Tempted to Spend Money for Father's Day

With Father's day coming up,  most of us think about shopping. This has seriously tempted me to spend, or I should say . . .  waste. . . money.

Why is it so easy to go into any mall, or department store, and buy a present? Yet, at the same time, it siphons hard earned cash out of the home's funds. 

When I was growing up, we children bought our father his favorite snack foods.  One of us was elected to head to the corner store, and buy "Dad's Root Beer" and "Circus Peanuts."  Every single year, we gave him those items as a rare treat.   We would never have imagined going into a big store and buying him an expensive gift.  Father's day wasn't like Christmas. We didn't think that way. It was a special day to honor our Dad. It was not about money or gifts.  We used that day to be extra nice to Dad. (smiles)  We might watch his favorite program with him. But mostly we were well-behaved and let him rest. We would try to treat him like the King of the house.    We children didn't have much  money, and we never thought money could be used to honor Him. Money didn't bring honor.  It was our thoughtfulness, and kind words, and affection that honored Dad.

This year, we have a new tradition.  I am planning to make a homemade lemon meringue pie for my Dad.  This is a rare Treat!  It is Dad's favorite kind of pie.    We will also spend part of the afternoon watching a western with him on television.   This was something we children grew up doing. When Dad rested on a Saturday afternoon, we would sit and watch a western with him, just to be together.  This year we will eat lemon meringue pie, like it was a thanksgiving afternoon, and watch Shane.

Being together, and being thoughtful, on Father's Day is far more important than what money could ever buy.

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Culture that Forgot the Importance of - Mother's Labors.

What My Aunt Taught Me - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

Lessons from the Old Days - Building our Homes with Little Money.

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Cleaning House

Book - Cleaning House: A Mom's Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement

Author - Kay Wills Wyma

Publisher - Waterbrook Press

Paperback, 278 pages

I was so excited to hear about this book.   Many families, in today's culture, are catering to their kids in a way that is harmful to their work ethic.  This generation is fast becoming the worst "me" generation ever created. Kay has found that a large part of this is caused by we mothers who serve and care for our children, too much; while expecting less and less from them.  Children need to work around the house, learn responsibility, and stop being waited on.  She explains that mothers tend to interfere with a child's need to learn from their own mistakes. Her insights are brilliant and make the reader want to cheer!

I love how Kay struggles with procrastination and inconsistencies.  Yet, she forced herself to do this experiment with her children. This will encourage many readers who have trouble staying on top of things.   The fact is, any effort towards teaching children a healthy work ethic, is better than no effort at all.

In this book, Kay describes the events which led to this radical experiment.  There are 12 chapters which cover 12 specific tasks she expected from her children.  Her sense of humor, mingled with her resolve to get the job done makes this a wonderfully enjoyable read.

Some of the tasks she expected from her children include things like:  Cooking, cleaning bathrooms, laundry, maintenance, hospitality and much more. She tells us how it all went down in her house, and gives us hope for our own homes at the same time.

Kay is the mother of five children, ages 4 to 14.  She is a college graduate, and formerly worked with The White House. She lives in Texas with her husband and children.  Read more from Kay - She writes at The Moat Blog.


*Disclosure - I received this book  for review purposes.*

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

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Creating a Pious Home

Mother has such a great responsibility on her shoulders. She is the conductor, of the atmosphere, of home life. She can have a worldly home or a pious home.

It all starts with eliminating distractions. What pulls her away from her job at home? And, further, what is making her too tired to complete this mission?

May we first start with her endurance?

When rising, she should exercise.   It is important to exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. But this exercise must be the kind that causes sweating.  This will take away the sluggishness and tiredness because it helps remove toxins from the body.

She should not be dependent on processed foods or highly refined, sugary foods. They may be okay for occasional use, but must not be the foundation of her diet.  These will distract her mind, almost keep her at the mercy of food - induced mood swings and extreme tiredness.  She should strive to eat whole, natural foods.  These need not cost much. Even oatmeal, apples and brown rice are perfectly sufficient as an example of simple, nutritious foods.

May we move on to creating a pious atmosphere?

Of course she must keep up with her daily household chores. Our labor helps create a strong and noble character.  This is admirable and inspiring, even if no one seems to notice, or appreciate, what we do in the home.

She should discipline herself to limit, or, at times, avoid television, movies, too much computer and the like.   These should be for moments of recreation, but only when the housework and Bible time have been accomplished.

Is her Bible in a visible place? Is it easy to find for daily worship?  We are told that morning and evening devotions are excellent for the soul.   These are to be public (with the family). Then there ought to be a time of private study as well, either at midday, early morning, or late in the evening.

Keep hymn books, Bibles, Religious literature, and CDs of Sermons and good music available for family use.  Perhaps Mother can create a little corner, or section in the home, where these precious things can be kept? 

The most important thing Mother can do, is to daily work on creating and cultivating a Pious Home, but for herself.   Her job is not to force these things on the family, but to act out the love of Piety and slowly let go of the worldly, before her household. It is a daily war.  Her husband and children will see this in her. They will appreciate all the work she does.   If she strives to do this herself, the family will slowly follow and be encouraged by it.

A Pious Home comes from walking a disciplined, difficult path.  This must be a peaceful place. The peace comes from constant forgiveness and mercy to the frail souls of the family.  The Pious Home is not one of perfection.  It is not one without heartache.  But the piety is what draws each to the comfort of the Holy One, who will constantly renew them and sanctify them, drawing them closer and closer to their Eternal Rest.

Blessings
Mrs. White

What Goes On When they Sleep - Waking Up to a Cozy Kitchen.

Our Very Old House - Cleaning the Museum.

Keeping it Special - Classy Homemaking.


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Struggling with Today's Adventures

One of the most important things I need to do today, is get in the right frame of mind.  I am distracted and unmotivated.

First, I will turn on Crooners, so that a cheerful atmosphere is created.  Then I will make sure all the shades are open, and enjoy the bright sunshine. 

I will set the table for a simple, but elegant lunch.  I will use my best dinner plate, a napkin and nice silverware. 

There is a difficult errand I must do this afternoon, but I have to be peaceful and find some way to make it a fun adventure.

When I get home, I will walk the grounds, slowly and peacefully, and look at my garden.  I will enjoy the tranquility of fresh air, the sounds of nature, and the pleasantness of just being home.

I will work at a slow pace in the late afternoon and start a nice dinner. When the sun begins to set, and the streetlights go on, it will be time to wind down the day. I will read quietly and settle the children. 

When night falls, home will be a quiet place, and all the dreaded adventures of the day will be over.

Blessings
Mrs. White

When a Change is Needed - School at Home without a Lesson Plan.

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

This will Shame me out of my laziness today - Only Rich People Have Clean Houses.

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Mother's Rest

Small children must have naps, and a bedtime.  They need a routine that helps protect their health, nerves, and well-being.  We take excellent care of our little ones, but spoil ourselves with too much indulgence.  In this modern world, we Mothers are sleeping less than ever. We are so occupied with a great many distractions.  This is taking away our ability to have sufficient rest.

When I was a child, we had never heard of VCRs or DVD players.  If we watched the one television set that was in our home (other than the small, portable for when someone was ill), we turned it off at a certain hour.  Our parents went to bed at the same time each night.  We children had our own bedtimes as well.

In Grandmother's day, the electricity was only used minimally. No one would dream of using the lights, or other items, late into the night unless there was some kind of emergency.  The radio (if the family had one) was shut off at a certain time.  Families would read together, visit, Knit, play the piano, or play games.   It used to be that when the streetlights came on, it was time to wind down the day. Families had dinner, clean up, and a short break in the living room. Bedtime soon followed.

Lately, I have been so guilty of not getting enough rest.  I am staying up far too late because there is so much to occupy my time and thoughts.  This is making me less productive!  This is taking away some peaceful joy.   Sufficient sleep is a necessity, and we mothers must have a routine, just like the children.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

A Living History - Homemaking Links the Generations.

Make it Look Like - The Maid Was Here.

Morning Preparations of the Heart - Getting Ready to Face the Family.


Order My Books:


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

A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, -  "Early Morning Revival Challenge" 






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Gooseberry Patch Cookbook - Giveaway

Book - Fresh from the Farmstand - Cookbook

Publisher - Gooseberry Patch

Pages - 220, Comb bound


Ever spend time browsing at your local farmer's market? There are all kinds of garden-fresh fruits and vegetables.  Sometimes it can be overwhelming and you might wonder what you can make with such a variety of produce.

Fresh from the Farmstand will give you plenty of ideas for using those fresh garden items!  Inside you'll find 6 sections of recipes. Here is a small sampling:

 - Freshly Gathered Breakfasts

     Peach Oatmeal Pancakes, and Whole-Grain Berry Coffee Cake look delightful!

- Market - Basket Soups and Breads

     Country Chicken and Corn Soup, and Garden Minestrone are hearty comfort foods.

- Garden - Fresh Sides and Salads

     Dilled New Potato Salad, and Sweet Dill Refrigerator Pickles look fun to try.

- Farmstand Feasts

     Hearty Vegetable Pot Pie, and Pasta Primavera Even Kids Like - are a great way to include fresh produce in the family's diet.

- Summer's Best Appetizers

      Lemon Iced Tea, and Island Chiller are cool and sweet drink ideas.

- Berry Best Desserts

     Royal Strawberry Shortcake, and Refreshing Raspberry Cake sound like wonderful afternoon treats.

Each recipe in this collection is sent in by a Gooseberry Patch reader. This creates a fun variety of great cooking ideas.  The book is packed with little quotes, ideas and pretty drawings to encourage the home cook.

One of my favorite recipes in this book is on page 204. It is for "Never-Fail Pie Crust" and makes 12 single crusts!  It looks easy to follow and is carefully explained.  I can just imagine making homemade chicken pot pies, apple pies and lemon meringue pies with this recipe.

The Giveaway:

How would you like to a chance to win your own copy of Fresh from the Farmstand Cookbook?  I have one available to giveaway.

To enter, all you have to do is leave me a comment, telling me your favorite summer - time food.

For additional Entries:

1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter.

3. Follow me on Twitter.

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

5. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

6. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home Blog.

8. Choose to "Like" Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.

9. Follow Gooseberry Patch on Twitter.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

This contest is closed. The winner is A Godly Homemaker

One random winner we be selected on Monday, June 11, 2012. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

*Disclosure - This giveaway is sponsored by Gooseberry Patch. Items were provided by them.*

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

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The Respite Before Church

A loud sermon played on the CD radio in my kitchen. I washed the dishes, swept the floor and polished the stove.  I listened to spiritually quickening nourishment, while I tidied the parlour. Then I heard the church bells ring. I knew it would be time to leave soon.

There is a short time between daily tasks and religious duties that are like a "respite" for the soul.  It is when we prepare for the unseen joy of seeking holiness.

Yet, if we left the house a mess, or did not prepare in advance to take care of our earthly work, oh how restless and distracted we would be during the church time!

We can slowly walk away from our work, knowing it was well done.   We take a worldly break and head to the sacred time of heavenly things.    Is this a foreshadowing of things to come?

Some preparation time is necessary. If we are having a quiet Bible time at home, we gather our Bible and books and papers. We settle ourselves in our usual place before we begin. This is part of the respite. This is all part of the expectation and the eagerness, during the break between earthly and heavenly matters.

If we are to attend church and must travel, the time we get ready, or walk or drive is the respite.   It is a time of contemplation, and a readiness, to rid of us worldly thoughts, so we can focus on better things.

I wonder if those few moments before mortal death, the saints feel a blissful peace as they enter their long-awaited home in the heavenly realm?

Blessings
Mrs. White

The Wasting of Money - Electricity as an Entertainment Expense.

Every Home Should Have - A Housewife on Duty.

Through the Good and the Bad - As Sorrowful Yet Always Rejoicing at Home.

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