Visits from Heaven: One Man's Eye-Opening Encounter with Death, Grief, and Comfort from the Other Side

by Pete Deison

A tragic suicide may have ended the earthly life of Harriet Deison, but it didn’t end the love story she shared with her husband, Pete. Their connection continued through Pete’s vivid dreams of Harriet sent from her new home in heaven. 

Pete and Harriet Deison were enjoying a full life of being parents, grandparents, and partners in ministry when deep depression spiraled Harriet into a darkness that caused her to take her own life. Suddenly thrust into unimaginable grief, Pete, a Presbyterian minister, turned to his roots as a student and educator in an attempt to make sense of it all.

Visits from Heaven is the love story of a man and his wife of forty-three years, which quietly becomes the story of God’s love for his children. The narrative of strange coincidences, amazing answers to prayer, and dozens of dreams and visions by Pete and others affirms that there is a continued existence of loved ones that can be experienced here on earth.

Is heaven a place where real life continues, or is it all clouds, pearly gates, and long church services? Visits from Heaven answers those questions, giving readers a clearer picture of what life is like for a believer after he or she leaves earth. It’s also a wake-up call for those who secretly think heaven is a dry and boring place.

Deeply grounded in the Scriptures and in the classic works of writers such as C.S. Lewis, Sheldon Vanauken, John Claypool, Randy Alcorn, and N.T. Wright, Deison shares biblical truths about the reality of our continued existence and the nature of our heavenly home. Visits from Heaven gently leads grieving people on an effective and insightful journey through the grief and recovery process. 

Insights include

the beauty and commitment of the marriage relationship
why suicide is not an unpardonable sin or a solution to suffering
indication that the veil between heaven and earth is more transparent than we think
evidence that our personalities, talents, and gifts continue in the hereafter
how God uses our dreams and visions
the landscape of grief and a biblical framework for navigating through it
three lenses for viewing heaven and ten truths about heaven
powerful assurance of God’s love and goodness, even in our darkest times
Join Pete Deison in his discovery of unexpected comfort in the face of grief and his incredible new view of life, death, and our heavenly home.

Genres: Audiobook

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2016

Reviews

[Jess Bright · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is basically a book discussing how the author lost his wife to suicide from depression and how he overcame the grief from it, learned to cope, and to keep going and spread Light, comfort and encouragement to others. He discusses signs sent from Heaven that gave him comfort and hope that his wife is still with him, which was probably my most enjoyable part reading this. The Majority of this book provides a lot of bible verses and bible topic discussions (as the author is a pastor). If you’re very religious or open to the idea of what the Bible teaches then you’ll probably take to this book very easily. If you’re more spiritual and don’t connect so much with the Bible and religion then this book may be not be so easily tolerated. I’m more spiritual so it was difficult for me to get through the religious aspect; therefore, I skipped through a lot and stopped reading half way through. But I do think it can bring some comfort and hope to anyone on a religious path who is grieving and questions the after life.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pete and I were in the same class in seminary but didn't really know each other. When I stumbled onto this book I had no idea about the tragic events he has gone through. My heart went out to him as he went through the story of his marriage and his wife's death. He models well grieving well. I still don't know what to believe or not about dreams but it was interesting hearing about his experiences.

(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})

[Freida Ragan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comforting

Support and comfort. Not just for those grieving the death of a loved one, but for those losing their loved ones little by little and coping with understanding and caring for them during this painful transition. I knew God was saying to me, You know I am sovereign. You know I am good. Now trust me with what you do not understand. I am not finished yet. I was holding on to God with two confirmed insights. God is in absolute control, and God is good.

[Bhall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of the death of a Pastor's wife and her return to his dreams. Great stuff on grieving and its necessity. this book will stretch your theology possibly and cause you to fall more in love with your wife!
Pete Deison has pastored at Park Cities Pres in Highland Park since the church began...so he is no hack...DTS trained and an awesome reputation...

Good Read

[Hailey Borst · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the recent passing of my father in law, this book gave me so much perspective about how to handle that grief and have hope for not only him, but for my own future in Heaven. This book was jam packed with scripture and every chapter was written with guidance from the Holy Spirit. Highly recommend for any grieving friends or anyone who is interested in learning more about Heaven.

[Joyce]

One of the Holy Spirit's names and functions is as "Comforter," and this story demonstrates how meaningful and encouraging it can be to find comfort in times and circumstances that are seemingly beyond it.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I’ll say right now is that this book was a true gift from God to me. It is wonderful....😊😊

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book for believers. I recommend it to those who lost someone they love.

[Deb Stucky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encouraging , positive view of loved ones and what they are doing in heaven .

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Deison, I've had 'visits from Heaven,' in that I've experienced things that can't just be explained away by mere coincidence, or even explained at all. (a Neil Diamond CD appearing on the seat of a locked car, anyone?) I have often wondered if God could speak to us in a dream, but Deison's book put that question to rest. Of course God would; he did so in the Bible all the time. I would love to sit down and talk to the author about his experiences. Where we might differ in our belief is that I am not convinced our messages from Heaven come from the person, though I agree the veil between Heaven and earth is very thin.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

If one is looking for books about loved ones going to heaven, this book is okay but perhaps not the first one I'd reach for. It's okay, though.