FUN Unglued Yellow Purse Giveaway – Winner to be Announced on the Webcast!

First let me announce the winners of last week’s Unglued Giveaway!   The winners are…

Lisa Raymond and KimmyA! 

Congratulations!!!!  Please email me: courtney (at) womenlivingwell.org  – your address and I’ll get you your copy of the book!!! 

Now for today’s giveaway!!!  This one is FUN! 

Do you see the yellow purse on the cover?

Lysa is giving away a yellow purse filled with Unglued Goodies to one WLW reader!

“The Unglued Prize Pack” includes: 

1. Yellow Hand bag (In honor of the cover of Unglued) 

2. Unglued Book 

3. Unglued DVD Study – (awesome!)

4. Unglued Study Participants Guide

5. Unglued Key Tags 

6. A few fun accessories (Scarf and a ring!) 

I am flying to North Carolina early Thursday morning to participate in Lysa’s Live Unglued Webcast Thursday evening!  Kelly from KellysKornerBlog.com will be on the couch with me too!  I will be announcing the winner of this Prize Pack – ON THE AIR!  Fun!

You can tune in for FREE to the webcast by going to LysaTerkeurst.com this Thursday evening, August 30th.  The webcast begins at 8pmEST.  I’ll be sharing “my reaction type” or in other words – when I come Unglued what I act like. lol!  And a story of a time when I majorly came Unglued!  Let me just say it was my husband’s fault *wink 😉 !

To enter to win: Leave a comment sharing your best conflict resolution strategy you have ever seen in action/heard or implemented. 

 I’ll be sharing a few of my favorites and the winner on the air! 

Walk with the King,

 

 

 

980 Comments

  1. For the best one is learning when to walk away before things get to far; I am still working on learning that but my husband has it down!

    1. I away find that its easier to solve any problem if you stop and listen. That way you know the true problem is.

    2. Conflict resolution?! God has certainly opened doors to teaching me what to do and my flesh has taught me what not to do! My mom recently found an apartment and work after living with us for three months. After reading Francine Rivers books, ‘A Mother’s Hope and A Daughter’s Dream’ … I thought I could handle Mom living with us. After all, I just needed to remember that seeing things through others eyes, seeing their views…helps tremendously. Kinda like that old saying I learned in elementary school about what to do when there is a fire, or a fire on you. STOP. DROP. and ROLL. For me, mom, my husband and my kids (9, 8 and almost 2) … I believe in STOPPING, Praying and SEEING. The book of James continues to convict my heart on my tongue and even my actions. I am praying that I can put into action the Stop. Drop. and Roll. …spiritual tactics to avoid conflict and see/hear others hearts over my own. :0) ~~Tiffany G.

      1. Amen Sister!! I hear ya – sounds like a book I need to read!
        I do a lot of stopping, & walking away… & James is convicting too. Hang in there – you (we will – as I just left my mothers after caring for her for 8+ years) will get through this. God’s got us, we just need to lean on Him.
        Hugs, Heather

    3. Sit down at the onset of conflict…If you can fuss at someone from a hammock, then you need therapy.
      Kirk Martin of Calm Christian Parenting

    4. I choose to stop when I find myself in a battle and take a deep breath. I think about what I am about to say before I say it, because I know it can’t be taken back once it is said. I choose not to use hurtful words and not use the word “you” during any argument. The word “you” in an argument sounds like you are accusing and blaming the other person. I try not to say anything offensive. Think things through. It is hard, but so worth it in the end.

    5. I have learned that every moment spent in conflict which can result in anger is time lost with my husband in our marriage. I try not to use always and never statements and keep to how I am feeling about an issue and why. I have also learned the importance of asking for forgiveness promptly and the components of asking for forgiveness. I am 65 years old and it has been a long learning process. Understanding forgiveness; the asking for, receiving and accepting/granting forgiveness was a huge help.

    6. When my two boys have been at it all day tormenting each other all day and time outs and spanking have not worked to change their attitudes toward each other I make them hug it out. They have to hug each other for a time set by me. Usually one to two minutes. It gets them laughing and I don’t hear the fighting and bad attitudes after that.

    7. Conflict resolution was always hard for me because i wanted to have the last word. A few years ago i ask God to help me control that evil sword that came spewing hurtful and painful things. I have to say it didnt happen all at once but slowly with continued prayer and practice I have to say He is helping me win in my resolve to bridle my tongue and that makes less conflicts to resolve. Praise be to God for always keeping His word and giving us the strength to get through it all!

    8. On the day my husband and I got married, we were eating at a small little place and there was an older couple in the booth next to us. We got to talking and told them we had just gotten married. They proceeded to tell us that the key to getting through any argument was to hold hands during the entire argument. They said that we would be less likely to say harsh things if we were holding hands. During arguments where we have used this advice, they are resolved rather quickly versus ones we have not followed this advice. To this day, I believe God sent that couple to us to teach us not to let go of one another, even if we are in a disagreement!

    9. I shut myself in a room and ask Jesus to take over 🙂 When I’m really upset the enemy thoroughly enjoys my ability to slice with my tongue….Therefore I purpose myself in having the self-control to zip my mouth, walk away, surrender myself to Jesus, and come back fully refreshed and calm!

    10. It will be a week tomorrow , that my 86 year old Father in law has moved in the house with us. I could see that my husband and I were getting a “little ” short with each other . ( this rarely has happened in our 28 years of marriage ) .S o we agreed that we would talk out the moments together and not let things build up . That way we were in “understanding ” with one another and not assuming the other knows what is going on with each other . This has helped a lot . I know we have many more hurdles to cross . It is with faith and His assurance that we will get through this season . We may unplug or want to sometimes , but I know , I know , that Jesus will never pull the plug .

  2. That is a tough one! When it comes to my husband and I, we really try to avoid conflict by compromising but it doesn’t always work out that way. We try to see each other’s side and not get upset. This is so HARD but worth it in the end.

  3. Praying for the other person, even when I don’t feel like, has worked the best for me. When it involves my kids (which it usually does) I often just walk off and give myself time to pray and breathe.

  4. Stepping away and saying a prayer for the situation, the other person and for my attitude. Helps me to refocus and breathe!

  5. I’ve learned over the years that for myself, I need to walk away from the situation!
    I have bible verses or encouraging quotes written on my kitchen window and when I’m mad, I usually clean so seeing those things on my windows, helps to get my focus back on the Lord and how He’d want me to react and what He’d want me to say! Lots of praying and cooling down!!!!

  6. Did you all see the sweet gal that worked for a famous Christian Restaurant. She handled that mean customer with such grace! If I could only be like that all the time!

    1. Yes!! She is an excellent example of a girl who kept her cool – while her confronter became Unglued!!! Thanks for reminding me of that situation – she did amazing!

  7. Not that I have perfected it, but James 1:19 gives some powerful instructions.
    Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.
    By holding my tongue, removing myself from the situation, praying… I find I am in a much better position to talk to the other person.
    Sometimes it as simple as reminding myself to smile.

    1. That is the BEST advice yet it is SO hard. I’m reading Unglued and learning a lot already. Looking forward to the Melissa Taylor Online Bible Study

  8. I’m learning. I really have a hard time with this. I think try to talk through it in my head. Lysa wrote this book for me. All is Grace. Praying the Lord will help me.

  9. I try to step back and make the participants, including myself, laugh for a minute. This almost always works with my kids. It helps everyone release some tension and usually the issue at hand doesn’t seem so consuming and we can work it out following a good laugh, or at least a smile.

  10. It’s so tough to resolve conflict! You need the help of the Holy Spirit. I know I can’t do it on my own. Just today I came “unglued” when talking to my husband about chores & children’s school schedule. Not a pretty sight! I would love to read this book!

  11. Leave a comment sharing your best conflict resolution strategy you have ever seen in action/heard or implemented.

    As odd as it may sound, my best conflict resolution strategy was for me to stop “playing God”. I acted like a puppet master trying to orchestrate everyone’s emotions and responses when I had no control over my own. This past year has been a rough year with financial strain, health issues, school changes, etc. This year I decided to let God be God and every struggle changed. The way we handled conflict literally changed. We are not falling apart. Before I open my mouth, I remember that I have a high priest that was tried like I am tried. It changed the way I talk, think, respond. I hope my answer does not sound trite or cliche, but when I literally stopped in my tracks and realized I was not trusting God with my frustrations and cares, I had to ask myself if that was the person I was going to continue to be. With patience and lots of practice (We get plenty of times to practice.:), my responses and actions to conflict are changing and so am I.

  12. I usually walk a way from the conflict and take a minute to calm down. It’s the only way that I can address the conflict without losing my control. This never fails to work for me.

  13. One I try with any situation is to treat it as if someone else is watching/listening.. And what they could learn from it or if it would make them feel. Like in a disagreement or something with someone I try to keep a tone and words that it would be fine for anyone else to hear and not change their mood or emotions. I hope that makes sense! (also, I say try because it’s something I’m steadily working on)

  14. I tend to go to the source of the problem, rather than letting it linger. Get the correct information from the one it came from!

  15. I walk away from the issue and discuss it with my husband. He always gives me a fresh perspective. Love that man!

  16. I have teenage daughters, and I had to learn to not RE-ACT when they got upset. I think they have a class on how to tick off your mom at school. ANYWAY, it helped to be able to NOT scream at them when they scream at me, and to calmly tell them their actions hurt me. It is defnitely a better reaction that way than if I just yell back! LOL

  17. Preventive action is always best…how is my walk with Jesus? I am usually a little more balanced (emotionally) and generous with grace when my focus is on Him. For those times when I come unglued I need to apologize and work on restoration quickly…don’t let it simmer.
    I will be on my to Yellowstone National Park with my family so I will miss the webcast Thursday 🙁

  18. Psalm 46-10 “Be still and know that I am God…” I often say this verse to myself in times of conflict. It helps me to remember that my problems can only be solved with the help of my Heavenly Father.

  19. I find it best to listen, understand, then discuss. Praying is always most important if you can in advance. Never be accusatory. Try to keep the emotions out of the discussion. If that’s not possible, delay the discussion until there is time to cool off.

  20. I am an exploder at first then the Lord most definately convicts me to go about it His way. The Lord wants unity in His church so i pray about it as He tells us to pray about all things and worry about nothing. After prayer I know without a doubt i have to humble myself and apologize for my behavior or lackt there of. It is my job as a womens leader to step up and apologize and set the tone “love” just like in 1 cor. Paul was trying to get everyone on the right path to love one another. By settling the issue/ conflict immediately and following the instructions of Gods word it will never fail you this way. I just recently had to do all of this with a few great friends and in our church. Super hard but the story to give God all the Glory is amazing. I am super blessed the Lord gave me wisdom and all of the answers to dealing with conflict are in His word we just have to search for them.

  21. My best resolution to conflict is never yell. You get better results from the other party. Besides yelling hurts your ears and can give you a headache afterwards.

  22. I’m a person who tries to avoid conflict whenever possible! I usually just try to quickly forgive & move on but often I obsesses over the situation & re-play it in my head a million times;) I’m working in giving things to God in prayer & letting go!

  23. Listen completely before reacting, if needed step away from the situation and come back to it when you know you can deal with it without yelling, over reacting, or putting the other person down.

  24. I heard a wonderful tip from Dennis Rainey at FamilyLife Today that the best thing you can do when you sense conflict arising with your spouse (or anyone, for that matter) is to stop and pray (together, if possible) that everything that you say and do during the course of the discussion will honor and glorify the Lord. If that doesn’t change your perspective, I don’t know what will!

  25. although I’ll be the first to say that this is soooo tough to do…resolving conflict in marriage – try a kiss! talk it through no matter how tough, pray together, and I like how I read over at Good Morning Girls one day to be the first to stop the broken cycle…the love and respect cycle…be the first to rise above the conflict and respect and listen and see the other person’s side…and don’t always try to win (there is nothing to win anyways)!

    resolving conflict with children – send them off to another room, deep breath, pray, perhaps wash some dishes (get your hands in warm soapy water…seems to calm me down at least), and then speak with them and talk it through.

    The book really sounds intriguing to go through it with a group of ladies…especially some ladies that have been there and done that many times over. 🙂

  26. I ask myself how I would behave if the Lord were standing right there watching us. Would I yell? name call? throw something? walk away and grumble under my breath? Probably not 🙂 Well, maybe.; but I’d try harder!

  27. I am trying to listen more and speak less. Walking away and praying before I deal with things is becoming my new plan of action.

  28. Restating what the other person said before moving on and sharing your reaction. It makes it much easier to figure out how each person feels!

  29. One thing that I have heard in the past is that whenever you are in a conversation, the other person should walk away feeling encouraged. I am constantly telling my daughters to “build each other up not tear each other down.”. This needs to apply to me too! So now, when I find myself in a conflict I try (not always successfully) to come at it from the perspective of being an encouragement to the other person – not to prove that I am right.

  30. Face each other and hold hands in a conflict. I know it sounds odd, but it works. The physical (non-harmful) contact eases the tension. It also forces you to look at the person you are in conflict with and resolve it before it gets out of control.

  31. God has truly blessed my husband and I. After being together almost 11 years and married for 7, I can still count on one hand the number of times we have come “unglued” with each other. We learned very quickly when to walk away and discuss things later. We now have 3 children 6 and under who are learning obedience… Let’s just say this is where my problem area lies. I am learning how to bite my tongue to keep from yelling and to react out of love instead of anger. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but my children are worth it.

  32. Just to bite my tongue for the little things and remind myself he is not a woman and thinks different than I do. Also never go to bed angry, always talk it through before hitting the pillow at night 🙂

  33. Before I leave the house in the morning I always try to ask God to be the guard of my mouth, fill it with His words not mine and help me to lift those up that come across my path instead of tier them down. In the past it has help me to be aware of my behavior to others even when I want to come unglue.

  34. My best conflict resolution strategy is to simply know when to walk away… sometimes when the hubby and I don’t quite see eye to eye, we are able to talk it out right then and there and resolve the issue. Sometimes not… and when we can’t seem to agree on anything and emotions are running high, I’ve found that it’s best to just give it a little room to breathe and re-visit it once we’ve both had time to calm down. That being said, I REFUSE to go to bed angry… no matter how frustrated one or both of us is, I always make it a point to tell him how much I love him and kiss him goodnight!

  35. Agree to disagree sometimes, but not for the sake of simply moving on. We can’t always understand everything about each other. So sometimes, if we value the relationship enough, we have to agree to disagree and even do or say things to show the other person we care even when we’re not exactly sure where the other person is coming from. Understand that sometimes there will be something we don’t understand about another person, or that someone doesn’t understand about us, but we have to do our best to understand, or at least recognize when something is really important to another person. Then even if we don’t understand why, we can accept and respect our differences and behave in a manner that will help the relationship grow rather than tear it apart.

  36. I have been told that I get quiet and determined when I am angry with another adult. I really take time to think through my words. I think it works well but people who lash out and let their words fly really don’t like it at all. Nothing wrong with taking the time to take a deep breath and make sure my words are edifying and not damaging.

  37. I am trying to stop and think before I speak. Beginning and ending each day in prayer for my husband is essential.

  38. Serving the person who offended you usually works for me.

    Giving the person a little “happy”. Just a little something or doing a little something for them.

    A kind act goes a long way!

    “A kind-hearted woman gains respect.” Prov. 11:16

  39. I have given up always having to make my point – understanding that he thinks what he thinks and I think what I think. Sometimes we reach a middle ground. Sometimes he asks what I think but doesn’t really want to know. Sometimes he really listens. I need to be mentally prepared for the unpreparable and try to keep my cool by trying to keep my big mouth shut when the conversation turns in an unpleasant way.

  40. I always ask myself if this situation is something that’s making my husband feel disrespected. I’ve learned in 24 years of marriage that will put him in a bad frame of mind every time. We have also learned to sit face to face and calmly discuss our issues. If you can look your spouse in the eye and hold their hand while discussing your grievance, you can probably get through it without any blaming, assuming or name calling, which would only fan the flames of anger.

  41. I taught my husband to say, “that is an interesting perspective, Mother.” he does not have to agree or disagree. And she feels respected. It works!

  42. My best conflict resolution strategy is to keep reminding myself that just because I can respond or state my opinion, doesn’t mean that I need to, nor should I for that matter.

  43. I try to think about a problem from the other person’s point of view. If I can figure out exactly what they are needing, then we can get to a resolution quicker. I always try to make every “battle” a win-win situation. Praying about it also helps!

  44. PMS is not an excuse for bad behavior- I used to tell my hubby” Just deal with it for a week and stay out of my way” After reading a devotional on this a few weeks back I had a ” Come to Jesus” moment having my quiet time ( in the bathroom with kids yelling for me down the hall) and if I wasn’t in an already humbling position I would have hit my knees and begged for forgiveness. I sat there and cried. Then I called my hubby and apologized and then 2 weeks latter shared it at our Ladies Bible study and we all had a “Come to Jesus” moment and hold each other accountable for our attitudes. Thank YOu God for Sisterhood

  45. Let the small stuff slide. I started out thinking how important the dispute would be in a year. Not? Let it go. Then instead of getting frustrated about picking up the one thing he left laying around (sugar substitute packages) over and over, every day, I started to pray for him and thank God for him. I felt so much better. Now, when he tosses the packs himself, I feel sort of cheated of a chance to pray for him. 🙂

  46. I’ve always heard to count to ten and take deep breaths. I tell my daughters to do that when they are upset, but I forget to do it myself most of the time.

  47. Ooh, that’s a toughie. I think I have found that I need to have a good long talk with God amd read his word before I make any decisions. He has a way of showing you that you’re not ‘entitled’ to whatever you’re upset about! Forgive! 🙂

  48. The one most effective ways for me to be a starter of conflict resolution is to repeat Scripture to myself. Otherwise it is me REACTing in the flesh instead of me ACTing in the Spirit.

  49. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Phil 2:4-5 NIV

  50. Implemented: Had a conflict with a family member — It tugged at my heart for hurtful things that were said. First, I tried discussion, not successful and then tried ignoring it, not successful! Through it all, I laid it all out before God and sought prayer, and although this person is not a follower of Christ — I decided to reach out another way. So, I wrote a long letter letting them know how important they are to me and I included this scripture. The response back was a bit overwhelming, it was like the floodgates opened up — received beautiful letter back of confession and heart-felt apology. We’ve never looked back at those days again. Although this person has not accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, they’ve stayed open to hearing God’s word. ~Em

    1 Corinthians 13:4-7
    (4)Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (5) It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of the wrongs. (6) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (7) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

  51. *Sorry this is a bit long*

    This is an ongoing solution, as the more I mature in my relationship with the Lord, the more my ways change.

    No doubt about it, I struggle with anger. It’s rooted deep through certain (not all) parts of my family, and unfortunately – it rubs off. I honestly think anger can reproduce faster than rabbits.

    Throughout my younger years, I have been all out angry from hitting things with the intent of breaking them, running away, pounding desks, having a very sassy & hurtful (& foul) mouth, and even contemplated suicidal thoughts at a young, young age, etc. {all of these things I intent on blogging on in the future – an even closer future if I win this giveaway 😉 }

    However, as I got older & my husband worked with me – my ways have gradually changed. Especially since my mother was murdered two years ago (you can read a post about that here: http://whileonthisside.blogspot.com/2012/08/fall-apart.html ), and I got saved. A very few short months after my mother’s passing, I came across good morning girls winter study that would be starting in January 2011. And it introduced me to SO MUCH – definitely since we were applying the SOAP method when studying! I learned SO MUCH about dealing with ANGER (becoming unglued!) in James!

    Since the James study, I know I am not perfect in resolving conflict, but it is a LOT easier for me to recognize my anger -(as opposed to when I recognized my “justification to have this reaction” that I had in the past). I have a LONG way to go, but I also recognize (& am very thankful) that the Lord has Brought me a LONG WAY since then as well. I pound the occasional desk, and mumble under my breath at times, but I avoid the rest. I PRAY a lot, and try to be rational when I am becoming “unglued,” write, and walk away. I’ve even resorted to ignoring at times, but I have found that that can be disrespectful – so I am definitely working on that.

    Anger is definitely a trial for me, and it’s not easy. I think that in general, we as people like things that give us instant gratification, and a lot of times, that instant gratification can seem to come from anger moreso than keeping the peace. But – What am I in such a hurry for? The Bible says I should be “Making the best of my time (Ephesians 5:16),” and I can’t do that if I am anger or in a rush!

    1. On a side note:

      I struggle with, what I am assuming is, anger (or perhaps just some sort of weird aftermath) – from when I had a very extreme case of PPD (my doctor said it was the worse that he had seen in 30 years). I really need prayer in this area, and if there is anyone I can talk to that has overcome PPD, it would be so great to have a mentor for this area in my life (if your situation is similar to mine – that’s awesome. My boy is currently 10 & I had PPD for 2.5-3 years. – though I am still dealing with the aftermath of it today).

      My email address is whileonthisside (at) gmail (dot) com

      Thanks in advance!

  52. Sincerely praying for the person with whom I’ve been in conflict if the conflict has not been resolved. I pray for the person’s peace of mind and heart, I pray for his/her physical wellbeing, and I fervently pray for healing. As I pray, the anger or ill-feelings I’ve had toward the person dissolve in God’s love.

  53. For me, I have to walk away. It keeps things from escalating. If I can’t escape, I try really hard to “check out”. I have one friend she and her husband came up with a word. If they noticed that the other was losing control, the other would just say the word and it forced the other to step back and breathe. It worked so well for her that she told everyone that she knew. How I found out was at a party and her child was acting out badly, and she started to lose her cool when about 5 people yelled out this ONE word. *L* I don’t think they all knew that they each KNEW her word. 😀

  54. Asking questions. Because usually we just don’t understand where a person is coming from and if we ask questions, even if we are upset with them, it seems to take the mood down a notch and understanding becomes possible.

  55. I like to take a step away from the situation and then return when I have a major problem. I don’t want it to become blown up due to nasty words.

  56. I have to keep my mouth shut and somtimes leave the room and get some air or I blow things way out of proportion. Once calm again after lots of prayer : ) asking questions and really listening to what the other is saying.

  57. Don’t keep thoughts/feelings bottled up and assume your husband can read your mind and know why you are upset.

  58. oh, what a great givaway!

    hmmm…i usually just give in and reconcile, even if it’s really his fault;) with the kids, i come unglued way too easily! i need this book:)

  59. The best conflict resolution I have seen is to pray first and not spew out the words that are fueled by the moment. When both parties have had time to cool down and seek His wisdom then come together and talk about the issue and not attack the person.

  60. I try to stop and ask myself if it really matters, will it be important in an hour or next week, if not I let it go. If it is important, I have taken time to think and can hopefully respond appropriately.

  61. My husband and I will “talk out” an issue as many times as it takes until we both are comfortable with the decision we have come to. Sometimes this means coming back to the topic at hand several times over a span of a week, and on occasions, months! I have learned this approach works a lot better with my husband who is a “thinker” versus demanding that he come to a conclusion or agree with me right away on something. This approach allows God to work on our hearts and maybe even redirect us in a all together different and better direction.

  62. The first thought that come in my mind is…empathy. If I can slow down and look at the others’ perspective (husband, kids, relatives) it often helps. And then I usually pray God to help me understand and find a way to solve conflicts. He always answer, in different ways every time. My personal goal is to talk less and be a good listener of Him and of the others’ reasons, especially when it comes to my husband’s.

  63. well when I come uglued witch is more offten the I would like to admit , I try and go to a quit place like my bedroom or bathroom , shut the door ,pray and take some deep breaths , seems to help .

  64. It took me a long time to learn this, but when facing conflict, I take a moment to think before I speak. This allows my anger or disappointment to cool off a little, so I won’t say something I may later regret. I’m looking forward to the second installment of the webcast. Thank you for such a fun giveaway!

  65. It kind of depends on the situation and who the conflict is with. But mostly trying to remember not to “attack” the person and pointing blame at them, but instead to express how I received what they said or did. That puts more of the focus on yourself, not on them, and doesn’t bring such a rise in defensiveness. Perhaps you misunderstood or misheard, maybe they weren’t clear with their words, or you misread their action or inaction. Maybe they were just having a bad day. Don’t make assumptions and don’t play the blame game!

  66. Hmmm that’s a hard question to answer. Definetly talking it through. Not letting it stew or gossiping about the problem.

  67. To be quicker to listen than I am to speak and to seek out truth and make peace with the other person rather than try to be right. This is a struggle for me but thankfully the Holy Spirit nudges my heart back towards Christ no matter how many times I fall. Like others have said having a heart focused on the Lord is the best preventive measure for unnecessary conflict.

  68. I recently watched a powerful documentary entitled fierce love. It showed the various types of people across this world that not only have experienced the love of God but those who desperately need it as well. I was inspired and challenged to truly embody the love that Christ has and has shown through out the word of God. The best way to resolve, deal with and overcome conflict that life has to offer has been to show love. When you show love you are able to be patient (waiting before speaking, giving the other person an opportunity to speak), kind, long suffering (the issue doesn’t make you turn away from them but draw nearer and use it to better the relationship). I may be 21 and to the world that is young enough to make mistakes (which would include blowing up and forgetting the character of my savior) but I prefer to shock them and let God be glorified through a different approach to conflict.

  69. Did anyone see that episode of Donald Duck: “hahahaha, laugh and count to ten”? 🙂
    I’m not sure if it works but the main thing is to re-focus on something else, preferably our Lord and Saviour! If I’m really mad I’ll always start crying at ‘some’ point. My hubby then sits down next to me, takes his guitar and plays a christian children’s song and it always calms me down!

    (the text of the song is something like this: Sweet Lord Jesus, when I come to think of what you’ve done for me, what a precious gift. I want to belong to You, I want to be with You, because You took all my sin, all my fear and all my pain – I couldn’t find another English translation so I don’t think it exists in English!)

  70. Think before you speak and listen to the still small voice of God guiding careful words.
    Keep the main thing, the main thing…it’s not about who is right or wrong…it’s about extending grace in difficult situations.

  71. I find that I really need to take some time away, think, and write down my feelings and then give a note to my husband to read, give him some time to think, and then we sit down to talk about it. Everyone has had time to cool off and we can actually work together to solve something instead of yelling and hurting feelings.

  72. I try to remember a very simple quote what my Mom taught me and I’m trying to teach my four children who are homeschooled, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all!”

  73. The best thing I do is to be open and honest about everything. Even when it hurts still be honest. Talk about things instead of keeping it bottled inside!

  74. One thing I have tried to do during conflict is to pray for the person I am in a conflict with. My heart normally is softened towards them, and I find it easier to deal with the person. My other goal is to love them as Christ loved them. I go out of my way (no matter how hard it is for me) to serve them. Take them cookies, send a note, or even just a smile.

  75. Pray ..pray .. and more pray. When the conflict is harder and very sensitive, ask a friend who I can trust to live me up in prayer as well … and let my words be God’s and not mine. And apologize quickly, don’t wait – even sometimes we know we do no wrong.

  76. I try to remember to stop and pray before replying. I don’t always make it and I become unglued. God is working on me in this area with my husband.

    Thanks.

  77. I am the husband of a follower of your blog and since your husband was the cause of you coming unglued, I thought I’d stir the pot so to speak :). I’d also like to win this prize for her since we can’t get this stuff where we live in SE Asia.

    One of my most effective conflict resolution strategies involved my wife and my mother! Yes, I hear you all beginning to laugh because I know our situation was or is not unique :). After a few years of marriage, there was way too much friction and I’d had enough so I acted. One day I called my dad and told him I was bringing my wife over. Dad was a little confused and my wife was pretty sure she was not going. 10 minutes later we arrived and I proceeded to start a confronting conversation until my wife and mother started arguing. At that point, I stepped back and told them to go for it!!! Hahaha. After some heated discussion and a few tears, there were hugs and in the 9 years since, we have had very few problems and there are now like mother and daughter. Dangerous I know but God used it to produce a great outcome.
    Keep up the great ministry.
    Shane

  78. I have been very blessed with a husband that I am rarely in contention with. On the few occasions that we are in conflict….we can take a few minutes to stop, pray, calm down and then we can discuss the problem. I can gratefully say that we can work our way through anything!!
    I would love to watch the webcast, but unfortunately I live in Germany so that is at 2 am! Will you be letting the winner know by email as well as the live announcement?
    Thanks for all the blessings you pour out through this blog, I really enjoy reading it!
    DeeAnn

  79. If the fight is about something that was either said or done in the past I say, “why fight about something ‘today’ that has already happened? We’ve already had this fight – why have it again? Why don’t we instead use this time to discuss ways we can avoid this problem to arise in the future?” If it is in fact a “new” argument we both make sure not to raise our voices or say things we don’t mean. If either of those things start to happen we separate and go in different rooms immediately. Until we can constructively discuss sides, opinions, feelings in a loving and respecting manner we don’t poision the situation any further. Hurtful words and rude tones just make everything worse!

  80. I’ll also say to my husband “God is watching us right now and we’re acting really ugly!!” That leads to apologizes and kisses 🙂 every time!

  81. Remember that love keeps no record of wrongs. Be quick to forgive, quick to admit your own mistakes, and quick to move on from the conflict.

  82. The best conflict resolution I have seen/experienced is when one person starts getting really heated, and the other blesses the heated person to disengage them and get to a point where they can talk on a level that has potential for resolution.

  83. I have seen when I keep my mouth shut it gives the Holy Spirit time to work in the situation. Sadly, I have a hard time remembering to do this.

  84. A mentor of mine told me that when her husband is asked a conflicting question he will say “let me think about that for a bit and I’ll get back with you”. That will give him time to think and pray and the topic has moved on to something else.

  85. When I am in conflict with my husband for example, it is important for me to remember to get the log out of my own eye before responding to him defensively and to ask myself what have I done that may have contributed to the conflict. I usually find a huge plank in my eye that I need to take out , repent of, and ask for forgiveness. The other piece that has helped diffuse conflicts especially in the future is to truly forgive one another and not bring it back up later in other arguments. Once it is forgiven, it is forgiven. Of course what I am sharing with you is not something I always get right today and it has taken me years to learn this, unfortunately the hard way. But I do want and desire to resolve conflict in healthy Godly ways and teach my daughters how to do the same. Sometimes I get angry or frustrated with my children and I don’t have self-control in that moment, and I have to go to them and say what Mommy did was wrong and ask them to forgive me. It is one of the most humbling things I have had to do. I think it is important for our children to see that we make mistakes too and are not perfect. Even though we may not get it right in the moment, we get it right in the end and show our children how to humbly repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness. I realize nobody wants to come unglued but the fact is we all do at sometime in our life and sometimes more than once and that is when we need the gospel more than anything and to learn how to be real with our emotions and to learn to forgive ourselves losing self-control and to ask forgiveness from those we hurt and were in our wake.

  86. Prayer, Prayer, & More Prayer!!!! 🙂 Sometimes for Me, Sometimes for the other person, and Sometimes for the both of us!!! It works!!! Getting in the Right place with God is what it takes, and most times the “right place” is on my knees!! 😉 And SOMETIMES the best conflict resolution is Laughter (and prayer 😉 b/c don’t we all need to laugh at ourselves sometimes?!!! Usually the “conflict” isn’t huge enough to disrupt the lives that God has planned for us!!! I am not saying it’s easy, b/c it isn’t, but it is necessary!!! Many Blessings, and Thanks for this opportunity!!!! Fabulousness!!!!! 😀

  87. As my cyber BFF, Wendy Pope, is discussing this week during her Psalm 35 study, David had a wonderful strategy that he used. He prayed to God to “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.” (Psalm 35:1). I need to remain humble to the other person and represent truth whether I’m guilty (by being honest about what I’ve done and by asking for forgiveness) or not. Most importantly, I must remember that revenge is the Lord’s, walk away, and trust that God will heal and restore all people involved in the conflict.

  88. I find that conflicts often arise when I try to control and want things done my way. Just recently I heard someone say there is more than one way to get things done. I try to hold this thought in my head throughout the day. When conflicts occur, I pause, think about the situation and consider if any harm will come if we try something differently from the way I would have done it. If no harm, I tell myself “let go and let them do it their way.” It may not be the way I wanted to do it, but most of the time it works just as well!

  89. to sort out an argument/conflict w/spouse, to sit facing each other, knees touching, holding hands and take turns discussing the matter. (And pray beforehand).

  90. This past Lent, I gave up yelling. (Tried very hard to give up Yelling). I would pray and call on the Holy Spirit to help me when I started to feel my blood boil. Things were not perfect, but they were better!

  91. I think we resolve our conflicts better when I don’t react too quickly. I need to take some time to compose myself and think about what I will say before a load of garbage flies out of my mouth. I need to take a bit of time to let emotions settle.

  92. My best is, I walk away when I feel I’m at a wall. I breathe and ask God to shower me with his Grace and then return when I feel I have a little more control of my thinking.

  93. While I am not always good at it, I find humility and taking my own expectations out of the equation go a long way in keeping a conflict from escalating. Reminding myself it’s more about relationship than about me being right really helps!

  94. What I am learning is that I cannot control everything. Even though I have good intentions and trying prevent heartache in the future, I have to learn to let go and let God be in control of the situation.

  95. I believe it’s important to think and pray before I speak. Don’t say things out of anger that you will regret later.

  96. When my boys (10 and 5) fight over something really silly and they can’t seem to “communicate” to one another to make a resolution OR if they just don’t have open hearts to resolution, I make them stand toe to toe with one another, hold hands, and say, “You are my brother and I love you. I’ll always be there for you. And Mom rocks.” They can’t ever finish it without giggling, and before it’s over, they are laughing with one another not fighting. In our house–laughter and love always overpowers conflict. God’s grace was sufficient for all of us, so we remind each other daily that grace is all we need with one another in the “tough” moments.

  97. One word….Coworker….I have all the patience and kindness in the world (HAAHAHAHA) I pray for kindess and strength but my nerves unravel at the very thought of them…I need prayer…lots and lots of prayer..I will God to unharden my heart…

  98. The Lord nudges me to react the right way by reminding me with His word “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 If I listen to the Spirit’s leading, the conflict is resolved, but unfortunately I don’t always listen.

  99. I tend to come “unglued” more with my kids than with anyone else. It may be because I am with them more than with anyone else :-). When I feel myself getting to that point, I take a step back, take a deep breath and tell them Mommy needs some alone time. I go back to my room, close the door, and put on calming music. My favorite song to listen to is Sandi Patty’s “In the Calm”. My favorite line is “In the Calm of Your Presence I am listening Lord. I am still. I am quiet. I am yours.” It brings my right back to Him. I feel my muscles loosen, my breath slow, and my anxiety melt. His Presence calms me when nothing else can.

    Thanks for the give away. Can’t wait to “see” you on the webcast Thursday night.

  100. I have recently learned the best way to stop conflict and arguing mostly with my kids is to…KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT which is crazy hard most of the time but works amazingly!

  101. Humility. My mom set this example for me while I was growing up. Be quick to apologize and admit what I did wrong/ what I could have done differently in the situation. I have learned that when my husband gets upset with me, if I keep going on and on about what he did wrong and rationalizing why I did what I did, we will end up fighting for hours. But if I am quick to apologize for my sins (I am never perfectly without fault), the fight does not drag on and a lot of times he will apologize for what he did, too.

    God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. This pattern seems to work in earthly relationships as well.

  102. I think one of the best conflict resolution strategies I’ve heard is a marriage conflict resolution strategy: when you’re arguing hold hands. It might sound crazy, but it’s hard to say mean things to each other or get too angry if you’re holding hands. It’s a simple physical connection that reminds us we’re in this together and we need to work through the conflict as a team, rather than working against each other.

  103. I think for me, it’s taking time to think through things before reacting. Pausing a moment before answering, taking a break to process before responding, etc.

  104. The best idea my husband and I have tried is first figuring out what the issue is that is causing our conflict. Then we can talk at the issue, not each other and work together to deal with the problem. Someone suggested writing the issue on a piece of paper and putting it between you so you can refocus when you get away from what the real discussion is about. I think we actually wrote it down once, but it is a good visual to help you work together as a team and point at the issue not each other.

  105. I think that anytime you can bring laughter into a frustrating situation, the anger will dissipate right away. My husband has mastered this technique. If we’re on the verge of an argument, he’ll make some witty remark that helps diffuse the tension.

  106. Send kids to room for 10 minutes before I talk to them so I have time to calm down….sometimes I even forget they are in their room!

  107. it has taken me 28 years, but i am now learning to: *pause before i speak, *think how much i love my husband, and *don’t say something that might be mean, just because i feel like it

  108. For me, it is to see the motive behind my reaction…Am I wanting to be right or do I want to see things through the other persons perspective? Many times the other persons viewpoint has valid points and many times wins over mine. But above all, I want the other person to see Jesus in me.

  109. LISTEN!
    As the Bible instructs, be quick to listen and slow to anger.
    I still have a hard time listening first but when I do, I see a real change in the direction of the conflict!
    After I get over that first hurdle of listening and not figting back, it’s a lot easier to react with grace.

  110. When my husband and I were going through a tough spot in our marriage, one of the elders in our church that he was meeting with advised him that as a husband he should “seek to make your wife holy, not just happy.”

  111. A soft answer turns away wrath but harsh words stir up anger-Proverbs 15:1. I have recently been reminding my grandchildren to recite the verse. I know it works as well. Years ago, I remember my Dad trying to help me do something with my car and he wasn’t understanding what I meant and started raising his voice in frustration. I thought of the verse and spoke softly. It changed the whole interaction with a positive ending!

    It is so important to hide God’s word in our hearts. Psalm 119:11. Hiding His word does help in times of trouble. For as it has been said, “as surely as the sparks fly upward man is born to trouble” Job 5:7.

  112. I am really trying to walk away, but am really struggling right now with kids who fight constantly when they are together. I am unglued unfortunately.

  113. Oh man I need this book! Unfortunately I have a tendency to become unglued quickly! The best conflict resolution there is is open communication and prayer. To hear what the person is saying without interjecting our feelings and emotions into what we THINK they mean (so bad for this) and actually hear what they say and let them explain what they mean! Prayer before a discussion starts is of course wonderful, and prayers during as well as a prayer together afterward- especially if the conflict was with my husband!
    Thanks so much for giving stuff away but especially for sharing- I have really enjoyed your blog and all the others I have found through your site!

  114. I realize that the heat of the moment is where things can get challenging. Our emotions need to be subject to Him. Not easy, but possible because of His amazing grace. I have learned and am continuing to learn (still messy at times) that as I abide in Him I can do those things that seem hard…or impossible.
    In the heat of the moment I send up a smoke signal of prayer. I may be fuming outwardly but I am begging him for wisdom, discernment, grace and truth in the moment. And He is faithful. I am growing in grace as I groan silently within, asking Him to lead me to learn to die to self…and be victorious through Him. Less of me, more of Him. It’s my heart’s desire….and my flesh’s nightmare. 😉

  115. I love seeing the girls at Girls on the Run practicing I feel….when you…..if only someone had taught me that skill at an early age!

  116. Recently my husband and I have learned to diffuse contentious situations in a couple of different ways.

    1. Let the first thing out of your mouth be this: Agree with what the other has said. (Here’s sort of a silly example, but you’ll get the idea.)
    A: That sure is an ugly shirt you are wearing.
    B: You’re right! Maybe this isn’t the best color for me. (Then you can go on with…) This fabric makes me feel feminine and pretty, though.
    It’s remarkable how well it keeps things from getting out of hand.

    2. After the other has spoken or aired his or her complaint/opinion, DO NOT immediately defend yourself. Say something like, “I hear what you are saying,” then either keep your own mouth shut or, if you are really good say, “Tell me more about why you feel that way.” A conflict turns into a learning opportunity and ultimately brings the combatants closer, which, in a marriage, is the ideal outcome of conflict in the first place.

    Once the other person knows that you really do care about them and that you are SAFE, resolution is much more likely. There will always be conflict, but there needn’t be a fight!

  117. For me, it is keeping your cool. A quiet answer turns away anger, so to really hear not just what the other person is saying, but why they are saying it, and proceeding from there, calmly.

  118. Any time my husband & I get into a spat, we usually go have our own time for a little bit to think about what just happen. We then come back after 30 minutes or so usually and sit down to talk about what happen. After we realize who/what was wrong and how our reactions were wrong, we then pray and ask God to give us strength for it to not happen again.

  119. I have a 21 year old daughter , who is trying to find herself in the world. It is sometimes really hard to listen and not say much as she is trying to see where she wants to go in life with school and life. I pray and listen to what she has done or wants to do. When she ask my thoughts is when I pray even more, becuase I want her as not being saved yet to listen to what GOD was to say in me.

  120. Best I’ve heard/implemented is when you or your spouse are in conflict, go to where your spouse is & ask that you two pray together right then for resolution. Dr. Emerson wrote the book, “Love & Respect” & my husband & I took the class for it through our church. It was so empowering to know that no matter what, I can go to my husband & say “Let’s pray this out” & leave it with the One who designed my marriage in the first place.

  121. When I taught at a private Christian school, we used The Young Peacemaker book to teach students conflict resolution. We focused on the slippery slope which showed them the different reactions they could have such as the Attack Zone (put downs, gossip, and fighting), The Escape Zone (deny, blame game, and runaway), and the Work It Out Zone (talk it out, overlook, and get help). The kids could relate and it gave them positive tools to stay in the Work It Out Zone. Very good book.!

  122. Shortly after discovering Unglued last week, we had a HUGE family conflict. It got ugly….real ugly. I chased my husband throughout the house slamming doors, until he locked me out of the office. We yelled and screamed until it all blew up. Before I knew it, I was out of control. I blew it. I asked for a break, 20 minutes. I informed our family we would be meeting in the living room in 20 minutes. I brewed some tea, went to the word, prayed, and visited the Focus on the Family website. There, I found an outline to follow to clear up conflict.

    Our family met, we prayed, we talked, discussed accountability, and appropriate discipline. My husband shocked me. HE extended grace. To each of us. His gentle answer had reversed all the wrath from the evening. We prayed some more, and when it was all over the Lord reminded me of something. We just demonstrated healthy conflict resolution for our children, and children’s children. It was a beautiful thing.

    Courtney, thank you for your blog. Thank you for sharing Unglued with us. I can’t imagine the lives your ministry is affecting. It certainly is enriching mine!

  123. S.T.A.R. = Stop, Take a deep breath, And… Relax. Then, you can state the problem(s) and begin looking for solutions!

  124. Mine is prayer before during and after conflict 🙂 For the most part I am stuffer, which makes it easier to reflect and pray about how to handle the conflict in a way that would be more honoring of God 🙂

  125. This was something we heard on a marriage retreat weekend.
    When there is conflict with your spouse try to put your anger and pride aside and act as if you are speaking with Jesus and not your spouse. Imagine it as if Jesus were sitting there or standing there. Talk to him as if you were speaking to Jesus himself. You are not fighting your husband but the principalities that want to destroy a family. Would you scream at Jesus or belittle Him or ignore Him?
    Whoa! That put a different spin on things for me. I don’t succeed always at this. When we are in the heat of it and that pops into my brain it does actually make me cringe. Would I treat Jesus this way? Would He want me to speak to my husband this way? Ouch. Effective.

  126. We have found the sentence starters: “When you… I feel…” to be very helpful when trying to resolve a conflict. It seems to put the other person in a better position to truly hear what you’re saying instead of justing getting defensive!

  127. Use I words. I feel or I think. Instead of you do this or you said this. We got that advice in our marriage counseling before we got married. I do it all the time!

  128. The one that seems to work best for our family, is to walk away for a few minutes, regroup and try to meet a resolution then.

  129. Don’t react out of initial feelings, I’ve found it best to wait atleast a day before resolving conflict. Usually the initial angry emotions have gone and I can speak rationally and objectively. Praying and surrendering the situation to God always works! Talk it out with God before you talk it out with the person.

  130. When my MIL and I were at wits end, my husband had us to write out all the issues we had with one another. He sat in the middle as a mediator and prayed at the beginning and end of it. There were no quick results but it was a start. I had great respect for my husband that day forward on how he handled the conflict that had grew over time.

  131. My husband just walks away and lets it rest. I used to be the type that kept bringing up the conflict until it was settled, but this past year, I’m growing and learning that we both probably need to step back, think and pray.

    Advice for anyone in a conflict:
    Actually Listen (to the other person)!
    Be humble (you are NOT always right! Yup – that one always hurts)!
    Don’t give up (take time to figure it out together and come to where you both agree!)
    Pray together!

    Putting the reminder in my agenda to listen in on klove and know that I’m praying for you!

  132. I like what Lysa said, respond don’t react. I’m learning through reading the bible for the first time in my life how to make changes, to be the wife, mother, person Jesus wants me to be. Your blog is another wonderful resource but I’ve noticed the holy spirit convicting me of the changes I need to make 🙂

  133. Think before you speak. As a pastor’s wife, this one has been huge for me to learn and put into practice. People can say the dumbest things and I don’t want to be like them. I want to be an example to my children. Think before you speak!

  134. I volunteered for a couple of years in a pregnancy resource center. One evening a woman came in and wanted grocery store coupons. I gave her the standard amount. She got pretty riled up, saying it wasn’t enough and she wanted more. A lot of hostility. She said the director told her she could have more. So I called him. He had never spoken with her before and asked me to put her on the phone. I don’t know the exact words he used but her entire demeanor changed. But I am certain he spoke to her with kindness. To this day I always remember that situation. It is incredible how quickly kind words can diffuse a hostile situation.

  135. I have learned (and am still learning) that God will direct my response. I try to be patient and let him direct me. I really understand the phrase ‘bite your tongue’ sometimes I need to do just that.

  136. Mandisa confronting Simon Cowell on American Idol after he said they’d need a bigger stage for her. She said, “What I want to say to you is that, yes, you hurt me and I cried and it was painful, it really was. But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you and that you don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you.” And that’s a woman who truly is living well 😀

  137. I sooo not an expert on resolving conflict! I try to just let the little stuff slide & not make a mountain of every molehill. Learning to be quiet is HARD! & most of all FORGIVE! Not just forget….really just forgive. Let go & let God. 🙂 He shows us the way! It’s hard to get past human emotions.

  138. My best conflict resolution strategy (actually prevention strategy) is to bite my tongue and that can be so difficult for me! The next best thing is to apologize and snuggle/hugs afterwards. I love this giveaway!!!

  139. This is something I am still working on. But I’ve been told that when I become “Unglued” (which seems to be happening more often lately) that I need to step away calmly and seek God’s help. Prayer is an amazing tool that God has given us and He is just waiting for us to use it as He intended. I’ve even stopped during an “argument” w my 3 year old and sat down with her and prayed. I’ve used that as a teaching tool as she always asks me what we are doing 🙂 God is always there for us to guide us through any situation and to help us at any moment no matter how big or small the situation may be. PTL

  140. One of the best pieces of advice I have heard is to take a deep breath, tell the person you are with you need a couple of minutes and then find a closet or quiet spot and get alone. Use this time to take deep breaths and pray that God will keep you calm and give you loving words to resolve this conflict. I don’t always do this but it has worked when I have. Awesome give away!

  141. It’s tough, no doubt! What I’ve been trying lately, as well as teaching my son, is to really think what Jesus would do in that moment or how could I try to be the LIGHT. It’s amazing the peace that comes over you. 🙂

  142. When my kids were young and fighting with each other, I would make them put their hands behind their backs and stand nose-to-nose for 5 minutes (no other body parts could touch). This almost always ended in lots of giggles since one child was taller than the other so being nose to nose took some strategy. What started out making tension in our home, usually ended up bring happiness.

  143. There are so many great ideas in the comments! Like others, I have found that it helps tremendously if I can pray for the other person. If I can get my heart right, the words will follow.

    A friend and mentor of mine taught me to phrase things in a SET when you need to deliver difficult feedback or solve a conflict . Sympathy, Empathy, Truth. And I find it very helpful.

    Note: It all *must* be genuine.

    Sympathy. “I am sorry you are feeling x.” I am sorry x happened.”
    Empathy. “I feel x too sometimes.” “When x happened I felt x.”
    Truth. “I need x right now. How can we get there from here?”

  144. As in anything else it always takes two to be in a conflict. God showed me several years back to keep my mouth closed except to pray and watch Him work the situation out. It has proven to be the best work of patience to this day. And we know patience is a virtue.

  145. I have learned, instead of saying, “you did this to me,” to say something like, “I feel this way when you do that.” My fiancé and I have more productive fights when we are not pointing fingers at each other the whole time.

  146. Oh gosh — I am one of those “conflict magnets”. The best resolution that I have – is to pray for the other person or the situation. GOD always opens my eyes!

  147. The best tip we’ve used with our boys is when they’re fighting over a toy, we ask them, “Are you putting this toy first or your brother?” It puts it in perspective for everyone, even the one who was “wronged.”

  148. I have learned to keep my mouth shut and pray before speaking… allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and words… doesn’t always happen that way… but when I remember to pray first, things always work out!!!

  149. Conflict is something that never goes away. But prayer and forgiveness are always the best way to handle a tough situation

  150. walk away, pray, and give it time. 20 minutes later, it might not seem like such a big issue, if it does then go to that person in a calm manner.

  151. I have tried so many different approaches over the 9 years that my husband and I have been married. And no matter how many times I take a deep breath or count to ten or try to walk away(which just makes him more angry) I have found that if I just start praying and keep praying throughout the conversation it helps me to repond the way I should. It also seems to help how he responds to me as well. I have come to realize that all of these other approaches is me trying to handle the situation in my own power and that never turns out good:)

  152. With God’s help, I’ve taught myself to have a pause button. No matter what happens, I hit pause, think, then resume so I can gather my thoughts. We have a no yelling rule in our home too and there has never been yelling in our home ever since dh and I got married. Choosing to hug my children no matter what they do rather than react by being upset helps. There may be consequences for their actions, but they get a hug or some show of love and affection first.

  153. Let each other calm down before talking it out. It doesn’t have to be worked out in one sitting, sometimes that makes the situation worse.

  154. Well, I must say, I find prayer to be the best one to keep myself from coming unglued. In my previous job, conflict seemed to be a constant and I could almost always feel a conflict arising. As I would sit there feeling that feeling–I would pray for God to help me maintain my calmness and give me peace. I, in my human self, failed at times to allow god to work within me in those times and I deeply regret that. Prayer changes things–and I truly would love to have allowed it to change many situations!!! My unglued now comes at home with 3 little ones. Many, many days I pray for God to work thru me in their lives and I pray for calmness in me when things are getting a little crazy. It can be so hard not to come unglued (and i need to be better at stayed glued together) when you are a Mom but God can work thru me in ways I can’t imagine!! Praise the Lord!!

  155. I am the QUEEN of not saying things well. And he is the KING of not reading me well. We are both quiet in our private life and don’t express when we should. I have learned to say, I feel like ______ (you are upset, I have not said that well, there is tension between us…etc) and just break the ice and we talk things out. After a few years of toughing it out, I feel like I could talk ANYTHING out with that man. I continually share this approach with anyone the Lord leads my way.
    We are all so prideful and it keeps us from taking the first step.

  156. like most have said…pray and think before you speak. I am one who does not like conflict. I’m way more sensitive than I’d like to be so I’m looking for ways to overcome that at times. It has a positive side in that I think I’m also sensitive to others and thoughtful towards others. I’d love to win the Unglued giveaway!!!!

  157. The best advice I have gotten was from the Bible 😀 Hold your tongue! Be respectful. Slow to anger. My list could go on and on. My husband and I disagree about a lot of things but I have noticed that if I just LET GO AND LET GOD WORK, that things work out to his will, because I obeyed his word.

  158. Walking away is not the only thing for me…Learning to find a way to say what I feel and believe as well as listening to the other person…mosting learning when to simply be quiet…if not I may not hear GOD : )

  159. I try to THINK and pray before saying anything. I ask myself these questions: T=Is what I’m about to say thoughtful?, H=Is it honest?, I= Is it intelligent?, N= Is it necessary? and K= Is it kind? These questions help me to think before saying something hurtful or just something I will regret to start an argument!

  160. Realize that anger is often a combination of emotions, not just a single emotion. For example, when I am mad at my husband, I may actually be feeling hurt that he chose to do something other than spend time with me. Figuring out what you’re actually feeling can often help you work toward a solution.

  161. If you cannot say anything nice, do not say anything AT ALL! Pray about it and WAIT for God’s guidance.

  162. I try to listen before I speak. And then when I speak I try to choose my words very carefully. Key word being try.

  163. First I think that taking a time out to regroup and think things over rationally is very important. But I also think that listening to the other person is important as well. Everyone thinks and feels differently, and you need to know how the other person feels so you can see the whole picture.

  164. I think the best was to listen and not say anything until your able to process what was said. Often times I react with the first words that pop into my head. They are usually words I would like to take back later after my brain absorbs what has happened or what was said. I think it is better to say, “Give me a minute.” Instead of yelling.

  165. My mom’s advice rings in my ears…”people are more important than things.” The idea presents itself in so many ways, but when it comes to my kids, they know to resolve the squabbles, or the things will begin to disappear.

  166. When it’s between my dh and I, we will listen and then tell the other person what we hear and talk it out. Sometimes we just have to pray until we get direction 🙂

  167. Engaged and getting married in less than two months, your site (fb page) have been a HUGE inspiration to me to prepare to be my husbands helpmeet in every sense of the word. Although I’m sure the bulk of our conflicts are still yet to come, I have found that praying before reacting or responding is the best. “Lord, help me to see this situation clearly…help me to listen to what he/she says, share my thoughts and leave the result to you”. When I know that I am approching the situation with giving the Lord full control, I’m less likely to go by my feelings but be governed by the Spirit’s control.

  168. Love the concept cannot wait to read the book! I often find that (Thank goodness!) God shuts my mouth during a confrontation, and allows me a moment to think, and pray that his words come out not mine! Praying that this morning while I go in for an interview!

    Thanks for all you do to inspire us to a better relationship with God Courtney!

  169. Pray before going into a situation where I think there might be some conflict. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide my words. Remember: I have 2 ears and only 1 mouth so logically I should listen twice as much as I speak! Ask for forgiveness – knowing that taming the tongue is impossible.

  170. My mom always told me to be kind to the person mistreating me or with whom I was in conflict with….it was like pouring heaping coals upon their head. Gotta admit, that in my younger years, I liked the thought of that…Now that I’m a little older I find that my sarcasm comes out in my “nice-ness” to the other person which reveals the motives of my heart, so it’s best that I pray for that person so that my stony heart will be removed and replaced with a heart of love for others.

  171. I have to physically relax as in deep breaths and unclench (everything- fists, stomache… ) pray and listen to the other person.

  172. Although it doesn’t always work, I try not to automatically react, but to listen and pray for the right words to use in response before speaking.

  173. This is a toughy.bI know we must be careful as to what we say. I also know we must no go to bed angry. However, sometimes I need to take a few to cool down and make sure what comes out of my mouth will not tear someone down. Thanks for the chance to enter this great giveaway 😀

  174. Stay calm, be slow to speak and long in listening and always, always view the other person through the eyes of Christ. With a full measure of grace and mercy, empathy and hearing them well just comes more easily.

  175. Duck tape! I’m pretty sure if I would put duck tape over my mouth and be silent for a few minutes I would get myself in less trouble!!

  176. Truly, my best strategy is to wait. Wait until I am calm, wait until I can think clearly. I have such a tendency to immediately react and then, ten minutes later, come up with a totally different perspective and answer. I need to learn to WAIT. :0)

  177. Stop. Take a breath. Pray. and don’t over react!!!!!!
    I took the book to church when I first received it….which was even before release date! and showed it around to some of my friends and asked, Do you ever come “Unglued”….people I thought had it, “altogether” said, Boy do I?….Also shared the information with a friend from another church……their Fall Ladies Bible Study? Yep! “Unglued” You really touched so many ladies with trhe writing of this book, Lisa!!!

  178. Keep it about the current conflict, and don’t bring up past conflicts that have already been resolved and should be forgiven.

  179. Wow…that’s a toughie! I honestly think the best one that I”ve come across – and used successfully – is to repeat back what I think the other person is actually saying, to make sure I’m understanding them. Something like, “Ok, I just want to make sure I’m understanding you because this is important. It sounds like you’re saying, _______________. Is that right?” This gives them the chance to restate it if you’ve misunderstood or misheard. It also helps you look/listen past the heat of the discussion and tone of voice of the person to truly hear the heart of the issue.

    The other thing, tied into the above, is to use “I feel” statements. “I feel like you’re resenting me for working so much, even though we need me to.” This keeps the blame off of the other person, and helps them not go on the defensive. You might feel like they are resenting you, when really they are upset at the fact that you HAVE to work so much, for example.

  180. Seems all has been touched on – but I try to step back and remove myself from the center of the situation. And PRAY for wisdom, love and understanding.

  181. Try to see them through Jesus’ eyes…it really changes your perspective and [usually] diffuses anger while providing you insight on the root of the conflict–this assists with finding a true and lasting solution, not just a resolution to one argument. Oh, and a whole lotta prayer to keep your lips zipped while the Lord is giving you that new perspective and insight! 🙂

  182. James 1:19 is the first verse that comes to mind.
    Understand my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.

    Listen to what the other person is saying..making sure you understand the real issue (often not what the complaint is about)… Many times conflict is just someone needing to vent.

    If you can’t reason with the person…drop it and walk away until the situation changes enough so the person will be ready to listen or accept advise. Thinking now of the verse about not throwing pearls before swine.

  183. I need to work on not becoming “unglued”, that is why I need to read the book! I try to just stop and pause realizing that becoming unglued does not look nice and is not a godly reaction for my family to see.

  184. Grace and lots of prayer. Ultimately I will have to stand before God and be accountable for MY behavior and actions.

  185. Unfortunately, I’m not that great at conflict resolution. Lately, specifically when I’m with my in laws, I find that if we want to have a non eventful, peaceful Sunday dinner, I better not say anything. The problem is, this doesnt really fix anything. I bite my tongue, or make a small comment about everyone having their own opinions and then politely excuse myself from the room or go look for something else to do. The problem is, I’m not able to really be myself around them, and i dont think the underlying conflict is getting resolved, though it has helped with keeping the peace, so that is good 🙂

  186. I think remaining calm is very important but probably because that is totally opposite from how I usually react:0)

  187. Sometimes I have to walk away in order for me to hold my tongue. I try to understand what caused the conflict and sometimes that means swallowing my pride and admitting it was my fault.

  188. I have a friend who just recently suggested this to me. I had been telling her that lately I have been losing my cool so quickly with my children. She says she sends her child to a place to sit while she says a prayer, and then she can calmly deal with the situation. Sounds pretty good to me!

  189. Taking lessons from a Marriage study we did, I ask… “This is what you said, but this is what I’m hearing.” We don’t always hear correctly what our spouses are saying and that can cause an even bigger conflict then what was orginally meant.

  190. I would say to let each side have a time to say what they are trying to say without being interrupted and if it starts to get tense take a “time out” and come back to the situation/topic in 15 minutes or so. Prayer, compromise and love. These all are big helpers in resolving conflict.

  191. When I find myself getting angry, I stop and let the other person know that “I love you and I want to be able to hear and understand what they are saying., but when I am this angry, I cannot hear you.” I then set a time to continue the discussion, 1/2 hour, 2 days from now, whatever. Then I spend time with God trying to figure out what my problem is. I find more often than not this removes my issue and then we can deal with whatever the real item of discussion was.

  192. When dealing with a sassy child who seems to be looking for a fight of words…smile and walk away (praying as you go). Ask the Lord to fill you with His love His understanding and grace! Then when the time seems right go sit down and have a chat with this little one. Pull them close and remind them how much you love them even when they are sassy and that God loves them too but He has a better way. Talk about how He must feel when we get out of control. Then remind them He always forgives a repentant heart and that now would be a great time to go to Him in prayer.

  193. I have to get out of the situation. I’m not confrontational at all. If I get in a confrontation, I tend to react without thinking!

  194. I have to just walk away, and since I am a single mother and most of my conflict is with my tiny people, it usually means barricading myself in a room so I have a minute to breathe.

  195. The best way to avoid a conflict is to research resolutions so that the conflict never happens. We have been married 11 years and have not had a fight. We found out each others love language and worked with that. It also works with your loved ones. We figured out that all of us are the same inside. We all want to be loved and appreciated, cared for and respected. Taking time to research and respect the value in the relationship makes such a difference in the value it holds.

  196. I have come “unglued” a few times too many lately. 🙁 Reading scriptures and attempting to memorize them could be helpful if I would actually think of the verses before I yell. Before I even got out of bed I prayed this morning asking for calmness and patience. God can change this. God can keep me from coming “unglued”.

  197. I remind myself that I don’t know what they are personally dealing with and I try to approach the situation with grace and compassion. Sometimes people are at the end of their rope and we all deal with that differently. You might be the first person to offer them grace in a long time!

    1. That’s a great thing to remember!! A few days back there was a “saying” on facebook…. “Don’t Judge… You don’t know what storm I have asked her to walk through. -God” …. Great things to always keep in mind!!!

  198. My husband and I spoke to a Christian marriage counselor who told us to make sure that when we fight, no one raises their voice beyond a soft level. Even if we are upset and want to get out our frustration with each other, if we say it without raising our voice then it comes across less accusatory to the other person and allows them to think about what is really bothering you instead of putting them directly on the defensive. It’s not always easy to keep your voice at a soft level, but I’ve found that it really does help both people stay calm when voices aren’t raised.

  199. My unglued times seem to always happen either with my husband (the most) or our daughter! At this old age, I am still learning when to walk away, zip my lips, or respond with a gentle answer!! Lately, rather than being “Unglued”, I’m practicing this comeback…”You may be right! I’ll have to think about that!” or “You’re right; I’m wrong! Will you forgive me?”

    When I’ve blown it (been Unglued), I will later ask myself how did the conversation get so out of hand and what/how could I have said differently!

  200. My husband and I have found it to be very helpful to sit down and have a small pillow we pass back and forth. If you don’t have the pillow you can not talk. It has allowed us to really listen to the other person and be slower to speak.

  201. The best conflict resolution I have learned is that men and women are different. Not wrong just different. He sees things through blue sunglasses and I see them through pink. He hears things with blue hearing aids and I hear them with pink. So if there is a conflict I try to remember to make sure he is hearing what I am actually saying and vise versa.

  202. After 29 years of marriage, I am finally learning to listen more than I talk. The best advice and the most difficult to follow is “Be still. And know that I am God.” The “being still” part is the hard part for me! But seriously, just keeping still, especially when I am angry is the best solution, by far!

  203. I am a newly-wed, and my husband and I have already learned that if we have a conflict or something hurts us, it is best to discuss it at that moment, as opposed to bringing it up a week later.

  204. I use to be the one that would run my mouth, and then walk away. I have learned it is better to hold your tongue and seek guidance from God. I now will step away and go immediately to God, praying and talking and seeking his will. Though we all feel as if we have been wrong, and we are so right, we need to keep asking “Is my behavior, my words, my actions Glorifying God.”
    Sometimes its not easy, and there are times God listens as I vent.

  205. I have found if I wait and think and pray about a situation that helps so much, instead of saying what I am thinking in the moment.

  206. The best way I avoid conflict and resolve things is to step back and take a breath and maybe even eat some ice cream. Okay, not really eat some ice cream but I do try to step back, hit the cancel button on a text I was going to send, spend some time in my Bible or prayer and maybe even sleep on it before I go back to talking/addressing the situation. I know that the evil one is out to devour me and conflict is one way that he can do that and I am the Lord’s girl and I need to step back and not let the evil one control my reactions.

  207. I take a shower. Usually when all the noise and chaos are getting to me at the end of the day and I start feeling a little bit snappy with the members of my family I will go take a shower and leave my husband in charge. It gives me a few moments to breathe and recharge for the rest of the evening. Many times that will cut off those unglued feelings in their tracks.

  208. We can walk away and actually go for a walk when we get back we many times have new insight on the conflict. Walking releases happy endorphin’s that boost our mood and will allow for a more positive reaction and decision making.

  209. Think before you talk.Walk away for couple minutes and pray to God to guide you to make a smart choice.Then sit down and let the other person talk first his feeling and then you talk and accept each other advise.

  210. Conflict resolution for me means Talking it out immediately. The problem w/ my strategy is I have to be very careful of my words. In the heat of the moment it’s easy to b ugly.

  211. Pray! Pray! Pray!! I have learned that when I feel an unglued moment creeping up within me, I MUST remember to begin praying! Not only for myself and my reactions and responses, but for the other person and for God to soften their heart and calm them with His peace. Turning my focus to God takes my mind and heart back to where it should always remain, on Him, and off of selfishness and my fleshly desires.

    This giveaway is awesome and I am thankful to be entered into it!! Fingers crossed! 🙂

  212. After 47 years I am still the conflict and hubby is the resolution. His ability to remain silent while I explode is unbelieveable. I am working daily to join him in that trait of patience and know that calmness is the key to any conflict. Thank you for clueing us in on Unglued. ;> MS

  213. My husband is 10 and a half years sober! Our marriage took a beating before that. The best conflict resolution strategy that I learned to put into action was not arguing with a drunk. It was always so easy to do but he wouldn’t remember it anyway. I attended Alanon and learned to pray for my mouth to hold back. Things went a lot better when I recognized this!

  214. A soft answer turns away wrath. It seems simple and a no brainer… but it really works…. The good ol’ “kill em with kindness”. Do you best to stay calm and talk gently…. When I find myself getting frustrated I do my best to start talking very softly… (I don’t always succeed! haha!)

  215. In order to diffuse conflict, I use laughter! I try to listen carefully to the other side of things and then instead of letting my emotions take over, I try to think of a silly situation to place the argument in highlighting how much worse it could be. Usually starts with the words… At least… for example My son was upset with me about not being able to drive 3 hours to visit his long distance girlfriend. He’s a fairly new driver and we were concerned about the roads and traffic. He said to me, ” Isn’t it at 17 when you are considered an adult and can do whatever you want to!!” I stopped for a moment, picked up a pen and began to write. Then I handed him the note and said, “Sure! Why not! And since you’re an adult and all, here’s your bill for rent, electric, water, food, maid service and laundry service. After you pay all these, you can go anywhere you like! ” He just laughed and said that he wasn’t ready to be an adult! And accepted that we knew a little more than he did. Humor in a tense situation can be a tool to remove the emotion and allow each person to see the view point of the other.

  216. The best thing that works for me is walking away & praying about it. Then,.try & look at the issue & locate the focus of it & go from there.

  217. I TRY to stop and pray before I speak if I am really upset. It helps me from saying things that I would later regret.

  218. I just love your program and enjoy all of the new and exciting information you share. Thank you so much. A friend once told me a great method for conflict resolution. When the conversation takes a turn in the wrong direction – try to redirect it it with a compliment or comment that changes the topic. An example is in the workplace, women in the office tend to gossip or complain – my friend suggested just blurting out – “What a lovely necklace”; “Is that a new blouse?”; “Have you been working out?”. It works – it really works. You turn the negative to a positive and totally change the path of the conversation. Wishing you a day of hugs and blessings. Monica

  219. The best thing, as so many others have already said, is to pray. If it’s a conflict I know is coming, I take 5 minutes before to really pray about it, asking Him to help me act like He would and to humbly reveal my sins too, so they’ll be out of the way. If it’s a conflict that happens right before me with no advanced warning, I immediately have to think – “how would Jesus want me to handle this situation?” otherwise, my own anger gets in the way of being a reflection of Him. Oh, and remember angry voices do nothing that kind voices can’t do better.

  220. The absolute best advice that I have been given is to
    Never try to solve anything while angry. Walk away and give yourself time to think things through before you speak you mind! Always speak with love in your heart!

  221. For me, I walk away,take a time out and check myself according to and with the Word! I found out that most of the time, my feelings,my emotions,my opinions cloud my judgement,which. Allowed the enemy to have a ball n my mind. I had to kick him out,and live the Word,speak the Word and bite my tongue alot! It still works to this day and my husband has responded favorably and have my children,all because I’m not following my flesh, I’m following Jesus!

  222. I have found that it is better for me, in the heat of a conflict getting ready to happen, is to not say anything at that point. Then when I have calmed down, go to my husband and talk about it. (Assuming the conflict is with him, but that also works with my children). I also like to put it in writing if I know I am going to have trouble staying calm.

  223. All about respect and not taking it personal, bite my tongue and think before reacting, sometimes that means going to another room for a few minutes to take a few breaths and say a quick prayer.

  224. I must say I paused and didn´t want to think on this one. It is probably my hardest trial and weakest quality. I know deep down I am supose to stop and listen, I have seen too that if you can wait a few seconds to pray and reflect everything goes so much smoother, but I definately don´t do this often enough.

    Something that a counsilor told me when I was young was that inorder to express how you feel, explain to the person that they made you feel a certain way instead of telling them what they did wrong. For example: ” when you did that it made me feel useless and like a little child” Instead of attacking the person and what they did.

    well, I really look forward to reading this book. I am sure it will be a great help. I live in Spain so 8pm EST is very late for me, or early however you look at it, but I would love to hear the podcast too. –

    Dani Joy

  225. The best thing is to listen. Truly listen. Listen not only to what the other person is saying, but what they aren’t saying. Try to put myself in their shoes and then tell them I understand, repeat back in my own words what they are saying. If someone feels they are being heard, generally the conflict can be solved. If I am so mad that I can’t understand or want to understand, then I ask the Holy Spirit to interceded on my behalf. It’s hard, but worth it…

  226. When things are getting tense, I like to stop & say a prayer. Helps bring me back down to reasoning level. Also, I am trying to love as Jesus loved by showing kindness to even those who have hurt me. It is very hard to do sometimes, but I am trying. It’s important to me that my girls learn how unconditional His love was for everyone, not just those that are nice to us first.

  227. When presented with a conflict I try to remind myself to see the situation through Christ’s eyes. Or to look at the big picture (which often takes the “big-ness” out of the situation) which helps me to not overreact. Sometimes I’ll take a break and revisit the situation later when I am more clearheaded and less emotional about it.
    But even though I know these things help… I often forget to do them. I would love to win this giveaway! I need all the help I can get! 😉

  228. You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. I think this verse has helped me, actually relying on God’s Word . I believe this is why it’s so important to memorize scripture because at times of conflict it can protect, guide and conquer. So in most conflict I’d say hush and watch your words see can when words are many… sin is not absent and remember the fruit of the spirit self control that’s the one for controlling my anger. 🙂

  229. For me the best resolution stategy is to stop trying to be right and start trying to work our a compromise. I have been known to be a “right fighter” and I am working really hard on listening to what the other person(s) has to say before I make my statement. Take a moment to just listen and try to stop your mind from only thinking of what you want. Try to keep as much emotion out of the situation as possible. I have found that I get in more trouble when I emotional about the situation. Also, when it is your turn to make your statement, leave out accusations and just state clearly what has hurt you or what you need from the situation. It may not hurt to say a prayer or two!

  230. In the middle of conflict I have to stop and pray about every word about to come out of my mouth. I focus on words that will not tear the other person down even if I do no feel like it, sometimes it may take awhile for me to be ready to talk, but spouting out what is on the tip of my tongue is not helpful!

  231. I’m trying to memorize scripture that I can quote in my head or out loud when I get frustrated and/ or angry!

  232. I make my kids sit on the floor, cross legged and knee-to-knee and nose-to-nose. They cannot stand to do this, but I can visually see their anger at one another dissipate. Soon, we are all giggling and able to think more clearly and calmly and solve problems.

  233. The best advice I have learned about how to deal with conflict/resolution is that it is OK for me to put myself in a “TIME OUT” (so I don’t react in an ungodly way saying things I can’t take back)! I go into “TIME OUT” quite often!! LOL ….and I still don’t always get it right. Love Unglued and that we have this support of one another!

  234. Since watching last week’s Unglued webcast, I’ve been so convicted about the way I handle conflict. You see, my husband was diagnosed with OCD, panic disorder and depression early on in our marriage. We deal with a lot of emotions in our home (and we have 3 kids – whew!) To deal with all of that, to keep everyone even, I just “I’m fine” life away. Problem is that I eventually just lose it and then I feel so awful, like such a wife/mom failure. I want so badly to show my husband patience and compassion and love and understanding with his emotional struggles that I try to push away my frustrations of life, push away the angry when we have conflicts. I really thought that minimal arguments were a sign of handling conflict well.

    I was SO stunned when Lysa called me out for using the “I’m fine”; that it’s a nice way to lie about how I’m feeling. I NEVER thought of it like that. I don’t want to lie to my husband, or anyone. I want to resolve conflict. I think this book is exactly what I need to deal with this pattern of (not) handling conflict. I’m hoping to find some wiggle room in the budget to buy “Unglued” in the next couple of weeks. Until then, I’m really excited to listen to the webcasts and read all of the godly counsel from these other women 🙂

  235. Stop, pray and then listen to all sides and the pray and meditate. Then come to a solution to the conflict.

  236. I’m a very easy going person that doesn’t get excited about much and if I do it’s usually shortlived. I feel that this is a gift God has given me!!! It has helped me to walk others through a crisis by helping them see good in others and all situations. So I guess my best conflict resolution strategy would be to always look for the best in others and all situations. God didn’t make us all the same so we don’t handle things the same, thats what make the world go around. God did however create us all in his image and I think it’s important to see that in all conflicts!!!

  237. I have learned over the years that if you listen without emotions, jumping into an automatic defense mode that helps keep the conflict at bay and not in this hugh fight about something you think it is. Also I do agree with walking away before you say something you might regret but this needs to be a last resort. I have found in my life that if I walk away, afraid of what I might say, I never return to that issue and then it just builds on the inside.

  238. When fighting with kids over a particular chore they don’t do, put up a big “STOP” sign with tags at the bottom to rip off. If they don’t do the chore, rip a tag off. At the end of the week, how many tags they have left is how much of a treat they receive…$ for an outting, TV time, etc.

  239. To really listen to the other person, and try to see things from their perspective. Too often, I find myself analyzing what they are saying and trying to get a reply formed in my mind, instead of listening and trying to understand their point of view.

  240. I try to remember the Breath Prayer. Breath in and as you breath out tell the Lord, “I can’t but YOU can”. Give HIM the control to help you respond to whatever the situation may be. Your reaction will be perfect EVERYTIME with HIS help.

  241. My best conflict resolution strategy is asking lots of questions. Many conflicts are due to a misunderstanding or needing to understand some else’s point of view. Questions can open up discussions instead of close them!!

  242. Honesty, bringing the real problem to the surface right away, instead of stepping around the problem because of not wanting to hurt your loved ones. I have struggled with this my entire life and I still can’t control it in my household, but with my siblings and dad, I have found just being honest breaks so many chains that are binding our prideful family.

  243. Pray ..pray ..pray without ceasing..be still(quiet)and listen..keep focus on God…one thing that i say to the children is i didn’t wake up this morning to listen to an argument that ends their conflict right away..

  244. In the heat of the moment, whatever the conflict is, grab the person’s hand and go to the floor on the knees! The shock of the act distracts the enemy and the prayer of the heart redirects the action. Whether the person is a believer or not, God has the last word!

    Laura Coleman

  245. My most honest and simple solution involves just 3 key elements.
    1. Stop talking ! When its your turn use a very calm soft voice
    2. Turn on your listening ears. Dont think about what you are going to say next, just listen.
    3. Use ” I” statements rather than “You” statements, (i..e., I understand you are upset, please help me to understand more of why ….”

    I really believe in most conflicts, the other person may just want heard and not really a solution. As women, we want to fix it all!

  246. My husband and I use to bicker over the silliest things. It was usually a typical situation of me wanting to vent about the problems of the day and him trying to “fix” them with suggestions as to what I should have or could have done. He had good intentions but I would just get irritated.

    He is much better at letting go and surrendering in an argument than I am (I’m working on this!) so he learned very early on to not try to “fix” my problems and instead listens to my rant and then says “It sounds like you had a bad day, I’m sorry. I love you.” and then gives me a big smile and a hug. It is always very sweet but now it is almost a little bit of a joke too because when he says those exact words I know that I am ranting. Now, after he says this to me I laugh (at myself) then we hug and give each other a kiss! I have the best guy!

  247. I have a tendency to freak out over the little things, I am trying to resolve my problem, by just walking away for a second, and BREATHE. Think about what it is I am freaking out over, calm down, and is it worth to be freaking out over. It doesn’t always happen. I am trying to change though. I have also learned lately that if you cannot think of anything nice to come out of your mouth, it is best not to say anything at all. 🙂

  248. My hubby and I just sit and talk things out. It’s just the two of us. The kids are not in our space as we are talking things out. This lessens the chance of more misunderstandings. We listen to what each other is saying, and we ask questions to make sure we understand the other person’s perspective. We don’t always agree, but we always resolve our problems quickly.

  249. I used to “react” quickly….now I “try” to take a deep breath and pray before I open my mouth during a conflict situation. Sadly, I am not always successful:( Would love to win this giveaway!!

  250. I give it to God as I know that the sense of peace and understanding will fill my heart. I have learned many years ago that God has protected me and brought me through conflict. The faith to know that I am protected and the actions I exhibit will be reflective of his love and peace, prevail.

  251. When it comes to my husband: SHUT UP AND DUCK! Basically, I submit and let God deal with my husband. Of course, this needs to be done with the right spirit or it doesn’t count. 🙂 When it comes to my children: I GOT NOTHIN’!!! It’s kinda why I’m entering the contest. ;D

  252. My best conflict resoluntion strategy is to stop, take a deep breath (or take 5 mintues to calm down), then listen, try to understand their point of view and then discuss a point of action on how to solve the problem /work together.

  253. Most of the time I become unglued, is when someone or something gets into my personal space or against how I planned it out or want it, so telling me I am unreasonable helps, but I also improved a lot in just holding myself accountable for how I behave and what God thinks of it

  254. Twice I have been confronted by strangers in parking lots. I don’t know why. Both times my children were in the car with me. What I wanted to do was come unglued and tell them what I thought. But knowing that my little girls were watching every move I made I stopped myself and let the other person get their frustration out. When they were done all I said was that I will pray for you and got in my car. I was fuming on the inside but I kept it in and the kids and I prayed for that person. If my kids weren’t there I would have come unglued but thankfully it was a teaching moment for all of us.

  255. I think one of the most important things to do is to address problems right away. When conflicts “simmer” it only makes people more upset. Pray and get to work fixing the problem before more crop up!

  256. I try to remember not to take things personally. Before I got married, my mother gave me some good advice. She said, “Right now, do you think that he would do anything to purposely hurt you? No. Remember that feeling; if you get hurt, it is most likely not intentional. He probably didn’t realize it would hurt you. Don’t assume that he is intentionally trying to upset you or injure you.” Great advice!

  257. DH and I have “State of our Union” talks on long-ish car trips (we take a few a year). Sometimes I’ll tell say, “So, let me tell you how you can be a better husband” (in a joking manner, of course). And there are ALWAYS “Friends” quotes that help break the tension. My parents used lines from “The Honeymooners” (my dad looks a LOT like Ralph Kramden!) and it kept them from fights lots of times. My advice? Lighten up!

  258. The thing that works best for me is to take 5.
    Also intentionally lowering my voice with my children
    Helps keep me calmer and them as well.

  259. Pray. Talk Calmly. State the problem in a kind way. Ask forgiveness when necessary. Don’t hold a grudge. We are working on putting this all together in the sticky, hairy, hard moments of life. 🙂

  260. Ephesians 4:32. Be ye kind one to another tender hearted and forgiving even as Christ forgave the church. The Bible tells us to be kind to each other but even if someone isn’t kind to you it is your job to forgive them.

  261. When things get really tense and communication has started to break down a good group/family activity is “taking out the garbage”.

    You hand out slips of paper and everyone writes down what they are afraid of or what they are thinking.
    For this to work properly a ground rule is that none of these are accusations. Everyone must take responsibility for what they are feeling/thinking.

    Then you mix up all the slips of paper and anonymously discuss all the issues in the “garbage”
    this is where real problem solving can happen. 🙂

    Ask “Well what do you think this person can do to stop feeling this way?”
    “Is there anything you’d want to hear if you were thinking this?”

    Then after everything has been discussed you find a way to “take out the garbage”
    our favorite way has always been fire.

  262. I find that if I take the first humble step, the other will respond positively. For instance, if I say, I am sorry I made you feel that way, I get a positive response instead of a negative. Instead of the putting up guards and walls for battle, being humble breaks down the walls for communication. Not always an easy task but very beneficial if you can follow through. There is power in reigning in the tongue!

  263. The very best (and hardest sometimes) thing I have learned is keeping my mouth SHUT! :/ Sometimes it requires walking away and sometimes it comes across as having an attitude, but I’ve learned particularly with my husband, the things he says in times of conflict are USUALLY true and just hit a nerve because they are things I’m aware of and have been working on. Often I have to fight the urge to retaliate with “oh like you’ve never done that?” or “what about when you did this?” Occassionally, I lose this fight with myself and we have an all out “knock down, drag out”. :/

    I would love to own this book and the other materials and goodies! I am definitely the wall building “stuffer” and would LOVE help recovering to live a fuller life.

  264. Love reading all the great strategies! Adding my 2 cents worth . . . try to remain calm and then speak my thoughts & concerns when I’m not upset.

    Thanks for the chance to enter your give-away!

  265. Communication is key – not putting my thoughts/words/assumptions on the other person without hearing what they have to say.

  266. A work in progress but mine is – Breathe… just breathe

    Before responding or reacting in an instant take a deep breath and pause Is it worth what I am about to say/do.

  267. For me letter writing has been working with a friend to try to resolve on ongoing conflict. We are both able to express our feelings better in writing.

  268. My husband and I have ever hardly have any conflict. By God’s grace we have one heart and one way. If we do have some form of disagreement we talk. And we have agreed to resolve anything before we go to bed. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Eph 4:26-27).

    Thank you for a fun giveaway! Love you site!

  269. I love what Lysa suggested in her first webcast and that is saying the name of Jesus out loud. As a mom of a 2 year old I can become unglued quickly and this has really been helpful this week. I have also been memorizing scripture verses such as Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

  270. Well, I always take a deep breath. It gives me time to pause AND oxygen to my brain (which I really need to think clearly). I usually smile (and/or laugh…which I do A LOT when I am mad or nervous). I try to think about what to say before I say it. Most times, it takes me so long to think of how to say what I want to say, the moment has passed and I just shake it off and move on. Mostly, I need help dealing with the moments I come UNGLUED with my children. I used to have much more patience. I don’t want to be a “no-mom.” I also don’t like to be a “yeller.” I love my children and I always try to breath and think about why they are doing what they are doing….without coming UNGLUED!!!!!!!

  271. Take time to really listen. Take time to pray. If there are hard feelings, do something nice for the other person and pray for him/her. Hard to stay mad at someone you are praying for!!

  272. First I have To make sure I look within myself and find where I am at fault in the situation. Very hard in the unglued state because usually when I am in conflict with others it’s because I’m in conflict within my self.

  273. I try to talk it out and find the common ground. There is always something you can agree on, even if you have to take it up a few notches to find it. If I think we should have vines in the front flower bed and my hubby doesn’t, we can agree that we both want the front of the house to look good and be easy to maintain. Then we can go from there.

  274. Doesn’t work in all situations…but many times thinking hard about what you want to say–especially overnight–has been beneficial to me. So many times, I waited–and the conflict took a twist and had I said what I wanted to in the beginning, it would have caused a bigger problem. Many times, the conflict works itself out!

  275. When I am in a conflict with someone it has usually started in my heart. I try to combat that by praying for that person and then extending love and kindness. It is hard to let that conflict turn into a full fledged attack of bitterness when I alkali myself to bless them. Sometimes its a home ccooked meal or just offering to go to the store for said person. Ive seen it works wonders…in fact I’m now close friends with a gal that at one time was like a burr inmy saddle!

  276. I have learned to listen to the entire story before reacting. But most importantly I have to pray before reacting. I have reacted in some really immature ways because I did not go and pray about the situation first. I need to let God give me the direction and sometimes it is so hard to remember to do so.

  277. The best conflict resolution strategy I use is to pause the situation, walk away for a moment, and take time to think. It has done wonders for the way I communicate during a conflict situation. You can’t take back what you say in the heat of the moment, but you can always take a few moments away from the conversation to compose your thoughts and react rationally.

  278. Some tools I try to remember to use: a) ACTIVE listening – which includes NOT formulating a response in my head while the other person is talking! b) Asking LOTS of questions – not assuming I know all the answers, all the why’s! c)Being quick to apologize and seek forgiveness when I DO come unglued!

  279. The best thing that’s worked for me, but I am still a work in progress, has been learning how much my anger affects my kids mentally. I’ve been educating myself on anger more and I realized that this is a behavior my kids pick up on, duh! But, for me I started seeing my 4 year old yell at my 2 year old and I realized she’s not an angry little girl, she’s just learning that this is how you deal with things! Made me sad, and made me change!

  280. Not sure if you call this conflict resolution but one of my favorite ways to deal with conflict is remember to “pick my battles”. I know not to get riled up about certain things that are not important or critical. Especially if it upsets the harmony in our home. This is especially important with a child but equally important in my marriage relationship.

  281. A friend shared with me this and it has helped so much when I remember to apply it! Before I speak I need to think: is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it truthful? It must pass the test before I can say it. Meaning it must be all 3…if it is truthful but is not kind or necessary I must not say it!

  282. Dying to the flesh and praying and not saying what you really want to say or react how you really want to react. Also saying i am not arguing with you. That is my husbands conflict resolution when it is a no win situation he will just say you are right and i am not arguing with you about it. Not to be of course LOL that is how he dealt with our son who loves to argue and will argue to the end whether he is right or not.

  283. Stop and pray before speaking. Sometimes I find it better to wait and when things are calm or even not calm but perhaps the next day after spending time in prayer, we sit down on the sofa and talk. I have found my husband will really talk when we do this and I find usually neither of us were really understanding what the other one meant. I thought one thing, he thought another so we were both upset over nothing.

  284. Humble yourself and say you are sorry first. Sometimes it’s just that easy to soften someone’s heart.

  285. Oh, I so struggle with this, especially with my teenage daughter. I am finding that most often what works best for me is to not take her comments personally, listen, calmly respond (instead of reacting), and above all….PRAY!! Can’t wait to read Unglued!!

  286. Luke 6:27 says to love our enemies. Conflict is not always with a down and out enemy, but in the moment the devil can take over a situation and your family or closest friend can seem like an enemy for that moment. I am not very good at this, because it is really hard to do sometimes, but when I do follow thru it always works out for the best. When I find my self in a major conflict with someone at work or a family member, I will do something really nice for them. It has to be something that is out of my comfort zone. For a co-worker that I am having trouble with, maybe I look for something good and take them to lunch and tell them about the one thing that I see they are doing really well. Do one nice thing that you really don’t want to do. Nothing works with out a lot of prayer along the way. I speak from experience, it works.

  287. I have found that the best resolution is to take a few minutes to clear the steam and gather my thoughts then to use “I feel” statements. I feel heard when I am saying how it affects me and my feelings on things rather than attacking the other person. It shows that I am vulnerable and emotional instead of angry and blaming.

  288. My husband has taught me so much about dealing with conflict.
    ~ that the words you speak can never be taken back. There is no magic eraser that wipes them clear from a persons memory, no matter how untrue they are or how sorry you may be.
    ~To treat your spouse as you would a stranger. You would never be quick to yell at a random person if you disagreed with them. You would be calm and polite and with the same (if not more) respect than you would someone you don’t even know.
    ~Yelling, bad words, and demanding your way show a persons age and intelligence. Young children handle their emotions in these ways, because they have not developed maturity. When you yell and curse, you are expressing a lack of intelligence, especially if you are using words with no more than four letters.
    ~You will always “come out on top” of an argument when you are calm and the other person is irate. ~When you have been yelled at and have managed to retain dignity and grace, you have shown your character.
    ~Always say “It’s ok” if a person says they are sorry. My husband always grants me no strings attached forgiveness. That’s all he ever says; no punishment, no lecture, no “look”, no anything. Just “It’s ok”

  289. Agree to disagree is what has proved a winner for me in many situations.

    Great give away, I could sure use a new purse. Thank you for the opportunity to win this great purse and the contents. I would love to do a small bible study in my home and this material would be awesome.

  290. for me, it is to stop and think before I speak. I tend to react without thinking, and then will regret my actions, because I know I could have handle the situation differently. Keeping it honest here.

  291. Matthew 18 is where I always start. Go to the person and talk to them about the problem! Don’t avoid it and hope it will resolve on it’s own.

  292. My best resolution… walk away… because if I stay in a situation, my ‘Italian” or “Jersey Shore” side comes out & its never pretty… I need to walk away & breath…

  293. Don’t go to bed angry! Those nights that my hubby and I don’t listen to that advice, neither of us sleep well and we are still angry the next morning instead of being rested and ready for the new day. Deal with it and find resolution before going to bed. Great advice!

  294. When I was really hurt by a family member, I changed my prayers asking the Lord to bless them instead of cursing them. It really changed my heart and I was able to forgive them in a way that I never thought possible and then there was healing in the relationship. At first I was just being obedient. But as I kept praying my heart did change.

  295. My husband and I try to respond To each other rather than just react. “when you…..it made me feel unloved” or “when you …it made me feel disrespected.” amazing how much quicker we can resolve issues and with very little hurt feelings!!

  296. Step away. Move to a quiet place & be still with God. Reflect on the true source of the conflict and pray that God will give me kind peaceful words, honest rebutal and forgiveness. Then, choose God’s resolution NOT MINE. Hard to do sometimes, but He is always right on…I am not. Always continue to pray for my actions & words and for the others involved.

    If the conflict is with my children I think it is helpful to share with them my reflection time with God, as an example of how they too can seek Him when they are in need of some conflict resolution.

  297. 18 years of marriage, 4 children who have been home schooled for the past 9 years, 7 of the 18 spent as the wife of a sr. pastor….conflict resolution…WOW! I have learned that I have 2 ears and one mouth so that I can truly listen twice as much as I speak. I know we have all heard that saying, but applying it makes all the difference…developing a heart to learn or understand what my part is in the conflict…what have I done to offend or hit a nerve…and then genuinely communicating my sorrow at any pain inflicted…that can only happen when I listen, whether it’s to my husband or my kids or a friend…listen…and choose my word carefully”A gentle answer deflects anger,but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1

  298. If it is immediate and present conflict I try to put myself in the other persons place. What are they feeling? Why are they reacting this way? Often it is interpretation from both standpoints and a minunderstanding. If the conflict/difference is ongoing…pray, pray, pray and seek God’s Word.

  299. When my daughter turned two she would get so wound up in her emotions she could not be reasoned with. So I started making her stop and take three deep breaths (sometimes more if needed) to calm down. Once she could get out of the immediate frantic state we would talk about what had her upset. Now that she is four we both do this and somedays even take time to get on our knees and ask God for his guidance because we are to wrapped up in feelings to see his direction. This has saved us a lot of back and forth. Although there are times we do not remember to take this time out but together we are learning. I have also implemented that if she argues with her cousin (both are 4) they have to hold hands and look each other in the eye and tell one thing they like about each other then hug. I have even started doing this with her if I loose my temper with her.

  300. I have learned to say…what I hear you saying…then repeat it back. Sometimes what I hear ISN’T what is being said…or is not coming across the way it’s meant. If not, the other person has a chance to restate what they are saying. I may not still agree…but at least we both are on the same page.

  301. I have trouble with resolution. I can’t seem to become a master of it. However, My BF who has 5 children has become a master . When there is a conflict between children she makes them spend more time together. They must do chores together, cook , their laundry. And, they must do it with cheerfulness, and love. By the time they have spent they day together whatever the issue was has seemed to have gone the way of the dinosaurs. If it hasn’t resolved itself then another day (s) is required. I think that it is the love the children have for each other that makes the problem a non issue when forced to be together.

  302. Being a listener first, before you respond or give any advice,even if it means taking some time to think about what has been said will usually lead to some good resolution.

  303. (FYI – I am in dire need of that there yellow purse. And, also, we are looking for a study to do soon!!!)

    Conflict resolution … hmmmmm … Hubby and I started a notebook early in our marriage (we have had a few now!!!) If we have something hard that needs to be said we write it out – easier to be conscious of your words in writing. Then we READ it to the other so it comes across as we intend and with love. This has stopped MANY a battle before it’s even begun!

  304. Recognize the fact that everyone has their own point of view. Just because they don’t agree with you doesn’t make it wrong.
    They have an entirely different set of life experiences and that has a very strong influence on how they react. Even if you were sibs, growing up in the same house, your temperament influences your perception of every incident.

  305. For me it is definitley stop to listen thoroughly, then process, make sure I understood and finally think before I react or answer, it makes a world of a difference for all involved!

  306. A family was outshopping when theyoung child became upset. He threw himself on the ground and had aterrible temper tantrum. The mother tried to calm him, but was unsuccessful. Then out if the blue, dad threw himself on the ground mimicking the child, whi stopped to watch what his dad was doing and began laughing. The tempertantrum ended, and the family continued shopping.

  307. I’ve learned that whether I’m dealing with my husband or children if I can feel myself getting angry I close my eyes count to 5 or 10 and ask God for patience because I don’t want my emotions to cause me to react with anger but rather I handle the situation with love.

  308. One thing I always think of when I am faced with a “nasty” person, is Romans Chapter 12:20. It says,
    But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink.for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head!!

    Your blog means so much to me! Thank you!!!!

  309. Listen, ask questions, make sure you understand… then prefer one another… especially your husband…in love… if I don’t have the right attitude still make the outside look right while desperatly calling for God’s help to make the inside right too:-)

  310. I had a situation awhile back in which the person confronted me with something they felt they were right about and I just kept silent and let them speak. I then quietly said my peace and it was over. I think they were looking to argue, but I couldn’t. Be slow to speak and slow to anger. Unfortunately I don’t always have situations end this nicely. I know I’m a work in progress.

