Making Your Home a Haven

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
” ~ Proverbs 14:1

Good morning, I am currently participating in the Making Our Home a Haven Fall Challenge over at Women Living Well Ministries. 

Friends, we don't want to just read God's Word - we want to live out God's Word in our homes first and then outside the home where God has planted us.   So this challenge will be focused on living out the word of God within the four walls of our home. 

Each week we are given one practical tip and one spiritual tip that we can do to create a haven in our home. 

As, Courtney stated, she believes we can create a physical environment, as well as a spiritual environment, that can bring peace, harmony and a sense of calmness to our homes if we are willing to be intentional and I wholeheartedly agree. 

Week 1: October 6th -Go buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home.

All of last week I started my candle in the morning but you can start yours at dinner time or whenever is convenient for you.  My candle was placed in my kitchen because it is the heart of my home. The purpose of lighting the candle is so that each time the candle catches your eye, you are reminded to say a prayer for peace and patience in your home.

The focus for prayer last week was peace and patience. 

In my opinion there is truly no place like home and it really does not matter if you are in an apartment or a large home because our home is where we establish the foundations of our families. And, as Courtney states, it’s not the things you do or don’t have that make your home a haven–YOU are the key to making your home a haven.  

 I am striving to make my home a haven for my family and friends.  I like this simple gesture, the tangible reminder–the lit candle–telling me that I have control over the mood and feel of my home.  And I’m choosing to make it a warm, welcoming haven for those I love and those in need.

Here is the remaining schedule for the Challenge: 

Week 2: October 13th – Play soft music everyday in your home.

Choose worship, classical, jazz or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships.

Work on gentleness and self-control this week.

Week 3: October 20th – Keep the candle burning, the music playing and plan a Family Fun Night.

Have a pillow party in the family room and get out every blanket and pillow in the house and be cozy with the kids or your hubby! Even if you live alone you can do this. Enjoy a cozy evening of hot cider and caramel corn. Bust out some old fashioned games and take the time to savor these moments with your loved ones.

Work on kindness and joy this week.

Week 4: October 27th – Focus on the kitchen, the heart of the home.

Cook things with pleasant aromas like homemade bread, pies, and cookies. Don’t wait to have a reason to make something special – do it simply to show love to your family. Invite your kids and/or hubby to cook along side of you – make memories in the kitchen – test tasting, being creative, laughing and loving. Remember the importance of dinner time around the table as a family.

Work on showing love, goodness and faithfulness to your family this week.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:22,23

This year the spiritual emphasis is on the fruit of the spirit.  There is no magic in the lighting of a candle, soft music, game nights or comfy food – it is the power of the Holy Spirit working through us that will transform our homes into a haven for everyone who passes through our doors, so the light of Jesus can shine brightly.

I hope you’ll join me on this 5 Week Challenge.  They’re simple tasks that have the potential to create or enhance the positive and peaceful environment of your home. I love that it sets the tone as we head into the busy, but blessed holiday season.

What makes YOUR home a haven?  What do you do to make your home a comfortable place for those you love?

♥ Kangelia