Well, here goes. My first weekly book study of The Hidden Art of Homemaking. I have a confession. I’m not nearly as prepared as I had planned to be. Isn’t that how it is sometimes? We plan for something and then life kind of steps in and throws us a curveball?

All I can say is that I’m really thankful that I decided to host this book study once a week, one chapter per week, and not rush through the entire book in 14 days. Wow, can I just say that would have been really pushing it for me? As you know, The Hidden Art of Homemaking is not an overly thick book but I have found that there is quite a bit to digest in each chapter. I find myself reading a few pages, putting the book down to mull over the words, and picking it up again later. Of course I have a terrible memory these days, so normally I find myself re-reading the pages I’ve already read! Please tell me I’m not the only one?! Anyone???

If you are a little overwhelmed at the thought of getting started, I decided to pose a few generic questions. Feel free to use them, or not, as you share what you’ve learned from reading Chapter 1: The First Artist.

1. How did this chapter speak to you?
2. What do you want to remember from this chapter?
3. Is there anything you read that you disagree with?
4. Can you give an example of things that you have done in your life that correlate with this chapter and how it has affected your life? (This question will probably apply more in the later chapters).
5. What changes have you made/if any to reflect what you’re read this week our share changes that you would like to make in the future.

So now I’ll do my best to summarize what I gleaned from the chapter.

I have always loved art.In high school, I skipped home ec. so I could spend more time painting, drawing with pastels, and studying the architecture of the great European cathedrals. Yes, I think it’s safe to say that I love most forms of artistic expression.

This past July, my oldest son and I traveled to New York City to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art. We saw many fine sculptures, paintings and different forms of art. We also recognized many of the names of the artists that we’ve studied over the past 12 years of homeschooling. Like Monet…

and Van Gogh…As we walked through the exhibits and saw the beautiful pieces of art, I was amazed at the talent and gifts of the great artists.

When we went to Alaska a month later, I was speechless by the views that we saw.

I kept thinking that I’d never see anything prettier and then the ship would sail through another passage and we were greeted with another spectacular sight. I tried to breathe deeply and take it all in as though I could somehow absorb the beauty that surrounded me.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. ~Psalm 19:1

I thought of the above verse and found myself wondering how anyone could see the views that we saw and not believe that there is a Creator.

But even then I didn’t think of God as “artist”. I thought of His many names. God, yes. Lord, yes. Almighty, yes. Jehovah. Emmanuel. Alpha. I Am. Yes, yes, yes. I even thought of the many titles that are given to the Lord. More personal names. Father. Son. Healer. And yet Artist still alluded me. Until I began to read The Hidden Art of Homemaking. Why wouldn’t I think of the Lord, who created all things, as the supreme artist? The One able to give artistic abilities to us, His creation.

If He is the Master Artist, and I am created in His image, than wouldn’t it be possible for me to possess just a little bit of creativity, of artistic ability? And if He gave me that gift, how would He want me to use that gift? Logically, it would be to glorify Him.So, I find myself asking,

• Do I do that?
• Do I glorify God through the gifts that He has given me?
• Do I even recognize what those gifts are?
•  and Do I tell others about the Lord? who has instilled those gifts in me?
• Can others see through my words and actions that I am a Christian?

I don’t know about you, but I think I have a few things to work on.

I guess I’ll stop now before I really run off on a tangent. How about you? What did you learn from reading Chapter 1: The First Artist from The Hidden Art of Homemaking?  

If you’ve written a blog post summarizing your thougts, please link up below or share your thoughts in the comments.

Participation is easy, just follow these steps:

1. I’ll host a link-up here, simply read the corresponding chapter for the week, type out a few thoughts- using the questions from above- or just a few thoughts from what you’ve learned from the chapter, things you’d like to change, how you’ve been encouraged, etc..

2. Add the button to your post (or at least a link back here) so other people may join in the study. You can snag the button and the code from my sidebar.

3. If you’re not a blogger and you’d like to join, simply share your thoughts in the comment section.

4. We’ll work through one chapter a week, each Tuesday, until we’ve finished the book. Just remember to come back each week and share what you’re learning.

If you don’t have the book, but you’d like to join us, don’t worry- there’s still time to pick one up and get started. Feel free to join in anytime!

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