God's Plan

March.......tornadoes, rain, sweaters, shorts, gardening, golf, 4 wheelers, don't you just love living in Oklahoma? You get the best, and sometimes worst, of the 4 seasons. Jaque is taking Oklahoma history so we have been learning a lot about our great state.

Soon, we will be packing up the ol' ford and leaving OK. ROAD TRIP. We are headed to Atlanta and the to Orlando.

First and foremost on the list is visiting friends that we made while at the Shepherd Center. We are hoping to see new and innovative therapies while we are there. It is so exciting for me to know that they will see that their work is SOOOOO rewarding. We left with a fragile little girl. She was pale, tired, and working hard to recover. We return with a young woman. She is radiant, outgoing, beautiful, and glowing with all life has to offer. Part of that, I will take credit for. Chris and I work hard to always let her know that the sky is the limit. And if you are going to do it, do it the best that you can.

But a major part of the credit goes to Angel, Jana, Jenny, Mary Jane, Jackie, Koneka, Kiki (our American idol), Cheryl, and a host of friends that we made in our 3+ months journey at the place God touches daily....the Shepherd Center in Atlanta GA.

They will see that she is fearless. She is just like every other teenager, just mike take her a few more minutes to get where she is going.....that is if a forklift (aka dad, tater, fufu, etc) are not around. This fearlessness in Jaque can directly be traced back to Papa's Danny, Phillip, and Larry. They never treated her with kid gloves, rather just sit back and watched her in awe. Grandma's Donna and Kay......they have been there through it all - and have showed her what true unconditional love is. Aunt's Em, Belinda, Prissy, Larissa, Kari,and Lindi listen when she is hurting, keep secrets when it is a little to "crazy" for mom, and always are literally a phone call or text away. And the backbone of this crazy family, the uncle's CJ Lane Randy Toby Aaron Tyler and Cecil, with honorary members like Bo, Shawn, Eugene, Mike, Presley, and heath.....took the kicks in the shin when she was little, and now take the wheels over the toes. Yep, they are what makes this little girl the toughest around.

I hate naming names, I always forget someone...forgive me!! I am getting old. It is impossible to list everyone, but women like Courtney, Suzanne, Melissa, Cissy, and Lori have made her set her sights high for a boyfriend or husband.

My girl.........she is gonna be alright......she is "little miss do your thang."

Anyway.....we will be going to orlando for Disney, but most importantly...WAKE BOARDING. Yep, she is getting fitted and will get lessons on wake boarding. We are so excited!!!! What a blessing. I have NO Doubt that God is guiding this trip. It is long over due. He is making our path, and Chris and I are fortunate to be along for the ride. And we cannot forget that Eddie is excited also.

Jaque continues to push what the world sets as her limits. I thought my job was to make her into the person I thought she should be, but it seems as though she is the old making me into a better person.

We will be posting pictures on facebook of our trip. Thanks so much to Toby for keeping the house safe while we are gone. I love Larissa and Toby. They do so much for us daily.

Oh, and school is going well for her....but she says "its still school" lol

May God be with you and as we approach the summer months ask yourself this question-- What am I missing out on in life? Stretch your limits, and LIVE!! Make those that have gone before us proud to look down from Heaven and see all that we have accomplished.

See you all soon. Please pray for our safe travels.

I Get a Little Bit Stronger

Wow, can you believe that it is already January 15? Where does the time go? Well, we are two plus weeks into the New Year, so how are your resolutions going?

As I type tonight, my thoughts wander to a young lady that I know. After car accident,hurting, and needing prayer. In the fight of her life. Our previous pastor's daughter is in dire need of our prayer. Karissa, know that all who read are praying for you and your family.

Makes me think about life in general. What struggles that we face, and how individually we can either make them into blessings, or turn them in to struggles for us and all around us.

Each of us in this two short weeks of 2011 have been attacked. Some are small attacks, a dead car battery, flat tire, trouble in the return line at Walmart. Some are bigger, lost job, car accident, medical bills, family problems, marital problems, teenagers going wild at college (lol). But seriously, I got to thinking.

What kind of problem could I face that would make me truly feel that I had hit my bottom. Not just for a moment, but.......make me miserable and make me make those around me miserable??

The only answer that I could come up with is if I did not know Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I mean, come on man, what else could come against you? I am not speaking of anyone in my life other than myself.

We were going through Gander Mountain last night and we saw the section dedicated to helping the Breast Cancer Cause. Jaque turned and said to me, "man mom, our family is so lucky. I mean, we are so fortunate. I cannot imagine anything every bad happening to any of us." I had a smile as big as you can dream of, and then said "yea, we are pretty lucky. You have only broken one little bone." (duh, your back silly) She laughed and said, "and cracked a few ribs."

How amazing. She really has no limits on her life. She understands that nothing is impossible with God.

Jaque and her long time boyfriend parted ways this week. She was hurt, and really just in shock about the deal. She is, in true Jaque form, hanging tough. One of her girlfriends came over and was having boy trouble. After a week, she and her man had cut ties. She was very upset and Jaque said to not let anyone make her feel like dirt. That she deserved better. Her friend said, well I am just not as strong as you Jaq.

What a compliment. I am not stupid. I know it must still really hurt, and I know that Jaque will end up with who God has intended. But faith and hope must be kept!

My New Years resolution is to make sure that my family and friends know how much they mean to me. To make sure that they are #2 only behind God. I am not sure how I am doing, but I know that I will try to accomplish this everyday for the rest of my life.

See, when all is against you, God is the first one there. But he must rush in quickly or your friends and family might beat him there. Not really, but my point is our legacy is those around us.....not a job, a school, a sport, a bank account, car, etc.

As Jaque was ready to have surgery, it was Jan 17. Our friends and family gathered. Many came to the hospital that day. Those that could not, prayed for her. And Presley Byington played Amazing Grace on his flute. I remember that we asked the staff. They looked at us kind of weird. Chris told them that there was a chance that she might not make it out of surgery. IF that was God's will, we wanted to ensure that she heard that sweet sound. They said ok, and as he started playing silence moved over the entire floor of ICU rooms in Children's at Little Rock. Mothers, fathers, grandparents..came out of their rooms. Those in the waiting room that were restless paused in a silence like I had never experienced. And Presley played. We wept. We all wept.

As we went with Jaque to the holding pin, they told us that she was completely out. No chance of waking up. I said, I sure would like to talk to her, to just tell her I love her. Chris said, she can hear us. So we prayed with her, held her hand and in they came to get her.

As they were wheeling her away, my grip faded.....and she opened her eyes and looked right at me. She looked as though to say, "mom, I good." "mom, I will see you in a bit." In true Jaque form, she was not afraid. And she was settling me, taking my fear and replacing it with Hope.

Dr McCarthy later confided in Chris and me that at one point in surgery, they thought they would lose her. And then as quickly as she got into trouble, she just improved. He was a God fearing man. He knew that God was with her. He said over and over that although he had never spoken to her, he admired the determination in her eyes and saw the love she had for life through her family and friends. He said he just knew that Jaque was going to surprise everyone and have a great recovery.

This last year at her check up, he said do not be discouraged with slow progress, as slow and steady wins the race. And, he said, Jaque nothing about you is ordinary.

Today, will you be ordinary in the life of those around you? Or will you choose to try and be the extra in someones life. When your light shines, will it be a short burst of light, or will it be an ongoing beacon for all to see.

Do those around you know that you are a Christian? Remember that no matter what the strength of your light, Jesus is the way to recharge and strengthen. And it is true that just a little bit of light and smile will improve the life of those around you.

I wish you all the best in 2011. I will try and get the skiing video from AngelFire, NM. Believe me, it will be worth your time. If you need motivation to conquer a fear, Jaque is your Gal.

God Bless, and pray for Karissa and family.

Sweet November, we are coming soon!

As I am typing, my thoughts are drifting to the newest addition to the family. Brylee Lane Hall was added the 'gang.' Chris and I are headed down to see her tomorrow, and of course...Jaque will not be to far behind us.

Makes me think how precious life is. We were unable to make the drive while she was on her way (work, ugh!). I asked Chris if he thought that we should pack a bag just in case we needed to go. He looked at me so funny.

I just remember when we needed you all....before I could blink, you were all packed and on the road. Some of you (Nancy, Grandma Kay, Lane, Lindi) almost beat us to the hospital. Many of Jaque's friends beat us there. As I was talking to coach and the basketball girls in the hall on that night, I remember Coach asking me what should they do about the game the next night. I said Coach, jaque would say bow up. We both laughed, then cried. I told Courtney Maye that I know that Jaque would expect her to step up, and lead the team. She smiled softly and hugged me.

I told someone to be sure to take pics of the hall and waiting room. Some looked at me in amazement. Was Jaque even going to make it? Why in the world would I think of pictures at a time like this???? Because, Jaque would be so humbled by the display of love for her that night. She would need this blessing of a picture one day in the future.

The nurse that night told us, told us all that her spinal cord had be completely severed. That she was in bad shape. But you know, she didn't know my Jaque. Of course you all know by know that Dr McCarthy discovered that her cord was just in hiding, and not cut or severed.

Had they done the surgery immediately, sure, she might have walked out of the hospital. The longer compressed, the more swelling. But, had they done the surgery, she would have died on the table. How bitter sweet.
God saved Jaque on the first day, and on the third day...a Sunday, we (family and friends) saved her again!

So many people in life spend time dwelling in the house of should have, could have, might have. That house has no doors. No windows, no ray of sunshine.

As for me and my house, we shall serve our Lord. And in doing so, our house has many doors. Some we choose, some seem to head us the opposite of where we want to go, but we -- my friends -- have the choice to turn around at any point, and head through a different opening. Praise the Lord for it.

Jaque and Payton have spent most of the week looking for deer. lol, yep, out scouting for deer. Enjoying God's country, SE Oklahoma. School work is tough, and she is so ready to get hit by the brick that will tell her what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

But I tell her often, you have a long wonderful life to live. Keep God first, momma second (lol) and all will go according to HIS will.

In talking about the recent stem cell info, Jaque said I would sure take a shot of it right now. I laughed and we continplated what the costs would be. Then I told her that we were warned to make sure we got involved at the right time.

She asked how would we know. I told her that her entire life I have always known when timing was right. It is a still in my heart that only the Lord can give. He will tell us, he will lead the way. Our part is to ready the body, mind, and soul. And he will tell us when it is her time.

A friend saw Jaque that had not seen her in a long time. She was amazed at how well she was doing and healing. I told my friend that I appreciated the compliment. That you know how your kids are around you, but not sure how they are away from you.

Jaque is no special kid. She is not any better than anyone elses children. I like to say that she is imperfectly perfect.
What she is could be summed up in one simple word. Miracle. She is strong, willful, couraegous, stubborn, and just plain inspirationaly.

Once My Jaque realizes the power that God has given her for in her personality, she will conquer many great things. She loves unconditionally, and is forgiving. If we should all be that way..........

Kids are such a roller coaster. Some are wooden and sway as they are going. Some are strong and steel and are super fast. Some are small and simple. But all should have the priveledge of enjoying the ride. Along the way, they should have us their, keeping them on track. Giving them the cleaning and tune up's when needed.

And at the end, whether they are sick or jumping with joy, We, as parents, have a duty to be there and offer a hand.

God bless you, have a safe and candy-filled Halloween.

Up, Up, and Away

Yep, she did it! She loaded up her laptop, dog, and clothes...and headed to the ATL. My little Ms Independent. She made arrangements with our wonderful friends the Lancasters to pick her up (THEY ARE GREAT FRIENDS!) and embarked on yet another journey in her life. She may have boundaries, but the kid truly believes the scripture that God did not give her the spirit of FEAR.

As we talked the night before she flew out, I was quizzing her about being nervous. She said the only thing that made her nervous was she did not want to be totally bored while she was there. Can you believe that kid? We were talking about one of her friends that has been in trouble. I shared that my friend Suzanne had told me that maybe God has put Jaque with people to let her light shine on them. Then she started singing the song, This little light of mine. We laughed because Grandma Donna sung it to her often while she was growing up.

When we got to DFW, and finally got to security, you would have thought that she had carried a gun in. She was patted down, again, again.....in fact, it actually was making those standing behind us angry for the amount of patting that they were doing. I saw several grandma's and papa's that were definitely becoming a security risk. My blood pressure was quickly rising...but not Jaque. She was calm, cool, and said, "I know I sure don't need to lose my temper in the airport." She really never ceases to amaze me.

So, there she and Eddie went...rolling down to her plane. She was in good hands. I think that it was good he went with her. Her mind had to be on him, his safety, and his well being. She had to make sure that he was #1 and taken care of, therefore she did not really worry at all about herself.

It is a great feeling in the moments that your child "gets" what life is about. I am finding out with teenagers that can be in weeks, months at a time. And then it can only last a few hours at a time. Life is funny that way.....the things you are most sure and confident of can slip at a moments notice.

I know that in these moments, especially with teenagers, that it is the devil doing his work. That he preys on those of us that have a special relationship with our children. He seeks them out in an attempt to separate them, and bring them over to his side of the street.

It is hard to watch our kids struggle. It was so hard watching Jaque get on that plane. So many things I could see happening or obstacles that she would face in a short 1 1/2 hour flight. But there she went, head held high....rolling as fast as she could. She was as prepared as I could get her.....then I had to let her go. She had to go at it alone. Sure she had a net waiting at the other end, but alone she was.

I know that it would have been the same emotional roller coaster for all of you, your kid walking in or rolling in. The feeling of your kid gaining independence is the same. Same fears, disappointments, and in the end, the same sense of accomplishment when the light bulb goes off, no matter what the task.

We have been watching reruns of Friday Night Lights. Where the stud QB gets injured on a hit and struggles with being in a wheelchair. It has new meaning the second time around for me. And it is crazy that there has not been one place Jason Street has went into that has not been accessible! But it does make you realize that kids go through a lot at school, college or HS. They are just trying to fit in and find their way. If they are good kids, it is that much harder. You know the old saying, if you lay down with dogs you wake up with fleas....enough said about that.

To one of my dear friends, just remember, kids will be kids, and they will lash out at the ones that love them unconditionally. They will attack us, because they know we expect so much out of them.

I did want to make mention that I read an article in the US today news that they did the first implant of stem cells in a human patient at the Shepherd Center yesterday!! They are in Phase I clinical trials, and making sure it is safe on humans. PRAISE THIS MIGHTY WORK. I know many of my friends may have different views on this situation. political and religious.

Let me challenge you this -- come spend one day with my family -- or better yet, go volunteer with a spinal cord injury patient at a rehab or veterans center. Just one day of your life, ONE DAY. And then tell me your view. Stem cell research is going to work. God HAS guided the hands of these researchers and doctors. He has paved the way for them to learn. AND it will make people walk again. When, where, and how...those questions are answered by our higher power. But HIS WILL is going to BE DONE. And by the way, spinal cord injuries are the tip of the ice berg for Stem Cells.

While you are out and about today, drag your feet. Literally, drag your feet where ever you go. See the obstacles that people that are in wheelchairs face in their every day, normal activities. Then, choose to make a difference.

Thank you God for the life that you have given me. Thank you Lord for each day that I have on this earth. Through my obstacles, you have me stronger and more prepared to take on whatever the devil might throw at me. Give me strength, hope, and love. Give me the ability to touch others through the life of my WONDERFULLY GORGEOUS daughter. Thank you for the beauty in life I see through her eyes.

We have but one life to live. One brief moment on this earth. May my moment be worth something. May my child never wonder that I love her and that I am proud of her. For the bad that might happen, and the good that continues to shine, let her know that she is loved.

Superman??

Jaque - the student? Yep. She is studying hard. Funny how it seems that although the work is hard, she seems to be ....well.....Jaque again. It has been a while, but it is great to see her regaining the strength that was dramatically stripped from her. Praise God.

Last week we were in Texarkana. As we pulled in to get her a vanilla milkshake, she said, look mom, that is sad. I said what hun? She told me to wait until we made the loop by the drive thru. When we got back around, I saw a man putting his child in a wheelchair. He was very small. Jaque told me that it sure did not seem right. She said, me-well I had a full 16 years of running and playing and softball. That kid hasn't had any of that. True, but we do not know what God has in store for us.

She said, and me, I am good....til God is ready for me to walk again. And you know, she means it. She is such a great inspiration to me. She told me she is so ready to see what life has to offer her. That she was working hard to get her part done.

So in thinking about this...and cleaning my purse out, (weird combo, but stick with me) I found the graduation speech that Rachel did in 2008. I hope that she doesn't mind, but thought I would share it with you all. Rachel played basketball with Jaque. She was a freshman when Jaque was injured.

----from Rachel Dollarhide:

"Today I would like to talk about heroes and lessons learned. So often people describe heroes as being those who wear capes and fly though the sky at lightning speed or as those people whose major accomplishment is being able to throw a football or hit a home run. I, however, have been a witness to what constitutes a real hero. The tragic events that occurred on the evening of January 3 changed my life forever teaching me valuable lessons and redefining my views of what makes up a hero.

I learned that a hero is not defined by what they look like or what they can do but rather by how they behave in the face of extreme duress. It is by witnessing the awesome power of prayer, kinship, spirituality, and coming togetherness of this community that I learned heroes can be many and their strength indeed mighty.

My fellow athletes and coaches taught me that when a teammate has fallen the game becomes secondary to life - that the need to win a ballgame is overshadowed by the need to gather our strength and will power we gained thorough hours of practice to pull us through the darkest hours.

My fellow classmates taught me that even our disagreements and petty squabbles will be forgotten and laid aside when we need each other to lean on. I have learned that i have many more friends than i ever knew before - they needed only to be needed.

My community taught me that while only modern medicine can take us so far the unity and heart of a small southern town can take us farther still - take us to a place where life is possible and healing will happen.

My family taught me that they are in fact my soft place to fall when I needed so desperately a loving hug or comforting word. My family's support and love that surrounded me during the most painful times helped to carry me through the toughest of days and for this I want to say thank you.

Of course, my biggest thank you has to go to my newly defined hero - Jaque Hall. My first question when i heard the news was "Why?" as in "why did this happen at all" and then "why did this happen to Jaque" - my friend, classmate, teammate. However, now, I know that it is not for me to ask such questions or to be able to change the past - we all wish it would never have happened. however, since it did happen I have learned so much since that fateful night - so much about myself and others. My childhood innocence and views are no more - in their place is a clearer view of the world with all its unfairness and tragedies. I am indeed a different person, a better, stronger, wiser person and I have my hero, Jaque, to thank for that. Because you see, my hero is not in comic books or out on the field - but right here in this very school. She is not fictional but very real - capable of tears, pain, and suffering but also capable of amazing determination and a spirit that refuses to be broken. My hero does not wear a cape but in my mind she's soaring above us all! Love Always, Rachel.

Ok, now wipe your eyes. Thank the Lord for Rachel and pray for her as she is graduating from Haworth in 2011. And most of all...make a difference in someones life today, don't put it off any longer. Much love. Carol

Life -- Unexpected

Isn't it funny how we all get into such a routine, that life can just spin us unexpectedly? Our wonderful preacher had given us a sermon last week on getting "Jack out of the box." I know that when you hear such a sermon, it really hits each of us all in a different way, so here is my nickle--

Once, not too long ago, I was stuck in my box. In my box, I was petty, picky, and worried about the little things. I worried about things that GOD told me not to. I would give my troubles to him, then take them back on a daily basis. Because in my box, although I was living for him, things just kept bouncing right back at me.

This last week our cousin, Terry, passed away. He died doing what seems to be the thing he loved the best, fishing with his nephew and son. A terrible unexpected loss to our family at such a young age. So when Jaque came in from class, I told her about what had happened. I told her about brother Jason's sermon, and we talked for a while.

Although she was not incredibly close to Terry, she loves all of her family deeply. She said, you know mom, you never really can tell what God has in store. She shared with me a recent conversation that she had with a guy at a party. She said that he was wanting to know about her accident, so she was telling him all about it. She was talking about all the memories that we have and she doesn't. She the referenced back to Terry and shared the following:

"You know mom, the day before uncle CJ passed, I spoke with him on the phone. I was so excited to see him, and he and I were making plans on what we were going to do together the next day." She said that later the next day after being at a college recruiting day for softball, she and Chris were headed home, and she just kept talking about what they were going to do. She said then Chris pulled over on the shoulder of the road and told her what had happened. She explained to me how she had struggled with missing CJ so bad. She then reminded me that when she woke up from her accident I had immediately asked her what she had been doing. She told Chris and me that she had been fishing with CJ and GOD.

Let me repeat myself.....She told Chris and me that she had been fishing with CJ and GOD. Talk about out of the box. What a wonderful job that Kay and Larry did with CJ, in that in the roughest point of her life, HE was waiting to calm her. He was there to send her back.

Jaque said, mom, you never know why God needed Terry. But he needed him right then.

Much like CJ, there has never been a box that could contain Jaque. She has been one to make her own rules, and refuses to live under any type of "normal". She has paved her own way in all that she has done. Strong willed, and at a party telling a young man about GOD. If just for a moment, he heard her story.

I told Jaque late one night that I should have had her in church more. I told her that I hoped that she would keep her kids involved in youth. Then she told me "Mom, you did a great job with me. You and dad are the best parents ever." AWWW, yes I know. She said that she knew the blessing that God had given her, and now she was just finding her way.

Jaque is enrolled at SEOSU in Idabel. She is currently taking 10 hours. She is also going to therapy, to the river, bow fishing, lakin', four wheeler riding, dancing at the 'big rock', riding her bike, and anything else she can get herself into. Oh, and that was just last week.

She said that they were at the lake on Saturday, and she was in the water floating, and Eddie was on the bank. He kept swimming out, and pulling her in closer. over and over, she would drift out, and he would come and get her and bring her back in. Guess Eddie is like God, in that he wants us close to him so that he can protect us. He needs us close enough to reach in an emergency.

Today, I am praying for Terry's son Billy, and nephew Trevor. They were with Terry with this happened. May God touch their lives in such a way that they know how our family loves them.

I also pray for my mother in law Kay. She has just done a wonderful remodel on her house, we love you momma Kay. For my parents, hold steady to your faith, and get ready for the blessings God has in store for you.

My family, Terry's sisters and mom.......in the darkest storms that come against you, there is a light. At times it may seem faint, and far away. But God is always listening, he is ever present. The power of prayer is an amazing thing. Because Terry is gone from this earth, it does not mean that he will quit being a part of your lives. He will continue to help mold Trever and Billy. And now that he is in a higher place....he will have a better view. Hold hard to your faith, and harder to each other. Much love.


One last thing...on Friday, I posted a prayer request for Cindy Williams. A coworker or Chris's wife. She was told that she had a very serious brain anyurism and that she had to be back at Little Rock on Monday, for surgery Tuesday. Then did a few tests and sent her home for a quiet weekend. So they called the prayer chains, and we all started praying. Well........ we got news on our way home yesterday that the doctor from Little Rock called her back. That the initial test did not match the follow up testing. That there was no anyurism there. That there was no need for surgery.

An non christian would say that the DR messed up on the testing. A true christian would say that between the first test and the second, we prayed. And that God healed this woman. Yes, he is a miracle worker. Chris told one of his co-workers about the surgery, and said that , man--we know from Jaque that a lot can change between Friday and Monday. WAS HE EVER RIGHT. Praise God for you all praying, and Praise him for his mighty healing hand.

Finally, an update!

Well, not much to do but apologize for the absence of the updates. Courtney has been out of the office at work, and she is my right arm. So, forgive me.

Most important things first. Jaque is doing well. Physically she is in the best shape I have seen her in 2+ years. She is strong, healthy, and sporting that beautiful tan! She has been keeping busy, going and going and going. True Jaque fashion. She is not taking classes this summer, but I am wondering if she needs to do some volunteer work. You know, just to interact with the public, and get use to having a routine?

Something i am sure you all can offer me advice on. A teen that is too old for grounding, but too young for a set life schedule? Chris and I have been working our way through it. It is a fine line of letting her have the rope she needs to really grow as a person, and yet not take it so far that she is no longer tied to a secure railing. Oh yes, I hear the snickers now.

We recently had a conversation about what there is to do at 3 am? A young person will answer -- plenty. Anyone with a job, going to school, or with kids will say "only thing to do after 3 am is trouble." So, as you all are our friends and family, pray for us as we work through what seems to be the downhill part of molding our child. She is quite lovely -- if I do say so myself. She is amazing in her strengths. She is charming with her smile and beauty. But she too still needs the Lord to keep the path lit brightly.

A great friend told me (when I was complaining about some of Jaq's 'undriven' friends -- she said maybe Jaque is the light in the darkness for them. Oh so true.

She is a strong independent woman. She had a feller (love that word) come down to see her. She had met him about two weeks prior. He, I am sure, was not the ONE. But he drove 6 hours to see her. Upon leaving her, he was very emotional and told her that he thought he was falling in love with her. Of course, knowing Jaq like we do, she really backed off of talking to him. funny.

I ran into a friend who had went out to the local honky tonk, the big rock, and said that he saw Jaque there. I told him that she and her buddies go quite often. He told me that she looked so great. He said that she had so many guys wanting to dance with her. She does glow!

I think sometimes she forgets that she is beautiful. I think that I have not done my job well in telling her what she deserves from a relationship. What she should expect from a partner for life. Not that I am wanting her to get married right away, but there are certain expectations that our children should have when they are dating. A little like the movies in that dating is suppose to be the best part of your life. The newest and most thrilling part of meeting that special someone.

Why, you ask, am I sharing this with you all? I would like for you to join me in prayer. Please recite the following with me;

Dear Lord I thank you each and every day for the gift of Jaque. At her birth, and again when you brought her back to us. Thank you for your contiuned healing within her body and soul. We stand fast on Jer 30:17 in knowing that you are continuing a great work in her. Lord, as she starts down the road of being a young woman, please show her the way. Please make a path and let her know in her heart what is meant for her life. Let her know that she should expect to be treated with respect. She should expect unconditional love. She should expect that she doesn't have to "save" anyone. That seeing her and being around her will be proof enough for them that you exist. Anything less than someone who sees God within her......anyone less than someone willing to come to you, God....... Thank you Lord. You have told us where two or more agree, than it shall be so. By us all saying this prayer to you Lord, let us be faithful in knowing that although there is free will....you are there at the door for us. You will answer.. AMEN.

Thank you all for helping and continue praying. I will try and update more often. Love you mych!

Spring Fever

What a beautiful spring we are having! Here in SE Oklahoma, the flowers are in bloom, and everything has a thick layer of yellow from the pollen. School at Eastern in Idabel is going good. jaque said that it is still school, but she is making friends.

The other day she had a young girl that she did not even really know need a ride. This girl had lost her keys and her kids were getting off the bus. jaque ran her home, and was late for class because of it. She was a little worried about getting in trouble with a "tough" teacher. I kind of felt the same way and then it was if Jesus himself gave me a thump on the head. Life is not necessarily about being on time everywhere, but of giving of yourself for others. Then i told jaque that if she got in trouble it would be worth it because she was doing exactly what God had taught her. An older man came out of the school and told me where she was (we were suppose to change cars) and he said Jaque, my friend, she is sooo sweet. She will do anything for you. And I like her cause she is so spunky! lol

We have just returned from a great trip out west to see our mom's. We had such a great time. Bradley and Jaque went turkey hunting and got to ride around in Bradleys new truck. They tried to lose Mike and Chris as often as I would let them. It is so great to see that even though they hardly ever see each other, they truly will be friends for life. Bradley is going to be a great catch.....I just hope that they treat him well, otherwise they will have to deal with Jaq.

Our moms seem to be doing well. Working hard, and keeping up with Larry and my dad Danny is no easy feat.

Jaque had her urology check up. The dr was very please with her over health and weight. Said that everything was working perfectly. What more can we ask????? God has and is soooo good to us. He was telling Jaque about his new granddaughter. They laughed and as they talked, he said that he hoped he would grow up like her, loving to hunt, mud, and not prissy. He said he loved her attitude in life, man is he right?

Jaque and a group of friends went out the other night. She said that she looked around and one of her buddies was ready to fight this girl. She kept asking why and no one would tell her. Finally, they said, well you were dancing and she looked at you and laughed. So, about 10 of her friends were going to solve the issue. Jaque just laughed back and told them to not waste their time. And besides "if ya'll would have told me, I would have took care of her." Crazy as ever, even crazier..she meant it. She fights her own battles, but she said it was great to see them stick up for her.

A story of faith today, and yes Courtney, you can get me later. Courtney had three kids, when God blessed her with the news that she would have a 4th. After getting over the shock, she decided that God gave her this gift, so she was going all in (if you know her, you are snickering about now). She has been going to a high risk doctor, and getting checked out often. She has been on r&r for a while now, trying to keep carrying the baby as long as she could. Well, yesterday she had her. Six pounds, not an ounce more. Beautiful little Court, I am sure.

In talking with her yesterday, she was telling me how worried she had become. You all have to know that I love Courtney like a sister, daughter, best friend. Jaque and I talked about it, and I know that God is good. I knew in my heart that she would be just fine. I told her that if anything happened to her, I was going to come and steal the kids from Heath! lol

Last night, she had a few bumps in the delivery road, and was lucky to be here to enjoy that beautiful girl. She knew to be worried, I knew to pray, we both had faith that God's will would be full filled.

I say all of this.....and yesterday I saw Walter Hamiltons post that they have a treatment plan for Katie now.

I want to send a strong message to Courtney, to Walter, to all of you reading this post. Like Courtney, you can go to the best dr's in the area, and they honestly do the best they can every day. They are called to this service they preform, the do the best they have with what they have available. But listen everyone.......God has the final say. He can see it all, he goes where machines still cannot go, he heals where the human brain cannot get to, he can find and cure what man has yet to discover. So the best they offer, the path they lead, will get you to the edge of the lake. It is up to us to leap with faith and know that God will be there.
God can. God will.

I have no doubt in my mind that God is still healing Jaque. While in Dill City OK, a stranger came up to her and said, hi are you Jaque. She said yes, she said may I hug you. She said yes, and she hugged her. She said Jaque, we have been praying for you hard. Tears began to build behind her eyes. Jaque said thank you. She told Jaque that she had a granddaughter that was hurt in a similar way. She said Jaque, you know your going to walk again someday. Jaque said yes, I do. Jaque smiled at the lady, and the grandma's face shined bright and smiled back.

