Raising Godly Boys Minute

“I guess I haven’t learned that yet.” That’s a phrase coined by author Shauna Niequist.  After her two sons, Henry and Mac, had lived in a small town their whole life, Shauna and her husband moved the family to New York City. As her sons struggled with the transition to city life, Shauna pinned a piece of paper to the wall with the phrase “I guess I haven’t learned that yet” on it. She reminded her boys that everyone is growing and learning, and that it’s fine to not know everything. Your son might need to hear that, too. When he makes a mistake, reassure him that it’s a normal part of growing up. Remind him that God’s grace is sufficient to cover every last one of the things we haven't learned yet. For more ideas to raise boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

One educator said we live in a day of hurried loneliness, with hundreds of Facebook friends but not two with whom we think and share deeply.  Families rush from one activity to another.  To some people, the idea of a family sitting down together and leisurely sharing a meal is an idea from a Norman Rockwell painting.Parents, we must plan to make meaningful conversation happen.  We can embrace intentionality. Without it, family devotions, meaningful conversation, and spiritual practices won’t happen.  We will just stay busy.  As Thanksgiving approaches, stop for a few moments and make a plan.  Ask, “How will I intentionally help my family practice gratitude the next two weeks and have meaningful conversations?That will produce beauty greater than autumn leaves.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

For what are you thankful?Author Jerry Bridges called unthankfulness one of our “respectable sins,” easily accepted as normal. The Bible exhorts believers to live a life of habitual thanksgiving. In our day of consumerism, we are wise to practice the habit of gratitude and teach our families to do the same.Don’t lose the spirit of Thanksgiving.  Claim it, prepare for it, and practice the art of that holiday. Regardless of our circumstances, we can give thanks.Father figures can thank the Lord for our abundant blessings. Even the giving of thanks in difficult or disappointing circumstances can be done based on God’s promises. As we move through November, let’s practice gratitude, and influence the boys in our lives to do the same.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ralph Waldo Emerson opined, “Life is not so short but that there is always time for courtesy and chivalry.”Have you ever been encouraged by the smallest courtesy?  Holding the door, bringing a glass of water, or any small thing is enough to brighten our day.Has anyone ever risen to your defense?  Stood up for you?  Told others you were right?  It is a great feeling.There is great power in acts of courtesy and chivalry, and you can give that power to your children.  They can brighten others’ days, stand for what is right, and make a difference.  Give your children the power to lift others up.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do girls feel more emotions than boys? David Thomas, a psychologist and author, says this common belief is not true. He says boys feel just as deeply as girls, but often don’t know how to process those feelings as well as girls do. As parents of boys, it’s important that we help our sons put words to their feelings. One way to do that is to simply discuss emotions out loud. When you’re watching a TV show with your son, discuss what  characters seem to be feeling– are they embarrassed? Frustrated? You can even find charts of feelings words online and put them on your fridge. Help your son find words for his feelings, and you might be surprised to discover the range of emotions he goes through each day. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, go to Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.