Heaven Changes Everything
by Todd & Sandra Burpo
A Devotional

I highly recommend reading Heaven Is For Real before reading Heaven Changes Everything.

I’m presenting my review of the first book (Heaven Is For Real) before the review for Heaven Changes Everything, because I think it might be helpful.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL:

A four-year-old’s explanation of heaven without the obstacles of adult influences or expectations.

This story captured me from the beginning. I love little Colton and his heartwarming, enlightening story – told through his father, Todd Burpo. Yes, the media is full of been there, done that stories concerning out-of-body experiences and seeing the light (I’m in no way discounting them, or making light of those) but few accounts are given from such an innocent and fresh perspective.

I found this book informative, entertaining and uplifting. I didn’t find anything in the story to be sensationalized or exaggerated. There was no need too, because this child experienced things of this world (and out of this world) with an unsullied and a pure heart.  This book will surely bless you – and perhaps (if you aren’t already) make you a believer.

This book can be read in one sitting. Photos are inserted in the middle, that add to the already fabulous imagery of the story. Highly recommended.

HEAVEN CHANGES EVERYTHING:

At the beginning of each of the 42 chapters is an excerpt from the first book, Heaven Is For Real. Each quote is then followed by an essay, explaining how the circumstances changed the Burpos’ lives or outlooks. Then ends with a question and Bible verse, showing important applications.

I think this is a nice ‘expansion pack’ so to speak, but I wasn’t totally engrossed in this book like I was the first. It serves very nicely as a devotional book.

Glorious Spring Has Sprung!

I arise from bed and peer through the raindrops on my window. I notice the sun is rising earlier, buzzing bees are already planning parties on the fast blooming pear trees, and waking to a frosty windowpane is becoming a distant memory. I am witnessing spring, the season of new growth, flourish around every bend.

Embracing a steamy cup of coffee, I stroll outside to the backyard and behold the new season bursting forth. The earthy smell of rain, soil and grass tickle my nose. Inhaling the damp air, I catch a waft of wild onions that begin to peek from their winter hibernation. The golden Daffodils on the outskirts of the woods trumpet their powerfully sweet aroma toward the heavens. I can’t remember a season welcoming me so magnificently.

I promenade to the wooden garden swing that I haven’t visited in several months. It forgives my neglect and beckons me to settle back on its solid stern. The seat is wet, but I don’t mind. With nothing pressing on the schedule today, I decide to just lean back and drink in the beauteous moments of my solitude with nature. How long has it been since I’ve just sat?

The white fluffy clouds aren’t the only evidence of the morning showers I slept through. The water drops still glisten on the newly leafing plum trees, and the iris flags sip up the fresh cool rain to ready themselves for their debut. The glimmering growth before me is displayed as an artist’s painting. Even the puddles of mud share their place in the divine canvas of spring.

I watch and listen to the whispering hints of change. Geese are honking, woodpeckers are drumming, and yellow jackets are humming. The burgeoning Maple trees stretch out their branches in praise as the songbirds practice their spring chorus. I yearn no longer for springtime, for it is here.

The swelling dogwood buds stir my thoughts to the majesty of its symbolic flowers. As I look around at this glorious world that God created, the prelude of colors, sounds, and smells of the season remind me of the new beginning I’m given every day. Yesterday is becoming a memory, but as each day unfolds, the fresh dawn allows me to bloom and grow.

How about you? 

What beauty did you awake to this lovely March morning?

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Baking a Book with Un-Imaginary Friends.

One thing book authors have in common is: They didn’t do it alone.

Most people think of writers as being loners, which is partly true. We sit alone exploring our thoughts, until we dream up imaginary friends (characters) and create situations to dip them into. We carefully choose just the right ingredients we need for our fabulous adventure, romance, tragedy, or mystery, and then write our creative little hearts out. Soon, with pencil to paper, or fingers to keyboard, we discover we’ve produced a story!

But wait! That’s just the first draft, or the batter, so-to-speak. Now it’s time to mix in our un-imaginary friends—beta readers, critique partners, and editors. This is when the story is stirred, beaten, and baked into a delicious book. 

Thank you to my un-imaginary friends. You know who you are. :)

Inspired!

I’m inspired!

After viewing a profile photo of a guy holding up the tower of Pisa with his foot, I’m itching to return to my WIP (work in progress), Sunday in the Piazza. Recollections of my spring trip to Italy are flooding back and the urge to infuse those memories into my story are intense. It is exciting to have that fire lit under my butt. LOL

My writing was paused (other than a short story here and there) to sod our yard, have sheetrock repaired after storm damage, paint the entire indoors of my house, and prepare for my son’s wedding. All that is nearly completed (except for a few more rooms to paint) and I’m eager to get back to my daily writing. I’ve missed it.

Although it was painful to step away from my WIP, it was a blessing in disguise. Last month I worried my opening chapter wasn’t powerful enough, so when I opened my manuscript this morning I looked for weaknesses in chapter one, and got back the feel of the story. I was ecstatic when I became completely engrossed. I like the beginning of my book and have returned to my original love for the story. Yay!

I wish I didn’t have to work today. I’m eager to create more of Sunday Phillips’ Italian romance and plan to dive back in—head first—when I get home this evening.

Italy, watch out! I’m about to unleash a powerful romance on your beautiful country. ;)