For Heaven's Sake

Okay, so I got a little obsessed with reading about heaven the last couple of weeks, so I wanted to share my obsession with you!

Two years ago, I was recommended the book 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. My "Aunt" Jodi recommended it as my grandpa was in his last months. She said it would bring me comfort, and joy for the future ahead of my grandpa. And, it did. The book is told by Don Piper, who was in an auto accident and declared dead on the scene. Don got a glimpse of heaven before being sent back to Earth, only to endure a painful road to recovery. I loved this book, however, there was a point in which it seemed to focus a little too much on the pain, and the trials associated with the recovery. But, that's part of the story- how his faith and idea of heaven got him through the bad times. The other lesson learned from the book is to let people who want to help you - help you. When people offer their help, they want it to be accepted, and that in turn, is your gift back to them. Don learned this lesson as he recovered from the accident.

Next up: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. This is the true story of a four-year-old boy who had to have an emergency surgery and entered heaven during the surgery. He was able to tell his dad where his dad and mom both were during the surgery (something he couldn't possibly know); and he met his little sister, who his mom had miscarried and he had never been told about. Over the next year or two, little details of heaven kept being revealed to his parents. This story was recommended by my sister-in-law, Ali - and I finished it in about 2 hours one night. It was told by the four-year-old's father and will no doubt convince you that heaven is for real. This is currently on the NY Times Best Seller list.

Next up: My Time in Heaven by Richard Sigmund. Richard was pronounced dead by doctors, and actually was on his way to the morgue, when God brought him back to life. Richard entered heaven during that time, and most of the book is spent on his time in heaven - what he saw, what he heard, what he smelled....this book goes into incredible detail. You will be captivated and it will leave you hoping that Heaven is just as he tells it.

Next up: Glimpses of Heaven by Trudy Harris. Trudy has worked in Hospice Care for years, and this is a compilation of more than 40 end-of-life stories she has experienced with her patients. These stories focus more on patients "seeing the light" or "seeing Jesus" right before they leave, or being at peace near the end of life. I liked this book because the patients weren't all believers their whole lives, some of them had committed great sins, some of them had big regrets....but Trudy, as a believer, leads them back to God. And, a lot of the stories are focused on how they dealt with their impending death - and the loving families who surround them near the end. This is a great book for those watching a loved one die; or who has been witness to that in the past. It's a story of love and loss - and the amazing future we all have ahead of us.

What's interesting about all these books is the similiarities. I don't want to give anything away because I hope you will pick up one of these books. But, all of the books talk about the amazing colors in heaven, the beautiful music, the animals, and how much Jesus LOVES the little children. A couple of the accounts believe that aging does not exist in heaven, that people have wings, that there are golden gates and roads paved in gold, that water is endless but you can't drown in it, that there are no worries, that the abilities you have here on Earth are magnified by ten in heaven (um, which is going to make me a fabulous chef in heaven, by the way). And, I also loved that in these books, people knew who you were in heaven, you were reunited with your loved ones, that the other people in heaven were SO excited when you got there, that angels are for real, and Jesus welcomes you with open arms.

The sad part? Well, I spent a lot of time thinking about people who may miss out on this amazing opportunity, this beautiful gift we can all receive - eternal life. I just can't imagine living life without that promise of what is to come, the comfort knowing that God is with us every step of the way. In the books, they said that Jesus is omni-present- He's beside you all the time, yet still with everyone else. (I don't think I'll complain about being too busy anymore!)

Anyway, if you haven't read any of these - I highly suggest it. They will lift your spirits, spark your curiosity, bring you to your knees, and make you believe....Heaven is the real deal.....and I have a feeling my Grandpa is loving every minute of it.