Making Your Home A Haven 6th Annual Fall Challenge

Join me in making our home a haven for our families. Together we'll make our homes a haven of peace, joy, tranquility, and fun for all who enter. #WomenLivingWell #homemaking #friendship #makingyourhomeahaven

Welcome to the 6th Annual “Making Your Home a Haven” Fall Challenge!

If you’ve been around a while – you know all about this series and might already have your candle going right now!  I can’t believe we have been doing this for 6 years – it’s been such a life changer!

I have been lighting my candle all winter, spring and summer long. It’s my daily habit to light my kitchen candle and then say a prayer for peace in our home.

Oh friends, we don’t want to just read God’s word – we want to live out God’s word in our homes first and then outside the home where God has planted us.

This challenge is all about living out the word of God within the four walls of our home.

Each week I will give you one practical tip and one spiritual tip that you can do to create a haven in your home.

Is your calendar full? Do you feel tense, rushed and even panicked at times? Do you feel like the rest of the family is feeling the same way?

I believe we 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.

 This challenge will run through the month of October on Wednesdays and this video I use yearly, explains the heart and plan behind it.  If you’ve never watched it – please do and if you have but need a refresher course – check it out again!  I hope it blesses you!
(if you can’t see the video: click here)

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” ~ Proverbs 14:1

Here’s the topic schedule:

Week 1: October 7th -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 or whenever is convenient for you. 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.

Live out the fruit of the Spirit of peace and patience this week.

Week 2: October 14th – Play soft music everyday in your home.

Choose worship, classical, jazz or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships.

Live out the fruit of the Spirit of gentleness and self-control this week.

Week 3: October 21st – Keep the candle burning, the music playing and plan a Family Fun Night.

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. Bust out some old fashioned games and take the time to savor these moments with your loved ones.

Live out the fruit of the Spirit of kindness and joy this week.

Week 4: October 28th – Focus on the kitchen, the heart of the home.

Cook things with pleasant aromas like homemade bread, pies, and cookies. Don’t wait to have a reason to make something special – do it simply to show love to your family. Invite your kids and/or hubby to cook along side of you – make memories in the kitchen – test tasting, being creative, laughing and loving. Remember the importance of dinner time around the table as a family.

Live out the fruit of the Spirit this week by showing
love, goodness and faithfulness to your family.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:22,23

You may notice that our spiritual emphasis this year is again on the fruit of the Spirit.  There is no magic in the lighting of a candle, soft music, game nights or comfy food – it is the power of the Holy Spirit working through us that will transform our homes into a haven for everyone who passes through our doors, so the light of Jesus can shine brightly.

Will you take the challenge?

“There’s simply no place like home.  Whether you have a one-bedroom apartment or a large farmhouse, home is where we rest, refuel, and build strong relationships with our loved ones.  No two homes are alike.  Home is a place where we express our individuality in the kitchen and on the walls.  Whether you are a full-time homemaker or work full-time outside the home, we all have in common the desire to make our homes a haven.  Together let’s pursue peace and harmony.” ~ excerpt from the book, Women Living Well

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.”

Challenge:

Are you in?  If you are – it’s time to prepare for the first challenge by going out and purchasing a large candle.  

What’s the scent of your candle? Mine is Yankee Candle’s Salted Caramel…I just finished one jar this week and am starting the next one today!

#MakingYourHomeAHaven

I’ll be using the hashtag
#MakingYourHomeAHaven on Instagram.  

I invite you to use it too so we can all connect there!

See you back here on October 7th when we discuss the first challenge!

Are you in?

Walk with the King,

Courtney

 

This post contains an affiliate link.

193 Comments

      1. I’m So happy I found this its really movational!!!! I’m starting the challenge !!! How often do you do these challenges?

        1. I love this idea! I just sent this post to the women in my bible talk hoping we could do this together here in Charlottesville, VA.

          Lyndsey

  1. I saw the tail-end of this last year and was really excited for this year! We’ve been married a couple of years only and was looking forward to starting some traditions in our new home together. Sadly, my husband and I will be living apart until my immigration process is finalized because we are following all of the laws properly( I am Canadian) it could be until January that we live apart. I am currently living with my aunt and her three teen boys while we are waiting. I was going to wait till next year for the challenge but maybe this is a great opportunity to be a real light in this home. It may not be mine but I am living here and have the chance to love on them and create a new atmosphere they definitely won’t be used to!! Taking the challenge!

    1. Yes Bree – I’m SO glad that you see the influence you have and are willing to take the challenge even though things are not as you dreamed right now.

      I know you will be so blessed through this. I’m saying a prayer for you now that the Lord watches between you and your husband while you are apart.

      Much Love,
      Courtney

  2. I caught the last week of the challenge two years ago, but I did the fall challenge last year and I was so encouraged by how it help to change and enhance the atmosphere of my home. Last year my husband expressed his appreciation for the things I was doing and let me know how much it blessed him. I have been looking forward to the challenge and was almost afraid you weren’t going to do it again this year. I’m sad that the first post won’t be until October 7th, but I’m looking forward to it.

    1. Rachel – I love hearing how blessed you and your husband were through this – God is SO good! Thank you for sharing that.

      Go ahead and start your candle now – I can’t wait to be able to encourage each other on the 7th!

      So glad you are joining us again!
      Courtney

  3. I’m SO IN! I look forward to this EVERY year! It really give my home a peace and to be still in the mornings is something my heart longs for. I should be more diligent in this , and so thank you for this challenge. (I’ll be trying out Bath & Body Marshmallow Fireside Candle! 😉

  4. I’ve never done this, but I’d like to try. I’m a lot older than most of you, probably, closing in on 60, and have been married for almost 36 years. Things haven’t been going so well these past couple of years. My health isn’t the best, neither is our financial situation. My husband has lost hope and is very discouraged. That has affected our relationship. Maybe doing this will be a step in the right direction.

    1. Liz: I am praying for you and your husband, that God will bless your relationship and your financial situation. Lets be intentional as we love on our husbands the way God loves on us.

    2. Liz – I’m so glad you are joining us – thank you for sharing this so I can pray for you this morning.

      Prayer works and the flickering candle everyday in my kitchen is a great reminder to keep on praying for peace over my heart and home. I know this will bless your marriage and you aren’t alone. We are in it together!

      Keep praying,
      Courtney

  5. I am definitely in! I have heard of this before, but it is the very first time I am participating and am really looking forward to it! Many blessings, Lisa

  6. This is exactly what my family needs right now!! Lately there has been no peace around here!! I cannot remember the last time we “savored” our times together! I am so up for this challenge!!

  7. I am new to taking part in this, and I am really looking forward to it! I think God has been preparing me for this over the past couple of weeks, because making our home into a home again has been on my heart a lot in the past few weeks. Thank you for putting this together and allowing God to use you in this way.

  8. I love this challenge and it is so needed just now. I’m going to light my candle this morning. I know it’s a little early but I’m sure no-one will mind!!!

  9. I am looking forward to the challenge Courtney, thank you! I do a lot of these things already but am missing the intention behind them a lot. I’m sure this challenge will help me keep the fruit of the Spirit in mind and be more thoughtful in the environment I’m providing for my family.

  10. I did this challenge last year & excited to do it again this year. My family moved overseas this summer & we have struggled a bit to make our apartment feel like home. I’m praying that through this challenge we’ll feel more at home & peaceful here.

  11. Our family/home is in such strife that I know from years past nothing can make this house a home/haven while we’re like this. Please pray for us. I will continue to participate as in years past. Hopefully additional prayers from others will help. thx

    1. Su –

      I’m so sorry for the tension in your home. Making relationships work and be at peace does not come naturally. I’m so glad you are joining us – prayer works! Do not give up – light your candle and keep on praying!!!

      I’m saying a prayer for your family now. ((hugs))
      Courtney

  12. Last year I started this challenge and failed after week one. I was very disappointed in myself. The Fall is very overwhelming for me and I struggle every year. This year I have learned to say No. I have trusted in the Lord to lead me and I look forward to making my home a Haven, not the challenge. Challenge is one of those words I can’t use. 🙂

    1. Jodi – I’m so glad you are back – yay! And not giving up! I struggle in the fall every year too. September is such a hard month…and then here comes December – another hard month for women. There’s just so much pressure to keep all the plates spinning.

      You are not alone. We are in it together.
      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  13. This is my first time to do this. I just read your email and then went to your blog to find out more. Wow! This is perfect to help bring me and our home back to what our purpose is at this time of the year. We have a choose-n-cut Christmas tree farm and we are gearing up to open for our season and it usually gets very tense and stressed as we try to fit everything in each day. I also homeschool my 3 children. I am excited to start doing this each day. Will be purchasing my candle TODAY!
    Thank you!

    1. Dawn,

      Oh I would love your tree farm – my husband and I have cut down our own Christmas trees a few times at tree farms. I can see how that would make for an incredibly busy time in your home. I’m so glad you are joining us – prayer works!!

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  14. As a homeschool mom I need this challenge and accountability.We were trying to improve in these areas. Lets tray in a different way.

  15. This will be my first time doing this but it sounds great. I often pray for peace in my home (even though I live alone). I want that atmosphere of peace because the enemy comes to try to steal your peace and joy. Thank you Courtney!!!

  16. I just love this Courtney! I’m trying to live more intentionally as I’ve been through a series of transitions lately with more to come. I’m two years out of breast cancer treatment, my husband & I became empty-nesters, my oldest is getting married (eek– we’re planning a wedding!), my youngest will graduate from university this spring, & my husband is retiring in two years. I don’t do well with change & am trying to find my “new normal”. This is just what I need! Yes, our homes should be our sanctuaries. Thanks for the reminder as well as the ideas to get there!

  17. Thanks for the great tips! I can’t have candles lit in my home due to living in an apartment so do you have any other advice for something with the same ambiance (I do love candles, though, too!)

    1. Dayna,

      I have battery operated candles on my fireplace that I use a remote control to turn off and on – those are fun and bring a pretty flicker to the room. I also use Glade and Bath and Body Works plug-in scents in my bathrooms and kitchen. Right now I have apple cider and vanilla scents plugged into two of my rooms. I LOVE walking in the door and smelling the warm smells. It really changes the atmosphere – give it a try!

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

      1. Thanks!! I will do that–I have an electric fireplace and I love the look of that, too, and let me tell you, it does change the atmosphere of the home with little additions like that!

    2. We don’t do scented candles because of the chemicals, so we do essential oils. Maybe look into that? They’re diffused with water so it shouldn’t be a problem in your apartment (plus they provide the added bonus of purifying the air and boosting your immunity!)

  18. I was just thinking about this series last week! So excited to join in. I attempted to last year, but didn’t finish, so I’m looking forward to trying again!

  19. I absolutely love this idea! I’m excited about beginning this in my home and I have shared it with several of my friends. I look forward to seeing what God is going to do in & through my family this month.

  20. Yay! I am in:) I am excited to go get my candle and get it going:) I love it and thank you for helping us with wonderful ideas:-)
    Blessings & Love
    Beth

  21. This sounds wonderful- peace in the home would be so refreshing and I love that you will just give us little steps along the way. With homeschooling and 6 children, the chaos and mess of a busy life often leaves me feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Add to that an older child in deep rebellion and a temporarily disabled husband and I get overwhelmed quickly!! I so agree with you that my mood affects the whole family for better or for worse and am looking forward to these little steps toward regaining peace and joy in our home.

    1. Debby –

      You have a very full plate. I am praying for you right now as you carry this heavy load. May the Lord strengthen you and bless the work of your hands and bring peace to your heart and home today.

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  22. I’m in! I am in love with Yankee Candles Apple Pumpkin scent! I have been lighting my candle almost daily as a prayer candle, but this will be the first time I am doing this challenge…..and it is coming at a great time for me and my family! We seem to be so busy and disconnected lately. Thank you, Courtney!

  23. Just read the email and got caught up in your blog. I Love This Idea! I think the Holy Spirit was guiding me towards this because I had already bought a big candle this past Sunday without even knowing about this challenge. The candle’s scent is Pumpkin Maple and it is so delicous and calming.
    This is great timing for this challenge with my household since my husband is doing a lot of traveling last week, this week and next week for work. He’ll be home for good after that so this will help me make a nice welcoming haven for when he comes home. It will also help me keep my sanity (and temper!) running a household with two kids by myself during this time.

    1. Lori,

      My husband travels too! I know how hard and long the days can be when he is gone…my ministry was born out of those long boring evenings alone…I thought maybe I could start a little thing called a blog to pass time. Lol! Who ever knew it would grow to this? Only God!

      Your candle sounds wonderful – keep praying,
      Courtney

  24. I am new to this page….I LOVE this idea and am very excited to join in!!
    I have a 4 month old little girl and am super excited to start some traditions early with her and my husband!! Thank you for sharing this challenge.

  25. Thank you! I teared up when I read the title this morning. With 5 little ones, we need peace in our home! I am joining in!! Apple scented candle already burning. 🙂

    1. Saying a prayer for you today Jackie. Having 5 littles ones is exhausting and depleting. I pray that this series helps to fill you up and bless your heart and home with peace.

      Much Love,
      Courtney

  26. Looking forward to this challenge. I know my mood affects everyone in my home and I definitely want to make my home a haven for my family.

  27. I’m new to instragram & facebook & such but I am really looking forword to this challenge. I have a hard time finding things and useing these sites but I really want to do this. Thanks for giving me this opportunity.?

  28. I absolutely love how the fruit of the Spirit is the main focus behind this challenge! This will be my second year to follow along, and couldn’t be more excited to see the changes it’s going to make in my home again! I’ll be buying my candle this Friday…now I just have to decide on which fall scented candle I want to go with! 😀

  29. I’m in! I just finished reading “Women Living Well” last week and that same day I bought a candle and have been lightening it every morning! We have already been blessed with much more peace in our house (we just started homeschooling our 4-year-old while teaching our 11 month old to walk, we needed peace!). My husband loves the impact God has had on our house through you. He has already picked out more candles for us to keep lighting. Our current candle is White Birch Leaves from Walmart. So excited to go on this challenge with everyone! Yay!!

  30. As a newlywed I am so excited for this challenge! I want our home to be a haven filled with peace that my husband is happy to come home to everyday. I just bought a nice big Gardenia scented candle last weekend, so this is perfect!

  31. I’ve intended to start this challenge a few times before, but this year I’m fully committed!! We just began homeschooling our 2 youngest and my husband works from home, so it feels like there are a lot of us packed in here a lot of the time 😉 and we could really use an extra dose of peace and harmony! Thank you, Courtney, for your heart for women and families ?

  32. Good morning girls! Thanks Courtney for today’s post and this series. This will be my first time and I’m looking forward to being intentional in making my home a haven. I am 60 years old. My husband and I have been empty nesters for some time now. But we have daily visits from our kids and grandchildren. I’m excited about what God will bring about in our home and family!

  33. I am so glad I came across this. I am definitely in. I am trying to grow closer to God and gain peace in my home and lead my children to God.

  34. This is my first time doing this challenge, I am super excited! Perfect timing too as October is slam packed for us this year. My home needs this, my family needs it. Thanks Courtney for being you!

  35. How fun! My husband and I are empty-nesters these days, but can still enjoy all of these. And I sent this to my daughter-in-love. She and our son moved into their first house (owned not rented) this week. Perfect time to do this!

    We burn candles a lot BUT I bought a new one yesterday… it’s called Farm Breakfast (or breakfast on the farm.. I forget!) Not sure how to describe the smell.. sort of baked goods aroma. I haven’t lit it yet.. so it will be my candle for this time. 🙂

  36. I will be joining ! But I do have some questions …
    How long do we need to keep the candle burning? 24/7? What can we use besides regular candles ?
    Going through some rough times and this challenge is a blessing!

    1. Hi Louise,

      I light my candle in the morning and blow it out at night when I head to bed (or when I leave the house). I also like battery operated candles (I have them on my bookcases and fireplace) and scented plug-ins in the kitchen and bathrooms. Makes the house smell so good!

      Hope that helps,
      Courtney

  37. I was just thinking about this challenge and saw it pop up in my Facebook timeline! I am looking forward to doing the Challenge again this year!

  38. I’m in! This is my first year but I feel I’ve been purposely positioned for this season of challenge.?So looking forward to making my home a haven!

  39. This will be my 3rd year doing this challenge with you. It cozies up the house for Fall and Winter and feels so calming and welcoming. Hubby bought 2 candles today and I got my music all lined up yesterday. It’s nice to settle down after a busy summer spent outdoors. I love your blog, please blog forever!

  40. HI

    This is what I need right now, to make my house a haven. My oldest son is moving back after being away all summer for a job, so making my house calm will be a great thing this October. I love vanilla candles.

    Barb

  41. Can’t wait! Looking so forward to this and having a calm household this Fall! I love vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice scents, but I really want to check out that salted caramel!!

  42. I love doing this challenge each year! The kids and I went to the store earlier today and we picked out a pumpkin spice candle. As soon as we got home, I lit it. It smells wonderful! I told my GMG group about the challenge this morning and they are excited as well!

  43. I am really looking forward to this and can honestly say I need this during this time of year. In our home the fall season is so busy with our son being in marching band and I am a very busy band mom, my husband’s job is at risk and my health is not good (Lyme Disease) so I really need to learn to slow down and make our home a haven of love and relaxation. We need to learn to slow down a enjoy our quiet time at home and forget about the outside stress of daily life. Thank you for leading the way!!! It’s my first time! I have my candle, it was a birthday present! So excited! God bless.

  44. I am also joining, but as I’m from South Africa, I will have a Spring Challenge! We really need extra prayers for our family! Blessings!

  45. I am so excited I have found a Godly women to be an example to me. I have just started homeschooling so this will be great! Thank you so much!

  46. Hi! I need this challenge right now. I just started homeschooling my oldest 4. Prek, 1st, 3rd, & 5th grades. My baby is 2 & developmentally delayed. I work therapy in with her throughout the day on top of her once a week at clinic (1 1/2 hrs away) therapy and once a week someone comes here to work with her. All that to say…it’s not always peaceful here. It’s usually a little crazy. Looking forward to being intentional about praying for my family throughout the day. I already have a candle burning. It’s warm apple pie.

  47. I just came across this today. I am a little reluctant to change, and getting close to others. I will give it a try. I hope to see Godly changes in my home, work, relationships and life.

  48. I am in, this is perfect timing. I homeschool my kids (10th & 12th grade). My life is a little busy and this will.help me.

    Thanks,

    Carol

  49. Woot! Look all those comments today! Over a hundred! Great series! I’m in!! I’m choosing a smaller candle because I’m in and out through the day and can relight it more than once. {Burn your candle 1 hour per inch of diameter for an even burn ladies!}. Happy Autumn! YAAAAAYYYYY!

  50. Yes I will take this challenge. It comes at a perfect time. We have a negative situation that has occurred in our home. My husband’s son had moved in with us. Well tonight he was being rude and started yelling with my husband and then the son used the Lord’s name in vain. That really set my husband off and kicked him out. Now this had been brewing for some time. The son had been taken advantage of us and other family members for some time. So now we need peace and pray for my husband’s son he needs Jesus badly.

    1. Cynthia,

      I’m so sorry to hear what you are facing in your home right now. I am saying a prayer for you now. So glad you are here.

      Much Love,
      Courtney

  51. Yay, I love this. Challenge! I have 4 kiddos and we home educate so anything to calm down the environment and mama is always good. Not sure on the scent but I like the house to smell like I’ve been baking. Thank you for all you do!

  52. This is my first time joining the challenge! I know our home desperately needs to be more peaceful & calm. I heard what you said about it starts with us, & totally agree with you on that! I have been feeling overwhelmed with home schooling, church responsibilities & farm work that I know it has showed in my attitude with my loved ones. I now have to rummage my candle stash & see what I can find! Thanks so much for this challenge. Looking forward to finding that peace in our home.

  53. I’m in. Going to buy my candle this morning. I’ve chosen to use a tart burner. I love lavender scent so that’s what I’m using! Thank you for this brilliant idea. X

  54. Hi Courtney! I am back for another year to join in the challenge. I believe this is my 4th year participating. I love it more and more every year. My candles burn all year but it’s a great reminder to usher in peace into our homes. Thank you, God Bless.

  55. Looking forward to this challenge. After being separated from my husband for six years, we found our way back a year ago after my husband’s kidneys failed. I work full time and take care of my husband. Sometimes I get pretty overwhelmed. I am in the process of finding my way back to God.

  56. We’re an empty nest home. Our sons live 2 hrs away, our youngest is super-busy at work, and our informally adopted daughter and her 3 yo come over about once a wk, but peace is still desperately needed here. Due to work stress and family concerns, things have been a bit tense for a while. I tried playing some quiet Celtic tunes during dinner a couple of nights ago and it really helped. And I have probably a dozen scented candles that I never remember to light. I’d really love for my husband to look forward to peace and rest when he gets home. I’m in!

  57. I LOVE this idea!!!! I am going to take up this challenge and try to implement the Magic of Tidying Up principles too! I want to create a comfy, cozy but most importantly God centered home!

  58. My husband and I live in a 27′ RV (189 sq.ft.) while our son has a bedroom in my mom’s house next door, due to lack of housing in our area. I have no oven to bake things, and very little room for much else, but I’m hoping I can take a few things away with me from this challenge, even though it will be more “challenging” because of our situation.

  59. My first time. I am excited to try this challenge. My kids are grown and gone, so it is just my hubby and I. So looking forward to this.

  60. Love your words of encouragement for mommas – so needed on a regular basis! The world is such a brighter place with people like you in it.
    Could I make one suggestion – and sorry if it seems so bold. Would you be willing to try and switch out your candles with a diffuser and essential oils (there are some great fall blends)? I have been doing so much work on making my own home chemical-free and I found (in my research) that two of the biggest toxins in my home were candles and air fresheners. I be happy to send you a complimentary diffuser and some oils to try out. If you are interested at all, just email me.
    Thanks!
    Kristine

  61. What a wonderful, inspiring idea; I am lighting my candle: Simmering Apple Cider.
    God’s timing is perfect!
    Thank you, Courtney, for your love towards us women. May God continue to bless you and your family! I will be praying for you and yours!
    {Jan}

  62. I’m not sure how I found this but the timing is perfect!
    My 1 and only son graduated and moved out a few years ago but I’m sure my husband and I will be blessed by this!
    Thank you from Vancouver Island, BC

  63. This is an amazing challenge!!! I love it!! My favorite scent is Yankee Candle Pumpkin Spice…I will buy mine soon and join in! Thank you, Courtney, for encouraging us to intentionally focus on our family and our homes!

  64. I have read scripture and finished studies thanks to you! I recently started a new business called Prov Clothing Co and my goal is to raise women up to know they can be a Proverbs 31 woman. I sell clothes, yes but I also offer bible study and prayer requests. Can I link up with you to share on my bible study page? Thank you so much! God bless

  65. I’m IN!!!
    Thank you for allowing us to walk along with you on your faith journey.
    Yes, I want to walk with the King! Hand in hand, everyday.

  66. SO HAPPY! This is my favorite!!!! I actually carry this through the rest of the holidays, and I also do this randomly during the rest of the year. This is such a beautiful tradition, and one that I have seen make a huge difference in our home. Thank you!

  67. I just found out about your site, but I am looking forward to learning more, and growing spiritually through these steps! Keep sharing the good word!

  68. Late to reply but I am in! although I have been following along for years and have always lit candles in my home this challenge gives it a whole new meaning. I do need to remember to use the hashtag on IG. I look forward to this challenge every year, so glad to see others are joining in!

  69. So excited to be participating again this year :)…Thank you for continuing being an encouragement and teacher, getting us focused where we need to have our hearts 🙂

  70. I’m in, just have one major challenge, my husband is slightly allergic to candles. So I can only burn them when he isn’t home. I so love my scented candles :).

  71. Courtney—Fragrance and a prayer, what a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you. God is pleased, I think. We already had prayers at the breakfast table, but I’m going to light a candle right now!

  72. With the cold weather coming in, I remembered this challenge from last year (my first) and wanted to do it again! Lit my candle today and was happy to find this new post and everyone’s comments…so much love on this site! God bless you ladies as we depend on the true Light this season.

  73. Thanks for sharing this challenge again this autumn. From Holland I will join you! I also will share this on my blogpost this evening. Thanks for organising this.
    Be blessed,
    Annemieke

  74. Sounds wonderful; I want to do this with you, too. Wednesday is my busiest day of the week, but I will “tune in” when I can. I already have a salted caramel candle, My absolute favorite right now. Thanks for these great ideas.

  75. I’m so, so in!! We are in the midst of some serious transition and will be in a temporary housing situation. I think this will be just the thing we need to keep ourselves grounded and cozy.

    I’ve got a Yankee Pumpkin Spice candle. 🙂

  76. Looking forward to these little steps toward gaining peace and joy in our home. For now am a full time homemaker – no children – just 3 beautiful dogs and of course an awesome husband to take care of and enjoying every minute of it. We moved to a new area about a year ago and didn’t have the opportunity to fully settle in due to me working a full time job. Now that I am home all the time I have been very busy getting settled and creating a soothing and calming atmosphere before I plan to go back to work again.

  77. I am excited to start this in my home. It has been a crazy year. After 11years of barrenness and six months of bed rest, I gave birth to 31 week old twins. Last month one of them ended up needing an emergency tracheotomy.
    My home has always been my safe haven. The place I relax and get away from it all. Now we have home health professionals in it all the time. I am never alone. I have found it leads me to be bitter, and I start to tear down my house.
    This is exactly what I am needing!!! I try to do the study series as much as possible, with such a busy house I can’t always. God has given me the open door to be a light to all the new faces coming in our home. This is the perfect reminder ❤️ The hashtag is such a good idea. I found your series on Instagram this year.

