We are over half way through Advent. How is it going for you? Are you preparing for the birth of our Lord and Savior? What are you doing in your home that shows that you are definitely in the season of Advent? This is an exciting time for us as Christians. But how many of us use this time for profound spiritual growth? On Friday, let’s talk about how we can still make the most of Advent.

Wednesday is the Feast of Our Lady Of Guadalupe. Our Blessed Mother is so special that each of us develops a unique understanding and relationship with her. Describe for us your personal journey with Mary, and how it has grown over the years. Maybe you are not sure where to place her in your spiritual life. Share that as well, and let’s see if we can learn about our Blessed Mother together.

Times have changed dramatically since the Internet entered our lives. Some people still find love the old-fashioned way – by meeting their spouse in Church, at work, or through an introduction by a family member or friend. In recent decades, however, online dating websites have proliferated. These include many reputable sites that emphasize a strong adherence to Catholic teachings and practices. Have you looked for a potential marital relationship online? Maybe you found the love of your life in cyberspace. Perhaps you’re of a mind that lifelong love should only be discovered and cultivated in a more traditional manner. Do you believe there are too many risks involved in seeking love or a relationship on a website? On Tuesday, let’s talk about “love at first site.”

It is often said that going to bed angry is not good for the body and soul. Many times we rush to get to sleep in order to avoid having to face contentious issues in the home or at work. We take these negative emotions to sleep with us, and maybe, just maybe, we get a good night’s rest. But most of the time, we find ourselves tossing and turning all night and therefore starting the next day sleep deprived. This is especially true with married couples who argue and decide to go to bed without resolving the issue. On Monday, let’s talk about the benefits of never going to bed angry.

RESOURCES: 
Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

LINKS:
WWME.org
Retrouvaille 

When life throws us all sorts of curveballs, it’s good to have people we can count on for support. You know the type. They’re there for you through thick and thin, providing unconditional love, a listening ear and great advice. Often, the ones who are most apt to do this for us are God and our spouses. But here’s the deal: other than those two sources, whom do you most lean on as a sort of anchor in life? Let’s give a huge shout out to these great individuals, and share with the world just what makes them so reliable in our times of need. If you’re that person for someone else, tell us what it is about them that elicits such loyalty from you.

Right now during the season of Advent, we are remembering friends, family and ourselves. But are we remembering those who may need us the most? The sick, the needy, the homeless, the dying, the imprisoned? The Church calls each of us in his own way to reach out through the corporal works of mercy. How are we caring for the less fortunate and being Christ to them? Let’s have a discussion about this on Thursday.

We all evolve during our lives. That can mean that our circle of friends will change from time to time, depending on where we are in life, especially with regard to our relationship to God and the Church. Has there been a time when you made certain changes in your life, and one or more of the people you once considered “friends” decided they no longer wanted to associate with you? This can be a painful reality. But it can also free us up to become more like the people God wants us to be. If you’ve gone through this, and come out a better person, share your take that will help others who may be experiencing it right now.