“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
~ John 16:13-14 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)
Normally I share a list with you each week what I am thankful for. This week, I want to share something totally different. Although there are many things that I am truly thankful for, but tonight I want to introduce you to the most amazing kid I have ever met in my life.
Although I have never met Brent in person (he is with the Lord now) – his witness has given me a glimpse of our Lord’s Spirit. On Monday night I was a little down because work is robbing me of quality time I’d rather spend with family and friends. I was so exhausted that I didn’t even feel like turning on my laptop. I just wanted to ‘veg out’.
But I ended up turning my laptop on; checking email messages. I had a comment from Tonya – so I ventured over…Tonya was sharing ‘Miracle Monday’. It just so happened that I kept clicking links and ended up on a post that Tonya wrote on the 17th of March. I know that I meant to read her ‘Miracle Monday’ post from over two weeks ago…
That night I ‘met’ Brent. I knew about him – his fight with cancer. BUT I didn’t know Brent. I read Tonya’s journal from the middle of December 2006. I laughed, I cried, I giggle, I sighed. I just could not stop reading. It was sad, but beautiful. The post that made me sob like a little baby was Tonya’s account on how her sweet Brent prayed over her, instead Tonya praying over Brent (journal entry from December 23rd 2006).
So today, I want to thank our Lord that He has directed me to read Brent’s journal. I know that it was something I needed to read Monday night. About hope, love, witnessing to others. What His Spirit can do through us – if we allow Him to. Brent was His vessel to testify about God’s Glory; about His love for everyone…
“Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for guiding me to click on links Monday night. Thank You for having Tonya keep the journal on-line so that anyone can read the journey of Your willing servant Brent. Lord, continue to give comfort to Tonya and her family, because Brent is missed among them. I am praying in the precious name of my Lord and Savior, I pray in Jesus’ name. ~ Amen”…
Tonya – thank for allowing me to share about Brent on my blog for Thankful Thursday. My dear readers – if you ever have some time, please read some of Brent’s journey.
Thanks for stopping by today – and remember: allow His Spirit to work through you, be His willing vessel to testify about Him…
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Bless you my friend, this was a lovely post.
What a blessing. Sometimes, it’s great to see things from someone’s point of view. Reading them or hearing them tell of an experience could really be a spiritual journey for us.
Iris…..the lives that Tonya is touching through her faith and the legacy of Brent’s life is TRULY AMAZING….She inspires me DAILY as well!
What a beautiful testimony to the life she lives daily….
Amazing how God is doing it….connecting women of faith, to lift and encourage those they would otherwise never have the privilege of “knowing.”
thank you for that!!
wonderful!
peace….always….
lori
Oh that was such a great tribute to him. I have read her post and she is such a great Mom! She is an inspiration to us all. Thanks for bringing that out in your post! Sounds like Brent was a very special child with a very special Mom!
That was so amazing and touching; Thank YOU for sharing that.
oh that sounds beautiful! I wish I’d read it at the time…
Iris, Thanks so much for sharing about Brent. I happened up Brent’s Caringbridge page myself a year or so before he passed from this earth. What a blessing it was to me to follow along and read his story as shared with us by Tonya. Your post is a reminder to me of all that I learned as I followed his journey.
Iris, thank you so VERY MUCH for sharing Brent’s story. He TRULY WAS the most amazing kid I’ve ever known. (And I’m not just saying that because he’s my son) He never complained, he never lost his JOY. Our Brent couldn’t be “outdone.” No matter how much you gave him, he’d outgive you right back.
His love for JESUS was evident around the age of 4. By then he was already witnessing to his younger brothers and friends. (Telling them they needed to ask JESUS to save them) Oh, I could talk for HOURS about him!
I’m truly HUMBLED that you’re honoring him tonight. Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for sharing him with your visitors.
LOVE YOU!!
Hi Iris,
I read some of these posts a few weeks ago. I was deeply touched. I praise the Lord for people like Tonya and Brent. I am humbled and encouraged.
Have a great week my friend.
Thank you so much for sharing that which reminds me that I should thank the Lord for my everyday’s health, it is not just being taken for regarded, but a blessing from the Lord. Thank you! When I worry for somethings on earth, I forget to thank the Lord for what he has given to me, such as health, friendship…and other things. He told us many&many years ago not to worry for food, for clothes,and other things…because even the sparrows he cares for, does not he care us more than birds, we are his beloved children, of course he cares us more…thank the Lord.
Dear Iris,
I’m in tears… That tribute to Brent was so beautiful. I’m so glad the Lord directed you to read his story and you were obedient to the spirit of God that night.
I had the privilege of getting to know Brent. If only everyone could of had that. This child was so special, and so different. I thank GOD every day for that HONOR.
Now, I know where he got his BIG generous heart and tender spirit, from his mom, TONYA. She is just precious.
Thanks again for sharing this tonight. Blessings to you Iris?
so sweet, beautiful, and sad … *sniffles*
I have read Tonya and Brent’s story too and her faith has really touched me! She is definitely someone I admire and her son was an amazing kid.
Thanks for sharing Iris and for being such an amazing host!
Blessings
Iris, thank you for sharing Brent’s inspiring story. What a wonderful testimony he’s left behind.
it really breaks my heart seeing sick kids. I had my duty then at a hospital here in my country that specializes in children’s diseases and everyday for 2 weeks I my classmates were always crying. Children, although they may be suffering, they also gives us new perspectives in life, lifting our spirits.
I shall read about Brent when I get home. Thanks for sharing this Iris.
c”,) Morning Sniffles
What a beautiful tribute. God bless you…
I haven’t met Brent, but I’ve done the same thing with other journals. It’s amazing how God can bless us through the lives of people we’ve never met. God is so good.
I appreciate your post this week and linking to Tonya’s story. I had not read her Miracle Monday post yet – so glad that I didn’t miss out on it. Thanks for hosting Thankful Thursday. It has really helped me grow in appreciation for what God has blessed me with.
The Lord always knows what we need when we need it. It is moments like you wrote about that overwhelm me with His great love and care for us. It is a great God that we serve! Thank you for your wonderful reminder!
This was a beautiful piece. What a wonderful inspiring story of hope and courage.
I’ve read Brent’s story and it gives new meaning to the injunction to rejoice at all times. It humbled me and gave me a new perspective to what I thought I was going through at the time.
I thank God for Tonya and his grace which is evident in her life; and I thank God for you Iris. The Lord bless you.
What a beautiful story, I have read some of it as well but need to go read it when I don’t get interrupted. It truly is amazing how God can use these circumstances for His glory.
Another wonderful week in Christ! Thanks Iris!
Iris, thank you so much for sharing! I will have to make time to read Brent’s story. I’ll have to keep the tissues handy, it seems.
Have a blessed day!
Iris, you are an amazing gal. Thank you so much for how you use this blog to bless others and point to the glory of the Lord over and over again.
Jesus, pour out your blessing on Iris today!
Awesome post, Iris! Thank you for sharing Brent’s story with us. I will be praying for him and his sweet Mama. What an awesome testimony!
Thank you for reminding us to be thankful for everything God gives us – it is so easy to forget!!
Hello Iris,
I pray that GOd will give this family comfort and peace. May God bless Bren’t soul.
this is my first week for Thankful Thursday, please stop by and say hello!
Life is so very precious… especially eternal life with the Lord. Thanks for hosting. There is always so much to be thankful for!
Thank you for sharing this story. God is so incrediable!
Be blessed!
Terri Sue
God is so good. And faithful. Nice post, Iris!
What a testimony to God’s ability to bring treasure from tragedy. Glory to His name.
Thank for hosting Thankful Thursday! I enjoy reading your posts. God is Good!
This was precious especially because the same thing happened to me. THanks for sharing Iris!
Thank you for hosting TT and sharing the blessing of your find with us…I will have to read Brent’s story this evening when I have a little more time…
Iris,
Thanks for the beautiful post. I, too, have appreciated Tonya’s posts on Brent. And, I have to AMEN you with being thankful for the Holy Spirit! I, too, am so thankful that He leads us and guides us and refreshes us.
Iris, you are such blessing to so many. Thank you for being obedient to His calling and thank you for all that you do.
Many blessings, friend!
Tracy
Having lost my godly husband to disease in 1999 your post was a reminder. I remember how he prayed for me, prayed God would lead another man into my life and that I would be happier with the next husband than I was with him. We had a great marriage, but God did answer and 5 years later sent a wonderful man into my life. You just gave me another thing to be thankful for today!
Thanks for sharing, and thanks for these Thankful thursdays, some really hard things have come into my life this past week and remembering to be thankful helping me to keep my focus where it needs to be, thanks!
A beautiful posting!
I am so thankful that you provide this facility for us all!
~Chrissy
I was not able to post last week due to family visiting as overnight guests. Glad to join Thankful Thursday again today.
I think it is such a blessing how so many lives are being touched and blessed through internet postings, how people are sharing their lives and hearts for God’s glory.
Thank Iris for sharing Brent’s story. It brought me to tears.
Iris,
Thank-you for sharing Brent’s story. I never had the chance to meet him in person, but his story touched my heart from the moment I first read about him. If he was anything like his precious mom, than I can’t wait to meet him in Heaven.
Thanks for hosting Iris!
Lord, help me — I had to just force myself to choose thankfulness today!!!
Thanks for the prompting!!
Blessings,
Dori
Thank you for sharing about Brent. I’m eager to read about Brent’s Journey but my computer freezes up every time I try. I’m going to have to reboot and see if that helps. It will be a shame if I can’t read it. God bless you!
Thanks for sharing about Brent!
Thank you for linking to Brent. I’m going to go read it right now.
Also, I wanted to stop by and let you know that I’ve got some free books up for grabs in my April Pay It Forward Book Exchange. Stop by for details on how to enter to win!
Iris,
Thank you for sharing this. Be blessed,
Stacy
Wow I will check it out. Have a great weekend.
Oh … my … can I type thru these tears? I read so much of Brent’s journey in a few hours … Our dear little friend (Anna) who was called home this week was battleing neuroblastoma as well. My heart aches for all the children who must walk this path and their families … But Oh how amazing our God can be … I know that people have come to know the Lord, because of the Love and Grace and Peace they have seen in Anna’s family. I’m sure the same is true about Brent’s family. Thank you for sharing his site!
Bless you!