As a Christian woman, trained as a Home Economist, I never expected to be single past my mid-twenties. However, the Lord had a much different plan for me and has gently matured my attitude toward singleness, as well as the purpose of marriage. I know now that I should marry only if our united lives would be more effective for the Lord than either of us are in our single state.
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My mother was the original Martha Stewart! Our home was always a special blend of comfort and cleanliness. She firmly believed the statement that “cleanliness is next to godliness!” As an only child I “shadowed” her daily as she made our home a haven of order and peacefulness that was a refuge from worldly chaos and disorder. When her arthritic condition placed perimeters around the tasks she could perform I was able to assume many of the household responsibilities. Entering college as a Home Economics/Family and Consumer Science major I then learned the management strategies that aligned with my existing skills.
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Aunt Joan isn’t attending the family reunion this summer because last year she was offended by a remark John made about her “famous deviled eggs.” After moving to her son-in-law and daughter’s home and funding the construction of her own granny flat Ellen moved out four years later. The root cause of both scenarios? The failure to grant the principle of unending forgiveness taught in Matthew 18:21-35 and Luke 17:3-4.
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How beautiful is your tongue - or have you never really considered your tongue in terms of its attractiveness? You normally don’t check it in the mirror multiple times during the day, go on shopping trips for it, schedule appointments for it at the tongue beautician, or purchase cosmetics for it. Yet, it is the tongue, more than the shape of your face or the dimensions of your figure or your theological knowledge, which determines your beauty.
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A recurring question that the women I talk with have is, “What is the most important ingredient for a happy home?” I am amazed that they anticipate a deep theological or intricate management strategy to come forth from my lips. However, my response is generally something like, “the key ingredient, regardless of your marital status to a happy home, is found in 1 Peter 3:4—we are to do whatever is necessary to cultivate ‘the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.’” Gentle is actually ‘meek or humble’ and quiet describes the character of her action and reaction of her husband and life in general. Such is precious not only to her husband, but also to God.”(1) Extensive bible or management strategy study may yield solid facts. However, the information gleaned is only cold, hard facts if a “gentle and quiet spirit” is not the cornerstone of their application.
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I am delighted to welcome you to “The Art of Homemaking” blog. It was officially launched following the “Art of Homemaking Conference” that was held on the Southwestern Baptist Seminary’s campus October 25-26 and co-sponsored by the publisher of The Christian Homemaker’s Handbook, Crossway. It is my prayer that this blog will inspire you to daily focus on making your house a home regardless of your marital status.
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