Marriage Moments & Parenting Pointers NOVEMBER - 2009

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 *NOTE to EDUCATORS, LEADERS, & MINISTERS: You are welcome to reprint these MM's and PP's in bulletins, newsletters, and on your website with proper credit, i.e., "By Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net" When used on a website, please also link to my website. *To SUBSCRIBE to Marriage Moments or Parenting Pointers in English or Spanish, click here. *To CHANGE your e-mail address or update your profile click "Update Profile/Email Address" below. *ESPAÑOL: Para opciones españolas clic "Actualizar Perfil / Dirección de correo electrónico (Update Profile/Email Address" más adelante. -Mensuales espanoles MM's & PP's -Semanales espanoles Momentos Matrimoniales (MM's) -Semanales espanoles Notitas Para Los Padres (PP's) *To UNSUBSCRIBE, click "Safe Unsubscribe" below.

MARRIAGE MOMENTS 336. Nov. 2: Presumably most people marry with the intent of it being forever. Forever, however, sometimes gets interrupted by death or divorce. Painful as this is, after mourning the death of a marriage, some give love a second chance. Marriage, however, is more complicated the second time around, especially if there are step-children. If you are contemplating a second marriage, do yourselves a favor and attend a quality marriage preparation program geared to your unique situation. Save yourself some tension. 337. Nov. 9: It's normal for couples to occasionally have arguments and fights. It means you are unique individuals who don't always think alike. Good; but choose your battles carefully. Fighting over every little annoyance can just wear you out. What has been your most productive argument? 338. Nov. 16: "Married couples: the grace of the sacrament of matrimony and the spiritual power of your vows are available to you daily." (Follow the Way of Love) Remember, you're not in this marriage alone. Call upon these realities and God's power. 339. Nov. 23: Hopefully your spouse is never physically or emotionally abusive to you. If you don't feel safe, however, and there is a violent pattern, get counseling or make an escape plan. If it's non-violent and only occasional, look for what's out of balance in your beloved's life. 340. Nov. 30: In Advent we prepare for the coming of Jesus. How do you prepare for the coming of your spouse after an absence? Do you have any customs that help you reunite at the end of the day or a longer time apart? Anticipation is important. PARENTING POINTERS 331. 336. Nov. 6: Recently a child opened the door for me at the bank. Nice but not remarkable. Then I noticed her brother racing ahead to press the "Walk" button at the traffic light. Huh? It occurred to me that maybe they were having a "good deed contest." Perhaps you'd like to propose this to your child. For one day, challenge your kids to a "good deed race." It could become a marathon. 337. Nov. 13: (Friday the 13th) What scares you? Fears can be lightened when discussed openly. Ask your child to name his or her greatest fear. Antidotes for fear can be talking, taking action, or prayer. For irrational or superstitious fears, humor often helps. 338. Nov. 20: As families travel and reunite over holidays like Thanksgiving, it can be a happy but stressful time. Remember the wisdom that Jesus told Martha as she complained about having to do all the work while Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening, "Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things...It is Mary who has chosen the better part." (Lk 10:41-42) 339. Nov. 27: While family reunions are about reconnecting and playing together, it does take a lot of work to feed and house visitors. Yes, pay attention to relating with your family, but there are times to be a "Martha" (Lk 10:41) and help with the tasks of hospitality also. How can you help out today? Clean-up? Entertain young ones for a change? Fix something that's broken? © 2009 Susan Vogt MAIL: 523 E. Southern Ave., Covington, KY 41015 PHONE: (859) 291-6197, FAX: (859) 291-4742 E-MAIL: SusanVogt@fuse.net WEBSITE: www.SusanVogt.net