Archive for August, 2011
August 31, 2011
70 percent of women in a survey said they would rather have chocolate than sex (Redbook, February 2007.) Husbands, want to woo your wife? Maybe chocolate is not the treat that your honey enjoys, but take the time to notice what turns her on. She’ll appreciate the effort.
Pilgrim People
Being a pilgrim, says Stacey, involves physical discomfort, something she and her group found during their trip to Madrid for World Youth Day. But she also experienced the “consolations of God,” who turns our hardships into signs of His love.
August 30, 2011
Wives, what turns your husband on? Is it special clothing (or lack of it), perfume, a special food, flirting? Don’t make him beg for sex. Being surprised and wanted can be a turn on. He’ll appreciate the effort.
Precepts of the Church
We’ve all heard of the Ten Commandments, but do you know the Five Precepts of the Catholic Church? These “positive laws” set forth five obligations for Catholics. See what they are.
Cohabitation More Likely to Threaten Children Than Divorce
New research finds that cohabitation has replaced divorce as the number one threat to the stability of family life. Children in poor and working class families, whose parents are less likely to be married, are at a particular disadvantage.
August 29, 2011
Winston Churchill, was once asked, “If you could come back as anyone after you die, who would it be?” Churchill thought for a second, turned to his wife, and said, “Mrs. Churchill’s second husband.” Make a tribute to your spouse today.
August 28, 2011
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). Sexual intercourse is one of the joys of married love, but our sexual desires may differ. If (when) “desire discrepancy” appears in your marriage, sometimes one sacrifices for the love of the other. Sometimes it’s the reverse.
August 27, 2011
Temper Taming Tip #3: A child’s disobedience can trigger rage from a parent. Try pre-empting your anger with a plan. Inform your child (ideally after discussion) of what consequence will follow disobedience. Then, don’t yell, just calmly enforce the plan.
August 26, 2011
Temper Taming Tip #2: Noise can lower your resistance to anger. If whining, TV, roughhousing, or crowds are on your nerves, lower the decibel level. Call for a “Quiet Time Out.” For example, turn off the TV or have kids go outside (or to separate rooms). Talk softly yourself.
Housekeeping and Prayers
Jason and Sara are finally settled into their apartment. Learn about their top priority: creating a prayer corner in their living room.
August 25, 2011
Temper Taming Tip #1: Check your own temperature first. Maybe you’re tired after a long day or feel stressed or worried. Try strengthening your resistance: take a short nap, listen to quiet music, take a bath or a walk. Experiment.
August 24, 2011
(Reader’s Tip) “We’ll put the kids to bed, then go out for a drink and dessert. They never know we had a sitter for a while and we can enjoy some alone time.”
Aaaaadventure!
Stacey says that she and Josh have helped each other to find adventure: skydiving, hot air balloons, and whitewater rafting, among others. Stacey recently embarked on a different kind of adventure when she went to World Youth Day.
August 23, 2011
“Treasure each moment with your beloved spouse. We know neither the day nor the hour when our loved one will be taken from us.” (From a widow of a few days.)
Why Do Catholics Make The Sign of the Cross?
A distinguishing mark of Catholics is their use of The Sign of the Cross. This ancient gestural prayer is used to begin and end prayers, and at other times as well.
August 22, 2011
One version of the marriage vows states, “to have and to hold from this day forward.” Pay attention to that little word, “hold’ today. When times are tough or emotions raw, sometimes firmly and lovingly holding each other is the best comfort.
August 21, 2011
“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 16:18). In marriage we hold the keys to each other’s heart. Spouses should also know each others’ internet passwords lest one be tempted to lock out the other from personal conversations.
August 20, 2011
Self-deprecation can be disarming. Tell a silly story on yourself from your youth. If you have children, they may be relieved that you made mistakes too. Teens often appreciate the role reversal.
August 19, 2011
“All couples: renew your commitment regularly, seek enrichment often, and ask for pastoral and professional help when needed” (Follow the Way of Love)
Change, Change, Change
Sara loves having more time to spend with Justin, but she also likes to go out occasionally. How do these newlyweds strike a balance?
August 18, 2011
Don’t “trash talk” your husband – even among your girl friends. Don’t make fun of your wife – even when out with the guys. It may be tempting and just lighthearted banter, but as Stephen Covey says, “Be loyal to those not present.”
August 17, 2011
Magic Marriage words: “Honey, you were right.” “Let’s try it your way.” “What’s your opinion?”
Big Men, Big Rings
How many people get to meet their childhood hero? And have lunch with three bishops? Josh did during a recent family vacation. He talks about the power lunch of his life.
August 16, 2011
(Reader’s Tip) “Giving my spouse a ‘thank you’ or a few words of appreciation before we fall asleep always give me a moment to reflect on the blessing of having my spouse that day.”
What is World Youth Day?
This week thousands of Catholic teens and young adults will gather in Madrid to celebrate World Youth Day. What is this life-changing event and how can you participate from your own home?
