New Free eBook! Tell Them: What Great Fathers Tell Their Sons and Daughters

Equipping Blog Posts

  • How to Thank God, and Why Being Thankful is Important

    by Jim Ramos

    2021: Year of Years

    I’m not sure what’s been rougher, 2020 or 2021. For some the answer is that both were equally horrible. It can be difficult to give thanks one day a year, let alone every day, but I highly recommend it. 

    Posted in COVID-19, Gratitude, Parenting, Thankful

  • A Living Legend’s Five-Step Formula for Winning in Life

    by Jim Ramos
    For the past two decades I have lived in McMinnville, Oregon, the home of college football’s longest winning streak (all divisions) at 65 years, by Linfield University! It was an honor to have living legend Ad Rutchsman on the Men in the Arena Podcast. On it we discussed the book about his life, Winning with Class: The Story of Hall of Fame Coach Ad Rutchsman, his 24-year contribution to the streak as Linfield’s head coach, and impact on a myriad of others through the young men he coached.
    Posted in Career, Devout, Finishing, Goals, integrity, Interview, Priorities, Work

  • November Champions Letter

    by Jim Ramos
    On Monday I celebrated with Colton as he shot his first buck, which is a Ramos family rite of passage of sorts, not to mention the rite of passage into manhood ceremony (13 years old) and adulthood (18 years old) that each of my sons experienced. Dads, make sure you are strategic about rites of passage ceremonies with your children, especially your sons.
    Posted in Newsletter

  • Your Wife is Not Your Best Friend

    by Jim Ramos

    Why are we so clueless guys? Sorry, why am I so clueless guys?! After the interviews with Brian and Rich, it hit me like a punch in the face.  Shanna’s best friend is Beth and I know this because that is how she introduces Beth to people. 

    When I tell people Shanna is my best friend, she smiles politely yet remains silent. She has never called me her best friend! Because I am not her best friend. Beth is.

    Posted in Accountability, Friendship, Marriage

  • What is Church and Why is it Important?

    by Jim Ramos
    So, you do not go to church anymore but claim to be a devoted follower of Jesus and obedient to his Word, then explain Hebrews 10:24-25 in light of your church absence, “Let us consider how to spur (NIV) one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
    Posted in Church Attendance, Devout, Religion

  • Objectively Identifying Your Soft Spots

    by Jim Ramos
    You are Soft. I am soft. We are soft. Men in the Arena Podcast Episode 436 is one of our most popular episodes.  Responses varied greatly and clearly hit a nerve, which is why we revisited the topic with this week’s episode, You Are STILL Soft.
    Posted in Addiction, Fatherhood, Finishing, integrity, Lust, Moral Failure, Sin, Work

  • October Prayer Force Letter

    by Jim Ramos
    Our banquet team is in the early stages of preparation for our annual fundraising banquet set for April 9. We are excited about the life changing stories, laughter, and celebrating the past two years of ministry. We will be introducing Jay Penton, our first full time Regional Field Director for the southern states. Jay and his bride Dana live in Prattville, Alabama, where Jay serves as a State Trooper. They will join our team after Jay retires this winter and raises his support. There are a lot of moving parts with this first out-of-state hire, so please pray.
    Posted in Career, COVID-19, Prayer

  • What Great Men Do That Others Do Not

    by Jim Ramos
    I blame my sore shoulders on Wess Stafford’s inspiring book, Just a Minute. It was an honor to have Wess on the Men in the Arena Podcast to hear his heart for children. I’ve interviewed hundreds of great men. Men who have founded denominations, built global ministries, and sold millions of books, but Wess stands above them all. As the president of Compassion International, Wess grew to the organization to a 500-million-dollar annual budget, 84% going directly to children, with over 2 million sponsored children globally.
    Posted in Adoption, Compassion, Mission, Parenting, Priorities

  • What Great Fathers Tell Their Sons and Daughters

    by Jim Ramos
    When researching a free resource to offer to men living in the Stress Bubble of life (aka The Arena), I came across this gem in the depths of my computer files. Misty-eyed I gently read over each of the “Tell him” statements I used as a personal guide in raising my wonderful sons: James, Darby, and Colton. Although I have edited the book to include sons and daughters, my experience is with my three sons who are now fine men—believe in Jesus, earned bachelor’s degrees, have great careers, and love people.
    Posted in Fatherhood, Parenting, Step-Parenting

  • How to Outlive Your Life on Purpose

    by Jim Ramos

     It’s never too late to think about your legacy. I’ve been working towards that end for 30 years with my journaling, personal vision statement, and eulogy. Yes, I wrote my dream eulogy.

                I firmly believe that whatever you put to the grindstone will be remembered on your tombstone. I’ve never heard a dying man say he wish he’d spent more time at the office. Think about those who will be crying at your death bed and answer three legacy questions that Rex uses to challenge men:

    Posted in Death, Finishing, Goals, Priorities

  • September Newsletter

    by Jim Ramos
    In 2012 we launched this ministry out of a coffee shop in my hometown of McMinnville, Oregon. As things open, we will be giving back to the town we love in the Arena Gathering, which was growing rapidly last year but we were compelled to shut it down due to COVID. Pray for wisdom, leaders, and a location as we launch what we believe will be the largest weekly gathering for men in the history of our county.  
    Posted in COVID-19, Mission, Newsletter

  • 4 Easy Ways to Initiate Spiritual Conversations in Everyday Life

    by Jim Ramos
    Before I fell in love with Shanna she was one of my volunteers with Youth for Christ and Campus Life. I knew she was special before we even started dating when she passionately shared something I’ll never forget, “You’re either a missionary or mission field.”

                Not only is she right but she lives by this code.

    Posted in Evangelism, Mission