One Week Into Forever: Building, Forgiving, and Following the Narrow Way
It’s been exactly one week since I picked up the first load of lumber for the A-Frame at WoodFrog Hollow—what I’ve come to call our forever home. And what a week it’s been.
A lot has gotten done in a short time, even if it didn’t go exactly as planned. Turns out, my lumber order was way off! Ha! But honestly, I expected some mistakes. That’s life. We live, we learn, we laugh, we cry, we forgive, and—by God’s grace—we move forward.
This week has reminded me how closely the rhythms of building and the walk of faith are tied together. Every board I nail, every rock I move, every misstep I take—it all teaches me something deeper about endurance and grace. There were even a few hard moments this week that required difficult communication, and my heart needed some time in prayer and reflection afterward.
Forgiveness has been a theme pressing on my heart. And I want to share this encouragement with you:
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. And it certainly doesn’t mean tolerating harm.
Jesus teaches us to forgive over and over—just as He does for us. That forgiveness is offered freely when asked for from the heart. But not everyone comes asking. And that’s okay. When they don’t, it’s up to us whether we choose to forgive anyway.
Scripture gives us this powerful reminder:
“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
— Matthew 7:14
The way of Christ is not always easy. It requires humility, discipline, and a constant return to the cross. But it is worth every step. Whether in our personal lives, relationships, or our work—He calls us to walk that narrow road with truth and love, with justice and mercy.
Now, for those curious about homesteading progress—here’s a quick recap of what was built this week:
1. Picked up and unloaded all the lumber onto the build site, thanks to Grant for the help!
2. Set 6×6 beams on the concrete footings (these are the bones of the house)
3. Installed the 2×6 floor joists
4. Placed Styrofoam insulation between the joists for warmth
5. Mortared the sunken brick hearth that will heat the home and a soaking tub (yes, it works—I tested it!)
6. Laid two layers of plywood flooring for a solid, flex-free base
7. Moved large stones across the property to begin a rock wall around the hearth oven
8. Started cutting and fitting all 18 A-Frame rafters!
A full week of sweat, prayer, and sawdust—and it’s only the beginning. There is still much to do, but each task reminds me that God is in the details. He builds something lasting in us while we build with our hands.
Thank you for following along on this journey. May we each find the courage to walk the narrow path—and may we build lives that stand firm on truth, shaped by grace.
With dirt on my hands and hope in my heart,
Howl