By Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Many people have had near death experiences. Their stories are of great interest, allowing us to peek “beyond the veil” of life on earth.

My near-death experience is a “heaven sent” event that astounds me to this day!

I had no urge to make my story public until reading 90 Minutes in Heaven in which Pastor Don Piper tells about his experience of being taken to heaven.  A close friend convinced Don to tell his story. When he did, people were helped in amazing ways. It served to say to me “Tell your story.”

My “near death” experience is different. I didn’t get to see heaven or even experience God’s presence. Yet, I was pulled up and out of my body, to answer a question.

Here’s how it happened. I was taking a nap one afternoon. My husband, Gary, was sleeping beside me. I awoke with a pulling sensation at my chest.  I also felt a pressure in my chest–but no pain. This takes place in a second; it happens very fast! I didn’t have time to wonder what was happening before I was “taken up.” I came out of my body and was moving to the ceiling. My first thought was “I am dying–and I have no pain, no fear.” Then, I felt a spiritual presence at the ceiling where I now was. This felt unlike what I’ve experienced in the past when sensing and feeling near to God. I didn’t see anyone, yet I knew this “presence” was one of authority.  Perhaps an angel who asked, “Is there any reason why you can’t go now?”

I recognize this as the most important question of my entire life and instantly answer. I said, “Yes,” as I thought of something I could do that would make it easier for Gary once I leave earth.” And, as soon as I said, “yes,” I went back into my body—very naturally and smoothly; an easy re-entry that felt “natural.”

Imagine how powerful this experience was and how it struck me. I jumped up off the bed. As my feet struck the floor, I wondered, “Why” did this happen to me?”  Today, all these years passed, I clearly realize this experience was not only real, but it brought tremendous gains.

I know, now, that the actual departure from the body happens like slipping out of a silk gown when a single button is released. Yes, something physical must be released before our spirit can leave our bodies. (I think of the “silver cord” mentioned in Ecclesiastes 12:6?)

My near-death experience tells me a lot. For one, there is no pain while leaving the body—and no fear. How great it is to know that the actual process of leaving the body to be with God is so quick and easy. The pressure in my chest was strong, but painless: only the sensation of being “drawn or pulled” out without any struggle. Nothing but surprise was felt as I realized I was moving toward the ceiling. God, alone, knew where I was going.

After this “happening,” my feet hit the floor as I stood with new realities. More than ever before I KNEW GOD IS REAL with much more clarity and on a deeper level! I could not think of much else for at least a week. And, I had not done the paperwork (that I wanted to do “first”) for two years. I thought once that was done God would “take” me up again, only this time there would be no “asking” whether or not I am ready. Ha! Yet, when I did finally do the paperwork I was left here on terra firma! This part is hard to understand.  Still, ever since this “happening,” I have pressed into God more than ever. I seek to listen for His lead more and more–and can hear His voice more clearly. This must be because I want to stay in close touch with Him. Therefore, I have a greater adventure in life than before. This does not mean I no longer make mistakes or poor choices. Yet probably I do see more clearly when these happen. I expect more of myself and I treasure every single day.

As you read this, take a few minutes to think about what you believe will take place after this life—after we leave this body behind. Do you fear “the next chapter” when done, here, on the globe? If you would like to know more about what Christians believe God wants to provide within eternity, then write asking for that information at the address provided below.

There are literally hundreds of admonitions within the Bible telling readers not to be afraid. For those who are afraid, making peace with God can be a step towards putting your trust in His help from here on. “Fear of God” can be seen as a virtue—the virtue of wisdom. This fear is clarified in Proverbs 8:13, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.” Proverbs 1:7, shows this kind of fear as being “the beginning of knowledge.” (The Bible is full of what you will want to know in preparation for the best kind of life, here, and also in Heaven.)

Notice how you feel after reading this. It is shared here to help readers be assured that “there is a God” and that we will all go to Him come the end of this life. Reading this will ideally help you know it is easy for the spirit to move out of a person’s body. As mentioned, I felt no pain or fear within the moment of my release. The reason for that may be because I know the Lord as my Savior in life and at death.

It could be quite enlightening if you write what thoughts come to your mind as you finish reading my story. Journaling is a powerful tool for working through what one believes about life—and death—and what we want our lives to exemplify going forward.

Here is another priceless truth: We are not alone at death. We will be accompanied by Heaven’s “go-betweens” or gently sent back if our departure from the body is premature. If you want to see a clear example of this, click on my blog button and scroll to the entries titled, “O’ death where is your sting.” This example of the angels being present at death happened to a man I have known for many years. His wife has given permission to share it.

The experience of having been asked, “Is there any reason why you can’t go now will stay with me until I truly depart one day, however soon, or not. Today, I leave the thought with you, “Are you ready for the last moment of your life?” If not, and if you want help reaching that readiness, please do email me as instructed above. Doing so will bring amazing and wondrous changes to the life you are living now.

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Visit her website at Healing-with-Joy.com to view her children’s book, a YouTube video titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places. On that site you will find many articles addressing life’s difficulties. A new Google site titled Healingwithjoy.blogspot may add to your enjoyment. Joy now has readers in up to 32 countries.

What’s your stool softener in life?

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Now, don’t get too excited. Our community is majorly made up of senior citizens. So this is a merciful topic. Besides, every organ in the body is sacred—and the Bible speaks of  “bowels of mercy.”

Further support for going on this ground comes through this fact: All of us have to eat and drink fluids in order to stay alive. Just as importantly, we must eliminate what we eat and drink regularly in order to stay on the upside of the planet Earth’s crust.

Sometimes we take staying alive for granted. Also, most of us take our elimination process for granted. I know this due to needing abdominal surgeries early in my life which resulted in the growth of adhesions that caused intestinal “lock downs” or bowel blockages. Emergency surgeries were needed twice; at other times they were resolved with the help of a few days of hospital care–as I am still “here.”

Another side to this subject comes through the fact we live in a stressful environment here on earth . . .and even more so during times when things come along that threaten our endurance. We get “up tight.”

Significant medical research bears out the fact there is a direct connection between our brains and our bowels. When we feel highly challenged “upstairs” the “downstairs” essentials tense up and perhaps even tighten down—or frantically loosen up. Now things are out of control!

We are not just a body with a brain as many seem to think. We are three-part beings, body, mind, spirit. The spirit part of us intercedes within life in numerous ways and truly can affect our mental health.  It is becoming more pertinent in medicine that there are chronic illnesses that cannot be understood without factoring in social-cultural environments and human experience.

Medicine does not, for the most part, deal with the spiritual part of a person. Yet, emerging evidence indicates the need to include a person’s psychological and spiritual –in addition to the biological findings—particularly when a diagnosis is perplexing to the medical team.

Who cannot say that life is getting “pushier,” meaning more can be done in a shorter period of time given computer processing. Consequently, more is expected of us by employers and others. We expect more of ourselves as we want to keep up. Consequently, maintaining good mental health, escaping depression and anxiety is more of a challenge for most of us. For sure, the brain-bowel connection does come to play at points while under pressure. We then need either a stool softener or running shoes.

What I notice is that if I stick with my usual premise of spending some time with Scripture and prayer in the early a.m., refreshing my “God connection,” I find myself much calmer and satisfied with what comes down the pike that day.  All is easier. On the other hand if in a rush to get more done than I can do—there is a chance I might experience the brain-bowel connection.

Perhaps, if individuals were to consider caring for their spiritual selves as well as their physical selves there would be less need for doctoring . . . just a thought.

Notable things, even marvelous things, can happen if we follow the Biblical guidance to build ourselves up “in faith praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20).

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in up to-32 countries.

Chaplain Joy’s website Healing-with-joy.com holds many helps for people struggling with various life challenges, including spirituality. Feel free to copy the materials while also crediting this website.  Joy’s four books are available on her home page at Healing-with-Joy.com where readers can view FREE her children’s book titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.