Jim Daly

Looking for a Saturday TV Movie?

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 8th, Fox will air a movie on adoption, “Change of Plans” at (8pm ET, 7pm CT), as part of Wal-Mart and P&G’s Family Movie Night series.

What’s the movie all about?

Synopsis:

Up to this point, Sally Danville’s life has played out just as she hoped it would. A beautiful and free-spirited musician, she and her fighter-pilot husband, Jason, live life on the go, free of domestic responsibilities. But with a single phone call from Child & Family Services case worker, Dorothy (Phylicia Rashad, The Cosby Show), she learns that things don’t always go according to plan.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: entertainment, family, kids, staff

The Key to Satisfaction

The subject of cohabitation has been in the news quite a bit lately. According to the United States Census Bureau, between 2009 and 2010, the number of opposite-sex cohabitating couples increased by 13 percent, from 6.7 million to 7.5 million.

New York’s newly elected governor, Andrew Cuomo, and his girlfriend, TV Chef Sandra Lee, are one of them.

According to the New York Times:

With 23 cookbooks and 2 television shows, Ms. Lee is arguably far more famous outside of political circles than the man she is dating.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage, parenting

Does Apple Think Christianity is Offensive?

I am one of the nearly 500,000 proud signers of the Manhattan Declaration, a document and movement spearheaded by my friends Chuck Colson and Dr. Robert George. As drafted, the piece and its adherents proudly and unapologetically affirm support for the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty.

For the last few months, the organizers behind the Declaration have been trying to get Apple to reinstate an app for its iPhone users. Apple had originally approved the app, but pulled it after a small but well organized group of homosexual activists voiced their objections.

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Funny Things Kids Say

Happy New Year!

A colleague recently tacked up a sign above his door here at Focus that serves as a good motto for 2011:

Live Well (Philippians 1:27-28), Love Much (John 13:34-35), Laugh Often (Proverbs 17:22)

There is so much to say about each of these, but if laughter is truly good medicine, I thought I’d start the year by sharing something sweet – and comical, with you.

Riley is five years old. His father is on our team here at Focus, and he and his wife have made a habit of recording some of the more memorable comments the little tyke makes, especially at bedtime.

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Remembering Dr. Ben Armstrong

Dr. Benjamin L. Armstrong was the first executive director of the National Religious Broadcasters(NRB) Association. He arrived from Trans World Radio in 1966 and served as NRB’s leader and main visionary until his retirement in 1989.

He saw potential where others saw problems. When told something couldn’t be done, he was dismissive of the negativity and would instead respond with a two-word reply: “Why not?”

When he died this past December the 12th at the age of 87, his passing was not widely noted outside industry news and periodicals.

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Christmas Morning

A young boy was once asked to define the word love.

His answer?

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”

Our boys, Trent and Troy, would agree! And so would Jean and I.

I’m away from the office and enjoying some extra time with the family, but speaking of Christmas morning, I thought I’d share a snapshot from this past Saturday.

Every family has their traditions.

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Dear Santa

Do your children write letters to Santa Claus?

According to the U.S. Postal Service, millions do, and based on a review of those received thus far, many of them this year are asking for “essentials” instead of just games and toys.

As reported in last Wednesday’s USA Today:

At New York City’s main post office, Head Elf Pete Fontana and 22 staff elves will sort 2 million letters in Operation Santa, which connects needy children with “Secret Santas” who answer their wishes.

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It’s a Wonderful Life

It is probably one of the most endearing and iconic images of Christmas cinematic history. I can see it in my mind; so can you.

Here is teary-eyed George Bailey, played by the beloved Jimmy Stewart. He is exhausted but happy, standing with his family beside a Christmas tree amidst a horde of dear friends. One by one his pals come forward, sacrificially giving of their treasure to help him meet his debt.

I am reminded of this movie today in light of some exciting news that I’d like to share with you.

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Thank You, Larry King

When Larry King signs off tonight for the final time as host of his award-winning CNN TV show, what will his last words be? Only Larry knows, but chances are they’ll be simple, sincere and straightforward.

Just like him.

When Lawrence Zeiger tried to break into radio back in 1957, moving from Brooklyn to Miami to live with his Uncle Jack, he had to convince his boss to let him get on the air. He was hired to clean the station studio and office, but the 23-year-old had big dreams beyond his initial assignment.

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Three Letters

If your family is like ours, the December mailbox at home is full of wonderful Christmas greetings. When I return from the office each night, I flip through a stack of beautiful cards and photographs. It would seem there is no shortage of cute children and happy families!

Sadly, the same scenario cannot be said for the “mailbag” here at Focus. Each day we receive hundreds of letters and emails. Many who write are hurting. Some are frustrated.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: faith, finances