Making Your Home a Haven – Week 2 ~ Soft Music

This week we use soft music to make your home a haven for your families turning our homes a haven of peace and joy for all who enter. #WomenLivingWell #homemaking #friendship #makingyourhomeahaven

 

When we were kids – every year we would decorate the Christmas tree as a family and then we’d turn off all the lights and plug in the tree.  My sister Jen and I LOVE to sing and so we’d go to town singing Christmas carols.  One of my favorites was Silent Night because it was such a calm and peaceful song. For a moment – time seemed to stand still and we savored the moment and the meaning of Christmas.

“Silent night…Holy night…all is calm, all is bright…”

I have a feeling just reading those lyrics brings back memories for you too.

Music.  It has a strange effect on people.  Certain songs can flood our minds with good memories.  Others can touch a painful and tender place deep inside of us where we’ve been hurt and bring tears.  And other songs just make us all want to boogie! lol!

Edith Shaefer says “There is a charm in making music together which not only stimulates interest and creativity, but which breaks through whining and fussing and clears the atmosphere.”

Music changes the atmosphere of our homes.

In our home, soft piano music plays 24/7.  Yes, even in the middle of the night we have music going.  We can’t hear it in our bedrooms but I like coming down the stairs in the morning to a serene atmosphere.  Just as my candle serves me, my music serves me.  It doesn’t make messes, it doesn’t need managed, it just simply blesses me AND it blesses my family.

This week’s challenge:

Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. I’ll be playing Christmas music! Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Work on gentleness this week.

Now we can’t have our candles burning, our music going and prayers for peace going up to heaven and not pause to take a look at our own hearts.  Is there anything we are doing with our words that could be stirring up strife and interrupting peace in our homes?

Last week I had a terribly strife filled week – not with my family but here on the blog in the comment section and later in a string of emails.  Thursday’s post brought a backlash of negative comments and I lacked discernment as I responded.  I completely regret much of my response and learned some tough lessons after taking the post down.

Proverbs speaks to the power of our tongue and the power it has to create strife or to bring peace.

Are you in need of some guidance for your week?

Here’s some Proverbs that speak to me:

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning.” Proverbs 10:13

Pursue discernment.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19

Hold your tongue.

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.” Proverbs 11:12

Hold your tongue.

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16

Overlook insults.

Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

Use your tongue to bring healing.

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3

Guard your lips.

“A quick tempered man does foolish things.” Proverbs 14:17

Be slow to anger.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh words stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

Give gentle answers.

“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17:27

Use restraint.

There’s a lot of food for thought there in Proverbs.  Just think – if we actually followed the wisdom of these verses how our homes and relationships would be transformed!

So let’s begin. Light your candle, crank up your music and continue praying over your home. Every time the glimmer of the candle catches your eye – pray for peace. Peace with each other and peace within your soul.

If you are participating in this challenge leave a comment below with how it’s going – if you are a blogger copy this button into your blog post, write about how it’s going and link up on Wednesday at the Women Living Well Wednesday Link-Up party!!

Thank you all so much for your accountability. I so appreciate you joining me on this journey!!! We are in it together!

Walk with the King,

Chime In: What kind of music is playing in your house this week? And how are you doing with pursuing gentle and peace-filled words?

100 Comments

  1. Not a very serene week this week past. Getting better and trying to calm my inner self. Funny how these Proverbs hit right at home. Grateful to be able to join with other people to try to better our homes together. 🙂 The candle did help in making me stop mid-whatever to and taking a step back. The soft Christmas music will be the same, I am sure.

  2. I commented on your original post regarding lighting the candle. I checked back to your site tonight to see what else you have posted. And I wanted to let you know that I found the Proverbs you posted to be meaningful to me. I have a person in my life who says things before her brain can stop her. 🙂

    I wrote them down and plan to go over them this week.

  3. I really appreciate the proverbs you just posted all in this particular order! I think I need to print this out and keep it handy. What an extremely useful lesson, most of all for us women who love talking so much. I too love to listen to music all day. I have a favorite serene online radio station that I always keep on that plays hymns and instrumental music. Also, we’re all looking forward to the wonderful Christmas carols we’ll put on this December. Have a lovely and blessed week as you walk with the King! Hugs~

  4. My husband was out of town over the weekend and I didn’t have major plans filling up my days, so I was able to spend a lot of much-needed time at home relaxing. Candles were always lit, and holiday music rotated with worship music. Baths and naps happened while good books were read. It felt wonderful. I am excited to continue with the candles and music. As for the prayers for peace — I thought of it every time I saw the candle but I admit I didn’t stop and pray every time. Will try harder.

  5. I participated last week (my candle died today so I’m starting a new one tomorrow), and I started playing music more in my home as well. This week I plan on having music almost nonstop, and I’ll be linking up here on Wednesday to share what God has done in our home through that. I’ve started preparing for next week too…my husband is excited by the cookies and brownies that are coming. 🙂 This is my absolute favorite challenge anywhere online! Thanks!

  6. I love all the wisdom that is in Proverbs. So simple and yet so true, guard our tongues! My 23 year old plays on the worship team at our church, plus he just loves music. So he often fills our house with praise songs, which I just love.

    However, the dog (beagle) hates it. So we have to listen to him loudly and mournfully complaining.

      1. HA! My parents had a beagle when we were growing up and he loved the piano! He would run and sit next to it and sing along to whatever we were playing. Poor guy didn’t have much of a voice though

  7. So blessed by this week….even with all the hectic stuff we had going on…husband broke foot and all, it was so calming to have this site and verses to refer to and the glimmer of my candle to refresh my heart, mind and spirit. I know I am better for it….and so in turn is my family and home..Looking foward to the music playing, we have music channels through our cable, no ads, no talking…and I can pick classical, Christian, and yes they now have Christmas Channel up and running;)

  8. This has been going well for me until mid week and today. I didn’t light my candle!! As soon as I realized it I lit my candle, prayed and I feel calmer and ready to create the peace in my home.

  9. Candle lit all days except for today (forgot until just now). Fantastic reminder of focusing on God’s love and family. This week the music will start. FYI – “Silent Night” is my favorite Christmas hymn – and my son’s (who is now 23) – I used to sing him to sleep with that song, even in the summer!

  10. I lit my candle last week, it helped to create a nice atmosphere….I tried to pray for peace over my home each time i saw it. This week, I’m planning on playing some worship music alternating with Christmas music. I am enjoying this challenge. I think you made a good point about we need to search ourselves and see if there are things that we are doing, saying, or the tone of what we say that could be overshadowing the peace in our homes….will definitely try to watch my words and tones this week

  11. There is nothing I love more than singing praise and worship songs with my kids. I need to get some of my CDs into the CD player. Proverbs is my favorite book of the Bible.

  12. Last week was great! I love the candle idea, and I’m definitely looking forward to cranking up the Christmas carols starting tomorrow morning. This challenge was just what my home needed, and I can definitely see myself incorporating this into my home all year round! Thank you Courtney! I’ll get started on meditating on those Proverbs scriptures tonight and throughout the week. God Bless everyone, our families, and our peaceful havens!

  13. I also love lighting the candles and praying God’s peace over my family. I looked forward to it daily. The one day that I skipped it there was a nasty attitude in our home coming from me! Just walking into the room and seeing the candle brought a sense of calm. This week as I am sorting through homeschool materials with two toddlers underfoot I will definitely be dusting off the cd collection and finding something to promote harmony in our home!

  14. Oh I most definitely agree about the music…it makes such a difference when I play music while I’m working at home doing my chores, even while driving. This past week I intentionally tried to be more loving and calm, keeping in mind that I am the heart of my home and my mood and attitude affects everyone. Last week, instead of quarreling and complaining I chose to bless my family instead and did little acts of love like leaving notes saying “Done with love and joy by Mom” on their folded laundry or with a little chocolate on their beds. The difference in my home was amazing! The best compliment was when a friend saw my husband and I in the supermarket and said “You both just look so happy” and I knew it was the inner peace shining through! Courtney, thank you for the inspiration and for your transparency!

    God bless you and yours!

  15. I just started the challenge yesterday and already I feel its positive impact. Thank you for this in the midst of a chaotic, but very blessed season. I’m so excited to continue with Week 2 (I’ll definitely play Christmas music and a lot of classical as well) while lighting my candle daily as well. Thank you!

  16. The last week has been more peaceful despite the candle not being on all the time. (My 2 year old would sing Happy Birthday and then blow it out! LOL) I love music so this challenge is easy. Harder though is controlling my tongue… Am definitely going to learn the verses from Proverbs to remind convict me when I don’t speak gentle words.

  17. I will blogging on this topic later today as I have joined in on this challenge and plan to complete it 🙂 I lit my candle everyday and prayed peace not only over my home and the people in it but for my family and our country. I always have music playing either worship or classical music without words. Praying this week that if there is anything in my heart that is causing me to not be who God intended me to be for Him that He would show me so I could change it. Thanks for awesome inspiration 🙂

  18. I am loving this challenge, it has brought light to my heart. I feel incredibly blessed by the King. Thank you Courtney for organizing this challenge, I am doing it over at The Proverbs 31 Sanctuary. Tara.

  19. I absolutely love this challenge and lit my candle every evening! My husband immediately sensed a difference when he came back from work and asked about the candle. I explained it to him and now he also prays for peace when he catches the glimmer of the candle. He says it changed the atmosphere in our home. He can’t stop thanking me for the gesture. Thank you Courtney. I’ll definitely be playing the music.

  20. Thanks for this Courtney! I seriously carried Proverbs 10:19 around in my pocket for a time.
    I just found this translation this morning that totally speaks to my personality!
    Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.
    Pretty sure I shouldn’t try to “explain” my position any more this morning… 😉
    Have a great Monday!

  21. Thank you for this blog. I didn’t have a big candle to light last week, so I just used what I had. It really is helping me to pray for peace in my home. Yesterday was a strife filled day and I said some things too that I needed to repent for. Thank you for the verses. As a wife and mother, it is sometimes very hard to keep your tongue. I didn’t have the candle burning yesterday. I’ll be playing worship/christmas music. I usually have our radio tuned to the local Christian radio station, but it’s time for the Christmas cd’s to come out! As you encourage me, I want to encourage you to continue to step out. Those who are mature in Christ will know to show grace and mercy when it’s needed to allow those around us to grow. I myself want that grace and mercy, freely I received so freely I give. Be blessed! 🙂

  22. I like this from our Colossians study:
    Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, fcompassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    I think it goes nicely with your post. We have to bear with one another’s imperfections and let love be the law of our hearts. May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts! This is what the enemy wants to steal from us. Thanks to Jesus for bringing us back to Him! Even the soft music is right in this scripture!

    Another thought from Lamentations 3:22-23:

    22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
    23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

    Thank You Lord for giving us new mercies every day! Tomorrow is gone; today is for the Lord!

  23. Courtney, thank you so much for this challenge. I have been lighting a candle everyday and also love listening to classical music. I will be playing Christmas now too. My favorite song is Silent Night too and I also used to rock my son to sleep listening and singing it to him. He is now 36 yrs. old. do you have Internet radio so you can leave it on all day? I would love that!

  24. I don’t know what happened last Thursday with sweet potatoes that would cause a bunch of hateful comments, but I do know I appreciate your time and advice and open heart. Thank you so much for encouraging me in walking with the Lord and being a Godly wife and mother. A very pleasant change from the constant bombardment of the world.

    1. Kay, that just cracked me up! 🙂 It wasn’t over sweet potatoes. Lol. It was a different post that Courtney took down because of some ugly responses.

  25. I am going to school to become an aesthatition. So this week past has been helping me to become more centered. Helping me to learn to calm my inner self. Calming my mind and helped me not to be so negative. it has been nice and I am surprised how much I like having the candles lit around the house. I love soft yoga music so this week will be very nice having that playing in the background with the candle lit. It is nice to have such a calm space to come home to at the end of a very long day.

  26. We make hand rolled beeswax candles here at home (I have allergies to others) and I have made a real effort to keep a few going to warm the feeling of our family spaces. Music speaks to all of our hearts and couple of my favorites are Mike Rowland’s The Fairy Ring and Koyasan by Deuter. I will bring them out and let it wash over us as we go through our days.
    We have all been a bit ill over the last few days and my home is definitely not looking like the haven that I want it to, but perhaps it will feel like it by doing these few things until I get caught up.

  27. Each morning I light my candle to invite the “light of Jesus” to my morning devotionals. It brings me pleasure and comfort. Adding music in the background now will only enhance that experience. I am sorry that you experienced what you did last week, but yet, I thank God He used it for good. It sounded like a Blessing in disguise. May God shower you with His Blessing of calmness and peace this week!

  28. Hi Courtney,
    Last week I either lit a candle or a tart warmer. I printed out the scripture Proverbs 14:1 and kept it by the candles. The prayer for peace was wonderful. I felt like it came at a very important week for many reasons and it was good. Reminded me that God is in control and I need not fret. I will continue this daily.
    This is a wonderful series and I will be playing Christmas music from CBN. Also I will be looking for classical music. Do you have a website that plays the piano music? Or is it on TV?
    Thanks for sharing the scriptures in Proverbs. A study on the tongue is always a good one. It helps me and boy do I sometimes need it. The one scripture in Proverbs I store in my heart is Proverbs 15:1.
    May God bless your day.

  29. I don’t kow what comments you received last week regarding your Thursday post and truly it does’nt matter. What I do know is that since I’ve been following your blog, I since you to be a sincere person desiring to serve the Lord to the best of your ability. So when the Lord lays something on your heart to share, you must do it regardless of how many negative comments you might receive. We need to hear the truth and sometimes truth steps on our toes and makes us uncomfortable because it shows us our own sinfulness and thats no fun. When Jesus spoke truth to the Pharisee’s they didn’t like that either, did they? When we speak truth we needn’t expect anything different, but we still need to speak it. Keep sharing truth and keep encouraging women to Walk with the King. Light a candle and play some music and worship the Lord.

    1. This Sheila agrees wholeheartedly with that Sheila again. It is hard to find a place that is dedicated to truth so we love and appreciate you always giving us truth.

  30. Thanks for the encouragement! I will be playing Christmas music as well…I just found the challenge. I have been using Scentys burners for several months now, but I will have to switch back to candles for a while.

  31. I light a candle and play music each time I sit to write. Right now the candle scent is “Evergreen”. It influences my thoughts
    when I’m pondering thoughts to share with others.

  32. I am committing to this challenge. I loved the candle idea. My kids were excited to see a candle burning and I had the chance to explain the reason behind it! The music will be Christmas music right now.
    The proverbs you gave were something I really need right now. Its been a hard few years for my family and making our home safe is important. Thank you for all you do. It has truly blessed me.

  33. I am loving this series so much! I loved the candle idea so much! Playing music was kind of a new thing for me, but I gave it a try this morning and it was wonderful! I turned on a Classical Christmas Pandora station and that combined with my candle (and turning the fireplace on!) made my morning so peaceful despite 3 young kiddos, a dog, a cat, and a husband out of town for the week! Thank you so much!

  34. We will be hearing Christmas and worship music this week. I remember listening to music all the time as a child. In a way, it provided a soundtrack for my life. I hope my children hear these songs when they are older and immediately have fond memories of our home. Praying for peace this week too. Thanks for all you do. This challenge is definitely making a difference in my home!

  35. I’m on to candle #2. This week it’s BBW’s Apple Crumble…YUM! I’ll be playing Christmas music as well. I need the inspiration to get in to the spirit and the reminder to pray has been great! It has stopped me several times mid-track (mid-chaos) to ground me in who really has control over my life & our home…Him! Thanks for this challenge! I know it’s helping me spend more time with the one who matters most!

  36. I love to have music playing all the time. It just brings a sense of peace and comfort into my life and my home. I specifically love Christmas music and now that my TV has the SIRIUS Christmas stations on, they’ll be playing from now until Christmas day! All is calm – All is bright.

  37. I have my candle burning and music on. I have a Sage & Citrus by Yankee Candle – my favorite smell, and I found a station on Pandora the kids and I are loving. I typed in instrumental to see what would come up, and there was ‘Instrumental Praise’. It’s beautiful, calming, uplifting… right now it’s playing ‘Just As I Am’.

    My house is a mess – we just got back from a wedding we were in, and along with my daughter’s birthday while we were out of town, came back with a lot more than we left with. My son spilled his drink in his carseat yesterday, so I’m having to wash and clean that out before we have to leave the house this morning.

    But, between the candle and music, I’m finding calm among our chaos. Thank you for sharing your inspiration.

  38. Since July 28th, our lives have been turned upside down and inside out. My Dad died, followed by my Mom on October 3, my grandson and cousin on October 26, then 2 friends on November 9. I thank you for this challenge to make our home a haven, a place where all can come and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

  39. I have been playing symphonies on YouTube. The music is amazing- and it’s fun to glance over at the orchestras too! I always enjoy watching the conductors- and sometimes they make my children laugh. I also love hearing my children talk to each other about the different music. My oldest has noticed how there is always a certain place for each instrument.

  40. Courtney,

    Thank you so much for the reminder that we, as women, set the stage & atmosphere in our homes. I love candles and the mood they set in our home especially this time of year. I am burning “Leaves” from Bath & Body Works. It is a great subtle fragrance in the house. Today I will be playing some Chad Lawson while I do my Bible Study and then David Nevue while I clean. Thank you for being a blessing to so many!

    In His Calm,
    Mary

    1. Mary-We are big fans of “Leaves” @ our house too. 🙂
      I love this challenge…You are a blessing, Courtney and I pray the Lord continues to bless your wonderful ministry!

  41. NOTE TO SELF: Do not attempt to read this series while the Teens in the house are getting ready for school and the hubby is watching the news!! 😉 ….. as my Mother would have said, ” GOOD GRIEF CHARLIE BROWN!! ” File this in the “WHAT WAS I THINKING?” category and don’t do it again. 🙂 I’m having a good giggle over it all tho’… Anyhoo, I am enjoying this series and will remember to light my candle, turn on the soft music and pray for peace BEFORE anyone else is awake ;D

  42. Courtney, I want you to know that there have been a couple of times that I have noticed that I thought you were right but was struck by your humility. Just as I was today. That speaks volumes about your character. None of us will ever speak the right thing all the time but how you handle it says so much.

  43. I have The Message playing on my television! Always helps to keep me focused and also keeps me from watching mindless tv!

  44. I’m really enjoying this series & challenge. I’ve been lighting my candle and warming the scentsy! I especially appreciated the Proverbs you listed, I did not hold my tongue this weekend and was angry and rude to my family. I will be in much prayer for peace this week. Classical and Christmas music will certainly be playing now!

  45. I just blogged about my fav Pandora stations right now. “Stuart Townend” and “Needtobreath”. For easy listening acoustic sounding praise music… I highly recommend! This week’s challenge is already checked off for me! Music is KEY to my day!

  46. I lit my candle most days last week and really enjoyed smelling the strawberry. Fearful of turning music on 24/7 because it would get turned off by others. Will try something though.
    Sorry your week was hectic!

  47. I totally agree with this! My husband and I both love music (he is a musician and I am a vocalist) so naturally we have alot of it in our home. I really noticed the impact of music on my kids recently while homeschooling. We downloaded the Pandora app on our phones, put it on the docking station, and turned on the piano station. It plays soft piano music. My kids sat there calmly doing their work. The music brought such peace to our home. We do this alot too with worship music. Changes the atmosphere of your home completely!

  48. One of my favorite memories as a child, was coming down stairs on Saturday morning. My dad making breakfast and music filling the house. I’m sure that’s one reason I play music all the time…not usually at night, but most days it is going in the house. I have also started Christmas music already. Thank you for your insights. You are a blessing.

  49. Thank you so much for the encouragement! I plan on lighting a candle RIGHT now, and I already have a playlist on my computer of my fave Christmas music that I’m about to put on too 🙂

    I love having a mix of soothing AND upbeat fun songs thrown in….the house is peaceful, but every once and awhile, the upbeat comes on, and all my children run into the dining room and get their groove on with some fancy dancing! Especially my little toddler ♥ She loves to rock out 🙂

  50. I have a candle lit in my home office, it helps me to concentrate on what I need to do, now it will also remind me to pray for my family. Tonight I will ask my husband to hook the speakers back up to the stereo so that music can fill the house. A little early for Christmas music for me, we have a rule in our house, no Christmas music till after Thanksgiving. I love listening to pan pipe music, so maybe that will be on first.

  51. I tried…that’s all I can say! Last week our home was defintely not a haven! But I am going to start fresh this week!

  52. Well I saw your challenge last week on pinterest. My husband and I just moved in this house about a month ago and I have been looking for ways to make this house feel more like a home. I am so glad I found your site! I tried the candle (Holiday Baking) last week! Something about lighting it everyday has just give this home a peace thoughout and I pray for peace in my life, in my marriage and in my home everytime I see it flickering! I love music and I plan on playing gospil music this week! I just want to say I am so happy that I have found this site and having never met you I feel like you have impacted my life so strongly through your teaching and scripture! Thank you so much!!!

  53. Courtney, I just want you to know that I am still praying for you to be encouraged this week regarding last Thursday’s post. I am sorry you were put in a position that made you feel like you had to defend yourself. I am a person who often says things in heated moments that I almost always regret so I know the frustration with yourself that always comes later. I hope that you realize that the ones making the hateful comments are in the vast minority. Please know that you bless so many of us with your carefully chosen words, godly example and loving heart.

  54. Hi Courtney,
    I am really enjoying your weekly challenges. The candle lighting and soft music are something I do all the time in my home and have written about on my blog in the past, as part of preparing my heart for Christmas and developing a more meaningful prayer time and intimacy with God. Bless you. Thank you for teaching these things.

  55. I LOVE the making home a haven series. I don’t usually write comments but I have to say I am sad to see the absence of an important blog entry. I assume you deleted the one after election day. Bullying in the name of God or anyone else is WRONG. Don’t let anyone take away your freedom given to you by God and the constitution of the United States of America. You know what the Bible says and you can apply it to politics in a Godly way. You an also share the things you have learned and believe. If others don’t agree, that’s their problem. I would challange anyone who doesn’t like what conservative Christians say politically to look into the Bible themselves so they can make educated votes next year. And for those who think the Bible is outdated, don’t you think God has the power to add things can clarify if what is said is confusing? He does not try to trick, only the devil does that.

  56. Thank you for this great idea – I have been lighting my candle and praying. I don’t doubt the improvement I am beginning to see here in less bickering among my children is a direct result to answered prayer that went up each time I saw my candle flickering! God bless you as you bless others, Courtney. EVERYTHING I have ever read or heard on your videos has always blessed me and brought me closer to the Lord. You must be doing something right or you would not have any adversity!! Keep that in mind as you continue to serve Him. I still always love to hear “walk with the King” and so continue being a blessing, wink!!

  57. Hi Courtney, I love to get on Pandora and listen to my Celtic Woman station. Pandora plays only music that you like when you type in an artist or genre and I find this Celtic station to be very nice and definitely peaceful :). What you wrote about controlling our tongues is so good! Thanks!

  58. I am loving this challenge. It has made me more intentional to pray for peace, for my children and my husband. Your posts and Bible studies have been a blessing to me! Thanks for being open to what God has called you to and faithful in the midst of trial. Be blessed, woman of God! 🙂

  59. Thank you Courtney you are such a blessing and encouragement to me! Your blogs are wonderful and I thank God for you. My candle has been burning all week & actually overflowed out the open window yesterday! May God continue to do the great work He is doing through, touching the lives of women all around the world, love Nicole

  60. I already having music playing in my home most days and love it. I think it is a wonderful idea. I also have a candle burning now. I loved that idea last week and it blessed me tremendously. I truly think it has helped me revive a prayer life that seemed to be slipping. Thank you for your blog Courtney!

    And I think Christmas music, especially music about the true meaning of Christmas, is appropriate any time of the year! Bring on the Silent Night! 🙂

  61. I agree! Music can inspire many different moods. I have always had a love of musing. When I was a kid/teen my dad always had music playing (although it wasn’t peaceful piano music). I may have to pull out something fun 🙂 I listen to music a lot when I’m cleaning and doing other household chores, but it might be nice to find something instrumental to play all the time.

  62. I usually have a candle burning in my kitchen. It has to be kept on the stove because if it is on the kitchen table (where I REALLY want it) the cats would climb up there and get burnt and my lab (dog) would try to lick the flame. Yeah….

    I intend to have music playing but my family differs on the meaning of the word SOFTLY…. Generally my husband likes it so it almost hurts your ears, but he is praising God so I try not to complain. I’d loooove to have some worship and country, Christmas and kids’ worship songs going but we’ll have to see.

    My grandmother’s favorite song was Silent Night. We used to sing it together after she came to live with my parents, while I was growing up. My Gma had a stroke and it helped her to learn to get back some words that she had trouble remembering. We’d always dissolve into laughter every single time we’d sing because we both kept forgetting the right words and ended up making it up as we went. I miss her and smile each time I hear Silent Night. My heart is happy. 🙂

  63. Why do I have such a difficult time with music in my home? I read all these comments about the “peaceful” music playing in the background, but for me, most of the time, it is just noise. I love to listen in the car or when I can just sit and sing along, but when anything else is going on it frustrates me. My family loves to have the radio on when we’re cleaning or sitting at the table, but I just can’t handle it. What is wrong with me?

      1. It really doesn’t matter what type of music or how soft or quiet. What matters is what is going on at the time. If ANYTHING AT ALL is going on at the same time that I have music playing, I get stressed. The only time I like listening to music is when I’m driving or alone. I have four girls and a husband, and someone ALWAYS wants my attention. I guess that’s why background music, no matter how soft, just sounds like noise. I just enjoy brief moments of pure silence every now and then! I don’t get those very often…and I’m thankful that I don’t. It means I have been blessed with a family to care for! Ironically, I almost always have a song or tune in my head and find myself humming or whistling a lot…but it annoys me when someone else does it! Oh, I’ve got problems! ; )

  64. Update from week 1. I FINALLY acquired a large candle. I found that the scent more than the flicker reminded me to pray AND it seemed to draw other in too! Thank you for this suggestion!
    I’ll start with the music tomorrow. (Today I’m listening to Oliver Twist. )

  65. I have lit my candle every day this week, and oh what a blessing it has been. It has reminded me to be calm and serene and to think about God. And I also started the soft music this past Saturday during housework, and it brought peace to my heart as well. Thank you so much for these ideas, they are so effective. What a blessing.

  66. I started this challenge with a friend of mine and I must say I am so happy I did! It really is the little things in life that make it so sweet and wonderful. Thank you for the encouraging words, verses and challenge to make my home a haven!
    I have to tell you that when I started the challenge last Monday, I cleaned off my kitchen island (which is always covered by stuff!) and put this candle and little decoration in the middle and lit the candle. All three of my boys were like in shock that there was a candle lit and wondered why! It shocked me that they would really even notice, let alone be surprised by it! It made me smile and I am so thankful I did. I love having the candle lit, and I pray much more often since I have a constant visible reminder.
    Love the music idea and can’t wait to see how the week goes!
    Thanks again for the encouragement to live life more calmly and thoughtfully!
    God bless 🙂

  67. I am participating in this challenged and I love it! I love lighting a candle at night and right now you have inspired me to put on soft classical piano music. It really calms me! I just love your posts and all the hard work you put into each blog you write. These verses were written to me! I have such a hard time with not saying whatever comes to my mind. In fact I just said something to a lady in church yesterday that was not very edifying! I need to think before I speak!! Thanks Courtney!

