Heaven is for Real...for kids too!

I saw a post on The Better Mom today (make sure to check it out so you can enter their giveaway) about the new "Heaven is for Real for kids". It got me really excited! The book is based on the true story of a boy, Colton, who entered Heaven while undergoing surgery for a ruptured appendix. In the years that followed he began sharing some of his experience with his father, who is a pastor. He soon realized that their son had entered into Heaven. Colton shared experiences and details that coincided with scripture that he could not have possibly known at the tender young age of 4. This book was so profound to me, and I knew it would be a great tool to help teach my children about Heaven, so I am beyond excited that there is a version geared towards sharing this story with children! You can check out the book on Amazon to get a peek inside the pages of the book and to order your copy. This is a great gift for the holidays! In a world where our children are bombarded with the need to "prove" their beliefs, what greater encouragement of proof is there than a little boy who was able to experience Heaven. If you haven't read the adult's version make sure to order your copy as well!


For those of you who did read the book, I hope you shared with me the excitement of Colton's revelation of Jesus. When showed portraits of Jesus, he just kept saying, "It's not right." Then, after coming across the Prince of Peace portrait of Jesus he stated, "That one's right." The exciting thing about his revelation was not just that he provides us with a "visual picture" of what Jesus truly looks like, but that the portrait was drawn by 8 year old Akaine Kramarick. She is a child prodigy, literally amazing, but the great thing about her work is her testimony. She was growing up in a home with an atheist mother and a "lapsed" Catholic father when, at the age of 4, she began writing poetry and producing art based on "divinely inspired visions". The best thing was that this portrait also bore strong resemblance to the Shroud of Turin presented in the History Channel's production of "The Real Face of Jesus". This was a 3D representation of an image taken from what is believed to be the burial clothes of Jesus. Skeptical, intrigued, however you may feel about it, there is no denying that it's exciting.

Akiane's Portrait of Jesus
Colton said this one's "right."

On another blog discussing this topic I came across this comment I had to share. Thank you, Joe Campanini, for your wonderful testimony!

On July 23 2009 I broke my neck in a swimming accident of the coast of New Jersey, I was slammed to the sand by a wave and knocked unconcsience, my lungs were full of sand/water and debris…my 12 year old son who I was boogie boarding with noticed my board but did not realize I was attached to it, he acted quickly and pulled me out by my feet, the first responder was an orthapedic surgeon, I was in a coma for 6 days…the reason I’m writing this is I have described in great detail of a man coming in my room, I was on my left side but felt his presence as he entered, I turned to see him and he responded…I saved your life…I put out my hand to thank him but never felt it…I will never forget his face and have described it in great detail to many people….I have never seen Akiane’s portrait of Jesus, but when I opened it I fell to my knees and began to cry…………

No More Excuses!

Too busy to have some daily time in the Word? Not enough time to memorize Scripture? Do you go to bed with a million more things on your to-do list? Do you have trouble staying focused on the good things? Not anymore!!! Here are some great finds to help keep you on track!

These chore planners are downloadable and printable from your computer (no need to add more to your shopping list!) and, of course, there's an app for that too! Not only does this keep your chores organized and include space for meal planning and appointments, but it also includes daily scripture readings so you can read through the Bible in a year! FABULOUS and for $4 you can't say no!

I don't know about you, but the last time I memorized scripture was during Vacation Bible School! So let's kick it up a notch and do it BIG! Would you believe me if I told you you could memorize an entire book of the Bible? 2 verses a day for a year, and you will know the book of Colossians here's a handy print out to keep you on track!

Do you have a hard time remembering all of the blessings God has given you? Print out one of these cute sheets every week or use your own notebook! Just write 7 things everyday that God has blessed you with. Simple, easy, life-changing!

Need help keeping your budget on track (or making one)? There's something here that should help with that! This site has more budget info than I can list!

Need helpful mom tips?  This site has great random tips for moms. After all, it is the name of her blog! And of course my friend Amy Bayliss has tins of great stuff on her site as well!!!

Do you have any handy resources you absolutely love? Feel free to share!