We had the kids come last night and Josiah talked with both of them individually for what will probably be the last time on this earth. It was one of the most precious and heart-wrenching scenes I have ever witnessed. He loves his children so much. I want to write down what his words were to them in case I forget. I want to be able to remind them later.
Ava was very excited to see her Daddy. She is not intimidated by new places and ran right to him when I brought her back to Josiah’s room. She cuddled very sweetly on his lap while they had one of their “talks”. Josiah has been talking with her about heaven and death for a couple weeks now. Just little bits at a time. When she got settled, he first gave her the plan of salvation right off the bat. He told her what Jesus had done for her on the cross and that she needed His forgiveness for her sins. He told her that she needed to then live her life for Jesus. She heartily agreed to all of this…not sure how much she understands at this point, but she is getting truth in her head. Josiah went on to tell her how much he loves her. He reminded her of the name he called her when she was a baby (“baby Ava”). He told her to love Mommy and to obey her. He told her that God had a special plan for her life. He then kissed her hair, her hands, and her sweet little face. The three of us read a little book together and then she gave her Daddy a bear hug and a big kiss and happily skipped out of the room.
On the way back to the waiting room she asked if there were other sick people there. I explained to her again, in simple terms, about death and heaven. I told her that she had just had a special, special talk with Daddy and that someday I would remind her of it. She was happy with that answer and went to spread some much needed joy and love in the waiting room.
For Lincoln, I had planned out with my Mom to bring him hungry so Josiah could feed him a bottle. For the past several months Lincoln’s bedtime bottle has been their special Father-Son time, so I thought that would be a nice calm things for them to do together. Lincoln was a little unsure, but as soon as he saw his Daddy, his face lit up! Link cuddled and drank his bottle and Josiah talked with him. He challenged him to be the man of the house. To watch out and take care of his mother and big sister. He emphasized to him several times to respect his mother, to obey her, and grow in wisdom so he could give wise counsel to her. That he had picked out his mother from everyone else to be his wife and Lincoln’s mother. He told him to make sure that no one harmed his sister. He told him about the love of Jesus and how God sent Him to earth to die for him. He told him to be a warrior for the Lord. Josiah told him how proud he was of him and how much he loved him. He told him that he was “his beloved son, in whom he was well pleased”. How he was carrying on his name and when it was the right time, he was to pick out a “special little lady”. Josiah prayed that Lincoln would be a man of honor and integrity. That he would be a man’s man…strong and gentle. That he would never be bitter or angry because his Daddy died so early. That both Link and Ava would know Christ at an early age and live for Him all their days. Josiah prayed that I would have wisdom in raising them.
Josiah took off Lincoln’s little slipper and sock and tickled his foot. He wanted to hear Link giggle and he did. Josiah kissed him and cuddled with him and after Lincoln was done with his bottle I took him back out. Lincoln grinned all the way out. I told Lincoln on our way back to the waiting room that he had just a very special talk with his Daddy and that I would remind him of it one day.
God gave Josiah strength to have these special moments with his beloved children. I am very thankful for that.
I don’t think Josiah could have ever finished everything he had on his list. But we will not have any regrets. Whatever gets accomplished is what was supposed to happen. The rest….God will provide.
Beautiful Things 
If every little girl and boy were blessed with a dad who is such an example of a godly MAN, the kingdom would be a better place for it. Even though the time was short, Ava and Link will be forever shaped by Josiah’s leadership. My heart breaks for you, but at the same time, I am so proud of how God-honoring you have been through this trial. May our Lord richly bless you with wisdom, comfort, friendship, and peace.
Dear Johnson Family: We are so glad that the Lord gave Josiah the strength to say those heartfelt and precious words to Ava and Lincoln…and giving them wise guidance about their futures. What a faithful and godly father that they will remember and look up to as they are growing up and looking at his pictures and hearing about him from Jessica and all of you. He will be their Hero! We are praying for him now as he is going through this difficult time here and then into the arms of Jesus! We are uplifting all of you in prayer as well and you all are in our hearts and thoughts at this time. We love all of you! ~ Aunt Mona
Praying for your precious family as you walk this journey.
Josiah & Jessica,
Thank you so much for living your life for the Lord! What a wonderful godly example & encouragement you have shown all who read this!! Your children will cherish your mighty words forever!
May our Lord continue to give you strength though each day!
Because of Him,
Elizabeth Flug
(Jessica’s dad is my UPS man)
His trembling hands held the
church pew that day, stuggling
to stand when they asked him to
Pray. With wisdom and strength
his words were spoken. but his
body grew weary for his wings
were broken.
