Making Your Home A Haven: Introduction

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about my ministry in the home – particularly about how to make my home a haven (provoked by Crystal ). This is definitely not a subject that can be conquered in one post, so I thought that doing a short series of posts on making your home a haven would allow us to cover more. I’m looking forward to doing this series because:

1. I’ve been wanting to flesh out some thoughts and challenge myself in this area, so this’ll be the perfect opportunity
2. Perhaps you all may be encouraged and challenged in your ministry as wives and mothers

So as we begin, grab a cup of tea, a pen and paper to jot down ideas, then sit back and enjoy!

Well, where do we begin and what exactly is a haven?

A haven is a “harbor or anchorage protected from the sea, or, by extension, a place of safety; a refuge or sanctuary”(Wikipedia).

It’s a refuge…a sanctuary! But from what? Well, as Christians…from this world. When I say “world”, I’m talking about the anti-biblical teachings and beliefs that are predominant in this world and am using the language of Scripture that speaks about not being of this world and not loving this world (I John 2:15, John 17:16).

As I pondered this, I started to make a list of things that I wanted my home to be:

1. A haven from the onslaught of the sin and temptation that this world has to offer.
2. A pure place where my family isn’t constantly being bombarded with anti-biblical philosophy and Hollywood filth.
3. A place where my family can run to and be safe, secure and uplifted in their spirits.
4. A place where my family’s gaze is consistently lifted up to the High and Lofty One – Jesus Christ
5. A place that is full of warmth, understanding and laughter.
6. A place where you don’t have to be perfect to be loved.
7. A place where my family isn’t cut down, derided or pushed aside.
8. A place that is clean, organized and offers structure instead of chaos.
9. A place that is free from strife and discord as much as it possibly can be.
10. A place where purity, godliness and wholesomeness are the standard.

You may want to make a list of your own or just copy this one, but try to write out some goals for your own home.

The next question, and the question that we’ll cover during this series is “how do I get there?”. This list is by no means exhaustive, but is definitely a starting point and should get our brain juices going:

1. Nourish my own walk with God
2. Honor and respect my husband
3. Serve (but not be a slave to) my children
4. Nourish both body and soul
5. Keep a clean and orderly home
6. Provide plenty of wholesome, fun and creative family times
7. Establish some traditions

This is an area that I’m constantly trying to learn more about and seek to grow in every day and I find more and more that I need the Lord’s grace and strength to “build my home” and not “tear it down”. I hope that you will find these posts uplifting, encouraging and full of inspiration as you seek to make your home a haven.

Go here to see the first part of the series: Nourishing Your Walk with the Lord .