To Build or To Tear?

“The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”
Proverbs 14:1

Today you and I have the choice to make efforts to build our homes or tear them down. I don’t know about you, but it is a scary thought that we have the ability to tear our house apart!

We can build up with words - gentle answers, kindness, listening before we speak. Or we can tear down with words - harsh answers, anger, impatience as we deal with situations.

We can build with our actions - praising good deeds, respecting projects and time, making efforts to do fun things together. Or we can tear down - ignoring good deeds to harp on the bad, demanding projects be cleaned because they’re inconvenient or cutting someone’s time short because you’re done, calling it quits at 3pm because you’re too tired for fun.

I could go on, but I’m confident you can recognize things in your own life and household. The Holy Spirit is wonderful at nudging us when we need Him to. Just this afternoon, my oldest asked if he could use my pillows, blankets, etc. to make a path in my room for quiet time. This happens nearly every day…and it is not something I love! But it’s not hurting anything, so I reluctantly said yes again. He can help clean it up in an hour and it’s a simple way to build him up rather than tearing him down by picking a silly fight.

Find ways to build your home today, and recognize the choices that could tear it down. If you mess up, apologize and seek the forgiveness of your kiddos and/or husband. Then move on, and keep growing!

God is faithful, and He will surely give you eyes to see what you need to. :)

A Quick Encouragement

Hey Mama -

In case you’re needing encouragement today:

Training up your littles (and bigs) is a worthwhile, good calling.

Taking the time to teach them, to play with them, to go places together - it’s worthwhile.

Your children have been put in your family on purpose, and God has given and will continue to give you and your husband everything needed to do the job of raising them.

It’s okay if your family structure doesn’t look like everyone else’s. It’s okay if your routines are different, or if you have to say no to outside things more often than you’d like.

Time often brings the gift of maturity. We have plans and routines that start one way and either morph or end. If your utmost focus is to shape your family life around what God teaches through Scripture, you’re doing well.

Keep on keeping on, doing the faithful work that the Lord has given you. It is good, and it is pleasing to Him!

Bite-Sized Encouragement

Hey mama.

It’s been a rough 29 months, hasn’t it?

Sure feels like it’s been that long.

I’ve had so many thoughts I’ve wanted to share, so many posts I’ve wanted to write. Ways to encourage and boost you up.

Today, though, is a day for few of my words and more from Scripture. Read them a couple times, and as always - shoot me an email if you need specific prayer. :)

“My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah”

PSALM 62:5-8

“O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.

But those who seek my life, to destroy it,
Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
They shall fall by the sword;
They shall be a portion for jackals.

But the king shall rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;
But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.”

PSALM 63