HOMEmaker’s Challenge Day 3

 

Here’s my before and after pictures of my fridge and freezer cleaning that I did on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

This was the easy part of the challenge (Day 2).  The Mary Challenge was tougher.  And apparently tomorrow’s Mary Challenge is even more difficult.  It’s all for a good reason though.  I am looking forward to it.

 

Day 2 starts with this quote from Barbara Mouser’s book Five Aspects of Women:

Life-giving is about receiving from God in order to give to others.

 

I haven’t read the book.  I know I am a life giver; I gave birth to 7 babies, I get that.  The deeper question is: how do I give life to my family and my home in our day to day lives?  I didn’t have any answers.  So one of the other participants said to read ahead to Day 3 for some suggestions and this is what I finally came up with:

 

1. I can bring life to my home by clearing the clutter and finding homes for the things we choose to keep.
2. I can bring life to our home by adding pretty things.
3. I can bring life to my husband by watching that my tongue and my attitude are positive and caring.
4. I can bring life to my husband by planning special times for just the two of us.
5. I can bring life to my children by ridding myself of angry words and overreacting to accidents.
6. I can bring life to my children by instructing my children in life skills and the 3R’s.
7. I can bring life to my community by being hospitable and friendly, in my home and while out and about.
8. I can bring life to my community by participating in community events.
9. I can bring life to myself by taking time for me, doing the things I love.
10. I can bring life to myself by taking pride in making my house a home.

 

Right now I feel like my family and I are just existing; we are just moving from day to day to day with no direction or focus.  I have been trying to and wanting to change this for a couple of years now.  It’s such a long process!  A while ago I read a book that I wanted to make a point of re-reading / skimming to add special touches to our home.  I think I will have to pull it out again; I’m so glad that I purchased a copy.

 

I am on such a journey.  I am reading The Surrendered Wife and what I am learning there goes hand-in-hand with this challenge.  Having a mission statement, is so wonderful.  It’s such a great tool.  I used my mission statement today to relax when things when crazy around suppertime yesterday.  I boiled over the chocolate sauce for our pancakes and I made a huge mess.  I remembered that I wanted to maintain relationship / intimacy with my children (and DH) so I didn’t freak out.  Maintaining that relationship goes right along with my mission statement – to be kind, gracious and joyful when working with my children.

 

 

Today the plan is to ask my family what makes them feel most loved in regards to caring for our home and scrubbing some cabinets.

 

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

The Hidden Art of Homemaking: Creative Ideas for Enriching Everyday Life by Edith Schaeffer - A Book Review

Over the last few months I have been doing chapter reviews of this book (I did miss one chapter). Now that I have finished reading the entire book, I have decided to review the book as a whole.

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (April 26, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842313982
• ISBN-13: 978-0842313988
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches

In my quest to add something to my homemaking, something to make it more enjoyable, not only to me but to my family as well, I asked friends and family for advice, tips and help. Over and over again this book title came up. Finally, I caved and bought the book (couldn't find it at my library) to read and yet I still resisted reading it. I don't know why, but I am sorry that I did. I have thoroughly enjoyed the content. The author is friendly and yet challenging, charming and yet to the point. Her audience - Christian men and women (although mostly women) who are looking to add that something that is missing from their homes. What is that something missing? Mrs. Schaeffer believes and I agree, that there is a a creativity component missing from our lives in society today. This can be changed by remembering and by reminding ourselves how creative our God is in His making of our world.

Although writing to a Bible believing audience I did not find the text saturated with scripture references but rather where appropriate she quoted the text directly. I like this in a book for when I am reading for enjoyment as well as instruction I would rather not be flipping back and forth between two books. The flow of the book was continued nicely in this way.

So, where can we find and express this creativity we are searching for in our everyday lives? E. Schaeffer points us to a number of areas including music, drawing, interior decorating, gardening, flowers, food, writing,, drama, and clothing, among other things. I found myself being pleasantly surprised with each new chapter at how the author explained simple ways to expand our creativity in each specific area.

The book does not speak solely to the traditional homemaker and her family but rather broadens that definition to include single men and women, college groups living together, roommates, extended family and guests in each home. And a home - not your typical house but rather wherever you happen to lay your head - tent, hotel, one room cabin, mansion, palace, minivan, or beach front cottage. The author includes everyone everywhere saying that we all need this creativity back in our lives and in our places of residence.

I would encourage anyone who wants to add some spice to their daily life to read this book. I was able to glean much useful information to apply to my home through reading this material. I guess I would say that over all I gained an appreciation for the world around me - its beauty and its simplicity. I was reminded, most of all, to take joy in serving those in my "charge" and to show them our creative and loving God through the little and the hidden things around us.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 14: Environment

The author says in this chapter that not only are we to be creative but that we ARE artwork; that our lives and who we are has an effect on the lives of those we come into contact with each day. She got me thinking again with this chapter. What do I as a piece of art portray to the world, about the Artist who created me? What do I need to want to change about that image? The artwork of me includes more than just me, the person; it includes my home, my dress, my family. It includes the environment I create around me by my actions and by who I am. Lots to think about!

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 13: Integration

This chapter starts with two passages from the Bible that I never considered in terms of integration before.

"After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne; and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

"And the brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. but when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forgid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."

The first speaks of all people of all races and languages meeting before God's throne. The second tells "how Jesus became displeased with the disciples because they were trying on one occasion to segregate the children from the grown-ups. The disciples were displaying an attitude which regards adults as more important, while children needed to be brushed aside." (page 198). I am excited to continue to institute this chapter in our family life. I love meeting with the grandparents in our church. Our birthday parties include all family members. Any celebration that we "throw" includes men and women and children of all ages. This is already an important aspect in our lives. I'd like to see it even better executed and have more emphasis put on it and extend the practice into our church family as well.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 12: Clothing

I loved this chapter! She voiced my views and feeling on the topic so beautifully, even using scripture to back up her beliefs, and mine. She talks about the flowers in the grasses and how creatively and beautifully God dressed the grasses. God will provide for our needs, including a variety of suitable and beautiful clothing for us and our families.

She talks about how to determine suitable clothing for a Christian. There are many things to consider of course - modesty, oddity, materialism, selfishness. She says we need to choose clothing suitable to our occupation, our climate, our personal needs; we need to consider fitting in enough to keep communication open with those we live amongst. Lastly we need to consider our comfort, beauty and creativity. Those standards continue into accessories and hair styles. We need to look at the inside of the person not just what they are wearing.

"Christians all doing and acting the same? Christians all looking dowdy and seedy with their clothing the wrong cut and length? Somehow it doesn't seem to fit in with the flowers and all the rest of the amazing variety in God's creation. Flowers and sunsets, moon on water and delicate grasses in the starlight - would the designer of all this dress His own children, created in His image, in clothing which would make them unhappy and self-conscious? Would He have them all be alike and look alike? What do you think?" page 193

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 11: Creative Recreation

This chapter was another surprise. I expected recreational activities such as sports and extra curricular activities. Not exactly. Instead she suggests simply walking - getting away from technology and fabricated materials; to get into nature. Getting away will the produce creativity in the individual. The other side of this is creating something different - creating a new or different experience - for those in the family or group to do - to raise spirits or to boost their creativity.

Although somewhat challenging and encouraging I don't see my family implimenting this chapter soon. Sadly, life is in the way. She did provoke thought and consideration. We'll get there.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 10: Drama

Okay, this chapter totally surprised me. I actually avoided reading it for a day or two thinking it could never apply to me, nor could it be adequately applied to family life. Well, she did it.

The best way to develop and use the hidden art of drama is through the family read-a-loud. The memories in me that the author was able to invoke surprised me and reinforced her point. I would not say that I have a gift of dramatic voice but I can read a children's story with great enthusiasm that will instill memories and cheer my children.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 9: Writing - Prose and Poetry

I loved this chapter. I do write better than I speak. I love to journal and have gotten away from doing so. Just recently I have begun to pick up my pen a little more often. I used to write poetry and stories. When J and I were dating (a long distance relationship) I wrote to him almost daily. I wanted him to know me, to know about my day and what I was feeling, learning and experiencing.

I've never had a desire to be published though, I always wrote because I loved to do it. I wrote to communicate with others. I wrote to process thoughts. When I quit writing, I think that I quit processing to the same depth. This chapter just reinforced in me that I need to pick up my pen again. Mrs. Schaeffer suggests writing to spouses, parents, siblings, children and even to God. I can see this happening more often in the near future.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 8: Food

I found this chapter really challenging. I am not gifted in this are. I do not enjoy making food. I love serving it; it's the preparation and cooking of it that I find hard. The author gave many great suggestions and places to start but I found her statements overwhelming and oppressive; her words made me feel guilty for not doing more. I know that is not her intention but rather my current life situation is what has caused my negative feelings. I see all her points and agree; I'm just not there. At this point I eat and serve food because we need the nutrients to survive and because I crave specific items.

My friend, GK, showed me how easy of a concept this is to fulfill. When I serve a tuna sandwich, you get bread, butter and tuna mixed with mayo. When GK serves you a tuna sandwich the bread gets toasted; the tuna is not only mixed with mayo but also with green onion, salt and pepper, lettuce, tomato or cucumber if you want. Food is art a lot of times in the home of my friend. Here, in my home, food is a necessity.

One thing I did pull from this chapter is kind of a random thought, but relevant just the same:

Take pride in what you do for your family.
Whatever you do, do as a gift for your loved ones.

And then this scripture comes to mind:

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:17 KJV

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 7: Flower Arrangements

I loved this chapter. Such an easy concept to execute. Flowers add so much color and joy to a room or a table. It doesn't have to be much. I went out after reading this chapter and wandered around my yard. I was able to gather a small handful of flowers for our dining room table. A vase of flowers, even just one flower makes a house of furniture more of a home.

Things to add to or use instead of flowers:

• grasses
• pretty wood
• a toy or two
• table clothes
• gourds
• sand
• candles
• candies
• vegetables from the garden
• shells
• mirrors
• moss
• stones

A centerpiece including flowers and anything from the list, or others you can think of, shows thought, care and love for those that come to your table and your home. These flower arrangements are a drawing card to calm in the busy crazy world. It symbolizes a sinmpler time and seems to "center" a family, giving them a chance to communicate over food.

The author goes on to talk about children and how they appreciate beauty as much as adults, and how those sick or in pain need that special attention too. And even those who live alone need that little bit of beauty in their lives and need to do so for themselves!

"You may feel I am giving the 'Hidden Art' of flower arrangement too large a significance but I feel that the 'caring' for others in the family, whatever that 'family' consists of, can be expressed over and over again in ways which bring a very warm chain of memories, through transforming an ordinary meal-table into a place of surprise and beauty." page 107

This "art" is so wonderful because it is so simple and so uncostly. A leaf, a twig, an ivy, a potted plant. Anyone, no matter their situation in life can add a little beauty to their table or home.

She ends this chapter with the following:

"I must add one more sentence to this chapter: please try something in this area today. The only way to start, is to start." page 111

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 6: Gardens and Gardening

I really enjoyed this chapter. It kinda spurred me on a little. I know the season is half over, but the planing that my man and I have done is so wonderful. Next year I hope to do more.

The author says and I agree that it is not natural for man to be away from nature as much as we are. God created us to be workers in the field, not to sit at machines all day. A little bit of tending to plant life will go a long way to relieving some of the stress some of us feel.

It doesn't have to be big. We live in a retirement town of sorts. When I walk the streets with my children I am amazed at how many homes have flowerbeds, pots and gardens. I think that when life slows down for the retired or semi-retired they have more time for and are happy doing gardening and flowers. But I think we need to find the time before we retire to do just a little bit.

Starting on page 90, she tells the story of their first "garden" on their balcony. They grew morning glories. I want to grow morning glories now! I'd love to see them grow and develop.

The last part of the chapter talks about how often the Bible uses examples of gardening, planting, sowing, etc in explaining and teaching. Those things can be well taught in our lives today through hands on gardening and planting.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 5: Interior Decoration

Okay, I kinda let this book sit un-read for a while. I don't know that it got overwhelming but seemed to tough on areas I didn't figure I was interested in. I'm not an interior decorator by any means and didn't want to read the chapter. But I did and found that she doesn't suggest what I thought she was going to suggest! I should have just trusted that she was going to be level headed and practical about it all.

"I would put under the heading of 'Interior Decoration' anything we do with the place where we are living for any length of time at all. Here, wherever, it is, is your spot. This place should be expressing something of yourself. It should be communicating something of you to your visitors, but it should also satisfy something within you. You should feel 'at home' here, because you have made it home with something of yourself." (page 66)

I never thought about how our homes, no matter where we live or in what we live, are an expression of who we are. My house does not really express who I am. It expresses someone that I don't like! I want to change it! I need to. I'm not a cluttered disorganized person with piles of stuff everywhere. I don't like who I've become. I don't like the story of me that my house tells. The little things she suggests are so simple, and will make a world of difference.

I have fallen into the trap of saying to myself, "When the house is renovated, I'll make it the way I really want it to be. Right now it doesn't matter because it's going to change soon anyway." I'm not really fooling myself. I know it's could be years before my kitchen is on the main level. And many months before I have a real bedroom. So, why do I try? Why not just make what I've got a home, an expression of me and of my DH?

She goes on in the chapter to talk about what I call "making something from nothing" or "one man's junk is another man's treasure". We have a friend who does this and his wife, bless her, has embraced it. He comes home with all sorts of things that she doesn't figure they'll ever have a use for and he turns it into something wonderful for their home! She has started to even ask him if he found "any finds" when he gets home from work or from wherever he's been. It's an adventure for her too now.

She touches on a number of other things including having a few things that move with us from house to house, as a continuity; being single and decorating; and helping others who are not able to, to decorate their homes.

A very simple-to-implement chapter.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 3: Music

"In the process (of playing music) something else will happen - the freedom to express yourself in a medium that is yours will develop, and so will your personality. It will not be just a matter of your musical contribution making you more interesting to have around, but you will yourself be a more interesting person." (page 38, 39)

We play a tonne of music in our home. Something is always playing. From learning songs to country to a variety of Christian genres, there is always background noise. I'd like to see more expression on our parts, but I think that will come with time. I used to play the piano, not really well, but I think at about a grade 5 level. I loved doing it. Because we don't have a piano, I don't take the time to do it when I am around a piano. I need to do this more. I have the opportunity to bless others at a local senior's home once a month and we haven't done so in a long time. What a great experience for my children too. We need to start that again. I'm tired of being a boring person.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 2: What is Hidden Art?

"I would define 'Hidden Art' as the art which is found in the 'minor' areas of life. By 'minor' I mean what is involved in the 'everyday' of anyone's life, rather than his career or profession." (page 31)

"the fact that you are a Christian should show in some practical area of a growing creativity and sensitivity to beauty, rather than in a gradual drying up of creativity, and a blindness to ugliness." (page 33)

The second quote hit me really hard! I have been stifling my creativity. I don't do anything any more. I used to write poetry and journal entries. I've kinda started it up again with my blog, but not nearly to where it was before I got married. I also used to play piano and sing some. Not that I was good at it, but I enjoyed it. I seem to have lost myself and my talents in my day to day drudgery. Sewing is another I could work on. I think my hospitality goals are part of reviving this too. Baking. When I think about it, there are lots of things I used to do. I look forward to reading the rest of the book.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 1: The First Artist

I started The Hidden Art of Homemaking this morning. So far I am loving it and I've only read the first chapter. I've decided to do a chapter by chapter review of the book to encourage others to read this book, to engrain the information into my mind and heart and to share my thoughts and comments along the way. Feel free to join me if you can get your hands on a copy, although I can't tell you what kind of a schedule I plan to keep. You'll just have to bear with me as I'm a busy mom of four. Leave your comments and points of view, even if you don't read along. I like getting insight from many sources.

And with that, here is:

Chapter One - The First Artist

"For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The Lord, The God of hosts, is his name." Amos 4:13

"Think of the mobiles of God, the Artist, brought forth by the wind that He created. The wind, blowing in the trees, swaying the grass, bending a field of wheat as a ballet, rising again, bending again. The spray of the ocean, wild waves against rocks bringing forth a curve of spray, a mobile of spray. Light through spray, like thousands of diamonds blowing on invisible threads! The movement of the birth trees' delicate branches and sensitive leaves twinkling and twisting, fluttering in a breeze; or clouds drifting slowly across a clear sky or scudding in swift movements as shapes change - God's mobiles." (page 18-19)

The above paragraph is just one small example of the thought provoking writing found in this book. Mrs. Edith Schaeffer has done a wonderful job of reminding her readers to really look at nature and see nature as God's masterpiece, His artwork. God didn't just create the world but He created people too. We are beautiful artwork, created by a loving Artist. She also talks about God's light shows and His marvelous use of color in the mountains and hills.

"Every single one of us has been spoiled by sin. But as we look back over history and see artists, musicians and creative people in various fields, we can recognize the 'image of God'." (page 28)

The author goes on to talk about how humans are created in the image of God. Now God is perfect and we have a sinful nature through the fall of man. However, there is a fragment of God's perfection left. Because God is creative, man also has some creativity but some people have more creativity than others. God has given different people different "leftovers" of His perfection. I know this description I have given doesn't do the author's explanation justice. You'll have to go read the book for yourself!

In closing the chapter Mrs. Schaeffer goes on to say that Christians should be some of the most creative people out there because as we grow in our relationship with our own creator, God, we will be more like Him. He is the first and the best creator that ever was and ever will be.