Over the last few months I have been doing chapter reviews of The Hidden Art of Homemaking: Creative Ideas for Enriching Everyday Life by Edith Schaeffer (I did miss one chapter). Now that I have finished reading the entire book, I have decided to review the book as a whole.

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.