Jim Daly

No-Fault Parenting

One of the treats about being a father and having children is the chance to watch yourself grow up all over again. Have you ever thought about it that way? I certainly have. Admittedly, life in 2010 is drastically different than it was in 1960s America when I was a boy, but the essence and wonder of childhood are primarily the same. Or is it?

There are many days when I catch a glimpse of Trent and Troy doing something that ushers me back 40 or so years.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: discipline, kids, parenting, pop culture

Is the Good Life Good Enough?

Are you living a fulfilled life? Are you content where you are?

Those always seem like good questions to ponder, but I think they’re especially relevant in light of the recent news concerning Al and Tipper Gore’s marital separation. Please stay with me here. I don’t read the gossip columns nor do I spend time reading the tabloids. But I do try and make sense of the times in which we live and, as such, I’m always processing what I see and hear.

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

The Rest of the Story

Does this scene sound somewhat familiar?

A young, married, pregnant woman is admitted to a hospital. She is in pain, but not quite sure what is happening. Early labor? Perhaps. Complications associated with the pregnancy? Maybe. After some tests are conducted, the diagnosis is made: Appendicitis.

The frightened woman is relieved and treated. But at the end of the surgery the doctor advises that her baby is likely to be born with a disability. Why? A consequence of the treatment which had been necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: pro-life

John Wooden’s “Woodenisms”

I offered some reflections in yesterday’s blog on the life and legacy of the late John Wooden, college basketball’s most celebrated and successful coach. Today I’d like to share with you some of Coach Wooden’s most memorable and pithy sayings.

What I appreciate most about them, however, is that I know they’re not simply borne of clever or creative thinking. Rather, they’re the product of the coach’s daily Bible reading.

Each one of these is worthy of memorization.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, pop culture

They Called Him Coach

John Wooden’s death last week came just four months shy of his 100th birthday. The legendary UCLA basketball coach, affectionately nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood” for his record setting 10 championships, had been officially retired for 35 years. Remarkably, he remained active into his late 90s, regularly attracting huge crowds wherever and whenever he showed up.

But why? What was his allure? Why did he remain so popular? In an age and culture that is so quickly and easily drawn to the cool and hip, what was it about John Robert Wooden, someone clearly not cool and hip, that remained so attractive and tantalizing to audiences all over the country?

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, news, pop culture

My Greatest Need

What’s your greatest need today? Is it finding a job? Avoiding foreclosure? Getting married? Identifying one friend who cares enough to listen? Hitting a deadline? Learning how to corral an incorrigible two-year-old? Loving a spouse who is emotionally distant? Perhaps having faith that God will return your prodigal son or daughter safely home?

There’s a fascinating story in the Bible about a man who was paralyzed who thought his greatest need was to be healed. As you’ll see in a moment, in a way his story is our story, too.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family

How to Tackle Tough Times

I recently heard a story that was pulled from the pages of Australia’s history books. It struck me as a good lesson on how to approach and handle modern-day struggles.

In the late 1790’s the common belief throughout the Australian colony was that the region beyond the imposing Blue Mountains was lush and fertile. As such, numerous explorers set out to try and to conquer the area. While planning their trips, as conventional wisdom would suggest, they steered clear of the steep ridges and deep gorges of the terrain.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith

Honest Mistakes

“There’s no crying in baseball!” At least according to Tom Hanks’ character in the 1992 film, A League of Their Own. But is there forgiveness? Thankfully, the answer to that question is, well, yes. Have you been following the drama in Detroit that featured Armando Galarraga’s near perfect game this past Wednesday?

If you missed the action, with two outs in the 9th inning and with Armando having retired the previous 26 batters, first base umpire Jim Joyce called Cleveland’s Jason Donald safe, although replays clearly indicated he was out.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, kids, pop culture

Remembering Art Linkletter

America lost one of its good guys last week when the affable and genial Art Linkletter passed away at the age of 97.

Art was the host of two of television’s longest-running programs, “House Party” and “People are Funny.” Like millions of Americans, I have terrific memories of watching him talk and laugh with young children. Being a child myself back in the 1960s, I could relate to the kids appearing on his show. In fact, I can remember thinking they looked and thought and sounded a lot like me.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, events, faith, pop culture

Update on Ethan

If you’re new to my blog, let me point you to the touching and inspiring story of my nephew, Ethan. I blogged about Ethan earlier this year (see A Picture of Perseverance).

In short, our sweet little relative has endured far more than most adults. He’s undergone three open heart surgeries, all to reconstruct his entire coronary system. Throughout the long ordeal he has maintained an amazing attitude.

Since many of my readers were so kind to pray for Ethan, I thought I’d give an update on his condition as well as share some exciting news from within his family.

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