The Art of the Apology: How to Apologize Effectively to Practically Anyone

"Without forgiveness, there's no future."~ Desmond Tutu (cited on page 159)
In this ground-seizing book, The Art of the Apology: How to Apologize Effectively to Practically Anyone, author Lauren Bloom has taken her years of expertise as a litigator and crafted a powerful reconciliation plan and mediation resource that can be used in both corporate and non-corporate settings. The book opens with a poignant question, "Why Apologize at All?" Bloom suggests four possible reasons from salvaging your relationships to it simply being the right thing to do.

I am moved by the detail with which Ms. Bloom provides advice that can be used in every day situations thus emphasizing the importance of cleansing our hearts and minds through apologies. The book is written in layman's terms indicating the author's desire to have the book transcend genres.

A well-thought dissertation on delivering effective apologies, steps to take prior to making the apology and the best timing for an apology. These are all indicators of the author's recognition of the central importance of apologies and forgiveness in humanity.

If you are building an organization of any form or involved in basic human relationships-this is a must read!

Lauren Bloom is a Washington D.C. attorney who writes, consults and speaks about business ethis and the art of the apology. She is also a contributing writer for TheStreet.com Purchase the book at www.theartoftheapology.com

Are You Under LAW OR GRACE: Being Free to Love God Daily by Bob Bennett

"It is vital for you to see the distinction between "law and grace." They are totally separate, but necessary, in God's plan of salvation-and must never be mixed. The law brings condemnation to lead us to Jesus-grace. Grace brings forth life-God's life in us."

While on vacation, in August, I took a few good books to read and Bob Bennett's Law or Grace topped the list. It is an in-depth study undertaken by Bennett to make a clear distinction between the Law of God versus the Grace of God.
Bennett carefully takes the reader through Scritpure after Scripture to ensure that the people of God and beyond know without a doubt that because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, at Calvary and subsequent Resurrection, and the grace humanity received as a result--we are FREE!
As a Seminary Professor this book lines up with many of the required texts assigned to my students and should make its way to all Seminary recommended reading lists and to your book shelves.

Too long since I've posted...

to this blog! I am so sorry but the time has taught me some very valuable lessons.
1. Ensure that you have the capacity to sustain the volume of business a new venture generates: DvineExpressions Book Club had a highly successful debut at the 2009 Book Expo America. The success has generated unspeakable business that we quite frankly were not prepared to handle.
2. All Self-Published Christian Books are not created Equally: I have read many books, both fiction and non-fiction, and have been pleasantly surprised and disappointed at the same time. However, the process has taught me that destructive criticism is not the call from God but constructive criticism with solutions is!
3. Consult with God with ALL aspects of the business! There are some opportunities that are not divinely scheduled-cancel them.

I have done some reading and want to share with you the great work happening in the body of Christ. Stay tuned for reviews of great books.

Rev. Deb