Podcasts about trail life usa

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.

Patti Garibay is a former Girl Scout leader who founded an alternative scouting program called American Heritage Girls which now has more than 70,000 girls involved in all fifty states.  In this conversation with Wayne Rice and John Coulombe, Patti explains how AHG began, what it does and how it provides a strategic way for grandparents to help raise godly granddaughters and pass on their Christian faith.Books and Resources mentioned during this podcast:Why Curse the Darkness When You Can Light a Candle by Patti GaribayPippi Longstocking by Astrid LindgrenAmerican Heritage Girls website: https://americanheritagegirls.org/Trail Life USA website: traillifeuse.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.

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

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.

How can you train your son into good character, character that will last, character that will see him become a man of responsibility and action?The allures of society can drown your son in ease of life, pleasure, and infinite time-wasting.  Many young men simply fail to do anything with their lives.It doesn't have to be this way.Irving Stone wrote of Michelangelo in The Agony and the Ecstasy, “...his own integrity… forced him to do his best, even when he would have preferred to do nothing at all.”There is a way to instill character in your son: give him godly mentors, a high target to aim for, and set challenges for him that will awaken the fire within his soul.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

It was just three simple words. Evangelical Louis Palau was fighting terminal lung cancer. During that time, someone asked him, “After you pass away, if you could send a message down from heaven to all believers, what do you think you would say?” Palau thought for a moment, then responded with three simple words: “Go for it.” That kind of God-rooted courage is one of the most important traits to instill in our son. When he's little, this looks like letting him climb and explore in age-appropriate ways. When he's older, this means stepping back to allow him to attempt things and fail big.And when our son expresses a dream to us, let us be the first one to echo Palau's encouraging words– “Go for it.” For more ideas to raise boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is your son afraid of?In today's world, there is a lot to fear.  School, friends, teachers, and classes are just a few.  Social media and today's culture pile on enough to scare most adults, let alone children.But the bible says, “God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”Anchor your son in the word of God.  Lead your children to godliness by example.  Give them righteous mentors that will train them in the way they should go, and help them find friends to support, inspire, and uplift them.Raising a child in today's world can be scary, but God is with you!For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“Raising boys is an extreme sport. That's why I wear workout clothes every day.” That's a lighthearted quote from the blog Simply Well Balanced, but it sure has a lot of truth in it! Raising a son is a good way to rack up the steps on your fitness watch. But let me affirm you— if you're letting your boy be wild– you're probably doing it right. Let him run around like crazy outside. Show him how to make mud pies. Watch him do tricks on his bicycle. Go fishing together, and let him hold the fish while you snap a picture.Sure, it can be exhausting. But if your son ends the day making muddy footprints across your floor– I bet he'll also have a smile on his face. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

In today's directionless culture, how can a boy know which way to go?As a boy, Luke climbed a 13,000-foot peak.  It was terrifying and exhilarating!    Just below the summit, the path went through a channel cut into the rock by ferocious winds.  Protecting him from being swept off the rock face were steel cables mounted deep into the rock, secured there by the forest service.  Confident of the steel cables' protection and seeing the summit, heI forged ahead and reached the top, a memory he'll never forget.Give your son guidelines, steel cables set in rock, to protect him from being swept away, let him see the reward ahead of him, and there is no mountain he cannot climb.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A perfect parent would raise a terrible son. If you're like many of us, when your head hits the pillow at night, your mind buzzes with the ways you could have been a better parent to your son. But Ali Worthington, author of the book Remaining You While Raising Them, says to stop beating yourself up. She says even a perfect parent can raise a son who doesn't know how to apologize or deal with a friend's bad day. Our creator God is so kind and powerful that he can use even our weaknesses as parents to teach our sons valuable life lessons. So the next time you feel you've messed up as a parent, apologize to your son, and know that God can use even your worst days for good. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do you feel about your son's friends?Do they make him a better person?  Do they encourage him to do the right thing?  Do your son's friends show him how to serve selflessly?  Scripture says “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” This is doubly true for boys, who are still moldable clay, waiting to be formed by whatever-- and whoever-- is around them.  More than listening to the same music and watching the same movies, boys learn from each other, and shape each other's values.Help your son to choose good friendships-- boys he can learn with, play with, and serve with.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Disciplining your son takes courage. Whether your son is a toddler with a squeaky voice or a teenager with floppy hair, disciplining him can be quite a challenge. You may be met with a tantrum, eye rolls, or even the dreaded “I hate you!”  Sometimes, the response from your son might be so harsh that you wonder if discipline does more harm than good. But don't lose heart. Saying no and laying down consequences is an act of love. When your son hurts your feelings with his response, ask God for wisdom and courage. Remember the truth in Hebrews 12:11- “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's a simple language shift that can reach the heart of your son.  When your boy is bickering with a sibling or a friend, your instinct might be to say “Son, you need to be kind.” But author Dr. Emerson Eggerichs says that you might need to say something else. Dr. Eggerichs is widely known for his writings about how a man's deepest desire is for respect. He says that desire starts when boys are very young. So much so, that if you tell your son to be kind and loving – that concept may not resonate very deeply with him. If you, however, tell your boy to be respectful to others— he may listen more closely. Young men crave respect so much that they understand why another person would need it, too. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Why does your son need to learn courage?Does he need to stand up for himself?  Stand up for others?  Stand up for what is right?In today's world, he will need to do all of these and more.English poet and playwright Sameul Johnson said, “Where courage is not, no other virtue can survive except by accident.”Lead by example.  Give your son godly mentors. Provide opportunities for him to test himself with the rush of a downhill bike course, a hard-fought game of sports, or a whitewater rapid,  and he'll push his own boundaries to new heights.  Once he gets a taste of courage, he'll find new horizons awaiting him.  He may surprise you by what he can become.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

It was just three simple words. Evangelical Louis Palau was fighting terminal lung cancer. During that time, someone asked him, “After you pass away, if you could send a message down from heaven to all believers, what do you think you would say?” Palau thought for a moment, then responded with three simple words: “Go for it.” That kind of God-rooted courage is one of the most important traits to instill in our son. When he's little, this looks like letting him climb and explore in age-appropriate ways. When he's older, this means stepping back to allow him to attempt things and fail big.And when our son expresses a dream to us, let us be the first one to echo Palau's encouraging words– “Go for it.” For more ideas to raise boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever had a mentor or teacher that you wish you had listened to?In a whitewater course, two seasoned veterans taught  the intricacies of draw strokes, pry strokes, reading a rapid, and the joy of eddy turns.But five minutes onto the river, one boy panicked, ignored the calls of his mentors, and ended up capsizing his canoe in the middle of a rapid and wrapping it around a large rock, while everyone else eddied up safely on the other side of the river.Teach your son to listen to the voice of his leaders.  This life can be a swift river with dangerous rocks at every turn.  A good mentor can make all the difference in the world.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is Black Friday, really?  What is it about?Pursuing hard-to-find items only available for a short time is a treasure hunt to many.How can you use Black Friday to teach your children about faith in Christ?The bible says few find the path to salvation, and this short life is the only time we have to find it.  In some ways, Black Friday is like the man who found a hidden treasure in a field and sold everything he had to get it.Give your children every opportunity to know the love of Christ.  Teach them to cling to their faith as the most precious, hard-to-find treasure they'll ever know by living that faith in your own life for them to see.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is your son thankful for?The Pilgrims were thankful to be alive.  They fled from religious persecution, faced the terror of the North Atlantic in a tiny ship and potential starvation when their supplies ran out.Today, your son faces new and harsh challenges to his faith and even his identity as a male.  How can you help him navigate past his obstacles into godly, thankful manhood?Model Christ for him.  Live out your faith.  Teach him to love the word of God.Also, give him godly mentors and surround him with others on the same path.  Provide carefully selected challenges to strengthen him.The joy of his journey and his success as a godly man will make you both thankful.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“I guess I haven't learned that yet.” That's a phrase coined by author Shauna Niequist.  After her two sons, Henry and Mac, had lived in a small town their whole life, Shauna and her husband moved the family to New York City. As her sons struggled with the transition to city life, Shauna pinned a piece of paper to the wall with the phrase “I guess I haven't learned that yet” on it. She reminded her boys that everyone is growing and learning, and that it's fine to not know everything. Your son might need to hear that, too. When he makes a mistake, reassure him that it's a normal part of growing up. Remind him that God's grace is sufficient to cover every last one of the things we haven't learned yet. For more ideas to raise boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

One educator said we live in a day of hurried loneliness, with hundreds of Facebook friends but not two with whom we think and share deeply.  Families rush from one activity to another.  To some people, the idea of a family sitting down together and leisurely sharing a meal is an idea from a Norman Rockwell painting.Parents, we must plan to make meaningful conversation happen.  We can embrace intentionality. Without it, family devotions, meaningful conversation, and spiritual practices won't happen.  We will just stay busy.  As Thanksgiving approaches, stop for a few moments and make a plan.  Ask, “How will I intentionally help my family practice gratitude the next two weeks and have meaningful conversations?That will produce beauty greater than autumn leaves.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

For what are you thankful?Author Jerry Bridges called unthankfulness one of our “respectable sins,” easily accepted as normal. The Bible exhorts believers to live a life of habitual thanksgiving. In our day of consumerism, we are wise to practice the habit of gratitude and teach our families to do the same.Don't lose the spirit of Thanksgiving.  Claim it, prepare for it, and practice the art of that holiday. Regardless of our circumstances, we can give thanks.Father figures can thank the Lord for our abundant blessings. Even the giving of thanks in difficult or disappointing circumstances can be done based on God's promises. As we move through November, let's practice gratitude, and influence the boys in our lives to do the same.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ralph Waldo Emerson opined, “Life is not so short but that there is always time for courtesy and chivalry.”Have you ever been encouraged by the smallest courtesy?  Holding the door, bringing a glass of water, or any small thing is enough to brighten our day.Has anyone ever risen to your defense?  Stood up for you?  Told others you were right?  It is a great feeling.There is great power in acts of courtesy and chivalry, and you can give that power to your children.  They can brighten others' days, stand for what is right, and make a difference.  Give your children the power to lift others up.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do girls feel more emotions than boys? David Thomas, a psychologist and author, says this common belief is not true. He says boys feel just as deeply as girls, but often don't know how to process those feelings as well as girls do. As parents of boys, it's important that we help our sons put words to their feelings. One way to do that is to simply discuss emotions out loud. When you're watching a TV show with your son, discuss what  characters seem to be feeling– are they embarrassed? Frustrated? You can even find charts of feelings words online and put them on your fridge. Help your son find words for his feelings, and you might be surprised to discover the range of emotions he goes through each day. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, go to Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you sure your son has what he needs for this life?One mountain hike, a boy showed up without a ground pad to go under his sleeping bag.  The nights only dipped into the mid-40's, but without a ground pad, the cold earth underneath him would have drained heat off his  body, leaving him shivering (and not sleeping) all night long.Check in with your son.  Talk to him.  Listen to him.  Make sure he has the tools he needs for success.  Is there something that is draining him every day?  Oftentimes, a boy might not tell you what is wrong– he may not know himself, just like the boy who was missing a ground pad. For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

To him, it is a big deal. When your teenage son faces rejection or embarrassment, your first instinct may be to say,  “Son, in the scheme of things, this is not a big deal.” But that might not be the best approach. Through MRI scans of teenage brains, psychologists have actually found that a teen's amygdala– the part of the brain that senses negative emotions– is much more reactive than a child's brain or an adult's brain. So instead of telling your son to stop worrying, empathize. Recall a similar situation you've been in and how it made you feel. Suggest he does something like working on his car or walking his dog. Help him find healthy coping mechanisms, and he'll start to learn how to better handle negative experiences. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember when you got your first pocketknife?Cody got his first pocketknife as a birthday present from his grinning grandfather under the watchful scowl of his mother.  The first thing he did was cut himself and get a bandaid put on his finger.As he grew in years and maturity, he learned to responsibly handle his knife, and went on to teach other boys how to sharpen, care for, and safely use their knives.  But it all started with a cut.Boys need curated danger– the opportunity to run real risks, albeit small ones, to test themselves against life.  Give your son the gift of risk.  Canoeing, football, and rock-climbing all have their risks, but pay their rewards in character.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever seen a boy transformed?One member of an outdoor youth program was a troubled teen who had spent time in Juvie, and was likely headed for prison.  His leaders worked hard to mentor him, teach him, and praise every effort he gave, no matter how small.From annoyed disinterest to tolerance, he slowly began to listen.  To everyone's surprise, he became one of the most faithful members, showing up for every meeting, and helping out with anything  asked of him.As he grew older,  not only did Luther stay out of prison, but he has a good job and a wonderful family, all because someone invested in his life.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is there a storm in your son's life? When your son inevitably faces something difficult in his life, it may feel like a hurricane is blowing through. And when it does, you want nothing more than to end the storm—or at least hold an umbrella over your boy's head. But as hard as we try, we cannot protect our son from every pain in this life. But here's the good news. Whatever storm your son is enduring right now, Jesus is with him. The wind and waves obey Jesus. So when the winds pick up and the rain beats down, point your son to his Savior. Pray that he clings to the only one who can truly calm the storm. To learn about raising boys to be godly men, go to Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, joins Steve to discuss the mission of the nation's largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scouting organization. As the military reevaluates its ties with traditional scouting programs, Hancock highlights the growing need for safe, value-driven spaces where boys can grow, learn, and develop leadership skills. He explains how Trail Life provides mentorship rooted in faith, character, and responsibility, ensuring that young men have the guidance and community they need to thrive in today's world. Want to learn more? Visit TrailLifeUSA.com!

Will SCOTUS Stand For Pro-Life? And Trail Life USA Stands For Boys Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.