Thursday, December 8, 2011

What is Homemaking?

         If you are a follower of Reviving Homemaking on Facebook, then you are aware of a rather baffling question I recently released. I asked, "What is Homemaking?" Indeed, this is quite a broad and complex topic. Yet, entirely necessary of inquiry. The name of this site is Reviving Homemaking. Though, I am not one who grew up within any context of home ec. or homemaking. And so within the realm of all that I am familiar, homemaking/home ec is, in fact, a lost art. Though to pronounce it's passing in completion would be gravely incorrect. Within the connectivity of online media the faint though fully present livelihood of homemaking is palpable. Within the description of this site is the word "journey," and that is precisely where I am. My heart enuthusiastically and joyfully is to walk in the direction of homemaking. It's more than an interest; it's a calling.

     The content up to this point has not been exactly what I had envisioned when the site began. The trouble with reviving something is that one must first understand the identity and function of the matter. How do we revive something unknown? We can't. Or, at least, we can't without tremendous difficulty. Furthermore, in order to bring something forward into the present it must also be conformed in some regard to be applicable and relevant. Some areas of teaching when home ec was at it's height may not apply now, but that is not cause to disregard the subject matter in it's entirety. Enormous significance and value persist in the lessons of homemaking or home ec. If that were to not be the case, then it would be appropriate to issue a certificate and forget it. The strong support for homemaking, even within the online realm, is evidence that it is well and beats onward in the present and future.

     And so, the question arises: "What is Homemaking?" There are numerous personal philosophies behind the practice. What is it on a day-to-day scale? What knowledge or skills are pertinent to the function of the homemaker? For you see, this definition of sorts is even more puzzling for individuals like myself who have not been previously introduced. There is a growing heart for homemaking, but a lack of reference for tangible terms.

     Finally, I've been reflecting lately on how the journey intended by this site to revive homemaking to be undertaken? My conclusion has come in the form of a library card and the pricipal of taking one - step - at - a - time. After much deliberation I've devised the following definition of homemaking, and it will serve as a basis for future content:

    Homemaking is the art and science of creating and maintaining the home to be a pleasant and productive environment for the glory of God.

Continue reading- "What is Homemaking? Part 2" , "What is Homemaking? Part 3"

Linked up at: Deep Roots at Home, Women Living Well, Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Time-Warp-Wife, Our Simple Country Life, Raising Mighty Arrows, A Pause on the Path
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10 comments:

  1. That's probably the best definition I've ever heard! Good job, Whitney. :-)

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  2. I love that definition! I'm working towards making my home reflect that.

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  3. It is a challenging thing, but I have a thought!
    http://www.amazon.com/Home-Making-J-R-Miller/dp/1929241356 This is a book by J. R. Miller, you can start by reading this definitive book. It has helped me so much even though I am almost 60. I was raised in a dysfunctional home. I KNOW God can restore anything, even if the foundations have crumbled! BTW, I am so glad you joined us yesterday for 'EOA'!

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  4. I love this definition--I especially like the "productive" part--sometimes I struggle with that in my house! Visiting from Raising Mighty Arrows.

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  5. I love being a homemaker and love your definition. I am a new follower and would love a follow back. God bless you.

    www.wewillwalkforeverholdinghands.blogspot.com

    Rachel

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  6. Love your definition! I too am a passionate homemaker and have been for years. I loved how you wrote it is your calling. Hmmnn...yes that is a truth!
    Blessings,
    Gayle from Behind the Gate

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  7. Hi there, I happened to stumble across your blog from google. I'm trying to be a more intentional homemaker too and started my blog to track my journey. You have some really great info on your site. I'll have to keep reading (and maybe talk you into doing a guest post some time).

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    1. Hi Kacey! Thanks for visiting and for such a sweet compliment! I'd be glad to do a guest post any time. What's your site? I'm always interested in connecting with other homemakers! :)

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