Conversations in Heaven

by Campbell, Sue

• ISBN13: 9781449760816
• ISBN10: 1449760813
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-08-13
• Publisher: Westbow Press

Summary

The lives of five individuals are shared after they are greeted in heaven by Wisdom, their ten-foot-tall guardian angel and a member of God's hierarchy. Julie, a sixty-seven-year-old pizza shop owner from New Orleans; Abbie, a twenty-seven-year-old rock star from Santa Monica; Rashid, a twenty-five-year-old Taliban officer from Pakistan; Tiny, a forty-six-year-old partner in an accounting firm from Chicago; and Sophia, a fifty-four-year-old Jewish stand-up comic from South Miami, are all guided throughout the heavenly realm by Wisdom, experiencing a heaven they never dreamed existed. the five forge a bond while meeting in the Garden of Tranquility, crossing the Sea of Reconciliation, and reconnecting with family, friends, and pets on the other side. Their arrival at the heavenly mansion prepared for them is celebrated with a homecoming party featuring a feast and a concert by many famous artists. After the party, Wisdom transports them to Mount Transfiguration, the highest mountain in heaven, where they get their first glimpse of New Jerusalem, the City of God, a glittering and magnificent golden walled city which shines with the brilliance of millions of gems. From their vantage point, they marvel at the vista that spreads before them, captivated by its breathtaking beauty and vastness. Their journey, however, has only just begun.

Excerpts

"...as it is in heaven" I heard myself say. the moment I caught my breath after having passed from my former life to this new one, I found I couldn't open my eyes yet as the brightness was something I had yet to become accustomed to. I knew instantly that I was in heaven and the peace that passes all understanding...the peace that I had always heard about throughout my life was now a part of me. the instant calming effect I experienced was worth the amazing ride I had taken to get here. Little did I know what was in store for me from that moment on. "Have no fear, Julie. Open your eyes.....slowly." It was a commanding yet soothing voice that had to come from an angel and once I timidly opened my eyes, I gazed upon the most exquisite creature I had ever seen standing before me. Its shimmery presence dominated my line of sight and I held my breath, speechless with excitement and incredulity. This angel had to be at least ten-feet tall and wore a robe of fine spun gold, encrusted with remarkable gems including sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and rubies. His translucent skin was milky white and his long, white hair hung down his back, flecks of gold sparkling throughout it. I saw kind, pale, blue eyes like those of my father gazing back at me and I was happy to be in the presence of such a beautiful being. There were constant waves of golden light emanating from him and I could not tear my eyes away from such beauty. Truly, everything else within sight of him was lost to his glory. Once I slowly sat up, and found my voice I said, "Whoa, Nellie, now that was a ride! and you, sir, are magnificent looking; however, had I seen you on earth, I most certainly would have fainted. Please tell me I'm in heaven and you're an angel, or else I'm having a very strange and crazy day." A hearty laugh issued forth from his mouth and, with eyes that already knew me, he said, "Julie, I am Wisdom, your guardian angel. And, yes, you are now in heaven." At the mention of that name, a huge grin erupted on my face and all I could say was "Wow!" I knew why something about him had felt familiar and I felt immense love and tenderness for this exquisite being who had protected me forever. While in prayer, I would sometimes feel his presence and a time or two, I swear I heard the flutter of feathers. "Wisdom," I said with great fondness while checking the back of my head to see if it was all still there and thankful when I realized it was. "I don't know how to thank you for what you've done for me. I know I put you through the wringer a few times." He nodded his head and replied, "Yes, indeed, but thankfully we will have all of eternity to catch up. By the way, you have no idea yet what interesting is. On earth, you only get a taste of it. Here, you will learn all about it. Oh yes, and since you were shot in the pizza shop, the back of your head is back in place, as well as the eyeball, and good as new. So, how are you feeling, Julie?" "How am I feeling?" I laughed. "Well, as you know, I have just been on the ride of a lifetime! As I was passing from my earthly existence to my heavenly home, I heard my life's story being played inside my head from the time I heard the sound of the gunshot to the time I arrived here." the kaleidoscopic trip itself reminded me of the state fairs I attended as a young child, when the Tilt-a-Whirl and the Ferris wheel were brightly lit and carousel music loudly calling. This once-a-year venue brought the childish soul in me out of hiding and into its fullness. Maybe I was feeling a sense of reckless abandon that close-knit families were found lacking. "The physical sensation I was feeling during the "great ride" was as if someone had poured melted honey all over my body, totally relaxing me, yet pushing me to a heightened revelation. I felt myself being pulled to a radiant light that seemed to burn with the intensity of a thousand suns. I was totally infused with spiritual music of every persuasion while at the same time, flashes of color turned and twisted and darted all around me." "Actually, those were welcoming angels, sent by the Father, to guide you safely home." Wisdom commented while I tried to catch my breath. "I could hear my beloved husband and parents' voices calling to me, 'Julie, Julie, come home. We can't wait to see you. We're waiting. We love you.' My grandparents, uncles, and aunts, and other family members and friends also beckoned to me and I knew something incredible was going to happen. It'd been so long since I'd seen them in person and I had wondered with much sadness at times if I would ever be a part of their lives again. I was overcome with joy at the thought that soon I would see those who had been such a wonderful part of my life. "Now that I'm here, I thought I would feel incredible sadness at leaving my family and friends on earth but, for some reason, I cannot for the life of me conjure up any bad feelings. I feel no regrets, no apprehensions, no sorrow, or pain. It's as if those emotions never existed." "And, you won't, Julie. Heaven removes all bad thoughts and feelings the moment you arrive. These are immediately replaced with complete joy and utter contentment. You may equate it to some of the happiest days of your life, such as your wedding day, or the birth of your son, except it's yours for an eternity." I recalled the scripture in Revelation that says, God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. It was all true. As Wisdom helped me off the beautiful marble table I had been transformed on, he said "I have been a part of your life from your conception. As your guardian angel, sent from God, it has been both my duty and pleasure to protect you and guide you and help you through life's harsh times. It was I who covered you with my wings at times when you were scared and dismayed and too tired to go on." "I knew you were there, I could feel it. I even called you by name. Wisdom, I am so glad to meet you." "Here, take my hand and let's start your new journey in Heaven."