Archive for April, 2011
April 30, 2011
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time” (Thomas Edison). Take it from the inventor of try, try again. If your marriage is in trouble and you’ve already tried Retrouvaille or The Third Option, try counseling.
Bored in Your Marriage? Take Action!
Feelings of boredom in marriage might be a sign that something is wrong. It can be a wake-up call to get out and try some new activities.
April 29, 2011
(Weekly Date Idea) Celebrate the Resurrection. Fly a kite. Blow bubbles. Buy some helium balloons and give them away randomly to children you see around town or in a park.
April 28, 2011
“If you made a list of reasons why any couple got married, and another list of the reasons for their divorce, you’d have a lot of overlap” (Mignon McLauglin). Often the very trait that you admired eventually gets on your nerves because your spouse overdeveloped that quality. Adjust.
What Makes for a Happy and Lasting Marriage?
The recent royal wedding has prompted many people to wonder: What makes for a happy,enduring marriage? It’s not just luck! Read what social science research has discovered.
Wedding Dress Fiasco
Sara goes shopping for the perfect wedding dress and finds what she’s looking for–but in an unexpected place.
April 27, 2011
Are you a good listener? Most of us think we are. In this fast-paced, efficiency-driven world many of us multi-task, even as we are listening to our spouse. Yes, you might hear the facts, but that’s not as important as giving your full attention. Sometimes doing just one thing at a time is better.
April 26, 2011
“Do not be wise in your own estimation” (Romans 12:16). A rule of thumb in marriage or parenting is to be careful what you take credit for lest you also be willing to take the blame. Often success is earned but sometimes it’s just good luck or good genes. Be humble today.
Why Do We Celebrate Easter for 50 Days?
For Catholics, Easter isn’t just one day, it’s a season. Why do we have 50 days to celebrate?
Good Years and Bad Years
Stacey reflects that there are good years and bad years in marriage. She discusses a few of the latter.
Claiming Our Deepest Desires: The Power of an Intimate Marriage
The husband and wife authors point out that married love grows in the midst of real-life contexts, such as conflicts, child-rearing, and household budgets. They propose an integration of the spiritual and practical aspects of marriage.
April 25, 2011
“So many people have the will to have a strong marriage but don’t have the skill.” (Kathy Beirne) Although much of marriage is an art, don’t neglect communication skills. Read a book or an article or take a class.
April 24, 2011
(Easter) Alleluia! It’s about more than Easter bonnets and hunting for eggs – although anything that’s joyful is legit for Easter Sunday. Take a moment to thank God for all the times your marriage has risen from difficulties.
Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!
Easter is an exciting time as the Catholic Church welcomes tens of thousands of new members. Each has a story of conversion. Read about some of these new Catholics and their journeys of faith.
April 23, 2011
(Holy Saturday) Have you ever attended the Easter Vigil together? It’s long but it’s worth it. If this is not practical (young children, other commitments, etc.) consider lighting a candle to remind you that Christ has risen.
April 22, 2011
(Good Friday) Do something to nurture your spiritual life. Go to Good Friday services, spend an hour in silence, do the Way of the Cross in a church or walk in a poor neighborhood to seek Christ’s presence there.
Why Do Catholics Celebrate the Easter Vigil?
Why is the celebration of the Easter Vigil even more important than Easter Sunday?
Happiness, Suffering and the Meaning of Easter
Many people think happiness and suffering are mutually exclusive. Easter reminds us, however, that there is no resurrection without the cross. In marriage, deeper intimacy comes only through struggle.
April 21, 2011
Holy Thursday reminds us of the sacredness of eating together and sharing bread and wine – simple gifts of companionship and love. Have a glass of wine (or your favorite drink) tonight and talk.
For Richer or For Poorer
Putting together a joint budget is one of the hardest things Sara and Justin have had to do. The money from two incomes doesn’t stretch nearly as far as Sara thought it would.
April 20, 2011
What burden might your spouse be carrying today? A worry? Too much to do? A health problem? If you can’t take the burden away is there some way you can lighten it? Recognizing it and sympathizing might be enough.
April 19, 2011
“Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly.” (Romans 12:16) As a couple, make an effort to honor all those you meet today, be it a fast food clerk, a maid at a hotel, a beggar on the street corner, or a telephone solicitor
What is Sacred Chrism?
During Lent, especially during Holy Week, priests in each diocese come together to celebrate the annual Chrism Mass. What is chrism and how is it used?
Fathers, Sons and Baseball
Josh reflects that baseball is more than a game. It’s a ritual that connects fathers and sons through the generations.
April 18, 2011
How much do you know about your spouse’s job? He or she probably spends more time at work than with you (if you don’t count sleeping). Learn enough about your spouse’s job that you can empathize and have an intelligent conversation about the stresses.
