Queen of the Castle: Week 12

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

This week we're on chapter 12: "In Search of the Peaceful Home".  Boy I could use a lot of that lately.  Between spring fever, arguing kiddos, grumpy people, and a husband who is busy beyond belief, my life is less than ideal lately.  I'm in survival mode, ya'll.  I grip to my morning prayer time like an alcoholic grips a bottle.  I need Him in the morning.  It's a good addiction, though.  He gives me my kick start for the day that I need.

Like the author shares I, too, "want my home to reflect that feeling of safety.  I want my family to have a deep sense that home is a haven, that we can trust each other, that inside these four walls is a safe place to be."  She shares that the word peace, in Hebrew, shalom, means wholeness, health, and well-being.  Only that can come from Him. "As we turn our thoughts toward God, we can experience peace in our homes, "the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7).  *sigh*  I feel peaceful already!

Psalm 29:11 "The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless his people with peace."

I love Lynn's analogy that some days our days are so hectic "a peaceful home feels as much like a fantasy as talking lions from Narnia.".  I love her way with words.  *smile*  Lynn mentions a book that I own and love; Making Your Home a Haven.  Full of tips and hints on making your home a special place, this book guide you along the way.  Another book that I own and love is by Terry Willits; Creating a SenseSational Home.


Here are a few ideas for fostering a peaceful home from Lynn:

* Fill your home with good smells -- scented candles or fresh flowers.  Author Terry Willits suggests starting outside, with a fragrant wreath on your door or potted flowers.

* Allow people to use even your "good" furniture.  (At our house we only have furniture that's kid friendly.  No white couches and silk pillows, here! LOL!)

* Remember to strive for balance.  We want homes that are orderly enough to be comfortable, not shrines to perfection.  Our homes are not museums.  Accept that people live there.

* Post Scripture verses around your home to remind you that even during the day's mundane tasks, God is present.  (Aunt Ruthie over at Sugar Pie Farmhouse has signs covered with chalkboard spray paint and uses Chalk Ink Liquid Chalk Markers to write on the surface. Super cute!  I have a few things that I'm going to do that with and writing Scripture on them is the perfect decor idea!)

* When the week's clutter seems overwhelming, remember that cleats in the middle of the floor represent healthy bodies; half-completed science fair projects mean creativity; stray books mean active minds are at work.  It's all a matter of perspective.

*Set aside a regular day or two a week for everyone to tidy the house.  We have Monday and Friday mornings set aside for that. It helps if everyone knows it's coming!

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"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."  John 14:27