I want to share a writing BJ did in school. He had a class called Honors Language Arts (HLA), which was challenging, but he gained benefit from it. This was the last writing of his 8th grade year. He was reflecting back on his year, and was asked to write about his goal achievement.

Who he was in Christ was always close to the surface for him. Amid struggles, he was cognizant of his weakness, and need for growth. Typically, he embraced this, but at times he had to learn or relearn to get self out of the way... something I still struggle with.

"In our first composition, I stated that I have a goal to receive A's in Honors Language Arts all year, to get mostly, if not all A's in other classes, with no grades lower than a B. I also have goals to grow on a spiritual level, and be an influence among my friends. I also had a goal to bring at least one person to Christ.

I feel I have accomplished each of these goals. If I remember correctly, I have received nothing less than an A- in HLA, but definitely nothing less than a B+, as well as receiving the top grade one six weeks (Much to Mr. Simon's surprise: "Brent Higgins!?!") in the class. Also, I have maintained all A's and B's overall, although I probably had more B's than I would have wanted.

As for my spiritual goals, I feel I have accomplished them as well. I now am much more frequent, persistant and consistant in reading the Word and praying daily. While I can't really explain how I've grown spiritually, it is evident as a result of reading the Word more and praying more, and can be seen in works, which are how I accomplished my other goals. This year, in the past two months, I have started up two Bible Studies, one at school and one at church on Wednesdays, I haved consoled and given advice to many friends of mine on many occassions, I have started a ministry online on a forum, and am constantly quoting scripture and arguing the case for God. I have also started a Christian rock band Ice to Fire and written the lyrics to 25 songs, and completed all of the music to one of them, and am now going on a 5 week long, intensive mission trip to Peru during the summer. By the Grace and Words of God, I have also brought one of my good friends to Christ.

My goals are pretty much the same for next year, but I want to maintain all A's with no more than 2 B's, I want to grow more spiritually, be more of an influence, and help bring at least 2 people to Christ.

I will prepare by continuing to read the Word, pray, and seek God's will, and by being active and striving to learn as much as possible from my Peru trip. I will prepare for my academic goals by being a little more responsible, and trying a little harder."

He brought many more than two people to Christ that summer alone. He laid down his childish ways. He embraced the siginificant task of taking the gospel to other nations, God grew in him a heart for discipleship, he sought to protect the women on the trip, in short, God grew him into a man.

His testimony stands, brings glory to God, calls others to lay down their lives for the Savior, and leaves a legacy that his father is humbled to follow.

dad

Please, please, please pray for "On Our Knees"...or Tammy's father as he undergoes a quadruple by-pass surgery Wednesday afternoon. This is unexpected. "On Our Knees" are traveling from Tn to Oh right now to be there for the surgery.

Linda R. how is Hollie? How are things?