Lucky Dorito

Heaven

Posted by Lucky Dorito on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

Several months ago, Shannon sent me a few books on CD to listen to in the car as I travel. I had tucked them away in the china cabinet (so they wouldn’t get lost or damaged) and I sort of forgot about them. (Big surprise there, huh?) When I was packing to go to Texas to visit with her, we’d planned to each bring our wedding albums to share while we were together. Ours is on the top shelf of the china cabinet, behind glass doors, so that you can see it but it’s not exposed to dust and dog hair. When I moved it, lo and behold… there were the forgotten cd’s.

I began listening to one titled, “90 Minutes in Heaven” by Don Piper a few days ago (after we’d returned home - saving it for last because I knew I wanted to NOT be stuck in the car with the girls, trying to listen while they chatted). It’s an incredible story of the authors’ life and death experience. At the time I’m writing this, I’m about halfway through the cd’s and VERY moved by his story. I don’t know how, as a Christian, anyone can hear his story and not be at least a little moved by it.

I have thought about it a lot since I began listening this past Saturday. While I’m working, while I’m walking, while I’m just sitting…. it’s been very present on my mind. Yesterday, I posted a 10 Question Meme and the last question has been on my mind, since the moment I answered it. I don’t think it is coincidence that both things sort of *converged* at the same time.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Welcome - ya done good, kid.

I found myself having a conversation with a friend about the the story. As I said, it has remained on my mind for several days. As we were talking, another person (whom I’ve known for many years but I am hesitant to name in this forum) walked in and overheard part of the conversation.

He proceeded to tell me that…. in his opinion, there is nothing after death. No heaven. No hell. No form of consciousness in the least… when you die, that is IT. Nada, zip, zilch.

I was shocked. I know many of us have different beliefs - I don’t expect everyone to believe EXACTLY what I believe. But…. I don’t know how I never KNEW that this particular person didn’t believe in heaven and hell. I suppose, because… in my mind - it’s synonymous with believing in Christ. So…. does that mean he doesn’t believe in Christ? I don’t know. And, I’m ashamed to admit… I was too stunned to ask him. I didn’t know how to ask without creating a big ole’ theological discussion that might not be appropriate for the place we were at during the moment.

I’ve been beating myself up ever since over it. I missed the opportunity to share my belief in Christ with this person. It may never change his opinion… but what if it could?

I have always shied away from theological discussions because …. well. I don’t know why. I love the Lord and the many blessings He has given me… and I am quick to praise and turn to Him in prayer. But… it’s a very personal thing to me in many ways. I just don’t have the gift of evangelism.

Today, I pray for the Lord to present me with the same opportunity again, if it be in His will. I am prepared to handle the situation better. As long as I have Him in my corner, I can do it.

Filed in Life, Me |

10 Dorito Bits to “Heaven”

Jenon 02 Jul 2008 at 6:10 am 1

I have the book, 90 Minutes in Heaven, but I’ve yet to read it. I will have to move it to the top of my “to be read” pile!
Shannonon 02 Jul 2008 at 6:24 am 2

I am so glad you are enjoying the book on CD. It is absolutely amazing and truly changed how I view death and heaven. I don’t know how anyone can hear his story and not be touched.

John 16:24 says……..”Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

My prayer this morning is that God will answer your prayer and your joy will be complete!
Guinieon 02 Jul 2008 at 7:21 am 3

I’ll have to check this book out…no guarantees on getting it completed anytime soon…but I’ll check it out. ;o)

I’m the same way when it comes to evangelizing. There have been opportunities I’ve just let slip by…and then I feel so guilty about not saying something. I don’t think I have the gift of evangelism either, but we’re all called to it…it’s just that those who are gifted with it may be called to it as a full time ministry. Just one more example of how we fall short. But He loves us anyway. ;o) I’m so glad!
Vonnieon 02 Jul 2008 at 9:58 am 4

Oh I have read it and wow! It does change your perspective and I am so looking forward to being there one day! It’s an awesome story of faith and testament to God. I too have missed many an oppurtunity to witness Dory, I hope that I learn from it and can speak up when I get the chance. God forgives us of our short comings too! Have a great holiday weekend and so glad you made the trip safely!
Beccaon 02 Jul 2008 at 11:46 am 5

Is there a way to import the CD’s into ITunes? I would love to listen to it on my IPod.

You will know when the time is right. Go with your gut.

Hugs,
Becca
Doryon 02 Jul 2008 at 12:12 pm 6

Absolutely Becca… just like any other cd. Import it into iTunes, adding it to your library. I get audiobooks at the library all the time to listen to on my iPod.
thotladyon 02 Jul 2008 at 2:25 pm 7

When presented with the opportunity I usually do ask the question…”do you believe in Christ”. I present it more in the context of informational, when they answer, that’s when the tough part comes. If they say no, then I have to decide how I will respond. I usually end up have very good, engaging discussions with people.

It is interesting that you should blog about this today…our pastor brought this up recently, and asked how many of us share our christianity with others?

I do try when the opportunity arises without being preachy. It’s a fine line to walk.

Good post.
Jeanon 02 Jul 2008 at 4:07 pm 8

I have missed a lot of opportunities, too. And while I’m grateful that, as Guin says, He loves me anyway, I still hate disappointing Him! Let us know when you get your second chance.. He usually responds to my requests for another chance to share, when I’m determined to please Him. I’m not a natural evangelist, either. That part of my life is deeply personal.. I know everyone I know in real life is amazed that there is anything I don’t talk about! LOL I pray he opens this man’s heart to your words and the Holy Spirit prepares the way.
hugs,
Jean
Stacyon 02 Jul 2008 at 6:10 pm 9

I know exactly how you feel. Remember a few weeks ago when the father of the girl next door told me that his daughter (3 yrs old) knows that when you die that is it. I was so stunned by him telling me that, that I couldn’t respond the way I should have. I have thought many times since then that i should invite them to church, but haven’t worked up the nerve. I do not have it in me either. I can talk to kids about it all day long but adults I would rather not. Perhaps I am afraid of being called out. Of not knowing the scripture that I need to back myself up.

I need to pray also that I can find opportunities to share my faith.
White Hot Magikon 02 Jul 2008 at 10:54 pm 10

I shudder to think of all the times I have missed. My bible study group has been studying Romans and that is a great book to give people a start I think. It certainly has bolstered me and I can feel many more opportunities coming my way, I hope I am ready. I’ll have to check out that book. I’d watch the video but I am going to have to come back I am beat, you are my last stop this evening!