  68. Hi, I’m excited about the challenge for this week. I thought I’d missed it. I bought a candle just for the first challenge and I’m amazed how easy it is to remember to pray when I look at the candle. Thank you!!

  69. Hmmm….will have to see how the soft music goes. I personally have to be in the mood for soft music, but maybe even some contemporary christian music might do. I suspect I might have wondering faces with the start of music playing though. Love the idea though. I’ll try it.

  70. Thank you Courtney for all of your AMAZING ideas! I live in Idaho and I don’t know you and you don’t know me, but you have blessed me SO MANY times with your insight and posts! I’ve only been a subscriber for a few months, but I am so grateful for you!!!

  71. My fiancee just bought me a new Christmas CD, so this is perfect timing! I will start it in the morning and also dig out some of the meditation and chanting CDs I love. These will be much more serene than having the news, etc on the television all of the time.

    I’ve done the candle every day this week, and we have both felt more peace and serenity in our home.

  72. I love the idea of playing music in the home all week. Last year I used to wake up the house to the song This is the Day and you would be amazed how happy my kids would be. Plus it was an added bonus to start your day off with worshiping God and knowing that it was Him that had given us another day.

  73. My family LOVES the candle; I light it each morning so the family can wake up to the yummy smell and see it when they come to the kitchen for breakfast. The music will be a bit harder, as we tend to have very differing tastes in our house! I am enjoying the challenge, as it gives me a daily reminder to pray for my family.

  74. This is one I have been working on. I think this morning I will put on Beethoven because it is my oldest son’s favorite. Then I will put on my favorite Strauss. Then I will let my youngest pick. He has not decided his favorite yet.

  75. I’ve been following your blog and YouTube channel for a while but I’ve never commented. I just wanted to thank you for inspiring me to strive toward being a better wife and mother. You help remind me of the joy and importance of being a keeper of my home. 🙂

  76. This is my first time commenting. I’m new to your blog and have only started reading it maybe a month or so now…

    Last week was rough. It was as if Satan tried extra hard to make life as unpeaceful as possible! But, this week is going better and I trust God will help us get back to a peaceful home. The candle is still going and the soft music is playing, too. I homeschool my kids so I have classical music playing right now. But they enjoy going to sleep with sacred piano music playing in their room.

    Thanks for these challenges!

  77. I’ve been playing mostly Klove and I can’t tell you how great it’s been! I hear the Christian lyrics and the music and I’m reminded to speak kindly to my hubby and kids. My husband has also enjoyed the candle burning – I told him about the challenge too – I tell him all about you and your blogs!lol.. Here is how my first week went of making my home a haven. 🙂 Blessings, Lauren http://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/its-not-the-size-of-your-house-its-how-comfortable-your-guests-feel/

  78. We have really been enjoying our music lately. Thank you so much for all these ideas and encouragement. God is using you even all the way in Spain. Praying to be calmer. 🙂

  79. My husband has really enjoyed this week’s MYHAH challenge. He kept asking me to start another CD as soon as it would end. I didn’t realize how much son was enjoying the music as well. I was able to do my GMG devotion this morning, work out, lit our candle, and then started the music before I went up to get my 21 month old. As soon as we came down the stairs for breakfast he was pointed to the DVD player and exclaimed, “Muic! Muic!” What a wonderful way to start our day!

  80. I have just found this series and love it! I just went and lit my candle and said my prayer covering my family and home with PEACE! Now I just went and got my CD player which never gets played and it happened to have a WOW worship cd in it already and waiting for this challenge! It is now playing a song about God taking us back no matter what. On time message! Thank you, God for never abandoning us! I can’t wait to read the next weeks challenge and to report in a week or 2 how successful this has been for my family. Also, I appreciate the fact that these challenges are doable without tons of effort.

    THANKS!

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