Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Dr. Erwin Lutzer, pastor emeritus and author of over 70 books, explores why temptation exists and how it shapes character. He discusses how habits reveal deeper heart issues and when they cross into control. Practical steps include removing triggers, owning struggles honestly, and relying on grace to pursue lasting change.

Dino and Ashley Petrone, co-authors of 'Designed to Last,' share their journey of love and growth. Married young, they navigated early struggles like loneliness and counseling, ultimately deepening their bond through challenges. They discuss how remodeling homes reflects their marriage dynamics and emphasize the importance of embracing difficult paths for personal and relational growth. Ashley offers practical mindset shifts for women in marriage, while both encourage spiritual development as a means to cultivate lasting love.

David Bereit, the founder of 40 Days for Life, shares his transformative journey in pro-life activism. He recounts a pivotal visit to a former abortion facility, emphasizing the church's role in safeguarding life. Listeners will be fascinated by his five-year prayer campaign aimed at reclaiming the building and the stark contrasts between its past and present. Bereit powerfully challenges churches to embody compassion and community support, recounting heartwarming stories of mothers and children saved through love and prayer.

Dr. Kathy Cook, an educational psychologist and author of 'Resilient Kids,' shares invaluable insights on nurturing resilience in children. She explains what defines resilient kids—emotional regulation, confidence, and gratitude. Kathy emphasizes the importance of teaching children to recover from setbacks and highlights five core needs: security, identity, and belonging. Her practical tips include fostering healthy self-talk and modeling availability for open communication. Through spiritual teachings, she encourages kids to strengthen their faith and resilience.

Kathy Cook, an educational psychologist and author of Resilient Kids, shares insights on building resilience in children. She emphasizes the importance of allowing kids to face challenges rather than overprotecting them. Kathy recounts a personal injury that taught her resilience and discusses how small victories, like dressing independently, foster growth. She highlights the significance of reframing mistakes versus failures and encourages open communication about hardships. Tune in for practical tools to cultivate resilience in your home!

Former NFL chaplain Kerry Casey shares powerful insights on racial unity and Christian love, influenced by his family's legacy. He urges listeners to embrace their God-given identity and highlights the importance of dignity across races. Kerry recalls lessons from his dad on perseverance and loyalty, referencing his high school football days. He emphasizes the need for teachability, integrity, and a Christlike attitude, stressing that true Christian witness is demonstrated through love and service.

Justin Brierley delves into the rising openness to Christianity in today's culture, especially among young people. He emphasizes the importance of Christians understanding their faith to engage with skeptics effectively. Science and personal experiences shaped his belief in a Creator. Brierley highlights a notable conversion story and discusses how Christian narratives underpin Western morality. He advocates for gentleness and respect in apologetics, urging believers to embody their faith attractively amidst cultural challenges.

Dr. Randy Schroeder, a clinical counselor and author, shares essential strategies for nurturing a healthy marriage. He emphasizes the power of forgiveness and suggests that couples should focus on solutions during conflicts. With research highlighting that interruptions can predict unhappiness, he recommends pausing before responding. Laughter and shared faith are vital for intimacy, while practicing calm responses can change communication habits. Randy cautions against secrets and sarcasm, advocating for a respectful dialogue to foster marital happiness.

Dr. Randy Schroeder, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of Simple Habits for Marital Happiness, shares invaluable insights on cultivating a healthy marriage. He emphasizes the power of forgiveness as the foundation for lasting happiness and warns against the dangers of secrets and sarcasm. Randy highlights the importance of self-reflection and transforming conflict into solution-focused discussions. He provides practical strategies, such as weekly giving questions and healing rituals, to strengthen relationships and build trust.

Tricia Goyer, an author and adoption advocate, shares her journey of faith and family as she discusses her book, Heart Happy. She reflects on her past as a teen mom and the importance of recognizing hidden brokenness among her seven adopted children. Tricia emphasizes the difference between happiness and joy, illustrating how God-centered happiness brings true fulfillment. Through techniques for bonding with trauma-affected kids and the necessity of self-care in the chaos of life, she inspires listeners to find peace in trusting God.