“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’;and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27 NIV
By the strictest of definitions, your neighbor is anyone who is around you. Who is closer than your family?! If you can’t love those closest to you, how are you going to love anyone else? True love, and loving your neighbor, starts in the home.
I attended a Hearts at Home conference about five years ago. The main thing I took away was that my home was suppose to be a haven. I may not be able to make it sparkly clean and perfect, but I should be able to make it safe and comfortable for my family.
While others may be okay with their children teasing each other, that is not really conducive to a safe environment. If our kids can’t be themselves at home without being made fun of or feeling inadequate, where can they be themselves? Our home should instead be a haven, like a little slice of heaven here on earth. After all, as soon as we become members of God’s family, we are part of the heavenly kingdom. It is our job to bring as much heaven on earth as we can until Jesus returns. If we are letting a spirit of criticalness into our home, it can’t be much of a haven at all!
If we are letting a spirit of criticalness into our home, it can’t be much of a haven at all! Click To TweetHow Do We Make Our Home a Haven?
By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.” Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV
Making our home a haven is easier said than done! Our family members have minds of their own. Sibling rivalry is the worst! How do we encourage them to be loving, kind, and encouraging? I won’t pretend to have it all figured out, but I have scoured the internet rounding up posts that I want to share with you. Let’s try these ideas out and see how it goes!
- Make Your Home a Sanctuary: 5 Questions to Get You There
- 10 Ways to Create a Home of Warmth and Grace
- Stop Yelling
- Make a Get-Along Jar
- How to Get Your Kids to Stop Fighting
The One Thing You Need to Do if You Do Nothing Else
Creating an atmosphere of love and peace starts with me. Click To TweetThe one thing that I do know beyond a shadow of a doubt is that creating an atmosphere of love and peace starts with me. You may have heard it said that the mother sets the tone for the whole household. I have found that this is definitely true! When I am grumpy and critical, I pass this on to the rest of my family. I cringe to think about the negative tone of voice and words I have heard coming out of my son’s mouth lately–and they sound JUST LIKE ME. You don’t know how bad you truly sound until you hear your own voice coming out of your child. So examine your own heart and start with your own attitude. Set the example and see the difference it makes. Your home becoming a haven starts with you!
What do you do to bring peace to your home?
I love this! We love playing worship music which creates an atmosphere of peace
Caroline @ In Due Time recently posted…Ezekiel 12:28 – No Delay #120
I love this post! I think this specific topic is a MUST for homemakers anywhere! And yet I don’t know if it’s something that’s really reached for and thought of as a goal. I’m super passionate about making my home a haven of rest from the world! I make sure it’s clean and neat, I light candles for yummy smells, I have dinner on the table when Hubby gets home (usually), I do my best to build my family up and NOT tear down with words. I’ve written a whole post on this subject! hooray! More awareness so that all mothers will have this goal in mind!
Danielle recently posted…4 Reasons NOT to be Afraid of the Future
This is great! I had to remind me kids of this recently when they began being mean to each other and calling names. Sibling rivalry can be tough. But I appreciate your words that the atmosphere of peace starts with us and then we can help encourage that in our kids.
Valerie recently posted…The Biggest Fear Keeping You From Impacting Your World
it all has to start with prayer to God
andrea recently posted…Which Coupons Can You Still Print Today? (Updated)
Thanks so much for such a positive post! I remember living in a family hoem that clearly wasn’t a haven and it was largely because of my parents yelling and ridiculing me (and occasionally my sister but I got most of it). I like to see Christians advocating positive parenting.
I’m sorry you remember your home being that way. I hope you feel at home now. I know I am far from perfect and still have a long way to go. Writing these posts serves as a reminder and inspiration for me too.
I completely agree!! Critical thoughts and actions do not lend to a joy filled home!
Such wise advice. Our family is working to make our home a haven of peace, love, understanding, and grace, as well. Thank you for the reminder and insights into the proactive steps I can take to make this a reality.
Jed recently posted…The Healing Power of Conversation: Coffee Shop Conversations Live #1
Remembering my attitude impact every single person in my house is so important, it helps me to focus and seek help from the One who can truly give it.
Love Love this! My hubby and I worked hard as well to create a haven for our kids! Love these tips on how to!
Cathy
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Yes it starts with me! I am reading The Life Giving Home right now!!
Christia Colquitt recently posted…Homeschool Science Change Up
I’m being constantly reminded that my attitude is the one that shapes my family’s. It’s humbling, and often hard, but if I want my home to be filled with peace and to show my children God’s love, my heart has to be in the right place too.
Victoria @ Creative Home Keeper recently posted…How One Small Habit Can Impact Your Marriage (for better or worse)
It really does start with us! I know how my own mood can really set the tone. Sometimes it’s a fight to do but it’s worth it when you remember how you influence.
Also the conference sounds lovely!
Helen recently posted…Not in Vain {how to value your isolation}
I love this. We strive to keep our house tidy and uncluttered so it feels peaceful and, beyond that, relate with each other in a loving a encouraging manner!
Susannah recently posted…Thoughts of a Mama Who’s Baby is Weaned
This is refreshing. Thanks for sharing relevant articles too!
It is important to keep our homes safe and comfortable for our kids to be themselves…I agree.
Thanks for the encouragement you serve up.
God Bless
Ifeoma Samuel recently posted…For the Woman Who Struggles with Acceptance By Dawn Boyer.