But he will fly once again. He
will soar with his wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as he
rides on the wind to the arms of
God. And he will fly. He will fly
again.
And on that day when he left for
the sky I saw him smile as he
told me goodbye. No more
would he weep for missed
tomorrows. No more would he
suffer in this land of sorrows.
But he will fly once again. He
will soar with his wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as he
rides on the wind to the arms of
God. And he will fly. He will fly
again.
I know that he’s in a better
place. I still dream of the day
when I’ll see his face. Then we’ll
embrace, and…
We will fly once again. We will
soar with our wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as we
ride on the wind to the arms of
God, and we will fly. We will fly
again.
Send “Fly Again
Dear Johnson Family,
We used to go to Saylorville, that’s how I know of you and have been following your story and praying for you. I fall asleep praying for God to give you strenght and courage and peace, which I know He is and He will continue to do. I also pray for you whenever I think of it. I know the Lord is holding you close to Himself and lifting you up like only He could. I pray that you continue to feel that and know that you are in many, many, peoples’ thoughts and prayers. McCloud family
Josiah, you have provided both Ava and Lincoln a wonderful example of a man’s man. You have honored God with your love, strength, and tenderness being a loving husband and father. God has blessed you with a beautiful family, who continues to demonstrate His love through difficult life challenges. Jessica’s and your life has touched my life deeply. Thank you for demonstrating that God’s grace is enough.
I love you both,
Uncle Jon
Josiah and Jessica,
a song came to my head this morning, and I don’t know why except to share with you. It’s an older song that I use to sing in church
“In moments like these”
In moments like these, i sing out a song,
I sing out a love song to Jesus
In moments like these i life up my hands,
I lift up my hands to the Lord
Singing I love you Lord, Singing I love you Lord,
Sining I love you, Lord, I love you
It’s easy to sing to Jesus when our life is going good. But you have sung to Jesus even through the toughest times.
Thank you so much for your example
~Carissa (Leilani’s mom)
Dear Johnson Family,
Most of you don’t know me, but I met Bethany at ICA. We were the two “new girls” our junior year, and she has kept me up to date on how Josiah is doing. I just wanted to tell you that your updates are so encouraging. It gives me hope for future generations when I see Godly parents bringing their children up in the ways of Christ. May God give you peace and comfort in this time of grief. You are in my prayers. God bless you all.
Maribeth Dykstra
Dear Johnson Family,
My prayers and my family’s prayers are being lifted to the Father in Heaven for you all. I have no idea what to say except, I’m praying for you all. God is Faithful. Psalm 20:7
-Janelle
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help come from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber
Behold, He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand,
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil;
He will keep your life.
The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.
I’m putting you in the hands of the Keeper. Love you and praying for you.
Josiah & Jess,
What sweet, precious moments…thank you for sharing. I found a book called “What about heaven?” that is fabulous for little kiddos, but I think that Josiah & you are doing a great job of explaining this the best way you can to your sweet kids. Prayers for you all….feel Jesus holidng your hand along this journey.
In HIS Grip,
Emily
Josiah and I worked together at Wells. My team moved over to the desks his team was at and I sat in the same Cubicle he occupied. Before that I sat right across from him. He is probably one of the nicest guys here. As a father, husband, and Christian, I can’t help but be sad for him and his family, but also be honored to know him. I’m not sure how to put my feelings into words but I knew I have to say something because he left an impression on me and made my life better in the short time I worked with him. God Bless.
I don’t know you, but I want you to know I am praying for you, your husband, and your precious children. You are so strong! God is good, but some things just don’t make sense. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I can’t even begin to imagine. I am praying specifically for peace for each of you.
Emily Burger
Josiah, Jess, Ava and Lincoln,
We have been following your updates and you have been constantly in our prayers. God has put you on my mind constantly. Thank you for your godly example and for the tremendous faith you have shown throughout this trial. We are praying for God’s strength and peace for you all.
The words Josiah shared with your children are so precious and it is so special that God gave him the strength to have that time with them.
You all will continue to be in our prayers!!
McMurray family
Your name was passed along to our family through a friend and we have been praying for you. What an amazing opportunity Josiah had with his children. Your family and faith are inspirational…we will continue to pray for comfort for ALL of you.
Hugs and prayers-
The Fischer Family
Josiah, Jess, Ava, and Lincoln,
Words cannot express the emotions you are feeling, the pain your are bearing, or the love you are feeling. But you have a God Who knows each and every thought, each and every word, each and every breath. He, alone, is your grace, strength, comfort, sufficiency, and so much more. He knows and cares. Thank you for your testimony to those around you. Your faith and trust in your living Savior have touched many lives, including mine. Jess, I can’t even imagine going through this trial at our age…you are an inspiration to my soul. I’m praying for you as you continue to raise sweet Ava and Lincoln for God’s glory and honor. Praying that one day they will place their faith in Jesus so they may one day spend eternity in heaven with Jesus and their beloved daddy. Josiah, you are a man of God. Thank you for your testimony to those around you. I don’t know you, but I have had the privilege of knowing and loving your wife, Jess, and sister Aubrie. They both have special places in my heart and I will continue to pray for each of them in your absense. Oh, how excited we are that someday VERY soon you will be beholding our Jesus face-to-face for eternity.
Love,
Kayla G.
Earth and Heaven
O Lord,
I live here as a fish in a vessel of water,
only enough to keep me alive,
but in heaven I shall swim in the ocean.
Here I have a little air in me to keep me breathing, but there
I shall have sweet and fresh gales;
Here I have a beam of sun to lighten my darkness,
a warm ray to keep me from freezing;
yonder I shall live in light and warmth for ever.
My natural desires are corrupt and misguided,
and it is they mercy to destroy them;
My spiritual longings are of thy planting,
and though wilt water and increase them;
Quicken my hunger and thrist after the realm above.
Here I can have the world,
there I shall have thee in Christ;
Here is a live of longing and prayers,
there is assurance without suspicion,
asking without refusal;
Here are gross comforts, more burden than benefit,
there is joy without sorrow,
comfort without suffering,
love without inconstancy,
rest without weariness.
Give me to know that heaven is all love,
where the eye affects the heart,
and the continual viewing of thy beauty
keeps the soul in continual transports of delight.
Give me to know that heaven is all peace,
where error, pride, rebellion, passion
raise no head.
Give me to know that heaven is all joy, the end of believing,
fasting, praying, mourning, humbling, watching, fearing,
repining;
And lead me to it soon.
…from the Valley of Vision
We love you and are praying for you; lifting you up before our glorious Father.
Jen and Ryan Sullivan
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! Ps 4:1
Josiah, our hearts are warmed and uplifted by your example of God’s love to your children. For those moments alone you have been the best Dad they could hope for. We praise God for you and Jess and how He is working in and through you.
I was reading in the Psalms the other day and came across two different ones that made me think of you and I ended up lifting them up to God for you: Psalm 42 and 61. Several verses from Psalm 42 were especially impressed upon me to lift up for you:
42:3,8,11 “my tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, ‘where is your God?’ The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song will be with me, a prayer to the God of my life. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I will yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
Josiah, I am praying that you will continue to know God’s HOPE, feel His PRESENCE and be filled with His SONG in this the valley of the shadow of death. I’m excited for you that you will get to see Him soon. You will get to sit around His table of grace and see and talk about the great things he continues to do in your little Ava and Link’s life.
May God be with you and your family especially during this time of goodbyes.
Rob
Our family and small group at Saylorville has been praying for you all for a long time. What I have to say could probably be echoed by many others. While we try to find ways to pray for you and be a help and encouragement to you all through this incredibly difficult time, we are the ones finding ourselves blessed and challenged through your faith and example.
While your updates continue to tear at my heart, the testimony of God’s grace is simply amazing.
We will continue to keep you all in our prayers.
“As for God, HIS way is perfect; the word of the Lord is a shield to all who take refuge in HIM. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God that arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” Ps. 18:30-32
Praying for your beautiful family through these days.
Jesse & Katie
What a blessing to have those moments with Josiah. Jessica, your strength and faith is amazing! Praise God for His infinite wisdom in pairing you and Josiah together. We’re still praying hard for you, Josiah, and Ava and Lincoln.
Blessings,
Joanna
I don’t know you, but I met Aubrie and Beka through Worldview Academy. I’m praying for your family and I just pray for God’s peace and comfort for you all. God has certainly blessed you both with a loving family and a wonderful faith in him.
Dear Johnson Family,
I’m a friend of Josiah’s cousin Sarah. I just wanted you to know that I’ve been reading your blog, and keeping your family in my prayers.
I know God is able to bear any burden you have.
Rebecca Sigwarth
My husband and I attended Saylorville for three years while we were living in Polk City. I’m friends with your cousin, Andrew, and knew of your family from IRBC.
I have been following your blog for quite awhile and have been praying for all of you. You have been a blessing in so many ways through your strength and honesty! We will continue to pray!
Johnsons,
My heart is breaking for you all, yet I know Jesus is there with you. What a great place to be in. With his arms covering all over you at this time. I am praying that He will give you the strength to stand through all of this. Remember God loves you all so very much! We will never know until we see Him just how much He does. Peace be with all of you.
Ben Vasey
Continuing to pray…
…the bells will be ringing…peace on earth…goodwill to men…for the love of God is stronger than anything…May He continue to bless Josiah and you…and your two little ones…He is a blessing already…the faith and trust shows in all you both do and are…Praying for the Johnson family…God bless always*
Jesus I am resting, resting
In the Joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power
Thou hast made me whole.
Chorus:
Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
O how great Thy loving kindness.
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvellous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings;
Thine is love indeed!
Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ‘neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting;
Fill me with Thy grace.
Josiah,
You probably don’t remember me, I was your sister Aubrey and Rebekah’s friend when we were little. I just want you to know that my family and I are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dearest Johnson and Elson family, I am so thankful that God has given you GREAT strength and peace in the midst of this earthquake!! I am so grateful for a Savior who is standing by you at this time. I am so indebted to our Lord who took our place on the tree and provided salvation, which you accepted, and that will enable us to all spend eternity together. Praise Him!!! Psalm 23:3,4,6 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID, FOR YOU ARE CLOSE BESIDE ME. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord FOREVER!! That’s a promise I will always cling to. We will continue to pray and hold you up to our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. His love endures FOREVER. Ron and Helen Burkhart
Thank you for your testimony. You are both a challenge to me. My wife and I will be praying for you. Press ON! (Phil. 3:12-14)
Daniel C.
Thank you for sharing those precious moments between Josiah, Ava and Link. The faith instilled in Josiah that he is able to share with the children and so many others like myself has made a lasting impression. Thank you Lord for bringing the Johnson and Elson family into my life.
Prayers!!! God bless you all!!!
Dearest Jessica and Josiah,
Thank you for sharing your lives with us. What a joy for Josiah to spend this special time with Ava and Lincoln. Josiah has always been such a godly man, it has been a blessing to know him. We are praying for God’s grace and peace for you both, and He is faithful!
“Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand.
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noon-tide heat, and the burden of
the day.
“Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I
confess-
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
“I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.”
Continuing in prayer for you all with love and tears,
Carroll and Kathy Hardy
Josiah & Jessica ~
I do not know you, and cannot even recall who introduced me to the Pray for Josiah link on Facebook. I have been following the updates and blogs and praying for the whole family during this difficult walk. I suppose that is the beauty of being part of God’s family…you can wholeheartedly pray for your Brothers & Sisters you have never met.
Josiah, you are an amazing example of courage & faith in what is an understatement of a challenging situation.
Jessica, you have amazed me with your strength & faith in a time that I am sure is beyond difficult.
I will continue to pray for your family that God may provide all of you continued strength for the journey.
Thank you for sharing your walk with all of us…you have been a true inspiration!
Warmest Blessings,
Stacey
The anchor holds though the sails are battered. The anchor holds in spite of the storm. I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas but the anchor holds in spite of the storm.
The sun will shine again for you all.You are an inspiration in this difficult time even though we don’t know “why’.
God knows and we trust Him.
Jessica & Josiah, Thank you for sharing this experience with me. I have followed your life’s journey through the internet for the last couple of years. I admire your willingness to share your joys and trials. In every word written, your faith in our Lord and the love you have for each other, your children and families shines through brightly. I admire your grace and wisdom. You have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Love in Christ…Always, Dorothy
I am so very sorry for what you all are going through… I can not imagine. My prayers will continue to be for all of you.
Josiah,
One day your children will know what an amazing man of God that you were on this earth! To think that you will soon hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant” from our very Lord and Savior is too overwhelming to think about. God in His mercy and grace has allowed you to share these moments with your children and it truly will impact them throughout their lives. God speed my friend in Christ.
Jessica,
I have prayed and will continue to pray that you will feel the peace and strength that can only come from our precious Father in heaven. God has shown Himself through you a 100 times over and I hope and pray that there are young ladies out there that are being blessed by your commitment to our Lord, to your husband and your children. One day there won’t be any more tears of sadness shed and what a glorious day that will be.
In Christ,
Deb
Jess and Josiah –
What a dear godly couple you have been in the deep pit of “life”. I’ve followed your posts for awhile now and am so humbled and challenged by your faith and witness. Thank you for the reminder in your Christmas post “… that as Mary did, she had a choice on how she reacted to the situation …. and I am choosing to have joy.” That was a 10lb hammer I needed to be hit with.
I was watching a Gaither show Sunday evening which recapped how Bill and Gloria first started their song writing. One song in particular was discussed – Because He Lives. Gloria’s thoughts have really stuck with me and I think are very appropriate for where you and all of us are right now. ” … (paraphrasing) their 3rd baby had been born and in reality with the world the state it was in, why would anyone want to bring another child into this … and as she was thinking about the theology we have head knowledge of, the practicality of it all was that … we can only keep going, in spite of life … because HE lives. For me or anyone else today, that’s what we hold onto, the truth, the living truth that HE LIVES.
1. God sent His Son – they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Chorus:
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
2. How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.
(Chorus)
3. And then one day I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory – and I’ll know He lives.
Praying for your dear family.
Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
-Proverbs 14:10
Praying for God’s comfort and Peace to be upon you…
One night I had a dream.
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with
God and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand.
One belonged to me and the other to God.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us I
looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was
only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and
saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned God about it.
“God, you said that once I decided to open my heart to you,
you would walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me.”
Then God replied, “My precious, precious child.
I love you and I would never, ever leave you during your
times of trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you!”
I know your walk has been a long one but now you will be with our heavenly father,you all are blessed for being able to share your loving messages and words of wisdom to your precious kids and and beautiful wife.You and your family have always been in my prayers,God will continue to carry you during the trials of life,may that give you peace for the times ahead.
With Love-
Wow, what awesome examples you are to all. Your faith life and testimony are amazing. I am praying for all of you and asking for God’s peace to be with each of you. Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Peace and Grace,
Kelly Rupe
The poem that was posted reminded of my father’s last day here on earth, just a few months ago. He was praying to God until his last breath.
I am sitting here crying – remember the passing of both my parents – and here you are, both so brave, loving, and godly – it is amazing to read about. Your children are so blessed to have such loving parents.
I am Josiah’s grandparents (Al & Elaine Adlfinger) niece. Me and my family have been praying for all of you. Josiah, you will soon feel no pain and be at peace. Know that your wife is strong and your family is loved and that they love you very much. You are an amazing person.
With love,
Mary and the Yackley family
Jessica, I just wanted you to know that we have been praying for you for continued strength, the kind that He can and will provide. I also want to thank you for giving me strength, encouragement and inspiration through your incredibly heartfelt words about this extremely tender emotional experience. You have shown me and so many others what it takes to make a wonderful wife and mother…. your grace is amazing. I pray for your heart to be at peace and that God continues to wrap his arms around you and your precious family.
Josiah, I am so glad God gave you the strength to pour out your heart to your children. Your example through all of this has touched my heart as well. My prayers will continue for your lovely wife and kiddos. Know that you have made a difference and have shown what it takes to be a real man of the Lord. You truly are an inspiration.
Continuing to pray for all of you….
Diana Caliger
Praying for hard for each of you this week.
Jenifer
Johnson Family,
Your faith along this journey has been a profound witness to so many, including me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, experiences and prayer requests/answers. May the Lord’s presence and power amidst you continue to uphold, strengthen and comfort you….and may the knowledge and assurance of His resurrection be your great consolation.
Shelley Heil (on behalf of the Heil family)
PS I was in bible study with Mary when Josiah was a toddler. Those times were precious and a real influence on my journey.
Our church has been praying for you since one of our members told us about you. I cannot begin to imagine all that your family is going through, but I know that God holds you in His hands and that He loves you all very much. Josiah you are leaving a living legacy to your wife, children and all those who come in contact with you. Everyone will be richer for having known you. May you be blessed.
You are all in our prayers,
Sue
I just found your blog tonight, but this entry broke my heart. I will be praying for your family, that God will give you all strength as you go through this difficult time.
Johnson Family- As I read your blog, it touched my heart how Josiah talked to his children, as a witness for Christ for their lives. Jessica, I will keep you in my prayers for strength in raising you children alone, but you know you will have Jesus right by your side all the way. My favorite Bible pasage is Psalm 121, and I saw someone else commenting on your blog likes it as well. It has sustained me for many years. Also I like:
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers6:24-26.Bless you all , you all are truly witnesses for Christ in your faith.