Daly Focus Blog
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 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
It is probably one of the most endearing and iconic images of Christmas cinematic history. I can see it in my mind; so can you.
Here is teary-eyed George Bailey, played by the beloved Jimmy Stewart. He is exhausted but happy, standing with his family beside a Christmas tree amidst a horde of dear friends. One by one his pals come forward, sacrificially giving of their treasure to help him meet his debt.
I am reminded of this movie today in light of some exciting news that I’d like to share with you.
Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, finances, friendship, staff by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
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 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
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 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
Some of you may have heard or read about Focus on the Family reducing its budget by $27 million for the upcoming year. Of course, we’re hardly alone. Nearly every ministry, organization and corporation in America has been forced to deal squarely with today’s challenging economic times.
In order to balance the books, we’ve trimmed 13% of our staff, which means we’ll be saying good-bye to 110 of our friends and colleagues in these coming days and weeks.
Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, finances, staff by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
The other day a friend—I’ll call him Bill—was telling me about the car he almost bought. Bill’s current ride is twelve years old. To put that into perspective, Bill pointed out he purchased the car three presidents ago—he’s owned it that long. In spite of its age, the 120,000+ miles, the crack in the windshield, and flaking leather seats which were peeling like weathered paint, he loved that car.
I can understand that sentiment. I’ve gotten attached to a few of my cars along the way.
Topics: Family and Home Tags: finances by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
It’s Labor Day, a federal holiday with roots to the labor disputes in Canada back in the 1870’s. The first celebration of Labor Day in the United States took place on the streets of New York City, September 5, 1882. The tradition of taking time to rest and enjoy picnics, parades, backyard barbeques, and fireworks continues to this day—with one sobering difference.
This year the dark cloud of soaring unemployment hovers over the country. When the United States Labor Department released unemployment figures last month, the news was as stunning as it was disheartening.
Topics: Family and Home Tags: finances, friendship, staff by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
A surprising number of business owners I’ve spoken with over the last several months are shaken by the state of the economy. They’ve been candid about the difficult predicament this tight economy has put them in. Many are concerned about having to cut the size of their staff in order to stay financially viable. Others are painfully aware they’re about to lose their family business and, with it, their entire life savings if sales don’t improve.
Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, finances by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
One week ago, our staff at Focus on the Family gathered together for a time of corporate prayer. Like many Christian ministries, we’ve experienced a dip in financial support from our friends and partners due to these tough economic times. We happen to be about $5 million behind the budget right now. However, we did not gather to weep and wring our hands in fear, perplexed by our circumstances. Why would we? Whether in good times or when times get tough, our only hope is found in the Lord.
Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, faith, finances by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
If you are like most Americans, you’ve watched your retirement savings shrink with the plunging stock market. You might be one of the hundreds of thousands without work searching for a job as unemployment soars. And the forecast out of Washington, D.C. these days says we’re in for tough times. America isn’t the only country rocked by such economic turbulence. Countries around the world are in the same boat.
Which is why the current global economic crisis was the hot topic at last week’s G-20 summit of world leaders in London.
Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith, family, finances by Jim Daly with Paul Batura
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.Home
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