Family and Home Archives

In Christopher Columbus’ Own Words

Excerpt from the letter of Christopher Columbus to Luis De Sant Angel announcing his discovery.

The eternal and almighty God, our Lord, it is Who gives to all who walk in His way, victory over things apparently impossible, and in this case signally so, because although these lands had been imagined and talked of before they were seen, most men listened incredulously to what was thought to be but an idle tale. But our Redeemer has given victory to our most illustrious King and Queen, and to their kingdoms rendered famous by this glorious event, at which all Christendom should rejoice, celebrating it with great festivities and solemn Thanksgivings to the Holy Trinity, with fervent prayers for the high distinction that will accrue to them from turning so many peoples to our holy faith; and also from the temporal benefits that not only Spain but all Christian nations will obtain.

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

Because Paul and Clara Jobs Said “Yes!”

What if Joanne Schieble hadn’t said “yes” ?

What if Paul and Clara Jobs had said “no” ?

Joanne almost didn’t. The Jobs almost weren’t even asked.

Have you heard the story?

Steve Jobs is being lauded and remembered as the pioneer he truly was, a remarkable man with an amazing mind who changed the way the world communicates.

By now you’ve probably read or heard that Mr. Jobs was adopted as an infant. Born in 1955 to an unwed mother, Joanne Schieble, his life took an incredible turn the very night he made his grand entrance.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, pro-life October 7, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Chris Christie and the Nebraska Farmer

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made an interesting remark the other day. I wonder if you heard it? During a press conference announcing his decision to not seek the presidency in 2012 he said:

We got a FedEx over the weekend, at home, from a farmer in Nebraska, to my children. Asking my children to sit me down and tell me that it was OK to miss their games, their concerts and their events, because my country needed me more, and if they did that, they would be remembered in the history books as the people who changed the course of our country’s history.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, pastors October 6, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

‘Hate’ Is Too Big a Word to Be Used with Such Little Restraint

I’m delighted to be in Atlanta today attending the annual Catalyst Leadership conference. I’ll have more to tell you about the week’s events in the coming days, but for now wanted to share with you an essay I wrote on a very significant challenge facing Christians. The following piece was published by CNN’s Belief blog.

Can you please let me know your thoughts and perspective? It helps me to be aware of where you’re at these days on such vital matters pertaining to our public expression of faith.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, homosexuality, marriage October 5, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did You Hear What Ozzie Guillen Said?

Ozzie Guillen was introduced last week as the new manager of the Florida (soon-to-be Miami) Marlins, a struggling Major League Baseball franchise. A former player, Guillen managed the White Sox for the last eight years and regularly made headlines for expletive-laden and eccentric comments.

In fact, a few years ago, when a reporter asked him if he was planning to resign his position, Guillen replied, “I’m not a quitter. When I want to quit, I’ll do a lot of stupid things and make sure they fire me and get paid.”

The Venezuelan-American didn’t exactly make good on his promise, but he did react rather colorfully to the press when contract negotiations with Chicago in late September failed to satisfy his financial demands.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, finances, pop culture October 4, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Selective Hearing

A thought-provoking story:

It was high noon in Manhattan, and the streets were, as usual, buzzing with crowds, cars, taxis, horns blowing, brakes screeching, sirens wailing. Two men were making their way together through the crowd. One was a native New Yorker, and the other a visiting farmer from Kansas. Suddenly the farmer stopped in his tracks. “Hold on,” he said, “I hear a cricket.”

His friend replied, “Are you kidding? Even if there were a cricket around here, which isn’t likely, you would never be able to hear it over all this noise.”

The farmer remained quiet for a few moments and walked several paces to the corner where a bush was growing in a large cement planter.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 3, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

You Can Make a Difference!

Many of you are already a friend of the family, of course. But I’d like to invite you to take your commitment to families one step further by joining a special group of our most loyal supporters, called Friends of the Family.

“Who are Friends of the Family?”

Friends of the Family are key partners who faithfully support family ministry with monthly gifts.

As a member, you’ll provide families with the help they need most: practical radio broadcasts .

Topics: Family and Home Tags: finances, promos September 29, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Roger Ebert’s Curious Faith

It would have been hard to grow up in America during the past 40 years having never seen or heard the name of Roger Ebert. The Chicago-based 69-year-old film critic was the first movie reviewer to win the Pulitzer Prize, in addition to hosting numerous television shows and penning a syndicated newspaper column.

Mr. Ebert is paid to give his opinion, a job he takes very seriously. Although I prefer to get my reviews from our award-winning Plugged In team, I wouldn’t begin to wade into the deep waters of the movie review business.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith September 28, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: Tim Hawkins – Things You Don’t Say to Your Wife

Many of you are familiar with Tim Hawkins, the popular Christian comedian. He is a husband and father of four children – and a very funny man.

I’d like to share the following clip with you because, well, sometimes it’s just good to laugh!

Topics: Family and Home Tags: humor September 27, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

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