Homemaking Resources

I'm often asked about the books that I recommend on marriage and domestic life. In today's post, I'm going to share with you a few of my favorites.

The Holy Bible

The book that has had the most profound influence on my life is the Holy Bible and so I will list some relevant Bible passages first. To get the most out of it, read the Bible slowly and intentionally. And read prayerfully.  

• Genesis 1-4: These chapters set forth the beginnings of humanity, the creation of man and woman and their respective purposes and roles, the reasons for their fall into sin and suffering, and the consequences of their disobedience.
• Proverbs: Written by King Solomon of Judah and Israel, this book of advice gives general admonitions of practical wisdom. It has 31 chapters, so one chapter a day can be read going through the whole book in a month. There are 31 verses in the last chapter (Proverbs 31) and 22 of them are devoted to a the qualities of a virtuous woman and ideal wife. I've memorized these verses and found them to be a blessing in my life.
• Song of Solomon is a another work by King Solomon, more poetic in nature, it is very romantic and has much to say about married, sexual love.
• Matthew 5:32, 19:3-9, Mark 10: 2-12: Jesus's teaches in these passages on the sanctity of marriage and God's abhorrence of divorce.
• 1 Cor. 7:10-11: In these verses, the apostle Paul's gives advice on marriage and divorce.
• Ephesians 5: 22-33, Colossians 3: 17-25: The apostle Paul gives the structure and purpose of Christian marriage.
• 1 Timothy 5:1, Titus 2: 3-5: Paul gives advice on how women in the church are to conduct themselves and their ministry as homemakers.
• 1 Peter 3: 1-7: The Apostle Peter gives advice to Christian women on their ministry as wives, their behavior and how to relate to their husbands

She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness. - Proverbs 31: 27

The older women likewise that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  that they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  - Titus 2:3-5

Much can be gained from meditating on verses like these.  I've found that they have given me plenty of challenge in my Christian and homemaking journey.

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Other than the Word of God, there are several books, websites, blogs, podcasts and YouTube channels that have been a great help to me.  I have asterisked* the ones that have impacted me the most.  Please keep in mind that everyone is a little different, so always sift and tailor any lifestyle advice to your particular husband, family and situation.  

Resources on the practical aspects of keeping house:

*The Legacy of Home, Mrs. Sharon White.  Mrs. White writes this lovely blog and also has written many books on practical homemaking, gives tips here on budgeting, menu planning, cleaning, organizing as well as having the right mindset and dealing with difficulties.  

*Sink Reflections, Marla Cilley, aka FlyLady.  This is a great book if you are looking for lists of what you should be doing on a daily and weekly basis.  She not only tells you what to do but how to deal with motivation and mindset issues. Flylady is very good for people who are creatives and tend to get sidetracked. Her website is here.

*A Better Life with Kat, YouTube and Patreon.  I have followed Kat on Patreon for the last year and she gives daily step-by-step instructions and encouragement to get your home clean and organized.  She bases her advice in the FlyLady system which you can read more about here . Kat is very helpful, calm and concise.  

*Diane in Denmark, YouTube, Instagram.  Diane also gives daily encouragement on implementing a household and personal system. She is a personal life coach specializing in routines and time management. She’s also based in the Flylady system. Diane has helped me in pulling together my wardrobe.

The Secret Slob, YouTube . This is Flylady for ladies with young children at home.  She has some wonderful printables that make the FlyLady system very easy and doable for young moms.

Vintage Gothic Homemaker, YouTube and her blog is here . Rain San Martin has some lovely videos on the daily rhythms of home I appreciate and love her videos on vintage habits and routines. She will make you excited to live more quietly, simply and intentionally.

Home Comforts, Cheryl Mendelson.  This is an encyclopedia on housework...her goal is to explain all the components that go into making a clean and comfortable home.  She goes into very great detail, so keep that in mind.

A Mother’s Rule of Life, Holly Pierlot.  This book, written by the homeschooling mother of a large family, will show you how to schedule your day in order to get it all done and grow closer to God at the same time.  She comes from a strong Catholic perspective.

The Thankful Homemaker, Marci Ferrell, YouTube and her blog is here . Marci  is a wonderful Titus 2 mentor. She gives practical homemaking advice on marriage, homemaking and parenting from a strong Christian, Biblical base.  

On self-improvement, mindset, marriage, and relationships (because relationships are a big part of homemaking):

Home Living, Lydia Sherman, YouTube and her blog is here.  Lydia gives encouraging talks several times a week.   Her topics are preparing for homemaking, getting the work done, and dealing with people.  Her blog has years of wonderful articles. Lydia is a lovely Christian lady, a veteran homeschooler and also an accomplished seamstress.  

*The Total Woman, Maribel Morgan. This book is old but it has some great marriage advice and fun tips.  It is the book that opened my eyes to how to make my husband happy at home.

*Love Life for Every Married Couple, Dr. Ed Wheat.  Dr. Wheat gives very sound marriage advice and also gives hope to those in estranged marriages.

On the Art of Homemaking: 

Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer.  Mrs. Schaeffer gives many ideas on how to add beauty and creativity to your day as a homemaker and also stressed the important role of homemaking in the Christian home.

Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions, Sarah Ban Breathnach. This book takes you through each month of the year with some marvelous suggestions for daily and seasonal rituals and traditions.  This was one of my favorite books when I had children at home. The tone is love, old-fashioned and relaxing.

*Living a Beautiful Life, Alexandra Stoddard.  I think every woman in America should read this book whether she is a housewife or not.   Alexandra comes from the perspective of a woman who works outside of the home but also has a great heart for homemaking and creating beauty and comfort at home.  Every chapter in this book is a treasure.

Enjoy!

Amy Laurie