November Hilltop Marriage Coaching Newsletter

Greetings from Hilltop!

It’s November! Last month was eventful. In October we celebrate my birthday along with my mother’s, and Mckenna’s. Our baby girl is sixteen now and she just got her permit . If you drive in Phoenix, you know it can be pretty hair raising. The thought of our daughter braving these roads alone is frankly terrifying. But I have to remind myself she is not the first teenager to ever drive a car in Phoenix. When the time comes for her to be solo behind the wheel, we will pray for protection over her and entrust her to the Lord. Life 360 will also be helpful. We are so blessed by Mckenna. She continues to mature into a beautiful young lady who makes us proud every day.

We had a fun Fall Festival at church complete with Trunk or Treat. Our pirate themed, dig for buried treasure trunk was inspired by Proverbs 2:3-5. “If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” Charlotte was “Toothless” from How to Train Your Dragon, but she was over the mask by this point in the evening. 😊

But before all this, we kicked off October with another jaw dropping wedding. We were honored and privileged to celebrate with this stunning couple. Both sides of the family, bride’s and groom’s, demonstrate an unashamed, on fire love for Jesus. The Holy Spirit was palpable and Tim and I were extraordinarily blessed by getting to participate in such a momentous occasion with a group of people radiating a love for Christ and a genuine love for the beautiful husband and wife. ❤️

😍😍😍

And you know my man doesn’t make me get out on that dance floor alone! Dancing at weddings is my favorite and Tim is always a happy and willing dance partner.

Marriage Tip of the Month

Love first. Correct second.

Have you ever heard of the “positive sandwich”? It’s a corporate term that refers to bookending bad news with good news to take the sting off the bad. Human nature tends to want to point out flaws on impulse. When we see our spouse doing something we don’t like, even something as small as forgetting to put the toilet seat down, we have a tendency to quickly whip out a not so loving remark. The fruit of that is usually bad. Consider two scenarios. You walk into the bathroom and find the toilet seat up. (This example is likely a wife exclusive.😋) You can choose to address it with impatience and thinly veiled annoyance by saying something like, “Oh my gosh. You left the toilet seat up again. What is wrong with you? Why can’t you remember to put it down? You’re like one of the kids.” 😬 A better alternative might be, “Honey, I love you and I don’t want to make a big deal out of it, but it seems that quite often when I go into the bathroom lately the toilet seat is up. If it’s the middle of the night and it’s dark, sometimes I fall in. [Pause for laughter.😆] Do you think you could try to put it down? Thank you. I appreciate you.” You know the saying, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Although I’m not sure why one would want to catch flies…🤔 But the notion is that when we present potentially unpleasant information through a filter of love and kindness, we are more likely to see good fruit as a result. We are called to be like Jesus. He is always loving, even through correction. There used to be WWJD bracelets. “What would Jesus do?” Now they say HWLF. “He would love first.” Love first. Correct second. 🩵

We pray all of you have a bountifully blessed Thanksgiving and that your hearts overflow with gratitude. Our God is good and gives us so much for which to be grateful. 🧡

Thanks for reading!

With love and prayers, Tim and Moriah Hilley

Be blessed this month, you fix your eyes on Jesus!

💘 Love never fails. 💘

Should the Lord put it on your heart to support Hilltop financially, we are extremely grateful for any donations. Click the link below to donate. Equally, if not more important, are the prayers lifted up on behalf of all God is doing through Hilltop Marriage Coaching. We are eternally grateful for your prayers. 💜

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"The Hilley's are a couple who love Jesus, and want to help you make him the center of your marriage. They come alongside and walk with you, and become personally invested in your success. In short, they care! If you ever need this type of help you cannot do better than Hilltop!”

-D.S.