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

~ (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Servant Books (August 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867168919
• ISBN-13: 978-0867168914
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #167,542 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bible Study on Marriage and Family, January 6, 2009

By	Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She has done it again!, September 13, 2008

By	C. M. Hebert "avid reader and mom" (Chicopee, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!