This Week’s Quick Hits: 

Online Men’s Retreat: The first Awesome Marriage Online Men’s Retreat is coming up in June.  Early Bird registration is open until May 31 for only $39.  Nine other great speakers join me for this online retreat that you can watch whenever works best for you!  Here is the link for Early Bird Registration!

Consumer Electronics Show 2022: I love looking over the most exciting innovations from each year’s CES. Here’s one that fascinates me, rolled out by BMW. BMW has made use of color-swapping e-ink “paint.” It can change effortlessly from black to white. Calling it paint doesn't quite encapsulate the technology going on here. Instead, BMW has covered the car in a body wrap with electrophoretic technology built into it.  

Here are a few more interesting true facts that you might not know:

• Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi was not a man in a suit; it was actually a giant puppet.

• Most toilet paper sold for home use in France is pink.

• The television was invented only two years after the invention of sliced bread.

One Tough Trivia Question:

What's the only food that never expires? (Answer below)

This Week’s Quote:

This week’s quote is from Kurt Cobain. Kurt had such an impact on music as lead vocalist and songwriter for Nirvana. In the last years of his life, he struggled with drug addiction and depression and he eventually died by his own hand. A truly sad ending for a great musician. Kurt was inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was listed by Rolling Stone as one of the “100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.” 

“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are.” - Kurt Cobain

“You Can't Have Both Control And Intimacy with Special Guest Laura Doyle”

Awesome Marriage This Week: 

AM Resource: We are back at it for the third time to be part of the Dating Divas Online Sex Seminar. This year’s seminar covers a massive variety of topics and pain points, with 23 highly educated & relatable experts coming together to create an easy  place for you to get all the answers, advice, and resources you could ever need.

Click my link below to grab your all-access pass to the 2022 Sex Seminar, and start watching right away!

Learn More and get the 2022 Sex Seminar

*The $15 discount will apply automatically when you use this link AFTER you click “checkout” but before you pay. 

Learn More and get the Sex Seminar BUNDLE (2020, 2021, AND 2022s Sex Seminars)

*The $15 discount will apply automatically when you use this link AFTER you click “checkout” but before you pay. 

AM Podcast: “The Enneagram and Your Marriage”

At this time each year,  Lindsay and I take a break and plan future episodes. For the next four weeks we will repeat some of our best and most popular episodes. This week is “The Enneagram and Your Marriage.” Beth and Jeff McCord join me in this episode. Beth is the founder of Your Enneagram Coach and an Enneagram coach, teacher, and speaker. It is an honor to have Beth and her husband Jeff join me!

AM YouTube Channel: “Money Secrets” Has money ever caused a problem in your marriage? Has it separated you or drawn you closer together? Are there really money secrets? Join me on the AM YouTube Channel for this week’s video!

AM YouVersion Plan: “Mind Craft: Take Your Thoughts Captive to Transform Your Marriage” At one time every marriage is full of hopes, dreams and possibilities.  What happens? Why do so many couples just exist together? What I see time and time again is that people mentally reframe their spouse. The positive thoughts have been slowly replaced by negative thoughts. How do we reverse the process? That is what our focus is in this 3-day plan.

Dr. Kim’s Insights: Rocket Science

I have said more times than I can count that marriage is not rocket science. What do I mean by that? A rocket scientist starts their journey by learning physics, chemistry, and mathematics. They must have a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering with a focus on physics, aerodynamics, and related subjects like rocket design, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, navigation/guidance/control. Further education like a PhD in Physics or Mathematics can be beneficial and is required for carrying out independent research in the field of Rocket Science. 

If a similar process was required to marry, most of us would be out of luck. The good news is that it is not.

For each and every one of us, an awesome marriage is there for the taking. If you are single and want to have a great marriage for life, you can. If you are currently married and your marriage is not what you want it to be, you can turn it around. If you are married and your marriage is great, keep it up and keep growing!

Here are three simple things you can do to take hold of an awesome marriage.

1. Keep God first and your spouse second.

I may sound like a broken record, but it works. When you keep God first, you are asking Him daily what you need to do in your marriage instead of telling Him what you are going to do. If you think He is telling you to do something that you do not want to do, do it anyway. Trust Him. You will be so glad that you did. If you are putting God first, he would not want you to put anyone besides your spouse in second place. That means ahead of work, video games, other people, you get the idea.

2. Do these every day: 

Pray together

Have at least fifteen minutes of quality, uninterrupted time together.

Ask your spouse how you can help them today.

Be empathetic. Put yourself in their shoes.

3. Have fun together.

Nancy and I have been married over 52 years. We know how important it is to have fun together. Laugh, explore new places, and have a date each week.  Value each day with each other like it was your last!

Did you notice that none of these steps require a PhD in marriage? Your teacher is God and the principles are in the book He gave us to live by - The Bible. He is accessible to each of us 24/7/365. 

Marriage does not take the knowledge or education of a rocket scientist.  It does however take focus, time and intentionality day after day for a lifetime. Do this and you will be amazed and grateful for all that God does!

Next Steps:

• Together talk about how you can begin to implement these three simple things into your marriage beginning today!

• Begin the journey!

One Tough Trivia Question Answer:

The only food that never expires is honey!

This Week’s Quick Hits: 

New Medical Technology: A research team led by Boston University has used 3D printing technology to develop a miniature replica of a human heart-and it beats like the real thing. I know it may be difficult to believe but this is not science fiction or some pipe dream. It is happening now. Think what it could mean for millions of people. 

Here are some interesting true facts that you might not know:

• People can have a psychological disorder called Boanthropy that makes them believe that they are a cow. They try to live their life as a cow.

• In South Korea, there is an emergency number (113) to report spies.

• Sonic the Hedgehog’s full name is actually Ogilvie Maurice Hedgehog. (This is a bit of a contentious one, though, as some fans claim that it isn’t canon. This is because Sonic’s full name was never published.)

One Tough Trivia Question:

The Vatican bank has the only ATM in the world that allows users to do what? (Answer below)

This Week’s Quote:

My favorite Superman was George Reeves, who played the TV role from 1952-1958. My second favorite Superman was Christopher Reeve. In 1995, Reeve fell from a horse, broke his neck, and was paralyzed him from the neck down. Until his death in 2004, he used a ventilator and a wheelchair. He continued to work and my favorite post-accident film of his was a television remake of Alfred Hitchcock's “Rear Window.”

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” - Christopher Reeve 

Are You Trusting God With Your Kids?

Awesome Marriage This Week: 

AM Podcast: “When is Enough Enough?” My special guest this week is Dr. David Clarke and we talk about narcissism and gaslighting. Don’t miss this one. It is powerful!

AM YouTube Channel: “Controlling Spouse” Is your spouse controlling or is it something else? Join me as we look at this common problem.

AM YouVersion Plan: “Achieving Awesome Communication in Marriage” In this 8-day plan, Awesome Marriage COO Christina Dodson tackles the number one issue that couples ask for help with. You will love these time-tested Biblical principles!!

Dr. Kim’s Insights: Disciple Draft Day

I love the hype and the process of the NFL and NBA drafts. I love hearing how different teams evaluate the prospects. Teams look at hours upon hours of video tape. They conduct extensive background checks. They evaluate each player in every possible way. Their goal is to make the absolute best pick possible for their team. Millions of dollars are at stake. It is a long laborious task.

On Disciple Draft Day, Jesus looked past the religious elite and the educated. He did not solicit advice from those who could have given Him the inside scoop of the available prospects. Jesus went rogue and picked 12 ragtag young men to join Him for a three year journey.

At least five of his picks were fishermen. Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, and a guy named Peter who was also impetuous and very impulsive. Then there was Matthew, a tax collector who was very unpopular because of his day job. Then there were five that were very obscure and relatively unknown. Bartholomew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thomas, Jude, and Simon the Zealot. Final selection was Judas, who seemed to be good with money but could not really be trusted. 

These were hardly All Stars. On a five star rating scale, each of them would be a zero - maybe a one! All were of ordinary means. Yet Jesus chose each of them and they walked with Him for three years. After His death and resurrection, Jesus released them all and commissioned them with the job of telling the world about Him.

How did Jesus' draft picks turn out? As with all NFL and NBA draftees, these men were best evaluated at the end of their careers. Judas followed suit to his recruiting data and showed love of money and deceit as his top qualities. Simon became a Bishop and died of old age. Matthew wrote the story of Jesus in Hebrew and also died of old age. John was a missionary and later was banished to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation before his death. 

Both James were local missionaries. Both were martyred; one was stoned to death and the other beheaded. Thaddaeus was a missionary. Andrew, Bartholomew, Thomas, Phillip and Peter were missionaries. All were crucified. Thomas and Peter requested to be crucified upside down. Finally, Thomas was a missionary and was speared to death.

Today, I know and understand who Jesus was and is because of the work and sacrifice of these men. I know that if God had a plan for them, He does for me. He also does it for you.  Never let anyone you are not capable of what God calls you to do. No matter who you are, where you live, your education or lack of it, money or no money, God has an incredible plan for your life. Embrace that today!

Next Steps:

• As you look at the disciples, what can you learn from their lives?

• Do you know God’s plan for your life? If so, are you pursuing it with God’s help? If not, will you prayerfully seek that from God?

• This is the tough one. If faced with persecution or death, would you deny Jesus or boldly proclaim Him?

One Tough Trivia Question Answer:

The Vatican ATM allows users to carry out their transactions in Latin!

This Week’s Quick Hits: 

• It was yesterday but it’s not too late! May the 4th - as in “may the force be with you” - is commonly known as Star Wars day. Star Wars fans use this as an excuse to rewatch the movies (as if they need one).

• May contains many holidays including “International Hamburger Day’ and “Dance Like A Chicken Day!” I am going to celebrate both!

• Bob Dylan, Dwayne Johnson, John F Kennedy, George Clooney and Adele are some of the famous people that were born in the month of May.

And a little May Trivia: 

• The Empire State building first opened on May 1st. Which year was it? 

• A line in one of the classic rock songs says, “It’s just a spring clean for the May Queen.” Name the song.

• According to a superstition, on May 1st, young girls used to do something immediately after waking up, what was it?

(Answers Below)

“Are You Trusting God With Your Kids?”

Read, Watch, Listen

Listen: 

“5 Money Tips To Try”

Last month we shared some of the money mistakes we see couples make, and in this week’s podcast we’re sharing money tips to try. We want to see couples thriving in their marriages, and that includes stewarding money well. This is a real pain point for so many couples but there are ways to move out of that stuck and stressed place. 

Watch: 

"Be Angry and Do Not Sin - Are You Serious?"

We all get angry. Jesus got angry. Anger is an emotion just like being happy, sad, or ecstatic. When handled the wrong way though, anger has a tendency to tear marriages apart. The Bible tells us to “be angry and do not sin.” What does that mean? Join me in this week’s Awesome Marriage Vlog as we look at this issue.

Stream:

“CODA” 

I don’t review many movies but CODA was one of my favorite films and won the Oscar for Best Picture this year. As a warning, it is not for young children as there is some salty language and sex (but no nudity.) With that said, the movie is heartwarming and full of positive messages. It tells the story of high school senior, Ruby. Ruby is the only hearing person in her family. Her dad, mom, and brother are all deaf. The family has a commercial fishing boat and Ruby works on the boat and serves as translator for the family. As her high school graduation approaches, Ruby has to decide between staying with her family or pursuing her love of singing. For trivia buffs, the movie is a remake of the 2014 French film “La Famille Belier.”

Insights: 

What If?

Do you ever think “what if”? What if my spouse was more considerate? I know I would be happier. What if my spouse never raised their voice? I know I would not get hurt. What if my spouse never forgot our important dates to celebrate? I know that would make me feel valued. What if my spouse would exercise? I know our life together would be healthier. 

Those are just a few of the “what ifs” I hear all the time from people that I counsel. There are probably as many “what ifs” as there are people.

I think “what if” is a game we all play at some point. Maybe we play it when we are in the middle of our own pity party. Maybe we play it when we are upset at our spouse or unhappy in our marriage. Maybe we play it when we are just tired of the way our life is going and want something to change to make it better. 

Do you know the problem with “what if”? It never solves the problem. It never evokes change. It keeps us focused on what our spouse needs to do and thus places the blame for our problems on our spouse. “What ifs” point the finger at your spouse and when we are pointing the finger at our spouse, we are oblivious to what we need to do or change. 

Try this. The next time you look at your spouse and think how much better your life would be if they would fulfill all of your “what ifs”- STOP. Point your finger back at yourself. Then ask yourself: What if I was more considerate? I know my spouse would be happier. What if I never raised my voice? I know I would not hurt my spouse and our home would be more peaceful.  What if I never forgot our important dates to celebrate? I know that would make my spouse feel loved and valued. What if I got on a regular exercise plan? I know I would feel better and would be willing to do more fun things with my spouse.

There is nothing wrong with asking “what if” as long as it is pointing back at us. That is when change can happen since the only person you can change is you! That is when you are doing your part to build an awesome marriage.

 Next Steps:

• In your marriage, who can you control? 

• Does trying to control your spouse ever work?

• Name the “what if’s” that you have for your spouse? List them out and then think about how you can point your finger at yourself and do them for your spouse.

• Turn your “what if’s” for your spouse into “what if’s” for yourself!

May trivia Answers:

• 1931

• “Stairway to Heaven” sung by Led Zeppelin.

• They used to rush out in the garden to wash their faces in the May dew.

Can I ask a favor? Will you pray for our next hire at Awesome Marriage? 

I'm blessed to say we have the most amazing team at Awesome Marriage. I love my staff and the rockstars I get to work with. I'm excited to say that our team needs expanding. God has always provided the right people for the job and I know He will do it again.

Are you ready to join this awesome team? Do you want a fun work from home job that is flexible and encouraging? Are you passionate about helping couples have an awesome marriage? Do you have email marketing experience? 

We are currently looking to hire a Marketing and Operations Admin. This position is 100% remote.

Learn how to apply below. OR if you know the perfect person for the role tag them below! 

https://awesomemarriage.com/marketing-and-operations-admin-job-posting

*Some links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Every dollar made goes directly to the ministry of Awesome Marriage to help couples build awesome marriages. We only promote products we truly recommend.