Jim Daly

A Case for Optimism?

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Somebody once said that optimists invented the airplane (Orville and Wilbur Wright) but a pessimist invented the parachute (Louis-Sebastien Lenormand).

Of course, rarely are things so simple and so straightforward, especially when you discover the parachute was actually conceived long before the introduction of the airplane! The “modern” parachute was created to escape from ill-fated hot air balloons. Two people might look at the very same thing but wind up coming to very different conclusions.

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Feeding My Time Capsule

Moms and dads know that some of the most enjoyable moments with kids will often come like lightning out of a clear blue sky. Secularists called it “serendipity”—chance encounters. But those of us who are Christians see them for what they are—gifts of insight and pleasure from our gracious and loving God.

I was reminded of this during a recent ski trip to Salida, Colorado. When Jean and Trent and Troy and I sat down to wait for a pizza at a local restaurant one evening, I decided to try something we hadn’t done before.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting

Your Family Live!

I’m thrilled to announce that last Wednesday Focus on the Family launched Your Family Live! If you missed it, don’t worry. This is a web-based TV program airing live each week, Wednesdays 2-3pm EST. Co-hosted by Dr. Juli Slattery and Yvette Maher, Your Family Live! is especially dedicated to the topics of marriage and parenting.

The debut program featured special guests Jill Savage, Blog Mom Jennifer “McKMama” McKinney, Tammy Maltby and Toby Mac.

I believe you’ll find this hour-long dialogue to be a source of insight and hope—not to mention filled with fun and encouragement!

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: marriage, parenting, promos

The BEST news!

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here; He is risen!”

Luke 24:5b-6a

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Birds of a Feather – #2

I originally posted this post several years ago. With Easter approaching, I thought it appropriate to repost it today.

Here’s one from the travel file.

During the last twenty years I’ve had the opportunity to visit more than seventy countries. I noticed there’s a rather unusual feature found on the churches in the Baltic States, France, Germany, Hungry, and the Netherlands among other countries in the region.

Upon close inspection, you’ll discover that many churches don’t have a cross at the top of their steeple, spire, or bell tower.

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A Picture of Perseverance

Please take a good look at this photo of our sweet little nephew. His name is Ethan. What do you see?

The scene is a familiar one, isn’t it? On the surface, a young child is drawing with chalk on a sidewalk in the warm sunshine. It’s a simple and carefree pleasure of childhood, a cheap one, too—and in this instance, a young boy’s chance to creatively express himself.

It’s also a picture of innocence; a sweet and happy outing.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids

Question for an Astronaut?

You may remember my blog back in February detailing our family’s magnificent visit to the Kennedy Space Center and the night launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Trent and Troy (& Dad!) are still talking about it. Jean is, too, but the Daly boys are a bit more obsessed.

Thankfully, Endeavor’s 13-day mission was deemed a wild success.

It included three spacewalks and the delivery of the final module to the U.S. portion of the space station.

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The Fifth Member of our Family

I have a confession to make.

For the longest time there were five of us in the Daly household. About eighteen months ago, Trent, Troy, Jean and I had a family meeting and decided to send the fifth member packing. I know that might seem harsh, but the four of us believed it was the right thing to do. And, while saying goodbye wasn’t easy at the time, none of us have regrets about our decision.

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Transformational Radio

Can a radio program change the direction of a family’s future?

We received an email the other day that suggests it can. I’d love to share an excerpt of it with you. Beth’s words put a lump in my throat. She wrote:

I wanted to let you know that just last week I filed for divorce. We have been married for 19 years . . . Our finances are extremely limited. [However] I was so desperate that even living in a hotel seemed better than staying here.

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Please Pray for my Nephew Bobby

My 30 year-old nephew, Bobby, is dying. He has cancer. Wicked cancer. A tumor is pressing against his lungs and heart and breathing has become extremely difficult. I have had the opportunity to see him these last few days. I’ve hugged him and told him how much I loved him.

There is such sorrow and such grief. It is so difficult to watch a loved one suffer and feel helpless beyond offering comfort and prayer. I really lost it yesterday and found myself crying deep tears from places unknown.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, staff