This is a weekly post that highlights resources from other counselors that I have found helpful. The counselors may be from the biblical counseling, Christian psychology, integration, or secular counseling traditions. By linking to a post, I am not giving it my full endorsement, I am merely indicating that I believe it made a unique contribution or raised an important subject for consideration.
10 Ways to Rekindle the Passion in Your Marriage by Terry Gaspard
Sexual attraction is hard to maintain over time. For instance, Kendra and Jason lack passion because they are unwilling to give up control and show vulnerability. As a result, they avoid sex and rarely touch each other. Sex therapist Laurie Watson says, “Most sexual concerns stem from an interpersonal struggle in the marriage.” Here are 10 tips to bring back the passion in your marriage:
- If this posts causes you to realize you’ve neglected intimacy in your marriage, consider studying the Creating a Gospel-Centered Marriage: Intimacy seminar.
You Are Not Alone: For Women Fighting Every Man’s Battle by Calley Sivils
After talking recently to female friends who share in my struggle, it seemed that such battles are often either totally hushed up in church circles (“Ladies, don’t talk about that”) or completely toned down (“Surely you don’t mean that sort of feeling”). Thus, many women following Jesus feel shameful or like they’re the only ones with strong yearnings for sex.
- If you are looking for practical guidance in a struggle with lust, consider the False Love seminar.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When You Have to Share Bad News by Andy Molinski, PhD
Delivering bad news is one of the greatest challenges we face. Especially for novice managers in the workplace, the experience of delivering bad news during a layoff conversation or a negative performance review can be surprisingly emotional. One might feel sympathy for the victim. One can feel confused, frustrated, or angry about the fact that they have to deliver the message in the first place, especially if it’s a message they don’t necessarily endorse. And they can feel nervous about doing something they know is going to cause someone pain and discomfort.
- Here is vlog on how you can pray for someone going through intense suffering.
Study Finds Aerobic Exercise Reduces the Symptoms of PTSD by Eric Dolan
New research suggests that aerobic exercise may be an effective way to reduce some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
- In this PTSD seminar body management techniques (such as exercise) are provided to help with the journey through PTSD.
A Counselor’s Check List by David Murray
Which all raises the questions: How can we measure or grade counseling skills? And how can the students know if they are making progress in their counseling abilities?
- The Love-Know-Speak-Do outline of this check list comes from Paul Tripp’s book Instruments in the Redeemers Hands (see “What I’m Reading” section below).
Tweet of the Week
Dr. Henrietta C. Mears: “You teach a little bit by what you say. You teach most by what you are.”
— Cru Inner City (@CruInnerCity) December 15, 2016
“One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
— Matt Mig (@Matt_Mig) December 16, 2016
We don't really "hold a grudge." Grudges coil around us like boa constrictors and slowly crush the life out of us.
— Scotty Smith (@ScottyWardSmith) December 16, 2016
What I’m Reading
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change by Paul Tripp. In many ways, the church today has more consumers than committed participants. We see church merely as an event we attend or an organization we belong to, rather than as a calling that shapes our entire life. Many of us would be relieved if God had place dour sanctification in the hands of trained professionals, but that simply is not the biblical model. God’s plan is that through the faithful ministry of every part, the whole body will grow to maturity in Christ.
Tripp explains how his work follows an “all of my people, all of the time” model. If you followed the Lord for a thousand years, you would still need the ministry of the body of Christ as much as you did the day you first believed. This need will remain until our sanctification is complete in Glory. This is a comprehensive treatment of how God uses people as tools of change in the lives of others, people who themselves are in need of change.
Thanks for the Mention
- Head Heart Hands blog by David Murray for linking to the “240 Marriage Conversations” article.
- TLG Christian News for for linking to the “240 Marriage Conversations” article.
Meaningful Meme
On the Lighter Side
Because, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” Proverbs 17:22.
