Raising Godly Boys Minute

Walk into any coffee shop, and the chances are high that you’ll see two women talking. Sitting across from each other, the women will look each other in the eye and discuss deep and personal issues.

You probably won’t see two men sitting and conversing in the same way. Why?

Well, as Dr. Emerson Eggerichs points out, it’s a matter of gender differences. Women prefer face to face communication, while men tend to prefer shoulder-to-shoulder discussions.

As a parent of a son, this is deeply valuable information for you to consider. When you’re concerned about your son and would like him to share his struggles, get beside him. Take a drive, hike together, or stand on a dock side-by-side and fish. Your boy will most likely prefer those settings over going to a coffee shop.

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

When is your son strong enough?  How do you know he’s ready?

Tyler was the smallest, youngest member of the troop, and afraid of heights, so when it came time to go down the rappelling tower, the leaders were not surprised when Tyler got into the harness and timidly inched down the side of the tower.  What blew their minds was that he went back over and over again, until he was kicking out off the top ledge, the rope zipping through his hands as he flew through the air in giant leaps, with a huge grin on his face.

Sometimes, all a boy needs is a challenge.  Give him that challenge, and see who he can become!

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

I have a tough time visualizing Jesus, mocking an opponent, calling them “losers.”
It’s called “trash talk,” or having “swag.” And it can get ugly.

Sportsmanship, like so many cultural norms these days, is becoming a thing of the past.

When a player does something memorable, like crouching down and consoling a member of the losing side after the game is over, we marvel at their example.

That’s the kind of life Jesus lived. Winning a game is just that. A game. Sportsmanship is a life lesson that shapes and molds a young man into something more. When taken deeper, showing compassion, even when you “lose,” becomes the ultimate example. That’s when you can say to the vitriol of an ungracious opponent, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”*
 
For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

*Luke 23:34

Are there days you want to resign as a parent? You wish you could throw in the towel and call it quits?

Most parents have fleeting thoughts of giving up. During these problematic moments, remember God’s encouragement in James. The one who perseveres under trial is blessed and will receive the crown of life.  

Raising boys is a long endeavor. A marathon, not a race. And it sometimes requires thick skin. On the days when our boys run through the house and knock things over or leave their socks laying around for the umpteenth time, remember your goal isn’t to only change behavior, but to build character. And that takes perseverance and patience. So, go ahead and remind them one more time not to run. Smile and tell them to pick up their dirty clothes. You’re raising Godly boys. 

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do your son’s friends influence him?  Do they make him better?  Do they encourage him to be his best and have a good attitude?

The twins were away from video games and TV.  Cold and wet from the rainy canoe camping trip, all they wanted when they put in to camp was to go home.  Bad became worse when they discovered their patrol’s food and all the extra water got left behind.

But the other boys shared their own food and started playing games in the rain.  Soon, they were cannonballing into the river, finding frogs, and running through the woods.  That night, they crawled into their tents wet, hungry, and very, very happy.

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