Family and Home Archives

VIDEO VIGNETTE III – John Piper

DO SOMETHING RISKY WITH YOUR LIFE!

Let me ask you: Is there something you aren’t doing in your life that you really want to do? Are you playing it too safe? I would encourage you to consider the fact that we’re all given one life and a finite period of time on earth, Are you making a difference or just marking time? Perhaps it’s time to be bold.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, faith August 9, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO VIGNETTE II – Max Lucado

Why Are You Afraid?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith August 8, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO VIGNETTE I: Dr. Billy Graham

All this week I’ll be sharing brief and compelling video clips from some of today’s most appreciated and respected Christian thinkers. I welcome your reaction and thoughts.

For now, I’m delighted to begin with the legendary Dr. Billy Graham.

TRUE HAPPINESS

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith August 7, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

When a Mother Meddles

The story begins over eighty years ago. In 1930 Yankee legend Lou Gehrig, who was notoriously shy, was smitten with a young redhead named Ruth Martin. Very little is known about their courtship, but there are strong indications he wanted to marry her.

At 27 years of age, Lou was in his seventh season with the Yankees. And although he was forced to share the spotlight with Babe Ruth, he was a major star on baseball’s biggest stage.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting August 4, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Facebook Recognizes Preborn Life

Has it ever struck you as strange that when a pregnant woman is injured in an accident, journalists will routinely refer to the condition of her “baby” – but absent such an unfortunate incident, they’re more likely to reference that same child as a “fetus”?

According to a story out this week:

Facebook is now letting parents-to-be list their unborn children on their personal profiles.

Among options that include daughter, son, wife and husband, the “Friends and Family” section under “Edit Profile” now allows the option “Expected: Child.” Parents can add a due date and the baby’s name.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, news, pop culture, pro-life August 4, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Do You Think of Childless Restaurants?

Just two weeks ago McDain’s Restaurant and Golf Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, implemented a new rule that bans children under the age of six.

According to owner Mike Vuick, there’s “nothing wrong with babies, but the fact is you can’t control their volume.”

One occurrence is not a trend, but there seems to be evidence of a growing impatience or downright irritation with young children these days. Or at the very least, there appears to be an unwillingness to recognize a distinction between children who are well behaved and kids who wreak havoc in public places.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, news, pop culture August 2, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Who Manages Your Budget?

The story is told of two men, both married to their respective wives for just over a year. They were discussing the adjustment that accompanies such a major transition, and in particular, the challenge of managing the family’s finances.

“I’m the head of my house,” the first man said dogmatically. “I think I should be; after all, I earn the money.”

“Well,” the other man replied, thinking himself more egalitarian, “my wife and I have a perfect agreement.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, finances August 2, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Are You the Next Guy?

My friend and colleague, Marlen Wells, is a former Toronto police officer. After twelve years on the force he turned in his badge to pursue a calling in youth ministry. He and his wife, Bobbi, have five children, two of whom are still teens. Perhaps because of the “street sense” he culled from a career as a cop, Marlen knows how to creatively communicate with people, especially young adults.

I’ll share just one example. I wonder if you can relate.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting August 1, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Christian Classics – Part V

Conversion: The Life-Changing Power of the Word

(from Augustine’s Confessions, Book VIII, Chs. 8-12)

There was a garden attached to our lodging, and we had the use of this as of the whole house; for our landlord, the owner of the house, did not live there. To this garden the tumult in my heart had driven me, as to a place where no one could intervene in this passionate suit which I had brought against myself until it could be settled—though how it would be settled You knew, not I.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith July 28, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Christian Classics – Part IV

On the Benefits of Continual Conversation With God

(from The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence, Fifth Letter)

I know that for the right practice [of the presence of God], the heart must be empty of all other things; because God will possess the heart alone; and as he cannot possess it alone without emptying it of all besides, so neither can He act there, and do in it what He pleases, unless it be left vacant to Him.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith July 27, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura