Monday, September 28, 2009



We took a hike at a State Park on September 26th


It was a blessing to be able to take a couple of hours to get together with our daughters and their men... and the dogs! We drove a couple of hours to a place that was close to midway between where Whitney and Jared live and our home.

We trekked through the woods on a beautiful day. We had a great time.

I confess that this year has taken my emotions by surprise. I have struggled more this year than I have in a long time. I do not really understand it.

We have been blessed to see the Lord do such amazing things in our lives. We have been able to be a part of His ministry, and have seen Him impact the lives of thousands. We are very thankful!

Deanna spoke at a Women's Tea on Saturday, and did an amazing job, from all accounts! I know she was nervous, but sharing her testimony of how the Lord has moved in her life and that of her family, found connection points for many (believers and unbelievers alike). I am so proud of her!

We have so many reasons to be joyful and thankful.

I can only say that my sadness during this anniversary has been profound. I miss him so much.

On his birthday this year (Thursday), Deanna and I intend to go back through the many cards we received four years ago. He would have been 16 then. I am sure we did not begin to comprehend who all we heard from at that time. We have not opened them since. I imagine we will be pleasantly surprised by what we find.

Our minds were too steeped in loss the last time we read these. This time, we hope to read with significantly more comprehension.

I know the Lord will help me push through this. I know many of you have been praying. I do appreciate it. We serve an amazing God, and I know He is in control.

I apologize for expressing my down-heartedness. It does tend to be a reality of experiencing loss... even when great things result. I will, with His help, overcome!

brent

21 Comments:

At 5:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi Higgins family wanted you to know that I have been praying and thinking of you often this week...
Happy Birthday on Thursday'''
WOW!!!
Love and miss you guys
Tracy Leaf

 
At 7:22 PM, Anonymous Cedarburg Tina said...

Brent,

Isn't it weird how sometimes things just hit us more than perhaps they have other times and we don't really understand why? I think that maybe it's because God wants us to feel closer to Him and usually when we are emotionally strained, we tend to lean on Him more. I know you know this, but maybe God just wanted to give a reminder that He is there, He is holding you and you can lean on Him. You don't have to be strong all the time.

Sending you and Deanna hugs and asking God to comfort you in His arms as only He can do.

Tina

 
At 11:05 PM, Anonymous Trent Erwin said...

I do not know you personally, Brent, because I have never met you...however you do know my father (Monte Erwin). You sent me a copy of your book, and left me a personal message inside the front cover. Every time I pick up the book I read that message, and remember your family.

I Have truly been inspired by the life of your son BJ, and I wish I could have met him, and I will someday which I look forward to. I have encouraged my friend through reading the book, and he and I are catching fire and are "raising a revolution." I love the mission field just like BJ, and I hope to end up outside the U.S. someday, doing whatever God says I should do. I actually read the book on the way down to Brazil for a mission trip, and I am so in love with South America!

An interesting note about myself, just before that trip to Brazil I was struggling with an illness myself. I had a condition with constant collapsed lungs, and thankfully God allowed my body to stay fit in order to go reach the Brazilians. In recent months I have had the condition surgically treated, and now am 99% well and protected from it happening again.

I just wanted to comment and thank you for the inspiration of the book and your son's life! I must admit he lived the life that I strive to maintain everday, and BJ is my example to be a young Christian man living out the Word day by day!

 
At 2:19 PM, Anonymous schmaltzlife said...

oh goodness brent...i'm just sitting here sobbing!!! so crazy how the emotions just come...
i was excited to see Lauren's friend...and the puppies..then i just felt so sad looking a the pic...and reading!!!
goodness the pain of this silly earthly life...
i remember when your dad was dying...and i made it back to see him...on the plane i i was thinking and really wanted to give him something to encourage him...and i wrote out the scripture...Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
goodness...that is glorious heaven......but we are still here for now...and the tears flow!
sending love and hugs...wish we were all closer!
marla

 
At 3:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I had tears when I read what you wrote. Now I justlooked and saw what Marla wrote. Memories all came flooding back both of BJ and your Dad. There are wonderful memories mingled with the sad. We have been sooo blessed to share life in our collective family. I love all of you.
Aunt Maralyn

 
At 4:54 PM, Blogger Susan said...

Please don't apologize for being down-hearted. I think we all need to see that in each other at times - so we don't think we are failures when we feel that way. Your son's story has touched me. I keep this quote about maximizing His glory on my bulletin board at work.

 
At 4:56 PM, Blogger Susan said...

Please don't apologize for being down-hearted. I think, at times, we all need to see that in each other. It helps to know that when we are feeling that way - we aren't the only ones.

Your son's comment about "maximizing His glory" has touched me and been with me for several years. I keep it posted on my bulletin board at work. And when times are so tough that I don't see a way to make it through - I pray it to God.

Susan

 
At 7:31 AM, Blogger Marti Pieper said...

Happy Birthday, BJ!

Thinking of and praying for you, Higgins family, today and other days. I remember the overflowing baskets of cards in his room and am glad God gave you such an affirming way to spend this birthday.

He continues to use BJ's story, extend his message, and fulfill the vision He gave. Thanks once again for sharing your son's passion to raise a revolution.

Still and always

praying in pink
with tender love!

 
At 9:00 AM, Blogger brobrad said...

Remembering and praying...in laughter and tears.

Brad

 
At 1:03 AM, Blogger amanda said...

Dear Brent & Deanna,
I have just finished reading "I would die for you". WOW! I feel like I got to know BJ through the pages. The Lord used him in a mighty way and continues to do so. I am the Mother of a 17yr old young man. Who as I write, is in the jungle of Papua New Guinea on the Kokoda track. I was very hesitant about letting him go, but felt the Lord say "trust me".
As parents, you are an inspiration, to trust God with the precious gifts he gives us....our children.
My son is armed with his book "the Essential Jesus" (lukes gospel)and plans to share the love of Jesus to the native people.
My prayer is that our great God will continue to heal your hearts as you await the day where you will stand along side your BJ praising our King Jesus for all eternity.
All For His Glory!
Amanda

 
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