Josiah and I don’t even know what to say. Your out-pouring of love for us is completely overwhelming and humbling. Our hearts are grateful for each one of you. I will never be able to catch up on my thank-you notes, but please, please know how much we appreciate every kind word, every gift, every selfless act, every prayer, every note and card. You are a blessing to us!
Just a couple hours after I wrote my last blog post (the day after Christmas), Josiah’s breathing was labored enough and his pain was high enough that he was admitted to the hospice house. I had been on the phone off and on all afternoon with the hospice nurse trying to avoid this. But after Josiah agreed to go, I knew it was time. The staff here is so helpful and nice. They just want to make him comfortable and as at home as they possibly can. I think we are getting closer to the right combination of medications to keep him comfortable…but we are not their yet. He has times of more energy and when he talks very much like himself. But he is drowsy a lot of the time.
We have had some very precious times in prayer. Hearing my husband praying for me ministers to my very soul. His love amazes me.
Continue to pray for comfort for Josiah. The kids are doing well at my parents house…although we miss them. We are praying for understanding beyond their years. I am taking one moment at a time. God is giving me sustaining grace as I need it. He is good.
Beautiful Things 
You guys are in my prayers! I cannot even begin to understand what you’re going through. You are an inspiration!
Jess,
Our hearts are pouring out in prayer for you and Josiah. May the Lord give you a peace that passes all understanding and an incredible amount of strength as you walk this path. We love you both so much. You know that we are available to help in any way that we can, and we’ll be praying continually. May the Lord wrap you in His love and peace!
Josiah and Jess…You two have been such amazing examples of godliness to Ken and I. We have seen the grace that the Lord promises come to you when needed. We have seen first hand the Lord upholding and sustaining and we have also seen your human-ness in being transparent in your writings. Your love for each other and your love for the Lord and His plan is so beyond words and such an example for us to cherish every moment we have. You have helped us to live each day as if it were our last. You have helped us to grow in our ability to continually see the Sovereignty of God in our lives and circumstances. You have helped us see “In light of eternity, what really matters?” in a very real heart wrenching way. We have prayed for miracles for you. It is hard to not see our prayers answered the way we wanted them answered. It is so hard to see you go through the waters you have fought hard against. Your faces are etched in my brain and each time I pray for you, I see you both and the tears just don’t stop. I want to wrap you in my arms and hold you and tell you it will all go away, just as I am sure both your mothers want too. I also agree that cancer sucks. Your post was so good. I just love your heart, Jess. We will be praying for you continually and asking for the Lord’s will to be done in your lives. I have so many verses running through my mind…I will be praying them for you. We look up to you even in your “youth”. You both have been used of the Lord in great and mighty ways. We love you lots.
Jessica ~
We’ve never met but have been following you since little Ava. Your strength is amazing and we give God the glory for that.
You’ve been at the top of our prayer list and many people are standing in the gap with you as well. I opened up the Bible yesterday and started praying verses over your family. I love using God’s Words to pray over my family and friends. God’s Word will never return void.
The other day, I was showing the kids pics of who we were praying for. It’s amazing how healthy Josiah looks. So good to hear he is praying for you. It’s so nice to hear our husbands pray for us as wives and mothers. How encouraging.
Keep looking to God for the strength you need. He will supply you with everything you and your little ones need. I’ve already let Mary know I am available for childcare and/or meals — whatever you need.
Take care of yourself, too. Get plently of rest and let others help out.
In His LOVING Arms,
Jen for the Franks
I don’t what can be said, but want you to know that we get such amazing strength, peace ,love ,and joy, from you both as you share how God is working in your life and giving you strength, peace, love, and joy, at such a time as this. Our God is so good as He puts his loving arms around you and conforts, answers prayer, and meets your needs. As tears run down my cheeks, thought of joy run through my mind. Grandparents couldn,t be more blessed.
We love you both so much GM&GP
Josiah and Jess, my husband (Jamie) and I are good friends with Nate and Sarah and Uriah and Sarah, and have been hearing and reading about you for months. As others, my heart goes out to you, and Christian hand to help if I could. Seems prayer is the strongest tool right now as you both face the most difficult time in your lives. You both have been a shining example to so many others, and I pray God blesses your last days together on this earth as much as possible. Each moment must be precisous and bitter sweet, and I pray for peace in your hearts, and a continued clinging to God in the next phase of life. You and your children have been on my mind a lot, and more so since before Christmas. Awesome picture of your family. I pray for you, and wish you God’s peace and warm arms to hold you.
Dear Josiah and Jessica,
Your precious family has been very near and dear to our hearts since we first heard about your sweet little baby girl, Ava. We have followed your journey with her and her heart, and each step with Josiah. Our hearts have been heavily burdened for you each and every day. Every time we pray or our sweet little Sam, we pray for you. (That is constant). Your family truly has a rich heritage, and you are such an incredible testimony of faithfulness. Know that we love you, and our hearts are crying out with yours. We are praying for you-always.
Words cannot express the ache in my heart for you and what you are all experiencing right now. I can’t say what I want to say any better than the last two posts. They were so very well said, so, I say ‘ditto’. You have taught so much by being so honest and so transparent. There is a song that has been running through my mind today, that I wish to share with you. I only have the words:
“Just think….of stepping on shore…and finding it Heaven…
Of touching a hand, and finding it…GOD’S!
Of breathing new air…and finding it celestial…
And of waking up in glory…and finding it HOME!”
I ache with you, but am also comforted knowing that Josiah will no longer be suffering…that he will be running into the arms of Jesus…His Saviour and Lord. What an amazing experience that will be!
Jessica & Josiah~
There are not words fit to describe the ache we feel for you and your family. Ache isn’t even the right word…
We continue to uphold you continuously in prayer, and thank God for the example you have been to us and so many others. Jessica, it still humbles me beyond words that you would think of our boys @ Blank, when Josiah was at Methodist this summer. We are forever grateful to you and thankful to God for your thoughtfulness.
The words of the song that Deanna shared leave a lump in my throat, as the thought is more grandiose than I can even comprehend…but we have HOPE because it is TRUE!!
Katie & Jesse Johnston
“One day at a time Lord…that’s all I’m asking from you.” I remember that line from a song my grandmother used to sing when I was a little girl and she was going through her illness. I praise God for the prayer time that you two are able to share. We continue to pray for Josiah’s comfort and for you, Jess, as you endure this path by Josiah’s side. The amazing love between the two of you is such an inspiration. Also, for Ava and Lincoln and both of your families.
I am still praying for you all! I pray that Hospice is finding the right combo of meds to make Josiah comfortable. Hospice is such a wonderful place with wonderful care provided! I am glad that it is there for both of you. Jess, I will continue to pray for strength for you as well as peace and understanding for your kids. Love to you both!
Amanda Mauseth
We continue to lift you both up in prayer, and Ava and Lincoln as well. Jess, please know that we will be here for you to help in any way we can. You are an amazing family, one who has inspired many. May God bless these days you have left together.
Jen, Craig & Andrew
Josiah,
Words cannot express the impact you have had on the lives of our family. I speak to the boys often of the example you are as a godly man who loves the Lord with all of his heart. To the girls, I hold you up as an example of the kind of man I would want them to marry. Your gentleness and strength are such a wonderful picture of our Heavnly Father. The devotion you have shown to Amanda has touched my heart and hers as well. The imprint you have placed on hearts is one that will influence forever. I am so thankful for the time we have had with you. We are all so blessed by you! The world HAS seen what one man devoted to His God can do! That man is you Josiah! We love you so much. May God continue to wrap His loving arms around you. I wish we could 🙂 His are better though 🙂 Hug Jess for me .
Always praising Him,
Aunt Chelle
Johnson Family…
Your stregnth and love of life is so inspiring… know our prayers are being sent out to you.
Erin Burton
I am so sorry to hear that he has gone down so quickly. I lost my husband 4 1/2 years ago and I know the pain of watching someone who is the love of your life, your soulmate go down. I will keep you in my prayers. God will sustain you and your children. May God wrap His loving arms around you and carry you through this time. Sue Weir, Grenada, MS
Praise you in this storm—Casting crowns
I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it’s still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can’t find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
For Josiah, I pray for comfort for the days ahead and knowledge of God’s love for him.
For Jess, I pray for daily strength to help make it through.
For Ava and Lincoln, I pray for understanding of how much they are loved by their parents and the Lord
For their families, I pray for peace knowing that heaven is our home; earth is just our temporary home.
Praying for you guys–Jen, Jon, Brayden Schoeberl
Josiah, Jess & family,
My heart aches for you & the road you are on right now but I cannot begin to tell you how uplifting your words to all of us are. You both have such an amazing outlook on the situation & I know that you will be blessed through this journey b/c you are leaning on HIM more than ever. I pray that you are treasuring this time together & i know you’re leaving nothing unsaid. Josiah- you are an amazing man of God, loving husband, wonderful father….you emulate all that God wants you to be…and you have passed this on to your beautiful wife & kiddos. We are praying for a miracle but know that God knows your time here on earth & He is waiting to tell you “Well, done, good & faithful servant!” Jess-you are an awesome Christian example, mom & wife too. Your openness & honesty with all of us has been a wonderful witness to all who have met you along this journey. Praying for strength for all of you & for peace as well.
I know you know this song but will leave you with the lyrics to Third Day’s Mountain of God….
Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me
And I didn’t even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me
‘Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn’t ever make it
Without You
Even though the journey’s long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who’s gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I’ve been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God
As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again
Sometimes I think of where it is I’ve come from
And the things I’ve left behind
But of all I’ve had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what’s in front of me
With what’s in front of me
Praying for you…In HIS Grip,
Emily for her boys…Darin, Garrett, Gabe & Riley
Josiah, you have truly lived I Tim 4:12 before us “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” I hope you don’t take offense to “youth”; you are a mature, godly man. You’re just so much younger than I and you have endured and thrived through so many trials I have never faced. Although I have not talked to you personally about your cancer, I know through Jess’ writing that you have been an anchor through all this. I was just reading Jeremiah 17:7-8 this a.m. and it described you “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters which spreads outs its roots by the river and will not fear when heat comes; but her leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Thank you for being such a godly example to us.
Praying!