may discussion preview.

Here are some questions to think about/ponder before next Tuesday's discussion. How does 7:00 EST work for everyone?

-How do you define (and view) domesticity? How does it differ from domestication?

-Going back to our discussion on simple intentional living, how do we balance that with hard work and productivity?

-How do we reconcile the Proverbs 31 woman with the fact that all women may not be cut out for the same tasks?

-What does feminism (particularly the most recent wave) have to say about homemaking?

-What (if any) delight do you take in cooking, crafting, sewing, knitting, gardening, and/or any combination of the "gentle domestic arts"? Why/why not?

-The discussion of these things often leads to feelings of comparison and inadequacy, as women naturally tend towards measuring themselves up to the successes/failures of other women. How can we give ourselves and others more grace in that?

- A question from a precious book, The Gentle Art of Domesticity, by Jane Brockett: What do we lose if we no longer value these skills and arts? What is their true value beyond their usefulness and visual pleasure of the end product?

-What do you think of finding community in these things through blogs and books?

- Is domesticity strictly a calling of the women of God, or is it something we're all called to do (in one form or another) as Christians? Could men benefit from some domesticity?

- What role does food play in the gospel message and in Scripture? Are we missing something when we fail to find the joy in cooking and eating together? Does God care about fast food vs. the slow food movement?

- When did attitudes about domesticity change? Is there a difference in how you see domesticity, how your mother views it, and how your grandmother views it? What direction is domesticity headed?

- If single, how do you balance caring for your community and also figure out how to live in the gospel while living alone? For example, what if a woman cannot seem to keep her house clean or cook for herself every meal, but her job includes caring for the poor and making sure they have enough food. Even though that is not in her own home, is it still "domestic"? When what God has given you is simple and lonely, how do you make it beautiful and life-giving to others?

Also consider these books: Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot and The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer.

If you have any other thoughts/questions to offer up for discussion, feel free to post here!