Waking Up in Heaven: A True Story of Brokenness, Heaven, and Life Again

I actually read this years ago and purchased for someone else.This other person lost her son and he was my friend from work.This book brought her comfort and she said she could not put the book down.

Loved this story -- couldn't put it down.

I was skeptical about choosing this book, because of a lot of the reviews saying how she didn't write enough about her time in Heaven and spent too much time talking about her own life. I think it was absolutely necessary for her to talk about her own life, not only because that is the "message she was given in heaven" and the book was the easiest way for her to do that, but also because it makes it more believable. She writes in the book if she wanted to make it more believable etc... she could have really written and enhanced her experience. She didn't. I actually looked at it, because she said she was the last person that should be chosen to tell a story about God and how he loves everyone. She talks about what happened to her as a child and growing up and how she lost her faith, and because of that didn't think that she would be chosen because no one would believe her. I can say, not as a child where I grew up pretty religious, used to lead youth services, help in the school etc... but as an adult - due to things that have happened, that my faith was lost in the wind a long time ago - and trust me, I searched and searched and feel that I more than tried to meet to God halfway. I think I went further. I actually remember one time when my son who was angry about some things with certain people in his life told me that he didn't think that God listened to anyone or answered prayers. At that time, I remember telling him that " God answers every prayer, just that sometimes the answer is no." Well, personally like the author, I feel that I have had more than my share of NO. I reached the point where I spoke to religious leaders of several faiths... and got nothing. I tried on my own, and got nothing.... It doesn't mean that I don't believe that there is goodness and beauty in the world ( much like the author), or that I don't believe that there are still good people in the world... I do. I just don't believe (like the author) that God is there in our everyday lives anymore. I even have been lucky enough to have had several unexplained and unexplainable visits from beyond - so I don't even question that there is a heaven. I will say the author made me think, and a few times - almost had me ( which should say that I am still looking and willing). I never quite got there, and some of the things she mentioned I thought were a bit much... not so much her recollections of heaven, but the things she did after. If it got me to think, it was more than worthwhile - even if I didn't quite get there. If it helps even one person, then it is worth it.... maybe that person will be you!

I do so love to read "encounters with God, heaven" stories, they invoke a sense joy and peace that I can't seem to find anywhere else. Yet this story is so much more; it serves as an authentication that The Creator is inextricably intertwined in our lives always and in all ways.Mind you, the meat and potatoes of this kind of story for me is always - what did the author learn, feel, think, say and do in Her presence, and even more importantly, what was exchanged in the divine realm? What was learned, what was conveyed? This piece is laid out such that the events that took place in Nirvana are interspersed throughout the book as distinct chapters each only several pages in length. The protagonist uses her story, that is, the story of her life to frame the events that occur in Paradise.Crystal lays bare her soul for all to see, she deftly describes in some detail the sins of her past (keep in mind that the term "sin" in the original Greek, merely means "to miss the mark,") and do you know what? God forgave her! The author exposes her weaknesses, and you know what? God forgave her and strengthened her! Ms. McVea implores us to see her through her own eyes as unworthy, unredeemable, as a veritable pariah in His kingdom. Do you know what? The great I AM saw her as perfect and wrapped her in an conditional love that language can only fail to describe.My only misgiving about this piece is that Crystal states near the end of the book that ".......we are born in sin...." and a bit later she also states that "......we are all His perfect little creatures...." I affectionately but firmly disagree with you, Crystal, we were not born in sin, just love.4 stars on the board 4 1/2 to be honest, and I hope to meet you someday Ms. McVea!

I gave this 4 stars because her story (experience) is riveting, but as I got closer to the end of the book it didn't hold my attention as well. I finally set it down several pages short of finishing, and may not pick it back up. She refers to herself and her life as normal, but her "normal" is very foreign to mine, as I didn't grow up with divorced parents, or experience arguing, physical fighting, partying, drugs, alcohol, abandonment or poverty in my home, and I still don't. I appreciate that she wasn't graphic as she described those experiences. I love her attachment to her children; her love for them, and her desires to give them the best she can, and how she's improved her life before and following her experience to do so. I admire her candid honesty in all the areas of her life that she wrote about. My heart broke over her abortion and the ongoing feelings of loss that she's felt. Her expressions of feeling overwhelming love in God's presence, and how it changed her life to understand God better and testify of him made her experience feel genuine to me. I've read a lot of NDE books and appreciate her willingness to share her experience. I've come to the conclusion that just as every person is an individual and unique, God will make every Near Death Experience individual and unique for each person's individual circumstances and needs. I think that's part of His loving nature. I admire Crystal for not shying away from sharing her experience because it doesn't fill all of the areas of the "checklist" of what someone might or ought to expect if they have a NDE that some authors and researchers have established.

I am an older man, knowing Jesus since youth. I have read and heard many live-stories. This true story is one of the best i've ever red. A story about secrets hidden in most peoples lives. It's not just about meeting God. It's about inner healing, grace and the great, great love of Jesus and God to everybody. Please put away aversion and negativ thoughts not to read this book. I acertain you that you will be thankfull for my advice.Since I was a small boy I prayed for my father, who was a alcoholic and very violent against my mother and us childred. One day he fell in coma and was brought to the haevens entrance. There he heard the voice of God, telling him htat he would never enter this gate unless he would give his live to Jesus. My father cried out loud and begged God to let him go back to earth, so he could receive Jesus as his Saviour. After waking up, that's the fist thing he did. After a half year on oxygene he died in peace with God and is now in Gods Kingdom. The day of funeral was the most beautifull day, not only that there were no clouds in haeven but there where no cloulds in my heart but joy and gratefulness for our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Wow....is all I can say about this true story.After reading it I am personally inspired to try to follow/listen out for some of the tips mentioned from this book. It makes me feel even more loved by God, no matter my sins and my previous dark secrets....regrets and sadden now!Simply beautifully written and unstoppable once you start reading it.

Not finished yetEasy read

Great read

Amazing!