  311. Praying for the person and yourself. It’s amazing what God will show you when you take the time to pray over it instead of just dwell on it.

  312. One thing that comes to mind, Is to stop before I say somthing that is hurtful to my husband.
    It is better to say nothing than to hurt others.

  313. Just because I am “right” does not mean the other person is “wrong.” There does not always have to be a winner in an argument or discussion. It is ok to let someone have an opinion that is different. It does not make you right or wrong for considering another point of view.

  314. I think trying to put yourself in the other person’s shoes is a key when trying to resolve a conflict. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own needs and wants we are blind to what the other person’s needs. My husband and I don’t fight, honestly we don’t. Do we get upset with one another, sure. But we always try to see where the one is coming from and put ourselves in that scenario. He knows I think with my heart. I know he is very rational. Total opposites! But since we have that knowledge and can see situations from each others point of view we can resolve things a lot easier.

  315. Oh, my, how I would love to win this giveaway, and give it to my sister. Hard circumstances tried to tear her apart, but she did not come unglued! In the midst of escalating conflict, she maintained the high road and did not return evil for evil.
    Personally, one of the most successful conflict resolution habits I’ve implemented while raising 7 children, is to diffuse a situation with a gentle answer. Quite often, I used some helpful phrases I read in a book by John Rosemond–Nevertheless, Even so. Nevertheless, it is your bedtime. Even so, it is time to feed the dog.
    Viewing all of life as training opportunities helps me remember to not react ;-), but to train.

  316. Still trying to work on this myself but learning less of me and more of Him. Before things get heated, walk away, put myself in a *time out* and pray about it first.

  317. My 5 year old is just like me… which means everything needs a reason why before she’ll do it. Even basics that happen every day. By 6pm, I’ve had enough! The best I can do is go for a walk around the building. Just seeing green things and having free air to breathe helps me collect myself and remember that we are a team, working for the same thing. That I am her role model, and as I cope, so will she in a few years time. God is good and helping us grow into who he will have, perfect in his Heaven.

  318. One thing that has helped my husband and I is to rephrase what the other person is saying to make sure we are hearing them. Often what is said and what is heard are two totally different things.

  319. Being a homeschooling mom is hard. Recently, my precious daughter was frustrated with a lesson and because she was so “unglued” she could not hear me. We both walked away and I took a shower and she moved on to something else. After the shower and much praying on my part, we came back together and worked out the problem with the lesson. Walking away and pausing to pray helped us both get back on track.

  320. It depends on the person or group of people on how I handle things. My husband and adults I usually walk away or get quiet and take time to consider the situation before reacting. With my children it is different and this where I really need to work on. I will either yell (which is something I am working on stopping, but trying to use a calm strong voice) or give myself a mommy time out. I will let the kids know that we will talkk about the situation when I am ready. So yes I am often the crazy lady seen walking around the yard giving myself time to cool.

  321. I try to remember, before I even open my mouth, that if harsh words come out, the battle is lost, the moment is lost, to the enemy. How many moments, hours, days, am I going to give over to conflict….how many moments to peace? Sometimes I sense irritation in my husband or children, they want recognition, someone to listen to their fear or gripe. I can do that! It communicates compassion, respect and love, the very things I crave. And when I give it, my goodness, I receive it back tenfold, from our Father in heaven, but also from by family. I’m not saying it is easy, and I still have ugly moments, (forgive me Jesus), but working toward victory is so much better than giving up!

  322. Learning & still learning to keep my personal opions to my self unless I’m asked. Standing back and letting God take care of my adult children’s situations, letting them learn to trust in God not Mom and Dad. Hard to do because you want the best for them, you want their lives to be better, easier than yours was. But thanks to God and His saving grace, I am truly blessed with wonderful godly children.

  323. i have an unmarried daughter with a little girl. she is learning the hard way about how anger is keeping the baby’s father from wanting to be around my daughter. she blames him for her anger and bad reactions but it’s simply self control and learning when to keep your mouth shut. it would be great to give her this book but i don’t have access to a live webcast to find out who the winner will be. i think i just may have to buy the book and send it to her. please keep her in your prayers as she may end up losing her daughter due to her anger issues. thanks.

  324. I’m the kind of person that needs time and space, typically. My husband doesn’t love this, but when I do get to walk away, hide out in our bedroom for a few minutes, and then emerge with a calmer spirit, we’re much better off!

  325. The best advice I’ve heard when you’re tempted to raise your voice when losing patience with your children, is to whisper! That way you are getting their attention and they are forced to REALLY listen to what you are saying!

  326. I stop and take a deep breath and then pray. I find that taking it to God calms me down and helps me see things from a different perspective.

  327. When they try to get even with each other I tell them to recite the verse that they have memorized “vengeance is mine I will repay says the Lord. Dearly beloved avenge not yourselves. But overcome evil with good.”

  328. I have learned to respond not react …and that I usually need to do that when both parties are calmer. Especially with one of my sons. Rather than go around and around about an issue I say, “I am not going to discuss this right now. I will talk to you later.” Then there is nothing left for him to say. I just don’t engage. Later when we are both calmer it goes much better.

  329. Don’t speak until you’ve prayed.
    Once the words are out of your mouth they can’t be taken back.
    A lot of conflict can be made worse by spewing our madness out our mouths.
    Be calm, pray and proceed with caution.

    Tasha

  330. A few times in the middle of conflict, I have suddenly remembered that the other person was once a little child utterly loved by her parents. Children are so loveable, and we can easily overlook their flaws. Then, I try to remind myself that even as an adult, that person is still a child of God, and He loves even greater than earthly parents ever could. How can I be in conflict with one of God’s beloved children?

  331. Conflict Resolution = My Biggest Problem Area! Yes, I admit it!! I have an extremely short fuse! But, since I gave my life to Christ he has began to remold & repair my problem areas. A few key points help me when my eyes start rolling, my hands shaking & I am one step from coming UNGLUED!

    A) REMEMBER who the actual engineer of Conflict is, SATAN! So you are not fighting your husband, your friend etc, So with this thought, we are GOD”s children, we are POWERFUL & can defeat Satan!
    B) As we are humans, our knowledge is incomplete & imperfect so even sinless people in a perfect world will see the same situation differently through their own knowledge & perspectives.
    C)As Christians we knowingly enter into, we initiate conflict with evil whenever we proclaim the gospel, preach holiness, protest against sin in our society, or testify to Christ in the midst of a world that DOES NOT want to change.

    These factors give a result of 3 stages (THAT I LOVE!!!) of Conflict Resolution!
    1. PRAY! Gain God’s perspective on the conflict!
    2. REMEMBER! God is BIGGER than ANY problem!
    3. ACT! Act in the “opposite spirit” (Such as treat a stingy person generously, return Love for Hatred)

    Finally, be realistic. While we live in this “world” conflict is here to stay & we must learn to manage it in a Christian “Kingdom way” until Christ returns to take us home to heaven where there will be no more crying or sickness or pain!

  332. I bite my tongue – if needed. And try to think if the conflict is really worth it. Most of the time – IF I can think clearly – the conflict is certainly not worth the effort and or consequences.
    Thanks for this opportunity 🙂

  333. Picking and choosing your battles. Pray for direction and simply walk away before it gets to a place that is hard to come out of.

  334. The most interesting conflict resolution I was ever told about was from my sister. She told me that their marriage counselor told them to take off their clothes and then continue their discussion. She said it worked because it was hard to be angry or say hurtful things when you were so vulnerable.

    What actually happens for me is I try to walk away and find a quiet place to think and pray. God usually brings my shortcomings to the front of my mind and makes it possible for me to apologize and continue a conversation with an open mind and heart.

  335. I have struggled with biting my tongue my entire life. It takes a daily effort to control it when i am hurt/mad. The best way for me handle anger is to walk away and go write out what I would “say” to that person. It is very therapeutic to write it out. I end up throwing it away and i have not caused any damage to the relationship with my sharp tongue.

  336. I have learned to stop my own mind from its natural tendency to formulate a response during the conversation. I try to listen to every detail, everything that my opponent is saying, search my mind for Biblical responses, and to not strong-arm the situation just so I can be right, be the winner of the argument.
    In conflicts, we may not always agree, and that is alright. But as a Christian, the one thing I can do in a situation of conflict is to pray for my aggressor/opponent. And that is the best conflict resolution there is when the Father reconciles the situation!

  337. O my goodness! so many comments! Every women wants a new purse, I guess! For me and my husband, we often just have to step back, walk away and cool off. Then we can come back to the issue later when we are not angry and have had time to think and pray about it, therefor we are responding, not reacting emotionally. The book sounds great- I would love to win it! And all the other fun stuff!

  338. I have a difficult time adjusting to kids. I love my step kids, but because we don’t have them 100% of the time, we all go through an adjustment period… I’ve found that if I can remember to respond softly, it makes them stop and listen because otherwise they can’t hear me.

  339. Being a true hothead. I have struggled with this for years, i am the screamer, the arguer. I still get very very angry over dumb things but I have become much better in how I deal with that anger. My greatest conflict resolver that I have been using is to immediately start praying for whoever or whatever is upsetting me and thanking Jesus for the situation so that I once again have the opportunity to give Him praise. I thank Jesus and ask Him to bless the (antagonist). Example : DH comes home from work and tracks him work boots across the carpets which are light colored Berber. Instead of being really mad that I want to holler at him I begin to pray. ” Thank you Jesus, that DH has a job to go to. Thank you Jesus that my DH is a hard working man that gets up each and every day for his family. Thank you Jesus that DH is healthy enough to go to work everyday. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pray instead of getting angry.” I feel that this is what God meant when He told us to pray without ceasing, every opportunity that we come across in life affords us the opportunity to pray, but very, very few of us take that opportunity and do it. I myself don’t always do it But I am reaching that goal closer each and everyday!! In Christ’s Service, Faith R.

  340. You know, I would haven’t deal with conflict if everyone would just do what I tell them! Seriously, though, I always try to think, “is this going to affect me a year from now?” Life does go on. If its not something that is going to affect me badly down the road, it may not be something worth getting worked up over. If I’m still thinking about it a few days from now, I may need to address it and then I can calmly. I’m not saying I follow my own advice all the time, but we have to shoot for something!

  341. A good friend of mine flashes her chest to her husband… they giggle… and then can talk things out calmly. The funny thing is that her husband has flashed his chest to her during an argument and she says the laughter is uncontrollable!

  342. It all depends on who I’m with. With my kids I usually yell, my husband walk away and at work avoid conflict as much as possible! I have a friend who has said the best strategy she has heard of is to say something kind or positive about the situation as that usually defuses negativity.

  343. There are so many ways! Choosing your battles is probably the best. Sometimes you have to really think whether or not it’s something worth fighting for. I do this with my kids and my husband. If he leaves a dish out, is it really that important? No, not to me. If you can’t get past it, then you need to listen to each other and talk calmly. Don’t verbally attack the other person by bringing up unnecessary or old things.

  344. Listening and then repeating back (kindly!) what the other person said. Often I find I misunderstand what was said in the first place so the conflict would not have happened if I had clarified first!

  345. I Smile….its an act of faith. Emotions are fickle. Choosing joy, choosin your course,despite, always lends itself to a blessed outcome.

  346. I have learnt that when there is someone that is always trying to start something up, just do not get on their level. Always remember that the LORD said we are to FLY AS THE EAGLES. Eagles soar above the bad storms and that is something I try to always remember. GOD is our Wind beneath our wings to help us soar.

  347. My mom taught me one of my favorite ways to resolve conflict between siblings. She would make us sit “criss, cross, applesauce”, facing each other, with our knees touching. We had to look each other in the eye and tell each other a positive compliment or something we were thankful for in regards to each other. Coming from a family of gigglers, we were usually giggling and loving each other again in just a couple of minutes!

  348. The best conflict resolution statement I have ever heard is designed to end an argument with your child. To end the argument you simply say “The time I have with you is so precious that I don’t want to spend it arguing with you. I love you so much would you please do what I have asked of you.”

  349. My husband and I have an “open and honest” policy that generally keeps us from having much conflict. We try to talk about the conflict as it happens instead of letting many conflicts build up and then explode. Sometimes open and honest brings out a conflict that the other wasn’ even aware of and we have to work thru that, not always an easy task but again not letting things build up and not bringing up things from the past seems to be our best plan of action.

  350. First off, what a great giveaway, I would love to host an Unglued Study at my home, I myself struggle with becoming “unglued” as Lysa calls it so many times for the wrong reasons, probably mostly what hurt, pain or even self conviction that is in my own heart and I find myself taking it out on others.

    Some things I am trying to implement myself when I might start to become unglued are focusing on the fruits of the spirt! Praying, giving myself a “time-out” to cool off to think about the actual situation, the effects my behavior has on my husband, kids, friends, and to ask the Lord for guidance on how to handle the situation better.

    “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”

  351. Over the years I have learned (and I’m STILL LEARNING!) to keep my mouth shut.
    It helps in many ways….
    I am not speaking before I know the whole story.
    I am not saying something that I will regret.
    When my mouth isn’t running, I can stop and LISTEN to what God is telling me.

  352. Stop. Think long and hard before responding. Then respond with grace, if necessary. This is totally not a natural response for me, but it really works when conflicts come up!

  353. I always say… ” You are only responsible for your response.”
    SO with that I pray for wisdom and Understanding.
    Listen with my heart putting myself in there shoes.
    Then I respond (NOT IN kind if they are angry) but with as calm and loving tone as possible.
    (granted this is the goal not always the norm… due to my sin nature.) :-/

  354. Proverbs 15:1 A kind word turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs anger….this is SO true . I learned from a friend who gave me a talking stick. A small stick with a knob or ball on each end. When you are talking, you hold the stick and the other person is quietly listening. Then, you pass the stick and return the behavior. Great teaching tool! It all comes down to CAUSE and Effect but that is a hard lesson to learn. Remember: In Happy times…Praise God, In Difficult times…Seek God, ….In Painful times, Trust God….IN Every time, PRAY to God! PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

  355. When I’m feeling stressed and need to get away, I scrapbook! The quiet time is fabulous and it takes my mind off of the issue.

    I will be leading an Unglued small group from September 18-October 23rd and we will be going to see Lysa live in Pella, IA to wrap up our study! Yay for learning to control our raw emotions! 🙂

  356. God has placed me in a conflict issue for the last 6+ years and in the last year has started to really show and take me out of the storm. This is related to my daughter who I haven’t seen in 6 years and who was very much in satan’s world. As the years went on of hurt, pain, sadness, depression and anger God gave me one verse that till this day I use more than ever in conflicts and that is BE STILL and know that I AM LORD Psalms 46:10. Number one “BE STILL” there would be times she would call and I knew it was to a be explosive situation I would not pick-up the phone. If I could not talk or deal with the situation out of love I would “BE Still” and wait till God showed me the right time or gave me the strength to have a small portion of His heart. Then secondly “AM LORD” just a reconfirmation that He has my back and is in total control of this and all my situations so don’t panic/worry. God is way capable to handle my little problem. So to me this has help me more than ever and something I still use pretty much every day of my life now. Praise report – God is healing my daughters and I relationship and God will renew it. In fact will see her in Oct. and will be a Grandmother in Feb. Through this God has allow me to share my experience and help others that have or are going through the same thing. GOD IS GOOD & uses ALLfor His Good!!! I am very blessed. We go thru trials to learn, grow, change and use to be testimony don’t be a shamed go help other. LOVE all my Sister N Brother in CHRIST!!

  357. When my husband and I argue, we stop as soon as we realize there is tension. We take 5 to calm down and pray and remember what’s important (our love). Then we hug, remind each other of our love and then we are able to sit down and talk calmly about the issue at hand.

  358. Best Conflict Resolution I’ve heard was at a marriage retreat…when you can’t figure it out & emotions are running rampant- take your clothes off in front of your spouse. (: Hahaha!

    LOVE this blog & all the encouragement!!

    ~Hollie

  359. I have found the best conflict resolution is to 1) calm down and go off and pray and read my bible 2)listen to what God is telling me to do and doing it and submitting even if I don’t like or feel like doing what he’s guiding me to do, like apologing first or forgiving even if I don’t feel it in my heart 3) trust the outcome to him and do not try to fix it myself and when I totally let him have it he surpasses all my expectations and restores and provides peace if no restoration is possible. not easy but effective and sometimes repeating these steps each time triggers happen to resurface the conflict.

  360. When a conflict arises in my life, even though it’s very hard not to react haphazardly, I just try to just take a breath, ask God to direct my actions & my responses, & then try to calmly talk the problem through. Compromise can also be a great and helpful tool!

  361. Life has many obstacles, many temptations; however, all we need to have is our hearts full of love and kindness towards our sisters and brothers. Even on the most difficult times always reach out a helping hand. I never think of something being a conflict; instead, i think of it as a challenge.

  362. I quote the scripture love never fails. No matter how big of a fight or argument my husband and I get into, it’s usually through email during the day that we communicate. No matter what is said sometimes I just reply back I love you. It may take a time or two, but it always melts and conquers that hard heart of his! 🙂

  363. Best conflict resolution….call a “family meeting,” sit down and talk things through. Hear what your spouse is saying, say how you feel and come to an agreement, even if that means you “don’t win..” Then don’t have a bad mood about it.

  364. The best advice that I have, that has worked for me, is to walk away and pray. I ask God to help me see where I have sinned and need to repent, and to give me wisdom in the situation.

  365. 1. Praying for the right words to speak.
    2. Clarify to make sure I understand what the other person is communicating.
    3. When giving my response I use “I” statements instead of “You” statements.
    4. Reminding myself that I don’t want to sin in my anger or hurt feelings & how much Jesus has forgiven me for.

    I wish I could say I do this 100% of the time, but I can’t.

  366. A tip I learned from a marriage conference once, was to come up with a ‘safe’ word to use during.an.arguement. When the word is used it means one person is getting to upset and needs to take a break before things escalate. You always have to come back to the topic at some point though.

  367. I am part of a wonderful Sunday School class and I pray for our unity to be strengthened often. Recently a misunderstanding of what was typed online resulted in a message questioning my motive – I was horrified at first of the misunderstanding but calmly responded, clarifying what I meant and how I valued that person’s friendship. Recalling James 1:19 – Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. How you respond to misunderstandings or other people’s behavior is crucial – responding calmly can diffuse any tension and reinforcing that the problem is not bigger than the relationship is also vital. Relationships are so much more important than the conflicts that arise.

  368. With three teenage boys conflict is always at my house. The best thing I have found is to stop everyone from talking and take a moment to breath. We tend to get so caught up in talking over each other that mom can’t focus. If I have everyone stop talking and give everyone a minute to calm down, it works better. Don’t get me wrong this doesn’t always work and there are many times that I come unplugged with them but when I can remember to slow down and talk it all though in any situation it always works out better.

  369. The first thing I do is start praying! When you pray for someone, you start to really love them and want the best for them. Then I look for every scripture I can related to the issue. Once I have my armor on, it’s time to meet face to face, in love. This is the difficult part but when I have asked my Father for wisdom and for His words to use, it is much easier. I just let the Holy Spirit take over. I give the person plenty of time to talk, without interrupting them, and believe it or not sometimes they resolve the issue on theri own without me saying a word. I try to always end with prayer together. And then, this is crucial, continue the relationship as if the “issue” never happened. In fact, reach out more often to cultivate and nurture the relationship. And continue to pray for the person and their family.

    Love your blog!
    With Joy,
    Trish

  370. I love the acronym THINK. Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Neccessary, or Kind? Nope… Then don’t say it.

  371. I try to stop speaking (yelling 😉 and listen. Sometimes removing myself from the situation for a few minutes to pray and seek wisdom from my husband. And try my best to show mercy as Christ shows me mercy everyday of my life- amen for His grace!

  372. What an exciting giveaway, and great topic.

    When engaged in any type of sticky situation, where I can see myself quickly becoming unglued (or, even pushing someone else to become unglued), I try and remind myself of this quote i came across on the internet a while back, I didn’t learn it by heart, but it basically says that: To be kind is more important than to be right, God gave us two ears and one mouth so we can listen more and speak less.

  373. These are some great comments. I tried walking away because I need to calm down before discussing anything–however my husband was the opposite. He liked to solve conflict immediately. So I have not always had the ability to walk away like I want. But something we have noticed recently is that we get into most arguments when we are both tired which usually comes in the evening. We have decided we cannot have a conversation/conflict then because we go to bed all hyped up and usually not happy with each other. So now when we start to go down that path, we both stop and ask–do we really want to talk about this now? Usually the answer is no, it can wait. And usually, the conflict is so minor we both forget it the next morning. We have found this to be the most helpful.

  374. I take my time to ask the Lord if it’s really that necessary for me to bring up a discussion. I pray that God gives me the correct words to use and to come with a humble heart. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I am not perfect and have a lot of work to do in this area of conflict to not be self centered.

  375. Still trying to figure out a good balance between standing up for myself and my believes AND just “letting it go.” I tend to be the walk away kinda person but then I bet myself up for not standing up for myself a little more often.

  376. For me the best thing is walking away to pray and count to 10 to get real perspective before I blow things out of proportion everything looks better when covered in prayer right lol!!!

  377. Well, HE’s still working on me! But I would say that thru several bible studies including P31 this past summer and attending small groups over the past few years(hearing what other women have to share) has really helped me! I have learned to KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT! I grew up in a home w/ a lot of fighting! So naturally I became a fighter. My first few years of marriage were very hard. But w/ The Lord’s help and scripture memorization, I am finally learning. =) I find that in conflict of any kind, it’s best to stay humbled. Even if I’m right and he’s wrong-LOL ” Proverbs 13:3-what i get out of this verse is “Controlling your tongue has it’s benefits-sometimes opening your mouth can ruin everything!” Always forgive—Ephesians 4:32 “be kind to each another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you!” Praise God, He’s not finished with me yet! =)

  378. The best conflict resolution I have seen implemented is at my church. They have a policy in place for leadership, but it is also taught from the pulpit. Our Pastor and leadership says if you get offended or have conflict with someone you have 5 days. You have 5 days to go to that person and work it out. If you do not, then you have to let it go and it is your problem (not the person you are upset with) because you did not go to them and work it out. Of course, people do let things go on longer than that, but what it has taught us as a church is: If I hold on to something and don’t work it out I am responsible for the conflict. It has encouraged us to be responsible for our actions, because if we go to our Pastor or someone in leadership saying we have a problem with someone the first thing they are going to ask us is “How long has it been going on?” and “Have you went to this person and tried to work it out?”

  379. One of the best conflict resolution strategies I’ve found is to smile! It’s a hard thing to do when in the heat of the moment, telling someone “how it is.” it is definitely something I have to concentrate on which in turn takes my concentration off the stressor I was just focusing on.

    It’s amazing how this one little act can change the course of events.

  380. Wow! What a great question and something I am working on daily sometimes hourly;) God’s Word tells us a soft answer turns away wrath and soo often in conflicts I am trying to defend MY position. Sometimes we need to step back and speak quietly and pray. Prayer is so often our last resort and we fail to use it first when we need it. God wants to help us and is there if we just lean on Him!

  381. I’d sooo love to win :)… My husband (who is a Senior Pastor) has taught me some wonderful conflict resolution skills :)… One of my favorites is when someone has hurt you or has done something you need to address come to them with questions not assuming their motives or heart. Don’t put them on the defensive, but truly come with a heart to learn why they did what they did. A lot of times things can be worked out just by understanding someone’s heart in the situations .

  382. Three key things I have learned about conflict resolution are these: When frustrated, walking away and taking time to pray “Change Them Lord or Change Me!” The majority of the time,pretty much everytime…lol… the Lord changes my heart towards the person and the situation. The second key is the ability to “Agree to Disagree” I realize there will be times, no matter how hard I believe that my choice is the only right one, the other person may feel just as strongly. There is a point where you have to realize that neither will change the other, which leads me to the third key. There doesn’t have to be a winner and a loser. It is ok at times to compromise or even yield to someone elses views. I hope they are as clear for you to understand as they are in my head! I would completely freak out if I won! Would just bring lots of sonshine to my life!

  383. Stop. Pray to keep my cool and my voice calm. The hubby and I have learned to just let things be until we are calm enough to discuss something…sometimes we will even go to desperate corners and text each other if it is something that could become really heated. With the children I try to either send them to neutral corners for a 10 minute family time out!

  384. God is really working on me on this issue. He has shown me the wisdom of James’ admonition to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I have to learn to not immediately respond, but to let the Holy Spirit speak to me before I speak. When I have tried to take control and “win” the argument I have always regretted it and God has shown me that He is the one in control.

  385. Of course, like others have said, Jesus dying on the cross solved all conflicts for us.

    I have learned that if I stop & LISTEN, then REPEAT back to the person what I THINK THEY SAID, a lot of conflicts have been halted. We (I) tend to hear what we/I want to hear & when it is repeated back, it can sometimes be or meant to be something completely different that what was said or heard.

    AND question all text, emails, etc.— you can read ANYTHING into a written statement.

  386. My husband and I use what we learned in Marriage Encounter. We each write a letter to the other. Then we talk about it. By writing a letter, you can calm down and be more rational (hopefully).

  387. walk away from the conversation and take some private time to collect my thoughts. Then after I am sure I can speak without over-the-top emotion, revisit the conversation in a calm manner and usually start with an apology because that gets their attention.

  388. My initial response is to snap right away..walk off and pray to calm down and for clarity of mind. I always come back calm, apologetic, and able to remedy the situation. I hate it though! I want to be able to remain calm and have Godly responses immediately instead of spouting off at the mouth first!

  389. My husband and I have been married for 32 years and though we still have conflicts every now and then, they don’t happen very often. My strategy when I get upset is to wash dishes and reflect on the situation, and pray about it. I know it seems odd…..but when I wake up in the morning and see dishes that need to be washed……I remember what a good day if was the day before! Now, I do was dishes on stress-free days too…..but on the stressful days, sometimes I go looking for something to wash, lol.

  390. Stop to analyse the situation, find the root of the problem, and steer clear of anger. People generally know what’s right and what’s wrong, so acting in a way that shows respect towards the other person, while doing the right thing is in my experience a better way for conflict resolution to take place. And also praying for guidance in times of uncertainty can prove to be fruitful.

  391. If it is conflict with my husband, I try to make sure that I touch him while I’m talking to/arguing with him. Even if I can only bring myself to put my hand on his shoulder, just touching him calms me down (since I tend to be the one to elevate the sound level) and it grounds me into remembering that we’re on the same team and we need to come to a solution, not win. Sometimes it takes a lot of pleading with God to help me touch him, but as I pray “Lord, I don’t feel like touching him, but please help me do it anyway” the anger tends to diffuse and I can focus more on healing for both of us.

  392. Years ago someone told me that when someone is speaking to you, the best thing to do is just listen. Don’t formulate what your next statement will be but just sit and really listen to the other person. It forces you to focus on what they’re saying and their point of view while at the same time helping you to stay calm.

  393. I wisper when I really want my kids to listen, 5, 3, and 2. That way I stay clam I am not yelling and either are they.

  394. Some of the best advice I have heard was from the Scripture that says ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath (or anger.)’
    I have always looked at this from the point of view that if you talk calmly to the other person who is biting your head, yelling, angry etc…it should help diffuse THEIR boiling emotions. BUT the other side of that coin is, if you are boiling over, angry, emotions out of control, and you respond with a purposeful, quiet (gentle…) response, coming against what your flesh really wants to do..yell and scream…it diffuses the wrath in YOU. I really liked that point of view and strive to use it not just in my friendships and marriage but with my children as well. 🙂

  395. Hmmmm. … The way I’m suppose to handle it? Or the way I sometimes handle it? If I’m at the point of coming unglued, I try to distance my self from the situation. Whether it’s my family or a friend or a stranger, I start praying for them. At first I usually don’t want to do it. A long time ago, I learned the lesson that when I pray for someone, usually the person who is changed is me and my attitude.

  396. Communicating when the heat has cooled. In the midst of conflict, there is little to hold your emotions from overtaking the words that flow through your mind and often out of your mouth. I know for me, I do not like to walk away, I want to sort it out in that moment. My husband needs time to process. We have found that respecting and loving each other means I let him think and process while my emotions cool down so I too can think clearly. Set appropriate time limits (i.e, giving 15-30 minutes and checking in, and allowing 15 more minutes if needed) so you do not avoid the needed conversation. Sometimes the disagreement was simply a misunderstanding of what was said, but without that time to cool down, my emotions would have continued to fuel a fire that should not have been started in the first place.

  397. The best way for me is to walk away, cool off, pray and rethink the situation. Do I always do that? I’m sorry to say I don’t!

  398. Pray, pray, pray…. And then PRAY some more! God is listening and waiting on us to call on Him. Give it to Him. He’s got this:)

  399. Whether I am being addressed or addressing the conflict, I have learned it’s wise to just take a breath, look at the person or object of conflict, and in that moment and in my mind/heart, ask God for the response he wants me to give. Sometimes it’s just silence. And sometimes I am surprised myself at what comes from my own lips. Whatever it is, it’s always better than what I can come up with and more often what I can’t.

  400. Take a deep breath, count to 10 and listen to the other person. Really listen to them. Don’t be thinking about what you are going to say as soon as they shut up. When they are finished talking, Think! Then speak in a calm, rational voice!

  401. Conflict resolution is tough, especially with three two year olds, but the one lesson we try to always implement, even if the conflict itself went poorly, is emphasis on the resolution part. Restoration. Each triplet always says they are sorry to the one who was wronged, vocally, and hugs and kisses the other one. Often, the one wronged, is the first to give the hug which makes me feel like we’re at least getting resolution right. Now if we can just figure out how to tamp down the conflict 🙂

  402. I tend to get caught up in emotion when my second oldest verbally explodes. When these times come, one of us has to go to our room and get away from the other…typically she won’t so I go. After an hour, she has calmed down enough to realize her emotions got away from her and the verbal acid spew that came out was very hurtful. I try to get away before I start acting in the same fashion.

  403. The thing that I am working on is learning to use I statements rather than You statements.
    “I felt like you were criticizing me when you said _______, it really hurt my feelings.”
    rather than saying
    “You are always criticizing me!”
    to that my husband would become defensive and claim that he certainly does not.

  404. -Well, you did say the one that was the most effective, so i say PRAYER! Unfortunately, it’s not the one I ALWAYS go to. Unfortunately, my emotions dictate my reaction often. However, I know the Proverbs talk about a person that speaks all their mind is a fool, and I did a study on Mary a few years ago, how she “held these things and pondered them”. When i do feel my blood heating up and my heart racing, if I can have the discipline to hold my tongue *period* literally not say a word then until I get on my knees, and THEN poor my heart out to God and sincerely ask for His help to control my emotions and to give me discernment on how to handle the situation……. I’ve *never* regretted it. Of course, when I have been like a city with no walls OH have I regretted my actions!!!!!
    Can’t wait to hear/watch the webcast 🙂

  405. Sometimes I don’t think when my daughter (in her twenties) makes a decision and unforunately my mouth gets in the way. I’m trying to think before speaking but it isn’t one of my better features.

  406. Stop talking and pray. It is amazing that the things that seemed like a big deal were not and those things that are a big deal God will always give you wisdom to work through.

  407. I try to respond rather than react: assess the situation rationally and be responsible for how I respond (which requires time and thought). As opposed to reacting (an irrational action without thought). This helps me to see the situation from the other persons perspective and understand where they are coming from. This does not excuse their behavior, but helps me understand why things happened the way they did and to hopefully prevent it from happening again.

  408. The best conflict resolution I have used is to say let’s continue this later and walk away and regroup–especially trying to put yourself in their shoes.

  409. When I come unglued I need to step back and ask for a break from the conversation to calm down and not speak from anger. It helps sometimes to write things down too.

  410. Not sure this would really count as the best, but because I saw my son demonstrate it, that makes it the best to me. 😉 In Survivor VBS they learned about Joseph and one day he had left the room when he got upset with his little sister. A few minutes later he returned and asked her if she remembered what they learned in VBS. He said that he remembered when he is angry to unclench his fist and forgive like Joseph did. If Joseph could forgive his brothers, my son knew he should forgive his sister. I loved that he took the time to remind his sister and then share how he was choosing to respond to what they had learned. And 3 years later I’m sure she doesn’t even remember. 😉

  411. I learned that I can’t change a persons behavior, but I can sure change how I react to that person. I can give them the power over me or simply change my reaction and let it go. Granted a lot of praying goes along with this.

  412. I remember in highschool (many moons ago!) we had a speaker on this very subject along with peer pressure and how to handle bullies etc. I remember the man saying, ” If someone talks down to you, says something nasty, or anything like that, look at them like they were your best friend and say to them in your nicest voice, “Thank you! And have a nice day!” Where that made little sense to me back then, I think it’s what God expects of me now.

  413. I have just read a few great reminders!!!! Breathe is a great one for me to remember!!!!

    and another is to walk away is a great reminder too.

    My thought that God has been working on with me lately is, focus on a blessing either the person

    or the situation and really focus on that positive while praying for resolution!!!!!!!!

  414. I’ve learned…Stop, Listen, Wait. For my family the heat of the moment is not the time to solve the problem.

  415. I am learning to NOT speak right away. Not everything needs a response, especially not a quick, sarcastic, not thought out one!

  416. My pastor taught me that when you’re in the midst of a conflict to preface your comments or complaints with “I”. Don’t tell the other person what they do or how they made you feel; you own the emotions and the actions with “I feel” or “I understood you to say”. It helps keep the situation feeling like a discussion instead of an attack.

    I’m so excited that our church is offering Unglued as part of Trinity University this year. The class is even going to be held on Tuesday evenings so that the adults involved in our children’s ministry on Sunday evenings can participate, too. It seems like all of my major conflicts, loss, and fears have all materialized over the last couple of years. We’ve had several family members diagnosed with cancer, we lost a cousin to leukemia, and now I’m going through a divorce. My emotions are raw, chaffed, scattered, and confused, but I feel absolutely confident that God can work through Lysa, this study, and our church facilitator to teach me how to better glorify Him even in the middle of hurt and loss.

    Thanks for all the encouragement and for the fun of giveaways and electronic fellowship! 🙂

  417. Praying out loud when my 2 year old and 1 year old are crying and when I’m about to lose it, helps me so much!

  418. When I sense a conflict coming on or find myself in the midst of one, it helps me to pray silently, “Jesus, help me. I can’t do this on my own. Please don’t let me say anything that I shouldn’t.”
    Now, if I could learn to implement this on a consistent basis, especially with my children!

  419. One way lately how I’ve been dealing with conflicts with my youngest three, girl 7, boy 10, girl 13, is to see what the motives are. We looked up quarreling in the NIV to see what God had to say about it, and saw it comes from pride basically. So we will stop, and are usually able to pray and work it out. We ask for God to soften our hard hearts … and are learning about reacting from core fears .. so we can address those fears we have.

  420. My husband and I are both pretty intense in our ideas and also both very verbal. It helps us to realize where the other person is in the issue of conflict. For instance, on a scale of 1 to 10 he may feel so strongly he is a 7 or 8 about the issue, while I may only be a 2 or 3 and willing to compromise his direction. Or vice versa, of course. If we are both high on the scale, we have learned to keep talking (sometimes for a very long time) until we push through the tough stuff, and have REALLY heard each other. They we are able to come to a mutual understanding.

  421. Pray…..do not open my mouth unless I know the Holy Spirit is directing my words. Let them be healing and encouraging words and not words that tear down and destroy.

  422. I try not to say the first 3-5…sometimes 10 🙂 things that come to my mind first. I have to keep my mouth shut, and I find that usually I can think rationally after a few minutes of silence…. I said usually.

  423. I have learned that not all conflict is ACTUALLY between you and the other person. I have been learning to drink from “the cup of ‘HUSH MY MOUTH'” and actually LISTEN to the other person while trying to read their feelings. This works well, when I remember to do it. Also pray that God will give you the words that the other person NEEDS when you speak. Remember, we all have bad days and we all will come in contact with someone else who is sharing our bad day. Love that other person the way God wants us to and HE will take care of the rest.

  424. Listen & repeat what they said to make sure I understand what they are trying tanceo say. Also praying for guidance.

    Thanks for a chance to win this awesome giveaway. I think this would be an amazing book to use for a Woman’s small group. I would use it for small group at church. (shuttermom77 at gmail dot com)

  425. I find that if I take a deep breath, stop talking and sometimes literally bite my tongue 🙂 I begin to pray for peace and wisdom in the situation and it helps tremendously.

  426. When things are getting heated, hit the pause button, and let everyone back away. After a few moments, minutes, or hours of reflection regroup and move forward towards a resolution.

  427. Most of my conflict lately seem to be with my daughter, been going through a lot of change recently so it’s been tough…..my best plan when I feel things heating up and going nowhere is to step away for a few, a timeout for me and her. Then once things have cooled a bit I can come back more level headed and we are able to talk things through. This has helped us a lot.

  428. At 31 years of age, it recently dawned on me that I have a bad temper! (So that’s why I get mad at the drop of a hat and tend to explode! Duh!) Now that I realize this about myself, my best conflict resolution tactic is to “sleep on it.” This may not work for everyone, especially people who have a tendency to sweep things under the rug. However, it works great for me because it allows me time to cool off from the initial anger I feel and nothing gives me a new perspective on a problem like a new morning after a good night’s sleep.

  429. One of the best words of advice I have put into practice is to remember that you are confronting the conflict itself, not attacking the person. Putting into perspective which action I need to address, rather than letting myself emotionally “attack” another has helped me put a lot of words into check that I may later regret.

  430. One time my husband and I had a heated discussion (which is unusual for us) and he walked out. I sat at the table, crying and wondering what went wrong. Then I remembered a sermon we’d just heard about resisting the devil and he will flee. So I audibly told Satan to “get away from us and leave us alone”… then pleaded with God to fight for us. Within a minute, my husband was back inside, and we both cried, hugged, and forgave each other. WOW! That was a major faith builder for us! I now realize more than ever that we have an enemy who wants to destroy our marriage, and we have POWER (in Christ) to resist it. God wants to help us, if we only believe! 🙂
    “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

    1. Forgot to say that I told Satan to leave “In the name of Jesus”, because it is only through Him that we have that authority.
      Also, I wanted to tell you… at that same moment when I “resisted the devil” and prayed to God, my husband felt a strong force come over him that turned him around and brought him back inside. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced before.
      In the name of Jesus we have VICTORY!!!

  431. Already had to use this today when I was about to come unglued with a co-worker who was intentionally ignoring someone that needed her help–I kept reminding myself of the lyrics of a song by The Rhett Walker Band–“we are all just beggars and thieves in need of the very same mercy and grace.” Seems like I have been humming that song a lot lately!

  432. Ecclesiastes 7:16 “Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?” This verse seems strange but when it comes to conflict I have found myself being right but SO wrong at the same time. I think it is important to make sure I’m not trying over explain my point or over defend myself and know when its time to let things go and just forgive.

    I have also learned how important it is to think the best of my husband’s intentions. He is a kind and good man (that’s why I married him 15 years ago) and he would never intentionally try to hurt me or tick me off. This can be so hard to remember in the middle of an argument but when we can quickly get past the hurt of a personal offense it is easier to get to the real issue. We can find a solution pretty quickly when we are thinking the best of each other. But that brings me back to my first thought of trying not to be too right. Once we are both ready to listen, I have to fight the temptation of overly explaining my point of view. Be gracious and quick to forgive. Conflict in marriage should end with a closer relationship and understanding, but if we loose sight of that, we can end up destroying the very relationship that is precious to us. Ecc 7:16 reminds me to not be so focused on winning the battle that I end up loosing the war. <3

  433. To love from afar while not allowing the hurtful person access to you. I see that as meaning God needs to work in my life and in their life and we need to be obedient and patient to Him.

  434. I have learned alot of the traditional HALT methods which is:If your Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired then you need to stop and take care of these physical needs first before you do anything else. Like get unglued! Lately though I have noticed that if I’m hungry for God’s word, Angry at God, Have walked away and am Lonely for God, and finally am Tired of me trying to plan it without God.; The Solution is to get on my knees, open the bible, pray and just listen to HIM.

  435. When a conflict arises, I try to look at it from a different perspective by asking myself if it will really matter a day, week, month, year or 5 years from now. If it isn’t going to make a difference in the days to come, it isn’t worth hurt feelings. As a counselor, I talk to people all of the time that have destroyed relationships over arguments that they don’t even remember. It just isn’t worth it! It has been a great lesson for me to put into practice in my life.

  436. Oh, hard stuff. Mouth shut, listen with an open mind and heart, try to see things from another perspective (that of the other person), PRAY, keep a soft voice, and KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT unless I am asking questions to understand. Then step away and think before speaking in a soft voice. Easier said than done.

  437. I know this AMAZING couple who ALWAYS use the bible to solve their conflicts. It is a true blessing to watch. Wish I could say we did the same!!! 🙂

  438. The first thing that comes to my mind is James 1:19 ~ “My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” It helps put everything into perspective, taking the focus off of ourselves and to really listen to what is going on in the other person’s heart. It helps us to move forward in a more Christ-like manner. Not easy to do, but so worth it! 🙂

  439. The best way for me to deal with conflict is to really listen and try understand both sides of the problem. Sometimes that is very hard but you could misunderstood the other person’s point and would have gotten angry over a misunderstanding. Also, the most important thing is to pray about it and pray for the person you are in the conflict with; even when it is hard just pray.

  440. Wait you mean it’s not okay to scream and throw things? Just kidding! I just don’t say anything, walk away, play with the kids and straight change the subject. Or if it’s with the kids I give us both a time out for a few minutes and then we talk about it.

  441. The first thing I do is take it all in and stop and pray over the situation. Then if I need to I write out my response save it and come back and continuing to pray. I always end up removing a lot out of my initial response and am able to then really focus and listen and come to a resolution. Funny this is your question because a friend and I just had to do this with something that came up at our kids school. But after prayer, talking and listening we came to a resolution with the other party.

  442. When I start to get angry with someone during an argument,I walk away to clear my head before I say or do something I will regret. Coming back to the situation with a clear head and heart always helps. Breaks with prayer and meditation make all the difference.

  443. I am trying to stop and think, “Is this a reaction God would want me to have? Would he be proud of the way I’m handling the situation, or will I need to repent later?”

  444. So much great advises here! I am one of those conflict magnets too, but recently learning that staying connected with God throughout the day helps me tremendously. It has opened my eyes to see that my conflict is not against my husband or kids or other people (flesh and blood), but against the principalities of this world, that instead of fighting AGAINST the people I should be fighting FOR them.

    Our ladies group is almost done with our current book, “Captivating – Unveiling the Mysteries of a Woman’s Soul”, we are looking for the next book. Unglued sounds interesting, I would love to explore that as an option. Will tune in on Thurs! Thanks!

  445. You need to remember while you’re trying to raise a ‘good child’ that you have a ‘good child’! As a grandmother trying to help a single father raise two boys, 12 & 14, I keep trying to remind him of this daily!

  446. I have learn to be humble at all times and to search my heart if I have caused the conflict and be fast to repent and restore the relationship. If is about a conflict where we dont agree with something and the person is yelling I do what the Bible says to speak with soft words and to love in the midst of the conflict that will keep my heart pure and it will bring peace. With my kids I have always teach them not to say or do something that they will regret later and they have learned to solve their conflicts with respect and love. It is a daily choice and a learning process because there is no room for selfishness in our hearts. 🙂

  447. My dad is a minister, and although his personality is different from mine, he taught me so much through his example. Whether it was a church or a family situation, his responses were always draped in Christian grace. He knew that the way he responded would reflect upon him as a Christian and a minister, and so he practiced graciousness again and again. And he has a good “reverse gear” as he calls it. I call it the ability to humble oneself, admit a weakness or sin, and move on. Even if we blow it, God can still be glorified when we back up and make it right.
    Average women with average emotions and average frustrations do not have to live in a vicious cycle of uncontrolled responses. Giving every moment and every situation to the Lord, asking Him to shine through us with His Light, and then making ourselves accountable to living Biblically will all help in practicing practial conflict resolution.

  448. Take time – dont respond quickly, dont respond in haste, dont respond when you are emotionally invested in the situation. Give the situation time to breathe so that you can pray about it and have God work through you. Its always so much easier said then done…but just taking time to really look at the situation, see it’s full impact, and then have a mature biblical discussion.

  449. 1. Use “I” statements instead of “You” statements. (I feel lonely and miss you when you spend your free time with your friends vs. You’re never home and you care more about your friends than me)

    2. Use empathy to help the other understand that you’re hearing them (ex. You feel frustrated when I leave the toilet seat up)

    3. Diffuse the situation with humor (not sarcasm or mocking).

  450. One that is so small that is in my head from 17 years ago as if it were yesterday..

    I witnessed my (now) father in law and his wife in the car. He was doing something annoying – as men do sometimes – ha! And she – being the out-spoken woman that she is – said “Stop that!! Would you just stop?!!” He paused (as he always does before he speaks – a wonderful gift and aggravation that he passed down to his son, now my husband) and said… “You don’t luuuuuv me”… in his wonderful charming Southern drawal and a big grin on his face.

    Of course, all of us in the car just laughed and laughed and she said, “I do too – now – please stop, Daaaarlin'”.

    I will never forget how he took that opportunity to fight and just passed it over with humor and love. It was beautiful and I’ll never forget it.

  451. My favorite is the one I learned from Michelle Duggar, about when things start to get out of hand, to talk at just a whisper. It helps calm me down and helps to de-escalate the situation pretty quickly. My instinct is to yell and get angry, but the whispering has helped not only calm my spirit but those around me too.

  452. I try to remember to be graceful– and to remember that sometimes the person that is instigating the conflict, isn’t really coming ‘unglued’ because of what they are yelling about– a lot of the times it really has nothing to do with you. You just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Instead of adding to their internal battle we can extend grace, not take it personally, and become a sounding board for them. There have been times that someone was that for me and it really became a beautiful moment instead of an ugly one.

  453. I’ve been working on conflict resolution improvement for so long. Getting married and becoming a mother added another twist to things or should I say challenges. I’ve learned so much about how I react to conflict and wasn’t even aware of it. I continually work on reacting how Christ would want me to handle it, but I am still in training. So, I first STOP and give myself a few deep breaths and a TIME OUT for prayer. I attempt to have patience and WAIT for guidance from my King in how it would be best for me to handle/react to the conflict. Again, I am in “training” and look forward to what encouragement the Lysa will bring through her book.

  454. We learned at a marriage class given through Alpha that a problem can be a big boulder sitting between the 2 of you, where you can’t see each other and it stands between you. Instead, push the boulder (the problem) out from between the two of you where you can both see it, and come together to face it and solve it as a couple. Come together to face problems; don’t let them come between you.

  455. I think the best conflict resolution I have seen is actually between my children. When they are screaming at each other, there is a lull and then one starts laughing and they both start laughing, then we all laugh and it’s over. Laughter is the best medicine, right??

  456. Conflict is never something we want but often something we face. While each situation is unique, the best advice I’ve put into practice is to pause and think before speaking. I ask myself if what I’m thinking is really something I want to speak. It helps keep my speech and actions in check. Most of the time.

  457. Something I’ve been trying lately is to stop and think (do NOT react immediately) and take into consideration what the other person may be thinking/feeling. Though I may think they are wrong, they may genuinely think I am wrong, and I need to consider their side/view of the situation.

  458. The best one I have learned is knowing when to hold my words. This is extreamly hard for me as I am a very vocal person and LOVE to hear myself talk! 🙂 But I am a work in imperfect progress.

  459. Stop, speak calmly, and ask to walk away and come back to this a little later after thinking about it alone 🙂 SO hard to do but so good for you!

  460. I don’t think I’ll ever learn 🙂 I’m terrible at this but a few things that I have heard to do are…

    1. Take 15 – whenever your upset, take 15mins to calm down and then at the end of the 15 mins you both have to come back and talk about it
    2. Pray together – when you pray you can’t be screaming
    3. No throwing…lol 🙂

  461. I have to say that my husband and I are still working on this BUT one thing we have come to understand is that when we are going into conflict we try really hard to stop ourselves when around the children. When we are actually able to implement this by time the children are out of ear shot we usually don’t even have to discuss it because most of the time it wasn’t a big deal to begin with! The other thing that works wonders? Saying “I’m sorry”.

  462. The best way to difuse a conflict is taking 100% responsibility for whatever % of the problem or disagreement was mine. We are all sinners, so in an arguement we are all partially responsible. Take the stone out of my own eye first.

  463. I think i read it in the Proverbs 31 devotional just the other day…stop and consider if i am trying to Prove something or trying to IMprove the relationship. that really impacted me!

  464. A few weeks back I was talking to some other pastors wives about conflict resolution with our husbands… best advice that was given to me was to WAIT until I could calm down and actually talk to him WITHOUT coming unglued. Speaking in the heat of the moment usually causes more pain and I typically say things I don’t mean. Also, speaking about how a situation makes you FEEL rather than “throwing retailation rocks” is best!
    LOVING the book Unglued, but I would LOVE to win the dvd study to do with the ladies of my church!!

  465. I’m still learning! I grew up in a home that either had lots of yelling or no talking at all or “digs” as the mode of communication. Things weren’t “dealt” with, they were ignored and we just went back to “business as usual” after the blow up and subsequent nasty comments. My hubby has a way, he’ll stop, tell me he loves me and smile (In the MIDDLE of a LOUD conflict). Granted, I’ve been known to tell him let me just be mad for a while, but, it really does take the wind out of it. Then we can talk………

  466. A few things have worked for me, first if it is not going to matter in 5 years let alone 5 minutes from now, its not worth getting all heated. And 2nd I don’t always have to prove I’m right or be defensive, somtimes just listening to the other person and agreeing to disgree works better, both people can be right or wrong and not get into a conflict over it.

  467. The Best Conflict Strategy Resolution that I have used is getting priorites in order. Seek ye first…… Matthew 6:33 is what comes to my mind because if we get our priorities in order and put God first, everything else will fall into place according to his perfect plan. <3

  468. Well, conflict resolution hasn’t been my best trait! The Lord knows I’d much rather avoid conflict at all costs…but, when there is conflict and I do the right thing (by not avoiding it), I’d say the best thing He’s been teaching me to do is be brave enough to face it and then strong enough to work through it. I don’t have it down, but it’s helped every time I apply it.

  469. Well, my husband likes to diffuse the situation by saying, “I love you very much and I’m glad we got married.” He says it in a run on sentence, comical sort of way that always makes me laugh.

  470. The best conflict resolution I have is to try to stop it before it starts with my husband. I try to pause at least 5 seconds before I respond or react and think about how what I am about to say or do would affect me.

  471. Conflict Resolution: I will share my own. One of my friends and I had hurt each other’s feelings many times, over a long period of time. Because there was no communication regarding our hurts, distance came between the two of us. It seemed that the longer we didn’t deal with our problem the further we grew apart. But my heart was never at peace with the way things were between us. I felt God’s tug on my heart many services to make things right with her. One night at our church we had what’s called a solemn assembly. Everyone in our church came together on a Wednesday night from young children to adults. There was a time of confession and prayer. I had a fight in my seat that night with my pride. I finally got out of my seat went to where she was in the church and we went to the altar. We asked each other’s forgiveness and asked God to forgive us. The best resolution is always to ask for forgiveness no matter the time or the distance. Swallowing my pride was the hardest thing to do but the greatest burden lifted off my shoulders. I’ve learned to communicate, instead of stuff my feelings away.

  472. Hi Ladies ,

    If anyone “needs ” that book ,it’s me!!! ( I promise, just ask my kiddos .. All 6 of them ! ) and the purse, Well I need that too !
    I find that I come unglued often… and sadly, it is my precious flock that see these unglodly fruits.
    (UGH , urrgh )

    For me ,It is important to :
    1. Get plenty of rest ( when I’m tired ,it shows)

    2. To remember to feed and water my body
    for healthy physical foods . I can’t run efficiently/effectively on junk .
    3. Pay attention here !!!( this is the most important )

    To feed my heart and soul with the word, If I don’t feed me I can’t feed my children an ounce of good . They need and deserve a momma that shows God’s loves, grace and tender mercy daily .
    They need an example and an ensample lived before them daily !

    Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
    2 Thess. 3:9

    In all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine ‘showing’ uncorruptness, gravity. Titus 2:7

    I OFTEN HAVE TO STOP AND ASK MYSELF WHAT EXAMPLEAM i SETTING FOR MY CHILDREN.
    WOULD I WANT THEM TO SPEAK THIS WAY , ACT THIS WAY .
    It is so* important*, vivid really that we life, love and teach in a way that honors the Father. A way in which we hope our children will repeat in their adulthood.

    My attitude,action and words often become theirs!
    And my thought process is inherited by them.(ouch )

    Ladies, We all struggle with moments of being unglued ! But when I’m a mess ..I am glad I have the King of Kings to lift me up and wipe away all my failures, my mistakes and my not so great moments !

    Ladies, I don’t no about you, But somedays I don’t lean on the Lord, I cling to HIM !!!

    P.s.
    We were never intended to go this journey alone. He is there for us !

    ~Warms Blessings ~
    Helen Ree

  473. I try to avoid conflict for the most part and any time I do enter conflict it is usually with someone who I am close to (because really conflict with a stranger is pointless, just let it go). As far as conflict resolution goes I will often write the person a letter. I really try not to enter into a verbal argument as that only leads to trouble. At the end of the day though I just have to breathe, let it go, forgive and forget and hope the other person feels the same way. It takes two (or more) to be in conflict so if I remove myself from the conflict then for me it no longer exists.

  474. I guess my best conflict resolution would be….and I know it sounds really cliche’…..but WWJD! I would literally ask my children this simple question….”What would Jesus do”? …..in the midst of a disagreement or when one sibling is complaining about another….or when I am tempted to behave in a way that could cause disharmony…..let me say…..It works every time. Nothing like taking a moment and thinking about how Jesus would approach a subject, handle an argument, resolve a conflict,…to make you straighten up quick. 🙂

  475. I’ve loved reading all that others have posted, learning lots!
    It’s so hard to decern what’s the right way to put out a fire, we are human and sooo imperfect.
    I have to say that for my own resolution it’s to stop and hold the tongue before I speak, there’s been too many times I’ve snapped and said the wrong things and then feel horrible. The times I’ve held my tongue God showed me that it usually isn’t as bad as I make it out to be and better resolution comes forth!!! Thankfully!!!
    I love what another had to say “Jesus dying on the cross” is the best conflict resolution….. AMEN to that!

  476. “I have a choice”…..I can either choose to make a bad situation worse or I can choose to stop, regroup, pray and try again!

  477. I try my best not to react. I have learned to recognize when someone is trying to “push my buttons” and I try not to let that take me in a bad direction I don’t want to go. Staying focused on the one issue at hand is better than going off different directions that lead to things that have nothing to do with the problem at hand. When I find myself very angry and/or hurt, I stop; I give myself some breathing room to calm down and then I think through what I want to say. Lastly, I do say my peace – I’ve found that keeping it bottled up or pretending it will go away – just causes it to resurface at some other time.

  478. Something that I have learned about conflict is you can have all sorts of resolutions but nothing will solve the problem if both sides aren’t on the same page. We must go in with a heart of love and do our best to but not get discouraged when the situation isn’t resolved. We can’t fix other people but we can pray for their hearts to be ready

  479. The best conflict resolution I have tried is to keep my big mouth shut, and walk away. At this point in our marriage, my husband knows that if I completely shut up, and walk into another room (or outside) then I am just trying to cool off before continuing on. I explode when I’m angry and I struggle to keep that under control. Getting away from the situation and calming down before coming to a resolution always works best for me. I try to tell my kids the same thing, and I tend to take them away from a conflict for “a break” until they can control themselves. This is so hard to do! Our human nature just wants us to scream and yell and be ANGRY, but I have to remember Psalm 15: 1-3 “A gentle answer turns away wrath; but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

  480. I know this is ridiculous, but the best conflict resolution I learned was from a TV show. On How I Met Your Mother, Lily and Marshall would call timeout in the middle of a fight and walk away from it for awhile. I thought that was brilliant. It keeps you from saying things you regret, from trying to “win” the argument, and gives you time to decompress and cool down before you come back and try it again.

  481. When I was pregnant with my first child, I worked in a very stressful environment. I was on my feet 12 hours a day 3am to 3 pm. The politics were horrible. Since I couldn’t/wouldn’t take out my frustrations on my coworkers or my husband, I decided screaming was the only alternative. Not screaming at them, just screaming. I would scream in the car the entire way to and from work, as long ,as loud and as hard as I could. It seemed to help. Probably not the most productive way, but it helped. Finally when I was about ready to have my son I took off work. Then one wonderful morning, I give birth to my gorgeous son and never went back to work. However the morning after my beautiful boy was born, my huband and I were sleeping in bed with my son between us and that brand new baby that had hardly even cried, let out the loudest, blood curdling scream you have ever heard. My husband and I both jumped from the bed shocked as could be to see our sweet boy sleeping peacefully. Apparently he needed to let out a little stress. He has never done that again. This is probably not the best way to resolve conflict, but it was certainly memorable. However I still think it is better resolve my frustrations somewhere else than on the people that I think are causing my problems. I need to step back and maybe talk to God about things and give it a little time. A change of perspective seems to help alot.

  482. God has really opened some communication doors for me lately which has really helped with conflict resolution between my husband and me. While my husband is the most amazing father and husband I could ask for, he isn’t always the most amazing listener and I find myself beyond frustrated when I have to ask him things 2-3 times or when he forgets to do something I asked because he wasn’t completely listening. Then if he forgets to do it, I get mad. But not because the thing wasn’t done but because despite having multiple conversations about it, that he didn’t listen. This is a huge conflict in our relationship. And of course, like most women, we expect our husbands to know exactly what is wrong and just the right thing to say to make it better but it rarely happens that way and I have come to accept that. We use a communication tool that is new to us but very effective. When I finish saying something whether it is telling him how I feel about something or for him to do something, he responds back to me “so what I’m hearing you say is…”. That way he is showing he is listening (even if what he says isn’t correct) and I can then respond with either yes or no and explain more if necessary. This is especially important in arguments because sometimes I feel like he just doesn’t even understand why I’m upset in the first place so this is a way for us to better communicate those issues. Hope this helps!

  483. My husband used to hurt my feelings so badly when he’s try to ‘help’ with his ideas. I’d be doing something and he’d come up with a different way to do it. I took this as him thinking I was dumb. FINALLY, one day I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to look at his motivation in saying all these new ideas. He’s doing it because he loves me and wants to make things the best way they can be to make my life easier and more efficient. It’s a lot easier to lissten to him and take his suggestions when my pride isn’t in the way! Thank God for his showing me that. It has since saved me a lot of strife and hurt feelings.

  484. What I do is simple, but probably not the best thing for anybody to do, but I do it because it avoids further conflict. I silently scream inside and then say a quick prayer. I ask for forgiveness for all the negative thoughts going through my head at the time and for my hateful feelings. Maybe I am hurting myself more, but it`s the only thing I can do.

  485. I think one of the greatest conflict resolution strategies I have come to embrace during my one and a half years of being married is to never be afraid to be the one to apologize first – even when you don’t think you’re at fault. (because usually, I am) I have the tendency to be VERY stubborn, and always expect my husband to be the one who comes to me first, with sweet tender words of apology. But the fact is, I need to be the one who is doing this just as often as he is, ESPECIALLY when I know I’m the one who went wrong in the situation.

  486. I breath and pray! Also I like to clean and go for a walk to calm myself down and think of how the Lord would want me to handle the situation!

  487. My husband and I never call each other names or say things just to hurt the other person. Sometimes disengaging is wisest and letting the other person win if it is most important to them. Most times the things that are being discussed passionately won’t matter in 24 hours or will be much clearer in 24 hours so there is no sense in making a conflict much more then it needs to be. Bite your tongue and you’d be surprised that more often then not that it was the best choice you could have made. Your spouse is your gift from God. Remember that always, even when you are in disagreement. Treat them as such, even during times of trial. Your children too.

  488. What a FUN giveaway!! 🙂 Love it!! I have 2 types of Conflict resolution. When I got married, I use to shut down completely and give my husband the silent treatment if we disagreed. I had always done this with other people. He is a GREAT communicator and was determined to teach me how to deal with conflict. He would sit on me and tickle me until I would talk to him!!! Of course it would end up in a lot of laughter and would break down walls. Secondly – with my children, when the fight, I have them run around our roundabout 5 times and each time they come around they have to say something they are grateful for about the other person!! It works GREAT – gives them excercise, a fresh perspective of gratitude and makes the “victim” feel better too!!!!

  489. I have realized that conflict is inevitable, but the resolution doesn’t have to be negative and scary and avoided. When both parties truly desire resolution and choose words carefully, I find that anything can be worked out and the relationships involved are stronger and healthier because of the time invested to navigate through the issue at hand. I feel much more loved by my husband when he values me enough to pursue peace with me rather than hoping the conflict will resolve itself. I also know from experience that it’s difficult to stay angry and full of “my way” when you pray before tackling a difficult conversation.

  490. Conflict resolution is always tough. We try to talk out the consequences, good or bad, of each possibility when it comes to choice making and always try to take a time out to calm down before discussing more heated things. Then it’s each person taking a turn to say how and why they feel like they do and trying to compromise. It doesn’t always work but works very well when it does.

  491. I am implementing trying not to have a melt down in the mornings, that does set the tone for the rest of the day not just for me, but everyone around me. I also am trying “if I don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. I’m loving this one because it has stopping me from flying off the handle, keeping me from saying something I will regret, which in turn, keeps others from saying something they will regret. I learned a lot just from one book, which was extremely helpful. I still fall, which is something I have to keep working on, but I learned one valuable thing by implementing what I learned from UNGLUED. I learned that if I can control my emotions and feelings, others will see Jesus working in my life, and that is the ultimate goal.

  492. This may sound a little crazy but this is what I have found and the fact that God/Holy Spirit is amazing if we let him work is the icing on the cake so to speak. Being a mom to 7 conflict abounds so as a mom I listen, nod my head, maybe make a comment and then 90%+ of the time do nothing else. Pretty soon another one comes to tell their tale and it is in response to the other tale; by then the first has come back to hear what is being said and try to defend self’s actions. I follow the same steps if the other offender (because we all know it takes 2 to tango) starts talking I then stop them both and begin to untangle their thinking processes. But it RARELY gets to this point usually just the listening, nodding and a very rare statement of ‘and you did nothing to provoke this’ is all that is needed. It seems when each is ‘wronged’ they just want someone to hear they feel they were wronged. If I do feel the need to do something I then have to deal with the arrogance of one child because the other got in trouble so it is much easier to let the Holy Spirit do the convicting and let Him use me where needed.

