A while back I was asked to read, review and giveaway one copy of Dr. Tim Kimmel’s book, Grace Filled Marriage. So I packed my copy in my carry-on bag, taking it with me on our trip to England and Wales. It became my constant welcome companion on the British rail, while the beautiful English countryside rushed past me in the window. <sigh>

I’ve often felt that what I need most to give to my husband and receive from my Lord in marriage, is not love, is not even necessarily respect—although those are both amazing and essential gifts we must offer our spouses daily!

Instead, I’ve often felt compelled toward grace—seeing how God’s grace is so very vital to sustaining my love and respect for my hubby as well as my own sense of hopefulness in my marriage.

Dr. Kimmel fleshes this truth out, reminding us of the way God works through a grace filled marriage by stating it’s the “missing piece” in many marriages. He uses Christ’s example of grace toward us as the standard for which to evaluate our own actions, feelings and motives toward our spouse.

I totally agree and resonated with this so much!

No where in this book does Dr. Kimmel try to encourage us toward self-effort, but rather toward God-surrender. We can’t love or respect our spouses without God’s grace flowing through us and giving us the ability.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book:

“Our power to endure is found in the gracious work of Jesus on our behalf. When we let his grace transform our hearts, that grace will serve us well, especially when we face the reasons that many use as excuses for giving up. And the more we endure, the greater our resolve to get to the finish line.”

Now I don’t want you to think this is simply a book on theology or philosophy. Dr. Kimmel also shows us how to receive and practice the expression of grace in very practical ways. He discusses much about how grace transforms and elevates our communications with our spouses. I’m always working on this area in my marriage and was convicted by the author’s reminder of how to “speak the truth in love” as well as to balance that with compassion, forgiveness and selfless giving.

You and I certainly can’t do ALL that on our own! 

I’m going to be sharing more of my favorite quotes from Grace Filled Marriage that caught my eye in the days and weeks to come on Twitter and Facebook. So if you’re interested in hearing more and aren’t already a follower/fan of mine, please connect with me at the following links: Twitter, my personal Facebook account, and  my Messy Marriage Facebook page.

And if you’d like to win, Grace Filled Marriage, please comment below by noon on Sunday, Nov. 3rd and you’ll be entered in the random-generated giveaway. I’ll announce the winner in my Monday post.

One more request and FYI: please pray for me on my recent diagnosis. If you are unaware, you can read about it here. And a special “thank you” to all of you who’ve already expressed your love and committed to pray for me! You’re all such a blessing in my life!

Dr. Tim Kimmel is the founder and executive director of Family Matters. Dr. Kimmel is the author of 14 books on relationship, speaks around the world, and equips parents and churches with the Grace Based Parenting Conference. Check out his website – Family Matters and “like” the Family Matters Facebook page to receive additional updates.

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Joining with NOBH, Works for Me Wednesday, To Love Honor and Vacuum, Wisdom Wednesday, Whimsical Wednesday and Wholehearted Wednesday

Now, it’s time for Wedded Wednesday!

WW rules:

Write in any way you feel inspired about marriage, parenthood or anything that is spiritually encouraging.

1. Enter in a permalink directly to your blog post and not the main URL to your blog.
2. Be sure to include a link to Wedded Wednesday or add the WW button (code is in MM’s footer) to your current blog post and/or sidebar.
3. Visit and comment on at least one other person’s blog that’s linked up here.
4. Please no offensive or inappropriate content or sexually explicit images!

Optional but encouraged:

1. Consider setting up your Gravatar profile and Disqus Profile with a link to your blog … it makes it so much easier for all of us to find those of you who blog!
2. If you have the time, visit those who visit your blog and comment at their place as well … sort of a “Say it forward.”

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