A House Full of Babies

The house was full of people today. To have family and close friends visiting amidst our domestic duties makes the day go by pleasantly.

We have three little grandbabies here, ages 2 and under.  There are routines and schedules to follow but we can all visit and talk and laugh while we work and care for the children.

When it is time for someone's nap, everyone will scatter.  The house is kept quiet and peaceful so little ones can get their rest.

Many of our guests help with the work during the day. Some sweep the floor, do the dishes, or hold a baby.  We also organize and sort laundry, prepare snacks and meals, and do errands.  Someone will say, "Can I get you a snack?" or "Do you need anything before I go upstairs?"  The house becomes a lovely place for a flurry of activity and hospitality.

Someone prays with a toddler before meals.  I sing hymns while rocking babies to sleep.  Someone reads the Bible to me, or recites a beloved passage of Scripture.  We pray as needs arise, or as some burden is laid on our heart. 

We take care of these wonderful babies, and each other, gratefully,  knowing our foundation is strong in the Lord.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Happy Summer Days at Home - Walking the Gardens with Baby.

A Blessing to Be One - A Good Little Housewife.

For the Tough Times - How The Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.







Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




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Sweet Holiness on Mama's Birthday

I had 30 minutes in the kitchen. Two of my grandbabies were in the nursery with their Uncle. He babysat while I went into my favorite room in the house.  I got out the bundt pan and made a chocolate fudge cake.  While I worked, I turned a CD sermon on my kitchen radio. It was by the late Dr. Curtis Hutson.  It was so precious!  At the time the sermon was recorded (I think it was in the 1990's), he had cancer.  He was in his last days here in this world.  Someone had to help him onto the pulpit, he was so weak and weary.  He preached a beautiful, heart-stirring message, and he also broke into humble songs. I sat on my kitchen stool and frosted the cake, as gentle tears came to my eyes.  These were tears of sweet happiness.

In old southern churches, congregants are often seen crying with a peaceful and joyous look in their eyes.  Onlookers may not understand. But what is happening is that the message being preached (through a heart close to the Lord . . .  a humble precious heart), causes a melting of the normal coldness and frost the world seeps onto our hearts.  Our tears are ones of holiness.  We are being warmed by the fire of godliness and it melts our souls.  It makes us well.  The tears, with a sweet smile, is a sign of happy joy in the Lord.

I was so grateful to be in the kitchen doing what I love on this special birthday.  It is a good day to be revived and reflect upon one's life.  

How much more work can I do for the Lord? Each day is an honor and a gift.  Each birthday I am drawn closer to my last day here in this world.  I am heaven bound.  Not because of me, but because of the dear Lord who is longsuffering and merciful. 

I am so grateful for the laborers in God's holy fields, who lift us all up and encourage us along the way - no matter how rough and difficult the road can be.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

We Need More of This - Homemaking Propaganda.

An Inspiring Life - Corrie ten Boom - In My Father's House.

Lovely Hymns - Singing Comfort to Baby.






Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




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Preparing for a New England Thanksgiving

I am reminded of my old Massachusetts home at this time of year.   Our family had a membership at Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  I took my children there many times.  We wandered around the living museum observing costumed actors going about the historic daily life of the Pilgrims.

The settlement was right beside the ocean. The whipping sea winds made the cold Autumn weather icy and bitter.  (Having lived most of my life at the ocean in a nearby town, I know how difficult the winter ocean air can be.) The simple homes the people lived in had fireplaces to keep them warm.  Each house had only one room. They were like tiny cottages with a bed and a table. Each family: mother, father and children lived in their own cottage. I saw the hard work each had to do. There were gardens to cultivate, heavy clothing to wash, outdoor kitchens to work in, an abundance of wood to chop, and babies and children to take care of.  This was all for survival.  This was the beginning of a new life here in America for these foreigners.  I often thought how much warmer and nicer life would have been if they had settled out in the mountains rather than by the cold ocean. But it was far too dangerous at the time.

On each of our many visits to the Plantation, we sat in their humble church.  I was in awe.  I love how the people themselves built the church using the nearby trees for building supplies.  There were straight and plain benches for the congregation and a place in the front for the Minister.  This was where he encouraged the people and inspired them to holy living so they could face the coming week ahead.  This was where he preached and taught against sin and convicted their hearts and minds to stay on that precious heavenly path. 

The journey the Pilgrims took to get to this country was treacherous.  Have you seen the Mayflower ship?  A short drive from the Plantation brings you to Plimouth Rock and the Ships for tourists.  We have walked through the boat and have seen the living conditions, which tells me that those people had a strength of character and a moral endurance to accomplish something few of us today could manage. 

Many died on that ocean voyage.  Many also died before the first year on the Plantation.  I am sure the Pilgrims prayed constantly for health and continued courage.  The Bible was the most important book to them.  They taught it to their children.  They comforted one another with it's words.  They lived it!

That first Thanksgiving was modeled after the Biblical time of feasting. The Pilgrims, who were deeply religious, most likely were inspired to do this from Leviticus 23: 34, which is the commandment for the Feast of Tabernacles (or "Sukkot"- meaning "booths" or "temporary dwellings").  This was a time to gather up the harvest to worship and thank God for his provision. 

This time of year, many of us want to throw a large celebration.  We might spend far more money on food than we can afford, and not even consider it's folly.  The high cost of food makes many of us poor.  For those who have farms and are growing their own apples and fruits, have their own turkeys, and grow their own vegetable - these are the people who can have a plenteous table with food grown for very little cost, with the work of their own hands.  But for the rest, who have to buy every apple to make a pie, or have to buy the turkey and the potatoes and all the rest, far too  much money can be easily spent.  This is not the purpose of the Thanksgiving holiday. 

In our home, I have to count the cost.  I have to find the sales and "scour out the land" to make our Thanksgiving wonderful, but something we can afford.  We will have our own family and guests as well.  It will be a precious and delightful time.  But I will host this in a manner in which I can afford, and with creativity and the works of our own hands.  I will make what I can, and buy what I can afford.  We mothers can make these special times because of our labor and prudence.

The Pilgrims were a humble people who sought after holiness.  Their first Thanksgiving feast was a joyous time to enjoy the prosperity of an abundance of food the Lord had provided for them.

Let us follow their example despite a consumerist, ungodly culture around us.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

What Life is Like - Living Without Credit Cards.

Mother inspires the Family - The Cultured Society of Home.

Summer Days at the Estate - Walking the Gardens with Baby.



Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




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The Mother Who Has Time for Prayers

One of the most important benefits of having a full time mother at home, is her prayers.  She is in the sanctuary of home.  Her concerns and focus are entirely devoted to husband and children, and in the care of their home.  She should be in the habit of praying while she cooks and cleans. 

While she is washing floors, ironing, and mending the clothing, her beautiful prayers will ascend, as a sweet melody, to heaven.

When her husband and children are out, they feel a sense of peace and security, knowing how much their mother loves the Bible, and is faithful in her loving and fervent prayers on their behalf.

This time of fellowship with the Lord (even in the midst of housework), provides a holy warmth and gentleness to her soul.  It softens her heart and helps make her sweet.  The family sees this and senses her strong faith.

We mothers, in our own efforts, cannot change the family. We cannot even change ourselves.  But striving for a closeness to God; hour by hour and minute by minute, will bring us great joy and contentment. It will bring us into a bright and precious walk with the Lord.  This is the state a mother is in, when she lives her life in a way as to have time to pray for her loved ones.

 Ideally, this is the mother at home.  She is of great value.  Her price is far above rubies.  No amount of money she could ever make could replace her constant, heartfelt prayers.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

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

In case you ever wondered - How a Housewife Passes the Time.

I will never regret staying home - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.






Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




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In Pursuit of Christian Duty

Early in the morning, I am awakened by a little baby being placed in my arms. It is my grandson.  I take care of him in the morning so his mother can get some extra rest.  I have given up on the idea of my early morning tea, as the sun rises, while I sit in the parlour.  Those kinds of mornings are a distant memory.   My hours, days, weeks, months are consumed with the blessing of Christian duty.  It happened gradually, my personal time, and my own way, being taken over with something far more precious.

We spent the last month taking care of Grandfather, and then Nana needed medical care.  I have spent an enormous amount of time in Hospitals this winter.   When I am home, I clean, do laundry and care for the family.  Being busy about the house is a privileged kind of duty that I am grateful for.  We have found ways to make the trials a bit of fun.  Many mornings, I would sit in the kitchen of the Grandparents, taking notes of the day's plan.  Did they need firewood? Dishes washed? Some errands run?  We made a plan for dinners.  It reminded me of Rose Kennedy, and how she would breakfast at home, ordering dinner from the domestic staff who cared for her family and house.

Some would say that we mothers are being run ragged, by all we have to do in a day. Some would be haggard and worn by such trials and hard work.  But as long as there are times of rest, and little homemaking breaks, we can manage beautifully.  This is a sweet spirit of Christian duty. 

All day long, there are silent praises and prayers uttered up to Heaven.  All day long, there is a pleading for strength and courage - and these are gently given. 

Many times we Mothers read our Bible in the twilight hours, or in a spare moment while children are napping, and we delight in a holy communion.   We do not seek Christian duty, we do not wonder what God would have us do; we simply make ourselves available for the Master's use and He will fill our time with His glorious work.  When we walk in His ways and Love His Laws, we will find Him in the humblest of work.  This brings us the greatest joy we will ever experience, this side of Heaven.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

A Special Time of Day - The Dinner Hour.

Getting Along with Mister - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.

When we Married, we took one of these - A Vow of Poverty.





Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




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

Corrie ten Boom - In My Father's House

Corrie ten Boom was one of the most inspiring people of our time.  Her faith in God was incredible. She was called of Him to endure unbelievable pain and trials.  Through it all, she was a light of hope and warmth, as an ambassador of the Kingdom of God.

Corrie is best known for her book, "The Hiding Place."  This is about the holocaust and the concentration camps. Her family hid Jewish people in their home, to protect them from the Nazis.  Her family ended up in the camps.  She was the only one from her family to survive the prison camps.  She later became a "tramp for the Lord" (as one of her books is titled).  She travelled and spoke about her faith and encouraged others.

I have read, and owned, several of Corrie's books over the years.  However, old books tend to fall apart over time and need to be replaced.  The content of some books are so valuable, you want to get a new edition and take care of it as long as possible.  "In My Father's House" by Corrie, is one of those books. 

Lighthouse Trails Publishing has come out with a beautiful  new edition of Corrie's book.  This edition includes more than 50 photographs from Corrie's childhood and home.  "In My Father's House" is about her growing up years. It shows the foundation of her training and experiences that made her the strong, godly woman she was, which enabled her to endure the War and the aftermath. 

In this beautiful edition, you will read about her loving parents, her three aunts, her brother and sisters.  You will read about her father's life as a watchmaker and repairman in Holland.   You will read about little Corrie's concern for the lost souls in her town, and how her parents lovingly guided her to have compassion for others.  

I loved reading about her Mama! What a beautiful and wise, dear lady!  She was an incredible mother and an excellent wife.  Her father was also a very hardworking, patient, wise man. Corrie's memories of home life are instructive and precious.

The pictures of Corrie and her siblings are endearing.  I loved seeing her old home and the furnishings.  If you get a chance, look at the back cover of the book and see the gorgeous picture of sweet, little Corrie as a child.  It will give you a gratefulness to be a mother of your own children. It will encourage you to tenderly care for your own babies and raise them up to do God's work in this difficult world.

* This is one of those books I plan to re-read at least once each year. *



In My Father's House by Corrie ten Boom
Lighthouse Trails Publishing
ISBN # 978-0-9846366-2-4
(This is the beautiful 2011 edition with the family photographs.  It includes Scripture quotes that "Father ten Boom shared with his wife and children.")



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


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Early Morning Revival Challenge

"Inspired by the life, writings, and journals
of John Wesley (1700's), the author 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. . .

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 the description from the back cover of my new book, "Early Morning Revival Challenge."

6" x 9"
List Price: $12.99

The Legacy of Home Press
ISBN-13: 978-0615861050
ISBN-10: 0615861059
Early Morning Revival Challenge

By Mrs. Sharon White

This is a slim, 72 page, paperback book.  The interior has an "antique" look with "cream" colored paper, rather than the traditional "white."  The cover has a photograph of our Vermont Estate Grounds, and looks very peaceful.  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.

