Family and Home Archives

A Fresh Look at Dating

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

If you’re single, have you applied that verse to your dating relationships and search for a godly spouse?

Many Christian singles seek the same things in a mate as non-Christian singles. They focus on whether or not they’re physically attracted, share common interests, enjoy each other’s company, or share chemistry.

Each trait has its place in a marriage, but none provide a relationship with the stability a couple needs to build a life together.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: relationships February 15, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Unmasking the lies behind the so-called benefits of the “COVID Divorce”

The COVID-19 toll is often tallied and reported in terms of deaths, hospitalizations and overall cases of the virulent pathogen.

Yet, data is beginning to show that the tragic consequences of the year-long pandemic extend far beyond the physical and into the financial, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of our lives.

Here at Focus on the Family, our counselors report a steady uptick in calls from hurting individuals. In fact, it’s not just that we’re hearing from more people than usual – but that the challenges they’re sharing with us seem to be darker and more devastating than ever before.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage February 12, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Adding Some Spice to Your Marriage

I don’t cook dinner very often. I think Jean prefers it that way. Her degree is in biochemistry. Not only is she smart, but she naturally thinks in terms of precision. Recipes are to be followed. If the instructions call for one cup of flour, she’ll measure exactly one cup. She’ll even use a knife to scrape off the excess, so the amount is perfect. She’ll even add more if it’s not quite full.

As for me, well, let’s just say I’m a “free spirit.” Scraping away excess flour is a waste of time to me.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage February 12, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Walking Through Depression

The data is alarming.

According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, more than 17 million U.S. adults – over seven percent of the population – had at least one major depressive episode in the last year.Over 40 million adults in the U.S. – 19 percent of the population – have dealt with some form of anxiety.According to the CDC, 3,000 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 attempt suicide every day.

If depression is a struggle for you, you’re not alone.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: depression, mental health February 11, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Using Your Love Language to Grow Closer to God

What is God’s love language?

I’m sure your familiar with Dr. Gary Chapman’s take on the five love languages:

AffirmationActs of serviceQuality timeReceiving giftsPhysical touch

Understanding the concept helps us strengthen our relationship with our spouse and with our children by expressing love to them in the specific ways they feel that love. The five love languages are how we feel love from others as well.

Because we were created in God’s image, we each feel God’s love and presence primarily in one or two of these ways.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith February 9, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Nurturing Your Child’s Purpose and Passion

Let me tell you about a boy named Tom. At an early age, he developed a hearing problem, which caused him a lot of trouble at school. He was easily distracted. He frustrated his teachers by disrupting the class and steering the conversation in random directions. His teachers considered him “stupid, restless, and a slow learner who asked too many questions.” Tom’s public education was a complete failure.

If that were your child, how would you react?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: parenting February 5, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Mount Everest and Marriage: Braving New Heights Together

Every married couple faces an Everest – a mountain-sized struggle that can only be overcome by scaling the problem together. In Captain Harold and Rachel Earls’ case, the Everest was literal.

Harold was a cadet at West Point when he wrote his bucket list. The top two dreams were “get married” and “climb Mount Everest.”

In 2016, those dreams collided when Harold told his new bride of only a few months that he planned to travel to the other side of the world and climb the tallest – and most dangerous – mountain on earth.

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

Understanding Your Child’s Love Style

Have you ever tried to push a fully inflated beach ball under the water?

You can only hold it beneath the surface for so long. Sooner or later, your strength will give out, and the ball will pop back up.

It’s a lot like parenting.

To explain how, we’ve invited Milan and Kay Yerkovich back to our microphones to discuss how to develop a deeper connection with your children by understanding their love styles.

Milan and Kay explain the coping mechanisms we develop in childhood to avoid relational pain.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: parenting February 1, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Teacher of the Year

On our program today, we’re airing a classic Focus on the Family Broadcast you won’t want to miss.

“Teacher of the Year” is a tribute to teachers, featuring a talk by Guy Doud, voted Teacher of the Year in 1986. His inspirational and humorous message highlights the powerful difference teachers can make when they reach out to students who feel like outcasts relegated to the sidelines of their school.

I’ll always remember Mrs. Bandy, the school nurse at my elementary school.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: children, education January 27, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Wives Can Do to Bless Their Marriage

Ladies, today I’ve got a simple idea that’ll help you create a happier marriage: affirm your husband.

Right away, you may be thinking: “Affirm him? Where’s my affirmation?”

I get it. No doubt your husband has plenty of areas where he could improve. And praising him can be a challenge if he’s not reaching out to you in a meaningful way. But hear me out. Affirmation is the key that unlocks your husband’s heart. He craves respect – from his boss, from his kids, and from you.

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