faith Archives

Don’t Let it Hurt

As a senior in high school, I was heavily invested in football. I punished my body through many a long practice to become the starting quarterback on the team. In my view there was no such thing as half-excellence. I pushed myself to be at the top of my game–and recruiters for several big-time 1A colleges took notice. I received letters of interest from the University of Las Vegas and Texas Christian University among others.

My plan was to take a scholarship from one of the colleges courting me and then move on to play in the NFL.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: discipline, faith November 8, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Star Struck

I’m reading a fascinating book by Chet Raymo called The Soul of the Night. Although the book was first published some twenty-five years ago, it’s a must read for those who enjoy wrestling with the connection between science and faith. Chet, who is a poet trapped in the body of a scientist, is understandably captivated by “this thing called life that dances on the surface of creation like an abiding flame.”

His warm, inviting collection of essays explores the micro and the macro of Creation.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 31, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

When Love Must Be Tough

I’ve met a number of genuine tough guys in my life. Back in sixth grade, for example, I met Chuck Norris – yes, the Chuck Norris who battled Bruce Lee in the Way of the Dragon. Chuck was a special guest in our karate class taught by my homeroom teacher, Mr. Fried – a serious tough guy in his own right. Mr. Fried was both a fifth degree black belt instructor and a reserve deputy sheriff who just happened to be a personal friend of Chuck Norris.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, husband, marriage, wife October 11, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Rush to Judgment

I don’t remember the exact date, but the events of that night I’ll not forget. After all, I was almost killed. This would have been back in college during finals week. I was cramming for an exam with six friends. We were sitting at the kitchen table at a friend’s apartment, hitting the books well past midnight. A welcomed evening breeze floated through the open windows, exchanging the lingering smell of pizza with much needed fresh spring air.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, marriage, parenting October 3, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

No Son of Mine

My father was an alcoholic and a horse gambler. And, while he was a natural athlete and coached little league with an unmatched passion, my father never made the time to teach me how to play baseball . . . or even have a father-son catch. Due to a lifetime of poor choices, Dad missed out on the bulk of my childhood. In the end, he lived a hard life, lost everything that was dear to his heart, and died alone in an abandoned warehouse.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting September 28, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

I should be insane – or in jail

Several weeks ago I was invited to share part of my story in a chapel setting at Focus on the Family. Each month our staff is encouraged by outstanding music and an inspiring guest speaker. From the inception of Focus, Dr. Dobson believed these regular gatherings were an important component of equipping the team as they strive to serve others with excellence and staying healthy spiritually. I invite you to eavesdrop on that message delivered September 7th (see audio player below).

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids September 25, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Mentor Power

On September 4 and 5, I had the opportunity to share a little bit of my childhood story on the Focus on the Family broadcast. In case you missed that program, my family life put the “D” in dysfunctional. Evidently, those broadcasts touched a nerve with listeners. I thought I’d give you a sample of just one of the many letters we’ve received echoing the invaluable role of mentors in the midst of a traumatic childhood.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting September 21, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Forgiveness…

While up in Silverthorne, Colorado this weekend, we visited a church. It was an outdoor church that meets in the park during the warm summer months. The boys struggled to sit and listen. At ages four and six, the allure of the park was too strong. I decided the best thing to do was to take them to the nearby lake and skip rocks.

Although I was a hundred yards away, I could still catch most of the sermon.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith July 24, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Is Friendship?

It is after 11:00 PM and I am beat. I spent the entire Memorial Day weekend putting up one of those pre-fab two story club houses from Sam’s Club. Yes, I have gone insane! There must have been 5,000 pieces to this thing. Of course, the pre-drilled holes did not line up with the three other boards you must connect with one long hex bolt. If you can believe it, a friend of mine flew all the way from Nashville to hang out and give me a hand.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, friendship May 29, 2007 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura