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 4:16

Thank 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.

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 118:8
You 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.

Is it more difficult to be a teenaged boy, or a grown adult?

Adult life is stressful. Of course, you have more responsibility than your teen son. But consider this– you also have more freedom, more balanced hormones, and a fully developed brain. Parenting experts say that some of the hardest, most chaotic years of life are between ages 13-18, especially for young men.

Here’s the point. It’s true that your son needs discipline and authority. But don’t forget that what he needs first is love. It’s not easy being a teenage boy, especially in our current society. So the next time you are frustrated with your son, picture yourself at that age. Show him the grace and understanding you so desperately needed back then.

To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Have you had to wait for something recently, or are you still waiting?

With seven games left in the 2022 Major League Baseball regular season, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge tied Roger Maris for the American League single-season home run record.

With the world watching, Judge had to wait for five more games before finally breaking the record in the next-to-last game.

Psalm 27:14 tells us to “wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.”

Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean we don’t have our part to play. Waiting on the Lord is active. It’s preparing our hearts, being ready to serve, and expecting God to provide.

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.”

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.