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Heaven is For Real #2
Heaven Changes Everything: The Rest of Our Story
There's so much more to the story.
Todd and Sonja Burpo's almost-four-year-old son Colton made an unforgettable trip to heaven and back during the darkest, most-stressed-out days of their lives. Times were tough, money was scarce and the bills, frustrations, and fears were piled high. The story of Colton's visit to heaven changed their lives--and the book they wrote about it, "Heaven Is for Real," gave new hope to millions of readers.In "Heaven Changes Everything," the Burpos share details about their experience and about Colton's visit to heaven that they weren't able to include in the original story or in the Sony Pictures release of the "Heaven Is for Real "movie. Practical and inspiring, the short essays shed light on living with a miracle and the afterlife, each ending with a relevant scripture. Listen in as Todd, and for the first time ever Sonja, from her perspective as a mom, show you how believing heaven is for real helps us survive hardships here on earth, including the death of a loved one or the loss of a child through tragedy, miscarriage, or even abortion.
This newly revised edition offers bonus material including:
New forewordNever-before-seen family photosFavorite scenes from the movieQ&A section
Come see how heaven can indeed touch earth and change everything.
Todd and Sonja Burpo's almost-four-year-old son Colton made an unforgettable trip to heaven and back during the darkest, most-stressed-out days of their lives. Times were tough, money was scarce and the bills, frustrations, and fears were piled high. The story of Colton's visit to heaven changed their lives--and the book they wrote about it, "Heaven Is for Real," gave new hope to millions of readers.In "Heaven Changes Everything," the Burpos share details about their experience and about Colton's visit to heaven that they weren't able to include in the original story or in the Sony Pictures release of the "Heaven Is for Real "movie. Practical and inspiring, the short essays shed light on living with a miracle and the afterlife, each ending with a relevant scripture. Listen in as Todd, and for the first time ever Sonja, from her perspective as a mom, show you how believing heaven is for real helps us survive hardships here on earth, including the death of a loved one or the loss of a child through tragedy, miscarriage, or even abortion.
This newly revised edition offers bonus material including:
New forewordNever-before-seen family photosFavorite scenes from the movieQ&A section
Come see how heaven can indeed touch earth and change everything.
242 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2012
273 people are currently reading
1528 people want to read
About the author
Todd Burpo
15 books793 followersTodd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. He and his wife, Sonja, have four children: Colton is an active 14-year-old; he has an older sister, Cassie; a younger brother, Colby; and a very special sister he met in heaven, yet to be named.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 20, 2013
It’s hard to review a devotional objectively. It’s something very personal & what speaks to you is going to be different than what speaks to another reader. But here goes
I had read, “Heaven is for Real” a few years ago. I remember the exact moment I found it at the store. I had never heard of the book & was actually shopping for a Joyce Meyer book that was on my reading list. I picked up Heaven is for Real, read the description on the back; thought it sounded interesting & then shelved it. Throughout the rest of my shopping trip my mind kept going back to that book that eventually (mainly to silence the nags) I put it in my shopping cart & cashed out. I started it almost immediately & it was instrumental in changing (and confirming) my view on heaven. At the time I read it, my Grandma was battling stage-4 cancer & upon her death the chapters & words in that book were such a comfort to me. She was a strong woman of faith & I know the riches of heaven fell upon her & that we will be reunited again and that fills me with healing. I’ve since passed the book on to others & have recommended it to countless people.
It took me awhile to get through Heaven Changes Everything (over 6months) not because it was bad, but because of LIFE. I had read other devotionals in between, read other novels, but every time I picked up this specific book the messages were very tailored to what I was currently going through; questions on my mind, troubles that were heavy on my shoulders. So I feel like God was telling me to take this devotional very, very, slowly to let it sink in (on average, I’m a speedy reader). Usually I’d find myself crying over the words I was reading & sighing over how “spot on” it felt to read what I was feeling. And I’ll be honest, it led to some frustration because I didn’t want to change my thinking or behavior about some subjects the author suggested needed changed (hey, God made me stubborn so “technically” its His fault, right? Haha!)
Heaven Changes Everything is obviously set up a little differently since it is a devotional & not a narrative. For starters, its written by Todd & Sonja Burpo (Colton’s parents) who alternate chapters (which I liked) each giving their own viewpoint & spin on the subject of the chapter. You definitely would be able to use this book for a Bible Study since it does pose group discussion questions & has countless passages of scripture to study, memorize & discuss. Like I do with all devotionals, I went after it with a “college” mentality. You wouldn’t want to borrow my copy because its highlighted, underlined in pen, things are starred & my personal thoughts are wrote in the margins. You’d finish my copy more confused than when you started! Flipping through the book even now, there’s so many good chapters that I don’t even know where to start! Todd & Sonja (obviously) center the book around their take on Colton’s (their middle-son) near-death experience; visit to heaven & then return to earth. They give their viewpoints on what happened “behind the scenes” & how their lives have changed post-publishing of his novel, “Heaven is for Real”. What I also like was they touched on a little bit of everything; their marriage, their struggles, parenting, balancing careers & of course, their personal views on God & faith.
Since I can’t go chapter by chapter (its not a big book, but it would take awhile & the weather’s to nice to be indoors all day typing on the computer *wink wink*) I’ve picked a couple chapters that really spoke to me:
Chapter 9: “A Mixture of Faith & Doubt” told from the viewpoint of Todd. It’s about how you can be a person of Faith & still Doubt. I know I can relate to that. I don’t know how many countless times I’ve prayed for something & then took matters into my own hands because God was moving to slow (you’d think by now I would have learned my lesson & realize I do more damage than good!). Todd writes, “So you’re struggling. God understands. He knows you can’t see what’s waiting for you around the corner-not to mention next week or next year. But God is good at working with strugglers. Pray, “help me believe”. Even though he’s a Pastor; a man people look up to for spiritual guidance, he still struggled with doubt when doctor’s reported his son would not survive.
Chapter 23: “Imagine Being Held by Jesus”. This chapter really got to be. In this chapter, Todd remembers the moment when he was in the hospital chapel; alone, spewing forth hateful & angry words to God, so fearful that he may lose his son-didn’t understand why & God seemed to be silent. Upon Colton’s “return to earth” he tells Todd that he saw him in the chapel, crying & angry. “yeah, Jesus was there too.”…..”well, where was Jesus?”….Colton looked me right in the eye. ‘I was sitting in Jesus’ lap.’”….I was hiding out in the empty hospital room, raging at God for bringing my son so close to death-furious at the very One who at that moment, unknown to me, was holding my son in his arms. Quite the contrast, isn’t it?”. For me personally, I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten angry at God for his silence (what I view as silence) when he’s got something so much bigger intended for me. “But at the same time I try to remember that God has a plan for my life-a plan that ends in heaven-and whatever is happening to me right now is part of that plan.”
Countless other thoughts jump out at me throughout this devotional, “There are things God allows to happen because he knows the outcome is going to be greater than anything we could ever do on our own.”,”Children’s simple prayers fall as sweetly on God’s ears as they do on ours.”, “there is blessedness in brokenness. God uses broken people.” & “stand without wavering. Stand without apology. Stand confidently & say, ‘I know who Jesus is, and this is what he has done for me.’”
This is not a hard devotional at all & I recommend it for any beginner who is new in their walk with the Lord. It’ll get your feet wet as far as getting in the Word & reading the Bible, its full of personal opinion & testimonials rather than a lot of Bible-scripture-reading. However, even if you’re dedicated & like those in-depth devotionals this works as well, you can back up the author’s points & key-notes with Bible scriptures that reference it. Any way you look at it, the fact is; it’s just a good clean read & I highly recommend adding it to any reading list.
The closing paragraph of the book just warms me: “I love thinking about being so glad, and so grateful, to see Jesus that I spontaneously fall down on my knees before him. And I know he’ll be glad to see me. In fact, he’s been praying that I would join him there. He’s praying you’ll join him there too. Please don’t disappoint him. He’s waiting for you in heaven. And that changes everything.” What a great feeling to think that the Lord is praying to spend time with you! That’s something to hold onto when you’re feeling challenged, stressed, & overwhelmed. The Lord is praying that you’ll talk to him & spend time with him.
How fantastic of a thought is that???
I had read, “Heaven is for Real” a few years ago. I remember the exact moment I found it at the store. I had never heard of the book & was actually shopping for a Joyce Meyer book that was on my reading list. I picked up Heaven is for Real, read the description on the back; thought it sounded interesting & then shelved it. Throughout the rest of my shopping trip my mind kept going back to that book that eventually (mainly to silence the nags) I put it in my shopping cart & cashed out. I started it almost immediately & it was instrumental in changing (and confirming) my view on heaven. At the time I read it, my Grandma was battling stage-4 cancer & upon her death the chapters & words in that book were such a comfort to me. She was a strong woman of faith & I know the riches of heaven fell upon her & that we will be reunited again and that fills me with healing. I’ve since passed the book on to others & have recommended it to countless people.
It took me awhile to get through Heaven Changes Everything (over 6months) not because it was bad, but because of LIFE. I had read other devotionals in between, read other novels, but every time I picked up this specific book the messages were very tailored to what I was currently going through; questions on my mind, troubles that were heavy on my shoulders. So I feel like God was telling me to take this devotional very, very, slowly to let it sink in (on average, I’m a speedy reader). Usually I’d find myself crying over the words I was reading & sighing over how “spot on” it felt to read what I was feeling. And I’ll be honest, it led to some frustration because I didn’t want to change my thinking or behavior about some subjects the author suggested needed changed (hey, God made me stubborn so “technically” its His fault, right? Haha!)
Heaven Changes Everything is obviously set up a little differently since it is a devotional & not a narrative. For starters, its written by Todd & Sonja Burpo (Colton’s parents) who alternate chapters (which I liked) each giving their own viewpoint & spin on the subject of the chapter. You definitely would be able to use this book for a Bible Study since it does pose group discussion questions & has countless passages of scripture to study, memorize & discuss. Like I do with all devotionals, I went after it with a “college” mentality. You wouldn’t want to borrow my copy because its highlighted, underlined in pen, things are starred & my personal thoughts are wrote in the margins. You’d finish my copy more confused than when you started! Flipping through the book even now, there’s so many good chapters that I don’t even know where to start! Todd & Sonja (obviously) center the book around their take on Colton’s (their middle-son) near-death experience; visit to heaven & then return to earth. They give their viewpoints on what happened “behind the scenes” & how their lives have changed post-publishing of his novel, “Heaven is for Real”. What I also like was they touched on a little bit of everything; their marriage, their struggles, parenting, balancing careers & of course, their personal views on God & faith.
Since I can’t go chapter by chapter (its not a big book, but it would take awhile & the weather’s to nice to be indoors all day typing on the computer *wink wink*) I’ve picked a couple chapters that really spoke to me:
Chapter 9: “A Mixture of Faith & Doubt” told from the viewpoint of Todd. It’s about how you can be a person of Faith & still Doubt. I know I can relate to that. I don’t know how many countless times I’ve prayed for something & then took matters into my own hands because God was moving to slow (you’d think by now I would have learned my lesson & realize I do more damage than good!). Todd writes, “So you’re struggling. God understands. He knows you can’t see what’s waiting for you around the corner-not to mention next week or next year. But God is good at working with strugglers. Pray, “help me believe”. Even though he’s a Pastor; a man people look up to for spiritual guidance, he still struggled with doubt when doctor’s reported his son would not survive.
Chapter 23: “Imagine Being Held by Jesus”. This chapter really got to be. In this chapter, Todd remembers the moment when he was in the hospital chapel; alone, spewing forth hateful & angry words to God, so fearful that he may lose his son-didn’t understand why & God seemed to be silent. Upon Colton’s “return to earth” he tells Todd that he saw him in the chapel, crying & angry. “yeah, Jesus was there too.”…..”well, where was Jesus?”….Colton looked me right in the eye. ‘I was sitting in Jesus’ lap.’”….I was hiding out in the empty hospital room, raging at God for bringing my son so close to death-furious at the very One who at that moment, unknown to me, was holding my son in his arms. Quite the contrast, isn’t it?”. For me personally, I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten angry at God for his silence (what I view as silence) when he’s got something so much bigger intended for me. “But at the same time I try to remember that God has a plan for my life-a plan that ends in heaven-and whatever is happening to me right now is part of that plan.”
Countless other thoughts jump out at me throughout this devotional, “There are things God allows to happen because he knows the outcome is going to be greater than anything we could ever do on our own.”,”Children’s simple prayers fall as sweetly on God’s ears as they do on ours.”, “there is blessedness in brokenness. God uses broken people.” & “stand without wavering. Stand without apology. Stand confidently & say, ‘I know who Jesus is, and this is what he has done for me.’”
This is not a hard devotional at all & I recommend it for any beginner who is new in their walk with the Lord. It’ll get your feet wet as far as getting in the Word & reading the Bible, its full of personal opinion & testimonials rather than a lot of Bible-scripture-reading. However, even if you’re dedicated & like those in-depth devotionals this works as well, you can back up the author’s points & key-notes with Bible scriptures that reference it. Any way you look at it, the fact is; it’s just a good clean read & I highly recommend adding it to any reading list.
The closing paragraph of the book just warms me: “I love thinking about being so glad, and so grateful, to see Jesus that I spontaneously fall down on my knees before him. And I know he’ll be glad to see me. In fact, he’s been praying that I would join him there. He’s praying you’ll join him there too. Please don’t disappoint him. He’s waiting for you in heaven. And that changes everything.” What a great feeling to think that the Lord is praying to spend time with you! That’s something to hold onto when you’re feeling challenged, stressed, & overwhelmed. The Lord is praying that you’ll talk to him & spend time with him.
How fantastic of a thought is that???
March 30, 2023
Ugh I feel bad about the 2 star rating, but hear me out. I found the title to be very misleading. I thought that we were going to gain new insight into Colton’s trip to heaven, especially now since he is older with a more extensive vocabulary and maturity. That is not what this book is and if that is what you are looking for you will not find it. Very few details are about Colton’s heavenly experience since becoming older.
What this book is and why you should still read it. This book reads like a daily devotional. They take excerpts from the original book Heaven is For Real and create a mini story/ daily devotional from that passage. We also learn a ton about Todd and Sonya in this book. This wasn’t a bad book it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
What made this book worth reading for me was the story about Graham. I don’t want to spoil it, but that story moved me to tears and if you read this book you MUST watch the YouTube video about Graham. There was also just many reminders of God’s love and how to live and be a better person.
If this sounds like your jam go for it! Just don’t make my mistake thinking this is an extension of Heaven is for Real. Happy Reading!
What this book is and why you should still read it. This book reads like a daily devotional. They take excerpts from the original book Heaven is For Real and create a mini story/ daily devotional from that passage. We also learn a ton about Todd and Sonya in this book. This wasn’t a bad book it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
What made this book worth reading for me was the story about Graham. I don’t want to spoil it, but that story moved me to tears and if you read this book you MUST watch the YouTube video about Graham. There was also just many reminders of God’s love and how to live and be a better person.
If this sounds like your jam go for it! Just don’t make my mistake thinking this is an extension of Heaven is for Real. Happy Reading!
October 4, 2024
De los autores de 'El cielo es real: La asombrosa historia de un niño pequeño de su viaje al cielo de ida y vuelta'. Pensaba que este libro sería una compilación de historias de personas que, como el pequeño Colton, tuvieron una experiencia cercana a la muerte y que, en esas experiencias, sintieron que también visitaron el cielo. Pero no trata de eso. Es más bien un conjunto de unas 40 bonitas reflexiones sobre la vida y la fe basadas en extractos de su primer libro. Me han gustado especialmente los comentarios al final de cada capítulo, con preguntas o reflexiones... Es como un devocional.
Bonito e inspirador, en la línea de su primer libro, pero más práctico.
Bonito e inspirador, en la línea de su primer libro, pero más práctico.
March 1, 2015
I loved it. Loved Heaven is for Real as well.
August 8, 2024
A beautiful devotional and follow-up after Heaven is For Real
December 8, 2012
This is a devotional book which is based on their first book “Heaven is for Real”.
This book contains excerpts from “Heaven is for Real”. I really enjoyed “Heaven is for Real” and I enjoyed reading this one as well! If you have not read “Heaven is for Real” it is about a 4 year old who has life saving surgery and goes to heaven during his surgery. While he is there is meets family members he didn’t know he had!
Heaven Changes Everything contains 42 devotions which talks about their thoughts about Colton’s visit to Heaven and what he experienced. At the end of each chapter there is a question and a bible verse. This book get’s me more excited for Heaven . You do not have to read “Heaven is for Real” before you read this book but I would recommend that you do!
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson and their program, BookSneeze and was not required to write a positive review.
This book contains excerpts from “Heaven is for Real”. I really enjoyed “Heaven is for Real” and I enjoyed reading this one as well! If you have not read “Heaven is for Real” it is about a 4 year old who has life saving surgery and goes to heaven during his surgery. While he is there is meets family members he didn’t know he had!
Heaven Changes Everything contains 42 devotions which talks about their thoughts about Colton’s visit to Heaven and what he experienced. At the end of each chapter there is a question and a bible verse. This book get’s me more excited for Heaven . You do not have to read “Heaven is for Real” before you read this book but I would recommend that you do!
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson and their program, BookSneeze and was not required to write a positive review.
April 7, 2017
I thought this book would include the details Colton had that weren't added in the first book because I've heard them do a talk and I remember being indignant like "Wait. You didn't include that in the book! How are you talking about this now?!"
It kind of made me hesitant (doubting Thomas here) but eventually I accepted it. They didn't owe us all the details anyway and at least they talked of it. However this book isn't what they didn't include in the first book, it's a devotional book. It is a comfort to the heart. It wasn't what I had anticipated but still great nonetheless.
It kind of made me hesitant (doubting Thomas here) but eventually I accepted it. They didn't owe us all the details anyway and at least they talked of it. However this book isn't what they didn't include in the first book, it's a devotional book. It is a comfort to the heart. It wasn't what I had anticipated but still great nonetheless.
January 28, 2021
Even better than the first one
August 16, 2015
This book was not what I thought it was going to be until the question and answer section at the end. I wanted to hear more about Colton, not about his father as a paster/envangalist. Faith is a very personal topic. Book one, Heaven Is For Real was much better. I thought the description was almost a bait and switch.
September 8, 2015
Was hoping for more stories from Colton's perspective as mentioned on the back. Was more preaching than info on his experience in heaven.
August 8, 2017
Many of the same things from 'Heaven is for Real' but with a bit of a back story/deeper meaning to events.
July 17, 2018
Inspirational
Thank goodness they wrote this book. If it hasn’t spoken to anyone else on this planet, know that it has spoken to me.
Thank goodness they wrote this book. If it hasn’t spoken to anyone else on this planet, know that it has spoken to me.
September 19, 2018
Not as good a "Heaven is for Real", but filled with insights from Colton's parents. An interesting read AFTER you've read "Heaven is for Real".
June 1, 2019
Much like Heaven is for Real, but more for daily reminders of what is truly important.
July 26, 2024
I can't remember when I was as disappointed in a book.
I expected this to be an update on how Colton is. How has he used his amazing experience to help others. How has the family changed since the experience and writing of the first book.
What I found was a rehashing of Heaven is For Real and what I felt were "sermons" in each chapter. Each chapter started with some lines from the first book, followed by either a retelling of the same events or how Todd and Sonja felt or related to that topic. How they travel telling Colton's story. They did at times briefly mention how the family travels or interviews together. Each chapter closed with a bolded message and a relevant bible passage. Overall, I found Colton to be a minimal character throughout the book. While I did think I would get a minute by minute of Colton now, I expected more involvement of Colton in the story and less Todd and Sonja retelling me what I already learned from the first book.
I found Todd's writing style to be easy to follow and read. He did inject humor which I liked. I had a hard time wanting to finish this book.
I expected this to be an update on how Colton is. How has he used his amazing experience to help others. How has the family changed since the experience and writing of the first book.
What I found was a rehashing of Heaven is For Real and what I felt were "sermons" in each chapter. Each chapter started with some lines from the first book, followed by either a retelling of the same events or how Todd and Sonja felt or related to that topic. How they travel telling Colton's story. They did at times briefly mention how the family travels or interviews together. Each chapter closed with a bolded message and a relevant bible passage. Overall, I found Colton to be a minimal character throughout the book. While I did think I would get a minute by minute of Colton now, I expected more involvement of Colton in the story and less Todd and Sonja retelling me what I already learned from the first book.
I found Todd's writing style to be easy to follow and read. He did inject humor which I liked. I had a hard time wanting to finish this book.
August 27, 2018
LO PRIMERO DECIR QUE NO ES UNA NOVELA, SINO QUE ESTA BASADA EN UNA, LA CUAL SE TITULA EL CIELO ES REAL, DE LOS MISMOS AUTORES, SI NO ME EQUIVOCO. ME HA GUSTADO, EL TEMA DEL CUAL SE HABLA EN EL LIBRO ES SOBRE COMO LOS PADRES DE COLTON: TOOD Y SONJA BURPO, PUDIERON AFRENTAR SU ENFERMEDAD, LA CUAL LE LLEVÓ A LOS BORDES DE LA MUERTE. TAMBIÉN SE TOCA EL TEMA DE DIOS Y DE QUE EL CIELO, COMO DICE EN LA NOVELA, ES REAL. PARA ENTENDER DE QUE TRATA EL LIBRO ( O MEJOR DICHO LOS LIBROS; LA NOVELA Y LAS EXPERIENCIAS DE LOS PADRES ) DEBES LEERLOS. YO NO HE LEÍDO LA NOVELA, PERO SI QUIERES LEER SOLO Y EXCLUSIVAMENTE EL SEGUNDO LIBRO, PODRÍAS, YA QUE EN LAS EXPERIENCIAS DE TOOD Y SONJA HAY MENCIONES SOBRE LA NOVELA, EL CIELO ES REAL. SE HA GANADO MIS 3 ESTRELLAS.
October 3, 2019
I was expecting to hear the full story of what their son had experienced. It was a good book but not what I had expected. It was more about the writing of the book with tidbits thrown in about the actual experience. I guess if I had read more about the description I would have realized what this book was about. it is totally on me for not understanding what the premises was. Given that, at times is was a little to 'preachy' and if you were not already a Christian it might be hard to understand where the author was coming from. It is a good book, just not what i had expected.
June 25, 2025
This book is amazing! This isn't the type of book you will read in a day and feel satisfied. It's a book that takes time and deep thinking. This book taught me that God has a plan for everything and he truly, truly, cares and loves us so much. There were a few moments in the book were I got overwhelmed with emotions. But remember, Jesus loves you so much and is yearning to have a relationship with you.
December 6, 2019
In a space of 10 days, we will have buried two uncles and a coworker. Thanksgiving and Black Friday were sandwiched between two of the funerals. This book helped me keep my focus on enjoying my family while here on earth and knowing those we said "Goodbye" to are happier than ever. I know I will see them again. God's timing is always perfect!
December 9, 2019
This is the second book by Todd and Sonja Burpo and a follow up to their international best selling Heaven is for Real about their lives with the near-death experience of their then 4 year old son Colton.In this continuation of their story they discover more things that Colton had seen and heard duruing his time in Heaven.
March 15, 2022
surprised to find this book in yuexiu library and less surprised to bother to borrow it
I like this kind of narrative, sharing how they live the Words out. be a heaven-minded person, I am to be saturated by every little thing in this life but not to be indulgent with any. What else shall I gain or lose since that heaven is for real, for me.
I like this kind of narrative, sharing how they live the Words out. be a heaven-minded person, I am to be saturated by every little thing in this life but not to be indulgent with any. What else shall I gain or lose since that heaven is for real, for me.
December 31, 2022
Heaven Is Real!
I thoroughly loved this book.
Burpo's family is such an amazing inspiration and so loving in their child-like faith in Jesus - it is just so special!
I got a lot out of this book, and I am so glad to finish this amazing trilogy.
Would highly recommend it.
An inspiring book to further your Christian walk and get to know Jesus.
4.9/5
I thoroughly loved this book.
Burpo's family is such an amazing inspiration and so loving in their child-like faith in Jesus - it is just so special!
I got a lot out of this book, and I am so glad to finish this amazing trilogy.
Would highly recommend it.
An inspiring book to further your Christian walk and get to know Jesus.
4.9/5
January 2, 2013
Book Description:
Live every day with the hope of heaven!
A shattered leg, kidney stones, and a lump diagnosed as hyperplasia. Times were tough, money was scarce, and the bills and frustrations were piling up. It was into this kind of stressed out life that God sent Todd and Sonja Burpo the interruption of a life-threatening illness and emergency surgery for their almost four-year old son Colton. An interruption that included his unforgettable journey to heaven.
How did they cope? And how can they help us keep thoughts of eternity in mind in the midst of our own overly busy, stressed out lives?
In fifty unique inspirational readings based on excerpts from their story, Todd and Sonja share their family’s responses and reactions to the Heaven Is for Real experience. They answer questions about what it’s like to struggle with and question God, to doubt, even get angry with Him. And offer new insights into what God might be doing with those interruptions he allows into our lives. Each reading closes with a scripture to provide biblical reinforcement of the ideas shared and a take-away thought or action point to help readers incorporate the reading's inspiration into daily life.
Keep the hope of heaven alive in your life. Heaven truly is for real, and it changes everything!
My Review:
What I Liked:
I have read Heaven Is For Real twice already and this follow-up book sparked my interest. It takes Heaven Is For Real to a deeper level, a level where I can apply what I love about Heaven Is For Real to my own life.
Additionally, I began to read this book not knowing I was about to have a "Heaven" experience of my own. This may not touch everyone's heart but it certainly has touched our family. Two days after Christmas my mom was walking our dog (the one we had shared so many memories with...dog/pet lovers, you know what I'm talking about) and suddenly he collapsed and died. To say we were devastated would be an understatement. I could barely breathe when my dad came in the house, sobbing uncontrollably, and told me. My husband ran outside to where my mom was. Snickers (our dog) was in fact dead. So dead that his tongue was hanging out and purple, there was no heartbeat, no breathing. Then something truly miraculous happened. He came back! My husband hurried in with the news. "He's breathing!" My dad and I rushed out to be by his side. His breathing steadily increased and his color came back. He even raised his head and looked around. It was as if he had awaken. We managed to put him in his little bed and we all petted him and held his little paw and talked to him and got to say our goodbyes to him properly. Then he peacefully laid his head down and slipped off to heaven. Were we sad? Yes, we still are. We will miss our little puppy-man (that's what we called him). But, there was no mistaking the miracle we had been given--my husband is adamant on that having witnessed it for himself, he keeps saying, "There was just no way. He was dead. It was a miracle." God had sent him back to us, not for his sake, but so that we who loved him most could say good-bye. I have thanked God over and over for giving us that gift and for taking him peacefully and surrounded by love. We truly felt the presence of all of heaven with us that day.
Some may say, he's just a dog, but he was more than that to us, and I believe God knew that and granted us a little extra time. God gave us a precious gift, because he saw how grief stricken his children where.
Heaven Changes Everything, and Heaven Is For Real has given me an understanding and peace that I did not say good-bye to Snickers on that day nor have I said good-bye to loved ones who have past before. It has given me the hope and knowledge that I will see Snickers (Colton tells his father that there are animals in Heaven) and all those who have faith in Jesus in Heaven again one day. So, while I cry because I miss them, I am not devastated or destroyed. They have merely gone home a little earlier than me, and I'll see them when I get there.
What I Didn't Like As Much:
There wasn't more of the book! I want more. I want to hear all about heaven all the time. These books have changed my perspective on life and given me such hope and joy and peace, that I think about heaven all the time. I look forward to the day when I get to go home to Heaven. I am so excited!
My Overall Rating:
Rating System:
5. Required Reading For Life. Do Not Pass Go. Do Not Collect $200. Will Re-Read.
4. Must Read if You Want to Totally Rock, But Not Punishable by Death if You Don't. Will More Than Likely Re-Read.
3. Good Read if You Are Interested In the Topic. May/May Not Re-Read.
2. Ok Read. Entertaining, but I Don't Plan On Reading it Again.
1. Eh. Not My Thing.
Drum roll please.........(the dots are the drum rolls, just picture it and go with me)............. I now pronounce that Heaven Changes Everything officially, unequivocally, forever-ly, receives a.................. 5 on the Nikki Rivera Rating Scale.
Insert: Crowd going wild. Author crying, embracing his editor, agent, mom, dad, kids, dog, second grade teacher, etc.
Hope this helped in your decision to read/not read Heaven Changes Everything. :)
Live every day with the hope of heaven!
A shattered leg, kidney stones, and a lump diagnosed as hyperplasia. Times were tough, money was scarce, and the bills and frustrations were piling up. It was into this kind of stressed out life that God sent Todd and Sonja Burpo the interruption of a life-threatening illness and emergency surgery for their almost four-year old son Colton. An interruption that included his unforgettable journey to heaven.
How did they cope? And how can they help us keep thoughts of eternity in mind in the midst of our own overly busy, stressed out lives?
In fifty unique inspirational readings based on excerpts from their story, Todd and Sonja share their family’s responses and reactions to the Heaven Is for Real experience. They answer questions about what it’s like to struggle with and question God, to doubt, even get angry with Him. And offer new insights into what God might be doing with those interruptions he allows into our lives. Each reading closes with a scripture to provide biblical reinforcement of the ideas shared and a take-away thought or action point to help readers incorporate the reading's inspiration into daily life.
Keep the hope of heaven alive in your life. Heaven truly is for real, and it changes everything!
My Review:
What I Liked:
I have read Heaven Is For Real twice already and this follow-up book sparked my interest. It takes Heaven Is For Real to a deeper level, a level where I can apply what I love about Heaven Is For Real to my own life.
Additionally, I began to read this book not knowing I was about to have a "Heaven" experience of my own. This may not touch everyone's heart but it certainly has touched our family. Two days after Christmas my mom was walking our dog (the one we had shared so many memories with...dog/pet lovers, you know what I'm talking about) and suddenly he collapsed and died. To say we were devastated would be an understatement. I could barely breathe when my dad came in the house, sobbing uncontrollably, and told me. My husband ran outside to where my mom was. Snickers (our dog) was in fact dead. So dead that his tongue was hanging out and purple, there was no heartbeat, no breathing. Then something truly miraculous happened. He came back! My husband hurried in with the news. "He's breathing!" My dad and I rushed out to be by his side. His breathing steadily increased and his color came back. He even raised his head and looked around. It was as if he had awaken. We managed to put him in his little bed and we all petted him and held his little paw and talked to him and got to say our goodbyes to him properly. Then he peacefully laid his head down and slipped off to heaven. Were we sad? Yes, we still are. We will miss our little puppy-man (that's what we called him). But, there was no mistaking the miracle we had been given--my husband is adamant on that having witnessed it for himself, he keeps saying, "There was just no way. He was dead. It was a miracle." God had sent him back to us, not for his sake, but so that we who loved him most could say good-bye. I have thanked God over and over for giving us that gift and for taking him peacefully and surrounded by love. We truly felt the presence of all of heaven with us that day.
Some may say, he's just a dog, but he was more than that to us, and I believe God knew that and granted us a little extra time. God gave us a precious gift, because he saw how grief stricken his children where.
Heaven Changes Everything, and Heaven Is For Real has given me an understanding and peace that I did not say good-bye to Snickers on that day nor have I said good-bye to loved ones who have past before. It has given me the hope and knowledge that I will see Snickers (Colton tells his father that there are animals in Heaven) and all those who have faith in Jesus in Heaven again one day. So, while I cry because I miss them, I am not devastated or destroyed. They have merely gone home a little earlier than me, and I'll see them when I get there.
What I Didn't Like As Much:
There wasn't more of the book! I want more. I want to hear all about heaven all the time. These books have changed my perspective on life and given me such hope and joy and peace, that I think about heaven all the time. I look forward to the day when I get to go home to Heaven. I am so excited!
My Overall Rating:
Rating System:
5. Required Reading For Life. Do Not Pass Go. Do Not Collect $200. Will Re-Read.
4. Must Read if You Want to Totally Rock, But Not Punishable by Death if You Don't. Will More Than Likely Re-Read.
3. Good Read if You Are Interested In the Topic. May/May Not Re-Read.
2. Ok Read. Entertaining, but I Don't Plan On Reading it Again.
1. Eh. Not My Thing.
Drum roll please.........(the dots are the drum rolls, just picture it and go with me)............. I now pronounce that Heaven Changes Everything officially, unequivocally, forever-ly, receives a.................. 5 on the Nikki Rivera Rating Scale.
Insert: Crowd going wild. Author crying, embracing his editor, agent, mom, dad, kids, dog, second grade teacher, etc.
Hope this helped in your decision to read/not read Heaven Changes Everything. :)
May 15, 2017
40 day devotional focusing on whether Heaven is real from one family's perspective of their experience when their little boy died in hospital and then came back. Makes me want to read the original book.
June 20, 2019
Comforting
I have read the book and seen the movie several times. Hearing things from a child's perspective makes all the difference. They don't hold back. They don't care what others might think. They just live matter of factly. Thank you for sharing your story!
I have read the book and seen the movie several times. Hearing things from a child's perspective makes all the difference. They don't hold back. They don't care what others might think. They just live matter of factly. Thank you for sharing your story!
June 22, 2019
4.5 out of 5 stars
I loved it but when I went to the end it was good but I except better and that's stupid on my part. It was really good but I just wished that I wanted more. I don't know what to say about it was good but it lack something and I don't know what.
I loved it but when I went to the end it was good but I except better and that's stupid on my part. It was really good but I just wished that I wanted more. I don't know what to say about it was good but it lack something and I don't know what.
January 7, 2020
Not as good as Heaven is For Real, but I found this at Barnes & Noble in the bargain books, so since I had just finished Heaven is For Real, I thought it was a good sign to pick up and read...a quick read to read after “HIFR.”
May 1, 2020
This book is so good 😊 because it teaches you about god and even some prayers and teaches you that God is real and that this little boy goes to see god in real life and comes back to tell his family about his trip with god
October 30, 2022
This is such an amazing inspiring read. It opened more of my eyes and my imagination how awesome and loving our God is. And how He adores children. Colton's story is innocent yet very much encouraging. I would highly recommend this book to anyone of any age.
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