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Women Living Well Blog: Making Your Home a Haven - Fall Challenge - Come Link Up!

Women Living Well Blog

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Making Your Home a Haven - Fall Challenge - Come Link Up!

Is your calendar full like mine? Do you feel a little tense, rushed and even panicked at times when you are running late? Do you feel like the rest of the family is feeling the same way? I believe we women can create a physical environment, as well as a spiritual environment, that can bring peace, harmony and a sense of calmness to our homes if we are willing to be intentional.


So let me introduce you to the "Making Your Home a Haven" Fall Challenge. Each week I will give you one practical tip and one spiritual tip that you can do to create a haven in your home.


This challenge will begin next Monday, October 4th and run through the month of October. Check out the video and topics below. If you would like to join me and you are a blogger - just copy and paste this pumpkin picture on your blog with this link attached: http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/ and then link up below! (Update - Mr. Linky is having tech problem right now and I don't know where all the link ups went?? Check back and hopefully it will be fixed very soon!!! So sorry :-( ) If you are not a blogger, leave a comment in the comment section to let me know that you would like to join the challenge.


Here's a few more details:



Here's the topic schedule for those who want to link up each week:

October 4 -
Go buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home. I will be starting mine in the morning! But you can start yours at dinner time. Do what makes sense for your family. I will be placing mine in the kitchen - the main hub of my home. Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.


October 10 - Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Remind your family to avoid seething anger, tattling, criticism or back talk. As the wife/mother, work on gentleness this week.


October 17 - List a few of the spots in your home that make you visually stressed because of all the clutter.
Now go buy something for that spot - like a basket to put it all in! Work on cleaning up clutter - throw things away and encourage the children and your hubby to do the same in their bedrooms or offices or work areas this week. While you're at it - clean up some clutter in your spiritual life. What gets in the way of your peace spiritually?


October 24 -
Keep the candle going, the music playing, and add some tender moments with your family. Have a pillow party in the family room and get out every blanket and pillow in the house and be cozy with the kids or your hubby! Even if you live alone you can do this. Enjoy a cozy evening of hot cider and caramel corn. Give a 5 minute back rub to every single person in your house...and for a double challenge- try to give one every day to each family member! During your tender moment with the family, ask them how they feel about this challenge. Are they enjoying it? Is it helpful? Is there anything they would change. Give your family listening ears. I think you will be blessed by the positive feedback you will receive!


October 31 - Focus on the kitchen, the heart of the home.
Cook things with pleasant aromas. Pick a meal the family can cook together - include everyone in a task and take pictures so everyone can remember moments in the kitchen together - test tasting, being creative, laughing and loving. Remove discontentment with your home or family and give thanks to God for the home God has given you to in which to create a haven for your family.


Jesus said in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled."


Walk with the King!

I am linking up here :


Labels: ,

75 Comments:

Anonymous Jessica said...

This is exactly what I was looking for when I peeked at your site today. I'm up for the challenge!

September 26, 2010 at 10:00 PM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Welcome Jessica!!! So glad to have you on board - if no one else joined I am happy right now to not be alone and to have the accountability (I need it!) - thanks for joining me sista!!! Should be a good stretching and growing experience in our homes next month! I just said a prayer for your home - may God bless it and all those who sleep under your roof.

Much Love,
Courtney

September 26, 2010 at 10:03 PM  
Anonymous Molly said...

I'm really looking forward to this. With two teenagers and an almost teenager it seems like we don't have enough peace in our home. I'm headed out in the morning to buy a bug pumpkin spice candle (I know I'm jumping the gun, but the temperature got cold today and I'm ready to start Fall). Thanks for all your encouragement, Courtney, and this beautiful site. I appreciate you including us on your walk with the Lord. :-)

September 26, 2010 at 10:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I will be joining this challenge! Perfect timing and just what I needed! Wonderful!

September 26, 2010 at 10:30 PM  
Blogger Sara said...

This really ministered to me today--I have been frantically unpacking in a new home to get ready for houseguests, realizing that I was making myself and my husband miserable in the process! Time to take a calmer approach. Thanks for this challenge.

September 26, 2010 at 10:31 PM  
Blogger momstheword said...

Great idea! We really need to be intentional in our homes, because it is so easy to just get busy with things. Unintenionally we can let the beauty of our homes pass us by, while we are focusing on the bedlam of them.

We can always take the time to stop and build (that verse in Proverbs is a favorite)! Thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday.

September 26, 2010 at 10:37 PM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Molly - mine's a pumpkin spice candle too - a 22oz one - let's see how long it lasts - it's burning right now right beside me.

So glad to have you all along for this journey! Thanks for joining me!!!
Courtney

September 26, 2010 at 10:40 PM  
Anonymous Frances said...

I am in for this challenge. Our September has been busy and tense also so I look forward to this being a great way to enjoy each other and unwind.

September 26, 2010 at 10:42 PM  
Anonymous Tiffani Fooshee said...

I'm up for it! I'm especially loving the the week of DE CLUTTERING! I have to say that I was pretty overwhelmed with the start of school and all the activities and my house has gotten out of control! I can't wait to de clutter! :)
We don't do candles in our home (too many friends and family have lost homes to fire) but we'll definitely keep our Scentsy Warmers in an eye catching place in the center of the home!

September 26, 2010 at 10:48 PM  
Blogger Mary said...

I would love to join you in this challenge!

September 26, 2010 at 11:17 PM  
Blogger Andrea said...

You are just so delightful, your blog has been such a treasure found at WFMW last week!
I would love to join in and will post up above!
Thanks for the wonderful encouragement!

September 26, 2010 at 11:50 PM  
Anonymous Anessa said...

I am so anxious to start this! This is perfect for me!

September 27, 2010 at 12:17 AM  
Anonymous Daisy said...

Count me in :). Great idea! I've been doing the candle for the past few days, trying to will cooler weather my way. "Fall is the time for gathering. Gather up, gather in."

September 27, 2010 at 2:58 AM  
Blogger cheri said...

I am so excited for this challenge. I am calling up some girlfriends to go shopping in Amish country for some yummy candles. Thank you so much for sharing from your heart and the Bible.

September 27, 2010 at 6:33 AM  
Anonymous Gennah said...

I'm excited to join you in this challenge. No kiddos yet, and I'm sure this may look a little different doing it for just me and my unique husband, but I'll be right there with 'ya and praying for everyone who is participating!

September 27, 2010 at 7:14 AM  
Blogger SuperMom Blues said...

This is such a great idea! I can't wait to join in the fun!

September 27, 2010 at 7:32 AM  
Anonymous Kristin said...

I'm in! We definitley need to slow down and have more peace in our home! I have been burning my carrot cake candle for a couple weeks and the family loves it. Looking forward to doing the other things you mentioned for my family! Thanks for posting this!

September 27, 2010 at 7:45 AM  
Anonymous Shannon said...

I need this! We are homeschoolers also and it is crazy how our schedules have filled up in September. I know it is importaint to set the mood in our home and I need the encouragement! I am going to buy my candle! Thanks!

September 27, 2010 at 8:13 AM  
Blogger Warren Baldwin said...

Good post, as always. Linked from Marriage Mondays.

September 27, 2010 at 8:47 AM  
Anonymous Barb said...

Thanks for sharing this....I am really looking forward to creating a comfy and cozy October with my family!!!!
-Barb

September 27, 2010 at 8:57 AM  
Blogger ~Lindsey said...

This hits home with me also! Thank you for your blog, I've recently found it and have enjoyed it so!

September 27, 2010 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger Amanda said...

Hi, I would love to take this challenge! Thank you so much for the encouragement!

September 27, 2010 at 10:01 AM  
Blogger Lori’s Loops said...

Put it on my blog! Great challenge, thank you!

September 27, 2010 at 10:13 AM  
Anonymous Danette said...

Posting here and on fb - thanks for the challenge, I'm in.

September 27, 2010 at 10:21 AM  
Blogger Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

I'd love to take this challenge! :) I'm needing to make my home a place of rest. We are in our 3rd year homeschooling.

September 27, 2010 at 10:41 AM  
Blogger Angela said...

I tried to link up, but I don't seem to be able to, and then the link area disappeared.

September 27, 2010 at 10:55 AM  
Blogger Sarah Mae said...

This will be great! I remember when money saving mom did Making Your Home a Haven ever Monday on her old blog. You will be the perfect gal to fill those shoes (even though you probably didn't even know you were filling them!).

:)

September 27, 2010 at 11:00 AM  
Anonymous Amy said...

WOW! This is absolutely an answered prayer!! I have been feeling so stressed and overwhelmed lately and I have been praying for God to help release me from this stress and help me to once again, find some peace. Thank you for sharing this challenge! I am really looking forward to it!

September 27, 2010 at 11:17 AM  
Anonymous Darla said...

Yes count me in I need this accountablity/challenge to keep my focus on my home improvement & not to be tangled up in the stresses of this world!
have been along for the proverbs 31 & the husband ones... and they were/are a blessing i keep going back to them for refreshing!!
thanks courtney for all your work to the glory of God!
you are a blessing in my life

September 27, 2010 at 11:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am in, Courtney!
I love your challenges because they are so clear and practical. I find that at times I simply have no time to think of little things like that and I am so grateful for your ideas and reminders.

September 27, 2010 at 11:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I could definitely use more peace around here. I'm in!

September 27, 2010 at 11:27 AM  
Anonymous Jessica H. said...

Letting you know I am joining the challenge! Looking forward to seeing the fruit in our home!

September 27, 2010 at 11:48 AM  
Anonymous Kimberley H said...

Count me in too!! I love this idea - and need it! I already have my spiced pumpkin candle burning right now. :) I LOVE the Fall season and always try to make my home warm and inviting during this time. I have just recently found your website and am so enjoying reading back through your postings. You have already touched my life and my home in a positive way! Keep it up, you are witnessing to and touching many. Thank you Courtney for you loving heart.

September 27, 2010 at 2:05 PM  
Blogger Misty aka Elvisgirl said...

I linked up before I even watched your video. Wow, I'm so with you...full calendar, feeling like I need some accountability. Great idea! Thanks!

September 27, 2010 at 2:14 PM  
Anonymous Julie@comehaveapeace said...

Great idea for encouraging us in "haven making" Courtney. Thanks for the ideas and for leading the charge. So good to get the love flowing at home!

Glad you shared it on Marriage Mondays, today. This is a great way to exercise our love at home,
Julie

September 27, 2010 at 2:43 PM  
Blogger Renee said...

Goodness, this is EXACTLY what I needed to be reminded of this morning. I owe my two little girls an apology for being so short with them, and my husband a HUGE hug when he walks in the door!

Thank you, Courtney, for your daily challenges... it's always a highlight of my day to take a peek at what you have to say!

Blessings to you and your family!

September 27, 2010 at 3:05 PM  
Blogger Ayla Stewart said...

Yea! I loved the summer challenge! I can't wait to dive into this one! Thanks!

September 27, 2010 at 3:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Courtney, I'll be joining the challenge too. It's a good thing to be so intentional about the atmosphere in your home. Thanks for the encouragement.
Carlene

September 27, 2010 at 6:10 PM  
Blogger Rhonda said...

Hi,

This sounds just like what I need! Thanks for the inspiration. You can count me in! (With some accountability and prayer please) ;)

September 27, 2010 at 7:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Any suggestions for a peaceful music CD while kids are doing homeschool also (not distracting)? Don't want to waste $ trying some out...thanks.

September 27, 2010 at 7:26 PM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Anonymous - David Nevue and George Winston are my two favorites. They are piano players and their music is so peaceful. I used to play my George Winston CD in college when I studied on repeat. It's so perfect for studying to!!!

If you want to hear David Nevue's music go to this website: http://www.aholyexperience.com/


Just open her blog and give it a second to load. If you like the music just let it play. I have left her page open and just let it play all day long for days on end in our home - I plan to recommend it in my post on the music.

My favorite George Winston CD is titled Winter.

Google them and you should be able to hear their music on playlist or maybe even youtube!!!

Much Love,
Courtney

September 27, 2010 at 8:04 PM  
Anonymous Mel said...

This is just what we need right now; yes, tension has been in the house this month for sure. Thanks so much for the encouragement and the fun link-up. I'm so excited for this!:)

September 27, 2010 at 9:12 PM  
Blogger Mellissa said...

Hello there! I found your site today and I really enjoy it! I would love to join the challenge! Thank you for your wonderful words, they are very helpful and uplifting!!

September 27, 2010 at 9:23 PM  
Blogger Joyful Times said...

Cant wait to join the challenge, thank you for starting it!

September 27, 2010 at 9:27 PM  
Blogger Tara said...

This sounds great! Count me in! There has been some tension between the roommates in my house, so I think we're all ready for a calmer atmosphere. Perfect timing :)

September 27, 2010 at 11:24 PM  
Anonymous Marcy said...

What a wonderful challenge! Count me in! :)

September 28, 2010 at 7:31 AM  
Blogger myletterstoemily said...

this is such a great idea! thank you for
keeping it simple so that we all can do it.

blessings,
lea

i would love to link up.

September 28, 2010 at 11:07 AM  
Anonymous Lauren said...

This is exactly what our home needs! I accept the challenge!!

September 28, 2010 at 12:26 PM  
Blogger Alison said...

I'm totally with you, girl! Sounds like just what my home needs- esp being home for the majority of the day.

September 28, 2010 at 12:33 PM  
Blogger Jessa said...

Beautiful idea! Joined the challenge and your blog. :)

September 28, 2010 at 2:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oops I linked up twice and I don't know how to fix it! Sorry. I am super excited for this!! Thanks for putting it together.

September 28, 2010 at 2:28 PM  
Anonymous Kris said...

This sounds like a wonderful challenge... I was just at the grocery store this morning and was smelling these wonderful pumpkin spice candles. Now I will have to go back and pick one up. Thanks for the encouragement.

September 28, 2010 at 3:51 PM  
Anonymous Sophia said...

I am very excited to join the challenge! I missed out on the summer challenge as I didn't find your blog until the mid-end of summer, but am happy I get to join in this one :) Being a wife of 1 1/2 years and a new mommy, making my home a haven is something I want to practice now so that when things get more hectic and a lot crazier around here I'm not suddenly starting to scramble to put this into practice. Thanks for the practical applications!! ;)

September 28, 2010 at 4:52 PM  
Anonymous Nichole said...

I will be joining the challenge.

September 28, 2010 at 10:04 PM  
Blogger hbkbfam said...

i am so excited to do this. i love fall and have already started my candle!

September 29, 2010 at 9:39 AM  
Anonymous Erin said...

Awesome- I have 3 boys and this is needed in my home!!

September 29, 2010 at 12:43 PM  
Blogger Julianne said...

Wow! This is another popular challenge you have for us Courtney! I love the idea of this one because I LOVE this time of year, so I am so very excited to be a part of this challenge. And I love that you are so brave to cut back on your blogging commitments, I had a blog for a very short time but quickly realized how time consuming it was to do it well. I think too much blogging/computer time cuts into your homelife, at least it did mine. So I applaud you for making that decision, and I will still, most definitely, be checking in the 3 days a week to see what you have for us!
Julianne :)

September 30, 2010 at 5:41 PM  
Blogger Cynical Spinster said...

I have been working on making my home more comfortable and restful for my family and this is a wonderfully inspiring challenge! I can't wait to begin!

October 1, 2010 at 4:06 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This is the perfect challenge for me right now. God planted this in my lap for a reason! I am up for it!

October 1, 2010 at 10:53 PM  
Blogger Nicole @Team Pipkin said...

Oh Courtney, you hit the nail on the head. I am so needing this right now as I'm going through a rough season with my son's right now. One's in college & the other is a teenager. There's also a 5yo girl.
I can not wait to start this challenge with you.
BTW...I'm a new follower. I already linked up my blog on Mr. Linky.

October 1, 2010 at 11:27 PM  
Anonymous Stephanie said...

GREAT challenge this month! Due to medical reasons I cannot drive. I have been housebound since December 09 and will be until April 2011 at the earliest. I've been a bit down being stuck at home all the time with two toddlers. This challenge will be an eye-opener to look at my home not as a prison, but as a haven - thank you, thank you!

October 2, 2010 at 3:25 PM  
Blogger monicaandrew said...

What an awesome challenge! I'll take this opportunity to sign up for it and to also thank you for being such an encouragement as a fellow mother and woman and wife! God bless you and your family!

October 3, 2010 at 9:33 AM  
Anonymous apple blossom said...

I'm sorry that linky is closed but I'm still going to do the challenge

October 4, 2010 at 9:02 AM  
Anonymous Michelle said...

Thanks Courtney for this wonderful challenge! With school starting last month and everyone trying to get settled into the new routine it has been a bit crazy in our house. I am really looking forward to doing this challenge!

October 4, 2010 at 12:03 PM  
Blogger Melissa said...

Wonderful challenge! God has reminded me of this in many ways recently. I'm excited to participate and see how we all grow and learn to make our homes a haven.

October 4, 2010 at 5:02 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This is so fabulous! i am looking forward to the entire month of challenges. thank you so much for sharing this wonderful idea.
jackie
(The Prairie Home Soapmaker)

October 7, 2010 at 12:11 AM  
Anonymous Janeen said...

I am up for the challenge !!! It is just what I need !! Thank you SO much for your encouraging blog and wonderful videos. You are such an encouragement and blessing !! Your fellow sister in Christ, Janeen :-)

October 7, 2010 at 10:41 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This has been an answer to prayer. I just stumbled on your site from my blessed life. And I fell in love with your blog. There is alot of truth. I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ. I love to meet new sisters in Christ Jesus, who have the same love as I do. And your site so encouraging. I got alot out of the view videos I watched. Thank you for serving Jesus!

God Bless you!
ADrienne

October 9, 2010 at 6:49 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

What a great gift I found today. I watched your RR show and so identified with you. Thank you for your articulate and reassuring message. I happened to click on your challenge and the verse you read was my devotional for the morning. I have been doing a lot of thinking about my roles and this verse is really a point of conviction for me. I think I may have to post it on the walls of my home. thank you so much for speaking the truth even though it is unpopular.
Myrtle

October 12, 2010 at 3:46 PM  
Blogger LBDDiaries said...

Found you via Roots of Simplicity and saw the pumpkin pic and thought "Oh I NEED this" - I'm a week behind but I'll double up. New follower and so glad I found your site.

October 13, 2010 at 12:40 PM  
Blogger LBDDiaries said...

Well phooey, I have to learn how to add the pumpkin picture to the sidebar w/o the "code" so I'll have to add it w/n blogs until I learn! But I'm IN!

October 13, 2010 at 2:03 PM  
Blogger Lady Ozma and Million Pillowcase Kid said...

A friend recommended this to me, so I'm just a newbie to your site. This goes along with something I have been trying all year so I am ready to jump aboard! I'm a few weeks late, so I hope that is OK. I want to make sure I give this the full measure it so richly deserves so I'll just start at the beginning and run a few weeks behind the rest of you.

I'm set to start week one next week! Thank you so much!

My blog: http://ladyozma.wordpress.com

October 15, 2010 at 11:30 AM  
Blogger HBrummett said...

I am very late but I just discovered your blog! This is awesome! I am catching up now! Thanks so much!

October 20, 2010 at 3:39 PM  
Blogger Mrs. Mandy said...

No need to respond here but I just found this and even though it's almost a month since it started I am going to do it. I need to work so much on peace. I will go to correct my kids behavior intending to be gentle and something happens and I lose it yelling like a crazy person!

October 21, 2010 at 3:54 AM  
Blogger Pat said...

I know this is over now but I copied it and am going to adapt it to my home, I so need to work on making my home more of a haven for my family.

November 2, 2010 at 1:34 PM  

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