Living on Mister's Income

One of the greatest challenges of the Christian wife, is to live on her husband's income. We are constantly tempted and encouraged to earn some supplementary money.   We are also bombarded with ideas for spending our money in ways that will "save" us money.  It is almost comical to think that spending money equals savings on any level!

Regardless of one's financial situation, one can spend every single dime that comes in; or, one can spend less than one makes.    It sounds simple in theory but is actually very difficult.  It is a fight, which goes on in the mind.

We have to fight against the idea that we need more.  We have to fight the temptation to buy things on impulse.  A responsible, elderly adult, is not in the habit of buying on childish whims.  This is a lesson we must learn.

The handling of money takes careful planning and thought.   For the housewife, it should also take a feeling of contentment and an understaning of the priviledge of having the luxury to stay home in this modern world.

I have noticed recent television programs and hallmark movies.  They always include a career woman, or some feminist actions on the part of the female characters.  When I watch old episodes of "I Love Lucy;" "Father Knows Best:"  "The Donna Reed Show;" "The Waltons;' or "The Brady Bunch" I am shocked by the shift in cultural thinking.  A Study in social living is happening by simply watching the old programs and the new ones!  Our way of life today is affected by the messages we are being fed through the media.  We must keep our guard up to prevent a subtle change in our own homes. 

Lately, I have been struggling to live on my husband's income.  This is normal and happens in many homes.  This morning it is fourteen degrees below zero, here in Vermont.  There is a ton of snow, which shows no sign of melting.  Mister took $20 of our grocery money to buy us 4 bags of wood pellets for our stove.   This will last us until his next paycheck.  But it leaves me with the struggle of coming up with nutritious and filling suppers for the next few days.  I will get out some of my old cookbooks and think of creative ways to make do.

I have been dreaming about getting the garden ready on the back property. I am thinking about my strawberry plants and all the lovely foods I would like to grow.  I look forward to the sweet warm sunshine of summer days, and hanging clothes on the line.  I want to see the grandchildren enjoying the property and laughing outdoors.  I am able to do these things because each day, I learn to live on Mister's income.  It is not easy.  It is my work, to live within the means he provides us with.  It is my challenge and my victory. 

I cannot express how very grateful I am to be a Christian housewife and be humbly taken care of by my husband.  Despite this world that seeks riches and fame, I am grateful for the old paths my godly grandmothers tread before me, where Bible reading, prayer and humble living is our way of life.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Our Heavenly Father Hears even these - Prayers Which Cannot Be Uttered.

Discretion and dedication - The Behind - the - Scenes Mother.

What would happen?  - If I visit you at the dinner Hour.





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




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Going Out With Mister

Every now and then, Mister takes me for a ride in our new car. It is a previously owned Cadillac with white leather seats.  He bought it last month.  It is the first time I have had a car since I lost mine last summer.  This one has a CD player and power windows.  Messages display on the dashboard, suggesting I turn on the headlights.  It even mentions possible road conditions. It is a clever car.  The seats are so comfortable, and the car seems so elegant, that I only listen to Classical music while I am driving. 

Even though I have driven it a few times myself, it is much more pleasant when Mister does the driving. It is more peaceful and relaxing. 

On a cold, snowy evening, he will drive me to the gas station, or the store; Just to go for a ride.  I bring a blanket and settle myself in the passenger seat.  I am warm and comfortable.  Grandfather says it is like I am Miss Daisy.   The blanket reminds me of riding in a horse-drawn wagon on a cold winter day.  It is delightful.

These little trips are not errands. If they were, it would be more stressful.  Going out with Mister is like a quiet time of togetherness.   He might buy me a Pepsi, or a Hershey Bar at the gas station.  These gifts are his way of showing he cares. 

While the car may sound grand and expensive, it has some dents in the side and a few problems. That is what made it affordable for us. That is why we were able to buy it without going into debt.  Sometimes we make the joke that we live in a world of dented elegance. Our Estate is majestic, but in need of repairs. Our cars may be lovely, but they are also damaged.  We are happy with this because our life is affordable and classy.  It is a frugally dignified life.  We may go without for many months, but our patience and sacrifice reaps a reward.   It is the way we are, here at The White House.

I have to tell you how much more I appreciate staying home these past 8 months.  I was rarely able to go anywhere, without a ride from someone.  I am so grateful for this blessing of a new car, but my outlook has dramatically changed.  All the errands I used to do, all the events I used to drive the children to, are no longer considered "essential."  I found something far better and more valuable.  I found that the "dream" of really staying home was possible, even for those of we housewives who think we have to always go out.  To really stay home, and to be focused on home for most of our time, is absolutely wonderful. 

I am quieter. I am meeker. I am gentler.  I am more cherished and taken care of by those around me.  The humbleness of being "trapped" at home, has been a great gift and a lesson from the Lord.  I am truly grateful.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

I have been ensconced at Home since Last June when I lost my car. - Rural Homemaking.

Please don't be one of these - Ex - Housewife.

I always want to be - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.




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




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Homemaking Propaganda

In our rapidly changing culture, we have to find a way to keep our bearings.  Many take vacations to "get away from it all," and have some quiet.   We are bombarded with ads, theories, ideas and marketing images.   Many of us long for a quiet walk in the beautiful countryside.  This can soothe a tired mind.  It can remove anxiety and worries.  It blocks the "world's" ideas long enough for us to recover and straighten our walk.

There is a dangerous seed spreading across the world's fields. It produces an anti- homemaking propaganda. It puts us on edge.  It wants to shut down the home, make it evolve, and destroy the tranquility of the little cottage where the old time family lives.

One needs a "pesticide" of sorts to remove this from the family garden.  It is a remedy, or a fertilizer, to help the spirit of homemaking to thrive.  We need our very own godly homemaking propaganda.

This can be found in certain television shows (Olivia and Grandma in "The Waltons;" Aunt Bea in "The Andy Griffith Show.")  It can be found in old writings, such as the original "Little House on the Prairie" books.  It can be found in some modern books. It can be heard on CDs through old time preaching sermons and homemaking radio programs. 

It can also be found in those who live it each day.  Each time a homemaker cheerfully cleans and cooks and bakes and commits to being a steadfast keeper of the home, she is sending out  good propaganda that will help the next generation to have courage and strength to continue. 

The homemaking propaganda can often be a living example of Mother at home.  This mother is tending and cultivating the little cottage for the old time family. She is doing this on little money and with minimal material goods.  She is making a little haven in the midst of a dying world. 

May God bring many more like her.   And let us encourage the godly homemaking propaganda to help guide those who are losing their way.  It is the Titus 2 mandate.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Don't get Caught up in this kind of thinking - What Kind of Queen are You?

Have you ever Wondered? - How a Housewife Passes the Time.

Take Good Care of Him - Cooking for Mister.




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




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Depending on Mister

I went out this evening. Mister took me to the supermarket. It felt like I was going into "town" and it felt like an ordeal. I didn't want to leave home, and was weary, but I knew my husband would take care of me.  I have been worn out and still recovering from recent ailments.   I felt very dependent and was so grateful to be taken care of by my family.   There is a sweet meekness when one cannot do very much for oneself.

Over the last month, as I have been without my car, I have thought, maybe there is something I should do to come up with money?  This is a normal, foolish thought.  Immediately, I remembered that the Lord is in control.  He has a plan. He is working behind-the-scenes. I will stay back and in my sweet place, where my dear husband has kindly kept me.  He is the provider, I am the housewife. (I shall not be moved.)   I cannot tell you how many times a "sickness" or a "trial" has come my way to slow me down (and get me out of the way), so the Lord could do some great work. In this case, I have learned that being home all the time, and depending entirely on Mister for any errands or outside needs, has been the most wonderful blessing of my entire marriage.

It has created a stronger trust and faith in God.  It has made my faith soar.  It has taken away MY will, and taught me what it really means for HIS will to be done.

I am a grateful housewife, and find great joy and peace in keeping the home.   This means to stay home.  No matter what I think is best, no matter what I think I have to do, staying home is the greatest blessing for a housewife. 

There is a beautiful quote by Elizabeth Prentiss (1800's), which describes it best:

"As for her, like most women, she had but one ambition. To be a good wife and a good mother, and to be beloved by her husband and children, was all she asked. [She was] a busy, affectionate, cheerful little housewife, whose voice would never be heard in the streets, but whose memory would always live in a few faithful hearts."





Blessings,
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Do You Have This? - Amazing Dedication (to Motherhood and Home).


It is not a Burden - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking.


Remembering My Mother-in-Law - Classic Old Fashioned Housewife.



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




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Recovering at Home

I am getting my strength back. I am amazed at how quickly I am getting better. Around this time last year, I was bedridden for almost a month!  I thought I was in for a rough time.  I am so grateful to be able to recover without any worries of errands or missing events. It has turned into a blessing to be without a car.

Yesterday, official word came in that our car is not fixable.  I am now permanently without a vehicle.  Mister has managed to get his old Cadillac running. He hopes to work on it, for those little errands he will take me on.  But mostly, I am home.

There have been many trials here at home in the last couple of months.  I have gotten run down.  The family has stepped in and taken on much of the housekeeping, though they don't "love" the work as much as I do. (gentle smiles)

As I have been ordered on bed rest by my children and husband, they have not seen me sneak into a room, here and there, to put away an item, straighten a chair, polish a counter, etc.  Then I head back to my bed to watch old movies and wait for one of the children to bring me hot tea in a pretty cup.  I was on total bed rest for the first day, then was able to start moving again.  I do take it slow and I will continue to rest as much as possible.

One of the hardest things for mothers is to rest when there is a baby in the house!  Grandbaby needs to be hugged, and rocked, and walked in the carriage.  He needs his tours of the property and humble gardens.  He needs someone to sing hymns and comfort him.  One can only rest around baby's needs!  Grandmothers find it very hard to resist taking care of a little one!  Perhaps having him here, has helped me to get better so much faster?

Have you toured our property yet?  You can see part of the grounds and Mister's Cadillac.  Just look on the right sidebar of the blog for the link.  While we live in financial poverty, we are very blessed here at home.

Blessings
Mrs. White



I was delighted to see a lovely review of my book, "For the Love of Christian Homemaking," by Mrs. June Fuentes at "A Wise Woman Builds Her Home!"





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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. 




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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. 




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Rural Homemaking

Yesterday, I tried to go out on an errand. I had my grandbaby with me.  We were to do the grocery shopping for the Estate. We drove down the long driveway, then two houses down before the car died.  I pulled into the neighbor's driveway, took baby out of the car, and walked home.

I am home-bound in a rural area.  I no longer have a running vehicle for my own personal use.   Yet, I am okay and at peace with my circumstances. 

I will bake and cook more. . . I will clean more. . . I will sew and knit and read. . .  I will decorate and rearrange rooms to make them more pleasant.  This large old house can always use some extra attention.  I will make the downstairs rooms more guest-ready.   I will spend more time enjoying the grounds, and my humble gardens. 

Rural Homemaking is nothing new.    Cars were not even commonly used until the early 1900's.  People stayed home more, and used horses to get around.   I remember reading this book by a "Yankee" Vermonter about his growing up years.  There was so much common sense wisdom in his experiences.  Adults would scold people who wanted to go out all the time, by saying things like "better off staying t' home where [you] b'longed, and shouldn't ought to go gallivanting all over Creation."   He also described how his Mother (and most other women of the time) did not feel comfortable leaving home in a car.  She wouldn't even go for a drive until she was sure her house was clean from top to bottom just in case she got killed.  She would say, "I don't want someone else to have to clean up the place for a funeral."     His Mother made sure all the children were freshly washed and wearing clean clothes if they even went to the store.  It was an ordeal, which tells us that going out was not a common, daily event.

My mother-in-law spent most of her time at home.  She had visitors, mostly her grown children and grandchildren.  She was a loving hostess, and life-long homemaker.  She had little flower gardens, and enjoyed doing projects like painting an old chair.   Pretty birds frequented her Massachusetts yard.   She did all her laundry in the walk-out basement, and hung the clothes on rows of clothesline that Papa set up for her near the washer.   She loved home, and we always knew where to find her.

In rural areas, without public transportation, or the ability to walk to necessary stores, it is a little more difficult to go without a vehicle.   But we will get by.  We will make do.  It will be my latest challenge, my latest adventure.

Somehow, the needed shopping and errands will be accomplished even if I am completely ensconced at our lovely old home. 

Blessings
Mrs. White





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


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A Beautiful Home

All I wanted to do this morning was sit in my parlour chair, with a cozy afghan, and read from Dickens.   We have heavy snow covering the trees and grounds of our Vermont property and I wanted a day of leisure.  But this will not make my home beautiful.

Before I have my pleasant time of recreation, I will do some housekeeping.  The family is still slumbering so it will be a quiet time of work.

I will sweep the floors, dust the parlour, clean the kitchen and do some laundry.   I will do a few little touches that make it feel lovely when one walks into a room.

Then, and only then, will I allow my laziness to come through as I sit in my little chair and delight in an 1800's classic, English, novel by Dickens.

Blessings
Mrs. White





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



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Winter Days at Home

I am mostly home-bound this time of year. The bitterly cold Vermont days make it difficult for me to get out much.  This morning, I will read some of Jane Austen's "Persuasion."   I have been working on this book for the past few weeks.  I read a little here and there. The story is fascinating and makes one enjoy the culture of home-life.

I shall have tea in a pretty cup, and have toast while sitting near the heater.  We have lost the use of our wood pellet stove this winter.  There is a coolness in the house that makes one a little weary. But we will get a new stove for the next season.   We are getting by, and will endure this temporary trial, just as we endure all the burdens that come our way - with patience and a hope for better days.

Yesterday, I was in several of the rooms in this old 1800's house.  I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I had suffered an eye-injury in the morning and needed a warm, cozy room to rest in.  I went to the third floor and tidied up before deciding to listen to an audio-drama from Focus on the Family. It was Les Miserables. (Radio Theatre) It was amazing.  (A review will be posted soon.)  It kept me occupied for three hours, long enough for the pain in my eye to subside. I was then able to get back to a slower paced homekeeping schedule.

Each room that I enter, I see something that inspires me to clean, or make it look inviting and pleasant.  You can always tell when Mother has been in a room, because of those little touches that make home precious.  A home should look inviting and ready for hospitality, even if the only guests are the residents.

We have an abundance of snow outside.  Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to spend winters in Florida. But Mr. White assures me that he will fix our heating troubles very soon.  He will make sure I am happy and warm in our humble estate here in Vermont.  I will be patient and trust him.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Life at Home - How a Housewife Passes the Time.

Remembering my Boston Aunt's Influence - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

Happy Childhood Days -  When Television was Special.



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



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Sweet Rest

A sudden unseen wind came along and quieted my life.  I spent days in utter exhaustion,  mostly bedridden.  There was a calmness in my soul that was grateful for the rest. I didn't realize I was run down. 

After a couple of days, I tried to get up. I turned on the kitchen radio to hear some old gospel music. I cleaned and smiled. But I was weak.  I didn't get far. After a few minutes, I went back to bed.

Each day, that first week, I kept trying to get up. One early morning, while the world was still asleep, I triumphed in tidying my entire parlour and kitchen. I listened to the birds while I worked. Even though I was shaky and weary, I was thrilled with the joy of housekeeping. 

But it was too much for me.  Mr. White ordered me on total bed rest for a week. I was not to get up or do anything. I was to "hire" help.

I "hired" a 15 year old Butler. (My youngest son)   Every precious morning, I "ordered" my breakfast. He made me oatmeal or toast and brought me tea. He checked on me throughout the day and brought sweet summer beverages.  He made sure I had old movies to watch.  He let me "order" my lunches and dinners. I was grateful for his service.

In his own way, he did some of my neglected housework.   I was content, despite the chaos of disorder around me.  I yielded to the forced rest, and it was doing its work.

In one of the old movies I watched, the heroine had been in an accident. She was in a wheelchair and unable to walk for 6 months. He doctor advised her to stay home and rest.  His advice calmed me.  I didn't feel as "useless" as I had been.

Children came and visited me in my "sick room." They talked and made me laugh. I was cheered.  I learned to enjoy the quiet life of ministering through my words, rather than my work.

And then one morning I became stronger. I had energy. I was able to do an errand. I brought my cane for extra support and always had someone with me. My chauffeur often did the driving.

Eventually, I went to Church again, with the cane by my side. I was delighted.  A few more days went by and I started reading more of my Bible. I had even more energy.  But I knew I wasn't yet ready to take on the joy of housekeeping.

Until it happened. . . One sweet afternoon, a precious comfort came to me. I was listening to old gospel hymns on my kitchen radio and cleaning for the first time in several days.  The comfort was a dear passage in the bible. It was about Peter's Mother - in - Law. (Matt 8:14 -15)   She was down sick with a fever. The Lord healed her. What did she do? She got up and ministered to them!  These two precious little verses were brought to my mind (out of nowhere) as I worked, like a message from Heaven. I was okay and I was blessed!

And so,  my healing has come and I am able to tend to my home and family again. I am well, but not the same.  I will keep the "Butler" and continue to "order" some of my meals, because I need that extra help. But I will be able to clean, here and there, and delight in the ministry of home.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Strength for the Weary - When Mama is an Invalid.

Very Sweet to Have - The Comfort of a Dressing Room.

Always Remember this - Money Can't Fix Everything.



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How Can I Quit My Job and Stay Home?

I frequently hear from readers who want to stop working and stay home with their families.  They wonder how it works? They say it is financially impossible, and want help. (This is for two-income couples.)

Obviously each situation is going to be different. Some mothers might be able to make a few adjustments and quit right away. Others are caught in so many financial obligations that it might take them months (or longer) to get everything in order before going home for good.

I want to recommend a couple of books, make a few suggestions and then ask the readers to share their own testimonies or ideas.

1. Essential Books

The Complete Tightwad Gazette. This is a manual for home economy, which is priceless. There are also sections to help the working mom who wants to stay home.  I wish a copy of this book was given to every new bride!

Aunt Jane's Hero. This beautiful story was written in the 1800's. It depicts the life of a humble family who live on very limited means.  You will be inspired, encouraged and motivated to have such a life.

2. Suggestions

- Write down every single penny you spend for a month. Then analyze this to see what you can cut out if you are no longer working.

- Make a budget based on your husband's income only.  See what you need to do to live on those means.

- Make a list of all the things you are willing to do to save money. Will you cook foods from scratch? Will you carefully watch over the utilities to keep the bills down? Will you stay home more to save gas money?

- If you are no longer working, you should be able to lower your insurance rate because your car won't be used for "commuting."  (Find other little ways to cut expenses. Each one will add up to a large annual savings.)

3. From the Readers

Readers, have you worked outside the home and found a way to quit?  Will you share some of your experiences with us in the comments section? We'd love to hear from you!   (You are also welcome to write a blog post and link back here.) 

I realize this is a very serious subject for those who truly do not want to work outside the home. I know many  mothers would love to be home full time with their husband and children. I hope the advice from readers will help!

If you are one of the mothers who wants to quit your job to stay home, please share some of the difficulties. Perhaps the readers can answer some of your specific questions in the comments.

Blessings
Mrs. White


What Happens when a Poor Family Gets into debt? - The Richest Man in Walnut Grove.

Such wonderful Wisdom - I Remember Mama - lessons from a Norwegian Family in 1910.

Is this true? - Only Rich People Have Clean Houses.

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This post is part of The Christian Home Magazine in the Financial category. To see more articles in different aspects of Home life, please visit the latest issue, hosted at Day by Day in our World.

As Dedicated as a Career Mom

I watched a movie last night about a career Mom.  She was so busy, focused on both her job and her family.  Each aspect of her life was constantly clashing and something was always going wrong. I was exhausted just watching!

But it got me wondering. What if housewives put that same dedication into their homes and families that career moms do? What if we had lists of chores and meal planning and schedules for managing the children. It would be kind of like having an English governess and a capable housekeeper, except it is Mother doing all these things, with every bit of focus and love she has!

I think I will do this today. It is still early and everyone is sleeping. My goal today is to make home a lovely, well managed place.

I will start by getting dressed up in something simple but classic, along with a pretty apron and a pearl necklace.  Then I will start on the morning chores and begin some baking. I will write up today's menu (something I rarely do), so everyone will know what they can expect from my kitchen.

Then I will do the homeschooling, the errands, and more housework. I will also enjoy my precious family and thank God I am home!!

blessings
Mrs. White

Such a Sweet part of History - Radio Homemakers.

Make Home a Comforting Place - The Light in the Window.

Worthy to be Called a Homemaker - Old Fashioned Home Economics.


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When Mother Doesn't Want to Go Out

Did you ever have some errands that you were dreading? Perhaps you didn't feel well, but those tasks could not wait?

I have had the nicest time, staying home all this week. Today, I have to go out.  But all I want  to do is stay home! (gentle smiles)

So I will have to take "home" with me.  I will bring a special book, for while I am in waiting rooms. I will bring one of my sweet children with me. (I wouldn't bring one of the grumpy ones! - smiles). 

I will buy something easy for tonight's dinner, so I won't have to dread any extra work.

I will listen to Fred Astaire this morning, while tidying my house, with a cheerful (in the clouds) outlook. Maybe by the time I have to head out the door, I will be so happy, I will forget that I don't want to go?

