Podcasts about trail life usa

Do you find yourself playing the comparison game, comparing yourself to others?If so, you need to remind yourself of this truth: You are created uniquely by God — “fearfully and wonderfully made.” There isn't another person in the world like you. It's a message we share with our kids regularly but don't apply to ourselves enough. When we fail to remember that God has created us uniquely and has a specific calling and purpose for our lives, we are tempted to compare ourselves to others. We justify our actions by thinking, “At least I'm not as bad as that person.” When we stand before God, he will not ask us about our neighbor's actions. We will only answer for ourselves.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do the things you say build people up or tear them down?Our words have more power than we realize.Proverbs 15:4 says, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”King Solomon, who wrote much of Proverbs, points out the pain caused by our hurtful speech. Harsh words cut deeply, and their damage is long-lasting.On the other hand, Solomon also points out the power of our positive words. Most of us are not doctors, but our speech can heal and give life. It can infuse others with renewed courage, faith, and hope. God, help us to honor you with our words by offering hope and healing to the people around us.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What's love got to do with it?Well…quite a lot. Jesus spoke about love often and at one point was quoted as saying, “love your neighbor as yourself”, which was a reference from Leviticus 19:18.But how do we do that? There are many people who do not love themselves or see the value God has placed in them. How can we properly love others as ourselves when we despise ourselves? In order to love others well we must love who God has made us to be. Then we will have the confidence of the Father's love and affirmation in our hearts as we love others through Him.Take some time today to reflect on how great God's love is toward you and how valuable and special you are to him. Then look for ways to spread that love to your family and others.(145 words)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.

Have you ever ordered a product through Amazon Prime? If so, you're not alone. Over 50% of American households have a Prime membership. From toys to tools, and from shoelaces to shampoo—people love Amazon because of the HUGE variety of items they sell.But there are some things you can't buy at Amazon.com. You can't buy your son a hug. You can't order him a hearty laugh for $19.95. And you can't purchase fun outdoor memories with him that will last a lifetime. Amazon sells over 12 million products, but they can't deliver your son the joy he'll experience wrestling with you in the living room. The relationship you have with your son is one of the most priceless things in all of life. Make it count. For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Boys sometimes get hurt. That's a fact. But when your son cuts a finger or scrapes a knee, what do you do? If the cut looks dirty, dabbing iodine on it will keep infection away. Even though the antiseptic stings, you know it's for your son's own good. You want him to heal.The same is true in parenting. At one point or another, you'll have to correct your son when he lies, cusses, or misbehaves. Punishment is never a fun thing—for the child or for the parent—but it's necessary for healing and growth. Proverbs 22:6 provides valuable advice. The verse says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Father's Day has been ranked towards the bottom in popularity among the top 15 national holidays. Why would that be?Father's Day can be a difficult day for many people because of traumatic experiences we've had with our fathers. Dads play a very important role in the lives of their children and when you do not have that person in your life in a healthy way, it can affect you in many ways.One of the most important roles of a father is affirmation. Affirming your children, especially your sons,  that they are special, loved, and have a purpose is vital. Hearing the words, “I love you and I'm so proud of you.” Is so necessary to emotional growth, yet many people never hear those words. If you are a man, take time today to pour into your son. take another step and speak into the life of a boy who doesn't have a godly dad. Tell them who God says they are. You will change their lives.(157 words)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.

Nathan was going to buy a motorcycle– at age 15. He wanted the bike to ride it to his job at a pizza shop. HIs parents told him it would be too dangerous, and suggested a car, instead. Nathan rolled his eyes.  But one day, Nathan announced that he was going to buy a car, instead. His boss at the pizza shop said a motorcycle would be too dangerous. Nathan's parents glanced at each other, and smiled in relief. Steve Biddulph tells this story in his book Raising Boys to illustrate that while your teenage son may not listen to you, he will listen to other adults. Pray and take intentional steps to make sure your son has positive, godly men in his life to point him in the right direction. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Here's a simple way to boost your son's development today. Researchers have coined a term called “joint attention sequences” to describe what happens when you make a connection with your son. This can happen when you look him in the eyes, laugh when he makes a joke, read stories with him, or praise him for an accomplishment. In his book Raising Boys, author Steve Biddulph says these sequences are more than just moments of delight– they are crucial for your son's development. Studies have found that, especially when your son is a baby and a toddler, these moments actually help a growth hormone to flood his brain and develop it. So today, put your phone down and give your son focused, intentional connection. His growing brain will reap the benefits. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Too many boys are turning to virtual worlds of television, video games, digital media, and the internet to find realms they can conquer and areas where they can excel. The result of this virtual conquest is often apathy, apparent rebellion, or outright resistance to real-world challenge. How can a biblical worldview speak to this issue and offer young men a flourishing vision for their future?  Today's guest is Mark Hancock, who is the CEO of Trail Life. Mark began his career founding a national advertising agency and running it for fifteen years. His conversion to Christ led him into ministry as a Youth and College Pastor, Associate Pastor, Homeless Ministry Director and Global Event Director for an international ministry, organizing events on five continents. He holds two Masters Degrees in the Mental Health Counseling field, having spent several years in private practice, and has taught at secular and Christian colleges. Mark has been a guest on numerous radio and television programs including: Fox Nation's Starnes Country, Family Life Radio, Focus on the Family, and James Dobson's Family Talk Program. In 2017, Mark was named to the American Family Association's '40 Faithful'. An author, award-winning writer, and conference speaker, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of Trail Life USA and lives near Greenville, SC with his wife of over 30 years. They  have two sons. Want to be better equipped with a Biblical Worldview? Check out summit.org! For more from Dr. Jeff on YouTube visit http://bit.ly/3flbj2j  For more resources from Summit Ministries visit their Resource Library at www.summit.org/resources/

As a parent, you want to give your son the world. But of course, time, resources, and energy are limited. When you have to tell your son “no, I can't play with you right now,” or, “No, we can't buy that toy right now,” you may feel guilty. But don't feel bad. Even God, our perfect Father, often answers our prayers and requests with “not right now” or “no.” As you teach your son to wait, you teach him patience, self control, and the value of working towards something that you want. Maybe things are tight financially for your family right now. If so, remember– you are still a good parent. By not giving your son everything, you're shaping his character– and that's a gift that will last a lifetime. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When you were a kid did your parents warn you not to look directly into the sun because it could damage your vision?When you stare directly at the sun—or other types of bright light such as a welding torch—ultraviolet light floods your retina, literally burning the exposed tissue.However, there is a Son we need to continually look at — the Son of God, Jesus Christ.“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrew 12:2Teach your son to keep his eyes on the living Son of God.For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

