Family Life Resources

January - 2020

Marriage Moments & Parenting Pointers JANUARY - 2020     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. *FOR MORE extended marriage and parenting articles, plus archived Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers, go to: www.SusanVogt.net   *BLOG: Living Lightly. www.SusanVogt.net/blog    *TWITTER:@Vogt_Susan *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    *To SUBSCRIBE, click here.    *ESPAÑOL:Para opciones en español clic aqui.       MARRIAGE MOMENTS* 867. Jan. 6: The Epiphany is a feast of outreach and inclusion. The appearance of Jesus to the three wise men from the East reminds us that Jesus came for all humankind, not just the Jewish people. So too, married love is not a gift to be hoarded. Reach out to someone who is sad, in trouble, or from a different culture. Can you do it together?   868. Jan. 13: Affairs usually start with friendships. You start by sharing your problems with each other. As the friendship deepens you start giving each other mutual support and encouragement - especially about your unmet needs. That may evolve into an attraction, like a powerful magnet. Then, before you know it, you may even find yourself in bed with your "friend." Let your "friend" be your spouse.   869. Jan. 20: (MLK Day) Martin Luther King emphasized that our differences need not divide us. Think of a way that you and your spouse are different yet your traits complement each other. (Consider things like attention to detail vs. seeing the whole picture, quick thinker vs. thorough planner, extrovert vs. self-reflective...)   870. Jan 27: "There are rivalries among you...Each of you is saying..." I am a Democrat, or I am a Republican. (adapted from 1 Cor. 1:11-12). Even if both of you have similar political leanings, you certainly know people who have different opinions about religion or politics. Find someone who disagrees with you this week (maybe your spouse) and listen carefully to understand more than to persuade.  *Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the above date.  PARENTING POINTERS* 866. Jan. 3: As we start a new calendar year resolutions are common - but too soon forgotten. Perhaps remembering important things is timely. Share as a family: The happiest time for me this past year was _____ & A regret (sadness) I have about last year is _____.   867. Jan.10: "Jesus came to John to be baptized." (Mt. 3:13) Often people today are baptized as infants and thus only remember through stories and photos. If so, tell your child about their baptism day.   868. Jan. 17: What can your family do to prevent abortions? Have you ever supported an unwed mother by providing clothes and baby needs? Can you provide childcare for a single mom who needs a break? If possible, let your children help.   869. Jan. 24: Most of us have both friends and enemies (or at least people we dislike). Talk with your child about who each of you dislike and why. Then turn the tables. Can you find it in your hearts to bless even your enemies today? Try.   870. Jan. 31: "[Jesus'] father and mother were amazed at what was said about him." (Luke 2:33) As a parent it is natural to be both proud and worried about your child. Read the whole story of the Presentation in the temple today and imagine yourself in Mary & Joseph's sandals.     * Parenting Pointers go out to individuals on Fridays. For Sunday bulletins, use the closest Friday.     © 2019 Susan Vogt MAIL: 523 E. Southern Ave., Covington, KY 41015  PHONE: (859) 291-6197, FAX: (859) 291-4742  E-MAIL: SusanVogt1@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.SusanVogt.net

Beliefs and Teachings

• Questions and Answers about Girl Scouts of the USA and the Catholic Faith

Marriage Resources

• For Your Marriage
• Unique for a Reason

Marriage and Parenting Resources

www.SusanVogt.net

50-Hues-of-Holiness

Morality & Ethics at a Glance:

• Abortion
• Gifts of Grace Adoption
• Birth Control
• Contraception and Sterilization
• Early Teachings on Homosexuality
• Homosexuality
• Chastity Questions
• The Stem Cell ?: Embryonic vs. Adult
• Catholic Answers Guide to Just War Doctrine
• A Pastoral Response to Pornography - "Create In Me a Clean Heart"
• Video game addiction

Additional Resources:

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Indiana Catholic Conference (public policy)
• The Vatican website
• National Catholic Bioethics Center