This title is the first in the series "The Diamond Soul Character” and develops the Diamond Soul character's concept based on Christ's main character strengths.

Ever wanted to learn how to improve your character to mimic Christ's? Have you ever wondered how to live a meaningful Christian life in today's society? What about the interplay between faith and reason and the importance of self-esteem in shaping one's destiny? Ever questioned why so many relationships between people living a Christian life are empty, unfulfilling, and end in disaster? Ever struggled to understand the mysterious connection between two human hearts, which beat in perfect harmony, yet maybe miles apart?

The second edition of this self-help book will give you a solid framework for self-improvement and personal growth. Besides, I will also show how to build a Christlike character, which I call the Diamond Soul, under the Holy Spirit's guidance. Why do we need divine guidance? First, because we are believers living a Christian life, and second, we cannot do such a huge task alone. The Diamond Soul results from the cooperative yet mysterious work of the Holy Spirit in us and ourselves. We supply in a positive manner the know-how, the sweat, and the perseverance. The Holy Spirit provides guidance. The result? The growth of your persona from an ordinary believer into a highly moral mighty Warrior in Christ.

At the same time, I realize that science must provide the know-how, processes, and methods necessary to undertake such a massive personal growth project. For this reason, I draw on the fields of positive psychology, neuroscience, and human behavior. I use the latest findings regarding the undeniable bond between thoughts, self-esteem, and conduct. I add my personal observations about the role spirituality plays in this too complicated and volatile mix.

In Five Stepping Stones to a Christlike Character, I use two metaphors. The first is the image of a beautifully cut, strong, and valuable diamond to help people visualize their character crafted after Jesus' own. The second depicts the arduous path up a mountain slope, using stepping stones found along the way, leading to the valuable diamond located on the peak. They cannot exist without one another. You cannot reach the diamond on the summit unless you climb the mountain toward it. Conversely, if you climbed any other mountain, your efforts will have been in vain.

This book is based on my experience and struggle for personal growth, searching proactively for God, and developing moral character traits aspiring to be like Christ. The battle to change me has transformed my life and made me a more positive. The new moral authority and self-esteem, which the Diamond Soul character afforded me, had a tremendous impact on the people around me, be they family members, friends, employees, or business associates.

I believe the book is unique because:
• It anchors deeply one's moral character, self-esteem, and behavior in the Christian faith.
• It provides a gradual approach to personal growth and spiritual development by building on Christian virtues and time-tested core values.
• It uniquely blends faith and reason to support the processes and methods advocated in the book.
• It offers a solid scientific background and proven, practical step-by-step instructions on creating a pragmatic framework for self-improvement.

So, dear Christian, build your Diamond Soul character traits not only for your benefit but for the gain of others and the glory of God. Be fearless – go out there and spread its teachings. Meet your God-ordained destiny to better yourself first, then to improve the world around you—one soul at a time, one group at a time, one organization at a time.

God bless your journey!

George Vasilca