Heaven Bound In The Dead Of Winter

“Heaven Bound In The Dead Of Winter” - was originally inspired by a very persistent dream...night after night. This was a dream that didn’t want to end. No matter how hard I tried to escape, it persisted. This left me with a couple of options. I could shake it off and try to forget it or attempt to understand its message. I have opted to stay in my dream for awhile. I would like to take you along.There seem to be so many perceptions of life after death ~ "Heaven" ~ if you will! Who will be going and when will this occur? Where is this Utopia and what are the qualifications for this eternal reward? The curiosities and queries are virtually endless. While at the same time, there are many that simply mock the very thought of something so spiritual. Science and religion seldom make good partners. Angels abound throughout these pages. Without these Angels, so many would have lost their way. For some of us, these Angels may be the last voice that we hear - at least on this earthly mission, whatever that may be. We should always listen to our Angels - because Angels don't lie!In the chapter - “An Empty Room ~ Yet So Crowded“- you'll meet many folks trying to find their way. Hopefully, you will find these souls heart lifting - peaceful and inspiring. This effort is intended to heighten the reader’s awareness and offer a window into the varied circumstances in which we all live and die. This diverse cast of characters are preparing for and anticipating God’s final call. Some will linger in their doubts as they for that last train. Most will pray and wait. A few, through God's miraculous powers - will travel right before your eyes! There will be much pain and sorrow – patience and stamina, love and prayers. Most of all, you’ll witness undying love and faith. Along the way you’ll feel the agony of some and likely say a prayer or two for many as they walk their weary road. Some, you’ll find so kind - loving and friendly. Others – you will surely scorn. These souls - these characters that I create - quickly take on a ‘character’ of their own. They are now – real people - at least they are in this author's eyes. They will only speak and act in a manner they have chosen. I have no choice - some will fail - most will shine. These souls simply won’t have it any other way!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Through the eyes and ears of a dying, or maybe dead, Will Douglas, the author's brisk, upbeat style begs that age old question. Are you Heaven bound? This story takes place in a strange and mysterious old house ~ "Baker House". Its interior far more expansive than the exterior could possibly imply. All remaining members of the Baker family had mysteriously vanished many years ago, never to inhabit "Baker House" again. The Baker’s "Final Will and Testament" states; "All the estate I own shall go to our Lord in Heaven." Do ghosts now inhabit this old place? Will Douglas seems to be in a dream that doesn't want to end. The cast of characters, hundreds of lost souls are trapped indefinitely in this supernatural structure. So many weary souls are present, all wondering; "Why am I imprisoned here, how long will I stay?" Are these souls traveling somewhere, maybe - Heaven Bound? Written in a straight-forward and simple manner without a lot of religious driven verbiage, the author weaves a rather curious eye opener. The mix of stories reflects a tapestry of life, some rather unsavory, others, purely inspirational. All are sure to touch your heart. Some characters are complex, others as simple as Mom's apple pie. There'll be visions of angels and demons, dreams and nightmares, fear and doubt, faith and prayers and tears of joy. All the while you'll hear the sound of Angels singing! As you read, you may just find yourself asking: "What will ‘Joan of Arc’ be wearing?” The author creates the need to walk with each passing soul. Right down to that final golden moment!

From the Inside Flap

~~~"Heaven Bound In The Dead Of Winter" - was originally inspired by a very persistent dream...night after night. This was a dream that didn't want to end. No matter how hard I tried to escape...it persisted. This left me with a couple of options. I could shake it off and try to forget it or attempt to understand its message. I have opted to stay in my dream for awhile. I would like to take you along.Fasten your seatbelts: You are about to embark on a journey that will have you navigating dark...difficult and uncharted territory with winding and precarious roads. We certainly don't want to miss any of our options on this 'one-way' trip. There will be detours and dead-ends...so we'll need to drive wisely. The ultimate reward could be divine.There seem to be so many perceptions of life after death ~~~~ "Heaven" ~~~~ if you will! Who will be going and when will this occur? Where is this Utopia and what are the qualifications for this eternal reward? The curiosities and queries are virtually endless. While at the same time - there are many that simply mock the very thought of something so spiritual. Science and religion seldom make good partners. There is little doubt that some folks will be offended on a page or two - or more. It's likely that I may also be judged by some with disdain as I continue to write in my unapologetic manner while making no attempt at political correctness - I never do. These thoughts and words will surely evoke a few grins and chortles and just maybe - a bit of head scratching from others. Much of the dialogue and events will have religious and theological overtones - often flecked with humor. Images and preconceived ideas of "life after death" are vast and varied and certainly worthy of deep thought and discussion. Many of these pages will be laced with musical lyrics - some very old and some 'brand new'.My personal views are aired in different forms - some humor - some with deep emotions. Many other theories and concepts have been derived from interviews and comments. Folks of various lifestyles - religions and mindsets have offered their candid concepts. Each will contribute their personal insight from a layman's point of view with a satirical smirk here and there. The hopes and dreams of these hopefully 'Heaven Bound' souls will surely create a multitude of comments and queries. This will be neither a 'Sunday School' class nor a "Fear of God" tutorial. No righteous convictions will appear through these pages. Only God can wield that strong of a hand. Just a wake-up call seasoned with some tongue in cheek humor. View it as an honest - sincere and provocative study of the unknown and the road to that final destination.Most of us have witnessed many changes in our respective religions. There seems to be a process of continuous change as the years - decades and centuries roll along. For the Catholics - you must consider - how those that never ate meat on Friday will be compensated for their many years of abstinence. As I recall - I ate plenty of sausage pizza while my Catholic buddies suffered through slippery onions as their topping of choice. Thanks to that dreadful Friday rule - straight from the folks in Rome. I couldn't begin to estimate the times that I have devoured whipped cream treats on a Sunday morning while these same buddies fasted from last midnight. No fasting - no Holy Communion!I never have been much for blasphemy of any kind. However - I have been known to blurt out - "Goddam" in a moment of personal distress. On the other hand - my well trained Catholic buddies would usually be cognizant enough to simply censor their spontaneous statement of discontent to the milder - "Gosh-damn". In doing so they avoided those many venial sins that would otherwise be added to their penance. Now tell me - is it fair that I was free to speak with such unthinking blasphemy - an outrageous violation of sorts? Will the scorecard show that I must stay an extra day - or year - or more in that dreaded place called - "Purgatory"?Mind you - I am certainly not a theologian nor am I a man of the cloth. For that matter - I have yet to be anointed into any religion - at least not formally. I simply believe that this complex subject is far more encompassing than that of one religions earthly set of rules. Neither my God nor yours would create a board game as the roadmap to Heaven. At birth - he hands you no dice. So - we should not approach it in such a manner. Instead - let's keep our hearts and minds open to enlightenment. Angels abound throughout these pages. Without these Angels - so many would have lost their way. For some of us these Angels may be the last voice that we hear - at least on this earthly mission - whatever that might really be. We should always listen to our Angels - because Angels don't lie!**In the chapter - "An Empty Room ~~~~ Yet So Crowded" - you will meet many folks who are trying to find their way. Hopefully - you will find these souls heart lifting - peaceful and inspiring. This effort is intended to heighten the reader's awareness and offer a window into the varied circumstances in which we all live and die. The diverse cast of characters are preparing for and anticipating God's final call. Some will linger in their doubts - waiting for that last train. Most will pray and wait. A few - through God's miraculous powers - will travel right before your eyes! There will be much pain and sorrow - patience - stamina and prayer. Most of all you'll witness undying love and faith. Along the way you'll feel the agony of some and likely say a prayer or two for many as they walk their weary road. Some - you'll find so kind - loving and friendly. Others - you will surely scorn. These souls - these characters that I create - quickly take on a 'character' of their own. They are now - real people - at least they are in this author's eyes. They will only speak and act in a manner they have chosen. I have no choice - some will fail - most will shine. Those souls simply won't have it any other way!**I once read this clever little line. I know not who penned it. It goes like this;"Snowmen Fall from Heaven - Unassembled."I couldn't resist adding the following thoughts;"God let's us have all of the fun. You see...we are all snow men and snow ladies. Our 'assembly' begins around the time that we have that first baby bottle and it ends as we take our last breath. We learn to crawl and then we walk - garble and then talk. Whether we just talk or orate is strictly up to us. Some will actually sing! Walking brings the thought of running...and of course...some of us will dance. This assembly goes on and on as we roll in the snow. You really do become what you build. So be careful where you roll."**I believe that our final reward is based much more on actions - love and integrity than any one particular religions mandates. As we turn the pages - we will be delving into that ever fascinating and universal topic. Undeniably the prize of all prizes ~~~~ "Heaven"! --Prologue ~~~

About the Author

~~~L. Curt Erler was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. His childhood was spent with a loving family of seven siblings and a caring mother and father. Curt and his wife Kathleen are looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in November. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. The Erlers have been residents of San Diego County since 1976. As an adventurer and business executive, he has traveled extensively. Curt has had a career in Marketing Management with two major corporations plus a marketing entity of his own and is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. Curt's interests include; record collecting - gourmet cooking - writing fiction, poetry and musical lyrics. Curt is an avid baseball fan. As of this writing Curt has had three titles published; "Southside Kid" ~~~~ ISBN 1-4196-4352-5 "Mantilla Lady Visits Baseball's Purgatory" ~~~~ ISBN 978-1-4196-9540-7 "Heaven Bound In The Dead Of Winter" ~~~~ ISBN 1-432-4473-1 ~~~

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