Edith Schaeffer died today!
I only heard by just now reading this blog post, from a friend of mine whose mother and I are friends and fellow home-lovers. Edith Schaeffer through two of her books, What is a Family and The Hidden Art of Homemaking, helped me in many ways to develop my own style and philosophy of homemaking.
Several particular principles and practices, from the importance of caring for the sick to table decorating, became part of my being and contributed to the joy of being the woman of my home. She was the first decidedly Christian person I read who understood the importance of beauty in the home, and she gave many (I remember I thought almost too many!) examples of how one might create a home environment that was rich in all the important things, even if worldly riches were lacking.
I am very thankful for this sister in Christ. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be eternal.
Gladsome Lights 
I agree. I knew about Francis Schaeffer when I was in high school but I discovered The Hidden Art of Homemaking just a few years ago and felt such kindredness. She's with our Jesus now. Praise Him.
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May her Memory be Eternal! The Schaeffers made a big positive impact on me, too : )
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Thank you for letting us know, GJ.
Memory Eternal!
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God bless the memory of one of my dear mentors. I too loved Edith's books and she mentored me through them — Hidden Art, What is a Family, L'Abri, and even her little children's book, Mei Fuh (memories from China). The last book is a memoir of Edith's early childhood as the daughter of missionaries in China. A sweet story.
Gretchen Joanna, did you ever read her daughter's books? Susan Schaeffer Macaulay was a homeschool mentor for me. The nut didn't drop far from the tree.
Thank you for sharing this news with us. For us, bittersweet. For her, very sweet.
Jody
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Frank wrote a very lovely tribute.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/frankschaeffer/
The picture you chose is of the essence, I think.
Memory eternal.
Dana
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May she rest in peace…
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I have a tattered copy of The Hidden Art of Homemaking still on my shelves. Edith Schaeffer's writings formed my philosophy of homemaking and mothering from the very beginning. May she rejoice with the Lord she loved.
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Oh I am so sorry to hear that. In a time when I didn't know what it meant to be a home maker I read her books like a starving woman. I think I owe so much of what is good in my life to her and her husband and family. Thank you for sharing this today, I didn't know. I am so thankful she is home now.
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I find her son's blog post self-serving. I wish he could work out his own salvation more privately and humbly.
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Her Hidden book was one that encouraged me as a young stay at home mom. I have a few of her books that I want to read/re-read. What a glorious Easter she must be enjoying!
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I've not read The Hidden Art of Homemaking and now will hunt down a copy. Thanks for letting us know about Mrs. Schaeffer's passing, GJ.
xofrances
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A Christian, above all people, should live artistically, aesthetically, and creatively. We are supposed to be representing the Creator who is there, and whom we acknowledge to be there. It is true that all people are created in the image of God, but Christians are supposed to be conscious of that fact, and being conscious of it should recognize the importance of living artistically, aesthetically, and creatively, as creative creatures of the Creator. If we have been created in the image of an Artist, then we should look for expressions of artistry, and be sensitive to beauty, responsive to what has been created for our appreciation.
Edith Schaeffer in “The Art of Life”
Gretchen, I'm not sure I've ever know of Mrs. Schaeffer but found the above quote which really spoke to my heart.
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Thank you, Thistle Cove. 🙂
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Thank you for the introduction to this woman and her life work. I love what I've read about her on your post and in the link and in the comments. I'm writing her name down. I wish I'd known about her when I was raising children.
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Oh, how sad! I havent heard of her but her books sounds absolutely lovely! I will look them up!
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