Thursday, October 27, 2005

November 5th and 6th Deanna and I will be visiting Tulsa, Oklahoma. We want to let you know where we will be so that you can come and join us if you wish.

On Saturday night we will be in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at The Church at Battle Creek. Deanna will be singing, and I will be sharing.

Sunday morning we will be doing the same thing, at Parkview Baptist Church, Tulsa.
There are three service times: 8:15, 9:35 and 10:45am. We hope to meet you, as we consider you part of our family. Your prayer support and encouragement have been a huge part of this journey. God has used you in our lives to help sustain us. Thank you so much for your persistence in pelting the Throne of mercy with prayer on BJ's, and our behalf.

This has been a difficult week. Whitney was unable to go with the rest of us on our first real family vacation, ever, the week before BJ ended up in the hospital. We normally have used our vacation time to go to youth camps, on mission trips, or to spend time with family in their homes. This trip was different. It was to be just us, and we were headed to a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tn. The only problem was that Whitney was starting pre-Nursing at IUPUI, and had to be at trainings that same week. She had to stay behind.

We understood, but were disappointed that she could not be with us. Her absence was continuously felt while we were away. We spoke a few times on the phone, but it was not like having her with us. BJ spoke of missing her, and wondered what she was up to. There was no way any of us could have known what was to unfold in the ensuing days of our return. Even so, this has been heavy in Whitney's mind.

There are going to be those times when people say innocent things that have a devastating impact on your emotions. One of her acquaintances was sharing about Gatlinburg, and politely asked her if she'd been there. Woops! A difficult rest of the day resulted.

There is not a way to guard against such things, nor should people try. These are situations we must and will learn to deal with. God's amazing grace and strength has carried us a long way, and will continue. We Praise His Holy Name!!!

Whitney has rebounded. The Lord has placed an amazing imprint on her heart. For years she led worship on Wednesday nights at youth group along with the rest of the praise band. She was thrust into a leadership role, and found it difficult at times to be there. She led others to the throne for most of her high school career. Whitney's heart is about worship.

BJ loved that about her. He was inspired by her singing, guitar playing (she doesn't think she can play) and how she cried out to God, literally reached out for Him. Almost as if she expected the Lord to grab a hold of her outstretched hands and carry her home. She blesses, and inspires me when she Praises our Lord. She did the same for Beej. He was very proud of her.

He spoke of his sisters often (we are told) on the mission field. When he talked about Whit, he'd say, "She is really really cute!" But then he'd suddenly feel the need to qualify his statement, for fear he was being misunderstood, and say, "But I don't want to date her or anything." Then he'd just turn red from the reaction he invoked.

While Beej was in the hospital, on more than one occasion, Whitney sang, or sang and played her guitar in his room. I don't guess we'll know until we get to join him, how it made him feel, but Whitney, Beej loved you with all of his being. He desired to protect you, and see you bring God the fullest of glory! I know you blessed him when you shared of yourself.

Many nursing students may have changed their minds about their career choice after what Whit went through, watching her little brother. I believe her resolve has only intensified, for she seeks where the Lord is leading her. And thank you St. Vincent's nursing staff, and Doctors for allowing her to witness so many procedures, and get an education her peers will not share. I am proud of you Whitney Lou!

dad


We received word that BJ was approved for medicaid after all, for the month of September. This means, we believe, that much of his stay that our insurance would not pay for, will be covered. He was denied for August, so we will have some expenses for half of that month. Lord, we truly Praise you for your intervention, and how you are caring for us!!! And thank you bloggers who have sent financial support. Know that we are humbled, and blessed by you!

32 Comments:

At 6:20 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

'dad'
I am glad to hear your prayers regarding your finances are being answered. PRAISE GOD!!!! He continues to amaze me.

 
At 6:45 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness! Continue covering Brent, Deanna, Whitney and Lauren with your mercy and grace.

I, too, so enjoyed worship when Whitney sang at FBC. Her love for God overflowed and was contagious. Thanks Whitney for using your talents to praise God.

Hope you have a good day today....as always, you are in our prayers.

The Barnett's

 
At 7:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good morning.
I was very blessed to read of Bjs love for Whitney. She is one special person. I too, am always blessed when she sings praises to our Lord. Many times she would sing in our living room while my son played the piano. It was a praise and worship time right there! (I didn't think they did it often enough)My neighbors would come and wanted to hear them , then they would join in and we had a praise services right there!!. Whitney has a voice that will reach up the the heavens with out any effort. Brent and Deanna your family knows how to worship and praise and it blesses us all.
Praise the Lord on the medicad.. he will supply ALL your needs.
I will be praying for you as you go to Ok and that many will come to know the Lord through you and that many will be a blessing to you. rc indy

 
At 8:25 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

As so often happens when I read this blog (at least twice a day!), I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes. This time they are tears of pain for Whitney, mixed with tears of thanksgiving for the Medicaid approval.

Thank you for continuing to share with us. It is a tremendous blessing, and a continual challenge to a deeper, closer walk with God.

Anne (Marion)

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

Whitney ~ You will be a very compassionate nurse! Keep at it!
It will be great to have you on the team!

 
At 9:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This post reminded me of a conversation I had with BJ in Corbin this summer. The day we left was the first time I had seen Lauren and Whitney (well, I had seen them but I didn't really know who they were) and I was talking to BJ about how pretty they were (you both are really pretty BTW). BJ did not have the normal "brother" response that I guess I expected...his response was "I know they are so beautiful...I love them so much!" BJ went on to tell me all the details he loved about each sister induvidually. I thought it was so awesome that he didn't responde with a "whatever" or something to tht affect!

I am continuing to pray for your family throughout everyday. I pray that God will comfort you and help you as you use this tragic situation to bring glory to him. If there is anything that any of you ever need I am always here to help!

I love you guys!
Kelsey Barnett

 
At 9:04 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lauren ~ I have heard wonderful reports of ministry that has taken place on campus because of you, and because of what your family has gone through with the illness and death of BJ. It has been amazing to hear of the students that have been praying for your family, and those that have prayed to recommit their own lives. You are a shining light on that beautiful campus. Know that you are loved deeply by your Heavenly Father!

 
At 9:05 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

BJ loved to talk about how beautiful his sisters are - inside and out! He was proud of you both!

 
At 9:07 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lauren ~ Thank you for all the wonderful blogs that you have sent over the past months. It is incredible to see the depth of your wisdom and the maturity of your spirituality!
Blessings on you!
Whitney ~ We need to hear you sing on this blog site. I hear nothing but raving reports of your amazing voice that God has blessed you with. Keep using it for His glory. Keep sending praises to the Heavens!!

 
At 9:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dad,
I can't help but to praise the LORD for how He provides!!! How great is He?

I'll see you soon.
Philip
big cabin.

 
At 9:26 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so overcome with joy and sorrow everytime I visit this place. I am lifted up so amazingly with one breath, and with the next I am brought right back to humbling myself. I think that is why I keep coming back. I have no idea where this family is from, where they live now, or most of what they have been through. I am new to this family. In the past several weeks of learning of their trials, adventures and lessons, I am left wanting to learn more. I keep coming back. The words left here I find to be so inspirational. I lead a discipleship study group on Wednesday nights at my church (Drumright Church of the Nazarene) and I have brought bj and his family up many times for illustration and example purposes. I pray we all have the submission and devotion I have heard of in bj. I will make it to Tulsa next month to see the family for the first time, and when I do... all I want to do is hug them. Thank you God for BJ and his family. I pray through their ministry, many more families just like theirs will emerge... everywhere. I am doing my part here in Drumright, America.

Kurt Bachmann

 
At 10:09 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Higgins Family, I am so glad to hear that some of the bill has been paid for! That is truly amazing. I just wanted you all to know that I'll be praying for you as you travel to OK. I also wanted you to know that I read your blogs every day and when I miss a day I go back and read what I've missed. (I wish I could say the same for my school work! haha) But also, MANY people are still reading and not blogging. I know that for a fact. You guys are such an awesome family. I thought about you all day yesterday in everything I was doing. I didn't know BJ very well, I didn't really know him at all, but I feel like i've known you and deanna FOREVER now and the worst thing for me is to see the two of you and Whitney and Lauren have to go through this incredibly hard time. I have no idea what it is like to lose someone close to me but having to watch you lose BJ is hard enough. You just have to know that I am always thinking of you and Im still praying.
Love you guys!
-love amanda andrews(and mark, too)

 
At 10:37 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have a dear family member whose daughter went to be with Jesus many years ago following a tragic car accident. When I shared BJ's story with her recently, her FIRST concern was for Lauren and Whitney--that they not be overlooked with all the incredible attention given to their brother.

Although I felt certain that I knew your heart, Brent and Deanna, I'm so glad you shared as you did today. I continue to pray for each of you when those unexpected wounds occur. The sudden stab is neither worse or better than the heavy ache--just different, because they both bring pain. Thankfully, He's a Master at healing (no labs or clinicals, either!).

BJ had good reason to say that he loved his sisters. He had a wonderful example in his parents and in his sisters' love for him! We know you're not a perfect family--just a family that follows hard after Him.
Thank you for showing us Christ-in-you, the hope of glory. Can't help but wish Oklahoma were just a bit closer to

Pieper Family
praying in pink in

Charleston, SC

 
At 10:39 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

P.S. Just YESTERDAY I was "reminding" God about the financial part of all this. How like Him to have an answer already in the works! Thanks for sharing. We'll keep praying. . .

in pink!

Pieper Family once again
Charleston, SC

 
At 11:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Reading each day and praying for all of you. May God continue to heal your hears and bring people closer to him through BJ.

God Bless,
Laura

 
At 11:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hearts

 
At 11:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love Whitney's heart for worship...she has such a sweet voice. :)

 
At 12:57 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God for answering our prayers once again regarding the medical costs. That is so AWESOME and just like our God!!

Tears are in my eyes hearing of Bj's love of his sister...and of your pain Whitney. I just have no words to say to this....so I am not going to even attempt it. I guess the only thing I can say is what you already know...grief will come from the strangest places...but God's grace, love and mercy is with you always, Whitney! And I am so proud that you did not turn away from God's calling for you to be a nurse...God will use this to make you a stronger and better nurse!

God bless all of you today, and always.

Always praying in Pink!!

Linda Anderson
Willows, California

 
At 1:11 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

praise god for his provision!

 
At 1:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I pray the love witnessed in this place, from family and friends, contributors alike... spreads, spreads like wildfire throughout everything we do and everywhere we go. Do not put BJ's spirit in a box or inside of this computer site... take him, share him, spread his spirit around all day, everyday... in everything we do!





God Bless Everyone Who Shares His Truth With Others.

 
At 1:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

AMEN

 
At 2:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Higgins,
I was doing some homework this afternoon and was listening to some music when I heard this song and couldn't help but to think of you all. It is a sentiment that I believe we all feel as your friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
"I am here, you don't have to worry,
I can see your tears, I'll be there in a hurry when you call, friends will be there to catch you when you fall,
here's my shoulder, you can lean on me."
- "Lean on Me" by: Kirk Franklin

 
At 3:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You're Family is an inspiration.
An insperation in so many ways.
Thank you for all you share.
My prayers are with you Family.
By the way, if you're out of town, will you have access to a computer?
I might be lost without your daily devotion.
Thank you family, have a good weekend on your trip.
Bless all of you!!!
Indy town, IN

 
At 4:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi,

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while, internet has been down.
It was certainly nice to see you last week, hope you enjoyed the Gray's! It is a blessing to have those finances covered, hopefully the rest will be, also. We continue to pray for all of you as you face new situations every day.
Take care and hope to see you Sunday.

Nancy

 
At 4:19 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am still praying for you!!!

Kim
Hannibal, Mo
HLG

 
At 4:37 PM, Blogger natenamy said...

Brent, Deanna, Lauren, and Whitney--

We are lifting our hands and giving thanks to our Father for His provisions! Praise God for Medicaid, we are so thankful for the heavy (at least a bulk of it) burden He has lifted!

Lauren and Whitney, you are both very special to us! I know Nate gives you a hard time, but he and I both love you LOADS! As we continue to lift you up to our Heavenly Father, please know that we are here for you physically too... when you are ready and when you need us!

Brent and Deanna, we love you! Please know that although we haven't been able to get out and see you physically (Nate just isn't able yet) you are never farther away than our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.

Sonshine today,

Amy (and Nate-dog, too)

 
At 9:37 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whitney- As a nursing student at IUPUI, I know your compassion for other families will only be stronger and your nursing skills will be overshadowed by your ability to minister to families in similar situations. Use the gifts the Lord has given you, in worship and leadership, to care for the many people you will come into contact with during Nursing School! I am praying for you as you begin your journey in nursing school and asking that the Lord use you in mighty ways.

 
At 12:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brent,

Thank you again for such an amazing post.

Last night, I was blessed with the opportunity to start the significant five bible study in a group with Barbara Ann. She shared some of your prior phone conversation from that day, and it truly blessed me to know that you were intervening on our behalf that evening. Bj's heart and passion are truly expressed through that study. It blesses me to know that he had expressed the desire to lead people like myself in this study so that we would be able to fully understand what it means to daily live in Awe of God. Although it was only the first week, I felt my calling being solidified and strengthened. We were in the presence of the Father in that room.

I have known for awhile now that I am called to go, but it just seems that at times I almost feel unworthy of such a great task. Bj, Barbara Ann, and others have given me a prime example of what it means to live in Awe of the Almighty God and shown that truly anything is possible with Him.

Again, I just thank you for your selflessness in this time. I can still remember being in that place of suffocating grief after my mother went to be with Jesus. I know how hard it was for me to focus long enough to feel compassion for the needs of others. I thank you for your compassion and I thank you for your prayers. Your prayers, and the prayers of others have started a change in the lives of our group of five.

God bless,

Katie Kyle
Piedmont, Oklahoma
pipi813@aol.com

 
At 12:31 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Higgins,

Praying for your family in all you do and for the unspoken request that fill your hearts. Praise God for the good news on the medical bills! Praying for you as you prepare to go to Oklahoma!

 
At 3:37 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone know what time the Higgin's family will be at Battle Creek on November 5?
Thanks!

 
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