussiness at naptime.  My favorite part of the day, with baby, is kissing away his tears.

Our house is full of all kinds of books and toys for children of all ages.  While I am finishing up the last years of John's Home Education, I am grateful to have baby here to begin again.  Whether baby grows up and goes to a regular school or not is up to his Mother.  But anytime he is here, just like regular daily life at our Estate, he will always be homeschooled at Grandmother's house.


Blessings
Mrs. White




For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 


Tweet



An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.