Podcasts about trail life usa

What gives you peace?Is it listening to music, spending time outdoors, or meditating?The best source of peace is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.Jesus told his disciples — and us: “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.”When our boys are worried and scared, we should point them to the Provider of Peace, Jesus.His peace will help change how they respond to scary situations. When they focus on Jesus, he will quiet their fears and give them the peace the world cannot offer.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you had The Talk with your son? That conversation about physical differences between males and females can be awkward and uncomfortable. So awkward, in fact, that some parents postpone The Talk until a later, more convenient time.As a dad, you need to courageously begin that conversation. Today's kids encounter sexuality at school, the mall, and even at sporting events. And because boys are curious and visually enticed, waiting to have The Talk may lead to confusion of what sex is all about.Fortunately, there are excellent resources from Christian organizations to help you talk about sex from a biblical perspective. And even though the conversation may be a little awkward, when your son realizes that you want the very best for him, he'll listen. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can you teach your son to respect women? Romans 12:10 says “Love one another with a brotherly love.” That is a far cry from the values of our culture, where disrespect is the norm. But while boys tend to have a natural respect for older men, they may need help learning how to treat women appropriately. First, lead by example. If you're a man, treat the women in your life with kindness. Second, be sure to filter out and discuss what messages are shown in TV shows. And thirdly, remind your son how much God loves him, and allow age-appropriate levels of responsibility. When your son knows he's a beloved child of God, he's more likely to treat others that way, as well. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Raising a son is a lot like growing a garden. There's a lot of strategy and decision making involved– where to plant your garden and what seeds to put in the ground. There's grunt work– cultivating, planting, and building a fence. There's waiting and watering daily, and dealing with unknowns like weather. There's the stress of predators, and the joy of watching new growth. Even with all that work, in the end, in both gardening and parenting, the results are still completely out of our control. As parents, we have two choices. We can fear that lack of control, and exhaust ourselves trying to do everything right. Or, we can do our best, and trust that it's God who ultimately helps our son grow and bloom. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When you want to open a package, you use scissors, not a jackhammer. When you want to tame your bedhead, you use a comb, not a pitchfork.Using the appropriate tool for the job is important. Similarly, when it's necessary to correct your son, make sure to use the appropriate technique. A stern gaze might be enough warning for a sensitive boy. Another child may need extra chores or other forms of discipline to remind him that wrong behavior has consequences.As you train your son in the way he should go, be sensitive to his attitude and emotions. By adapting your method of correction, your son will be more likely to respond positively. And as he grows wiser, your relationship with one another will grow stronger.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son “too cool” for mom's kisses? Here's what you can do. Rhonda Stoppe was sitting in a hospital room with her six year old son Brandon. He was getting a sleep study after having a horrible seizure. Brandon was asleep, and Rhonda walked over and kissed him on the forehead. The technician told Rhonda to go look at the screen. Rhonda was astonished to see that, even though Brandon was asleep, his brain activity actually showed that he knew his mom kissed him. So if your son rolls his eyes when you try to kiss him, kiss him when he's sleeping. And– more than that– remember that, even if it doesn't seem like it,  the little things you do each day to show your son love do make a difference. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Are you an idol worshiper?While most Americans don't worship carved statues, idol worship is still prevalent in our society. We idolize things like money, possessions, and jobs … and people like actors, athletes, musicians, and even members of our own families.A biblical definition of an idol is anything or anyone we value more than God or worshiping someone or something other than God as though it were God.In the first of his ten commandments, God said, “You shall have no other gods before me.” He is a “jealous” God and will not share his glory with anyone or anything.What idols do you need to get rid of? Ask God to help you completely tear them down today. And teach your son the rightful way to value wisdom, talent, conviction, and courage in others without making an idol of them.