New Releases by Cecil Murphey

A true story of hope and courage in the face of astonishing challenges During his fourth deployment, US Marine Corps Sergeant Carlos Evans stepped on an IED--and the loss of both legs and his left hand was just the beginning of the struggle for his life. For the next two years, he and his wife, Rosemarie, went through the rehabilitation process together. As a nurse and mother of two young children, Rosemarie was used to caring for people, but the task of taking care of her triple-amputee husband brought new challenges every day. In addition to his limb loss, Carlos faced PTSD and developed an addiction to painkillers. He was sure Rosemarie''s life would be better without him--and that it might have been better if he hadn''t survived at all. But unlike the majority of marriages put under similar strain, Carlos and Rosemarie stayed together. With the help of family, friends, and--most importantly—a strong faith, they''ve built a solid marriage and discovered a ministry they never expected. By the hand of God, their story, which began in devastation, has turned into one that draws in and lifts up more people than either of them would ever have dreamed. Not only will disabled veterans and their loved ones find help here, Carlos and Rosemarie''s captivating journey also speaks to those who long for stronger marriages, care for loved ones with disabilities, or are facing a new normal in their own lives, small or large. It is a powerful resource for leaning on God in the midst of life''s great difficulties--and for finding ways that, through faith, profound loss can bring incredible blessing.

Picking up where bestselling 90 Minutes in Heaven left off, Don Piper reveals for the first time the sacred, intimate details of the people who met him at the gates of heaven and the profound impact they had on his faith on earth. In this incredible follow-up to his eight-million-copy bestseller, 90 Minutes in Heaven, Don Piper shares untold stories about his encounters with people who greeted him at the gates of heaven, and offers powerful insights about the way for us to live our lives on earth. Don Piper''s unforgettable account of a horrific car accident that took his life, and what happened next has riveted more than eight million readers. Something happened as he shared his story in the years since. Not only did Piper realize he had more to tell, he had yet to share the most sacred and intimate details of his time in heaven about the people who met him at the gates. "I have never left a speaking engagement without people wanting to know more," he said. In The People I Met in Heaven, Piper takes readers deeper into his experience, which includes never-before-told encounters with the people who met him when he arrived in heaven-those who helped him on his journey that led to the entrance to God''s heavenly home. Even more, Piper recounts the majesty of heaven and the glorious reunion that awaits us there. He offers practical insights, inspiration, and a challenging call that while we''re on earth we need to obey Jesus'' command to "go and make disciples of all nations."

Veteran author Cecil (Cec) Murphey made a double commitment when he started writing professionally: (1) He would never stop learning and improving, and (2) He would do whatever he could to help other writers. This book is part of that commitment. In Writer to Writer, Cec shares valuable, bite-sized lessons he’s learned on his journey, such as: * How to get beyond the amateur look; * Why writing articles is a good place to start; * The importance of showing and telling; * Choosing the best words and tenses; * Using dialog to move your story along; * Writing from the right perspective; * Keeping your reader happy; * Working with publishers, editors, and agents; * Making a living as a writer. It’s possible to become an excellent writer, and the tips and advice provided in Writer to Writer from a master at his craft promise to guide you on the right path. Note: WRITER TO WRITER is a previously published work, and is not substantially different from the original edition.

Beloved author Cecil (Cec) Murphey says, “The best kind of writing occurs when it comes from the heart. It’s called being authentic or transparent. Too many writers have an insatiable need to be accepted, liked, or admired, and those needs become more important than being true to their convictions. Be you when you write.” But having the courage to tap into your innermost self and write purely from your spirit doesn’t always come naturally, which is why he wrote Unleash the Writer Within to guide you along the way. In this book, Cec helps you: * Answer why you write; * Find the real you; * Understand your inner critic; * Determine your strengths and weaknesses; * Honor, embrace, and grow your voice; * Discover your rhythm; * Overcome your barriers to honest writing. Unleash the Writer Within is sure to become your most-used and marked-up writing companion. It also serves as an excellent resource for writers’ events, group discussions, and conferences. Note: UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN is a previously published work, and is not substantially different from the original edition.

Basado en la segunda mitad del libro Creo en el cielo. En estos tiempos difíciles, cuando la vida en la tierra es difícil para muchas personas, hay un anhelo por el cielo, no como un escape de nuestras "tribulaciónes momentáneas" (2 Corintios 4:17), sino como una promesa de que hay un hogar eterno esperando a aquellos que ponen su confianza en Dios. En ¿Pueden nuestros seres queridos vernos desde el más allá? - Cecil Murphey y Twila Belk dan respuesta a algunas de las preguntas más frecuentes sobre el cielo. El estilo edificante y reconfortante de Cecil Murphey ayudó a su libro 90 minutos en el cielo a ser un best seller del New York Times y seguramente hará de este nuevo libro una lectura obligatoria. Based on the second half of the book “Creo en el cielo” In these challenging times, when life on earth is difficult for many people, there is a longing for heaven, not as an escape from our “momentary troubles” (2 Corinthians 4:17), but as a promise that there is an eternal home waiting for those who put their trust in God. In ¿Pueden nuestros seres queridos vernos desde el más allá? - Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk have answered some of the most asked questions about heaven.

Sex trafficking is currently a hot news topic, but it is not a new problem or just a problem in "other" countries. Every year, an estimated 300,000 American children are at risk of being lured into the sex trade, some as young as eight years old. It is thought that up to 90 percent of victims are never rescued. Stolen is the true story of one survivor who escaped--more than once. First recruited while staying with her family at a hotel in Miami Beach, Katariina Rosenblatt was already a lonely and abused young girl who was yearning to be loved. She fell into the hands of a confident young woman who pretended friendship but slowly lured her into a child prostitution ring. For years afterward, a cycle of false friendship, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped. As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, readers will quickly realize the frightening truth that these terrible things could have happened to any child--a neighbor, a niece, a friend, a sister, a daughter. But beyond that, they will see that there is real hope for the victims of sex trafficking. Stolen is more than a warning. It is a celebration of survival that will inspire.

Falling in love seems to be so easy. But staying in love-isn''t that our ultimate goal? Don''t you want to be with someone as long as you both shall live? In Devotions for Couples the author uses his own marriage of over five decades to demonstrate how keeping love alive is possible, maintainable and so enriching-with God''s help. In this six-week devotional you''ll discover how to emulate Christ''s example of unconditional love in your own relationship. Find out how to tell if you are fighting fair and making allowances for one another''s differences. Learn how spiritual straight talk can help you express loyalty and love while enriching your life to the fullest. Using the powerful words of Christ, you will soon be on your way to making your relationship last a lifetime.

In the ten years since 90 Minutes in Heaven was published, millions of people worldwide have read the incredible true story of Don Piper''s experience with death and life--and in reading they have found their own lives changed. After a semi-truck collided with Don Piper''s car, he was pronounced dead at the scene. For the next ninety minutes, he experienced the glories of heaven. Back on earth, a passing minister felt led to stop and pray for the accident victim even though he was told Piper was dead. Miraculously, Piper came back to life, and the pleasure of heaven was replaced by a long and painful recovery. With a personal update from Don on the impact the book has had on him, his family, and the millions who have heard his story, even those who have read the original book will want to be part of the continuing story of 90 Minutes in Heaven with this new edition. Also includes a note from the publisher, stories from readers, favorite Scriptures and quotations on heaven from Don Piper, and a photo insert.

One day Eva Piper was an elementary school teacher, the mother of three, the beloved wife of a strong, protective husband. The next day she stood at the bedside of a broken man who could do nothing but moan in agony and turn his head away from her. Later she would learn that he had died and actually experienced heaven before being prayed back to life—a true miracle. Don Piper’s testimony, told in the New York Times bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven, would one day bring hope to thousands. But all that was in the future. Despite family and friends who kept vigil with her, Eva Piper found herself essentially alone. Walking in the dark. And she had always hated the dark. Though it parallels that of her husband, Eva Piper’s account is quite different from his. It takes readers not to heavenly places but through a very earthly maze of hospital corridors, insurance forms, tiring commutes from home to workplace and hospital, and lonely hours of waiting and worrying. This is the story of a woman learning, step by darkened step, to go places she never thought she could go and growing into a person she never thought she could be. Packed with hard-earned wisdom about what it means to be a caregiver, to open yourself to the care of others, and to rest in God’s provision, this bookprovides a dependable source of light to help you walk through the dark.

Trouble might not come right away, but it always came. Of that truth, Ophelia Bennett had no doubt. Northern Illinois, 1940 North Prairie School has a reputation for ill-behaved children, and veteran teacher Ophelia Bennett has just been offered a last-minute position to teach them. Desperate for a job to support her disabled husband, and with Superintendent Pettygill''s intimidation tactics, she has little choice. If she refuses the demanding position, she''ll never be allowed to teach in Illinois again. And, according to the manipulative superintendent, it would be her fault if North Prairie had to close. Ophelia is confident she can change conditions in the school and love the needy children-she''d done it in her previous schools--but her unusual methods weren''t well received by the community. She agonizes over what she knows will happen. How will she handle the jealousy and misunderstandings of the other teacher? What about the ambitious, difficult parents of the better students who would soon become her enemies? Why do I have to do this again? On the first day of school, thirty-three students gather at North Prairie School to await the arrival of their new teacher, scheming how to make her miserable so she''ll leave. As they size up Mrs. Bennett, they have yet to hear her promises that will change their lives. Poignant. Heart-warming. Unforgettable. A teacher''s passionate calling to make learning easy and enjoyable. New York Times'' best-selling author and international speaker Cecil (Cec) Murphey has written or co-written more than 135 books, including the runaway bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold millions of copies, been translated into more than 40 languages, and brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world. For more information, visit www.cecilmurphey.com.

When a loved one is injured or ill, what do Christians do? They pray, expecting God to intervene with a miracle of healing. They pray not only because the Bible says to do so, but also because God has shown Himself faithful to heal throughout history and even today. I Believe in Healing is a one-of-a-kind collection of true stories that demonstrate God''s healing power. Readers will find dozens of biblical, historical, and present-day accounts of physical and emotional healings, written in Cecil Murphey''s heartwarming, uplifting style that made 90 Minutes in Heaven a New York Times bestseller. Anyone who needs a touch from God for themselves or a loved one will find encouragement and inspiration in these pages.

Facing the imminent death of a loved one can be a difficult and oftentimes painful experience. To help, well-known author Cecil Murphey and hospice chaplain Gary Roe share what they''ve learned from their personal and professional grief and healing experiences: how to forgive past mistakes--both one''s own and the loved one''s--affirm the life of the one passing, and give that one permission to let go of this life. Michal Sparks'' serene illustrations add a soothing touch to this encouraging gift book for those experiencing and grieving the death of a loved one.

Expertly compiled by bestselling author Cecil Murphey, contained within this powerful book are the stories of individuals who have encountered angels, seen and unseen. An urgent need. A moment of desperation. In this collection of real-life stories from encounters with God''s angels and mysterious, helpful strangers, Cecil Murphey and his co-writer, Twila Belk, masterfully bring together stories from all over the world that share one thing in common: the way in which God uses his messengers to touch our lives. From Ellen Cardwell''s story of a highway angel who helped her and her husband continue their trip after car trouble on California''s desolate Highway 1, to Delores Topliff''s story of her childhood, where, on the brink of starvation, an angel on a bicycle drops off bags of groceries, these stories will challenge and reward our faith in God. The God who tells us to entertain strangers, and possibly, heavenly company.

Stories and wisdom are offered to inspire those caring for an ill or elderly loved one.

Bestselling author Cecil Murphey, creator of When Someone You Love Has Cancer, shares another inspired offering. With a caring spirit, he provides comfort, advice, and prayers for those who journey alongside a loved one whose memory is fading. Tranquil paintings of popular artist Michal Sparks provide a sanctuary for caregivers, friends, and family members as they draw strength from firsthand stories of those who have walked a similar path. Murphey offers simple, invaluable guidance on how to: take care of themselves and seek assistance shape new ways to communicate with their loved one help others connect with the person introduce activities and exercise to enhance health and mobility For those walking a sometimes lonely journey, this gift offers a gentle voice of support and is a hopeful reminder of the moments of peace that they and their loved one can still experience together.

Bestselling author Cecil Murphey (90 Minutes in Heaven) has enraptured countless readers with his lyrical style and deft storytelling, selling millions of books and winning numerous awards. Yet behind the scenes of his successful career, Murphey is on a personal quest for a deeper knowledge of God and himself. Out of this thirst for the transcendent comes Knowing God, Knowing Myself, a collection of reflective statements captured with Murphey''s inimitable style. These aphorisms are often surprising, meant to startle the reader out of "common wisdom" into uncommon meditation; the goal is God- and self-discovery. Whether readers begin with a desire to know God or to know themselves, Knowing God, Knowing Myself will invite them to discover how these two longings are inextricably entwined. As they reflect and journal through this unforgettable book, readers will experience a growing awareness of God''s presence and a deepened inner life.

Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning educator and the highly-praised author of I Choose to Stay, has helped hundreds of troubled children get into magnet high schools, major colleges, and universities. Yet he still finds himself devastated by the long-ago death of a promising student named Willow Briggs. Salome worked with and consistently encouraged this troubled boy, who ultimately became one of the school''s top chess players and students. But when Willow moved on to high school, he found no real positive influences. He struggled academically and was murdered on a street corner at the age of sixteen. More than any other factor, Willow''s death launched Salome Thomas-EL on his mission to be a positive influence, and to encourage all of us to set the best example possible for the young people in our lives. The Immortality of Influence is a refreshing, common-sense roadmap to helping kids achieve their dreams in which Thomas-EL movingly describes the methods he has used to help his students succeed. It all started in Vaux Middle School, where he began a chess club to teach boys and girls how to think critically and resolve conflicts with their minds instead of their fists. Not only did his students win eight national championships and become local heroes, they also scored high on the SATs and got into top colleges. When Thomas-EL found himself faced with kids who didn''t exercise or eat well, he started a summer program in which the students walked to museums and other cultural events around the city. Recognizing the importance of exposing kids to the world outside their own neighborhoods, he took fifteen African-American students to rural Vermont, where they interacted with white children their age and discovered how much they had in common. All of these students were later accepted to the best magnet high schools. These are just a few examples of what can happen when kids are mentored in a positive way--not only at home, but in the community at large. For parents, guardians, educators--anyone who wants the best for kids, this book is an essential, inspirational reference. It''s all about making a difference--not just for today, but forever. Sometimes, it only takes one special person to set a child on the right path, but more often, it does indeed take a village. The Immortality of Influence will inspire you to band together with other caring adults and start making a difference--now.

The pastor of Atlanta''s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church describes his Strategic Life Plan to use as a blueprint for success and fulfillment and enhances the reader''s relationship with God through 60-second challenges, exercises and quizzes.

Do you feel like your life is a series of shattered dreams? Have you bought into the lie that you''ll never amount to anything? In Think Big, Dr. Ben Carson is here to tell you some good news: none of that is true. By learning to think big, Ben rose from his humble beginnings to create a life full of amazing accomplishments and international renown. He climbed from the academic bottom of his fifth-grade class to become--at age thirty-three--head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He learned that he had potential, but more importantly, he learned how to unleash it--and you can too. If you put the principles in this book in motion, you can transform your life into one you''ll love. As Dr. Carson teaches you how to unlock your own potential, you''ll also learn: The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community How to look for God''s gifts in your daily life The key to shifting your perspective and thinking big Your life is big--far bigger than you''ve ever imagined. Inside these pages lie the keys to recognizing your full potential. If you''re ready to build a life that is rewarding, significant, and abundantly fruitful, let Think Big be your guide.

It''s sometimes difficult to know how to respond to the unexpected twists and turns that accompany a devastating diagnosis. This comforting book inspires caregivers to seek peace and understanding in their loved one''s situation, learn the importance of active listening, and explore their own feelings of confusion and unrest.

Providing loving care to the elderly can be a financial and emotional minefield. Learn how to maneuver through sensitive issues from Registered Nurse, caregiver, and daughter, Virginia Garberding. Discover ways to bring dignity, safety, relevance and comfort to your parent''s last years.

A riverboat explosion offers a welcome escape. A notorious riverboat gambler killed Rosaleen Archer''s husband and Has taken her captive, forcing her to do unspeakable things. Convinced God hates her, Rosaleen looks to luck for help as she attempts to escape when the riverboat explodes. She awakens in the arms of a stranger who carries her from the riverbank to a new life and a fresh start, outwardly free of her past. Reverend Jacob Hale senses Rosaleen''s innate distrust of God, but as she reveals her past to him, he understands. He finds himself irresistibly drawn to this lovely creature, but can love survive between them despite their differences? Can Jacob convince Rosaleen that God loves even her? Can Rosaleen ever escape the pain and shame of her past?

So how should we spend our time on Earth? Don Piper, the Minister of Hope who spent 90 minutes in Heaven, brings us God''s message. Hope for the here and now from the multimillion-selling author of 90 Minutes in Heaven. Millions believe in Heaven. Don Piper''s been there. He was pronounced dead after a car accident on January 18, 1989. Ninety minutes later, Piper came back to life with an extraordinary story. His 90 Minutes in Heaven has strengthened the faith of countless people. When Piper returned to this life, he had a long road back to health, dealing with painful treatments and physical disabilities-the "new normal," as Piper calls it. Still, he had been transformed spiritually and this allowed him not only to cope with his suffering, but to transcend it. Piper found purpose in his pain, he found the message in the mess, and so can anyone else who embraces God''s grace in the here and now-as well as the Hereafter. Don Piper did not return from Heaven alone-he brought the gift of hope back with him. Those who read Heaven Is Real can use what he learned to live the lives God has called them to live.

The NFLs Most Valuable Player for 2005 shares the amazing journey God has prepared for him. He recounts the years that led up to his success on and off the field, and how God gave him the dream of his achievements.

From the authors of the inspiring true story 90 Minutes in Heaven In 1989, Don Piper died in a car accident. Ninety minutes later, as a minister prayed over him, he returned to life-and remembered... For millions of readers around the world, Don Piper''s account of his experience, 90 Minutes in Heaven, offers an inspirational, exciting, and fulfilling message of hope-and has become an international phenomenon. Now, he continues his message of hope and faith with a book of devotionals for all of those who want to experience the joy and contentment of his message every day. With ninety devotionals within, this unique collection directly addresses the everyday hardships we all endure, offering solace and guidance for all those who wish to lead happier, more virtuous lives.

This title offers daily words of hope for people who have a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer''s disease.

The challenges of working in an urban school are not for every teacher. Some get burnt out fast. Some lose sight of why they started teaching in the first place. Some find their calling in other neighborhoods...with other kids. But not Salome Thomas-El. A Teacher at Roberts Vaux Middle School in Philadelphia''s inner city, he chose to stay. Gripping, poignant, and homest, this is his blistering real-life tale of mentoring and making a difference—and how the reformation of America''s educational system can start with just one school. Praise for I Choose To Stay "An intensely moving story of loyalty and courage and a deeply pewrsonal tribute to the great potential of our inner-city kids, so frequently dismissed and denigrated by American society. The redemptive power of a teacher''s love shines through these pages with prophetic grace. I am grateful to the author for the lesson of essential decency he teaches us" --Jonathan Kozol "This book is about courage. It is a story about determination, about compassion, love and the ultimate fight. This is the fight against the odds, against the ''system'' and years of cultural, social and economic factors that would have allowed this group of inner-city kids to become nothing more than a set of statistics. But Salome Thomas-El would not let that happen. He would not give up. He saw the potential in them and he fought for them. he used a board game as a weapon in this figth." --From the forward by Arnold Schwarzenegger "A powerful story about what an inspirational teacher can do to open new horizons for economically disadvantaged young people" --William H. Gray, III, President, United Negro College Fund "This book shows how one dedicated educator who believes in th potential of all our kids can make a huge difference and how, under teh proper circumstances, urban education can work." --Edward G. Rendell, former mayor of Philadelphia, Chairman of the Democratic National Convention "An eloquent example of how commitment and innovation can better the lives of inner-city children." --Kirkus Reviews

Does someone you love struggle with depression or mental illness? As much as you want to fix it, you won''t be able to. But it is important that you take care of yourself - both physically and spiritually - during this difficult time.

Rambunctious, respectful and poignant, this is the incredible story of a family that beat the odds and stayed faithful to each other and to God.

A collection of daily readings to inspire and comfort individuals whose loved ones suffer from drug or alcohol addiction.