There will have to be some kind of reward... hmmm.... I need to think of something lovely for when I get home - as a reward for doing all the dreaded errands that have me so stressed out today....

Perhaps I will look forward to tea, a cozy fire, and reading a sweet new book that I am enjoying. 

Or maybe the idea of just having the entire weekend with no demands will be my reward.

Blessings
Mrs. White

A written record of who was present - Recording the Family  Bible Study.

I dearly miss these days - Rocking Babies and Staying Home.

It's not what everyone else does for me, it's what I do to make it special - A Mother's Touch.

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The Housewife Contract

When Mr. White asked me to marry him, I hesitated, then stated my one condition. I asked that I be allowed to be a housewife and never have to go to work. He agreed.

I didn't realize until many years later, how important that promise, that contract, meant to our lives.  We have talked about it over the years, laughing, smiling  . . . despite hardships, good times or bad. We always went back to that day on the Pier, at the ocean, when he promised I could be a housewife. He promised to take care of me, and our family.   This happened in the 1980's. Many women were working. While there were still housewives in my neighborhood, the majority of wives held jobs outside the home.  But my personal yearning, was to be a wife and mother. That was all I ever wanted out of life.

In this modern society, we are told that very few women are housewives. Frankly, I don't agree. There are many women committed to staying home with their families. There are even women staying home, tending to the house, being hospitable and taking care of husbands, even though they have never been blessed with children. Yes, it is okay to stay home even when there are no children, or when the children have grown!

I came across some sweet quotes, in my reading this week:

"My Mother's occupation and hobby, vocation and avocation was motherhood."

- Mary Higgins Clark (the famous suspense author) speaking about her own mother in "Kitchen Privileges" her memoir. (page 32)


"Mom never worked a day outside the home.  We were her life.  The house was always clean and comfortable, and she would always be baking cookies or bread or making something special for us to eat. When I went to college near home, I could count on finding her there, cooking, reading, knitting (needles and yarn were always close by or in her hands). She made an immense impact on our family."

- John MacArthur  - Servant of the Word and Flock - (from his biography written by Iain H. Murray)
(page 11)



Blessings
Mrs. White

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The Vision of Home

Temptations, Invitations and Urgings keep trying to call me away from home.  They keep trying to get mother away from keeping the home.

There is so much tranquility here. It is a slow - paced kind of life, when Mother is always at home.  She is able to cook and bake and clean. She is able to pray and spend time with her family.

The other day, I was working in the kitchen and getting so much accomplished. I made several batches of suppers for the freezer. This was for those rough days when I needed to rest, or focus on other things. But I needed to stay home and have the strength to finish my work.

I remember someone mentioning Nehemiah in the Bible and how he could not come down from the wall, because he was doing God's work. Was something trying to call him away?

I don't want my home to fall in ruins because I did not have a heart for it. I have a calling to be here. Please, don't tempt me, or distract me away from my work.

What a great blessing it is to have a vision of home. It is not only a vision but a dedicated heart. It is a form of heaven on earth - an artisitc endeavor in hospitality, and of creating the beauty of a traditional family.

Blessings
Mrs. White

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Missing Church on Sunday

I love Sunday mornings. I love that we are all dressed up and ready to go worship the Lord together at Church. I love the sight of my family walking into the building, holding Bibles.

But, sadly, today I must stay at home. I have been worn out this past week and I have to miss church.

Since I will be at home. . .

1. I will look through my hymn book and read the songs.
2. I will watch Charles Stanley on Inspiration television.
3. I will do only minimal housework.
4. I will read from the Psalms - perhaps all of chapter 119.

Very often, Grandpa and Nana (who live with us) have health issues and aren't able to attend church. On those days, I can hear the sound of an old country preacher coming up through the house. Grandpa has cassette tapes of sermons from the old south, including the sermons of his late brother, who was an amazing preacher.

I also hear old gospel music throughout the house. Those are the happiest, most comforting sounds of all. Hearing Preachers and Gospel music, to me, are the sounds of home - whether it is Sunday or any other day of the week.

When you must stay home from church, what do you do instead?

blessings
Mrs. White

What was life like for A 1950's Housewife?

When things are really difficult - Brave Mothers Who Walk into Walls.

Making things nice for the family - Waking Up To A Cozy Kitchen.


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