Home used to be a place of solace and rest. Sundays were the quiet day when everyone slowed down, enjoyed rest and fellowship. Now we are typically bombarded round the clock with technology. Our smart phones can control a lot of time if we allow it. If you have TV (we ditched satellite years ago and only use TV for family dvds), the news that bombards is full of horrible things going on in our world.

We need to have a simple, peaceful haven for our family. It needs to be the safe place.

Our husbands need to know that home is a place of peace and rest he can turn to. Our children, even as they grow and become more independent as they make their way out in the world, need to know that there safe haven is there awaiting them.

Did you know that this is a gift that you can give to your family? A gift of peace, quiet, security, comfort. And you will love it too.  This has been a passion of mine to create this type of atmosphere. But sometimes our worlds are rocked and things become difficult. I went through a few of those seasons.

But I am on my way to thriving and I hope that you will join me to create wonderful havens for our families that God has so richly blessed us with!

How do we create a haven?

• Simplify

This is so important. We must simplify our schedules, as well as what we have in our home. Are you involved in too many things? Are you running multiple places each night of the week? Write everything out on your schedule and then examine how it is impacting your family. Stress is exhausting and sometimes we create a lot of it ourselves. Eliminate as much as you can to eliminate the stress.

Is everyone exhausted and grouchy? How much family time to bond do you have? Closely examine the choices you are making and get rid of anything in your schedule that doesn’t need to be there. It really is okay to not be involved in everything. The time with your kids is short. Cherish it!!

Is your house cluttered? Too much stuff? Go on a decluttering mission and get rid of things. Bless others. It is amazing the sense of peace that can come from getting rid of STUFF.

• Have a Routine, but Be Flexible

We all function better when we have a routine. It doesn’t have to be super structured, because that will cause anxiety. Have a plan for your days and weeks. Kids need to know what their chores are and when bedtime is. It makes for easier days in the midst of busyness.

But be flexible. Stay up late having a movie night and popcorn. Surprise your kids by doing one of their regular chores.

• Make Your Home Cozy

There is just something about fresh cookies, a glass of sweet tea, soft music, warm blankets and candles or diffusers filling your home with sweet scents to make your house cozy. Warm meals on the table give a sense of security. A simple life and decluttered clean home makes it even better.

Your kids aren’t going to remember a lot of things, but they will remember special little touches and memories that you make together. It doesn’t take long to make things a little prettier…put some fresh flowers on the table. Add a tablecloth for supper tonight. Add an extra blanket to cover up with while reading a book on the couch. Turn on some music while you are making supper.

A cozy home makes our home feel even more like a haven from the outside world.

• Respect

Creating a haven and safe place is also brought on by having respect in the home. Mom and Dad for each other, children for the parents and siblings for one another. Kindness, manners and love should be important. Training the heart and character training is far more important than growing stronger sports’ skills, but often gets lost in the busyness of our daily lives.

• Technology Free Time

Technology is everywhere and it is a blessing to be able to connect with our loved ones most all the time or if we live far apart. But there are times when we need to turn it off. Don’t have the TV going all the time. Put down your phone at the table. Quit playing games on the computer and phone all the time.

If you run an online business like I do, the temptation to check in all the time is there. My business will survive without me for a little bit. I wouldn’t be in the office all day, every day. I shouldn’t have my phone glued to my hand all the time either.

Make time to play games, color, go on a nature walk, read an exciting book together…something without technology!

• Have Fun

Make memories with your family. Cherish your time together. Be intentional with your time as a family. Think of little ways you can make your family happy and spend time together.

Make a list of favorite activities. Cut strips of paper and write activities on them. Put them in a cute jar and pull out something each week to do as a family. Celebrate each other and LAUGH!! Laughter is good for the soul!!

Check out 10 Fall Fun Activities

“Love begins at home” – Mother Teresa

Take a few steps today to make your home a haven! What do you like to do to make your home a haven?

Looking for ideas to making your home a haven? Check out The Cherished Home: Protecting What’s Important