For those who are interested in reading it, a story on BJ and Joshua has been posted on "Voice of the Martyrs" website. You can access it by going to www.linkingup.com and then clicking on "Kids of Courage." It is encouraging to see his story continue to bring glory to our Savior.

Sunday, Christmas morning, we enjoyed celebrating Jesus' birth at our home church. One of the reasons is because of the love shared with us through hugs, and kind words. To see the body lift one another up is an encouragement.

Just before services started, an elderly lady named Rosemary (Ben-jammin's grandma) came up to where we sat, gave me a hug, told me that she loved us, and shared that she continued to pray for us through this difficult time. She is on oxygen, and has to haul it with her everywhere she decides to go. It is no small chore, but one she does not let hinder her from blessing others.

I was touched at her kindness. This was not the first time she had done this. I tried to make my way to her on many occassions, so she would not have to come to us. However, she never let her age, her condition, or anything else get in the way of ministering to us. What a blessing.

I like metaphors. I know you know this. I tend to think in metaphors. Many times I thought of Rosemary, her oxygen, and life. Before Beej's journey, I would sit in church on Sunday morning and think about how her oxygen pump kept infusing fresh clean air for her to breath... to keep her going.

I compared this spiritually, to our lives, and the constant need for a touch from our Lord. How He is faithfully there infusing just what we need, if we allow Him. He meets our needs, and provides life, so we can meet others needs. As her Oxygen pump whispered encouragement to her body in a steady rhythm, so did our Savior to ours. However, if we do not stay alert, that same experience could lull us to sleep.

After Beej's passing, hearing the device had new meaning. Beej had spent too much time on the patriarch to Rosemary's pump. The one he was on was the last possible step... no other options after it. Except the Lord might intervene, might breathe new life into his tired body. This did occur, not perhaps in the way we would want, but in the way He knew best, and would be glorified most.

Christmas day, Ben-jammin' played the piano as special music in church. I know his grandmother was very proud of him. After church, she was in the car with her John. She had an episode, and went home to be with Jesus.

How bittersweet for her family. How difficult to lose her unexpectedly. How difficult that it happened at Christmas. How precious for her, that it occurred on the day she celebrated her Savior's birth.

Ben-jammin,' Rose, Chuck and family, we are praying for you! Rosemary blessed us amid the storm in our lives, and we loved her. We love you, and trust Him to hold you.

brent (dad)