Architecture

Architecture Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass February 09, 2012

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. -Psalm 127:1 NIV Many books have been written about the uniqueness of the architecture found on the Outer Banks. It is likely that you could see many different kinds of structures on the same street…older block homes with flat roofs, newer homes with exquisite detail and extraordinary windows or just a simple dwelling, known as the “beach box”. And the most talked about Outer Banks homes are located in Nags Head on Cottage Row. These homes are historic, grand in size, well constructed and sturdy. They have endured much. Many homebuilders today try to incorporate many of those architectural elements from the past, found in the old homes, on the newer ones being built now. That specific Old Nags Head appearance suggests homes with wraparound porches, gabled roofs, shingled exteriors and shutters . A homebuilder starts with a plan, literally. Before ground is broken, the blueprints have been studied, reviewed and approved by all. There is a pattern in which to build a home. First comes the foundation, then the framing, plumbing, and so on. Planning is also very important in our personal life but think about how often we do something without the proper preparation. I believe that it is important to also give our prayer time with God some structure, too. My blueprint for prayer is simple and is as follows: begin by first thanking God, praising Him and offering thanks for who He is and what He does for us. Next, seek forgiveness for our sins where we may have fallen short. Then ask God to send His holy angels to surround us and protect our families and us. Next, ask that He remove and bind anything in our life that is not of Him. Then I ask Him for the covering of His armor, followed by seeking the Holy Spirit to fill me completely. After saying The Lord’s Prayer, that is where I will pray for people by name and then I ask God to give me a scripture so I can spend time in the Word. The foundation to a Christian life begins with prayerful communication with God. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. Luke 6:49 NIV