Jim Daly

Technology continues to make incredible, often unimaginable, strides. Much of it is well-intended. Communication technology and social media have transformed life, connecting us with people anywhere in the world. And, yet, according to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness is an epidemic. Half of all adults feel significantly isolated.

How can the most connected generation in history suffer from isolation? Because God has wired us for face to face, heart to heart connection that nothing digital can replicate.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family

As the saying goes, “Laughter is good for the soul.” It’s good for your soul as a parent as well.

Studies show that families who laugh are healthier, happier and more connected to each other. Even little giggles between you and your family play a meaningful part in creating bonds that you’ll share forever.

Laughter is a powerful connector. In fact, at its heart, laughter is mostly about connection, only partially about humor. We laugh more when we’re with other people than when we’re alone.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family

You’d think I’d have marriage down pat by now. My wife, Jean, and I have been married almost 40 years. I’ve also spent the majority of my career leading an organization that helps families thrive. Nevertheless, while I believe I’m becoming all that God desires of me, I’ll always be an imperfect work in progress.

But I guess that’s true of all of us. Whether you’ve been married as long as me or you’re a newlywed, all of us can take small steps and grow as a husbands and wives.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family

The empty nest years can be a “tight ring season.”

That’s a term coined by Marci Seither and her husband after a customer hired the Seithers’ sawmill in Northern California to remove a huge tree from the spot where their new home would be built. Feeling it a shame to lose such a beautiful tree, the homeowners planned to recycle the lumber by using it in the house’s construction.

But once they cut down the tree, they discovered the wood was too weak to use.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family

Everyone is chasing significance of some kind:

Achievement.

Recognition.

Wealth.

Power.

Popularity.

Success. 

But when “the chase” takes center stage, the busyness and focus required can leave us with no energy to offer our most important relationships.

How can we prioritize our marriage and family in light of all the responsibilities that demand our attention each day?

Authors Josh and Christi Straub are answering that question on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. They believe couples can transform their relationship by becoming the president of their spouse’s “fan club.” That means focusing on what matters, championing their strengths, and encouraging them to become the best version of themselves – that is, who God designed them to be.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family