Family and Home Archives

The Key to Satisfaction

The subject of cohabitation has been in the news quite a bit lately. According to the United States Census Bureau, between 2009 and 2010, the number of opposite-sex cohabitating couples increased by 13 percent, from 6.7 million to 7.5 million.

New York’s newly elected governor, Andrew Cuomo, and his girlfriend, TV Chef Sandra Lee, are one of them.

According to the New York Times:

With 23 cookbooks and 2 television shows, Ms. Lee is arguably far more famous outside of political circles than the man she is dating.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage, parenting January 7, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Does Apple Think Christianity is Offensive?

I am one of the nearly 500,000 proud signers of the Manhattan Declaration, a document and movement spearheaded by my friends Chuck Colson and Dr. Robert George. As drafted, the piece and its adherents proudly and unapologetically affirm support for the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty.

For the last few months, the organizers behind the Declaration have been trying to get Apple to reinstate an app for its iPhone users. Apple had originally approved the app, but pulled it after a small but well organized group of homosexual activists voiced their objections.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, marriage, pop culture, technology January 6, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Funny Things Kids Say

Happy New Year!

A colleague recently tacked up a sign above his door here at Focus that serves as a good motto for 2011:

Live Well (Philippians 1:27-28), Love Much (John 13:34-35), Laugh Often (Proverbs 17:22)

There is so much to say about each of these, but if laughter is truly good medicine, I thought I’d start the year by sharing something sweet – and comical, with you.

Riley is five years old. His father is on our team here at Focus, and he and his wife have made a habit of recording some of the more memorable comments the little tyke makes, especially at bedtime.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids January 5, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Christmas Morning

A young boy was once asked to define the word love.

His answer?

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”

Our boys, Trent and Troy, would agree! And so would Jean and I.

I’m away from the office and enjoying some extra time with the family, but speaking of Christmas morning, I thought I’d share a snapshot from this past Saturday.

Every family has their traditions.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting, relationships December 28, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dear Santa

Do your children write letters to Santa Claus?

According to the U.S. Postal Service, millions do, and based on a review of those received thus far, many of them this year are asking for “essentials” instead of just games and toys.

As reported in last Wednesday’s USA Today:

At New York City’s main post office, Head Elf Pete Fontana and 22 staff elves will sort 2 million letters in Operation Santa, which connects needy children with “Secret Santas” who answer their wishes.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting December 22, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

It’s a Wonderful Life

It is probably one of the most endearing and iconic images of Christmas cinematic history. I can see it in my mind; so can you.

Here is teary-eyed George Bailey, played by the beloved Jimmy Stewart. He is exhausted but happy, standing with his family beside a Christmas tree amidst a horde of dear friends. One by one his pals come forward, sacrificially giving of their treasure to help him meet his debt.

I am reminded of this movie today in light of some exciting news that I’d like to share with you.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, finances, friendship, staff December 16, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

President George W. Bush

I am delighted to see that our interview with former President George W. Bush, which airs today and tomorrow, has generated a tremendous amount of interest.

In fact, news of our two-day broadcast is prominently featured on USA Today’s home page. The Washington’s Post’s website is also highlighting the program.

My interview with Mr. Bush is the first time the 43rd president has granted a sit-down with Christian media. As you’ll learn, our conversation covers a wide variety of topics, including the death of his sister Robin when he was 7; his love affair with his wife, Laura; his feelings in the wake of the Sept.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith December 14, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Hello from San Diego!

I am in San Diego today but headed back to Colorado Springs. Dorothy was right: There is no place like home!

But is there time to make one final run to In-N-Out Burger

It’s been a whirlwind trip. Before we head for home, I thought I’d share a few thoughts.

The latest installment of Focus on the Family’s Celebrate Family Tour went off without a hitch last night. Author Lysa TerKeurst joined us for a terrific discussion about her latest book, Am I Messing Up My Kids?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment December 10, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Just Show Up!

The actor Woody Allen once wryly observed that “eighty percent of success is showing up.”

Would you agree?

I shared Dave’s story on Tuesday. He is a very successful business executive and found himself struggling with maintaining a healthy work and life balance. By God’s grace he happened to connect with our ministry at a very critical point in his life. He made some key adjustments. As a result, Dave was there when his son needed him most.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, marriage December 9, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Christmas Tipping

Are you a big tipper? Do you ever quibble with your spouse over the amount to give – or whether to give a tip at all?

Over the course of the next few days many families will begin to map out their Christmas giving. From the mail carrier to the milkman, there is a long tradition of blessing people who help make our lives easier and more pleasant on a daily basis.

Do you tape an envelope and Christmas card to the garbage can or leave one in your mail box?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, finances December 8, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura