The spiritual shift in my kitchen changed my home completely
Starting from scratch, a simple bread recipe, and my story
There was a time when I did not think much about what we ate.
I cooked simply because I had to—all with the belief that food was simply fuel.
But that mindset changed when I began to see food the way that God had always intended for it to be: a gift!
It could be used for ministry, for an act of love, and even a way to teach self-discipline.
Then my home slowly began to change
in ways I never expected it to when I started to care about what I served on a plate.
Food as an Extension of Our Role as Homemakers
As homemakers, we have the privilege of creating a nurturing home for the body and the soul. Proverbs 31:15 shows us the excellent wife rising early to provide food for her household out of care and not just obligation.
Food goes beyond the topic of nourishment and I saw that only when I recognized my cooking as an act of love. I then began making conscious choices that honored my husband’s health and my own well-being. That became a priority in my kitchen and in my homemaking and it completely changed the atmosphere of my home.
The Changes in My Home
Mealtime Became More Meaningful
Before, dinner was just a routine. Now, it’s a time of connection. I sometimes turn on gentle music, I set the table, and I serve food with intention. My husband has noticed the changes and appreciates them greatly.
When food is made with love, it is received with joy.
💡 Try this: Make dinner an event. Set the table, put on soft music, and cook a meal that feels special—even if it’s simple.
We Became More Grateful
When I started making homemade meals with real ingredients, I saw food differently. Instead of rushing through meals, we began thanking God for every bite. I realized how blessed we were to have fresh bread, warm soup, and nourishing meals.
💡 Challenge: Before eating, take a moment to thank God—not just for the food but for the hands that prepared it, the provision that made it possible, and the family that gathers around it.
I Felt More Confident as a Homemaker
There is something powerful about knowing how to nourish your family well. Learning how to bake bread, prepare wholesome meals, and understand what goes into our food made me feel capable. I was no longer just making food—I was providing for my family.
💡 Encouragement: Don’t be overwhelmed. Start small—maybe by making one homemade meal this week instead of buying takeout. Every step is a step toward becoming the homemaker God calls you to be.
Our Health Improved
When I shifted away from processed foods and focused on whole, God-given ingredients, my husband and I started feeling better. More energy, fewer headaches, better sleep—because food affects the body more than we realize.
💡 Try this: Swap one processed item in your kitchen for something homemade or less refined. (Ex: Instead of store-bought salad dressing, try olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.)
Hearty Homemade Bread: A Simple Loaf to Bless Your Home
There is something deeply comforting about the aroma of fresh bread filling the home. It invites warmth, togetherness, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with those we love. This homemade bread recipe is simple, wholesome, and made with love—just as food should be.
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tbsp honey (or sugar for a neutral flavor)
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes.)
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan (or shape it into a round for a rustic loaf on a baking sheet).
Second Rise: Cover and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or alongside a wholesome meal.
Why This Recipe?
This bread is simple, made from basic ingredients, yet fills the home with warmth and love. It reflects the essence of mindful homemaking—caring about what we bring into our kitchens and onto our tables. As you knead and bake, take a moment to pray over your home and thank God for the blessing of nourishment and family.
"Give us this day our daily bread." – Matthew 6:11
Favorites of the Week
Our current Book Club read. Learn about biblical femininity and wha God made women for:
I use this 100% organic, grass-fed beef tallow on my skin every single day and night! Their tallow only has local grass-fed beef tallow, cold pressed olive oil, beeswax, and local honey. ALL ORGANIC & MADE IN AMERICA.
It is my favorite beef tallow that I’ve seen on the market and it has been a life saver in these winter months when I get really dry and cracked skin!
Their team has given me a special code for you to get 20% off of their tallow when you use code: ANASTASIA20.
Prayer Time
Heavenly Father,
You have given us the beautiful role of caring for our homes and our loved ones. Help us to see food not as a burden but as a gift. Give us wisdom in choosing what nourishes, patience in preparing meals, and joy in sharing them. Let our kitchens be places of warmth, and our tables places of fellowship. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Homemaking Routine: Making Food a Ministry
Want to start making food a bigger part of your homemaking?
Try this simple weekly rhythm:
Sunday: Plan meals for the week (pray over them too!)
Monday: Prepare a homemade breakfast or snack
Tuesday: Try one new healthy swap (ex: homemade soup instead of canned)
Wednesday: Set the table beautifully, even for a simple meal
Thursday: Cook with worship music playing
Friday: Bake something from scratch, even if it’s small
Saturday: Enjoy a slow, restful meal with loved ones
Remember dear sister, even small changes can transform your home.
Poll Time
Sit With Me, and Remember…
When we start caring about our food, we start caring for our homes in a deeper way. Cooking isn’t just about feeding—it’s about loving. It’s about creating a space where our husbands, children, and guests feel cared for. It’s about honoring God through the work of our hands.
So, let’s approach food with gratitude. Let’s prepare meals with love. Let’s remember that in every loaf of bread, every pot of soup, and every shared meal, we are ministering to those we love.
Let’s be women who nourish well.
With love and encouragement,
Young Homemakers Club