The other day I stumbled upon Preslaysa Williams blog–a refreshing, encouraging site for mom’s. Reading the following devotional, I loved her reminder to build–to encourage, strengthen, pour into–her marriage, so I asked her if I could repost it. Proverbs often provides opposites–don’t do this, instead… In Proverbs 14:1, God contrasts wise and foolish living, leaving the choice to us. Each day, we have an opportunity to invest in the relationships around us. The choice is ours, we can either build up or tear down. It’s much easier to build than it is to repair something lying in shambles.

The Wise Woman by Preslaysa Williams

“A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands” (Proverbs 14:1)

Last week while perusing the pages of the Bible, this verse leapt out at me. Has that ever happened to you? At this point in my journey, it’s a morsel of sound wisdom. As a woman in my home, I have the ability to build it up or tear it down…with my own hands. The actions I take, the words I speak and the tone that I set in my home shape the course of the lives that live within its walls. Those lives can be  built up (or torn down). God has given women a powerful ability to influence their family for eternity.

When I think of my mishaps in this area, the impatience, the frazzledness and all the other daily struggles of home life, I can easily allow the enemy to pull me down into guilt and condemnation. But by leaning on Him, each day to pursue the ginormous tasks He’s given me: to help my spouse become God’s man, to teach our children the fear of the Lord and to string together words that point to God’s grace, I can flourish.

You can too! It’s not in our own strength but in His.

So, I’m keeping this verse at the forefront of my mind. I’m continually evaluating how I interact with those closest to me and I’m asking God for guidance to help me build up my home and the hearts that dwell there. Some ways that He’s shown me include:

*Spending time alone with Him daily before I go about my daily tasks

*Whittling down my activities to align with my four most important roles in life (at this season): child of God, wife, mother and writer

*Making lunches and dinners (leads to eating out less often!!)

*Listening to my spouse and building him up with words of encouragement

Question for you: How are you building up your home? Are there any areas which you’d like God to help you build your home? 

Preslaysa Williams is a wife, mom, freelance writer, domestic engineer and professional juggler (or at least feels like one!) When she’s not rebooting a load of laundry or chasing her toddler, you can find her typing away. Her articles have been published in online and print magazines like Devozine, CBN.COM, The Lookout and Clear Direction. Visit her online at www.preslaysa.com where she blogs about the Jesus life, family and all things literary.