Podcasts about trail life usa

Did you know that Michael Jordan, considered by many to be the greatest basketball player ever, missed 12,345 field goals in his Hall of Fame career?He said, “I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Wayne Gretzky, the NHL's all-time leading scorer, put it this way: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take.”In today's culture, risk and competition are often removed from boys' environments. They lose interest when there isn't anything at stake. So, they think, “Why should I try?”As parents and mentors trying to raise godly boys, we need to provide challenging opportunities that let boys fail, recover, and eventually succeed.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Colton, a toddler, was riding his toy car when he ran into a stick. His mom watched from behind as Colton got more and more frustrated, but he was stuck. “Hm,” his mom said,“Is there anything you can do to move the stick?” Colton thought for a minute, then climbed off his car. He beamed with pride when he moved the stick and sailed past it. When our sons face obstacles in life, it's tempting to swoop in and remove whatever is in the way. But if we constantly do that, we are failing our boys. By letting them problem solve in age-appropriate ways, we can not only develop their critical thinking skills, but also greatly improve their confidence. So go ahead– encourage your son to move the stick himself. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

This Memorial Day, as we honor those who have paid the highest price for our freedom, be sure your son understands the true meaning of “honor.” No one embodies true honor like the men and women, both active and retired, in our nation's military. Your son can learn this by engaging with veterans.  He can march in a parade, clean a monument, or work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.This he can do as a memorial to those who have given their lives in service. A high embodiment of value.  Discuss what it means to be a man who serves God and his country. As we say in our Trail Life USA oath, it's a man who “respects authority, is a good steward of creation, and treats others how [he] wants to be treated.” When boys see honorable examples of masculinity, they grow to become honorable men. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's a controversial yet obvious truth– men and women are different! A quick look at brain science supports this fact. The connections between neurons in the male brain are more condensed than in a female brain. That's why men tend to focus on the bigger picture while women focus on details. Men use more grey brain matter, which makes them task oriented, while women use more white matter, which contributes to being more language oriented. In this society that often tries to pit women against men, and calls masculinity “toxic,” it's crucial that our sons understand that there's a reason for these differences. Make sure your son has a positive father-figure in his life to help him understand what healthy manhood looks like. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When your son is upset, “How are you feeling?” might not be the right question. Boys are simply not wired to connect words with feelings. While the female brain has verbal centers in both the left and right hemispheres– allowing girls to use words to process feelings— males only have verbal centers on the left side of their brain. This is why boys tend to not “talk it out” when they are upset, but instead turn to an unrelated activity, like video games or sports, to process big emotions.So the next time your son is angry or frustrated, engage him in physical activity, like walking the dog or kicking a soccer ball around the yard. You can be confident he'll return feeling much calmer. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ever wake to the sound of a chainsaw ripping through wood?It's a powerful tool. But it can be dangerous. Like a chainsaw, the internet is a powerful tool, but it's also dangerous if not used properly.There's a wealth of information available to us on the web. However, surfing the internet can become an addictive tidal wave.Do you start and end your day online? Are you constantly checking your emails and texts and feeling the need to respond immediately? If so, it might be time to try something radical and life-changing.Unplug. Consider an internet fast. Go online only for work purposes for the next five days. Tell friends to call instead of emailing or texting. Stay off social media.Devote the time you would normally spend online to Bible study and prayer. You'll be shocked at how many of your online activities are unnecessary. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

