Archive for February, 2011
Help for Empty Nesters
The children have left home. You’re physically and emotionally tired, and perhaps feeling disconnected from your spouse. Can you really reinvent your marriage for the second half? Two well-known marriage educators offer some concrete tips and encouragement.
February 28, 2011
It’s natural to want to be right and win an argument, but in marriage the cost of pride is high. Often both partners have a piece of the truth. Put them together rather than insisting that your way is the best way.
We need to pray
From Letter to Families from Pope John Paul II for 1994 – Year of the Family We need to pray that married couples will love their vocation, even when the road becomes difficult.
February 27, 2011
Do you have a habit or behavior that drives your spouse crazy? Often, it’s the little things that irritate us. Psychologists say it takes about three weeks of daily practice to create or break a habit. What do you need to work on?
To begin anew
From Letter to Families from Pope John Paul II for 1994 – Year of the Family This capacity [of spouses and parents to love] depends on the divine grace of forgiveness and reconciliation, [ensuring] the spiritual energy to begin anew.
February 26, 2011
Who gets the credit…card? A rule of thumb is – other than a house, car, or business, don’t buy it unless you have the money in the bank. Life would be inconvenient without a credit card, but don’t use it to live beyond your means. Reduce your desires.
A splendid gift of God’s goodness
From On the Family The Church firmly believes that human life, even if weak and suffering, is always a splendid gift of God’s goodness.
Why Society Fails to Support Marriage
Society gives ample recognition to many people, such as film stars, musicians and athletes. But how often does it recognize the commitment of two people in marriage? A British government leader offers some interesting observations that could also apply to the U.S.
February 25, 2011
(Weekly Date Idea) Ever gone midnight bowling? It’s more than just bowling. Some places have special music, lighting, and gimmicks. Even without these, it can be a ball of fun if you don’t take it too seriously.
The fundamental task
From On the Family The fundamental task of the family is to serve life.
Marriage: Unique for a Reason
The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is the permanent, faithful union of one man and one woman. The Catholic Bishops’ website, Marriage: Unique for a Reason, provides resources to assist with catechesis and education for those who want to know more about this teaching. The initiative includes videos, resource booklets, and an interactive website.
Why Isn’t Scripture Enough For Catholics?
Scripture is not the only way in which God’s revelation has been passed down to humans. Read what the Catholic Church believes about Scripture and Tradition.
It is at home
From Address of Pope Benedict XVI at the Sixth World Meeting of Families It is at home that people truly learn to live, to value life and health, freedom and peace, justice and truth, work, harmony and respect.
February 24, 2011
Do either of you need to lose some weight? Set a goal and resolve to support each other.
February 23, 2011
Your love may have started as a cozy couple but as it grows, so does your responsibility to share love with others. Look for someone to feed, clothe, or shelter today.
From others
From Address of Pope Benedict XVI at the Sixth World Meeting of Families From others we received life, which develops and matures with the truths and values that we learn in our relationship and communion with others.
The Perfect Day
Have you ever had the kind of day that you’ll treasure forever? Josh talks about that rare day when everything comes together perfectly.
February 22, 2011
(George Washington’s Birthday) “I cannot tell a lie” was George Washington’s famous answer to whether he cut down a cherry tree. How honest are you with your spouse? You don’t have to count answers to “Does this outfit make me look fat?” but a trusting relationship depends on the truth.
A sign of the Kingdom
From Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan A marriage upon which his [Christ's] school of gratitude and openness has left its mark of joy and warmth, is a sign of the Kingdom.
February 21, 2011
(President’s Day) Have you ever been president or leader of a group? What did you learn about yourself in the process? Of course in marriage, leadership is shared. If one of you messes up, ideally your partner doesn’t complain but helps pick up the pieces. What’s your “marriage leadership” style?
The virtue of marital hospitality
From Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan The natural virtue of marital hospitality is nourished and formed even more widely by the spouses’ Eucharistic life.
A part of a formation in love
From Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan Procreation and education, the … service of the family to society, are part of a formation in love and a formation for love.
February 20, 2011
Morality is more than just “Thou shalt nots.” It includes “thou shalt’s” like, “Thou shalt speak kindly of your mother-in-law.” “Thou shalt appreciate your spouse’s cooking.” “Thou shalt give money to charity and the beggar.” “Thou shalt overlook minor faults.” “Thou shalt read marriage tips every day.”
February 19, 2011
“Then there was the guy who loved his wife so much, he almost told her” (unknown).This may be a stereotype but make sure it doesn’t apply to you.
The source of its beauty
From Letter to Families from Pope John Paul II for 1994 – Year of the Family This is precisely the source of its beauty: by the very fact that [love] is demanding, it builds up [our] true good … and allows it to radiate to others.
