The A-R-T of Homemaking Laura Leathers I have a confession, the phrase the art of homemaking is new to me. I've never given much thought to homemaking being an art. Homemaking is something that is completed in the course of my daily activities. My mother never talked about the art of homemaking, nor did my grandmother, aunts, or friends. Routine things such as cooking, baking, doing the dishes, laundry, ironing, housecleaning, sewing, and gardening are homemaking to me. I think with today's terminology these tasks would be placed under the heading of the home. Inquisitive minds want to know--what does the word art have to do with homemaking? The best place to begin is with a definition of art from Webster's dictionary. I found 11 definitions--a little word with lots of meaning! The first definition is the "human ability to make things; creativity of man as distinguished from the world of nature." Another definition caught my attention, "creative work or its principles; making or doing things that display form, beauty, and unusual perception: art includes painting, sculpture, architecture, music, literature, drama, and the dance." For the first time in thirty-four years of marriage, I'm about to embark on a whole new perspective on what it means to be a homemaker and the realization that there is an art to homemaking. Based upon Webster's definitions I would say homemaking is a display of personal creativity in making or doing things that exhibit the uniqueness of each family member. Choosing wall paint colors, arrangement of furniture, hanging drapes, meal planning, or a gift basket filled with 'happies' at the front door are all examples of personal creativity. It is also demonstrated when our daughter plays the piano or our son builds model airplanes. What could the spiritual definition of the art of homemaking be? My definition is, "The art of homemaking is God's creative work and principles displayed through my life in my home. According to God's Word it is my role (as a woman, wife, and mother) and responsibility to lead in the a-r-t of making a home. The creative work comes through prayer and the principles are based upon God's Word (see Proverbs 31:10-31 and Titus 2:3-5)." Just as artists begin with a vision before they paint, so a believer in Christ must begin with God's vision of what a home is to be. I've found acronyms help me to remember thoughts and definitions. It is my prayer that the following acronym for the word a-r-t will help you remember the process when it comes to the art of homemaking. First and foremost it begins with the realization that God is the Architect. He is the one who created (Genesis 1:1), established the home (Genesis 2:18, 24, 25), and defines what is to be taught repeatedly (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). After a recent visit to Israel I was reminded of this passage of Scripture as I noticed the Mezuzah on the right door jam in our hotel. Repeatedly throughout the Bible you will find references to the words dwelling place, house, and home. For the letter r, there are two words intertwined: redemption and righteousness. The home is to be a demonstration of Redemption as well as a place where righteousness is modeled and taught. When I think of the word redemption I think of the word grace. Jesus came to redeem the world from sin and to show His love for the entire world (John 3:16). Is my home a place of grace and a demonstration of love and forgiveness? Righteousness means sanctification. In her book, A Woman's Guide to Personal Holiness, Rhonda Kelley states, "Sanctified living is the highest call of God and the perfect will of God. Our holy living also pleases God more than anything else we could say or do. It is tempting to think that our Christian service or our productive ministry is most pleasing to God. That is not true. A godly life is the greatest tribute to God." We are to be holy because He is holy (I Peter 1:5). We are to pursue holiness and our homes are to be set apart from worldly standards and based solely upon God's standards. The final picture of a home comes together in the process of Time. It takes time to create a masterpiece and only eternity will reveal the final picture. As you think about your home, think about the date it was established. Now picture in your mind a huge empty white canvas. God wants to give you a paintbrush so He can guide your hand in painting the beautiful colors of love, joy, hope, laughter, faith, and peace. But don't forget He is also there to guide your hand when you can't paint. When the colors don't seem to come together because of various trials, tribulations, and storms. For out of these down-times flow the colors of courage, strength, perseverance, and obedience, just to name a few. Maybe they're more beautiful in the Artist's eyes because of the dark colors. Maybe it's time to add a-r-t to your homemaking. Begin today by allowing the Master designer to be the architect of your home. Perhaps it is time for some remodeling. I still have a lot to learn about a-r-t. After all these years, it's time for a new paint brush! "We should all do what in the long run, gives us joy, even it is only picking grapes or sorting laundry." ~ E.B.White              Hosting a Cozy Dinner Party Loi Palmer, Art of Homemaking Editor   Create drama and coziness for a Valentine dinner party. Pull in your wrought iron table from the deck (wooden and plastic work well too). Position table in the living room in from of the fireplace and drape with white sheets.   I used three sheets to fully cover the table and cinched the sheets together at the bottom with a ribbon to keep feet from getting tangled. Place a tablecloth on top as the topper. I used a black 80-inch cloth to cover my 60- inch table.   Next, set the table with china and silverware and make a fire in the fireplace. Light candles around the room when guests first arrive. Then relax and plan on spending the evening by the fire with good company.   For a no-fuss menu make a crunchy tossed salad, soup, stuffed pasta shells or chicken pot pie for the main course, Parmesan bread, and creamy cheesecake for dessert.   Plate the salad 30 minutes before your guests arrive. Make the soup ahead of time and re-heat in the crock-pot to eliminate the risk of scorching. Assemble stuffed pasta shells a day or two ahead and start cooking them 30 minutes before guests arrive. If you choose a chicken pot pie for the main dish, assemble it the day before and begin cooking 30 minutes before guests arrive. Parmesan bread can be cut and buttered the morning of your party, then popped in the oven 15 minutes before you are ready to eat.   Following dinner, throw another log on the fire and serve creamy cheesecake and coffee. You may even want to have a cheese cake topping bar set up. Toppings can include whipping cream, cherries, chocolate syrup, lemon curd, and chopped nuts (almond slivers, pecans).   Hosting an International Dinner Beba Scholottmann shares how to host an international dinner to raise awareness, funds, and promote fellowship through women's ministry. Women's Ministry. An Honest Look at Anger Do you struggle with anger?  Listen and be encouraged as Molly Evert shares candidly about her struggles with anger as well as practical methods for gaining victory through Christ in her newest podcast for MMCW. An Honest Look at Anger. The Multiple Personality Mom As women, we often experience a wide range of emotions on any given day. To our husbands and children--and even to ourselves--these mood changes can seem like multiple personalities. You may meet some of your "other selves" in this encouraging, allegorical podcast. The Multiple Personality Mom.