events Archives

Yesterday I Joined the Army

You’ve probably never heard of Joseph McFee, but you’re undoubtedly familiar with some of his work.

In 1891, the San Francisco-based Salvation Army Captain was consumed by a big idea. Concerned for the welfare of the poorest in the city, McFee set out to find a way to feed 1,000 people on Christmas Day. But how was he to pay for this charitable act? It was then that he remembered his time as a sailor in England.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, staff December 16, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

I Want My Marriage to Thrive

When I was a teenager, I remember sitting in world history class dreaming of football when the teacher started talking about a weather condition known as “the doldrums.” The doldrums occur when the prevailing winds stop blowing and a extended calm settles upon the open sea—which is a serious problem if you’re a sailor relying upon wind power to get you to where you’re going.

Thousands of years ago, European sailors on a quest to reach new lands would sometimes encounter the doldrums during a voyage across the equatorial region of the Atlantic ocean.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, marriage, promos December 15, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tiger Woods

A little more than a week removed from his now-infamous one-car crash on Thanksgiving night, golf legend Tiger Woods remains front page news, but for all the wrong and sad reasons.

Like most of you, I’m not one to follow the latest Hollywood gossip or eagerly peel through the pages of People Magazine. But it’s hard to miss hearing about the sordid details and accusations surrounding the alleged infidelity of the golfing great. Earlier this week, in an attempt to quell the rumors, Tiger released a statement acknowledging personal “transgressions” but didn’t elaborate and pleaded for privacy.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, marriage, pop culture December 7, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Say It Ain’t So, Mr. President!

President Obama’s prime-time address from West Point tonight is big news, and understandably so. After months of intense speculation, he’ll be officially rolling out his revised strategy for the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Reports indicate that as many as 30,000 additional brave and courageous troops will be deployed to the volatile area.

It’s a serious subject and our president will likely deliver the news in somber fashion. Our prayers will follow these good men and women across the globe.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith, news December 1, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Visit with George W. Bush

I had the opportunity recently to meet with President Bush in Dallas—a wonderful experience, to be sure. He’s a good man, and I enjoyed my time with him immensely.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, staff November 30, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Family is Beautiful

A number of months ago I blogged about Charles Hummel’s little book, Tyranny of the Urgent. In brief, his premise is that urgent things in life tend to throw a tantrum, demanding our immediate attention, energy, and response, while the important things wait patiently for us to move them up the priority list.

There’s a downside to neglecting the important things—like exercising, personal devotions, time spent with family, dental cleanings, changing the oil in the car, or dating your spouse.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith November 23, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Call of Christian Conscience

I’m in Washington, D.C. today where I had the honor and privilege to join Chuck Colson, Professor Robby George and Bishop Harry Jackson, among scores of others, in issuing the Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience.

The unveiling came during a news conference at the National Press Club here in the nation’s capital, but this was a lot more than a photo op. It was a demonstration of solidarity among more than 125 Christians of all denominational stripes that we will not only continue to speak out in the public square, we will continue to stand firm for biblical principles in that public square.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, family, policy November 20, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Parenting Simulcast Update

I’ve just reviewed the final numbers from last Saturday’s Focus on ParentingTM simulcast and I must say I’m very encouraged by the turnout and impact. Some 31,000 attendees carved out the time for the day-long seminar. Although assembled in 270 different host churches spread across 44 states and 8 Canadian Provinces, these parents were united in their desire to help their families thrive.

So far, one of the big “take away” messages was the idea of intentionally giving each child the blessing before they go to bed at night.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, family, parenting November 20, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Screwtape and the Art of War

The Art of War is considered by many to be the seminal work on war tactics and strategies. Attributed to Sun Tzu, a sixth century BC military commander, this ancient Chinese military treatise divides the various aspects of warfare into thirteen chapters: Laying Plans, Waging War, Tactical Dispositions, The Nine Battlegrounds, and the Use of Spies among others.

Beyond the obvious military applications of Sun Tzu’s wisdom, his principles have implications for other disciplines. I don’t think it’s a stretch, for example, to apply his lectures on how to win at war to the Christian who desires to overcome his battles in the spiritual realm with the devil.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith, promos October 2, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Watch The Great American Panel Tonight

This is a big media day for me. I’ll be a guest on the “Hannity” show tonight on the Fox News Channel, 9 p.m. EDT. I’ll be one of the three participants in The Great American Panel. Sean likes to interact with a group representing a variety of ideological beliefs—so be prepared for lively exchange as we discuss the news of the day.

Also scheduled to appear on the panel are John Fund, a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, and Penny Lee, a Democratic strategist.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, news September 3, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura