June 18, 2021

Marriage Challenge, especially for newlyweds: Blending personalities, customs, family traditions, and financial decision making. Which has been easiest for you? For your spouse?

June 17, 2021

“Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mk 3:35) Jesus invites us all to be members of His family, the Church. Be Christ to your spouse, your children, your parents – and be mindful of Him in others outside your home, too.

June 16, 2021

“There are different forms of service but the same Lord.” (1 Cor. 12:5) Equality doesn’t mean sameness. As men and women, we are equal, but have unique talents and personalities. How do your spouse’s gifts serve your family and the community?

June 15, 2021

Children are a great gift, and as desired as children usually are in a marriage, raising them can also bring stress. Don’t let arguments over child discipline sap your energy and alienate you from each other. Take a break. Build a list of a few reliable sitters.

June 14, 2021

We remember what we want to hear. Do you ever unintentionally but conveniently “forgot” something your spouse asked you to do? It’s easy to do, but try to be more attentive, even when inconvenient.

June 13, 2021

“We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7) How is your faith these days? St. Paul reminds us that at the heart of the Christian faith is trust, even when we can’t see the road ahead. Pray with your spouse for that kind of faith today.

June 12, 2021

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecc. 4:12) Invite God into your marriage daily. Prayer can open up a third perspective when you’re not sure what to do.

June 11, 2021

Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, draw close to Jesus’s Heart. Lay your head on Jesus’s chest, and give him your troubles. His Heart beats with love for you.

June 10, 2021

Marriage is not so much a matter of finding the right person as being the right person. Relationship skills can be learned. Try to improve yours today.

June 9, 2021

“Do what’s natural” is a common and well, “natural,” approach to many decisions. Have you considered learning to use Natural Family Planning (NFP)? Search on For Your Marriage for more info!

June 8, 2021

“Everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine.” (John 17:9) Although Jesus was addressing his Father with these words, they also apply to married couples. Are there any possessions that you are reluctant to share with your beloved?

June 7, 2021

There’s a difference between constructive criticism and nagging: are you guilty of doing the latter? When there’s something you wish your spouse would improve upon, speak kindly, gently, and with love.

June 6, 2021

“Take it; this is my body…This is my blood of the covenant.” (Mk 14:22, 24) Marriage finds its nourishment in the Eucharist, Jesus’s Body and Blood given to us. Take, eat; take, drink, and be strengthened!

June 5, 2021

Want to pray more, but not sure how? Try taping a list of people you want to pray for (or a morning offering) to the bathroom mirror. Make sure your spouse is #1.

June 4, 2021

Are you a detailed person while your beloved sees the big picture – or vice-versa? These differences can complement each other for good, but if too extreme they can cause friction. Make a commitment to see the other’s point of view.

June 3, 2021

You think you’re right. Your spouse thinks the opposite. Neither of you wins by making the other wrong. Try giving the benefit of the doubt to your beloved. Try it their way – at least once.

June 2, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) When you get frustrated, pray for understanding.

June 1, 2021

Often the simple act of rebooting can remedy a computer problem. Sometimes marriages need a reboot. If a problem is not resolving readily, try this: Stop. Let both of you cool off. Forgive. Ask for a “do-over.”

May 31, 2021

Today we remember the men and women who sacrificed for our country. Pray today for military families who have lost a spouse or child, or who are far away from loved ones.

May 30, 2021

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt 28:19) We are called to lead others to Christ. Reflect on how you and your family are living out this call. Be witnesses to the love of Christ.

May 29, 2021

Using Natural Family Planning (NFP) helps couples develop an attitude of welcoming children. NFP can also be used to space or limit family size, but an open heart goes a long way.

May 28, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) When my husband has long work days, I surprise him and drop off special treats at his office. It always re-energizes him, physically and mentally.

May 27, 2021

Is your entertainment time ruled by “screens”? Take a break. Use screen-free time as a way to reignite romance and reunite your family the old-fashioned way – with conversation, games, and creative fun.

May 26, 2021

You’ve probably heard of the advice: “Never go to bed angry.” Although generally, this is a fine rule, sometimes a good night’s sleep can provide a cooling-off period and help you get a fresh perspective.

May 25, 2021

When you and your spouse are at loggerheads, it’s hard to remember that your beloved is your beloved – not your enemy. He or she isn’t trying to be difficult, but just trying to say that something is very important to him/her. Listen to the need.

May 24, 2021

Jesus gave His Mother Mary to be our mother, too. She experienced the joy of the birth of her Son, separation from Him during his ministry, grief at His death, and the glorious triumph of His resurrection. Ask for her intercession – and comfort – in all parts of your life.

May 23, 2021

“Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22) The Holy Spirit is a powerful presence in our lives. Invite the Holy Spirit to work in your marriage and to lead you on the path to holiness.

May 22, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) When you wake up in the morning, think of something you can do that would make your beloved’s day better. It can be big and special or small and helpful.

May 21, 2021

Sometimes we stress ourselves (and therefore our spouse and children) by worrying about things that don’t really matter in the long run, like a certain image, wealth, or fame. Are you guilty of giving undue attention to things that will pass?

May 20, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) Pray together daily, listen to each other, and wait to respond until the other is finished speaking.

May 19, 2021

Want to pray more, but not sure how? Try taping a list of people you want to pray for (or a morning offering) to the bathroom mirror. Make sure your spouse is #1.

May 18, 2021

“It takes hard work to really understand another’s feelings or to practice shared decision making on important matters.” (Follow the Way of Love) Are you and your spouse in sync when it comes to making decisions? Recommit yourself to strong communication today.

May 17, 2021

Your spouse is not your competitor. Too often couples keep score on who cleaned more, took care of the kids last, or has the hardest job. Remember: you’re both on the same team.

May 16, 2021

“Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) Are you always honest with your spouse? Do not lie to them – even if it is a “harmless” lie. We are called to proclaim the truth.

May 15, 2021

Sometimes couples get lucky and their personalities and families of origin mesh seamlessly. That’s rare. The blessing of having difficulties is that it forces the virtues of conflict resolution skills and dying to self. It can hurt but it is also a spiritual purification.

May 14, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) Love the whole person, especially their weaknesses.

May 13, 2021

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.” (Mk 16:19) When Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised to send the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit for help today to be authentic witnesses of the Gospel in your marriage and family.

May 12, 2021

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15:13) Loving your spouse means making sacrifices for them. How do you lay down your life for your spouse? How does your spouse lay down his/her life for you?

May 11, 2021

A good argument can be a labor of love. Have something sensitive or difficult to talk about with your spouse? Try holding hands and maintaining direct eye contact when you are discussing a disagreement.

May 10, 2021

What’s the most dangerous part of your body? In marriage, it’s your tongue. It can discourage, wound, embarrass, and humiliate your beloved. You may try to conceal this weapon but it’ll sneak out in snarky remarks if you don’t tame it. Say enough, but know when to stop.

May 9, 2021

“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” (John 15:12) Christ loves you and your spouse more than you can ever imagine. Pray for His help in loving your spouse as He loves you.

May 8, 2021

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. Have you thought of a way to honor your mother? It’s a great day to pray for your godmother and grandmothers too!

May 7, 2021

Store clerks are taught to say, “Have a nice day!” to each customer. The marriage version is “How was your day?” Such a simple question, but it says, “I care about you and how you spend the time when we’re apart.” Listen carefully to the answer.

May 6, 2021

(Reader’s Tip): Only do those things that will be good for the other. This has given us a better outlook. We think more before we do something.

May 5, 2021

Strong marriages can have problems, but the healthy married couple is committed to working through them and finding help when faced with problems they can’t solve alone. Seeking counsel is a sign of strength.

May 4, 2021

“As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) Ponder the way Jesus loved—self-sacrificing, unconditionally, like a shepherd, forgiving–and choose one element to lavish upon your beloved today.

May 3, 2021

Make a point to spend time together talking, listening, praying, laughing, being playful, and reconnecting. No matter how busy you are, make that time for each other.

May 2, 2021

“Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Marriage is not always easy. In order to succeed, place Christ at the center of your marriage. With him at the center, you will be able to withstand any trials that you may face together.

May 1, 2021

May is Mary’s month. Do you have an image of Our Lady in your home? If not, place one in a prominent place sometime this month. Let it be a good reminder to ask for her intercession throughout the day.