    On occasion I get to change hats and work as the wedding representative at our church. As we all know this is a HIGH emotional time usually between the mothers. I have learned that some of the same skills apply. First listen, listen, listen then smile the sweetest smile I can muster (sometimes what they are saying my thoughts think seriously this is a nothing so I really have to muster that smile to capture my emotions and thoughts) and then I wait. Many times the situation when left alone plays out just fine and I find out that the ‘big problem’ 1~resolves itself 2~the person forgot about the ‘big problem’ 3~on a rare occasion needs some smoothing of feelings by me (the outside party) who can see the big picture for the occasion.

  493. I really try to stop and think about where the other person is coming from and why I am responding the way I am. Redirecting my thought process seems to defuse the situation for me. And of course, praying that I respond by His will!

  494. When I’m being attacked I try to give the benefit of the doubt. I don’t know what has happened to the other person to cause them to be difficult so I try to take that into account. When I’m invested in the conversation and it gets heated I will walk away until my emotions stabilize then return to the conversation with a fresh perspective.

  495. I have found that if I walk away for a minute, verbally telling my husband I will be back in 5 minutes, so he doesn’t think I’m walking out on him. I can collect composure. I also am aware that I need to use “I feel” statements, because feelings and knowledge are not always in sync. I need to reach out, even if I don’t think I’m wrong/sorry etc, I can still feel sorry that he is hurting. My husband has a tendency to slink away from hurt and I can push him farther away by being mean or not reaching out. taking the simple step of going up to him and pulling him close for a hug does wonders to bring down his defenses and open up communication once again.

  496. Beyond the shoulder of my spouse, stands Christ. Keeping that in mind has helped me greatly as I choose wisely my responses and reactions in the midst of conflict. It’s not always easy, but it keeps my perspective in check knowing that my actions grieve God just as it harms my spouse and my relationships. My husband, my children, my parents, my friends, etc… are all God’s loved children and ultimately and inherently good willed. My response is my responsibility.

  497. conflict resolution: not my best life skill 🙂 I guess I would have to say: answer with honey and not vinegar, even when the other person is WAY off-base.

    Thanks!
    Nancy

  498. Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdon, discipline and understanding” …stay focused on the truth and do not try to sell your point: ask God for wisdom, discipline to wait for His instruction before speaking, and understanding regarding the other person’s position and needs prior to acting so I do not react.

  499. Conflict Resolution! Sometimes a tricky thing, I will write down what I’m struggling with and go back throughout the day and look at it and pray about it and then it usually will work itself out or I will realize its not worth wasting time on it. It works for me!
    Danna

  500. I had a friend who found a perfect way to disintegrate the conflict when her sons were fighting. She put them to washing windows – one outside, one inside. Made for beautifully clean windows and the boys seldom made it more than a minute or two before they were laughing at each other.

  501. Before I respond I take 3 deep breaths and remind myself that we are all puffs of dust and without God I would be responding or reacting in the same negative manner the other person is. I continually remind myself when someone is hurtful or unkind that God made me a “trophy of grace” from my mistakes and if I respond correctly he could do that for the other person as well.

  502. Definitely give it some space before jumping right in. Praying for the person and thinking about the things you like about them before saying anything helps, too.

    Do we have to be able to listen to the webcast in order to win? I would love to, but it’s in the middle of the night routine we are trying to establish.

  503. The best conflict advice I ever heard was written on a sign that said: “You don’t have to attend every fight you’re invited to.”, total thought process changer right there!

  504. Me, pick me! My best conflict resolution strategy is taking a time out to calm down and pray before reacting. I’m not always good at it, but this is my best strategy.

  505. Whenever possible, don’t react until you’ve had time to think. This has helped keep me from coming unglued over what turned out to be minor. It’s the old “count to 10” that mom advised. Gosh, she was right an awful lot!

  506. My best conflict resolution strategy with a variety of people is to just walk away. I have a temper and walking away allows me to cool off just a bit before confronting the problem. If I don’t walk away, there is usually heat coming out of my ears.

  507. The best conflict resolution I have ever heard is from a very wise lady in our Church. She said that if her and her husband would get angry or start to argue, she would say out loud…or he would….”Holy Spirit we acknowledge your presence” This of course is right in the moment…when you acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit our attitudes and course of action quickly changes. 🙂

  508. My best conflict resolution strategy is to bite my tongue and remember that I DON’T have to be ruled by emotions. Then, after I have prayed and calmed down a little bit, I am much better equipped to see things more clearly and calmly, and it goes much better! 🙂

  509. I was shopping at Wal-Mart and there was a mother who was yelling at her small child. You could hear her all over the store. The greeter came over and addressed the child by saying “she’s scaring me, is she scaring you?” It was so perfect. Everyone was calmer by his peaceful approach. It worked beautifully.

  510. God has tested me on conflict resolution more times than I would have liked. I used to keep everything bottled up trying to avoid any type of confrontation, always wanting to be a “people pleaser”, but over time I have learned that doesn’t work… I think FIRST- listening, so you know the heart of the problem, and then SECOND- talk it out, calmly.. 🙂 this is my favorite blog! Have a great week!

  511. When it comes to conflict resolution with my husband, the best thing I can do is to really ask questions and find out how/what he’s thinking before I react – that is very hard. So many, many times our thoughts are so far apart simply because he’s a man & I’m a woman and if we only take the time to talk instead of react, the conflict is resolved before it gets ugly!

  512. When I’m approaching another conflict (inevitable while still here on this earth) I remember that my ‘windows’ are probably dirty & I’m not seeing everything the way that the Lord sees. I need to clean my own ‘windows’ by looking at Him (praying for wisdom in the conflict) & then He can give me His eyes for the situation.

  513. The conflict? Daily. With myself. The resolution? The Lord 🙂 The conflict has lessened over the years as I have grown and that makes me lucky…but it’s still there every single day and that is why prayer is so important. I pray for patience, forgiveness, and strength and the Lord never fails to supply.

  514. For me the best piece of advice has been to stop and count to 10. It is basic, but it is the starting point for me to gain control of myself. I use several of the techniques mentioned by the other commenters, but I begin it all with counting to 10. After that I try to put myself it that person’s shoes. When dealing with my kids I sometimes have to walk away and come back. I still need to work on that though. It is sad to say it is easier to keep from coming unglued with a co-worker, acquaintance or stranger than it is with my family.

  515. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut, listen, and then take a breather so i can re-focus and pray before I come back and share my thoughts.

  516. It is so easy to last out without thinking of what we are saying. I am constantly trying to stop before I say anything. Think about the situation without emotions and pray for what He would like for me to do. Quick responses are easy. The right thing to do is a lot harder, but well worth the effort.

  517. Making it a daily morning practice of pouring out to the Lord where I am lacking and feeling empty, fatigued, or inadequate, then asking Him to fill me up to overflowing with His Spirit so that I can bring forth the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22. This helps me be confident that my interactions with the people in my sphere of influence will be loving as I am attached to Him, the True Vine. Thank goodness I did this the day my 15 y/o daughter said something to me that was so wrong on so many levels that I thought I would just slap her across the face! When my arm stayed put in my lap, I looked down at it and thought I had had a stroke! I paused and walked away and prayed that God would be in the center of how I would discipline her in that situation. I actually couldn’t consult my husband who was unavailable at the time, so I turned to the Lord and got the distinct impression that I should let it go and forgive as I have been forgiven. However, I went back to my daughter and explained how I came to that conclusion so that the lesson would not be lost on her. The only way I was able to puase, stay calm, and discipline with love was to invite Christ to be my Husbandman and lead me in that decision. I’m so glad I did!

  518. The best conflict resolution that I know of is to not have it in the first place. First, stop taking things so personally, and second, instead of reacting instantly, stop, say a quick prayer and be kind realizing that the person that is trying to push your buttons may have other underlying issues that is causing them to act/react the way that they are.

  519. I’ve learned from years of Alanon that if i do react, (which of course I try not to), I need to immediately go make ammends. The fact that I now pretty quickly recognize the error of my ways and respond with genuine humility and apologize is huge progress for me. A motto I live by is “It’s progress not perfection.”

  520. I really need to speak in truth and love but withhout anger. Sometimes this means walking away to calm down, and sometimes it means some calming breaths. Both work depending on whether I am dealing with my children or someone else! Also, prayer if I have the right attitude!

  521. Hey ladies! As a therapist, I have worked with many people on how to resolve conflict in an assertive way that demonstrates respect for all parties involved. One of my favorite tools is the cost-benefit analysis. In this, you explore the short-term and long-term pros and cons. For example, say you are trying to decide whether or not to home-school your daughter (check out Lysa T’s blog for today!)…you might list the immediate positives beside the lasting rewards along along with the potential pitfalls and possible long-term negative effects (such as having to talk with her therapist about this one day…just kidding!). After this list has been made, time has passed allowing you to calmly think through a conflict and come to a rational decision. Best wishes and God bless!

  522. *disclaimer* I don’t want to offend but THE best and most imaginative conflict resolution I’ve heard was from a girlfriend. She shared that when she and hubby has one of those serious discussions away from the kids that tend to escalate and get ummm “spirited” she gets naked. I purposely asked again to make sure I heard it right. I then did the head tilt like dogs do when they don’t quite understand. She shared that it helps her remain vulnerable, humble, transparent and respectful towards hubby. It also has additional benefits that intimacy is re-established post conflict and her hubby is inspired to quickly resolve the issue . Makes sense on many levels especially if you knew my girlfriend. Years later and I’ve never forgotton, the times I’ve tried it I can say it works. Go figure!

  523. Conflict Resolution Strategy: Pray this simple prayer beforehand…
    Father God in Jesus name, I pray that you help me to hold my tongue and not speak a word until I have heard from you. I want to only speak in love and kindness towards my husband and actively hear his side. Lord send your Holy Spirit to be the mediator regarding this matter and help us to work this problem out in a way that is pleasing unto to you. Amen!!

  524. The best conflict resolution is to step away before you say something that you’ll regret and not be able to take back. Prayer is another great way to handle a conflict.

  525. The best strategy I’ve heard recently is from a woman in my Bible study. She says in the moment she will excuse herself and go to the bathroom so she can pray and respond in kind. I don’t think that would work with my husband because he would probably follow me, but I respond best when I can at least pause to listen to the Holy Spirit. It only takes a pause to get out of the moment and be led, but pausing is hard, but I’m working on it : )

  526. The best conflict resolution is to step away before you say something that you’ll regret and not be able to take back. Prayer is another great way to handle a conflict.

  527. The best conflict resolution is to step away before you say something that you’ll regret and not be able to take back. Prayer is another great way to handle a conflict.

  528. Full listening to the other person and then say exactly what ou heard them say to really understand what they are telling you. most times we state our feelings or put into our words what we think we heard. when you slow down and fully put yourself in the other persons shoes, you can then realize what is need to resolve the conflict.

  529. I’m glad to see the picture of the cover. From the smaller version I thought it was a plant (similar to a Venus Fly Trap). This makes sense, and the giveaway is so cute! I so often become “unglued”. I’m trying so hard NOT TO SPEAK, but to be silent & say a quick prayer before I try to resolve the conflict.

  530. To listen. Fully, truly listen. To their heart. Words don’t always portray what is being said. Don’t listen with your thoughts on what you believe about the situation, listen to the speaker and their heart. Respond in love with gentleness and kindness.

    1. Let’s try my name again 🙂 ***Emily Easley

      I should have found conflict resolution between my fingers and the keyboard before I hit “comment.”

  531. Focus on the deeper ‘need’ of the other person. What is it they are really expressing? A need to be heard, loved, respected?

  532. The fastest way to getting the other person to listen to you is to listen to them first. Hear them out and agree with the points you can, even if it’s just acknowledging their feelings. Then when you explain why it’s not going to be their way, they’ll still feel heard. Or, you may be surprised. Their side of the arguement may actually be valid and you’ll need to rethink your stand.
    The hardest part about it, is putting yourself aside….so if you first remember what the PERSON means to you, the point won’t matter as much.

  533. Stop, Drop and Pray! I lived on my own quite a number of years before I married (I am 44 and married my sweetheart David when I was 42), so I had to learn that it was not all about me!! 🙂 I am a recovering people pleaser, so, consequently, I ran from conflict as fast as my legs would take me. Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, so I began just giving it all to the Lord and asking Him to speak through me when the difficult situation would rear its sometimes ugly head. Prayer is not just key – it is THE key! <

  534. Before I let my mouth run away with me, I stop and whisper a quick little prayer, and take a deep breath and go over in my mind how many times I tell my children to have self control, and that I need to do JUST THE SAME! I do not have this mastered yet, but really working hard at it!

  535. Learning to acknowledge the real issue rather than just becoming angry. Anger is just a topical feeling usually to something that is underneath. Another way is knowing when and what causes you to feel angry or upset and catching it before you are already boiling.

  536. I have definitely found that prevention is worth a pound of cure. When I feel the problem arising, I talk it out with the Lord first. I need to step away for a time of praise and thanksgiving in spite of my circumstances. I pray it through. Then, I share with my husband. God’s grace has been faithful to see me through more conflicts than I can count, and those landmark moments assure me that He’ll see me through the next situation as well.

  537. I’d have to say, sit and talk about things before they get out of hand. And open your heart and listen,
    pray about conflicts. Everyone is bound to have them. Just be willing to work them out..

  538. Pray and think before you speak! Think, Am I doing/saying what God would approve of? Never assume that your spouse knows what’s bothering you! Talk to your spouse in a Godly way and talk about your problems together! Always keep God in your marriage!!

  539. Deep, deep breaths before saying anything. Then I try to speak very softly instead of yelling. At least the other person usually listens to my side that way~

  540. i feel like my chances are slim to nil in winning this prize pack, but why not enter?
    best conflict resolution strategy – count to 10 before i say anything; i get a chance to pause so that i dont do further damage.

  541. My husband and I have learned that sometimes you have to be honest enough to say I can’t talk about this right now, then come back when we are both calm and can be rational and giving, not selfish and hot-headed.

  542. Conflict Resolution…EEEK! I don’t like conflict so I run away from it. That is why I have this book. I am a stuffer big time!

  543. For me the best conflict resolution is at the heat of the moment is to take a step back and breath (hyperventilate?!:p) and give it to God that the Holy Spirit may work in you. Then you can go back to the person/persons and with respect and loving words say whats on your mind and heart. Sometimes all we want to say is “I’m hurt or I’m disappointed or I’m tired,..” and when we say it in the right way, the other person would accept those words lovingly and we can help to make the relationship stronger. But if at the heat of the moment we just blubber, all the other person can hear is ” I’m right and you are wrong!” which only widens the gap of the relationship.

  544. When I was attending Bible College, I took a marriage and family class. In that class, the professor gave up a “tent” card that said, “talking,” on one side, and, “listening,” on the other. The goal was to use this card when you were discussing an issue with your spouse to allow both of you a chance to talk and listen to what the other one had to say without interruptions.

  545. Have empathy – I try to take a minute and see the conflict from the other person’s point of view – that helps give me a little perspective.

  546. Hi Courtney! One of the best ways of conflict resolution for me is one I learned from Darlene Schact’s The Good Wife’s Guide. What is an argument really about? Usually it’s about our need to be right and have our opinion heard. God’s been really growing me in this area and helping me to pick my battles. Most of the time, my need was more about being right than anything else. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut and take my burdens to the Lord! Trusting Him to have my back has helped me avoid many a conflict! However, if something does need to be said, the best conflict resolution is to avoid being sarcastic and disrespectful (those two things convey disgust and often just make things worse). If we don’t have love when we’re trying to resolve conflict, then we are just a clanging cymbal (1 Cor. 13:1) and it doesn’t solve anything. Anyway, the purse is adorable (it would be beautiful for fall with a purple top :)) and I’d love to win a copy of the book and further sharpen my conflict resolution skills! Thank you!

  547. I need something beyond myself when I’m in a conflict. Scripture memory is the all-time best solution. I mean intentional, reviewing, Scripture memory. Hiding God’s Word in my heart means it will flood my mind FIRST instead of my own quick answers or hurtful words. “Be still and know that I am God.” “Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…that it may benefit those who listen.” A work in progress!

  548. One conflict resolution technique that I am still working on is holding my tongue. I tend to use sarcasm as a way to avoid anger. Now I stop, let my emotions settle a bit then make an effort to listen and understand the other person. I apologize or forgive depending on the situation. Usually both. Plus resolution feels great… much better than holding grudges. Also, I agree with everyone else on prayer. Pray for resolution that seems elusive (especially when you are overwhelmed with emotion), and pray with thankfulness for a conflict resolved. ♥

  549. Conflict Resolution I have ever heard is fight for something not against something and when you do that remember to strive for other person to be understood and when you do that it’s a positive impact not a negative one. It’s the hardest advice but I strive to handle situations in that way even if I’m not successful the first try.

  550. WOW! A lot of comments. The one thing that came to my mind was some advice that a friend has given me. That is, to speak softer than you are planning. That decreases the yelling that may occur on those “unglued” mornings or times.

  551. My husband and I pull out a pair of socks when we feel an argument is heading into dangerous territory. When we first got married, I was upset and threw a pair of socks at my hubby. He started laughing so hard, the tension was diffused. To this day, it remains our signal, and we still giggle about it as we calm down and work to resolve our issue.

  552. Over the years of walking with the Lord, I have learned that the best way to deal with conflict is to immediately stop and pray. To hand it over to Him before I go any further. Although that isn’t always what I do, I know it’s the best. Any time you let God handle your situations, you can’t lose! He is faithful!

  553. The best conflict resolution is to stop and think before you say something. Through the years God has helped with this, not only in my marriage, but at the workplace too.

  554. Pray, pray and pray!!!! Count to 100 while taking deep breaths and try to view the situation from the other person’s eyes. I think a lot of time we get so caught up in believing that our thoughts and our ways are the only correct ones that we lose sight of the fact that every problem/situation has two sides.

  555. Time spent each morning in prayer and at least a small Bible reading before my feet hit the floor to start running after 4 little ones… that is the key for me to cling to His strength for that day.
    I also learned long ago that when I am tired, mom tired, I am snappy and not very loving. So, when those moments come that my chest feels tight and I feel about to explode on the kids I sing a song, usually Change my Heart O God is what I sing, and I cannot continue to be angry or sin in that anger while singing that worship chorus. That has helped me immensely.

  556. The best thing I have heard is “There are only two things you can control…your actions and your attitude.”

    I think remembering this helps to avoid a lot of conflicts. Just lift the rest up to the Lord!

  557. Conflict resolution – listening instead of instantly reacting. I’m not certain if I can watch the live webcast, but I hope I win! This looks awesome!

  558. I have been following along through KLOVE webcast. I know that I am a work in progress. My emotions do get the best of me! I tend to get hurt feeling quite easily, and go from the happy go lucky insider to the “poor me standing on the outside” quickly. I have never been one to anger, I stuff it down until it pops so to speak. My life in Christ has brought me so much over the years, but I a not perfect and am still subject to raw feelings of being human. Maybe in not dealing with this has angered me, and I need to gain a better control and sense of self to live my life freely in Christ! Think, comprehend, and hear others, then respond!

  559. In the past I just walk away because that’s easier to do than fight. But now i’m trying to say I feel when you … its so hard though because I don’t like conflicts. But I’m finding I don’t like the physical results of living w stress.

  560. the best conflict resolution strategy is to not react right away. I get this wrong so often, but when I do stop and think and pray about things before I react to a situation, it is by far the better way to handle relationships!!

  561. The conflict that arises from my almost 7 yr old daughter (who is so much like me it is weird) can truly make me come unglued! But I am learning to HEAR HER HEART (I will only “listen” when she says it respectfully instead of yelling at me) and then seek to CALMLY speak to the main point and find a compromise. This is NOT easy b/c she is so very strong willed (and a teenager trapped in a child’s body) but we are committed to SHOWING LOVE in the way that we work through conflict. As a mom of 4 kids, I am learning more & more than the conflicts tend to creep up when they start feeling “lumped all together” as if they are the same. Motherhood has such a massive learning curve!!

  562. I just implemented a strategy that I learned from Lisa in her God-Send book this week! I don’t think the outcome would have been so full of graceful words without me reading your book and being aware of the enemies scheme. I had a recheck at the doctor’s office this Monday for my daughter after her doctor had misguidedly sent us to a blood and cancer specialist( a month long traumatizing ordeal of waiting and wondering with questions like leukemia or blood disorders being thrown at us) Needless to say it was exhausting!! We are so pleased that after seeing the specialist they said our daughter is fine. However, what was maddening was that they scratched their heads and said why did your pediatrician send you here??? They concluded that the doctor must have looked at an adult chart that shows levels of high white blood cells instead of the pediatric chart. Because the pediatric chart levels are higher. and that would have concluded that my daughter was normal. Had that been the case we would not had to go through a entire month of worry and doctor bills. As you could imagine, my mind and heart was racing when i finally got the opportunity to confront the doctor who sent us on this journey. I felt validated to somehow tell her how incompetent i thought she was but somehow new that would not make it right. So I sat there and prayed in the waiting room( by the way I had to wait 45 minutes just to get in- not helping my being mad!!) and thought of Lisa’s book and how she explained not to stuff and not to explode. I knew I somehow had to shower them with grace at that same time asserting my concern and disappointment in a positive non personal way. I gave the doctors a chance to explain instead but did voice my concern and how difficult they had made it for my family in a kind way… turns out they were so very apologetic and showed me that they did in fact look at a pediatric chart and just felt that from one part of her white blood cells that were in fact rather high they chose to send her. Had I not allowed them the opportunity to explain and just exploded then I would have a lost a long time relationship with a doctor I truly do like!! Thank you God and thank you Lisa! Your book has been nourishing me in my daily walk in special GOD timing ways! It was meant to be reading it at this very season of my life.

  563. I always allow people to push my buttons & my husband tell’s me time & time again that I shouldn’t allow people that are lost to take my joy he never allow folks to take him out of his peaceful state.
    I have to learn how to not give miserable people my joy & Im goin to change what I just saud because yes some are unhappy but thats because they don’t know God & they are around people that are stuck & unhappy with their own lives.
    So I have to keep to continue to read, study, meditate , & pray & keep having FAITH in God 🙂

  564. It is so hard to resovle conflict especially when they don’t understand why or what you’re going through and all you want is someone to listen, no advice,just support. I tried to put myself in their shoes (which it is really hard sometimes) and than pray and just be there. Furthermore, let God being in control and in His hands.

    I really want this purse and the unglue book since I’ve been going to bookstores to read the book since I’ve unemployed and have no income coming in, plus being in dept with medical bills. I have had interviews but nothing seems to be coming through. I know I still have my health, friends, but I’m tired and I just want a job. It is so hard to keep on going but I have too and keep the faith.

  565. I would pray first to God to humble me and the person I am going to confront. Then invite the person somewhere peaceful like a church or a park, and really listen to that person and by faith the person will listen as well, most of all honesty goes a long way, and hopefully by faith problems will begin to get solved this way, but both person or persons have to be willing to really work things out and with God involved from the start, it is more likely to be a successful results.

  566. I have found( after messing up many times ) To just stop talking or complaining because often I am the problem, Let the tension calm down and most of the time the emotions do too!

  567. Hi, Courtney. I have come “unglued” more than I would like to admit. Thankfully as I keep growing in my relationship with Christ, the fruits of the Spirit are showing up more and more : )

    The thing I find most helpful when I am about to lose it is saying outloud, “Help me Jesus!” I say this as often as I need to, until He helps me to get myself under control. He truly is my ever-present help when I am about to get myself in trouble with my reactions!

    Have fun in NC!

  568. I have learned that when I feel like I’m going to come unglued that I need to stop take a deep breath and just whisper a prayer for peace. It does help. At least most of the time. 🙂

  569. Conflict resolution: when my sister and I would be upset with each other about something, my mom always made us do the dishes together. We would start washing and drying and still being mad, but we would be laughing, joking friends again by the time the supper dishes were finished. It worked EVERY time.

  570. I want to say, “Where’s the chocolate?” The best stratedgy I found is to trust in God’s sovereign and place things in His hands. Embrace every circumstance God sends or allows, even to the point of counting it all joy in the hope that God’s ultimate purposes will be filled.

  571. My husband has said “recalculating” to me in the past when I’ve started to enter into conflict with him. Thankfully, it has made me laugh (rather than the opposite). He is excellent and deferring conflict. I, on the other hand attempt to disguise it as passion. I have a lot to learn from my husband.

  572. I have learned recently that the best way for me to handle conflict is to seek God first. Then everything else will fall into place.

  573. Be willing to admit when you are wrong. Also talk it out, not yell and scream but really communicate how and what you are feeling.

  574. Conflict Resolution, what can I say that is something I really need to work on. I have been searching for ways to deal with this and have found that before resolving conflict it is best to take a break. I read in the book called “Dancing with the One you Love” a great tip, that seems to work. If there is something that is bothering you about what your spouse has done or not done. Think and pray about it for 3 days. If you still feel that it is important to discuss do it then at a time when you have thought over what you would like to say. The author stated that after 3 days most “big” things are not so “big” at all.

  575. The most practical thing I have learned with conflict resolution is to ask for 5 minutes.

    When my husband and I have an argument, I tend to spontaneously become mute. I don’t know what to say or how to say it, so I say nothing at all. This frustrates my husband, because he wants to solve it right away! But the more he asks, the longer I am silent.

    I have found that it is best if I simply say, “Give me 5” (or 10 minutes if it’s real bad). Since we’ve communicated how this helps me out, he knows that I mean I need the 5 minutes to compose my thoughts to make some kind of sense of what’s going on inside my head. He gets less frustrated because he can easily wait 5 minutes rather than stewing for the time it would take me to answer. It also gives me time to pray and do some searching, as well as a deadline to have to say something.

    In that time I can compose myself, instead of getting lost in my emotions, and we reach a resolution much quicker and less painfully. Our conflicts have gone down from half the evening to just a few minutes, and we have a much healthier marriage this way!

  576. Prayer before and during a conflict is key for me. If I know I have to speak about something that is bothering me, I know I need to ask Jesus to give me the right words and attitude. I ask him to bless the conversation and prepare my heart as well as the one that I need to speak with.

  577. The best method of conflict resolution I have is to ask the person what I can do to make things better for them. Usually when my husband does something that frustrates or annoys me he is doing it because he is feeling frustrated or annoyed. If I can learn what he needs and isn’t getting than I can reduce his frustration which will always reduce mine as well.

  578. Well this isn’t necessary conflict resolution but I think it helps things not get out of hand. I told a boyfriend in college once, “You treat strangers and friends with more respect than you do me”. And from then on, I tried to remember that myself in my relationships. I’m lucky that I found a husband that does the same.

  579. I took the 5 day challenge and started reading it to my mom while she was in the hospital again, she has been battling Ovarian cancer since 2005 and has been in and out of the hospital many times.

    We have had family struggles that stress her out, so I told her I would buy the book and we could read it together. I can already see a change in our lives and how we handle conflict now! Thank you and God again for having you posting the 5 day challenge to get us started and open our eye to how we were handling things. What a God sent!

  580. The best advice we received was from our pastor when we did premarital counseling: To avoid conflicts (altogether) or quickly resolve them (when they can’t be avoided), evaluate how your priorities (i.e. thinking and acting) line up with God’s Word.
    1. Priority #1: Be God’s kind of person (2 Cor. 5:9-10).
    2. Priority #2: Be God’s kind of partner (Gen. 2:18; Eph. 5:22-33).
    3. Priority #3: Be God’s kind of parent (Gen. 1:28; Eph. 6:4).
    4. Priority #4: Be God’s kind of parishioner (Heb. 10:25; Eph. 4:11-13).
    5. Priority #5: Be God’s kind of provider (1 Tim. 5:8; Col. 3:22-4:1).
    6. Priority #6: Be God’s kind of player (Matt. 6:33; Amos 6:1-7).

    Often conflict stems from getting our priorities out of order. My husband and I have benefited a lot from this outline, and it has helped us make decisions when the answer doesn’t seem “clear.”

  581. My best conflict resolution tip is to take time and examine my words and ask for guidance on right words to ensure I am not just flapping my lips and making things worse.

  582. When I am about to give someone a serious shake and scream treatment the thing that workd best got me is soft words. It confuses them, calms the situation,and comforts me. God’s ways are the best ways yet again.

  583. The best advise for conflict resolution would be learning when to just say nothing. I am a control freak and when my kids want to “help” I usually say the wrong thing and upset them but I am beginning to learn that thanking them for their “help” even if it is not done the way I would do it.

  584. My husband and I have been married for 16 years and have 3 children. We hardly ever fight, the only way we have been able to deal with the problems is talk about it. Communication is the key you can’t have a relationship if you don’t talk about it. We get it out right then and there. If you hold it in it will eat at you and make you miserable.

  585. For me, it’s just waiting before I react. I wish I could say that I follow that advice regularly but it’s what works best for me!

  586. I believe that in order to resolve conflict you need to really listen to both sides with an open mind. Begin with prayer. Listening without interrupting. Let the other person speak what is in their heart. Most times when we really listen to what someone else has to say and take time to understand their point of view, God will open our minds and help us to see both sides. Conflict with another is just another form of selfishness. We want our way.

  587. I taught my kids that words are like a tube of toothpaste. The words lay inside that tube, ready to be squeezed out. But, once you squeeze them out, it’s hard to get them back in that tube, so choose our words wisely.

    Jennifer Salas

  588. I have been taking a parenting class using the book “Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control” and one thing it mentions is that all of our unglued moments (and our kids moments) stem from a place of fear. I am learning to take a stem back, do some deep breathing exercises, and figure out what fear is causing all our problems in that moment. I am far perfect at it but I am starting to understand a lot more about myself and my kids.

  589. The best thing I do for my boys sis sit them down and make them say something nice about each other. The first few times were interesting to say the least, but now they say some pretty meaningful things. Anything is better than the anger they were showing towards each other.

  590. For each negative comment my kiddos say about one another, they need to think of and share 5 nice things. Cuts down on negative comments!

  591. I think for me its been a goal to learn that usually when someone says or does something that could cause an ‘unglued’ moment, to stop and realize its not a personal attack. Its always been my first instinct to take things personally and then immediately feel the need to defend myself by getting my voice above theirs. I am trying to learn that Satan wants us to feel personally attacked by everything around us, so in order to not give him a foothold in my emotions, I have to step back and try to gain a different perspective.

  592. To stop during the conflict and think about what the other person is going through. Did they have a bad day? Are they sleepy? Are they just trying to vent? Perhaps if we really could see people the way God does, life truly would be different. Wish I had this down pat, but it is something that I am striving for and making “imperfect progress” with.

  593. I listen and make eye contact. You can tell a lot about how a person feels by making eye contact. With my kids, I get bend down to their level and make eye contact. I try to remember that they react to things the way I react to things.

  594. The best conflict resolution for me is to write down all my thoughts and work out my anger first prior to meeting with the person that I have a conflict with. Because I don’t think fast on my feet, it helps me to make sure I know what I need to deal with. I have found for me this is the best way for me to resolve conflict. It helps me get the initial frustration out so that I can look at what the issues actually are.

  595. I tend to use “always” and “never”…I’ve been working on speaking specifically to the conflict at hand. And, learning to take a breath and think before I speak!!

  596. I think it is good to remember Proverbs 15:1, which says “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (NIV).

  597. My husband and I have been married for ten years. I’ve learned to hold (or bite) my tongue a lot. It’s been worth doing this because usually 8 out of 10 times, he realizes that he owes me an apology for how he reacted. If it’s the other 2 times, then I pray about it. If I need to talk about it, then we talk. In the moment of argument, it’s hard to hold your tongue. However, it’s much easier to hold your tongue, then to try and take back something hurtful you might have said.

  598. The best conflict resolution I try to implement is to not go into a situation without praying first. Plus I try to picture the person that I am trying to resolve the conflict with as Jesus would. If they are lost then I see them as they are without a Savior and my compassion just starts to flow and well up inside me. If they are saved then I picture them as my Sister or Brother in Christ and realize that I am not perfect too.

    What an awesome contest, I’ve been wanting a new purse, maybe this is the answer.
    Please enter me.

  599. I have found that the best conflict resolution is to stay calm or the situation will get out of hand. We should stay close to the Lord and seek His guidance daily so we can resolve differences. There is such peace in walking with the Lord and in studying His word!

  600. Spirit VS Flesh What I want to do, and what God wants me to do. Learning to seek God’s wisdom and direction and guidance every day… and apply it. Bring this flesh and body under subjection and to walk in the spirit.

    1. It is constantly like a tug a war…. sometimes we let our flesh win and sometimes our spirit wins. God woke me up one morning with a vision of little kids playing tug a war. One side the kids had F on their shirts (FLESH is stands for) and the other side the kids has S for (Spirit) They are constantly in conflict, and I give all the glory and praise for that vision. It helps me alot. A good reminder.

  601. I’ve decided that in my marriage, I will do things differently. Instead of participating, I “CHOOSE” not to respond in an arguement. That brings on a question of why aren’t you saying anything and I reply “I don’t want to argue” the arguement ends there. Its never been easy to grab chocolate when a bad day raises its head. I don’t like the stuff, but instead, I pray, close my eyes, take a deep breath, and pray. If it’s too much for me to handle I retreat to my room till I’ve cooled off enough to handle the situation without screaming my brains out. Life is too precious and short to spend upset at my kids or my husband. One morning may be the last one they walk out and I don’t want them going upset at me.

  602. First- I am REALLLY hoping that there is a replay of the webcast- I have the last few weeks of Bible study and we don’t get out til 830… 🙁

    Conflict resolution took on a brand new meaning for me recently. I grew up in a home where if you disagreed, there would be trouble. So, over the years I have struggled to balance peacekeeping and peacemaking in my little family.

    Recently, I discovered that if I am willing to apologize (the faster the better) the conflict dissolves. Make no mistake, I am not meaning be a doormat or be insincere. Sometimes the cause of conflict is as simple as someone trying to solve the problem too quickly. At the point I see that happening, my response is to ask forgiveness for not listening. My young daughter and husband are both VERY passionate people. If they believe they have a right idea, they will defend it to the end. If I listen to them and then respond, they are not upset if I do or don’t agree. They feel respected, and I feel that I have given them respect.
    A very wise person once observed, we have TWO EARS and ONE MOUTH for a reason. We should listen at least twice as much as we speak. 🙂

  603. Remaining calm and in prayer, not saying much of anything, while being reassuring that you are hearing what the other is saying.

  604. I must admit that conflict resolution is not my strong suit. I tend to get mad and just shut down. But I think the best thing you can do is to first stop and pray. Take a few minutes and talk to god. Ask god to help you and to show you what to say. Then go and talk to the person you are having the conflict with. I need to take this advice, that is for sure! Have a blessed day 🙂

  605. Pray before speaking to the person and let the Holy Spirit lead and guide your thoughts and actions.

  606. Prayer, humor and if it is a conflict with my husband, I tell him his words or behavior don’t make me feel loved.

  607. This Thursday is a special day for me… Would love to win this gift…
    What I am learning to do before coming unglued…. Is to first just stop… Re-read to make sure I read correctly, ask the other person to explain what they mean… I try to understand just what is said and not what I am hearing… communication is vital… I also try not to say things that can be misconstrued. No drama is best.

  608. It has taken me years but I have learned to let go and let God. Scripture tells us that God will not let anything come on us that He can not take care of. All we need to do is trust Him and opening the door for him. So now whenever conflict comes my way I walk away and spend some quiet moments with God and seek his advice. He will never leave, He will never forsake me, and He will never give me bad advice. Isn’t He awesome!

  609. I have been finding success lately with using a trigger “Word” for good. For example, my 13-year-old son and I have been challenging each other to find a verse from the Proverb chapter of the day that stands out and share it with each other. The other day he was having fun coming up with all the possibilities that “apples of gold” could be in “settings of silver” but when he read that the verse was really about how we talk “a word APTLY spoken,” he loved the thought that his words could be as delicious to the hearer as golden delicious apples are to his tongue. Several times since then, when our words are starting to become “unglued” I will say to him “apple-y spoken” or he will say it to me and we change our tone and/or message. (Prov 25:11 NIV)

  610. As Lysa says… “I just pause…” Would LOVE to win this fantastic give-away. Thanks for the chance to do so!!

  611. The conflict resolution strategy that works best for my husband and me is putting it off until we’ve both calmed down. Then we can calmly and rationally talk through the situation and figure out what upset us and why, and try to come up with ways we can improve for the future. We always talk it out before we go to bed, though.

  612. Take a moment to breathe. Then take a few more breaths and send up a prayer to God for guidance on how to handle the situation.

  613. Thank you for this giveaway opportunity!

    I would say the best thing I’ve heard of is BEFORE IT BLOWS UP taking a time out to cool down, to pray about the conflict and return to come to some type of resolution. Also to NEVER go to bed angry, especially with your spouse or children.

  614. Pray that God will be glorified in my reaction!! (When left to my own sinful devices, it’s not always so pretty 😉

  615. For me it is not trying to find the best answer myself or trying not to compete in a conflict but rather give it to God and let He tell me how to respond and resting in his presence is one i am definitely trying to achieve:)

  616. a little adjustment to an already good verse James 1:9 quick to listen slow to speak. so slow to speak you sleep on it.

  617. What I’ve found to help with conflict resolution for kids is to speak in a KIND voice and on their level and ask them what’s bothering them and how you can help them, not scolding them…teaching them the way God speaks to us…..He never scolds us but kindly speaks on our level to help us not hurt us….
    for adults, COMMUNICATION….talk it out when you’re calm and collected your thoughts, not out of emotions or anger/wrath….EVERYONE’S ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINION and to judge and scold each others opinions won’t solve anything….listen to ALL SIDES and try to not make judgements but suggestions to resolution. Speaking in a kind voice of reason and LISTENING always helps me!
    God bless,

  618. Before opening my mouth remembering not to take things personally and remembering everything is going to be ok! I tend to take conflict personally and react like the world is ending, often even if it’s something small! Just taking a moment for perspective makes a huge difference.

  619. First I intentionally ask myself, “have I ever been guilty of doing the same thing that this person has just done to me?” The answer is almost always unequivocally yes! Then I ask myself…”have I ever done something worse?” Once again the answer is usually yes. This usually knocks me off my “I have been offended” pedestal. Next I remember something I learned while studying the Ten Commandments. If I take the first two words of the Ten Commandments “I AM” and add them to the last two words of the Ten Commandments “your neighbor” and I put them together I get “I Am your neighbor!” That is God speaking to me! I have an immediate choice to treat the other person in this ordeal as I would treat Christ because in Christ’s mind this person is HIM. On my good days this changes my attitude and motive. I can walk away from the situation with forgiveness and grace given and received.

  620. I’m learning to be quick to tell my husband when he is using a tone that is hurtful to me. I know his intentions are not to hurt me, so if I can gently tell him that the way he is speaking to me is offending/hurting me IN THE MOMENT then I can gain so much more POSITIVE time. He will quickly change the way he acting, and I won’t waste hours or more festering in hurt.

  621. When I am faced with a conflict I like to use something that I learned in the 12-Step program. I just simply say, “you could be right”. I am not drawn into a heated argument and it calms them down .

  622. My best conflict resolution strategies for:

    Soul – count to 9 while I tell myself that my reactions determine my reach
    Spirit – remember Whose I am
    Body – breathe in the Holy Spirit, breathe out anger

  623. I am trying to remember to “pick my battles”. There are so many times I realize I blow up and become unglued over very small things that don’t really play into the grand scheme of things. I am also trying to be thankful for all the small things, little blessings that come at just the right moments. I want to focus on that instead of all the things that go wrong. 🙂

  624. Once, while I was sharing a personal tragedy with some Godly women recently placed into my life, one of the ladies began to laugh hysterically and apparently couldn’t stop. The others encouraged me to continue, but I was humiliated. I was confused over what could be found comical to anyone in this deeply painful event.

    I covered my wounded feelings as best I could, but I came home hurt and crying out to God, asking Him how to respond. My flesh wanted to just exempt myself and avoid further involvement with any of them, but circumstances didn’t allow that possibility. And, God reminded me that He had brought “us” together for a season and a reason, according to His purposes, not mine.

    I have to confess that I was once an exploder who believed in “speaking like it is”, whether others liked it or not. But this occurred after a long season of broken fellowship with God, prompted by being hurt by someone at church.

    Ugh! I recognized that I was being tested again to prove whether I would trust God, even WHEN Godly people hurt me. He spoke to my heart about just telling her how I felt. I didn’t want to. I remember asking Him, can’t You just help me forgive her privately and forget about it completely.

    I probably wouldn’t have obeyed God, but I saw “her” a few days later and she asked me if she had made me mad. With my heart beating hard, I told her, “No, I’m not mad at you. I was hurt and confused over your reaction.” She apologized sincerely, we went to lunch together, and we talked for a long time.

    I won’t betray the confidence she entrusted to me which would explain the reason for her reaction, but I learned something valuable. The TRUTH is ALWAYS the BEST when SPOKEN in LOVE. That day, our new friendship became deeper and grew stronger in the years to come. I’m thankful to God for His Faithfulness and the Faithfulness of His Word … and I’m thankful for my friend!

    ~ J.A.T.

    P.S. I’d love to win the prize, but won’t be able to listen live due to a prior commitment. I hope there will be a replay available!

  625. Remembering all that I have been forgiven for, and how far from perfection I am helps me to give more grace to the offender. : ) ~Lyn

  626. The BEST conflict resolution strategy I have ever heard came from the Love and Respect conference my husband and I attended a few months after our wedding day. I always say that next to our wedding day, this conference was one of the best weekends of our lives. It changed the way we handle conflict in our marriage! The strategy that my husband and I use is to imagine Jesus beyond the the shoulders of each other when dealing with conflict. Whatever we speak to each other, we are really speaking this to Jesus. We totally shifted our speech/behavior during conflict and are very grateful for this amazing truth Emerson Eggerichs shared with us! Here is what Emerson Eggerichs says about this conflict resolution strategy:

    “With eyes of faith, envision Jesus standing beyond the shoulder of your spouse and listening to every word you speak in every conversation, pleasant or tense. When you speak lovingly or respectfully to your spouse, you are speaking to Christ. Your spouse just happens to be there too. This truth has sanctified the lips of many. Instead of giving their spouse a verbal whipping or choking of the idea of saying anything positive, now some spouses are motivated to speak words of unconditional love or respect.” Emerson Eggerichs

    James 2:12-13
    12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

  627. We actually talked about conflict in Sunday School this past Sunday. The best strategy I heard was to pray about the situation and to pray with the person you have a conflict with. It puts both of you in vulnerable state to be open and honest in the presence of God.

  628. Wow! Unglued is speaking to me already. I’m excited just thinking about it. I have learned, about life, that it is what it is. I’m not forgetting that with God all things are possible, by any means. However, I have to remind myself to see things as they are. I have a unique ability to analyze things and demonize them in my mind. So, little mole hills can go to mountains very quickly, IN MY MIND. I guess it is all about self control which comes from practice of the Word. Thank you, Lysa, for all of your inspiration.

  629. Some advice I heard once is to hold hands while having an argument. The physical connection helps keep things in perspective.

  630. Recently I had a coflict with someone at church. While they were talking, I had to pray the entire time not to say anything. I knew I would make a mess of things if I did. I prayed alot, but we still did not agree. I ended up feeling very hurt by the entire stiuation. It was not only hurting me, but I knew it would end up hurting another person involved. Without getting too detailed, weeks went by and things got worse. All I could do is keep praying. Confronting only seemed to make it worse, because the other person has an I am right about everything personality. Finally things worked their course and the other person ended up getting hurt and I could not do anything about it. I prayed for healing for that person, myself and for the person that was causing the conflict. After weeks things began to get better. The healing process began and we gradually got through it. We all get along fine and the best part about it is that God helped me find forgiveness through it all! God is good!

  631. When working with children, what I found worked best was to get down on their level. Down on my knees and truly listen to them. Then I would ask them “What would you do, if you were the teacher? how would you fix this?” They usually came up with a better answer than I would have given, and they solved the problem themselves! It worked great!

  632. My husband and I have VERY different personalities. We find it helpful IF we are able to change the subject or work on something apart from each other for a short while. It gives us a chance to think about the situation and realize how the other one of us might be looking at the issue.

    It would be such a blessing to win this giveaway. This is something that I would never be able to buy for myself.

    Blessings

  633. I take a deep breathe and try to not let my anger boil over so that I treat them unkindly. I try to think, am I hurting or helping?

  634. My best conflict resolution strategy is PRAYER!! Sometimes it’s praying silently in my heart for wisdom to know what to say and that God will help us with whatever the issue is. Other times, especially if my husband is really upset and has gone into another room, I will go to our bedroom and kneel at our bed and pray for God to help us work things out. I pray for the Holy Spirit to work in both of our hearts and soften them. It’s amazing how my perspectivce changes when I have humbled myself by kneeling down and praying. A lot of times I realize something I need to apologize for and if that’s the case I will go to my husband and if he is sitting, for example, I will sit beside hiim on the floor to physically take on a posture of submission and apologize to him. Often that’s all it takes and then he will also apologize if he needs to. We have also made it a choice to not go to bed angry and try to pray together before bed. It’s pretty hard to pray together if we are upset with one another. 🙂 We are far from perfect with these strategies, but it is neat to see how God has helped us with conflict resolution over the course of our marriage! 🙂

  635. A neutral mediator!! NEVER be too afraid or too ashamed to get help! My husband and I went through a very low point in our marriage that much heartache could have been spared had we sought help earlier. We are both very strong willed, and at the time unfortunately very proud. (That of course was only changed by our gracious heavenly father.) We went through a legal divorce, after which I sought counseling, and with MUCH persuasion, he later attended with me, and the rest is a story of God’s grace and mercy of restoration and redemption! It still amazes me today that it took one man (and God to move the mountain), standing in neutral territory, hearing both sides, and giving Godly counsel to help us see each other in God’s light enough to get us beyond the anger, hurt, and destruction. Sooo thankful for Godly counselors!

  636. Walk away and pray. Simple as that. If I let my anger control my tongue, only sin, malice, and bitterness will spill forth. Walking away eliminates the opportunity for that to happen, and praying puts my heart in the right place with the Lord.

  637. I try to respond rather than react. My father-in-law’s favorite Bible verse was from Psalm 133 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity”. Put God first and then the rest will fall into place.

  638. Argue Naked. 🙂 That is what my sister told me at our wedding 🙂 It is really hard to argue naked 🙂

  639. I have had several times of coming unglued, but lately I have done a little better. I tend not to become unglued with the person , but with my family. Still need a lot of work. My verse that I pray every day is Pslam 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord keep watch over the door of my lips.” It really helps!!!

  640. I stop and pray a quick prayer. My estranged husband is constantly trying to get me unglued! But I have found if I stop and pray, God restores peace to the situation and we usually end up laughing or at least not yelling. 🙂

  641. I find that as soon as I catch myself in an argument, which can often take awhile, I need to STOP talking for 10 minutes – a 10 minute time out perhaps. This always gives me a fresh perspective and prevents me from yelling or being unreasonable (who me?)

  642. I have learned to stop before I speak during a conflict. It may be a real zinger and get my point across but is it going to build up or tear down. Is it going to make me feel good but hurt the other person? Would God want me to say that?
    And proving myself right should not be my first priority or a priority at all for that matter.

  643. God just gave me this one last week. Remember it is the enemy who fights against flesh and blood. So we as believers have to fight in the heavenly places. My conflict and resolution is to pray. Ive heard it for years just never learned the lesson, now I’m trying to get it. Take care, have fun. I can’t wait to see Lysa at our church in October for a women’s conference.

  644. Recently started running when i am unglued and listening to praise music. Not at all a runner. Overweight and praying is working two things…my heart and my body.

  645. Step away from the situation….take a deep breath….pray….pray….pray…..then calmly….yes, calmly go back into the situation to work things out!

  646. To stop, take a minute to think about what you want to say and speak calmly! This is something I definitely need to work on and when I heard the last webcast i felt like it was exactly what i needed right now. I need to learn to PAUSE, especially when it comes to those most dear to me, my kids and husband.

  647. The best conflict resolution I have heard of is to call a time out and set a time later in the day or the next to regroup. That will give you both time to think things again.

    My husband and I have done something similar to this. When things get too heated, we end up calling a time out, then finishing our feelings through email. We chat a lot online during the day, and we even met online, so communicating through email or text is nothing new to us. This let’s each of us get our words out without getting interrupted or just waiting for the other to finish talking.

  648. Conflict, my self. Why? because I disconnect from God and as a result I get angry very easily with my daughters and husband instead of praying for their needs (my husban lost his job last year and he is trying so hard to get a new one and my girsl are to small 4 years old and 18 months old so they need my care and attention) I shout at them and and get frustrated very quickly. After seeing what happened I knelt before God and asked him for wisdom and help to transform my heart so that I can take care of my family and make the right decisions before things get worst.

  649. Calling on Jesus!!!! — Before things get too “rough and heated up”… call on Him! – and LISTEN AND OBEY… of course, I struggle with this EVERY time; however, I do believe in my heart this is the best solution, by far!!! 🙂

  650. What an awesome giveaway!! Our Wednesday nite ladies group is looking for a new study-this would be great! I need to learn some good strategies for conflict resolution – staying calm is the best that I know.

  651. I am a pre-k teacher, so every year I am working with 4 yr olds to learn how to work through conflict. I even go as far as to have one child hold an “ear on a stick” and the other hold a “mouth on a stick.” The one w/ the ear needs to listen while the one holding the mouth talks. Then, we switch. There’s obviously more to it, but every day as I work through this process in facilitating conflict resolution with four year olds, I realize that it’s a big challenge – and often we don’t take the time to listen. The listening is always the hardest part. When we feel wronged or offended, we also feel the immediate need to go on the defensive. I find that if we can take a step back and really try to see the situation from the other’s point of view, we have better insight to the situation.

  652. I try to keep my mouth shut and walk away.Doing some other activity like cleaning or folding laundry or walking helps too.

  653. I am still learning to approach conflict without letting my initial reaction be fueled by my emotions, but I have found success in listening and talking out conflicts. Whether it is with my husband, my children, or another adult, listening, followed by talking, allows for me (as well as the other party) to understand the situation and, most likely, the misunderstanding. My sweet husband, with his enormous heart and seemingly endless patience, has helped me to learn the importance of listening and talking out conflicts without first reacting (generally out of anger and frustration). I often pray for patience and understanding, as well. My favorite verse for patience is James 1:19-20- “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”. 🙂

  654. My mom is a pro at just shutting her mouth in the middle of conflict! She will simply stay calm and suddenly not say anything more. It used to infuriate me when I wanted to keep going at it, but I realize her method works and it’s actually biblical. It’s what the Proverbs tell us to do!

  655. Pray before I say. Also, time out and then meet back to discuss is a great way to help keep both of us from becoming unglued.

  656. Stopping before I open my mouth is one of the best methods! Just closing my eyes and focusing on the fruits of the Spirit calms my soul.

  657. ……..I try to remember that our “perceptions” sometimes get us in trouble….and if I also try to assume I miss understood the persons …..words, actions, body language etc., It takes the defensiveness down a notch …..then my heart is much more ready to resolve!

  658. When at odds with someone, I try to remember to tell them that I will not argue and when they are ready to talk, I will listen.

  659. When I am becoming Unglued (which seems to be often lately 🙁 ) I am trying to think and pray. I try to watch my tone and think would I like to be spoken to in such a manner? Another thing I do is “To save face, keep my lower half shut”….my father taught me that it is best to wait and then talk.

    I am having those days where becoming Unglued is more the norm and I don’t like that…I know that if I pray God will help me….

    Wishing you many blessings and many smiles,
    Robin 🙂

  660. Wow, there are some great answers on here. I need to definitely start implementing a lot of them. I try to practice grace ( I didn’t say “show” grace because I’m still working on it, lol) when I find myself in that kind of situation. I shut my mouth and think about the grace that has been shown to me and taking that moment to reflect usually allows me to see the true nature of the conflict which is usually just a misunderstanding. Then we are able to resolve the issue, gracefully.

  661. This is a difficult thing for me. I am usually ready to fire with both barrels loaded. As I have gotten older and hopefully wiser I try my best to just keep my mouth shut until the situation cools off. I also just start saying Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over and over until I can feel his peace and then by then everything is forgotten. Love the giveaway.

  662. When things get heated and I want to scream or act incorrectly, I try to remember what kind of example I want to be for my children. I want to teach my children how to react properly, and the best way to teach them is to demonstrate it.

  663. When my kids where young and engaged in any type of unkindness, argument or conflict, I would make them kneel down face-to-face, touching noses, until they came to a resolution. Inevitably laughter took over.

  664. This sounds simple but the best conflict resolution plan is to stay calm and be in prayer. Every conflict, I think, can be handled differently but if there isn’t that basis of calm, mom (me) will come unglued. And if I’m praying about and thinking about how I’m influencing my children, I’m managing blessings, then the calm comes easier.

  665. I am trying really hard to follow James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” I started studying the book of James again today to help me with this. I pray that it will work!

  666. A fellow coworker was talking trash about me at work and my way dealing with the hate towards me was I wrote her a sweet note explaining my situation and point a view and ended it with a sweet prayer

  667. I’ve always like the old adage, ‘God gave us two ears and one mouth, we should listen twice as much as we speak.’ I used this with preschoolers at church and they seemed to understand. This holds so much wisdom and our God even speaks to it in Proverbs 17:27-28 and James 1:19-20.

    Proverbs 17:27-28
    27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

    James 1:19-20
    19 Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.

    These are not easy words to live by, but we could all benefit from them.

  668. 1. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guard your speech. When to be silent and when to speak with confidence and authority. 2. Stop and truly listen to what the other person is trying to say. At times you will find that you both are saying the same thing but you are communicating it in a difference format.

  669. During our pre-marital counseling, our pastor taught us to sit facing each other, holding hands when attempting to resolve conflict. This helps to focus on our love and commitment towards each other, and also not to talk in circles or say something we may regret. It is a fantastic strategy to resolving issues!

  670. I thankfully tend to talk big to myself….and don’t always let my mouth shoot off to the “offender”. However, when I am really angry and don’t have the privilege of venting, I know that I need to wait to talk until I am no longer angry. That way I can listen to their side too, calmly and respectfully.
    Not sure I’ll catch the webcast as I’ll be at soccer, but maybe there’ll be another replay I can catch!
    Blessings,
    Heather

  671. Often times conflict consumes our mind, our time….especially when it’s something that can’t be dealt with immediately. I rely on my scripture card and read through them until His peace which passes all understanding consumes me and then I can turn my thoughts and my reaction to the conflict resolution.

  672. Well. I have learned from my Godly mom to just be quiet.
    Apologize . U be the better person in the situation
    When u have done those things. Forget it. Don’t ever b
    bring it back up

    I love this website

  673. The best resolution I’ve experienced in conflict is listening to the other person’s side of the argument, giving my side, then walking away until our steam is finished spewing and we’ve had time to think things over.

  674. Courtney, I jsut want to thank you first for all that you do!! Finding this website and the GMG Bible Studies have been such an amazing blessing in my life. I truly appreciate everything that you do and the example that you set for young wives and mothers like myself. Now, onto my entry for this giveaway! 🙂 I have such a difficult time with becoming ‘unglued’ at ridiculous things! 🙂 I love that this book has made it known that even as Chrisitan women, we don’t have to hide behind a ‘perfect’ facade or be ashamed of our weaknesses. We all have ‘unglued’ moments! For me, the best conflict resolution strategy that I know is to just try and breathe and pause a minute before I allow myself to react. Sometimes this comes in the form of just standing there without speaking for a minute. Other times I have to walk out of the room temporarily to gather my thoughts. For some reason, it feels as though physically removing myself momentarily from the situation helps me to remove myself emotionally, calm down, and choose a better reaction. I definitely need more practice at this though. I have a long way to go! I’m thanking God for this new resource daily and looking forward to having the opportunity to go through this book with a small group soon!! We are in need of the DVD, books, and participant guides…so this is such a great opportunity! Blessings!! 🙂

  675. My husband & I have two teenage boys and have been experiencing more conflicts with them pushing to gain their independence. So my husband & I have tried to come up with solutions pre-conflict if possible and if that is not possible we will tell the boys that we need time to discuss the issue and will get back to them. That way we don’t make rash decisions that we will regret or that are too harsh.

  676. for 7 years i have bent over backwards and have literally given the clothes off my back…to help a “friend and her mom” but today, i was not even allowed to enter their home….i have wiped my feet and do not understand how “friends” can do what they did to me….they need Jesus and serious prayer …thank you for this awesome giveaway….i am unglued but God is with me….i am at peace :O)

  677. Well, once I came unglued and said something under my breath that really upset my husband. So, I decided: when in conflict and under a lot of stress and even if the other person is bieng unreasonable–bless rather than curse. So, when I begin to feel completely frazzled I have decided to simply start praying blessings upon the person. My 19 yo son was being unreasonable and I simply started praying blessings over him (quietly–he oculdn’t hear me). So rather than coming unglued, my heart even changed as I prayed for him. Rather than anger, I felt love. He came to me and apologized within about 5 minutes of my praying. I was able to share my perspective and also thank him for all the times he is helpful. Through my prayer, “relationship” became most important. He was heading out to work, and I wanted us to be right with one another and I just felt love and thankfulness for him rather than focusing on the “wrong” and me wanting to prove I was “right”. If I had blown up at him, nothing would have been accomplished. The Lord spoke to his heart and mine through the prayer of blessing him. I have 6 kids and he is #2 and mom can come unglued quite often!

  678. Listening to what the other person is saying – really hearing what it is they are saying. When you put yourself in the other person’s shoes, you can see how they feel…when you are just listening to what you are saying and are only concerned with your point, things will never get resolved.

  679. I try to choose my words wisely and carefully and many times just hold my tongue and PRAY. Thank you for all that you do and for the awesome giveaway!

  680. I have learned through my few years of mothering that avoiding conflict is the best way to resolve it! My 9 year old is a beast in the mornings and for her entire 2nd grade year she cried every morning over her clothes. I finally was done with the fighting so we made a deal…either she picks her own outfit out at night before bed or I pick it out in the morning…and she can’t complain if I pick it out. It took some time but we finally got in the groove of things. I also learned that I have to pick my battles…is it really a big deal if my son wants to wear his rain boots every day…even when it’s not raining?? I also pray with my kids…husband when conflict is on the horizion…better to nip it in the bud before it rears its ugly head!! I would love to win this awesome prize…I loved “made to Crave” and know “unglued” is gonna be awesome!!!

  681. 2 Corinthians 10:5
    Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ

  682. The best conflict resolution I have used- is just simply being gracious and forgiving- be humble, and speak in a loving and kind way.

  683. I have had many, many times of coming unglued! Some were horrible! I have recently thought that I had it all under control……..I was wrong. I came unglued twice last week and once this week. At work is where it usually hits me. And I get there when I get dumped more work than I am able to handle and the first feeling to hit me is the wave of being overwhelmed. Then the work load continues to increase and soon enough I end up getting snappy at pretty much anyone within shot. And becoming unglued!
    If I am afforded the opportunity to walk away for about 3 minutes and take a few deep breaths and talk to God, I am usually okay. I used to have a beautiful picture of the ocean (my favorite place in the world!) and I would look into the picture and find myself there and soon enough I would be much calmer. I am seriously hoping to be able to catch the webcast! I LOVE the thought of being able to control this, especially to be able to control it without medicine.

  684. I am an only child, so as far as dealing with conflict with kids, let my just say, it has been a real learning experience, and I’m still learning! The best thing for me is to step away for a minute, make the kids do the same, so I can focus and think of the most appropriate way to handle the issue.

    Several years back, I went to an event of Lisa Welchel’s (Blair from Facts of Life), she is an awesome speaker. She said she once stopped her kids in the middle of an argument, took them outside, got a ball and started a game of toss. After a few moments, she took the ball and left. Her kids followed and asked what she was doing? She told them that it’s that easy when you are arguing, you can just stop and walk away! It takes 2 to have an argument! I say this to my kids all the time!

  685. In the midst of the moment, quote “Hatred stirs up dissension, but Love covers ALL sin. ”
    – Proverbs 10:12

  686. Well, the first thing I do when there’s conflict is pray, and step away from the situation for a moment. Then, the main thing that helps me get perspective is putting myself in the other person’s shoes. I think about what I said, my part in the conflict, and how it could be either understood or misconstrued. Then I think about what the other person might be going through that might prevent them from being patient or that might be affecting how they feel/act/think. This usually takes the fire out of my irritation, and helps me to calm down & think like a rational human being again! And that in turn helps me to ACT like a normal, rational human being, and helps to diffuse the conflict.

  687. When my children were going at it, I used to make them name 3-5 things that they liked about each other. They had to be original things, not just “he’s cool”, or “She’s pretty”. They had some interesting compliments for each other, and the fighting usually stopped.
    In my own life, I have learned to take my anger to God. I tell Him everything I am feeling, and why. He then usually reminds me of Bible verses that pertain to the situation, and also remind me of my place in the conflict (sometimes that’s not so comfortable!).

  688. Don’t speak.. write it. write it ALL down. don’t stop until you feel released… then write some more.
    IF you can’t think of anything to write about, then write about that.. it will come out.. ALL OF IT.
    I learned that from a book called Write it Down, Make it Happen.
    I think some people call it a brain dump.

    You’ll eventually find the root of the issue …

  689. Well, depending on the situation my solution is to go out “by myself” for a little Retail Therapy. That always works. Time away from the situation/problem always makes you see things in a different light!

  690. To stop, take a deep breathe and not reply / attack from emotion or a feeling of being defensive is the first step. I always try to say that I want to understand and resolve things and ask what we can to do to get to that point. I think sometimes if the person knows that you are wanting to resolve things rather than just be defensive about everything and that you are willing to listen and work things through, it helps them calm down too. P.S. Thanks for the giveaway!

  691. A pastor once shared the wisdom of “Direct and with respect”. I believe that holding anger or hurt in only multiplies in its magnitude and makes the heart heavy. If there is a misunderstanding, ask directly and with respect what happened and what can be done to resolve it… don’t leave confusion, hostility, or judgment hanging in a relationship, address it and be direct and with respect!!

  692. I think the best advice I have ever heard was at a marriage retreat. They taught us that when we are having a hard time communicating to sit down face to face w/ our knees touching each other and then hold hands and pray for one another, be honest w/ God about how you are feeling and what your frustration is and then listen to your spouse pray about his feelings and frustrations. Ask God to help you communicate in such a way that both sides are heard and a resolution to the problem can be figured out.

  693. One of my friends was telling me tonight that her 10 year old daughter has recently been saying “Can you talk?” when she needs to resolve conflict with her parents. She has learned from her counselor that when things are escalating and she feels like she is headed for a full blown tantrum (ie Unglued Moment) she asks if they can talk. It gives her a minute to collect herself and allows her parents to see that she is trying to keep it together.

  694. I need to take a moment and be silent before responding. This helps me to make sure I am speaking from a place of love and not just emotion.

  695. For conflict resolution I try to remember that the other person is a sinner just like me and I need to show them kindness and grace as Christ has shown me.

  696. I really love what the last comment says…mine doesn’t seem like much compared to that one. Gonna have to remember that one and suggest it to my hubby For me, it’s take a breath, pray, sit on it/walk away from it for awhile if needed, and then talk with an even voice without accusing. I remind myself that if I’m part of the conflict, then I played a part in it as well. For kids, I try really hard not to react right away. Humor goes a long way, too

  697. This is an awesome giveaway! The ladies book club at my church is about to go through this book together so if I won I would pass it along as a giveaway to THEM! 🙂 My best tip for conflict resolution is one I give to soon to be new parents. IGNORE anything said between the hours of 1am and 5 am. HA!

  698. Think before you speak, even a fool is considered wise if he keeps his mouth shut. Waiting on God to give you the words makes the difference between reacting and responding. Reaction often happens in anger and is a reflex of the flesh; thoughtful responding is usually done in love and is from the Spirit.

  699. Conflict…I tend to avoid it! But I am learning that it is best to deal with it right away. The longer that you wait, the more chance there is that you won’t do anything at all. In all honesty this is one of the biggest challenges for me. Thank you for bringing it up and making me thing about it.

    1. Heather,
      You are so right, that the longer we wait, the more chance there is that you won’t do anything at all to resolve the conflict. In the past I’ve called this the ol’ pick up the carpet & sweep it under 😉 It helps nothing & only comes back too often in later quarrels b/c it was never dealt with to begin with.
      I too am thankful for Courtney bringing this up for each of us to share!

  700. Calmly ask a question to make sure you understand what the other person means and then carefully listen to the answer to determine if more questions are needed. Trying to find some common ground.

  701. My best conflict is slow to anger, slow to speak, and gentle with words. Scriptures always have the best advice!

  702. One tool that can help in conflict resolution is a kitchen timer. Set it for 5 minutes. During that time one person gets to talk and the other listens to what they are saying. NO ARGUING or defending. Then reset the timer for another 5 inutes and the other person gets their turn. A third 5 minutes is spent thinking about what was said. Hopefully this allows each person to be heard and lets them reflect before speaking.

  703. My latest, greatest, help to resolve conflict lately has been to remind myself – OUT-LOUD, no matter where I am, saying, “Control, stay in control!” I’ve had to make myself walk away from situations, to later come back & discuss – otherwise the unglued me takes over & it’s NOT pretty 🙁 So breath, pray, & walk away… to stay in control – pray to have His strength to do what He desires for the situation. Basically, I quickly need to put myself on a time out.
    Unfortunately, I’ve also learned recently there are some people I just can’t be around right now. I have to allow God to work in me… forgive others & move forward as He desires for me. Life is not easy & He even told us it would not be. I often need to remind myself that my situation/circumstances are nothing like what Jesus felt on the cross – for me, for us, for all!

  704. As a mom to 3 boys, we have A LOT of conflict in our house. I have tried my hardest to teach my boys 2 things:

    1. We don’t call names and
    2. We never use the word hate.

    Do they always follow these rules? No. But they know there is punishment when they don’t. So to keep the conflicts down, it is better to follow momma’s rules.

    I am a group leader for MOMSnext at my church. I have about 20 moms of school aged children who show up each week wanting to learn how to be better moms. I would love to share this book and DVD series with my group. What a blessing that would be!

  705. Walk away. If you can’t walk away try to listen to the other person. Taking someone else’s feelings into considerations is a great policy.

  706. I’ve found the best thing I can do to resolve a conflict, especial with my spouse, is to admit when I’m wrong. I hate being wrong LOL

  707. Early in our marriage my husband and I started a funny tradition that helped us to work past tense times. When we found ourselves stuck going round and round in an argument, we found a way to have a good laugh by tossing the other person onto the nearest soft landing spot (couch or bed)! My husband is a lot stronger than me, and let’s just say I “caught air” more than once, ha ha! Taking a break from the verbal impasse to share a laugh often helps us to pause and remember that we do indeed like each other, and that whatever the conflict is we will be able to work it out together….eventually!

  708. I think that the best way to resolve conflict is to step away from the situation and collect your thoughts and emotions. Take a moment by yourself to pray and calm down and then go back to the person and calmly talk through the issue. I really think it’s important to talk things out–but always best to do it calmly and without saying things that you might regret.

  709. I am still a work in progress. I am learning to respond not react. If I get angry I have to say I need to be alone for a few minutes and then we will talk. Usually we have both calmed down.

  710. I think that I handle conflict a little differently than most woman posting. While most people feel the need to hold their tongue during conflict, I am the opposite. My tongue becomes paralyzed. I find myself clamming up and not saying anything at all, just to end the uncomfortable feeling of conflict. That may seem great and swell, but the emotions of that conflict builds and causes deep pain further down the road.

    This has been a long and difficult journey, but God has shown me that having emotions are valid and purposeful.

    When in conflict with someone I love (my poor husband), I have found it healthy to just eventually say what I am feeling. I listen to others and state how I am feeling. Just plainly and simply. I don’t need to have a reason or an excuse. God will bring words to what I can not muster.

    Does anyone else have the tendency to just hide during conflict??

  711. The conflict resolution has seriously been holding my tongue. Pray and not saying a word to the person who is offending or hurting my feeling. Matthew 5:3 says that God blesses the humble. I choose to be blessed by my almighty father.

  712. The conflict resolution has seriously been holding my tongue. Pray and not saying a word to the person who is offending or hurting my feeling. Matthew 5:3 says that God blesses the humble. I choose to be blessed by my almighty heavenly father.

  713. I don’t know if I have an input on the best resolution tactic. I see the book and long to read it…I have been in a long better trying to resolve conflict in my marriage. I have beautiful children that deserve for us to find the love we once had. But, sadly, it turned from something that I could tolerate and hope and pray that a resolution could be found…to turning into something that was bigger than that and I turned to a promise I made a long time for safety reasons. Now, years later, I still struggle with this and continue to deal with the “monster-hunts” that are sent my way and have been proven erroneous.

    So, I don’t know what the best resolution is when faced with conflict…but do know that I turn to the Lord Jesus and ask for His grace and guidance for me and the children and hope that he will speak to the hearts of those involved that we will be safe and will hopefully someday soon be out of the middle of this storm.

  714. When I feel like yelling, speak softer, and when other people start yelling use my calm voice and don’t yell back. Two people yelling never diffuses a situation.

  715. Best strategy is to have a response prepared in case a conflict arrises, even if it is “take a deep breath, count to 5 and then respond in a calm voice”!

  716. I must start off by saying that all of the Glory goes to God for how I resolve conflict now, because it wasn’t anything like this when I was unsaved.

    God has called me to serve others through my full time job in the public school setting and through my mission work as a foster parent. In both of these areas that he has called me to serve, there have been times when I really felt like coming unglued and letting my emotions get the best of me……but the one way God has shown me to not come unglued is to use scripture in defense of my emotions.

    Through meditating on God’s word he has shown me verses that relate to the year of service that I have ahead of me. For my first year of work in the public school, which was a tough one but an amazing journey, the verse that God used to help me deal with trying times was 2 Corinthians 12:10 (That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak then I am strong.)

    I was newly saved Christian entering the public school setting and was so excited to share the good news of our great God. I started off each day with a smile saying “Good Morning” to all who came near. To some this was annoying and they didn’t understand why I was always smiling. Some made fun of me…even when I was around, but God’s word kept me glued to him. Those that got to know me now seem to understand that God is the reason for my smile and my JOY!! Some have even wanted to know more about this joy, joy, joy joy down in my heart..where…down in my heart to stay. May we never lose the joy in our heart for sharing the great news about Jesus!

    So my advice to dealing with conflict is to use God’s word as a guide and tool to love and serve others with a cheerful heart.

    In awe of our Great God!
    Lorenda Adams
    Orland Park, IL

  717. Sometimes, I need a time out more than they do. It gives me time to cool off, especially if I’ve come a bit unglued already. I usually take the time to pray, listen to a worship song or just have a little quiet before dealing with the situation. I once read in a blog when the mom would actually put a big paper grocery sack with a smiley face on it on her head for her time out…I sort of like that idea too just never got around to trying it and seeing if it helps lighten the mood for everyone. 🙂

  718. My husband and I just attended a marriage intensive retreat where we focused on our pain cycle and truth cycle- during our pain cycle we leaned-What truly made us “unplugged”- when we are in our truth cycle we learn to focus on the truths god has given us(i.e. positive person, good listener.. Al list of your great qualities god ha subleases you with) – so for example when a conflict arrises we learn to stay and work out of our truth cycle apposed to letting our pain cycle take over. Example: your husband doesn’t take out the trash for the 99th time. Instead of going off or pouring- you would approach the situation like this- honey- normally I would be very upset the trash hasn’t been taken and act discusted with you- but because I am a positive person I’m not going to revert to my selfish ways. Is there any way you could take the trash out before it starts overflowing?! It sounds rally goofy but it works for all problem types – so hear are the steps
    1. State the problem
    2. Explain how you would deal with it I your pain cycle
    3. Explain how you are going to deal with it now
    4. Discuss with spouse.

  719. One of the best strategies I’ve seen in action starts when one party is caught off guard. Normally the one who was prepared for the confrontation would take the upper hand in a situation like this. I witnessed a lady (the one caught off guard) reply to the initial volley with, “It appears you are more prepared for this discussion than I am. Could we meet again at 2:00pm to continue after I’ve had time to prepare?” It was amazing!

  720. I was told, once upon a time, that the best way to end a conflict is to look each other in the eyes, touch each other, and sing a song, all at the same time. I have to say that every time my husband and I have used this technique it has helped, if not completely worked. It always ends conflicts about things that don’t truly matter. I guess it helps pick our battles for us. We usually sing “When the Saints Go Marching In” and hold hands. But don’t forget to look each other in the eyes! 🙂

    Emily E.

  721. My Grandma always said, “God is the unseen guest at every meal and the silent listener in every conversation.” It is overwhelming to think about how we act as God listening to every word in a heated disagreement, but humbling in how we need to respect each other as He is listening to those words. We struggle, fail, try again, and learn from our mistakes in communicating, but in our home, we are taking baby steps to getting better.

  722. I take a step away and consider what I want to say. I mean really think about it. Then when I have it figured out and I am sure it is the most loving way I can word it, I go and sit down with my husband and look him square in the eyes and say it, gently. It’s really hard to stay mad at someone when you look deep into their eyes. In fact we usually end up with a kiss, a hug and a giggle. We don’t always agree but it gives us breathing room to sort things out.
    Now I am going to read all the rest of the posts. I am sure I will learn at least 900 different ways to handle things when I get unglued. God bless all of you~ Ev

  723. The first thing that popped into my head (haha) was the story of the two prostitutes that were fighting over the baby and Solomon’s ruling in the matter! (I Kings 3:16-28) I would never have thought of getting the truth out by cutting the baby in half! I also think of Esther in her conflict with Haman with his plot to annihilate the Jews. This was a serious life-or-death matter for her and her people, so she fasted and asked that her people do so as well. She was wise and discerning and sought God first to resolve it! I want to be wise and discerning like Solomon and Esther! When faced with conflict, I have learned to seek God first and pray that he work peace into the situation and ask for his wisdom. Also, in the midst of conflict, to not ignore that still small voice speaking to my heart that sometimes is telling me to keep my peace, to just listen, to forgive, to pray, or just not to say something in the flesh that won’t build up but instead tear down. Over the years, I’ve learned that when I decide to take matters into my own hands and ignore the Holy Spirit, the outcome isn’t good and I am defensive, regretful, and feeling hopeless about the situation. When I do seek God’s wisdom through prayer, He works it out like only he can! Sometimes it’s not resolved the way I would like it to be, but he gives me peace and faith to trust him with the situation. I love that God’s all about restoration! So that is always the goal for me. 😉

  724. I take deep breaths. I naturally try to exercise my patience, but I fail consistently. I have noticed that when I spend a genuine focused time with God in the morning reading His word and praying that He would be lived out of me, it’s easier to STOP myself from reacting and it’s easier to take those deep breaths instead of blowing up. My patience runs short, but His is abounding and available when I choose to let Him be expressed. To resolve conflict that has escalated, we always talk about it right away, calmly and with sincere apologies. I have learned that it is so freeing to humble myself to admit a wrong instead of defend myself to try to deny the shortcoming. I believe a relationship is built on people loving and respecting one another for better or for worse and it’s in the fabric of humble communication that these deep ties are woven.

  725. Start out replying to someone who disagrees with you by saying, “You are absolutely right!” Then elaborate on at least one thing they were absolutely right about! It seems to deflate their anger, etc. =)

  726. The best conflict resolution strategy I have ever heard of is…listen first. do not interrupt. repeat what you heard the other person say. say I hear you. agree to compromise.

  727. I have to make myself inhale/exhale – sometime a few times – helping me think about how serious the problem is and be able to react appropriately.

  728. My best conflict-resolution strategy is to be prepared for my day! Start my day with God -in prayer and in His word. Those few peaceful moments before the chaos begins help to prepare me for any conflicts that arise later in the day!

  729. Conflict-resolution strategy? Hmmm… First & foremost, try to think & pray about things BEFORE you open your mouth.. I tend to not be confrontational nor explosive (which I guess is good, but that menas I keep things inside too much)… Realizing internalizing my emotions all the time is not healthly either I try to consider how I should word things when speaking to the person I am having a disagreement with, or a conflict issue somehow. Sometimes just mental preparation for what to say along with prayers will resolve any issue.

  730. Conflict resolution has never been my strong point. Matter of fact, I would say that for most of my life I have wanted the conflict! As I became older, got married, had children and turned my adult life back over to God. He started changing this flaw in me. Although I am nowhere near “good” at this, I can say I definitely am trying. My mom has helped me a lot! She is the lady that I look up to, especially over spiritual matters. The main thing she has taught me, is seek the Lord! When you become angry, seek the Lord! When you don’t understand, seek the Lord! In my seeking the Lord (and seeking and seeking and seeking, Let’s face it I’m a repeat offender! LOL) God gave me a scripture to help me… Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (NIV). Guard your mouth! In being especially thoughtful of saying and speaking good things out over people… slowly my attitude changes toward them and theirs toward me and guess what? God gets ALL the glory!

  731. Pray! Ask myself if it’s worth losing a friend over. Talk it through. Be kind. Sometimes a conflict comes up and the issue really isn’t the conflict. Something else may be going on in my life or the other person’s and a bad moment occurred. Try to extend grace and forgiveness.

  732. Best and most effecting I have always heard and used is remove yourself from the situation until you have a clearer head. And if you cannot come to a middle ground agree to disagree and don’t approach the topic again.

  733. Stop, breathe, think before you speak. If you need a mintue to calm down because you don’t want say or do something that can’t be easily forgiven, then say so nicely and walk away. However, you must come back. Philippians 4:8 whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. THINK JESUS!

  734. Sometimes scripture will pop into my mind which helps me to curb my tongue/rebuttal like Ephesians 4:29 or Prov. 13:10. I now find myself stopping, turning & moving my thoughts toward God and praying. Instantly my whole demeanor will change including the level of anger & frustration I am feeling. A wise woman whom took me under her wing when I was a new Christian told me to “always keep my eyes on Jesus” and that is what I try to do.

  735. Realizing the fact that God gave us two ears to listen and one mouth to speak…so I should listen twice as much as I speak, especially during conflict.

  736. Stop, take time to process and get your thoughts and emotions together BEFORE they come unglued!! Stay calm and carry on! God works through us so much better when we pause and listen, and works out our conflicts if we handle them in a godly way. 🙂

  737. I whisper! I learned this from a facebook post! haha When I feel like shouting I whisper instead!!! This does not work everytime:( If I do raise my voice I say a quick prayer and begin to whisper:)) Thanks for all you do! Can’t wait for the webcast!!

  738. This is what I try to do, doesn’t mean I always accomplish it! 😉
    I take a deep breath and pray — It may only be to say, “Lord, help.”

  739. I strive to do two things during conflict/resolution. First, I try to ask myself why my button is being pushed. (why am I getting so worked up about this? what void or wound or need is the pressing into?) But even more importantly, my husband and I have an agreement that before we let things get too heated, we come together…..holding hands or hugging…..yes! even when we don’t feel much like doing so ;)…….and we PRAY TOGETHER. We take our issue to God right then and there. And God is able to divinely melt our defensive walls and help to get us back on track. The track of togetherness with God leading us!

    Good luck and have fun on the interview!

  740. My best conflict resolution strategy is to crack a joke, even if its right in the middle of the conflict. It breaks the tension, for a moment, and gives both parties a chance to giggle and recoup. It has always been my belief that laughter is the best medicine. God intends peace, patience and grace for us, but He also desires for us to laugh. Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

  741. Wow! Lots of comments for giveaway! My favorite conflict resolution that I’ve seen work is to take way I want to share and feel and in my mind rewording it in to “I” statements. By removing the word you, they feel less threatened and things can be discussed calmly. It diffuses the situation. Also if you refuse to fuel the fire in a conflict by choosing not to respond in a negative way, it takes 2 to argue, so refuse to argue. Have a blessed week!

  742. Well I have two that I go back to over and over again…the first one I learned at a parenting class- whenever you are upset with your child or need to discuss something with them that may have the potential of becoming an argument- lie down while talking with them. It’s practically impossible to yell while lying down. And always sit down to talk with them. Standing always escalates things! This of course can be used with people other than children. It really does work.
    And the other is with our spouses. Try to keep a sense of humor even in the midst of tense times. For example: My husband I have a phrase we use when things seem to be escalating and one of us have the foresight to try and calm down the situation a bit using humor. It’s kinda a long story so bear with me. I used to be a nanny for a family before I had my own kids. I was in their home for 45hrs. plus a week for 7years so I got to know them all very well. One morning when I arrived I realized the feeling in the house was really tense. I could tell the husband and wife were not getting along like usual. At some point we were all in the same room and they were arguing. It was very uncomfortable for me. All of a sudden the husband said to his wife ” You know, you are really some piece of work!” I know my eyes must have been HUGE! I couldn’t believe he was saying that to her! Well, she busted out laughing and so did he! He knew it was the way to put out the fire. I told my husband that story when I got home that night and we have been using their example every since!

    Blessings,
    Cora

  743. I think that love in action is a good starting point. If love is the basis for our thoughts, and actions, we will speak out of love, and not from the emotions of the flesh. We are reminded in 1 Chorinthians 13:4-7 that love is patient, kind, not jealous or boastful, or proud, or rude. It DOES NOT DEMAND its own way. It is not irritable, keeps no record of wrongs, rejoices whenever truth wins. It NEVER gives up, NEVER loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures every circumstance. If everything I do is out of love, in love, through love, and about love it will allow me to react in conflict in a way that maintains my integrity and character, and prevents me from being tied to the outcome.

  744. Try to step away and pray. God hears the cries of his children. If not possible, I try to think on the following scriptures.

    May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14

    A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1

    Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

  745. I find that the very best thing I can do is to shut my mouth. If I speak in the moment I say too much. I TRY to not say anything until I’ve really had a chance both to process and pray about the situation.

  746. I am still trying to not come unglued most of the time!! And by doing that I am trying to reel in my tongue….this is the hardest thing for me to do! As usually I want to say the first thing that comes to mind! Learning slowly to keep it shut and say a little prayer first before I speak!

    Still needing help with this ♥

  747. I have found that every conflict gets worse when you use words like “you always” or “why can’t you” – If you focus the conversation on what they did wrong or didn’t do right the conversation ends and defense and finger-pointing begin! I try to use grace to approach a conflict in a constructive way that addresses the problem without being hurtful. It’s so hard, and I fail a lot if I’m upset or frustrated, but praying first helps, and every little step forward counts 🙂 I really like Cindy’s reference to these verses:

    A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1

    Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

  748. Jesus is waiting to help when we call out to Him so a key to me is to pray immediately for His help, to change me from thinking of my Feelings and instead to set my mind on what is true, lovely, above reproach, etc. from Phil. 4:8-12. Just read a fantastic book called Peacemaking Women by Tara Barthel and will begin a Bible study using her DVD teaching on conflict resolution; I highly recommend it for women’s ministries!

  749. Even though it’s INCREDIBLY hard to do, it’s often in everyone’s best interest not to “rehearse” an argument ahead of time. When I’m mad at my husband about something, I tend to rehearse the conversation I’ll have with him in my head beforehand, and it only seems to make me angrier. By the time we actually have a chance to talk, I “railroad” him with my view of things-often to discover that his intentions or motivations were not what I assumed! If instead I focus on the moment and actually listen, things usually turn out much better. Easier said than done, but I’m working on it!

  750. Try to listen first to the other person before talking yourself. This will give you time to calm down and think about what the other person is feeling before you speak.

  751. Most of the time I just shut my mouth and take a minute. 🙂 Controlling my tongue goes a long way in seeing the other’s side.

  752. This is an oldie but a goodie. Whenever I find myself ready to blow a gasket, I stop. Close my eyes and slowly count. I don’t limit the number. I keep counting aloud until I reach the point where I can breathe and speak without yelling. I’ve reached as high as 78 some days. Sometimes it only takes until 10. Either way, it helps. My husband is so patient and waits until I stop counting to continue a discussion.

  753. After completing the study based on the book Love & Respect, something that has helped my marriage is making myself stop and think about how I contributed to the disagreement/discussion/conflict. A phrase from a lady in our church “that came across as unloving towards me, did I say or do something that seemed disrespectful to you?” Having this attitude has greatly diminished our conflicts because we are focusing on the other person and less on our own hurt feelings

  754. Breathe. Breathe. DEEP breath. Repeat.
    When I look into my husband’s eyes when I’m considering my next sentence, the next words that come out of my mouth, I see the vulnerability there that I have the capability of hurting or helping him through that moment. I watch myself more carefully, and in that moment I see my own vulnerability to help or hurt myself. I call on God to give me patience to consider my words carefully, be slow to anger, and slow to speak.

  755. I read in a book that when your spouse says or does something that upsets you, that it probably wasn’t done or said to intentionally hurt you. When I remember this, it helps me to take a step back and reevaluate the situation. Sometimes I just need to get over it, and other times, it helps me to be more objective when I present my hurt to my husband instead of flying off the handle and ruing a whole day with anger.

  756. I read in a book that when your spouse says or does something that upsets you, that it probably wasn’t done or said to intentionally hurt you. When I remember this, it helps me to take a step back and reevaluate the situation. Sometimes I just need to get over it, and other times, it helps me to be more objective when I present my hurt to my husband instead of flying off the handle and ruing a whole day with anger.

  757. Calm the situation down with speaking in a calm, non-escalating tone. (Count to 10.)
    Let the other person know I see and value their point of view. (Deep breath….lots of them!)
    Let the person know why I feel the way I do. (Pray really hard for patience.)
    Try to find a compromise or agree to disagree. (Remain calm.)
    And if I am wrong I admit it. (Suck up my pride and be humble…which is SO hard to do!)
    These steps don’t always work for conflict resolution but at least I know, when I do follow them (not perfect, ya know!), I did what I could do handle the conflict in a way that is good for all involved. =)

  758. The best conflict resolution my husband and I have ever used is to STOP in the middle of it, hold hands and pray out loud together. God is always so faithful, He doesn’t always give us the fix all answer but as we step back and seek Him, it is amazing how both our hearts change. What was a very heated discussion can now be had calmly and we both have a new perspective, patience and awareness that we are not fighting each other but the enemy of our souls (and marriage). If only we could do this every time 🙂

  759. One of the best solutions to me coming Unglued is for me to stop and a a “timeout” usually I come unglued because I am trying to do too much at one time or my mind is telling em that I don’t have time to get it all done in the time frame given. So a Mommy timeout works best for me to just take a few minutes and clear my head.

  760. One of the best conflict resolution techniques I’ve seen was the “floor technique” each person takes turn on the “floor” sharing their thoughts and feelings while the other person is only allowed to listen and paraphrase what the speaker is saying. They take turns doing this and work through the problem without much repetition.

  761. Still working on – walking away BEFORE I start yelling/steaming, praying, and finding scripture to direct my steps (the books of James, Proverbs, and Deuteronomy are my go to books). Best ever heard implemented : Christ. Knowing scripture so well that all conflicts can be resolved with HIS word 🙂

  762. I find that if I ask God to be in the midst of the conflict it goes so much better. Unfortunately I don’t always do this:)

  763. I usually let the other person vent without interrupting them and then once they feel they have been heard I can begin to see their point of view and understand why they are upset. I dont like conflict and this seems to help me avoid making things worse. (it also keeps my big mouth shut so God can deal with my response I need to have)

  764. At my former job I was responsible for helping out those who called in with warranty issues (by employer built houses). Sometimes people would call in who were very frustrated and angry. I learned that the best thing to do was just listen. They often needed to vent their distress, and as long as they weren’t screaming or swearing, I would just listen. Sometimes I could ask a short question, but mostly I just kept my mouth shut and let them talk. After they had expressed themselves, then we could begin to figure out what they needed. By then they were usually much calmer and could talk reasonably about the problem.

  765. I shared on Kelly’s site as well…but I just really want to win…so I am doubling the fun, the sharing and my chances 🙂

    Conflicts arise when we tend to get all puffed up in our thinking that we are right, or defending what we think is right. And while we ‘might very well be right’ our tendency to lean towards talking ‘as though we’re right’ comes out sounding like we are Full of Pride. I don’t know about you – but I always think about those situations in which someone was talking like that to me…and it didn’t make me want to listen very long. Those who don’t easily admit they are wrong ~ or could be wrong ~ are hard to get along with. My attempt to resolve this is to bring up the truth in a gentle way even if it disappoints. Pay them a compliment before I have to disappoint them and say I don’t agree with them.

    (i.e.) “Wow, looks like you have really researched this, and know a lot about it…your dedication is surpassed! I wish I could say I agree, but I just feel differently about it”.

  766. Can I just say how cute that purse it! I’m excited for another chance to win it since coming home from She Speaks!!
    There are times when we all deal with conflicts at one time or another. I am one that would rather poke her head back inside my turtle shell and not deal with it. Living inside our turtle shell isn’t an option. We’ll I am learning to poke my head back outside my shell and say to the person, “I am upset right now and I need a few moments before we talk.” It is in that moment I take it to our Abba Father.
    After, prayer and a few moments apart, I gather myself and talk it through with them.

  767. I am still learning. It’s sounds like this would be a good book for me. I need to learn to walk away and take some time before I say anything. I have found that praying for the other person does help me have a more loving attitude towards them.

  768. I came across an interesting tip recently. Right at the moment when tension rises and you are about to utter a nasty word-run and fill your mouth with water and hold it! That will help calm things and oh yeah, the words of your mouth will be edited and who knows, water may literally calm your soul too 🙂

  769. …Whether it be with my boss, husband, son, friend… I try to keep my mouth SHUT! I have to physically make an effort to close it, because my mouth is usually hanging open, ready to come to my defense.

    When its my turn to speak (and that means listening a lot first) I must SQUEEZE out (’cause its so hard) an “I’m sorry” or an “I blew it” because I know I probably have fault. Apologizing also extinguishes any hostility the other person may have.

  770. The Calm Guy says that when your children are fighting you should grab a snack and just sit down, cross your legs, lean back and watch them. OR start playing a board game with another child/your husband – eventually they’ll notice and realize that their bickering is causing them to miss out on the fun.

  771. I LOVE THIS PURSE. I almost always carry a yellow purse. The last one lasted me, like, three years. Unfortunately, the yellow purse I bought this spring only last about six months before all the pockets ripped.

    I’m much better at making do with sad purses, however, than I am at conflict resolution. I’m a notorious stuffer who builds barriers. My husband and I pegged this during premarital counseling before our wedding last spring (and I’m reading and watching and praying and working on it now, with God’s help). He showed me the best conflict resolution this past week: I got my feelings hurt, but before I could stuff, he hugged me, and he hugged me for more than a full minute. It’s awfully hard to build a barrier when there’s no space between you.

  772. walk away to calm down but don’t let the sun go down on your anger, decide why you are upset and address the real issues

  773. Psalm 19:14 – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” And pray to see other people through God’s eyes with His heart of love, compassion, and wisdom. Trust no matter how challenging a situation, God is sovereign.

  774. Proverbs 15:1-7 has the best strategy, “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so.”

    1. Soft answers – quiet and thoughtful and if you can speak that way don’t speak at all

    2. Speak what you know not foolishness

    3. Remember the Lord is watching and hears what you say

    4. Listen for truth in what is being said – as a parent my child can teach me something from time to time or even my spouse

  775. I was told, by a wise older women, when I got married to think about what it is that you are arguing about. Is it something that is really going to matter tomorrow, next week…? Will you really still be this mad tomorrow? If not, let it go and don’t lose any precious time with that person you love. Time is just too precious. When you think about it, how many of the fights and arguments (especially in the early years ;0)) really matter?! I can say that this has worked wonderfully in my marriage. I have little patience and I need to have the last word, so stopping the tongue has never been easy for me! Thank the Lord for my patience and forgiving husband. I’m a work in progress, but loving the journey!

  776. The best way is to use the 3 P’s Pray, Prepare, and Practice.
    1. Pray about it, Pray for understanding, meekness and the right words.
    2. Prepare write out what you want to say
    3. Practice saying it over and over again. At the same time, while practicing rehearse in your heads ways things could go wrong, this way when and if you hit a bump in the discussion, you’re prepared to direct the conversation back on course.

  777. Our best conflict resolution is to pray together as as couple. Its hard to stay mad for long, for one the Holy Spirit usually brings about a strong sense of conviction of our own wrongs in the conflict.

  778. Identify the problem, possible solutions, and likely hindrances. Address things objectively, then apply the subjective intricacies that cause exceptions. And most importantly, recongnize that though everyone might not be happy with the outcome…that everyone can respect it because the options and outcomes were discussed, and the “best” for all involved was chosen.

  779. My husband and I use this one…you get 2 uninterrupted minutes to present your point and then I get 2 uninterrupted minutes to present my point. Then you each have another 2 minutes to ask the other person questions regarding their view, etc. Then after each has rationally presented then you work together to come up with a solution…compromise. 🙂

  780. To take a step back and remember one of my favorite bible verses, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It helps me remember that no matter what I encounter He is by my side to guide me and provide me with the strength and faith to get through anything.

  781. I’ll right away take hold of your rss feed as I can not in finding your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve
    any? Kindly allow me know so that I may subscribe.
    Thanks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.