Saturday, November 1, 2008
My Dream of Heaven by Rebecca Ruter Springer
Have you ever tried to imagine what heaven will be like? Originally published in 1898, this classic offers one woman's vision of her eternal home. You'll find new confidence that God has prepared a place for you and excitement at a future reunion with loved ones who have gone on before
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Wow! I'm addicted. This book is both delightful and intriguing. I'm not finished yet but I'll post when I am. Thanks Rob.
Finished days ago. FANTASTIC. Although I can see what she says as it being a personal vision for her, I can see heaven in what she saw. I can see the touch of our Savior in her Heaven. I can see truth in that reality.
My favorite was the daily washing. Don't we all need daily washing in the love of our Lord?
Oh, how can I really pick a favorite thing...really there were just too many. I liked the fruit of the tree, the tenderness of the relationships past, the work to be done, as well as the rest that was afforded them. I also loved at the beginning when her brother in law carried her and she felt like a child who was loved and protected for the first time in a long time. What joy must have filled her soul to leave behind that mortal anguish and feel the peace of loving arms.
I could go on and on but I'm afraid that I might ruin it for everyone else. I shall post again later when the rest of you have read.
I found great comfort in this book. It was interesting to read the notes in the back and realize that the author was more aware of eternal truths then the current day publishers. They point out that though her book is comforting it is false because she mentions marriages in heaven and they go on to quote bible passages that to them prove there is no marriage in heaven. They also point out her description of the indians being taught by missionaries as proof she was biased by her outdated thoughts of segregation of classes. I didn't see that at all in that chapter, rather I saw exactly what I would imagine missionary work on the other side to any group of people who after death need to know and learn about Jesus. Just shows you the learned think they are wise. Where the publishers believed she strayed from doctrine, I knew she was confirming doctrine. What do others think?
I wish I had your publishing comments in my copy. I didn't read any of that but I think they are very interesting points of doctrine to contemplate.
I really liked her vision and found great eternal truths in it. There is something about her vision that rings true in my heart. Now I really can't claim to know what parts will be actual and what parts were given to her to bring her comfort or teach her lessons or teach us lessons. But I feel in my heart that the feeling of her heaven is truly what heaven will feel like.
I agree with you Jenny. One thing I was wondering about was Elder Nelsons talk from this Oct. conference about the necessity of sealings in marriage for eternally being together. There was no really seeing this in her vision. Everyone just seemed sealed already. This is nothing that I'm hung up on. Just something I thought about.
I truly loved this book. It brought such comfort and peace. Throughout my life I have never really had much cause to contemplate what heaven must be like. I knew it would be wonderful beyond all description and pretty much left it at that. However, I found myself immersed in her picture...her vision. I found myself begin to question, to dream, to wonder.
There were many things I loved about the book.
I loved the familiarity of many things in heaven. Many things individuals had loved and cherished on earth were a part of their existence in heaven (of course to a glorified extent).After her experience at the temple she remarks to her brother how special it was for her to hear one of her favorite hymns sung in praise. To this her brother responds. " These happy surprises do not come by chance. One of the delights of this rare life is that no occasion is ever overlooked for reproducing here the pure enjoyments of our mortal life. It is the Father's pleasure to make us realize that this existence is but a continuance of the former life, only without its imperfections and its cares. "
I loved reading of so many tender and special reunions.
I, like Shelly, loved that her brother lifted and carried her. I couldn't help but see a much more meaningful metaphor of our Savior (our brother) carrying and leading us throughout life and into the next.
I loved how abilities and talents were magnified within heaven. How continuous learning and teaching were experienced.
I loved how fear, confusion, hearache, and so forth were no longer an issue.
I loved the security, understanding, and trust they had for their Savior and Father in Heaven. Knowing that all things would take place at the appropriate time.
However, I believe my favorite part of the book was when she beheld the Savior. She describes it as the mist rolling away from her eyes and then she knew him. Throwing herself at his feet bathing them with her happy tears. He gently stroked her head for a moment, then raised her up to his side. He spoke of the changing of faith to sight. He beckons her to come to her Elder brother always waiting to receive with joy.
Her encounters with her Savior (even the smallest of mention) brought such a feeling of peace. I could see her insight of the passage, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."
Through reading this book I have felt a renewed desire to strive harder to fulfill my Father’s will. To develop my relationship further with the Savior. I believe I echo her early cry "Oh the regret that my earth life had no been full of such work for eternity!"
I hope I will live a righteous and faithful life. That I may recognize the Savior much like she did upon meeting him directly.
Post a Comment