20 minutes - what can you get done?

I have struggled over posting the blog this week. So much I want to say, but cannot seem to get my fingers on it. So - I hope I do this justice.

What can you do with 20 minutes of your day? Just think about it. Think about what you have already done today, think about what you have planned tonight.

Well, PRAISE GOD, 20 minutes at a time. I have a feeling that this blog will be one of many to come so just hang on for the ride.......and know that God is riding shotgun.

Last week Jaque and Payton went to Chance's for theraphy. She got in her braces and got out the walker that mimi gave her. Quite honestly, nothing I can type can put into words how it felt to hear it from Payton. He said "tell her what you did." Jaque said ok. He said "tell her what you did." She said OK. Apparently Chance worked with both of them on how to manuver in the braces. And she walked accross his office with them.

Using Payton to brace her and help with balance, she went 60 feet in 20 minutes. Wow, AIN'T GOD GREAT.

Last night, as they were riding around, he was telling her that she needed to eat good, cause she was getting to walk again today. Funny how God works in our lives, isn't it. We think we have it all planned out, and he tells us it is his plan. And, so long as we, individually, get on track with the will he has for us, his plan is great.

In the dictonary, the definition of the word walk is -- intransitive verb to move or travel on legs and feet, alternately putting one foot a comfortable distance in front of, or sometimes behind, the other, and usually proceeding at a moderate pace. When walking, as opposed to running, one of the feet is always in contact with the ground, the one being put down as or before the other is lifted.

Guys - Jaque walked. God and medical science found the tools, and she provided the sheer will and determination. On August 10, 2009 Jaque got to her feet, and by definition, walked.

In softball, when she was pitching 2.73 k's per inning, it was hard to remember a time when we were glad to just see the ball go over the plate. It wasn't long, though, she had to either strike them out, or walk them. See, the batters were afraid of her, so they were scared to even get in the box, much less swing.

Now, here we are again. The devil is in the box, trying to see what she has got. At church on Sunday, Pastor Jason said that it is good times in your life that the devil attacks you. He tries to steal the glory from you.

Guess he will be knocking on her door, because glory from God she is receiving. Remember her in prayer as we all know the Glory is on its way, in small steps, but it is on its way.

Sometimes we get so busy pointing out someone's flaws, we forget that they could be the key to our life being more complete. Jaque could easily have a pity party for herself (I know she has earned it) But because of softball, because of four-wheeling, because of hunting, because of you........she is setting her sights high. Luckily, our great family and friends have been beside us every step of the way. God has blessed us so much. I pray for those out there in this world that do not have this luxury. For day it is ours on Earth, and tomorrow it will be ours in Heaven.

When Chris and I look to our daughter, we are so proud of her accomplishments. We are so thankful that God blessed us with more time with her. We are humbly thankful that you are all a part of this. We could not have made it without you.

Jer 30:17 says that God will restore health unto her and heal her of thy wounds. Do you beileve it today? Do you confess that God is real and working in all of our lives. If you do, say a praise unto him and thank him. For the best part about this is that God IS working on Jaque, but he is so awesome, that he is working for you too!!!

love you all, and will update soon with photo's.

When you are down and out, he will help you on your feet.

What a wonderful trip we had. It was so great seeing everyone. Grandma Kay and Grandma Donna fed us well. Papa Carl, too! It was nice seeing our Aunt's and Uncle's and cousin's. Jaque had such a great time shopping with Deanna. It was one of those trips. Do you know what I am talking about? Usually trips come and go. You are so rushed. But every once and awhile, God sends one your way that makes you feel blessed.

In those trips, the hugs are better and you really feel like you are exactly where God wants you to be. Conversations mean more, and while you are catching up with family and friends time just sees to miss a beat or two. Getting to see Chrystal, Andrew, McKenzie, Roxi, Deanna, and Arian was so great. And Lindsey and Cody came over too!

Jaque, Eddie, and Payton arrived at OKC shortly before Chris and I did. They went and ate and did a little bit of shopping. This is an important fact. Remember it. When we got there, we met up with them at Bass Pro. We all had a fairly quite night, and then made plans to get up and go shopping the next morning before heading to the big BFDC - Elk City area.

Chris and I went down to get breakfast for us all. As we were eating, out strolled a group of softball players, about Jaque's age. Their coaches were right beside us, plotting the strategy for the day. I have to admit, it was quite emotional for Chris and I both. Especially when a mom came up and asked me if we played today.

As I sit there, I thought - my how hard would this have been if my little girl Jaque would not have made it through the past year and 1/2. I thought how hard life would be without her blessing it everyday.

Long story short, We went back up to the room with breakfast and got on our way. I commented to Jaque when we were alone how it was hard to see them , and hard on her dad. She said that they too saw them last night with their gear and long socks on. She said she told Payton that they just did not know who they were looking at. That she was a stud. Funny how our perspectives are. She is so right. She is one and a million.

We are enrolling her in classes this week, and it seems the devil is chasing us. The Vocational Rehab person is dragging foot at every chance. That is the devil. Pure and simple. Does the devil know that I rebuke him in the name of my Lord? I am sure that Grandma BJ is beside me in doing this.

Someone close to me confided that they were really having a tough time right now. It seems like all is going against them. I told that I thought maybe that they were going through this so that their life could be used as witness to someone that did not have their strength. God has something special in mind for each of us. If we realize each day that what we say affects those around us, and that we could be saying the words that gives someone the confidence they need or the empowerment to stand up straight and move forward ---- we would realize how powerful our God is. If you love someone, build their walls up, and do not spend time on imperfections that might make them seem flawed. Sometimes they are just waiting seeking someone that will throw them a life line. So next time you want to play judge, play witness instead. Yes, i am saying this to myself as well.

See - my Jaque has taught me that she is perfection. As imperfect as all we humans are, she is perfect in that when the devil set her on her butt ---- she found a way to get back on her feet. Slow, sure, and steady wins the race. And you see more along the trip as well.

Today, will you be the one that sits and watches, or will you be the one to jump to your feet - however possible - and help? May God bless you today. May he send you a ray of hope when it seems dark.

I will keep you all posted as college creeps closer every day. She rode her FES bike yesterday and is off to Chances and PT with braces today. She is wearing her new white AERO sweats. We laughed last night thinking if she wore crazy underwear someone would see the print now. Ain't God Great. I know I got a laugh out of you all on that. Busy, busy, busy. That's just Jaque - and college coming fast -- wow! She is awesome.

Thought you'd be shorter!

What an amazing journey we have been on. Normally, one would say this in reference to something that they, by choice, involved themselves in. But what about our lives is normal?

The journey with Jaque since she has been little has been one of no limits, pure determination, and very strong will. I do not know of anything in her life that she wanted to do, and didn't eventually get it done. As a younger child just starting softball, she was told that she would never make a pitcher. That she needed to settle for where the coach put her. Actually, she was told that they would let her pitch on the "easy" games that we knew we would win anyway. Well...that lasted one game. She started in a game that was a no brainer. You know, where the girls do not know how to stand, never held a bat, and their coaches actually fixd their hair and make-up before the game. OK - so the visual is set. After pitching about four innings, with only walks or k's.......the caoch (Mr. Crabtree her principle) walked up to me and said, "I think I might have misjudged this." "Jaque is gonna talk the hard games, and the other girl can have the easiest."

Well, it really proved not to be because the batters were no good, but that Jaque seemed to have this ZONE that she went into, and when she was in it....teams feared her. Amazing thing about it was.......umpires throughout the county, and from Dallas, to Houston, to Colorado, to Utah just love her. She never really stepped off the mound after that day. See, she had met her destiny. She had found a place that she could release, and that she earned respect.

Yesterday, with a little bit of uncertainty in her eyes, I could not help but feeling that I had been here before. Where she was just standing in a spot where her destiny would again be fullfilled. As I watched her work with the doc's getting the braces on, she made them laugh and in ten minutes, they were joking like they had known her forever. Forget that they usually get off at 5pm, it was now 6:30pm and they were talking to her about motorcycles. Then she stood, with the help of parallel bars, she stood with God and medical science teaming up....for the first real time since her wreck. One of the doc's walked us out. Tried to get her to burn the tires when we pulled off, yep, he knew her well in just a short time.

When we got home, we ran in and put on one of her favorite pair of jeans. Yep - you guessed it, had to show that booty off. Hadn't got to do that in a while, so had to look good. And, in true Jaque fashion, she has lost weight, but still got the cutiest BKE butt around. So-------with Chris and Payton in the living room talking about something to get in trouble with, I am sure, we snuck around to the front porch. We pulled to the corner, and locked her braces out. Then I went into the living room and told then to come outside. Payton looked a little nervous, Chris about jumped through me to get to the porch. As they turned the corner to go out the door, I hit the light, and their she stood. Our beautiful little girl. 5'8"+ and looking just as healthy as you and I....their she was. I think both of those boys were fighting back tears. She was grinning from ear to ear. She told Payton he better learn to dance.

We talked for a while, and then went back inside.

I just want to confess to you all that I feel privledged that God allowed me to share that moment with her. That Chris, Payton, and I were there to see her smile. And for all of you reading, it won't be long and you will see it to.

See, about a year ago, the doctor said that he did not think that they would be for Jaque. But she got her self ready for them, and would not settle for the box they tried to put her in. Nothing about her is text book. She makes her own boundaries,and history tells me they are far more reaching than we can imagine.

As we were driving home, she told me to look at the sky, sun was setting and you could see the layers of the clouds. At that moment God spoke to me. He said she is just now on the first few layers. And as she works, she is working toward the light. She is working toward him. Some of the layers were thicker than others, but the sun's rays peeked through. God was saying, I am here. No matter how thick or difficult it has been, or might be.......I am here. And the glory Jaque and our family has rec'd to this point is nothing in comparison to what God has in store for us.

She is my light. She is fortunate to have the best daddy in the world. Close second to him is Papa Danny, Papa Larry, and Papa Phil. We are all works in progress, Jaque's light shines far and wide. I hope that she is touching you in some kind of way. I told her that this is a new beginning. Doesn't mean she will walk tomorrow, but she is standing on her own two feet, and that is a great accomplishment for her. I am so proud.

If you are finding that something in your life is clouding your vision, please remember that if you are only seeing the clouds you are not looking hard enough. Because there is always blue sky out there, you just must trust beyond what your eyes can see, you must have unwavering faith, and stand firm that God has a purpose for you.

Prasie him for the blessings in our lives, and mostly for our wonderful family.