  78. Courtney,

    I’m a full time working Mom for the first time this year. I’ve spent this weekend cleaning and lighting candles! I’m excited to intentionally do these small things to extend the peace in my home, along with my invaluable quiet time. Thank you so much for the Biblical encouragement and resources your site offers us! I’m grateful for your ministry. 🙂

  79. I am most definitely in. I need this. I am struggling…feeling quite stressed. I am older than most here, I am sure. Heading for 63 in the spring. God has called my husband (68) and I to adopt two sisters. They have been with us for five years and their adoption final for 2 1/2 yrs. They will be 6 & 7 in one month and two months. I have been homeschooling them for three years now. They must be on gluten and dairy free diets and one has major health and emotional issues. My heart and home is not always the haven of rest that I know God wants it to be because too often I am charging ahead and trying to do it all in my own strength and I am paying for it physically. I am hoping and praying that through this challenge I can slow down and let God do His work through me. Thank you.

    1. That is amazing Helen. God has opened your family to these beautiful girls. I know God will there for all of you on the mountain tops and in the valleys. God is good, always. Always God is good.

  80. Well, I’ll tell you something funny, I went the first day to light my candle ,and I couldn’t t. get the lid off!!! Have a Great Day!t.

  81. Hi Courtney!
    I will definitely try. I`m a working mom, with three older daughters in their late teens. This fall has been stressful in many ways, we need some peace. I´ve never done a challenge like this, it sounds exiting. I started my new bibleblog with you and now I feel it`s hard to keep up. I need balance in my life and for my family. So I need this challenge, you are an inspiration.
    Blessings, Carolina

  82. I have been looking forward to this for months. I started reading WLW several months ago and read about the October Challenge. I have lit my candle numerous days this fall already, but there is something about doing this as a group. I was also able to share this with the women in my small group at church. Thanks for leading us in this way Courtney.

  83. I am so excited to start this in our new home. We are still unpacking boxes, but it is looking more like our home everyday.

  84. I never knew you did this challenge, so I’m going to join in on the fun!
    Our family could really use God’s Peace….so doing this challenge intentionally will be good. I am looking forward to His working in our lives. Thank you for doing this.
    I’m also going to be apart of the Numbers reading also. First year of doing both! Awesome sauce!

  85. Hi! My mom forwarded me this page and I’m so thankful!! We are swamped in the fall with everything going on and now we have all been sick for 2+ weeks. We need this!! Thanks for the reminder of creating a welcoming and warm environment for our family. I’m excited to do this!!!

  86. Excited for this. I haven’t heard of this before but I just came across the website not too long ago. I truly need to do this.

  87. I am in! This looks like a great challenge and I would love my home to be a haven. A loving warm home to family and friends, where when they walk in they feel the peace of God instantly!!

  88. Hope I’m not too late! I’ve always been known to have a cozy home. However two years ago my husband and I moved several states away and moved into my in laws home to care for them… Alzheimer’s. I’ve been bitter at times not to have my own home. They are now being cared for in an Assisted Living facility. I’m hoping this time with you will help me turn this house into our cozy home. My candle is lit and my prayers have begun!

  89. Thank you Courtney!

    I’m going on my 2nd year with this challenge and it really is a life saver! i’m looking forward to it! 😀

  90. I’ve lit my candle everyday and prayed for peace in our home but it just isn’t happening. Please pray with me for peace.

  91. I am definitely in this year. My candle scent is Apple Orchard. It has been going all day this week. We love it!

    I can certainly use this challenge. My husband has been out of work for a month with some heart problems and this past Saturday, my entire family (hubby, myself and 4 kids) were in a horrific car accident. While it was the most traumatic, horrible experience, I also have become so thankful. The little things don’t matter anymore. We are all alive and we have each other. That is the most important thing! I cannot allow all of the financial implications and trials we are going through to disturb the safety and peace of our little home. I would appreciate your prayers as I do my best to get through these challenges.

    1. I’m so sorry to hear of your husband’s heart problems and your accident. 🙁

      Saying a prayer for you now Lisa – so glad you are joining us.
      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

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