Raising Godly Boys Minute

As soon as you found out you were having a son, you probably started dreaming about what he would be like.

Maybe you started dreaming about what he would grow up to be. Maybe you even laid out your old football jersey, wondering if your son would be a quarterback like you were in high school.

Maybe. But maybe not. Many times, sons surprise us with their interests. You might expect him to love sports, but he may prefer to do something completely different–  like fix computers or bake apple pie.

Whatever your boy’s passions turn out to be, pray that he will use them to glorify God. Let go of your expectations. Encourage the natural giftings and interests you see in your son– even if that means he never dons your old high school football jersey.

To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is the allure of camping?  Why do children want to sleep in tents, wander trails with flashlights, climb trees, and have adventures?

Painter Vito Campenella once said, “The world is all sense, life, soul and body, the image of the Almighty, fashioned to glorify Him with power, wisdom, and love.”

God’s power is evident in his creation, and often, he can speak to us there when we are away from the distractions of screens.

How much more important is it for your son?  Rivers, mountains, and starry nights are great ways to teach him God’s glory.  Even the backyard can be peace from the cares of life and time to lift his heart to God.

For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

God sees the x-ray of your son’s heart.

Brad Henry went to the doctor because of some knee pain. Looking at the x-ray, the doctor asked Brad, “Have you ever been shot?”  Brad answered, “Yes, thirty-five years ago when I was rabbit hunting!”

It turned out that a piece of bullet had been lodged in Brad’s knee for decades.

As Brad’s story illustrates– X-rays can see what the human eye cannot. And in the same way, a crucial lesson we must teach our son is that God sees the depths of his heart.

On one hand, this is convicting– God sees his true motives and darkest sins. But more importantly, this is encouraging. As we’re reminded in Psalm 139:2– God understands our son’s every thought.

Remind your son today of how deeply he is seen and loved.

For ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Every night at bedtime, Jane would kiss her five-year-old son’s cheek, and say, “I love you so much.”

One night, her son said, “Mom, I know you love me. But are you proud of me?”

That’s a true story that Dr. Emerson Eggerich shared while teaching about his book, Love and Respect.

Hearing her son’s question, Jane realized her son was already craving respect. She changed her approach. At bedtime, started putting her hand on her son’s shoulder and saying, “I am so proud of you.” Every time she did, her son would puff his chest and smile.

Your son does need to know you love him, of course. But don’t forget about his desire to hear that you like him and are proud of the person that he is, as well.

To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit TrailLifeUSA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son have a “spotter”?

In NASCAR, each driver has a “spotter.” It’s a person who stands high above the racetrack and communicates, through a radio, what’s behind, around, and ahead of the driver.

As Brad Henry points out in his book Destination- The Winner’s Circle, every young man needs a spotter. They need someone who has a wider perspective, who can point out potential issues behind and ahead of them.

Unfortunately, young men tend to listen to the spotter more closely if that person is NOT a parent. Start helping your son seek out a youth pastor, a church deacon, or a great male teacher who could be their positive mentor and “spotter.”

And of course, point your son to the ultimate spotter– God, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.