When Dr. Reggie Anderson is present at the bedside of a dying patient, something miraculous happens. Sometimes as he sits vigil and holds the patient's hand... he can experience what they feel and see as they cross over.
Because of these God-given glimpses of the afterlife—his "appointments with heaven"—Reggie knows beyond a doubt that we are closer to the next world than we think. Join him as he shares remarkable stories from his life and practice, including the tragedy that nearly drove him away from faith forever.
He reveals how what he's seen, heard, and experienced has shaped what he believes about living and dying; how we can face the passing of our loved ones with the courage and confidence that we will see them again; and how we can each prepare for our own "appointment with heaven." Soul-stirring and hope-filled,
Appointments with Heaven is a powerful journey into the questions at the very core of your being: "Is there more to life than this? What is heaven like?" And, most important: "Do I believe it enough to let it change me?"
Appointments with Heaven is an account of the author's relationship with a Supreme Being, for whom I have been searching during most of my adult life, so it was a must for me to read. An unwilling atheist, after reading Dr. Reggie's story I found that my values were not a million miles from his. Whilst not a total conversion, my views I would now describe as Christian Agnosticism rather than atheism. There have been too many miracles in my life that can not be explained by the Big Bang, which had been something of a constant in my scientific background.. This is a simple story of a country doctor who has glimpses of the passing of his patients from this life to the next. He has the fortitude to weather the doubts which were natural when monstrous happenings occurred in his life, and in fact his faith was deepened during these crises. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for answers. I have already recommended it to friends.
There is a roller coaster of emotion in this feel good book. Dr. Anderson captures every one - from the humorous, to the joys of life, and the sadness of death as he has experienced them through his life and his medical practice. You'll laugh out loud and shed a tear (yes, even I did). In the end however, you will know there will be a time when we will be reunited with love ones. Those who precede us have fulfilled their journey and they too await our reunion.
Dr. Anderson’s unique position, his stories, his interactions with God, and the life that awaits us all is positive, inspiring, and uplifting. Death is difficult for those left behind but the insights offered in this book can help comfort the living knowing that their loved ones are truly in a better place.
This is one of the rare books that I did not want to end…I wanted more stories and I want to keep that positive, comforting feeling at the forefront of my life. His relationship with (unknown to me previously) Christian music singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman has also had a profound impact upon me. I am now a big fan and have set up a Pandora channel for his music. If you’re a dad with a daughter, then you need to hear his song Cinderella. I challenge you not to be moved. His music is what now helps keep that wonderful feeling in my life going.
I've gotta go...between the book and the song, I'm an emotional mess.
His story was great. I found his journey from faith to agnostic, and back to believing to be very relatable. I am not convinced that there is a "reason" for bad things happening to good people as he alludes to. As a believer, to say that God needs to have this tragedy happen in order to fulfill his greater purpose, just makes God sound like he is schizophrenic and one minute he could be blessing you, and the next, he just might need you in Heaven.
I understand that we live in a fallen world where evil is present. People can choose to do good or choose to do evil. Living in that environment means that you, or someone you know, might bump up against that. Even though bad things might happen to you, God is in the redemption business and is there to turn the situation around. That's what Jesus did, redeemed us all. What Satan made for evil, God will make for good.
This is a true story of how a doctor turned back to God based on his glimpses of heaven and the reality of its smells and sharp colors, etc. Then it tells of many other accounts of his patient's glimpses of heaven. An inspiring read.
This wonderfully thoughtful and moving book was written by Dr. Reggie Anderson, a 'country doctor' who practices medicine at Ashland City Hospital in Ashland, Tennessee.What inspired Dr. Anderson to write this book was a career characterized by extraordinary experiences , sitting at the bedsides of dying patients. Dr. anderson begins his story with some personal biographical information... background which makes his story and his experiences even more incredible!
Dr. Anderson grew up in the small rural community of Plantersville, Alabama. He was part of a family with a strong Christian belief system but acknowledges that while growing up, he never really thought about or questioned those beliefs... he accepted and took them for granted, as many people do. There came a time when his beliefs would be not only challenged but completely shaken. He describes a shocking event... the brutal murders of people he cared very much about. This crime turned his entire world upside down. Imagine.. how would you feel if everything you believed to be true ended up not to be? That is how Dr. Anderson felt ; and this event led him to the conclusion that since nothing he had been taught to believe in was true, he was only going to believe in and rely on what could be proven logically, rationally and scientifically. This belief led him to a path to become a doctor... deciding that science and medicine would not let him down or desert him. This very decision to turn his back on his religious beliefs is, in part, what makes his story and experiences all the more extraordinary.
There finally came a point in Dr, Anderson's life when he met a woman who would become very important to him... she was a woman of strong Christian beliefs. He finally found his way back to his faith and when he began practicing medicine, he had an experience that would once again change the way he sees his faith and life itself. He describes having the privilege of sitting at a dying elderly woman's bedside. He describes an incredible experience which occurred while he was sitting beside her, holding her hand because she didn't want to be alone.... he relates that 'the veil to heaven parted' and he felt, saw and was aware of a particular scent which filled the air when the woman's spirit exited her body. He described very concrete physical phenomena... a warm breeze, a beautiful bright light which didn't appear to emanate from anything in the room and a very pleasing aroma ... the scent of springtime.. light and lilac scented. Throughout the course of this book, Dr. Anderson describes similar experiences over and over with dying patients who are leaving this life... including a beautiful experience with his own father at the time of his death. These experiences gently lead the reader to imagine and hope that what he was permitted to see and experience is perhaps what is in store for each and every one of us.
I have to admit that when I first began reading this book, I was unsure if I would continue with it. Initially, my first impression of Dr, Anderson was that he was a little too 'preachy' and overbearing about his Christian beliefs and it was turning me off to whatever else he was trying to say. And then I had an 'epiphany' of sorts.. which I suppose might be a sign of some sort. The more I thought about his story, the more I realized that what I was interpreting as 'preachy' was perhaps not that at all. Dr. Anderson did indeed have very strong Christian beliefs and they are entangled in every aspect of his life. It would be, it seems, impossible for him to relay his experiences in any other way than through the prism that he views all things.. through his faith in Christianity. At that point, i realized that I needed to read the remainder of his story by learning to distance myself in a way from the Christianity to really appreciate the comforting message he was trying to relay.
Ultimately, Dr. Anderson'r message was hopeful and comforting .. and one that I also believe... there is NO DEATH! We will be reunited with everyone we have loved and lost one day. They are waiting for us. Death is not the end.. it is simply a transition .. another stage of life . Dr. Anderson's story was a reminder to me of the wondrousness of life. in all of its stages.
Thank you so much for this recommendation, Grumpus!! Reading about Dr. Anderson's incredible experiences left me feeling comforted and hopeful for all that is still to come in my life... and after. I would have rated this book 5 stars if it wasn't for my 'rocky' beginning. I would love to give it 4 1/2 stars!!
Having lost some close relatives and close friends the past few years – along with my deep Christian faith, this book intrigued me. I wondered if it would have any depth and would be able to make a case for life after death in this realm. It met both criteria.
T he author, Dr. Reggie Anderson is present at the bedside of a dying patient and he watched a miracle happen right before him. He wrote in this book that there are times when he is holding a patient’s hand and he can “experience” what the patient feels as he/she crosses over.
The author believes that God does – in those cases – give us a glimpse of the afterlife. He believes that we are far closer to the next world than we think. Many of us – both Christian and others believe that there are other dimensions out there and that this is part of the mystery of the afterlife. I have long believed that when we lose someone we love - or maybe just like – that there is a good chance we will see them again. This makes the loss of those we care about the courage to deal with it and comfort in knowing where they are.
Many of us have “heard” God. Most times in the quiet of our time when we are alone and are focused on Him. I can – for one – attest to this, for it has happened to me more than once.
In his medical training and anatomy class, he saw clearly that there was a clear higher power in all of what he saws in the human body. A Creator An interesting early comment revolve around the author’s personal experience when he was alone – isolated and the mountains. He had read C.S.Lewis’ ”Mere Christianity”and he fell asleep. It was while he was asleep that the “thin veil” betw een life as we know it and heaven became clear to him. He saw some loved ones he had know on earth, in heaven and they were alive and happy.
The dream changed him.
This book is filled with touching and pretty dramatic stories. My own personal experience with “hearing” God has long ago convinced me that God does hear us and that He definitely “speaks to us” and well as answering prayers. I have my own personal story about that with regard to a family member that is one of the cornerstones of my faith.
I really liked this book so gave it 4 stars. However, I could have easily given it a 3 as well, simply because the book left me with some unanswered questions about this man's beliefs and constant reference to "the veil". I'd like to think I know what he means, but I am not sure, specifically in regards to "the veil" parting at a baby's birth. Does this mean he does not believe a baby's soul is present until birth? Does this mean he believes the baby's soul pre-existed in heaven? He only hints at it... and this is not the central theme or idea of the book, but I'd just like to note this part of the book was unclear. I did enjoy the book very much, as he beautifully recounts some stories from his life that were not only clear but meaningful and encouraging. I had the added surprize of finding the heartbreaking story of the Steven Curtis Chapman's family tragedy included in the pages. Their testimony of faith should be a good lesson for all. As a reader, I saw Dr. Anderson as a very loving, sensitive and aware doctor. A doctor anyone would love to have due to his prayerful attention and compassion.
This book is a blessing and a gift to believers. In a fallen, sick, turbulent, evil world, this man's story provides encouragement, hope, and a reminder to us of what is to come and what the focus of our lives should be.
I am very skeptical when reading books like this. The Bible says to test everything (1 John 4:1) (1 Thessalonians 5:14 ). I prayed before reading this for the Holy Spirit to guide me in recognizing truth when I come across it. By the time I was about 30% into this book, I believed what this man was saying he had experienced.
For the unbeliever, I would challenge him or her to read this book and I would ask, "Do you really think this man made all this up? Really?
Incredible. Dr. Anderson is so engaging and a talented storyteller, but also God tells the most wonderful stories through his life! I also appreciated him talking about his faith in the medical field. Lastly, it made me yearn for Heaven with my Father even more🤍
His experiences with the dying are very interesting and informative but the emphasis on Christianity and Jesus put me off. It would be a better book for Christians.
This book caught my attention, because the author is from Tennessee. It is a beautiful story of a Godly man’s spiritual journey from agnostic to a believer longing for Heaven. This book has a personal message for every reader. Highly recommend!
I enjoyed reading this book. For those of us who rarely, if ever, get the sense of a "direct" message from God, it's still good to hear from those who do. Dr. Anderson's faith journey and his calling have given him an unusually clear view of the reality and nearness of Heaven (and God). I am certain of both but can only marvel at the "picture" some people get; for most of us, it's just glimpses and we've gotta walk by faith alone. It was also good to read about the Andersons' part in the story of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman's lives and the loss of their daughter, Maria, and to hear how they've come through that valley.
What a wonderful way to start out the new year, with a five star book! I adore near-death experience books and even though the author did not come close to his own death, he certainly had glimpses of heaven that I'd put in that category.
This memoir is beautifully written and flows so naturally that everyone seems like family to you by the end. God is doing a great work, much larger than we can see, but He is involved in our lives in an intimate way.
If you've ever lost a loved one, if you've ever struggled with feeling like God doesn't care, or if you're just in need of His healing presence, read this book. He is there. He is here.
This wonderful story is the true testimony of a country doctor about the proof that heaven does exist, it is a wonderful place we can look forward to entering when our time on earth is over, and we shouldn’t be afraid of dying. Even the smell of heaven is fresh, sweet, and welcoming. If you have been fearful of this unknown place, this is a must read book. You will enjoy every encounter that this doctor describes. By the time you finish reading this book, you’ll have a whole new attitude toward death.
As a fourth year medical student and a Christian, I really appreciated Dr. Anderson's stories of end-of-life care and the spiritual side of medicine that we rarely receive any education about. His gentle, story-telling style made for an easy read and the provocative nature of his stories keeps the reader very engaged. All in all, I highly recommend for any Christian in the medical field.
I read this in January 2016 shortly after my grandmother passed away. It provided hope and comfort to my soul. Reading the doctor's experiences with the dying made me wish I could sit with Christians as they move from this realm into paradise.
I highly recommend this to everyone as a must read.
Didn’t realize it took me over 8 months to finish 😭
This is a good book man. At first I was honestly having a hard time getting behind this. It all seems so far fetched with all these quotes in conversations he was saying when revisiting experiences, buuuuut by the end I truly just recognize his life as Gods blessing. As a doctor I know he helped countless people and has experienced it all and just seeing the way he shared the Gospel with people and prayed over people was a beautiful thing. His life is an example of the power of prayer. He also dropped the hardest quotes in this:
“Make no mistake—as a doctor, I can’t heal anyone. God heals”
“However, I suspect that if we all slowed down, kept our eyes open, and listened more attentively, we would frequently recognize heavenly experiences happening all around us”
“Heaven is much closer than we think”
“What Satan meant for evil, God had used for Good”
“God is real, He is good, and He is our hope for the future”
“Though you may have a few more years to toil before your appointment to depart, be comforted with the thought that the unimaginable trip of a lifetime lies ahead for you”
“…death is not the failure of medical science but the victory of the soul”
He also pointed out a lot of scripture. Praise God for Jesus and may everyone find salvation in His name🙏
John 3:16 Romans 10:9-10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I wish God would speak to me as He had done with “Dr. Anderson”, so I may be a little skeptical, but at the same time I find it very refreshing that a medical doctor has such a faith and incorporates it into his daily practice. The dreams, smell and temperature changes, make it a little difficult for me, as I had not experienced God in such a way. However, I found the remarks he made on suicide cases ; “ ….I believe God whispers in the ear of every despairing person who considers taking his or her own life, but depression may decrease the ability to hear that hope…. I don’t believe suicide is a sin that separates us from God; it is a cause of death that results from an illness. Much like heart disease or diabetes can be fatal, so can depression. “ very comforting. One may be at a loss of words should such tragedy happen, but Dr Anderson’s explanation may bring some comfort. Overall a book to bring forth great discussions. Thank you.
A beautiful portrayal of God’s love to everyday people in times of hardship. Whether the hardship is finances or sickness or a crime done to your family; God is there to help you through and bring you comfort.
This country doctor describes his own struggles with faith and doubt. His down home “country” common sense puts one at ease while darkness and light war for dominion in his heart.
In his authentic sharing, one feels embraced as a friend; it seems like one is right there walking through life with him. After hearing about his life, one faces life with a fresh perspective of hope.
The glimpses of heaven are truly a breath of fresh air.
This book is encouraging; heart challenging at times; faith stretching; yet, one walks away with hope, comfort and a fresh perspective of our life here, and our life to come in eternity.
I have read a lot of books on near death experiences, reincarnation and biographies by people that have experienced death in this life time. I found this book extremely interesting by Dr. Reggie Anderson due to various events he referred to within his book that I was able to verify such as the Alday Massacre and the Chapman's loss of their daughter Maria. He put his emotions and trust in God (or lack thereof), on paper to share with those of us interested enough to want to read his book.
I wish there were more doctors like Dr Anderson that were open to the spiritual aspect of a patient's needs and understanding. I found the book interesting and uplifting. I would highly recommend this book . I loved it!!
Appointments with Heaven: “I believe death is not a failure of science but a victory” ~ Reggie Anderson When my daddy died pastor Allen Jackson consoled me and said “the more people we send to the other side the more we long to be there”. So true. Many of the details that this author uses to describe his observations of patients that transitioned from this life sounded so familiar to what I experienced last year with my mom. He describes death like a birth into heaven and like with a birth the baby will “crown” but with a birth into heaven you will receive a crown. I liked that thought. This is wonderful book full of hope.
The true story of a country doctor’s encounters with the afterlife was such a refreshing read. This book is filled with heartwarming stories beginning with the faith of a child, to tragedy that shakes his entire being, to the point that he denies the existence of the true and living God. But then his story has a comeback. God had plans for Dr Reggie Anderson and God revealed to him in a dream what his future would be and it was then his life turned around and the miracles encounters are endless. If you need a book to help you see a little glimpse of heaven and what the faith of a mustard seed is like, this is the book! Highly recommend this one.
This was a book that I could NOT put down! The raw detail and emotion through Dr. Reggie’s encounters through Christ on not only a personal level, but also on a professional level of being a doctor. Being in a profession so close to death it is refreshing to read these testimonies about Christ. I was amazed by the great detail he can describe with his initial encounter with Christ as an adult. It gives me a clear and vivid picture of Heaven. But this book also helped ease my mind about death. Giving me the visual of the “veil” being opened to go into Heaven changed my perspective on it. I could not recommend this book enough to fellow believers and those beginning their walk with Christ.
I loved this book. Dr. Reggie Anderson shows courage in describing his many direct experiences of the spiritual world. My whole body relaxed in recognition of the truth in his writing. It's one thing to have a heightened sensitivity to these realms, but another thing entirely to share it with the world in service to others who may be searching for context for their own experiences. In doing so, he also provides great comfort to those nearing, or wondering about, the end of life. Thank you, Dr Anderson, for this gift.