Background - 
As a Christian father, the answers are deeply rooted in my faith and my commitment to my family.
 
How Much Time Do You Have Left?
The simple answer is: I don't know, but I know it's a gift.
The Bible teaches us in James 4:14, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

As a father, I feel the weight of this truth more acutely than ever. My time is not my own; it's a stewardship entrusted to me by God.

• Finite and Fragile: Whether I have 50 years, 5 years, or just the remainder of this day, the clock is ticking on my earthly assignment. My hope is not in the length of my life, but in the promise of eternity with Christ.

• The Focus is Today: I try to live in light of Psalm 90:12, which asks God to “teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Numbering them means cherishing this moment—not procrastinating the important things until a promised tomorrow that may never come.

What Are You Doing With It?
I am trying, imperfectly but earnestly, to do three main things with the time I have left: Love, Serve, and Equip.

1. Loving God and My Wife
• My primary call is to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). This informs everything else.
• I am committed to loving my wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), sacrificially and faithfully. She is my partner in this journey, and a strong, Christ-centered marriage is the foundation of our home.

2. Serving My Family and Community
• Being Present: This is the hardest part. I have not always been good at this.
• Serving Others: My wife and I aim to model selfless service, whether it’s volunteering at our church, helping a neighbor, or supporting missions. I want my children to see that life isn't about accumulating but about contributing.

3. Equipping My Children
• This is the core of my fatherhood. My job isn't just to provide for them physically, but to pass on a durable faith—a faith that can survive college, career pressure, and cultural chaos.
• We regularly pray together, read the Bible, and talk openly about God's role in our daily lives. I am constantly asking myself: If I were gone tomorrow, have I pointed them clearly enough to the Savior?

One Thing You Can Do
If I could only choose one thing to focus my remaining time on, it would be this:


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Key Points

1. Introduction to Trail Life

•Trail Life is a Christian outdoor adventure program aimed at guiding boys to become godly men.
•The organization encourages skills development, leadership, and outdoor experiences.

2. The Problem

•Children today are increasingly disconnected from nature and real-life social interactions, often spending excessive time on screens.
•This trend leads to skill gaps in socialization and conflict resolution among boys, who may also lack exposure to Christian values.

3. Role of Fathers

•Active fatherly involvement significantly improves the chances that boys will grow into well-adjusted men.
•Statistics indicate that boys with engaged fathers are more likely to become productive members of society and, if raised in a Christian environment, are more likely to follow Christ.

4. Trail Life’s Mission

•The mission of Trail Life is to inspire boys to lead with integrity, serve others, and enjoy outdoor adventures while being grounded in Christian faith.
•The program emphasizes character development through experiential learning.

5. Community and Volunteerism

•The episode encourages dads and community members to get involved, either as leaders or participants, to foster a supportive environment for boys.
•Volunteers in Trail Life play a crucial role in mentoring and guiding the next generation.

6. Activities and Engagement

•Trail Life offers various activities such as camping, fishing, archery, and biblical studies.
•The program is designed to cater to different age groups, progressively building skills and confidence.

7. Call to Action

•Listeners are encouraged to explore Trail Life as an option for their sons, whether they are Christian or not, emphasizing that all are welcome.
•Community members are invited to volunteer, pray for the organization, and support local troops through involvement.

Conclusion

The Strong Dads Podcast episode presents a compelling case for the Trail Life program as a vital resource for nurturing young boys into responsible, faith-driven men. Through community involvement and mentorship, families can work together to address the challenges faced by today’s youth while fostering strong, godly values.

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Background - 
All of us have heard about the tragic and senseless assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This is tragic on many different fronts. 1. An innocent man was murdered. 2. A wife and two young children are without their husband and father.  3. A nation is divided like we haven’t seen in decades.
How should we approach disagreement with our neighbor?

Aligning political views with God's ways is a process that involves prioritizing faith over ideology, grounding decisions in biblical principles, and engaging with humility and love.

This approach shifts focus from seeking partisan victory to seeking a kingdom-minded perspective that reflects Christ's character. 

Prioritize a kingdom perspective
Place allegiance to God above any political party. Your identity as a follower of Christ should define your actions, not your political affiliation. Your ultimate hope is in Jesus, not in any earthly political system.

View political engagement as a way to serve God. The Bible encourages Christians to be active participants in their communities and to seek the welfare of their cities (Jeremiah 29:7). Your involvement can be an act of service to God and your neighbors.

Understand the limits of politics. While government is instituted by God for the good of society, it is not the source of salvation or ultimate change. Transformative change begins with transformed hearts, not just new laws. 

