GR8 Relationships

REAL men aren't "Flashing their ME", they are selfless as they display the image of God (Powerful and Relational). The traits of a REAL man demonstrate that in spite of his powerful design (testosterone), he is asked to be relational also. Both can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit living the life of Christ that we have been given.

Culture is drowning in gender confusion. What is a REAL man or REAL woman? There is certainly no desire to find the answer in God's Word, because culture would never consider God's Word as the "Who said so".

Like a knife and fork are designed differently for different purposes, God did the same with men and women. But, the world has no desire to promote clarity about the differences between men and women. And, Satan does not want those differences celebrated, because it is a celebration of the image of God. Men's design represents the Powerful elements of God's image and women's design represents the...

It's not fair that they are making demands and not considering how much they need to change too—right? You may point that out to them, but they ignore it and continue to focus on what you need to change. In some relationships, like your boss or even a close friend, you may not say anything for fear of your losing your job or their friendship—but you are still thinking it!

It sounds completely wrong when I say, "I don't want you to have a better relationship." It sounds wrong, but it is TRUE! GR8 relationships doesn't teach about better or improved relationships—we want you to have relationships that are radically different! It's time to START doing relationships radically different—the same way God relates to you.,/p>

The term "bar ditch" is generally known in rural areas in the south. The common explanation of "bar ditch" involves creating drainage for a rural road. Dirt was taken from the sides of the road and used to build the road making it higher in the middle to drain water to the ditches on the sides.

The "Can You? - Will You? - When? Technique" is designed to help people think through their current behavior and decide whether they will change. For most behaviors, maybe all, you "can", but too many people do not define "can" correctly.

You probably have heard that God did not give us the 10 Suggestions, He gave us the 10 Commandments. That is very true, but there is a critical difference to be considered on how God sees the commands versus how we see the commands.

That energy is spent trying to get them to change and spent when they do not change in the time frame you want or expect. It creates stress and tension and it's all because you are trying to do something that even GOD DOES NOT DO! God does not make us change—He wants it, invites us to see how His way is best, but leaves it up to us to reject what is best for us!

Remember the "4 Mistakes That Cripple Relationships". (Go to Course 05A to get the details.) Each mistake tries to control or limit the freedom of the people around you. Unfortunately, we only recognize the Dictator as being controlling.

Maybe you have heard, "Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes to the bone." Actually, according to God, beauty—incorruptible beauty—is as deep as your soul. And, it's available without any exercise, medical procedures, pills, drugs or diets.

Louie and I have heard that many times from both men and women. Does that mean the biblical designs are wrong? Of course not. Just because I have a design does not mean that the design will be properly utilized. For example, have you ever used a common kitchen knife as a screwdriver? It can be used that way, but the design is not as useful as when the knife is used to spread jelly or butter on som...

Results AND Relating is a great principle for any relationship to use and it is imperative for great leadership. The principle is just another way to talk about the image of God—Separate, Powerful (Results)—Belonging, Relational (Relating).

Your relationships will be just like the couple above when the image of God is distorted. Men's testosterone puts a focus on power for men and women's estrogen-progesterone focus on relating. Of course, development can focus men on relating and women on power, so we have a real mess. Whether based on design or development, each of us tends to have a preference for power or relating. Too much power...

If the image of God is best described by the two words—Powerful and Relational, then we should be able to find scriptures to support the idea.

Here is what you may have been taught is the image of God: God has emotions—mankind has emotions; God has intellect—mankind has intellect; God has a will—mankind has a will. While true, here is a better option—God's image has something to do with maleness and femaleness. Genesis 1:26-27 are the first verses that use "image of God".

Women are an absolutely stunning creation and blessing from God. I can identify with Adam's pleasure when he first saw Eve. That is a common feeling when I look at Louie, even to this day.

Based on some great research by Kenneth Thomas and Ralph Kilmann, there are 5 conflict styles that people use. Based on your development, you will learn to use some more than others. Generally, people will overuse some and under use others. Here is the most important news - all of the styles are good. All of them have problems and benefits, so you need to learn to use each one for the right situat...

Based on some great research by Kenneth Thomas and Ralph Kilmann, there are 5 conflict styles that people use. Based on your development, you will learn to use some more than others. Generally, people will overuse some and under use others. Here is the most important news - all of the styles are good. All of them have problems and benefits, so you need to learn to use each one for the right situat...

What do you think about when you hear the word "conflict?" Most people would list words like fight, anger, war, bad feelings, strife, etc. Conflict is most often thought of as something negative, but it doesn't need to be that way. In fact, conflict can be constructive and beneficial if you have the right thinking.

The best way to start resolving a conflict is to get your thinking changed. While we do not provide you the entire Conflict RESOLVED workshop, we do provide you the first step - remember 3+3+2. Remember 3 Critical Principles, 3 Cardinal Rules and 2 Essential Skills.

Yes, your emotions are real and your emotions are often out of touch with reality and the facts. If that's true, then getting others to acknowledge and validate your emotions is misplaced, unproductive, and potentially dangerous.

Dr. Marlin Howe used submarines and destroyers as a great way to explain dominant and manipulative behavior. Submarines are difficult to detect, stealthy, under the surface. Destroyers are easy to see, on the surface and when fighting, fire depth charges into the ocean trying to sink the submarine. The submarine takes evasive action, sometimes becomes silent, but will unleash some powerful and des...

You know the PROBLEM - making everything about ME, and the SOLUTION - pursuing the best for others; patiently, kindly, sacrificially and unconditionally. Now here is a simple way to remember 4 critical tools that solve 4 relationship crippling mistakes. Remember T F F C.

How do you deal with those past sins, mistakes, blunders, or even embarrassing moments? It is amazing how powerful those past situations can be when they are resurrected in your mind.