Archive for February, 2011
February 9, 2011
Who works harder in your marriage? Wait, that’s a trick question. Answering it will only cause an argument. Caring for children, cleaning, cooking, etc. should be as equally valued by you as paid work. Are they?
The gift of creation has been raised
From On Anthropological Foundation of the Family Address of Pope Benedict XVI at the Ecclesial Congress of the Diocese of Rome The sacramental quality that marriage assumes in Christ… means that the gift of creation has been raised to the grace of redemption.
February 8, 2011
“[Love] is not rude.” (1 Cor. 13:5) Don’t make jokes at the expense of your spouse. The other side of NOT being rude, however, is to be polite. Is there a chivalrous deed you can do for your honey today? Open a door, take a hand, say “Thank you” even if it’s not necessary.
The blueprint of human love
On Anthropological Foundation of the Family Address of Pope Benedict XVI at the Ecclesial Congress of the Diocese of Rome The blueprint of human love is also definitely set out, that reciprocal “yes” which cannot be revoked.
The mystery of God’s love
From On Anthropological Foundation of the Family Address of Pope Benedict XVI at the Ecclesial Congress of the Diocese of Rome The mystery of God’s love for men and women receives its linguistic form from the vocabulary of marriage and the family.
February 7, 2011
What kind of home did you grow up in cleanliness-wise? Neat and clean? Comfortably cluttered? Chaotic? Your experiences growing up can shape what you think is right and proper in your marriage. If you and your spouse have different cleanliness comfort levels, check out the parents.
February 6, 2011
Pick a cold, dreary day and shake things up a bit. Bring her flowers for no reason. Put a blanket on the living room floor and have a picnic. Think of what you usually do and then do something different.
The true freedom
From Address of Pope Benedict XVI at the Sixth World Meeting of Families The true freedom of the human being derives from his creation in the image and likeness of God.
How beautiful it is
From Address of Pope Benedict XVI at the Sixth World Meeting of Families How beautiful it is to gather as a family to let God speak to the hearts of its members through his living and effective Word.
February 5, 2011
It takes attentiveness to notice when your beloved is hurting. Often what looks like anger might be fear or hurt. What is your spouse’s greatest fear?
Be a Great Valentine–Give the Gift of Words
Money can’t buy everything. Sometimes, what your spouse really wants is a compliment, an offer of assistance or an unexpected “thinking of you” e-mail. Here are some Valentine’s Day gifts that are priceless.
February 4, 2011
(Weekly Date Idea) The Bible may not seem like a date book but try sharing your favorite passage with each other. Don’t have a favorite passage? Explore the Song of Songs together. Share what you find physically attractive about your spouse.
The civilization of love
From Letter to Families from Pope John Paul II for 1994 – Year of the Family Responsible fatherhood and motherhood is an integral part of the “civilization of love.”
Birth Order
Stacey reflects on being an only child and how that affects her parenting style. She observes: “Being an only child with three children of my own is kind of like giving a teenager who learned to drive stick-shift on a sports car the responsibility of driving a semi-truck.”
Marriage Preparation Is More Than a Formality, Says Pope
In a January speech, Pope Benedict XVI explained the relationship between the Church’s marriage ministry and church law. He called for a “full pastoral commitment” to insure that couples understand the obligations required so that the Sacrament of Marriage is valid.
February 3, 2011
What puts you in the mood for love making? Candles? Music? Enough sleep? Completed chores? Sexy clothing? Intellectual conversation? Don’t make your spouse be a mind reader. Give him or her some inside tips.
The mutual gift of self
From Letter to Families from Pope John Paul II for 1994 – Year of the Family In the conjugal act, husband and wife are called to confirm… the mutual gift of self which they have made to each other in the marriage covenant.
February 2, 2011
(Ground Hog Day) According to legend, if the ground hog sees its shadow today, there will be six more weeks of winter. Humans also have a “shadow side” – something we’re not good at or proud of. In marriage it helps if our shadow sides complement each others. Do yours?
The responsibility for new life
From Letter to Families from Pope John Paul II for 1994 – Year of the Family The man and the woman must assume together, before themselves and before others, the responsibility for the new life which which they have brought into existence.
February 1, 2011
(Black History Month) February is Black History Month. No matter what your skin color, it’s interesting to learn about your spouse’s history. Do you know each other’s grandparents’ names and ethnicity?
back again to the Eucharist
From Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan Marriage continually sends the believing Catholic back again to the Eucharist. Marriage is a school for gratitude.
