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Sep 6, 2020
Faith· Life· Resources

What’s Inside the Boy’s Be Yourself Journal?

Thank you to Jen Frost for this awesome Photo
check out faithandfabricdesign.com

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys is designed to meet young men where there are and encourage them to think about themselves as a child of God, made out of love for a purpose.

*** If you are located in the United Kingdom, you can purchase both Be Yourself Journals over at the CatholicMothers Website!

Want to listen to a podcast interview about both the boys and girls journals? Listen here: Not a Lukewarm Catholic Podcast

Introduction: Questions young boys ask about God:

Some questions that a boy might have that are explored in the book are simply listed. For example:

Click here to see some pages through the Amazon listing!

Who is God?

Who am I?

Who does God want me to be?

How do I pray?

Why should I pray?

Are some of the questions listed. Then, there is a page for the reader to simply write questions he has in his mind.

I remember when I taught 7th and 8th grade, two boys loved that I gave them permission to write a quote on the board everyday. One quote or random fact they wrote stated that a large percentage of Popes were Italian. I then remember him questioning that – so even a question like, “why were so many Popes Italian?” are encouraged to be written in this space.

Part 1: Who Are You?

Why did God create me?

Boys can explore this question and find a glimpse to the special mission for which God created him.

Thank you to Jen Frost for this awesome Photo
check out faithandfabricdesign.com

This part of the journal gives a few short statements from Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church that describe who we are as people.

So God created mankind in his image in the image of God he created them male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

God established you in his friendship. (CCC, 355)

God created you, body and soul. (CCC, 382)

Part 1 guides the reader to think about themselves – at first simply but gradually in a more deep way.

The reader knows his name and age, but is encouraged to think about what he enjoys about God’s creation through a fun “would you rather” quiz. Then, the book gives a list of roles and titles – in on activity they are asked to circle the titles that describe him – and the next activity has a whole new list and encourages him to cross out what definitely does not describe him!

The reader is also challenged to find a saint he has something in common with – and Saints with short descriptions provide options that include being raised by a single mother, having a sense of humor, being a fan of science fiction, someone who enjoyed traveling and more!

I also included a coloring page – because to my surprise, I had more than one tween boy tell me they like to color!

The coloring page in this section is quote from actor Chris Pratt:

Part 2: You and God

How does a young man develop a relationship with Jesus?

This portion of the book talks a lot about prayer.

Boys are shown a variety of ways to pray and shown how he can “pray unceasingly”.

Some fun activities include:

Does God Speak in Code?

hank you to Jen Frost for this awesome Photo
check out faithandfabricdesign.com

Boys are encouraged to look up passages in Scripture and choose one to put on a billboard. They are also given a blank billboard to design.

A Time Travel Prayer

A Gratitude Exercise

A “Spiritual Exercise” DARE!

Spending time in silence in order to hear God’s voice.

Part 3: Who Does God Want You to Be?

This portion of the book helps each young man to think about being a peacemaker, a fisher of men, a spiritual warrior, a friend and a saint.

Some of my favorite activities and are in this section! Those include:

A space to design a church.

Working for Peace: a discussion on bullying and a chance to write in dirt šŸ™‚

A “Wreck It” Scavenger Hunt

Designing a Bumper Sticker and place to talk about your favorite car.

Ninja Catholicism

Another Would You Rather Activity

and a Virtue Grafitti Wall

Part 4: Make a Plan

When I was in the early stages of writing this book, I reached out to a friend of mine, Mark, who has been teaching Theology in a Catholic High School for about 20 years. I was telling him some of my ideas and when I said, “make a list” he stopped me right there. Mark said, “girls make lists; men need a plan”.

HOW DO YOU BECOME THE MAN YOU HOPE TO BE IN THE FUTURE?

So, I listened and this last part of the book helps the reader to make a plan.

As the author, I do my best to help the young man start making a plan for his life. I ask him to think about a few adults they really admire and to write down why they admire them.

The reader will also be led to envision Jesus with Saint Joseph in the workshop; and to think about what discussions might have happened while woodworking.

Then I ask the young man to choose from a list who they would like to work with and learn from – some choices include a priest, an IT professional, a mechanic and an architect.

There is also an exercise where the reader will imagine how he would be introduced to a crowd at the age of 30.

Want to know how to use both the boy’s and girl’s journals in the classroom? Check out: 3 Ways to Use the Be Yourself Journals in the Classroom

Want more ideas on how to use this journal in a youth group setting or at home? Sign up for my newsletter to see future posts!

SIGN ME UP TO BE ON PRAYER WINE CHOCOLATE’S NEWSLETTER!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teresa says

    September 13, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    Thanks Amy for the awesome resource for boys! I am buying a copy for boys today.

    • Amy says

      September 14, 2020 at 5:23 pm

      Thank you so much Teresa!

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Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

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GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

This is not a joke, I actually do this. I have a h This is not a joke, I actually do this.
I have a hard time answering God’s call to ā€œbe still@. Coloring as a way to slow down is such a great way for me to relax and meditate.
Plus, the feeling of nostalgia that I feel when color brings an added joy to my time with Jesus ā¤ļø
Grab this coloring page and 19 more… link in my bio!
They’re an instant download!
#Catholic #prayerjournal #catholiccoloringpages #adultcoloring #bestillandknow #EucharisticAdoration #CatholicsOnline #Catholicspeaker #SacredHeartofJesus #catholicinfluencers #CatholicsOnline
Let’s talk about Catholic gifts for men… My h Let’s talk about Catholic gifts for men…

My husband’s birthday was on Monday, and I was so excited to give him this book from Voyage Comics!

The truth is, him and I are both fans of this small Catholic business.

Our son loves their comic books too!

Catholic gifts for women often seem plentiful… but when it comes to men, well … shopping for them can be more of a challenge.

I love how the men over at Voyage Comics create extremely incredible content and works of art that entertain without compromising virtue.
I love that I can say to my son and other young people, ā€œlook, you can enjoy your work and give glory to God at the same timeā€!

If you want to give an inspiring gift for Father’s Day… and make your husband or dad smile that this handsome guy… definitely go shopping at Voyage Comics!
(Link in bio ~ Catholic Comic books)

In full disclosure, I was given some products in exchange for my honest review. Honestly… 5 STARS!
As an associate of Voyage Comics, I earn on qualifying purchases.
#Comicbooks #Catholicman #catholicgentleman #Catholicdad #bigbangtheory #thechristbearer #VoyageComics #CatholicSaint #Catholicgeeks #catholictheology #theology
Thank you God, for so many answered prayers and bl Thank you God, for so many answered prayers and blessings!
#Momlife #Catholiclife #Churchhistory #Catholichistory #Catholicart #Artmuseum #Rockysteps #Catholicmom #Catholiclife
Friends!!! Please join me in welcoming Katie home! Friends!!! Please join me in welcoming Katie home! Katie fully entered the Catholic Church on Sunday!

Katie was raised by wonderful Christian parents in the New Apostolic Church and I honestly want to really get her to share her conversion story.
Until then
I will say this… 

never hesitate to invite someone to pray the Rosary with you!

Katie embraced the Rosary as a Christian 
and funny story… I remember her holding it once and saying ā€œI’m not converting ā€œ as her Catholic husband walked by us šŸ˜‚ 

Truth be told, Katie has helped me pull off every single Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat since the very beginning!

Watching her research and completing dive into the Word with her whole heart has been a beautiful, inspiring sight.

And quite frankly, between her and Mark Wahlburg… I think I hear about the Hallow app at least 3 times a day šŸ˜†.
Seriously @hallowapp , you should hire her šŸ˜‰šŸ˜œ!
Welcome Katie and drop a hug emoji below!!!
Love you Katie @craftymom714 !!!!
#Catholicconvert #RCIA #Catholicfaith #Bibleinayear #stayprayedup
How can we love our identity and still be humble? How can we love our identity and still be humble?

Does that sound like a good title for a talk?

I’m working on a ā€œTalkā€ on Identity (or a blog post if I chicken out šŸ“)… and I’m really liking the topic of humility… along with modesty.
My plan was to post this morning and ask for your prayers… but along the way I saw that today is Saint Philip Neri’s feast day.
So, naturally, I googled ā€œSaint Philip Neri humilityā€.
To my delight, I found this quote:

ā€œHumility is the safeguard of chastity. In the matter of purity, there is no greater danger than not fearing the danger. 

For my part, when I find a man secure of himself and without fear, I give him up for lost. I am less alarmed for one who is tempted and who resists by avoiding the occasions, than for one who is not tempted and is not careful to avoid occasions. When a person puts himself in an occasion, saying, I shall not fall, it is an almost infallible sign that he will fall, and with great injury to his soul.ā€

I feel like some great message is coming together here, but, I need your prayers.

I mean, I don’t even know if posting about humility on Instagram is like, a total oxymoron?

I’m so thankful to have Scripture and the writing of Saints to help me. I’m also extremely grateful for your prayers.

May we both live as it is written in 1 Peter 5:5 ~
ā€œAnd all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for:
ā€œGod opposes the proud
but bestows favor on the humble.ā€
* if you like that Saint Philip Neri quote, you can see and share it over at @catholicsonline 

Do you have any questions or thoughts on humility?
Let me know in the comments!

Photo taken by @nadiapittmanphoto šŸ“ø 

#Catholicspeaker #Catholicauthor #Scripturequote #SacredScripture #humility #Saintquotes #Chastity #virtuouswoman #Catholics #InstaCatholic
Moms, have you ever heard someone say, ā€œYou’ve Moms, have you ever heard someone say, ā€œYou’ve got your hands full!ā€?

I have … and it’s usually very true!

I’m so excited to share this new belt bag from Be a Heart (@beaheartdesign )with you!

I chaperoned a field trip today and it made my whole experience more pleasant than if I brought a pocketbook or handbag!

I’m hoping to enjoy lots of adventures with my children this summer, so this will be such an incredible blessing!

I LOVE the Marian blue lining and it truly is lightweight and comfortable!
Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE when you shop at Be A Heart and you’ll save 10% off!

Link in bio!
In full disclosure, Be a Heart sent me this bag in exchange for my honest review… and I honestly love it!
šŸ“ø by @nadiapittmanphoto 
#CatholicMom #Catholicmother #Middleschoolmom #Tweenmom #Momlife #classicaleducation #Catholicmomma #Catholicwoman #Catholicshop #catholicyouthministry
Do our sons understand what it means to be a ā€œsp Do our sons understand what it means to be a ā€œspiritual warrior ā€œ? Do we?

I learned and relearned a ton of things writing Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys.

Here’s what we all need to know about being a ā€œSpiritual Warrior ā€œ:

1. Yes, there is a battle between good and evil and we are all in the midst of it. Years ago, in cartoons, it was common to see a devil on one shoulder and an Angel on another. It was CLEAR which voice was good and which was evil. The animation gave us a visual of what we were very familiar with.  Today, we must work a little harder so that all of us are detecting what is good and what is evil.

2. You don’t walk out onto a battlefield unprepared.
You put on your suit of armor and you bring your weapon. You do this FIRST! Faith is our shield, prayer is our greatest weapon. In other words, God has to be number one if we want to truly protect our soul. Knowing God has to be not only a priority, but our first priority.

3. We are not alone, but not everyone is going to grow in virtue. The virtues are our ā€œarmor of lightā€ that protect us from the enemy. We would be wise to follow the advice of St. Francis de Sales in this, ā€œLove everyone with a strenuous love based on charity, but form friendships only with those who can share virtuous things with you.ā€
Want to help your son on the battlefield?
Get him a copy of this journal today!
Link in bio!
#spiritualwarfare #Catholicmom #Catholic
I did this in one take… and you can totally tell I did this in one take… and you can totally tell, I know.
FYI I saw this movie the theater and there were real nuns there šŸ˜‚ 
I seriously don’t know what hashtags are appropriate for this…
My son has 2 Be Yourself Journals… I asked him t My son has 2 Be Yourself Journals…
I asked him to show me his favorite page and he chose the ā€œmad libs likeā€ activity šŸ˜†.

Anyone who purchases 2 copies of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys from me this weekend will get the Bible Study for Boys (7 lesson plans) for FREE!!!
Tag your friends that are youth ministers, ccd teachers, DRE’s, catechists and Catholic school teachers!

You could even use it for a VBS program for older kids!

I believe we need the be excited about our faith… especially when we present it to young people!

Our faith is FASCINATING! It’s EXCITING!
It’s anything BUT boring!

Let’s do this!!!

#Catholic #religiouseducation #Catholicyouth #metacatholic #DRE #Catholicdre #Catholicparish #Catholiclink #bustedhalo #Catholicsonline #bibleinayear #Catholictween #catechism #Catholicpriest #spiritualwarfare #Theology #theologyofthebody #babiesanddreams
Prayer of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus O Jesu Prayer of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

O Jesus, I pray for your faithful and fervent priests;
for your unfaithful and tepid priests;
for your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields;
for your tempted priests;
for your lonely and desolate priests;
for your young priests;
for your dying priests;
for the souls of your priests in purgatory.

But above all, I recommend to you the priests dearest to me:
the priest who baptized me;
the priests who absolved me from my sins;
the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me your Body and Blood in Holy Communion;
the priests who taught and instructed me;
all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way (especially …).

O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart,
and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity.
Amen.
#Catholicprayers #CatholicSaints #prayforpriests #Catholic #praymore #audienceofone #prayer #prayerjournal #instainspiration
I dare you to comment below 3 to 5 things you are I dare you to comment below 3 to 5 things you are thanking God for today!!!
#answeredprayers #cultivategratitude #Catholicmom #Catholicsonline #Instamom #MomsofInstagram #CatholicChristian
I have a super sweet story to share with you! Las I have a super sweet story to share with you!

Last evening my husband and I decided that we were long overdue for praying a Rosary with the family.

We have friends searching for jobs that have asked us to pray and many others intentions.

Our kids were outside playing with a little girl who lives up the road.

I walked outside with a bunch of tangled up Rosaries (see reel I made yesterday) and told my 3 children they had to come in to pray the Rosary.

My daughter, who made this Rosary for me, asked if their friend could pray with us.

I said she was, of course, welcome to pray with us!

All 4 kids came inside and my son volunteered to lead the first decade. Our 9 year old guest led a decade too!

She stumbled a little with the words to the Hail Mary but by the end of her decade, I was so impressed.

Once we were done praying my husband complimented our young guest on how well she did.
It was such a beautiful, unexpected event.
What a great reminder… courtesy of my daughter in Kindergarten… to always invite others to pray with you!
#praywithothers #TheRosary #manyhailmarysatatime #HolyRosary #praytherosary #familyrosary #Catholickids #Praymore
Some people want to start prayer journaling, but t Some people want to start prayer journaling, but that first page intimidates them.
Here’s a way to start that it totally stress free!
#prayerjournal #prayerjournaling #Catholic #Catholicreels #JesusItrustinYou
We haven’t even started yet and there’s an iss We haven’t even started yet and there’s an issue šŸ˜‚ 🪢 
#familyrosary #prayingmama #signofthecross #Catholicreels
ā€œI don’t even remember thatā€~ my Mom. When I ā€œI don’t even remember thatā€~ my Mom.
When I told my mom how she inspired the title of the Be Yourself Journal, that was her response šŸ˜‚.
As a tired Mama, I so appreciate this now.
It’s amazing what God’s grace and a mother’s love can do!
My mom felt bad that I felt left out. But, she was also tired and was probably in survival mode with 3 or 4 children at that point.
I get that now.
But God took what my mom didn’t say and placed in my heart the contents of the book I get to the author of!
I am finding so much relief in this realization today.
I often see my shortcomings as a Mother.
I’m tired.
I’m still disorganized like I was before motherhood.
But I do have faith in God and love for my children.
I believe that God knew exactly what He was doing when He chose me to be the mother of my children.
He knows my strengths and weaknesses.
His grace is sufficient… for all mothers.
Praise the Lord!
Happy Mother’s Day!

Share this post and remind others that it’s totally okay to not be perfect.
Keep loving!
#Catholic #Catholicmom #holy #faithful #babiesanddreams #mothersday
Did you know Our Lady of Fatima taught the three y Did you know Our Lady of Fatima taught the three young children a couple of prayers?

The Blessed Mother taught the children to offer all their personal sacrifices to God by praying:
O My Jesus, I offer this for love of Thee, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Another prayer Our Lady taught the children was:

O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

I love how Our Blessed Mother encourages to us to start a prayer by addressing the Lord with these words:
ā€œO my Jesusā€¦ā€
One of my favorite prayers was taught to the Fatima children by an angel.
This is that prayer:

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee.

Today, May 13th, is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!

#Catholicprayer #prayerjournal #Catholicprayers #Catholic #prayerjournalprompts #OurLadyofFatima #Catholicwoman #Catholicwife #Catholicmom
Sometimes, when I go to Mass, the homily isn’t e Sometimes, when I go to Mass, the homily isn’t exactly stellar…

But bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, when I attend Mass, the other people in the pews don’t participate in the prayers or sing the hymns…

But bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present.

Sometimes, when I’m at Mass my own mind wanders and I’m distracted by children who can’t sit still…

But bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

An incredible miracle happens at every Catholic Mass… 

The whole Christ is truly present -- body, blood, soul, and divinity -- under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the body of Jesus Christ, which was given up for me and you.

#RealPresence #Eucharisticrevival #EucharisticAdoration #CatholicInspiration #Catholicchurch #HolyEucharist #HolyCommunion #Catholicblog #prayerjournal
There is not one person out there that understands There is not one person out there that understands ALL THE THINGS. This is another reason why it is so important to network with others.
We can help one another. All for the sake of His Kingdom.
#catholicinfluencer #christianinfluencer #PadrePio #CatholicsOnline #influencerlife #newevangelization #Catholicblog #Catholicbusiness #catholicmarketing #catholicreels
Long before ā€œinfluencerā€ was a common term or Long before ā€œinfluencerā€ was a common term or familiar word in our vocabulary, our actions and example made a difference in the lives of others.

Sometimes… perhaps more often than not, our choices impact the decisions of other people without us even realizing it.

When I was a teen, I ran cross country and track.

To my surprise, I was … not terrible at it.

I realized, through this sport, that God had not completely skipped me when giving out talents.

But, I questioned God.
Why give anyone the talent to run long distance?

How on earth could that talent be helpful to anyone?

I was young and the truth is… wisdom does come with age.
There was a ton of personal fruit that came to me from running.
But to my surprise… my example to continue running, even though I often thought it was a ā€œstupid talentā€ didn’t just impact me.

For years I kept running because my Catholic education taught me that if God gave me a talent, it was my job to use that talent.

So even though I šŸ’Æ % thought it was the dumbest talent ever… I kept using it.

Years later my brother shared how my example led to him giving running as a sport a try.

He’s much more talented than me.

And I am still in shock that my actions grabbed his attention.

I strongly believe young people need to hear stories like this.
Blind faith and trust in God is not a waste of time.

I wrote more about this in Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys.
My brother, who really is a GOOD SPORT, allowed me to take his picture with the book that shares a part of this big story.
It was all in God’s plan.
Thank you Brian for sharing that story!!!

If you teach children or teens to trust God, even when they don’t quite understand why… comment and share below!
#TrustintheLord #havefaith #CatholicRunner #SacredScripture #ChristianRunner #Catholicschool #audienceofone
Stop scrolling… we need to talk. Yes… you! Do Stop scrolling… we need to talk.
Yes… you!

Do you have a Bible?
Who gave it to you?
What year was that?

I realized very recently that the only reason why my husband and I have a Bible is because his Aunt, who happens to be a nun, gave us one as a wedding gift.

I had a Bible before I got married.
I had it because I went to a Catholic high school and it was a required book for our religion classes.

So as I was thinking about this … I started to wonder…
How many Catholics don’t have Bibles???

I ask you to consider giving a loved one a Bible the next time you’re thinking about giving a gift.
There’s a rumor going around that Catholics don’t read the Bible very much…
Let’s make sure that’s not true.
This Bible is the one used by @fathermikeschmitz for The Bible in a Year podcast.

I was given a copy in exchange for promotion. I don’t think there has ever been anything easier to promote!

On a side note… my very good non-Catholic friend is becoming Catholic this month and this Bible and that podcast have a lot to do with that.

So friends… go spend some time with Jesus. Read your Bible and give someone you love a Bible too.

#SacredScripture #girlreadyourbible #BibleinaYear #Ascension #Catholicgift #Catholicblog #Catholics #Catholicsonline #catholicpodcast #CatholicsofInstagram
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