Manhood Journey & City on a Hill Studio REVIEW

The boys are working on Manhood Journey & City on a Hill Studio's Six-week discipleship program called Manhood Journey Father's Starter Kit.  The program is recommended for boys age 8 - 17.  The module they are working on is called Embarking.  My review will be based on the feedback I received from them as they have embarked on this journey.  We received this kit in the mail and the Father's Starter Kit includes:

• FREE copy of the book Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You
• Group Discussion Guide
• 1 on 1 Discussion Guide
• DVD of the introductory videos for all six modules
• 10 Map Brochures

I must say that I kind of agreed with the guys that upon opening the kit, we found it a bit confusing.  It is marketed as a Father's Starter Kit but there are items that are more geared and made for group study where you would disciple a group of boys.  This is good from a more bang for you buck standpoint but also meant it took a little bit of brain work to figure out what they really needed to do the study for just the two of them.  Basically what is needed for the two of them was the 1 on 1 Discussion Guide. There is additional material and more discussion questions in the Group Discussion Guide that I suggested they at least look at.  You also need to realize that if you are not using the Group study you will skip over the "Group Session Review" in the 1 on 1 Discussion Guide. This kind of threw my husband off track at first until we put our heads together and figured out that it should be skipped (it is mentioned in the book, you just need to read it).  The six week topics include:

• Preparing for the Journey
• Setting Out on the Journey
• Relying on the Compass
• Seeking Guidance Along the Way
• Encountering Others Along the Journey
• We Have Embarked

The boys have not completed that study yet and are a little farther behind than they should be because of schedules and nighttime obligations (dad had to work late several nights, 4H, Youth Group, Bible Study, oh my!).  It has been a challenge for them to find the time for just the two of them. Things flowed smoother once my husband figured out the structure of the program and how he was supposed to work with our son on it.

The guide is designed to give you a structure for working with you son or group.  The instructions remind you that there is more material than you will probably need just so you can tailor the program and questions to your situation and personality of your child. The sessions begin with "A Word to Dad" that helps prepare for the discussion with your son.  The sessions are geared to last about 45-60 minutes.  The sessions are divided into four main sections:

• Building our Relationship
• Knowing God's Word
• Serving Others
• Talking with God

I think that if my husband were leading a group of boys in the study that the 45-60 minute window would be good.  However, with it just being him and my son he found it better to keep their sessions closer to 30 minutes or so when possible.  Shorter sessions keep my son focused better.  I like how there are parts in each session that are "scripted."  It helped my husband feel more comfortable in the direction the discussion flowed.  They are certainly digging into the word of God more together and it is allowing for more open discussion between the two of them.  Just spending the one on one time with my husband makes our son happy.

The boys are enjoying the study and would recommend it as a great tool for connection between fathers and sons as well as digging deeper into the word of God.  My husband appreciates learning tools that will help our son grow and mature into a responsible, God honoring adult. We're not sure at this point if they will continue the study on with another module but they are enjoying working through this one called Embarking. The other 5 modules are:

• Manhood Myths
• Working Well
• Standing Strong
• Clean Hearts
• Leading Lessons

You can connect with City on a Hill Studio on FACEBOOK or TWITTER. You can also connect directly with Manhood Journey on FACEBOOK or TWITTER.

Check out reviews from other crew members.

Pretzel Frenzy

I love the fact that my son is learning a wide variety of skills through his local 4H group.  They have done so many awesome projects over the years.  I really appreciate his leaders and everything they do for the kids.  I have loved the opportunity that 4H has provided my son and am looking forward to when my daughter will be old enough to also participate.  This year their group project is cooking!  My son has always loved to cook and he is really enjoying it.  They recently made pretzels and my son insisted on bringing his recipe home to make some more.

He did a really good job and they were really yummy!  The scary part is that every time I let him into the kitchen he never ceases to use every bowl, utensil, measuring cup, spoon, you name it.  The kitchen was a disaster area when he was done.  He really needs to work on his clean up skills because this mama is the one who ended up putting the kitchen back in order.  I like that he is excited to cook so for now, I endure. :)  What types of skills do your kids enjoy?  I say let them explore away.  You never know what a certain project might spark in their minds and give them a chance to explore so many new things.

Adoption Update

We are so excited!  It is just too surreal!  After 1,389 days in care, our little princess is going to be forever ours and a permanent part of our family. Her story is a very long and complicated one.  In her case, it is in her best interest to become a member of our family.  She deserves to have a life that is safe and nurturing.  She came to us as an infant and we are the only mom and dad she has really ever known.  There were of course the general visits that happen when a child is in foster care, but at her young age the reality of everything never real sank in and as far as she knows we are home and we are her family.  

Perhaps the most exciting part is that she now gets to be homeschooled along with big brother and they are both pretty excited about that.  At least until the novelty of that wears off.  Hahaha!  Seriously though, we are all pretty happy about it all.  Just wanted to share some of our happy news. Hope your day is blessed and you have some bright spots in your day!