Introducing the 10th Annual Making Your Home A Haven Bible Study!
Welcome to the 10th Annual Making Your Home a Haven Bible Study! 10 years ago, we began this series and never could I have imagined how much it would resonate with so many women around the world!
Our souls desperately need a deeper connection with God.
So many times we try to mask our struggles, pain, confusion or emptiness by keeping busy and distracted, eating food, going on vacations, seeking success or elevating certain relationships. While many of these are blessings from God, they are not good substitutes FOR God.
This Bible Study is going to help you slow down.
It is going to force you to pause every day and enter into the presence of our Almighty God through the 4 Spiritual Disciplines of gratitude, meditation, prayer and fasting.
God’s pace is much slower than this world’s pace.
We must slow down to catch up with God.
We must create calm moments in our day because it’s in the unhurried moments, that we can clearly see and hear the voice of God.
Order your Making Your Home a Haven
Bible Study Journal now
to get it in time for the start of our study!
This journal is available exclusively on Amazon.
The Study Guide is optional, as I will provide for you the daily Bible Reading Plan and many free resources each week here on the blog. BUT I highly recommend the Study Guide. It provides space for your daily gratitude list and daily prayer requests, plus a place to keep all of your Bible study reflections and video notes.
Self-care is a very popular concept these days, but I believe that soul care IS self-care.
So, let’s take care of our souls by intentionally creating a physical environment, as well as a spiritual environment, in our homes that brings us closer to God. As a result, we will experience peace and a sense of calmness inside our souls, no matter what we are facing.
- Each week, I will provide for you a practical challenge of something I do in my home that makes it more of a haven. I hope you will take the challenges. They do make a difference!
- Each weekday, we will pause, give thanks, pray and meditate on God’s Word through SOAKing in the daily scripture reading for the day.
- Also, you will find 4 videos, one per week, that correspond with the scriptures we are studying.
I encourage you to give yourself permission to not have your to-do list all checked off in order for you to slow down and catch up with God.
David writes in Psalm 42:1, 2:
“As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?”
I pray that your time spent in God’s Word will bless your soul and quench your thirst and that you will live well, as you drink from the living well, the living words of God. (John 4:13-14) .
I can’t wait to take this journey with you!
Here’s the topic schedule:
Week 1: Gratitude
Start a daily Gratitude List.
Go buy an extra-large candle and light a candle everyday in your home. Each time the glimmer of the candle catches your eye, stop and pray.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
(Psalm 136:1)
(Click here to see the video and resources for week 1)
Week 2: Meditation
Slow down, focus, reflect, and think about God’s Word every day this week.
Keep your candle going and add to it soft music everyday in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that helps you focus on the Lord.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
(Joshua 1:8)
(Click here to see the video and resources for week 2)
Week 3: Prayer
Take time to have deeper and more meaningful times of prayer this week.
Keep your candle burning, the music playing and purchase a small bouquet of flowers for yourself. Let that bouquet be a daily reminder of God’s love and presence with you.
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
(James 5:16)
(Click here to see the video and resources for week 3)
Week 4: Fasting
You can choose to do a 24 hour fast or fast one meal a day for 7 days in a row or fast for a period of time from something like social media, screen time, shopping or whatever you choose.
Seek out a place of solitude to pray. Get alone with God outside or in your home. Be still with God and fervently pray.
16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
(Matthew 6:16-18)
(Click here to see the video and resources for week 4)
Printable Bible Bookmark
Printable Bible Coloring Bookmark
Signature GMG SOAK Bible Study Method
Video explaining the Bible Coloring and SOAK Methods of Study
Here are the highlighters, pens and pencils I mentioned in the video:
Highlighters – Acid Free – Bible Hi-Glider
Fine Line Non-bleeding Pens – Micron Archival Ink and Multi-Colored Gel Pens
Colored Pencils – Crayola Twistables and Crayola Colored Pencils
I use the ESV Inductive Study Bible as my personal study Bible.
Blog and Social Media Schedule
Blog
Mondays – All of the Free Resources for the week including the Daily Reflections Questions, printable Verses of the Day, Weekly Challenges AND the video for the week will be posted here. (I will not be posting on Fridays.)
Instagram
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the verses of the day along with encouragement for your study will be posted on the Women Living Well Instagram.
Share pictures of your candles, flowers, playlists and favorite places to rest on Instagram by using the hashtags: #MakingYourHomeAHaven and #WomenLivingWell.
Facebook
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, I’ll be posting the assigned reading of the day at 7:00amEST and an open discussion takes place there. Check it out! It’s wonderful! Go to Good Morning Girls Facebook Page here.
Printable SOAK Pages
This is for those who are not purchasing the Bible Study Guide. This is not the same as the Study Guide on Amazon – these pages have been created for low-cost printing on a home printer and do not include the Introduction, Weekly Challenges, Space for your Gratitude Lists, Prayer Requests, or Verses of the Day.
Are you in?
If you are – it’s time to prepare for the first challenge by going out and purchasing a large candle. Share in the comments what your favorite scent is!
There are no sign-ups or enrollments. Don’t forget to invite your friends! I’ll see you back here on November 4th as we begin!
Walk with the King,
Courtney
{Special Note to GMG Leaders: If you have room in your group – please leave a link to your group in the comment section – thank you!!!}
This journal is available exclusively on Amazon.
This post contains an affiliate link.
Sounds like a wonderful study, so glad to have found it today!
Welcome Susanne!
I’m so glad you are here and I hope you join us! It’s going to be SO good!!!
Lots of Love,
Courtney 🙂
My name is Marlene. Love to join the group for this study. Sound Amazing. Blessings
I am ready for this study, much needed and thank you so much for doing this I really love it
Can’t wait for this Bible Study!! I have never done a study like this online. Very excited to see how it goes.
I need this so much! Time to refocus and connect deeper with my Father! I am so ready….
Yes. I think this is the perfect time and the precise connection I need at this time with this study. I haven’t done a thorough study, I’m shamed to say, since Rest and Release two years ago! So this study starts November 4th?? I will be ready! An extremely close family member is going through something incredibly serious that affects the family as well so to have a study to help in gratitude for what IS going right and meditation for a moment of calmness in the storm, I need more skill in prayer and fasting for sure to help focus on God’s will and to feel His peace. I want to do this. ♥️
Thank you so much for all the great lessons you provide. I’m so blessed I found you.
Apple cinnamon for fall
I love. Apple cinnamon
Am I a le to do this all on fb, I dont have IG
Yes!! I didn’t do Instagram forever and was fine.
HI Miranda,
Yes – as Renee said you do not need Instagram to do this study. I’ll be posting everything you need for your study every Monday here on the blog and for more encouragement – if you have facebook – go to http://www.facebook.com/goodmorninggirlswlw
So glad you are joining us!
Courtney 🙂
I would like to participate.
My favorite candles are leaves, fall festival, orange clove, or pumpkin pecan waffles
The book is due to arrive today, I’m looking forward to doing this.
I am so excited to do this series again! I’ve participated for the past several years and have received so many blessings from it!❤️ ~My favorite candle scent is any fall scent from Bath & Body Works!! It’s hard to choose. I have a few of their 3 wick candles, so that should last me through the study! I’ll be burning Marshmallow Fireside and Pumpkin Pecan Waffles.????
Hello Courtney, an old friend and I connected on messenger and she shared your link, and its not by coincident that she shared, I am interested i doing this online home Bible study, however outside of purchasing any material how does this work? I am one of those busy with a great to do list and how do I put yhrm aside for this?
Thank you,
I moved into a home with natural gas, so I’ve been afraid to light candles here. I’ve been using an essential oil diffuser instead – it lights up and changes color- so fun! I love lemon, orange, and mint. Lavender for peaceful calm sleep. My favorite candles are those that remind me of Spring and early Summer before it gets too hot- like lilacs, roses, and spring rain.
Hi Denise!
I always get a bit nervous about lighting candles as well, but I was recently introduced to using a candle warmer instead! I just though I may share that with you!
God Bless!
Paula
Due to pets I cannot light candles so I bought those battery operated ones. Some are even scented!
Looks Interesting!
Are there videos with this study? If so how can we watch them? Thank you for the information.
Love, Sallie
Hi Sallie,
Yes – the videos will be posted every Monday right here on the blog. They will also be posted over on my youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/courtneylivingwell .
I’m so glad you are joining us!
Courtney 🙂
Yes! I love this Bible study and have participates for the last several years. I always look forward to it. Taking this time out really helps me to quiet my heart and refocus on what is truly important, especially before the craziness of the holidays. Thank you for doing this Courtney!
we dont use candles in our home but my Young Living diffuser is always going with grapefruit and bergamont or Christmas spirit….mmmmmm
I’m looking forward to joining the group for this study! Thanks so much!
Pumpkin Apple is my fall scent ????????
Anything with flannel, woods, old books, leather type smells and I’m in!
You should check out the “Chestnut & Clove” candle by Bath & Body Works.
I know this is jumping ahead, but which study comes after Making your Home a Haven? I am purchasing the book and want to purchase whichever book comes next.
Thank you,
Yvonne
Hi Yvonee,
Good question! I’m sorry that the next Bible Study journal is not finished so it’s not available yet. I’ll announce the January study in the month of December and it will be available then. Sorry about that.
Much Love,
Courtney 🙂
My favorite scent is a cinnamon spice! Looking forward to this study. It’s the perfect time of year! Blessings!
Excited to start this study! I saw where the precious Amy Hale shared about it!
Bath & Body Works has 3 candles that I absolutely love the smell of…
1. Chestnut & Clove…(my favorite)…
2. Twisted Peppermint…
3. Peppermint
During the Fall season, my favorite candle scent is pumpkin caramel! I am looking forward to this study and cannot wait for it to begin!
I hope everyone has a wonderful start to the week!
So excited, look forward to this every fall, Thank you for doing this????????????❤️
This is my 2nd year, and I am looking forward to it! I had forgotten about it until I started reading and saw about lighting the candle each day!!! Thank you for doing this Courtney, it really helped me last year as today through the remainder of the year is a difficult time for me, and this time with God really helps me through these darker days. My scent is Autumn Wreath. God Bless!
I am in! Just ordered the journal. I usually don’t get the journal for the studies — I just write everything out in a notebook — but decided to treat myself this time. I’m sure I have a candle in my stash that will work — I’ll choose a fall scent.
Looks like GMG River Valley is going to do this one.
If you would like to join us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/396539424040439/
Hooray!! Thank you for leaving your link and for your hospitality Janice!!
Much Love
Courtney 🙂
So excited to for this Bible study to begin.
My favorite candle is Woodwick’s Cinnamon Chai – so cozy, it smells like home, plus I love the crackling as it burns. ????
I would like to participate in this Bible Study. What do I need to do??
Hi Adrienne – everything you need will be posted here on the blog each Monday through out November. If you want to subscribe to the blog via email then you won’t miss a post.
You can find the place to subscribe (on a computer) on the sidebar or (On a device) right under the comment section here.
Hope that helps!
So glad you are joining us,
Courtney 🙂
Thank you I have downloaded the soak pages and can’t wait to start
I so need this!! And always have candles..my soul is longing to grow in God’s word..So much chaos rolling around lately..Thank you for making these available to us all.. ♥
I’m so excited for this! I have been searching for a women’s Bible Study and I really didn’t want to do one alone! Can’t wait to get back to spending time with my Father. Life can completely take over but the thirst is always there!
I can’t wait to go get a candle! My favorite candle scents, especially during this time of the year, are anything that smells like I baked ie: Cinnamon, sugar cookie etc or any of the fall smells ie: pumpkin spice, or fall leaves.
I am the same way! I move a lot and thus struggle to find a good small group. I’m excited to find an online option! Ready to start my first one ❤️❤️❤️
I have ordered my journal for this study, I will get it tomorrow. I am so ready for this. When do we start?
Hi Candy,
We begin on Monday, November 4th.
So glad you are joining us!
Lots of Love,
Courtney 🙂
So glad a friend told me about this. I am in. Thanks Jax.
Just ordered my book! Very excited! I guess I need to make a trip to Bath & Body Works..oh darn. ????
Thank you so much for doing this study! God Bless!
Pumpkin or apple candle. so glad to be back again this year and can’t wait to begin!
I am looking so forward to this study. I need some time to relax and pray and this sounds like the perfect way to do it. Thank you!
Me too! ????????
I half-heartedly did this last year–just “so busy” with working full-time & leading women’s Bible study, etc (along with a 20-mile commute!). BUT . . . doing it more whole-heartedly this year AND encouraging my class members to engage in this, too.
Fave candle scent? Something home-y & fresh (not food!)–woodsy, too! I had one some years ago that smelled like the woods after it rains–so lovely! Patchouli, Ylang-ylang, cedarwood…!!
My favorite candle is my Yankee Candle “A Calm and Quiet Place”. —balanced with gentle jasmine, a whisper of patchouli, and warm amber musk. Perfect for bible study ☺️
Spring here in New Zealand !! A beautiful way to celebrate new life / new beginnings.. Going shopping for my summery candle today 🙂
Thank you for this study. Much appreciated.
Sandra’s, I am in New Zealand too, do you have a group I could join?
I have looking for a study to reconnect to my faith, God and recenter myself for the upcoming holidays. I am so excited to jump into this in November. Thank you!
Hi Courtney! Has anyone done this study “in real life” verses online? I’m thinking of inviting a group of women over weekly to do a study together. Would this work well for that? any tips?
Hugs!
I am interested in doing this with the women in my small group as well, but after the first of the year. Can that be down? Thanks!
I look forward to this all year. My favorite candle for fall is crisp Fall Leaves by Better Homes & Garden from Walmart
Looking forward to this! Time to get my candle.
I just got a candle already “Acorn Spice”, can’t wait to start the study. Study guide on it’s way. How I have missed doing this blog, Instagram, listening to your videos, bless you Courtney.
This Bible study has the perfect timing! I’ve been so busy and stressed the past 7 weeks cause I’m a new mom and I desperately need quiet time with God.
My favorite candles are any fall scents…currently apple cobbler ❤️
Hey Courtney, I’m thrilled that I get to be a part again of this AMAZING study of Making Our Home a Haven….10 YEARS, oh my GOODNESS, we have gone from having elementary homeschooling kids, to now they are GRADUATED,…doing this in each season of life we have gone through, not only has helped ME grow and mature in my WALK WITH CHRIST…I have seen the influence it has had on each and everyone of our family members!!!
So Thank You, for being such a FAITHFUL WOMAN OF GOD, and allowing us on this journey with you again, I cant wait to see what GOD has in store for our growing family this year….if you need a leader for a group, I would be oh so honored….just let me know what I need to do hun
BLESSINGS, Stacey
Hi Stacey,
I agree – I can’t believe it’s been 10 years – your kids are graduated! Wow! So exciting.
Thank you for your willingness to lead a group! You can find a leader’s guide and video series for leaders here: http://womenlivingwell.org/good-morning-girls-leaders-training/ . If the Lord lays it on your heart to start a facebook group – just leave the link in the comments here (and on the next post that goes with this study) so women can find you and join your group.
So glad you are joining us again this year!
Much Love,
Courtney 🙂
Hi ???????? I just created and posted my first post in a “GMG” group I may release for this study. Do y’all have a group for GMG Group leaders. I hope I’m doing this right. I’m so nervous.
Hi Jessica,
We do not have a group for leaders but you can find a free download of our leaders guide along with 4 training videos here: http://womenlivingwell.org/good-morning-girls-leaders-training/
That’s great that you are taking the initiative and leading a GMG Group! Thank you!!
Much Love,
Courtney 🙂
No! Thank You Courtney for such a beautiful and helpful ministry.
I read the manual and reviewed the videos. I’ve been meditating on this for a couple months now. I already have the group ready but haven’t published it because I wanna make sure I have an idea of how everything will be implemented for everyone to be well informed and enjoy their experience in the group.
Ahhh so excited and nervous! Pray for me and I’ll pray for you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/165421400777761/?ref=group_header
DEEPER ROOTS FB Small GROUP
Hello I am so excited for doing this study again! love it to start the Hoildays!
I ALSO HaVE PLENTY of ROOM now ! I have a NEW group This year!
Hi Cynthia,
Thank you so much for leaving a link to your group here and inviting women in! I really appreciate it and pray God blesses your time together.
Much Love,
Courtney 🙂
Are the pages in this book the SOAK method? I was trying to find sample pages. Thank you!
Hi Andrea – yes the journal includes the weekly challenges, space for your daily gratitude list and daily prayer requests, plus a place to keep all of your Bible study SOAKS and video notes.
Hope that helps!
Courtney 🙂
I’m in! I do not burn candles, but do have a warmer with wax scented tarts. I’m warming the crisp apple one! ❤
My book just arrived today! Getting my candle this weekend! Harvest scent from Yankee Candles. My favorite fall scent. Can’t wait to start!
I haven’t done this before. I am so excited for the opportunity. I have been away for awhile. My favorite candle this time of year is anything Fall/Pumpkin. During the rest the year I love the linen/cotton fragrances.
Hello ladies ????????
I have a “Good Morning Girls” Facebook Group. If you will like to join here is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/749994832079778/?ref=share
We would love to have you. The group is for all women. Can’t wait to draw closer to God together.
Jessica
♥️????✨
Love, Grow and Inspire
I’m excited to do this study
I love this and I want to walk with our King! Thanks for doing this.
Hi! I started a private Facebook group for the Psalms 51-100 study earlier this summer and since it was the first study I’ve ever led, I was totally shocked and overjoyed to see 44 ladies join! I took a break and decided to lead the “Making Your Home a Haven” study. If any of you ladies are seeking a group to join, I would love to have you in mine! Here’s the link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/668253823627642/
Actually, since I set it up as a Private group, people are not able to find it with the link I provided above. Just search for me on Facebook as Stephanie Brewer Stewart or email me at [email protected] if you’d like me to send you an invitation. So sorry for the confusion!
So we just come back to the website on November 4? How does it work? Is it like a daily video we follow along or a blog?
This is something I need so much in my life right now, as I’m really struggling. I am so looking forward to this study! Thank you so much for what you do! I’ve watched some of your videos before, but this will be my first time doing a study with you!
We have space in our group https://www.facebook.com/groups/191830844328096/?ref=bookmarks or search for Mary’s Circle on Facebook.
Girllll!!! I am SO in!! And I already have a candle but I have my eye on one in Peebles and this was just the push I needed to go and buy it!!! I absolutely cannot wait. I need this right now.
So very excited for todays start of Making your Home a Haven! Thank you so much for these bible studies as it is hard for me to join my ladies study at work as I am a commuter and get up at 2am, and arrive at work at 5am. This has been such a blessing for me to do on my lunch break, I have been so blessed by the studies.
Hello ladies ????????
I have a “Good Morning Girls” Facebook Group on USA, Central Time (if that’s a preference) If you will like to join here is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/749994832079778/?ref=share
We would love to have you. The group is for all women. Can’t wait to draw closer to God together.
Jessica
Group Facilitator
♥️????✨
Love, Grow and Inspire
How do I sign up for this study?
Also, don’t have Facebook, does that hinder the study at all?
I joined you a few years ago and just came across your insta feed – it’s nice to “see” you again & Im so looking forward to joining this study!
pm
Hello ladies ????????
I have a “Good Morning Girls” Facebook Group on USA, Central Time (if that’s a preference) If you will like to join here is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/749994832079778/?ref=share or search Good Morning Girls by Jessica Henderson
We would love to have you. The group is for all women. Can’t wait to draw closer to God together.
Jessica
Group Facilitator
????????✨
Love, Grow and Inspire
So blessed to participate in this study. Just purchased my candle (candle is Oud fragrance a very peaceful and lovely fragrance that makes me happy) and have invited a few sisters in Christ Jesus to join. May the grace, peace and joy our Lord be with each of those participating.
Agape,
Excited to begin this study with everyone!
Are the videos and resources still available if the book is bought now?
Hi Amber!
Yes- all of the videos and resources will remain available on the blog after this series ends. So you can do it anytime – at your own pace.
Hope that helps!
Courtney 🙂
Hi Courtney, I’m new to the world of fasting. I’d like to do the 24 hour fasting. Do you have a resource of the best way to do this, especially for the forst time?
Thank you,
Melissa Meyers
Hi Melissa,
This Monday on the blog, I’ll be posting how to do a 24 hour fast…so that’s coming. Until then – this is a link to the video that has not been released…you are welcome to watch it early – it explains a 24 hour fast 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSfpK2Z-sKg
Hope this helps!
Much Love,
Courtney
Thank you for the tips and video! ????
Thanks For The Info….