Mother's Home Cooking

In my shopping bag were familiar name brands of groceries. I had Campbells soup, Tony's Pizza, Keebler cookies, and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.  I was waiting for someone, and just thinking.  Then I realized that I had just bought convenience foods that took little effort to make.  While this is common in this modern day, it takes away the joy of enjoying Mother's home cooking.  If I had just bought some flour, sauce, cheese, chocolate chips, pasta and vegetables, I could have most of the ingredients I needed to make these foods myself.  

Something is missing in my home, when my husband and children are more excited to see a bag full of name brand foods, rather than being excited when I serve them a delicious homemade supper.

Have I really paid the convenience food industry to take away one of the most precious jobs of motherhood and wifehood? That of being the one to bring joy to the home by my home cooking?

Have you ever heard of travellers who eat in restaurants and diners, yet dream about sitting in the kitchen of a traditional home and just having a good home cooked meal? Can that even be found anymore in this day?

In my old cookbooks from the 1960's, there are sections with wonderful advice for the home cook.  There are tips and tricks and detailed instructions which teach any aspiring cook how to make a good meal herself.    With practice and time and a lot of patience, most homemakers can get back to the old arts of cooking.  These homemakers can Take Back the Kitchen! 

This will bring better health to our families, joy to their hearts, and a better quality of life.  This will also create a bond and tighten the love and happiness at home.  Much money will be saved when mother cooks her own foods.  Children and husband will also have appreciation and gratefulness for the sweet lady in the kitchen who  (gladly and willingly) takes time and effort to prepare their food. 

Many years ago, when frozen dinners and convenience foods were introduced to the general public, skilled housewives thought it was an insult and refused to buy such things!  How lovely it would be to have that same pride and capableness of taking on the joyous task of doing our own home cooking!

Blessings
Mrs. White



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



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The Little Journal of Pleasant Events

In the last several months, two of my grown daughters have had a very difficult time.  I have watched them deal with all kinds of things. Their pain has been my pain, and it has been hard.

Yet, just like precious little birds, they have flown in and out of my nest for recovery, comfort and hope.   They have spent days, weeks or even months at Mother's house and it has been a blessing to be here for them.

There were times I worried their troubles would drag them down so far that their despair would be unbearable.  I decided they needed little journals.  They needed some courage and inspiration from their own lives.  Journals would be just the thing to get them through the bad times.

In my own life, I often look back over my journal to see the many trials and triumphs in the lives of my children.  This encourages me so much and keeps me going. It helps me realize that bad times don't last.  . . Yes, we will always have bad times and yes they will often be rough, but they don't last.

Joy always comes in the "morning". . .

I bought each girl a journal and wrote an inscription.  I told them the book was only for happy events. It was to be a recording of all the blessings and good things that happened in their lives.  It was for small things and big things, as long as it was pleasant. 

One of the journals I found for my girls was leather bound and pink!  There was a quote on the cover, by Jane Austen, which says, "Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery."

 

 

 

Isn't this just like life? There are times of misery and times of precious joy.  When we dwell on the good, our outlook is better and our resolve is strong! 

Blessings
Mrs. White


To calm your worries - The Note in Mother's Pocket.


The Beauty of Mother's godly work - Amazing Dedication.




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



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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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A Good Little Housewife

Have you ever started your spring cleaning with a happy attitude?  Even getting all dressed up and putting on a pretty apron to help set some ambiance in the home?  We can listen to classical music or old time gospel and enjoy the task of heavy cleaning.  One feels like "a good little housewife" as one takes pride in one's efforts and delights in the work of making and keeping a lovely home.  The housewife can sense the gratefulness and happiness as her husband trusts her with all pertaining to home and family.

In today's society, housewifery is still being scoffed at by those who choose another path.  I cannot imagine why. It is a precious way of life and something to aspire to.  Years ago, there was a club for girls called, "Future Homemakers of America."  I wonder if they are still in operation? 

To be called a "housewife" is an honor.  It is more long term than "a stay-at-home-mom," because a housewife is considered a married woman who keeps the home.  She keeps the home fires burning.  She is the hostess of the domestic arts.  She stays at home whether or not she has children, and she does a marvelous job of setting a happy tone for those who dwell there.

The lady of the house is the pride of her husband and the comfort of her children.  Home for her is a life-long career, hobby and occupation.   These dear women seek no applause. They seek not fame.  The godly housewives of today are the quiet heroes of their communities. 

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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Industrious at Home

There is a lot of confusion about what goes on in an average home.   Modern families are distracted by television, home theaters, video games and the features of cell phones.  Sometimes, we are so busy with these types of entertainment, we forget what it is like to be industrious at home.

A day may start with opening drapes and shades. There might be a time of morning Bible reading - a little chapel in the quiet seclusion of home.   Next, some housework is started. Perhaps tidying up the rooms, starting laundry and then beginning a simple meal of breakfast to serve in a formal- sort- of- way at the kitchen table.  Do people still put salt and pepper or cream and sugar on the table, to share a meal with loved ones? Or does everyone grab food and run?

The mid morning hours are for general housekeeping. We clean the kitchen, dust, vacuum and straighten beds.  Once the house is in order, it may be time to sit and take a little break. Perhaps it is tea time? Or maybe time to chat and visit with the ones at home, while doing some knitting, embroidery, mending or sewing?

Lunch hour is like opening a little cafe for a time.  Some homemade food is prepared and lovingly served at the table.  We take a break from our home labors and join together for the noon meal. A prayer over the meal begins the time of fellowship. 

Before long, some may need a time of rest. Little ones are off to their naps after some time outdoors in the fresh air.  This break is helpful to prepare for the afternoon and coming evening.

Dinner is usually started in the early afternoon.  Some have helpers at home, while other homemakers do the work alone.  It is an exciting time - deciding what to make for the family's evening meal!

While food is baking in the oven, or simmering on the stove, we may find some time for reading and sipping on tea.  My mother-in-law always had fresh coffee which she enjoyed throughout the day.    We may do some last minute cleaning, finishing up the laundry, tidying rooms, and cleaning up the kitchen as we work at a more leisurely pace. 

Just before the dinner hour, it is time to wind down the day.  Sometimes guests stop by to visit.  We enjoy their company while we continue our industry.  If they arrive at a time when we can take a break, we may serve a little cake and tea and delight in the joy of being home.

Soon the family is seated at the table. Prayers are said. Conversation is started and the meal is enjoyed by all.   This relaxing time of eating together at a formal dinner, with napkins, and salt and pepper placed in the center of the table, is a delight.

At this dinner table, and throughout the day,  no one is secretly texting a friend.  No one is rushing off to play video games.  No one is talking about the television program they are missing out on.  No one is ignoring the family by endless phone or computer conversations.  Why? Because none of those things have been invented yet . . .  in this little home of industry. 

The evening hour has come. It is time to gather for family prayers and Bible reading.  Everyone has a bedtime. There is order and structure.  Everyone knows what is expected and they yield happily.   Once the day is finished, we look back and think what was done in this house that is anything special?  What was done that was industrious?

This home was full of service and love and old time family values.  This type of home is priceless!  The residents in this place, and the goings on there, will have a tremendous influence for generations to come.  We just need Homemakers willing to continue the tradition of being industrious at home.

Blessings
Mrs. White


It need not be difficult - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Housekeeping.

There is more glory and honor in this than anything else - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.

Once we got married, we took one of these  - A Vow of Poverty.



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



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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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