Week In Review

In case you didn’t know, this week’s daily radio programs have been about “great families.” The conversations are touching, inspiring and encouraging.

Regarding a tragic auto accident, Gail Allen observed, “You have to have faith … because you can’t rely on emotion when something like this happens.” Hear how Gail and his family dealt with adversity – and stayed close.

Sharing their incredible story of adopting several children from foster care, the Barretts joined us for two days of tender, touching conversation.

And 20 years ago it was unheard of. Now there have been thousands of “embryo adoptions.” Hear from one of the first families to take this unusual journey – and hear their precious “snowflake” daughter, Hannah, too.

Better have some tissues handy when you listen to these “great families!”

Caring For Elderly Parents

A good friend just moved his father from the home he had known for 30 years to an assisted living facility. It was a tough decision, but dementia was starting to affect daily life and had already caused a few near-accidents. It was an interesting process to talk through, and I made mental notes because one day I may have to work through similar circumstances within my own family. In fact, I recently blogged that I had spent some time with my in-laws, who are working through some physical challenges and starting to need a bit of help every now and then with the difficulties with life.What will happen when they need continual care? Who will help shoulder that assignment?

Having watched my friend and some relatives navigate the dynamics of family relationships when an elderly parent needs care made me realize that some families experience more tension than others in such a season. A regular family feud can erupt if the nearest relative “has” to provide the required supervision and assistance. For that reason, it was with some interest that I read this article about making a contract, of sorts, to pay a sibling when the burden of caring for Mom or Dad becomes rather extensive.

Over at the main Focus site you’ll find quite a few helpful articles about caring for elderly parents, which cover topics like these:

I wonder if you’ve found a particularly helpful resource or approach to caring for an elderly parent? Let me know.

Entering The World With A Bit of Flair

While I can brag a bit that I helped deliver our third daughter at home – unexpectedly – I don’t think that story tops this one. And in response, that was a smart move by the airline, I’d say!

Most of the time, babies enter the world with less drama. I wonder, though, if you have – or know of – an unusual story about the labor and delivery process?

Touching Lives

We recently received this encouraging note from a listener:

“I began listening to the Focus on the Family daily broadcast a couple of years ago. At the time, my wife and I lived about thirty minutes from the Air Force base at which I worked, and I would tune in to your program every morning during my commute. That half hour was such a blessing to me. It seemed that every week God would use one of your shows to speak to my heart and either encourage or convict me (whatever I needed at the time). I listened to your broadcast for about a year until we were transferred overseas.

“That move proved to be a difficult one for my wife and me. Over time, we began to feel more and more isolated from our loved ones, as well as from God. At some point I remembered that I could download your daily broadcasts through iTunes. I downloaded as many episodes as I could and burned them onto a CD. I’m now able to, once again, listen to your show during my drive to and from work. The many ways you’ve encouraged me to be a better Christian, husband, and citizen have brought about a much-needed positive shift in my perspective. Thank you for touching my life. I pray that God will continue to bless Focus for many years to come.”

It is a privilege to work on programming that touches lives, and we’re grateful that God is using our broadcasts – via downloaded podcasts – to help this man grow closer to God and to his wife.

If you haven’t yet subscribed to our podcast-version of the daily program why not do so today? It takes just a minute or two, and that way you can always be certain to hear the conversations that will be of benefit to your circumstances.

Video From Last Week’s Marriage Webcast

If you want to review the Focus on the Family webcast last week about “cracking the marriage code,” with Bill and Pam Farrell, or if you missed it altogether, here’s where to see it. Thanks to all who participated!

Orphan Care Sunday Coming Soon

Join Focus on the Family, Hope for Orphans and Show Hope as we observe the first annual Orphan Sunday on November 8. The Nashville-based live event will take place with musical guests Steven Curtis Chapman and Geoff Moore, and guest speakers Jim Daly and Dennis Rainey. This event will be simulcast to churches around the nation that desire to pray for and remember orphans around the world. Go here to learn about how your church can participate.

Autumn Reflections

This weekend I was in East Texas, enjoying the beautiful autumn weather and colors. The primary reason for the trip was to participate in the 40th anniversary celebration for friends at Missionary TECH Team, a small ministry with a profound impact over the years.

Back in 1982 I joined the staff there for about a year, serving as a photographer and learning about missions first-hand. I think the understandings gained there helped me grasp more fully the significance of evangelism and discipleship, and the dedication and hard work of that ministry continues to reach the world — in 40 years TECH has touched folks in all 50 states and 85 countries.

While in Tyler, I enjoyed listening to the stations I helped launch in the ’80s, known now as Encouragement FM.It is gratifying to know that a good foundation was laid there, and that the stations enjoy a sizable and loyal audience.

One wonderful thing about going back to East Texas is that my in-laws are still there, and my daughter and I had a warm and most pleasant visit with them. Their devotion to one another is inspiring, and it was fun to see grandmother having some one-on-one time with her granddaughter. They both were glad for those memories.

Overall, the trip was reflective and thought-provoking. From thinking back to how God has looked so favorably on me these past years, allowing me to associate with three fine ministries since 1982 and some real Kingdom warriors, was humbling.  What a privilege to work with folks in enduring outreaches that help in the Great Commission and in building up the body of Christ!

I also thought about Nichole Nordeman’s touching song about how we move through the seasons of life. Those wonderfully deep lyrics were in my mind as I interacted with some couples who have been married 33 years, one dear husband and wife who have been together 55 years, and my in-laws who are heading toward their 61st anniversary. These folks have hit some impressive milestones, and their longevity speaks to their profound love for each other and the seriousness with which they made their vows.I guess these are “winters,” folks who are in the waning days of life, about to enter the cold days in which death separates them from one another?

Also in the past few days, two couples who have recently welcomed their first babies into the world, with all the freshness and enthusiasm (and uncertainty). They are in the springtime of life, eh?

And the realization that my wife and I are headed toward our 25th wedding anniversary. Hmm, surely we’re experiencing summer? Or maybe entering that fall season, in which leaves start to turn majestic colors and temperatures drop toward freezing?

How about you? Where are you in life’s seasons?

Sexuality in Marriage

Last month we aired a message by Dr. Juli Slattery on Focus on the Family. It has generated a lot of response, and you’ll hear why when you give it a listen! Her presentation, to a large group of women, was all about sexuality. Dr. Slattery was frank – and funny. Her audience loved the unique things she shared.

Related, the Wall Street Journal noted a recent study that indicated couples who share housework often share…more than that! In marriages where the husband does some of the cleaning around the home, sexual intimacy is more frequent. What do you think – true or not?

Finally, I’m thinking back about 25 years ago, when my wife and I read this book. Great stuff there! We laughed a lot, and we learned a lot, too. I’ve been recommending it to couples ever since.

Crack The Code!

There are many aspects to marital communication. There’s the guy-gal, Venus-and-Mars thing. There’s the question of “how many words per day” husbands and wives actually say. There’s the expectation of what a conversation is all about, and where it might lead. And what about motives: “What are you REALLY getting at?”

There’s hope for couples struggling to figure each other out. If you want to better understand your spouse and have improved communication, listen to two (married) experts share their insights about how couples can “crack the code.”

Thursday Webcast: Help For Your Marriage

Misunderstandings and hurt can bury love, but there is a way that couples can thrive and energize every area of their relationship. It starts with learning each others code—a collection of key words, actions, insights and attitudes that determine how a couple’s relationship works. Discovering that code grows and flourishes intimacy.

We’re ready to help your marriage thrive, with this special LIVE interactive event. Talk to marriage experts Bill & Pam Farrel, Thursday, October 22 from 3-5 EST, on a special Focus on the Family webcast. Learn more here and participate with your question via phone or our marriage forum.

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