What makes worship, worship?

Jesus defined worship for the Woman of Samaria at Jacob’s well in John 4:23 and 24.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

We should teach our children to worship God wherever they are, not just at church.

What matters most in worship?  The posture of our hearts and minds. He should be our focus. Locations and details change, but He is eternal and unchanging.

Let’s lead our boys to worship God “in spirit and truth.”

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

If you ask your son what it means to be brave, what would he say?

Your son would probably answer that bravery is entering a dangerous situation or saving  someone’s life– and that’s true.

But in this day and age when depression and suicide rates of teenage boys are at a crisis point, your son needs to know that there’s another way to be brave– asking for help.

Give your son small exercises in asking for help in everyday life– with his homework, with his chores, or at public places. Model getting help when you need it yourself. And when your son comes to you with a problem, be sure to listen with a nonjudgmental attitude. Remind him that even the Savior of the world– Jesus– cried out for help to his own Father.

To learn about the 5 critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Where should a boy turn to when he needs wisdom?

Today, through the internet and other sources, there is more information available than ever before.

But the best source of information and wisdom is found in a book written thousands of years ago — the Bible. The book of Proverbs is especially powerful when it comes to seeking wisdom.

We often think we need a “life hack” to navigate life’s most difficult situations. But all we need is God’s Word and His Spirit living in us.

If you or your son needs wisdom today, turn to Proverbs and ask God for His help. He delights in giving it in abundance.

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 startling statistic:

The average iPhone screen time for an adult in the United States is around seven hours each day. But the average amount of time a parent spends with their child is only about two hours a day.

Here are some screen-free ideas for connecting with your son today.

Make banana splits with your boy. Build a lego garage for his cars. Campout in the living room. Have him help you make a family photo album. Find a nontraditional holiday online, and celebrate it together. Turn on some music, and find different things around the house to drum on.

Whatever it is, put your phone down and spend some quality time with your son today. You will both enjoy the benefits.

For ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember when someone gave you bad advice? Did you take it? If so, what were the results?

When seeking advice, who or what can you trust?

The most trustworthy source of truth is the Bible. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The best first step in all situations is going to God and asking for His guidance.

Seeking advice from family, friends, co-workers, pastors, counselors, and others isn’t wrong, especially from fellow Christians who know the Word.

But seek God first and teach boys to do likewise, making sure that any human advice agrees with the Source of Truth, Jesus Christ.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

His face was shattered– and so were his dreams. 

When James Clear was in high school, he had big plans to be a baseball star. But one day, he was hit in the face with a baseball bat, and suffered a brain injury. 

That’s when James discovered a powerful concept. As he recovered, he began to hone in on the small habits in his life, then started to work on his baseball skills again. Years later, James made ESPN’s All-American player list, and now credits the small habits for the reason for his success. 

Share this story with your teen boy today. Remind him that the little, monotonous habits– like making his bed– are really a training ground for challenges he’ll face later in life. 

For more ideas on raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you hear voices?

There are many voices in the world competing for our attention, but none can compare to the voice of the Lord. 

God speaks to His children, sometimes audibly, but mostly through His Word, the Bible.

Are you listening for and to God’s voice? Or are you letting worldly voices silence Him?

How can you recognize God’s voice? 

In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

God’s voice will never contradict His Word. And when we hear God’s voice, we need to obey Him.

Let’s teach boys to recognize and heed God’s voice before any other voices.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Rachel’s six-year- old son loves to play t-ball. He admires his coach and enjoys carrying around his bat. But there is one thing he loves more than anything else– his bright green uniform.

There’s a reason for this. As young men grow up and learn to navigate social settings, they are always asking three questions– “Who is with me?” “Who is in charge?” And, “What is our mission?”

On sports teams, the uniform is a symbolic answer to those questions. In life, it’s not always so clear. It’s up to us as parents to help our son find positive peers, such as in a church setting; introduce him to godly mentors and dad-like figures; and remind him to live for an audience of One– and glorify his Creator.

For more ideas on raising boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember the last time your child lied to you and how it made you feel?

According to research, parents are the primary victims of lying, with 86 percent of lies being told to them.

Kids often believe they are clever enough to fool their parents, but fathers and mothers usually see right through their lies.

Parents are not as easily deceived as children think. Most of the time, the truth is clear and will come out sooner or later.

We should remind our children that God is omniscient. He knows everything we say and do. 

Telling the truth may be hard sometimes, but honesty, truly, is the best policy.

For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

“Do yourself a favor. Take a kid fishing.”

That’s a quote from a man named Frank White, who produced a show called Southern Sportsman. He would say those words at the end of every broadcast.

Psychologists would agree with his suggestion. Fishing gives your son an opportunity to be outside, practice problem-solving skills, and connect with others. One study even found that combat veterans who went to a fly fishing retreat slept better and showed less symptoms of stress.

It’s fairly easy and cheap to get started. Many public libraries have rods and reels to check out for free. Go to your state’s game and fish department website and find a local body of water. Then, cast a line out with your son, and  marvel together at God’s amazing creation.

For more ideas to raise boys to become godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.