Ephesians 2:21-22 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the LORD. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Last week my friend Sonya told me about the book, "Heaven Is For Real," by Todd Burpo. Sonya was deeply touch by this story of a little boys astounding story of his trip to heaven an back. As reviewed by Dr. Everett Piper, President, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, he writes: "There have been many stories of `near-death` experiences that I simply have not read because I frankly didn`t know if I could trust the author. Well, I have read this book cover to cover, and moreover, I could hardly put it down! Why? Because I know the author and I believe him, Todd Burpo gives us a wonderful gift as he and his son lift the veil on eternity, allowing us a quick glimpse of what lies on the other side."
Through out the book Todd`s 4 year old son, Colton after a near-death health issue, progressively reveals facts from his adventures in heaven. Todd and his wife Sonja can hardly believe what their son innocently shares.
As I read this simply written account of Colton`s experience, I had several, aha moments. I revisited something that happened to me in the spring 2007 on board a flight to visit Rick`s sister Jeanne. Chapter after chapter, I found myself looking away from the book, desperately trying to recall the occurrence that happened on board a short flight from Baltimore, MD en route to Atlanta, GA.
I was sitting in the middle seat next to Rick, the hum of the engines invited me into a sweet, sweet nap. However, I knew that I wasn`t sound asleep, I recall hearing all of the stewardess` announcements and the noises of the passengers. But, I wasn`t awake!
Acts 18:9 One night the LORD spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."
I heard the voice of my dear friend, Jim Mullen who had passed away in September of 2006. Jim`s voice was easily recognized, he spoke in a silly Spanish voice calling me Leen da, as he often did before his untimely death. I couldn`t see Jim, but I heard him saying to me, "Leen da, Leen da, we have to find the gate, we have to find the gate, Leen da, Leen da we have to find the gate." I recall hearing this over and over, I never saw Jim, but I felt his presence.
Jim was the only voice I heard, but I also felt the presence Mr. Bob Bennett, who had also passed years ago. Mr. Bennett was a former boss, on the horse farm where my dad worked. He came to my family`s assistance when my brother Robin was killed. Mr. Bennett and his wife invited our family to church and they were instrumental in having myself, my sister Joyce and my brother Danny baptized.
Again, I couldn`t see Mr. Bennett but I knew he was there, Jim continued, "Leen da, Leen da, we have to find the gate, we have to find the gate." I also felt the presences of one of my childhood pet, Rusty a Chesapeake Bay retriever. I couldn`t see Rusty or pet him, but I knew he was there! Though out the entire vision Jim repeated, Leen da, Leen da, we have to find the gate, we have to find the gate," his words penetrated my soul with the urgency of his message.
The plane was landing, I heard the announcements, I sat asleep-like beside Rick. My eyes were closed but my head was upright; I didn`t want to wake up and leave the overwhelming peace that I felt. I recall feeling more peaceful than I had ever felt in my life! Upon landing, I heard Rick`s voice and felt his hands shaking me. Linda wake up, I recall that I had no desire to wake up, reluctantly in no hurry I left the peace of my journey.
Rick worried that something was seriously wrong with me. As we exited the plane, I felt somewhat disoriented, I was walking but I felt that my feet were hovering about a foot off the ground. As we entered the terminal, I was awake but felt slightly confused, still feeling as if I was walking on air. Once Rick was sure I was alright, he went to get something to drink. I recall sitting there alone praying and slowing repeating the 23th Psalm, by the time Rick returned, so had I.
I recall feeling exhausted for hours but I fully recovered, wondering what exactly I had experienced. Was it a dream, a divine vision and message through my dear friend, Jim? Did this experience have anything to do with my overwhelming desire to share and witness for the glory of the LORD? Thank you, God!
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Amen............. "Leen da,We have to find the gate"...... I miss you so much, Jim!
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