Is Your Marriage Drifting? How to Recognize the Signs and Reconnect Ep. 674
Main takeaway: Every relationship can be prone to drifting if we aren’t paying attention, and our marriage relationship is no exception. In this episode Dr. Kim and Lindsay talk about how easy it is to begin prioritizing good things over the best things, and how those small compromises lead to big disconnect in marriage. This episode will help you recognize the signs of drift and begin to fight back against it! Recognizing the signs of drifting is crucial for couples. Prioritizing time together is essential to prevent drifting. Good things can distract from nurturing the marriage. Drifting can happen gradually without realization. Communication and emotional intimacy are key to a strong marriage. Common signs of drifting include changes in communication and intimacy. Non-sexual physical touch can enhance emotional intimacy. It's important to address issues early before they become entrenched patterns. Questions to Discuss: Is your marriage reflected on your calendar? When’s the last time you encouraged your spouse with your words? Do you feel pressure to say yes to things outside of your marriage that in turn forces you to say no to things that would grow your marriage? Are you protecting your energy so that you make the most of the time with your spouse? What’s one thing you can do today to show your spouse you’re pursuing your marriage? Quotes: “You drift without even realizing it.” “Sometimes good things get in the way of the most important things” “If you’re drifting away you’re more vulnerable to sin.” “You have to choose the best over the good.” “There are things I could have done different.” “In our culture, life gets in the way and we don’t even think about it.” “I’ve always got to know that Nancy is a gift, and I have to embrace that gift, and treat her like a gift every day.” “Drifting happens gradually.” “Show me where you have your marriage on your calendar.” “It’s on my calendar now.” “It’s not going great, but everyone’s just accepting it.” “You can do something!” “Make sure you go to somebody who can be objective and is for your marriage.” MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Use our FREE Weekly Marriage Check Up Guide to help keep the connection and fight the drift! Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word as you fight the drift in marriage? Try this Awesome Marriage YouVersion reading plan: Pursuing Your Spouse in Marriage Pt 1 If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our May “7 Most Popular Resource Bundle.”
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41:30
Conflict Resolution 101: Fight Fair in a Faith-Centered Way Ep. 673
In this episode of the Awesome Marriage podcast, Lindsay and Dr. Kim discuss the importance of resolving conflict in a faith-centered, biblical way. They debunk the myth that Christian couples do not experience conflict and emphasize that conflict can lead to growth and deeper intimacy in relationships. Learn the biblical principles for handling conflict, practical steps for effective communication, and the significance of humility and selflessness in marriage. Episode highlights include: Timeouts can help manage heated discussions. Keeping short accounts prevents resentment from building up. Using the silent treatment is a form of emotional manipulation. Bringing up past conflicts as weapons is unhealthy for marriage. Involving others in conflicts before addressing them with your spouse can create triangles of conflict. Taking responsibility for one's actions is crucial in resolving conflicts. Prayer is a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy marriage. Biblical principles provide a framework for resolving conflicts effectively. Couples Conversation Guide: Main takeaway: You will experience conflict with your spouse, and when you do it’s important to keep the Lord at the center of the conversation. Remember your spouse is not your enemy and words shouldn’t be your weapon. Acknowledge your part and be quick to forgive. Questions to Discuss: Which area of conflict resolution do you need the most help in- bringing up the past, resorting to the silent treatment, or taking responsibility for your part? Have you brought that struggle to the Lord and invited Him into the conflict in your marriage? QUOTES Conflict is normal and if done right can help our marriage grow. Even though we are both seeking to follow Christ, we are human. If your kids see you doing that, they want that, and it gives them security. Having a marriage that’s not life-giving, can drain you so quick. It zaps your energy. When a couple is able to get past the things keeping them at odds, it goes beyond the marriage too. I can’t meet all her needs, but God can. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Use our Marriage Boundaries Workbook to navigate tough conversations and hard seasons. Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word as you navigate conflict? Try this Awesome Marriage YouVersion reading plan: Fighting for Your Marriage If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! Did you know we have resources just for handling conflict in your marriage?- check those out HERE. Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our May “7 Most Popular Resource Bundle.”
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42:38
How to Create a More Servant-Hearted Marriage | Ep. 667
In this conversation, Lindsay and Dr. Kim discuss the concept of cultivating a servant-hearted marriage, emphasizing the importance of serving one another selflessly. They explore how serving each other can create a loving and respectful environment, reflecting God's design for marriage. The discussion includes practical ways to serve, the impact of a servant-hearted marriage on family dynamics, and the barriers that can hinder this service. They also highlight the significance of self-examination and seeking help when facing challenges in marriage. Episode highlights include: Cultivating a servant-hearted marriage requires daily choices to act in love. Children benefit from witnessing a servant-hearted marriage. A servant-hearted marriage reflects God's design and glorifies Him. Serving one another should come from the heart, not a checklist. Counseling can help break negative patterns in marriage. Couples Conversation Guide: Main takeaway: God’s design for marriage goes far beyond just coexisting with your spouse. Serving one another, respecting their wants and needs, and creating a loving relationship reflect the heart of the Lord and His design for the marriage relationship. Questions to Discuss: What stands in the way of you selflessly serving your spouse? Has your relationship with your spouse become transactional? QUOTES "Serving is saying, sure, I can do that." "Don't stay stuck there." "You don't just grow better." "God sees you." "It's gonna make a difference." “If your kids see you doing that, they want that, and it gives them security.” “Having a marriage that’s not life-giving, can drain you so quick. It zaps your energy.” “When a couple is able to get past the things keeping them at odds, it goes beyond the marriage too.” “I can’t meet all her needs, but God can.” MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Use our Marriage Boundaries Workbook to navigate tough conversations and hard seasons. Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word as you navigate boundaries? Try this Awesome Marriage YouVersion reading plan: Boundaries in Marriage If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! Did you know we have resources for families- check those out HERE. Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!
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47:34
Parenting as a Team: How to Stay United Through the Chaos | Ep. 671
Dr. Kim and Lindsay dive into a heartfelt conversation about the power of communication and unity in parenting. They talk about why it’s so important for parents to be on the same page when it comes to raising their kids, facing challenges as a team, and setting a strong example through their own decision-making. Along the way, they explore how to navigate differences in parenting styles, adapt to the ever-changing needs of children as they grow, and lean on prayer for guidance in tough decisions. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage. Episode highlights include: It's unrealistic to agree on everything in parenting. Children benefit from the security of united parents. It's important to filter parenting advice based on core beliefs. When you disagree, and you will, model respect for your spouse. *Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here! Couples Conversation Guide: Main takeaway: Do you and your spouse struggle to stay on the same page while parenting your children? Are you handling disagreements in a way that adds to the chaos? In this episode, Dr. Kim and Lindsay discuss how to navigate the hard conversations, the power of differing perspectives, and the benefit of a strong relationship as an example to your children. Questions to Discuss: Are you and your spouse allowing parenting to divide or unite? In what ways can you better support your spouse in parenting? Have you and your spouse set aside time to discuss the goals you have for your children? Quotes From this Episode: “There's no shortcut to communication." "Agreeing on core values is essential." "Set aside time to discuss your challenges." "Kids need security and stability." MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Use our Marriage Boundaries Workbook to navigate tough conversations and hard seasons. Don’t let porn teach your children about sex. Get equipped to have “The Sex Talk” If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! Did you know we have resources for families- check those out HERE. Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!
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47:51
What is Purity Culture and How do you Escape it? Special Bonus Episode with Camden Morgante
Dr. Kim and Camden Morgante explore how purity culture has shaped individuals' beliefs and relationships. They break down five harmful myths it promotes and examine how these misconceptions can impact a couple's sex life after marriage — including the unrealistic expectation of a fairy tale marriage as a reward for remaining pure. Dr. Morgante offers guidance to help couples move beyond the shame and guilt tied to these teachings, so they can embrace the beautiful gift God designed for marriage. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage. Episode highlights: Our God isn’t a transactional god. Purity culture has been compared to the sexual prosperity gospel. Many individuals only hear negative messages about sex before marriage. Reclaiming the beauty of sex involves holistic healing of mind, body, heart, and soul. Teaching children about sexuality should focus on values rather than rules. Purity culture can lead to feelings of being 'damaged goods'. Myths of purity culture can cause disillusionment in faith. Couples Conversation Guide: Main takeaway: Our motivation for purity before marriage can serve as a stumbling block to intimacy within our marriage. Purity before and within marriage is important, but our relationship with God isn’t transactional. We are missing the point of God’s heart for sex when the focus is on a reward. Questions to Discuss: How was the conversation surrounding sex approached in your youth? Looking back, did you desire to stay pure before marriage and what was your motivation for purity? Did you believe one of the “5 lies” Dr. Morgante mentioned in this episode? What do you think Dr. Morgante means when she says that the lies of purity culture don’t just live in our minds, they live in our bodies? QUOTES: These myths didn’t just live in our minds, they lived in our bodies. -Dr. Camden Morgante When you try to control people, it’s really easy for shame and fear to become part of it. The end result may be good, but the way you get there can harm people. Shame and guilt is not from God. God wants us to experience healing. We have to have a deeper why for it. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Dr. Camden Morgante’s Recovering from Purity Culture. You can connect with Dr. Camden Morgante on Instagram Unlock True Intimacy: Become a couple who prays together. We have several other AWESOME Resources on our website. Check those out HERE. Check out our Bible Reading plans on YouVersion and make sure you’re following us there to keep current on all our newest plans!
Far too many couples are just surviving their marriage when it was meant to thrive. This is the place for practical tips on how to build an awesome marriage. Our passion is to help you strengthen your marriage.
Dr. Kim Kimberling hosts the show. Dr. Kim is the President of Awesome Marriage, has been married for over 50 years, and has been a professional counselor for 40+ years. He is the author of 7 Secrets to An Awesome Marriage ,14 Keys To Lasting Love, and most recently Love, Intimacy and Sex in the Second Half.
Dr. Kim will be joined once a month by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Kimberling. He will also host other great guests that will teach and encourage you as you intentionally pursue an awesome marriage.
Tune in each week to hear practical advice from Dr. Kim.
This podcast is brought to you by the ministry of Awesome Marriage.
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