Does anyone like to suffer?

The apostle Paul knew a lot about suffering. He suffered beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks. In Colossians 1:24, Paul said he “rejoiced” in his sufferings. What? How could he rejoice in suffering? Because God used it to advance the gospel.

Paul also pointed out that suffering strengthens our perseverance, character, and hope.

Most of us have little experience with real suffering. We don’t even like minor inconveniences like waiting in a long line.

No matter your circumstances, God has a purpose and plan for your life.

Let’s ask God to help us see and teach our boys the value of suffering for His kingdom’s sake.

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

Have you ever had a divine encounter with someone who came into your life at just the right time, and you knew it was a “God thing”?

I heard about a family that had a flat tire at Christmastime. They pulled into the closest repair shop they could find. The technician who came out to help them was named “Emmanuel.” He agreed to fix the flat even though the shop had just closed. Every Christmas, this family tells their “Emmanuel” story as a reminder that God is always with us.

God orchestrates every meeting you have with someone for a purpose. Sometimes, that purpose is life-changing; other times, not so much. But they are all divine appointments.

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

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.
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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.
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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.