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!



Blessings
Mrs. White



From the Archives:

Lessons from my Boston Aunt - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

Please Don't Be One of These -  Bossy Wives.

Remember This for Your Homeschool - Education Must Not Be Rushed.





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Mother's Benevolent Society

One of the greatest opportunities for the homemaker is her charitable acts within the home.  If she can only delight in her calling, and lot in life, she can become a bright light of good deeds, noble virtue, and kindness to her family.

Sometimes when I would teach my children to do some little service, or help, for their siblings, they would perhaps frown or start to complain.  I would smile knowingly and say something like, "this will be a mitzvah.   It is a good deed, following the principles and commandments given by God, and He will reward you for it.  It is His work you are doing."  The term "mitzvah" was taught to my children when they were very young.  It is a Jewish term which is a keeping of the many commandments of God.  It has also been said that by doing a mitzvah, a bond is created by God and man.  There is a joy in it, a loving service for the Lord above, and that makes it precious. 

While we mothers are not always in the sweetest, holiest of moods, our main goal is to be kind hearted, and warmed by the presence of God.  This will pour through us, in our own actions and words.   In this way we are teaching our children the beauty of a life devoted to benevolence.

But what of the Mother's own actions?

It is very easy to become overwhelmed and even annoyed with all the work heaped upon us. It almost becomes a burden and a tremendous pressure that may crush us down if we let it.  Yielding to this work with a sweet temper is a herculean task.  It cannot be done instantly. It cannot even be done in our own strength.  But if we pray and read our Bibles, and sing our hymns and spend time in the holy worship of the Lord, He will give us the strength we need to do HIS work. . .  The main problem of yielding to our tasks is that we take on far more than we are capable of doing.  We often burden ourselves with impossible expectations and we all suffer because of it.

There is a simplicity in running a society of benevolence in the home.  There are basic tasks, and loving service, and little chores.  This slow-paced work should not be done in a hurry or under pressure.  These tasks should be done as unto the Lord.   The work can be done as many mitzvahs, with prayers and praises that continue to create a moment-by-moment bond to God.  This will bring us great peace and great joy that will fill us with a charitable, loving demeanor.  All who observe this, all who are the beneficiaries of this, will be warmed by this light and will carry on for us, and with us, for as long as we are in this society.

Mother,  will you become a member of the benevolent society? Will you set one up in your own home?    Will your influence and example affect your family and those around you with the beauty of holiness?

We must all remember this the next time a child whines, a dish is broken, the trash needs to be removed, someone is cranky, and when everyone forgets to do their own work.  We must remember to face these supposed burdens with a new excitement of doing mitzvahs and being charitable to those who have been placed in our care - including our guests, our children and our husbands.

Blessings
Mrs. White





For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  (It includes the story of "The Mission House" which sums up mother's godly work at home.)



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Prayers Which Cannot Be Uttered

When my children were very young, we watched a program on VHS called,  "Shalom Shabbat." It was adorable and starred Topol (from "Fiddler on the Roof").  He was an older gentleman who visited a school to celebrate the Sabbath with the students.  He was able to enjoy the Sabbath meal with one of the families. There are a variety of segments, which show us the different foods served in different countries and cultures.  There are also very short and precious stories using "clay type - cartoon" people.  It was a delightful program.

One segment that struck me was this little boy, sitting on the synagogue steps. There were Hebrew letters all around him and he was puzzled.  The Rabbi, on his way into the synagogue, noticed the boy and his dilemma.  He announced to the congregation that the service would be delayed. He told them about the young boy, saying that time was needed for the letters to reach heaven and form into a prayer.

Sometimes, in our own prayer life, we don't always know what to say.  At other times, we may be so overcome by the trials and pain in our lives, that a prayer is agonizing and exhausting.  What this boy and Rabbi teach us is that we don't always have to say something in our prayers.   There are times we are so weary and dumbfounded, that it is a precious blessing to just sit at the Master's feet, mute, and be comforted.  God knows what we would have said, or what we need.  . . He understands.

Blessings
Mrs. White


For the Tough Times - The Note in Mother's Pocket.

If only we Mothers Had this - Amazing Dedication.

When Things are Going Wrong - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.







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Spotting the Holy

In the old days, a child would see a police officer and know he represented help and safety. The police officer was trusted. We all knew who the officer was because of the way he dressed and the way he carried himself.  He was an ambassador for the law.

This should be the same way when people spot a person on the street. They may notice a kind demeanor, kind eyes, and a humbleness about them. Onlookers might notice a peace and they may think, "here is one of God's own."

Recently, on the news, I saw a modern day nun.  I was deeply saddened by her appearance. I am not sure which denomination she was from, because I realize not all nuns have changed, but this one was a modern one.  Her hair was dyed blond. It was hanging down and messy.  She was wearing common clothes.  Looking at her, you would have no idea she was a nun. You would have thought she was a regular, everyday person.  Why did this make me sad? Because a nun has consecrated herself entirely to God and His work.  She dresses in a specific "uniform."  When people see her, they immediately consider her to be a missionary worker for the Lord and a source of help and hope. 

This "spotting of the holy" should not be taken away.  Each of God's children must dress and carry themselves in a way that is selfless in this difficult, self-centered world.  Each representative of holiness must be somehow a little different from the masses.  And this will create thousands of lights across the land to lead many home.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Old Time Religion - These Things Will Comfort my Children.

What Will You Do? - When There Isn't Much.

Seek not thine own glory -  The Behind-the-Scenes Mother.





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A Home without Chaos

Some days I sense enough anxiety that I feel as if it will choke the life out of me. But this is what slows me down. This is what stops my busyness and takes me to a precious state of contented weariness.

It makes me yearn for a life of peace and happiness.  And this anxiety helps make it happen.

Grandfathers and Grandmothers who have slowed down, and keep to a home routine are the most peaceful people I know.  They have lived long lives and have experienced many things. Very few things surprise or startle them anymore.  They smile knowingly and have the greatest amount of patience in anyone I've ever seen.

The home routine of the elderly goes at a slower pace.  They are not rushing off to this event or that one.  They have homes without chaos.  This may seem difficult to replicate when there are little ones and teenagers with so many needs, but it can happen.  It comes from the heart.

I have cut back on so many things that there is much time for leisure.  This time of leisure makes me patient and loving and able to endure many things. 

Those around us may have trials and troubles, but Mother's presence calms and soothes it all.

 To have a home without chaos does not mean there is no trouble, for that would be a lonely, solitary place with no residents.  This home I speak of, the peaceful home, comes from a soul weary mother who is heartsick for heaven.  There is a joy in her demeanor that quiets onlookers. 

Modern day troubles are nothing to her, because they are nothing to her God.  She knows who is sovereign over all. She has great faith that He is in control. Why should she fret?

 Her heartsickness makes her talk of the great journey she is slowing taking towards her eternal home. Why should she be caught up in the trials of this life?  Her King will take care of that.   

A precious, peaceful home is a state of mind.  It is deliberate, but takes much effort.   It can happen for those who are weary of this world's game.  It starts with a mother of great faith, who knows to whom she belongs.

Do you see that heavenly light in the window?  Do you see the peace and warmth in Mother?  She is the keeper of the home without chaos.  All who enter her house, despite what they see before them, are quickly comforted by the welcome of the heaven-bound mother.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Home Memories - Security of Home Routines.

A Slow and Simple Life - How a Housewife Passes the Time.

A Peaceful Place  - A Special Kind of Home.





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A Christmas Without Presents

I used to read a story to my children when they were little. It was a Christmas story. There was this young destitute boy, walking on Christmas Eve trying to find shelter. He went to a rich home. He heard laughter and happiness.  He saw lots of people in the windows, eating and very merry.  A servant came to the door, took one look at him, and sent him away.  "We don't need the likes of you here!"

Onto the next house. The boy thought the rich people would be kindly. He thought they would give him a little food and offer him a place beside the fire so he could rest and be warm.  But house after house turned him away.  This little "vagabond" would ruin their parties. He was not welcome.

The boy was just about to give up.  Tears streamed down his face as he walked out of the city. He prayed and begged God for help.   He stumbled onto an old shack with a small light in the window. He timidly knocked.  An old women answered the door. She had a great heart of motherly compassion.  She brought this poverty - stricken stranger into her home and set out to take care of him.  He was placed near the warm hearth and given a blanket.  The boy looked around at the sparsely furnished old room while he ate a warm bowl of soup.  The woman was so kind to him.  His weary soul was refreshed and grateful.

But something started to happen.  Back in the rich houses, a cry came out.  "There must be a fire over there!" They looked out the window down the street.  There was a bright light coming from an old shack.  The wealthy folks left their parties and headed towards the light.  But it wasn't a fire.  The light of holiness had shined down so bright because of the kindness of the old woman, and the joy in the heart of the poor boy.  When the rich people saw this, and that it was the boy they had turned away, they repented of their callousness.  They wanted what that boy and old woman had.  They wanted the joy of godliness and love and something far more valuable than an abundance of gifts and parties.

This year, in many homes in America, many families will not have Christmas presents. Many will not have a tree or decorations or much food.  The economy is so bad, that even if these families had a little extra cash available, they would be terrified to spend it on gifts, when that money may be needed to repair a car, pay a heating bill or make sure the family had enough basic food. 

Many homes this year will look destitute from the outside, but inside the sweet and humble hearts will be filling their homes with love and gratefulness because they have each other, and a little warm soup to share.  This year, we may very well see a bright light coming from many humble homes across the land on Christmas Eve, and those lights will not be from decorations.

Blessings
Mrs. White

What it is Like - Living Without Credit Cards.

No Money for Christmas - To Encourage the Downcast Housewife.

Make it a Lovely, Precious Place - The Romance of Home.



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Mother's Faith - My New Book

Christian Mothers today are often struggling with having a happy home because of wayward teenagers.  These mothers have spent years praying, teaching and training their children in godliness. They have a great hope for a godly family and for children who grow up to bring joy to their hearts.

Instead, many teenagers and young adults have periods of waywardness.  Their pain, their trials and their choices bring weeping and sorrow to their godly mothers.  But this is not the best way to face the trials of mothering older ones.

"Mother's Faith" is designed to help comfort these mothers. It is designed to inspire courage and bring them joy. 

The book contains a collection of essays, gathered from this blog. They were specifically written by this mother of five,  in the midst of my own sorrow and trials, over the course of 3 years. 

 It is a plain, small paperback book, but packed with an important, ongoing message - Mother's Faith must never waver, no matter what the waywards do in the home. Mother will one day reap a harvest of joy.  This book will help give you a holy patience.

Please help spread the word.   After reading the book, if you would like to leave a review on Amazon, I would be most grateful.

Blessings
Mrs. White


What Would Happen  - If I Visit You at The Dinner Hour.

Remembering When My Children Were Younger - Gathering the Supermarket Bounty.

This is so important! - Mother's Rest.




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Amazing Dedication

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


Ideas for - A Happy Home.

The Classic Old Fashioned Housewife.

To Encourage the Mother of waywards - What Sundays Used to Mean to Housewives.



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I Dreamed About Mama Last Night

Oh, that we were mothers like this. Ones that our children would fondly and wistfully remember with tears in their eyes, after we are in the grave.

I pray they will think of us, and remember to walk the straight and narrow with joy, comforted by the well tread footsteps we walked before them.



"I Dreamed About Mama Last Night" by Hank Williams






Blessings
Mrs. White


Grandpa's Influence - Holiness from the Garage.

American Family Heritage - The Blessing of Being a Half-Southern Mama.

Learning from a Little Nostalgia - Home Economics Television in 1949.


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Mother's Glory

One of the greatest delights of motherhood is taking pride in our young children. We work hard to bathe, feed, educate, train and clothe them.  They are like precious cherubs who delight us and give us joy.  We love and adore them.

Our most difficult task, however, is instilling virtue and moral values into their characters. We take them to Sunday school and Church events.  We read the Bible and pray with them. We make Bible time and family worship a daily habit, hoping and praying it will take root in their souls and give them the peace that passeth all understanding, and lead them to their eternal home.

