Heaven is for real! Part 2

I could hardly put the book down. Little Colton Burpo went to heaven and now he's telling his parents all about his experiences. Of course it's in a 4-year old voice because he is almost 4 years old. Colton's appendix burst and he wasn't treated for it for 5 days. He died for a little while; three minutes he said.

Can you imagine your little son telling you that he saw Jesus and that Jesus had markers on him? His dad was floored. Here is the conversation:

"Well, what color are Jesus' markers?"

"Red, Daddy. Jesus has red markers on him."

At that moment, my throat nearly closed with tears as I suddenly understood what Colton was trying to say. Quietly, carefully, I said, "Colton, where are Jesus' markers?"

Without hesitation, he stood to his feet. He held out his right hand, palm up and pointed to the center of it with his left. Then he held out his left palm and pointed with his right hand. Finally, Colton bent over and pointed to the tops of both his feet.

"That's where Jesus' markers are, Daddy," he said.

Colton's dad had never spoken to him about these wounds and they did not have a crucifix with Jesus on it in their house or church. He had to have seen it.

Wow! This book is something else! I'd recommend it to anyone.

Heaven is for real!

Tonight at my Catholic Women's League, a fellow member and friend brought a book to share called Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. It's a book about a just about 4-year old who, after a near death experience, talks to his dad about things he saw and experienced while he was ill. Turns out, his dad being a minister compares his son's descriptions to heaven! It's a true story!

My friend, Dorothy, is using this book for her Baptism preparation course this year. Since Baptism is all about salvation, she thought she would use this book and her Bible references. She read part of the book to us and compared the boy's descriptions of heaven to Revelations. (The angels in Revelations 10:1; God shining and no night there in verse 21:23, and so on.)

I had heard about this book from another friend and thought it quite interesting, but tonight, I was further intrigued. When I went to the grocery story to get a few things, I also bought the book. I am going to start reading it tonight.

I wish

That my son would start writing again. :-)

His blog at Hudson Strait was quite unique, at least I thought so. I enjoyed his stories about the north and his life there with his partner and children. He often made me laugh and sometimes made me cry.

He is a good writer, but since he moved to Montreal, I don't get to read him.

Hey J - would you write about your life there? I'm sure you have some stories about renovating an old house, living in the city again, or taking the kids to the park. Your mom would love to read them.

Baptism

This summer another grandchild was baptised into the Catholic Church. This was an important day for me in that I am Catholic and I believe that the Catholic Church is Jesus' church, the one He began here on earth as our way to become one with Him again after we die. I believe that Baptism not only cleanses us, but is an inclusion rite. We are welcomed into a community of believers. We are no longer alone, out in the cold.

It makes me sad when I think of all of the people who do not have a relationship with Jesus. Who would I give over my burdens to? Who would give me the grace to carry on when I'm feeling overwhelmed? Who would I pray to for guidance in my decision making? Who would take care of my family? Who would love me when no one else will? etc. etc.

Baptism is the beginning of being Catholic, of believing in Jesus. Even Jesus, Himself, was baptized at the beginning of His ministry. Jesus models for us what it means to be welcomed into the community of believers. And to have a baby baptised not only means this baby is being welcomed into the community, but the parents of that baby are promising to bring that baby up in the faith in Jesus Christ.

How wonderful! :-)