Sorry guys. I made a mistake on Deanna's test. It was ELK City and not Okie City. I am sorry that I had the town wrong, but appreciate your prayers. You know how scatter brained I am, and i think my hearing is slipping a bit.
I would like to share a quick story with you. I have had an issue weighing heavy on my heart and mind. I have been praying about it. You know one of those things that are between you and the big man. We all have them. Those that you do not want to worry family or friends, those that are really small, but important none the less. Well, the other night I had asked God that he show me the way on this. Then I fell asleep. In my dream a man from my church appeared. I respect him very much. He told me that he did not really need to know the details of what I was going through. He said God knew. Just as plain as day he said, "Carol, it is not the issue that God is worried about. It is the actions that caused it. Carol, God will forgive the action, but you must change the behavior that caused it." Wow. That is powerful. He said that God forgives us and washes away the sin no matter how big or small. But we must do our best to change our actions that led us to it.
This is so true for little things, or big ones. It is so true even when we question God's reasons or our own understandings. He will be there for us, he is always there. While Jaque was in the shower last night, I shared this with her. It, to me, was a powerful message that all people need to understand. I wanted to say YOUNG people, but the more I think about it, it is for us all.
Whether we are feeling bitter over the things that are tough in our lives, or if we are just struggling in this wonderful ecomony, God is there for us. We must live each day trying to be the best we can, and that is all he really asks of us.
I pray for Jaque. I pray that each day she feels the love of at least one of you. I pray that a day does not go by that someone is not praying for her.
We are all going through a battle. Question is are we going to lay down as the army closes in on us, or are we going to gather our friends around and fight any way that we know how? Guess that is why they call them PRAYER WARRIORS. Be one with me.
Can you imagine the past year without God in our lives? I cannot.
Jaque's theraphy is going well. She loves going to Chance's and working out. Eddie and Sassy fight over who gets to sleep with her at night. Today at school they took Softball and Basketball pictures. She had to wear her jersey. Good ol' #8 and #30. I almost cried when I saw her with her softball one on. She looked gorgeous. She was radiant. God saved her that she could be here. God has a plan for her. And she says if he will hurry, she might could flunk out and play her senior year with Courtney and Celeste. She said she might look kind of funny running, but that would be ok. I bet none would be laughing, just lots of crying.
May God restore health unto Jaque and heal her of her wounds. All things are possible. And last but not least, in true Jaque Hall fashion, BOW UP! geez.
love you all. Carol
Cave Conquered!
Picture is worth 1000 words!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Together We Can
**Please pray for Deanna. She will go to OKC tomorrow for a medical test. Pray that the doctor's are guided by God. Pray for her strength and that God will give her peace in her heart to not worry.**
Have you ever been alone? I mean absolutely alone? I am thinking that physically, we all have been there. The struggles we face when we are alone seem so massive at times. Those situations that we find ourselves in seem so massive. They consume us.
Now that you are all thinking of a specific moment in your life........Now think about who was there. Think about how you made it through, and who was really there when the chips were down. I know that God is always there, here, everywhere...but it is amazing to me who his messengers are.
God has blessed us so much. It seems if something is seemingly going wrong, I will get a simple text from someone that they most likely sent to more than just me. But it doesn't matter who they sent it to, I know that it was meant for me.
Jaque is doing well. She is really growing up. We had a great tour of Texarkana College. It was nice to see familiar VIPER chicks there. Jaque got her ACT score back. It is not quite where it needs to be, but she did the best yet on the reading. For all the fighting that her and Mrs. Smith do (her English teacher, and friend)she had to call her first and tell her.
It is hard knowing what we thought we would be doing right now. It is hard for her also. But it is really a small detail when you think about what we have been through. Jaque has been so great. I hope that she knows just how proud of her that I am. I know that in her heart and soul she knows that the plan that God has for her will make the first 16 years look "kind of slow."
Keep up the prayers, we really need them. And remember, all in our family, you are never alone. We are hear for each other. May God give your peace in your life and prayer in your heart.
Have you ever been alone? I mean absolutely alone? I am thinking that physically, we all have been there. The struggles we face when we are alone seem so massive at times. Those situations that we find ourselves in seem so massive. They consume us.
Now that you are all thinking of a specific moment in your life........Now think about who was there. Think about how you made it through, and who was really there when the chips were down. I know that God is always there, here, everywhere...but it is amazing to me who his messengers are.
God has blessed us so much. It seems if something is seemingly going wrong, I will get a simple text from someone that they most likely sent to more than just me. But it doesn't matter who they sent it to, I know that it was meant for me.
Jaque is doing well. She is really growing up. We had a great tour of Texarkana College. It was nice to see familiar VIPER chicks there. Jaque got her ACT score back. It is not quite where it needs to be, but she did the best yet on the reading. For all the fighting that her and Mrs. Smith do (her English teacher, and friend)she had to call her first and tell her.
It is hard knowing what we thought we would be doing right now. It is hard for her also. But it is really a small detail when you think about what we have been through. Jaque has been so great. I hope that she knows just how proud of her that I am. I know that in her heart and soul she knows that the plan that God has for her will make the first 16 years look "kind of slow."
Keep up the prayers, we really need them. And remember, all in our family, you are never alone. We are hear for each other. May God give your peace in your life and prayer in your heart.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Jaque Hall returns to the court for Haworth!
As appeared in the Mccurtain Sunday Gazette
By Brad Reesing
HAWORTH – The last points scored in basketball games generally receive most of the attention.
But it was the first bucket sank in Friday’s tilt between Haworth and Battiest that will be remembered.
Jaque Hall, who suffered a spinal cord injury in January 2008, made her first appearance on the court Friday. Hall, who uses a wheelchair, was announced as a starter.
She was pushed down the court by fellow senior Ashley Wilson and scored the first bucket of the game, after missing a couple of shots.
Haworth coach Amanda Reynolds and Battiest coach David McDonald discussed the plan for senior night before the game.
McDonald said it was an honor to take part. When Hall made the bucket, the crowd erupted. Actually, the crowd clapped every time she took a shot.
“It was a pretty neat moment,” said McDonald.
“It was loud,” said Reynolds.
Haworth scored two buckets and Battiest had one before a timeout was called and Hall left the game.
Hall had asked her coach earlier in the day if it would be OK for her to get on the court one more time. Reynolds ran it through the proper channels and received the nod.
Hall, a determined competitor, immediately went to the court and worked on her shot with teammate Courtney Maye before anyone showed up at the gym.
“I had to make sure I could make it up to the goal,” she said. “I was not going to not make it.”
She was nervous when 6:30 p.m. finally rolled around.
“I was scared,” she said. “I could not believe that the coach let me go out there. And then I was mad that I didn’t make it the first time.”
“The girls told me to keep on trying, I wanted to quit,” said Hall. “They wouldn’t let me give up,”
Hall has not been a stranger to Haworth’s games.
“I have only missed one all year,” she said.
She stays on the bench. Hall wore a jersey for the first home game.
“But that’s the first time I’ve been out there on the court with it,” she said.
Hall had not played in a game in more than a year.
“It was pretty awesome,” she said.
Her parents, Chris and Carol Hall, didn’t know about the plans until they arrived Friday evening.
“It was pretty exciting,” said Carol Hall.
Hall continues her rehabilitation two days a week by lifting weights and stretching in Idabel. She will graduate from Haworth in May and plans to attend college in Texarkana, majoring in business.
She actually bagged a couple of deer in hunting season, taking a 10-pointer and an 8-pointer near her grandmother’s place in Burns Flat.
While her shooting touch may be off a little, Hall is still the same competitor that made her one of the region’s finest softball pitchers. That spirit was on display Friday.
Play every game like its your last, is one of her favorite expressions.
By Brad Reesing
HAWORTH – The last points scored in basketball games generally receive most of the attention.
But it was the first bucket sank in Friday’s tilt between Haworth and Battiest that will be remembered.
Jaque Hall, who suffered a spinal cord injury in January 2008, made her first appearance on the court Friday. Hall, who uses a wheelchair, was announced as a starter.
She was pushed down the court by fellow senior Ashley Wilson and scored the first bucket of the game, after missing a couple of shots.
Haworth coach Amanda Reynolds and Battiest coach David McDonald discussed the plan for senior night before the game.
McDonald said it was an honor to take part. When Hall made the bucket, the crowd erupted. Actually, the crowd clapped every time she took a shot.
“It was a pretty neat moment,” said McDonald.
“It was loud,” said Reynolds.
Haworth scored two buckets and Battiest had one before a timeout was called and Hall left the game.
Hall had asked her coach earlier in the day if it would be OK for her to get on the court one more time. Reynolds ran it through the proper channels and received the nod.
Hall, a determined competitor, immediately went to the court and worked on her shot with teammate Courtney Maye before anyone showed up at the gym.
“I had to make sure I could make it up to the goal,” she said. “I was not going to not make it.”
She was nervous when 6:30 p.m. finally rolled around.
“I was scared,” she said. “I could not believe that the coach let me go out there. And then I was mad that I didn’t make it the first time.”
“The girls told me to keep on trying, I wanted to quit,” said Hall. “They wouldn’t let me give up,”
Hall has not been a stranger to Haworth’s games.
“I have only missed one all year,” she said.
She stays on the bench. Hall wore a jersey for the first home game.
“But that’s the first time I’ve been out there on the court with it,” she said.
Hall had not played in a game in more than a year.
“It was pretty awesome,” she said.
Her parents, Chris and Carol Hall, didn’t know about the plans until they arrived Friday evening.
“It was pretty exciting,” said Carol Hall.
Hall continues her rehabilitation two days a week by lifting weights and stretching in Idabel. She will graduate from Haworth in May and plans to attend college in Texarkana, majoring in business.
She actually bagged a couple of deer in hunting season, taking a 10-pointer and an 8-pointer near her grandmother’s place in Burns Flat.
While her shooting touch may be off a little, Hall is still the same competitor that made her one of the region’s finest softball pitchers. That spirit was on display Friday.
Play every game like its your last, is one of her favorite expressions.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What has God done for you lately?
Seems simple enough, doesn't it. Well, God is healing Grandma Kay and Papa Danny. Praise him for their health.
Wanted to share about Eddie with you all. When we found out that Eddie needed surgery, we were very concerned. He has become such a part of our lives. He was hurting and needed us. To make a long story as short as I can, we took Eddie to Dr. Old in Texarkana. After his exam and x-rays, we knew one thing for sure - Dr. Old knew his stuff. He explained to us in such great detail what Eddie is and would go go through for recovery.
So, next step was to call Ramona and Tim. Our concern was that GCI would help financially, but standard policy was for Eddie to go to GA for surgery. We were concerned about jaque and sassy. What would they do with out eddie? But we also wanted the best for eddie. So, while sitting in the hot tub (praise God) we talked about pro's and con's of each. The cost was so great, but eddie going to GA was a cost that was even greater. Chris and Tim spoke about it, and Chris sadi we would decide in two days. I told Chris and Jaque all we could do was pray. Chris said that we needed to make a decision. I told him that we did not know what to do, and i would pray that God would let us know by tomorrow. i was on my way to lunch, thinking about it, what was money worth. We could do a lot with jaque theraphy wise with that money....but shouldn't our love for Eddie come first?
So, as i sit at Sonic, chris text me and said that Tim and Ramona talked with the board and they agreed to pay a big part of the surgery, and Eddie could stay here!! Praise God. So we immediately called and scheduled it for Friday. Eddie came through surgery on Friday well, and Dr. Old's wife, Nell, called me to make plans for us to pick Eddie up sat. So on Saturday we met her in Texarkana (Chris, Jaque, and I) to get ol' eddie. When she arrived, she had her son, Travis and daughter, mary Catherine, with her. Her daughter came in with her and talked a little basketball with Jaque. You can just tell a kid with a love for the game, and this was one. Jaque told her that she had played in Sr night and made two points. When Mrs. Old handed me the paperwork for Eddie, my check was attached. She said that she and her husband had spoken and wanted to do this for us, for Jaque and Eddie. Praise God again. How good is he? How good are those that do things in his name? Wow, I was speachless. Jaque factor alive and well. As we were leaving, she was letting jaque know that they had just hired a "hot" guy to work, and would plan eddie's follow up appointments around that. Funny, she had only met jaque briefly and was making a great impact. PRAISE GOD FOR DR OLD AND HIS ENITRE FAMILY. May they receive back x 10 what they have given. Their website is www.richmondroadvet.com Pray for them today.
I hope they understand what they have done. As God progresses with Jaque, people like Dr. Old and Nell - Georgia Canines for Independence and Ramona and Tim (www.gcidogs.org) - will be blessed as well.
Love you all
Carol
Wanted to share about Eddie with you all. When we found out that Eddie needed surgery, we were very concerned. He has become such a part of our lives. He was hurting and needed us. To make a long story as short as I can, we took Eddie to Dr. Old in Texarkana. After his exam and x-rays, we knew one thing for sure - Dr. Old knew his stuff. He explained to us in such great detail what Eddie is and would go go through for recovery.
So, next step was to call Ramona and Tim. Our concern was that GCI would help financially, but standard policy was for Eddie to go to GA for surgery. We were concerned about jaque and sassy. What would they do with out eddie? But we also wanted the best for eddie. So, while sitting in the hot tub (praise God) we talked about pro's and con's of each. The cost was so great, but eddie going to GA was a cost that was even greater. Chris and Tim spoke about it, and Chris sadi we would decide in two days. I told Chris and Jaque all we could do was pray. Chris said that we needed to make a decision. I told him that we did not know what to do, and i would pray that God would let us know by tomorrow. i was on my way to lunch, thinking about it, what was money worth. We could do a lot with jaque theraphy wise with that money....but shouldn't our love for Eddie come first?
So, as i sit at Sonic, chris text me and said that Tim and Ramona talked with the board and they agreed to pay a big part of the surgery, and Eddie could stay here!! Praise God. So we immediately called and scheduled it for Friday. Eddie came through surgery on Friday well, and Dr. Old's wife, Nell, called me to make plans for us to pick Eddie up sat. So on Saturday we met her in Texarkana (Chris, Jaque, and I) to get ol' eddie. When she arrived, she had her son, Travis and daughter, mary Catherine, with her. Her daughter came in with her and talked a little basketball with Jaque. You can just tell a kid with a love for the game, and this was one. Jaque told her that she had played in Sr night and made two points. When Mrs. Old handed me the paperwork for Eddie, my check was attached. She said that she and her husband had spoken and wanted to do this for us, for Jaque and Eddie. Praise God again. How good is he? How good are those that do things in his name? Wow, I was speachless. Jaque factor alive and well. As we were leaving, she was letting jaque know that they had just hired a "hot" guy to work, and would plan eddie's follow up appointments around that. Funny, she had only met jaque briefly and was making a great impact. PRAISE GOD FOR DR OLD AND HIS ENITRE FAMILY. May they receive back x 10 what they have given. Their website is www.richmondroadvet.com Pray for them today.
I hope they understand what they have done. As God progresses with Jaque, people like Dr. Old and Nell - Georgia Canines for Independence and Ramona and Tim (www.gcidogs.org) - will be blessed as well.
Love you all
Carol
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Friends are forever!
While visiting Little Rock, Jaque got in the hotel hot tub. Yes, we were very careful on the temp of the water. Jaque loved it so much that when we got out of doctor's office we went immediately started looking and pricing.
As you know, we are trying to be very smart with money. Because of economy, we are being even more cautious. So, in seeing that the good ones are $7000 +, we knew it would be difficult. So, only thing I knew was to pray about it.
Chris went to work the next week and was talking with his buddies on what to look for, and pricing. And then......through a friend called Chaney......prayer was answered. He had one given to him by a friend, not sure if it needed work or not....but if Jaque wanted....she could have it. Yes, HAVE IT. So we went and looked, and thought it was worth a shot. Really, if we could not get it going with Chris, Toby, and Bo - it was not possible. So, Chaney delivered it, yes he is a good man and has a wonderful family as well. Chris got the power ran to Jaque's back porch and got his meter out. With a huge help from Uncle Toby, they got it running. Then the real test, with help from Jordie and Jaron....we filled it with water. And guess what....yes, in true Jaque factor.....it works. What a blessing. What a testimony to God. He tells us that we must seek him, and we will find what we need. Ask and we shall be answered.
God is good, and he is working on our Jaque. She is enjoying going to Chance's PT. He is a great person, and God is working through him.
Life is busy, homecoming tonight, senior night on Friday, and ACT Saturday. Jaque got her acceptance letter to Texarkana College, so if it is in God's plan, I know it will work out.
I have a few prayer request. Eddie (Jaque's service Lab) will undergo surgery on his "doggie ACL" on Friday.
Uncle Glen Ledbetter passed away this Saturday. He was a great uncle, and good family man. Chris will be traveling to western OK to be with the family. Keep his wife Betty, daughters Julie and Tina, and all the family in your prayers.
Grandma Kay is still recovering for her knees and Grandma Donna has been under weather.
Pray for our president and that he continue to pave the way for stem cell research.
There are many more, but lastly, pray for Jaque. Senior year, busy as ever, she is such a great young woman. With friends and boys, life is such a learning experience at her age. She has gone through a lot this past year. She is so beautiful and deserving of friends that are true and a boy that is all that she wants. (Thanks Uncle Tyler for stressing what a guy can be, you are great!)
She will roll in homecoming tonight with Nina and Eddie. She made the disk for the music, and was insistant that her song was "I'll Walk." She will be a show stopper. Thank you all for every thought and prayer. Continue to share her story, 'cause God is not done with her yet. She does not know when, nor how (other than knowing God is the way) but she does know that she will.
As you know, we are trying to be very smart with money. Because of economy, we are being even more cautious. So, in seeing that the good ones are $7000 +, we knew it would be difficult. So, only thing I knew was to pray about it.
Chris went to work the next week and was talking with his buddies on what to look for, and pricing. And then......through a friend called Chaney......prayer was answered. He had one given to him by a friend, not sure if it needed work or not....but if Jaque wanted....she could have it. Yes, HAVE IT. So we went and looked, and thought it was worth a shot. Really, if we could not get it going with Chris, Toby, and Bo - it was not possible. So, Chaney delivered it, yes he is a good man and has a wonderful family as well. Chris got the power ran to Jaque's back porch and got his meter out. With a huge help from Uncle Toby, they got it running. Then the real test, with help from Jordie and Jaron....we filled it with water. And guess what....yes, in true Jaque factor.....it works. What a blessing. What a testimony to God. He tells us that we must seek him, and we will find what we need. Ask and we shall be answered.
God is good, and he is working on our Jaque. She is enjoying going to Chance's PT. He is a great person, and God is working through him.
Life is busy, homecoming tonight, senior night on Friday, and ACT Saturday. Jaque got her acceptance letter to Texarkana College, so if it is in God's plan, I know it will work out.
I have a few prayer request. Eddie (Jaque's service Lab) will undergo surgery on his "doggie ACL" on Friday.
Uncle Glen Ledbetter passed away this Saturday. He was a great uncle, and good family man. Chris will be traveling to western OK to be with the family. Keep his wife Betty, daughters Julie and Tina, and all the family in your prayers.
Grandma Kay is still recovering for her knees and Grandma Donna has been under weather.
Pray for our president and that he continue to pave the way for stem cell research.
There are many more, but lastly, pray for Jaque. Senior year, busy as ever, she is such a great young woman. With friends and boys, life is such a learning experience at her age. She has gone through a lot this past year. She is so beautiful and deserving of friends that are true and a boy that is all that she wants. (Thanks Uncle Tyler for stressing what a guy can be, you are great!)
She will roll in homecoming tonight with Nina and Eddie. She made the disk for the music, and was insistant that her song was "I'll Walk." She will be a show stopper. Thank you all for every thought and prayer. Continue to share her story, 'cause God is not done with her yet. She does not know when, nor how (other than knowing God is the way) but she does know that she will.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Mark your calendar
Just want to start by telling everyone to mark your calendar for Sunday, MAY 17 at 2:00 pm. This is graduation. Also, since it is on a Sunday, we have decided to have a HUGE graduation party on Saturday afternoon. This way everyone can head out after graduation. We will be getting announcement and pictures out to you all soon. If you are reading this, make sure that we have your address. We would like to send everyone a senior picture!!! so call me if you have questions, and we will keep you posted on details.
We had a great turn out for Jaque's surprise birthday party. 18 - cannot believe it. We were looking through pictures for the senior slide show. It was so great to see how involved our family has been in Jaque's life. I really appreciate our family and feel that we are sooo lucky. God has truely blessed us.
God has been working in our lives. 2009 is going to be very busy, and staying focused on what needs to be done is difficult. But just yesterday God reminded me that if it seems like you are struggling with something, it is because you are trying to take control. Ultimately, he is in control, and the more we try to be the leader, the more we will mess it up. But if we remember that in his time he will right the wrong, he will do his will......then an ease will overcome us, and we will be calmed in our hearts.
Our family is needing prayer, Grandma Kay and her knees, Papa Danny, Aunt Belinda and her famly, Lane and Lyndi and the new baby...I could go on and on. But today I confess that we need God in our lives and may he use Jaque and her Jer 30:17 to work miracles in our lives. May remember where we were one year ago and draw on the strength that holds us together as one family.
Jaque is a wonderful young woman. She will start PT with "Chance" on Monday. He is in Idabel. God has sent him to us to stay close to home. As I walked into his office I realized that this is where we needed to be. "Chance" knows Jaque well, and has worked with her in the past. I think that he is the link that we have been missing. He told me that he did not know much about her injury but would do the best he could. God gave me the words to respond, we went to an expert a few weeks ago we learned nothing new, and felt defeated. In just speaking with "Chance" God says someone believing in you and knowing you are more than a number will make all the difference in the world. We are working toward getting healthy and confident in everything that we do for college!yippeee
Jaque has thrown the first pitch of the first game of the world series each of the three times we have went. Yes, they were all three strikes. We went from 16th, to 3rd, to winning it all. Why? team work, hard work, support of family, and sheer determination. So why is this any different? This is the biggest game of her life. And I don't know about you, but I am rooting just as loud as ever. I just hope that ol' devil knows that her team is stacked, even the umpires are on our side.
Homecoming is Feb 3 and our senior night is Feb 6. These will be tough on all of us, so keep us in mind, and come on down if you can. And don't forget Graduation 05/17! Love you. Carol
We had a great turn out for Jaque's surprise birthday party. 18 - cannot believe it. We were looking through pictures for the senior slide show. It was so great to see how involved our family has been in Jaque's life. I really appreciate our family and feel that we are sooo lucky. God has truely blessed us.
God has been working in our lives. 2009 is going to be very busy, and staying focused on what needs to be done is difficult. But just yesterday God reminded me that if it seems like you are struggling with something, it is because you are trying to take control. Ultimately, he is in control, and the more we try to be the leader, the more we will mess it up. But if we remember that in his time he will right the wrong, he will do his will......then an ease will overcome us, and we will be calmed in our hearts.
Our family is needing prayer, Grandma Kay and her knees, Papa Danny, Aunt Belinda and her famly, Lane and Lyndi and the new baby...I could go on and on. But today I confess that we need God in our lives and may he use Jaque and her Jer 30:17 to work miracles in our lives. May remember where we were one year ago and draw on the strength that holds us together as one family.
Jaque is a wonderful young woman. She will start PT with "Chance" on Monday. He is in Idabel. God has sent him to us to stay close to home. As I walked into his office I realized that this is where we needed to be. "Chance" knows Jaque well, and has worked with her in the past. I think that he is the link that we have been missing. He told me that he did not know much about her injury but would do the best he could. God gave me the words to respond, we went to an expert a few weeks ago we learned nothing new, and felt defeated. In just speaking with "Chance" God says someone believing in you and knowing you are more than a number will make all the difference in the world. We are working toward getting healthy and confident in everything that we do for college!yippeee
Jaque has thrown the first pitch of the first game of the world series each of the three times we have went. Yes, they were all three strikes. We went from 16th, to 3rd, to winning it all. Why? team work, hard work, support of family, and sheer determination. So why is this any different? This is the biggest game of her life. And I don't know about you, but I am rooting just as loud as ever. I just hope that ol' devil knows that her team is stacked, even the umpires are on our side.
Homecoming is Feb 3 and our senior night is Feb 6. These will be tough on all of us, so keep us in mind, and come on down if you can. And don't forget Graduation 05/17! Love you. Carol
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
OMG she is almost 18
Wow. Just think back where we all were just a short 365 days ago. It was a Sunday, and I am sure we were saying our goodbye's as everyone was headed home from another long, but loving weekend. In fact, we were eagerly watching Jaque, hoping that she would stay calm enough to have surgery on January 17. As Prissy kept reminding us all of Jer 30:17 - we patiently waited.
We knew that the longer we went without surgery, the longer road of recovery we would be on. Just thinking about that occilator seems like it was not real at all. She literally had a machine forcing her lungs to stay open so that they would hold air. Seems weird now, doesn't it. As it was fast approaching, we were surprising all around us in the waiting room because we were all preparing ourselves for.......well.....for God's blessing.
Yes, we knew it was coming. Thinking of it now makes the hair on my neck stand up. She was literally one shorted out cord away from being with our maker. (or one drop of condensation) How awesome was it to experience what was going on in her room, the cards, the balloons, the banners, the pictures, the music.......all of it.
But think back for a moment the waiting room. What God did in that waiting room saved more lives than Jaque. He used our family to witness to others. To make people pray that have not ever prayed. Goodness, he brought so many friends and family that we were kicked from the waiting room. It is almost funny now. If we all knew what was happening, not with Jaque, but through her.
I always say that I know that she is an imperfect teenager, so with that said....can you believe that he picked her? Wow. And he picked our family too. As her 18 birthday approaches, it is so awesome to look back on the pictures that are her life story. In doing this I have realized one important thing.
When God made Jaque, imperfectly perfect, he indeed had a plan. There is not ONE THING that she has done in her life that is to our expectations. Whether it was climbing on the fridge before she could almost walk, learning to ride her bike, her first motorcycle, learning to swim, playing soccer, or playing baseball with the boys - one thing with her is for sure. Never to our expectations, always above and beyond, ALWAYS doing just beyond the reach set by anyone giving her limits.
Tell her she can't, and she will. Give her an inch, and she will not just take a mile, but smile at you and stick her tongue out while she does it. When a friend burns her, she is the first to forgive - and be on the phone with them at three in the morning when their boyfriend cheats on them.
As we approach her birthday, I feel blessed that she has kept my life exciting. I feel blessed that I was in line to be her mom. I know that God is preparing her right now, and she will be the one to set the "new age" recovery therapy method for spinal cord injuries. They will look at her and they will say WOW, attitude is everything. And we know Jaque is the queen of ATTITUDE. She comes by it naturally from all of us.
Love you all, and talk with you soon. Keep Grandma Kay in your prayers as she recoops. Love you spiky hair!
We knew that the longer we went without surgery, the longer road of recovery we would be on. Just thinking about that occilator seems like it was not real at all. She literally had a machine forcing her lungs to stay open so that they would hold air. Seems weird now, doesn't it. As it was fast approaching, we were surprising all around us in the waiting room because we were all preparing ourselves for.......well.....for God's blessing.
Yes, we knew it was coming. Thinking of it now makes the hair on my neck stand up. She was literally one shorted out cord away from being with our maker. (or one drop of condensation) How awesome was it to experience what was going on in her room, the cards, the balloons, the banners, the pictures, the music.......all of it.
But think back for a moment the waiting room. What God did in that waiting room saved more lives than Jaque. He used our family to witness to others. To make people pray that have not ever prayed. Goodness, he brought so many friends and family that we were kicked from the waiting room. It is almost funny now. If we all knew what was happening, not with Jaque, but through her.
I always say that I know that she is an imperfect teenager, so with that said....can you believe that he picked her? Wow. And he picked our family too. As her 18 birthday approaches, it is so awesome to look back on the pictures that are her life story. In doing this I have realized one important thing.
When God made Jaque, imperfectly perfect, he indeed had a plan. There is not ONE THING that she has done in her life that is to our expectations. Whether it was climbing on the fridge before she could almost walk, learning to ride her bike, her first motorcycle, learning to swim, playing soccer, or playing baseball with the boys - one thing with her is for sure. Never to our expectations, always above and beyond, ALWAYS doing just beyond the reach set by anyone giving her limits.
Tell her she can't, and she will. Give her an inch, and she will not just take a mile, but smile at you and stick her tongue out while she does it. When a friend burns her, she is the first to forgive - and be on the phone with them at three in the morning when their boyfriend cheats on them.
As we approach her birthday, I feel blessed that she has kept my life exciting. I feel blessed that I was in line to be her mom. I know that God is preparing her right now, and she will be the one to set the "new age" recovery therapy method for spinal cord injuries. They will look at her and they will say WOW, attitude is everything. And we know Jaque is the queen of ATTITUDE. She comes by it naturally from all of us.
Love you all, and talk with you soon. Keep Grandma Kay in your prayers as she recoops. Love you spiky hair!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy New Year
Well, here we are. It is 2009. Hope this finds you doing well. Jaque had a big night and did great. I was a little mad because she was late. As usual, she called and said she was on her way, to not worry. I was as persistant as ever, and kept on her to get home. Without going into great deatil Jaque had a choice to make. Yes, I realize teenagers are by nature screw-ups, and she is no exception. I fee; compelled to tell you all that she chose wisely. Thanks to a "friend" and his willingness to give her a ride home, Jaque did NOT ride with a drunk driver. She did NOT get in his truck that he woul wreck less than 20 minutes later. She did NOT put her life in danger. He realy is a good friend to her, I guess he is just going through a tough time, but please pray for him.
Also, I praise Jaque and all those teenagers like her that are trying hard. Kudos to you all. Dare to be different. It is often a more lonely road at first, but as kids all mature at different levels, the others will eventually learn.
Pray for Grandma Kay (spiky hair grandma) she has had double knee surgery and is on the road to recovery. We love you and are praying for you Kay! Also pray for Jaque's nephew (lol)Aryan, he and his mother need to know how important that they are to our family.
God does listen to our prayers. Sometimes it is hard for us to hear him, but know it is never hard for him to hear us. Jaque has a necklace that is a cross, it is silver with little footsteps, on the back it says "it was then that I carried you." It reminds me that we are not in control, he is. Also, it makes me think of all the footprints that I have cleaned from my floors over the years. With God, these footsteps left to "track up" our home is what carries us daily.
We have passed the one year mark. Thank God for that dreadful day that he brought to us, for we have shined through it .... all of us together. And Jaque is becoming a beautiful young lady for it. God bless the man that can catch her, she wheels really fast.
Just an FYI to those at little rock that might still keep track, we will be at Childrens on Thursday, Jan 8 for Dr M visit. And at UAMC on Jan 9 for news on where the next phase of PT might take us.
Do not think that if you are reading this........that you are not important. You are a part of the reason that Jaque is still with us. Pray for those struggling to find strength somehow in Jaque's smile. Lord knows I do every minute of every day. Love you all.
Also, I praise Jaque and all those teenagers like her that are trying hard. Kudos to you all. Dare to be different. It is often a more lonely road at first, but as kids all mature at different levels, the others will eventually learn.
Pray for Grandma Kay (spiky hair grandma) she has had double knee surgery and is on the road to recovery. We love you and are praying for you Kay! Also pray for Jaque's nephew (lol)Aryan, he and his mother need to know how important that they are to our family.
God does listen to our prayers. Sometimes it is hard for us to hear him, but know it is never hard for him to hear us. Jaque has a necklace that is a cross, it is silver with little footsteps, on the back it says "it was then that I carried you." It reminds me that we are not in control, he is. Also, it makes me think of all the footprints that I have cleaned from my floors over the years. With God, these footsteps left to "track up" our home is what carries us daily.
We have passed the one year mark. Thank God for that dreadful day that he brought to us, for we have shined through it .... all of us together. And Jaque is becoming a beautiful young lady for it. God bless the man that can catch her, she wheels really fast.
Just an FYI to those at little rock that might still keep track, we will be at Childrens on Thursday, Jan 8 for Dr M visit. And at UAMC on Jan 9 for news on where the next phase of PT might take us.
Do not think that if you are reading this........that you are not important. You are a part of the reason that Jaque is still with us. Pray for those struggling to find strength somehow in Jaque's smile. Lord knows I do every minute of every day. Love you all.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Let us be Humble
Guess what guys, we are strongly approaching a year. Can you believe that it has almost been a year? I cannot. I get overwhelmed in the thought of how you all literally dropped everything and rush to Jaque. We were a strong united front withstanding the devil. He realized that a Grandma, a Mimi, and a Mamaw were forces to strong to fold under pressue.
I know in the quiet of the nights, it was so hard to be strong, but you were. And papa's, aunts, uncles, cousins, great grandmas, friends, classmates, and teammates ----you were all so supportive.
Jaque's beauty indeeds shines through. The rays are filled with the love that you send her way, and the stories that you continue to pass on.
It has been a rough year for her class of 2009. They recently lost a young man to a gun shot accident. It was a horrible situation, and one that no one saw coming. Jaque said that the past year had made her strong. Jaque's mess-ups, her "sheer lucks", and mostly her faith in God has gotten her through. She told me that it is hard being the strong one in tough times. My comment was that she does not always have to be. She said, if i am not, who will? She is right, she is the chosen one. Each day, while still being a crazy teenager, she is realizing how awesome her circumstances really are, and how she is in control.
Each day she is looking a little healthier. We go to Little Rock on the 9th of January to speak with a specialized PT for Spinal injuries. People ask me if I am worried. I tell them that we are on God's schedule.
Last week someone entered my office. They were about in tears, realizing that the date was coming fast. I told them that it will be a happy day for me. It was the day that she showed God how hard she was willing to pitch, how fast she was willing to run, and most of all SHE SHOWED him that she was not a bench warmer, she was a starter. Praise God for her.
I also reminded them that perfection takes time. And with God on our side, it will be done.
For God will restore health unto Jaque and heal her of thy wounds. JER 30:17 Please say a prayer for her classmate Shon Tabor, 17, laid to rest on December 20, 2008. Pray for his family during this holiday season and pray for the Class of 2009.
Love you all - Merry Christmas. Carol
I know in the quiet of the nights, it was so hard to be strong, but you were. And papa's, aunts, uncles, cousins, great grandmas, friends, classmates, and teammates ----you were all so supportive.
Jaque's beauty indeeds shines through. The rays are filled with the love that you send her way, and the stories that you continue to pass on.
It has been a rough year for her class of 2009. They recently lost a young man to a gun shot accident. It was a horrible situation, and one that no one saw coming. Jaque said that the past year had made her strong. Jaque's mess-ups, her "sheer lucks", and mostly her faith in God has gotten her through. She told me that it is hard being the strong one in tough times. My comment was that she does not always have to be. She said, if i am not, who will? She is right, she is the chosen one. Each day, while still being a crazy teenager, she is realizing how awesome her circumstances really are, and how she is in control.
Each day she is looking a little healthier. We go to Little Rock on the 9th of January to speak with a specialized PT for Spinal injuries. People ask me if I am worried. I tell them that we are on God's schedule.
Last week someone entered my office. They were about in tears, realizing that the date was coming fast. I told them that it will be a happy day for me. It was the day that she showed God how hard she was willing to pitch, how fast she was willing to run, and most of all SHE SHOWED him that she was not a bench warmer, she was a starter. Praise God for her.
I also reminded them that perfection takes time. And with God on our side, it will be done.
For God will restore health unto Jaque and heal her of thy wounds. JER 30:17 Please say a prayer for her classmate Shon Tabor, 17, laid to rest on December 20, 2008. Pray for his family during this holiday season and pray for the Class of 2009.
Love you all - Merry Christmas. Carol
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas Time is Coming!!
Well, it has been a while since we have talked. Basketball season, deer season, grandma's ......we have been busy. I bet everyone reading this is feeling the Christmas time crunch.
Just wanted to tell you all we love you. Remember that when you feel like you are running out of time, time is all we have. We are so fortunate to be on this earth for a very short time, and if you are one of the lucky ones (like me) you are surrounded by beautiful people.
Jaque is doing great. She is the light in my life, and my reason for getting up every morning. She is growing so quickly. She is 5'8"+ now. Her attitude on life is wonderful, and she is learning that ALL things are possible. I have a lot of people ask me if she is walking yet. It use to make me sad, but more and more every day I realize that I smile now. I smile knowing that God is doing great works in her life and in her body. To think that he kept her here on this earth, that he spared her, that he chose her.....so that she has the opportunity to chose him...that is awesome.
We were in Merritt OK at a ballgame and a yound lady came up to her. She asked if she was "Jaque Hall" and she said yes. They talked for a while, and have text a little since, but Jaque saw that she had touched this young lady's life. Just now she is understand the impact that she has on our lives.
She has been going through some struggles. Mostly the expectations from her friends that are not mature enough to understand that she has no control over walking right now. They do not understand that our MAKER has the control. They do not have our MAKER in their lives. For this they will struggle. I try to tell Jaque that you can "bring a horse to water, but cannot make him drink." No matter how much she prays for someone, they have the choice. She must and is making hers, so pray for her journey. It is hard being young. But I tell her that she is the prettiest girl in the world, and Mr. Right is coming, she just has to be ready!
Just because you cannot immediately see the work, does not mean that God is not doing it. And kind of like with santa, if you believe - you will recieve. God says that if two or more gather.....well he better be ready because our line is long.
Please continue to pray Jer 30:17 for Jaque. And take time out to pray for yourself each day. God is listening, we just must see the signs he sends us.
Love you all and enjoy the new picts. JAX - cannot wait to meet you.
Just wanted to tell you all we love you. Remember that when you feel like you are running out of time, time is all we have. We are so fortunate to be on this earth for a very short time, and if you are one of the lucky ones (like me) you are surrounded by beautiful people.
Jaque is doing great. She is the light in my life, and my reason for getting up every morning. She is growing so quickly. She is 5'8"+ now. Her attitude on life is wonderful, and she is learning that ALL things are possible. I have a lot of people ask me if she is walking yet. It use to make me sad, but more and more every day I realize that I smile now. I smile knowing that God is doing great works in her life and in her body. To think that he kept her here on this earth, that he spared her, that he chose her.....so that she has the opportunity to chose him...that is awesome.
We were in Merritt OK at a ballgame and a yound lady came up to her. She asked if she was "Jaque Hall" and she said yes. They talked for a while, and have text a little since, but Jaque saw that she had touched this young lady's life. Just now she is understand the impact that she has on our lives.
She has been going through some struggles. Mostly the expectations from her friends that are not mature enough to understand that she has no control over walking right now. They do not understand that our MAKER has the control. They do not have our MAKER in their lives. For this they will struggle. I try to tell Jaque that you can "bring a horse to water, but cannot make him drink." No matter how much she prays for someone, they have the choice. She must and is making hers, so pray for her journey. It is hard being young. But I tell her that she is the prettiest girl in the world, and Mr. Right is coming, she just has to be ready!
Just because you cannot immediately see the work, does not mean that God is not doing it. And kind of like with santa, if you believe - you will recieve. God says that if two or more gather.....well he better be ready because our line is long.
Please continue to pray Jer 30:17 for Jaque. And take time out to pray for yourself each day. God is listening, we just must see the signs he sends us.
Love you all and enjoy the new picts. JAX - cannot wait to meet you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)