Those who know me well, know I'm not much of a reader. Well, within the past year or so, I have been trying to change that. And much to my surprise, I am enjoying reading. I mostly read spiritual books, and my favorite are near death experience books. Now that may sound morbid, but admit it, we all want to know what happens when we die. Sure, most of us believe we are going to Heaven or Hell, but I'm talking about what REALLY happens when we die. What are we going to experience? Have you thought about dying in your sleep? I often wonder about people who have passed on in their sleep. What must it be like. I mean, one minute you're dreaming, and the next you're in a whole new realm. I wonder if you think you're still dreaming or if it becomes an instant reality. I don't know, maybe I have too much time on my hands to think about such things, but on the other hand, we are all just one breath away from death, so is it not something we should think about? No one really wants to think about it, but it's going to happen to all of us sooner or later, so why be scared? I'm certainly not scared of death, I'm actually looking forward to the day when I don't have to face the "junk" of this world, read ranting political Facebook posts (or just ranting posts in general), or turn on the news to see nothing but bad news. It makes me grow so weary. Recently, I read a book entitled, "To Heaven and Back" by Dr. Mary C. Neal, MD. I believe I read this book in about two days because I couldn't put it down. Her book takes you on a spiritual journey and her near death experience when she drowned in a kayaking accident. She spoke of things she saw and experienced, and how it really strengthened her relationship with God. I don't want to give away the entire book, but I will say that she has experienced much turmoil in her life. Her faith inspired me. But yet, I must say, I am a bit jealous of people who have near death experiences or "see" things that I don't seem to "see". Why is it that some people get to experience things like this when I have to continually live by faith? Not that I mind living by faith because I love living by faith, but what I would give to just experience actually seeing something like an angel or the face of Jesus. And maybe I do. Maybe I am too focused on this earth to realize I've had encounters with angels. The one thing I always find in EVERY near death experience book I've read is the people who have good experiences say the same thing..."I didn't want to come back. I don't belong here." The thing I find ironic about this last statement is I say that sentence over and over again, day after day...I've told several of my friends, "I just don't belong here." I've not had a near death experience, but even so, I have never felt as though I belonged here. I've never "fit in" here. Even when I was kid, many times I felt alone. I've always felt I'm created for another world. I especially feel this way when I feel lonely or see others lives going just as they planned. And the older I get and how I keep losing loved ones and friends, the more I'm ready to go, too. I'm actually jealous that they are already experiencing Heaven while I'm still "stuck" here. I'm just selfish that way because I know I'm still here because the Lord is not done with me yet. But wow... I am SO ready for Heaven. It excites me more than anything, it's what I love to talk about, and I feel sorry for the people who claim Christianity, but don't have these same feelings. So what are your thoughts? Are you longing for Heaven? Have you ever had a near death experience or seen angels? I'd love to hear your stories if so. Another amazing book to check out if you're interested in near death experiences is a book by Don Piper entitled, "90 Minutes in Heaven". I'm not sure how anyone can read these books and have doubts that there is not more out there than THIS earth. God bless and keep your eyes on the prize, and if you get there before I do, save me a place!
2 comments:
My dad had a near death experience several years before he actually died and he said the same thing about not wanting to come back. He said he saw that bright light and felt that peace that passes all understanding. He said for the first time since he could remember he wasn't in any pain and felt completely free. He used to tell us all the time he wasn't afraid to die after that experience. He said he wanted to argue with whoever told him he had to come back the first time. There was another doctor that was interviewed on Nightline earlier this week about how he was in a coma and "died" and went to heaven. He even had a medical explanation as to how it happened and that it couldn't have been a dream. I think that was my favorite part because the commentator couldn't argue with him when he could prove medically and scientifically that it wasn't only a dream.
Amy P
That's pretty awesome, Amy. Thank you for sharing that story. And I think I just read an article on that dr. you're talking about a couple of weeks ago. I find it all so fascinating.
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