Friday, May 27, 2011

Heaven Is For Real - Todd Burpo

Dear Jesus,

Help me never to forget that you are always here, always real and always loving me.

Amen!

This book had a profound effect on my prayer life.  I can't say that it changed me forever, because that wouldn't be accurate.  I've known Jesus a very long time and even though I've had seasons of "drought" or thoughtlessness, I've always returned.  This brought me back from a season with leaps and bounds.  This little boy's trip to Heaven is believable and wonderful and made Him more real to me....again.

What I really loved about this book is that it's not just this steady stream of recapping Colton's visit to Heaven, but a woven story with his experience just thrown in - how it truly happened.  He didn't wake up from surgery spoutin' scripture or praisin' Jesus, but slowly opened up with his innocent stories and remarkable insight.....not to mention the statements he made that he could never have known had he not been there.

I always take these stories with a grain of salt.  I'm a bit of a skeptic.  As much as I WANT them to be true, I just always wonder how much of it truly is.  This one had me sold hook, line and sinker.  It just didn't FEEL false.  It felt real and genuine and sweet and simple.  Easy peasy read, not-so-easy heart changer.  :)

The beginning, however, made for a bit of dull reading.  Luckily it didn't take them too many {fairly short} chapters to get into the "meat" of the book, though.  Just enough, maybe, to keep people from truly getting into it FAST enough.  I'm glad I stuck it out. 

No spoilers here - the title says it all.  This little dude goes to Heaven and sits in Jesus' lap, sings with angels and can describe Heaven in a way that only a little 3 year old can.  Pure. 

I'm buying a few more copies of this book to give as gifts - or to make sure I have enough to lend out.  I just think it is a worthwhile read.  Heart-warming, heart-changing and heart-felt.  Read this book.  It won't take you long.  Just read it.  You'll see.

*****(plus)
5+ stars