Looking for encouragement as you work to make your home a haven? Proverbs tells us that “the wise woman builds her house” (Proverbs 14:1), but what does it look like practically-speaking to build it? There are a variety of books that can help us shape that vision of making a home. Here are my top 5 favorite Christian homemaking books!
I recently heard the question asked, “Is homemaking a career?” I think any stay at home mom would answer a resounding yes to that! There are so many responsibilities and tasks in the home that require attention to detail and hard work. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that homemakers put in far more than a mere 40 hours per week at their job!
C.S. Lewis was spot on when he said, “The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only – and that is to support the ultimate career.“
As Christian homemakers, we have the privilege of being able to build a refuge and haven for our families. We are given the opportunity to provide a place of comfort and beauty for friends and neighbors. A place where people can “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)
So if homemaking is a career, shouldn’t we be regularly studying up on how to improve in it? There are so many opportunities in homemaking to learn new things and improve in our skills. Reading homemaking books is just one way to learn how to improve and get inspired!
Here is my list of Christian homemaking books that have challenged and encouraged me! I hope they will do the same for you.
The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. If you read only one book from this list, make it this one! Hands down, this is my favorite. No other book will give you such a rich vision of the possibilities that homemaking affords. From home decor to flower arranging to hospitality, Edith both challenges us and sparks enthusiasm for the great work of building a home. It’s a classic that deserves to be reread many times.
Welcome Home by Myquillan Smith. This is my favorite book by Myquillan because her approach to home decor is so down to earth. It is a practical guide to making your home come to life throughout the four seasons of the year. It’s all about bringing the seasons into our home through the five senses (not bringing in new plastic home decor!). This is great reference book to have on your shelves.
Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Done by Mystie Winckler. As always, Mystie gets right to heart of the matter. Literally! As she puts it so well, organizing your attitude is at the heart of organizing your home. This is such an encouraging reminder that we are the creators of our home’s atmosphere. And it all starts with orienting our hearts to Christ and finding joy in His strength and the work He has given us.
Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life by Margaret Kim Peterson. This is more of a theological and philosophical work on homemaking rather than a practical how-to book. But it is a great one for understanding the why’s of our seemingly monotonous daily housework and how that work reflects our faith.
Bread of Life: Savoring the All-Satisfying Goodness of Jesus through the Art of Bread Making by Abigail Dodds. This is more of a devotional/recipe book, but I’ve included it here because every homemaker should learn the art of making beautiful bread! And this is the perfect book to inspire you to try it. Not only will you learn a new skill in your kitchen, it will spiritually nourish your heart at the same time. I LOVE this book.
I hope these books will inspire you in your homemaking as they have done for me! There is so much joy in building a home that reflects the beauty of Christ. It is reflected in how we love and serve those in our homes as well as the way in which we make it feel through decor and organization. I hope you are encouraged to continue the good work He has given you in your home!
Here are a few more books that have shaped my vision of Christian homemaking that you may enjoy too:
House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget by Myquillyn Smith
The Life Giving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming by Sally Clarkson
The Life Giving Table: Nurturing Faith Through Feasting, One Meal at a Time by Sally Clarkson
Habits for a Sacred Home: 9 Practices from History to Anchor and Restore Modern Families by Jennifer Pepito
Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control by Dana K. White
The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, and Style Your Space by Frida Ramstedt
The Hands-On Home: A Seasonal Guide to Cooking, Preserving & Natural Homekeeping by Erica Strauss
Establishing Home: Creating Space for a Beautiful Life With Family, Faith, and Friends by Jean Stoffer
Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home: Effortless Systems and Joyful Rituals for a Calm, Cozy Home by Becky Rapinchuk
What are your favorite Christian homemaking books?
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