Happy 2015 everyone! As Jaque and I were talking, this will be a year of first times.... When your playing t-ball for the first time, nothing feels like making it to first base. Some kids walk, some kids have to keep a hold of mom or dads hand, and some run full steam ahead. Jaque was the kid that you had to stop at first, because she had in her mind to steal 2nd the minute she hit the ball!! She once got a home run off of a dropped third strike. I laugh, because now, she is still the same way today. She has been enjoying riding horses at the Running WJ Ranch and the Cowboy Church. As many of you know, we lost Eddie on Sept 21, but Eddie won his victory from allergy meds and pain meds -- bless his heart. Eddie made sure that Jaque was in her apartment, doing well in school, and was getting to ride horses before he "ran off" into the sunset. He was born a service dog and was meant for Jaque. I love sharing the "miracles" God has given our family through Jaque. Not in a selfish way, but to let others know that God IS ALIVE. Last night, Jaque danced in the kitchen with a young man. Little did he know that she has had one wish since she got her braces, and that was TO DANCE. Of course she has a little with her crazy dad, but a heart as big as Jaq's has a lot of love, and it seems to be pointed in one single direction. It is both humbling, and an honor to see Gods plan play out for your child. Yes - the course is a little different and the road is less traveled, but normal is way overrated. On this night of our second witnessed Miracle, I want to selfishly tell Jaque the things that make her different, that set her apart from others. My favorite qualities are: loving, always sees the good, very forgiving, just as God wants us to be. She is compassionate,loyal, and trustworthy. She is imperfect and respects others. She knows the importance of time and NOT WASTING IT. She lives as if there is no tomorrow and is fearless. She is my hero. As I remember being on my knees, about to tell our family that we had @ 30 minutes with her........God spoke and reminded me that she was strong. She was courageous. We came two by two and she was spared. It has been a long road to where we are today and we could not have made it without our family and friends. You all have done so much and are still just a phone call away. We can never repay our debt to you, and we will never forget your sacrifices. As I close, I want to focus on the Jaq smile that God has blessed me with.... God calls us to share our witness, not judge. The founders of Children's Hospital stress that those who have been in our circumstance have no memory of wrongs, we do not dwell in the house of negativity. We simply go day by day and appreciate what we have at the moment. I want to challenge everyone reading this to take a grudge you have been holding onto and lay it down. Each time you try and pick it up, be reminded that the Devil is trying to interrupt your walk with God. When you have your mind focused on the right things, the wrong things have no room. Proverbs 3:6 says to SEEK HIS WILL IN ALL YOU DO, AND HE WILL SHOW YOU WHICH PATH TO TAKE. Forgive someone today

Jaque's Home Plate #8: The Same but Different

Jaque's Home Plate #8: The Same but Different

The Same but Different

To day I am sitting at a coffee shop wonder thinking and I can't quite figure it out. Everyone  is different in their own way. Some are short some are tall, quiet  and loud, fighting inner battles, fighting outward battles, but we are all the same because we all feel  we have emotions. Looking at a walkin person completely fit and say they got it going right and at the same time they suffer with emotional problems. I guess what I'm trying to say is some of us make our life style look so easy with no miss steps. I never complain about my chair and I don't see myself as disable. I guess that's why people see me and think it's easy. Sorry to say it but ITS NOT. But the way my heart and brain works is I will figure it out. I'll figure out how to get in that store or how to fish and hunt, go mudding, or just get in and out of the car. I WILL not let anything stop me or limit me! SAY I WONT tell me I can't or it's impossible. I will show you I CAN or It is PoSSible! I put the able in disable. But that doesn't make it any less hard. So next time you want to feel sorry for me or pity me or THiNK I have it easy for that matter!! Stop for a second! Realize I am a person same as you! And because I smile and make it look SO EASY! Doesn't make it any less hard. THIS is my secret "GOD is FIRST I AM SECOND" " it could always be worse" and "at any given moment everything in life can change in an instant." That is my thoughts for the year! Have a blessed day 

My challenge is live like today is your last day! You never know!

I Am Second!

I would first like to tell everyone life is going great I have finals this week. Training is also going great I'm on the right road gods time is happening I can just feel it. So I ask you to trust in go and believe in his word. Also I would Like everyone to pray for my grandma donna  and papa Danny health is the main factor pray for healing. I have a friend from high school Kasey she need pray also for health, strength, mentally, physically and emotionally. I say this all the time. The only limits a person has is the limits they set themselves. So I will live limitless. Thanks everyone have a worderful day. God Bless

Fall Back??? No thank you!

What a wonderful time of year, the leaves are falling... A chill is in the air.... And we are asked to turn our clocks back an hour!  Well, I love it all but the last part.  Something about losing a hour of daylight with my family just doesn't appeal to me.  If I am smart, maybe it will bring us closer at meal time or allow us to have peaceful talks around a fire.  But as for going backwards-- that part is not an option.  The past few months have brought many trials in our lives.  Family, friends, and health issues have all been the target of the devil.  Through the hours of talking and praying about them, this statement was made by Jaque "I will not go backwards."  She is NOT perfect and by no means confesses to be perfect.  But she has learned one thing from her daddy..... How to troubleshoot.  Chris is the best 1) see an issue 2) run all "what if" scenarios in your head 3) take action.  Sometimes taking action is doing nothing, other times taking action is confronting problems.  But the best way to take action is through grabbing a hold of scripture and letting God control the situation.  We handle it and it will surely be a mess, God really is the only way.

When your a college kid, things change very quickly.  One decision affects the course of your future like no other time in your life.  As of late, Jaque has been faced with some adversity.  She is also attending a bible study group and church with some of those members.  Through this she has made some wonderful friends that I believe will last a lifetime.  One night, she told me she was headed out of her room, upset about a situation.... And a girl was right in front of her door.  This girl prayed with her..... And she said I immediately felt some relief.  See..... God puts the right people in our lives.  The point is we have to choose to open the door to them and let them in.  

**************One of the most recent blessings is an article at fourstatesliving.com the November issue has a wonderful article on Jaque on page 44. Great job, Peg!  Glory goes to God!  Please check it out. *****************

The holidays will bring excitement, and also will show others how God will move in your life if you can just stay out of HIS way, and in HIS will.  For JAQUE, this moms prayer is that as life changes situations  on you, never lose hope, faith, or love.  The greatest is Love, and it never fails.....

Please check out the article and if anyone would like to contact JAQUE with encouragement, please email me at hallca3017@yahoo.com and I will give you her email!  Love you all and never forget with all the bumps and twists and turns...Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, not wasted on regret or stress.  

If only we all thought like Eddie!

It's been way to long since my last post! Just wanted to drop a quick line and let everyone know that Jaque is still going strong. Sometimes God slows us down to get rested and reenergized us. Yes, The Lord does just that. You may be viewing this straight from the web, or maybe the link to Facebook. So, speaking of Facebook--- I haven't been on in a while. The Lord has just spoken to me, that my life needed the break. Jaque here now, I havnt been on Facebook either and I love it! Less worry and a lot more free time. If you would like to follow me you can do so at this blog. Caleb and I are doing great. Hunting season is starting so it about to get very busy. We are both in college at TAMUT and living in the dorms. I would like to ask everyone to pray for Eddie he is having surgery this Friday. I know everything will go smoothly and I also believe in the Power of Prayer. I would like to wish everyone a blessed and great week!

When you stop looking, it will find you!

September, September.... you have kept us busy. Miss Jaque Renee' has definatley been loving life in Texarkana. You all will be happy to know that she is a strong, independent Texas A & M student. She is living on her own in the dorms. She makes mall runs and walmart trips solo!! I say on her own, but don't start stressing on me. Blessed with a wonderful support system, assistance is only a phone call or text away. She has started therapy in TK. Fate had her watching Whitley play softball and she met two wonderful ladies that are going to start working with her. So many things have changed with her condition over the last few years. She is healthy and strong. She is regaining trunk strength and the LORD is working on this miracle child. It is humbling to hear these ladies excited and hear them reinforcing the positives we have seen. Jaque sometimes does not give herself enough credit for the changes her body is making. As we all know, Dr McCarthy told her "slow and steady" would be the recovery and he would not doubt anything with our "Jaque Jaque Jaque." The power of the turtle!! She has made some wonderful new friends at school. I can tell that these will last a lifetime for her. Some people are so different from you, but are linked with you on a level that you just cannot explain. Late night laundry, IHOP runs, and making tshirts are the crazy updates that I get on a regular basis. And that classes are hard. Really hard! But I tell her, that is life. As I see her settle into a new life, I catch myself looking back over the last few years. She has really grown up in front of me. I was fourtunate enough to loose my job and be able to spend the last year with her. I went from running late in the am and late getting home, to actually cooking meals and sitting on the porch laughing. And I know that God made my path. My soap box included: get right with God, surround yourself with friends that believe as you do, rid yourself of those that continually try to change your morals, and pray that God is first in your life. As you all know, you cannot have faith enough save anyone but yourself. And no matter how "right" you get with God, JESUS is the only perfect one. So this year she has worked on just that. And her life is flourishing because of those decisions. Young people have many distractions, and it is hard to stay on course. But, I guess that is why God gives them parents. They love us and hate us. We are their best friend and their worst nightmare. We are the voice of praise and the voice in their head. It is so worth it. God has put me personally in the position to share my testimony more the last six months than ever in my life. Glory to him, not to me. But my story is just a touch of what Jaque can and will share. She was recently filmed for a feature in a video about people that love riding in the sand. It will come out in Spring of 2013. http://driftingmass.com/sandpeople_sneakpeek.php The song on it was "If I die young" by the band perry. The song really hit me when I heard her voice and thought of the words that rang so true. I can honestly say she has learned the importance of life. People that have been through something like Jaq have a different perspective than most. When she tells a friend like Caleb, Bradley, Kelsie, Ryan, Deanna, or Randee goodbye and that she loves them, she means it. She says it knowing that you never know what could happen in life. She wants nothing left unsaid, or unknown. When she talks to someone on the elevator that is having trouble, and she takes time to listen, she understands that suicides happen every day. She knows that you could be the difference in them waiting.... She feels things deeper and sometimes forgives to quickly. She seems so stong and couragous, but in the quiet worries when someone doesnt like her. She has never met a stranger, and can talk a brick wall into thinking it is made of stone. She is not perfect, quite far from it. But when she says I love you, she means it. When she makes a friend, its for life. And even her worst enemy, she is glad for the good happening in their lives. And when she falls in love, she does not take it lightly. She has had a wall of rocks (from the lake i think) around her for quite a while. Now, I slowly see it coming down. It is not disappearing, but it is beneath her as a new foundation. This foundation appeared because of a prayer one night while she was alone and close to God. She didnt ask for specifics, just that God make her path clear, and he has done just that. She was good with being single and just being herself. Then, she invited a friend to the lake. Yep.... funny to look back on it now. Needless to say, she now has a boyfriend, Caleb. He is quite the young man, and just as crazy as her. A christian. They seem to push each other...literally..lol....to be better people. They seem to compliment each other well. Where it goes, only God knows. It is nice to see her open up again, and trust. And when she smiles.... you can feel that she means it. Life never gives you a clear cut plan. God sends you the pieces and lets free will take over. They are adorable and amazing. I cannot tell her enough how proud I am of her. She has come so far. She is an amazing young woman. Never take for granted the affect that you have on someone. You can be the change you wish to see in the world, you CAN change a life with a simple hello and sharing your story. It will take courage and you will loose some friends, but when you align your life with God's WILL, it is an AHH HAA moment. Now, she is getting ready for one of the most important events of the year DEER SEASON!!!!! We started this website for family and friends to keep up with her story and progress. I am humbled by the views the page gets. Thank you all for your prayers and your continued support. I appreciate the emails and facebook messages. We are a blessed family for having so many great friends and family in our lives. Until the next update... Love Carol.

August has arrived!

August 25..... Move in day! Jaque's entire life has been such a wonderful journey. Making choices, good and bad, that have led her to the point of packing up and getting ready to branch off on her own. Understanding that she is a hour away, she will be in her own"place" in just a few short weeks. As a parent, you try to think of everything. Everything they need to live, to survive, to make good decisions.. Then, like the day before a big test, you start cramming more! Her class schedule is pretty much in place, and yes, she is nervous about it. Who wouldn't be, it's only the rest of your life. But I have tried to explain to her that she will do great. Half of the battle is being brave enough to roll out on give it a try. The biggest lesson I have learned these 21 + years is to keep God first in everything. When I try to control it, I mess it up. I overanalyzie it. When God leads, you have a conquering attitude, an attitude of knowing that whatever happens HE is there. JAQUE has had a great summer. She has made great new friends and really seems to know where she wans her life to be headed. It sounds crazy, but she seems so much like the " Jaque" we all know and love. I think that kids sometimes try and find their place in the world. They need to know who they are, and often that means trying to fit in to what surrounds them. This works fine .. But for those that listen closely, God just keeps pulling and saying.. More. More. I noticed the big change when Tim Tebow's book showed up in my house. laugh if you must. I am not talking about Tebow, the football player side, but the Christian man side. After a few bad choices in her life, people wise, Jaque made the decision to store the past and look forward to the future. Praying that God would not bring her "someone" specific. Just that God would put her life on his track. She has always been a Christian kid, but maturity comes in knowing that you are worthy of God's grace. She has been working with some young girls in our area on pitching, and that was the second change I saw in her. She became aware of the impact that your words have on young people. Not only their confidence for a sport, but in outlook for life. She became attached to each girl in a different way, and has loved every minute. Her light shines so bright, that I am blessed to say parents and coaches see it too. Not for her glory, but for the glory of her pitching students. Then, one day, she invited a friend to the lake. They had been trying to go fishing together, but it never worked out. So, to the lake we went. Many photos and videos later, what a great summer she has had. Who knows where this path will lead, I have faith that God's plan is working and when you can find two people that bring out the best in each other..... Count your blessings and thank God. He is such a great young man with a wonderful family and an awesome best friend!! Timing is everything, right? I have worked most of my life trying to set an example for Jaque. I have fallen short, but get up every morning trying to be the person that she will be proud of... I had made mistakes, but always wanted to live a life in a way that she could be lead by example. Her life has been about two sections, it seems. Before her accident, and after. When God speaks to your heart, listen. He is telling me that the third chapter has begun. I love the song by Randy Houser, "in God's time". I have mentioned it before, but it is worth everyone pulling it up on u tube. I know that walking is such a big but small part of Jaques complete healing that I have been praying for. God grabbing her heart, bringing someone in her life that is worthy for her and she is worthy for him, having true and honest friends, finding the path meant for her.... Those are miracles as well. I still have no doubt that her body is not done healing, she is truly a beautiful child. I have always told her the greatest anyone will achieve is the lowest of your expectations. I have set my expectations for her very high! Love your children and make sure the path you lay for them can be followed. If you are lecturing them for something, look at your own life and make sure you are living right. In the blink of an eye they can be gone, and you cannot bring them back. Live with no regrets. Make sure they know how proud of them you are, and how being imperfect is ok, God is the only perfect one I know. Do not let bitterness into your relationship. And most of all, say I am sorry when you mess up. My girl, living at college. Wow! I knew this day would come, and I will not cry, but I will rejoice in knowing she is ready! Each day, I wake up thinking I could not be more proud of her, crazy as she is.... And each night I thank the Lord she has surprised me again! Love you all, and thanks for the prayers!

Summer on the Lake

Talk about sun kissed. Yes, Jaque is sporting a beautiful suntan. Broken Bow lake is always so good for the body and the soul. Amazing the wonderful memories that we have had on the lake. I can remember starting off on the bank, just swimming. Then we bought a jet ski. And then came jaque's baby, the mastercraft. Yes, she is old and faded. She has a few bumps and scraps, but the hours that the old boat has given us just cannot be measured. I know that when the bought that boat, we really didn't have the money. But we did it anyway. And many times we went, we literally scrapped for gas.... But we did it anyway. JAQUE learned to ski, tube, knee board, and wakeboard behind that boat. It has just had us, and it has been running over with kids. From family, To softball girls, to church kids, to pouring our teenagers...... We have been so blessed. I would think that if asked, JAQUE would say the most perfect moment in life is on Broken Bow, just before dark, just as the sun is setting...and the water is glassy. It is if God himself comes down and calms everything for a moment and let's life reflect the perfection he blesses us with daily. With the lake comes a freedom like no other. Washing away the sin of life and always bringing us out anew. Refreshing our minds and clearing away and troubles that have come our way. And when you share that with someone, well, it is the best feeling in the world. We all have a "lake" in our life. The question is are you seizing the opportunity to enjoy your time with others that improve your life, or are you too busy and too caught up in whirlwind to notice how short life really is? July 20 will mark my 22 anniversary with Chris. It will mark the fact that JAQUE has been the center of our world for 22 years and three months. Yes, the math is correct. We did it backwards. But never for a moment did we do it incorrectly. The order might have been wrong, but when you find the one that God wants you with it really is just a matter of timing. To all those that supported us, thank you. To all those that doubted us, and prayed... Thank you. To all of those that waited for us to fail, well.... With God first in my life, the devil never stood a chance. I say that to say this, we never really mean to fall in love. When you are looking, it escapes you. When you search, it hides. It is when you stop and take a breath, it catches you. Just make sure you are living for God, And he will lead you down the right path. I found mine in the 7th grade, and we lost each other several times along the way. But our paths were destined. And destiny was for my child to reach this earth. She is my reason for being. She is my purpose. While mowing the yard tonight I had a great conversation with God. He reminded me she is not perfect. He reminded me that he is in control, and that HE saved her. And he reminded me that she has much to do.... Many to touch, and many to show. To show what, I asked. He said courage, grace, and faith. She will be going off to college in the fall. Texarkana A&M campus. With kelsie!! Many people have asked me if I am sad. I am so much the opposite. I have seen her play catch up for four years. I have seen her get knocked down, and pull her self right back up. I have seen others try and sidetrack her path. And she has just rolled around then, even if it meant getting muddy or falling a few times. I so firmly believe that she is on the right road. Cautiously I watch for the devil trying to attack. He tries to grab ahold as a blessing is coming. Poor devil, he does not realize the people that are behind this child. He doesn't realize that as she meets new people, she only gets stronger. I know the plans he has for her. I know her miracles aren't complete. All in his timing. And the best part of all is the smile that she has on her face. Keep her in prayer. You all are the reason that she is so strong. August 25 is move in date..... So save the date lol and send her an email. Look out Texarkana, I am not sure you are ready for Jaque and Kelsie!! I have enjoyed keeping you all up to speed on Jaque, thank you for your support and love. Carol...

Easter Sunday!

Where do I start? All week we have had things come up needing Jaque and me to go out of town. Chris was turkey hunting and it is Easter Sunday. For some reason, we both just needed to stick close to home. Last night,she was even home early. So this morning, we got to church and Baylee and Blayne set by Jaque. I sit by Suzanne and Presley. After a wonderful worship service, a man from our church took center stage. He told us all a story of how God had been speaking to him and wanting him to pray for someone. He said that he was waiting for affirmation that he was suppose to do it, when a strong woman from our church approached him and told him that she wasn't sure why she was telling him this, but God said that he needed to listen and pray for someone. Now bear with my memory. Don't get stuck I the details I might get wrong. Please and thanks. So, he takes off down the isle and walks right up to Jaque. He speaks with her about how God came into his heart. Blayne helps her into her chair. Soon they head up the isle to the alter. He shares with her that God wants her to know that she will walk again. that God wants her to keep faith and know that th miracle is coming. He said, I am not really sur eif it will be today, but he wants you to know it is going to happen. he told her that she had some kind of pain in her life and God wants her free of it. He told her that God wanted to make sure what she knew who was #2 in her life. She said my family. I grinned, but he said it is you Jaque. That your number 2 in your healing. god is 1st. Now this is funny because she had told me this morning on our way out the door that her visit to Texas A&m was great because several people noticed her IAMSECOND bracelet. Now, he is telling her God wants to ensure she knows that she is indeed second. Then he talked with her about the healing God has instore for her. he said he wasnt sure what God had planned, and many of the members of our church came and prayed for her. I heard those loving prayers, hugs, tears.... All around her. It was the Elders and children. It was spectacular. It was wonderful to know that God uses those around us to deliver messages. Those that are faithful to him are bold and confident in making sure we hear his voice. I could type much more about what happens, but not sure I could do it the justice it deserves. I know in my heart that God is working on her. I know the things he has in store, and our church praying for her strengthens the love and Grace. He said that he knew God has great plans for her and a special purpose to fulfill. The past few weeks she has been working with some young softball girls. She is so great with them. She gives them confidence and the attitude they need, not just to get through the game, but to get through life. Also, our tour of Texas A&M Texarkana was great. I think she is secretly already packing. The facilities were great, nice, new and FLAT!! Seems just like that is exactly where her next path leads. And God willing, her friend Kelsie will be there with her. What does God have in store for ms Jaque? I am not quite sure, but I am thankful to be along for a ride. The story of Easter reminds us what price was paid for our salvation. It proved that faith is enough. Praying for those that do not know the love of Jesus is a very important part of being a Christian. Make sure that when they see you, they are seeing something in you that they want for themselves. Make sure they see Jesus. And when he commands you to step up and speak, follow his lead. And as for Ms Jaque and what I witnessed this morning, only one phrase comes to mind. I think I will tag it as the future...... It's NO DOUBT. Amen, and have a wonderful day everyone.