Introducing the 11th Annual Making Your Home a Haven Bible Study
Welcome to the 11th Annual Making Your Home a Haven Bible Study! 11 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 things 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.
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.
To get your journal in time for the start of our study
Order your Making Your Home a Haven
Bible Study Journal NOW…titled:
Delight in the Lord
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/SOAKs and video notes.
If you’d like to purchase a printable-digital copy
(so you have it right away) at half the price
click the Buy Now button below.
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!
This study begins on Monday, November 2nd!
Here’s the topic schedule:
Week 1: Delight
Start a daily gratitude list and delight in the Lord, the giver of good gifts.
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, pray and give thanks.
Rejoice in the Lord always;
I will say it again, rejoice.
(Philippians 4:4)
Week 2: Draw Near
Slow down, be still, listen, pray and commune with the God of the universe. He is near.
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.
The Lord is near.
(Philippians 4:5)
Week 3: Desires
Take you desires to the Lord in 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.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:6)
Week 4: Dependence
It takes faith to rest in the Lord and depend solely on him but he is trustworthy. Delight, draw near, and exchange his desires for yours and depend on God. He loves you so!
Rest is a need not a want. Rest is not optional and it is a blessing from the Lord. So, seek out a place of solitude to rest and pray. Get alone with God outside or in your home. Be still with God and take a much needed bubble bath, nap or still time with the Lord.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:7)
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 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.
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 2nd 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 study begins on Monday, November 2nd!
The paperback journal is available
exclusively on Amazon.
If you’d like to purchase a printable-digital copy
(so you have it right away) at half the price
click the Buy Now button below.
This post contains an affiliate link.
I love this study!! I wait for it every year!
Hi Tam,
I’m so glad you love it and you are joining us again! It’s one of my favorites too!!!!
Much Love,
Courtney 🙂
My group is open for new members. https://www.facebook.com/groups/792580324823187/?ref=share
Hi Bobbey!
Thank you so much for your hospitality and welcoming people into your group! I really appreciate it.
Lots of Love,
Courtney 🙂
My first time looking forward to this study
Welcome Maria!
I’m so glad you are joining us for the first time. I pray God blesses you through the study of his Word with us.
Much Love,
Courtney 🙂
Hi Courtney!
I have this book but it’s a different cover. Is it the same one? I’ve been waiting for this to start! Thank you!!
Looking forward to it,
Rochelle
Hi Rochelle – This year’s journal is different from last years because the daily scripture reading and weekly spiritual focus will be different from last years but the challenges are the same as they have been for the last 10 years.
So glad you are joining us!
Courtney 🙂
Thank you Courtney,
Would you suggest I get the new one? Or should I just get it off your blog? I don’t want to miss anything!!! 🙂
Thank you! :)Rochelle
Is the study guide included in the digital journal purchase? If not is there alink to purchase that as well?
Hi Nicole,
Yes – the digital journal is the study guide. So that’s all you need to get started with us! So glad you are joining us.
Much Love
Courtney 🙂
Hi Courtney – when does this start? I didn’t see a date on here. Thanks, Delaney
Hi Delaney! The study starts on November 2nd.????
I was literally thinking about this study yesterday morning, and here is the intro in my email, this morning. God knows what my heart needs! Courtney, thanks for all you do… you are a TRUE, honest and special blessing to me, and for that I thank you!! Gotta run, it’s candle shopping time. ????
Hi Vanessa- Oh I love how God works and how he brought this to mind! I’m so glad you are joining us again and happy candle shopping!!! 🙂
Much Love,
Courtney
apple pumpkin is my favorite fall scent
Mmmm – Amy – I love that scent too!
Courtney 🙂
It will be my first time joining this Bible Study, i am looking forward to it.
????
Welcome Jenny,
I’m so glad you are joining us for the first time! I can’t wait to begin with you.
Much Love,
Courtney 🙂
I am excited about making your home a haven bible study! Looking forward too it! Have to shop for a scented candle. I have Luminara candles!
Hi Phyllis! So glad you will be joining us! Can’t wait to get started!!
Hi Courtney,
This is my second time. Looking forward to it. ????
Welcome back Traci! So wonderful to have you with us again!!
Oh, my goodness…I was just thinking about this the other day. I knew it was coming up. I look forward to it every year. I can’t wait for it. And…for that fall weather to kick in. We’re still in the upper 90s over here. My favorite fall candle scent is anything with pumpkin or apple. I can’t wait to go to TJ Maxx & pick up a new candle.
Welcome back Nicole! Thank you for your support and continuing to study with us. Can’t wait to get started!!!
One of my favorite fall rituals. This centers me so much before heading into a busy advent season and reminds me to keep my soul focused on the real celebration and not the commercialized one.
Amen Heather!! Soo ready for this study!!!☺
Hi Courtney! Looking toward to this study. I value your opinion as a Christian woman. Question: What should we do if leaders in our home church post and bring up politics?Any scripture to fall back on? Thanks!
My first and looking forward to it.
Welcome Caroline! So thankful to have you join with us for the first time!!
This will be my first time and I can’t wait
How wonderful! We’re so glad to have you with us Angela!!
Hi Courtney,
Looking forward to joining in this study from Adelaide South Australia.
Feeling battle weary at the moment, so many challenges this year. Looking forward to slowing down to Delight in the Lord. Blessings Catherine
Hi Catherine! So wonderful to have you join us all the way from Austrailia!! Can’t wait to get started!
Two days ago I had the opportunity to help another with Reference to 2 Corinthians 2. This is now my 3rd study with you Courtney and I appreciate so much all you do.
Apart from my online group, I also had a group of ladies meeting each week. It has been a great blessing in our lives.
This is my first “Making your home a haven” study and I am excited!
My favorite candle is “Pumpkin Spice”
That’s so encouraging to hear Charlie!! Thank you for your faithfulness! Looking forward to this study so much!!!
Hi Courtney! This will be my first study with you. I am excited to be part of it! Thank you ????
How wonderful!! So happy to have you with us Tammy!????
Courtney – I am so excited for this study! I love the focus on our homes and making them a place of rest and refuge! I think the timing this year is perfect as we can prepare our hearts and homes before the holiday season rush! Thank you investing in so many of us through Making Your Home a Haven!
Thank you so much for your encouragement Tracie! So excited to get started!!
So Excited….my books should be here this after
Wonderful!! Can’t wait to get started!
Hi!! My name is Taylor!! I just found this website and I am so excited to get started.
Welcome Taylor! So glad to have you join with us!! ????
Hello my name is maria this is my first time.
Hi Maria! Welcome- so glad to have you!!
I’m in a new prayer group with some friends and I suggested we all do this together. Is there anything I should be aware of hosting a group? I have done all your studies except the Making Your Home a Haven study each year! Would love any extra helps as I’ve never lead a group, only done one on one Bible Studies.
Hi Dana! Thank you so much for your willingness to lead a group!! There are a lot of resources in this blog post for leaders- https://womenlivingwell.org/good-morning-girls-leaders-training/ ????
I was invited to this page from a friend! Glad she did, I am super excited about this journey.
I will be purchasing a nice, fall scented candle with some apple in it!!
Welcome! So glad to have you Kirsten!!!
Good Morning!
Approaching today’s study (Fri. 11/13). Is it Psalm 146 or Psalm 46 that we are reading?
This has been a timely study. I am blessed!
Thank you!
Sincer,
Elena
Hi Elena! It’s Psalm 46. ????