Archive for June, 2012
June 30, 2012
“Love doesn’t mean always rescuing someone from mistakes and foolishness. Tough love helps family members face the realities of cause and effect.” (Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference) Parents, cultivate the courage to withstand whining.
June 29, 2012
Husband and wife are meant to lead each other to heaven. What have you done today to enrich your spouse’s spiritual life?
Married Fathers and Mothers, and Their Children
The intact, biological family remains the gold standard for raising children, according to a new study done at the University of Texas at Austin that has captured widespread attention.
June 28, 2012
Gratitude dispels anger. If you are angry at your spouse, think of the times when he/she did something loving for you.
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary to Sara and Justin! Together they look back on a very eventful first year of marriage.
June 27, 2012
Be intentional about giving your spouse your undivided attention when he/she comes home.
Another Difference?!
Trying to negotiate schedules and time-management after the move is a challenge to Josh and Stacey. But, underlying this challenge is a valuable opportunity to grow as spouses and as people, Stacey says.
Play: A Virtue to Take Seriously
As summer begins, it’s good to remember that rest, relaxation, and even play can be helpful in a marriage. Play as a virtue? Of course! Whether we call it playfulness, a sense of humor, or a joyous spirit, this virtue can help a marriage over the rough spots and deepen intimacy. Here are some ideas for cultivating playfulness in your marriage.
June 26, 2012
Start the day with a hug. It gives you a positive mentality.
Why Martyrs Are Important
On Saturday, June 30, the Church celebrates the Feast of the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. What makes a person a martyr and why does the Church consider them important?
June 25, 2012
Remember that your marriage is a covenant that involves God, husband and wife. Give thanks daily!
June 24, 2012
When the time for the Baptist’s naming came, Elizabeth said firmly, “He will be called John.” (Lk 1:60). Standing for one’s faith and marriage is sometimes countercultural. Recall a time when you followed your conscience despite opposition.
June 23, 2012
Choose a virtue to practice today. Don’t tell anybody what it is but consider charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, or generosity. At the end of the day, ask your spouse or child if they can guess which one you picked.
What’s (Not) Wrong With Low-Income Marriages
Statistics show that marriage in low-income communities is threatened and often experiences bad outcomes. However, a new report suggests that it would be wrong to assume that people in low-income communities do not value marriage. The report’s authors suggest that if wrong assumptions guide programs aimed at strengthening marriage, those programs may miss the mark.
June 22, 2012
Every once in a while surprise him/her with a gesture of kindness, such as a cup of coffee or help with the dishes.
Babymoon
Justin and Sara take a much-needed weekend away before Baby Kraft arrives, and Sara is reminded that setting aside time to relax can strengthen their relationship.
June 21, 2012
Today is the first official day of summer, which makes it the day with the most light. Tell your beloved one why he or she “lights up your life.” (Turning on a light doesn’t count.)
June 20, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) If you do something wrong, don’t say, “I’m sorry,” which doesn’t need a response. Say, “Will you forgive me?” The other spouse has to say “yes” or “no.” If “no,” you need to talk.
A two-phone family
New circumstances mean that Josh now needs to have a cell phone. He doesn’t want to get sucked in by too much “screen time” and discusses his perspective on staying present to his family.
June 19, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) The most important thing for a long and happy marriage is to be friends with your spouse. You need to have a friend who always has your back, no matter what comes up.
Selling the Sacred
People sometimes wonder why a parish may request a donation for hosting a wedding. Fr. Rice explains that sacraments are not for sale, and why the Church discourages commerce in sacred objects.
God Is Love: The Heart of Christian Faith
Here’s an excellent choice for your summer spiritual reading. Fr. Kelly’s new book offers “a meditation on what it means to identify God as love.” He hopes it will encourage readers to contemplate God’s “awe-inspiring transcendence” and the transforming reality of divine love.
June 18, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) I look at my husband’s body language and can tell whether he’s tense or feeling “beat up” after a long day at work. I usually give him a neck and head massage.
June 17, 2012
“The kingdom of God…is like a mustard seed.” (Mk 4:30) Your love, like the mustard seed, must grow. Some days it seems to grow on its own without much effort; other days take work and water. What’s today like?
June 16, 2012
What does it mean to be a good father? Remember your own father. He was probably good at many things, weak or absent in others. Take the good and pass it on. Let go of the rest.
