Mobile News & Movie Reviews

Posted on May 7, 2008
Filed Under Entertainment | Leave a Comment

Has this happened to you?

It’s date night and you decide to see a movie. You’re standing in the ticket line tempted to see the movie everyone is talking about. You notice the larger-than-life posters swinging from the ceiling in the lobby heralding its release. Sure look interesting. But you remain uncertain. Far too often you’ve been disappointed by a friend’s recommendation. There’s been too much violence . . . more profanity than a gangsta rap record . . . or maybe it was just plain boring. Hardly worth the $9.

The line inches ahead. Almost time to make your choice.

If only you had access to a fair and balanced movie review from a family perspective. Sure, you’re familiar with PluggedInOnline.com. One problem. In your hurry to get out the door, you forgot to checkout what our film reviewers had to say before leaving home. Now what? Hope for the best? Ask a young ticket salesperson what they’d suggest? Call a friend who’s seen it and then rely upon their taste, judgment and discernment—or lack thereof?

Is 88 Minutes worth spending 90 minutes watching?
Is Prom Night a parent’s nightmare?
Is The Forbidden Kingdom something you should forbid?
Is Horton Hears a Who! a worthy pick for you know who?

Good news! The answers are now as close as your cell phone. Read more

Condoms for 11-Year-Olds?

Posted on May 5, 2008
Filed Under Parenting, News Flash | 1 Comment

I’m not sure if you saw this news story. In October 2007, the Portland, Maine School Committee voted in favor of a plan to dish out birth control patches and pills to students as young as sixth grade at King Middle School. That’s the same school that had been dispensing condoms to kids as young as eleven-years-old since 2002. Eleven?

Did I mention that parental consent isn’t required?

Actually, it’s against the law in Maine.

Schools in Maine—and in many other states—will not inform parents of how their children are treated at a school clinic if they’ve signed a waver for treatment in case of injury, illness, or other emergencies. Junior can request birth control just as easily as asking for Band-Aid®. This begs a number of questions: Does a school health official have your child’s best interest at heart?

What eleven-year-old should be on the pill?
Why are middle-school children sexually active?
Where are the parents?

Of course, those in favor of such handouts argue: “Kids will be kids. They’ll never listen to their parents. They’re gonna have sex so you might as well give them the tools to play safe.” Really? Read more

Giving Thanks for My Family

Posted on April 30, 2008
Filed Under Personal | 1 Comment

I’m in Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings this week as well as to participate in the National Day of Prayer. Tomorrow’s activities include brunch at White House which is a real honor. My wife Jean and the boys are with me and, with an eye on the National Day of Prayer, I can’t help but reflect and give thanks to the Lord for the joy that my family brings me.

One of the things I love about my wife, for example, is her incredible nurturing heart. I first noticed Jean’s innate mothering flair in the way she related to animals. We had five cats at one point because Jean would find strays or unwanted kitties who needed love. One cat in particular had just three legs. We called him “Tripod” and loved on him as if he were no different than the rest.

When we started discussing having kids, Jean wasn’t sure that she was capable of being a good mother. Read more

NDP: 7 Days and Counting

Posted on April 25, 2008
Filed Under News Flash | 1 Comment

On May 1st millions of Christians from all walks of life, and from across the country, will unite their voices in prayer as part of the 57th annual National Day of Prayer. Why should believers take a day to focus on prayer? Why pray for our families, our friends, and the needs and challenges facing America?

Simply put, God invites us to do so and promises a blessing when we do. In the book of 2 Chronicles, God says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (7:14).

God’s looking for four things from us, starting with humility. Boy, that’s a tough one. We can be so proud of our accomplishments, our inventions, our lifestyles—you name it. I’m afraid humility isn’t one of our strengths as a nation. Read more

EAT MOR CHIKN

Posted on April 17, 2008
Filed Under Personal | 2 Comments

Yesterday I returned home from a trip to Washington, D.C. where the streets are lined with pink, white, and red dogwoods starting to bloom. Talk about a beautiful sight to behold. I’m back home now where this morning my boys Trent and Troy awoke to a joyous sight . . . five inches of snow!

It’s springtime . . . and it’s snowing in Colorado Springs. Go figure.
The reason I was in the nation’s capital was to speak at a luncheon held in honor of Truett Cathy, founder and Chairman of Chic-fil-A. (As you can see in the photo, we had an awesome view of the White House and the Washington Monument from our meeting room.)

Credited as the man who invented the chicken sandwich back in 1964, Truett felt convicted to build his company with the distinctive of remaining closed on Sunday—a policy which continues to this day. Thanks, in part, to the popular EAT MOR CHIKIN campaign, his chain of more than 1,300 stores has become the second largest chicken franchise in the country. Read more

Living With No Regrets

Posted on April 12, 2008
Filed Under Personal | Leave a Comment

Art teachers depend on it . . .
Kids love making things with it . . .
Carpenters swear by it . . .

I’m talking about Elmer’s Glue, a cornerstone product of Borden, Inc. which also developed Krazy Glue. As difficult as it may be to imagine life without these adhesives, there’s a fascinating story behind one of the sons of the company’s namesake, inventor Gail Borden, Jr.. But first some background.

In 1857, Gail invented condensed milk. During the Civil War, Gail watched his sales soar as the Union armies used his product in the field. About the time of World War II, he pioneered instant coffee, non-dairy creamer, and a variety of powdered foods that wouldn’t spoil without refrigeration. In time, the company he founded was worth millions. Along the way, he gave birth to several children.

I’ll zero in on William Borden. Considering the size of the family fortune, William was a millionaire the moment he was born. He was set for life. As the company grew, so did his earthly fortunes. Upon graduation from high school, his parents desired to give him a gift. One problem. What do you give a kid who already has everything? They decided a trip around the world would be the ticket.

Off he went.

As William made his way through Africa, Asia, and parts of the Middle East, he was deeply moved by the face of poverty, hunger, and neglect he witnessed first hand. At one point, William wrote home with a startling announcement: “I’m going to give my life to prepare for the mission field.”

No longer content to take the reigns of his family business, or spoil himself in the family fortune, he set his mind on becoming a missionary. Taking his Bible, he turned to the back and wrote down two words: No Reserves. Read more

Be Our Guest

Posted on April 9, 2008
Filed Under Focus Ministries | Leave a Comment

I enjoy starting my day with a fresh cup of Starbucks coffee—Grande vanilla latte, low fat, half caff, thank you very much. Not only do I enjoy the coffee, I’m blown away by their level of customer service. When I walk in the door of our local Starbucks, I’m still surprised that the barrister knows what I like to drink, what size cup I typically order, and even how hot to brew it for my taste—before I order!

Now that’s what I call first-class service.

I’ve been so impressed by the company, I recently purchased a book entitled, The Starbucks Experience. Here, Joseph Michelli, a Colorado Springs resident and aquaintance, presents what he calls “five principles for turning ordinary into extraordinary.”

You see, as an ex-businessman I take real interest in the way businesses treat their customers. I’m constantly on the lookout how we, at Focus on the Family, might improve our level of service to those who come to us for marriage and family resources.

One of the things I admire about Dr. Dobson is his commitment to provide world-class service and hospitality to our constituents, whether they get in touch via phone, web, mail, or at an event. Likewise, when folks come to visit and tour our headquarters, as more than 214,000 did last year from around the world, our goal is to make each and every one feel welcomed. In my view, this pursuit of “excellence in service” is as much of a priority as is creating excellent resources.

Which is why I was thrilled to hear the following story. Read more

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About

Jim Daly is the President of Focus on the Family. He has been married to his wife, Jean, since 1986. They have two sons. The Daly family resides in Colorado Springs. Finding Home represents Jim's musings on work, family and faith.