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's a simple parenting tip– take some time to relax with your boy. Pediatrician Dr. Meg Meeker says that most parents don't realize the importance of “doing nothing” with sons. Even if you only have ten minutes, invite your son to sit down on the front porch with you with his favorite snack or drink. Don't badger him with questions, check your phone, or start lecturing. Simply sit together. Dr. Meeker says this is important for several reasons. It communicates that rest is an important part of life. It shows your son that he's worthy of undivided attention. And it's also an excellent way to get your boy to start communicating his thoughts and feelings. All of those benefits– and you get a short break, too. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Winston Churchill, British prime minister during World War II, said, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”And yet, some in our society are trying to change history, to make it conform to their political, social, and anti-Christian beliefs.Don't let unbiblical ideology distort our American heritage. Remind your son that this great nation was founded on biblical principles. Principles like freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.Unfortunately, our nation is increasingly atheistic, in part, because they don't understand God's story—or you might say, His-story—as communicated to us in the Bible. As a parent, teach your son both His-story and history. In this way, you'll help your son be better prepared for eternity. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is TV teaching your son about masculinity? One study about male representation in TV shows studied 25 shows, over three thousand characters, and over four hundred episodes. Researchers found that, across the board, the male characters usually displayed the same negative traits– unhealthy coping mechanisms, aggression, a lack of emotion, and even a lack of care as a father. Without guidance, your son may begin to believe that these behaviors are normal and accepted in men. Make sure you put limits on your son's screen time. When he does watch a TV show, take some time to discuss the male characters and their positive and negative behaviors. Teach your son to be a mindful consumer and to filter everything through a Biblical lens. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ever heard of the Discovery Channel's show Dirty Jobs? As the name suggests, in the show a man named Mike Rowe tries disgusting and dangerous occupations. He tours sewers, learns from roadkill cleaners, removes chewing gum from sidewalks, and helps exterminators. You'd think such gross content wouldn't make good television. But the show was a hit among men. Not only does Mike's investigation of the jobs appeal to our innate love of adventure, Mike also continuously expresses admiration and respect for the people who do those jobs. This show is a good reminder that every man wants to conquer a challenge and be respected. As you parent your son, be sure he has opportunities for healthy risk and challenge– even if it means he leaves muddy footprints across your floor. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Your son needs a gang. Every young man is asking the same questions– “who is with me, who is in charge, and what is our mission?” Unfortunately, those questions are very clearly answered in violent gangs, which is why so many young men are drawn to such groups. What your son needs is a group that can answer those questions in a healthy way. Sports teams with positive coaches can offer such environments– so can well run youth groups, engineering clubs, and outdoor adventure groups like Trail Life USA. Let your son try out a few different groups and pick one to invest in. The peer interaction, camaraderie, and structure of the group will spur your son along and give him the kind of mission he's searching for. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What makes you happy? Not just a little happy, but really happy?Maybe it's when your team wins the championship, or when you get that work promotion, or when you slice into that perfectly cooked steak.Those things are fine, but one of the greatest joys in life is seeing your son obediently follow the Lord. Third John 3:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”Walking in truth isn't accidental. It takes time and energy—for you and for your son. Set the example by making God your greatest priority. When your son sees your passion to follow God, he'll be much more likely to also walk in truth. And that will make you truly happy.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys need their mom and their dad. As a mom and dad play with their young son, the mom will remind him to “be careful.” The dad will toss the son into the air and encourage him to run as fast as he can. The boy will ignore his mom and hang onto his dad's every word. But when that little boy falls and scrapes his knee, he'll suddenly stop ignoring his mom. He'll run to her, seeking comfort. As they grow up, boys continue to need both the rough, masculine influence of their dad and the comfort of their mom. If either is missing in your son's life, pray that God will fill in the gaps with a positive mother or father figure. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What's your son's default location? Jackson, a 16 year old, was tinkering on his car in the garage when his mom brought her laptop out and set up a makeshift desk. She didn't say much– just did her work and asked Jackson, once, what he was working on. When she left an hour later, both she and Jackson were smiling. She had keyed into a secret of parenting a teen boy– figure out his default location, and be there. It may be the garage, the gym, the football field, or by a gaming console. Be tactful— don't interrupt, ask annoying questions, or show up every single night. Give yourself a task and a time limit. Done in the right way, this tactic can help your teen boy feel seen and loved. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Has your son experienced the death of a loved one? Maybe a classmate who died. Or perhaps a grandparent who suddenly passed away.Dealing with death is hard for everyone. But for kids, it's especially confusing. A common perception is that boys are tough. But the truth is, we all experience grief and heartache. It's just that we handle it in different ways.As a dad, take time to listen to your son. Evaluate what he knows about death and how much support he needs. Remember the good times with that loved one. Then provide comfort—and time to heal from the loss. Offer a hug whenever one is needed.By being there for your son when life is tough, you demonstrate—in action—your love for him.For more parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

A reporter once asked John D. Rockefeller, “How much money is enough?”Rockefeller, widely considered the wealthiest American of all time and the richest person in modern history, replied, “Just a little bit more.”Sadly, Rockefeller would never have enough money to be satisfied.When it comes to our possessions, the Bible consistently calls us to be content with what God has given us. Contentment leads to thankfulness and discontentment leads to selfishness.Take time to write out all the good things that God has blessed you with. Let's set a good example for our boys by deciding to be content with God's unbelievable goodness to us.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do your kids have household chores?Some kids think taking out the trash or washing the dishes is cruel and unusual punishment. But it isn't. In fact, research shows that chores actually help kids in their physical, mental, and social development.When you give your son a job and he successfully completes it, he develops self-worth and self-esteem. This leads to confidence in knowing that he can accomplish other tasks. What a contrast to the entitlement attitude that plagues many young minds today.So do your son a favor. Find age-appropriate chores for him to work at. Not only will these chores help the house run more smoothly, but they'll also keep your son off the couch and more engaged with real life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys love toys! Some of their favorites are racecars, robots, and rockets. And (according to kids) the louder, faster, and crazier the toy, the better!As a dad, you probably don't play with toy dinosaurs anymore, but you just might have a big-boy toy like a motorcycle or boat.It's fine to enjoy toys. They can even be a way of connecting with your son. But don't let toys consume your time and attention.C.S. Lewis said, “All these toys were never intended to possess my heart. My true good is in another world, and my only real treasure is Christ.”Teach your son that even more amazing than the most extraordinary toy is the Lord Jesus. He, alone, can bring true happiness and joy into our lives.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you know our homes are training grounds?President John Adams said, “Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private virtue, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.” Our homes can be training grounds for good and godly character. More than I want my children to be famous, rich, or exceptional, I want them to be good. The apostle Peter wrote, [M]ake every effort to supplement your faith with goodness (2 Peter 1:5). Culture today includes many examples of badness. I want to raise godly offspring who shine like stars for the Lord.Father figures can intentionally seek to mentor and train boys who grow in good character. That's the best way to shape a nation.For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

One of life's great challenges is learning to not just go with the flow, because sometimes the flow goes in the wrong direction. We live in a day of great distraction. Because of the digital age, information flows constantly. Some say we have become the society that is looking down – always checking our phones, tablets, and devices. These tools of mass distraction can cause us to miss important things in life. Many families cannot sit through a meal without everyone checking their phones. As father figures, let's encourage and set an example for our boys to not always be tied to an electronic device. We can spur them on to play outdoors, read a good book, or build something with their hands.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

John Wesley, a famous 18th century preacher, said, “There is no such thing as a solitary Christian.”As parents, we want to raise our kids to love the Lord and be responsible adults. But challenges from the worldly culture around us make parenting tough. Sometimes so tough that we grow discouraged when we don't see immediate results.When you feel this way, remember that parenting isn't a solitary process. That means you don't have to go it alone. A variety of Christian resources are available. Church staff as well as family and friends are often willing to help out when they know there's a need.Raising boys isn't for the faint of heart. That's why Trail Life USA has fun activities that are helping boys grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. For more information, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you manage your time properly? In the craziness of normal everyday life, it's easy to lose track of time.Perhaps your son starts school at 8 am. You've got a work meeting at 10 a.m. Soccer practice begins at 3:15 in the afternoon. And, of course, there's church, piano lessons, and dozens of other activities that you and your family participate in.The question is, are you punctual or persistently late? Don't let tardiness become a habit. Figure out how much time you need to prepare and travel to your destination. Organize your schedule so that you arrive on time, even if hiccups occur along the way. By managing your time, you teach your son dependability—an important character trait that will help him thrive throughout life.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Remember this famous quote?“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” President John F. Kennedy during his inaugural address in 1961.As Christian men trying to raise godly boys, our mantra should be, “Ask not what God can do for me; ask what I can do for God.”It's natural for us to think about ourselves first and not what we can do for God and what we can give back to him, including our time, talents, and treasure.As the Bible says, you must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a cheerful giver.”For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Successful living involves risk-taking.Over 300 people rejected Colonel Sanders' special recipe for Southern fried chicken before he received a “yes.” Today, because of his persistence, KFC boasts 20,000 restaurants in 125 countries. We are wise as parents to instill in our boys the value of adventurous living. When we do, we cannot control the outcome. But we can control ourselves.We can make taking risks a healthy part of our family culture. We can encourage our boys to try new tasks, sports, instruments, and friendships. We cannot create risk-free lives for our children. That world doesn't exist. What we can do is teach them the value of trusting God, not always playing it safe, and enjoying the process. For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What happens when a former military bomb dog handler turns his attention to raising a family, building businesses, and keeping faith at the center of it all?In this episode, Erik sits down with Adam La Barr — husband, father of three, entrepreneur, and host of the BizDad Podcast. From chasing bombs in Afghanistan to chasing business deals in America, Adam shares how his faith journey shaped his approach to intentional fatherhood and business ownership.They unpack how to raise kids in a world filled with noise without sheltering them, the lessons Adam learned from missed birthdays while serving in the military, and why he's passionate about buying businesses that create freedom instead of consuming family life.Adam also reveals his process for evaluating deals, how real estate led him to small business acquisitions, and why aligning with Christian partners matters in the long run.This one's a must-listen for fathers, faith-driven entrepreneurs, and anyone tired of sacrificing family on the altar of success.0:00 Intro2:30 Adam's faith journey from childhood to Afghanistan6:10 Choosing a Christian spouse and building a family foundation9:55 Raising kids with exposure, not shelter14:30 Lessons from the military on marriage, fatherhood, and time away18:10 Why Adam launched the BizDad Podcast22:20 Shifting from real estate to buying businesses27:50 The escape room deal and learning to evaluate businesses33:40 Superpowers in business: knowing your strengths (and weaknesses)40:50 Faith in business partnerships and being equally yoked47:10 Burner or Bliss: Disney, EVs, Social Media & AI52:25 Final thoughts, where to connect with AdamBizDad Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@thebizdad Active Duty Passive Income (ADPI) https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/ VidAngel https://www.vidangel.com/ GoBundance https://gobundance.com/ Trail Life USA https://www.traillifeusa.com/ Resources Mentioned:Connect with Adam: https://adamlabarr.com/

Do you break your own rules? You no doubt have rules for your son– like no texting while driving, and no procrastinating on his homework assignments. But if your son constantly sees you breaking your own rules, he will struggle to have respect for you.  Of course, your boy does need to know that parents have more authority than kids. But, to the best of your ability, demonstrate the good habits you want your son to have– for instance, put your phone down while you drive and don't procrastinate on your chores. And when you inevitably mess up— try to be a good example then, too. Demonstrate asking for forgiveness and taking responsibility for your mistakes. Your son will emulate you far more than he listens to you. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Want to make a powerful imprint on the lives of children?I believe the most powerful method the Lord gave parents to influence our children is the simple practice of family worship. In our sophisticated age, we may forget the spiritual power of opening the Bible, reading it to our families, and leading in prayer. God made it simple: pick up the Word, share it, and lead others to the throne of grace. Charles Spurgeon said, “If we want to bring up a godly family . . . let us seek to train them up in the fear of God by meeting together as a family for worship.” Let's be on the alert, parents and mentors, to impact our families for the Lord Jesus.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is it attention deficit disorder– or dad deficit disorder? In his book Raising Boys, Steve Biddulph tells a powerful story about a dad named Don. Don's son was diagnosed with “attention deficit disorder.” This was years ago, before ADD knowledge was so widespread, so Don misunderstood the diagnosis. He thought it meant that his son simply needed more attention. When school was out, Don started taking his son with him on his truck driving routes. Within months, his son showed remarkable behavior improvement– and even came off his ADD medication. Many ADD diagnoses are very legitimate. But it's likely that your son is also deficient in attention from you. Take some time today to put your phone down and give your boy some quality time. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What will you leave to your children and the generations that come after you?The saying, “You'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse,” is a poignant reminder that you can't take anything with you in death, but you can leave something behind by how you live.Your children are watching you and learning from you day by day. Are you leading them closer to Christ or further from him?Teach them about Jesus by how you live for Him, and you will leave a lasting legacy.Remember what British missionary C.T. Studd wrote in his famous poem, “Only one life, 'twill soon be past” — only what's done for Christ will last.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can we instill integrity into our children?Teach them that we always live in God's presence.  Jesus is always in the room.As a family, read books or listen to radio theater stories of godly people like Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, Corrie ten Boom, and William Wilberforce, for example. Discuss lessons from their livesChildren need to feel valued as they learn to speak truth. If parents immediately berate a child if they share a differing opinion from their own, children will subtly learn to mask some truth. No better training exists than parents living lives worth replicating.  Those little ones see us day in and day out. May our children find us to be people of integrity – the real deal on the inside.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

David. Moses. Abraham. Peter. While all of these men achieved amazing things for God, they all also had shortcomings. In the same way, the great men who built this country were also flawed. There's a trend in culture right now to dismiss their heroism, and choose instead to emphasize their shortcomings. But as Theodore Roosevelt once pointed out, [quote], “far better is it to dare mighty things…than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much.” [end quote] It's not necessary to pretend that the Bible– or our nation's history– is only made up of perfect people. The fact that God can use even the most flawed men to achieve great things for His Kingdom is just the inspiring message our sons desperately need to hear. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How high is heaven above the earth? The distance is immeasurable, just like God's love for you.As the Bible says, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is God's love for those who fear him.”King David paints a powerful word picture in his psalm, writing that God “has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” If you have turned to God and trusted in his son, Jesus Christ, God has completely removed your sin and eternally separated you from it. When you watch a sunrise, be reminded of God's forgiveness and mercy toward you. There's nothing anyone can ever do to cause God to love you any less.For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Digital technology has become controlling, addictive, and intrusive.Parents, it's ok for you to be the “bad guy” about the use of electronics. Don't let the culture squeeze you into its mold. Our children don't need endless hours of internet and television exposure. Scientific studies show that too much digital time actually alters brain patterns. Consider not allowing “screen time” during the week unless all school work is done. On the weekends, limit the number of hours of screen time a day.Go outside. God created us to interact with His natural world. Lead your boys in enjoying the outdoors and engaging in physical exercise. Children still need time to play in the dirt, walk in the woods, and foster their imagination.For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What memories do you have with your grandfather? The power of a grandpa's love in a young man's life cannot be understated. Child psychologist Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch once counseled a 10-year-old boy who lived thirteen hours from his grandpa. This boy didn't see his grandpa very often, but talked about him every single day. She asked the boy to describe what his grandpa meant to him, and the boy was moved to tears. Relationships with extended family can be complicated– and many people don't live near their children's grandparents. But, as much as you can, be intentional about fostering your son's relationship with his grandfather. This can be through phone calls, letters, visits, or fishing trips. You'll be benefiting your son more than you may even realize. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do any of your son's friends have absent dads? It's likely they do. Over 19.5 million children– or one in four– don't live with their dad. Fatherless boys are more likely to struggle in school, have behavioral problems, and participate in risky behaviors. Take note of your son's peers who don't spend time with their dads. The next time you plan a father-son fishing trip, bike ride, or hike, be quiet but intentional about inviting one of those boys. Your presence will benefit that young man greatly, and you may also be giving his mom or caregiver a much needed break. Plus, you can help open your son's eyes about helping those who may need some extra encouragement. All it takes is an invitation. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

If you've ever gone backpacking in the great outdoors, you know the importance of bringing the right equipment. You pack a tent, not a tire. You pack matches, not a microwave. Similarly, when your son heads off to school, make sure he packs the right characteristics. This includes:Honesty—to complete his own work instead of cheating off others.Respect—to see people for who they really are, no matter what they look like.Gratitude—to thank teachers for giving of their time and talent.Kindness—to make life better when challenges arise. And …Courage—to stand up and do right, no matter what.By packing these important virtues, your son can confidently climb the academic mountain while also enjoying the journey.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your walk match your talk?Nobody likes “fake,” hypocritical people. As a Christian father figure and mentor, you need to live out of your faith authentically because people are constantly watching you.I heard about a man who heard that his Christian co-worker had an accident at work. After asking if he was OK, his next question was, “Did he cuss?”How you act is equally as important as what you believe. How is your walk with Jesus right now?Trail Life USA's motto is “Walk Worthy.” Be careful how you live daily so “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can we parents create margin in our families to build unity? Play games together. Make a collection of board games. Develop the habit of occasionally clearing the table for game night. As children get older, families can invest in games that take longer to play. Playing board games allows for lots of interaction and often leads to laughter!Read to your children. Build the expectation into your family that everyone should be readers. Provide age-appropriate material for your children. The local library is a wonderful resource that can be used again and again. There is a time to say, “OK, we've watched enough television, and you've spent enough time on electronics. Let's spend some time reading?”We are making choices today that will affect our children tomorrow.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How do we raise servants?Children learn how to serve others in part by watching adults serve.  Serving others includes stepping up to the plate and stepping out to meet needs. An older pastor said, “When our children were young, I pastored a small church with no other children or activities. My kids were part of starting new groups, ministries, and opportunities. None of that was handed to them. Today, as adults, they are leaders and servants. I think being required to serve at church made them the people they are today.”We should look for ways to teach children to serve.  We remember Jesus said He came not to be served but to serve.  They are people who don't just watch what's happening. They make things happen.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

We can learn something valuable about our sons from Peter Pan. In her book Boy Talk, child psychologist Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch makes an observation about the Lost Boys in the story of Peter Pan. These boys are seemingly living the dream. They have no parents, and no school–  just adventures all day long. But interestingly, they still long for one childhood comfort– the bedtime story. As your son grows up, it's important that you let him be a boy. But even while he's pursuing his masculine tendencies, don't forget that he needs emotional nurturing, too. Take a few minutes for a hug– or sit and eat a snack with him. Your “lost boy” may not admit it, but he still needs those moments in the midst of all of his adventures. To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How can we raise boys who love adventure?Here are a few simple ways to encourage boys to not always play it safe but develop their God-given spirit of bravery:Encourage outdoor family activities that involve a healthy level of risk.  Whitewater rafting, tubing on rivers, and waterfall hiking are a few.  Selectively allow children to oversee their own projects.  It's messy and not “perfect,” but they can own it.Enjoy adventurous yard toys like zip-lines and trampolines.  We can't always play it safe!Plan vacations to new places.  Try different cities, restaurants, and entertainment.  As God shapes the lives of our children, He can use the raw material of learning to take risks and mold them into people who change their worlds!For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember the song “He's Got the Whole World in His Hands”?The song's lyrics talk about God, saying:He's got the wind and the rain in his hands.He's got the little, tiny baby in his hands.He's got you and me, brother, in his hands.He's got you and me, sister, in his hands.He's got everybody here in his hands. The Bible says God holds on to us with his “righteous right hand.”This image shows us God's power – and our utter helplessness and dependency on him. But you have no reason to fear because of God's promised protection.So, while things may get messy and scary, you can rest assured that God will always hold you in his hands.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Is your son able to “blend” his emotions? When going on a hike, you bring along a bar that contains a mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, since your body needs  different nutrients to stay healthy. In the same way, Child psychologist Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch says that healthy development in boys includes teaching them that they can feel seemingly conflicting emotions at the same time. For instance, when your son is sad about not making the soccer team, he may also feel relieved that he will have more free time. Or when he's angry at his dad, he still will feel love towards his dad at the same time. This “blending” of emotions doesn't come naturally, but is an essential skill that you can teach with some simple intentionality. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What are you most afraid of?According to a 2014 Washington Post article, fear of public speaking was America's biggest phobia, with 25.3 percent of the people saying they were afraid of speaking in front of a crowd.A 2022 study listed “corrupt government officials” as Americans' biggest fear.With the world seemingly spinning out of control, we can easily allow fear and anxiety to paralyze us.While some fears are justified, we cannot let them to rob us of the peace God provides.Remember the charge that Moses gave to Joshua: “You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).No matter what you are facing, don't focus on your fear. Instead, focus on God's promises, provision, and power. He is faithful!For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son struggle in math class? Did he miss the big play on the sports field that would have won the game?Failures and fiascos will trip up your son. You wish he'd only see success, but that's unrealistic. Even when we try our very best, disappointment and discouragement can still strike. And when it does, your son may experience frustration and exasperation. These are normal human emotions, but we don't have to give in to them. Instead, remind your son that failures don't define who he is. If he has accepted Christ as his savior, he is a child of the King. Because of that, your son is of incredible worth to God. And that's way more important than any school grade or sports event.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

How big is your dream for your son?Pat Williams, co-founder of the Orlando Magic, writes that a “vision is a glowing word-picture of a desirable and optimistic future.” As parents, we can paint that portrait for our kids, conveying that life is more than just existing, paying bills, and managing problems. God created them and has a deep interest in their lives. Boys need heroes – more than just movie and music stars. Parents, familiarize your family with stories of noble heroes. Read biographies, watch movies and documentaries, and hear radio dramas of missionaries, statesman, inventors, Presidents, and soldiers. Visit historic sites and homes of great Americans. I want to instill a life-long desire for excellence and possibilities.  For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What comes to mind when you see these three words? “Some Assembly Required”For many parents, these words bring back memories of a painful process of reading instructions, sorting through parts, and putting everything together — all under the watchful eye of your child as he waits with anticipation to play with his new toy. Following instructions can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it will save you time and frustration in the long run.Just like following instructions is a proven process for assembling toys, Trail Life USA has a proven process for growing boys into godly men. In a culture lacking any clear vision of positive masculinity, we must provide boys with a template to follow.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Join Karen Potter and Rob Stoddard on The Covenant Eyes Podcast as they speak with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA. Discover how Trail Life USA is raising the next generation of godly men through outdoor adventure and Christian principles, and explore Mark's devotional book, 101 Devotions for Dads with Boys. Learn about the unique challenges boys face in today's culture and how dads can intentionally connect with their sons. RESOURCES:

What does it take to raise boys to become godly men in a culture that's lost its way? In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time.   Together, we discuss the struggles boys face: apathy, digital distractions, and the confusion surrounding manhood. Mark shares practical, biblical insights to guide your son toward strength, integrity, and godly purpose. Your son was created for more than virtual victories. He was made to become a man of God.  Don't miss this timely episode filled with wisdom, hope, and tools you can start using today.  Read the full show notes with links here: Parenting Boys with Mark Hancock. Episodes You Might Have Missed: Overscheduled Kids? Finding the Right Balance for Your Family 7 Reasons Parents Are Choosing Gentle Parenting Is AI the New Parenting Expert?     If you enjoy listening to Parenting and Homeschool Advice ~ Equipped To Be with Connie Albers, please leave a review and a five-star rating. It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie   Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/