Believing in God

Give Yourself a Break

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

Give Yourself a Break: Turning Your Inner Critic Into a Compassionate FriendGive Yourself a Break: Turning Your Inner Critic Into a Compassionate Friend by Kim Fredrickson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“It’s time to start treating yourself the way you treat others. As children we’re taught to treat others the way we would like to be treated. But as adults, we often need to turn that old maxim around. We’re good at showing compassion to other people–but many of us have trouble showing that same compassion to ourselves. We say things to ourselves we would never say to a friend. And all this negative self-talk can have a devastating effect on our lives and relationships.”

Why is it that we can overflow with love and care and compassion for those around us, even those on the fringes of our lives, yet when it comes to ourselves – well we are our own worst critic? We rarely show ourselves the love and care that we show others.

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The Art of Work

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The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to DoThe Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do by Jeff Goins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Don’t settle for the status quo. Live a life that matters. Life seldom unfolds the way we hope or plan. The twists, suspires, and setbacks leave us feeling stuck with no options left but to play it safe – to conform to what’s expected of us. But what if there was more to life than this?

A calling is not some special opportunity reserved for an elite class of people. Meaningful work is available to anyone who dares to find it. The path before you is a perilous one, full of difficulty and challenges, but it leads to a legacy the world will not soon forget.
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Christ in You

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Christ in You: Why God Trusts You More Than You Trust YourselfChrist in You: Why God Trusts You More Than You Trust Yourself by Eric Johnson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Every solution to every problem known to the human race lives in you. Inside each of us is a longing for a deeper truth, a deeper meaning. For centuries humanity has been searching every corner of our earth, plumbing the mysteries of the human mind and heart, in hopes of satisfying this quest of our souls.

What we’ve failed to realize is that the greatest Truth is revealed in the greatest mystery in the universe: Christ lives in you. It isn’t your destiny to live a life that is merely “getting by” or riddled with shame and fear. The ultimate price was paid for the ultimate temple–you. Not just for eternity’s sake but for the sake of the world.”
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From Good to Grace

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From Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness GospelFrom Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel by Christine Hoover

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“God is calling you to something greater than good. So many of us feel as if we do not do enough and, in fact, are not enough. We try hard to be good–a good friend, mom, wife, Christian, employee, or ministry leader–hoping for that “atta-girl” from God, some heavenly assertion that we matter. In the process, we find ourselves living by a lesser gospel: the gospel of goodness. It’s a gospel without grace, and in the end, it’s good for nothing.”

While written mainly to women, From Good to Grace: Letting Go of the Goodness Gospel by Christine Hoover is a book that will touch so many of us – men and women alike. How many of us feel that, though we have received forgiveness and new life that somehow we still must work for it… that we don’t deserve it… almost as if we “owe” for it. Continue reading →

The Miracles in You

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The Miracles In You: The Power of Positive LivingThe Miracles In You: The Power of Positive Living by Mark Victor Hansen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Many people do not believe in miracles. Both Mark Victor Hansen and I have experienced or witnessed many miracles. His descriptions of these events in this book will help all readers, including skeptics; believe in those inexplicable, non-tangible aspects of humanity.” —Ben Carson, MD, New York Times Bestseller of One Nation. Believe The Miracle. See The Miracle. Be The Miracle.”

There are so many people that don’t believe in miracles. They believe in coincidences, but not miracles. Some folks think that miracles must be on the grand scale of the parting of the Red Sea in order to qualify for a miracle. But day in and day out, God is in the business of miracles in the lives of His children. I’ve seen them in my own life. There have been circumstances, events and happenings can not be explained in any other way. Continue reading →

You Can Hear the Voice of God

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You Can Hear the Voice of God: How God Speaks in Listening PrayerYou Can Hear the Voice of God: How God Speaks in Listening Prayer by Steve Sampson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“What did Jesus mean when he said, “My sheep hear my voice”? According to Steve Sampson, he meant exactly what he said-that his followers would know and recognize his voice. In You Can Hear the Voice of God, Sampson explores what the Bible teaches about the still, small voice of the Almighty. Like two people conversing back and forth, an exchange between God and one of his followers involves both speaking and listening. “Whenever we pray, we should expect to hear something,” Sampson says.

Can all Christians hear God? What are the best conditions for optimum listening prayer? How do we know it is God talking and not our own wishes or, worse, Satan’s attempt to distract and deceive? Sampson gives clear directives for discernment, for cultivating intimacy with the Holy Spirit, and for developing a faith that responds to that quiet voice. Uncomplicated, unique, and practical, this book will prepare readers for the ultimate adventure-enjoying two-way conversation with God and knowing in a deeper way his great love for us.”
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Spiritually Strong

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Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and SoulSpiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul by Kristen Feola

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Spiritually Strong is a six-week program designed to help you get in better shape spiritually and physically. As Timothy says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (4:8). This book teaches you how to train yourself in godliness through the implementation of six disciplines—Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others.” Continue reading →

Peace Through Prayer

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“The Stress Cure” by Linda Evans Shepherd is a book that I read and reviewed in October 2014.  This is a profound book that touched me deeply.  I felt that I needed not just to read the book again, but to really give it my attention and let it work to soothe me in the craziness of all that is going on around here.

With head-strong, unbelieving extended family members, there is never a shortage of drama.  Lately however, the level of crazy has gone to a whole new level.  One that I didn’t think was possible.  Most days, I don’t want to answer the phone and consider running away as a viable option.

So the other day as I was flipping through the pages of this book, I can upon this prayer:

Dear Lord, Please forgive me for allowing my circumstance to overwhelm me instead of trusting in You.  I close all the doors I have opened to the enemy in this area.  In addition, I cancel any plans the enemy has for my life.  I cast out any power of influence from any evil spirit trying to overwhelm me.  I pray this in the power of the name and blood of Jesus   I exchange the enemy’s work for God’s peace.  Send the river of Your peace not only to me, but also to those overwhelmed by the same influences and circumstances.  I pray this also in the power of the name and blood of Jesus!  (The Stress Cure – page 45)

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Fight Back With Joy

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Fight Back With Joy: Celebrate More. Regret Less. Stare Down Your Greatest FearsFight Back With Joy: Celebrate More. Regret Less. Stare Down Your Greatest Fears by Margaret Feinberg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Great Joy Waits in Life’s Greatest Battles. Joy is stamped on coffee mugs, sewn onto decorative pillows – even displayed on dish soap. But what if there’s a deeper power and purpose to this mighty virtue? Through vulnerable story telling, a difficult diagnosis, and a good dose of humor, Margaret Feinberg revels how joy is more than whimsy. Its’ the weapon you can use to fight life’s battles.”

This is an extraordinary book that will take you by surprise. When I read the first few pages of the first chapter, I though to myself… here we go, another book that is going to try to teach me the how’s and why’s of being joyful. And then came chapter two. Continue reading →

Step Into Your God Given Dream

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This is another one of those books that you don’t just read and put it away.  This is a book requiring a reread to study and absorb all that it has to offer.  I have added to my “second read 2015”. (complete list coming soon!)  Loved it!

The Joseph Blessing: Change the World with Your God-Given DreamThe Joseph Blessing: Change the World with Your God-Given Dream by Jordan Rubin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Step into God’s divine blessing and fulfill your dreams! Are you ready to see your dreams go from vision to fulfillment? To see God’s promised blessings revealed in your life? Join Jordan Rubin and Dr. Pete Sulack as you discover how Joseph endured incredible opposition and persecution, only to be elevated to a key position of influence and watch his dream come to pass before his very eyes.

You’ll unlock the powerful secrets that will take your dreams from birth to fulfillment. In this easy-to-follow process, you will learn how to protect your dream during seasons of adversity, resurrect vision when you believe it is dead, have hope even when you feel like your dream is impossible, and watch God miraculously fulfill your life purpose through your God-given dreams.” Continue reading →