family Archives

Television Moms and Dads

Given the endless challenges facing the state of the faith, the family, the country and even the world, you might not think I should be spending my time writing about television parents, but please humor me, won’t you?

By now you’ve probably heard of the passing of the always elegant Barbara Billingsley, that supermom of the 1950s iconic television program, Leave it to Beaver. Mrs. Cleaver cooked and cleaned the house in a dress and pearls and was always there to welcome home the boys, Wally and Theodore, and her faithful husband, Ward.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, family, news, pop culture October 22, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Secret Dance

I need to warn you.

Yesterday’s and today’s radio program is a beautiful, poignant and inspiring story, but you might find yourself holding back some tears as you listen.

So, there you have it. Consider yourself warned.

Our guests are Angie and Todd Smith. Angie is a devoted mom and a gifted writer. Todd is the lead singer of the Dove Award winning group Selah.

But they’re not here to talk about music.

They’re here to talk about life, and all its ups and downs and twists and turns.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, family October 22, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

So Wonderfully You Made Me

“Amy” looks like a typical 22 year-old college student. She is smart, focused, energetic and enthusiastic. She acts and talks with an eye towards a bright future, even thinking about law school after finishing her bachelor’s degree.

She is also not ashamed to be happy, though just over three years ago, she was told her life would be ruined unless she did the very thing she least wanted to do. Many of her friends may have disagreed with her choice, called her crazy and assured her that regret would follow all the days of her life.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, pro-life October 19, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Daly Trips to the E.R.

I was driving home from the airport the other night when my cell phone rang. It was my sweet wife, Jean, calling, always a welcome occurrence, especially after a day away from home.

“Guess where we are?” she asked with a lilt and bit of play in her voice.

I didn’t want to say it, but I was thinking, I don’t want to guess … please tell me.

My suspicions were quickly confirmed.

“We’re at the emergency room again,” she said, “but this time it’s for Troy.”

I could tell by the tone of her voice that Troy wasn’t in any grave danger, but anytime your child requires professional medical attention there is always cause for concern.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, family, kids, parenting October 15, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Radio Changes Lives

I want to briefly share something exciting with you.

Each day, a team member here at Focus on the Family compiles what we internally refer to as a “Response Report” regarding the daily radio broadcast. Our phone representatives talk with thousands of listeners per day, and they record what people are thinking and saying about the day’s radio program. Some of the callers are blunt and don’t hesitate to criticize the program; still others might praise the very same one.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, family, marriage October 14, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Who is Wooing You?

It sounds like the opening line of a classic Dr. Seuss kid’s book, doesn’t it?

Who is wooing you?

When it comes to romantic relationships, I think there’s a tendency to see “wooing” as primarily a component of courtship prior to marriage. It’s a familiar scene, isn’t it? There is the boyfriend, flowers and chocolates in hand, maybe even leaving a little love note under his girlfriend’s windshield wiper at work. A colleague of mine, while dating his then girlfriend, now wife, would bring groceries to her apartment in between paychecks.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, family, marriage, pop culture October 8, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Boy Down!

It is late and we’ve just returned from the emergency room.

I am reminded of an old poem by Roberta I. Teague. It’s titled, “Raising Boys.”

Here is a brief but relevant excerpt:

Broken bones and bloody knees,
I should have been a nurse.
I take it all in shaky stride-
Just grateful it’s not worse!

Many of you have been so kind to pray — and continue to inquire — about the status of my broken ankle.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family October 7, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Man Up?

If you’re a guy and attend either a male-led small group or Bible study, or even pay the slightest attention to discussions about gender, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the catchphrase, “Man Up!”

What does it even mean?

My friend and Focus on the Family board member and president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Al Mohler, has an opinion. Responding to a recent Newsweek cover story on the subject of modern masculinity, Dr. Mohler wrote the following:

A true masculinity is grounded in a man’s determination to fulfill his manhood in being a good husband, father, citizen, worker, leader, and friend — one who makes a difference, fulfills a role for others, and devotes his life to these tasks.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, husband October 1, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Boys and Baseball

I have been traveling a lot lately, too much, really. Over the course of the last ten days, I’ve gone from Colorado to New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, back up to New York City, Texas and all the way across the country to California. It was productive and exhilarating, and I had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of great friends, both new and old.

But the trip was missing a favorite thing – my family! How I hate being away from Jean and the boys.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting September 30, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

When I Am Weak

As promised, here is the first chapter of my new book, Stronger: Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength.

Thanks for reading along!

Chapter 1: When I Am Weak

This isn’t how it works in the movies.

On a chilly Sunday morning in December, David Works and his family—his wife, Marie, and daughters Stephanie, Laurie, Rachel, and Grace—finish worshipping at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.

As usual, they stay after the service to enjoy conversation with friends.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, promos September 2, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura