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. 


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When Company Comes

I spent much of yesterday morning in little errands and housework.  I picked up one of my girls and one of the grandbabies.  We did some shopping and came home.  Most of my children were here yesterday, along with one of their friends.  My parlour was neat and tidy and I made a nice lunch of lasagna with sesame Italian bread. 

There was chocolate cake and tea for those who wanted a nice afternoon refreshment.   Everyone spent time outside, walking the grounds, or playing games indoors.  We visited throughout the house and helped take care of baby.

The ones who weren't here, telephoned in their visit.  They missed home and wanted to be here.   We had a few pictures to look through; and talked of daily life and news.

I cleaned throughout the day, just a few minutes here, a few dishes to wash there, a chair to tuck in and a floor to tidy, and things stayed nice.  I did laundry for one of the grown children.  (I love when they come home with their laundry!)  Then I rested for a few late afternoon hours.  Children came into my room and sat with me while I rested and we enjoyed a little Pepsi.

The past few weeks, I have been reading "To Kill a Mockingbird."  Aunt Alexandra hosted The Ladies Missionary Society in the family parlour.  Southern neighbors would get all dressed up and have a nice meeting. They would talk of needs in distant or local lands, and then it was time for refreshments.  Treats and tea were served on pretty trays.  This was where young "Scout" learned to be a lady.  Perhaps we can have some sort of missionary society in our own homes.  What a nice way to have company, when one uses a portion of their visiting time, for noble causes.

When company comes, even if it is mostly family, it feels like a holiday. It is also a lovely time to enjoy being a homemaker.  It is the time to feel rewarded for all the hard labor of washing floors, cleaning windows, and dusting furniture.  It is a sweet "recital" at the end of a hard week of work, to showcase ones happy home and share a bit of Christian Hospitality.   

Blessings
Mrs. White





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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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The Old Time Family Gathering

"What shall we do now?" Here is a question from a parlour guest. They have just had tea, walked about the room, played a little on the piano, and want a new idea for a bit of fun.

Perhaps two are in the corner playing a game of checkers, with deep concentration.  Perhaps one of the ladies sits by the fire, busy with some handi-work.   Another comes by to see her progress, asking for pointers on her own embroidery project.

Now one offers to read a bit of poetry to the group; Or a bit of Charles Dickens to bring a bit of culture, education and character to the minds of the parlour guests.

Dinner is announced. . . All commence to a formal table for a happy time of dining with one other.

                                                         -   -   -   -   -  -

I wonder if this old time gathering is possible in this day of television, computer, and mass consumer shopping.  There are sports programs, and holiday movies to entertain guests.  There are computers which call us to visit online. People are planning their financial adventures, and want to shop at all the evening and next day sales. But what if we took a bit of yesteryear and made it possible for our families today?  What if we ignored the diversions of our time and really sat around the parlour and passed the time in a lovely, peaceful way. . .   Just for a little while.

Blessings
Mrs. White

What Happens  - When Mama Falls Asleep on the Job.

Someone has to Be Here - The Home Must Be Occupied. 

Where Mother is Dedicated to Home and Children - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.


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Home with a Grand Baby

Last week, Mr. White and I became grandparents for the very first time. Our daughter had a difficult labor and delivery. She had an emergency c-section and it was frightening.   I stayed at the hospital most of the time, to help.

Now that we are home again, we are catering to a patient and a baby boy.  It is difficult to maintain some sort of homeschooling routine for my one remaining student (15).  John has been helping to cook and to serve meals.   He also does much of the housekeeping, with my help. 

We are focusing on medical care, baby care and hospitality for the occasional visitor.  But the baby and mother must have a routine.   I like to remember the nursemaids from the old days, in the wealthy families. Babies got the "air," each day.  They often rode in a lovely "pram."    They also had their play time (awake time), naps, baths and constant meals and changings. 

I am remembering all the things I used to do when my own babies were little.  This is a precious time.  It is also fleeting.  Enjoying a new baby, and all the growth and changes that will happen, is an incredible blessing and a privilege.

We are all very grateful.

Blessings
Mrs. White

For Those who Wonder - How Can I Quit My Job and Stay Home?

Joy of Homemaking - Cooking for Mister.

How Clean is Your House? - Beware of Random Kitchen Inspections!


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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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Hosting a Baby Shower

In late June, I hosted a baby shower in my home. This was for my daughter, who is so excited!  I want to share a few pictures with you, and tell you some of the things we did.

DECORATIONS

1. I bought decorations at our local Rite- Aid.  This includes the pretty cut-outs on the walls, the table centerpieces and the colorful bears which trimmed the table.   The cost was under $10.

2. I bought blue (the baby is a boy) paper plates and a table cloth from dollar store.

3. I bought solo cups, napkins and plastic silverware for a minimal cost.

GREETING THE GUESTS

1.  I set up a small school desk. This is where we put a serving tray full of "goodie boxes" which contained mints and tootsie rolls.

