Focus Events Archives

Fresh Truths to Encourage Parents

Psalm 127 provides invaluable insight into God’s heart for families. They are familiar verses most Christian parents have heard or read countless times:

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, parenting October 10, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Hardest Peace

I can’t remember the sound of my mom’s voice.

That’s because she died of cancer when I was just 9 years old. It was a blow, of course, the security of my entire world shattered in an instant. The tragedy was made even worse because nobody told me my mom was so ill.

How do you explain to a young child that his mother is dying of cancer?

It’s not easy to explain death and terminal illness to a young boy or girl.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith, family, kids October 7, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

This Pastor’s Mistress May Surprise You

Looking in from the outside, this young pastor was living a God-honoring life. He shepherded the church’s youth, taught Sunday school, and led a church neighborhood outreach.

But his young wife knew better. She knew her husband had a mistress.

Addicted to Busy

On today’s broadcast, we’re talking with Pastor Brady Boyd, who heads Colorado Springs’ New Life Church. Pastor Brady shares with us how his overly busy schedule almost destroyed his marriage.

Brady’s wife, Pam, had had enough.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith October 1, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Loving Your Neighbor Includes Public Policy Involvement

There’s no way around it: our nation’s laws impact families. The question is, will the influence be beneficial or harmful to our marriages and children?

Today I’m highlighting my recent interview with Citizen, Focus on the Family’s magazine devoted to public policy news and trends. In it, I share why I believe our faith mandates cultural engagement – and why that engagement includes politics. –JD

***

A Political Conversation

With a major election approaching, Focus on the Family President Jim Daly takes time to articulate his views on public policy and Christian responsibility.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: faith, policy, religious liberty September 30, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Elementary School Students Now Being Censored and You Can Help

In my blog, I’ve often shared examples of Christians being punished for remaining true to their Biblical beliefs. Just a few weeks ago, we called attention to Christian college students encountering discrimination.

Even more disturbing is that this discrimination is happening to our youngest students. In today’s guest blog, our education analyst, Candi Cushman, gives more detail and explains how you can help. –JD

___
The right to freely acknowledge and practice one’s faith was a cherished freedom our Founding Fathers were willing to risk their lives to protect.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: news, policy, religious liberty September 29, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

“The Song” Movie a Great Date Night for Couples

“The Song” debuts today, and it’s a great date night movie option for couples looking to be both entertained and edified.

The film gives a unique, modern take to the ancient texts of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. It follows fledgling musician Jed, son of the late, great David King, as he tries to make a name for himself apart from his famous dad. Along the way, Jed falls in love, gets married, and faces some tough temptations.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: entertainment, faith, marriage September 26, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Parenting a “Glorious Act of Chaos”

Most parents can agree with the following two statements:

We love our kids
Our kids can test our patience

Part of it is simply the paradoxical nature of the role. Busy lives, hectic schedules, strong personalities colliding – it all works together to make parenting a “glorious act of chaos,” as Bill Farrel, one of today’s broadcast guests, aptly described it.

Yet, we also know that, without clear leadership and a plan, home life can spiral out of control and become crazier than it needs to be.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, family, kids, parenting September 25, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Talking to Your Daughter About Puberty

I have two boys, Trent and Troy. It was challenging enough for me as a dad to have “the talk” with them (and all the other related conversations along the way), so I admit that I cringe a bit when I think about the parents who have to broach these subjects with their girls. For some reason, it seems like a conversation on puberty might be a bit more complicated with a daughter.

For example, girls have to deal with the unrealistic expectations placed on them to look a certain way.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, kids, parenting September 23, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How Mental Illness Impacts Families

Many of you commented on and shared my recent blog post, “Could Robin Williams’ Faith Have Prevented His Suicide?”

That’s not surprising because mental illness directly impacts about one in four individuals… yet sadly, it sometimes seems that the Christian community doesn’t talk about the issue as often and as thoroughly we should.

Focus on the Family is hoping to help change that by helping families and churches better understand topics related to mental health – things like depression, bipolar and schizophrenia.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, church, faith, family, friendship September 18, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tackling Midlife Transitions in Marriage

When you first got married, did you assume your relationship with your spouse would remain pretty much the same from year to year?

Many couples do.

That’s probably why so many wind up shocked and utterly confused when life around them changes … and their marriage along with it.

According to our guests on today’s program, relationship experts Bill and Pam Farrel, the key is to recognize that changes are coming – probably sooner than we think – and to prepare for them.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, marriage September 16, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura