3/7/12 Discuss to Concensus

I wholeheartedly agree that the counsel method is "the Genius of God's government". There is no compromise or sacrifice necessary in this way, for both come to a conclusion that fits the Lord's way. If we can devote ourselves to His will, if we can form our own desires around His, then we can achieve true happiness, for that IS his will. We must seek inspiration as we discuss and decide. Let your mutual love of Christ unify you. do not try to convince or manipulate. This method is a discover for truth and right path between you. To counsel and achieve consensus is to discuss, never debate. It is miraculous when we invite the spirit into such conversations. Yet, we have to be willing to listen and change with the presence of that spirit. Our tendency is to revert on what is familiar rather than what is inspired. Beware of this! We can overcome this by setting a routine to discuss and apply this wonderful method and keeping that schedule constant. Just as it is needed to read and study the scriptures and pray each day rather than only when there is something to discuss with the Lord, or a crisis to overcome. Before these discussions, it is important to express love and gratitude. I really love this idea. It is so dearly important that we let our partners know they are loved and appreciated often, especially if they are the type of person that needs that vocal affirmation to understand they are loved. this action sets a mood of acceptance of opinion, and love that will fight through disagreement. Differences can strengthen a couple, especially when those differences are accepted as part of the wonderful being you have committed yourself to. I also love the idea of having these possible difficult conversations over a meal. It adds that extra bond in sharing a meal together to better unify and comfort each party. I cannot express eloquently enough how much I adore this method of discussion and decision making. I always thought that compromise was the best way to come to decisions with a mostly positive outlook. I know now that synergy is far better, that it creates such a  beautiful relationship between husband and wife, and leads them on the path that makes them "one".

Work

Does it really matter that the family is being separated into different duties and no longer work together like they should? Of course! Work is a powerful tool to bring people closer. it unites them and becomes an equalizer between them. When you work together, you are performing some sort of service and service is our yellow brick road to Heavenly Father. We can see the end in sight when we work, and that puts things into proper perspective whether we are concious of it or not.
God's WORK and his glory are to bring to pass the happiness and eternal life of man.

Learning From The Masters

I am so grateful that I attended the child and family career fair this past Thursday. I learned so much. I got there late so I didn't really know what was going on and I sat down in a class and wondered where everyone was, for there were only a few people in the room. I figured everyone would gather in one room and see several representatives of the different related professions come and speak. Instead, those form the differing careers were stationed in different rooms and it was the students who rotated between them. I got to spend a few minutes listening to our Brother Williams as he talked about how we could make the most of our progression toward our degrees and eventual positions in our chosen field. I also got to spend a few more moments picking his brain after the fair. I am studying to be a marriage and family concealer, so I tried to soak up his advise like a sponge. I learned that it is so very important that we try and get every ounce of experience in the field as possible. Brother Williams advised that we get jobs, even volunteer, near the professions where we would want to work. It will be hard to get a job as a marriage and family therapist if we're working as a waitress at the diner across the street. He also said that it would be smart to find an area of expertise. We will get more clientele this way, and form strong friendships and alliances with other therapists and counselors as we refer those we could not help as effectively as another. Getting as much experience as possible would also be helpful.

Inspired Decisions

I was amazed by the wisdom I gained as we discussed the Apostolic discussion method. How inspiring. As we talked about it I got so excited for the day when I can use that way of coming to a decision with my husband, a way without compromise, where each party is pleased with the outcome, and a stronger bond is formed between you two because of it. I always thought that compromise would have to be a part of every disagreement. That someone would have to be giving up something for there to be peace and order in the home. I am so grateful that that does not always have to be the case. Yes, of course, not all decisions can be made without compromise, but I can barely believe that there is a way that is better than that. Yet, I guess there still is a sense of compromise and sacrifice in this method of decision-making. We are giving up and sacrificing our own will for the Lords. However, that is never truly a sacrifice in relation to the blessings and happiness and peace of mind we obtain if we do offer our own desires up to the Lord in exchange for doing what we would of us.