My first Christmas with my wife was pathetic. 26 years ago, I didn’t understand “how to” do a proper stocking-filling. I put a note in hers that read, “Check the back door.” When she arrived, all aflutter with anticipation, she found a repaired pane of glass. That’s it. I’d checked something off the honey-do-list and tried to pass it off as a gift. Man, that still almost brings me to tears nearly three decades later. What a pathetic gift giver I was. Since then, I’ve become a stocking stuffing Ninja. I’m amazing at it now. This Christmas, sure, you probably will give your wife and kids at least one actual present. But, while you’re at it, consider this – why not make a commitment to growing as a dad and husband next year? Wouldn’t that be an amazing gift to give your family? Peter exhorts us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet 3:18) In addition to that cool toy for the kids or thoughtful journal for your Bible-studying wife (there’s a tip), double-down on growing in grace and knowledge. (But: don’t put a note in their stocking about it!)

Raising Kids to be Solid Adults: It would be great if you could wave a wand and magically transform your kids into the people God created them to be. But kids are flesh and blood, not fairy tale pumpkins. They need guidance and direction—and they need you to share your life with them. Sure, raising kids comes with its challenges, but you can do it. And we’re sharing some tips that can help you along the way.

Changing the View from the Valley: Every father longs to live on the mountaintop. We make it our deepest desire to breathe the fresh air and bask in the glow of powerful and meaningful relationships with our kids. Truth is, though, many of us struggle through long stretches where we feel disconnected from our children and inadequate for the job at hand. In this week’s episode, we’ll dive into some messages we’ve received from dads walking through relational valleys, and we’ll identify some practical ideas for navigating the rough patches and rising above our current situations.

“Spiritual growth depends on two things: first a willingness to live according to the Word of God; second, a willingness to take whatever consequences emerge as a result.”
– Sinclair Ferguson

“Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people.”
– A.W. Tozer

“The right manner of growth is to grow less in one’s own eyes.”
– Thomas Watson

“Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”
– Billy Graham

Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, co-founder of Manhood Journey

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.