Raising Godly Boys Minute

“Trust your instruments.” This mantra is repeated all through flight school. While flying, it’s easy to get disoriented visually, especially in thick fog. Pilots must learn to trust their gauges, not their vision.

Boys today are also “flying through fog,” so to speak. In the confusion of cultural relativism and gender fluidity, young men don’t know where they are or where they are going. So they often choose their own course, or refuse to move at all.

As parents, we must help our son gain a solid foundation and understanding of God’s Word. Involve your boy in organizations that are founded on Biblical truth. Help him find a positive, godly mentor. And encourage your boy to memorize Scripture– the only “instrument” that will never fail him.

To learn about raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

What does a cactus have to do with your son?

The saguaro cactus is an amazing desert plant. It stretches high into the air like a telephone pole, reaching heights of 40 feet or more.

But did you know that this colossal cactus grows slowly? It isn’t unusual for it to be 2-inches tall on its 10th birthday. Soon after, the saguaro begins growing faster and keeps up this steady growth until eventually towering over other cacti species.

Maybe your son is like the saguaro. Maybe he’s a slow learner at home or at school. Sure, it’s fine to get your son extra tutoring help, but it’s important to realize that we all have different rates of physical, mental, social, and even spiritual growth. The key is to continue growing—little by little and day by day.

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

How do YOU feel about … puzzles?

When putting together a 500-piece puzzle, you don’t normally complete it all at one time. You work on it a few minutes here and a few minutes there. But gradually, the pieces start coming together until—at long last—you see the entire puzzle in all its glory.

Too often, we expect our children to mature faster than what is realistic. We wish to see the entire picture of their youth from the very start. But the growth process doesn’t work that way. God’s picture for our children’s lives is assembled one piece at a time. Clear communication fits into instruction, and quality time fits into encouragement.

As we rely on God for guidance, He transforms the pieces of our children’s lives into a beautiful masterpiece.

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

How’s your balance? And I'm not talking about your checkbook!

In June of 2012, Nik Wallenda walked from the United States’ side of Niagara Falls to the Canadian side. Sounds easy, until you realize that he walked high above the raging waterfalls on a 2-inch tightrope.

Even though Wallenda held a 40-foot balancing pole in his hands, gusts of wind and swirling spray made the long crossing mentally and physically exhausting.

At times, parents feel almost as much stress as a daredevil on a tightrope. We have to balance jobs and home responsibilities with our children’s academic studies, sports programs, and other activities.

When you start feeling off balance, remember Ecclesiastes 3:1. It says, “To everything there is a season.” This reminds us to take one task at a time, and to rely on God for continued strength and balance.

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

What do Grammy-award winning artist Jay-Z, former President George Washington, and Olympic medalist Michael Phelps all have in common?

All three men were raised by single parents. 

Today, about forty percent of boys are also raised solely by their mother– an epidemic that continues to grow. If you’re one of those hero single parents, do not lose heart. God sees you and knows the challenges you face.

If you’re not a single parent, look for young men in your life who need a father-figure. A game of catch, a fishing trip, or encouragement from the stands at a track meet can make a life-changing difference.

Who knows? You might just be cheering on a future music star, president, or Olympic medalist.

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