Beyond Bringing Up Boys

A. Accept responsibility.  B. Budget  C. Consider others less fortunate than you. D. Deliver on your promises. E. Exercise F. Forgive  G. Grow relationships with grandparents H. Have fun, but not at the expense of someone else.  I. Invest in others. J. Jump in to help! Don't wait to be asked. K. Keep your language clean.  L. Laugh often.  M. Make eye contact when you're spoken to.  N. Nourish your soul.  O. Opportunity waits for no one. Don't waste your time. P. Plan. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Q.Question whether your behavior aligns with God's Word.  R. Read and reflect on a wide variety of subjects.  S. Season your words with kindness and grace. T. Think!  U. Use your talents. V. Valiantly defend the voiceless.  W. Wholeheartedly love others.  X. Y. Yesterday is in the past. Don't live in past victories or defeats.  Z. Zealously follow after Christ!...

When Zachary’s slender hand grasps yours You lay aside your evening chores, Embarking out upon a pillowed sea. The books reclining on your knees (Yours motherhood; his history), Two spirits blend, his head leans on your arm. He doesn’t have to say, “I love you, Mom.” Seth’s plaintive cry splits pre-dawn’s calm Needing, it seems, your loving balm. His message, to the point: “Take me to Mom.” Setting the steaming mug aside You let him burrow deep, and hide, Enveloped in the solace of your warmth. He doesn’t have to say, “I love you, Mom.” Sam, snuggled in the upper bunk The drink of sleep not fully drunk Has no idea you’re already up. The mixing bowl, the flour and spice He’ll see, and lisp, “O Paradithe” And wrap two sturdy arms around your waist. He doesn’t have to say, “I love you, Mom.” Your husband rises every day And views – miraculous display – How shirts, once hampered, now hangers adorn. Somehow his bride has taught the boys, Delivered meals and picked up toys Each task accomp...