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.