Last week I was wrestling with my tendency to want to be noticed and recognized by others. I know it’s petty, but that’s where I was. My weapon to fight that battle? God’s promises to me and what He says about me. I focused on 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…”. Wait. Don’t stop there. “…that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” I’m chosen, royal, holy, and captivated by God SO THAT I can proclaim His goodness. Ahhh. Refreshing. Unselfish. And, that one verse helped me get back on track.

No matter your struggle as a dad, knowing how to connect with your kids takes digging in and working constantly to improve. In our newest post, Will King, a pastor, field guide writer, and friend, gives advice and practical tips for how to connect more with your kid. Find 3 tips for how to connect with your kid like never before.

1. I had a blast with Jim Ramos on his Men in the Arena Podcast recently. We talked Survival Gear – tools that every dad needs for his journey to become a godly man. Sneak preview: Godly dads Trust God, Know Scripture, Pray Fervently, Build Relationships, Serve Others, Steward Resources and Make Disciples. We jammed all this in an eBook too. Oh, and we built an assessment to help you know where you are on the journey.

2. “If men used as much care in uprooting vices and implanting virtues as they do in discussing problems, there would not be so much evil and scandal in the world, or such laxity in religious organizations.” – Thomas à Kempis in The Imitation of Christ

3. This is the last few days to snag the new Anger Free Dad Digital Course at an insanely special price. Think you’re angry now? If you don’t preorder by April 30th, well, let’s just say, you’ll need the course more than ever! : ) Check it out. Tons of videos, visuals, guides, tips, advice, teachings…you’ll learn to remove your anger as a dad. That’s the promise. It’s $25 until midnight 4/30 to preorder.

Know your heart. As I wrestled with my (selfish, petty…) feelings of wanting validation, I had one thing going for me. I was able to discern what was underneath the anxiousness. I asked God to reveal to me what was going on. He did. You might be frustrated, angry, anxious, or sad. Ask God to show you why. He will. And, then, He’ll be right behind it with encouragement, comfort, and a good word to spur you on.

Make it a great week,

Kent Evans
Author of the The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.