Today is a backward's edition of Works for Me Wednesday hosted by Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. This is your chance instead of giving hints, to ask for a hint to a specific thing that you've been wanting answers for. Brilliant idea, Shannon.
My question for you guys is this. One of the things that seems to be the theme for me this year and is upon my heart is to do small things that will bring peace into my home. I want it to be a place of peace, away from all the rush, hustle and stress of the outside world. A place that evokes a sigh and a "Am I ever glad to be home" feeling. Give me your ideas of small things I can do to help allow this peace to flow in my home. Now I know ultimately it is the Lord who is the giver of peace, but I know there are little physical things I can do to promote it. Last week I made it a goal to get supper on the table no later than 6 p.m. I know it produces stress amongst members of the family for various reasons if supper is too late. I was able to do that and it did help to take a step toward a peaceful atmosphere. I'll be making that one of my goals continually this year. These are the little steps kinds of things I'm talking about. So go for it. Give me all your ideas. Don't stop at just one if you are brimming over with them!
17 comments:
One of the big things that helped with peace in my home was to get mommy's heart and mind more in tune with Her maker. I realized I was letting things hang out in my mind that were not good and contributed to bad attitudes and lousy retorts, etc. I memorized Romans 12:1-2 and asked God to change my mind and stop certain thoughts from gaining control. Beautiful results let me tell you. Made me a lot less uptight with things around the house.
Other things that can be done is to pick up the clutter before you all go to bed. Clean the kitchen before bed. Waking up to peace gives you a peaceful outlook.
Check in with home Sanctuary's Small things - I find it helpful - even if I don't do it every day.
I like to play quiet music during supper - soothes the savage beasts :)
Also candles!
I second ellen b and also before I go to bed I find it helpful to write out my to do list for the next day. That way I don't forget things and also I am not mulling it over in my mind whilst trying to fall asleep.
You probably do all this I imagine anyway, I already imagine your home to be peaceful! :)
I'll be back here in the comments to see what others have to say, great question.
I too will be back later I'd like to hear other's thoughts.
Oh this is the million dollar question isn't. I can imagine with a houseful of kids all day (and how loud that must be) that you are definitely ready for some peacefulness at the end. Yet your work is in the home so it must be hard to make the switch sometimes I'm sure. Do you take a few moments for yourself after the kids leave? Maybe a sitcom and a cup of tea with your own kids before supper. I know there isn't always a lot of time but maybe factoring in some more crockpot meals or make ahead casseroles that just have to be popped into the oven will help.
Just thinking out loud....
At my house, I use my time after work (noon-3) for the errands, housework, exercise, etc. I have dinner on the table at 6 or shortly after. (for same reasons you stated!). We also do not allow tv on during dinner or even for the girls on a school nite (we don't have cable so this helps as there is nothing decent anyways for them). We pack totes and backpacks right after homework so that's out of the way, lay out clothes for next day before bed, and keep the youngest to a routine as much as possible. We also limit extracurricular activities to just 2 per kid per semester not counting youth group Bible Study. It keeps for more peaceful evenings during the school year for us anyways!
One thing my HUSBAND does is run around the house before bedtime, tucking hot water bottles into everyone's beds. It's appreciated even by our youngest child!
Here is a link to an article in Parenting magazine: 7 Rules for a Peaceful Home. It has some good ideas.
http://www.parenting.com/parenting/child/article/0,19840,647404_1,00.html?
Candles, even little stubby ones, on the dinner table...really help make every meal a celebration.
Different graces at dinner...everyone has their favorite.
Hot water bottles in the beds on frosty nights...what sweet simple luxury.
I bake some treat: cookies, bars, a cake etc. once or twice a week. So very appreciated (and even, I find, boasted about to friends!)
I try to have fresh flowers, even just a humble jam jar of dandelions, somewhere on display: always! Harder in the winter but still do-able. Refreshment for the spirit!
We love listening to books on tape together on long car rides: the Narnia chronicles are a favorite with everyone big and small.
I'm out of thoughts but will be back to see other's. Great idea, this!
I remember enjoying this series I didn't use them all but one or two of the suggestions fitted into our life well. There are some lovely scripture verses too for encouragement.
Your post has reminded me about this series at A Virtuous Woman I might just have a scan through the archives again :)
Hugs.
I'm rushing over from Gibee's to wish you a Happy Birthday!
About your post..
I'm going to make it simple...
smile.
Blessings,
Sue
Praying together in the morning.
My daughter has started having a little game for us to play at the dinner table. It is very simple, but she is so proud. She doesn't do this every time, just whenever she thinks of it. SOmetimes we help solve a puzzle about a BIble verse or a phrase.
A friend of mine has "High, Low" at dinner. Each person shares the high point and the low point of their day.
To be honest, we have cut back on SOME church time if we have not had family time together in a few days. We keep commitments, but we are trying to not go to church out of habit or routine if our family truly needs a moment of peace together at home in the evening. It doesn't happen often but every now and then. There are at least 3 opportunities for us to attend church in the week. Sometimes we choose only 2 of those.
Wow, these are some great tips! Very specific. The only one I thought of was the soft music, but islandsparrow mentioned that. Great thought-provoker.
Happy Belated Birthday!
I don't know that I have a lot to offer to this question at this time but I wanted to say "Hi" and read everyone else's comments! A bit slower pace and more peace around here would not be a bad thing either! :-)
This is a great question, Susanne, and you're getting some wonderful responses.
It's such an overwhelming question, I find myself coming up with a very simple answer.
When my girls were growing up, it didn't take me long to realize that if Mama was happy, everyone was happy. And vice-versa.
Honestly, it's as simple as YOU feeling peaceful and content. It always, always affects those around you, in a positive way.
so...many good ideas...of course your own personal Bible sudy time should be first,,for other things...
I thought about gift shops and such that I love that feeling when you walk in...and how could I adapt it to my home...
So..on my ficus silk tree...I keep white lights..and even still some red poinsettia lights on all day...or when I am home...especially on dreary days..I use small lighting..low wattage lamps and such in areas...at JoAnne's I have bought those flameless candles...the batteries last forever and they give a glow in places a real candle won't work....keep things TIDY...it helps you feel so good inside...I also burn Yankee candle tarts in an Electic burner....love pillows and throws in my living room....
Don't know at all if this is what you are looking for..but I thought I would throw in my thoughts
Deby
I like to light candles throughout the house and this makes it very peaceful for everyone....I don't like the tv on when Scott comes home either...he here's alot of this all day and we really don't like that started until around 7ish or 8ish. We enjoy the kids talking and dinner together is a must....no set time because of schedules with activities but we always eat together.....pray around 4 to have God bring the peace you need in your home...I do this when cooking so things will go over well. It is a busy world but try to focus on JUST you and your family and God will do the rest. Good Luck
PSS
The Home Santuarys Small things are really nice too....
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