TO READ THE FIRST 6 CHAPTERS OF SENTINEL CLICK HERE


THE PREFACE FROM Sentinel, City of Destiny
As my sons were approaching middle school, I began to think about the countless temptations and challenges they where about to face as teenagers. The adolescent years are when God’s enemies lay the most traps. Split second decisions made in the heat of the moment affect young hearts for a lifetime. So, equipping my sons early in life to avoid making bad choices became an important goal. Would they be ready? Had I done everything I could do to prepare them? Had I given them the tools for good decision-making? More important, had I opened the instruction manual provided by the Maker of their souls—God’s Word? Had I shown them His warning labels for their safety? I could see that their surroundings were slowly coloring their world. Like sunglasses, popular culture was affecting the way in which they viewed their reality. Much of what they saw through the world’s glasses was not truth. And not knowing the truth usually brings bad choices that lead to bad consequences. Sentinel was born out of my desire to fit them with a pair of “Son-glasses,” glasses through which they could see the truth. My hope was to identify and communicate to them foundational character traits that God wants to see in a mature man. I wanted to help them see the target they should aim for with their lives. Courage, integrity, service, and vision are the values I have identified as the target. If they will aim their words, thoughts, and actions at these four standards, the probability of a successful life is greatly increased. You may have other values that you believe are equally or more important. My ultimate hope is that Sentinel brings to you and your boys not what I think, but that the story opens up your life to what God wants. Thank you for taking time to explore Sentinel, City of Destiny.


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ONE IDEA FOR TRAINING YOUR SON TOWARD SUCCESS
  
In addition to using a Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings-like story with which to hopefully capture my sons' attention, I wanted something more to reinforce the character traits of courage, integrity, service and vision that are taught in Sentinel. 

So, I purchased two small swords and locking display cases. I attached a key ring to each sword's hilt.  And I also purchased eight golden keys and many small squares of cut glass in four different colors.  Red squares would represent integrity, blue would represent service, copper would symbolize courage, and translucent for vision. 
 
Their mother and I then presented a sword to each son.  My youngest son was about 8 and his older brother was around 10 years of age.  I then  issued the following challenge.

"This sword symbolizes God's word. His word is the handbook for your life.  Obeying His word, as you grow up, will insure that you grow up to be a successful man.  This sword belongs to you. However, you may not hold it until you show me that you understand the meaning of the four keys to manhood, and I must see them lived out in your lives."

We hung the swords in prominent places on the bedroom walls of each son.  Every day they would be able to see the sword and be reminded of the challenge.

As months passed, I presented them with a corresponding colored square of glass to recognize good deeds when I saw them exhibit behavior of courage, integrity, service or vision.  We call these colored pieces of glass - medallions.  They are like small medals of honor.  

Once my son had exhibited a consistent display of one of the four key character traits (i.e. collected several medallions of a partcular color), I would present to him the sword, a golden key and four medallions of the same color. They were all locked in a cabinet.  I would then praise and recognize him for his acheivement in the presense of his mother and brother.

(The example shown in the photograph was presented to one of my son's for his acts of service over several months of time.  The glass door is opened in the photograph to prevent camera flash back) 

Hopefully, by the age of 18 years each son will know well what courage, integrity, service and vision mean and will have received all four of their goldens keys.  Once they have received all four keys, they will be given the single key that unlocks their display case.

This will show their mother's and my complete trust in their ability to handle the razor sharp sword on their own and symbolize our trust in their ability to apply God's word to their life.

This is just one example of a system we used to remind our sons during the hustle and bustle of daily life of what really matters.  I hope you find an even better way to share with your sons what you want them to know about God and His desire for their future.