marriage Archives

The Royal Wedding: Why So Much Interest?

NOTE: The following was originally published on April 14, 2011.

Come April 29th, the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton will be televised by every major network and cable news channel. It will be viewed all over the world. Over one million people are expected to travel to London, if only to catch a glimpse and play their part.

Why? What is it about the royal wedding that pulls so many people in?

To some degree, it is, of course, the substance of the classic fairy tale: beauty, romance, nobility and prestige, not to mention the hope and expectation of a happy marriage and life.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage April 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Does Facebook Cause Divorce?

Do you use Facebook?

There’s a new survey out this week suggesting that the popular social networking site is a major factor in 1 out of 5 U.S. divorces.

Are you surprised?

Before going any further, let’s be clear:

Facebook doesn’t cause divorce – people do.

But …

Over the years, the evolution of technology has always facilitated marital infidelity, at least for those so inclined. When the telephone was first invented, people were suddenly able to talk instantly with another person in a different locale.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: divorce, marriage, technology March 10, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Ideal Age to Marry

I first met Jean Stephens in the summer of 1985 at a wedding in California. People often say that weddings are great places to meet people (for good reason!), but at the time I wasn’t interested in finding a girlfriend. It would be nine months before our first date, but we were married in August of 1986.

I was 25 years old.

According to the social science research, is that a good age to marry? It was for me – but how about the population at-large?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, marriage March 1, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

President Obama’s Refusal to Defend Marriage

The Obama Administration’s decision to no longer defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act, while not completely shocking, is still startling and significant on numerous levels.

Setting aside the president’s personal opposition to DOMA and the history of his contradictory positions on marriage over the years, yesterday’s announcement ostensibly reduces the legal interpretation and enforcement of the United States Constitution to but two people:

President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder.

In essence, the president and his AG have unilaterally determined that DOMA is unconstitutional.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, marriage, policy February 24, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Love and Loss

Whether young or old, yesterday was a happy day for those in love. On one end of the spectrum you have Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina. They’ve been married 86 years! What’s their advice for a strong and happy marriage?

“Respect, support and communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest and true. Love each other with ALL of your heart.”

That sounds right to me.

Then there is Stephanie Hull and US Air Force Captain John Wu from Louisville, Kentucky.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage, relationships February 15, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Valentine’s Day S.O.S.

As I mention on today’s broadcast (listen here) I’m in a bit of a spot. For last year’s Valentine’s Day I prepared a special dinner for Jean (baked pasta). Trent and Troy served as the waiters, and we had a great time doing it. In fact, it was such a hit that I was planning on cooking another dinner with the same menu again! I shared this with the team and they were aghast. The same thing?!

Topics: Family and Home Tags: humor, marriage, relationships February 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Solve 90% of Your Marital Problems

Since you’re not perfect, your marriage can’t be perfect, either.

Agreed?

But what would you say if I told you 90% of the conflicts in your marriage could be resolved by doing just one thing?

Does it sound implausible, too good to be true?

Not according to recent guests on our daily broadcast, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott.

According to the research, 90% of marital conflict could be resolved (or avoided) if we simply put ourselves in our partner’s shoes.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage February 10, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Chick-fil-A Banned

Indiana University has banned Chick-fil-A from its South Bend campus.

Why?

It’s all because one of the popular company’s restaurants in Pennsylvania has announced plans to donate food to the Pennsylvania Family Institute and Family Life for The Art of Marriage: Getting to the Heart of God’s Design conference.

Translation: According to Indiana University, those who support (or even hint at supporting) traditional marriage are not welcome, and by association, neither are their chicken sandwiches, waffle fries or handspun milkshakes.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, homosexuality, marriage, policy, pop culture January 28, 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

You Can Find Hope in Troubled Times

I was recently talking with a friend, and he began to draw a parallel between a mutual acquaintance of ours and my childhood. The person in question is a real survivor and currently managing a rather chaotic existence. He said it reminded him of me and the untraditional life of my youth.

While there are similarities, I suggested there was a significant distinction between the two. Unlike this friend of ours who appears content with his troubled lot, I managed to survive abandonment and loneliness because of one main thing: I lived in a constant state of hope, always praying and dreaming that I might someday, someway, trade chaos for order and an unconventional family life for a traditional home.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, husband, marriage, wife January 26, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura