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Joyfully at Home: A Book for Young Ladies on Vision and Hope

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In Joyfully at Home, Jasmine writes with verve and transparency about her own struggles and triumphs as a young woman, encouraging other girls to embrace a vision for the home as a hub of ministry and discipleship and as a training ground for life ahead. With humor, humility, and heart, Jasmine tackles the tough questions girls face, offering practical counsel on how to overcome false views of marriage, husbands, and singleness.

245 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

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Jasmine Baucham

1 book24 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah.
471 reviews40 followers
December 16, 2011
Forgive me for being long winded--if you want the crux of my review, skip this next block of words.

I would like to start with the background I brought to reading this book, though. When I was twelve or thirteen, I was introduced to So Much More and the Vision Forum view of patriarchy, women's roles, and all that. I embraced it wholeheartedly, but brought to it my already formed sins of pride, legalism, and self-focus.
During the course of the next year, my worldview was shaken and my cherished ideals were attacked. Through it, I kept my vision of serving God in the home, but lost all security in what was right--on many questions (about relationships, family dynamics, God-ordained roles), I could only say, "I don't know." But, those who had opened my eyes to the faults in my beliefs (my legalism and pride), also passed on distrust for Vision Forum and everything associated with it. Instead of becoming interested whenever they were mentioned, I would turn away, or feel inclined to deny connection with them.
I knew what I had to do each day as it came, and that was enough as I continued to grow and wait for deeper understanding on these subjects. As I grew in the Lord and matured, I began to notice my mother more and more, gaining insight into her character such as I had never seen before. At the same time, God brought a girl into my life who was in the process of rejecting her patriocentric roots (notice: not patriarchal). While this girl was right in so many things, she tended to veer too far in the other direction, and thus, by interacting with her, I was able to see more clearly what truly was right and wrong, being able to, through Scripture, discern the correct ground between her former beliefs and the complete rejection of them.
Which brings me to the present time. This morning, I knew what God wanted me to do in the immediate future (serve Him from home). I knew that loving God with all my life was more important than anything else--and thus I shouldn't "judge" other people based on anything else. And then, this afternoon, I read/skimmed Joyfully at Home.

Guess what? Jasmine does not say that every young woman has to stay at home. She does not advocate using all our time to prepare to be a wife or "helpmeet." Her book is not a call to follow certain rules and thus have a happy, godly life.
She does say that all of us should live to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. She does advocate for the father's role as the head of the house. Her book is a call to live for God as He has called us to and to consider staying at home.
Everything else falls short of the importance of these things, enabling JocelynRose to appreciate it without actually staying at home.

Jasmine starts by saying, The book you hold in your hands only has merit insofar as it encourages you to delve deeper into the Word of God[...], thus dispelling the first of my fears (putting her system above God's Word and relationship with Him). On the next page she begins to address the question of God's will with, "On the most basic level, He commands of His daughters the same thing that He commands of His sons. We do not have [...] the Great Commission given to men and the Kitchen Commission given to women." Poof! Gone were my fears of her placing the "woman's role" above the clear principles of Scripture. By now I was thinking, Is this from the same Vision Forum --- so despised?

Though Jasmine talks about herself candidly and often enough, she does not say, "I live this way so you all should too." Instead, she shares the Biblical principles and commands, and shows how those can be lived in normal life. In a conversational tone, with frequent Scripture quotes, she explains the "principles" and the "practicals" of relationships with one's parents (both of them), one's brothers and sisters (both older and younger), other believers, as well as why to stay at home, how to live the why, and (dun, dun, dun) marriage. Altogether, it is an encouragement to love God and live God, with practical tips on how to do that, personal comments about her own journey, and a Scripture laced plea to consider staying at home as a part of that.
The section on singleness was insightful and helpful. While my own struggle with singleness ended a year ago (though if may return in the future, I suppose), I found what Jasmine said to be full of truth and helpful. She clearly points to the sins and false thoughts behind our discontentment as singles, and uses examples, Scripture, and personal experience to show the blessing of singleness. At the same time, she does not deny the desire to be married, and claims that it (if based in desire to glorify God) is right, as many (or most) young women will get married, in accordance with God's plan.

The end result in my life? I am motivated to serve the Lord better in my family and not to get distracted by other things, or shamed into doing that which I do not believe (from Scripture, prayer, and my parent's advice) is God's will. Aaaand, one more blinder is gone--that thing that blocked my ears from hearing anything that came from Vision Forum.

Praise the Lord!
Profile Image for Kayla.
Author 4 books20 followers
September 22, 2011
What I didn’t realize when I chose this book was exactly what her perspective was. Jasmine introduced me to the concept of a stay-at-home daughter. I have two close friends who chose to stay at home post-high school graduation, but I didn’t understand why and I didn’t know how to ask politely. Jasmine helped me understand this choice and what an incredible training ground it is. Because the past cannot be undone and I still believe that college is the path the LORD called me to, I look forward to encouraging any future daughters the LORD may grant us to consider staying at home after high school.

The book is divided into 3 parts. In the first part, Jasmine discusses relationships within the home (with chapters titled, “How to be a Good Daughter to your Mother,” “How to be a Good Sister to your Siblings,” etc). I enjoyed how she challenged the ladies who read the book to develop their closest relationships within the immediate family, with friendships outside the family being secondary. In the second part, she talks about overcoming false views – of marriage, husbands, ourselves, singleness, and God’s sovereignty. In the third part, Jasmine encourages her readers to stand firm in the decision they have made, and to be able to give a defense for the choice they have made. Yes – not everyone will agree with them. If the ladies have not determined their convictions and how to articulate them, it will be easier to be knocked down and become discontent with the path the LORD has them on. This part of the book was most beneficial for me.

The biggest drawback for me was transcript errors. On some pages, prepositions were missing. On other pages, letters of a word were missing. And a few times, I found a misused word (“very” instead of “vary”). This bugged me at first, but once I got past it, there was no other reason I would not recommend this book. It’s a great way to see a perspective most of us have not grown up with, and to consider to what degree the LORD may call us or our children to do something similar. Even if you disagree with the stay-at-home daughter movement, you should read this book to see where they are coming from.
Profile Image for Becky.
340 reviews13 followers
January 20, 2016
When my Mom asked me to "read this book sometime" a few years ago, I grudgingly put it on a shelf, telling myself I didn't need it. I thought I knew everything it was going to say, and I was sorta tired of hearing it.
Skip a few years until now. I was now cool with reading this book, figured I would agree in a heartfelt manner instead of grudging. I still thought I didn't need it though.

Although nothing this book said was really new, it was more helpful than I gave it credit for in my preconceived notions. I especially liked the chapter on mother-daughter relationship. The book was encouraging, and the author was gracious in presenting her views and saying, "but don't take my word for it, take God's". Also, there's freedom within following God's word. This book was not legalistic like I thought it would be when I was first asked to read it.
(also appreciated the personal conviction reminder vs. just doing things because it's your parents view. so true. takes heart change, and really, only God can do that.)

This is a long review just to say... I'm glad I was wrong. I enjoyed this book. I'll be thinking about it for a bit.
Profile Image for Suzannah Rowntree.
Author 34 books596 followers
July 29, 2013
This book is a breath of fresh air!

When I first read it a couple of years ago, I had just decided to try the daughter-at-home route myself, despite still having some reservations about the lifestyle and presuppositions behind it. I was still feeling my way along, trying to sort out how much of it all I believed, and how strongly; I was keeping a weather eye out for things I disagreed with.

It had been Jasmine Baucham's blog of the same name which at first suggested to me that if a jolly girl like herself could be a (harp glissando, ethereal light, floaty draperies) stay-at-home daughter, then maybe I could be too. Maybe it wasn't such a weird idea as I first thought. Fittingly, as her blog first started me thinking seriously about the idea, so her book confirmed that my reservations were unfounded, sorted out some of the practical details, and provided a hefty dose of encouragement.

This book is by way of a companion volume to the Botkin sisters' highly controversial So Much More (SMM), and I highly recommend that nobody read that without following it with Joyfully at Home (JAH) as a chaser. If the Botkins' book puts the case for dependant daughterhood as strongly as possible, it may at times come across like a Scotch elder rebuking the congregation from the pulpit. Jasmine Baucham's book is winsome, slangy, practical, and no-nonsense. If SMM revealed a lot of the sin in my life under a merciless scalpel (and it was a good feeling), JAH digs into a no-fuss, guilt-free obedience.

Re-reading the book today, I was once more edified and encouraged. Some of the things I particularly loved:

- The second chapter is on the mother-daughter relationship. A number of readers of SMM had been disturbed by what they saw as an emphasis on the father-daughter relationship to the nigh exclusion of mothers. JAH clarifies that the mother-daughter relationship is certainly important to "home girls"--SMM was just focusing on the father-daughter relationship. JAH rights what could have been an imbalance, and provides a concrete picture of how a daughter at home should help her mother as a way of helping her father.
- I loved the insight that we raise sons to be providers from the cradle, but we raise daughters to be...men with the potential to be women if they should marry someday. JAH argues that women are helpers even before they marry! This made a lot of sense to me: as a budding career woman, I always longed for the home-centred life, and thought that it would have to wait until--and if! I got married! The realisation that life didn't begin at marriage, that it could begin right now, was incredibly liberating to me.
- JAH is quick to acknowledge that not all girls will be called or able to live with their families at home, and it's full of grace for those girls without compromising the message that the home-centred life is the Scriptural ideal.
- Additionally, the insistence that girls should choose to come home because they loved the idea and thought it was Scriptural, rather than because they felt guilted into following certain rules, was absolutely spot on and healthy. Girls I know have ended up quite hostile to the whole idea of being at home because they only ever considered it out of tooth-gritted duty, and then got the impression that it was legalistic (hardly surprising, since their own attitude about it was legalistic).
- For that matter, this book is not just for the home girls! I think that even girls who work or study outside the home would profit from this book, insofar as it relates to relationships with parents and siblings, discusses relationships with brothers in Christ, and encourages readers to use their homes as centres of hospitality and evangelism.
- The first time I read the book, I thought Part 2, on relationships with young men, was the absolute best advice I'd read anywhere on this topic. Since then the Botkin ladies have produced It's (Not That) Complicated, which expands on many of the themes in JAH and is just wonderful--every Christian woman should read that book. Ahem. But JAH still carries a lot of good stuff, obviously gleaned from painful experience and the wisdom of Miss Baucham's parents.

To be honest, a lot of the personalities and resources in the stay-at-home daughter movement intimidated me when I first came to them. As I've discovered in the last two and a half years, there's a reason for that--you can't put any effort into being a dependant adult daughter without going into some serious, fast-track sanctification. But Jasmine Baucham's winsome book brings it all down to earth and anchors it firmly in reality. A must-read for any "home girl", or indeed anyone trying to get a grip on just what this movement involves.
Profile Image for Patricia.
116 reviews
August 30, 2013
2013 - Rereading for a Bible study.

5/23/2011 - Very encouraging and challenging. A great reminder to get focused on joyfully living at home. Jasmine Baucham doesn't stereotype femininity, but encourages her readers to embrace the special gifts that God has given them.
Profile Image for Jeannie.
173 reviews
February 22, 2011
Jasmine wrote this book wonderfully. Her slightly sarcastic, witty writing style and way with words convicted me, but in a way made me laugh at myself rather than cry.

I read this book at a point when trying to determine what God's plan for me was. I felt a draw to remain at home, but didn't know where I would fit in that sort of an environment. Jasmine covers subjects of personal growth (such as relationships with God, Mom, Dad, siblings, and friends), what stay-at-home daughtership is, and making sure young women do not have a skewed perspective of love, marriage, or Prince Charming. Her chapters seemed relatively short at first glance, but Jasmine has an impressive gift of knowing how deeply and how long to discuss something.

Young ladies, do not think that just because Jasmine is the same age as you she doesn't know what she is talking about. This book is not from a "been there, done that" perspective--such as would occur if it were written by an older, married woman. Reading from the perspective of someone who is in the same boat you potentially are is surprisingly supportive and beneficial.
Profile Image for AlixJamie.
224 reviews31 followers
August 2, 2011
Though I'm not really considering becoming a stay-at-home daughter, this book contains excellent encouragement, helpful insights and candid views of marriage, family, and faith. Reading it, I was inspired and challenged to be more of a servant to my parents and siblings, to be a more faithful listener to God, to give my plans and my heart to God and my father, to dig deeper into scripture, and much more. I highly recommend this book even if you are planning on going to college and the idea of staying at home is not even on your radar screen. It's a really Christian-walk challenging read and highly beneficial to any girl who aspires to become more open to God and a real Proverbs 31 woman!
Profile Image for Anna-leah Moore.
3 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2012
Absolutely LOVED this book!!!! After reading this book I am once again reminded that my decision to leave the "Work world" almost 2 years ago and go into Full time Ministry serving the Lord by serving my Family was the right move! HIGHLY recommend this book for any young lady thast wrestling with uncertainty on the next move in life. Should you work, go to college, or invest in the kingdom and endeavor to go against the flow and be a stay-at-home daughter! =)
2 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2010
Just the book I have waited for! Lot's of humor made it easier to swallow the big girl pills. Thanks so much Jasmine!
Profile Image for Amber Lemus.
Author 14 books511 followers
August 8, 2013
Awesome book! I definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Halee.
144 reviews
May 30, 2016
/////In Joyfully at Home, Jasmine writes with verve and transparency about her own struggles and triumphs as a young woman, encouraging other girls to embrace a vision for the home as a hub of ministry and discipleship and as a training ground for life ahead. With humor, humility, and heart, Jasmine tackles the tough questions girls face, offering practical counsel on how to overcome false views of marriage, husbands, and singleness./////

(I write this review listening to soft music playing in the background, while my little sister is singing and my dad and brother are having a wrestling match. So excuse me if this review is scattered, this is life.)

Review Part 1:
The first chunk of this book discusses your relationships and your atmosphere.
-Becoming A Good Daughter To Your Heavenly Father
In the first chapter, Jasmine writes about many things involving the Gospel, but what stuck with me most was her view on Feminism..That was refreshing!
-Becoming A Good Daughter To Your Mother
-Becoming A Good Daughter To Your Father
She talks about the physical and emotional protection of staying under your father's roof until marriage..How you can help him with his home business, etc.
-Becoming A Good Sister To Your Siblings
(Convicting chapter!!!)
-Contributing To A Joyful Atmosphere

Review Part 2:
-What Is Joyful Contentment?
Oh, that chapter REALLY hit me hard!
-Overcoming A False View Of Marriage
This chapter was a much needed reminder for me. Every girl needs to be waken up from the dream about counterfeit romance!
-Overcoming A False View Of Husbands
-Overcoming A False View Of Self
-Overcoming A False View Of Singleness
-Overcoming A False View Of God's Sovereignty and Embracing The Bigger Picture

Review Part 3:
-Why Do You Live At Home?
I really enjoyed this chapter. Me and Jasmine are very similar when it comes to our interests and hobbies, so I could connect with her well. She answers questions about college and homemaking and explains that if you make the decision to stay at home, you will encounter these people.
-But What If.....?
-Are You Judging Me?
-Being Ready With An Answer

Review Part 4: (my personal fave chunk of the book)
-The Home and The Great Commission
This is the type of chapter I know many of you will cringe at, but it's a very well-written topic; everyone should read this!
-Getting Your House In Order
(what you can do now..)
-To Be Hospitable
Tough chapter for us introverts!
-Loving Our Sisters In Christ
-Becoming A Ballistic Missile

So, that's it! I will wrap up this complex review to say that this book should be loved in EVERY home. I will be re-reading this many times in my life for re-inspiration and encouragement. I HIGHLY recommend it. Yes, I know this is a VERY controversial topic, but just give it a chance!

If you like Voddie Baucham's sermons, you'll love Jasmine's writing style!
Profile Image for Kimberly Snyder.
26 reviews5 followers
February 2, 2016
Wow!! I loved this book!!

