When Lauren was an infant, we attended my Grandmother Higgins' funeral. She was a godly woman who set an incredible Christlike example for her children and grandchildren... and great-grandchildren.

I will never forget the pastor's words at this event. He spoke of life, it's endings and beginnings. As he did, he illuminated Gramma's death and how it was recently preceeded by Lauren's new life. He spoke of her legacy, her love and care for her family. He spoke of her sacrifice. Her life was filled with it on behalf of her Savior, and her children.

I will always remember going to my Gramma's home and heading for the cookie jar where freshly baked chocolate chip cookies awaited. I remember spending the night at her house and how special that was, even though she only lived about 5 or 6 blocks away.

She was often in the Word upon my arrival. She worked at memorizing scripture and would share it from time to time. What a blessing and influence she had on my life.

A year ago this past weekend, Beej and I went to our local hospital's immediate care facility to have him checked over for apparent pneumonia. He was given a new antibiotic and we were sent home (he had already been on another for the swollen lymph nodes under his arm).

Yesterday, I went back to that hospital because good friends of ours just had a baby. Baby Olivia has just entered the world and my she is precious. Lauren, Whitney and I took turns holding her.

My what a difference a year makes. As we pulled into the hospital (not the one where he spent 6 weeks), I nearly rear-ended the friend I was following. The entrance I was expecting to drive to had been covered over by a massive pile of dirt. The new entrance was much closer than I expected. Change happens where you do not expect it.

I could not help but reflect upon where things were a year ago. The rush of emotion, the intensity of concern, the suffering young man who didn't sleep for two or three nights in a row as he fought for breath and life. How I love that "little man!"

Now, a year later, Olivia gets her turn at life. What choices will she make? Whose life will she impact? Will she trust Jesus as her Savior?

The same place that we mark in time as a sort of 'beginning of the end' for Beej, holds an entirely different meaning for this family. It is the start of things new and exciting. We celebrate this life with them!

Olivia's older cousin Jeremy just returned from 8 weeks in Peru. You see, He heard God's call on his life at BJ's funeral celebration. He heard the voice of the Lord call him to take BJ's place in Peru. He went. He served. He impacted the lives of the the lost for the King of Kings! He has an amazing testimony to share as a result. God raises up those He chooses, those who are willing, those who will answer His call. Jeremy is making a difference for the Kingdom of God. Olivia will have her chance. BJ had his. What are we doing with ours?

dad (brent)