A week and a half ago my trusty UPS man left a small package on my doorstep. Inside was Stephanie Nielson’s new book “Heaven Is Here”.
It was Spring Break, my kids were all home and happily occupied so I took the very precious liberty of sitting down on the couch to read it straight through in four hours.
It was an emotional experience. I laughed hard enough for my kids to wonder what was so funny. I sobbed hard enough that I couldn’t see the words on the pages. And mostly I marveled at the power and determination of one woman whose greatest desire in life is to be an able mother and wife.
I feel more grateful and aware having read this book. I will never take the basic functions of my healthy body for granted again. I will never look at a disfigured person the same again. I will never approach a trial the same way again. I will spend more meaningful time with my children and spouse and family. I will spend more time strengthening my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I will spend more time finding and cultivating inner beauty.
Do you need to be inspired? Do you need to be reminded how much God loves you? Is your life hard right now? Do you feel like you can’t handle the burdens that are yours? Are you exhausted from the daily grind of mothering and running a home? Do you need that extra push to reach a personal goal?
Please read this book. It will kindle in you a new hope, touch your heart and bring you joy.
It fits my definition of a great book: I couldn’t put it down, once I did I couldn’t get it out of my mind, and it has changed me for the better. “Heaven Is Here” will be going on my bookshelf to be reread yearly.
11 comments:
Amen to this post. NieNie is beautiful and awe inspiring.
It took me a little more than 4 hours to read it... I've never been a fast reader and even less in a language which is not my mother tongue.
Although I would have liked to read it cover to cover in just one time, I had to combine it with preparing an exam...
Just to let you know how eager was to read it, the first night I had the book on my hands I read until 3 am...
I like the read. Sure it's inspiring and I'm also planning on rereading it.
Oh, and you know who introduced me to NieNie?
You Samantha, you did! Back when she was still in a coma you had a button here on your blog for Nie Recovery (if I don't remember wrong). That brought me to her main blog and C. Jane's blog.
I still read both of them. So thank you Samantha!
Oh, and you know how I discovered your blog? (It's confession time, isn't it?) Through your cousin's blog "Wilkinson Quints". I was doing an assignment for school when I found a youtube video of them and from that I went to their blog and then to yours. Ha!
Know you know it all! ;)
Ups... that last sentence... what a painful mistake!
It's NOW!!!
I'm almost done. Four hours is about right.
The book is very honest and very moving. NieNie has clearly met her goal to inspire others, especially other mothers!
I read their story in the Washignton Post Magazine a few weeks ago, but some how missed she had a book. I will have to get copy, I am eager to read it. Thanks for the post!
My thoughts exactly! Serves me as a daily reminder of my blessings right now. It'll go next to "Little Women," on my reread shelf! Loved it!
Four hours of uninterrupted reading? That sounds wonderful and so does that book. I hope there's a kindle version. I haven't bought a real book in years.
By the by, loved your photo of the book with dogwood and wood.
From Janie Herran, "Please give Samantha a huge 'thank you' for me.
I finished "Heaven is Here" and without a doubt you do find yourself laughing, crying and deeply touched by her journey. It was even more of a great read for me as so many things were recognizable - the Gospel of course; Utah and I was drawn into the story deeper when I read about Bluewater and Grants, New Mexico. I have two precious granddaughters who live there with their mother and step-dad. In fact, the second one will be graduating from Grants HS in May as did her sister. Samantha - your review was right on . . . it was indeed a moving, motivational and inspiring account of her triumphs. Thank you for the recommendation. Loved, loved, loved it!!"
I want to read this so badly!!! I'll probably order a copy soon. I just love Stephanie Nielson!
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