Did You See It?

The unexpected “John 3:16″ commercial aired by Focus on the Family on CBS last Saturday during the Broncos-Patriots game certainly generated some buzz.

Amidst the talk show conversations, the increased traffic to the Focus website, and the many online articles about the ad – and Focus on the Family – as Focus president Jim Daly noted on his blog, some numbers are more important than others:

What touched us most, though, was this simple tweet from a man watching the game with his family: “Both my sons just saw your commercial and gave their lives to Christ as a result. Thank you. #John316″

You may think of Focus on the Family first and foremost as helping couples strengthen their marriages, raise happy, healthy children and engage the culture with biblical truth. Those are all important priorities for us, to be sure, and we’re humbled and honored by the opportunities the Lord has given us for 35 years to help families thrive in these areas. But our overriding aim, as a Christian ministry, is to share the Gospel of Christ. Offering family advice is not enough. To make a real, everlasting difference, we have to introduce people to the Author of family.

We’re grateful for all the media exposure created by the spot, the many Google searches for Focus on the Family, and even the tens of thousands of people world-wide who looked up the Bible verse as highlighted by the commercial. But most important, we’re thankful that God was pleased to use His word, as so beautifully expressed by those lovely children, to bring someone into a new relationship with Him.

 

Radio Is Reaching Our Military

If you’ve ever supported the work of Focus on the Family, through prayer and/or a financial contribution, you are a part of a dynamic outreach to those who need a good word! The following note was encouraging for us, and I hope it’ll be so for you, too:

I just wanted to say how great it is to be able to listen to Focus on the Family’s daily broadcasts online.  I’m in the military, and…most of the people I work with are not Christians, which is apparent in their lifestyles and vocabulary.  I listen to your programs at work.  Sometimes people aren’t quite sure what to say when they ask what I’m listening to and I tell them ‘Focus on the Family.’  However, it is a good way to spread the word about the Lord and tell people about your ministry.  It’s always nice to know that I can hop online and gain encouragement from your broadcasts (it is especially helpful on deployments when my surroundings are strange and scary).
We’re privileged to be used by God to speak into the lives of those serving in the military. I hope that you’ll consider a gift of $10 or $20 today to help us continue reaching out through radio, websites and more. In fact, right now you can effectively double your donation, thanks to a matching grant from some special friends of Focus on the Family. Find out more here.

A Rich Twenty

A favorite memory from our final days in Tyler. My oldest child, age three at the time, walking with my niece.

In late July 1991, I was pondering a job change. I was happy with managing two Christian radio stations in Texas. Our circumstances were close to ideal. We lived two blocks from my wife’s sister and her family. One set of grandparents—we had one child at the time—lived only twenty minutes away. We belonged to a good church, had some wonderful friends, and loved our neighborhood.

To accept the new job would mean moving to Colorado and leaving all we had known as a young family. There’d be some tears if we took on the challenge of a new job in a new city and state.

That was a lot of upheaval to consider.

As a complicating factor, we were expecting at any time the birth of a second child.

Weighing the opportunity, we sought counsel from trusted friends. After considerable prayer and thought, we decided to go for it.

Within hours of making the decision, Dena went into labor. In fact, Seth was born just eight hours after I called to accept the offer to join the Focus on the Family broadcast team. Six weeks later, I was in Colorado starting the new job.

And today, September 13, marks my 20th anniversary with the organization. The time has flown!

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work at Focus, and haven’t regretted the tumultuous move we made to be here in Colorado. I thank God for the many great things that I’ve experienced these past two decades!  Of course, I thank my wife Dena for faithfully supporting and praying for me through these years. I’ll also offer a public thank you to the many who have helped me grow and serve more effectively at Focus. I’ve served under some superb leaders!

Now, let me get a tissue to wipe my eyes…

NOTE: The above thoughts are adapted from the last chapter (“Blink!”) of my book, First Time Dad, The Stuff You Really Need To Know. Download the first chapter, and find additional material, from the links to the right side of this blog. It is available in paperback and e-reader formats, and I’ll have an audio book out soon, as well.

And, as I consider the past 20 years at Focus, five quick reflections:

  1. There have been lots of hellos and goodbyes. Staff, guests, friends in the business. Transitions are part of life, aren’t they?
  2. I’m surrounded by truly amazing people. My co-workers have heart, depth, commitment, passion, business savvy, wisdom, talent, and a love for Christ that are really inspiring!
  3. God has shown Focus on the Family incredible favor, with outstanding open doors, audiences, partnerships and impact. Literally thousands of lives are changed through Focus on the Family every year.
  4. My favorite times include our in-studio conversations with guests, and meeting friends (and partners) of the ministry. There are so many terrific people who have a desire to help families!
  5. The most gratifying aspect of my work over the years has been the opportunity to share the Good News with folks, knowing God is reaping an eternal harvest through us. I am humbled to know He sends our radio programming around the world, and that many broadcasts have helped individuals better understand His grace and mercy in Christ. Awesome!

Help For Blended Families

Blended families present husbands, wives, moms, dads, and children – regardless of age – special opportunities and difficulties. A lot of angst, emotion…and special graces can be seen in the “mashing together” of individuals into a family.  At the Focus Marriage Forum, the most active conversation centers around blended families, kids and priorities.

Today’s Focus radio program addresses blended families. Our guests, Danny and Rayna Ortlie, speak openly about the joys – and challenges – of their rather unique situation. By the way, Danny’s book, Mommy Paints The Sky, is a tender account of his the marriage to and loss of his first wife, and how God graciously brought Rayna into his life.

Struggling with tough issues in your family? You’ll find a helpful list of trusted resources here. If you’d prefer to talk with someone, Focus on the Family Help Center counselors are here to listen and pray with you. You can arrange to speak with a licensed Christian counselor at no cost by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mountain time. Last year this compassionate team helped 66,000 individuals – so be aware that you’ll probably need to leave your name and number for a counselor to return your call.

Escaping the Kids

I doubt that he anticipated the response when he wrote about it on his blog. Obviously, though, my colleague (and boss) Focus President Jim Daly touched a nerve when he shared his thoughts about McDain’s Restaurant and Golf Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. The eatery had just recently implemented a new rule that  bans children under the age of six. There was some press coverage about the policy, sparking some sharp comments.

Some parents were offended. How dare a business ban children! Others – even parents, or perhaps especially parents – said they are fine with a “kid free” zone, where they can enjoy a meal without a crying child (maybe even their own!).

Here’s the link. Read Jim’s thoughts, and if you have a few minutes, browse the comments by his readers – almost 900 people have weighed in so far!

And tell me: Do you favor a place where you can “escape kids?” Or do you find a rule like the one at McDain’s offensive?

By the way, I’m for a business being able to exclude kids. Even my own.

Connecting With Focus

“Why am I here? Because Focus on the Family has been part of my life for the past 20 years. You’ve helped me in my marriage and in raising my kids. I’m grateful for all Focus has done, and it just seemed like I had to be here today!”

It is something we hear frequently. Focus on the Family is indeed a special ministry, and God has enabled us to really connect with people in many deep ways. That comment was from a woman I met while in Vancouver, BC last weekend for the dedication of a new headquarters for Focus on the Family Canada.

The new building – paid for at move-in! – is phenomenal in every way, but as I told FOF Canada president Terence Rolston, what really makes the place special is the staff. Energetic, enthusiastic, dedicated to the mission and obviously appreciative of and affectionate toward each other, the folks who make up Focus Canada are a terrific group.

During Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremony, a private banquet that evening and then during Saturday’s open house, I met some wonderful friends of the ministry. There were some folks who flew across the country to participate in the events. One family we greeted drove 10 hours to the Vancouver area. A woman I met said she made a four hour drive to join the festivities. Along the way there were many similar reminders of the doors God has opened for Focus to speak into the lives of men and women, boys and girls.

Why do folks feel such a connection to Focus? I believe it is God’s doing, a response to our prayers that He use our efforts in significant ways. We ask Him often to touch lives through what we do.

Every day we hear reports and stories about just that – ways in which Focus has been used by God to make a lasting impact on someone.Here’s a particularly poignant account of a life changed:

“I am one of Focus on the Family’s silent supporters. I’m silent in the sense that you don’t know that I’m here, but I am. I first heard your program on the radio when I was an eighteen-year-old runaway. Your broadcast, and others like it, helped me to return to my faith and family. I am now reconciled with my family (which I thank God came about before my father’s sudden death), happily married, and expecting our first child. Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable to me over the years. As I have struggled to reestablish my faith, you have provided a refreshing guide to ‘practical’ Christianity that I have desperately needed.”

If God has used Focus in YOUR life, would you please let us know? Make a comment below. Visit our Facebook page and leave a story (or at the least, “Like” us). Call us (800-232-6459). Or drop a note to Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995. (if you are in Canada, our contact info is here).

Finally, as this is really a spiritual effort, would you please pray with us? We have specific ways you can pray for Focus on the Family here.

Thanks again to the talented, hard-working staff in our Canada office, to the many who participated in the events last week, and most of all, to God for His on-going goodness and work.

Father’s Day Contest

Perhaps the most powerful influence in the world is that of a dad on his child. Not only did I have a father who modeled in word and deed what it meant to be a good dad, but I have the awesome privilege of being a dad of six children along with my wife, Dena. Next week, Sunday, June 19th, is Father’s Day.

 And so, to celebrate, I have teamed up with my publisher, Moody Publishers, to give away some great prizes over the week leading up to Father’s Day!

Daily winners will receive:

One grand prize winner will receive this prize package:

 

Enter to Win:

Enter to win by leaving the answer to the ONE of the following questions in the comment section of this blog post:

1)      What is one of your favorite first time dad stories?
2)      What is some of the best first time dad advice you’ve received?
3)      What is one question all first time dads ask?

Get Extra Entries by: 

1. Tweeting the following about this contest (must include the website link):
Enter to win a First Time Dad prize package! http://johnfullerblog.com

2. Join John Fuller on his Facebook fan page
Become a fan by clicking on the “Like” button. If you are already a fan, use the “Share” link on John’s page to post it to your wall.

 You must leave an additional comment on this blog post letting me know you did any of the above to receive the extra entries.

Deadlines & Winners

FAQs

Can I enter if I am not a first-time dad?
Yes, anyone can enter. Perhaps you want to win the contest to give the information to your husband or to friends who are expectant parents.

Why isn’t my comment on the blog showing up?
Please note that all comments must be approved by the moderator before they appear on the blog. It may take a few hours for your comment to appear, but all contest entry comments will be counted.

*This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with daddytoolbelts.com, Starbucks, or Facebook. The tool belt and gift card were purchased by Moody Publishers for this contest.

Prizes unclaimed after 10 business days subject to forfeiture.

God bless!

Parenting With Courage

Do you know a “Courageous Parent?” You’ve likely come across a difference-maker who goes “above and beyond” to better the life of their child. Moms who do really admirable things. Dads who are really engaged. Parents who are not afraid, but are confidently and courageously raising the next generation.

Tell us a brief story about an exemplary parent in our Courageous Contest! You can do so in these five ways:

-     Online
-     Facebook
-     Email your story to contest@focusonthefamily.com
-     Call us and record your contest entry at 866-371-6966
-     Send us your story by mail to: Focus on the Family, Courageous Contest Entry, Colorado Springs, CO 80995

Every week during the contest period there will be five weekly winners who will receive resource collections or digital downloads valued at approximately $75. One grand prize winner will win a trip to attend the premiere of Courageous, the latest film from the creators of Fireproof.

We’d love to hear about any person in your life who is a Courageous Parent!

Kids and The Stress of Life

I hate school! I don’t want to go to school!

That’s what he said, and my calm reply was, in essence, “Too bad.” I explained that it is my rule, and a state law, that he has to go to school. We all have things we don’t like, and usually we have to just do those. Same for school.

A day or two later, he got out of school. Well, for a day. He was suspended. I won’t go into the details here, but let’s say that these are not the usual challenges parents of a first-grade student have to deal with. He figured out how to get out of school. Good for him! In this regard he is an over-achiever!

While difficult, we do smile at the boy’s persistence. He is, if nothing else, creative and determined. Now, to challenge that energy into something more…productive. Whew!

Related to the broad spectrum of parenting challenges, I saw this article about younger children who wrestle with going to school. Now, this woman’s child isn’t as trying as our son, but still, it seems many kids are struggling with life? Even something as constant and enduring as school?

Are YOUR kids stressed out?

My child is...

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Christmas Prayer

I don’t know of anyone who isn’t busy in life, especially this Christmas season. My wife and I have avoided being over-committed, and yet the schedule has been quite full these past few weeks. Still, there’s a difference between busy and hectic, between a full calendar and an overwhelmed life. We’re not stressed, but we have wished for a bit of free time to contemplate “the reason for the season.” Maybe you can relate?

Helping us refocus our attention, here’s a meaningful prayer that my wife found. It reflects our hearts for a touch from God to restore the wonder…

Dear Heavenly Lord,

The Christmas story is so full of activity, and yet, Mary quietly pondered. She was in a place of silence, not because she was untouched by all the events around her, but because she was capable of wonder. In the midst of the Christmas hustle, help our family to find that quiet place of wonder, that quiet place of prayer where we, like Mary, can learn to treasure what you treasure.

In Jesus’ Name.

Find that prayer, and another one to pray specifically on behalf of your children, right here.

May you have a blessed and merry Christmas!

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