Five Routines That Will Help During Difficult Times

Maybe with all the stuff going on in the world you’re having a bit of a hard time getting motivated in your home. I want to encourage you today about how helpful it is to keep moving forward especially during these difficult days.

If we can’t have the confidence that home will be a constant place of comfort, where will we go?

If we are also at odds with our loved ones because we are stressed, who else on this earth will love them?

Therefore…

1. Keep your normal routines going at home.
   Get up and get dressed.
   Make the bed.
   Do the laundry.
   Vacuum the carpet.
   Sweep the floor.
   Make the bathroom shine.
   You have control over yourself, so be disciplined.
2. Keep mealtimes delicious, engaging and special.
   Cook good food. That doesn’t mean you have to fix gourmet food.
   I do think there’s great value in fixing a supper meal at home, in involving your family in setting the table, and helping with clean up. While at the table, turn off the television and make effort to create conversation, even if it’s just you and your spouse.
   Turn on some relaxing music in the background.
   Light a candle.
   Set the table.
   Linger after the meal.
   Have a small dessert and coffee and take time to enjoy it all together as the gift it really is.
   It’s hard work being a homemaker, but if you don’t do it for your family, who will?
3. Be present for your spouse and children. In all that’s going on, it’s so easy for people to feel disconnected.
   Children are certainly feeling some hard things and may need to ask questions or share any fears they may be experiencing.
   What a great time to point them to God’s Word with answers.
   Stop and pray with them over any anxious feelings they may be experiencing.
   My husband and I quoted Bible verses to one another one recent evening as we were drifting off to sleep. They were verses of comfort that did much to stop my worry!
   No one can take your place in the home. Your presence is imperative and irreplaceable.
4. Make home the best place to be. Create a warmth that draws your family back.
   Plan for game night with popcorn and hot chocolate.
   Keep the house tidied up so it feels welcoming.
   Get that last bit of Christmas decor put away and the tree needles swept up.
   Light a new, fresh candle.
   Make comfy places for people to sit and read.
   Maybe this is the time to change the furniture around for a fresh look in your living room?
   Home is a gift, and the woman is the one who sets the tone.
5. Make sure you’re spending greater time with the Lord each day. If we ever needed direction and comfort from His Word, it’s now.
   Pray.
   Spend time giving Him your burdens.
   Learn from Him.
   Write down what you learn.
   Stay close through the day by listening to godly podcasts.
   Meditate on God’s Word through Scripture memory.
   

If you wish to know God, you must know His Word. If you wish to perceive his power, you must see how he works by his Word. If you wish to know his purpose before it comes to pass, you can only discover it by his Word. ~Spurgeon

Without a relationship with God, we can do nothing that is effective for eternity.

These five things will not change the world, but they can change the people that live inside your home…including you! I pray that these simple steps will help you bring some joy from the home that our loving God has entrusted to you. You can make a difference, dear friend.

Refresh the atmosphere of your home,