Is This a Good Time to Talk?
by Dr. Gary Chapman   

In my recent book, Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way, I asked the publisher to print the following statement in the back of the book as a tear out.   

My suggestion is that you put it on the refrigerator so that when a family member feels angry at another family member, they take the card and read it aloud to the person at whom they are angry.   

Here's what the card says,  

"I'm feeling angry right now, but don't worry.  I'm not going to attack you.  But I do need your help. Is this a good time to talk?"

It brings a little humor into the tenseness and reminds you of what you are not going to do.  It is also asking the other person to help you process your anger.  

It's an easy way to help family members learn to process anger in a positive way.

Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman. Based on the book, Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion In a Healthy Way by Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishing. To see a complete list of Dr. Chapman's resources, click here. 

Communication Tool #3: Positive Words
by Rev. Willie Batson 

Words are powerful when used in the context of relationships, and the Bible is clear on the effect of our words.  Your words can be life or death to him or her as noted in this verse, "The tongue has the power of life or death" (Proverbs 18:21).   

Using words of blessing on a regular basis can protect your relationship from the negative emotions that sabotage a great marriage.

The sad reality is that our words are more frequently used to hurt rather than to bless.   

An example of using words to bless is seen in the words spoken by God the Father to Jesus at His baptism, "You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11).  This is a good model to follow when trying to use positive words in your marriage.  

Consider today how you can bless your spouse with words of acceptance, affection, and affirmation.    

Article is based on the book, Tools for a Great Marriage by Willie Batson. Published by Family Builders Ministry, copyright 2008.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:11