Archive for October, 2011
Stoked for Sports
Ten-year-old Oscar has started to play organized sports. Josh believes that sports are “a way to grow in excellence through cultivation of habits.” He discusses three hopes he has for his children when it comes to athletics.
October 31, 2011
(Halloween) Do you have a “mask” that you hide behind at work or for company? Sometimes putting on a “good face” is necessary, but don’t let your spouse just get the dregs of your energy and good manners. Be your best real self with your beloved.
October 30, 2011
“You recall, brothers, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you.” (1 Th 2:9) Presumably both of you work and toil for the good of the family – whether within or outside the home. What is your most disliked chore? Consider trading for a day.
October 29, 2011
“Children need time and space, attention, affection, guidance and conversation…They need jokes, play and touching. They need to have stories told to them by adults who know and love them.” (Mary Pipher) Which one are you best at giving? Weakest?
How Materialism Harms a Marriage
A new research study finds that a couple’s attitudes towards money, not always money itself, can stress a marriage. Read how materialism can hurt a marriage and who is most at risk.
October 28, 2011
(Reader’s Tip) “Remind myself to tell him how much I appreciate him everyday even when we’re struggling. It might just be “Thank you for taking out the trash for me.”
World Series Revelations
Sara reflects on being a fair-weather fan–of a team or of the Church. In recognition of Priesthood Sunday (October 30) she identifies three priests in her life whose joy and example inspire her to be more than a fair-weather Catholic.
October 27, 2011
Re-connecting after a trip? There are typically two conflicting needs. The traveling spouse might be looking forward to relaxing while the at-home spouse may be looking for reinforcements. Connect first by talking, then reinforce, and finally you’ve earned relaxation time.
October 26, 2011
Don’t feel especially loving today (or some days)? Try doing a loving action. It might be physical like a hug, or intellectual like writing a love note. Emotions often follow an action. Remember that love is an action verb.
Two Great Feasts: All Saints and All Souls
Soon the Church will celebrate two great feasts: All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). How are these feasts linked, and what does it mean to remember our beloved dead?
October 25, 2011
“Marriage, then, is to be a school for nurturing gratitude…and for openness to the gifts of God that are proper for marriage” (Love and Life in the Divine Plan). How do you show gratitude for gifts in your marriage?
Mealtime Hang-Ups
Three children, three sets of ideas about mealtimes. As Stacey says, “After we work hard to put a good healthy meal on the table, it is incredibly discouraging to have one of them take their seat and immediately complain or tell us exactly what they refuse to eat.”
October 24, 2011
Be a “Doubting Thomas.” If you’re about to accuse your spouse of losing an important paper, forgetting to write that thank you note, or a thousand other irksome offenses, try giving your beloved the benefit of the doubt first. Maybe you misunderstood.
October 23, 2011
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt 22:39) This oft quoted phrase can be deceiving. It depends on an honest love of self and then transferring that attitude to your neighbor – and of course your closest neighbor is your spouse. Don’t put yourself down today.
October 22, 2011
Do you know the names of the people on your street? Who is home when? The more you know your neighbors, the better they can be extra eyes, ears, and a helpful hand to your children. Be those eyes for your neighbor’s children, too.
Bishops Address Threats to Religious Liberty
Threats to religious liberty in the United States are mounting, say the nation’s Catholic Bishops. Examples include mandated coverage of contraception and sterilization in insurance plans, conscience protection for charitable workers, and efforts to redefine marriage.
October 21, 2011
(Reader’s Tip) “Before marriage, get on the same page on all major topics, like religion, money, kids, etc. Then have a meeting with each other at least once a month…Dinner dates/meetings are great!”
Mind Your Own Beeswax!
What should Sara and Justin say to well-meaning friends who ask if they’re expecting yet? Sara welcomes your advice.
October 20, 2011
Secret of a memorable date night: Novelty is more important than just doing the familiar. Sometimes the tried and true is fine, but often the effort to think of something wild and crazy wins points for trying harder – even if you discover the drive-in theater closed 3 years ago.
October 19, 2011
Let’s fantasize. “If you suddenly had a million dollars given to you, how would you use it?” (Better Marriages monthly discussion question) Is your answer different from your beloved’s? Could any of the money be spent to strengthen other marriages?
Bedtime and the Cross
Four-year-old Lucy’s bedtime demands leave Josh feeling frustrated. How does he cope?
October 18, 2011
What’s your decision-making style? Slow or fast? Do you weigh the pros and cons? Go with your gut feeling? Defer to the other? Now, how does your style mesh with your spouse’s? Being similar can make life easier, but being different can cover all the bases.
Surviving the First Year of Parenthood
Sarah, a former For Your Marriage blogger, and Daniel welcomed their first child 16 months ago. We asked Sarah how she and Daniel pay attention to their marriage while coping with the demands of a baby. Sarah shares some down-to-earth advice.
Marriage 911: How God Saved Our Marriage (and Can Save Yours Too)
Greg and Julie Alexander seemed to have the perfect marriage. Then they hit rock bottom. The Alexanders tell their story of personal conversion that led to the founding of The Alexander House, dedicated to marriage and family education and enrichment.
October 17, 2011
“Each generation of a family is challenged to leave the world a more beautiful and beneficial place than it inherited.” (Follow the Way of Love, USCCB)
