Family and Home Archives

Who’s Better with Kids – Mom or Dad?

With Father’s Day just five days away, this morning’s Wall Street Journal, courtesy of columnist Sue Shellenbarger, lauds dads for their unique and important contribution to the family. And, not surprisingly, the secret of a father’s success is found in how his actions complement mom’s.

In other words, dads give their kids what mothers do not.

Ms. Shellenbarger identifies some of the more blatant distinctions between the parenting roles. I’m curious if you see yourself within these trends.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting June 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Questions and Answers

Dr. Timothy Dalrymple is the Associate Director of Content at Patheos, and writes weekly on faith, politics, and culture for Patheos’ Evangelical Portal. His “Life in the Marketplace of Ideas” column is published every Monday. I was recently privileged to sit down with Dr. Dalrymple and it’s my privilege to share excerpts from our exchange:

In what way does your biography shape the work you do today?

Well, there’s an interesting contrast here. Dr.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: parenting June 13, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Shoes and Faith

Relatively little is known about the life of James the Just, the author of the epistle of James, and thought by many to be the half-brother of Jesus. As the first bishop of Jerusalem, and a peer to Peter and Paul and many other giants of the faith, James is, nevertheless, revered as a hero of the early church, and for good reason.

Of course he affirmed the divinity, resurrection and redeeming power of Jesus, but he’s best remembered for not only preaching right doctrine – but for believing and teaching that living out our faith can transform a broken and battered world.

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

Win a Trip!

ATTENTION! I’m out of town today, but just wanted to make sure you were aware of a great contest here at Focus that will be wrapping up next week:

Tell us about a Courageous Parent you know…We’ve all come across people like this, difference-makers who go “above and beyond” to better the lives of kids and teens. We want to hear about these special men and women. To honor the Courageous Parent you have in mind, share your story with us.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith June 9, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tim Tebow’s “Strange” Priority

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is out this week promoting his new book, Through My Eyes, an inspiring memoir about his faith, life and, oh yeah, football, too.

The former Florida Heisman Trophy winner’s philosophy is wonderfully simple:

Live pure. Work hard. Leave the rest to God.

Many of you are aware that Tim and his mother, Pam, starred in Focus on the Family’s Super Bowl commercial last year. Pam’s decision to defy doctor’s orders and carry Tim to term is a dramatic story and one that has inspired other women to reevaluate the wonder and beauty of preborn life.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events June 8, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Kids in Your Neighborhood

Last Friday’s USA Today ran a rather bleak cover story. Framed by old black-and-white photos of cute little children, the headline read: “In Many Neighborhoods, Kids Are Only a Memory.”

Of course, as birth rates continue to decline in America, neighborhood demographics are bound to adjust. But the shift is even more pronounced in some areas for no other reason that children tend to attract other children. Parents of youngsters are drawn to certain areas because of good schools, access to parks and the fact that adults like to live around friends in similar seasons of life.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption June 7, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

D-Day in Color

The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or the next. It was the deep knowledge — and pray to God we have not lost it — that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest.

President Ronald Reagan

Topics: Family and Home Tags: religious liberty June 6, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What I Learned at the Racetrack

There’s an old saying that “almost” only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. If JR Hildebrand and Dale Earnhardt Jr. ever doubted such wisdom, this past weekend has likely cured them of their disbelief.

By now, if you’re a racing fan or even a casual news watcher, you know that Dan Wheldon won Sunday’s famed Indianapolis 500 and Kevin Harvick emerged the victor in Charlotte’s Coca-Cola 600. Both men are highly talented drivers and well deserving of their titles.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: news June 3, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Church of Oprah

Are you a fan of Oprah Winfrey or did you ever watch her popular television program over the last twenty-five years?

In a recent essay in the Wall Street Journal to mark the end of her award-winning show, writer Joanne Kaufman offered an interesting observation:

To watch Oprah, who just wrapped up 25 years of syndicated pastoral work – her last hour of power, number 4,561, aired Wednesday – was to be part of a congregation of true believers.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: pop culture June 2, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Best Way to Health, Wealth and Wisdom

For many, it’s the ever elusive dream:

Who doesn’t want to be fit, smart and have enough resources to make ends meet? It’s very often easier said than done. But now, according to recently released census data, the quickest way to happiness is also the oldest way:

Get and stay married.

According to a Heritage Foundation report:

Intact families tend to fare better financially and marital satisfaction has been linked to better physical and emotional health.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, finances June 1, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura