Family and Home Archives

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

Why We’re Here

I want to tell you a story.

What follows is an example of how the sacrificial funds invested in the Lord’s ministry called Focus on the Family manifest themselves in the lives of those who live far beyond our walls here in Colorado Springs.

I want to tell you a story about a father and his son.

The dad’s name is Dave, and his college-aged boy goes by Pete.

Dave is a great father who, along his wife, Wendy, regularly and deliberately invest in the lives of their children.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, marriage December 7, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Interview with the President Went Swimmingly

Today was one of the more exciting days in Daly family history — the reason why all depends on who you ask.

My boys, Trent and Troy, quizzed early this morning about what they thought the highlight of their day was going to be, took nanoseconds to respond, “We’re going swimming!” It was a particularly joyous occasion for Trent, the fish of the family, since he hasn’t been able to hit the pool for a couple of months after breaking his wrist this summer.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith, pop culture December 6, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Long Walk

In the midst of your shopping, decorating, card writing and the cooking and baking – before you get frazzled and frayed in the days leading up to Christmas – I want to share an old story with you. In the telling, I pray you might allow it to influence your decisions and activities these next few weeks.

Some time ago there was an American missionary living in a very tiny African village. The young woman was a teacher who labored alongside the natives.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, family December 3, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Miracle at Macy’s

I have something neat to share with you. It should put a smile on your face and maybe even a spring in your step.

Would it surprise you to learn that several hundred people – and an additional 650 singers – recently stood in the middle of a big city department store listening with joy in their faces as the name of Jesus Christ was proudly proclaimed?

It’s true.

First, some background.

The Wanamaker Grand Court Organ, located at the Macy’s department store in Philadelphia, is the largest operational pipe organ in the world.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith, pop culture December 2, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Charlie Brown Christmas

I was only four years old on the night of Thursday, December 9, 1965 (45 years ago!), but to this day, I can tell you where I was and what I was doing – watching the debut of A Charlie Brown Christmas on CBS in our southern California home.

It was an instant hit, much to the surprise of network executives, but surely not to me. (I assumed the whole world was watching!) Creator Charles Schulz argued with the bosses at CBS over a host of issues.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture December 1, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura