Family and Home Archives

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

Writing in Saturday’s Wall Street Journal, John R. Miller, a former U.S. Ambassador, reminded readers of some history behind President’s Day:

In 1968, the public-employee unions, seeking a three-day weekend, convinced Congress to move the commemoration of Washington’s birthday to the third Monday in February. This eventually led to what we now call President’s Day, which marks the birthday of not only Washington but of Lincoln and all the other presidents. By celebrating every birthday, we effectively celebrate none.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith, staff February 21, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is Here

History repeats itself.

Back when I was in high school I can remember the buzz among friends surrounding the release of SI’s famed swimsuit edition. Over thirty years later people are still talking and arguing about this annual tradition. Turn on FOX News and you’re likely to hear them discussing it; try and buy a copy of the Wall Street Journal at an airport newsstand and you’ll be visually accosted with displays promoting this issue.

It would be easy to dismiss this year’s release with the trite observation that “sex sells” – a true statement.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, entertainment, pop culture, sex February 18, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Your Sense of Humor

Don’t you find it interesting that babies laugh before they talk?

Everybody likes to laugh. In fact, it’s a healthy habit. “A cheerful heart is good medicine,” wrote Solomon, “but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22).

Good parents and healthy children tend to see the humor in life.

Several months ago we received a letter from a young boy. I figured he wanted some advice on how to help his sibling break a bad habit.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, humor February 17, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Love and Loss

Whether young or old, yesterday was a happy day for those in love. On one end of the spectrum you have Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina. They’ve been married 86 years! What’s their advice for a strong and happy marriage?

“Respect, support and communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest and true. Love each other with ALL of your heart.”

That sounds right to me.

Then there is Stephanie Hull and US Air Force Captain John Wu from Louisville, Kentucky.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage, relationships February 15, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Valentine’s Day S.O.S.

As I mention on today’s broadcast (listen here) I’m in a bit of a spot. For last year’s Valentine’s Day I prepared a special dinner for Jean (baked pasta). Trent and Troy served as the waiters, and we had a great time doing it. In fact, it was such a hit that I was planning on cooking another dinner with the same menu again! I shared this with the team and they were aghast. The same thing?!

Topics: Family and Home Tags: humor, marriage, relationships February 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

My Least Favorite and Most Important Broadcast

In the year since assuming my role as host of our radio program, I’ve always looked forward to my time in the studio with my colleagues, Juli and John.

That is until today.

Today’s program, “The Value of Standing for Life,” is probably the most difficult and least enjoyable one I’ve ever recorded. But, candidly, it may be the most important one, too.

Our broadcast today is about life and death. It’s about, among other things, the abortionist Dr.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, pro-life February 11, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Solve 90% of Your Marital Problems

Since you’re not perfect, your marriage can’t be perfect, either.

Agreed?

But what would you say if I told you 90% of the conflicts in your marriage could be resolved by doing just one thing?

Does it sound implausible, too good to be true?

Not according to recent guests on our daily broadcast, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott.

According to the research, 90% of marital conflict could be resolved (or avoided) if we simply put ourselves in our partner’s shoes.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage February 10, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Look to the Stonemason

Do you pay attention to detail – even detail that nobody but God can see?

Back when United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts was a lawyer preparing for oral arguments, he would spend countless hours with a pen and legal pad. During that time he would speculate on the hundreds of possible questions he might be asked. As part of the exercise, he’d write down both questions and answers in long hand. He would eventually transfer those Q&A’s from the yellow legal pad to index cards and memorize them in random order.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, husband February 9, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Predict the Future

Yogi Berra once said that it’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.

He’s right – which is why I was so surprised when I began receiving notes from colleagues and friends reacting to my Super Bowl XLV prognostication in this space last Friday. I had actually forgotten all about it.

My prediction:

Packers 31

Steelers 24

Actual:

Packers 31

Steelers 25

“Have any good stock tips?” somebody asked. “Can we call you Jimmy the Greek?” joked another, to which I responded, “No, Jimmy the Irishman.” Yet another wrote, “Vegas is calling.”

“Sorry,” I replied.

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

The Cheap Jerk

Do you use coupons?

According to a recent study, Atlanta shoppers use them more than anywhere else in the country. How does your city stack up?

Before I reveal the twenty most frugal cities, I need to tell you a story and ask a question.

There’s a gentleman who’s been working on the team here at Focus for nearly 20 years. He’s married with three girls. If you ever meet him, you’d love him. Bright, chipper, just a real nice guy.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, finances, pop culture February 1, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura