I have been more than a little reluctant to share my life experiences as many people who haven't been through a NDE (Near Death Experience) are often offended, frightened or angry when they learn of the NDE. The medical community, for the most part, does not believe it when the experiencers relate what happened. They will tell you that it is merely a dream . . . like a movie playing out your life. I can't say one way or the other, as the first experience occurred when I was only 17 years of age and even while I was drowning, I remember thinking that my life should be "passing before me." Then I rationalized that at 17 years of age, I didn't have many life experiences . . . I was not going to drown that day! And, obviously, I didn't!

I tell people that they will eventually understand. I will explain what I understand as I tell of my NDE. Please keep an open mind and know that I am not for one instant attempting to change your belief systems. This is simply my "story" and it is not easy for me to write. This isn't even a particularly long story, either. I am going way out on a limb to share this, so please be patient. I will be updating this page as I understand my own experience better. People weren't exactly sharing their experiences when I had my NDE.

The first thing that must be explained is that every NDE is unique. No experience is the same. Some people have these spectacular experiences going into the light, meeting God, angels, family, friends, people they have known in past lives, and/or others who have already crossed over. Some experiencers hear angelic choirs and some don't. Some experiencers have out of body experiences where they are floating above their body while some do not. The NDE appears to have different effects on each experiencer. However, the experiencers I have met seem to have returned with the same message.

God loves everyone and we should spread that love to all people.

Many years ago, my life was already undergoing many changes. I was a wife and mother of an 11 month boy. I lived in a small community in northwestern Oregon where there had not been any strong winds. My husband was a pilot and maintained a CB radio (citizen band) which required a rather tall antennae. This was, obviously, prior to cell phones. Well . . . this was a particularly windy day and the antennae was blown over. My husband wanted to put it back up immediately even though there was a light mist, so the ground was damp. Jim (husband), had the antannae upright and I was helping him. He suddenly yelled and I backed up, not realizing what was happening. The antennae had slipped on the wet grass then it hit a high tension wire. It was not until later that I learned the facts. This is simply the background for the NDE. Now that the stage is set, here we go.

I found myself in this very dark place. There must have been some light as I recall seeing dark silhouettes of people along each side of my vision. I was not afraid so much as annoyed. Where was I and what was I doing there and why? I have a baby in the house to care for! I am only 22 years of age and have things to do! There were voices - many voices and some of them were talking to me, but I didn't want to listen. I had my own adgenda and it did not include being in this different place. It isn't that it was an unfriendly place . . . just strange. I remember searching for a familiar face without success. As I wandered in this place, one thing I remember is that I didn't want anyone to touch me. I still don't know the significance of this feeling . . . and it was a very strong feeling. However, it seems that I felt if they touched me, I would be obligated to stay in this place. I was negotiating!!! But with whom was I negotiating? God? Angels? I don't have answers to that question, but I was determined.

"Get me out of here!, I screamed."

I am now aware of being in the dark, on the ground, feeling cold, and confused. I then see Jim lying on the ground and I focus on him. Jim isn't breathing - that is what I was watching - for a sign of him breathing. Jim was, I already knew, dead.

I had to get back into the house because my baby needed me and I needed him. I had to get help, so I began screaming for help. The neighbors came out and helped me. We were all so busy about the details of caring for Jim, contacting his parents, the doctor, and so on that none of us realized the extend of my injuries. The electricity had gone through the antennae, shot across the damp grass, entered one foot, rushed through my body, and shot out of the other foot. That's a lot of electricity! It wasn't until later, when I complained that my feet were very cold, hurt, and I couldn't get my shoes off that we saw the burns. The doctor told my Mom that he didn't know why I was still alive . . . that the shock should have killed me outright! It still didn't register what had happened. I was a busy lady and my mind was racing!

When I finally had time to review that evening, I realized there was a message sent back with me. "You have a purpose in your life, Elizabeth, which will be revealed to you in it's proper time." Great! Is that of a Biblical nature or what? What does that mean? Does it mean that when the purpose is revealed and fulfilled it's the end of my physical life? They didn't provide enough information. I did, however, know that I would be caring for many people. Well . . . I am not ready to leave this plane of existence so if I just don't listen, the message can't be revealed. God has a way of getting our attention, though. Death doesn't always mean a physical death - it can simply be a death of life as known at the moment. It took many years to me to understand the impact of that one simple message. And, let me assure you, the meaning of that message is constantly changing!

It is now 1995 and I am going to a meeting of fellow experiencers where P. M. H. Atwater is the speaker. I was invited by a friend. Remember, I still hadn't recognized what happened as a NDE. She is a fascinating speaker and got my attention. Ms. Atwater has had several NDE's and explained about how there were many types, from spectular to very simple. As I am listening to her, it suddenly struck me like lightening that I, too, was an experiencer!

WOW! God had spared me to serve His purpose and it was now time for me to listen! He now had my attention. Since that day, I have been learning more about my own spirituality and studying different religious beliefs. It was about this time I discovered the internet and began my web sites which have evolved over time. Without espousing a particular religious dogma, I can spread God's love. The internet is a wonderful medium!

I have also changed my career from accounting to the health care business and care for many people. Does that sound familiar? This is much more rewarding work even if the pay isn't. Here is a place where I am needed, can spread God's love in a quiet way, and be a light worker! I feel that I am presently on the right course but God could change this at any moment. Only time will tell and my heart and mind are open.

If you feel there are "holes" in my story, just let me know and I will fill them in as best as I can.

My story has been on the internet for some time now and the questions are beginning. Not about the "holes" in my experience, but regarding my relationship, recognition, perception, and general outlook toward God, Spirit, and so on. I would be remiss if I didn't say that everything was impacted in some way. I will explain the experience from my perspective.

This section is inspired by my friend Walter. I can tell that he is going to continue challenging me and that, as Martha Stewart would say, is a good thing. We all need challenges in our lives.

How has the NDE change my relationship with God? I was going to say that it was very difficult to describe, but it changed in unexpected ways. I had already dropped out of organized religion, so to speak, but I felt that what I now had was a more personal relationship with God . . . even rather casual. It's as if during the brief time I was out of body in the tunnel negotiating that everything changed. It doesn't mean that I lack respect and appreciation for Jesus, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, etc., it just changed my relationship. That I don't understand the entire experience isn't really important. The important aspect is that I finally decided to really listen . . . open my heart, mind, and soul to whatever it is God wants to tell me.

How has the NDE changed my recognition of God? God is everywhere and in everything and part of everyone. If I sit back, close my eyes, palms upward, I feel God's power. It doesn't take very long . . . I learned to commune quickly. Being a caregiver in the health care business meant that there were times when my clients needed assistance very quickly and God works with me. When I have been in residential care facilities with Alzheimers patients I often forget to ask my accompanying Spirits not to manifest themselves . . . Alzheimers patients see the Spirits who surround me and they smile. "Aren't they beautiful?", I ask. Their faces shine and they smile and indicate yes. I don't take any of this for granted. All these Spirits or Angels are here to protect me. It's all very positive and loving.

I already mentioned that I had dropped out of organized religion so you might as well know that my background was involved with Southern Baptist, American Baptist, Nazarene, Church of the Brethren (my maternal Grandmother - just a bit different from Mennenite which is just a bit different from Amish), and Lutheran. So . . . this is an eclectic religious background. What this means is that I was given strong Bible teachings and, even if I don't remember chapter and verse, I do know how to do the research. That is the basis of much of my belief systems and what drove me away from these churches. I simply couldn't return to that confined dogma. I believed at a very early age that God is Love . . . He loves all His children regardless of ethnic or religious origins.

I was hungry to know more . . . God was speaking to me. I then discovered "Life and Teaching by the Masters of the Far East" by Baird T. Spalding. These books are such a revelation and opened my soul to higher learning. I then began reading "A Course In Miracles" which taught me that there are no small miracles. The greatest miracle is LOVE. Isn't that wonderful? God, after all, created us to Love Him so He could Love us in return. All that love being sent from God and returned by His children. I close my eyes, surround myself with Spirit, and feel God's love.

It seemed that the next obvious step was to study Judaism, which is the basis for Christianity. Jesus was, after all, a practicing Jew. However, I will not go into religious dogma. Hebrew is a beautiful language and a point of meditation as each letter has its own meaning and numerical value. When I meditate many of the chants are in Hebrew. Some are in English, Latin, Greek, etc. And I still hunger for spiritual knowledge and a closer relationship with the one God.

Meditation is beautiful, inspiring, empowering, and humbling. There is much visualization in meditation and each person's experience is different. I experience light (gold, white, blue, purple), receive messages, and visualize spiritual places (i.e., Airport Vortex in Sedona, AZ). These are my personal meditations and there are times when I can physically feel the presence of the Shekinah, Spirit, God . . . and I know that I am truly blessed.

What is the next step? To study Kabbalah. This is a life-long study as the more a person learns the more they want to learn. I am no different.

I will add to this saga as thoughts occur, questions are asked, and as time allows. And as I receive inspiration from God. Remember - God loves us all.

I choose to be filled with Light,
and surrounded by Light,
sharing that Light and
helping to awaken an
awareness of that
Light in others.

I definitely believe my Guardian Angel is watching over me.

Shekinah created and maintained by Lady Elizabeth
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