Communication and Mutual Problem Solving

When we talked about Communication and Problem Solving this week we talked about how the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles meets and we used it as a model of how to meet as a couple or family. I also thought this was really cool and wanted to share it. They meet every Thursday in the Salt Lake City temple. Everyone is ALWAYS there, (there was a period of time when one or two of them were not able to meet because they were out of the country on church business for about a year, but I guess they announced this to the whole church and found a way to still all meet together, I would guess by some form of Skype). Everyone comes early and they take the time to get to know each other and talk to each other, they build friendships and caring, loving relationships. Then they hold their meeting. When each topic is brought up each member talks about what they think of it, in order, and they make sure to do it in a loving way, with God's will in their minds. Then after their meeting is over they have some kind of refreshment and they are able to talk more and continue to build their friendships. I think this could be a good way to have a couple council or family council. To greet each other and help build your relationships and then pray before you start. Then let everyone take turns speaking and give everyone a chance to share their thoughts (in a loving calm way, no yelling). Then close the meeting with a prayer and have some treats after together and visit with each other. I think this will help families make the best decisions that they can and they will be closer together. Maybe Jordan and I will start doing this! My teacher also recommended a book called "Counseling with our Counsels" and he said it was a great book that goes through this model a little more in detail.