family Archives

Cultivating a Kingdom Marriage

The war epic Saving Private Ryan opens with one of the most riveting battle scenes in film history. It depicts in graphic detail the D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. It’s a vivid depiction of heroic bravery and sacrifice.

I also think it depicts the spiritual battle that’s waging over your marriage and mine. Satan despises marriage, and he hopes to destroy each one he can. Trace human history back to the Garden, and you’ll see that Satan made his move against humanity after God brought Adam and Eve together in a union designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church and the intimacy shared between the Trinity.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, marriage November 2, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Maximizing the Happiness in Your Marriage

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Maximizing the Happiness in Your Marriage,” you’ll hear from researcher and author Shaunti Feldhahn, who explains what the happiest married couples do to be … well, happy.

Her premise is simple: the best way to have a good marriage is to find out what the happiest couples are doing and emulate them. To discover what those things are, she surveyed thousands of married couples and dug more deeply into the relationships of those who independently reported high degrees of satisfaction in their marriage.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage October 28, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Two Word Solution to an Age-Old Problem: Stop It!

Readers above a certain age will remember the comedian Bob Newhart. Now 92 years-old, the actor known for his deadpan delivery once played a psychologist dispensing advice to a cast of eclectic characters. Encountering a woman who feared and thought continuously about being buried in a box, the doctor famously relayed a two-word solution:

“Stop it!”

Naturally, breaking a bad and destructive habit is easier said than done. But the first step is realizing the harm that is done by consuming pornography.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, marriage, parenting, pop culture October 27, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Connecting with Your Teen Daughter

Mom, you play a pivotal role in your daughter’s journey to discover her identity and grow into a young woman of character. That process requires your time and presence, both of which can be hard to come by. Whether you work in or out of the home, you’re probably busy.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Connecting with Your Teen Daughter,” we’re talking with author, blogger, and national speaker Kari Kampakis, who will help you understand your teen daughter at a deeper level and build a stronger relationship with her.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting October 25, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Raising Sons to Be Honorable Men

“My coach from my senior year could look at me and knight me with his eyes.”

That powerful comment illustrates the hunger of every boy to have a man, particularly a father, draw him into manhood. It comes from Dr. Robert Lewis, who has been associated with Focus on the Family for years. Back in the late 90s, he wrote a book with Focus called Raising a Modern-Day Knight.

It’s been one of our best sellers ever since.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting October 18, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Keeping Your Family Healthy

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Keeping Your Family Healthy,” we’re talking with Dr. Scott James, author of the book, God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick.

He’s a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. He’s also a member of Focus on the Family’s Physicians Resource Council, a great team of physicians and medical professionals who volunteer their time to advise us about medical issues that are most relevant to families.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage October 15, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Fasting for a Financially Fit Future

The first of the month will be here before you know it. That means the mortgage or rent is due. So is the water and electric bill. Maybe even the car payment and auto insurance. Oh, and don’t forget the car needs more gas soon. You can fuel up on your way to the grocery store.

That’s how it goes with money, doesn’t it? It comes in, and the money goes right back out. And, for a lot of us, there’s not much left over when it’s all said and done.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family October 11, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Helping Your Child Build a Lifelong Faith

One of the most challenging issues Christian parents contact us about is discipleship of their own children. Many moms and dads don’t feel qualified to share their faith effectively.

Do you fear miscommunicating the Gospel and leading your kids astray? Was discipleship never modeled for you growing up? Do you believe that the Church and Sunday school should be enough to teach your kids about their faith?

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Helping Your Child Build a Lifelong Faith” we’re addressing those concerns and encouraging you to take up this responsibility.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids October 6, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Four Most Important Choices You Can Make as a Parent

I’ve interviewed parenting experts who say, “Let go, and allow your kids to make mistakes.”

“That’s easier said than done!” is how most parents would answer back. Author Crystal Paine discovered just how hard parenting can be in the drop-off lane at school. The principal stopped her husband, Jesse, and asked for a meeting.

Their daughter had been exhibiting serious behavior problems and had become suicidal. Other students labelled her a bully, and she was dismissed from school.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting September 28, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Sharing the Load with Your Spouse

According to Psychology Today, 63% of people who say they feel lonely are currently married. Two people drive in the same car, sit at the same table, and sleep in the same bed … yet they feel worlds apart.

My colleague, Dr. Greg Smalley, discovered how lonely his wife, Erin, was after he spent a few weeks during the pandemic cooking family meals when their adult children moved home for a few months. Erin quickly wore out from trying to work and cook for the entire family.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage September 27, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura