90 Minutes In Heaven

My Rating: 4/5

Pages 205 • Speed: Fast

Subject: Inspirational

In 1989 Don Piper's car was crushed by an eighteen wheeler at 110 mile an hour impact against the metal rail of a bridge in Texas.  He was pronounced dead at the scene and for 90 minutes remained without a pulse.  Don Piper immediately went to heaven where he saw his deceased family and friends praising God with music, joy, and glory beyond description.  Meanwhile, back on earth a bystander who happened to be a minister felt the undeniable impression from God to go pray for the victim.  Despite the EMT's reassurance that he was already deceased, he knew what he had to do.  After offering prayer he began to sing "What Friend We Have In Jesus."  The dead man woke up and began to sing with him.  For the next several months Don Piper underwent excrutiating surgeries, pain and procedures.  He said his biggest trial was not the pain, but tasting the sweet joys of heaven without being allowed to stay.  Not wanting to be thrown into a looney bin, it took 2 years for him to share his experience with anyone.  After realizing what hope his message can bring, he's written a book- unpretentious and direct.  Chapters are of his life before the accident, his short time in heaven, and the pains of recovery learning.  He shares  lessons of humility, service, and faith that won't be soon forgotten.

Being Enough

My Rating: 4/5

Pages 214 • Speed: Regular

Subject: Christianity, Inspirational, Self-Improvement

Do you ever feel that no matter how much you give, it just isn't enough?  In life, love and especially the endless landscape of spirituality, when can we truly say, "I gave it my all"?  Chieko Okazaki, 1st Counselor of the Relief Society General Presidency, teaches the peace-giving truth that our heart is enough.  Chieko's unique voice gives intellectual encouragement through quick-witted stories and interesting personal epiphanies.  (This is most generally a Christian book.)  She starts off by telling the New Testament story of the widow who gave two mites to the temple.  Christ taught that this woman gave more than the rich because she gave all that she had.  Even so it is with our time, talents, and efforts. This is a book of hope that no matter your circumstance, Christ can save and redeem you through your faith.  This especially applies to those with financial loss, medical trials (such as depression), divorce, or the death of a loved one.  She quotes the scriptures heavily; one such is, "Our hope is not in our own strength but in the strength of Christ, 'who is mighty to save.' (2 Nephi 31:19)."  In the end, my favorite was from the Savior: "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.  Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.... I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (D&C 6:36-37; Hebrews 13:5).  I just loved reading that when we do all we can, we are enough, if we let Jesus Christ make up the difference.

Get it here.