Raising Godly Boys Minute

Does your son play video games?A grandfather asked his grandson, “Why do you like playing Fortnite so much?” His grandson's reply was telling: “Because I'm good at it.”Why do we have such an inner drive? To be good? To win? Sometimes at the expense of others? The answer lies in The Fall. Mankind was created, and God said it was “very good.”* Everything Adam and Eve needed was woven into them to worship God and obey Him.However, when they decided to believe the serpent instead, that inner drive became corrupted. And, unfortunately, the rest is history.Teaching our boys what true goodness is, by showing them the life of Jesus, takes this concept out of the fake worlds of video games and plants it firmly in the real world around them.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com. *Genesis 1:31

Is your son growing closer to God, or further away?It seems that everything in our modern culture is trying to drive a wedge between our sons and their faith in God.  Many times, this worldly influence comes from their friends.Abraham Kuyper, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, once said, “He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God.”Surround your sons with godly men to mentor him and with true friends who will encourage him in his walk with Christ.  Modern culture wants to rip him away from God.  Put people in his life that push him, by their example and by their words, ever closer to the love of Jesus Christ.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Walk into any coffee shop, and the chances are high that you'll see two women talking. Sitting across from each other, the women will look each other in the eye and discuss deep and personal issues. You probably won't see two men sitting and conversing in the same way. Why? Well, as Dr. Emerson Eggerichs points out, it's a matter of gender differences. Women prefer face to face communication, while men tend to prefer shoulder-to-shoulder discussions. As a parent of a son, this is deeply valuable information for you to consider. When you're concerned about your son and would like him to share his struggles, get beside him. Take a drive, hike together, or stand on a dock side-by-side and fish. Your boy will most likely prefer those settings over going to a coffee shop. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When is your son strong enough?  How do you know he's ready?Tyler was the smallest, youngest member of the troop, and afraid of heights, so when it came time to go down the rappelling tower, the leaders were not surprised when Tyler got into the harness and timidly inched down the side of the tower.  What blew their minds was that he went back over and over again, until he was kicking out off the top ledge, the rope zipping through his hands as he flew through the air in giant leaps, with a huge grin on his face.Sometimes, all a boy needs is a challenge.  Give him that challenge, and see who he can become!For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

I have a tough time visualizing Jesus, mocking an opponent, calling them “losers.”It's called “trash talk,” or having “swag.” And it can get ugly.Sportsmanship, like so many cultural norms these days, is becoming a thing of the past.When a player does something memorable, like crouching down and consoling a member of the losing side after the game is over, we marvel at their example.That's the kind of life Jesus lived. Winning a game is just that. A game. Sportsmanship is a life lesson that shapes and molds a young man into something more. When taken deeper, showing compassion, even when you “lose,” becomes the ultimate example. That's when you can say to the vitriol of an ungracious opponent, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”* For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.*Luke 23:34

Are there days you want to resign as a parent? You wish you could throw in the towel and call it quits?Most parents have fleeting thoughts of giving up. During these problematic moments, remember God's encouragement in James. The one who perseveres under trial is blessed and will receive the crown of life.  Raising boys is a long endeavor. A marathon, not a race. And it sometimes requires thick skin. On the days when our boys run through the house and knock things over or leave their socks laying around for the umpteenth time, remember your goal isn't to only change behavior, but to build character. And that takes perseverance and patience. So, go ahead and remind them one more time not to run. Smile and tell them to pick up their dirty clothes. You're raising Godly boys. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do your son's friends influence him?  Do they make him better?  Do they encourage him to be his best and have a good attitude?The twins were away from video games and TV.  Cold and wet from the rainy canoe camping trip, all they wanted when they put in to camp was to go home.  Bad became worse when they discovered their patrol's food and all the extra water got left behind.But the other boys shared their own food and started playing games in the rain.  Soon, they were cannonballing into the river, finding frogs, and running through the woods.  That night, they crawled into their tents wet, hungry, and very, very happy.