Jay Payleitner Blog

Twice I’ve had the chance to see Christian comedian Tim Hawkins on stage. He has a spectacular bit about “hand-raising in church.” As only he can, Tim describes the many styles of worship including […]

For Dads and anyone who knows a Dad: Tuesday after her city council meeting, Rita and I were in a pizza joint and the background music caught my attention. It […]

Imagine Simon of Cyrene. In Jerusalem for Passover, his mind is back home. He has been gone for weeks, and surely his boys Alex and Rufus are up to their […]

To Fathers of Boys: When you look at him, you see yourself. But in raw form. When he looks at you – if he’s around kindergarten age – he sees […]

Dear Husbands (and Wives too): One of my business cards is tucked into a corner of the mirror above Rita’s dresser in our bedroom. The printed side is facing the […]

Dear member of the human race: I know you. You have a sincere desire to play nice with all the other members of the human race. That’s an excellent goal. […]

Dear Moms and Dads: Have you taught your kids to make efficient use of their downtime? It’s a valuable life skill. In more ways than one. Some examples: *Instead of […]

Don’t be the dad who says, “Look what I did!” Instead, quietly do stuff that needs to be done so your wife and kids think I’m so glad I can count on Dad.  Opportunities […]

The core of my new book, Don’t Take the Bait to Escalate, is 21 different case studies of conflicts that were wonderfully resolved. Including hitting bottom in your marriage, business blunders, fist-fighting friends, honoring bridezillas, […]

At first glance, it seems like the Bible puts a significant emphasis on avoiding conflict. “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. […]