Family and Home Archives

Foster Care: How Everyone Can Help

What is the goal of foster care?

That’s a big question with a multi-faceted answer. We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we’re all capable of doing something. The ultimate goal is for every believer to feel empowered with a sense of calling and direction about their role.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, church, foster care May 10, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Finding New Strength as a Mom

Mom, are you suffering an identity crisis? When you introduce yourself, do you say, “I’m just a mom”? Do you see your own shortcomings and minimize the role you play in your kids’ lives?

I understand the temptation to think that way. On the surface, there’s nothing glamorous about chasing kids around the house, fixing meal after meal, and stepping on toys scattered down the hallway.

But motherhood is a unique calling. You’re not simply changing diapers; you’re molding character.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: mothers, parenting May 7, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Bringing Purpose and Power to Your Prayer Life

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

If you’re not familiar with it, this annual observance is held on the first Thursday of May and invites people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

In honor of today, I hope you’ll tune in for a special edition of our Focus on the Family Broadcast we’re calling “Bringing Purpose and Power to Your Prayer Life.”

Our guest is Kathi Lipp, who will help listeners learn how to pray diligently for themselves and others.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, prayer May 6, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Joys and Challenges of Marrying Your Opposite

When Jean and I first entered premarital counseling, we knew that we were meant for each other. We enjoyed most of the same things and were alike in almost every way.When we finished our last session a week later, that had all changed. We were both thinking, “Wow, we are nothing alike!” And we were wondering, “Are we going to be okay?”

At some point, every couple recognizes their differences, and something strange happens when they do: The whole idea of “two becoming one” gets turned into, “My spouse should become more like me.”

When author and blogger Melanie Shankle realized how different she and her husband were, she had a revelation.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage May 3, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Bodysurfing a huge wave is exhilarating. But you learn one thing really quick: Being on top of the wave is exciting. It’s not so fun when that wall of water crashes over you, and you’re sent tumbling out of control.

Feeling overwhelmed is a lot like that. Some days … well, you’re tumbling through an emotional ocean that’s crashing around you.

Many families feel overwhelmed. A phone call comes with bad news. You receive a text from someone with whom you have a strained relationship.

Topics: Family and Home April 29, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Saved Life of Future NFL Linebacker Reminds us all of Human Potential & Abortion’s Cost

How much human potential has been aborted?

The toll is inconceivable.

Since the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion in all fifty states back in 1973, over 62 million children have been lost – children who would have grown up to be scientists making discoveries, scholars and innovators solving problems – and athletes accomplishing incredible feats on the gridiron.

Like Micah Parsons.

At twenty-one years of age, the Penn State sophomore linebacker is expected to be drafted in the NFL draft’s first round on Thursday night.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: abortion, pro-life April 28, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Finding God’s Beauty in Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia is one of the most difficult issues that families face today because the diagnosis is often a surprise, even though the statistics surrounding it are staggering.

Dementia is the general term for deterioration in memory and thinking, behavioral processing, and the ability to perform everyday tasks for yourself.

Sarah Smith, our guest on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Finding God’s Beauty in Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” was shocked when her fiercely independent mother – nicknamed Beauty – was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family April 28, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Men and Relationships: What Works and What Doesn’t

I have an outstanding set of tools in my garage. My brother and brothers-in-law are jealous of my collection. I have hammers, a circular saw, a miter saw, a router … everything I need for a decent workshop.

The trouble is, I’m not much of a handyman. That circular saw … I’ve never used it. And the router? I’m not entirely sure what it’s for. I never really learned how to use all of those tools.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage April 26, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Walking Through the Healing Process

Pain has been called “the gift that no one wants.” And with good reason. Pain is a very real part of life – for all of us.

Many of you know my story. My mom died when I was nine years old. My stepdad abandoned me and my siblings within hours of her funeral. A few years later, my biological father died of alcoholism, and I spent several years in foster care. I got through it all mainly because of Christians like my football coach, who inspired me to turn to Christ and walk a path of hope and healing.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith April 23, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Experiencing a Fulfilled Marriage

Do you believe that God can save a marriage – any marriage?

Patricia Ashley didn’t always think so. At one time, her marriage to Vernon was dead. She says, “I didn’t love my husband. I didn’t hate him. I wasn’t glad to see him come. I wasn’t glad to see him go. It didn’t make a difference what time he came in or if he came in at all. It was dead.”

They were isolated from each other.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage April 21, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura