Mother Culture: Atmosphere

Blueprints for the Little Church by Elissa Bjeletich (Davis) and Caleb Shoemaker

This is a wonderful little book full of gentle, practical advice, appropriate for converts and cradle Orthodox alike on how to incorporate the life of church and the liturgical calendar into your home.  It includes readings and prayers from Orthodox wedding and baptism services and quotes the wisdom of the saints on marriage and family.  From basic instruction on how to set up an icon corner through ways to build a family culture of prayer and many other practical considerations. The authors also include many stories from regular Orthodox moms and dads who candidly share  their challenges and blessings  in implementing spiritual disciplines in the home.

You can listen to an excerpt of the audiobook for free here.

Children in the Church Today: An Orthodox Perspective by Sister Magdalene

This small volume is full of wisdom and balanced, practical advice about raising children. Have no fear that because it was written by a nun, she will tell you your children must fast joyfully from the age of 6 months! She quotes St. John Chrysostom often, suggesting how to apply his advice in today's world, and touching on different ages of children and how to encourage them in faith and not to see religion as too heavy a burden.

Check out our Seasonal Plans in Family Subjects for some Mother Culture reading recommendations as well.

The Many Mercies blog is a good place to look for liturgical calendar inspiration as well.