Dan Chrystal

The title of this book had me a little uncomfortable. I am not good at developing relationships and very rarely let anyone in my little circle . It is all a matter of trust for me, so I began this book with an open heart ready to receive some words from God . It didn't take me long to get my first "Are you paying attention to me Deana?, from God. " Every relationship needs to be mutual; most of the time, we need to work hard at maintaining healthy relationships; and some of the most beneficial relationships can happen through tragic circumstances." Well that smacked me right in the face and I sat a little straighter realizing that I have developed a very special relationship from tragedy.

We all need relationships and sometimes if we pay attention, we will see someone who is lonely or hurting that could use a friend. I have always been the type that if I see someone crying I will stop to see if they need help. It is easy sometimes for me to reach out, but so difficult to let others try to help me.

When I was younger I was bullied everyday in school. My dad was a pastor and He was extremely strict. The kids at school made fun of my clothes, my hair or just anything to make me cry and believe that I wasn't good enough. Over the years relationships became very hard for me. I love how the author goes into details about being considerate of others feelings. We may take their silence to mean they don't want to talk, but it could be they just need someone close by to feel needed. How many times have we gotten mad at someone that cut us off the road, or stepped in line in front of us? Those little things can stop us from wanting to be friendly, but I have learned that everyone has a bad day.

We need to bring relationships back to where God designed them. He wants us to be His hands and feet. In order to do that we need to build relationships with others to share compassion, forgiveness and love. The author gives great examples of people in the bible who were warned not to judge by their looks or height. I'm sure we are all guilty of using our first impression of someone and writing them off as someone to get to know.

The author has written a book that I find very informative and helpful in relationships. One of the subjects I liked the most was about forgiveness. That word sends shivers done my spine as I deal with this on a regular basis. " Living a life of forgiveness has its own side effects that are much more beneficial to us-they are sweetness, happiness, and joy." I am still a work in progress but I so desire to have better relationships with others and learn to forgive quickly.

Each chapter is filled with different subjects like, honesty, trust and love. I loved how he summed everything up with this, " I hope you will begin to unearth the lost commandment, to love others as you love yourself." "When you do, may you start to live a fulfilled, abundant life through your relationship with God and your relationships with others."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

Dan Chrystal’s book, The Lost Art of Relationship (A Journey to Find the Lost Commandment), has, in addition to the forward and introduction, 23 chapters divided into three sections. He begins his book with questions and ends the book with questions, which are great platforms for the book.

Chrystal leads us on a journey to discover the meaning of Matthew 22: 39b King James Version (KJV), “...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” As we follow the journey, we get glimpses of his life through personal stories illustrating his insights into building different relationships, be they friends, family, spouse, children or business associates. Each personal story leads us back to the Biblical guidelines integral to the lessons we are learning.

The book will start you on a quest to explore and examine your own relationships and give you tools to strengthen and enhance each one.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.… (más)