Books

Forgiveness: The Healing Gift We Give Ourselves

Only one obstacle keeps us from forgiving others: It is the belief that we are not the one who receives the benefit of our forgiveness. Unconsciously, we associate forgiveness with loss instead of gain. We may think of it as acquiescence, giving in. Yet, who is the one who suffers? When our grievance grows to hatred, we become slaves of the very persons we hate. We are bound to them with chains that leave us no peace. None of us can afford to pay the price of carrying grudges or harboring bitterness, because of what it does to us.

Cheryl Carson offers a fresh perspective, the result of her own intense struggle to learn how to forgive. She presents a new way of thinking, suggesting a way of perceiving others that can make forgiveness easy and, ultimately, make it unnecessary. If forgiveness is something we need to learn, we will continue to attract opportunities to practice it. But inner peace and happiness and true freedom are attainable once we have learned to let go, once we have learned to forgive.

Paperback: 164 pages; $8.95 Testimonials | Shop

His Law Is Love
Offering Unconditional Love—Even to Those Who Don't Deserve It

Learning to love is the most vital, yet, for some, the most difficult lesson in Christianity. One woman wrote: "All of us have at least one person in our lives who needs love, even though they don't deserve it. We want to be able to love them, but we sometimes don't know how to go about it or how to get past the pain inflicted on us by that 'undeserving' person. Helpful solutions are needed in dealing with those people we consider 'albatrosses' in our lives."

Only love can destroy an enemy. Love is the one eternal, indestructible force for good. However, when love is conditional, it isn't love at all. Indeed, the only way we can demonstrate true unconditional love is when they don't deserve it! Perfection is in the love, not in the person being loved. God loves us, not because we're good, but because He's good.

We were born to love; it is in our very natures. It is only when we resist our natural inclination to love—when we employ the love of power rather than the power of love—that we experience turmoil in our relationships. Paradoxically, the less we try to control others, the more real influence we will have in their lives. We must give up all of our excuses not to love.

Cheryl Carson, admittedly, grew up a modern-day Pharisee—totally committed and strictly obedient to God's commandments, focusing on the outward manifestations of righteousness. But life humbled and taught her. Through painful experience she learned that successful gospel living is not measured by how many rules we keep, but by how much we are like Christ. That we are as perfect as we are loving. That faith makes all things possible, but love makes all things easy. That only by learning to love can we experience peace, joy, and wholeness. Keeping the Law is vital—but we must realize that His Law Is Love.

Paperback: 313 pages; $13.95 Testimonials | Shop

The Anguish—and Adventure—of Adversity

Adversity is a teacher—a pretty rugged one, but the best. "I don't care if there is some lesson in this," your spirit screams, "I just want the pain to stop!" It is natural to recoil from pain, but there is no way to go but through; there is no way around. Regardless of how willingly or unwillingly we move through it, move through it we will. And on the other side, when the trial has passed, new strength and wisdom will be waiting.

We are not permitted to "choose" whether we will face trials—only "how" we will face them. Whether we give up or endure, whether we become bitter or more compassionate, is our decision. Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional. Tribulation is mandatory, but misery is a choice.

Tragedy in life does not have to mean a life of tragedy. A bend in the road is not the end of the road. In truth, that which appears to be the end may really be a new beginning.

In the bitter chill of adversity we find the true test of our faith. Cheryl Carson speaks to those who struggle with adversity while striving to believe in a God of loving purpose. She offers an understanding of God's purposes and promises, attesting that though "weeping may endure for a night . . . joy cometh in the morning."

Paperback: 244 pages; $13.95 Testimonials | Shop

Enough Is Enough
Making the Decision to Live Debt Free

Each of us must reach a point at which we say, "Enough is enough!"—when, weary of being trapped and strapped, we are finally ready to make the decision to live debt free. When the desire to break out of financial bondage is strong enough, it can surely be done—quickly, and without using a budget.

Filled with stories and insights, this book will entertain, enlighten, and educate you. With stubborn candor Cheryl Carson writes of the pervasive effects of debt in our lives and tells of the rampant materialism that pervades our society and distracts us from the things that really matter. With her delightful sense of humor, Cheryl speaks of a return to frugality that promises simple abundance and the realization that "he who knows he has enough is rich."

This book will cause you to re-evaluate your thinking, your lifestyle, and your life.

Paperback: 265 pages; $12.95 Testimonials | Shop