I'll admit that this was always something "I'd eventually get around to reading", and even when I picked it up from the hold shelf at the library a couple weeks ago, it made it's way to the bottom of my stack; my subconscious deciding for me that if I should run out of time to finish the stack, this would be the sacrificial lamb.

I expected a long-winded sermon (in print form) that God's only possible will for any young lady is to stay at home and try to find a husband. I detest unbiblical sermons. And I was beyond refreshed and relieved to find completely different (and completely biblical!) lessons waiting for me inside.

I want to whole-heartedly recommend this to every unmarried daughter out there, no matter if you're living at home, or not. Ignorance is poison, and this book strips the blinders that the world has been pounding us with, and gives clear Biblical perspective on what God's purpose for this season of our lives truly is.

(Note- the only, tiny frustration I had with this book was the evident lack of editing. There were numerous grammatical errors and misspelled words. Once, there was a numbered list and 5 was completely skipped in the list. If you can get over that, though, the book is well worth the read.)

Thank you, Jasmine!!
Profile Image for Heidi Kelsch.
90 reviews
August 31, 2015
This book made me think quite a bit about the Biblical guidelines for young women. Being 23 and single and still living with my parents, this book helped me understand what my role and attitude should be towards my parents and siblings, as well as what I should be focused on. Some of the points apply to anyone; are we working because we NEED to, or because we simply want a bigger house and better car and thus sacrificing our children (if we're parents) to attain what we want? Do we have a clear view of what marriage is? Or is it warped into a me-centered picture that the spouse will be perfect, the kids cupids, and everything will go smoothly and there will magically be no chores or tough times? Are we looking to marriage to fulfill our dreams in our timing, or are we being patient for God's plan and His timing and being centered on Him, making the most of our single years? Although I personally don't agree with young women staying at home and living off their parents without working, I did like the points that Jasmine made throughout the book. I believe this book would be helpful for any late teen/young adult female to read as they enter the world of marriage/dating/college/career.
Profile Image for Melissa.
870 reviews91 followers
April 17, 2020
This book exceeded my expectations, despite a few typos. I had read some of her blog and knew she was an entertaining writer and had some good insights; however, reading it together as a whole made things clearer and more applicable. She addresses the hard questions with grace and care, and everything with humility. She emphasizes studying to form your own convictions. She tells of her joy, struggles, and growth with openness, like a friend encouraging a friend. She busts the myth of femininity having to be tea parties and lace--and gives lots of ideas for reaching out in your community and family. I wish I had read this when I was younger, to see more clearly the beauty, options, and need for industry of stay-at-home-daughterhood! Not that my parents didn't teach me any of this, because they did, and I'm thankful for that. Some of the more specific applications were newer to me, though. I probably wouldn't have really wanted to apply it at a much earlier time, since I wasn't saved until five and a half years ago. Now, there are many underlines in my book, and as Jasmine wrote, I don't just want to read about it, I want to do it! May God help it to be so.
23 reviews
August 7, 2017
Lovely encouragement for young Christian ladies on how to be...young Christian ladies. But a bit too heavy on the "must stay at home" idea. I agree we must be wise and discerning and think biblically and spiritually about what environments we put our daughters into, and prayerfully follow the way of God as revealed in His Word, and not let the world's ideas influence us. But that does not mean young unmarried Christian women must always stay at home. Careful decisions must be made.
My observations are that wives who in their youth did something challenging and interesting before becoming stay at home mums, can bring more to their varied roles than those with limited experiences.
This is written by a very young woman, which might appeal to her peers, but some mature wisdom from older women would be more useful!
All that said, it is a lovely and encouraging read and well worth giving to a young lady - with the caveats above - and much in here counters the sad trend for believers to run headlong along with the ways of the world then wonder why it goes wrong!
Profile Image for Megan Miller.
374 reviews
March 10, 2016
I really appreciated everything Jasmine had to say in this book. In every rebuke she gave, she offered a bigger dose of encouragement and advice. Her writing fits the title well: joyful. This definitely brought some questions to my mind that I hadn't considered, and encouraged me to seek out the answers. Right now I'm at the place in life where I have a lot of decisions to make regarding just this subject, so it was a well-timed read.
The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is for the horrendous editing involved. There are typos and wrong words all over the place! ('very' instead of 'vary', etc.) It drove this grammar nazi nuts. Whoever edited this book and allowed it to go to print should definitely rethink their profession choice... That said, it didn't mar the message and heart of the book, just the delivery. I very much appreciate everything said in this book!
Profile Image for Tori.
965 reviews48 followers
November 7, 2014
I don't fully agree with Jasmine Baucham. But she did make some good points that made me think, and pointed out some places where I should make some changes me in several areas of my life. I found that there were times she stayed on the quite predictable road though, and that she didn't answer the questions I would have liked answered. Also, there were times she drew lines and I wasn't sure why they were there (for example, she doesn't think getting a job outside the home is the best of ideas, but working with a family friend who runs a buisness outside of the home is ok... I can't find a reason for this) And the typos were very annoying, but she has a pleasant writing style.

So not something I would urge you to run out and get, but I wouldn't say it was a waste of my time to read it.
Profile Image for Lydia Gunter.
460 reviews
July 14, 2017
This was the best book I have ever read on the subject of stay-at-home daughter-hood. Not that I agreed with everything but there was much for me to take away.
I did not feel like Jasmine made a solid case for being a stay-at-home-daughter, more that she explored the possibilities from the point of view of someone already convinced. I was a little disappointed because of that but I still thought that she hit the nail on the head with the subject she did cover especially when it comes to singleness and God's will.
I would recommend this book to any single ladies even if they are not planning on being a SAHD.
Profile Image for Sydney.
178 reviews
January 22, 2015
This was my second time reading this book! I highly recommend it to all Christian girls, especially those with the desire to stay at home, and someday get married (like me).

Jasmine does a wonderful job convincing, and encouraging in her book. I also loved how she made lots personal comments in her writing. Since it is my desire to be a stay-at-home daughter I pretty much agreed with about everything in the book, and reading it makes me want to strive harder at pleasing God.

This book is definitely five stars!
Profile Image for Sarah.
261 reviews
April 18, 2011
This book was great! Very inspiring, and insightful. I would recommend this book to any girl/woman striving to make an impact in the life of those around her. Even if you are not planning to pursue stay-at-home-daughterhood this book if full of insights that will help you to further your walk with Christ. (If you are staying at home this book is a must read).

Profile Image for Bailey Marissa.
1,181 reviews61 followers
May 25, 2017
This book is way better than So Much More. Unlike that book, this one is helpful and encouraging without sounding judgy.

The Tl;dr is "You want to go to college? Cool! You want to say at home? Awesome! Just make sure you're doing it for the glory of God."

Recommended 12+
Profile Image for Angie.
276 reviews
March 21, 2014
Great book... a fresh look at the "stay-at-home daughter," not as an idle do-nothing, but a productive part of her home and society. Except for the fact that there were some (annoying) spelling/punctuation errors, a good, challenging book.
Profile Image for Leah Good.
Author 2 books203 followers
August 7, 2012
Children are busy with school and friends, married women are directed to be keepers at home. Do you ever wonder what the role of a young, single woman is? Jasmine Baucham tries to answer that question in this book. Her take on the role of a young woman is counter-cultural but refreshing.
Profile Image for Anna Jones .
7 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2014
While I enjoyed this book to an extent, I didn't like the nagging feeling of so many "Vision Forumisms", which to me is a sad reminder of "wolves in sheep clothing". That being said, this is book is good mainly for its encouragement that single or married you are useful to the kingdom of God!
57 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2013
A wonderful book focusing on a young woman's role as a daughter, sister and future wife and mother. Encourages young women to be content and to serve God through assisting their families and serving others. Very well written.
6 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2014
Quite good, I think the author has right thinking on almost everything. There are a few things I don't agree with what she wrote in this book, but I think it has many good things to say about dealing with your family and friends and life as a young adult women.
Profile Image for Olivia.
82 reviews
March 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, I don't necessarily agree with everything she said but it is a good read that I learned a lot from.

5 reviews
Read
June 24, 2012
This is one of my all-time favourites in the realm of non-fiction reads. It has a clear perspective of godly womanhood. Highly recommended.
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