Ground your views in scripture.
Evaluate issues through a biblical lens. Study and prayerfully consider how biblical principles apply to specific political issues. When facing a conflict between a political party's position and your faith, ask yourself what would honor Christ.

Seek guidance on complex issues. For issues that are not explicitly addressed in scripture, seek guidance through prayer, theological inquiry, and community reflection. Different Christians may arrive at different conclusions on these issues, and approaching them with humility is vital.

Engage with humility and love.
Practice civil discourse. Approach conversations with compassion and respect, listening to understand others' perspectives.Rather than striving to convince the other person why they are wrong, concentrate more on understanding how the formed their argument. 

Focus on integrity. From yourself as well as your elected leaders. Uphold Christian values such as honesty, compassion, and humility in all political interactions. Your actions should reflect the integrity of your faith, even in heated political climates. Avoid rationalizing one politicians actions just to preserve your political foundation.  

If a “your” politician does something against your integrity standards that are bound to the way of Christ, then be willing to call out just as you would if they were not your choice candidate.

Engage with those who hold different views.Rather than trying to "win" an argument, engage with people who disagree with you by seeking to understand their hearts and praying for them. This creates a safer space for dialogue that may open the door to a deeper conversation. 

Unity is far more important than one person being right and another being wrong. 
Galatians 6:7, which says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows".

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Strong Dads Podcast Episode with Justin Noppert

Merrill introduces special guest Justin Noppert, sharing their recent experience at a Rock Solid Families thank-you banquet, which turned into a surprise retirement party for Merrill. The emotional gathering highlighted the importance of strong male figures in the community, a theme that will carry through the episode.

The Importance of Strong Dads
The discussion shifts towards the need for strong men who are willing to fight for their families and communities. Justin reflects on the powerful atmosphere of the banquet and the support given to Merrill. He emphasizes the significance of men rising up and investing in their families.

Coaching and Mentorship
Justin, who has a background in coaching, shares insights on the impact a coach can have on kids. He discusses the importance of intentional coaching that builds character and identity, stressing that it’s not just about winning but about nurturing young lives.

The Role of Community
The conversation turns to the isolation many men experience, leading to loneliness and brokenness. The hosts encourage men to seek community, recognizing that vulnerability and accountability are crucial for personal growth and healing. They emphasize that community doesn’t just serve as a support system but also provides opportunities for mentorship and guidance.

The Fight and Its Purpose
Justin explains the origin of “The Fight,” a group formed to help men navigate their struggles and build character. This initiative encourages men to confront their egos and take responsibility for their actions, fostering a space for authentic relationships and accountability.

The Challenge of Modern Masculinity
The discussion delves into the challenges faced by modern men in modeling good behavior and values for the next generation. They reflect on the influences that shape young men’s perceptions of masculinity, often stemming from media portrayals rather than healthy, real-life examples.
Practical Wisdom for Dads
Throughout the episode, the hosts offer practical advice for fathers:
 • Be Intentional: Fathers should deliberately invest in their relationships with their children and spouses.
 • Be Vulnerable: Owning up to mistakes and showing humility can strengthen family bonds.
 • Seek Accountability: Engaging with other men for support can help navigate personal challenges and foster growth.


Closing Thoughts
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage meaningfully in their families and communities, reminding them of the importance of strong male figures in nurturing the next generation. Justin shares plans for upcoming events and encourages men to get involved with local groups that promote positive masculinity.

Final Encouragement
Merrill and Andy challenge men to step up, embrace humility, and become the husbands and fathers their families need. They emphasize the importance of being present and actively participating in the lives of their loved ones.
This episode of the Strong Dads podcast serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that strong, intentional fatherhood can have on families and communities.

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Summary of the YouTube Video Featuring Brandon McBee on the Strong Dad’s Podcast

Introduction and Context
The video begins with a brief introduction by the Merrill, who reflects on his recent diagnosis of cancer, Glioblastoma. Merrill expresses gratitude for the audience’s continued supportand an explanation for the delay in this particular episode. 

The show features Brandon McBee, an experienced educator and assistant principal at Harrison Junior School in Harrison, Ohio, who shares insights into the importance of father involvement in children’s education.

Importance of Father’s Role
Brandon emphasizes that the presence of a father figure or a positive male role model significantly influences a child’s development. He references statistics to underline the negative outcomes for children when fathers are absent, such as increased behavioral problems and lower academic performance. He notes that the role of dads in education is crucial, and their active engagement can make a significant difference in a child’s life.

Changes in Education Over Time
Brandon discusses how his role in education has evolved over his 15 years in the field, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed the educational landscape. He shares experiences from his first year in administration when he had to manage contact tracing and other pandemic-related challenges. The conversation touches on the cyclical nature of educational trends, where old strategies re-emerge under new names.

Technology in Education
The discussion highlights the impact of technology on students’ learning experiences. Brandon notes that while technology has benefits, over-reliance on it can lead to challenges like cyberbullying and diminished social skills. He advocates for more face-to-face interaction and physical activity, encouraging parents to limit access to devices for young children.

The Evolving Role of Schools
Brandon indicates that while schools have adapted by integrating technology, there is a growing conversation about the need to return to more traditional teaching methods. 

Educational Philosophy
Brandon reflects on educational reforms, cautioning against the constant changes driven by political agendas. He stresses that while teaching methods may change, the fundamentals of education and human interaction remain constant.

Engaging with Children
The discussion pivots towards how fathers can actively engage with their children. Brandon offers practical advice for dads, encouraging them to start small and find common interests to connect with their kids. 

Navigating Expectations
Brandon discusses the balance of setting expectations for children. He advocates for clear communication and consistency regarding what is expected from kids in terms of behavior and academic performance, emphasizing the need for flexibility based on individual strengths and weaknesses.

Challenges of Parenting
The video addresses the pressures parents face in raising children amidst societal expectations. Brandon reflects on the importance of resilience and teaching children how to handle failure. 

The Role of Leadership
Brandon shares insights into leadership, both in education and parenting. He encourages dads to model good leadership qualities, such as empathy, understanding, and teamwork. 

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Summary of the YouTube Video Featuring Merrill and Andy from Strong Dads and Rock Solid Families

Introduction

Update on Merrill’s Health

•Diagnosis Announcement: Merrill shares that he was diagnosed with glioblastoma on July 23rd, describing it as a severe case with three tumors. The prognosis is uncertain, with varying survival rates depending on treatment efficacy.

•Community Support: Merrill expresses deep gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, including meals, prayers, and financial assistance. He emphasizes the importance of community and church as pillars of support during crises.

•Treatment Regimen: Currently undergoing radiation therapy and taking chemotherapy pills, Merrill describes the physical and emotional toll of the treatment, including low energy levels and cognitive challenges.

Personal Reflections on Life and Priorities 

•Emotional Impact: The diagnosis has led Merrill to reassess what is important in life. He stresses the importance of prioritizing relationships, particularly with God, family, and community.

•Perspective Shift: Merrill discusses how facing a life-threatening illness has prompted him to reflect deeply on his priorities and what truly matters. He mentions upcoming family events, such as his daughter’s wedding, emphasizing the need to cherish these moments.

•Faith and Peace: Merrill shares that despite the challenges, he feels a profound sense of peace rooted in his faith. He encourages the audience to consider their relationship with God as a foundational aspect of handling crises.

Navigating Relationships and Community 

•Importance of Relationships: The conversation touches on the significance of nurturing relationships, with God at the center. Merrill highlights how a strong faith can enhance other relationships, particularly with one’s spouse.

•Joint Efforts in Communication: Merrill and Andy emphasize the need for couples to pray together and communicate effectively, which fosters unity and alignment in facing challenges.

Living with Purpose and Prioritizing Faith

•Facing Mortality: Merrill reflects on the idea of death and his acceptance of it, grounded in his Christian faith. He expresses anticipation for what lies beyond this life, revealing a lack of fear associated with dying.

•Bucket List and Regrets: The discussion shifts towards pursuing dreams and aspirations without fear of failure. Merrill encourages taking risks and being obedient to God’s calling, further illustrating this point by discussing his decision to start Rock Solid Families.

•Prayer as Communication: Merrill discusses how prayer is not merely about asking for things but about building a relationship with God. He encourages wrestling with God in prayer as a means to deepen that relationship.

Conclusion and Call to Action 

•Final Thoughts: Merrill ends with an encouragement to prioritize faith and community, urging listeners to not take their relationships for granted. He expresses hope that his experience can inspire others to live intentionally.

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My World Just Flipped  - Glioblastoma - Ep 329

In this heartfelt YouTube video, Merrill Hutchinson, the host of RockSolid Families and Strong Dads, shares a personal update about his health journey. The video serves as both an introduction to his current situation and a reflection on life’s deeper meanings amidst adversity.

Key Points and Flow:

1. Introduction and Context:

• Merrill welcomes viewers and explains why he is combining two shows into one episode. He mentions feeling unwell for the past month and hints at a significant life change.

2. Health Concerns:

• He recounts how in mid-July, he began experiencing unusual symptoms like confusion and impaired balance. Despite initially dismissing these signs, he eventually consulted his doctor.

3. Diagnosis:

• On July 23rd, Merrill received a troubling diagnosis: glioblastoma, a severe and terminal brain cancer. He shares the stark reality of his prognosis, facing multiple brain surgeries and the emotional turmoil that has ensued.

4. Emotional Response:

• Merrill discusses the emotional rollercoaster he experienced following the diagnosis, feeling overwhelmed yet determined to use his situation for a greater purpose. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his story, not for sympathy but to inspire and encourage others.

5. Surgery and Treatment:

• He details his surgeries, noting their success while acknowledging the aggressive nature of the cancer. Merrill prepares to begin chemotherapy and radiation, hoping for stabilization of his condition.

6. Spiritual Reflection:

• Merrill reflects on his faith, quoting John 14:6, which has influenced his understanding of control and surrender to God. He expresses the importance of humility in facing life’s challenges and encourages viewers to seek a godly perspective over a self-centered one.

7. Family and Celebrations:

• He shares personal anecdotes about his family, highlighting both the struggles and joys, like an upcoming wedding in the family, which he views as a blessing and a reason to celebrate life.

8. Encouragement for Viewers:

• Merrill concludes with a message to viewers about the significance of community support and the need to prioritize relationships and kindness in difficult times. He expresses gratitude for the support he and his family have received.

9. Closing Thoughts:

• He wraps up by thanking his sponsors and the community for their support, reiterating his intent to share updates and insights as he navigates this challenging journey.

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Main Topic: Fatherhood Statistics


Importance of Present Fathers

•Statistics on Father Absence: One in four children in the United States grow up without a father present, equating to significant populations in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.
•Impact of Father Absence: They argue that father absence leads to numerous societal issues, stressing the need for active and involved fathers.

Key Issues Arising from Father Absence

1. Academic Underperformance

•Indicators: Higher dropout rates, lower test scores, and increased truancy are noted as direct consequences of father absence.
•Firsthand Observations: Andy shares insights from his decade-long experience as a PE teacher, emphasizing how discipline issues often stem from a minority of students who lack paternal guidance, thereby impacting overall classroom performance.

2. Disciplinary Issues

•Discipline Statistics: The hosts highlight that 90% of disciplinary actions in schools are attributed to about 10% of the student population, often linked to those without a father figure.
•Behavioral Patterns: They discuss the patterns of behavior and respect shown by children towards authority figures, especially female teachers, and relate it back to the presence of a male role model.

3. Increased Risk of Poverty

•Economic Impact: The absence of fathers typically results in a single-income household, increasing the likelihood of living in poverty and experiencing food insecurity.
•Generational Cycles: They discuss how this creates a cycle of poverty that can persist across generations.

4. Crime and Delinquency

•Connection to Self-Discipline: The hosts assert that children without fathers often lack self-discipline, leading to a higher incidence of crime and delinquency among these youths.

5. Mental Health Issues and Substance Abuse

•Stability and Security: Stability is vital for children; without it, they may turn to substances to cope with anxiety and fear, leading to further issues later in life.
•Impacts of Substance Abuse: The conversation shifts to how substance use often begins as an escape from underlying issues derived from father absence.

6. Child Maltreatment and Neglect

•Stress on Single Parents: The pressures faced by single parents can lead to neglect and maltreatment of children due to economic hardships and lack of support.

7. Higher Rates of Teen Pregnancy
•Craving Connections: The hosts expound on how children, particularly girls, may seek early relationships due to a lack of paternal involvement, leading to increased rates of teen pregnancy.

8. Co-Parenting Challenges

•Parenting Dynamics: The absence of fathers complicates co-parenting and places additional stress on the remaining parent, often leading to a chaotic home environment for the children.

The Role of Fathers

•Emotional and Psychological Support: The presence of a father contributes to emotional stability, teaching children discipline and respect.
•Examples of Responsibility: Fathers model how to handle relationships and responsibilities, which influences their children’s future choices in partners.


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Wrestling God - God’s Will vs. Our Will

•The conversation transitions to the deeper implications of wrestling with God, touching on the challenges of aligning personal desires with divine will.
•They discuss the tension between human understanding and God’s purposes, emphasizing the importance of surrendering pride for spiritual growth.

Personal Stories of Divine Wrestling

•Andy’s Journey: Andy recounts his personal struggles with obedience to God’s call, particularly regarding moving houses and adopting children. He describes a wrestling match with God over these life decisions and the confusion that ensued.
•The Role of Obedience: The hosts emphasize that wrestling can be a test of obedience, with God often asking individuals to step out of their comfort zones.

Learning Through Struggle

•The hosts affirm that spiritual wrestling often leads to deeper understanding and humility, much like physical wrestling.
•They invoke the example of Jesus in Gethsemane, who wrestled with the weight of His mission but ultimately submitted to God’s will, reinforcing that wrestling with God is a biblical and spiritual norm.

Practical Steps for Wrestling with God

Seeking God in Times of Struggle

1.Take Your Concerns to God: The hosts encourage listeners to pray and seek God directly rather than relying on external opinions that may not align with spiritual truths.
2.Express Lament: They stress the importance of expressing one’s feelings of frustration, anger, or confusion to God, citing the Psalms as a model for honest communication with God.
3.Community Engagement: The necessity of engaging with a community of faith is highlighted. Surrounding oneself with spiritually mature individuals can provide support and challenge one’s understanding.

Seeking Understanding Through God’s Word

•The hosts encourage listeners to study Scripture as a way to gain clarity on personal struggles, emphasizing that God’s ways often differ from human understanding.
•They reference James 1:5, urging individuals to seek wisdom from God, who generously gives it to those who ask.

Trusting God’s Goodness

•Despite the struggles, the hosts remind listeners to trust in God’s sovereignty and overall goodness, reiterating that divine plans often exceed human comprehension.
•The hosts conclude that wrestling with God is a lifelong journey, one that fosters growth and understanding in one’s relationship with Him.

Conclusion

•The podcast ends on an encouraging note, inviting listeners to engage in their own wrestling matches with God, asserting that these struggles are not just acceptable but essential for spiritual growth.
•The hosts remind listeners to embrace the wrestling process, assuring them that such experiences lead to a more profound relationship with God and a better understanding of His plans.

Final Thoughts

The episode effectively emphasizes that wrestling with God is a vital part of faith that leads to deeper understanding, humility, and ultimately, transformation. The personal stories, scriptural references, and practical advice create a relatable and insightful discussion for listeners, encouraging them to embrace their spiritual struggles as opportunities for growth.

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Merrill Hutchinson and Andy Dalton on Parenting Seasons

Introduction
The video features Merrill Hutchinson and Andy Dalton discussing the various roles of dads during different “seasons” of parenting. The conversation is grounded in the analogy of farming seasons, where different tasks are performed at different times of the year—relating this to the developmental stages of children and the corresponding responsibilities of parents.

Overview of Parenting Seasons
1.Service Season (0-3 years)
2.Leadership Season (3-13 years)
3.Mentorship Season (13-18 years)
4.Friend/Counsel Season (18 years and older)
Each season corresponds to specific tasks, challenges, and expectations for both the child and the parent.

1. Service Season (0-3 years)
•Role of the Parent: The primary role during this season is that of a servant. Parents are tasked with meeting the basic needs of their children, which include feeding, changing diapers, and providing comfort.
•Key Responsibilities:
•Understanding and responding to the child’s cries and needs.
•Learning the various dimensions of what it means to be a caregiver, including emotional support.

2. Leadership Season (3-13 years)
•Role of the Parent: The parent transitions into a leadership role where the focus shifts towards teaching and guiding children rather than just serving them.
•Key Responsibilities:
•Instilling values and expectations related to responsibility and service to others.
•Involving children in household chores and responsibilities to teach them about contributing to the family.

3. Mentorship Season (13-18 years)
•Role of the Parent: This season focuses on mentorship, where parents guide teenagers towards independence while allowing them to make their own choices.
•Key Responsibilities:
•Encouraging self-reliance and accountability while providing a safety net for mistakes.
•Engaging in discussions about values and preparing them for real-world challenges.

4. Friend/Counsel Season (18+ years)
•Role of the Parent: The final season transitions into a friend or counsel role, where parents no longer direct but rather support their adult children.
•Key Responsibilities:
•Building a relationship based on mutual respect and friendship, allowing for open dialogues about life choices.
•Offering counsel when asked, without overstepping boundaries, thus respecting their independence.

Conclusion
Merrill and Andy emphasize the importance of understanding these parenting seasons to fulfill one’s roles effectively. The ability to adapt to the varying needs of children at different ages can lead to producing well-rounded, responsible individuals. The conversation encourages intentionality in parenting, underscoring that a parent’s understanding of their role significantly impacts their children’s development and future contributions to society.

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