Archive for ‘news and views’
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.
Alexander and the Wonderful, Marvelous, Excellent, Terrific Ninety Days
Many adult children come back home to live for awhile these days. This book by the author of a similarly-titled, well-known childrens’ series, is an account of the (temporary) return of her youngest son and his family.
Why Doesn’t Everyone View Adoption as a Pro-Life Option?
“One of the greatest challenges before us is to change women’s perception of adoption as being a bad choice,” Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston said recently in a homily during the National Prayer Vigil for Life.
Foreplay
Stacey writes on chores and the unitive aspect of marriage. “This will not be embarrassing,” she promises.
Stay At Home Mom
Sara and Justin discuss Sara’s transition to staying at home with Gus. It’s both easier and harder than they imagined.
What Unites and Divides America’s Parents
A three-year study of families conducted by the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture reveals some of the similarities and differences among America’s parents today.
Freedom Fighter
Josh’s new workout program has resulted in a pulled muscle–but that’s not the only thing that’s out of whack. His relationship with Stacey needs a little TLC, too.
So Long to the Parish
Sara says good-bye to the parish where she’s been working. As she reflects on the “lasts,” she also looks forward to her new vocation as a stay-at-home mom.
Bishop Calls for Special Attention to Child Poverty
In his new pastoral letter, Bishop Michael Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston notes that 30% of West Virginia children under age 5 live in poverty. He addresses the complexity of poverty and the need for a moral commitment to overcome it.
In-Laws
In-laws are often a touchy subject in a marriage. As Stacey points out, they can stretch us in new ways. But they’re not the family we grew up in, which can cause discomfort from time to time.
Our Hopes–Part 2
Last week Sara reflected on what she hopes to gain by staying home with Gus. This week it’s Justin’s turn, and he sees a lot to look forward to.
Study Finds First Year of Marriage Is Not the Happiest
Does marriage begin at its high point, with couples enjoying their greatest life satisfaction during their first year together as husband and wife? According to research conducted in Australia, the most satisfied couples were those married 40 years or longer.
My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds With the Help of the Saints
The author, an abuse survivor, offers helps for those who experienced childhood sexual abuse. She draws on the wisdom of the saints, such as Ignatius of Loyola and Theresa of Lisieux, to guide the sufferer through difficult periods.
Our Hopes
Recently Justin asked Sara: “What do you hope to gain by staying at home with Gus?” Sara has been pondering the question and offers three outcomes she’d like to see.
The Marriage Challenge No One Is Talking About
A new State of Our Unions report warns that raising children outside of marriage is becoming the new norm. It urges national leaders to pay attention to family structure and the effects on children’s well-being.
Wonder-full Children
A trip back home to the beautiful Black Hills rekindles Josh’s sense of awe and wonder. He reflects: “If I want our family to have a spirituality of wonder, I need to find ways for us to experience moments of depth and mystery where we live.”
Are We There Yet?
Sara is not looking forward to a 10-hour drive to visit Justin’s parents. But she realizes the importance of giving both sets of grandparents the opportunity to get to know Gus.
Losing Patience
Justin has been experiencing one of the frustrations of a new parent – an inconsolable baby in the wee hours of the morning. Reflecting on this humbling experience, brings him to a new way of thinking while comforting Gus.
Won’t Go!
Reconciling two sets of inherited Christmas traditions has taken Josh and Stacey some time, but Stacey discovers that in the process they have acquired brand new ways of celebrating that belong to their little family alone.
Peacemakers, Born and Raised in Families
The family has a vital role in fostering peace according to Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the Jan. 1, 2013, World Day of Peace.
Neighbors: Short Reflections on Loving the People Around Us
This little collection of reflections by Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare movement, on how we treat those around us is brief, but profound. Our neighbor, Lubich writes, is “one of the straightest roads to God.”
Discerning God’s Call
Sara writes, “Once upon a time, I thought that once Justin and I discerned we were called to marriage with each other, I thought our discerning days would be over. We may not exactly live “happily ever after” but our hard decisions would be behind us.”
Celebrating Christmas in Cyberspace, But at Home Too
In this Christmas season, many people may give or receive smartphones or other technology that can access the new social media. Social networking can be a wonderful way means of keeping in touch and reaching out to others, but it has a shadow side. How can we remain present to those who are part of our daily life?
No One Here But Us
Josh and Stacey are considering a new school for Oscar. As they ponder their decision, Josh writes: “There is no one here to guide us, and we can only try to inform ourselves and make a reasoned judgment. It is not easy, and it feels like the stakes are high.”
Church of the Home
What does it mean to be the “domestic church”–the church of the home? Justin and Sara offer some practical ideas for the Advent and Christmas season.
