When Fezzik died, my dear friend, Twyla from Two Crazy Crafters sent a gorgeous prayer shawl and this book to me. When I received them, I unwrapped the shawl, placed it over my shoulders and cried. To think that she had crocheted a beautiful shawl to bring comfort to me was so overwhelming.I sent her a thank you card and told her how much her gifts meant to me, and then later, after I'd put some of my grief into action, she and I talked. I was able to tell her about some decisions I'd made and then she told me about the prayer she prayed over my shawl. She told me that her prayers had been answered. I'll save more of that story and a photo of my shawl for another day. What I want to tell you about today is this book.
I hadn't been able to pick it up to read it until yesterday. I placed it where I would see it every day, and every day I touched it and then walked past it. Yesterday, I picked it up, sat down and read it. I'm so very glad that I did. This is one jaw-dropping, incredible read.
In case you haven't heard about this book before, it's about a four year old boy named Colton Burpo, his miraculous recovery from life-threatening illness, and how it affected those around him.Don't worry. I'm not going to tell you any more about the book, or reveal how the story progresses, or ruin the ending for you. I just want to tell you (and Twyla) that this book reaffirmed my belief in God, Jesus Christ and Heaven.
It isn't a long read. I finished the book in less than a day, but if you'd like to pick up a thought-provoking book, please don't pass this one by. I know you'll be glad you read it.
Thank you again, Twyla. I'm going to purchase more copies to share with family and friends...especially those who've lost someone they love.
Before I close, I just want to wish my beautiful Mum a very Happy Birthday today!I could tell you how
Dear Mum, I hope you have a day filled with all the people and things you love, and all your heart's desires. I'll see you soon to celebrate. xoxo #1
You are right about how much people grieve over the loss of a beloved pet...we have 2 creamation cans on a shelf in our bed room with our last 2 beloved dogs (Skeezer and Keoki) We think about them and do talk about them once in a while and of course we still miss them and wonder what they would think about the pups :)
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of you and your Mom and she makes me want to just let my hair grow out and get a loose perm..What I am saying is she looks GREAT and please tell her happy Birthday for me.
Could you please tell me if the book is real sad? I don't like to read sad books.
Take care Donna and go to my blog and enter my give away when you have time :)
Donna, I just knew you needed to read that book. I so hoped it would bring you comfort and I still believe precious Fezzik is waiting for you in Heaven. I am so glad you liked the book. I loved it so much I didn't want it to end. I think everyone will grow stronger in their faith after reading it. Twyla
ReplyDeleteHi Donna,
ReplyDeleteThis book a wonderful read, not just for grieving, but when in doubt.
Happy Birthday to your mum!
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Hugs, Sharon
How nice of Twila to send you the book and shawl, my daughter was so ill 2 years ago and a lady brought her a prayer shawl that her church had made. It meant so much to my daughter. I read the book, Heaven is for real, I would recommend it to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI lost my dog Lilly in Feb. and was wondering if animals really do go to heaven. Well after reading this book, I know she is in heaven, and that gives me great comfort. I had her cremated and still can't make myself bury her ashes.
I know your beloved doggie is in heaven too and we will see them again one day!!!!
Tell your mom Happy Birthday! Hugs,
Lecia
Birthday Blessings to your beautiful mother, dear Donna. Today is my sisters 60th birthday and her wedding anniversary. Thank you for letting us know about this book.
ReplyDeleteEvery so often an event happens that reaffirms our faith, whether its faith in God or our own human race makes no matter. You were doubly blessed with this generous, thoughtful and loving gesture and gift.
ReplyDeleteAND, your friends that have read this post are also blessed because you have shared it with us.
Much Love...Very Much Love,
Carol
Good Morning Pretty Lady,
ReplyDeleteWow, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree........you're mom is a knockout! Almost too much beauty in one picture ;o)
Twyla is the sweetest, isn't she! She knitted me a pair of slippers for my aching feet. God really is present here on earth with wonderous folks like you and her.
God Bless,
Meri
Good Morning, Donna,
ReplyDeleteI also received a prayer shawl from the women of the church when I was in the hospital for an extended stay about 5 years ago. It is so soft and comforting to wear, isn't it?
Happy Birthday to your mom today. It is a great day to celebrate a birthday. ~Natalie
Oh what a thoughtful and touching gift for you in your time of need!
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
Happy Birthday to your beautiful mum! Wishing her good things and happy times! Twyla
ReplyDeleteDee, Happy Birthday to your Mom! I love the prayer shawl, I wish I had one, I have been reading and gazing at patterns and books about them, I just love the idea of all the prayers that can be past down to each other when you give one to someone you love...that was so thoughtful of those two, just like them!!!! I heard from another friend who is reading the same book, that is so interesting, I may have to go and get a copy....thanks for sharing your special gifts, I know how hard this has been for you....hugs my sweet friend!!!
ReplyDeleteMags
xxxx
Dear Donna,
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw the picture today on your blog I had to come by and visit you.
When my husband bought me my "Nook" from Barnes and Noble last Christmas I was thrilled. As soon as I could I did a search on it and one of the words I put in the search box was "Heaven" it seemed that at the time "Heaven is for real" was in the New release's section and so I bought it. My husband was curious about the book and started to read it first. All weekend he kept telling me...hey, listen to this..I kept saying don't tell me... I want to read it myself...lol. Well I did.
This book is a must read for "Everyone"!!! I have come away from reading this book to having much more peace in my life and affirmation on things I had been wondering about.
I picked the word "Heaven" in the search box on my Nook because I had a dream about my father several years ago. My Dad had passed away when I was 18yrs.
In the dream I was visiting my father...in a beautiful place..
he showed me things and spoke to me as well. I won't go into details
but it was a powerful dream.
"Heaven is for real" validates
everything in my dream!!
I hope your beautiful post will help to inspire others to read this exceptional book.
May God bless you and your beautiful Mother and wish her Happy Birthday from me as well.
Love and Light,
Susan
Hi Donna, I don't know what to say! I felt a connection through our mutual love of pets, and loved reading about Fezzik and Kez, I was one of the many who cried with you over your loss, and now I couldn't believe my eyes when I read your latest post because I have just finished reading Heaven is for Real!!! It was recommended by a fellow craft forum member, and I got it from my local library. I couldn't put it down once I started reading and that story has brought a lot of comfort to me, as it has to you. Now I am SURE I will see my pets again. :)
ReplyDeleteI won't say much about the book either, but the baby sister and Pop really confirmed my belief!
Hugs from across the seas, Sandy.
Sorry, I forgot to say "Happy Birthday" to your Mum! She looks lovely! My Mum just celebrated her 87th birthday on June 10th and is still going strong, My sister and I took Mum out for lunch and we had a lovely day1 :)
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon Donna - I have read the book and it is wonderful...been passing it along to everyone I know! Happy Birthday to your Mom.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Donna, Lost my little "Willie Dog" over a year ago. I still miss him so much, but time has healed the hurt! He left me so many good memories...You will get there in time...Heaven is for Real is a wonderful book..Little Colton has touched so many lives...!
ReplyDeleteA very Happy Birthday to you mother. She is so beautiful and I can see where you get your beauty from. How very thoughtful of Twyla to make a prayer shawl for you and to share this book with you. I shall need to read it for certain. Blessings to you...
ReplyDeleteI loved every page of this book, I read it on Kindle in January and shared with others too. It's so moving for me as I lost a child as a baby and it gave me such hope. I think this book is the best.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Feathers inthe Nest
Happy Birthday to Donna's Mom! You look completely young to me - that is a beautiful photo of the two of you!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking yesterday I need to find some summer reads, and some I can pass on to my daughter who is always offering me good books - this is so timely. I'll definitely be looking for it and thanks for the tip.
I hope you and your Mom have a great celebration when you meet up!
What a wonderful gift!! I'm gonna cry!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your Mum. Now I'm gonna smile big! :) :) :)
xx, shell
dear donna,
ReplyDeletei found you through the daily corgi. i only found it soon before fezzik's tribute. i'm so glad i found it in time to find you. i have spent the whole morning reading fezzik's friday posts. and then i cried and cried. it was like losing my three corgi's all over again. i too held each one in my arms as they passed. i have never even heard of this book before. with our money situation as it is iamhopingourlibraryhas it as i want to read it so much. you know c. s. lewis believed strongly that our pets are waiting for us in heaven. when my husband lost his sweet beagle through a terrible tragic accident right before she was one, my daughter found a verse in the old testament that came right out and said that animals go to heaven. for some reason we have neverbeen able to locate that verse since. but i take heart in knowing it is there. thank you for sharing fezzik with me today. he did have a gigantic heart.
blessings,
terri sue
A great book to read and to share with others. The prayer shawl was a wonderful gift of love. Great picture of you and Mom, 2 pretty ladies.
ReplyDeleteDeb
Hi, Donna. I'll have to look for this book. Aren't Twyla and Lindsey both just the greatest? I had them for a Halloween Swap that I was in a few years back!
ReplyDeleteWish your beautiful mother a happy birthday from me!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents