Archive for November, 2012
November 13, 2012
Sex Secret, #1: “They don’t do it every day (whew!)”.(Lisa Lombardi). Not that frequent sex is bad, but measuring oneself against a Hollywood norm puts undo pressure on love. Find the rhythm that works for both of you. Meet in the middle.
Enjoying Marriage and Fatherhood
Justin discusses some of the attitudes towards marriage and parenthood he meets as he goes about his day-to-day business.
November 12, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) I show my wife how much I love and appreciate her each day by lovingly waking her, making breakfast, and starting her car on cold morning.
November 11, 2012
“Elijah said to [the widow] “Do not be afraid.” (1 Kings 17:13) Do you have money worries? Have you ever? Do you or your spouse worry more about money? If you don’t have true worries about money, it’s time to give some away.
November 10, 2012
Yearning for a baby? For some couples pregnancy comes easily but for those eagerly waiting, it can be emotionally draining. Natural Family Planning can help couples identify their most fertile days. Pray for pregnant couples and for those who wait.
Voters Approve Same Sex Marriage in Three States
Voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington have approved the legalization of same sex marriage in their states. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to announce soon that it has accepted one or more cases involving same-sex marriage.
November 9, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) Embrace the Cross. Marriage, like any vocation, is a path to holiness, with its sorrows as well as joys.
November 8, 2012
Romance: Repeat what works, but not too much. Some spouses love candlelight, flowers, or chocolate. Others love massages, sexy clothing, or words of love. Once you know, do it, BUT, remember that surprises and breaking a pattern can be a turn on too.
November 7, 2012
Step-families need to plan ahead for family gatherings and parent visits. Avoid blow-ups by not putting people whose histories don’t mix well at the same gathering. Be gracious about your spouse visiting non-custodial kids.
A Citizen of the Nation, a Citizen of Heaven
As Oscar prepares to vote in his class’s mock election, Josh offers some wise guidance. He observes: “The new task of parenting a middle-schooler became clear to me: we have to form him in a way that will allow him to form his own conscience.”
The Infertility Companion for Catholics
Subtitled “Spiritual and Practical Support for Couples,” this book delivers what it promises. It offers a comprehensive look at infertility from many perspectives, including possible treatments in light of Church teaching.
Gratitude: Foundational for Marriage
As Thanksgiving approaches, we take time to think of the many people in our lives for whom we are grateful. How about starting with our spouse?
November 6, 2012
(Election Day) “Dear God, I’m American. What are you?” (Robert, age 5) Sometimes we try to make God fit our own notion of patriotism. God is bigger than any one nationality and loves all people, even those we love to hate. Vote with respect for the other today.
Why Do Catholics Pray for the Dead?
During the month of November Catholics traditionally pray for deceased family members and friends. What do we believe these prayers can accomplish?
Back in the Saddle
Sara returns to work after maternity leave. How do she and Gus deal with the adjustment?
November 5, 2012
(Reader’s Tip) Celebrate achievements that you know are important to your spouse. Let your kids know when and why you are proud of each other, especially when it is for things that might not be important to anyone else.
November 4, 2012
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mk 12:31) This presumes that you do indeed have a humble but honest self-love. Keep yourself healthy as a gift to your spouse. This includes exercising and not smoking or drinking excessively.
November 3, 2012
Parenting is a full time job but it doesn’t pay the bills. For many parents it’s difficult to decide whether or not to work outside the home. If you are not yet a parent, but hope to be, consider living on one income to make it a viable choice.
For Synod, Families Are Evangelization’s Natural Home
In its concluding “Message to the People of God,” the October world Synod of Bishops underscored the role of the church’s married couples and families in the new evangelization. The Synod’s message also addressed the role of grandparents in the family and the pastoral needs of divorced and remarried Catholics.
November 2, 2012
(All Soul’s Day) The good marriages of family members and friends can continue to inspire us even after they have passed on. Whose marriage has been a model for you? Pray for those couples today.
November 1, 2012
(All Saints Day) Married couples sometimes speak of leading each other to heaven. Show your spouse how much God loves them by doing an unexpected kindness for them today.
