Monday, January 11, 2016

Build Your House


Oh friends, I don't know about you, but there have been a lot of cutting remarks between siblings lately in our house.

It hurts my heart to hear the critical statements, questions, accusations, etc. I know you get it!

One day last week, I noticed a post on Facebook that caught my eye and I rarely click on things like this but I'm glad I did.

That click led me to this post: How to Build a Sweet Home Life

I like hands-on lessons like this and decided to give it a try. David was at work one evening, so I pulled some leftover frosting out of the fridge and a box of sugar cubes. My children went crazy over the sugar cubes as I guess I'd never bought them before?!


We took turns each adding a layer to our house. Our house building was very low key and casual. I didn't give any clues as to why we were doing this but I did ask Emily to bring her Bible to the table so she knew we were going to read at least something!

By the way, look at that amaryllis! It is almost two feet tall and we are waiting for it to bloom. Our sweet friend, Miss Gaye, brought it to us before Christmas and we have all had fun measuring it almost daily. Before Christmas, it was growing over an inch per day which of course, has been very exciting to watch!


After building our house, we read Proverbs 14:1. Then we talked about what kinds of things build our house up and tear our house down.

I gently reminded that all of the cutting and critical remarks and comments were tearing down the peace in our home. And that when I heard any of those things, I would take a cube out of their house.

Daddy reminded us when he got home that there also lots of beautiful ways we can build our house up and we could add cubes back in for those things.


It wasn't even an hour before a block had to come off, but I'm grateful for the awareness it brought to a situation that we've tried to verbally correct but needed a visual reminder for.

The next day was much, much better in building our house up! May the building continue!


How do you encourage the building up of your home vs the tearing down? This is a fun idea with a good lesson if you are looking for a little extra motivation for your children!

12 comments:

Shelby said...

Great idea. This is a constant struggle for our kids. We have been doing a lesson on self control and how to apply, even for mama. Love the house idea😊

Unknown said...

Very good idea! Christina

Mom said...

What a great idea! :)

angie said...

This is a visual reminder needed in our family, particularly me. I've been feeling convicted all morning about comments I made to my daughter this morning. Why must I behave as if my kids needing me is an inconvenience?? When all too well I know how quickly those days will be gone. I plan to 'rebuild our house' after school today with an apology. But, I may also have to pick up a box of sugar cubes so that we can all be reminnded of both the positive and negative power of our words.

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

Oh my goodness.. I love this idea!! What a visual for our kids to get.

I am reminded of a saying that I'll be handwriting (again, because I've used it before) on my grace and gratitude whiteboard (from Blessings, Mary & Martha) - which says...

HOME was not built in a day!

This settles the Momma - as she realizes that a happy home and family takes time - as well as hard work.. it's all by the Grace of God and his hand the Masterbuilder!! Amen?

Thank you for this reminder - to get out my dry-erase and add it to my board! :)

Kelli said...

What a fun family night activity. I think visual reminders are much more effective with my family.
Thank you for sharing.

Patty Williams said...

You are such a good and kind Momma ! Love the idea. As the mother of a 19yr old daughter and 17yr old son - it isn't easy. There are always lots of "words" here ! But by the same token - there is a lot of love too. They look out for one another in many ways. And I've heard each one say how much they love, appreciate and depend on their brother/sister.

*carrie* said...

What a great idea. Will keep in mind. I don't think I've ever bought sugar cubes, either. I can already hear them saying, "He got more than me!" Ahem.

Good to chat today!

Jenny said...

Ooh!! Great idea!! It's just perfect.

We read this passage in Colossians 3 several times a week...

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR EACH OTHER'S FAULTS, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." Col. 3:12-15

Lil Raggedy Angie said...

What a "sweet"idea will definitely be using this . I am a new follower and look forward to future visits.Blessings~Angela

Mrs. Chrissy T said...

We too have been having a battle in this. What a great idea. Thank you for sharing.

Tina Leigh said...

I am experiencing more of this from my grandchildren. My 8 year old granddaughter is breaking my heart. Since my grandson has lived with us, when she comes, her treatment of him is terrible. The red eye of jealousy has flared in her. I know she doesn't understand it all but it breaks my heart just the same. Even though she doesn't live with us and they are not siblings, I'm still going to try this. We are a family regardless.