Customer Reviews

Graced and Gifted: Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker's Heart

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Graced and Gifted, subtitled Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker's Heart, is based on Proverbs 31. It is the second segment of Life-Nurturing Love, a series of 24 Bible studies on marriage and family life. Graced and Gifted is presented in six parts, each with two chapters on a homemaking topic followed by a brief reflection on one of the sacraments.

In Chapter 10 Hahn points out that housework is God's work and that the Proverbs 31 woman provides structure for her own tasks and those of her household. In short, she brings order to her home. Hahn sites numerous Old Testament references to people assigned to "keep" certain areas, such as tabernacles, prisons, and the harem. The Lord calls each of us to be house keepers, Hahn writes. "We are watchful of those who enter, protective of those within and aware that we are stewards of our home." Further topics include homemaking in imitation of God, menial/meaningful work, and an amusing riff on why moms always get the trash. She reveals that to be true in her own family then tells of a Nigerian village whose phrase for "mother" can be translated as "woman who cleans dirt." She then shares her own seven-step process for making a house a home and three techniques for "maintaining the space."

Across chapters, Hahn offers practical advice for dealing with children's emotional and intellectual concerns. One of her boys, aged six, said that he prayed daily that he wouldn't go to hell. She explained that, through Baptism, he is God's child, and God wants him to waken each day "thankful you are God's son, eager to please him."

Back matter consists of a bibliography; notes; and four appendixes: questions for intergenerational women's study groups, key questions for buying a home, making a house a home, and outlines for the video version.

Kimberly Hahn has done it again. This wonderful Bible Study for Women based on Proverbs 31 follows on the heels of Chosen and Cherished and brings the reader in the direction of home making as an act of love. This is so well written that you feel as though Kimberly was sitting with you and chatting over a cup of tea. I look forward to her next book!

It's a great book. I recommend you read it with A Mothers Rule of Life, it's like the soul of the Rule. But Kimberly Hahn's books are great and this book is no different. It has a few practical suggestions but most of it is investingating the why. Yes, we do this because we love or family's but this book takes you deeper then the obviouse answer. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I really liked this book. She has a way of showing Homemaker's their place and value. It used the scriptures nicely, but I wish she had looked into finding more verses. Still, a great book for women who are creating a home.

Kimberly Hahn's books always make you feel so good after reading them. This book helps you see the value of your vocation as a homemaker. Modern society doesn't always value the work of a homemaker, but Kimberly Hahn makes you feel good about your choice and points out all the important work you do, within the home.