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Luke, a senior in high school, took a breath. He was about to rappel down a steep cliff. He knew that, at the bottom of the cliff,  an experienced rock climber was holding the safety rope. But it still took all the courage Luke had to begin to rappel. A few weeks later, Luke took a deep breath yet again. But this time he wasn't rappelling. He was about to graduate high school. Just as had known the experienced rock climber would keep him safe, he knew his Heavenly Father was holding his future. As Luke learned while rappelling, out of all the ways that outdoor activities benefit your son, perhaps the most important of all is the lesson in trusting God. These activities teach your boy to have courage and step out in faith. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Why are boys protectors?At four years old, Thomas saw a red wasp fly into the room and land next to his baby sister, buzzing threateningly.  Scared for his sister, he stepped in front of her, stomping on the wasp with his bare foot, and the stinger went deep into his soft skin.His mother rushed from the kitchen and scooped up the brave little boy who saved his sister by taking the pain himself.Boys are men-in-training, and the God-given role of protector is hard-wired into them.  Masculinity is not toxic, it is godly and heroic.Help your son become the best.  Live Christ in your life.  Find good, strong mentors to train him, and high-character friends to walk alongside him.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Wet towels on the bathroom floor. Dirty clothes strewn about the bedroom with Legos embedded within, acting as a plastic minefield. And dirt. Dirt everywhere. If you have boys, then this little visual has you nodding in agreement. Personal hygiene for the average pre-teen boy or early teenager just doesn't compute. Not until there is a girl involved. Then, we see the transformation unfold before our eyes. The hair has to be just so. Clean clothes matter. Deodorant and cologne become necessities.What happened?He now has a reason to care. But didn't he have a reason to care before? Yes. “Whether then, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”* Sometimes, boys need to be taught how God's Word applies to every aspect of life. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son ready?John David was giving the boys a last-minute pack check before heading out on a week-long hike and campout of over eighty miles, when he noticed they only had one water bottle apiece.  The trails were long and dusty, and many times there would be no streams or rivers along the way, and they could only find water to filter at the end of the day.  He quickly got them more water bottles, and they were ready for the trip.One sip of a Sunday sermon is not enough to carry your son through the week.  Teach him to drink deeply of the word, daily refreshing himself by streams of pure water in scripture. Morning and nightly draughts from God's word will sustain him, clear his mind, and give him strength to carry on.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's an idea for studying the Bible with your teenage son. First, find a simple Bible reading plan online. Each day, you and your son read the passage together or own your own. Then, after reading the passage, go through the H.E.A.R. acronym.  This was created by Pastor Robbie Gallaty. H stands for– Highlight a verse that stands out E— Explain what this verse means A— Apply this to your  life And R— Respond to God's Word. Pastor Robbie says he created this acronym to eliminate many of the excuses people give for not understanding God's word. It's also an excellent catalyst for sparking spiritual conversations between you and your son. Pray about giving the H.E.A.R method a try. For more ideas to raise your son to be a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

William Wallace, who fought for Scottish independence, recalls this quote his uncle used to tell him: “I tell you a truth: Liberty is the best of things, my son; never live under any slavish bond.”Teach your son to walk in freedom.  Many things in this life will seek to enslave him: twisted immorality, the pursuit of selfish ends and amassing wealth, or a life of ease and pleasure.  But it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Your son is free from the bondage of Pharisaical judgment, Corinthian licentiousness, and everything in between.  Whom the son sets free is free indeed.  So help him fight his battles, help free him from society's grip, and let him soar with eagle's wings so he, in turn, may reach out and help free others.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Integrity. We sometimes call it, “Honor,” or “Our Word.”If we say, “You have my word,” we wish for that person to believe us and trust us. Not just now, but in the future as well.Yet, Integrity is a difficult thing for young men to build in today's society. They are surrounded by peers, cultural icons, and even relatives who lie to “save their backsides.”The Bible says, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”*God said we could believe His Word unto salvation and everlasting life. And if our young men are to follow in the Master's footsteps, then having integrity that mirrors their Master should be a priority. Not only for themselves, but for their posterity too.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

John Eldredge writes,  “Men want a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. That is what is written in their hearts. That is what little boys play at. That is what men's movies are about. You just see it. It is undeniable.”In today's world, those desires can become distorted, twisted, or boys can be shamed out of righteous desires to pursue the lies society paints with glitter and holds up as bait.You can affirm your boys in their desires for adventure, victory, and love, and do it with purpose.  Teach them the right battles to fight.  Give them tremendous adventures to live.  Train them to be ready to rescue.  Surround your son with men and boys seeking a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you know how microwave popcorn works? Each kernel has a tiny drop of water inside. When that drop of water is heated up, the kernel explodes into popcorn! Here's what I want to hone in on– even though they are placed in the same bag and heated in the same microwave— each kernel will turn into popcorn at different times. In the same way, your son will develop at his own rate. It's very normal for boys to develop at a slower rate than girls, and then eventually catch up. But often, the school system continues to compare boys and girls as equals, which leads to many boys being considered developmentally delayed. If that describes your son– don't lose heart. Most likely, he will catch up in due time. He is perfectly and wonderfully made. For more ideas for raising boys into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How much food can one boy eat? What about ten boys? If your son is anything like mine, they can put away some groceries.David and the other leaders planned ahead, and had a cooler full of food for the boys' outdoor leadership training retreat. What they did not count on was the fish.Camping right next to a lake, the boys spent every free moment with a line in the water, built a fire, and cooked fish for breakfast, lunch, and supper. David went home with 90% of the food he brought to the campout!Godly mentoring, fun with friends, and lots of fish-- it was a weekend to remember!For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

It's getting harder and harder to find programming on TV, movies in the theaters, or books in the bookstore to which we, as parents, feel comfortable exposing our children.Guarding their hearts and minds becomes infinitely more difficult the day you hand them their first smartphone.Because boys are typically very visual, in both their learning and what stimulates them emotionally, our “visual society,” with all of its ungodly trappings becomes a literal minefield, slowly destroying their boyhood innocence, one blast at a time.We know the saying: “Garbage in, Garbage out.” Jesus phrased it like this: “From out of the heart, the mouth speaks.”* What are your boys viewing that will eventually come out as words and deeds? And does the answer to that question alarm you?For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever felt like an outsider? Like you didn't fit in?God created us with an innate desire to belong, to connect with others, to be part of a community. Our sons are no different. Even when they act uninterested, hide in their room, or say they don't care, they still long to fit it. They want to join with others and experience the thrill of being part of something bigger than themselves. Our job is to steer them toward a group with healthy goals and positive influences. Pray about a place for them to belong.Encourage your boys to join a Christian group like Trail Life, where they can experience God's creation, mature into godly men, and accomplish tasks alongside others.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son know how to succeed?A young boy was talking to JD, an infectiously happy disc-golf expert who drove trucks for a living.Eyes crinkling, JD told the boy, “I figured out the secret to making money as a truck driver.  Wanna hear it?”The boy nodded eagerly, and JD answered with a smile, “Keep the left door closed.”What JD meant was, “don't stop unnecessarily; keep on driving.”Whether your son is climbing a mountain, practicing for football or soccer, or learning a trade, the secret to success is often that simple; just keep going.  Persistence brings success, and small successes now mean you have prepared him to succeed on a much larger field: in life.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Teach your son to do the best he can with what God has given him. Violinist Niccolo Paganini was playing a piece in front of an audience when, one by one, his violin strings began to snap. Finally, Niccolo was left with only one single working string. Unfazed, he finished the piece on the single string he had left. This is a wonderful example of focusing on our strengths. Our Creator has a specific purpose for every young man's life. But sometimes, it's easy for boys to only look at their weaknesses and decide that they aren't equipped to do great things. Instead, help your son focus on his strengths, and offer those to God. After all, our Lord can create beautiful music with any number of violin strings. For more ideas for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Tim Allen once said, “Do you know what causes sibling rivalry? Having more than one kid."Worldly speaking, this is true. And funny. However, from a biblical perspective, the cause of sibling rivalry can reside in an “only child” household, too, for the ultimate cause is our sinful nature. The selfish cries of “Mine!” can manifest themselves in the presence of friends or relatives just the same.Jesus taught us that the entire Law of God can be summed up in two steps: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and Love your neighbor as yourself.* Who's closer to being a neighbor than a sibling?For when we teach our boys to have the heart of our Savior, siblings become more than mere flesh and blood with whom to compete.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son ready to face life?Would you like him to be?Giving your son challenges to overcome strengthens him to take on more.  Hiking a misty morning trail, sweating and pushing himself on the football field, or learning the thrill of shooting his kayak down a roaring rapid, powering through the river with eager strokes all build in him a mindset of success to overcome what life brings him.Leonardo DaVinci once said, “Obstacles cannot crush me.  Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.”Give your son the opportunity to succeed.  Carefully select challenges to push him and show him how strong he really is.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“You're not listening.” Have you said this to your son lately? Maybe he was clicking his pen or fidgeting with a toy rather than paying attention to your words. He appears to be ignoring you. However, his annoying behavior could be what helps him understand your instructions.Boys can't process sentence after sentence after sentence. Typically, they are kinesthetic and learn best when physically engaged in an activity. So, rather than sitting across from your son, try talking with him while participating in an activity together. Shoulder to shoulder, rather than eye to eye. When you need to correct your son or offer him advice, get moving. Take a walk. Go for a bike ride. Build a fort. He's more apt to hear your message.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son have a direction?  Has he chosen what he wants his character to be?You can help him do this, you know.When you do, help him choose a character not based on pleasure or self, but on fulfilling God's purpose for his life.Albert Einstein once said, “To make a goal of comfort or happiness has never appealed to me; a system of ethics built on this basis would be sufficient only for a herd of cattle.”Don't raise your son as cattle.  Raise him to be a godly leader whose first thought is not for himself, but for how he can serve his Savior.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Teach your son to be a friend to all– even to those who are missing buttons.  In the classic children's book Corduroy by Don Freeman, a little stuffed bear sits on a store shelf. Children see the bear and consider purchasing him. But when they see that Corduroy is missing a button on his overalls, they put him back on the shelf. One day, a child decides to buy Corduroy, despite his missing button. When she takes him home, Corduroy thinks, “I've always wanted a friend.” Your son is watching the way you treat others. Do you disregard and judge people because of their imperfections? Or, do you forgive and show grace? Remind your son that Jesus was known for loving the misfits. As Christians, we should be a friend to all as well. For more ideas for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever wanted to talk to your son?  Like, really talk?  Life can come at them hard and fast in today's world.Chris was concerned about his son after cancer took his wife.  His son always said he was fine, but Chris wondered.On a campout with their troop, when all the rock-climbing and tower-building was complete, Chris and his son went to fish.  As the sun was setting and Canadian geese circled in to settle on the opposite side of the pond, Chris' son said simply, “Mom would have liked this.”Chris was quiet.  “I miss her,” his son said, then broke down in tears.  Chris dropped his rod and wrapped him up in a big hug, and they were able to talk– really talk. Make space to hear your son's heart.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com

Almost all of us have been bullied or observed someone bully others. How do we help our sons stand up to a tormentor without retaliating or being a pushover?Devon joined the swim team last summer. A few teammates made fun of him because he wasn't part of the “in” crowd. Others saw but didn't know how to help. When Devon asked his parents what to do, they told him, “Just continue to be the person you are. Treat others the way you want to be treated.” And he did. At the end of season, Devon won the “Kindest Person on the Team” award. Everyone, including the coaches, noticed his caring disposition.When your son asks how to stop a bully, one answer may be, “Just be yourself.”For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

As soon as you found out you were having a son, you probably started dreaming about what he would be like. Maybe you started dreaming about what he would grow up to be. Maybe you even laid out your old football jersey, wondering if your son would be a quarterback like you were in high school. Maybe. But maybe not. Many times, sons surprise us with their interests. You might expect him to love sports, but he may prefer to do something completely different–  like fix computers or bake apple pie. Whatever your boy's passions turn out to be, pray that he will use them to glorify God. Let go of your expectations. Encourage the natural giftings and interests you see in your son– even if that means he never dons your old high school football jersey. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is the allure of camping?  Why do children want to sleep in tents, wander trails with flashlights, climb trees, and have adventures?Painter Vito Campenella once said, “The world is all sense, life, soul and body, the image of the Almighty, fashioned to glorify Him with power, wisdom, and love.”God's power is evident in his creation, and often, he can speak to us there when we are away from the distractions of screens.How much more important is it for your son?  Rivers, mountains, and starry nights are great ways to teach him God's glory.  Even the backyard can be peace from the cares of life and time to lift his heart to God.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

God sees the x-ray of your son's heart. Brad Henry went to the doctor because of some knee pain. Looking at the x-ray, the doctor asked Brad, “Have you ever been shot?”  Brad answered, “Yes, thirty-five years ago when I was rabbit hunting!” It turned out that a piece of bullet had been lodged in Brad's knee for decades. As Brad's story illustrates– X-rays can see what the human eye cannot. And in the same way, a crucial lesson we must teach our son is that God sees the depths of his heart. On one hand, this is convicting– God sees his true motives and darkest sins. But more importantly, this is encouraging. As we're reminded in Psalm 139:2– God understands our son's every thought. Remind your son today of how deeply he is seen and loved. For ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Every night at bedtime, Jane would kiss her five-year-old son's cheek, and say, “I love you so much.” One night, her son said, “Mom, I know you love me. But are you proud of me?” That's a true story that Dr. Emerson Eggerich shared while teaching about his book, Love and Respect. Hearing her son's question, Jane realized her son was already craving respect. She changed her approach. At bedtime, started putting her hand on her son's shoulder and saying, “I am so proud of you.” Every time she did, her son would puff his chest and smile. Your son does need to know you love him, of course. But don't forget about his desire to hear that you like him and are proud of the person that he is, as well. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit TrailLifeUSA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son have a “spotter”? In NASCAR, each driver has a “spotter.” It's a person who stands high above the racetrack and communicates, through a radio, what's behind, around, and ahead of the driver. As Brad Henry points out in his book Destination- The Winner's Circle, every young man needs a spotter. They need someone who has a wider perspective, who can point out potential issues behind and ahead of them. Unfortunately, young men tend to listen to the spotter more closely if that person is NOT a parent. Start helping your son seek out a youth pastor, a church deacon, or a great male teacher who could be their positive mentor and “spotter.” And of course, point your son to the ultimate spotter– God, the Author and Finisher of our faith. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Could your boy be a hero?Chris and his friends ran down to the beach ahead of their leaders when two ladies, frantic and crying, came running to them pointing out to sea.  Their brother, a weak swimmer, was caught in a strong current, and was fighting for his life, unable to make it to shore.Two of the strongest swimmers raced out to save him as the others formed a human chain, wading into the current, helping their friends and the near-drowning brother to safety.Surrounding your son with good friends who know what to do is a path to success for life, and will help him save others on his way.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Want to teach your son right and wrong? The outdoors is a great place to start. When you're hunting, camping, or hiking, natural consequences are everywhere. If you don't aim your shot well, you won't harvest a deer. If you fail to pitch your tent correctly, it will tumble around you. If you don't consult the weather forecast, you may get caught in a rainstorm on your hiking trail. Always supervise your son, and be prepared to assist when needed. But on your next outdoor adventure, let your son take the lead. And when something goes wrong, as long as your son is safe, allow him to decide what to do next. You'll be building his confidence, his resilience, and his critical thinking skills all at once. For more ideas to raise boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Can you be sure you are raising your children properly?  How can you know you are right?  With so many different voices yelling at you from social media, friends, and the world, how can you know what is true?For instance, science mistakenly used to tell us margarine was better than butter, and eggs would kill us.  Who can you trust these days?Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini once said, “The most wonderful virtue of all is truth, because ultimately it is revealed by time.”Raise your children in the truth.  God never changes; he is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Teach them to walk hand-in-hand with Him, and they will develop faith and a character that will stand the test of time.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com

Every night at bedtime, Jane would kiss her five-year-old son's cheek, and say, “I love you so much.” One night, her son said, “Mom, I know you love me. But are you proud of me?” That's a true story that Dr. Emerson Eggerich shared while teaching about his book, Love and Respect. Hearing her son's question, Jane realized her son was already craving respect. She changed her approach. At bedtime, started putting her hand on her son's shoulder and saying, “I am so proud of you.” Every time she did, her son would puff his chest and smile. Your son does need to know you love him, of course. But don't forget about his desire to hear that you like him and are proud of the person that he is, as well. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit TrailLifeUSA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is it easier for you to fix something yourself rather than ask your son to help? If so, you're not alone.One wife asked her husband to let their ten-year-old help him change the oil in their car. He told her he'd tried in the past but ended up frustrated. His son didn't listen, couldn't focus, and kept dropping tools. The task took twice as long.Can you relate?Even though teaching our sons how to take care of household problems, like changing the oil, may cost us time, it's worth the effort. It builds their self-worth and teaches them life lessons which help them become responsible adults. And through the process, the relationship between father and son grows.So the next time you need to fix something, grab your son and complete the job together.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever prayed over your son's room? Consider doing this the next time your son is at school or asleep. Standing at your son's bedroom door, pray Psalm 121:8: That the Lord will watch over his comings and his goings. Then, walk over to his bedroom window, and pray Matthew 6:33- that your son will seek first God's kingdom and righteousness. By his bedside, pray Psalm 4:8- That your son will lie down and rest in peace, because the Lord alone makes him dwell in safety. And standing in the middle of the room, pray Phillipians 4:6-7– that your son isn't anxious about anything, but with prayer and petition, makes his requests known to God, so that the peace of Christ fills your son's room and his heart. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Has your son ever been afraid?On a coastal night hike, the youngest boys in the group were scared when odd lights began flashing across the sky.  They grew more terrified as they hiked closer until they were directly underneath the lights!Turning the corner, they were delighted to find the source of the mysterious lights was a lighthouse in the distance; the lighthouse beam reflected off a power line and appeared to shoot across the sky.In life and on the trail, following experienced mentors and surrounding your son with other young men to keep him secure is a good plan for success, and a way to find the light at the end of the trail!For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What comes to mind when you hear the word reflector?Maybe you think of a car's taillight or those glittery objects that stick up in the center of the road. A reflector takes the light it receives and redirects it outward.In the darkness of today's culture, Christians have a responsibility to reflect the true light of the world. The question is, are you doing that? Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”Be bold in reflecting Christ. As you demonstrate courage in sharing the Gospel, your son will take notice. Then, before you know it, he'll want to be a reflector as well.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Don't forget to enjoy life with your son. If you're like many parents, you are very concerned with parenting your son well. You work hard to help him succeed in school and learn responsibility. You research the best discipline strategies for him. You pray for him to know the Lord. Those things are excellent. But don't forget to kick back and have fun with your boy, too. Sit on the porch and play fetch with the dog together. Hop on bikes and find a new trail. Make ice cream sundaes. If your son is little, sit with him. Play trucks, color, or blow bubbles. You may only have a few minutes. But those few minutes will fill your son's love tank, and remind him that enjoying God's blessings is an important part of life. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you charge up your cell phone last night? Mostly likely, you did. That meant plugging it into a power source so that electricity could recharge its battery. Each night, you probably recharge your phone so that it's ready to be used throughout the next day.As a parent, it's vital that you also take time to rest and recharge. This could take the form of physical relaxation, emotional support, or spiritual refreshment. There are many ways to recharge your internal “batteries,” but the key is to figure out what works for you, and then take time to rest.By plugging into God's Word, you'll receive a big boost of strength that will power you throughout the day. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son destined for greatness?Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini once said, “If you want to know the extent of a man's ability, give him something difficult to do.”Today's society wants to give everyone a prize for showing up, and award everyone an ‘A' for turning in the assignment.  The temptation to accept the easy ‘A' and the prize with no victory creates a world with no champions.Break the mold!  Challenge your son!  …the cold, early-morning air broken by the crunch of gravel under his hiking boots as he ascends a peak, the crash of helmets as he charges for a tackle, or the roar of a river as he shoots a rapid….Is your son destined for greatness?  Help him find it!For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

If your son flops down on the couch and says, “I'm bored” — take notice. God made boys mentally, emotionally, and physically different from girls. Because of that, they need to engage in activities that they are passionate about . . . activities that involve both mind and body. So, what's your son passionate about? Dad, help him discover his strengths and talents. This might involve trying a little bit of a whole bunch of activities. Take him rock climbing. Sign him up for karate classes. Give photography a chance.Eventually, your son will develop a passion for a certain activity. When this happens, encourage him to develop those skills. The more he does so, the fewer times you'll hear, “I'm bored” escape his lips.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you afraid your son will lose his way?  This world is full of alluring distractions that can lead our children down dark paths, seeking to devour them.In the midst of so many lies, how can they know the truth?Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote in Sherlock Holmes, “...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”Against the wisdom of this world, the improbably simple truth of the gospel stands alone.  Teach your son to never touch this world's glittering array of lies by showing him how to cling fast to the word of God.  Give him godly mentors to help train him, and surround him with like-minded young men following the greatest truth: Jesus Christ.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A young boy was playing with his pet goldfish, when he accidentally killed it. Scared he would get in trouble, the boy, named David, lied about what happened to his fish. Immediately, he felt guilty. He confessed the lie to his mom as tears streamed down his face. His mom said, “David, Jesus loves you no matter what you have done.” That little boy was David Frey, who grew up to be the lead singer of the Christian band Sidewalk Prophets. He wrote a song about that experience, called “You Love Me Anyway.” As parents of sons, let's follow the example of David's mom. Our son is going to make mistakes. When he does, let's remind him first and foremost that there's nothing he can do to cancel out Jesus' all-consuming, unconditional love. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you listen to your parents, or did you listen to your friends?Friendships can define a boy's life.  More than that, friendships in a group can provide identity.  There is a reason sports teammates will fight viciously for one another on the field.  It's also why gangs are so prevalent– it gives boys a sense of belonging, and can drive them to do things they know are wrong.How can you help your son choose?  It doesn't have to be left to chance.You can give him godly friends who will inspire him as they help each other along the way.  And who knows?  Perhaps your son is the one the others will listen to and learn from.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Show. Don't just tell. In Philippians 3:10, Paul says, “I want to know Christ.” He isn't talking about head knowledge. In both the Greek and Hebrew languages, the word knowledge is experience based. Paul was saying that he longs to experience God in all of His glory. That should be our heart's cry as Christian parents. We can take our son to church and tell him about the importance of a relationship with Jesus. But the best way to teach our boys is to show them. Let your son see you meeting with God, reading your Bible, praying, and sharing Christ with others. Let Christ transform your life. Your son will notice– and no doubt begin to desire to experience Jesus for himself. To learn about a proven process for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Theodore Roosevelt famously said,“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”But how? How do we as parents give our sons the chance for glorious triumphs?Break free of the tyranny of screens!  Go outdoors, and teach your son to test his mettle against a lofty mountain peak, a wicked fastball, or paddling a canoe down a winding river in the early morning mist.Rescue him from the gray twilight, and teach him to truly live!For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your son craves four things. First, he craves belonging– to “fit in.” Second, he wants a sense of competence. He needs to feel “good enough.” Third– boys need to know their worth. And the fourth thing that boys crave is a sense of autonomy. They want freedom and independence. The next time your son is upset or angry, it may be a good idea to go through this list in your head. Which craving is your son lacking? Then, once it's identified, help your son find age-appropriate, healthy, ways to fulfill that desire. For instance, if he's not feeling a sense of belonging at school, maybe he could find another group of peers to meet with. This could be a youth group, or an outdoor adventure group like Trail Life USA. For more ideas to raise boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.