Archive for September, 2011
Raising Good Kids: Back to Family Basics
Dr. Ray Guarendi says that the secret to raising good children is that there are no secrets. “Master some basics,” he tells parents, and they’ll be well on their way.
Archbishop Dolan Asks President Obama to Defend Marriage
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, is asking President Obama to end the administration’s campaign against the federal law that defines marriage as the union of a man and woman.
September 30, 2011
(Reader’s Tip) “If you use social media, send each other virtual love notes. We’re quoting Song of Songs to each other on one of my Facebook statuses.”
What Are the Social Benefits of Marriage?
Marriage, the union of one man and one woman, is a personal, but not private, relationship with great public significance. Marriage is good for the couple; it is also provides the optimal conditions for bearing and raising children. Marriage makes an essential contribution to the common good. Some specific benefits are identified below. Marriage and [...]
Happy Anniversary!
Sara is hoping for a romantic touch for their three-month anniversary. But life, in the form of car trouble, intervenes.
September 29, 2011
What’s your spouse’s favorite flower or snack? Surprise her/him with it.
September 28, 2011
Do you know a childhood disappointment of your beloved? A goal or dream that was never achieved? If not, ask. Console. Is it too late?
What Do We Know About Angels?
Angels seem to be everywhere in our culture–from popular books to greeting cards to movies. But what do we really know about these mysterious beings?
Pope Asks Priests and Married Couples to Support Each Other
The vocations of married couples and priests are different, yet complementary and harmonious, Pope Benedict XVI said Sept. 11 in a speech in the Adriatic port city of Ancona, Italy. He encouraged priests and married couples to esteem “each other’s charism.”
Career Choices
The possibility of a career change prompts Josh to reflect on the impact on his family–and what’s of ultimate value.
September 27, 2011
“Before we were married I expected that Rita would always be ready for sex when I was and that we would do it the way they vote in Chicago – early and often.” (Bob Boeke) Over time sexual desires can diverge. The cure? Patience, creativity, and compromise.
September 26, 2011
Over the years spouses learn little tricks to make life together work more smoothly. Are there any adjustments you’ve decided to make to accommodate your beloved’s idiosyncrasies like timing, temperature, eating, or sleeping preferences?
September 25, 2011
“Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) Humility is a great asset in marriage provided it is not laziness in disguise. “I don’t care. Whatever you want” can be gracious or it can mean you are overly passive. Check it out.
September 24, 2011
Christ died for us. Parents give their lives daily for their children. Overlook one fault of your child today. (You can catch up later.) If you don’t have a child, give your spouse a free pass on an annoying habit.
September 23, 2011
(Reader’s Tip) “The best thing I did at the very start of marriage was to marry my best friend.” In what ways is your spouse also your friend?
Archbishop Dolan Asks Bishops to Speak Out on the Economic Crisis
Archbishop Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has challenged his fellow bishops to preach, educate, and advocate for the poor and the jobless. His call was prompted by a new Census Bureau report that shows significant increases in the poverty rate.
How Marriage Has Made Me a Better Person
At the three-month mark of married life, Sara looks at how marriage has changed her so far. How does her list compare to your experience?
September 22, 2011
What’s your shopping personality? Is it recreation, a challenge or a research project? Perhaps you want to get in and out as quickly as possible. If you have different shopping styles but the same pot of money, how do you reconcile your differences?
September 21, 2011
If one of you is sad, sick, or depressed how can you tell? What do you usually do to comfort each other? Does talking about it help or only make it worse? Do hugs and kisses help? Would you rather be left alone? What does your beloved want you to do to help? Ask.
Why Does a Catholic Wedding Have to Take Place in a Church?
Website visitors sometimes ask how they can find a Catholic priest or deacon to officiate at their wedding that will not be held in a Catholic church. Have you wondered why Catholics are normally expected to marry in a Catholic church? Here’s the explanation.
September 20, 2011
How do you signal each other when you’re ready to leave a party? Does the signal mean say goodbye to the host and leave? Or perhaps it means, “I’m heading for the door but I’ll probably pass five people on the way and want to have a conversation with each of them.”
Sergeant Stacey
It’s a hectic weekend and Stacey and Josh are trying to move the family from one activity to another. Did Stacey really act like a drill sergeant? That’s what Josh says, and his comment got Stacey thinking.
September 19, 2011
How do you feel about parties? Some people love to host them while others prefer going to them. Still others would rather stay home and cocoon. If you don’t have the same socializing style, what compromises have you worked out?
September 18, 2011
The parable of the generous landowner (Mt 20:1-16) reminds us that life is not always fair. Likewise, marriage is not always 50/50. Sometimes one of you will need to give much more than the other. Striving to give your all to your beloved is better than measuring tit for tat.
September 17, 2011
“It is easier to build a child than to repair an adult.” (Marilyn Krock) Think about this the next time a child stresses you or your marriage. If you’re tempted to say, “Later, dear” or “Can’t it wait” consider the long term cost.
