Heaven is for Real "Deluxe Edition" by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent

Before digging in to the meat and bones of this meal, I wanted to share the primary reason I chose to review Heaven is for Real. I wanted to review it to find evidence of correct or point out incorrect theology. My question was, "Does it align with what the Bible says?" This question is in the forefront of every review I post but moreso in this review - - simply because of it's forthright title.

I applauded and celebrated the fact that this book does in fact support the fact that Heaven is for Real. Hell is also for real, but that was not the clear message as presented.

The premise of the book was that a Pastor's son became quite ill and though his medical records did not show his breathing or heart stopped during surgery (or that he had temporarily even lost consciousness), this boy claimed to have gone to Heaven for just three minutes.

The story began with a background of the family and then a flashback to the time of the illness. I began taking notes starting on page 60. Chapter Twelve titled Eyewitness to Heaven opened with a statement by Colton (the son) in which while in Heaven Jesus "told" Colton he had to be good. Well now that statement as presented is not biblical (Romans 3:10&12 just two examples). I understand the boy may have been stating that "do gooding" a.k.a "behaving" from a child's perspective, but I feel doing so was dangerous to those who profess salvation by works alone - salvation on one's being good, which only leads to their demise. Because no one is good according to God. My Christian faith as outlined in God's rulebook the Bible tells me that Jesus Christ is what even allows God to see me as "precious!"

Also, the boy shared about seeing "markers" on Jesus' hands which his father assumed would be the wounds on the hands of Jesus. Historically, the location of the nails that went through Jesus' flesh may possibly have been through the wrist bones. Greek and Aramaic language refer differently to the anatomy in their native tongue. Bones of contention (pardon the pun). Some of the greater details of Jesus' 33 years on this earth are not as important to debate, as one day we will know the Truth about everything. At least those who realize heaven is for real and make the decision (Romans 10:9-11).

Colton's father (and also the narrator) stated something that caught my eye on page 84. I quote, "I learned that I didn't have to offer some kind of churchy, holy-sounding prayer in order to be heard in heaven. "You might as well tell God what you think," I said. "He already knows it anyway." This statement was about a turning point in this man's life. He had been a Christian since childhood at that point and a pastor for half his life when he came to the realization that God actually heard his prayer.

I appreciated his transparency, but couldn't help but wonder if this man had a true calling to be a pastor. Kindly I state that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called. Another reminder that many can play "church" until God in His mercy gives us a Job experience to remind us that He is in control and is always listening to our prayers no matter how grandiose or simple (This book could have been given another title Being a Christian For Real, or Praying For Real - even Believing the Bible for Real).

Page 97 shed light on the author's flawed, inaccurate idea that the Bible remains relatively silent about babies going to Heaven. Not true. Be a Berean here and research, seek God, pray about it and read what His Word has to say about this sensitive topic. One day God may use you to comfort a mom or dad in their grief over losing a child. We give hope when we share the Truth of God's Word with others.

Several other theological red flags arose in Heaven is for Real: strange theology (page 133), (page 149) I quote,  "When you look at the book of Revelation and other biblical teachings about heaven, it's kind of fragmented", animals in heaven to include dogs, birds and lions and Colton supposedly seeing departed ones wearing wings (some small and some large).

Where in the Bible does it state that the ministering angels wore wings? And those who choose Christ, are higher than the angels Hebrews 1:1. Surprisingly, missing was Colton's description of people floating around on clouds doing nothing (which is by the way also not in the Bible).

Overall, I am blessed to have reviewed this New York Times bestseller courtesy of Thomas Nelson. I pray it gives hope to those seeking the salvation that only comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the Bible is our source of all inspiration, hope and Truth. This book will no doubt sell millions of copies. However, the greatest book of all time, the Word of God - the Bible will  never be replaced as the real source on what is real - and what is not! Heaven is for real. Hell is for real too Read the book. The Book of Life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Journey to Christmas: 2 DVD Set

Loved it!

This anointed double DVD set was beautifully delivered. The scenes magnificent as well as the sounds crisp and clear. I forgot I was watching from my couch. I felt as if I were taking this very special Christmas Journey along with the 5 Modern Wise Men!

The cast of characters:

Rory - Jewish and Christian Roots but has better understanding of what love is with family than God.

Nazreth - Protestant and Catholic upbringing but searching and looking for inspiration to reignite her artistic endeavors.

Drew - Adopted and in a crisis of faith. He is searching to have a personal encounter with God.

Kim - She has found faith but still has doubts and wants to prove that the Gospel is not just a "White man's Gospel."

Dusty - A born again lover of Jesus Christ just excited to walk where Jesus walked.

Where do I begin to explain this wonderful presentation? There were so many interesting facts given about when Jesus was born, how he lived, who he interacted with, and just the Middle East in general.

The other aspect of this "reality experience" was the interaction and shared experience of the five strangers that became friends. Their guide Nazir Shaheen (bless his heart!) has such an obvious love for the land and he is gentle and sincere in his wanting Drew especially to understand the Truth of the Bible and how so much of what they experienced matters.

My favorite part of Journey to Christmas was in the Church at Shepherd's Field when Dusty sang. Oh my! Tears flowed. I found myself watching Dusty throughout the experience. Drew also was drawn to her and even admitted he was a bit jealous to see Dusty's obvious love of Jesus. Dusty exuded an almost flower-child aura which really appealed to me. I also saw that same quality in Nazreth.

Nazreth was quite but respectful and her summary after being home awhile really touched my heart. I appreciated hearing how each of the five sojourners felt about their time in Israel after they had been home awhile. I was sad I admit that a few of them hadn't come closer to a personal relationship with God, but like Dusty said, You never know what lessons will be learned later in life after experiencing what the group experienced (my quote).

I wanted to scream when the group was hanging out talking about The Wailing Wall. I cheered for Drew and sighed as Rory didn't see the deeper meaning to what was happening at the wall. Nazreth got it and she came away from that wall with a new respect for people and the faith of those who mourned and prayed at that wall. I truly hope the religious aspects of the trip were explained in context with Old Testament and New Testament. Sadly, many in Israel are religious but not in relationship with Jesus Christ. I pray all four (Dusty got it) understand life is not about religion, but relationship. Religion was present and I pray all the pieces came together and that the group will one day understand why Jesus died for them (especially Drew. He pulled at my heart strings!!)

Golgotha was hard to see and I cried along with Dusty. There were so many joys and emotional scenes. I plan to watch this DVD again and again and to share it with as many as possible. This 4-session Holy Land Study experience should be part of a youth group, Advent, small groups and in so many more venues. It was a precious film and a wonderful example of the fact that the Bible is true and that our faith is a gift.

Praise God Bible experts were included: Hugh Ross, Paul Maier, Craig Evans, Claire Pfann and Stephen Pfann. This was truly a special experience for me and I am so grateful to Tyndale for this amazing opportunity to review such an amazing product!

You can learn more about this film by visiting www.journeytochristmas.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their media review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Women of Faith Imagine: Ft. Lauderdale

Oh my! Where do I begin? Saturday's Imagine venue was truly life-changing. Words cannot express the Holy-Spirit anointed, from-the-heart testimonials. Each speaker touched me in a special way that I will never forget.

First of all, our seats were unimaginable! We were seated on the ground floor and within rows and directly behind the speakers and Mary Mary. I had the blessing of personally thanking Lisa Harper . I mouthed a "thank you" as she walked by. The Imagine Team and worship singers walked by our row all day long. Awesome and humbling!

Lisa Harper weaved her opening tale in a way that no doubt everyone was surprised and entertained by her account of a jog in the park. What was harder to hear was her account of being raped in a bar at a young age because her father was having an affair with a waitress. I cried the whole time. I related to so much of what she said about not having a child. We all cheered when she shared her story about adopting a "brown baby". We also cheered when she took off her jacket!

Nicole Johnson gave me a double dose of blessing. I will never forget how she shared her story of being invisible yet seen by God. Each speaker held a prop to emphasize their main talking point. She held a big picture book. I didn't just enjoy her presentation. I actually felt as if I were eating a feast. Feasting on every word, eating up everything offered by someone who so clearly understood! Throughout the entire day, confirmation of things God had been speaking to me kept hitting me between the eyes. Nicole's presentation glittered brighter than the mirror balls overhead. Though she wore black, she was the brightest vision to me because she understood my pain, my perfectionism and my struggles to be seen - performance issues. Thank you Nicole Johnson!

Angie Smith was my favorite speaker (sorry God, I know You don't have favorites!) Yes, I understand why the Women of Faith program stated, "Women around the world feel as though they're lifelong friends with Angie Smith-and most of them have never met her in person..." I appreciated (understatement) her transparent sharing of her hard moments. "Special" does not describe the invitation she gave to women in the arena who had experienced the loss of a baby no matter what the circumstances. Her family photos made me cry (in a bittersweet way) for I was so happy for her and yet so sad at the same time. I cannot fully explain the depth of gratitude to have gleaned from her experience. I will never forget all she shared. Her happy moments balanced her presentation and she seemed like someone I would run into the grocery store and instantly feel connected to her. Praise God Angie Smith obediently followed God's calling to encourage women!

Luci Swindoll reminded me that there are way too few Titus women in my world! She was calming and wise in her sharing of the necessity of music in one's life. She was a slower speaker and less physically expressive in her presentation but compassion, subtle humor and love exuded from her in a way that made me long for home. I don't feel I know as much about Luci Swindoll, the woman as she seemed to talk more about others and situations and less about her hard times. However, she seemed to be the calming, steady  force on the Imagine Team.

Sheila Walsh left me with the takeaway of a lifetime! Her bummer lamb I will never ever forget. I went to bed Saturday night replaying her account of the farmer. On Sunday morning the vision of Sheila standing there so close yet up on the stage clutching that stuffed lamb was seared in my brain. She held it not just in an embrace, but up high near her chin just as a child would do. A child would hold that animal tight so that no one in the world would ever take it from her. I was reminded of my own difficult childhood and wishing I had someone to hold me. No doubt the bummer lamb will be what I become in the lives of others. Because without God caring for me (the rejected lamb) and calling me by name, I would be dead - or in a very bad way.

Mary Mary blessed me with music. My friend Elizabeth and I danced and laughed and yelled the lyrics out loud (no one minded!). The timing for Mary Mary was perfect as we were feeling a bit sluggish after the tasty box lunch Women of Faith provided. Because I have been asked to review this venue, I would be doing a disservice if I did not share a few facts that concerned me about the talking time with Mary Mary. Twice one of the duo used the Lord's name in vain (yes). Also, she made a statement that Mary the mother of God was perfect. Maybe some Catholics believe this, but I was a bit surprised by her doctrinal statement. Lastly, she stated several times that we are all God's children. That statement was not biblical. For if it was, then why did Luci Swindoll give an invitation to salvation (Romans 10:9-11).

Because I am a hard core evangelical born again Christian - as my blog states, I will give you the Truth! not sugar-coat or tell you what you want to hear. I believe this transparency gives value and helps to help you make a great event even more fantastic!!!

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Women of Faith for the great seating! I know you wanted me to feel like a VIP (and I did). I tweeted the whole time but forgot to take pictures (was having too much fun).

I filled out the blogging paperwork in the middle of the program. I did want to tell you that it was difficult to see the pink-colored and fine print on the form. Even though they raised the house lights, I had a hard time making out the text. I believe you may not receive as many of those forms back because of the visibility challenge. Maybe you could make the fonts larger, black or even use both sides. Also, the form said to hand in at the concourse. That was confusing. I believe others may have been confused by that direction as well because the friendly basket-holding volunteer at the exit doors only had one returned form (we turned ours in at the book stand) and there were flocks of women flying by...

Imagine I will never ever forget. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the opportunity to review this venue. I met so many wonderful women and made memories to last a lifetime. I will be a better wife, a stronger woman, a more faithful friend - - and yes, I will always embrace the fact that I am a bummer lamb - and always the first to respond to my Father's call. The first because I know His voice. Imagine that?! My life will never be the same again. Thank you Imagine Women of Faith!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Women of Faith: Ft. Lauderdale Imagine!

Got to the stadium forty minutes late but a hearty thank you to Lexus for waiving the $20 parking fee! Because Lexus is a sponsor, and my friend drove her Lexus to the stadium we were passed on through gratis!!

We arrived just as Ken Kingston began his ever-so very funny Comedy Central but clean as a whistle routine! He cracked us up with phrases his wife says. He called them "Heatherisms". Loved every minute of it. His time on the stage was too short!

A Women of Faith Worship Team blessed us with beautiful songs. In Christ Alone was my favorite.

Unfortunately, Natalie Grant, the singer for the evening did not arrive due to a travel limitation placed on her by her doctor. And we were surprised when the house lights came on at 8:45 as the schedule stated the venue to be finished at 10:00 pm.

My friend and I missed the Nicole Johnson skit. I was more disappointed to realize Sheila Walsh was not going to speak (love her!).

I can't wait until tomorrow. I am going with a real die-hard WOFer! She knew every single thing about the event. Told me she has been going for many years. She smiled when she announced lunch was included and that we would be together the entire day. I am so blessed to be reviewing this event. I cannot thank Women of Faith and Thomas Nelson enough for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing and inspirational venue in Ft. Lauderdale!

Imagine is truly a vacation from my mind....
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received two complimentary tickets from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Women of Faith. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service?


Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock can be described in one word. Amazing! Usually I do not end up speechless when describing a book.

As I was introduced and the characters became familiar to me, I felt like I was watching a movie. A sign of a really good read is forgetting you are holding a book in your living room. In this book, I was literally transformed into the town of Serenity. I admired Carny and appreciated her spunkiness. Her story inspired me and I saw her as the "good guy" amongst a sea of naive residents.

I related to the author's weaving the gullible characters and their reasoning against the wisdom and streets smarts that Carny had learned in her childhood. Her son was precious and I admired her faithfulness to giving her son a godly upbringing.

This love story was told in such a way that was not preachy to the reader. I do believe this book  would appeal to a nonbeliever as well. The salvation message was presented in a gentle way. Carny stuck to the Bible in the way she handled each situation. I was allowed many glimpses into her human frailty. The contrast of her hardness combined with her vulnerability to love was a pleasure to behold!

I would do cartwheels if  a sequel to this wonderfully woven story was made. I recommend Shadow in Serenity unreservedly to anyone seeking to escape for awhile while going nowhere but your living room. You will experience serenity in a whole new way!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christna@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.