How Can We Know Love is Real?
Where do we turn to understand the real meaning of love if we cannot rely on advertisers, influencers, or culture to provide truth? I believe it starts with Jesus’ words recorded by the Apostle John.
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Where do we turn to understand the real meaning of love if we cannot rely on advertisers, influencers, or culture to provide truth? I believe it starts with Jesus’ words recorded by the Apostle John.
Dear Friends, Making New Year’s resolutions is a revered tradition honored by millions each year. “I will not procrastinate on preparing my taxes.” “I will be patient at traffic lights, even when I’m running late.” “I will lose 10 pounds before June.” Good intentions like these are stated emphatically, and we all realize that they are often broken in a few weeks–or hours–of January 1st. It is a common cycle. Any gym enthusiast knows the place is typically packed at the beginning of the year, but just a few weeks later, many of these workout warriors disappear. It might serve as fodder for sitcom writers, but real discomfort can result from our first failure to make it to the gym, forgo a dessert, or choose family above work. This anxiety may quickly pass, or it may become debilitating when we approach life and resolutions as all or nothing. When they are broken, even slightly, they’re useless and suitable only for discarding. Broken Resolutions and Gathered Fragments This situation reminds me of the dilemma the Apostle Paul described. “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I ...
The aspen trees have shed their shimmering gold leaves. Snow now caps the Rocky Mountains, and the lovely smoky aroma of freshly lit firewood wafts through the air. Here in Colorado, these are all signs that Christmas is near, and I wonder, will this be a holiday to remember? I know that it can be. How can I be sure? It’s not because of a particular gift or family tradition. While these aspects of the season are very special, and I certainly look forward to the tasty treats—such as a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and even a large slice of fruitcake—it’s the certainty of God’s gift of His Son, Jesus, that ensures a memorable Christmas this year.
Traditionally, this month marks a time in our nation’s history when the anticipation of Thanksgiving begins to fill the air. But hidden in the holiday rush and enthusiasm is a sad truth. Instead of joy, many people are filled with guilt for not feeling grateful as they face circumstances that weigh heavily on their hearts.
Our own beloved founder, Dr. James Dobson, departed this life for his eternal home on August 21, 2025, after nearly fifty years of expounding practical biblical wisdom for raising families, living life, and defending righteousness in the culture. We rejoice for his well-run race while mourning the great loss experienced by his family, our ministry, and you.
Perhaps you are like me. Somehow you came across Dr. James Dobson’s advice as a young adult who felt broken and was grasping for wholeness—and don’t we all have some type of brokenness? (Romans 3:23). Maybe you were raised on his counsel as your parents sought practical, biblical guidance to wrestle against a cultural tsunami that has left our children awash in confusion and great turmoil. Or, you might be a parent or grandparent who’s dealing with the terrible twos or tumultuous teen years.
Perhaps you are like me. Somehow you came across Dr. James Dobson’s advice as a young adult who felt broken and was grasping for wholeness—and don’t we all have some type of brokenness? (Romans 3:23). Maybe you were raised on his counsel as your parents sought practical, biblical guidance to wrestle against a cultural tsunami that has left our children awash in confusion and great turmoil. Or, you might be a parent or grandparent who’s dealing with the terrible twos or tumultuous teen years.
As we continue celebrating the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute’s 15th anniversary, July seems like the perfect time to remember our humble beginnings and ponder how things have changed. It’s also the month we celebrate America’s birthday and independence, having risen from a meager beginning to a mighty nation.
As we celebrate the 15-year anniversary of JDFI together, let’s take a brief moment to look back and take a glance at what’s ahead.



