Jim Daly

California Screamin’

When the Mamas & the Papas recorded California Dreamin’ in 1963, I’m sure they never envisioned a heart-stopping roller coaster ride inspired by their song. Sure enough, the engineers at Walt Disney Imagineering drew inspiration from that Sixties classic when they built California Screamin’ at Disneyland, the 5th longest roller coaster ride in the world.

Talk about built for speed, this baby launches guests into hyperspace from zero to 55 miles per hour in just four seconds.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting

Don’t Let it Hurt

As a senior in high school, I was heavily invested in football. I punished my body through many a long practice to become the starting quarterback on the team. In my view there was no such thing as half-excellence. I pushed myself to be at the top of my game–and recruiters for several big-time 1A colleges took notice. I received letters of interest from the University of Las Vegas and Texas Christian University among others.

My plan was to take a scholarship from one of the colleges courting me and then move on to play in the NFL.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: discipline, faith

Behind Bella

When was the last time you saw a movie at the theater with a pro-life theme? If you’re having trouble thinking of one, join the crowd. With all of their talk about celebrating diverse viewpoints, Hollywood filmmakers don’t appear to be comfortable portraying pro-life characters in a positive light. Which makes the movie Bella such a breath of fresh air. Although it debuted in limited release last weekend, Bella is an exceptional movie.

While you can read the full review of Bella at PluggedInOnline.com, I wanted to share the story behind the lead actor, Eduardo Verastegui.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, family

Star Struck

I’m reading a fascinating book by Chet Raymo called The Soul of the Night. Although the book was first published some twenty-five years ago, it’s a must read for those who enjoy wrestling with the connection between science and faith. Chet, who is a poet trapped in the body of a scientist, is understandably captivated by “this thing called life that dances on the surface of creation like an abiding flame.”

His warm, inviting collection of essays explores the micro and the macro of Creation.

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Lifesaver

I don’t know her name. I’ve never met her. But her story captured my heart. With trembling hands, she held the test results hoping against hope there was some mistake. Although too young to drive a car, a pair of blue lines indicated she was old enough to get pregnant.

The reality rocked her world. Now what? Fear overwhelmed her to the point of tears. She was afraid to involve her parents. She didn’t want to be pregnant, yet she was scared of having an abortion.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting, pro-life

Christmas in October

Last Saturday I was running errands around town with the boys when I had to stop and remember the date. You see, I found myself standing in a forest of artificial lighted Christmas trees, assorted inflatable snowmen, and plastic reindeer on display in one of the stores. Christmas? Already?

Last time I checked we were in October.

Remember when the race to find the perfect gift used to be a sprint? You know, the Friday after Thanksgiving use to mark the day when “happy” shoppers tackled their gift-giving lists.

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Are You Plugged In?

See if this scenario sounds familiar.

It’s the weekend and time for a break. You decide to take in a movie – thinking it will provide a much needed oasis from the weekly grind. That is, if you survive the shock of the ever-increasing ticket price. Two weeks ago, the boys and I spent $25 for three drinks and a large popcorn. Yikes!

If you’ve got kids, and they stayed home, you’ve paid a babysitter a small fortune as well.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, homosexuality, parenting, pop culture

When Love Must Be Tough

I’ve met a number of genuine tough guys in my life. Back in sixth grade, for example, I met Chuck Norris – yes, the Chuck Norris who battled Bruce Lee in the Way of the Dragon. Chuck was a special guest in our karate class taught by my homeroom teacher, Mr. Fried – a serious tough guy in his own right. Mr. Fried was both a fifth degree black belt instructor and a reserve deputy sheriff who just happened to be a personal friend of Chuck Norris.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, husband, marriage, wife

I Still Do

The other day I was talking with a close friend about his marriage. I’ll call him Dave. I knew he and his wife had been experiencing some rough sailing this summer. When I asked how things were going now, Dave reflected, “Honestly, Jim, there are days when I pray, ‘Lord, take me or take her–but one of us has to go.”

He added, “I even told God that I’m driving around without my seatbelt to make it easier for You if You want to take me!” Anyone who has been married longer than five minutes knows marriage is hard work.

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

Rush to Judgment

I don’t remember the exact date, but the events of that night I’ll not forget. After all, I was almost killed. This would have been back in college during finals week. I was cramming for an exam with six friends. We were sitting at the kitchen table at a friend’s apartment, hitting the books well past midnight. A welcomed evening breeze floated through the open windows, exchanging the lingering smell of pizza with much needed fresh spring air.

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