Focus on the Family Presents - Les Miserables

Audio CD - Les Miserables

Presented by: Focus on the Family

This 3 CD set has a running time of 169 minutes.

This beautiful story has a setting in 19th century France.  It is based on a classic novel by Victor Hugo (A French writer in the 1800's).  

This audio adaptation is fascinating and a delight to hear.  It was recorded in London and has a professional cast who did an incredible job. 

The main character in the story is Jean Valjean.  He is an ex-convict who cannot ever escape his past.  No matter what he tries to do in life, he seems to be always hunted and accused, because he was once a prisoner.   In the beginning, he meets with a kind couple whose hospitality and compassion help him make a new start in life.  Eventually, he builds up a new reputation, under a new name, and has a tremendous influence for good in his community.  His riches, and charity in life are amazing. But what is most precious, is his unselfish character and actions. 

This is an epic story, highly inspiring and an excellent production.  Listening to the story on audio CD was relaxing and a wonderful break from watching a movie on television.   I highly recommend this radio theater presentation.

*Disclaimer - I received a copy of this product for review purposes.*



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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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Family Comfort in the Evening Hours

At the end of the day, the family gathers together for a meal and to share adventures. Sometimes the children will laugh and entertain the others. Or, there will be older teens who talk about their work day.

In old time humble homes, everyone would gather around a vintage radio and listen to the news or a program. Mother would knit or do some mending. Father might be smoking a pipe or doing a little whittling. The children might have jacks to play on the floor, or a few handmade toys. 

In other homes, someone would play the piano and all would gather round to sing. Or perhaps one could hear the sound of a banjo as the family sits on the porch playing some old country music and singing along.

In later years, with the invention of record players, the family could hear crooners like Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby.

Next, there were television sets where programs like Burns and Allen were broadcast.  Families would eat their dinner at the table and then settle down to enjoy a show together.

Families play board games, cards and checkers. This is a wonderful form of togetherness which calms and soothes the hearts of weary souls.

In these days, we have modern radios with Christian stations for sermons, music, talk and advertisements. These are also heard on car radios as we travel on errands or trips. We also have CD players to hear modern music that we enjoy.

Some kind of entertainment goes on each night in most homes. This comforts and cheers the family at the end of a long, hard day.

It is something we can strive to create - an atmosphere of happiness, and entertainment with our families.

We should look forward to the setting of the sun, as we toil on with our work, as the best part of the day - the night time for rest and reward for our daytime labors.

Isn't this just like our earthly life as the daytime, and eternal life (at death) - as our night-time?

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Good propaganda in - Kitchen Sermons.

Just like the old days - Creating a 1950's - like Childhood.

Don't make the children do all the work - A Cheerful and Willing Housekeeper.



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" 






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

Radio Homemakers

I found a lovely historic video of radio homemakers from Iowa public television.   There is also a book by Evelyn Birkby, called "Neighboring on the Air."  I just ordered a used copy of this book and I can't wait to read it.


I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did!




Blessings
Mrs. White

My thanks to Iowa homemaker,  Mrs. Hultquist, for help with research!

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Rural Housewives

It is bitterly cold here in Vermont. We end up almost trapped at home. It's too cold to go outdoors, but we must for chores and errands. Winter is the time to settle inside near the fire, but it can be a very lonely experience.

One way rural housewives, in the old days, would pass the time was by listening to radio programs while knitting or sewing. This was during breaks from their household tasks. I have heard about something called, "neighboring over the air," or "radio housewives," which included programs of homemakers telling stories or sharing recipes over the airwaves.

There were other programs, including news segments, or ongoing stories that even the children would gather around to hear.  These might be suspense, mystery or westerns.

I love the idea of sitting by a large piece of beautiful furniture that was called a radio, while mending or knitting. It would be a lovely way to pass the time.

Housewives would also do their baking and try to have something special in case an unexpected visitor came by.  -We need to keep the cookie jar and breadbox filled!-   When someone stops by our house, I love to have freshly baked cookies, brownies or fudge to offer our guests.

I realize rural housewives often feel alone. Sometimes they need a little encouragement, a funny story to cheer them up, or some little bit of advice about the work they do all day long.  The radio programs and occasional neighborly visits were a blessing. Church services and other events were also greatly appreciated.

Today, radio programs are mostly talk shows, music or a myriad of commercials. Occasionally, we can hear something like Adventures in Odyssey while driving down the road, or listening in on the old kitchen radio. I wonder what would happen if they brought back a homemaking program on the radio? A little visit over the airwaves might be just what we need!

Blessings
Mrs. White

The Difficult Days - Brave Mothers Who Walk Into Walls.

Encouragement for Mothers - What Sundays Used to Mean to Housewives.

It's Okay to Feel like - The Kitchen Martyr.

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