I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by people who are so giving. It would be impossible for me to name everyone, and I will not try. I do, however want to share about a few, this week.

About a year ago, we began to receive blogs from a precious lady who was a transplant from Australia. Her resources are limited as it is illegal for her to work in the US. That did not stop her from doing what she could to bless my family. "She did what she could," (Mk. 14:8) are words that leap to mind from Scripture that describe her actions.

She is a devoted follower and worshipper of Christ. Of the things that minister most deeply to her soul, listening to worship music is at the top. One of the ways she reached out to my family was to compile several cd's of her favorite Praise music. These cd's found their way to our player, and were utilized for hours during the time shortly after BJ passed.

During this same period she knew the medical bills were mounting, and wanted to help in some way. Since her own options were limited, she did what she could. Another of her favorite things to do is to 'quilt.' She offered to make a quilt that we could auction off to help defray our seemingly insurmountable debt. She began to work.

She has walked the 'valley of the shadow' in her own life over the last year, with her own family. She would from time to time, as prompted by the Lord, pull out the patchwork, and involve herself in stitching therapy.

This therapy helped her work through her own experience as she sought the Lord's will for her life and that of her husband. These were difficult days, as her daughter was walking through a very dark era. Difficult decisions had to be made. Decisions that no parent wants to make.

God was faithful, and in following His will and direction, their daughter has made vast improvements. Following Him in the darkness, seems at times futile and foolish to our own way of thinking. However, their obedience has brought about blessing.

A blessing they have shared. During one of the most difficult periods of her own life, she was preparing a love offering for another. She did what she could.

About a week ago, Deanna and I had dinner with she and her husband, Kevin. It was the day before BJ's birthday, four days after the first anniversary of his death.

When all this began, and she made an offer to us, I remember posting on this site, "How will you get it to us?" I had no idea that a year later, we would live an hour or two apart.

Our friends, arrived in Tulsa to share their love offering. Out of an enormous gift bag came one of the most beautiful quilts I have seen. In a pattern she describes as "Jacobs Ladder," with bright blue shades to reflect his life, a king sized quilt emerged.

We were moved by its size and beauty! We did not have words.

Then she turned it over, and our hearts leapt and were flooded simultaneously. On the back of this lovely gift, stitched into the fabric were pictures of BJ, quotes of his writing, lyrics of songs that have been important to us, a quote from the blog from one of the single most important men in Beej's life, and over in one corner, a name that has become synonymous with God's blessing in the life of the Higgins' family...

...Linda Ronne.

We do not have any of intention of auctioning this incredible keepsake. It will always remind us of God's provision and blessing...both to us, and to others. It will find it's way to a bed in one of the rooms of our new home...well, when we get one.

Linda taught us the same lesson that the woman with the alabaster jar at Bethany had. She did what she could.

We can bless the lives of others simply by using what the Lord has given us or gifted us with.

Thank you Linda!

brent