As time goes on, our little ones get into the middle years and things get harder. They begin taking different paths and making childish decisions that cause them harm.  When they are teenagers and young adults, they may fall into a great many trials. And this will make a mother weep.  She may go into a deep despair and be heartbroken for many years.

The bravest of mothers will smile through this dark time, and bring as much heavenly light into the home as she possibly can. She will still seek holiness and will endure, knowing the dawn will soon come.

One great day, Mother's glory will shine forth.  The glory is -  finally realizing that it is God that molds and shapes a holy soul, and it is HE who gets the glory.  If the child had grown, with ease, under mothers dedicated care, without a fault or a trial, then her skills and talents would have received all the praise.  Nay, let it not be so.

That family  may have shined here on this earth, but the brighter reward is the holy warmth of the Lord which shaped the souls of mother's children.  It is the mothers tears and work and turmoil through the years that is praised. But the final result, the reality of Mother's glory, is the humble and broken gratefulness of seeing God work in their lives, of God stepping in and doing the miracles, and of God making holy citizens out of the descendants in Mother's house.

The glory is the Lord's.  Remember this the next time you fall into weeping for your children. 

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Good Reason for Not cleaning - Mother's Cleaning Recovery.

Teaching Unselfishness at Home - Just for Company.

Precious Memories - When Television was Special.




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Do Not Disturb

At any moment, we are troubled by many things. Our peace, in this world, is always on the brink of danger. A feeling of calmness, that things are okay, is often elusive.

The main offense, that robs us of our peace, are the words of others.  This may be news, gossip, slander, troubles, or facts.  When someone speaks words of discord to us, or speaks words of facts that will upset us, they have spoken something dangerous that will disturb our souls. 

Everything we see, or hear, or experience, does not have to be shared with others.  What we say to others, can cause them harm, even if the information is true.   What we share with others, even in confidence, can cause them pain, even if that was not the intention.  Do not trouble the mind of others.  Do not disturb their peace.

The Chofetz Chaim tells us that "Loshan hora (lit., evil talk) is defined as information which is either derogatory or potentially harmful to another individual.. . . . A statement that could potentially bring harm to someone - be it financial, physical, psychological or otherwise - is loshon hora, even if the information is not negative."

I cannot even count the number of times someone told me something, or shared some news with me, that I considered to be gossip.  They considered it to be telling me something important or what I needed to know, but I considered it a disturbing of my peace.  Often, people tell me things just before I face a trial.  Or just before I am about to go to sleep.  Then I am troubled for hours.  But I keep the "news" to myself, so as not to spread the harm of a disturbed mind. 

Will there ever come a day when genuine gossip will cease?  Genuine gossip is sharing truth with others.  Even this is a vexation of spirit.  Why bring people down with facts and news and sad things?

When will we learn to speak life into others? When will we learn to share positive, uplifting words that will encourage a weary soul? 

Be quiet. . . Be meek. . . Keep it to yourself. . .  It is a blessing,  a good deed,  to spare someone the pain of negative talk.  More often than not, they really don't need to know what you are about to say.

Blessings
Mrs. White


P.S. It just occurred to me that homes where there is constant drama and misery are homes where gossip and sharing of the latest troubles are daily conversations. While homes where the residents use restraint and discretion in speech are happy and peaceful.


Grace Kelly wouldn't be one of these - Bossy Wives.

Fill the Mind with This - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

A Precious Time - The Respite Before Church.


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The Behind - the - Scenes Mother

There is a quiet kind of mother, many strive to be.   She is in the background of the home.  She is meek, yet strong.  She is steadfast and tough in her convictions, yet not bold in her demeanor.    She does those little things for her family and home that no one really notices, unless she is not there.

She seeks no applause.  She seeks no praise.  She is content with her crucial work, behind-the-scenes of her family.  She believes in her husband and children. She stands behind them, watching them in their daily lives, and quietly cheering them on, with gratefulness.  She has no need to praise her children in the gates (to all the neighbors and friends), because this is not to be their earthly reward. She has great discrection, sharing only polite words, and not the personal good and bad of her family.

She does not ask many questions of her loved ones. She is not constantly trying to get "information" out of them, or try to get into "their business."  Because she trusts them with their decisions and choices, knowing that God is on their side.  She has no need of fear or worry.   When things go wrong, or the children make mistakes (as will often be the case), she leaves the burden in Heaven.  For she is wise and brave enough to know there is a plan in the unseen, for which she has no control over. She must trust the Master with those details.

