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In this episode of the Canyon Pathways podcast, host Noel Bouché explores the profound depth of what it means to be intentional. Drawing inspiration from an unlikely source—the 90s alt-rock hit "Father of Mine" by Everclear—Noel unpacks how intentionality is less about strategic planning and more about the relational effort of reaching toward another.

From the etymology of the word to the character of God as an intentional Father, this field note challenges the "box-checking" mentality of leadership and parenting. Noel invites us to move beyond mere methods and into the heart-level work of stretching out our hands to those we lead, mirroring the way Abba reaches out to us. It is a call to move from the striving of servanthood into the restful security of sonship, finding wholeness in the places that are often the hardest to reach.

Takeaways

• Intentionality is about motives, not just methods. Taking someone to the beach or the movies is just a means; the true goal is reaching the inner person.
• To be intentional is to "stretch out." Rooted in the Latin intendere, it literally means to reach toward another with effort, energy, and passion.
• True intentionality requires relational humility. It means setting aside our own agendas to discover what brings joy and delight to the other person.
• God is the ultimate Intentional Father. He is not distant or passive; He is constantly reaching out to rescue, comfort, and deliver His children.
• Our response to being reached is to reach back. We are invited to stretch out our hands in response to God, moving from fear into the freedom of being a beloved son.
• Intentionality pushes back chaos. By providing order and focus, purposeful intent acts as a proactive force against the dehumanizing disorder of life.

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About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about

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As 2025 draws to a close, I had the rare gift of sitting down with my brothers Sherman Bradley and Luke Smith for a roundtable conversation—not to wrap things in a neat bow, but to stay in the tension of grace, truth, and what it means to be sons who stay at the table.

This year has been marked by growth, correction, encouragement, and a few hard conversations. And what we've learned—what we keep learning—is that spiritual maturity doesn’t look like control. It looks like surrender. Not as a posture of defeat, but of trust. Of humility. Of remembering we belong, even when we blow it.

In this episode, we reflect on some of the moments that shaped us this year—not as leaders first, but as sons. We talk about truth-telling, being misunderstood, choosing to stay present, and practicing the kind of grace that actually costs something.

Reflection Themes

• Grace and truth are not opposites—they are companions on the journey of transformation.
• The invitation of sonship is not to perform, but to be received.
• Sometimes, the deepest spiritual growth comes through relational courage.
• Community is where sonship is tested, refined, and revealed.
• As the year closes, we ask: Where do we still reserve part of ourselves? Where is the Father inviting surrender?

What You'll Hear

• Why confession is a doorway into grace—not shame
• How we’re learning to lead from sonship, not performance
• The cost and beauty of staying at the table when it would be easier to leave
• Why memory, laughter, and honesty are vital to becoming trustworthy men
• A communal reflection on the year—and what still lies ahead

About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about

Learn about our retreats: https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats

The Heart of Man Film: http://heartofmanmovie.com

The Canyon Pathways Spotify playlist: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/cpspotify

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In this episode of the Canyon Pathways podcast, host Sherman Bradley is joined by Patrick Rooney—a husband, father, finance professional, and former Division 1 athlete now living in London. Together, they reflect on the Field Note Wealth, exploring how midlife men can move beyond financial accumulation to embrace relational access and spiritual well-being as the truest forms of wealth.

Through personal stories and grounded wisdom, Patrick shares how receiving the word Route on a Canyon retreat reshaped his view of leadership, family, and decision-making. From the stress of finance to the peace of sonship, this conversation is an invitation to rest, realign, and receive.

Takeaways:

• Wealth is not accumulation—it's access to the Father and others.
• Rest is required to receive. Sons don't earn, they inherit.
• Leadership in the home begins with presence, not pressure.
• Understanding our own wiring helps us lead our children and love our spouses better.
• God’s will is not always a single rigid path—it may be a route, with space to walk in freedom.

About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about

Learn about our retreats: https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats

The Heart of Man Film: http://heartofmanmovie.com

The Canyon Pathways Spotify playlist: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/cpspotify