Posts Tagged ‘news and views’
Australian Bishops Urge Couples Towards “Smart Loving”
The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference encourages married couples to use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to affirm marriage and life-long romantic love. They urge couples to practice “smart loving,” that is, knowing the way one’s spouse likes and needs to be loved.
Great Expectations
As Justin awaits the birth of his and Sara’s child, he observes, “I have noticed how different the experience of “expectation” is for me as a man versus the experience for Sara as a woman.” Read how Justin is dealing with the reality of a baby and the prospect of greater responsibility.
Liberation Dance
The stress of trying to sell their house is getting to Josh and Stacey. Then Stacey finds an unexpected way to bring a little joy and laughter to their situation.
Marital Love Needs to be Other-Focused
Many church leaders believe that individualism runs against the grain of marriage. One problem, they say, is that it fosters a focus on oneself. While spouses need to grow as individuals and as a couple, the hope is that they will grow with and through each other.
No More “Superwoman”
How true are the stories one hears about pregnancy? Before becoming pregnant, Sara says that she discounted most of them. Now she’s discovering that they contain more than a little truth.
Superstitious Home-Selling
In preparation for their big move, Stacey and Josh have just put their house on the market. And they’re looking for a little saintly help…
Want to Spend Time Together? Try Working on Your Budget.
For most couples, preparing the family budget is a chore. One financial writer suggests another perspective: It’s a good way for husband and wife to spend some quality time alone with each other.
I Told You So!
Less than a week after moving into their new house, Justin and Sara get a nasty reminder about the “joys” of home ownership. How does it affect their relationship?
New Year’s Resolution
I have to admit, I think the resolution to try to make Joshua as happy as possible this year is a very worthy endeavor. So much so, that I have actually decided to adopt it as my New Year’s resolution.
Finding Happiness as Married Parents
Do you want to be happy as a couple and as parents? A new report finds that wedded bliss is often found by embracing an “ethic of generosity.” Generosity expressed through small actions appears to boost men’s and women’s chances of successfully combining marriage and parenthood.
There Is a God, and I’m Not Him
Stacey’s new job means big changes for the whole family. For Josh, it means leaving a beloved campus ministry position and grappling with an uncertain future. He observes, “I expect the answers to come in God’s time, which means that things will unfold and become clear when the time is right. No amount of worry or stress will change that.”
Several Factors Contribute to Declining Marriage Rate
New research finds that the U.S. marriage rate continues to decline, dropping by five percent from 2009 to 2010. What’s behind these startling statistics?
Dream Job
Not everyone has the chance to apply for–and be offered–their dream job. But that’s what happened to Stacey. She describes the incredible gift that she “could only dream about a few months ago.”
Blessed New Year!
With Justin on an ice fishing trip with his Grandpa, Sara has been living the single life. It’s made her appreciate how much Justin supports her and helps out around the house.
Squirrel-sprinting
Married life can go more smoothly if we learn to laugh at ourselves. And it helps to have someone with whom to share that laughter, as Josh discovers.
What Does a 2011 Father Do?
Thirty years ago it was rare to see a stay-at-home Dad. These days it’s a common feature of marriage and parenthood. Even the experts don’t know where trends are heading, but we do know that fathers are more involved than ever in child care.
Christmas and Chaos
“[Our vocation] calls us to enter into diapers and runny noses and “did not, did too” screaming matches and basketball practice and giggles over knock-knock jokes. The trick…is how to stay connected to God in all that noise.” Josh offers some practical advice.
Season of Waiting
Sara and Justin have finally found a house they like. Will their offer be accepted? They’re both anxiously waiting to find out.
Advent Struggle
I am struggling with Christmas shopping. More to the point I am struggling with our consumerist interpretation of “preparing for Christmas” and its mass media displacement of Advent.
Are We There Yet?
Sara and Justin discuss one of their first family holidays as a married couple and look forward to celebrating Advent and Christmas as a family, too. Do you have a special family Advent or Christmas tradition to suggest for the newlyweds?
“And With Your Spirit”
How did your parish do with the new Mass responses? Josh reflects on the familiar and the new and how the Mass binds together Catholics all over the world.
The Advent Wreath
From late November through December, Catholic parishes, and many families, will light the candles on their Advent wreaths. How did this popular custom come about?
Parents Have Big Influence on Teens’ Online Behavior
A new study from the Pew Research Center finds that many parents are successfully influencing their teens’ online behavior. In addition, many teens understand the dangers of acting naively on recklessly when online.
Thanksgiving Litany
What are you thankful for as you gather around the Thanksgiving table? Stacey lists some of the many blessings in her life.
Turkey Time!
Sara and Justin are looking forward to Thanksgiving with family and friends. Before that, however, they celebrate an impromptu Thanksgiving with just the two of them.
