September 25, 2021

Do you know a childhood disappointment of your spouse? A goal or dream that was never achieved? If not, ask. Console. Maybe it’s not too late.

September 24, 2021

What is your role in marital disputes – the problem solver, peacemaker, challenger? Are you satisfied with how you solve disagreements? If not, it’s easy to get helpful ideas from For Your Marriage.

September 23, 2021

Gifts on birthdays and Christmas are fine, but a surprise trinket/flowers may be even more delightful.

September 22, 2021

How do you use the “waiting” times of your life? Waiting for your spouse to get ready? Waiting at the doctor’s office, red lights, or check-out lanes? Use these times to pray rather than getting impatient.

September 21, 2021

Fighting Fair Tip: Pick a good time. That probably means not when one spouse is about to leave the house or just getting home from work. Sleep deprived or frantically busy spouses don’t make receptive listeners either. When is a good time for you?

September 20, 2021

“Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.” (Phil 2:3) Humility is a great asset in marriage, seeking to serve rather than be served. Open your heart to the needs of your spouse.

September 19, 2021

“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.” (Mk 9:37) Your children are God’s gift to you, and loving them is a way to serve the Lord. Receive them into your marriage and show them Christ’s love.

September 18, 2021

“Have no anxiety at all…if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil 4:6-8) What do you feel anxious about today? Sharing it can lessen its power. Praying helps, too!

September 17, 2021

What’s your spouse’s favorite flower or snack? Surprise her/him with it.

September 16, 2021

Christ died for us. Spouses give their lives daily for each other, and parents for their children. Your sacrifices are worthwhile!

September 15, 2021

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary knew sadness, loss, and hardship. Ask her for help today to bear your trials bravely.

September 14, 2021

Lift high the Cross! Do you have a crucifix in a prominent place in your home? Seeing Jesus’ sacrifice is a great reminder of the love spouses are called to every day.

September 13, 2021

A Marian Marriage Tip from Pope Francis “May [Mary] make us more aware that in having children parents are acting as God’s assistants. It is a mission that is truly sublime, which makes each family a shrine of life, and each child’s birth awakens joy, wonder and gratitude.”

September 12, 2021

“You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” (Mk 8:33) We are not always capable of understanding the way in which God works. But we must always trust and remain faithful to Him, despite our lack of understanding. He will not lead us astray.

September 11, 2021

Does your spouse need to hear words of love or apology from you? Don’t put it off – do it today.

September 10, 2021

What’s your shopping personality? – In and out as quickly as possible; shopping as recreation; never met a bargain I didn’t like; a research project? If you have different shopping styles, how do you reconcile your differences?

September 9, 2021

If one of you is sad, sick, or depressed, how can you tell? What do you usually do to comfort each other? Does talking about it help? Or would you rather have time alone? What does your spouse want you to do? Ask.

September 8, 2021

Happy birthday, Mary! Honor Our Lady in your home today: pray the Rosary together, sing a Marian hymn, or read a book together about Mary.

September 7, 2021

Unemployment can put stress on a marriage – and it’s not just about the money. Questions arise like: what value am I to my family or our society? If your spouse is job hunting or underemployed be gentle and be present for him/her. Pray for those who need work.

September 6, 2021

On this Labor Day, make time to truly rest from your work, even housework, and spend some time doing something fun with your spouse.

September 5, 2021

“He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and [the] mute speak.” (Mk 7:37) Christ works great wonders every day. Share with your spouse the wonders that Christ has worked for you today.

September 4, 2021

How do you feel about parties? Some people love to host them while others prefer going to them. Still others would rather stay home and cocoon. If you don’t have the same socializing style, what compromises have you worked out?

September 3, 2021

“It is easier to build a child than to repair an adult.” (Marilyn Krock) In other words, it is worth the effort to invest time and love into your children. Slow down, be with them, and enjoy the moments together. Work can wait.

September 2, 2021

Psychologically, negative messages are more powerful than positive ones. If you’ve been hard on yourself lately, list three things you did well today. It’ll make you a more pleasant person for your spouse to be around.

September 1, 2021

St. John the Baptist was a martyr for marriage (see Matt 14:3-12). May we have the courage to defend – and live – the true meaning of marriage!

August 31, 2021

Want to pray more, but not sure how? Try taping a list of people you want to pray for to the bathroom mirror, or a place you will see it every day. Make sure your spouse is #1.

August 30, 2021

“We must have places where children can have a whole group of adults they can trust.” (Margaret Mead) Does your family have such a community? If you don’t have children yourselves, can you be that supportive community for your neighborhood?

August 29, 2021

“This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.” (Mk 7:6-7) Preach the Gospel, but also live the Gospel. Your children need to see both sides in order to understand.

August 28, 2021

Suggested prayer for your family today: “My God, let me know and love you, so that I may find my happiness.” (attributed to St. Augustine)

August 27, 2021

Mothers with challenging children, don’t lose hope! Ask St. Monica for help. She prayed and wept for years over her son, St. Augustine.

August 26, 2021

Consider living beneath your means. Many people in the world don’t have a choice. Even it you are still collecting necessities for your household, is there one thing that you can give away this week? You’ll be richer for it.

August 25, 2021

The “Salve Regina” hymn – which honors Mary as Queen – is a beautiful prayer for the family to pray together. Even in the “valley of tears,” God is with us.

August 24, 2021

“You carry out the mission of the church of the home in ordinary ways when…you pray together…God answers all prayers, but sometimes in surprising ways.” (Follow the Way of Love, USCCB) Looking back on the past year, can you identify a prayer that has been answered?

August 23, 2021

Is life overwhelming right now? Take a deep breath, and remind yourself of your blessings, especially your faith and your marriage. This too shall pass!

August 22, 2021

“Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” (John 6:60) Living out the Gospel is not always easy, but with God’s grace it is possible.

August 21, 2021

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:7) Did you gather in Jesus’ name today? Then believe that Jesus is with you in your marriage.

August 20, 2021

How free are you and your family? Can you enjoy each other’s company without spending money? Can you have fun without depending on electricity? Explore free recreation next weekend. Sing and dance – or at least walk and talk.

August 19, 2021

“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 16: 18) In marriage we hold the keys to each other’s heart. Spouses should also know each other’s Internet passwords lest one be tempted to lock out the other from personal conversations.

August 18, 2021

Temper Taming Tip #3: A child’s disobedience can trigger rage from a parent. Try pre-empting your anger with a plan. Inform your child (ideally after discussion) of what consequence will follow disobedience. Then don’t yell, just calmly enforce the plan.

August 17, 2021

Temper Taming Tip #2: Noise can lower your resistance to anger. If whining, TV, roughhousing, or crowds are on your nerves, lower the decibel level. Call for a “Quiet Time Out.” For example, turn off the TV, have kids go outside (or to separate rooms). Talk softly yourself.

August 16, 2021

Temper Taming Tip #1: Check your own temperature first. Maybe you’re tired after a long day or feel stressed or worried. Try strengthening your resistance. Taking a short nap helps some. Others may listen to quiet music, take a bath or a walk. Experiment.

August 15, 2021

Mary’s “Yes” of the Annunciation was the vehicle for God’s entry into human history. Her Assumption brought her closer to God, and thus closer to all of us. Ask her for help today.

August 14, 2021

When asked, “If you could come back as anyone after you die, who would it be?” Winston Churchill thought for a second, turned to his wife, and said, “Mrs. Churchill’s second husband.” Make a tribute to your spouse today.

August 13, 2021

Treasure each moment with your spouse. We know neither the day nor the hour when our loved one will be taken from us (tip sent by a recent widow).

August 12, 2021

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was a wife and mother who was widowed at age 28. Today, pray for those who have lost a spouse, and look for a concrete way to support them.

August 11, 2021

“Not everyone is going to be a friend, but no one needs to be an enemy.” (Susan Vogt) How do you, your spouse, and your children deal with people you don’t like? Avoid them? Pray for them? Try to understand them? Gossip about them? Confront them? Fight? Talk about it.

August 10, 2021

One version of the marriage vows states, “to have and to hold from this day forward.” Pay attention to that little word, “hold,” today. When times are tough or emotions raw, sometimes firmly and lovingly holding each other is the best comfort.

August 9, 2021

Self-deprecation can be disarming. Tell a silly story about yourself from your youth. If you have children, they may be relieved that you made mistakes, too. Teens often appreciate the role reversal. It might even generate an evening of reminiscing.

August 8, 2021

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Stop murmuring among yourselves.’” (Jn 6:43) Do not gossip with your spouse or about your spouse. In doing so you are sinning as well as leading others into sin. Speak the truth with joy and kindness.

August 7, 2021

“A Canaanite woman … called out, “Have pity on me, Lord! … My daughter is tormented by a demon.” (Mt 15:22) Jesus healed the daughter. Sometimes it is our intense love for our children that drives us to seek God. Let a child be a vehicle of grace for you today.

August 6, 2021

“From the cloud came a voice, ‘This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.’” Mk 9:7 On this feast of the Transfiguration, spend some time with your spouse reflecting on the voice of God. Are you listening to Him when you make big and small decisions in your marriage?

August 5, 2021

Procrastination. The Christian Family Movement suggests: If not now, when? If not me, who? If not here, where? Are you putting something off until the kids are older, the house paid for, your teeth flossed? Relationships don’t always wait for someday, one day.

August 4, 2021

St. John Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests. Does your family have a priest friend or two? Invite him over, celebrate his priesthood, and pray for him.

August 3, 2021

Do you talk too much? As necessary as communication within the family is, sometimes spouses and children can tune you out if you tend to be long-winded. This is not something you can self-diagnose. Ask your honey or kids for help, and avoid TMI (Too Much Information).

August 2, 2021

“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes!” (Jack Handey) To curb the urge to criticize your spouse, you may need a little distance and perspective, but make sure to come back.

August 1, 2021

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.’” (Jn 6:35) If you and your family have hit hard financial times, do not despair. God will provide. Trust in Him to care for your family.