Daly Focus Blog
Sometimes life’s pain can be so deep we lose ourselves in a fog of uncertainty and confusion. We struggle to see things that were once crystal clear – things like who God is and who we are in Him.
That was Laurie Sacher’s story. Broken dreams had stripped her of hope, leaving behind heartache and nagging questions about God’s character and His love for her.
But then a dog wandered into her life … literally. It was scraggly, blind, and homeless.
A favorite from a few Christmases ago, this post features many interesting recipes in the comments section. I hope some of these will inspire your family to spend some time cooking up some new memories together this Christmas… and if you think of it, please consider adding your family’s favorite recipe, too! -JD
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Food ranks high among the many wonderful traditions of Christmas. Depending upon your family’s heritage and where you were raised, you probably have your favorite holiday treats.
There is something special and nostalgic about Christmas. You may find yourself back in the church of your childhood, lifting a lighted candle and singing the familiar carols of the season, your own kids by your side. Perhaps your children are now grown, and far from home this year. It might be quieter than you want it to be. Or maybe you’re far from home yourself this year, forging new traditions and experiences. Whatever your circumstance, Christmas is coming and the world’s largest birthday celebration is almost here.
If you want to know how much dads matter in the lives of their children, ask me – I didn’t grow up with a dad.
My biological dad, stepdad and foster dad were all out of my life by the time I turned 13.
It’s tough to go through life with a father who’s either physically or emotionally absent. But don’t take my word for it; just look at the statistics. They’ll show you how things go awry when a dad’s not at home.
Today I want to share with you the story of a pair of winsome warriors, as told by Focus’ Citizen magazine. It’s a story of Christ-centered love for country, of cross-generational partnership and of heeding God’s call.
Subscribe to Citizen magazine to get full access to uplifting and informative, public policy-related content such as this. An iPad version of Citizen is available through the iTunes Newsstand. You can also subscribe to the print version for a special rate of only $9.99 by calling 1-800-A-FAMILY.
We’ve all suffered heartache.
Even if we grew up in a loving home, we were raised by imperfect people who made mistakes, no matter how well-intentioned they may have been. So none of us escapes completely unscathed. It’s the reality of being born into a fallen world.
That’s a truth I know all too well.
I’ve openly shared about my troubled childhood. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s enough to explain that my mother died when I was nine years old.
It was January 2010 when word got out that Focus was planning to air a pro-family commercial during Super Bowl XLIV.
Except many in the media were calling it an “anti-abortion” commercial – and many abortion rights groups were irate. Their condemnation was harsh. Many called on CBS to cancel our ad, despite not having even seen it.
The network ignored the spirited petitions urging them to reject the advertisement. It ran as scheduled in the first half.
It’s a viral video with a local angle for those of us here at Focus on the Family.
The United Parcel Service (UPS) released “Driver for a Day” on Dec. 1, and the heartwarming story of driver Mr. Ernie and a 4-year-old boy named Carson has already been viewed more than 2.4 million times.
Little Carson, who lives in Colorado Springs, is so excited about the packages that arrive to his house that Mr. Ernie decided to make a special delivery just for him.
Have you ever heard marriage advice that seemed too philosophical or theoretical?
Deeper understandings about the mysterious union of a man and woman can certainly be helpful. But every once in a while it’s great to hear something practical, like, “Tonight, go home and try this.”
On today’s and tomorrow’s broadcast, “Uncovering the Secrets to a Happy Marriage,” that’s exactly what we’ll do. Take, for example, this idea from our guest, Shaunti Feldhahn: Keep score.
For most of you, I’m guessing the notion of “keeping score” to improve your marriage sounds counter-intuitive.
What’s your favorite Christmas memory?
Maybe your mind drifts back to childhood when you helped pick out the family Christmas tree. Or you think of that special gift your parents got you even though money was tight. It could even be a warm kitchen on a cold, snowy day as you baked cookies with your grandmother.
As simple as these and other memories may seem, they’re more significant than you might think. Christmas memories help shape our sense of identity.
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.
