The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the largest disasters in American history. In popular accounts from the time, Catherine O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern in a barn. The small flame became an inferno that destroyed miles of homes and burned Chicago’s business district to the ground.

More recently, in 2018, the Ranch Fire in California became the largest wildfire in the state’s history, killing a firefighter and burning over 410,000 acres. It was caused by a single spark from a hammer that someone was using to drive a metal stake into the ground.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 3, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

You and I are up against a world full of lies that distort what’s really true.

That distortion is illustrated in the classic fairytale The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. In the story, the devil creates a magic mirror that distorts everything it reflects. One day, students of the devil attempt to carry the mirror into heaven so they can mock God and his angels. But the higher the students ascend, the more the mirror shakes … until, finally, they lose their grip.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 1, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Usually when someone asks, “Do you know who I am?” it’s an arrogant celebrity who’s had a run-in with authorities. But when that question comes from the heart of a loving mother or father, it can draw the parent and their child closer together.

The next time a conflict erupts between you and your child, ask them the question, “Do you know who I am?” You’ll probably get a confused look the first time you ask it, but it’s a good way to break through the tension and speak words that will strengthen your relationship.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 31, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

In June 1944, just hours before the D-Day invasion, General Dwight Eisenhower wrote two speeches. The first was to be delivered to his troops if the invasion succeeded. The second, if it failed.

Fortunately, that second speech was never needed. The Allies prevailed, and Hitler’s Nazi regime soon toppled.

But Eisenhower’s handwritten words, preserved in his presidential library, offer a fascinating look at his humble leadership. After praising his troops’ bravery, Eisenhower took full responsibility for the invasion’s failure.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dr. David Clarke estimates that 80% of women are lonely in their marriages because their relationships are plagued by disappointment, anger, monotony, and unmet expectations.

When couples are dating, many believe that their spouse will become their source of complete fulfillment after they’re married. But once they’re married, they discover that’s impossible.

Erin Smalley understands what it’s like when marriage expectations shatter. Early on in their marriage, she and her husband, Greg, fought frequently. Erin grew up without a positive male role model, so she expected Greg to satisfy her needs perfectly.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura