It is hard to comprehend all that is going on here. You do gain a bit of understanding as to why there were almost always 2 or 3 nurses working with Beej. The perspective gained allows you to see what most never could.

He lived to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. His desire was to see and know that as many as possible had the opportunity to come to know Him. He spent his time trying to win others to Jesus. He was not ashamed of the gospel. He shared openly at peril to his own reputation, and cared little about what others thought of him for it. What was important to him was bringing honor and glory to his Savior, Jesus.

How he spent the last six weeks of his life is only of interest because of how he spent his life before it. He had an undying hunger to know the things of God. He would seek discussion openly and learned a great deal as a result. He was not afraid to ask questions. He had many mentors, and frequently asked deep questions of them. If his beliefs did not conform to what Scripture said, he changed his beliefs. He thirsted as we all do spiritually, but he knew where to go to have his thirst slaked.

He brought routine encouragement to those who did not have it. He held accountable those who would otherwise struggle. He was not judgmental with his friends. He understood love and he lived it. He sought to share it so others could live it.

He was exhilarated when others came to Christ. On multiple occasions he would run down the hall calling out to us when he had led someone to Christ on the phone or internet. You will see one such conversation in it's entirety, in the book.

He loved and was protective of his sisters. He was very proud of who they were. He watched and learned from their example. He spoke highly of them to others. They inspired him in music. They inspired him in his walk.

He inspired them in their walk. He inspired many by his walk. Others wanted the One he knew. Others wanted what he had because of how he lived.

There was recognition of the need to deny self, and lay down the small things, so that one day he would be in a position for God to use him in a much greater way.

He was obedient. He knew he was called to lay down his life, and he was not afraid. He gave himself willingly because he knew that in death his life would bring glory to God. He did not know how or when that time would come, only that he was called to it. He was eager to be obedient, even in this.

He has forever inspired my life. A tremendous part of who I am is because of my son. That is very humbling.

I write this today as I will be in San Antonio tomorrow and for the next few days. The Lord has called and my family has agreed that I need to go. I will be speaking five times at a high school youth retreat for San Antonio Christian Schools (500 students) on 9/26 - 9/28.

Whitney arrives in Tulsa on Thursday to be with Deanna and Lauren.

I return Friday night, then leave Saturday (the 29th) afternoon to preach a revival in Nowata, Oklahoma through Wednesday night (Oct 3). Then I leave Saturday for St. Louis, to speak Sunday pm at Maplewood Baptist Church (Oct 7).

We will be together as a family for Saturday and Sunday in Nowata. There are other opportunities coming up, but this is the most intense period, and the Lord has designed it this way on purpose. Amid these things, our final draft of the manuscript is due.

During the anniversary and birthday, God would have us to focus on Him. This would be pleasing to Beej. He would be the first to say, "Go!"

Thank you for remembering with us!

I ask you to pray for the hearers in each of these places.

God Bless each of you,

dad