Usually when someone asks, “Do you know who I am?” it’s an arrogant celebrity who’s had a run-in with authorities. But when that question comes from the heart of a loving mother or father, it can draw the parent and their child closer together.

The next time a conflict erupts between you and your child, ask them the question, “Do you know who I am?” You’ll probably get a confused look the first time you ask it, but it’s a good way to break through the tension and speak words that will strengthen your relationship.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 31, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

In June 1944, just hours before the D-Day invasion, General Dwight Eisenhower wrote two speeches. The first was to be delivered to his troops if the invasion succeeded. The second, if it failed.

Fortunately, that second speech was never needed. The Allies prevailed, and Hitler’s Nazi regime soon toppled.

But Eisenhower’s handwritten words, preserved in his presidential library, offer a fascinating look at his humble leadership. After praising his troops’ bravery, Eisenhower took full responsibility for the invasion’s failure.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dr. David Clarke estimates that 80% of women are lonely in their marriages because their relationships are plagued by disappointment, anger, monotony, and unmet expectations.

When couples are dating, many believe that their spouse will become their source of complete fulfillment after they’re married. But once they’re married, they discover that’s impossible.

Erin Smalley understands what it’s like when marriage expectations shatter. Early on in their marriage, she and her husband, Greg, fought frequently. Erin grew up without a positive male role model, so she expected Greg to satisfy her needs perfectly.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

There’s a popular belief among Christians that “God won’t give us more than we can handle.” That phrase is intended to encourage, but it’s not biblical, nor is it true. We can’t handle the pain of life all on our own.

That’s never truer than when discussing trauma.

Most people define trauma in extreme terms, like enduring the battlefield or a school shooting. But we can also experience trauma in everyday life, like facing a serious illness, physical injury, or abuse.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 24, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Although Halloween is still ahead of us, Christmas music may already be playing at your local stores. Some say October is too early, but I love it … because, for me, the music of Christmas conveys the message of Christmas.

Christmas is about hope – something we’re all searching for. C.S. Lewis turned Christmas into a powerful metaphor in his classic novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In the story, a little girl named Lucy stumbles into the wintry land of Narnia through a magic wardrobe.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 20, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

David Ring often says, “I have cerebral palsy. What’s your problem?” In other words, we all face problems of one kind or another. We can choose to be defeated by adversity, or we can live victoriously in Christ.

David developed cerebral palsy after not receiving enough oxygen at birth. Throughout his life, he endured excruciating pain, physical struggles, and constant public humiliation. Orphaned at age 14 when both of his parents died of cancer, David was cast about from family to family with nowhere to call home.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 19, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself when life gets messy.

My son Troy and I were once on a camping trip, filled with horse rides and hikes through the woods. But one night, just as we were about to hit the sack, I noticed Troy looking a little green. When I asked him how he felt, he said, “Not so good.”

That was just the beginning. Later, at about two in the morning, I awoke to the sound of Trent retching.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 19, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Author Cynthia Tobias humorously says that every strong-willed person lives according to the same motto: “I’m not bossy. I just know what you need to do.”

She didn’t always consider it a joke. In fact, it used to cause her trouble. Like an incident that occurred while she was working in law enforcement. She was working alone and pulled a guy over running a red light. Before she got to his door, he had rolled down his window and was yelling at her, “You can’t give me a ticket.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 14, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura