Daly Focus Blog
Most of us like predictability in life – things we can count on. But then Christmas comes along and reminds us that life is full of surprises.
My boys, Trent and Troy, are grown now. Which is probably why they decided it was time to reveal a Christmas secret they’d been hiding. For years at Christmas Eve, they sneaked downstairs and unwrapped their presents. After seeing what they got, they carefully rewrapped each gift and went back to bed, stifling excited whispers.
As the old saying goes, “You can choose your friends, but not your family.”
You discover how true that is during the holidays. Spending time with family members who see the world differently than you do can be stressful. To fill this season with joy and peace instead of frustration and conflict, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
First, try these three magical words: “Tell me more.” Conflicts are less likely to escalate when people feel heard.
I don’t know about you, but thoughts of heaven bring me great comfort!
I love the promise in Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we’re taking a unique look at the God of heaven – the Creator of the universe and the Light and Lover of our souls – with John Burke.
Every December, you pledge to slow down at Christmas. And every December, the season rushes by in a blur.
You’re not alone. It’s tough to hit the brakes during the holidays. There are parties, decorations and a mountain of gifts to wrap. Is it any wonder we feel stressed out instead of relaxed and closer to God and our families?
I’ve learned a few things over the years that help me make the holidays as fun, meaningful and stress free as possible.
In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, we learn about Aslan, a great lion who rules Narnia. Susan, a little girl who stumbles into the enchanted world through a magic wardrobe, asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is safe.
“Safe?” Mr. Beaver replies. “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King.”
God, whom Aslan symbolizes, isn’t safe, either. We never know when or how God will show up in our lives.
When you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye, do you understand why?
According to Dr. Kevin Leman, a common reason most couples overlook is birth order. That little boy, that little girl that you once were, you still are. Your birth order influences how you see relationships and, therefore, your marriage.
Birth order is the dynamic relationship that exists between a parent and a child and between a child and his or her siblings.
Christmas is all about Jesus. We celebrate the historic reality that the Creator of the universe cloaked Himself in flesh and blood and submitted Himself to the care of human parents as a vulnerable, dependent child – the ultimate expression of humility.
“Unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6-7).
On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, British evangelist Canon J.John has a challenge for you this Christmas: as you celebrate the birth of Jesus, allow your heart to consider the rest of His life as well.
Thanksgiving is one of our nation’s most cherished traditions. Before America was even founded, the Pilgrims expressed gratitude to God for His many blessings – even when life was hard.
And life was hard. The Pilgrims’ voyage across the Atlantic Ocean took 65 days in cold, miserable conditions. Many of them became ill, and one person died before the Mayflower reached Plymouth in November of 1620. Less than half of the Pilgrims survived that first winter.
When two people share the same vision, they can change the world.
Take Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak for example. Their vision for home computers revolutionized the tech industry and made Apple one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield did the same thing with ice cream. They turned Ben and Jerry’s into one of the most popular ice cream brands in the industry.
In the world of music, think of Lennon and McCartney, Mick and Keith, or Simon and Garfunkel.
Is your marriage in a rhythm? Or in a rut?
Three ruts are common to most relationships:
Seasonal ruts are positive marital rhythms that served you in a past season of marriage but are no longer helpful, such as conversation habits or work schedules.
Inherited ruts are negative rhythms you inherited and brought with you into your marriage. This includes conflict resolution or relationship expectations.
Cultural ruts are societal norms that don’t fit your relationship.
To break out of those ruts and find something deeper, more rewarding, and more meaningful in your relationship as a married couple, find ways to share adventure together, to serve one another, and to speak life to your spouse.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
