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Making Your Home a Haven - Perfect for Fall!

 It's Fall Y'all!  After a quick trip to the mountains recently, I'm all in the fall feels. In my area, there aren't many signs of fall, no cooler weather, or changing of leaves, no mountain apples or need for cozy blankets.  But a weekend spent in the mountains, riding back roads filled with color, walking in cool weather along creeks and simply gazing at the beauty all around are beautiful things that fill my heart with autumn joy. 


A fall tradition I've enjoyed in past years is participating in the "Making Your Home A Haven" challenge. This is a month long focus on creating a cozy home while filling our hearts with biblical truths. Each week a challenge is issued with a specific suggestion to bring warmth to the home and a Scripture focus to reflect and ponder on. 

The last time I joined this challenge life was in a busier season. Our 3 sons were at home as I attempted to make the home a haven, we were active trying to juggle school, sports, church. Simply being at home was a challenge. 

This year, our nest is empty. But my heartfelt desire remains to make my home a haven, for sweet hubby and I and all who may enter. 

This week's challenge involves candles - one of my favorite things!


Week 1 Challenge:
Go buy an extra large candle and light it everyday in your home.  Each time the glimmer of the candle catches your eye, let it remind you to say a prayer of thanksgiving and a prayer for peace in your home. Let’s make our homes feel like a warm hug and a sweet haven all month long!

Since I can be a bit obsessive about candles, I have several lit all around the home. The other task is to begin a gratitude list. But, not just a routine check off list of things we are thankful for, let's search deep in the heart to find what God wants to fill our hearts with. 

Begin with a pen and paper, or pretty journal.  As you set your pen to the paper – wait on the Lord.  Seek God and ask him to show you all the ways he has shown himself to you lately.

Give thanks to God for both the big and small blessings in your life.

Delight Yourself In the Lord


When our schedules are full and our to-do lists are overwhelming, it’s hard to stop and enjoy life to the fullest.  Because of Jesus’ death on the cross and the forgiveness of our sins, we have a personal relationship with God.  Not only should we delight in God as our savior and friend, but God is also a giver of good gifts, that He wants us to delight in!  We must stop and open our eyes to the generosity of our God.  When we sit still in his presence and simply enjoy the Lord, we find that our souls can be satisfied in him.  He is a delight to know!

Once we are still in God’s presence and delighting in him, the fullness and richness of all God has given us, comes to life.  Suddenly we see God’s hand in everything.  We see God’s love in the chirping birds, a crispy apple, a hot cup of coffee, a bouquet of flowers, a hug from a friend, a beautiful sunset, a powerful storm and the changing leaves on the trees.

To put this truth in action,  take 15 minutes a day to stop and be grateful, pray, meditate and delight in the Lord and then go forward with the day, delighting in the good gifts God has given us to enjoy.  It will change the way you see things and bring a peace and joy that will warm the heart and home. 

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