She takes her worries and "what ifs" and pleadings to the Lord in prayer. And then she leaves them there.

This dear quiet mother is the joy and hope of the home.   She is on a lighted path to Heaven. Many will watch her daily life, and want to follow her to that eternal HOME.

Blessings
Mrs. White


I will do This - No Matter What It Cost Me.

Can you See this? - The Smiling Mask of Mother's Pain.

Be One of these - The Mother Who Will Not Accept Reality.





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Choose Your Propaganda

Whatever you focus your mind on, that is what you will become. Is that a scary thought? Or does it explain a lot of our doubts, confusion, and our misery.

The wonderful thing about the United States is that we are a free country.  However, we are constantly bombarded with propaganda from biased media.  Our minds are always under attack with ungodly ads, news, and "lifestyles" paraded before us, in our everyday lives.

Most of us cannot become reclusive and hide out in the deep woods, living in a cozy cottage. But we can recreate such a retreat in our daily choices. It is up to us:

1. What we read.
2. What we watch on television.
3. What we see on a computer.
4. Where we go.
5. What we will listen to on the radio.
6. What kinds of people we will be friends with.
7. What kind of church we will be a part of.

The last few days, I have heard plenty of reality shows, news, and horrible "trivial" propaganda coming from the people around me, and the programs they watch. It is causing a restlessness and a misery inside me.

To counteract this, I am choosing propaganda that will re-new my mind, my soul and my heart.  I am going to get all dressed up today and sit in my parlour. I will do my normal duties throughout the day, while listening to gospel or sermons on my kitchen radio. I will read and sing from my hymn book. I will do my Prentiss study.  I will also read from three books I have chosen from my home library:

1. "Nearing Home" by Billy Graham.
2. "Raising Your Children for Christ" by Andrew Murray.
3. "Not Regina" by Christmas Carol Kauffman.

In order to live a joyful, godly life, one must have a mind on heavenly matters.  We must seek for it as hidden treasures. We must yearn for it, and be disciplined enough to do certain religious duties.  We must avoid the bad propaganda that will cripple and destroy our mind.

  It all really comes down to freedom of choice - our free will.  Choose this day which propaganda you will hear.

Blessings
Mrs. White

You Can Have  - The Cleanest House Ever!

Are You One of These? - A Mother of Sinners.

It is All I Ever Wanted To Be - Just a Regular Mom.





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A Vow of Poverty

It always happens. . . We Mothers start building up our savings and something comes along to take it away. But most often, the need is for those around us, especially our own children.

Godly Mothers and Fathers often make a subconscious vow when they start a family. The vow is one of poverty.  This means they pledge to spend the majority of their money on the needs of their children. ("Needs" not "Wants.")

We never see these kinds of mothers in costly array, or in fine homes.  We don't see them shopping idly in boutiques, or dining in elegant restaurants. These mothers use their material resources to care for the poor, and the needy, even if that is often their (old or young) children.

Old Time Mothers in Poverty would scrimp and save and find ways to make sure their children had decent shoes, nutritious foods and a humble home.

When money came in and was saved for a rainy day, Mother was delighted to have the cash to feed a hungry, weary soul, who had entered her cozy parlour to take a break from the painful world.

All money that is used for selfish needs, all health that is consumed to glorify self, all worries of reputation fall by the wayside for the godly mothers.  She seeks not her own gratifications. 

The vow of poverty is not a promise to live a destitute life. It is a pledge to use all that goes through her hands, to bless and encourage those around her.

If I pledge my "wealth" and my "health" and my "reputation" for the ministry of my own family and for those that come through my door, I have made a vow of poverty for the Lord.

This means I will spend on that which is eternal.  I will find a way to serve despite my health issues.  I will not care what others say or think of me, but only care of the view from God's eyes.


Blessings
Mrs. White


What Would Happen? - If I Visit You at the Dinner Hour.

We Need to Be Here - As Sorrowful Yet Always Rejoicing at Home.

Please Don't be One of These - Bossy Wives.




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