No Ordinary Home

I re-read this book almost every year. I first bought it about 10 years ago and it is still one of my favorites. Carol Brazo has a way of making even the duty of cleaning the floors and toilets a blessing and almost a "holy" act. She turns the housewife from a woman who can barely keep her head above water into a creative, centered person who can be fulfilled in what she does at home and within herself. This book helped me realize my potential wasn't wasting away because I stayed home with two little boys. It helped me to realize that I was not alone when I felt like no one in all of time was feeling like I was. When I felt overwhelmed, this book brought me back to being centered and balanced. It brought me inspiration like Martha Stewart can only dream of doing. Thank you, Carol Brazo, for a warm, wonderful book about what really matters in life.

I read this book accidentally, like many of the other reviewers, after I found it on my shelf (I picked it up at a clearance sale a few months ago). I was pleasantly surprised at Brazo's open journal and intelligent and humorous writing style. This book is inspiring on many levels, as a journal from a worn-out mother of three to God, as the quest of a woman to sanctify her home as the dwelling place of not only her family, but of her savior, as the thirst of a person after God and pursuit of a way to worship him. The list could go on. I am inspired to make some changes in my household and also in my relationships with God and my family.Great writing and a good book. Highly recommended.

This book has been one of those I go back to and reread every other year or so. I picked it up "accidentally" and it has truly influenced my life. I have literally read the chapter on Holy Mystery (marriage) to my husband, and we are now going back to it and looking again at the "hedges" we need to be sure are there. I love also the chapters on the Sabbath, celebrating holidays, gardening and home decor. Not at all a "how to" book, but a very transparent woman sharing her heart with how God has met her in the midst of her struggle and desire. I, too, am very dissappointed to find it out of print. I've given away several as gifts, and now have a friend who I'd love to find a copy for. And if by chance, Carol, you do read the reviews, please let me know if there is a way to get more copies. I'd love to know if you've written more, or plan to. I appreciate your honesty and your writing style. Like some of the other reviews have said. I feel a kindred spirit with you. Thanks so much for your work.

This book changed the way I live my life. Bravo to Carol for writing not only her story, but the story of many Christian wives and mothers. Written primarily in diary form, it is a quick read, but full of spiritual meat. Carol takes us on her journey from longing for her pre-child, creative career life to realizing the blessing of her stairstep children and life at home.There are many high points in this book. Her search for "Jacob's Ladder", her children's desire for Christmas lights, the glory of her inherited garden. My favorite is her chapter on Sabbath and how she takes the Jewish tradition and makes is part of her family's Christian day of worship. Or is it the story of modeling Simeon? There is just too much to cherish in this book.Carol, if you read this, please contact me and PLEASE write more about your spiritual journey and your family. You are a great "friend" to me and I'd love to know how you are doing. Thanks for all your book has done for me and my family. I purchased a dozen copies of this book when I found it on closeout. I hope you are blessed with finding it, too.

I bought this book probably four years ago and it's my favorite book! I read it over and over again. I would love to get a message to the author, Carol, she's wonderful! I wish she was my next door neighbor. I hope she writes another book, sometime. Thank you for touching my life in a special way.