Jim Daly

Doing This Will Help Your Marriage

My wife Jean always knows when I’ve taped a broadcast with author and speaker Dr. Gary Chapman.

It’s uncanny. I’ll walk through the door and, inspired by my time with Dr. Chapman, I’ll ask her something like, “What’s one thing I could do to help you today?” And she immediately knows who I’ve spent time with.

And that’s how God uses Dr. Chapman. He’s a relationship expert, and he helps couples create and maintain an emotionally safe environment in their marriages that is conducive to positive growth.

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

An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith

Can I Have Your Favorite Christmas Recipe?

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, family

Our Christmas Video Gift for You

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: events, family

How to Be a Good Dad When You Didn’t Have One

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, kids, parenting

Two Good Men Defend Faith and Family in Massachusetts

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: policy, promos, religious liberty

How to Break Free from a Troubled Past

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith

VIDEO: This Little Girl’s Life Was Saved During a Football Game

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: parenting, pop culture, pro-life, promos

This Short Video Will Encourage You

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events

The Secrets to a Happy Marriage

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, marriage