Archive for February, 2013
February 12, 2013
(Mardi Gras) Today is Mardi Gras – the feast before the fast. There are times of feasting and fasting in marriage also. What’s your favorite way to celebrate good times in your marriage? Can you surprise your honey with a treat today?
A Valentine to Pope Benedict XVI
Like most everyone else, Stacey was stunned by the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. She offers her appreciation for this beloved pastor and wise teacher.
Seven Reasons Why I Love My Husband
As we celebrate National Marriage Week and Valentine’s Day, Sara offers some specific reasons why she loves her husband. Being married to Justin, she concludes, “has far surpassed my expectations.”
February 11, 2013
Laughter is one of the best stress reducers. Spouses can do this for each other by bringing a little comic relief when your beloved feels overworked or stressed out. You don’t have to be laugh-out-loud funny, just your usual corny self.
February 10, 2013
(World Marriage Day) We are reminded that marriage is not just a private affair, but a time for your love to impact the world. Just as Jesus told Simon to “Put out into deep water…for a catch.” (Lk 5:4) find a way to multiply your love through serving or feeding others today.
February 9, 2013
Are you an extrovert while your beloved is an introvert – or vice-versa? Introverts need time to think before they speak. Extroverts often speak in order to think. (But they may change their mind quickly too.)
Life for Sandwich-Generation Parents: “Pulled in Many Directions”
If you are supporting both your own children and your parents, like many Americans, you are a part of the “sandwich generation.” The Pew center recently released a report on its new survey of the sandwich generation.
February 8, 2013
How do you handle travel in your marriage? When one of you travels and the other stays home, how do you connect during your separation? Sharing stories of your time away from each other can be one of the sweetest ways to reconnect. Just make sure it’s not all complaints.
Celebrate National Marriage Week
National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) is a great time to catch the spirit and support marriage. Here are some resources that can help.
February 7, 2013
Today is the start of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14). What is the best part about being married? Have you talked to your kids about the beauty of marriage?
A Virtual Marriage Retreat: Day Six
Today’s Theme: Marriage is a Journey of Human and Spiritual Growth Breaking Open the Theme Each stage of marriage has its own joys and sorrows, opportunities and challenges. When understood in the light of Christ’s own journey, they can contribute to human growth and spiritual maturity. That is, a couple grows in holiness by journeying [...]
A Virtual Marriage Retreat: Day Three
Today’s Theme: Marriage Is a Communion of Love and Life Breaking Open the Theme In creating man and woman for each other, God made marriage to be love-giving and life-giving. We call these two purposes or ends of marriage the unitive and the procreative. They are inseparably connected and are ordered to each other. The [...]
A Virtual Marriage Retreat: Day Two
Today’s Theme: Marriage Is the Unique Union of a Man and a Woman Breaking Open the Theme In the beginning, says Sacred Scripture, God created man and woman in his image, “male and female He created them” (Gn. 1:27). In His wisdom, God planned that man and woman would be made for each other. God [...]
A Virtual Marriage Retreat: Day Seven
Today’s Theme: Marriage Is a School of Love and Gratitude Breaking Open the Theme As Adam recognized Eve as God’s gift to him, likewise, spouses should recognize each other as God’s gift in their lives. Through life’s journey, sometime a husband or wife may need to reflect on the gift of the other, especially when [...]
A Virtual Marriage Retreat: Day One
Today’s Theme: Marriage is a Natural and a Supernatural Gift Breaking Open the Theme Marriage is a natural gift to society; it is also a supernatural gift to the Church. As a natural institution marriage retains certain God-given characteristics. It is the permanent, faithful union of a man and a woman, intended for the good [...]
February 6, 2013
Some people need more “alone time” than others. Of course marriage is about being together – but not all the time. Check out with your beloved whether you need more space or time alone.
A Virtual Marriage Retreat: Day Four
Today’s Theme: Marriage is a Sacrament of Christ’s Love Breaking Open the Theme Jesus heals marriage and restores it to its original purity of permanent self-giving in one flesh. But the Lord does not stop there. Christ generously invites husband and wife to participate in his spousal love for his Church. Christian spouses are invited [...]
A Virtual Marriage Retreat: Day Five
Today’s Theme: Marriage Is the Foundation of the Family and Society Breaking Open the Theme The early Church understood the Christian family as an ecclesia domestica, or domestic church. This idea recognizes that the smallest expression of Church is not the parish, but the Christian family. The family, our first community, is the basic way [...]
February 5, 2013
Humor can lighten a stressful situation in life. Look for an opportunity today to lighten your beloved’s life with a touch of humor. Poke fun at yourself, or exaggerate a frustrating situation to the point of levity.
Married Saint of the Month: Blessed Giuseppe Tovini
Not every saint exudes great charisma or accomplishes heroic works. Blessed Giuseppe Tovini achieved sanctity by fulfilling the ordinary duties of husband, father and citizen.
Becoming My Mother
As Sara settles into her new role as stay-at-home mom, she realizes that she’s picked up some of her mother’s characteristics–like pinching pennies.
She’s Got My Back
Josh has been extra busy lately, and it’s been hard to keep connected to Stacey. But her little acts of caring and support show that she has his back.
February 4, 2013
In marriage, arguments are seldom black and white, “I’m right and you’re wrong.” Look for the golden mean when you’re on opposite sides.
February 3, 2013
1 Cor 13:4-8 is a scripture often used at weddings. Which element of love is most challenging for you: Patience? Kindness? Goodwill? Humility? Self-Sacrifice? Tolerance? Long Suffering? Optimism? Hopefulness? Faith?
February 2, 2013
(Presentation of the Lord ) Every parent experiences a time when they understand the prophesy that Simeon said to Mary, “And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart.” (Luke 2:34) Do you know a parent who needs consoling? Are you that parent today?
