“A wise woman builds her home.”
Proverbs 14:1
We all desire for our families to have strong relationships and connections, not just when our kids are young but also when they become adults. And while presumably there are many things you might add to this list, these are a few keys that I have found during my 27 years of marriage and raising two kids to help ensure strong and lasting relationships.
Make Your Faith the Priority
It’s important that your family sees your faith is not about a religion or a set of rules but rather is a dynamic relationship with your Creator through His Son, Jesus. As you learn the daily discipline of spending time with Him and applying God’s Word to your life, you become a better parent and spouse. Your presence becomes like sweet perfume to your family, making your life messages relevant, inviting, and winsome. Your vibrant faith is the greatest gift you can give your family.
Your Prayers
Prayer is how you make a difference in the lives of the people you love. As your children get older, you cannot control their lives like when they were younger. But you can pray. Prayer is powerful. Only God can heal broken relationships and bring the prodigals to faith.
Your Values Based on God’s Word
The way you live is your most effective sermon. Faith is caught as well as taught. You are not to copy the lifestyles of the world but rather your priorities and patterns of living should be distinctive. When the Bible becomes your manual for living, you become someone of genuine love, conviction, and courage.
Love for Their Father
When the marriage relationship is strong, kids have security and confidence. In 2003, when I began changing my behavior and adopting Biblical principles in my marriage (despite thinking he was the one who needed to change), I saw results. Almost 20 years later, I continue to reap the positive benefits of daily application of God’s Word to my marriage. Strong marriages do not happen by accident. They require intentional time and effort.
Make Home the Best Place in the World
A wise woman is aware that she’s on assignment from God and understands that building a home is a lifelong endeavor. Your goal should be to create an enchanted oasis called home. You set the mood and maintain the atmosphere inside the home through your attitude – which is why your daily time with God is so essential. We also serve a God of order, so try your best to keep your home organized and welcoming. And last but not least, remember that food is ministry – especially to men and boys. Make home the best place in the world to be!
Knowing When to Speak and When to be Silent
Timing is everything. Just because it’s on the tip of your tongue doesn’t mean you need to say it. Knowing when to speak profound instruction, strongly encourage (or rebuke), or share advice is critical. In these moments, you want your husband or kids to hear you. Timing must be led by the Spirit, again reenforcing why daily time with Jesus is a must. He helps us ‘hear the voice behind us saying, this is the way, walk in it.’
Be Intentional in Speaking Their Love Language.
In Gary Chapman’s Book, The Five Love Languages, he shares simple and effective ways to strengthen our connections with the people we love. Remember that your love language is not necessarily your husband’s or kids’ love language. Learn their love languages and be intentional about speaking and demonstrating it often.
At KGM we know that our personal relationship with God is the key to unshakeable faith. Time spent with God, in His word and in prayer, are key elements in developing a deeper bond with our Creator.
Connect with God with the resources we’ve gathered for our Knowing God boxes!
There are three options to choose from:
Quiet Time Box
Girl’s Box
Prayer Box
Scripture Cards are here!
When we are intentional with memorizing and meditating on God’s Word,
we are sharpening our weapons to destroy the lies of the enemy!
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12