Power of Radio

Here’s a recent comment about the was God can significantly use a radio program to touch a life:

“Back in the mid-90s, I was in my home office working on the computer and listening to music when my one-year-old son crawled into the room. He went straight to the radio, spun the tuning knob several times, and then left. He ‘just so happened’ to tune in to a Christian station that was airing a program unfamiliar to me – the Focus on the Family daily broadcast. To make a long story short, I’ve been listening to your show for the past fifteen years and have supported your ministry during that time. Most importantly, though, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, due in large part to your programs! I’m still amazed that God used a toddler’s tiny hand to set into motion the events that would eventually lead to my salvation!”

I love being able to work on this broadcast, which goes around the world and can be a life-changer!

Birth Order Insights

This week I had the privilege of recording some programs with Dr. Kevin Leman. He is an insightful, highly engaging and humorous friend to have in the studio! While we didn’t talk about the topic directly, one of his “specialties” is addressing birth order and how that affects us – and our families.

I think it is pretty amusing to hear Dr. Leman talk to someone about their place in the birth order, and then go on to describe their personality and sometimes even specific characteristics of their mate! In fact, he shared with me that recently he was chatting with someone at an event, and Dr. Leman told the fellow that – just from their conversation – he had determined the man is a first-born, married to a last-born. And he was right!

Here’s a blog entry at the Wall Street Journal about birth order and marriage in which Dr. Leman is cited. Check it out – and be sure to see some of the reader comments, too.

If you’d like to learn more, watch this video of Dr. Leman talking generally about birth order; get his newly updated classic about the subject; order his book, First Born Advantage (which is on sale for a very good price); or go to his official website.

Healed!

Our youngest stepped on a nail the other day. He poked his foot pretty good, although not deeply. And for a day he hopped around the house on one foot. It was pretty noisy – we have hardwood floors, and while he isn’t a very big kid, Zane’s hopping sounded like a marching band was going through the place. He was pretty cute as he made his way from the bedroom to the living room. (And yes, we made sure he is up-to-date on shots.)

Anyway, he started getting better yesterday, and after church took his shoes and sock off. When he did that, the plastic bandage came off, too. He notices these things. He looked intently at his foot and then, looking at his sister standing nearby, said, “I think the Holy Spirit made my foot stop bleeding.”

He repeated that diagnosis to me a few minutes later, and all I could say was, “You are probably right, buddy.” Who am I to argue with him?

As I smiled at Zane’s faith in God’s ability to heal his sore foot, I thought about the innocence and truly child-like quality of his statement. We read a lot of Bible stories to him, and while those are important for Zane to hear and to know, it was mighty pleasing to see that he is internalizing those, and that he related God’s ability to heal with today, with his own need. In his mind, his foot is better, so it must have been God’s healing hand at work.

I also thought about the more adult, sophisticated response to illness and injury – even in Christian circles. I’ll admit that I tend to ascribe physical improvements to medicine or the physical therapist. When I have a headache, I do occasionally pray about it, but I more often grab some pain reliever. And when I get better, I don’t usually attribute my healed wounds and hurts directly to the Holy Spirit.

But maybe I’ll start doing that.

Someone Is Right

In today’s world of tolerance and relativity, many are afraid of offending others by suggesting there are absolutes. Statements like, “I’m right, and you are wrong,” are rarely uttered anymore. That seems so…oddly arrogant or misguided. But we don’t have to shy away from Truth; indeed, we are called by Christ to be light and salt – and there’s no middle ground.

Here’s one person who isn’t afraid to declare Truth, and he boldly suggests that, in today’s world, we can’t both be right. This is one engaging conversation!

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?

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.

What’s Been Playing

If you haven’t been tuned in lately, here’s what you’ve missed on the daily Focus on the Family broadcast:

We’ve had some strong programming. I hope you’re benefiting from the conversations!

Favorite Christmas Memory?

Have a favorite Christmas memory? Share your brief story with us, and maybe with the world! Details here.

God Changes Lives

Here are a couple of former star athletes who have seen God change lives – and they have some riveting stories to tell! Hear how a basketball stand-out and a successful football player have found spiritual transformation and are now watching God use them to touch lives.

Startling Differences

My friends Dr. Walt and Barb Larimore have survived a terrible ordeal, something which threatened their marriage and drove them to prayer on many occasions. It was traumatic, and – as they describe it – is something they hope will never, ever happen again.

They wrote a book together.

Now, I am smiling as I write this, because the Larimores characterized that book project just as I described it for you. It was really, really hard for them. The book isn’t about some crisis, it isn’t about something so painful they had never before talked about it. The book is about the differences between men and women.

Listen in and learn what those differences are and how they show up in your marriage – and how you can make the best of them. Especially if you are thinking of writing a book with your spouse.

Next Page →