The trials of life are like trails.They will either lead you closer to God or further away from him.You can't choose if you'll go through a trial, but you can choose how you will react to one.Being a Christian doesn't make you immune to trials, but you can take comfort during a trial knowing that you are never alone.Repeatedly in his word God tells us that he will never leave us or forsake us.Boys are watching their father figures and mentors to see how they'll react to a trial — if their walk matches their talk.Let's trust God no matter our circumstances. He is faithful!For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you know that a person can survive for about three days without water?Health experts commonly recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.While water is essential for life, Jesus speaks of a different kind of “living water” in John 4.While talking with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, he says, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”A glass of cold water will quench your physical thirst, but only following Jesus will quench your spiritual thirst. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A deck of cards could teach your son an important lesson. Remember the card games you played growing up? Go fish, hearts, nerts, or spades? Search the internet if you need a refresher on the rules, make your son's favorite snack, and find some decks of cards. It's time for a family game night. As you play with your son, you will teach him several important lessons. He will learn to listen and follow rules as you teach him the game. As you play, he'll practice staying focused. And as you win– or lose– you will show him how men can do both, gracefully and humbly. And more than anything, putting aside your work and chores to play a game with your son will make him feel loved and valued. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What's the most important question you've ever asked or been asked?Will you marry me? Did I get the job? Is the cancer in remission?While these are all important questions, life's most important question is found in the Bible in Matthew 16:15-16 when Jesus asked Simon Peter, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” and Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”What someone believes about Jesus is the most important question he will ever have to answer. Let's teach our sons about the Son of the living God so they'll know who he is and be able to share the truth with others.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did your parents ever say, “This is going to hurt me more than you.”This saying reminds me of Hebrews 12:11. “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.”When God disciplines his children (believers), he does so out of love.“The Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.” (Proverbs 3:12)A parent's motivation for administering discipline is vital to its effectiveness.They should follow God's example with loving discipline. The parent “who loves [his child] disciplines him diligently.” (Proverbs 13:24)For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How many weeks will you have with your child before they become a legal adult?There are approximately 936 weeks from the day your child is born until he graduates from high school, and the weeks move quickly.You need to make the most of the time you have with your child. Parenting is a never-ending process, but the developmental years are crucial.I recommend that you fill a jar with marbles — or pieces of candy if you have a sweet tooth — based on your child's age – how many weeks before they turn 18. As you take a marble out of the jar each week, you will be reminded of the time you have left with them.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

It's been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.When we choose not to forgive, it hurts us, not just the person who has hurt us.Jesus said a lot about forgiveness in the Bible.He taught, “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” When Peter asked Jesus how often it is necessary to forgive, he replied, “Seventy times seven,” a number to be taken symbolically, not literally, for the never-ending way we should forgive. Who do you need to forgive? Perhaps it's yourself. Do yourself a favor by “letting it go” and teach your boys to do the same.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

This Mother's Day, minister to a single mom of a son. Every single mom is a hero. And single moms who have boys? They should wear capes. Raising a boy– who needs a ton of exercise, outdoor activity, focused attention, and healthy risk taking– is a joy, but can be exhausting.If you don't know a single mom, ask a local church about their single moms ministry– they will be able to give you some names. Then, pray about the best gift to give. Some ideas are an anonymous check, a grocery gift card, or a coffee gift card. And if you know her well, offer to take her son on a fun outing. You won't only be giving her a break, but her son will appreciate the extra attention.To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What's the first thing you do when you or your child is struggling with something? Is it to pray?Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.There is power in prayer.Stormie Omartian (stor·mee ow·maar·tee·uhn) writes this in her book The Power of a Praying Parent:“When we pray, we bring that power to bear upon everything we are praying about, and we allow the power of God to work through our powerlessness. When we pray, we are humbling ourselves before God and saying, “I need Your presence and Your power, Lord. I can't do this without You.” When we don't pray, it's like saying we have no need of anything outside of ourselves.” Let's be “first responders” when it comes to prayer.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your energetic, can't-sit-still son being treated like a 'defective girl' in today's educational system? Mark Hancock reveals how to celebrate boys' God-given design instead of trying to change it. Robert continues his conversation with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA. They discuss the unique challenges boys face in today's educational and cultural environments, and how parents can intentionally raise boys to become godly men. Mark explains how Trail Life USA serves as a Christ-centered, boy-focused character leadership and adventure organization for boys from kindergarten through 12th grade. With approximately 62,000 members across all 50 states and over 1,200 participating churches, Trail Life provides boys with outdoor activities like camping and hiking while maintaining a distinctly Christ-centered approach.   Episode Sponsored by: Classical Conversations Foundation   https://www.traillifeusa.com/   Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases.

When it comes to toilet paper placement, do you prefer the paper to flow over or under the roll? Well, according to recent surveys, around 70% of Americans prefer the toilet paper to roll over the top. This may not seem like a big deal, but for some people, toilet paper placement causes controversy, chaos, and conflict.We laugh at such pettiness, but the truth is we often major on the minor things in life. Do you get bent out of shape if your son taps his foot at the table or chews too loudly? Don't let tiny annoyances flush your patience down the toilet. By staying focused on what really matters in life, you'll be on a “roll” in helping your son grow into a godly young man.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

If you don't give your son a challenge, he will challenge you. Julie was frustrated that her teenage son, Tyler, wouldn't help with any chores around the house. But when Tyler's dad asked him to repair the fence in the backyard, Tyler jumped at the opportunity. Why? Boys are uniquely wired to crave adventure. So much so that they often lose motivation when things are too easy or simple. This is why many extremely intelligent children often struggle in school– simply because of boredom. If your son is being defiant with you, consider giving him an even greater, more complicated responsibility. Bonus points if it involves an outdoor activity!  It may seem counterintuitive, but without a mountain in his life,your son will try to conquer you. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you watched the track and field events at the Summer Olympic Games?The training that goes into running a marathon is much different than what a runner needs to do to prepare for a 100-yard dash. Raising godly boys is more like a marathon than a sprint.Parenting is a lifelong process filled with seemingly insignificant moments.We must take advantage of every opportunity God gives us, whether it's the car ride to and from school or tucking them into bed at night.“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Leadership. Commitment. Service. Critical qualities for boys to learn if they are to become godly men—husbands, fathers, and citizens. CEO Mark Hancock, Trail Life USA, shares how you can give a young boy the gift of a journey into biblical manhood.

Is social media hurting your son's self-esteem? Social networks often create unreasonable expectations of what a man is. And because of that, boys may look at their flaws and failures and think that they're not good enough.  As a dad, remind your son that even great men from the Bible experienced physical and spiritual weaknesses. Moses stuttered. Jacob was a cheater. Elijah wrestled with depression. And the apostle Peter had a temper. The list could go on and on.Fortunately, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”Despite our flaws and failures, God sees our potential. In fact, He can take our weaknesses and transform them into something amazing—something beyond our wildest expectations. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

No one wants to think about death, but if you're a Christian, you know that Christ has conquered the grave. Still, at some point, physical death will separate us from our loved ones. The question is: What kind of legacy will you leave behind. How will your children remember you?Billy Graham, one of the most widely known evangelists of the 20th century, said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is a legacy of character and faith.”There's nothing wrong in being remembered for your work accomplishments or athletic abilities. But, in the end, your kids will most appreciate the time and attention you invested in their lives. Life is incredibly short. Are you building a legacy of character and faith?For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever asked yourself, “What does God want my son to see that he is not seeing, and how can I help him see it?”Because sin is deceptive, it can blind your son to the sin in his own heart. Let's look for chances to be a tool to help him see it.When you help him see what motivates his desires and actions, you are doing what God has called you to do as a parent.Parenting is not about getting your son to do the right thing, but helping them to see so that he wants to do the right thing. This type of sightseeing is key to fostering lasting life change in your children.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever found something you thought you had lost forever? How did it feel?Imagine completing a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, except for one missing piece. You could look everywhere until you give up hope of ever finding the piece, only to have it turn up when you aren't looking for it a few weeks later. Imagine how excited you'd be to finally complete the puzzle.In Luke 15, Jesus talks about several lost things – a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son – that were all found.I'm thankful that God never gives up on the lost, and we need to do the same with boys who have seemingly lost their way.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you know that 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second?Like water flows over the Falls, the words and actions of your son flow out of what is in their hearts.To raise godly boys, we need to remember the advice the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, gave to his son: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23Your son's behavior problems are heart problems. Thankfully, Jesus came to give us a new heart. Pay attention to the deeper issues that may be the source of the overflow and steer your son to help from the Lord. Ezekiel 36 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Has the grumble monster invaded your home?You may not see him, but he leaves everyone feeling grouchy and grumpy. These emotions often lead to frustration when life is hard. Perhaps your son struggles in school, or maybe he's hanging around friends that aren't a good influence. You wish life didn't have so many trials and troubles.During these times, it's easy to complain. That's why Philippians 2:14 reminds us to do all things without grumbling.So, if the grumble monster has invaded your home, fight back with an attitude of gratitude. Compliment your son on an achievement. Praise his determination to work through challenges. When your son sees your example of genuine appreciation, those grumbles will crumble away.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What comes to mind when you hear the words “mercy” and “grace”?Pastor and author Paul Tripp defines mercy as “tenderheartedness and compassion toward someone in need.” John Newton wrote about God's “Amazing Grace” in his beloved hymn.I like this definition: Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don't deserve.“Therefore let's approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” Hebrews 4:16Thank God for his amazing grace and mercy toward us.As we strive to raise godly boys, let's be quick to practice the same mercy and grace we've received. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When was the last time your plans were suddenly ruined? Maybe you had organized the perfect family road trip. But then, the day before leaving, one of your kids got really sick. Life doesn't always go according to plan. There are countless variables outside our control. But we can control how we react when receiving bad news. When disappointment strikes, be intentional in teaching your kids an important life lesson. Remind them that nothing is outside God's knowledge. Even though we often don't understand why certain things happen, we can know that God's will, God's way, and God's timing are ultimately for our own good and personal growth. Guide your son in becoming a godly man. Learn about a Proven Process that is helping parents accomplish this. For more information, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What comes to mind when someone mentions a chameleon? Most people think of the scaly lizard that changes color based on its surroundings. These cold-blooded reptiles blend into their environment by camouflaging their appearance. They can even adapt the brightness of their skin for strategic purposes.Chameleons are fascinating, but they're NOT an example of how Christians should act in today's world. Even though society is often fake and hypocritical, believers should demonstrate genuine behavior. If you're a dad, realize that your son is watching you. Are your values, actions, and speech the same at work, on the sports field, and at church? Don't be a chameleon. Instead, through consistency of character, show your son how to honor the Lord in each and every area of life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Mark Hancock – CEO of Trail Life USA let us know more about this organization that is working to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. With recent changes in other organizations towards more ‘woke'... The post Mark Hancock appeared first on ABQ Connect.

Do you have a smartphone? If so, in addition to making phone calls and sending text messages, you probably use it to take pictures. Of course, when kids are young, parents often take thousands of pictures. But as those same kids enter middle school and high school, life becomes so busy that parents sometimes forget to take pictures.Be intentional in capturing both the big and small moments of life. After your son's team wins a baseball game, stand next to your son and snap a selfie. Or when you're on vacation at the beach, have someone take a picture of you and your son in snorkel gear. Taking a picture takes just a few seconds, but the memory it captures lasts a lifetime.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What are some things that rise? Maybe you're thinking about prices, or helium, or a hot air balloon.But by far, the most amazing thing that has ever risen is the Lord Jesus. If he had stayed dead, people would have no hope and no future. But after three days in the tomb, Jesus conquered death and rose victoriously. And because of that, we can be redeemed. Have you and your son accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior?This Easter, make it a point to spend one-on-one time with your son. Together, give thanks for God's selfless sacrifice on the cross. The more you and your son focus on the Savior, the closer you'll grow to one another.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

As Easter approaches, what comes to mind? For many kids, Easter involves egg hunts, bunny-shaped chocolate, and goodie-filled baskets. But the real meaning of Easter is so much more than this. As a parent, don't allow the commercialization of Easter to distract you from the true meaning of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Teach your son that the Easter story is more than a story. It's the real-life account of Jesus sacrificially giving his life on the cross. Fortunately (and here's the incredible part), after three days in the tomb, Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead. And because of that, by his wounds we can be healed.Does your son know the true meaning of Easter? Take time today to talk to him about God's free gift of salvation.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ever thought about having your son help you decorate your home for Easter? We all decorate for Christmas. But as Christians, shouldn't we show our boy that there's just as much– if not more– to celebrate at Easter? Spend some time this year putting up some decorations representing Christs' sacrifice. These don't have to be fancy or expensive– display a cross, and frame a verse like Matthew 28:6- “He is not here, for He has risen!” If your son is young, put out some childrens' books about the Easter story. You can even have a resurrection party– blow up balloons, light candles, and celebrate that Jesus is alive! Show your son that Easter is incredibly important – the reason we can have a relationship with our perfect heavenly Father. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

This day celebrates the fact that Jesus is not dead, but is alive. This is what separates us from all other religions. Since Jesus has been resurrected, He offers a resurrected life to us. Romans 6:4 says, We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.This “newness of life” should be a way of life for all believers. Jesus took us who were dead because of sin, and resurrected us!Remember that on Easter Sunday! Jesus has been resurrected and is alive and therefore we can live a resurrected life in Him!Have a wonderful Resurrection Sunday!For more parenting advice and information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A surefire way to pique your son's interest? A snack!  Here's a snack mix recipe to help you discuss the true meaning of Easter. Gather up the following: Pretzel sticks, to symbolize the cross; craisins, to represent Jesus' blood; round crackers, for the stone that was rolled away; a marshmallow, since our sins are forgiven; Goldfish crackers, since Jesus said we should be fishers of men; and chocolate chips, because we taste and see the Lord is good. Sit down with your son, and discuss the Easter story and what each food represents. Send the mix with your boy to school– or, put a bowl out the next time he has friends over. Help your son use it as an opportunity to share about Jesus' resurrection. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Before GPS, did you ever come to a fork in the road and think, “Which way should I go?”Each of us eventually comes to a fork in the road – literally and figuratively – where we will have to decide which way to go.As Christ-followers, we have the perfect navigator in our lives. God knows what's down each road we travel; nothing surprises him. If we are unsure which way to go, we can look to him, and he will guide us. He will provide for all our needs throughout life's journeys.Let's trust the Lord and thank him for the confidence he gives us to travel life's roads, whether smooth or bumpy.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever trusted someone who let you down? Most of us have experienced this. Most of us have broken someone's trust too.Yet, life requires you to trust others every day, often without thinking twice about it.The only One who will never let you down and is completely trustworthy is God. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.” Psalm 118:8You must seek to trust and obey God and teach your son to do the same.“Heavenly Father, thank you for being trustworthy. Help me to trust in you and follow your commands.”For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

With each step he took, the load felt heavier. Matthew was on a hike with a group of other boys when he realized his backpack was overloaded. He feared that if he asked for help, the other boys would make fun of him. Finally, he fell to his knees, and confessed he couldn't carry his load. To his surprise, the boys took off Matthew's backpack and distributed the heavy contents equally in their own bags. In a society where being a boy can feel like a burden, young men need help. Make sure your son has both a father-figure and a group of positive male friends to help him carry his burdens. Your church is a great place to start, or you can search for a local Trail Life USA troop. For more ideas to raise boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your son needs a place to be a boy. In 2018, the Boy Scouts of America announced that they would allow girls to join. One scoutmaster was asked, “How do you like having girls a part of your troop?” The scoutmaster answered, “We love having girls because they are so much better behaved than boys!” That answer broke my heart. Society already deems boyhood and masculinity as something negative– and now an organization that was supposed to champion boys was also insinuating that boys should act more like girls. Make sure your son knows that who he really is– whether that's wild, curious, crazy, or loud– is just fine. After all, God created him that way for a glorious purpose. To find out about getting your son involved with a boy-centric organization, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Fire is always destructive, right? Well, not necessarily. The knobcone pine tree relies on fire in a crazy way. In order for its seeds to escape the hard resin that traps them inside the cone, an intense heat source is required. That's where a forest fire comes in handy. After fire melts the cone's resin away, the cone cracks open. Seeds are then free to flutter to the ground where they can grow tall and strong.As a parent, you want to protect your son. But don't forget that trials and troubles can help your son grow stronger. By relying on God through challenging situations, your son will learn how to manage the heat and stress of life. And in doing so, he'll be better prepared for whatever the future may hold.  For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

The 4th quarter of a football game is often a nailbiter. Teams battle it out as the minutes tick off the clock. At times, it feels like that 4th quarter will last forever. But then, before you know it, the game is over.The same is true in parenting. Many boys head off to work or college after high school. That means that if your son is at least 14 years old, then he's probably in the 4th quarter of his time at home. Even if you've prepared your son for the future, the 4th quarter is no time to quit. Continue to provide training and instruction. By helping your son love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind, he'll be ready to tackle the challenges of adulthood.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

George Müller—an evangelist who established orphanages in the 1800s—was known for his prayer life. And yet, in addition to his faith in God's provision, Müller was also a man of action. He wisely said, “Our walk counts far more than our talk, always!”That's so true. You may talk to your son about patience, kindness, and self-control, but do your actions demonstrate these characteristics? If a referee makes a bad call, how do you respond? When an elderly neighbor needs help, do you view it as a hassle or an opportunity? Make sure what you say is backed up by what you do. Consistency in speech and action are a winning combination that your son will want to imitate.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's an easy question: What does www stand for? If you answered, “world wide web,” you're right!But if you think about it, that phrase is actually quite descriptive of online content. We all know that the Internet is helpful in many different ways. And yet, it's also a web that easily entangles boys in temptations. Violence, vulgarity, and sexuality are trapping boys in sin.Don't let your son get ensnared by the sticky filth found on the web. As a father, protect your son by using content filtering software. And then, when your son is old enough, have a heart-to-heart talk with him about how to react when the world wide web tries to tempt him. Through careful instruction, you'll help your son use technology wisely, without getting trapped.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

See if you can answer this joke: When leaving for work, what did the daddy buffalo say to his son? . . . Bye-son!  [Bison]Maybe that joke made you groan, but tell it to your son tonight, and you'll probably get a smile from him—maybe even a laugh. Dad jokes are corny, but they're still fun. Of course, you and your son can have fun in a thousand other ways, but the important thing is that you have fun together.School, sports, and friendships can be stressful. But by creating an atmosphere of encouragement within the home, your son will learn to relax and trust you for guidance and instruction. Plus, when you smile and laugh together, life is a whole lot more fun.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you ever play Capture-the-Flag when you were a kid? If so, you know the object of the game is to capture the opposite team's flag before getting tagged. It's one thing to play Capture-the-Flag, but don't let today's secular culture capture your son's heart and mind. The love of money, the desires of the flesh, and the pride of life are all trying to steal his attention. And if they capture it, they'll imprison him in bondage and despair.Teach your son that God provides freedom from sin. And even though we'll have to combat sin as long as we're alive, placing God first in our lives will help us overcome temptation. When we allow God to capture our heart, we'll be victorious in life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

On his first day of preschool my son peered into the classroom and said, “Dad, I don't want to go in there.” I dropped to one knee in front of him and put my hand on his shoulder. Meeting him eye-to-eye, I reminded him about the first time he had ridden a pony. At first, he had been scared of the horse. But he faced his fear, and had been so glad that he did. With that memory in mind, my son walked confidently into the preschool classroom. When your son is filled with insecurity, it's time to get on his level. Eye to eye, physical touch, focused attention. Replace the fearful thoughts in his mind with reminders of how he is already the brave man that he needs to be. To find out more about raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you seen the video of the football player who ran the wrong way?I heard about a man who is coaching his 6-year-old son's flag football team.He told me his biggest challenge is getting the players to head in the right direction when they get the ball.Often their first instinct is to head toward the wrong end zone.Boys today are missing the moral compass needed when they leave the playing field and enter the game of life.Fifty-eight percent of Americans no longer believe that God and the Bible are the means for determining morality and truth.As father figures and mentors, we need to point boys to the truth of God's Word – the Bible.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Parent the boy in front of you. Books, websites, and friends can be great sources of wisdom for parenting advice. But as you're listening to others, don't forget this profound truth– there is no one else on earth who is exactly like your son. You have been hand selected by God to be your son's parent. That means there is no one else– no, not even that parenting expert with several degrees– who is better equipped to be the mom or dad your boy needs. So yes, by all means, seek out Biblically sound parenting advice.  But don't forget to also spend time in prayer, asking God to give you the specific wisdom you need to make that advice work in the best way for your uniquely created son. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Mark Hancock is the CEO of Trail Life USA and has authored numerous books. Trail Life USA was founded in 2014 to guide male youth towards becoming godly men. Trail Life USA: http://www.TrailLifeUSA.com/ Trail Devotions: https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Ready-101-Devotions-Dads-Boys/dp/1733025960 www.worldviewmatters.tv © FreedomProject 2025