The misson of A Journey to Heaven is to educate, empower, and inspire people of all ages to recognize their goals, become the person they want to be, create the life of their dreams, and reach their highest potential. Shed the stress and worry of everyday life and create your journey to heaven today.

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Packing Grandma's China, A Journey to Heaven Promotional Video Clip

An inspirational and empowering memoir about the power of education, family and relationships.  A perfect gift for yourself or someone special! 

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"Sharing your story gave me the encouragement to safely and objectively process things about people and my life. I realized that I spent so much of my life reacting, struggling and surviving that I did not have the resources or understanding that I could own my life more. I learned through this how that I must put things in my life to help me stay centered and mindful...especially of distractions that can zap my resources. I have learned that my compassionate nature can make me vulnerable at times so I must be mindful of being a good steward of my resources...time, energy, finances.... I have learned that my desire to see the good in people is sweet but not always the most mature and wise way to be....sometimes we have to accept that some people require you to have fences because they don't and they don't see anything wrong with taking what they need from others. I have learned that I can encourage people with my words, but taking care of their problems...I must be very mindful about that. Cleaning up my own messes has taught me much wisdom about personal choices and I don't want to rob anyone of this experience. I also learned that I cannot hope something for someone that they don't want for themselves and I must trust their actions over their words. Weathering storms and cleaning up our own messes in life indeed creates character. I now value financial responsibility in a mate, to be able to count on someone to not create messes, to clean up their own, to do what they say they will do....it is special and I respect that will in a person so much.  I have also learned that having an inner circle with people who are responsible actually allows me to be me because I am not distracted with struggling and surviving in a whirlwind.  Instead, I have space, safe space to enjoy being me. Thank you Lana for the inspiration and courage."  Jennifer Gault, Human Resources Recruiter  Fortune 100 Company Atlanta, Georgia

Jennifer Gault, Human Resources Recruiter  Fortune 100 Company Atlanta, Georgia

"From the start to the finish I truly enjoyed reading your book. After reading it I did some deep thinking about what I got out of your words. I took this from it.  How sad would it be if a person lived their whole life and not make a difference or enjoy what life has to offer? This my friend is something you will never have to worry about. The difference you are making with the kids will keep on growing because from what they learn from you they will pass it on to others as they grow. It is like a seed that just keeps on growing. How neat is that!!!! On how to handle problems-you face them head on, but use tack and you know when to say, "It just can't be fixed," you can't help people who don't want help. You have also learned that sometimes you just need "me time".  Also you know your life is what made you what you are today and that my friend is a very caring, helping and happy person who WILL MAKE AND HAVE ALREADY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD!!!!!! Thank you for making Lakeland the place where you live.  As you already know it is a lot easier to be happy and enjoy life than to be worrying all the time. It also makes people wonder what you are up to. Looking forward to your next writing adventure."

David Loyd, Distinguished Toastmaster, Retired Road Foreman, Air Force Lakeland, Florida

"WOW I read your book in parts in less than three days which is amazing because I desperately need new glasses!  You have been through so much and there are some similarities to what we experienced as children and as adults. You have experienced enough to know what feels right but still have goals you want to accomplish.  Let me know when Oprah calls!"
Joan Boughner, Retired Teacher Erickson Elementary  Ypsilanti, MI 
"You have had a lot of challenges along the way and have continued to not let your circumstances get the best of you. You are in a great place in your life now and you are very brave for sharing your story."

Cheryl Rutenbar Principal, Lena Vista Elementary School  Auburndale, Florida

"With exquisite detail, Lana Tatom unpacks her life, just as she has unpacked her grandmother's China so many times. Hers is a story of an ordinary person who overcomes obstacles in her life through hard work, will, and making use of her God-given talents. She shares this with a matter-of-fact frankness that shows us all that we need not hide our "mis-steps", or our accomplishments. Lana's journey is about making everyday a special day and finding heaven in the unfolding of our lives. Her readers are prompted to discover their own journey by listening to that "little voice" within. Weather "dull" or dramatic we are compelled to discover what event is coming next in this page-turner. Hopefully, we learn to face our own lives with such eagerness."  

Kate Cohen-Posey, Counselor & Author  Lakeland, Florida

"You always choose to take away the positives from each situation in life. Not many people are able to live like this and it makes my heart happy to see that through some tough times you are still the same person I met all those years ago, love and respect. Thanks for sharing your story. It is encouraging and it makes me want more out of my life. I am certainly not complaining, but I am thinking about all the possibilities the future holds. I needed that reminder. Thank you, my friend, for helping me to refocus my priorities! I love my life and every day am thankful for my health and happiness, but I can see a larger life out there and am excited to begin on a new adventure, making my life the best it can possibly be. You are an inspiration, you always have been, and those close to you are so lucky to have you, especially your students and staff! Keep Writing!"

Lori Alexander LaBoe 5th Grade Teacher, Heritage Elementary School Saline, Michigan

Super Soul Monday Lana Tatom's interview with Amber Screen at Lakeland Toastmasters Club

Amber Screen asks questions about Lana Tatom's book Packing Grandma's China, A Journey to Heaven how to start writing, stay motivated through the writing process, and share personal stories.  This interview was created as part of the Communicating on Video manual through Toastmasters International.  It was a "Super Soul Monday" October 20, 2014.