Family and Home Archives

Leggo My Eggo?

Just a quick slice of life from the Daly household last week; perhaps you can relate?

The other morning I was preparing my coffee in the kitchen and our boys, Trent and Troy, were enjoying their blueberry waffles. Troy, age 9, popped up from the table in the hope of searching out a second helping. But when he got to the toaster on the counter he noticed there was just one waffle remaining.

What was he going to do?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting September 26, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Portrait of Grace

Our daily broadcast today features a fascinating conversation with my dear friend and colleague Tim Goeglein. Tim is currently serving this ministry as our Vice President of External Affairs.

Prior to joining the Focus team, Tim was with President George W. Bush for seven and a half years. He knows Washington – but even more importantly, he knows and appreciates the gift of God’s grace and forgiveness. Today’s discussion is a beautiful story from that era about redemption and a remarkable turn of events.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast September 23, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Paradox of Life

It’s easy to be swept up into the world’s value system, to be tempted by the lie that suggests our worth or importance is based upon a job, our level of income or even our social status – maybe even in our church circles. The Bible suggests the opposite is true. The apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ we may be rich despite our poverty and that while being void of material or temporal abundance we actually possess every good and necessary thing (2 Cor.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith September 20, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

I Dare You!

I recently came across a small book from another era. It was written by the late William Danforth, the founder of the Nestle Purina Company. In addition to his business pursuits, Mr. Danforth dedicated his life to helping youth, and traveled the country with a simple message for youngsters:

In order to really enjoy the life God has blessed you with, you need to be square – as in living a “four square” life that includes play, work, love and worship.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, faith September 15, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Are Cartoons Bad For Children?

There’s a new study out that suggests when compared to gentle and slower animated fare, “fast-paced” cartoons negatively (and immediately) impact a child’s ability to think creatively and regulate their behavior.

Are you surprised?

This would seem to fall into the “common sense” category, especially given the numerous studies through the years about the detrimental impact of television on children. For example, a highly respected study sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics several years ago recommended no television for children under the age of three.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, parenting, technology September 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Your “Federal Family”

President Ronald Reagan used to joke that the nine most terrifying words in the English language were, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

It was one of his classic tongue-in-cheek references, but memorable because it contained a grain of truth.

Well, according to a recent report, some officials are taking his faux warning to heart.

A review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website suggests that the term “government” is out and the phrase “federal family” is in.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, policy September 13, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Is Hollywood Listening?

A few weeks ago I shared with you my enthusiasm for a new movie based on a terrific book by author David L. Cook, Seven Days in Utopia. The film stars Academy Award winner Robert Duvall and highlights the critical contribution mentors can make in a person’s life.

As a follow-up to the production’s nationwide release, a colleague just received the following note from one of the movie’s senior executives. It is good news:

I just wanted to send this quick message out to all my friends and partners that helped us with the launch of Seven Days In Utopia.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith September 12, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Ultimate Hope

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith September 10, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Hero You’ve Never Heard Of

Over the course of the last ten years, in the shadow of the White House, Richard Retta has quietly saved over 350 lives.

But he’s not a doctor, fireman, paramedic or a policeman.

The 79-year-old grandfather is a sidewalk counselor outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Washington D.C.

Mr. Retta’s approach is understated and gentle, but direct. As a woman approaches the entrance, he walks within earshot of her, politely striking up a conversation. In those few fleeting seconds he tries to convince her to spare her baby’s life, and, in doing so, save herself from years of grief and torment.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, news, pro-life September 8, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Texting Lingo Every Parent Needs to Know

Assuming your son or daughter has a cell phone, do they text?

The Pew Research group recently concluded that most teens prefer texting to talking – with a third of them sending over 100 messages a day.

Tolerance for this type of behavior varies by family, of course, but almost no parent would knowingly permit their son or daughter to text crude, lewd or obscene messages.

But what about more vague or coded communications?

It takes a deft and alert parent to stay up to date on texting lingo, especially since the lexicon is constantly expanding and often doesn’t make any logical sense.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, parenting, technology September 7, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura