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.

Holidays are expected to bring joy and peace, but they often don't and you end up with "turkey and stressing"! Those times end up hurting relationships and not knowing what to do. Well, here are some guidelines to consider on how to have a difficult conversation which can lead to getting the relationship back on track. Unfortunately, most people will just let the tension remain rather than try to resolve it. Be different this year, do what God desires!

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 some bread.

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).