Don’t fall into the same pattern most people do…

Insights:

I used to make resolutions for the New Year but I stopped. I had fallen into the same pattern that most people fall into: Researchers say that only 9% of Americans complete the resolutions they make. In fact, 23% give up after one week and 43% by the end of January.

Instead, Nancy and I celebrate the beginning of a new year as another opportunity to spend time TOGETHER and make resolutions TOGETHER to continue to grow our marriage. Here are some of the things that are meaningful to us and I think will be for you too.

  1. We find a time to be together without distractions and look back on the past year. What were our highs and what were our lows? What did God teach us through these.

  2. Discuss your dreams and goals for the coming year as a couple. Is there one area you want to focus on? Maybe it is communication, sex, conflict resolution or something else. Download one or more of our resources to help you get going. Here is the link to find those: https://awesomemarriage.com/resources.

  3. Celebrate by creating a new tradition that you can continue year after year. It could be a meal, an activity, or anything that is meaningful to the two of you.

  4. Renew your vows. This does not have to be fancy or elaborate. You can Google “Christian Wedding Vows” and go from there. It can be just between the two of you or with some of the special people in your life.

  5. On New Year’s Eve, celebrate all God has done, is doing and will do in each of you and your marriage. Celebrate with a kiss and a toast!

Remember, the most important thing is to be together and celebrate in a way that creates an awesome memory for you!

Next Steps:

  • Pick one or more of the suggestions above and get your marriage off to a great start in 2024!

I enjoyed talking to Christian recording artist Mike Donehey on “How to Stay in Love.” Check out this clip of our conversation!

Quick Hits

This Week’s Quote:  

Charles Goodyear

American self-taught chemist Charles Goodyear was born on December 29,1800. He was also a manufacturing engineer who developed vulcanized rubber which he patented on June 15, 1884. His invention was used for many things but two that are a part of all of our lives today are footwear and tires. He did not found The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, but it was named after him.

  • A man has cause for regret only when he sows and no one reaps.

  • Life should not be estimated exclusively by the standard of dollars and cents.

This Week’s Trivia Question:

  • To ring in the New Year, here are 3 quick and 1 really tough trivia questions for you.

    1. In Scottish traditions, who do you kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve?

    2. Who is credited with writing the poem "Auld Lang Syne?"

    3. How much confetti is dropped in Times Square on New Year's Eve?

    1 Tough One: According to the International Date Line, where on Earth is New Year's celebrated first each year?

Did You Know?  

  • New Year's Eve in Greenland is a unique experience. Not just because of the beautiful fireworks lighting up the polar night, but also because you get to celebrate the New Year twice: At 8:00 PM for Denmark (and other CET countries) and at midnight for Greenland!

Something To Talk About Together:

  • Share your predictions for 2024.

    • What significant events will happen? 

    • What products or companies will be successful? 

    • What trends or fashions will be popular?

Awesome Marriage This week

This Week’s Trivia Answer:

  • Everyone in the room!

  • Robert Burns

  • About one ton.

    • The Tough One: The Kiritimati Atoll in Kiribati  

Kim KimberlingComment