Doing Right With My Anger
by Dr. Gary Chapman   

When you are angry the first positive step is to admit to yourself that you are angry.  Say it aloud, "I'm feeling angry."   

The second step is to ask God to help you handle your anger in a positive way.  "Lord, help me to do what is right and good with my anger."   

The third step is to ask, "Did someone sin against me?"  If so, the biblical answer is to lovingly confront the person and seek reconciliation.

On the other hand if you are angry simply because something happened that irritates you, then ask, "What can I learn from this experience?"  If the other person habitually arrives late for your appointment, perhaps you can talk with them and negotiate change.  

Thus the anger has served a positive purpose.  God wants to teach you how to handle your anger in a godly 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. 

A Disciplined Sex Life
by Rev. William Batson 

A great lover in a great marriage is a disciplined lover.  Discipline may seem to be an odd character trait for a lover, and the opposite of playful, spontaneous, or creative.  However, a lack of opportunity and priority sabotages the spontaneity of many married couples. 

Here are several ways in which you can be disciplined in your love life:

Make sexual intimacy a priority.  This starts with a positive attitude about sex, and the determination to prevent the "stuff of life" from crowding in on this vital area of married life.  Give your best time and energy to this important part of your marriage.

Plan for sexual activity with your spouse.  You may even have to put it on your calendars!  You can then allow for spontaneity in the atmosphere, place, timing, and technique. 

Take care of your body and mind.  Good physical, mental, and emotional health empower your lovemaking. 

Say "yes" more frequently.  Saying "no" can become a habit that prolongs sexual dissatisfaction.   

Structure your life in such a way that you can be rested, rather than tired.  Take a nap in the afternoon or go to bed earlier at night.   

Plan uninterrupted times together where you are free from the stress and distractions of family and work.  Couples who have children at home will greatly benefit from such times. 

Be creative in your love life.  Initiate lovemaking at unexpected times and in unexpected places.  Try new positions and techniques.  You might even try being the "initiator"  if your spouse usually gets things started.

Read a book together about how to have a healthy sex relationships.   

Take more time to enjoy sex.  It doesn't have to be a race against the clock.  For many people, that means going to bed earlier. 

Ask God to bless your love life.  He is very interested in helping you create a life of passion, joy, and satisfaction.  Because of your inherent differences, you need God's grace to create a fulfilling intimate relationship.
 

Article is based on the book, Tools for a Great Marriage by Rev. William 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