An Excelent Method For Problem Solving and Decision Making

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints use a specific method when it comes to solving problems and making decisions together. This method can also be used in marriage. If a married couple could use this method of solving problems and making decisions, then they would be much happier and much more satisfied than with the methods that they use now.

The Council Method of solving problems and making decisions together:
1. Discuss love and appreciation
2. Open with a prayer
3. All reach a consensus-God’s will
4. Close with a prayer
5. Refreshments

Discuss love and appreciation
-    It’s good to start this way to gain love, trust, and bonding. Put in perspective what is important, that even though you might be extremely mad at the person, you acknowledge the fact that you do love each other, and that this isn’t going to change that love. This isn’t a complaint session but a problem solving meeting. You are working together. Talk back and forth on how you admire each other, and how much you love and appreciate each other.

Open with a prayer
-    Invite the spirit to help each person to understand what the Lord wants, and what His will is to solve the problem. Invite the Spirit to keep each person calm and not angry and to think and make a decision without getting negative or angry.

All reach a consensus-God’s will
-    Both people work together to come to the same agreement on how to solve a problem. This needs to be God’s will, not the will of the husband, or the wife, but God.  Know that the Lord is on our side. Counsel with Him and He will tell you what He wants you to do. Also, study it out in your mind. Come to a conclusion that you both agree with and then take it to the Lord. Step out side of what you want to do and doing what God wants you to do.

Close with a prayer
-    Thank God for giving you an answer to your problem, and that you were both able to receive an answer from God on what He wanted you to do. This wraps everything up, includes the Lord and asks for a blessing on the answer that you got. This can also Solidify your testimony in understanding that the answer that you got is from God, and it is what He wants.

Refreshments
-    Do refreshments together to end the discussion on a happy note, and this gives you a chance to come together. Afterwards one or more people might be irritated, or agitated and it is best to re-bond with each other instead of going off on your own and sulking, or staying angry.

Also go to the temple about these problems, create a sacred place like a home to have this discussion. Have this discussion on a weekly basis or very often. Have an agenda about what both people are wanting to discuss.

Heavenly Father loves you more than you do. He wants what is best for you, and will provide a way for you to be eternally happy. I promise you that if you use this method to solve problems and make decisions in your marriage, you will be happy and you and your spouse will be brought closer together.

I would really love to hear about your thoughts and feelings about this. What methods have you used? How effective are they? Try this method and let me know how it works for you!