Family and Home Archives

Shepherds in a Field: Go Figure

When I pause long enough to consider the miracle of God sending His son into the world to be my Savior, I inevitably come away with another insight which I hadn’t seen before. This year I’m stunned by God’s choice of the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. Candidly, if I were writing the script, I’m pretty sure I would have picked a different cast of characters to bring the ultimate Good News.

Here’s why.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith December 11, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

I Can Only Imagine

I never met Jack Wilson.

Jack’s the friend of a friend. I’m told he was a master staircase builder by trade, the father of two sons and, for 33 years, the faithful husband of his college sweetheart, Becky. That’s Jack on the right in a playful moment during a wedding back in September.

There’s a reason why I’m relaying this story to you which will be clear in a moment. But first, here’s what happened.

About three days before Thanksgiving, Jack felt extreme discomfort in his lower back.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, friendship, relationships December 5, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Say It Ain’t So, Mr. President!

President Obama’s prime-time address from West Point tonight is big news, and understandably so. After months of intense speculation, he’ll be officially rolling out his revised strategy for the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Reports indicate that as many as 30,000 additional brave and courageous troops will be deployed to the volatile area.

It’s a serious subject and our president will likely deliver the news in somber fashion. Our prayers will follow these good men and women across the globe.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith, news December 1, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Visit with George W. Bush

I had the opportunity recently to meet with President Bush in Dallas—a wonderful experience, to be sure. He’s a good man, and I enjoyed my time with him immensely.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, staff November 30, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On the Tip of My Tongue

I’ve been fascinated by the power of phrases known as “performatives.” In brief, performative phrases actually change reality when uttered by the right person. Let me illustrate with a couple of examples. Take the home plate umpire in baseball who says, “You’re out!” His saying the words actually makes the batter out. If, by contrast, someone in the stands were to yell, “You’re out!” or if the catcher yelled the phrase, the batter wouldn’t be out.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting November 27, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did Jesus Laugh?

Have you ever wondered? Have you ever asked the question?

Did Jesus have a sense of humor? Did Jesus laugh?

Some Bible teachers suggest that while we know Jesus wept (John 11:35) there’s no reference in the Bible to Him laughing. That might be true, but that doesn’t mean He never laughed, does it?

If Jesus was 100% percent human and 100% percent divine, it’s only logical that He enjoyed His time on earth, experiencing all of the emotions that you and I do, including laughter.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family November 24, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Family is Beautiful

A number of months ago I blogged about Charles Hummel’s little book, Tyranny of the Urgent. In brief, his premise is that urgent things in life tend to throw a tantrum, demanding our immediate attention, energy, and response, while the important things wait patiently for us to move them up the priority list.

There’s a downside to neglecting the important things—like exercising, personal devotions, time spent with family, dental cleanings, changing the oil in the car, or dating your spouse.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith November 23, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Call of Christian Conscience

I’m in Washington, D.C. today where I had the honor and privilege to join Chuck Colson, Professor Robby George and Bishop Harry Jackson, among scores of others, in issuing the Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience.

The unveiling came during a news conference at the National Press Club here in the nation’s capital, but this was a lot more than a photo op. It was a demonstration of solidarity among more than 125 Christians of all denominational stripes that we will not only continue to speak out in the public square, we will continue to stand firm for biblical principles in that public square.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, family, policy November 20, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Playing the Blame Game

New England Patriots head football coach Bill Belichick is the popular topic of discussion up and down the sports-talk radio dial this week. That’s because on Sunday, the three-time Super Bowl winner ordered his team to go-for-it late in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-two at the Patriots 28 yard line.

At the time, the Patriots were leading 34-28 with just over two minutes to go in the game. Conventional wisdom dictated that Belichick’s team play it safe and punt the ball away.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting November 18, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Great Vin Scully

Although football has always been my passion, I also love the game of baseball. The late Bart Giamatti, Major League baseball’s former commissioner and a clear romantic of the sport, did too. He once lamented the end of the season in near-poetic terms. Here is what he wrote:

It [baseball] breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: divorce, faith, marriage November 13, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura