Raising Godly Boys Minute

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#558: Be Yourself Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

Almost all of us have been bullied or observed someone bully others. How do we help our sons stand up to a tormentor without retaliating or being a pushover?

Devon joined the swim team last summer. A few teammates made fun of him because he wasn’t part of the “in” crowd. Others saw but didn’t know how to help. When Devon asked his parents what to do, they told him, “Just continue to be the person you are. Treat others the way you want to be treated.” And he did. At the end of season, Devon won the “Kindest Person on the Team” award. Everyone, including the coaches, noticed his caring disposition.

When your son asks how to stop a bully, one answer may be, “Just be yourself.”

For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#557: Your Old Jersey Jan 24, 2024

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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.

#556: Vito Campanella Jan 23, 2024

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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.

#555: Heart X-Ray Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

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.

#554: Chores Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Does your son lay around playing electronic games or scrolling through social media instead of helping around the house?
Unfortunately, many preteens and teens are conditioned to reach for an electronic device the minute their minds start to wander. They need guidance to redirect their efforts.
Consider assigning your sons chores, such as mowing the lawn, making their beds, or washing the dishes.
Children who complete chores are more confident, do better in school, and are more patient than those who don’t contribute to the household responsibilities. Chores help children be content with delayed gratification and mature into responsible adults.
Start giving your son a few chores per week based on his maturity level. Praise him when he completes his tasks, and model being a responsible adult by putting your device away and working alongside him.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#553:Spotter Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

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.

#552:Drowning Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Could your boy be a hero?
Chris and his friends ran down to the beach ahead of their leaders when two ladies, frantic and crying, came running to them pointing out to sea. Their brother, a weak swimmer, was caught in a strong current and was fighting for his life, unable to make it to shore.
Two of the strongest swimmers raced out to save him as the others formed a human chain, wading into the current, helping their friends and the near-drowning brother to safety.
Surrounding your son with good friends who know what to do is a path to success for life, and will help him save others on his way.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#551: Right, Wrong & Outdoors Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

Want to teach your son right and wrong? The outdoors is a great place to start.
When you’re hunting, camping, or hiking, natural consequences are everywhere. If you don’t aim your shot well, you won’t harvest a deer. If you fail to pitch your tent correctly, it will tumble around you. If you don’t consult the weather forecast, you may get caught in a rainstorm on your hiking trail.
Always supervise your son, and be prepared to assist when needed. But on your next outdoor adventure, let your son take the lead. And when something goes wrong, as long as your son is safe, allow him to decide what to do next. You’ll be building his confidence, his resilience, and his critical thinking skills all at once.
For more ideas to raise boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#550: Bernini Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Can you be sure you are raising your children properly? How can you know you are right? With so many different voices yelling at you from social media, friends, and the world, how can you know what is true?
For instance, science mistakenly used to tell us margarine was better than butter, and eggs would kill us. Who can you trust these days?
Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini once said, “The most wonderful virtue of all is truth because ultimately it is revealed by time.”
Raise your children in the truth. God never changes; he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Teach them to walk hand-in-hand with Him, and they will develop faith and a character that will stand the test of time.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#549: Proud of You Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

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 Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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