Marriage Moments & Parenting Pointers OCTOBER - 2019
I offer you these tidbits of wisdom as prayer prompts to remind you (and your constituents) of the sacredness of marriage vows and the value of every child. The commitment to love a spouse forever, and the generous gift of life parents offer a child are indeed spiritual under-takings and cannot be done alone. May the God of Love be with you and your work.
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*EDUCATORS, LEADERS, & MINISTERS: You are welcome to reprint these MM's and PP's in bulletins, newsletters, and on your website with proper credit, ("By Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net") When used on a website, please also link to my website: www.SusanVogt.net
854, Oct. 7: "Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord." (Habakkuk 1:3) These days life can often feel like everything is falling apart - politically, within our Church, even within our family. Lean on your spouse for strength. Rest in the arms of your beloved as a reminder of God's love enveloping you both. 855. Oct. 14: Argument Tip #1: Many marital arguments escalate unnecessarily because of bad timing. Bad times include - when your spouse just arrives home, is sick, tired, or before sex. So when is a good time? Talk about this together but the answer can't be "Never." 856. Oct. 21: Argument Tip #2: Don't get unduly "historical" in a marital argument. Counting and keeping track of all the past wrongs done you won't endear you to your beloved when looking for a mutually agreeable solution. Don't dwell on the past. Admit that each of you probably made mistakes and hurt each other. Focus on the future. 857. Oct. 28: "I have competed well, I have finished the race..." (2 Tim 4:7) Whether you are young in age or nearing the probable end of your time on earth, review your lives together. What have you worked hard to achieve? What remains for you to do before the race is finished?
*Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the abovedate.
PARENTING POINTERS*
853. Oct. 4: October is Respect Life Month in the Catholic tradition. It encompasses everything from conception to death. Which components speak most to your heart (abortion, care for the poor, health care, protection of immigrants, anti-death penalty, care for the earth...)? Ask your child their priority. 854. Oct. 11: Are your kids "Ad Smart"? Can they pick out how advertisers are trying to persuade them to want more stuff? Play a game while watching or listening to ads. Try to pick out how ads are trying to trick you to buy more. Teach your kids not to be fooled. Click here & here for tips. 855. Oct. 18: Jesus cured 10 lepers but only one returned and thanked him. (Luke 17:16) Ask each person in your family what they are most thankful for today. Maybe make it part of your prayer before dinner. 856. Oct. 25: Halloween is coming up. Your child might want a scary or elegant costume. No problem. But you might want to suggest the idea of "Who is your hero?" Could you design a costume around a book character or an animal that makes our life a better place? Think creatively. * Parenting Pointers go out to individuals on Fridays. For Sunday bulletins, use the closest Friday.