I am only telling what I know and now believe after having a startling awakening. Now that I know its importance, I want to learn more each day and work to bring this message to others.
For a few years when I was in my forties, there was no place in my life for God. It wasn’t that I consciously denied Him, but my scientific training led me to think that the creation of the earth was a happenstance of random selection in the vast universe. I adopted one so-called scientific explanation for the development of mankind as being evolution from tiny matter and then sea creatures. Some scientists believe this today, but many say these developments simply cannot be explained except as being directed by a higher authority. Albert Einstein finally came to this conclusion. This is what I came to after study and thinking much more deeply about it. Then I began to believe that my life has been sheltered by some entity. I now know that I have been protected from real harm such as having an accident during the 400,000 miles in my airplanes, much over dangerous terrain and untold thousands of miles by car in my sales territories. Also, miracles have actually been performed for my family and me through prayer. There are no other explanations that make sense. I am grateful.
Before the year 2004, I had never discussed our religious beliefs with anyone. I now feel that I must do this. The book, “Heaven Is So Real” by Choo Thomas makes it easier and was the turning point in my life. I desperately needed the message in this book but didn’t know it.
Nancy Shelton, who sent this book to me, and her husband Fred (Tacoma, Washington) have been our friends since the 1950s. They have remained true to their faith all these years and in a friendly and certainly not pushy way she has pointed me toward true belief in Christ and Heaven. Nancy has known the book’s author for many years as they went to the same church. In that church pastor Larry Randolph of the Puget Sound Christian Center, told the author one Sunday morning in 1996 that Jesus Christ had chosen her as His servant to spread His Word. This book is the result, and was the wakeup call for me as the authors Choo Thomas and Jesus intended for everyone on earth. Also it has moved me for the first time in my life to discuss worship of Jesus with others. I am pleasantly surprised that many are so receptive. I now find that the book opens the door to talk about religion to everyone, even strangers that cross our paths. I have never had the urge (or courage) to do this before. I always felt that religion was a personal matter and not something to be talked about outside of church. Some of these discussions have been disappointing, but most have been very positive. If the message is not what they want to hear, I respect their feelings.
This book has changed our lives. I now believe that we will go to Heaven, not because of any good things that we have done, but because we believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and died for our sins. To have Heaven assured, we must confess our sins (everyone is a sinner by deeds or by valuing anything above their love of God!), ask for forgiveness, follow Him and do His work to the best of our abilities. I have not become a “religious nut”, but am now seriously concerned about the afterlife. I thought that being a “good” person was enough to gain Heaven, but this is absolutely not so! The Bible records what Jesus said: “No one will see the Father except through me”; and “I am the way” in other places. Of course everyone has the choice to believe or not believe that the Bible is the Word of God, as God does not force anyone to do this. Most people throughout the world who have studied the Bible do indeed believe that it is the Word of God. Another shock was when I renewed a belief held only while growing up that there is indeed a hell and Satan. In getting away from belief in God for a period of time, I also naturally quit believing that there was a hell. At that time I thought that death was the end of it. This was convenient, time saving, and took away concerns, but I now know it was self-defeating. The alternative to going to Heaven is terrible, and it is for an eternity! I want to avoid this by doing whatever it takes. Death is merely the end of our earthly bodies and the beginning of eternal life in Heaven or hell.
From Dr. Wayne Dyer’s great and inspiring book, “Real Magic”, a few years ago I adopted his belief that we are not bodies with souls, but we are souls that just happen to be in the bodies that we have. Our real selves, our souls and our spirits do not have a life span, they are eternal and they live on after our earthly body dies. Therefore we have to be terribly concerned about what happens after the death of our physical body! The Bible stresses this in many places.
I had been doing much of my serious reading before retiring each evening. I had just started reading the book “Heaven Is So Real”, and read the first few chapters. After going to sleep, I had a strange occurrence early in the morning of February 2nd, 2004. About 1:00 AM when I went to the bathroom, I realized that I had dreamed that I could see a panel of bright light although it was not brilliant. I quickly went back to sleep. Just before 1:58 AM I saw a huge flash of light that was terribly bright, like looking into the sun without sunglasses. I awoke shaking! I have never seen a bright light in my dreams before, nor have I ever awakened shaking, almost uncontrollably. This lasted for a few moments. I accepted it as a sign that the book is important, very important. After reading the rest of this wonderful book I was even more convinced, and more so after the second reading. In the Bible, confirmation was found of everything in the book. There is much to think about in this book and it can be used as a guide. The earthly author, Choo Thomas is a modern day apostle of Jesus. He took her through many spiritual experiences and told her to write it down. This is how the New Testament was written by Jesus’ apostles; and the Old Testament was written by men such as Moses and David under direction of our Heavenly Father. I had the great privilege of meeting with Choo in 2004, and since then talk with her and exchange emails regularly.
What would you do if you knew with certainty that life on earth as we know it would dramatically change while we are still alive? And what if you knew that this would also affect your family, friends and everyone on earth? I don’t know when this will take place, but believe it will happen soon and the thought is startling! Even if we don’t believe this will occur, we don’t know when we might be killed, die of a stroke or an illness. Thus we need to be prepared for our afterlife.
What would become important and urgent? What things once important would no longer be so? What would you now do with greater earnestness? What would you de-emphasize in order to concentrate on Jesus’ work? How would your life in general, until the time, be different than it has been? Would you plan in detail or would you just wait? Perhaps someone that has a terminal illness may go through a similar thought process. Of course most people do not want to think about this as they are satisfied with their life and don’t want to change. My experience with the dramatic change in my life is so beautiful that I only wish it had happened much sooner. My idea of what is interesting or even important in my life has changed markedly. I now have a thirst for more knowledge about my faith. I still lead a happy life with family and friends, enjoy recreation and hobbies, but some of the things that took a lot of time are no longer important to me.
To say the least, the book was shocking to me. Jesus had only been a small part of my life, recognizing Him at Christmas and at weddings and memorials, but not as the Savior or Messiah. This has changed and I am working to cherish Him as a vital part of my life, and now have an intimate and personal relationship with Him. I study the Bible in depth most every day, and refer to passages in it mentioned in Choo’s book and other sources.
It was timely to us that in February 2004, a Sunday night “Sixty Minutes” program had a long episode on the book series “Left Behind” that are best sellers and chart toppers (and thrilling reads). The books are labeled as novels but they give the reader much to think about. Although these books are nothing like Choo Thomas’ “Heaven” book, on “Sixty Minutes” the books were touted as something everyone should read as they serve as warnings to embrace Jesus and get ready for His coming. I read the first four of the series and found them fascinating. It is interesting that the end of the world Bible prophesy is cropping up so much in popular media all over the world. Of course there are many non-believers trying to counter this idea with speeches, books and articles. I believe that His coming will be very soon. That is why I am trying to bring His message to everyone I can, and believe that this is the reason for my existence.
My first wonderment when reading Choo’s book was “What happened to all those who died before Jesus was crucified?” The Bible tells us that He died to save mankind. Did this mean that everyone since the beginning of man up until crucifixion was automatically saved? The answer is “no” but possibly those whose souls finally accept Jesus may be saved. All through the Old Testament, the coming to earth of the Son of God is mentioned. Anyone with access to the Word in the ancient scrolls should have known about the coming Messiah. The Bible makes it clear that those who know about Jesus but ignore Him will not be saved!
What about all the non-believers who are a majority in the world today? What about those even in the United States whom haven’t heard about Jesus, will they go to hell? On the first reading I could not accept that this would be the case, as it seems terribly unfair; but God makes the rules, not us. Because of my ignorance of God’s Word, there were other things in the book that I simply could not accept but did after finding confirmation in the Bible.
I wouldn’t waste my time and money on distributing this book if I didn’t sincerely believe that it is very important!
Here is “the rest of the story” about my past religious, mostly non-religious life. My mother was very religious and raised me as a Mormon in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS, in Boise, Idaho. At age eight I was baptized and eventually became a deacon in the LDS. I attended church often until going into the Navy at age nineteen.
My father may have never entered a church, but he was a fine man. I look upon him as being as noble as my mother, and she was a saint and a wonderful mother. Her first husband died of cancer and left her to raise three kids. She worked in a boarding house in San Francisco until she met my dad. He married her and took responsibility in helping to raise the kids. At the time they were married he was well off financially as owner of a successful automobile agency in San Francisco. This changed when some woman hit the car he was towing, was injured and sued, taking all of his money.
With little recourse they moved to southeastern Idaho and lived with mother’s relatives until they could get a home of their own. I was born in this big barn-like shack. They told me that it got 54 below zero the first winter. My half-sister and her husband took turns staying up at night to keep the fires going in the wood stove and the kitchen range. The house was not insulated so the cold came right through the walls. They said they had to stuff paper in the cracks. I saw this house a few years ago and found it abandoned but still standing on a hill in a field in Chesterfield, Idaho, now population twelve. Eventually we moved to Boise and mother became active in the LDS church there and got me to attend.
In the Navy I attended church only occasionally where I was stationed. The most important church visit was at our marriage ceremony in Tacoma. When our kids were old enough, we took them to church in Seattle and became regulars. This continued after we moved to Vancouver, B. C. There we joined the United Church of Canada, an amalgamation of three Canadian churches, Methodist, Congregational Union of Canada, and Presbyterian. Our whole family attended most Sundays except when we were taking vacation time away. I became part of the church board and was very active. This was great as we were able to meet people and make some good friends.
A few months before we moved to Toronto, the church board decided that they had had enough of the pastor. The attendance was decreasing each Sunday and many people viewed him as not someone they wanted to be associated with. We looked into the procedure of removing him and were told it would be difficult if not impossible. However, we finally found a way and installed a fine man who quickly began to rebuild attendance and interest. Unfortunately we were not there long enough to enjoy much of his tenure. This episode soured me on the worth of man’s institutions if an unfit person as the former pastor could gain such a position. I realize now that I overreacted and should have seen the overall good of a church, but for reasons hard to explain I didn’t.
Because of this church experience in Vancouver with the pastor, I mostly gave up on churches. Also I was traveling a great deal trying to build the business of Reichhold Canada. Being away many week days made me want to spend weekend time on recreation with the family. Also, perhaps as a result of not going to church, there was a period of a few years when I wondered if anything in the Bible was factual. There seemed to be too much scientific evidence that the story of Creation was a fable. The evolution theory seemed to dispute the Bible and indicate that man evolved from the sea. Today I see evolution as a natural biological changes with time designed by God. No evidence has ever been found that man was created by evolution. I now believe firmly that man and all other things living today were created by a divine spirit, by God. I believe the fact that evolution has changed them means that God has had a firm hand on the process.
Also we should not to take literally that the earth was created in six earth days, since a day to God was likely an millennium and not twenty-four hours. God is a master of time and is aware of everything in the past, present and future. Earthly time means nothing to Him. If we try to accept every word of the Bible as literal in our own interpretation, then we have problems in understanding.
Another thing that soured me somewhat on religion, not belief in God or Jesus, but in the institutions, was observing how it has created so much strife in the world all through recorded history. In Europe, China, the Middle East, and even among North American natives such as the Aztecs, clerics and high priests wielded power over the people and created the concept of human sacrifice to appease what we know were false gods. In 2002 there were 47 wars going on, many because of differing beliefs about religion. Each proponent is convinced that their beliefs embrace the only truths and that anyone who differs is wrong, immoral and should be punished. However, a church can be a wonderful institution of learning and fellowship, unlike anything else in existence. We just don’t have to think that everyone who does not believe as we do should be ignored or exterminated.
Another thought made me wonder if the planet earth is really unique. With modern telescopes scientists have said that there are over four billion stars or suns in our solar system, and that there are at least this many more solar systems out in space. Logically it could lead a thinking person to the conclusion that by the laws of chance there must be millions of other planets in a similar proximity to their sun as our earth. Then one wonders if at least some of these aren’t inhabited with beings like ourselves. I think about these things, but it does not now affect my beliefs. I believe that God created the universe, and He created this planet and it alone for the human race. He planned it as a training ground for Heaven.
I came back from the time that I was uncertain that there is a God, to an unshakeable belief that there is. In my life, there was just too much evidence that I was helped and guided by a divine spirit, which I attributed to prayers of my mother, myself and others, to refute God. I have said prayers almost every night for at least the last thirty years. Having said this, I am sorry to admit that I was unsure of Jesus’ place in all of this. My early learning was that He was the Lord and Messiah, but when I drifted away from the belief in God, I also stopped believing in Jesus. I did not return to Him when I returned to God the Father. I now intend to try to do everything that I think He wants me to do.
The above is the saga of my religious life, and I believe that I am on course to right all the spiritual wrongs in my life and to help others to know about Christ Jesus. In addition to regular reading of the Bible, I read many recommended books on religious beliefs. The Bible and some of these books are fascinating reading. I wouldn’t have believed this before this study was begun, but now I look forward to the reading. Many parts of the Bible depict a fascinating adventure with real characters. I also read other things just for recreation and knowledge of science, the world, and history. I also read some books and articles by atheists and agnostics as I want to know their views.
How do you approach strangers about Jesus and God? Choo Thomas said she gives her (Jesus’) book to complete strangers. At first I was cautious but now have little hesitation in approaching almost anyone. Before reading Choo’s “Heaven” book, I thought it was none of my business to talk to others about their beliefs. I now believe it is my business, my work for Jesus.
We had two workmen here on March 25th and they spent most of the afternoon working. Just before they left I was tempted to give them the book but didn’t know how to broach the subject. (Since then I offer a book to everyone who comes.) Choo Thomas said she gives it to complete strangers so I pray that I can develop a technique that will be successful for this. I think I could do this with a little training. I am not bashful about talking to anyone so that is not my problem. I just need an appropriate way to give them the message. It may come to me, or I will just try it anyway and see what happens. We have several Jewish friends, and I will have a discussion with one of them about Jesus, at his invitation. I will start by just saying that I am curious as to how Jews regard Jesus and the crucifixion.
We are attending church regularly, participate in their activities, and I am going to Bible study classes. The book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren was used for study in one series. This wonderful book is available at most stores that sell books, even Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. If you don’t read anything else, read and study this book along with the Bible! There is also great spiritual material on the Internet.
While I am walking, swimming, relaxing, at breaks when working or writing, I am often talking to Jesus (to Him, not with Him, although I regularly get a sign or a warm feeling about parts of the discussion to the point now that I feel that I am really conversing with Him). Often I talk with Jesus in this manner about our past life, my sins and shortcomings, what I want to do, and ask for His forgiveness and help in everything. Remember that everyone has sinned if only to value earthly possessions or activities more than they value time with Christ. We must remember that Jesus is always with us and that He loves us even when we ignore Him. I now pray several times a day because I want to, not because I think I must. A relationship with Jesus is a wonderful feeling; there is nothing else like it! I have also learned that the Holy Spirit is available to help at all times. I also thank our Heavenly Father daily for everything that we are and everything we have.
It was very interesting to me the difference that asking for help makes. I have a heavy work load at times and for three weeks one month I had a lot of work on the community newsletter for which I was editor, and also for the website for the company in Phoenix that I owned at the time. Often in the past when I was concentrating and trying to accomplish part of one of these projects, I would find frustration; and have to redo things that should have flowed easily. One day I had a particularly heavy schedule as the next issue of the newsletter had to go to the printer that day. I asked the Holy Spirit to be with me and help me get it done before noon as I had an appointment with my eye doctor at 1:40. I can hardly believe how well everything flowed. Not only did I get it done sooner than expected, but after taking the work to the printer and the mailing list to the bulk mail company, I had time to go to Sam’s Club and pick up some children’s spiritual books. I also had time for a leisurely lunch before going to the doctor. The last time I did this, it took most of one day to accomplish the same things. A similar experience has been repeated at other times when I asked for help. For example I am not fluent in conversation with young kids. I was alone with our granddaughters at the Sailing Squadron one morning while they visited Sarasota. I prayed to Jesus to tell me how to converse with them. Immediately my words flowed and we had a delightful conversation. This was another of the many, many, many ways that Jesus and the Holy Spirit have helped me when I asked. I don’t get help each time I ask, but most often. I know then that it is what God wants me to do. Please remember, I don’t look on myself as anyone special as everything mentioned is available to everyone just for asking.
I know now that I was missing so much by excluding the Lord from my life. Most important is the peace of mind that came in knowing where we as believers will be after the death of our earthly bodies; even more happiness, and a renewed purpose to life. Some people do not have a solid purpose although they go through the motions of working and living. That was partly my life until recently. Yes I enjoyed life as I always have, had goals, but something was missing. What a difference a real purpose makes, and this purpose is now extremely important to me! Be sure to read the Bible every day if possible. This will tell you what you need to know. While reading you will come across passages that have a message for you, and you may feel an urge to do something about it. (Original written in early 2004)