The Art of Relationship
355609
Paul Martin brings to the surface the true art of getting to the heart of students in youth ministry. His unique way of discipleship is like none I've seen before. He emphasizes the importance of spending time with youth and reaching beneath what an average teenager may tell you in an everyday conversation; he turns "My day was okay" into "I'm struggling and need a hug." Paul's main focus is to not rely on outcomes, but rely on process. Outcomes lead to failure and process leads to hope and perseverance. The tools Paul suggests in getting to know a student allow for independent relationships for a discipler to come to know the student as a created masterpiece in Christ; it is Christ who created them and a descipler's job to just help reveal that. The process he suggests seems unachievable, but as his one of his youth, I have seen it applied and with the encouragement he gives in the book there is proof that it is possible to build these relationships. This book is a must for anyone interested in discipleship whether it be for a teen or an adult and also for anyone interested in strengthening their relationships with family and friends.
209351
I want to spell it out for you  this is a great book on understanding relationships. We often spend so much time looking for the Marius's (see Les Miserables) or Mercedes' (see The Count of Monte Cristo) of the world. That last sentence is bookworm lingo for the fact that we spend so much of our time searching for the "right" partner. But, when you finally find that special someone how are you going to maintain that relationship?

While there is no universal answer to this age old question, one of the keys to any relationship is communication. This book provides insight into the subtleties of how men and women communicate. Ms. O'Connor is not an armchair relationship expert: there are many real-world examples that identify how men and women express themselves. The book also touches on: honesty, fidelity, attraction, love and intimacy.

At only 179 pages you will not find yourself trudging through the War and Peace of relationship books. The book is easy to digest and has a down-to-earth vibe. I think you will also appreciate all of the quotes that are peppered throughout the book.

Whether you are in a relationship, looking for a relationship or somewhere in-between, there is a lot that can be gained from reading this book. At only 24 years old, I wish I had come across it sooner.

To put it simply, five stars!
3618901
I have really enjoyed Dr Bea's book. The information is presented in a fun way and easy to interpret. This book is helpful to couples in all types of relationships. Reading it can transform your way of communicating with your partner and enhance intimacy on all levels. You will learn more about yourself and eachother. An excellent read.
1444065
I don't know about you, but relationships don't work for me. At least, up to now. Reading this book, my eyes were opened to spiritual connections I had never considered before. There's a lot more to relationship than - well, chemistry. Love is not enough, either. This book explains some of the - rather pleasant - work and effort that goes into a sincere relationship. Relationships can only improve from there.
4438863
"A successful relationship should be a work in progress". Barry Watson

Written in a concise, compelling manner Barry has done a wonderful job of bridging the I-think-I-know world of relationships to the honest truth - a relationship is a living being that requires all a lot of care, consideration and, most importantly, education.  Barry provides that education in a well-written discourse about some of the most common pitfalls and myths about "healthy relationships".

In Relationship Rehab we are presented with an author who understands all the subtleties and nuances of twenty-first century dating. Some of the topics discussed had never even come to my attention, I had never even considered them to be "issues" rather just "the way things were".  I felt some hesitant confronting these situations, ones that have come up repeatedly in my own life, however an honest reflection provided by Barry's numerous "reflection points" within the text, provided me with both a platform and the requisite motivation to actually reflect on my previous relationship practices. It's ironic how a thing as important as our relationships is often neglected and undertaught.

My only criticism of the book was I would have appreciated more vignettes and stories representing his topics. Other than that, I enjoyed this book.

Barry compassionate writing style guides the path to an education, one not only for better relationships but for better living.
3291685
I think this is a wonderful book and chose to buy multiple copies for my family and friends.  It truly provides valuable insight into building and sustaining relationships.  I now have a better understanding of my personal strengths and weakness which will ultimately help me as an individual and a husband, father and friend.  I highly recommend it to anyone who craves the insight regarding "The art of being loved and the Joy of being loved".
808949
As a sex, love and relationship coach, I can tell you just HOW important the intuition piece is when it comes to dating. Literally every single one of my clients has to come to a place of identifying, trusting and acting on their intuition. So glad there is a book out there that talks about exactly that AND teaches you how to cultivate your own knowing.
2564607
If you are like most people, you think that there are many relationships in which you find yourself that you think, "That could have gone better!"  Or maybe you are like many others that have seen relationships fall apart and wondered why.  Still yet, you might have great relationships, but are looking for ways to keep them that way.  If any of this describes you, read on!  If not, you might want to save a few minutes and read the comics.

Having established that you are interested in helping your relationships stay vital, allow me to introduce you to a great book.  Love At Last Sight by Kerry and Chris Shook (Who brought you the 30 days to live campaign) have hit a home run with this simple, active and often intriguing book on relationships.  Normally, books do a good job focusing on romantic relationships, friendships or business relationships.  The Shooks have done a great job of addressing how to improve relationships across the board.

Each day a new concept is introduced as Kerry and Chris help you to look at four key areas of relationships.  They deal with the Art of Being There in which they address how to make sure that you give each other the relational attention you did as you began the relationship.  In addition, they address being proactive in your relationships.  While most of us shift into neutral and watch our relationships go down into the icy waters of indifference, they help us to see how simple, little, incremental decisions can help to make sure we stay steaming on the surface.  One of the best sections of the book is the section in which they address being willing to be uncomfortable as a means of keeping the relationship fresh and vibrant.  Instead of allowing our comfort with each other to act like an anesthetic, they suggest that being awkward enough to express need, anger and feelings just might be the key to making sure that changes in the relationship move it to the right place and level to make sure they last a lifetime.  Lastly, they talk about Letting Go of hurt, insecurity, pride, guilt, selfishness, unrealistic expectation and the shadows of our past as a means of solidying the present and future or our key relationships.

This is not an easy book to read, but it is an even more difficult book to act upon.  It is not that it uses a vast vocabulary or has long chapters or a contrived subject.  It is hard because it calls for, expects and anticipates action on each and every concept.  It requires introspection, but also outer action.  It requires soul-searching, but also an investigation of those with whom we have relationships.  It not only calls for looking in, but looking out and up.

If you ever wished a book would come along with some practical advice, action and activity to help you work on, maintain and improve your significant relationships, look no further.  It can be found in Love At Last Sight by Kerry and Chris Shook!

[...]
4724872
Excellent book that discusses why we act the way we do in relationships.  It makes so much sense.  I highly recommend this book, especially if you think something just is not right in your relationship.
807865
As someone who is not in a relationship but who talks about relationships quite a bit through my radio show, I looked to the book REAL INTIMACY as another conversation piece that I could share with those I meet. I wasn't disappointed.

What Kristin Hodson, Alisha Worthington and Thomas Harrison have done through this book is take a real look at what it means to not only be there for your partner but to meet them where they are in each and every situation. One of the great lessons of the book was reminding us that INTIMACY is not just about sex. It's a connection that feeds more than a sexual need and reaches us in many ways at our core.

The authors take us through situations and experiences that allow the reader to see what it means to be REAL and to live a life that is not perfect but brings the best of who we are forward.

I appreciated the fact that it recognizes time and again that we are not going to do everything right. As imperfect individuals this isn't realistic. What we can do is learn to know who we are, what we have gleaned from our past experiences and share that honestly and openly with the one we have dedicated ourselves to. Yes, this requires trust, but it also means that we realize that they have our best interest at heart.

REAL INTIMACY also tackles the sensitive issues that can threaten intimacy and a close relationship. It doesn't shy away from the hot-button issues of the day that have been known to create havoc among couples, but it discusses them in a way that we know is out of love and a true desire to help and aide in healing.

This book would be nothing without the importance of communication, as with any relationship we find ourselves in. I enjoyed the way it is able to get you to thinking and talking about ways to address your issues, knowing that the end result will be a stronger more sustainable bond.

Designed to reach you where you are, through REAL INTIMACY we are able to find oneness in our relationships and become the person we want to be.
2560936
An valuable book that helps build unity not only between couples but also with relationships on a wider scale.
Thank you for this priceless gem!
3894306
The art and science of connecting with people.  If you take the time to read this book and follow it, it can change the way you do business.
467927
This book explains the diferent love connections people have. Meaning, what they need in order to feel love and what they do to show their love. This book can save any relationship.
1579776
This is a must for all those who want to find fulfilling relationships
1785018
Wow,what a great book on relationships! This book is for all of us who has been in poor relations with our friends,co-works, and family members. Do yourself a favor,get this book and read it. Then put the good sound information to use!!!
3694550
How to develop a wonderful relationship with others including family, neighbors, friends, and colleagues is probably a matter of great interest among most of us. Truth be told, it is not an easy-to-answer question. A great number of books have been written with the intention of helping people have satisfying relationship. Some of them are really good, some are reasonable. Most of them, however, focus on the physical level of relationship. I am a strong believer in the truth that we are spiritual beings. Accordingly, human's relationships can be more fulfilled if they are viewed first from spiritual perspective.

This book Living Divine Relationships addresses relationships at the spiritual level. The book consists of seven chapters:

Chapter 1: The Top Divine Relationship is with God
The key message is that "To be with the Divine in every breath is to be in the golden light blessing of God. When we live from this connection, we become our highest nature".

Chapter 2: The Second Most Important Relationship is with Your Shi Fu
"A Shi Fu is your personal guide or saint. ....  Your task as part of living a divine relationship with your Shi Fu is to be always in sacred awareness..... Every word, every action, every emotion, every thought is to be practiced as if your Shi Fu were at your side....".

Chapter 3: The Third Most Important Divine Relationship is with Your Teacher
"You are very fortunate if you find your teacher. With his or her guidance, you can more quickly reach the top soul levels. Your teacher is a direct channel to God. You are also a direct channel to God". Our teacher will make our channel more powerful, make it more accurate, and lead us to the door of soul enlightment.

 Chapter 4: Sacred Hierarchies
"Every soul has God's subdivided soul within it. In this manner, each of you can express the Divine and know the nature of God's heart. This potential can grow much greater than it is for you today.".

Chapter 5: Your Soul is the Boss of Your Life

Chapter 6: Transform Your Soul

Chapter 7: Purity, Service and Compassion

This is a small book and easy to understand. However, it contains a great number of profound wisdoms that can be applied in our moment by moment living and in all aspects of our lives. Let me give you an example.  Practically, one may ask how this book can help greatly improving our relationships with others. On the one hand, applying the wisdoms and teachings from this book can helps us tremendously improve our Divine Relationship. This in turn is the most essential foundation to develop other relationships at the physical level. On the other hand, the book also offers practical and creative techniques that can be very easily applied anytime. The following excerpt in chapter 5 illustrates this point beautifully:

"For example, if your husband is jealous and wants more of your than you are willing to give, then ask the soul of your husband to feel more fulfilled and happier. Ask that he feel more loved and secure. Ask your soul speaks in this manner, his soul will begin to balance his own emotions. The result is that he will be more secure and less needy of you and your time. You must always speak in a positive way to help the soul grow strong."

In summary, this book is a wonderful gift that you can have for yourself, your loved ones, your friends, your neighbors, and anyone. It has a great potential of helping us to live by the principle of Love, Peace, and Harmony. Christmas and New Year is a great time of reminding this principle and this book is such of great timing.
2626170
This book made me look at forming relationships in a new light.  Thank you for shipping me the book so promptly.