family Archives

Give Back Friday

No, that’s not a typo.

For the past 40 years we’ve been calling today “Black Friday” – a term coined to reflect the date when stores would financially move from red (loss) to black (profit). Back when accounting records were actually kept by hand, the books were tallied with black and red pens.

I am in no position, nor do I have any desire, to criticize retail establishments for hyping today and trying to turn a profit.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, finances November 22, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Thanksgiving

The Desolate Wilderness

A chronicle of the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth, as recorded by Nathaniel Morton.

Here beginneth the chronicle of those memorable circumstances of the year 1620, as recorded by Nathaniel Morton, keeper of the records of Plymouth Colony, based on the account of William Bradford, sometime governor thereof:

So they left that goodly and pleasant city of Leyden, which had been their resting-place for above eleven years, but they knew that they were pilgrims and strangers here below, and looked not much on these things, but lifted up their eyes to Heaven, their dearest country, where God hath prepared for them a city (Heb.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith, family November 22, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: Now Thank We All Our God

This classic, soaring hymn was written in the mid-1600s by a German minister named Martin Rinkart. His ministry began at a church in Eilenburg, just as the Thirty Year War began. The town soon became overpopulated and disease ridden with many taking refuge in the pastor’s house. A deadly plaque swept through the village, killing 8,000 people including Rinkart’s wife. At one point, the beleaguered minister was conducting 50 funerals per day.

Yet, in the midst of it all, Martin Rinkart wrote this hymn, originally designed to be used for grace before dinner.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family November 20, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Ten Things I’m Thankful For

It was the beloved English writer G.K. Chesterton who once observed that the critical thing is whether or not we take the turns of life for granted or with gratitude.

So, in that spirit, I’d like to share with you ten things I’m thankful for this year.

I would love to read your list, too.

1. I’m thankful for the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST … that He died for me – and you (!) and that He represents a power so awesome that its force cannot and will not be stopped on earth.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage, parenting November 20, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why You Should Not Wait for Tomorrow

Dr. R.G. Lee was the longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church of Memphis TN, once the home of our late friend and Focus Board member, Dr. Adrian Rogers.

Dr. Lee is perhaps best known for his sermon, Payday Someday, which he preached over 1,000 times. The following excerpt comes from a message titled, God’s Cure for the World’s Worst Disease.

Some messages are timeless:

The time is NOW.

‘Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart” (Heb.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family November 9, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Death in the Family

It’s with a heavy heart that I share the news that Barbara Hodel went to be with the Lord at 10:30 mountain time last night after battling significant health struggles following her fall and subsequent paralysis five years ago.

Barbara was the wife of Don Hodel, who served as the interim president and CEO of Focus on the Family from May 2003 until February 2005. Don also was a member of the Board for more than 10 years, beginning in 1995.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, news October 12, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

These People Save Others from Themselves

New York City police detective Peter Keszthelyi is assigned to an unusual detail.

When an individual climbs out on a ledge or scales a bridge threatening to commit suicide, Detective Keszthelyi and a partner are called in to try and talk the person out of it.

There are 300 officers assigned to this highly specialized unit in New York City. Unfortunately, they’re busier than they want to be, but often very successful, too. Every situation is unique, of course, but the officers are skilled at trying to get the people to talk and see things from a new and hope-filled point of view.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, friendship October 9, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did You Know This Actor Is Pro-Life?

A friend emailed me a story the other day about the actor Jack Nicholson.

I wonder if you’ve ever heard about his upbringing?

Mr. Nicholson was raised by his grandparents. His biological mother conceived him as an unmarried teenager. Now 75 years of age, he still speaks very lovingly about his childhood and the wonderful people who surrounded him as a young boy. It was this background that firmed up his opposition to abortion and his support for the pro-life movement.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, family, pop culture, pro-life October 7, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What I Saw at Last Night’s Debate

“It’s fun, isn’t it?”

Those were the words of Governor Romney shortly into last night’s presidential debate with President Obama. I was privileged to attend the event along with three of my colleagues, Joel Vaughan, Ken Windebank and Gary Schneeberger (pictured below, left to right).

I have to admit. The debate was fun.

In the midst of the political frenzy and the seriousness of the stakes on November 6th, it’s easy to lose sight of something significant.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, family, policy October 4, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Strangers May Know Where Your Children Are

At the risk of alarming you, this is something you’ll want to know.

Whenever your youngster uses their phone or computer to access the Internet, there are businesses out there collecting, analyzing, dissecting and selling the details of their use to other businesses.

For example, if your daughter posts a photograph of friends on Facebook, it’s possible for certain technology to determine the exact location of the snapshot. Such finite details can be valuable to companies trying to market to teenage girls.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting, technology October 2, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura