family Archives

Marriage is Good for Your Heart

You’ve heard the adage, “Happy wife, happy life,” but how about this one:

The happier your marriage, the better your chance of surviving and recovering from heart surgery.

It’s true.

According to a new study out of the University of Rochester, the better a person’s marriage, the more likely they are to live longer after heart surgery than those who are single or unhappy in marriage.

“I can only imagine that people who have a good marriage are pretty happy people,” said a Boston cardiac surgeon, Robert Hagberg.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, marriage August 23, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Talking Teen Rage

What’s the main cause of teenage rage in America?

Is it a matter of poor parenting – or no parenting at all?

Writing in last Saturday’s Wall Street Journal, Peggy Noonan drew a chilling parallel between fatherless homes and the riots we’re seeing in England, as well as the “flash mob” incidents that have been occurring with increasing frequency here in the U.S.

In regard to what to do about it, Ms. Noonan reflected:

The normal, old response to an emerging problem such as this has been: The government has to do something.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, family, parenting August 21, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Philadelphia Mayor’s Plain Talk

Americans have grown accustomed to politically correct talk, vague words describing dark deeds. To some, abortion is a matter of “reproductive freedom.” To others, adultery is acceptable in a progressive culture – everybody does it.

A culture’s lexicon is ever evolving, especially among those inclined to call good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). So perhaps this is why plain, blunt talk is somewhat jarring, but at the same time, welcome music to the ears, especially in the case of recent comments from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, family, parenting, pro-life August 19, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

When a Mother Meddles

The story begins over eighty years ago. In 1930 Yankee legend Lou Gehrig, who was notoriously shy, was smitten with a young redhead named Ruth Martin. Very little is known about their courtship, but there are strong indications he wanted to marry her.

At 27 years of age, Lou was in his seventh season with the Yankees. And although he was forced to share the spotlight with Babe Ruth, he was a major star on baseball’s biggest stage.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting August 4, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Facebook Recognizes Preborn Life

Has it ever struck you as strange that when a pregnant woman is injured in an accident, journalists will routinely refer to the condition of her “baby” – but absent such an unfortunate incident, they’re more likely to reference that same child as a “fetus”?

According to a story out this week:

Facebook is now letting parents-to-be list their unborn children on their personal profiles.

Among options that include daughter, son, wife and husband, the “Friends and Family” section under “Edit Profile” now allows the option “Expected: Child.” Parents can add a due date and the baby’s name.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, news, pop culture, pro-life August 4, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Do You Think of Childless Restaurants?

Just two weeks ago McDain’s Restaurant and Golf Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, implemented a new rule that bans children under the age of six.

According to owner Mike Vuick, there’s “nothing wrong with babies, but the fact is you can’t control their volume.”

One occurrence is not a trend, but there seems to be evidence of a growing impatience or downright irritation with young children these days. Or at the very least, there appears to be an unwillingness to recognize a distinction between children who are well behaved and kids who wreak havoc in public places.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, news, pop culture August 2, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Who Manages Your Budget?

The story is told of two men, both married to their respective wives for just over a year. They were discussing the adjustment that accompanies such a major transition, and in particular, the challenge of managing the family’s finances.

“I’m the head of my house,” the first man said dogmatically. “I think I should be; after all, I earn the money.”

“Well,” the other man replied, thinking himself more egalitarian, “my wife and I have a perfect agreement.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, finances August 2, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Are You the Next Guy?

My friend and colleague, Marlen Wells, is a former Toronto police officer. After twelve years on the force he turned in his badge to pursue a calling in youth ministry. He and his wife, Bobbi, have five children, two of whom are still teens. Perhaps because of the “street sense” he culled from a career as a cop, Marlen knows how to creatively communicate with people, especially young adults.

I’ll share just one example. I wonder if you can relate.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting August 1, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Summer Favorites

“I would maintain,” said the English writer, G.K. Chesterton, “that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” Like most parents we’ve tried to instill in our boys a spirit of gratitude. Since this is vacation week, and pivoting off yesterday’s discussion, I thought I’d ask them to share their favorite things about summer. As you can see, they tend to think alike!

Trent (10 7/8 yrs)

My birthday
Spending time with family
Seeing friends
Water fights
Camping

Troy (8 7/8 yrs)

My birthdayCamping
Hanging with Daddy
Shooting Airsoft guns
Water fights

Somebody once said that if a person isn’t grateful for what he already has, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids July 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

We’re headed out of town this week, for a week in the woods with our trusty camper. The boys are especially excited to be going, as are Jean and I, of course. After our inaugural season with the fifth wheel last year, I’m starting to get a handle on it – I think! But if you happen to see smoke signals in the western sky, you’ll know we’re in need of some help.

Summer is that golden season, when routines change up a bit and schedules, hopefully, loosen somewhat, too.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids July 12, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura