This past weekend we were at the Hogue house in Newellton and I began reading a book that my sister-in-law, Esther, brought home. I'm sure many of you have heard of this book that is called My 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. I read it in a couple of days and that is a pretty good measure of how interesting it was (for me, anyway). I haven't done that with a book since the last installment of the Harry Potter series. And before that it was with the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom (and that was years ago). I was that riveted, is what I am trying to explain. I loved the book and it encouraged me on so many levels.
First of all, I was so emotional as he described his time in heaven. It was truly truly beautiful. I wouldn't say that the author was a person that got really emotional or that he was good at being descriptive but then again (as Esther said) how could he be? It really took away fear of death, and it took away mourning for lost loved ones as I imagined them there worshipping in full joy-ahhhhh!
Secondly, I was moved by this man's struggle with pain and despair on his return to earth. My own struggles have been no where near this man's but I could relate to his emotional despair and that hopelessness that I have felt at points in my life. It is a dark place but to know that you are not alone does wonders for encouragement.
Thirdly, I closed that book with new resolve to run the race set before me. It was so clear that our time on earth is but a faint whisper in eternity. And that the sufferings we have will be nothing compared to the glory of heaven. I look forward to it. I have less fear because of it.
I have a list of books that I like giving to folks or recommending. To give you a few: Boundaries, Changes that Heal, Loving Obedience, Francine Rivers trilogy (Voice in the Wind, Echo in the Darkness, and Sureness of the Dawn) along with the given Tolkien and Lewis books. I think this book is going to make the list. In fact, I have a running list of people who should read this book. It may be you.....
We're not buying too many books these days (they're kind of heavy to transport unless absolutely necessary), but if you have a copy, can I borrow it while we're in the States (hey! Maybe that way I'd have to see you more than once time, wouldn't that be TERRIBLE!) :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart and thoughts here.