Is My Home a Haven? (Week #3)


(I apologize for posting this so late. . .busy, busy week I've had!) :o)



So it's week 3 and I'm still working on my haven. I light my candles each day (2 in the kitchen and 1 in the school room). And I am praying for peace. And you know what? God answers prayer! My life is certainly not without its challenges and I have prayed for God's peace. And He has granted it. So thankful! We also have continued playing music during our school day and the kids have really enjoyed it. . .so, we're keeping it up.

This week's tasks were all about tackling clutter:
1) Make a list of areas in your home that are visually stressful because of the clutter and clear them out
2) Consider any spiritual "clutter" you've noticed. What gets in the way of peace in your life?
3) Continue last week's tasks.

Well, let me just say that I am having a few difficulties in the cleaning department. A growing "baby tummy" and late pregnancy fatigue can be challenging! (I'm still forever GRATEFUL, though!!) So, I have tried to focus on maintaining our heavily trafficked areas each day and doing other chores as I can.

One area that can be visually stressful is when the kitchen table is cluttered. The kids bring in school work to show Daddy during dinner time, mail and magazines end up there, groceries, and whatever else. So, I've tried to clear it off each day.

Also, my husband purchased some new "P.E. equipment" for the kids (bean bag toss, roller skates, t-ball, you name it! :) ) and it ended up in a corner of the sitting room. Even after being used, everyone returned the items to the same corner of the sitting room, as though they belonged there. I couldn't take it any more! LOL So, my daughter (6yrs.) helped me move it all into the garage. (Thanks, sweetheart! She told me she could help because she was strong.)
These are just a couple of areas, trust me, there are more! I imagine I'll be doing this portion of the challenge for a while! LOL

Spiritually, the Lord has been dealing with me on making Him the Lover of my soul. I'm realizing the ways in which I place unrealistic expectations on my husband, expecting him to bring me peace and joy and to never disappoint me. Now, I'm not saying that I am displeased with my sweetie, nor am I "husband bashing." But, the truth is this: we are both human and we will fall short and we will disappoint one another.

It is unfair for me to hold him to the standard of being my ultimate source of peace and joy--that place belongs to God. I have to look to Him first, be filled with His Spirit first so that when difficulties arise in my marriage, I can respond in love and not be an emotional wreck. Emotional wreck = less peace. I hope what I'm saying makes sense. . .the Lord is still working on me in this area . . .still showing me where I'm weak. . .hopefully I'll be able to share more about it later.

Well, that's all for now, Ladies. I pray that you all have peace in your homes; may the Lord be your ultimate source of joy and peace!

Comments

  1. This challenge is rewarding!!! I just started it yesterday, so I'm a little behind you, but not far. I completely understand what you mean by too many expectations on the hubby -- I bought myself along time ago when my hubby and I were having some real difficult times a Precious Moments figurine of girl crying on the phone and it says "Talk to God". It reminds me to run to God when I'm stressed, when I'm weak, when I'm angry, when I'm about to have that last nerve bust open, when I'm sad... to stop turning elsewhere and just go to HIM! When I do go to Him, I have more joy, more peace, and more patience!!! :)

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  2. Hey Bekah,

    I am so glad that this challenge is a blessing to you. Thank you for sharing with me the story of the little figurine you bought. What a great reminder!

    Take care; peace and blessings to you and your household!

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  3. It is sometimes difficult for us to go to God first as my source of living water as well. I struggle with this particularly when I am frustrated because God doesn't speak a response in resounding decibels the way a person does. He slowly, quietly, like a lullaby, brings rest to your soul, and that is better than words.

    This was a very encouraging post for me - thank you! :)

    Lots of love your way,
    Caroline

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  4. Hi Caroline,

    I agree with you wholeheartedly! God often speaks in that still, small voice. . . and we have to still ourselves to hear Him. But, the key is to go to Him first. . .and that is the part I'm still working on getting better at.

    Take care!

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  5. Hi Stacie,

    A truly encouraging post!! I can relate! As I stated before, God is telling me to "Be Still, Trust and Obey". It is proving challenging for me, but I know with God, I will "get through" it renewed(:

    Take care lady!!

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  6. Yes, Gertha.

    It is so easy to be busy trying to fix things myself. I may have to borrow your slogan: "be still, trust, and obey." That is what God wants from us.

    It may be hard, but being in His will is the best place to be. Thank you for encouraging me, as well.

    Talk to you soon!

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