I have been reading James Dobson's book for most of the summer and let me tell you I don't understand where the encouragement is. You see on the maroon line where it says, "practical advice and encouragement...??" Well, let me tell you I am still searching for that part. In its defense I have not quite finished the book, but I am pretty close. I have learned so much from this book. I do recommend it, but as a mother it has proven to me that I don't know much about raising a boy AT ALL!! Basically a lot of their raising depends on their fathers!! There is a whole chapter devoted to the negative effects of the lack of a father figure in a young boy's life. I am very blessed that Chad loves to spend lots of time with Linc, but I am wondering where my role is in all of the raising?? I hope I don't nag him to death with my comments of " well the book says you should....." I am sure he won't appreciate that too much. I think the main thing I am supposed to do is keep Linc alive because from what I can tell he will be getting into fights, jumping off of trees, playing with all kinds of unsanitary animals, and engaging in whatever risky behavior is available. One thing that I know I have to do is protect my marriage. Unfortunately for young boys when a divorce happens the father typically leaves and the boy no longer has a regular example of how to be a man. A mother can try her best, but in adolescense she doesn't really have a clue. Marriage is fragile especially if you take seriously 1 Peter 5:8 (New King James Version)Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. It sucks to know that Satan hates marriage, but I am sure that he knows that if he can destroy that he can easily get to our kids. May Christ be greater in my family and yours and may we constantly seek His face so that He can show us how to avoid life's pitfalls!
