If the sky is the limit, then the ground just might be a dead-in

Every time I see the news lately I can't get past one simple thought...we can send astronauts (including a layperson) to outer space yet we can't get 6 miners out of the ground. Not to mention, why are they even down there anyway. I don't know if anyone else, besides me, put together two and two last week to realize that while the miners got trapped in the coal mine and rescue efforts began, we were blasting off the space shuttle. Does anyone but me think that the whole coal mining method seems a bit antiquated? Let's analyze this further.

We have such good technology in the space program that we can pretty much send anyone into anywhere in outer space with a few limitations. We have it mastered so well that even the astronauts can do it while drunk. We even train teachers to go up. We train the astronauts how to be mechanics to the shuttle in outer space. Heck, we have the space station where they can go live if they choose. They don't even have to wear space suits in that place. Sure, we've had some tragedies, but this is rocket science for goodness sake.

However, then we come to coal mining. Now I have to acknowledge that we have progressed from the days of watching for the canary to die and chipping away at the coal with pic-axes. But, we still are sending men miles into the ground (obviously in areas that can have earthquakes, to boot). They go in small tunnels into complete darkness with a day's worth of food, water, and oxygen. (Perhaps a little more). And here we are. While we're sending astronauts up, we're struggling immensely just to get these guys out of the ground. Can't someone introduce a few more computers into this industry to bring it to the current century. Now I won't be completely naive over this...the lack of technology (or research into potential new technology) has to be economic. Perhaps completely automated the coal mines would mean too many lost jobs in these areas and sky-rocket prices for coal. But the contrast in technology in these two areas is ridiculous. Can't someone involve NASA here or something. lol.

Nevertheless, if these coal miners are found alive it will truly be an act of God. However, if the space shuttle glides right back onto this "blue marble" without incident...well now, that's just technology.

Book Review: 90 Minutes in Heaven

I read this book a while ago at the suggestion of two of my best Christian friends. I was inspired about his picture of Heaven and want to share the details with you.

The Story: Don Piper is a Baptist minister who was on the way home from a Baptist Convention. On the way home his Ford Escort is hit by a Semi-truck. He is traveling 50mph, the truck is going 60mph. His car is crushed. The EMTs pronounced him dead at the scene. They covered his car with a tarp and went on to help other victims. They checked his pulse again (90 minutes later) when they were ready to move him, and he still had no pulse. All the ambulances were in use, so the EMTs waited for the Jaws of Life to get to the scene so that they could remove his dead body, put it in an unmarked vehicle, and take it to the mortuary. Traffic backed up while they waited. From the traffic Dick Onerecker walked to the accident. Dick had just spoken at the convention but didn't know who was involved in the accident. Although told by an officer that Don was dead, Dick felt that God wanted him to go to the car and pray for him. He did. Dick touched Don's shoulder, prayed and sang hymns to him. To Dick's surprise, Don began to sing with him. The rest of the book gives Don's account of his Heavenly visit and his long, depressing road to recovery.

Cons of the book: I must admit that the overall book was quite depressing. After the accident, Don had a long, painful road to recovery. In fact, in seems that throughout the recovery he is very dismal. He is basically depressed which can often come during major illnesses and/or recoveries. Adding to this depression is the fact that he had to essentially leave Heaven to come back to a long, arduous, painful recovery here on earth. Imagine that for a moment.

Pros of the book: In my opinion, his description (or lack of) of Heaven is absolutely wonderful. In Chapter 2 he clearly states that he did NOT go through any long tunnels or etc. that you normally hear about. I won't give you his descriptions because I want you to read them yourself. I will say this...the beauty of his description of Heaven is that his human words really CAN'T describe it. He tries and I tried to picture it as best I could, but so much of what he experienced was sensory and things he just "felt". He states that he can't really explain it because our words seem "weak" and "hardly adequate". Three things he said really stood out to me: 1. "I wasn't conscious of anything I'd left behind and felt no regrets about leaving family or possessions. 2. "My most vivid memory of heaven is what I heard. I can only describe it as a holy swoosh of wings". 3. "I did not see God. Although I knew God was there."

My final thought: I guess I can't really say I'd recommend buying the book and reading it. (Sorry to say). BUT, I do recommend reading (or skimming through) Chapter 2 and 3. This is where he describes what he saw and heard in Heaven. Like I said before, his struggle to describe what he saw, felt, sensed, and knew...adds SO much credibility and awe to my thoughts of heaven. I often contemplated how I wouldn't be at least a little sad to leave my family behind here on earth if I get called to heaven before them. I know they say there are no tears in heaven, but I love my family ALOT. This book answered this for me when Mr. Piper said that he didn't even have a sense of what he had left behind on earth.

So if you can get the chance to check this book out at the library OR just borrow it from me (or a Wal-mart shelf, for a few minutes) please do so. The reading in these 2 chapter is light and can be skimmed quickly. I would love to hear your feedback on his heavenly experience too.