City on a Hill Studio- Manhood Journey Homeschool Review Crew Review

Life was easy when I had just girls.  Really it was.  As long as you dressed them in pink and talked about rainbows and ponies, things went well.  OK, maybe it wasn't quite that simple, but it seemed like it at the time.  Especially now that I have two boys.  Things don't seem as easy anymore.

So when we got the opportunity to review Manhood Journey Father's Starter Kit by Manhood Journey and City on a Hill Studio- I said yes, please!  A chance for my husband to use a review product and fill me in? even better!


Let's chat about what is included-
The Manhood Journey Father's Starter Kit includes a group discussion guide, a one on one guide to be used for fathers/mentors and sons, a DVD which introduces all 6 modules and can be used for promotion purposes,  and 10 "maprochures" which can also be used to advertise the program to your intended groups well as let you see what the additional module choices are.  Also included as a bonus is the book Wise Guys -Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You by Manhood Journey co-founder, Kent Evans.

So what is this thing called Manhood Journey?  Think of it as a cross between a Bible Study and Mentoring young men program.  This non-denominational program helps fathers (or other significant men in your sons' lives) disciple and mentor your sons, ages 8-17.   Each module (the starter kit contains the module Embarking) is meant to take six weeks to complete.  Based on your personal needs and interests, you can choose the order in which you want to do the modules.

Module titles include-

Embarking
Working Well
Manhood Myths
Clean Hearts
Standing Strong
Leading Lessons



Using Manhood Journey-
It's easy really!  This is one of those open and go programs, which is a good thing since I handed it to my husband and said- go!  Each session (week) starts with a Word for Dad to help prepare him for the lesson.  It gives the theme for the week, supplies the Bible verses that will be covered, and gives some fun ideas to use to engage your sons.  Each session is then broken down into 4 parts.  Building Our Relationship gets dad and son warmed up and talking.  Knowing God's Word allows them to read and study God's word while applying it to everyday life.  Serving Others is the section that allows them to take the lessons learned and apply them to their everyday lives- putting words into action.  The last section, Talking With God, is a time for prayer to wrap up their time together.  The guide actually tells you what to say, suggests questions and conversations starters, and give you activities to tie into the lessons.  While there are assignment suggestions like drawing things you are discussing, there are also practical suggestions like go outside and throw a football together.  Make no mistake, this is intended for men and sons to use.  Sorry moms, you are out this time.  Each lesson can take about 40-60 minutes to complete.  Because my husband just used this program with our 15 year old, he used the 1 on 1 guide.  If you intend to use it with a group of young men, for example in a youth group, you would use the group discussion guide.

Study begins with the “Five Big Rocks,” or attributes, of a godly man, which father and son are encouraged to memorize.
1. Trust God
2. Know his Word
3. Pray Fervently
4. Build relationships
5. Serve others

The chapters for Embarking include-

• Week 1: Preparing for the Journey
• Week 2: Setting Out on the Journey
• Week 3: Relying on the Compass
• Week 4: Seeking Guidance Along the Way
• Week 5: Encountering Others Along the Journey
• Week 6: We Have Embarked- Where to Next?

While I think it was rather awkward for my guys to get started, they did fine once they got started.  The laid back, conversational bent to this program allows for easy father-son interaction.  It is set up so you can make it fit your needs, as you pick and choose what to discuss.  While it is hard not to listen in, I would encourage you moms out there to let the guys take charge and make this their time with your sons.  So often for moms, at least for me, it is easy to jump into a conversation.  Let's make this a special time for our husbands to take charge and mentor the boys in our lives.  I think you will find it is a blessing to them all.

A note about Wise Guys- 
Friends, I love this book!  Kent Evans wrote this book to inspire young men in their life journey.  Taking examples from his own life, he introduces men who have made a difference in his life and shares the lessons he learned from each of them.   Here's why I love this book.  In my experience, preaching to boys about the things you want them to learn just doesn't work.  Your mouth opens, their ears close, right?  But when a man tells a story, people listen.  Especially younger men.  It just works somehow.  We haven't shared this book with our son yet, but we are excited to do so.  I think he will enjoy Kent's humor and honesty.  It is also my prayer that he will learn a few lessons along the way!

Wise Guys- Book review for the Men in your life, with a lesson or two for you, ladies!

If you frequent this blog, and a BIG thank you to those who do, you know that I love to review. Though I have cut back significantly this year, book reviews still take a priority because, well, they are just fun to do.  When you love to read, why pass up a good book?  I confess, though, that most of the books I review are for women and children because, you guessed it, I am a woman that has children.  But I do also have a wonderful husband, and it is because of him that I decided not to pass up the recent opportunity to review the book Wise Guys:  Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men around You, by Kent Evans.

Let me just start by saying, this book is a must read for the men in your life.  While you are at it, read it too!  It is a GREAT book!
For background, Kent Evans is a husband of 20 years and father of 4 sons.  He is the board chairman and co founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry  for mentors and fathers, encouraging them to raise up the next generation of Godly men.  He wrote this book for men; to give them tools needed to find "wise guys" in their life and to encourage them to soak in the lessons those guys could offer.

Through a series of personal stories woven into 17 chapters, Kent tells of men he has encountered throughout his life and the impact they have had in making him the Godly husband, father, and businessman that he is today.  More importantly, he encourages men to seek those types of men out and gives 11 tips on how to begin that search.

What I have found fascinating about this little, 53 page, power packed book is Kent admits that some of the men in his life he sought out, while others simply appeared at the right place at the right time.  He recognized that he needed to look at the men that he admired and then learn what he could from them in terms of life skills, leadership and faith.  Other times he simply allowed God to move in his life to bring those men to him in unexpected ways.  Each chapter concludes with several "Questions to ponder", making this a good book for group reading or just for personal reflection.

Lest you think this is just a how-to book, do not fear.  While packed with things to make you think, Kent's humor has left me giggling several times and makes this book a fairly easy read.  As a matter of fact, I have taken to reading a few chapters each night and then my husband catches up by the following evening reading those same chapters.  Not usually how we read a book, but sharing it has worked this time.

Next on the list- have our 14 year old son read it!  And then maybe every husband, father, son, and leader we know read it.  Guess what is on the Christmas list this year, men?!  Wise Guys is simply that good and that inspirational.  It is a good reminder that we need Godly people, in this case men, in our lives that can inspire us, challenge us, and even push us to be and do better.  To be the people that God would have us to be!

Chapter lessons include-

• Figure Yourself Out
• Encourage Relentlessly
• Always Be Asking
• Correct Gently
• Learn from Action
• Follow the Sprinters
• Welcome Kindly
• Exercise Tangible Grace
• Finish Strong
• Ditch the Cynicism (My favorite chapter!)
• Ask Artfully
• Know When to Let Go
• Pray Spontaneously
• Tap Shoulders
• Command Calmly
• Sign Up, Pitch In
• Simply Excel

Can't think of a better thing to to aim for!  And while you are at you, you just might inspire someone else and become a "wise guy" yourself!

Wise Guys will be released June 1st, but for now, and thanks to FlyBy Productions, I have a copy to give away to a reader- Just leave me a comment and tell me who you would bless with this book and a random winner will be chosen next Friday!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Blessings,

ESV Men's Devotional Bible - Review and Giveaway

I know, I know, a Bible review again!  I told you I have a slight obsession with Bibles.  I also happen to really love being able to give them away! (Giveaway at the end of this post!)  There are so many styles to choose from, so many versions to read, and so many features to look for.

 I love the smell of a new Bible that has been opened for the first time and the hope of new beginnings as you start with Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth." I also love the look of an old, faithful Bible that has been loved - with it's crinkled pages, sermon notes, prayer requests and personal thoughts jotted in the margins.  It is like visiting a close friend.

Did you know that the Bible is the best selling book of all time?  I may be the one driving that number up these days! Haha!

And this one!  The ESV Men's Devotional Bible published by Crossway is another one of my new favorites.  Make no mistake, the Bible is for everyone.  You do not need fancy fonts, tons of maps, or leather covers - God's Word is sufficient.

But sometimes it is nice to find a Bible that just seems to suit you, like the wallet you never want to throw away or that one shirt you continue to wear even though it is worn to the bare threads.  I think the ESV Men's Devotional Bible will be that Bible for the special man in your life.  Yes, it is for men. With its black slip cover and hard cover as well, it is a manly looking Bible. More importantly, there are 365 devotions written by men for men.  These devotions, based solely on God's word, are meant to inspire and strengthen men in their walk with Christ.  Each short devotion, one for each day of the year, applies the Gospel to important areas in a man's life- homes, work, churches and workplaces.

  Other features include-

  - Brand new book introductions- These each have background information, Key theme and how the book pertains to a man's heart

  - 14 brand-new articles- These 1-2 page articles cover topics from doubt to fathering to life in the local church.  They would make a great jump start to a men's prayer or accountability group.

  - Dictionary of key terms

  - Ribbon marker

  - Smyth-sewn binding

  - Lifetime guarantee on TruTone edition

  - Packaging: slipcase (TruTone), L-card (HC), permanent slipcase (Cloth over Board) 

Retail Price: $34.99

From a few men I know that have had a chance to look through this Bible-

"Relevant teaching information every guy should know!"

"Great layout, easy to read format."
"The articles are well thought-out and written."

If you would like to have the opportunity to win your own copy of the ESV Men's Devotional Bible, just leave a comment here and tell us who you would bless with this Bible if you win.  Don't worry, we will keep the secret! ;)

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Blessings,

Chivalry is not dead

What is it with me and the Kroger parking lot?  I mean, seriously?  If you read this post you will remember that Kroger earned the 1st spot in my blogging career.  A YEA GOD experience.

It happened again- but this time I was just a bystander.  Worth it!

I am happy to announce that chivalry is not dead.  You see, I was starting to wonder if it was.  We try to teach it here at home to our boys with a little help from King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, but in my opinion it is hard to see fleshed out in real life.  Even my daughter in a Christian college shared recently how she met a guy on a cell phone coming in a door in the opposite direction from her whom waited for her to open the door and then walked through it while she stood there, mouth wide open, holding it still open.  Really!

So I loved what I saw in the parking lot of Kroger...

A woman with a cast on her leg struggling to push a cart to her car.  King Arthur, I mean, the lone man who is now a hero in my book, sprints from across the parking lot, pushes her cart to her car and unloads every last bag into her trunk.  And, of course, takes her cart away for her! 

See, they are still out there!  Men who know how to do the right thing.  Men who know how to treat a lady.  Men who would make their mommas proud!

Maybe you just have to look for them a little harder these days.  See 'ya in the Kroger parking lot! ;)