faith Archives

Look to the Stonemason

Do you pay attention to detail – even detail that nobody but God can see?

Back when United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts was a lawyer preparing for oral arguments, he would spend countless hours with a pen and legal pad. During that time he would speculate on the hundreds of possible questions he might be asked. As part of the exercise, he’d write down both questions and answers in long hand. He would eventually transfer those Q&A’s from the yellow legal pad to index cards and memorize them in random order.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, husband February 9, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Predict the Future

Yogi Berra once said that it’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.

He’s right – which is why I was so surprised when I began receiving notes from colleagues and friends reacting to my Super Bowl XLV prognostication in this space last Friday. I had actually forgotten all about it.

My prediction:

Packers 31

Steelers 24

Actual:

Packers 31

Steelers 25

“Have any good stock tips?” somebody asked. “Can we call you Jimmy the Greek?” joked another, to which I responded, “No, Jimmy the Irishman.” Yet another wrote, “Vegas is calling.”

“Sorry,” I replied.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith February 8, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Update on Chick-fil-A

Back on January 28th I wrote that Indiana University had banned Chick-fil-A from its South Bend campus. University officials were concerned about Chick-fil-A’s donation of food to a marriage conference in Pennsylvania.

In essence, IU was offended that a vendor appeared to be in support of traditional mainstream (biblical) values.

Well, they are apparently offended no more. Chick-fil-A is back at Indiana University.

Raving fans rejoice!

“I heard from many students, faculty, staff, alumni and citizens from across the area, the state and the country,” said Chancellor Una Mae Reck.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture, religious liberty February 7, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Faith at Super Bowl XLV

I think I know who’s going to win the big game.

But first . . .

Over 100 million people will watch Sunday’s Super Bowl contest between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Many of you will be watching for the football. Many more will be watching for the commercials. And some, like my wife, will be indifferent, maybe stopping to catch a few plays or a few minutes here and there.

Jean is like many women, I think.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, events, faith, pop culture February 4, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Attention, Boomers!

If you were born before 1961, this announcement is for you.

Focus on the Family will be hosting a very special “Focus over Fifty” conference from March 10th thru the 13th here on our Colorado Springs campus. Titled “Inspired to Thrive” the gathering will feature Tim and Darcy Kimmel, Dr. Del Tackett, Rob Parsons and comedian Ken Davis. I’ll also be addressing the group – even though, for the record, I was born in 1962.

Although different generations share many similar attributes, those in their 50s and 60s enjoy several distinctives.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, faith, promos, staff February 2, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

WANTED: Your Family Photos!

You probably know Focus on the Family’s motto is “Helping families thrive.”

What you may not know is that our Colorado Springs campus is a significant tourist destination – we’ve had more than 200,000 visitors come through our doors annually for many years running. They come to learn more about who we are and what we do and to share with us how our radio programs and resources have helped them. There is plenty for them to enjoy as they walk through our facility, but one thing is missing.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: faith, family, kids, marriage, parenting January 26, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Would You Walk Away from $12 Million?

Would you walk away from a guaranteed salary of $12 million?

Kansas City Royals pitcher Gil Meche did – all because he thought he wouldn’t be ready to play in 2011.

Plagued by chronic shoulder problems, the 31-year-old righthander’s status for the upcoming season was a question mark – but his salary was not. Under the terms of a five-year deal, Meche had one year remaining on his contract. Yet, Meche decided to retire for no other reason than he thought it was the right thing to do.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, finances January 25, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Do Something Now!

I’ve never been one to lament that the future of the Christian church rests in the hands of those from Generation X, Y or now Z.

Maybe that’s because I’ve always believed there are great leaders and bright lights in every age and stage of life – you just need to know where to look!

Esther Fleece, Focus on the Family’s Director of Millennial Relations, is one such leader, and she’s helped Focus partner with many like-minded ministries dedicated, as we are, to reaching the next generation.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, kids January 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

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