Be Devoted in Brotherly Love
It's hard to decide just what to name this post....keep reading and you'll see why.
While the boys were climbing the tree (see post below), Nathan was enjoying the mud below them. The poor little guy hasn't really had much opportunity to play outside, especially recently with our beyond cold snap. He is showing signs of following, quite literally, in his brothers footsteps.
Here he is sitting in the hole they dug in our front yard years ago. Boys!!
Speaking of boys. I've been invited to be a part of a Bible study that I'm really looking forward to and need desperately. We'll be doing the Bringing Up Boys study by Dr. James Dobson. I have listened to the book on tape, but can always use a refresher. I think it will be neat to study in a group setting and I look forward to making some new friends.
I have probably mentioned here before the immense responsibility, yet privileged honor, it is to have boys. Not that it isn't a responsibility or honor to raise daughters, but it's just different.
Boys grow into men. And men are crucial to the health of our churches, families, workplaces and world. They are called by God to be the head of their households. They are created by God to be the stronger vessel. If we (parents) don't do our job to the best of the ability that God gives us, then where does that leave future generations? I really can see that a great deal of the problems in our society today stem from boys not being brought up in loving, Christian homes.
It's crucial that boys be loved to manhood. Our world needs more than a "few good men," but my hope and prayer is that Craig and I are able to produce a "few great men" here in our home, with the help of our amazing Father God.
I had to laugh to myself as I read over the previous paragraph. Maybe I should rename this blog "A Few Good Men." It's fitting for boys with a Marine Daddy. But, I think Romans 12:10 sums up our goal and shall remain our theme......or better yet, how about all of that passage...
Romans 12:
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.a]">[a] Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"b]">[b]says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."c]">[c] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
That's some convicting stuff!!
3 comments:
It is such a responsibility. I read Bringing Up Boys a long time ago but probably need a reminder! We have been reading a book at school about the difference between boys and girls. It is for the classroom but I have found more uses for it at home (like a chapter on boys and hunting)...boys and girls are VERY different.
Great post....a devotional all in its own. You and Craig are doing a great job with the boys, and I, as your mother, admire your Christian strength and obedience to raise your boys in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
This is a great food for thought! By the way, Jenni Jamison told me that she met you last week in you guys bible study! If Chris wasn't working on Thursday nights, I would love to join you guys. Jennie said she would keep her information and pass it down to me though! SHe is a great person. Glad you are able to get away and enjoy a bible study that you can use in every day life choices. Pray that God continues to grow you as well as your knowledge to raise your boys to men that live for God! COngrats that you have all boys to contend with and not both genders. THey are so different!!! Chris and I have to learn how to raise each one differently yet the same! :) God willing and leading we will acheive even amongst our mistakes :)
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