Hope

90 Minutes in Heaven

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ 1 Comment

90 Minutes in Heaven90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Pastor Don Piper died January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car. Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene, Don’s body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes. Don’s soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy, and life like he’d never known before. Don was in Heaven.

When another pastor’s prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a living miracle! Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened. Heaven’s bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. With the support and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids, and friends near and far, Don clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous life. The Piper family’s incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life – and death – will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it.”
Continue reading →

Prevail – Discover Your Strength in Hard Places

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

Prevail: Discover Your Strength in Hard PlacesPrevail: Discover Your Strength in Hard Places by Cindy Trimm

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Your problems don’t define you; they refine you. Sometimes life feels like a roller coaster ride filled with ups, downs, twists, turns, and unexpected sudden drops. Instead of moving forward with peace and purpose, our lives spin out of control. When chaos and uncertainty threaten to make you feel helpless . . . what do you do? Don’t let life’s detours take you for a ride. Get back in the driver’s seat!”

Prevail by Dr. Cindy Trimm is the third book that I have read by this author and just when I think that she has said it all, I am wrong. Dr. Trimm has the amazing ability to have you take some of your life’s most heinous and hideous events and use them to bring success and fulfillment in your life.
Continue reading →

Abandon Your Life

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

Abandon: Laying Aside Your Plan for God's PurposeAbandon: Laying Aside Your Plan for God’s Purpose by Tim Timberlake

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Your secret to living the life beyond your wildest dreams! Do you have a vision for how your life should turn out? Big plans? Great dreams?

Get ready to trade it in for something a whole lot bigger and infinitely greater! In Abandon, Tim Timberlake shows you how to exchange your life for God’s life. Obedience to God is not a burden, as many have thought. Instead, obedience is your key to experiencing the life of Heaven right now!”
 Continue reading →

Christ in You

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

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.”
Continue reading →

The Miracles in You

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

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 →

Pilgrim’s Progress

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ 1 Comment

The Pilgrim's ProgressThe Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Often described as something that would help him, evil accompanies Christian on his journey to the Celestial City. As you walk with him, you’ll begin to identify today’s many religious pitfalls. As you walk with him, you’ll begin to identify today’s many religious pitfalls. These are presented by men such as Pliable, who turns back at the Slough of Despond; and Ignorance, who believes he’s a true follower of Christ when he’s really only trusting in himself. Each character represented in this allegory is intentionally and profoundly accurate in its depiction of what we see all around us, and unfortunately, what we too often see in ourselves. But while Christian is injured and nearly killed, he eventually prevails to the end. So can you.” Continue reading →

The Prosperous Soul

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ 1 Comment

The Prosperous Soul: Your Journey to a Richer LifeThe Prosperous Soul: Your Journey to a Richer Life by Cindy Trimm

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and letter life than they ever dreamed of.” “Prosperity comes from within. You were created to enjoy prosperity on every level – from a rich spiritual and intellectual life, to richness in your relationships and professional pursuits! The problem is that prosperity has often been reduced to a single measure: A dollar amount. Truth is, financial abundance is just one expression of what it means to live a rich life.”

I wondered when I asked to review this book if it was going to be another “do this and you’ll be rich… prosperity gospel” book. Oh how wrong I was. This book by Dr. Cindy Trimm is amazing! It truly spoke to my heart.
Continue reading →

When You Need Peace

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

The Beauty of Grace: Stories of God's Love from Today's Most Popular Writers“The Beauty of Grace: Stories of God’s Love from Today’s Most Popular Writers by Dawn Camp

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

” This is your invitation . . . to slow down, take a deep breath, and know that you are loved “

“In this hectic life, it’s easy to forget that God is always near at hand, even though He sends us frequent reminders. The beauty amid the mess, a well-timed word of encouragement from a friend, the memories that won’t let go of our hearts–they’re all ways God extends an open hand to us. But if we’re not paying attention, we can miss it.

Combining heartfelt stories from some of today’s foremost writers with Dawn’s stunning photography of God’s incredible creation, The Beauty of Grace is your haven of calm contemplation amid the chaos. This inspiring collection includes stories of cultivating friendship, waiting on God, choosing joy, staying connected, learning to trust, and much more.”

This book, The Beauty of Grace, is just… peaceful. It is a wonderful compilation of stories written by women from all walks of life. They are stories of Grace. Grace in our Purpose, Our Surrender, Our Trust, in Our Hope and Encouragement, in our Lessons Learned and in Our Worship. These are more than mere stories written by some of the most popular writers, they are stories that almost make you feel that they are right there with you, sharing their words. Continue reading →

Peace Through Prayer

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

“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)

Continue reading →

Fight Back With Joy

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

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 →