PDF 7 Lessons from Heaven How Dying Taught Me to Live a JoyFilled Life Mary C Neal MD 9780451495426 Books

Product details Paperback 288 pages Publisher Convergent Books (September 19, 2017) Language English ISBN-10 9780451495426 ISBN-13 978-0451495426 ASIN 045149542X

7 Lessons from Heaven How Dying Taught Me to Live a JoyFilled Life Mary C Neal MD 9780451495426 Books Reviews

• I am a person who struggles with her faith, so I was interested to read this book by Dr. Mary C. Neal, an orthopedic spinal surgeon who lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Dr. Neal drowned in a kayaking accident in 1999, but was miraculously brought back to life. She truly believes she went to heaven and met Jesus. She first wrote a book about her experience in 2012, “To Heaven and Back.” As time passed, Dr. Neal felt compelled to share more, including the question asked to her by many How does knowing heaven is real change our lives on Earth? She answered this question among others in this follow-up book, “Seven Lessons from Heaven How Dying Taught Me to Live a Joy-Filled Life.”
  
  NOTE THIS REVIEW CONTAINS “SPOILERS”.
  
  Seven Lessons from Heaven has two main parts. Part One, which is approximately two-thirds of the book, shares the doctor’s story of drowning, meeting Jesus, and returning to her Earthly body. Throughout these chapters, she shares seven lessons (“life-altering insights”) that she brought back from heaven. They are explained in detail throughout the chapters, and she summarizes them as this
  
  1. Circumstances are seen differently through the lens of heaven.
  2. Death is not the end.
  3. God is love, and forgiveness sets us free.
  4. Heaven is real and grace abounds.
  5. God wants us to be seen and shows His presence in our world through miracles.
  6. God has a plan for us that is one of hope, purpose and beauty.
  7. In God’s time, beauty blossoms in all things.
  
  In Part Two, Dr. Neal shares a “practical and life-tested way to live differently with the beautiful truths of heaven in mind”. She calls this living with “absolute trust”. She guides us through the stages of hope, faith, then ultimately, absolute trust. This is done by doing the following
  
  1. Look beyond Form a hypothesis with an open heart by asking ourselves all sorts of questions.
  2. Look around Gather “evidence” from people and the world around us.
  3. Look within Write out a chronology of our life, then look for signs of God in our story.
  4. Form a conclusion Reevaluate our hypothesis and make a choice.
  
  These four steps are described in detail in Part Two. They take considerable time, thought and soul-searching on our part. When completed, hopefully the person will have absolute trust. I must confess, I was not ready to tackle this assignment myself at the present time, but I may do so eventually.
  
  There will be believers of this book, as there will be doubters. Some people may believe this was simply a dream, some will think Dr. Neal is lying, and some will have no doubt she had conversations with Jesus. Everyone is on a unique journey, so no two people will respond the same. As is asked in the book How much evidence do YOU need? As for whether or not I believe that Dr. Neal went to heaven and back, I honestly do not know. However, I believe that she believes she did, and she feels compelled to share her story. Therefore, I wanted to read it to see what she had to say.
  
  I found the book to be an intriguing read. I especially enjoyed the stories the doctor shared of others who had similar stories/miracles. Although it was interesting, I felt at times the story could have been more condensed. Would recommend, especially to those who are struggling with their own faith journey.
• I have read Mary's previous book as well as 7 Lessons from Heaven. This most recent book is so much more powerful. Her story is told with more detail and passion.
  As a primary care physician, I have the privileged of listening to life changing stories every day. I pretty much only consider personal change if it is attached to a story. Sometimes an individual can change me too by sharing their experience of trauma or challenge. Mary's story can do that for her reader. I don't think her readers will be bored hearing the story of her kayak accident and the story of her child dying. The maturity she gained as an author between her two books will be a treat to those of you who read her first book.
  After retelling her stories and sharing those of many other people, she goes on in give us a step by step guide for spiritual growth. This book helps us to know, in a specific sense, ways to use our pain or even regular daily experiences to get to faith, gratitude, and being of service. By sharing her story, she shows us it is possible.
  I read some of the few negative reviews of this book and wondered if I read the same book. I didn't find it to be preachy or elitist in any way. I think the book is approachable to those who have a traditional Bible based faith and well as to those who do not. She shares her spiritual and physical experiences and leaves her reader to opt in or out.
  Reading this book called me on to spiritual and personal growth. I think it will for you too if you choose to let it.
• As I was watching the news, I caught a brief snippet about the author and her story which, thanks to God, captured my attention. I have since read both her books and have taken her lessons to heart. No reason to read both books......stick with the 7 Lessons. Have many of my family and friends reading the Lessons. If u are looking for an opportunity to "find God", highly recommend u begin with the 7 Lessons.
• Great book. Love the opening chapter quotes. Nice approach to the topic. Something for everyone. Story seeker. Analytical. Need for science. If you don't need all the feel good part, which was the best part to me, skip to chapter 13. Ordered edition. Wish I would have purchased the book in print. Will have to purchase again. Interested in study outline at the end, but too cumbersome to flip back and forth in . Thank you doctor for having the courage to share your story. I can imagine what a big risk sharing your experience felt like in the natural. Hopefully more seekers will have the courage to read this enjoyable, well written book. Great job covering your experience from all angles. I hope more readers will share their reviews too. The world needs this information.
• I have been a Christian for 41 years. I am a true believer in Christ.
  For many years I have felt as if I am missing a closer relationship with him. My fault of course, not His. My feelings of not deserving His goodness; or being afraid to completely trust has kept me from totally resting in Him. This book has made a big difference in my journey with The Lord. I have been convinced by the author that I have held Him at arms length believing that I can’t be close because I am a disappointment to Him. Her words helped me to see Gods love for me; does not depend on me. And does not stop Him from wanting to be near to me and helping me. A wonderful book Helping me to draw nearer to my Creator.
• Eternity affirming and encouraging for all of us who have suffered untimely loss of a loved one. Hope for all of us. Every word spoke to my broken mother's heart. I'm especially grateful for the passages concerning drowning. It eases my pain to know that drowning isn't the horrible experience we imagine and that we are never alone. Thank you Mary Neal, for being brave enough to share your experiences with us.