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:


rocksolidfamilies.org

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods

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.

rocksolidfamilies.org

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods

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.

rocksolidfamilies.org

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods