The Choice is Ours: How Will We Respond?

Morning Pages Week Eight

I shared last week that I am going through the 12-week workbook “The Artist's Way.” As a part of the course, I write three pages in a journal each day. I am sharing a section of my writing each week with you. I would love your feedback on this new approach to my weekly Dispatch.

Yesterday, I was short with Nancy. I was irritated about something that had nothing to do with her at all. I do not have any idea why I do that - other than my selfishness. Why would I be short with her? In the big picture, it makes no sense. On top of that, I was frustrated with the way my favorite football team had played. Why do I let something like that bother me? There is nothing I can do about it and it doesn't really matter at all. 

Nancy was asking questions because she was trying to understand something she knew I could help her with. I know that is how she processes. She has processed like that for our entire marriage. I need to listen better in those times. I need to really hear what she's saying or asking. Then I need to respond in a kind way and help her understand whatever it is the best that I can. 

It goes back to the truth that I always have a choice in the way I respond. I know with God’s help, I can be more patient and understanding and be on the same team with her. That is what I choose to do.

Questions For You To Think About:

  • Do you listen well to your spouse?

  • When are you most vulnerable to be impatient with your spouse?

  • When you have a choice in the way you respond to your spouse, what choice will you make?

2 Minute Drill

My friend Gary Thomas recently joined me on a Facebook Live. Here is a clip from that conversation as we discussed “couple check-ins.”

Quick Hits: 

This Week’s Quote: Charles Schulz

Charles was born on November 16, 1922. He drew the adventures of Charlie Brown and his friends in the comic strip Peanuts for almost 50 years. Health problems caused his retirement and he died of colon cancer just hours before his final Peanuts strip was distributed on Sunday, February 13, 2000. He was, without a doubt, one of the most influential cartoonists in history. Narrowing all of Charles Schulz quotes down to a couple to share with you has been difficult but here are two of my favorites!

 

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, look to tomorrow, rest this afternoon."

"Happiness is waking up, looking at the clock, and finding that you still have two hours left to sleep."

This Week’s Trivia Question

What is the number one best selling musical album of all time?

This Week’s Did You Know?

Cans of diet soda will float in water but regular soda cans will sink!

Awesome Marriage This week

AM Podcast:  Avoid These 3 Premarital Mistakes: #2 Focus on the Wrong Things

As we continue this three part series, Lindsay and I talk about how easy it is for a couple to focus on the wrong things leading up to their marriage. Then we look at the things that will make a positive difference for the coming marriage.

AM YouTube Channel: This Week’s Vlog

Click on the link for this week’s vlog on the Awesome Marriage YouTube Channel!

AM YouVersion Plan: A Dad Named Jairus

Jairus is only mentioned once in the Bible. His daughter was dying and he reached out to the One that he knew could heal her. There is so much for us to learn from the story of this man. Join us in this four-day plan.

This Week’s Trivia Answer:

  • Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Kim KimberlingComment
The Choice to Invest in Friendship

Morning Pages Week Seven

I shared last week that I am going through the 12-week workbook “The Artist's Way.” As a part of the course, I write three pages in a journal each day. I am sharing a section of my writing each week with you. I would love your feedback on this new approach to my weekly Dispatch.

I do not think that I am a consistent, good friend to others but I am working on it. I can make all kinds of excuses as to why I am not and “being busy” is usually at the top of my list. For me, “being busy” can be a cop out. Why? Because I make time for the things I want to make time for. I have to admit that truth. That is a starting place.

God has brought many friends in my life over the years. I have been a better friend to some than others. I know I cannot be a best friend to everyone. If I really tried to do that, I would probably end up not being a best friend to anyone.  

At this time in my life, I want to invest in two or three friendships. That does not mean shutting others out. It means that I see there are different levels of friendship. With these two or three, I want to be more intentional in the way I spend time with them and how I show that I really do care about  them. I want to invest in them. The bottom line is that friendships are a gift from God and I don’t want to miss what God brings into my life.

Questions For You To Think About:

  • How good a friend do you think that you are?

  • Who are the friends that you want to invest in at this time in your life?

  • What is one thing you can do today to show a friend that you care?

2 Minute Drill

Chris and Jenni Graebe have a book titled “The Rhythm of Us: Create the Thriving Marriage You Long For.” In this 2-minute clip from a future Awesome Marriage Podcast episode, Jenni talks about “The Rhythm of Slowing Down.”

Quick Hits: 

This Week’s Quote: Alan Shepard

Alan Shepard was born on November 18, 1923, in Derry, New Hampshire, United States. He was one of NASA’s first seven astronauts, and on May 5, 1961, became the first American to travel into space. His second mission was the Apollo 14, where he was the commander. He and his crew landed on the moon on February 15, 1971, where he became the 5th person to walk on the moon’s surface and the first-ever person to play golf on the moon.

  • When I first looked back at the Earth, standing on the Moon I cried.

  • It is a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one’s safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract.

This Week’s Trivia Question

Where does the term "mocha" come from?

This Week’s Did You Know?

The Ancient Romans used to drop a piece of toast into their wine for good health - hence why we “raise a toast.”

Awesome Marriage This week

AM Podcast: Avoid These 3 Premarital Mistakes: #1 Ignoring Red Flags  

If you are engaged or thinking about marriage, today we are talking about some of the “red flags” that people ignore that can have real consequences in their future marriage. Join Lindsay and me as we not only identify red flags but also discuss what to do about them.

AM YouTube Channel:What comes to your mind when you hear the word “divorce”?

 What do you do when the option of divorce is still on the table in your marriage? Join me as we look at what needs to happen!

AM YouVersion Plan: Lord, Help My Critical Heart

In this six-day plan, Lindsay Few helps us make the change from focusing on the negative to renewing our minds with Biblical truth while unleashing God’s purpose and power in our lives.

AM Resource: Awesome Marriage Creative Gift Guide 2022

With it being the start of the holiday season, I had to be sure to include a new resource we are so excited to offer: Awesome Marriage Creative Gift Guide 2022! This resource is FREE, and along with exclusive discount codes to help you snag the perfect gift for your spouse, we are including a free gift from us to you! GET GIFTING HERE!!!!!

This Week’s Trivia Answer:

  • It's a port city in Yemen, where the drink originated. The name actually dates back to the 14th century, when the city of Mocha was founded. According to Britannica, Mocha was renowned for its "high-quality coffee of the species Coffee arabica."

Kim KimberlingComment
Do I Really Need These Answers?

Morning Pages Week Six

I shared last week that I am going through the 12-week workbook “The Artist's Way.” As a part of the course, I write three pages in a journal each day. I am sharing a section of my writing each week with you. I would love your feedback on this new approach to my weekly Dispatch.

Why do we blame God when bad things happen? If we had not sinned, we would all still be in the Garden of Eden. At times we seem to think we are smarter than God and do not have to listen to Him. We think we know best - or we just do what we want to do. 

Did God know we would sin against Him? I think He did. Honestly, I believe from the beginning of time, God knew we would need a Savior. Sometimes, I wonder about God’s timing. Why did He not send Jesus the moment Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden? Why did Jesus come when He did? When is He coming back? I cannot answer any of these questions but do I really need these answers? If I trust God, which I do, then I don’t. 

God is sovereign. He has every answer. He loves us more than we could ever imagine. Whatever we face, He is there for us and has answers that we could never have without Him. I don’t have to know or understand because He does. My role is to embrace God and the opportunities He gives me to serve Him every day. Yes, in this life bad things can happen but God is not the cause. Knowing God is there to walk through them with us is awesome news. 

Questions For You To Think About:

  • Have you ever blamed God when something bad happened? 

  • If Adam and Eve had not sinned against God, would someone else have played that role?

  • What does it mean to you to know that God has an answer to everything you face in this life? 

2 Minute Drill

Matt Hammit with Dr. Kim

Quick Hits: 

This Week’s Quote: Theodore Roosevelt

Teddy Roosevent was born on October 27, 1858. He was a sickly child with asthma but overcame his health problems and went on to become the 26th and youngest President of the United States. Historians rank him as one of the greatest presidents in American history. 

There are so many great quotes attributed to him. Here are two of my favorites.

  • Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.

  • A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.

This Week’s Trivia Question

What comedy became the first film directed by a woman to gross over $100 million at the box office?

This Week’s Did You Know?

Did you know the fastest reptile is the sea turtle? Sea turtles can swim as fast as 35 mph.

Awesome Marriage This week

AM Podcast: Special Guest: Gary Thomas

Gary Thomas is one of my favorite people and this is his third time to join me on the podcast. 

Join us as we talk about making your marriage a fortress that is able to withstand the storms of life.

AM YouTube Channel: What Happens After An Affair?

What do we do when the person we trusted completely goes outside of the marriage? Is there hope? What are the steps to healing? Join me as we dig into this important issue.

AM YouVersion Plan: Reconnect: Refresh Your Marriage

If your marriage has lost the closeness you once had or if you feel disconnected from your spouse, this plan is perfect for you as you seek God’s desire for the two of you to become one.

This Week’s Trivia Answer:

  • The 1988 film Big starring Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin and directed by Penny Marshall.

Kim KimberlingComment