Peace in or peace out!

There is nothing in this world like a peaceful home. I am a firm believer that my home should be a place of refuge. It should be a safe place to come to after being out in the society working, shopping, and being in the hustle and bustle. Home is where you can kick off your shoes and relax and be yourself. Home is where it is okay to wear what you want to and to be as comfortable as you desire. Happiness fills the atmosphere in my home. The presence of God is all around and obvious in our home. We had our home blessed and are determined to keep in that way.
I love to entertain in my home. I love to provide a hot meal and good conversation. I love the sound of laughter. I just like to see people enjoy themselves. Every now and then I get someone to bring negativity and drama in and I just have to say, "Peace out!" If you are not bringing it in you will take it out. I want the peace to stay, so the offender must go. Again I say, "Peace out!" I may not be so blunt as to say "get out" but I will let the person know that I am not feeling well and need to be alone. It is true. I don't feel well when there is no peace. This rule applies even with my loved ones. There are times when I have to tell my son to go for a walk. That gives me time to pray for peace. When my husband and I find ourselves in intense fellowship, I try to leave when can't resolve it. I am not running away. I just value the peace that resides. I know my husband well enough to know that he would pray for restoration and resolution.
The bottom line is that peace is precious in the home. We should make it our business to do everything that we can to create that environment in our homes and make vows to do everything possible to keep it. We have to decree and declare peace in our homes when we pray. We have to command any thing or anyone who distorts the peace to go. Listed below are a few tips that one can use to keep the peace:

1. Have monthly family meetings. This time can be used to discuss the budget, family needs, vacations, disagreements, desires, inappropriate behaviors, etc. Children can be included in these meetings, so make sure that there is sensitivity in the discussion. If there is a need sooner than one month then an emergency meeting should be called. Make sure to begin and end the meeting with prayer.
2. If you find that you are headed toward and intense fellowship with your spouse or another adult, go out in public to a coffee shop or a restaurant. It is easier to discuss things peacefully when a bunch of people are around. This will avoid yelling and getting everyone involved in your business. If you can't go out, go to the dining room table or the family room. Never argue in the bedroom. That is a place of intimacy. It should never be associated with a knock down drag out fight.
3. Have regular family and personal prayer time. Every one should come together daily to pray and each person should be encouraged to come with a prayer request for themselves or someone or something else. Make sure to pray with your children nightly before they go to bed.
4. Order and structure is very important for children in a household. This one may be up for debate, but most people need it. Have homework time, dinner time, bath time, reading time, prayer time, tv time, and bedtime. One should stick to a schedule as often as possible. It keeps the flow going.
5. Play soft music or worship music often. Music can change an atmosphere in a space.
6. Respect each other and teach your children to do the same. It is important for wives to respect their husbands. Men need it more than love. It is in the bible!
7. Love each other with words and action. Hug your spouse and children and tell them that you love them daily and often each day. It is important for husbands to love their wives. We need lots of it. It is also in the bible.

I have not exhausted the list of ways to create peace in the home. I am not an expert. I am just a woman, a wife, a mother, a homeowner, and a lover of the Lord among many things. I would love to hear how you keep peace in your homes and would love to read your comments. God bless you.