faith Archives

Reflecting on Our Blessings at Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Bible has a lot to say about giving thanks. We’re encouraged to “give thanks to the Lord” (1 Chronicles 16:34), to pray “with thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6), and to receive God’s provision “with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4). We’re also told that our generosity in Christ stirs up responses of thanksgiving in others (2 Corinthians 9:11), spreading gratitude for God outward.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings the Lord has given us and to express our gratitude for His bountiful grace and mercy.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 24, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Day of Thanks

With the economy still troubled and unemployment figures struggling to right themselves, thankfulness may be in short supply for many Americans this year. The early Pilgrims encountered extreme hardship as well. But their response is instructive.

The Pilgrims’ effort to colonize America was fraught with challenge from the moment they stepped foot on the Mayflower. The journey across the Atlantic Ocean took 65 days in cold, damp, and miserable conditions. A number of the passengers became ill, and one person died before they reached the shore of their new home.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 23, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

When the Talking Gets Tough

I’m an extrovert. I love to talk. But some people run into brick walls at the end of the day. They drag themselves into the house each night, and dread what’s coming: their spouse asking, “How was your day?” Their mind goes blank, or they groan at the thought of having to explain everything that happened at work.

Most couples need more than a simple reminder to talk more, they need a plan. So, here are a couple of practical ideas you and your spouse can put into practice tonight.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 22, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How a Dysfunctional Street Kid Became a Disciple of Jesus

Our guest on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “How a Dysfunctional Street Kid Became a Disciple of Jesus” is Greg Stier, an evangelist, author, and the founder of Dare2Share, a youth evangelism and leadership training ministry.

Greg’s life story is an amazing tale of how the Lord worked through his toxic upbringing to draw him to Christ.

Greg grew up in a community in northern Denver that was a tinderbox of racial tension, and where fights, gunshots, and knifings were common.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 16, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

National Adoption Month

Few experiences are as comforting and connecting as a family gathered around the Thanksgiving table. Fellowship with family and giving thanks to God for His many blessings are things we look forward to in the Daly household every year.

But the holidays weren’t like that for me growing up. My mother died when I was young and my stepfather abandoned me and my siblings, so Thanksgiving was anything but a peaceful family holiday. Mostly I remember feeling disconnected from everything that was happening around me.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, parenting November 16, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

URGENT: Ask Your Senators to Vote “NO” on the So-Called “Respect for Marriage Act”

I’m making an URGENT appeal to you today to contact your U.S. senators as soon as possible to ask them to vote “NO” on H.R. 8404, the mis-named “Respect for Marriage Act,” which is reportedly coming up for a vote either today or tomorrow.

At Focus on the Family, we are concerned that the bill accomplishes the exact opposite of what its name implies. It changes the definition and meaning of marriage and would be nearly impossible to reverse.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, marriage November 15, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Keys to Your Purpose

If you have a hard time facing Mondays, your problem may be a lack of purpose.

Behavioral researcher John Calhoun performed an experiment with mice that was designed to study the effects of overpopulation. He set up a biosphere that was essentially a Garden of Eden for rodents. They were given everything they needed to thrive: shelter, open space to run and play, and unlimited food and water. Even their bedding was routinely changed to provide an ideal nesting environment for baby mice.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 14, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Honoring America’s Veterans

Today, on a special Veteran’s Day edition of our Focus on the Family Broadcast titled “Honoring America’s Veterans,” we’re raising the flag in honor of those military families who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I might celebrate freedom.

Every American, regardless of your political or social views, owes a debt of gratitude to the generations of military personnel who have helped secure our freedom and keep it for nearly 250 years.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith November 11, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Veterans Day 2022: Honoring My Friend & Marine Corps Captain Tony Wauterlek

On this Veterans Day, I would like to pay tribute to a dear friend, a former longtime Focus on the Family board member, and a remarkable man who embodies the motto of the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis – “Always faithful.”

Tony Wauterlek, now 85, served for five years as a captain in the United States Marine Corps. A pilot with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, he flew jet fighters between 1960 and 1965.

It might surprise you to learn that until Tony signed up to serve following his graduation from the University of Illinois, he had never flown in an airplane.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 10, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Appreciate the Moment

Most self-help advice focuses on the future – on what will be. Set goals. Plan ahead. Dream of where you wish you were instead of where you are.

Those are great ideas but let me share just one word of caution: don’t focus so intently on your future that you forget to be engaged right here, right now. This moment may never come again.

The importance of appreciating the moment is illustrated in the life of Wally Pipp, a man you probably won’t recognize unless you’re a major league baseball historian.