Wonderful Reason for the Season!

What a great Thanksgiving we had. Our family is so wonderful. Jaque, Jaron, Lindi, and Toby had a wonderful time hunting. It was kind of funny, because as soon as Jaque got her deer this year, Chris seem to loose interest. He still went to the woods, but watching the deer took priority over getting a deer in gun season.

What changes our "love" for something? Do outside forces mold our view of what is important in life, or as we age do we simply pattern what we love by those we love?

I thought that Chris and I were both going to pop waiting on Jaque to get home from GA. She and Eddie had a great time. You would all be proud to know that Eddie was the perfect "flier." It was their first trip together, but alone. I had no doubts that Jaque and Eddie would both excel as usual. I love the fact that their personalities are so alike. Fearless, and confident.

Want you all to share in God's glory and mystery with our family. Jaque went to see Gary, the leg brace builder at Snell's in Little Rock on Tuesday. SHE HAS GROWN ALMOST THREE INCHES SINCE FIRST BEING SIZED. We have heard since her accident, "you should be about done growing." And a new chair, now re-sizing of braces, and a whole bunch of high-water jeans later.........still growing. God's just simply not finished with her yet. You would all also be proud to know that Jaque, Eddie, and I went shopping, and had room left in the "cube."

She is finishing up her first semester of school. I hate to admit it, but I really do not care what grades she makes this semester. I know some of you are shaking your heads at me. But think about it. Jaque has been up rolling around, going hunting, going fishing, riding 4-wheelers, shooting guns, mudding, going to GA, and taking college classes.

Good Lord. Yes, he is a good Lord our God. She is doing it. As we drove into little rock, I had a pit in my stomach of the night we drove in of her accident. Not knowing if she was waiting on me and Chris. Not knowing much of anything other than "Uncle Matt" had lied and stated he was a relative to keep up with the info. Him being a former EMT, could understand the talk and kept peeking at the board. I almost got emotional when I thought about all that changed for Jaque that night. I am almost that way now. Then I think.......wow, look at her GO! What an amazing young woman. Day in and day out, she makes me smile, she makes me laugh, and she makes me love her more than I thought imaginable.

God gave his son for us. He did not give a few abilities that his son had, he gave HIS son for us.

I heard Jaque telling a friend "Why did you not ask me to go bowling?" Her friend said something, (they were just talking, not arguing or anything like that) Then she said, "yes I can bowl, if I want to do it, I can do it. I can do anything that I put my mind to. No...I am not sure I would like it, but I would try it and see."

I read about a coach for Bethany OK, John Griffis. He passed away in Nov. He was working on his roof, and fell. Something that he did on the side in the summer for money. Something he was used to doing. He left behind a wonderful family. I have been reading their blog at teamgriffis.blogspot.com Please pray for his family.

Life is too short to waste time on the little things that hurt us, depress us, stress us....It is a precious gift that is giving and should not be taken for granted. This Christmas, try hard to remember that he gave us the "Gift."

I cannot express enough to all of you how wonderful Jaque is doing. She is young, and still growing, inside and out. God has touched her in a way that we can "Only imagine" and I know that she is put here to share with us all.

One last thing, she was talking to me the other night about her daddy. She was saying that she almost felt sad for people that did not have one like him. He is unselfish with his love and with his time. As we were talking about him, I never remember a time in her ENTIRE life that she needed him, and he was not there. Even with work and games....he would tell her, "Are you going to be ok with me not there" and in the few times she said, I really need you daddy...she came first. Numero Uno! None of us are without fault. But Jaque really has wonderful role models in the MAN department. Whoever does get lucky enought to catch her wheels -- will have big shoes to fill. And no doubt that God will have Chris ready to step up whenever she needs him.

You never get a moment back that passes. You may get an opportunity to correct mistakes, if you get lucky. But moments are never given on credit. Take time to cherish your kids. I love you all and hope that if you ever need anyone to talk to, give ol' Jaque a call. She will always surprise you with her youthful wisdom. Sweet Jesus, AMEN.