Jim Daly

Why Are Schools Cancelling Recess?

Some elementary schools across the nation are banning recess.

Why?

So kids can have more formal instruction time in class.

Limiting recess is just one example of what’s being done in the interest of giving teachers more time to teach. For example, we’re seeing children being introduced to formal academics earlier and earlier.

One teacher described it like this: “Kindergarten is now first grade, and first grade is now second grade.”

Kids are also coming home with more homework than in years past.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: family, kids, parenting, pop culture

One Woman’s Story of Domestic Violence

Every now and then our radio broadcast covers a topic that breaks my heart.

This is one of them.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month here in the U.S., so we’re gearing today’s and tomorrow’s programs toward creating awareness about domestic violence and offering information and hope to those who may be suffering abuse themselves.

Some of our listeners might be thinking, “Why would Focus be talking about a subject like this on Christian radio?” Well, the sad truth is, domestic violence happens within the Christian community as well, so we need to talk about it openly and honestly.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, divorce, husband, marriage, wife

Improve Your Marriage By Doing This One Thing Each Week

When was the last time you and your spouse enjoyed a date night together? You know, just the two of you, where you’re not being pulled on by kids or other distractions.

Ooh. That long ago, huh?

Well, don’t be too hard on yourself. I think most couples struggle in this area.

But it does illustrate an important point: We married couples have to be intentional about creating alone time with our spouse. If we don’t, what little free time we have will get eaten up by other activities.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage

Are You Searching for Answers to Life?

Is there something missing from your life, but you can’t put your finger on what it is? Have you searched high and low for answers, for purpose, for truth, but come up empty?

On yesterday’s and today’s broadcast, we have a recorded message from a man who’s been there. In his young adult years, Lon Solomon did it all and tried it all in his search for life’s ultimate meaning.

He grew up in a Jewish home.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith

Where’s the Common Sense in Houston?

Few things should concern us more than watching government officials take actions that put political correctness ahead of the safety of women and children.

What’s happening in Houston at the moment is a perfect example of this.

You may remember this ongoing story:

Houston’s Mayor Annise Parker, along with a willing city council, passed one of those laws we see more and more of today, which permits men who are dealing with their own gender identity confusion to use women’s restrooms and locker rooms (and vice versa).

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, policy, pro-life, religious liberty

How to Talk with Young Children about Death

When a beloved friend or family member is battling a terminal illness, sometimes the littlest ones can get lost in the shuffle. Yet, even 3-year-olds can experience fear and confusion when it comes to prolonged sickness and death.

That’s why today I want to share with you four points from Focus on the Family counselors to help parents navigate issues associated with the illness and death of a loved one with their preschoolers and children in early elementary school.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, parenting

What a Circle and Oval Can Teach Us About Culture

Picture two shapes: a circle and an oval. Did you know these basic geometric designs can teach us a lot about our culture?

Remember the name Ivan Pavlov? He was the Nobel Prize-winning physiologist, best known for his experiments involving ringing bells and salivating dogs. Well, it may not surprise you to learn that he conducted other scientific tests as well. One in particular, I believe, illustrates a significant challenge facing our culture.

The project went like this: Pavlov trained his dogs to distinguish between circles and ovals.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, relationships

Three Ways to Succeed in Life

It’s Monday.

For a lot of us, that means a new week filled with possibilities for all that we can go out into the world and achieve.

But some people don’t see opportunity for what they can do. Their primary focus is all about what other people can do for them.

They live their lives with a sense of entitlement. They seem to think they deserve something for nothing from the people around them simply because they exist and live on this planet.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, family

Did You Know This About the Christian Singer Plumb?

Have you ever had a shirt with a loose thread? It seems like such a small thing, doesn’t it? But all it takes is one quick tug for you to realize that thread is part of a much larger problem. The next thing you know, your clothing is unraveling right before your eyes.

A marriage can have loose threads, too. A husband and wife don’t see eye-to-eye, or they’re not communicating very well, or little resentments start to crop up here and there.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, husband, marriage, pop culture

Estimated 100,000 Students Prepare for “Bring Your Bible to School Day” Tomorrow

When we launched “Bring Your Bible to School Day” last year as a way to empower and encourage public school students from kindergarten to college to express their faith freely, we had no idea God was going to do so much with the event in such a little time.

An estimated 8,000 students celebrated their religious freedom and shared God’s hope in the program’s inaugural year. Tomorrow, we’re expecting an estimated 100,000 to participate!

Students all across the nation have already signed up to take part in “Bring Your Bible to School Day.” On our Facebook page, we’re reading story after story of excited students getting ready to stand unashamed for their faith.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, kids, promos, religious liberty