Archive for ‘Daily Marriage Tip’
March 31, 2013
The resurrection of Jesus that we celebrate on Easter was a hard story for the women and apostles to believe. Today, we believe on the testimony of others and two thousand years of retelling the story. Unconditional love is so hard to believe. Believe your spouse’s love anyway.
March 30, 2013
Holy Saturday is an “in-between day.” Jesus’s followers were grief stricken and afraid. They did not yet know of the resurrection. Ponder a time in your marriage when you were unsure and afraid of the future. Sometimes we just have to wait to understand.
March 29, 2013
(Good Friday) Jesus’s love for us ultimately took the form of sacrificing his life for us on the cross. What’s the hardest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your beloved? May the memory of this sacrifice unite you more closely to each other and God.
March 28, 2013
Holy Thursday is when we remember the ritual meal that Jesus had with his apostles. Since you and your spouse are a “Domestic Church” break bread together and share some wine in remembrance of Jesus. You might even wash each other’s feet as a sign of service.
March 27, 2013
Before Easter arrives, is there anything for which you need to ask your spouse’s forgiveness? Ask now.
March 26, 2013
Email a love letter to your beloved today. It needn’t be long, but it can be schmaltzy. Maybe you’ll get one back.
March 25, 2013
Let today be a “Change It Up” day. Often marriages get stale because they get into ruts. Change something today – the food you eat, the hand you write with, what you say when you answer the phone, what you typically wear.
March 24, 2013
Palm Sunday is like the parade before the defeat. But everything is turned upside down in Christianity. Defeat becomes the path to ultimate resurrection. Identify a high point, a low point, and a revival in your marriage.
March 23, 2013
How do you build trust in a marriage? It’s like a bank account – as you deposit honest deeds and words, trust builds up. It’s earned over time and grows. The same works for kids who cry, “Don’t you trust me?” Remind them to make deposits for future trust.
March 22, 2013
When we get angry, at our spouse or at God, we tend to close down the lines of communication. Make an effort to hear what your spouse or God is saying.
March 21, 2013
Think you know a lot about your faith? Don’t keep it to yourself. Consider teaching a religious education class. Ideally you could do this as a team. If that’s not possible, the support spouse can review the lesson plans and advise.
March 20, 2013
(Spring Equinox) Today the amount of daylight equals the amount of darkness. Equality is good – in nature and marriage, BUT equality does not make light and dark the same. How are you most like your beloved? How most different?
March 19, 2013
(St. Joseph’s Day) St. Joseph is the patron saint of workers. Typically couples divide up work around the house according to time, skill, and interest. For a change of pace, try switching up jobs for a day. The work might not get done as efficiently but you’ll learn a lot.
March 18, 2013
“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” (John 8:7) One can’t be married without finding fault. It’s inevitable. Knowing our own faults, however, can help us be more tolerant of the sins of our spouse. Stop before you criticize.
March 17, 2013
(St. Patrick’s Day) St. Patrick is said to have explained the mystery of the Trinity by using the shamrock. Which person of the Trinity do you most identify with? Is there anything mysterious about your beloved that you are still trying to understand?
March 16, 2013
In making decisions about becoming parents it’s important to not just go on a whim or hearsay. Are you aware of the science behind Natural Family Planning? Check it out at the For Your Marriage website.
March 15, 2013
Are you and your spouse tired after a long week? Give each other the chance to vent for a few minutes, then focus on the positive and the time you can spend with each other this weekend.
March 14, 2013
Your mission today (should you accept it) is to laugh. You don’t have to be a joke teller or comedienne but laughing together is a marriage builder. Can’t think of anything funny? Exaggerate a foible you have.
March 13, 2013
So you’ve got a good marriage. Great! You’re not reading these tips because you’re in trouble but because you want to keep it strong. A good way to invest in the next generation of marriages is to volunteer to do marriage preparation with engaged couples.
March 12, 2013
Have a “Remembering Night.” Remember the first time you saw each other…Your first “date”… When you first realized this might be “the one.”…The night before your wedding. Share your feelings about each of these times.
March 11, 2013
The spring wedding season is almost here. Do you know someone who’s getting married soon? Send a quick note or e-mail assuring them of your prayers.
March 10, 2013
“The Lord does not see as humans see.” (1 Samuel 16:7) As the saying goes, “Love is blind.” God and your beloved can see beauty beneath the surface. Beyond physical appearance or prowess what invisible gift do you see in your beloved?
March 9, 2013
What do you owe your kids? Toys? An allowance? A cell phone? No, these are extras to be granted, not entitlements. Food, clothing, shelter, safety, an education, time, and your love are essential. Spouses can often disagree on parenting practices like these. Take time to sort it out.
March 8, 2013
How long has it been since you had a real date with your beloved? This is the time of year when spirits lag. Christmas and Valentine’s Day have passed. The weather is gloomy. Plan a romantic pick-me-up.
March 7, 2013
When is self-care (pampering oneself) legitimate and when is it just selfish? Does your self-care interfere with the urgent need of your spouse or child? Does one of you claim to need it a lot more than the other? Try to be fair.
