faith Archives

Does Apple Think Christianity is Offensive?

I am one of the nearly 500,000 proud signers of the Manhattan Declaration, a document and movement spearheaded by my friends Chuck Colson and Dr. Robert George. As drafted, the piece and its adherents proudly and unapologetically affirm support for the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty.

For the last few months, the organizers behind the Declaration have been trying to get Apple to reinstate an app for its iPhone users. Apple had originally approved the app, but pulled it after a small but well organized group of homosexual activists voiced their objections.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, marriage, pop culture, technology January 6, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Remembering Dr. Ben Armstrong

Dr. Benjamin L. Armstrong was the first executive director of the National Religious Broadcasters(NRB) Association. He arrived from Trans World Radio in 1966 and served as NRB’s leader and main visionary until his retirement in 1989.

He saw potential where others saw problems. When told something couldn’t be done, he was dismissive of the negativity and would instead respond with a two-word reply: “Why not?”

When he died this past December the 12th at the age of 87, his passing was not widely noted outside industry news and periodicals.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, entertainment, faith December 29, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dear Santa

Do your children write letters to Santa Claus?

According to the U.S. Postal Service, millions do, and based on a review of those received thus far, many of them this year are asking for “essentials” instead of just games and toys.

As reported in last Wednesday’s USA Today:

At New York City’s main post office, Head Elf Pete Fontana and 22 staff elves will sort 2 million letters in Operation Santa, which connects needy children with “Secret Santas” who answer their wishes.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting December 22, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Three Letters

If your family is like ours, the December mailbox at home is full of wonderful Christmas greetings. When I return from the office each night, I flip through a stack of beautiful cards and photographs. It would seem there is no shortage of cute children and happy families!

Sadly, the same scenario cannot be said for the “mailbag” here at Focus. Each day we receive hundreds of letters and emails. Many who write are hurting. Some are frustrated.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: faith, finances December 15, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

President George W. Bush

I am delighted to see that our interview with former President George W. Bush, which airs today and tomorrow, has generated a tremendous amount of interest.

In fact, news of our two-day broadcast is prominently featured on USA Today’s home page. The Washington’s Post’s website is also highlighting the program.

My interview with Mr. Bush is the first time the 43rd president has granted a sit-down with Christian media. As you’ll learn, our conversation covers a wide variety of topics, including the death of his sister Robin when he was 7; his love affair with his wife, Laura; his feelings in the wake of the Sept.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith December 14, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Greetings from San Diego!

I am in San Diego today but headed back to Colorado Springs. Dorothy was right: There is no place like home!

But is there time to make one final run to In-N-Out Burger?

It’s been a whirlwind trip. Before we head for home, I thought I’d share a few thoughts.

The latest installment of Focus on the Family’s Celebrate Family Tour went off without a hitch last night. Author Lysa TerKeurst joined us for a terrific discussion about her latest book, Am I Messing Up My Kids?

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith, friendship, technology December 10, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Just Show Up!

The actor Woody Allen once wryly observed that “eighty percent of success is showing up.”

Would you agree?

I shared Dave’s story on Tuesday. He is a very successful business executive and found himself struggling with maintaining a healthy work and life balance. By God’s grace he happened to connect with our ministry at a very critical point in his life. He made some key adjustments. As a result, Dave was there when his son needed him most.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, marriage December 9, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Christmas Tipping

Are you a big tipper? Do you ever quibble with your spouse over the amount to give – or whether to give a tip at all?

Over the course of the next few days many families will begin to map out their Christmas giving. From the mail carrier to the milkman, there is a long tradition of blessing people who help make our lives easier and more pleasant on a daily basis.

Do you tape an envelope and Christmas card to the garbage can or leave one in your mail box?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, finances December 8, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why We’re Here

I want to tell you a story.

What follows is an example of how the sacrificial funds invested in the Lord’s ministry called Focus on the Family manifest themselves in the lives of those who live far beyond our walls here in Colorado Springs.

I want to tell you a story about a father and his son.

The dad’s name is Dave, and his college-aged boy goes by Pete.

Dave is a great father who, along his wife, Wendy, regularly and deliberately invest in the lives of their children.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, marriage December 7, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Interview with the President Went Swimmingly

Today was one of the more exciting days in Daly family history — the reason why all depends on who you ask.

My boys, Trent and Troy, quizzed early this morning about what they thought the highlight of their day was going to be, took nanoseconds to respond, “We’re going swimming!” It was a particularly joyous occasion for Trent, the fish of the family, since he hasn’t been able to hit the pool for a couple of months after breaking his wrist this summer.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith, pop culture December 6, 2010 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura