The First Artist
The first chapter of The Hidden Art of Homemaking (by Edith Schaeffer) is quite the introduction to a very inspiring book. It is most definitely not a step-by-step, detailed, how-to manual about household tasks such as sweeping, ironing, dusting, etc. Mrs. Schaeffer gets right to the heart of the matter, the heart of the home, the heart of the homemaker. This book is about creating a home, having a heart for home, and all those who live there.
The ideas that stood out most to me were her thoughts on God the Creator as the First Artist. My heart skipped a beat and tingles went up my spine when I read these words:
. . . we are created in the likeness of a Creator.
So we are, on a finite level, people who can create. Why does man have creativity? Why can man think of many things in his mind, and choose, and then bring forth something that other people can taste, smell, feel, hear and see? Because man was created in the image of a Creator. Man was created that he might create. It is not a waste of man’s time to be creative. It is not a waste to pursue artistic or scientific pursuits in creativity, because this is what man was made to be able to do. He was made in the image of a Creator, and given the capacity to create – on a finite level of course, needing to use the materials already created – but he is still the creature of a Creator.
Wow! These very thoughts are often on my own heart and mind. You can read more on that here.
Works of The Artist are all around us – to stimulate us and bring growth and understanding and sensitivity and appreciation and pleasure. Look around and see all that He created! And then He made us in His Image, and so we also must be artists. Our canvases may vary, our time and resources and talents will vary. But we are made to create.
My goal with this book study is to glean ideas and inspiration on how I can create more of a haven in my home, a sanctuary, an inviting place to be. I want to love and serve husband and children in ways God intended me to. I’d like for those entering our home to feel welcome and blessed. Edith Schaeffer helps us see, through her words, how to accomplish this by living creatively, by creating that atmosphere for my family and our guests. Just as the Lord did as He created our physical earthly home for us.
In our schooling, I am becoming more aware of the importance of creating and to make more of a conscious effort to give us all opportunity to be creative. Creating with words, creating with color, creating for others, creating for the pure joy of it.
A full list of my posts in the series can be found HERE.
Photo Credit: all photos in this post have been taken by members of my husband, my daughter or myself.
Sunrise; Autumn Color; Wind Ripples in the Snow; Dickson Falls, New Brunswick; Atlantic Shoreline, Nova Scotia; Art Class
this post also linked up at Hope in Every Season, Mom Tested Family Approved
I love the very first picture of the sun on the beach. I am going to Florida in May and I plan to get a picture like that 🙂
Thank you Cindy 🙂 that sunrise was taken over the Atlantic way up north in Nova Scotia. Enjoy your trip to FL and taking in the sunrise is a MUST! It takes ones breath away, and heightens our appreciation of The Creator, The Artist.
I am not a crafty mom and we don’t do any art for school or fun — not that the kids wouldn’t love it! Part of me is nervous going into this book club that I’ll have to reconsider my ways in regards to letting the children create. 🙂
Hello Mystie 🙂 You do not have to be a ‘crafty’ mom to encourage creativity. Let them create a tent out of blankets, or a hide-away in the bushes outside, or a tea party from acorns and pinecones. Ask them to think of what they can do to bless a family member who might be ill or an elderly neighbor that doesn’t get out much. Those are all creative pursuits! I hope we are able to share more ideas through this study. Have a blessed weekend!
Lovely photos! My dh and I went to PEI on our honeymoon 14 years ago.
I enjoyed your post!
Thank you, Amy, for your sweet comments. My husband and daughter are my photographers – I’m so blessed!
PEI is my favorite place on earth (so far!) I absolutely fell in love with the place. How wonderful to have honeymooned there!
I have a sneaking suspicion that this book is going to make me look at myself a little closer and the ways I could be/should be spending my time more artistically. Beautiful pictures you have posted!
So glad you stopped by!
Yes, this book does have a way of making us look within, but also bringing about good things from within – artistic and creative things we didn’t even know were there!
Loved the art kit at the end. It reminds me of doing Nature Study with the kids, it’s been far too long since I have taken the time to infuse our school with creativity. I am far too often looking to get the stack of books done so that we can rush off to something else. Thank you for the reminder to take time to breathe the fresh air and add some color to our world!
So glad you stopped by, Julee!
I need this reminder often. That’s why I’m enjoying this book study.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush-rush-move-to-the-next-thing. Let’s encourage each other to stop and smell (and sketch!) the roses
linda, your comment over at cindy’s was an encouragement to me. thank you. 🙂 mama curriculum… i like that.
“I do not have time or resources to decorate every room in my house to the standards I see around the web. I do have the opportunity to place dandelions in a juice glass, and lay on the front lawn and watch shooting stars dart across the sky. I can make the time to light a candle at the dinner table and place ordinary cloth napkins in a napkin ring when setting the dinner table.”
…those are simple little ways to add beauty to our lives.
Thank you, Amy, for your sweet words 🙂 Spending time visiting the thoughts of others who are reading through this book study is proving to be good for my soul and spirit and family. I hope it is for you as well.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Hi Linda, I’m one of the other Lindas! 🙂
You’ve echoed my desire so well: “to create more of a haven in my home, a sanctuary, an inviting place to be. I want to love and serve husband and children in ways God intended me to.”
I too need to get back to infusing our school days with creativity!
I’m glad you stopped by, Linda 🙂 Looking forward to learning and sharing together throughout the coming weeks.
Isn’t this book study fun? I’m enjoying reading everyone’s posts on chapter one, and perhaps even more, visiting new blogs and meeting new Christian ladies with similar lives to mine. Thanks for your thoughts!
This is fun, Mary Kathryn! I’m thinking it could also get challenging and convicting. There is such a sweet sense of love and fellowship already in the posts I’ve read from all those participating. I’m excited to be a part of discussion on future chapters.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I’m very much looking forward to rereading this book, and this time with this group. I love the quote: “It is not a waste of man’s time to be creative. It is not a waste to pursue artistic or scientific pursuits in creativity, because this is what man was made to be able to do. He was made in the image of a Creator, and given the capacity to create.” And the idea that we don’t have to be
artsy” or crafty to be creative.
I’m glad you stopped by, Barbara 🙂
I do like that quote as well. I am in awe when I think of how He created us in His very Own Image. It just blows me away!
I have this book and read it years ago. Thank you for reminding me about it!! I’ll get it down and start it again! LOVE this book!!!
I’m happy to bring you this reminder, then! It’s a book I love re-visiting – it never goes out of style 😉
I’ve just gotten the book in the mail. It took a bit as the virus has everything running slower these days. But I plan on slogging along until I catch up. I just happen to have quite a bit of time on my hands. I like how the author tells us that God is the first creator. It brings to mind that all we do and create in our homes, whether for our own needs or to provide entertainment, hospitality, or the needs of others is all done in service to God.
Wonderful, Kara! I’m so glad you were able to get a copy and are taking time to absorb it. I hope it speaks to you and enriches your home and your life.