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.