2.  In the center of this tray were pastel mints in a little bowl.  

3. I used my computer to create "guest book" pages. There is a space for the date, the name of the event, the name of the expectant mother and a place for each guest to write their name and comments.
I used a hole punch and then tied the pages together with yarn.  [After the shower, these guest pages went into a special book - more on that later.]

4.  As each guest came in the door, they were directed to sign the book. I then introduced them to everyone in the group.

Guest Book and Treats in the Front Entryway

THE MOTHER'S BOOK

1.  I used a three-ring binder (with pockets) for this.  I found a pretty picture online and made a cover page. 

2.  I searched for quotes that would encourage the new mother.   Here are some examples:


"If I am Thy child, O God, it is because Thou gavest me such a mother." - St. Augustine.

"My Mother's occupation and hobby, vocation and avocation was motherhood." - Mary Higgins Clark.

"I remember my mother's prayers and they  have always followed me.  They have clung to me all my life." - Abraham Lincoln.

"I looked on child-rearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring it." - Rose Kennedy.

3.   Some of the people who were invited, but could not attend, sent notes and thoughts for the book.   The expectant mother can add more pages to the book over time.

4.  After the shower was over, we put all the cards and letters into the pockets on the inside cover. 

The Mother's Book

THE FOOD

1. On the invitations, each guest was asked to bring a dessert or treat.  We had brownies, fruit salad, and crackers. 

2. I made two cakes. One was a white bunt cake with chocolate frosting.  The other was a white cake with vanilla frosting and was covered with fresh strawberries.

3.  We had lemonade and soda for beverages.

THE PRESENTS

So many lovely gifts were given. Here is a small sampling:


1.  Baby Magic Lotion - This is my favorite and has a wonderful scent!

2. Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Puppy's Piano - This is such a cute toy! It is for ages 6 - 36 months. A baby can play the piano and listen to the sounds of counting, colors, and more.  It has English and Spanish words. 

3. Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker - When my children were babies, we had a more retro version of this. But the basic premise is still there.  Mother can sit in a chair and rock the baby with her foot when she needs to.  The baby will also be very entertained by the new modern features which include music!


4. Snoopy Crib Bedding - We had sort of a snoopy theme! This adorable bedding will brighten up the baby's room and look so sweet!

Some of the Presents before all the Guests Arrived

Overall, my daughter had a lovely time and was so grateful for all the sweet gifts and fellowship she received!




Blessings
Mrs. White

*Disclosure - Fisher Price provided me with the piano puppy for review/ promotional purposes.*


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Just for Company

Many of the old homes had china cabinets with dishes for special occasions.  This helped make having company a lovely, exciting event!  Mothers would have a nice clean room, freshly polished, for visiting. She would also welcome her guests into the kitchen for tea, coffee or some dessert.

When we are out on the road and weary from our travels, it is comforting to stop by to visit and have familiar things offered - like tea and cookies, near a warm fire. This strengthens us for the rest of our journey.

Ma and Pa Ingalls, in the 1800's, * would buy white sugar when there was a little extra money. This was the good sugar and was saved just for company.

In some modern homes of today, there is a prevalent attitude of "me."  The decor and the lifestyle reflect a selfishness, and a laid back casualness, that knows nothing of hospitality.  Guests are told to wash their own cup and drink whatever is in the fridge.  No tea or treats are handy, because that is not "our way," say the residents. "People must accept us the way we are," is their mantra.  This sad state leaves weary souls wandering and seeking the refreshment of home.

When we set up our kitchens and living rooms in a way that expects to have company, there is a sense of joy and pride in doing good. We share our happy homes, even for a few hours, with dear friends and family. This helps cheer them on their way.

But most of all, when we have special things just for company, we tend to keep our homes cleaner. We tend to take care of our own appearance. We are ready for that knock on the door and are excited because we get to enjoy the special tea and cake that has been reserved for just such an occasion.

Yet, what of the children who beg to use the fine china, or have the special cakes now? Do we say we will use our company things for our own immediate family? Or will we smile with joy and say, "We will plan a special afternoon and invite company so we can use these things!"  In this way, won't we teach them delayed gratification and how lovely it is to share our good things with others?  Won't we teach them how special it is to scrub and polish the house, and work hard to prepare nice things, and get dressed up? Won't we teach them there is a difference, in life, from the daily routine, and special occasions?  And that it isn't always just about us?

This is all something of an ongoing good deed. . . To share a few lovely things in life, in our homes, with those we care about. This brings out good manners in all involved. This brings a charm and a dignity to our characters.

Wouldn't it be lovely if we all had an annual Guest Book in the front hall, where visitors could sign, write the date, and leave a little note? Even if it was just our next door neighbor? What a lovely recording of the family history this treasure would be!


blessings
Mrs. White

* Little House on the Prairie page 224


1940's - Encouraging you to be an Old Fashioned Housewife.

You are Essential - Mother Makes the Home.

Why Rules and Order are So Important - Keeping House with Small Children.


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