Raising Godly Boys Minute

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.

Is it easier for you to fix something yourself rather than ask your son to help? If so, you’re not alone.
One wife asked her husband to let their ten-year-old help him change the oil in their car. He told her he’d tried in the past but ended up frustrated. His son didn’t listen, couldn’t focus, and kept dropping tools. The task took twice as long.
Can you relate?
Even though teaching our sons how to take care of household problems, like changing the oil, may cost us time, it’s worth the effort. It builds their self-worth and teaches them life lessons which help them become responsible adults. And through the process, the relationship between father and son grows.
So the next time you need to fix something, grab your son and complete the job together.
For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever prayed over your son’s room?

Consider doing this the next time your son is at school or asleep.

Standing at your son’s bedroom door, pray Psalm 121:8: That the Lord will watch over his comings and his goings.

Then, walk over to his bedroom window, and pray Matthew 6:33- that your son will seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness.

By his bedside, pray Psalm 4:8- That your son will lie down and rest in peace, because the Lord alone makes him dwell in safety.

And standing in the middle of the room, pray Phillipians 4:6-7– that your son isn’t anxious about anything, but with prayer and petition, makes his requests known to God, so that the peace of Christ fills your son’s room and his heart.

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

Has your son ever been afraid?

On a coastal night hike, the youngest boys in the group were scared when odd lights began flashing across the sky.  They grew more terrified as they hiked closer until they were directly underneath the lights!

Turning the corner, they were delighted to find the source of the mysterious lights was a lighthouse in the distance; the lighthouse beam reflected off a power line and appeared to shoot across the sky.

In life and on the trail, following experienced mentors and surrounding your son with other young men to keep him secure is a good plan for success, and a way to find the light at the end of the trail!

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

What comes to mind when you hear the word reflector?

Maybe you think of a car’s taillight or those glittery objects that stick up in the center of the road. A reflector takes the light it receives and redirects it outward.

In the darkness of today’s culture, Christians have a responsibility to reflect the true light of the world. The question is, are you doing that?

Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Be bold in reflecting Christ. As you demonstrate courage in sharing the Gospel, your son will take notice. Then, before you know it, he’ll want to be a reflector as well.

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