Fathering Our Future

You’re getting a double dose of boundaries this week because boundaries aren’t “nice to have,” they’re protection.In this episode, my friend and life coach Tom Lyman, shares boundaries that helped rebuild his life after years of addiction, and how those same boundaries can help you become a stronger man, husband, and father.Tom walks through five key areas every man needs boundaries:• Spiritual boundaries• Digital boundaries• Time boundaries• Relationship boundaries• Emotional boundariesIf you’re tired of drifting, tired of hiding, tired of “white-knuckling” it, this episode is for you.Connect with Tom:www.Tom-Lyman.comInstagram: @TomTheJoyHourGuy—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your digital copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/digital-devotional-following-our-faGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Most dads think freedom comes from removing limits.That mindset quietly creates dissatisfaction, broken priorities, and strained families.In this episode of Fathering Our Future, Anthony Vandagriff explains why boundaries do not confine dads. They define what matters and protect what God has already given.Using Proverbs 4:23, real life stories, and practical examples, this episode unpacks:Why chasing more without boundaries never satisfiesHow boundaries actually create freedom for dads and kidsWhat fathers need to intentionally keep out and keep inHow guarding your heart reshapes ambition, gratitude, and purposeIf you want to grow without losing your marriage, your integrity, or your relationship with your kids, this episode will reset your thinking.–Be sure to get your copy of Following Our Father (Digital Version) for just $6 HERE.

As we head into a new year, I know how easy it is for dads to feel pressure to change everything at once. I don’t want to give you a list of resolutions. I want you to focus on one fatherhood discipline that actually matters and is worth protecting.In this episode, I explain why prioritizing time around the table with your family is far more formative than most dads realize. Research shows that children who regularly share meals with their family tend to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. This research also connects to a powerful biblical picture from Psalm 23 that reshaped the way I think about presence, provision, and leadership in the home.I will talk about what it really looks like to be present at the table, how to protect that time in a busy household, and how simple, intentional moments can strengthen your relationship with your kids over time.If you’re going to commit to one discipline as a father in 2026, this is the one that deserves your attention.—I also have a new special offer where you can get my devotional, Following Our Father, in a digital format. Check the link for details: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/digital-devotional-following-our-fa

As we head into 2026, I want to challenge you to think seriously about the kind of husband you are becoming because being a good husband directly impacts the kind of father you are.This week I want to revisit my most popular blog where I detail 10 things husbands can do to improve their marriages. In addition to things like:* Hugging your wife* Doing what you say* Listening before you attempt to fixI share 4 new points that I believe every husband should focus on. So if you value your marriage, and your family, make sure to take notes.Here is a link to the original blog post: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/01/10/10-marriage-tips-after-10-years-of-marriage/—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Most New Year resolutions fail because we start with the wrong definition of success.As Christian dads, we are quick to set goals, chase improvement, and measure progress by outcomes we never stopped to question. But before we decide what to pursue in 2026, we need to ask a better question:What does excellence actually look like from God’s perspective?In this episode, I walk through what it means to approach resolutions as a disciple first, not as a man driven by comparison, envy, or cultural pressure. Drawing from Joshua 1:8 and Deuteronomy 6, I challenge dads to rethink success, commit to Scripture, and lead their families with intentional faith rather than unchecked ambition.If you want to grow as a disciple, lead your home with clarity, and pursue the kind of excellence God actually calls us to, this conversation will give you a clear starting point for the year ahead.Faith Resolutions for Christian Dads in 2026:• Commit to reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation• Talk weekly with another man about what you are reading• Read Scripture or a Bible-based devotional with your children most days of the weekResources mentions:Tiny Truths - https://amzn.to/4iUZYqa (amazon)God's Big Picture Bible Storybook - https://amzn.to/4oYvN2O (amazon)–Get your FREE 7-day devotional to realign your identity as a dad:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your free eBook, Cut the Crap: Direct Tips for Becoming a Dad:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/Get your copy of Following Our Father: A Devotional for Dads on Amazon:https://amzn.to/48jD9sHSupport Fathering Our Future and help equip dads who want to lead well:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

As we approach 2026, most of us start drafting resolutions. We look at 2025, measure our wins and losses, and try to map out ways to be better. But Christian dads are called to a deeper starting point. Before we write a single resolution, we should first ask God to define what excellence actually looks like in our lives.In this episode, I share a simple but life-altering shift:Pray first. Ask God to reveal His definition of excellence for you as a disciple, a husband, and a father.When our goals begin with God’s perspective, not comparison or envy, we pursue what actually matters.Resources:Free 7-Day Devotional → https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Following Our Father (Devotional for Dads) → https://amzn.to/48jD9sHFree eBook for New Dads (Cut the Crap) → https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/Merch → https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/productsSupport Fathering Our Future → https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

You’re a Christian dad trying to raise kind Christian children when all of a sudden you find out that your child has stolen something from the store you visited. What do you do?This happened to my wife and I recently and I am going to honest with you, we handled things great. I want to give you four tips to handle situations like this great as well. I will elaborate on:Keeping your coolLeading them to confessionReminding them of your motiveEmbracing them—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Throughout the month of November we attempt to be thankful. We devote each day to something different to be thankful for. But if we are honest, sometimes it can be a challenge to stay thankful.I want to open up and share some of the difficulty around constant gratitude and offer a key scripture that helps reframe the way we think.https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/11/24/the-key-to-staying-thankful/—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

I came across an article that would catch the attention of any parent with young children about 7 ‘magic phrases’ that can calm tantrums instantly. While that sounds too good to be true, something like this is worth checking out just in case there is truth to it.This week we sift through this article to determine what actually works and what you should not waste your time on. I will also provide some wisdom for tantrums that is so counterintuitive and unnatural but it’s Bible.Here is the article we are looking at: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/02/ive-studied-over-200-kidsthese-7-magic-phrases-can-calm-any-tantrum-instantly.html—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

We live in a world where several voices claim to have the formula to being a good dad. While I understand fatherhood to be an ever-changing complexity that is unique to every dad, I want to offer guidance on how you can be a good dad by focusing on two things.I want to break down what it means to be the dad your children need you to be and how you can ensure your kids know they are abundantly loved by you.—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

We all enter into fatherhood with influences and voices that shape our approach. Maybe your dad was truly the man, or maybe you were inspired by an uncle, coach, pastor, or social influencer. But have you taken time to consider if you approach fatherhood in a way that honors God?One of the clearest ways we can be God honoring dads is to imitate our Heavenly Father. I want to focus on just two qualities of God that we need to mimic as dads to both bless our kids and honor God — pursuing our kids and always showing up. https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/11/03/are-you-a-god-honoring-dad/—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

The Bible indicates that we know people by their fruits. Have you ever wondered what your kids know about you based on your fruit?In Galatians 5:22-23 we are introduced to the fruit of the Spirit. Good stuff but often misunderstood. I remember growing up and learning that these were characteristics and behaviors I had to practice and work on, but now I know that is not the case.I want to help you better understand the fruit of the Spirit and how it relates to you as a dad. I’ll explain:What the fruit of the Spirit isWho the fruit is forHow you can identify the fruit in your life—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Has your kid ever been down because of an issue with friendship? Of course you deal with it in the moment but there’s more you can do to help your kids. This week I want to give you some advice on teaching your kids about friendships. Four reminders to tell them:There are lots of people in the worldFriendship takes timeFocus on being friendlyBest friends find each otherPlus a couple of other things you can focus on to help them make friends and see what friendship should truly look like. —Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

If you are a dad with a younger son and you find yourself wondering if your son actually likes you – you are not alone. In fact, a dad reach out to me with his concerns regarding his relationship with his 4-year old son and I think my advice will benefit you too.I will give you my timeless piece of advice that will be critical for your relationship with your son but I will specifically address:Why does my son only like his mom?Why does he not want to play with me?Why does he ignore me?What do I do if he never wants to talk?If YOU have specific questions about fatherhood, please send me an email at fatheringourfuture@gmail.com.—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff. 

Time and love are a couple of things we think about a lot as dads. So I’ve got a fresh perspective to share on time and 4 tips to help you succeed at loving your children.With kids we find ourselves not having enough time, wishing we had more time, and running out of time.When it comes to loving our kids we that’s what we are supposed to do but that doesn’t always come natural.After being separated from my family for a few weeks, I started to see time differently. There’s nothing profound here, just a fresh perspective. When it comes to loving your kids, I’ve got four things for you to do that will make this easier—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff. 

Just a few weeks ago I was alone and isolated from my family. I thought this may have been a time where I would be ultra-productive but I was wrong. The isolation was painful but one simple thing made the difference.We live in a world where we are constantly told to look forward and to stop looking back. This week I share how looking back helped me during my period of loneliness and brought happiness to my soul. We should look forward but we should never stop looking back.—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Last week I talked about things to avoid when it comes to disciplining your kids. This week I want to share one thing you should incorporate in your discipline approach that you maybe haven’t considered. Disciplining kids seems like a serious thing, and it is, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use humor in the process. I want to share a silly simple way I utilize humor in disciplining my kids that’s surprisingly effective and beneficial to both myself and my kids. —Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Disciplining our children is our greatest responsibility as fathers and unfortunately too many think about discipline in terms of punishment and correction. That is a part of discipline, but there is a whole lot more to it.This week I focus on what it means to discipline your kids and I cover three things you need to be careful of or rethink entirely. We are talking about:SpankingSending your kid to their roomReacting—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

When it comes to AI, there are people who love it and people who hate it. Personally, I see it as an incredible tool and resource with amazing potential. However, apparently it possesses the potential to do things I never imagined.I recently read an article about people and their feelings toward romantic companions created by AI, some pornographic. I’ll share that with you and provide:Tips around communityHow you can help your kids with real friendships and relationshipsAdvice surrounding limits to screen time and social media usageHere’s the newsletter referenced in the episode: https://www.morningbrew.com/issues/colder-model?mbcid=41145762.43963&mid=a23d85b97ba2308274ab1869c147ae26&utm_campaign=mb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=header_signupHere’s my referral link if you want to subscribe to the newsletter: morningbrew.com/daily/r/?kid=754260—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Integrity is a word that we all like to use. We know it is good. We know we want to have it. But the truth is, we sometimes struggle to actually define what integrity is.My goal is to help you understand what integrity is and what it should look like in your life. On this week’s episode, I will:Provide a biblical definition of integrityGive you an analogy that will help you understand integrityOffer some do’s and don’t’s that will help you have greater integrity—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff