faith Archives

Hog Wild on the Trail to Vail

For years fitness experts have been urging Americans to eat right, get plenty of exercise, drink enough water to quench the thirst of a camel, and sleep at least seven hours a night. Why? To maintain a healthy lifestyle. While I totally agree those things are key, there’s another part of the equation that’s easy to overlook: Having fun with a hobby.

There’s something about enjoying a recreational activity–be it scrap booking, fishing on Saturday morning, wood working, or playing Monopoly with the kids–that does wonders for the human spirit.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, faith, friendship July 17, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Children ‘Bad for Planet’

Believe it or not, that’s an actual newspaper headline. The article, which ran last year but which I only now just caught wind of, cites the work of an organization called Optimum Population Trust (OPT). John Guillebaud, co-chairman of OPT, believes couples should weigh the impact of children on the planet in their family planning. Which is why this green think tank is suggesting that you and I cut down on our carbon dioxide (CO2) output by having smaller families.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, pro-life June 19, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Steven Curtis Chapman’s Daughter Dies

I have some very sad news to report.

Ten days ago, Maria Sue Chapman, the youngest child of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, was blowing out five candles on her birthday cake. Last night, Maria died in a tragic auto accident in Franklin, Tennessee. What makes this loss especially difficult is the fact that she was accidentally killed by an older brother driving one of the family vehicles in the Chapman’s driveway.

At the time, the entire family was home celebrating the recent engagement of their oldest daughter Emily as well as the high school graduation of son Caleb.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, faith, kids May 22, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Where’s God When I Hurt?

During the National Day of Prayer (NDP), I sat on the edge of my seat as NDP Honorary Chairman Dr. Ravi Zacharias told the following story. In 1971, when Ravi was a twenty-something young man, he traveled to the war-torn country of Vietnam for a series of revival meetings. Upon arrival, Ravi met Pham Hien, a 17-year-old youth, who gladly served as Ravi’s translator during his stay.

Not long after Ravi left the country, Pham was imprisoned by the Viet Cong because Pham had worked with Americans like Ravi.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith May 14, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Condoms for 11-Year-Olds?

I’m not sure if you saw this news story. In October 2007, the Portland, Maine School Committee voted in favor of a plan to dish out birth control patches and pills to students as young as sixth grade at King Middle School. That’s the same school that had been dispensing condoms to kids as young as eleven-years-old since 2002. Eleven?

Did I mention that parental consent isn’t required?

Actually, it’s against the law in Maine.

Schools in Maine – and in many other states – will not inform parents of how their children are treated at a school clinic if they’ve signed a waver for treatment in case of injury, illness, or other emergencies.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting, policy May 5, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Giving Thanks for My Family

I’m in Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings this week as well as to participate in the National Day of Prayer. Tomorrow’s activities include brunch at White House which is a real honor. My wife Jean and the boys are with me and, with an eye on the National Day of Prayer, I can’t help but reflect and give thanks to the Lord for the joy that my family brings me.

One of the things I love about my wife, for example, is her incredible nurturing heart.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, wife April 30, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

NDP: 7 Days and Counting

On May 1st millions of Christians from all walks of life, and from across the country, will unite their voices in prayer as part of the 57th annual National Day of Prayer. Why should believers take a day to focus on prayer? Why pray for our families, our friends, and the needs and challenges facing America?

Simply put, God invites us to do so and promises a blessing when we do. In the book of 2 Chronicles, God says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (7:14).

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith April 25, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

EAT MOR CHIKN

Yesterday I returned home from a trip to Washington, D.C. where the streets are lined with pink, white, and red dogwoods starting to bloom. Talk about a beautiful sight to behold. I’m back home now where this morning my boys Trent and Troy awoke to a joyous sight . . . five inches of snow!

It’s springtime . . . and it’s snowing in Colorado Springs. Go figure.

The reason I was in the nation’s capital was to speak at a luncheon held in honor of Truett Cathy, founder and Chairman of Chick-fil-A.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, news, pop culture April 17, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Living With No Regrets

Art teachers depend on it . . . Kids love making things with it . . . Carpenters swear by it . . .

I’m talking about Elmer’s Glue, a cornerstone product of Borden, Inc. which also developed Krazy Glue. As difficult as it may be to imagine life without these adhesives, there’s a fascinating story behind one of the sons of the company’s namesake, inventor Gail Borden, Jr.. But first some background.

In 1857, Gail invented condensed milk.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith April 12, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

It’s Hopeless . . . or is it?

You’ve probably heard the story of the starfish on the beach. If so, bear with me. As the tale goes, an evening storm dumped thousands of starfish onto the sand. Just before dawn an old man headed out for his early morning walk along the shore. Surprised by the piles of beached starfish, he knew the only way to save them would be to toss them back into the ocean. He had to act fast. There was precious little time to save them before the hot sun took its place in the sky.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, faith March 31, 2008 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura