Monday, October 31, 2005

I visited Lauren at IWU this weekend (after spending part of Saturday with my mother...Deanna was scrapbooking, hereafter dubbed 'scrapping!'). It was good to see her in her school environment. She is so happy there, and her friends continue to bless her with encouragement. I was served a cup of freshly brewed "strong" coffee by the resident "marathoner" (glad your toe is better...watch out for nail shrapnel). Apparently, no parental visit is complete without the obligatory sharing of "scaring each other in the bathroom" humor. I'm scarred by the visual!

Lauren is still playing catch-up, but is "putting others to shame" with her study habits...according to suitemates. I'm wondering if money exchanged hands for that comment?! She returned to Indy Saturday night to help with the Fall Festival at Northside Baptist (Whitney was there too).

Lauren and Beej share a quality which has been important to both of them...They are both very artistic. Both are writers and draw well. Lauren has expressed her art in other methods too. She has made some amazing pottery. They were handed this trait from their Grandpa (who passed in 1994). One thing Lauren does well that her Grandpa didn't is sing!

He liked to sing in the shower, and had quite the voice in those moments, but if instrumentation was added, tone deafness was exposed, and his attempts at matching pitch, were...oh, painful... so he mostly didn't sing. It didn't stop him from praising Jesus, though. What an awesome example he was.

Lauren sings and writes songs, beautifully. Her spirit in praising the Lord is incredible! What she can do with her voice blows me away, as she is self taught (well there was that year in the Indianapolis Childrens Choir). She has learned to play the piano on her own as well...I don't understand this. I think one time while I was out riding my bike, Deanna taught my three children amazing secrets about music, and they won't share with me. It really isn't funny, and it really isn't fair. I want to be amazing at music, too. But, like my dad, I guess somebody has to keep the shower opera going...you know, for that audience of One.

BJ wrote many songs and loved to draw. As I write, I am looking at an amazing pencil drawing he did, of a cross, a sword and a palm branch. The cross is 6 inches tall by 3 inches wide, and is 3 dimensional. The sword shows significant detail, and is crossed, forming a "V," with a palm frond of similar length. The cross descends into the "V". It really makes me curious what was on his mind while he doodled this (likely at school, as it was mixed among his notes).

Perhaps Christ's death on the cross and the way the crowd ushered Him into the city on a colt with palm branches. These two things seem to be at odds. These same people who shouted "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" then turned on Him, and insisted on His crucifixion! Before we move on to the next image, and reach for our own "swords," let's be reminded that we too, Praise Him one moment, and struggle to remember who we are in Christ in the next.

Jesus came to fulfill all of scripture! Being stretched onto a tree, included. Your sin is paid for, so is mine. The Resurrection happened! He is alive!!! Now! Let's gear up! Grab your sword! Just remember who we are fighting...it's Satan, not those who have yet to surrender to Christ. Use your sword offensively, but don't strike at the ear of those who have failed to listen. Those are the ones we're to fight for, cause when the appropriate number have received Christ, He shall return!

Serving the King beside you,

dad


Our prayer support is added to the number who lift up the pastor's family from Waco. (See comments from 10/29/05 blog). We grieve at the tragic loss, but rejoice in his presence in the Kingdom!

46 Comments:

At 6:58 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

your family is in my prayers daily. getting back into "normal" routine is not easy.

love and prayers

 
At 7:20 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Deanna,
We are so glad you are back teaching music at Zionsville. Your family has blessed many people in this community (and around the world). Grant is excited that you will be his teacher. We continue to pray for you and Brent daily (your girls and extended family as well).
Beverly Pullen

 
At 8:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We went to the Univ. BC church web site last night after seeing the initial prayer request for the pastor from Waco and found out that he was home with the Lord. Our hearts were broken, and we prayed for his family and church family in our service last night. Of course, one of my first thoughts was that he and BJ now share a home. We will continue to remember them.

Thankful that your mother has come through round #1, Carol. . .praying for those whose parents are hurting, Ashley R., other friend, and so many. . .and lifting up the Awe Star Reunion this weekend along with Brent and Deanna's sharing/singing. Blog family, please keep remembering them this week especially as they prepare to go and tell, even through their pain--that more may know, and many may go!

praying in pink, always in Him,

Marti for the Pieper Family
Charleston, SC

 
At 9:02 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Texas Family and Pastor Kyle

My prayers are with Pastors family,
I pray for the 300 college students,
And Dear Lord, help the person that was being baptized. I can imagine the young person must be grief stricken!
Please Lord,
Bring comfort to all theese people,
wrap them with your loving arms and
hold them up through this tragedy.
Dear Lord, I pray..........
Amen

Lisa
Indpls., IN

 
At 9:19 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brent
Hello. Take the word fair out of your vocabulary. And I laughed, it is funny
about the singing. At least the way you put it!
I hope you and your family have a good day. So nice to hear about your family. With your creative ways of expressing yourself and Deanna's musical talents, it's no wonder your children have been blessed with such a combination of talent!!!
My prayers of strength and peace in your hearts grow each day.
your sister in Christ
Lisa
Indpls., In

 
At 9:38 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

brent,
it was great to have you visit this weekend! anytime you need to hear an interesting story, you know where to find us. i'll continue to be praying for you all this week.
megan,
lauren's roommate

 
At 10:43 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brent, my son too likes to doodle. He has been doodling a sign of the cross for years, since he was about 9 or 10. It always is the same cross, just with different detail. What happened to that cross? He now, at 18, still doodles that cross, but is so far removed spiritually. He actually got a tatoo last week that is very satanic in nature. I am so disappointed. I keep putting scripture in front of him when he is being sinful and keep blaring Christian music throughout the house. Anytime I can, I recite scripture. He is in a spiritual battle with Satan. Jesus is pulling him so far because I've gotten deeper in my journey and he really is seeing this. But Satan is so strong in his hold on him. I see it all around me right now and yet I have to STOP and realize that the light is shining bright and I cannot succomb to the darkness by my actions. I have to rely on my God to understand that He is in control and I have to assist my son to see that Light. That's all I can do. Or is it??

Dear Lord, I pray for all those young people who allow the world influences to further themselves from You and Your Truth. Please Lord, continue to show mercy on them and please, Lord show your strength through those who know You and Your path, like BJ. Let there be more crusaders in the battle against our children. Let BJ's example keep shining through those who he has touched through You and in glorifying You. Amen

 
At 10:49 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Higgins Family,
You all have such beautiful gifts that you share in glorifying Jesus! I am continually in awe at the blessing you all share to further the Kingdom. Lauren, it was good to see you last night at bible study. When we were discussing absolute truth, it struck me as I looked at you that you know absolute truth--BJ was your brother and is now seated with his Maker. Now THAT is an absolute truth!! He is looking over you and wanting so much for you to not hurt, yet we are human. Just know that I'm praying for you continually. You look so beautiful - the Light still shines in your eyes - swollen or not.
Vicky Ward - (Ali's mom)

 
At 11:33 AM, Blogger natenamy said...

Brent and Deanna--
Just wanted to let you know that we LOVED seeing you yesterday. We have missed you!
Also, please know that as you prepare to go to Oklahoma this week, Nate and I will be praying for you. We wish we could be there in person to support you, but maybe next time!
Brent, you can sing! We love hearing you sing with us at church (even when Lowell, Larry, and yourself mess up the words). You are special, and you haven't hurt my ears yet (don't know about Nate's though as all he hears is himself on the drum :D)!
Deanna, we will be praying for you this week as you head to Tulsa and sing... We'll be there with you in spirit and supporting you with our prayers. Thank you for the blessing that you are to Nate and I. We love you!

Sonshine,

Amy (and Nate-dog too)

 
At 11:38 AM, Blogger Kim Mierau said...

Oh, Pappy. :) If I am so lucky to actually find the nail shrapnel, I will be sure to save it for you. It was great to have you here even for just a little bit (thanks for letting me make you coffee!) - I hope next time Deanna can come, too. Crazy Megan will be upset when she finds out you were here and she was not and coudln't see you. :) You continue to bless me with your wise words. Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us all. I'll be praying for you and your time in OK. Hope to see you soon! Love *Kim

 
At 12:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am praying for your family daily. If you could pray for my father who is very ill...We don't think he will last very much longer. He wont admit it and wont accept the fact. So he won't get help. But it isn't going well. He does not know Jesus so I have been trying my hardest to reach out to him lately. Please pray for him, and that he will find Jesus wether through me or someone else, or wether he will be going soon or not. He is only 38...I'm not ready to loose him yet. but I am prepared, and I want to be sure that I will see him again someday. Thanks so much. Love you guys.

 
At 1:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brent, Again, thanks for sharing!! I appreciate so much your reminders about who we Christians should be fighting...all too often we do hurt those who we SAY we are trying to reach with the love of Christ, or we hurt fellow Christians (shoot the wounded), etc. May God give us all more of a heart of LOVE, and may we save our hatred for Satan and his works!!

How differently would the world look if Christians of today and from throughout the ages had been acting in love alone???

Well said, and thanks again!

Praying for you always,

Love, Dan & Jolene

 
At 3:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Brent and Deanna,

I just got back from a mission trip to Pascagoula, Miss. to help some Katrina victims. I missed reading the site everyday, but really enjoyed catching up. You are in my prayers. I loved hearing about Lauren and BJ's talent for writing and drawing. God has blessed both my 20 yr old daughter and my 11 yr old son with artistic talents as well. It's a blessing to see how God will use them for His glory.
Thanks for your transparency and selfless sharing!!! God is using you in big ways. I'll be praying for your trip to Oklahouma this weekend.

Praying you through pain,
Lynne in Gray, Ga.

 
At 4:07 PM, Blogger Ashley Reagan said...

Hello Family!
I would love to see pictures that BJ drew if it is possable. I love to draw myself! Can't wait to see you this weekend! :) Praying for you and for the family and friends of the pastor in Waco.

 
At 4:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you, Marti, of the Pieper family! Your prayers mean so much to us re: my Mother, Esther.

Leaf family, I am praying for Tonda and that God will use you...sometimes I just pray to God that He will put the right words in my mouth when I just don't know what to say. Hope that helps.

Linda, praying for Hollie, and for answers that provide peace re: where she should be.

Anonymous, praying for your son. That must be so frightening for you. Keep the faith and know that you are being prayed for.

UBC Waco, I cannot imagine what you guys are feeling right now. We are praying for all of you and for the family of your pastor.

Higgins family, prayers continue for ALL of you as you try to regain some sense of routine and normalcy in your lives (if there is such a thing after the loss of a son like BJ). Bless all of you for continuing to share with us...you are ministering to us as you grieve. That is indeed a gift not all would be willing to give.

Praying still in Arlington, Texas.

 
At 5:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brent and Deanna,
We will lift you up in prayer as you travel to Oklahoma this week. May you be comforted and strengthened as you glorify our Lord. Our hearts are still heavy for you and wish there was something we could do to help you through the grieving process.
I want to tell you along with others how much I enjoy your sharing with us those precious memories, moments of anguish and frustration as you continue the grieving process. We admire you and we appreciate your "humaness" as you share on this blog. If it stops, we all will miss it but realize that you are searching for direction and guidance in your life now. Thank you for all that you have done for all of us.
Praying for you still in Santa Claus,
Wasn't Andrew just the cutest in his Halloween costume? :) Hope this brings a smile to your face.
Jean Peters (Jes' mom)

 
At 6:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Higgins,
It is so insppiring to come and look at your all's words. You all have touched me in inexplicable ways. It is nice to see you are all starting to go back to a normal routine, as much as possible. I love you all.

In Christ,
Ben Hackler

 
At 8:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kim's right I am jealous that I didn't get to see you. Anyway. I love you poppy, Crazy Megan

 
At 8:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Spending a week with Lauren this summer was amazing. Not only was her compassion with the little ones we worked with astounding, her love and zeal for sharing God's word was inspiring. She is a beautiful young woman, of course, in the physical sense, but also, most importantly, in her presence and committment to God. I really do look up to her (although maybe not physically!). Being in the mission field in Pittsburgh was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I am so happy that I was able to share it with Lauren.
And Brent and Deanna, thank you so much for everything you have done for me. With everything that has been laid at your feet lately, I was never quite sure how to tell you how much I love you. You are amazing role models and so many times have my friends and I said "I hope my marriage is like theirs," after we aww'ed at something sweet one of you would do for the other. I knew that you were constantly praying for me and my family, and that you genuinly cared and were concerned about me. The only two times that I have been to Disciple Now I was blessed to be in the Gillilands home and have one of you two as my leader. I remember Deanna getting excited when she had "her girls" again...I'm glad that we were "your girls."
Thank you all for being an inspiration in my life, through your strenght, your love, and your never faltering love for our Creator.

Beth Thomas

 
At 10:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Brent and Deanna, Reading Brent's entry today, made me remember a time when BJ was in junior high at Clay and his art teacher, Mrs. Bubp, was showing off a piece of art work to me. I can't remember what the subject was, but I do remember being very impressed that a junior high student could draw something so well. When she told me Brent Higgins, Jr. did it, I remember blurting out - "Oh, I know him, that's BJ - he goes to my church!" I hope you have that piece at home somewhere.
He was truly gifted in many areas - as is Lauren, I didn't know she wrote songs. You all continue to be a blessing to us, as we check in on you each day. God bless and keep you, DeAnn Shrewsbury

 
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