Daly Focus Blog
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the largest disasters in American history. Popular accounts from the time report that Catherine O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern in a barn. The small flame erupted into an inferno that destroyed miles of homes and burned Chicago’s business district to the ground.
So much destruction from a single spark.
That’s why the book of Proverbs urge us to be careful with our words. “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue” it says (18:21).
Do you need help?
It’s okay to admit it, if you do. Sooner or later, all of us need help. Even Moses.
Exodus chapter 17 tells about Moses receiving help while the Israelites are engaged in battle against an enemy. In the story, Moses stands on a hill and raises his staff above his head. As long as his arms remain in the air, the Israelites prevail. But when he lowers them, they begin to lose.
The teen years can be stressful and chaotic – for teenagers and parents. Teens are experiencing a multitude of simultaneous changes – physical, emotional, social and cognitive – all while their drive for independence is ramping up. The choppy waters that result can destabilize a household and stir up conflict over who’s in charge of their bedroom, their friends, their schoolwork and more.
One thing Jean and I learned while raising our boys was the importance of giving them freedom to grow.
Each of us owe our deepest gratitude to military servicemen and women who dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom. Today I want to honor American veterans on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly.
I’m talking with Chad Robichaux, who comes from a long line of military service members. His grandparents fought in World War II and Korea. His father served in Vietnam, and both of Chad’s sons served in the Marines. Chad was himself a force recon Marine who did eight deployments to Afghanistan, and who continues to serve and protect Americans all over the world, most recently in Ukraine.
There’s a concept motivational speakers talk about called “failing forward.” It’s all about turning your mistakes into success. One of the best ways to instill that idea into your children is to give them permission to fail.
When my son Troy turned 12, he gave Little League a try. He was nervous. So was I. He had never played baseball before while the other kids had been at it four or five years already. I wondered how long it would be after Troy took the field for his inexperience to show through.
“True crime” television shows and podcasts have become increasingly popular. The stories grab our attention. Perhaps we’re curious about the people who commit heinous acts. Perhaps we fear that “they” aren’t all that different from us.
The question of why suffering exists and why humans do horrible things to each other is a major obstacle to many people who struggle to believe in a loving God. And yet, Christianity is the only worldview that offers a compelling explanation – and answer – for evil in the world.
“Focus on the Family is encouraged by Tuesday’s election results – a decisive electoral and popular vote triumph for President-elect Donald Trump – but not because of any partisan cheerleading.
“Instead, the outcome confirms American families are hungry to live in a nation where they can raise their children in an environment that is physically safe, economically viable, and where moms and dads and kids can unapologetically worship God. They believe parents – not politicians – have the authority to guide and direct their children’s education.
Karen Kain – one of the most respected ballet dancers in the world – once said, “Sometimes a dancer’s worst enemy is themselves. They get in their own way.”
The art of dance is the art of movement. It’s about gracefully moving in concert with the music and with your partner. Every step forward is a risk. Your partner could step on your toes. Or you could step on theirs. The solution is not to focus on your partner’s steps but on your own.
When times are hard, it’s important to enjoy some laughter.
That’s what we have in store with Kenn Kington, our guest on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly.
Kenn is a popular comedian and motivational speaker who has quite a knack for finding the humor in everyday moments with his wife and three kids.
I know you’ll enjoy his message. It’s fun. Yet it communicates an important point: Children mimic us! They are watching.
Adoption is central to the heart of Christianity. Psalm 68:5 says God is a “father of the fatherless.” Through faith, we are adopted into His family.
Adoption is central to Dr. Laurel Shaler’s heart as well. She’s a counselor, author, and professor at Liberty University, and she and her husband have adopted three children – two in infancy and one through embryo adoption. A medical condition prevented her from conceiving, but her heart was to be a mother, even if she couldn’t be pregnant, give birth, or have biological children.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