You glance at the clock. It's 9:17 a.m. “Hurry up!” you holler from the kitchen. “Church starts in less than 15 minutes!”Your kids dash from room to room, grabbing their Bibles, their shoes, and maybe even a Pop-Tart. Then you're out the door and in the car. Yet despite your best race car driving skills, you're late to church—again.Can you relate to this? Do you find yourself constantly late to work, medical appointments, or other activities? Even though life is busy, make punctuality a priority. Show your son, through action, how to organize his time. Of course, this isn't easy. But through careful planning, you'll demonstrate that preparation helps life run more smoothly. Plus, when you're on time for church, all the back pews aren't already taken.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you get anxious?Like a fisherman who continually casts his line in search of the big catch, we are called to continually cast our cares and concerns to God.“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7There are many things for us to be anxious about.. And anxiety among kids is on the rise, affecting nearly one in 10 children. Make sure you are tending to the cares of your kids, and helping them cast their cares on him.We would be wise to remember Jesus' question — can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Worry won't change our past or future, but it can ruin the present.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What is a phobia? It is an irrational fear of something that's unlikely to cause harm.There are over 400 recognized phobias out there. Ablutophobia is the fear of bathing. This condition seems to be widespread among middle school and high school boys. :o) Fear is a normal human reaction that protects us by signaling danger and preparing us to deal with it. But fear can also be unhealthy and dangerous. The Bible talks about the “fear of man.” This manifests itself when we crave acceptance from our peers and fear rejection. The Bible says that fear of man is a dangerous trap.Don't let fear rule you and your child's hearts. Instead, remember that “the Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you ever woken up from a long night of sleep and still felt tired?According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours a night. But even getting enough sleep isn't enough to be fully rested.As parents, we can quickly become overburdened, overwhelmed, exhausted, discouraged, and restless.Let's take Jesus up on his invitation in Matthew 11:28-30:“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”Practice resting in Him. And teach your son to do the same!For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Kids love playdough. They squeeze it and stretch it. They roll it into skinny snakes and smoosh it into wobbly clumps.As parents, we sometimes feel like playdough. We get squeezed for time and attention. Then we get stretched this way and that way. We feel smooshed and squooshed by the demands of life.When the routines of parenthood feel overwhelming, realize that you're not alone. Because you are in God's hands, He is shaping you into His likeness, forming your character into a useful masterpiece.Kids make wild and wacky objects with playdough, but in the master Sculptor's hands, your parenting efforts are being transformed into something beautiful. So, don't give up. That squeezing and stretching is just part of the process.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Does your son play a musical instrument? Maybe the piano, trumpet, or violin?The process of learning how to play an instrument is a lot like parenting. It requires patience, persistence, and a passion to improve. During the parenting process, mistakes will inevitably happen. Improper technique may cause squeaky notes. Your instruction may fall flat or be off key. And despite your best efforts, your guidance may not be properly choreographed.When this happens, don't get discouraged. Through consistent effort, prayer, and love, you'll make progress. By tuning your heart to the rhythm of your son's personality, you'll experience the melody of fellowship. And when you and your son are in sync, harmony within the home will crescendo into his growth as a godly young man.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

You're a parent inside the walls of your home. But what about outside those walls? Of course, your primary obligation is to parent your own son. But, for better or worse, your son's friends and peers can have a greater impact on him than you do. So how can you positively influence the whole group? It's as simple as being involved in your community. Volunteer at church to teach Sunday School. Coach your son's soccer team. Join a big brother/big sister program. Or you could even volunteer to be a Trail Life USA leader. You don't have to be perfect to positively influence the next generation of men. You just have to show up and show love not only in your home, but outside of it. For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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.

Find the show notes for this episode HERE.Have you ever asked yourself… Why are my boys so WILD?  Why do they have so much energy? Why are they so loud and rambunctious and aggressive?  In today's episode, we're going to find out where this wildness comes from.WELCOME TO THE SWORD AND STORY PODCAST! The Sword and Story podcast is dedicated to helping Christian parents discover exciting, faith-filled books for their boys—stories packed with courage, honor, and adventure. If you're looking for books for your boys with thrilling storytelling from a Christian worldview, then you're in the right place.Join us as we explore books that will help our boys grow to be strong, courageous warriors for the Kingdom of God. I'm your host, Laurie Christine. I'm the author of the Dragon Slayer Bible Series, adventure-packed biblical fiction for 8-12 year old boys. I'm also a wife and mom to 4 wild, wonderful young men. My boys are currently 9, 10, 13, and 14.I am busy interviewing and scheduling authors for the new episodes of the Sword and Story podcast. Those new author interviews will be airing later this summer. But in the meantime, I think it's important that we take some time to understand how God created our boys. Last week we listened to an interview with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA. If you missed that episode, go back and listen to episode 2 of the sword and story podcast and you can find that at swordandstorypodcast.com. In that episode, Mark and I discussed how we can let our boys be boys.This week, we're tackling the question:  Why are my boys so wild? Why are they so loud? Why do they have so much energy? If we want to find books that will help our boys to become strong, courageous warriors for God's Kingdom, we need to understand some of the core desires that God has given boys. That's what we're going to talk about in today's episode. 

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.

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.