A mixture of grieving and praising (well put Emily Jo) is what yesterday looked like. The Lord was faithful to us, and helped each of us through our days. Deanna was alone at home, as she desired, and while reading one of BJ's Bibles, she let go with emotion. It was a good thing, and she was thankful.

Lauren's classmates (while in class) gathered around her and prayed with and over her for comfort and healing. Her first two prof's have been very understanding, and are trying to help reduce her make-up work load. Her study group has worked to catch her up with what she has missed. Three more classes today for her. She has been blessed.

Whitney enjoyed Sunday evening at her dorm with pizza and her roommate. Whitney had wisely chosen to sit out this semester, early into BJ's hospital stay, as she is a nursing major, and the field is so competitive, and she is a freshman, so to get a clear head, chose to work for this semester...but her school administration allowed her to remain in the dorm. Work was therapeutic for her. She is surrounded by people who care.

I work on a 425 acre Christian camp. It is mostly forested. I took a walk yesterday during my work day. I began to Praise my God at the top of my voice...425 acres, only wildlife listens, then runs away...and He heard me, and He touched me. I felt a strong sense of my son joining in along with me, praising my Savior (my cousin Greg, aka Blues had told me of this). It was a moving time for me, and I am thankful.

I would like to speculate about Beej's day too, but I can only imagine...and it brings me peace. He was a very normal young man in most senses of what that means. He tried to develop a routine for when he would get into the Word, but it always seemed to fluctuate. At times he would do it at school first thing, as he would arrive early, and sit down in the cafeteria, and study. At times he would do it as soon as he got home from school. At times he did it before bed. The bottom line, was that it was a priority, and he would make time.

BJ had an amazing ability to shed negative comments or feedback about being open with his faith. In short, he knew the Word said it would be that way, so he accepted it and moved on. He did not take it personally, or get down on himself about it. However, he did mourn over people he shared with that did not accept Jesus as their Savior.

I was reading a conversation he saved from aim (auto instant messenger) with another student about Jesus (he saved a couple of conversations). What a blessing it is to find out that his head was crammed full of the deep inner-workings of our faith. Yet he relayed this in everyday language that others could understand. That is sooo important!

I used to get frustrated trying to get him to study for tests. I'd ask, "BJ, are you ready?" He'd reply, "pretty much." I'd push, "did you study?" He'd respond, "I don't need to dad, I know this stuff." The thing was, he was right. He had this nearly photographic memory, and would just remember things. This included the Word of God. In looking through his Bible, I am amazed at how much underlining he did. Not because it was unusual, but because when you and I underline, we do so to a verse or two that stood out and the Holy Spirit spoke to us through.

Well the Holy Spirit must have been speaking to BJ in entire chapters, and books. Guess what color he'd often choose to underline in?! Yep, that same obnoxious PINK!!!

Your prayers continue to lift us up, quite literally. (remind me to tell you about that)

Serving the King beside you,

dad