What Makes a Home a Haven? | For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters…

Our family was talking one morning during devotions about what makes a home a haven, what family members can do to create a sanctuary for themselves set apart from the craziness of the world. Here are some of the things that we’ve found important over the years:

Stability – parents dedicated to one another, forsaking all others.
Focus on the Word – daily personal reading by each family member and time all together reading, memorizing and rehearsing, discussing, and learning to apply its principles.
An atmosphere of love, acceptance, respect for one another, encouragement – never acceptance of sin, but acceptance of each family member as a work in progress because we are all sinners in need of God’s grace and the refining work of the Holy Spirit.
Strong dikes – absence of television and worldly influences (secular films, books, and magazines, ungodly friends, unfiltered/unsupervised use of internet and social media, etc.), the building of a breakwater to keep the cares of the world from streaming in continually.
Good things to think on – excellent books, articles, messages; music and art which glorify God.
Togetherness – daily meals around the table, attending worship together, home educating (including read-alouds and conversation), being involved in family projects.
Outreach – a united purpose of sharing the Lord’s light in one’s community and beyond
Hospitality – the extension of temporary shelter to others (whether for a meal and fellowship or for longer), inspiring them to recreate the same for their own families and friends.
A schedule – a daily pattern of consistency and steadiness (not rigidity), knowing what is expected when.
Trust – knowledge that your words are safe, loyalty among family members.
Orderliness and simplicity – a constant battle for the modern American family but something to strive for!
Prayer – at any time and at all times, individually and hand in hand.
JOY – smiles, kind words, hugs, times of laughter—serving the Lord and one another cheerfully.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

CHrist —	“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6a) Remember it’s His birthday. Put Christ first in your heart and in your holiday plans.
CHildren —	“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD.” (Psalm 127:3a) Spend more time with your children than money on them. Worry more about making memories than piling up presents.
CHarity —	“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:17a) Look beyond your own walls. See who needs a meal, a gift, a call, an invitation to join the festivities, encouragement. Do what you can to meet the need, and pray for God to supply the rest.