Building a Family

Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3,4

photo credit: Nick Kenrick ..gone to Cuba , back soon via

A home is built with wisdom that keeps it from falling down.
It is established by understanding that a home is built with the help of God, not on our own understanding, plans or ideas.

The foundation has to be Christ and the wisdom to trust Him in all times of doubting and fear. It has to be built on trust, faith, and grace.
A home is built and stays standing because God is there holding up the pieces.

Even when you look over at your spouse and feel mostly confusion and frustration. The days when his life approach just doesn’t seem to be lining up with yours, the days when you don’t see eye to eye.

God keeps it standing.

Even when anger and bitterness enter into your heart. When you’ve been hurt and feel alone. Or when you’ve done the hurting, and you don’t know how to get back those words you never wanted to say aloud.

God holds it together.

Even when the day is long, the family is tired, and the demands seem never to end.

God can show you joy even in the darkest hours – with a laughing baby or a child’s arms wrapped tight around your neck. Or a quiet “i love you” or the squeeze of a hand.

A home is built with faith that God can fix all our wrongs, fill in all our cracks, and repair the age that starts to show.

As time goes on, the aging adds more than cracks and disrepair. It brings a house character and memories. It reminds us of the joy shared and the dreams dreamed... together. And when a house has stood strong
- established by understanding that God is in control and His nails hold it together -
it grows grander and increases in value.

When I have walked thru the rooms of my grandmothers' homes, I am surrounded by knowledge and rich compassion.  None of them have been wealthy or have had a fancy address. Many of their furnishings have been dated. But despite a life fraught with disappointment, loss, and painful truth - there exists also a history of faith and understanding that can only be learned as a home - as a family - is built.

Knowledge fills the rooms with riches – memories, forgiveness, and love. As we grow together, the rooms of my house are filled with the knowledge of our purpose here – the calling we have to build a family and encourage and pray for our children and to teach love and grace and the mercy of Christ. Knowledge fills my rooms and it fills my soul. And I have a lot more to learn – that will never change.

But I pray that God will continue to give me
wisdom, despite my stubbornness;

understanding, despite my rush; 

and knowledge, despite my pride.

And I know He will. Because I’m asking Him to.


(This post, along with others, will be compiled under the Family Building tab at the top of the site.  Check out the tabs periodically for new takes on these vital topics.)