God reaches others through us. We are the vessel. We are put on this earth to reach others for him. I cannot say that I would put my child through this accident again, I know that I would never say that. But I can say that seeing how she has handled herself, how she has grown as a person, I know that she is headed down the right path. And being the water dog that she is......she will have no doubt leaping off the edge.

If I can be once ounce of the person that she is, God will paved the streets of gold for me. I will make it........that is being just one ounce of her.

May God bless Jadie, Jarrett, and Zoe with their new sister. May God bless Katie as she begins her recovery, slow and steady Katie....we are praying!

And in some way, may you see that the struggles that you have will be gone soon enough. That you know that when you feel all alone, give it to God. And that we are not meant to understand all about this old world, because it is full of sin. One day, if we are fortunate, it will all be understood.....

Its been awhile!

In like a lion, a wet lion that is. Man this has been a very rainy winter. Finally we got a few inches of snow. About 5-6"! Eddie, Sassy< and Jaque had a great time playing in it. Eddie kept sticking his head in it to see how deep it was, Sassy kept making snow angels, and Jaque used her power chain to do donuts in the driveway. And yes, grandma's.....we got to make snow ice cream!!

God has blessed us so much. I am happy to report that Jaque is doing well in school. It really agrees with her. She just seems to glow. I am amazed at how she shines. You always think that your kid is the "bomb diggity" but when others comment it really confirms it.

It seems as though our lil Jaque is growing up so fast on us. Talking about her rebellious period in life ( like it has been done, and is now gone), making choices with God in them, and understanding the burden of being older than her cousins. She is seeing that they hold her as their hero man....if she only knew how many of us hold her to that same accord.

We went to the cabin with the Hall family this weekend and she drove her power chair out on the dock.....yes...out on the dock, the dock that has no rails. She just giggled and swerved back and forth to make me nervous, and yes, it worked.

We were on the dock fishing and the lake patrol guy pulled up. He had already checked Chris and his bald head outlaw looking self out for license. When he pulled up to us all, he immediately focused his attention to Jaque. He talked with me, her, and Phillip a while, mostly with her. After he was finished, she had gotten his "card" and an offer to learn how to dive for her and her boyfriend this summer. Only Jaque, right?

As our community was saddened this week by the unexpected death of Newt Davis, 7, I knew that I must go to his service. I remember his mom and sister coming to Little Rock to see Jaque. I remember their hugs. Our families ran in the same circles but were not super close, but I remember his mom telling me if you need anything, call me. As I watched the wonderful power of our Lord Jesus work within the service of Newt, I began to feel the awesome power of the effect that children have on our lives. He was greatly loved, and will not be forgotten.

If just for a moment, God calls your name...will you be strong enough to do what he asks? This family is hurting. They are in pain that I could never understand, and yet I completely can relate to. But if he called your name, could you stand strong in his name?

Our church did the series on the "Love Dare." Brother Jason did an excellent job. It was a blessing to see Jaque so excited to go. Chris got on to her in church for playing on her phone.....but she was taking notes. On the last Sunday, we went with Jaron and Jordie to eat for a celebration of their JBQ 1st place at districts. Jaque's boyfriend Payton met us there. We had a great lunch, visited for a while, then Jaque and Payton left. It was great. I got to thinking about what God really calls us to do.

He says if we can just save one, we can claim our spot....live for his glory. Then I thought about when Jaque and Payton's relationship began to take a turn for the better.

It was when i quit being against him (even the idea of him) and started praying for him. Jaque has taught me that.

Jaque always says that you gotta be careful what you say to someone, because you might catch them on the worst moment of their life. Well guess what jaque, I have seen through you that with your light, you can show anyone the way, and they will follow....walking or rolling....we are behind you babe. And until the Lord is ready for you to get walking again, your dad and I, our friends, and our family --- we will roll with you!

How great thou Art!

What a wonderful January we have had. In started with Jaque getting registered at Eastern college at Idabel and ended with mudding with friends in the Jeep.

January was a busy month. Jaque turned 19. WOW. We surprised her with dinner with friends at Papa's. She tells people that I joke about how she is almost not a teenager any more. There have been many exciting things going on in our lives, but I am led to share two stories with you all.

On a rare occasion, I have the opportunity to go to Chances this week. Monday found everyone smiling as she came in. As I walked behind her, I heard many "Glad to see you" "Been a while" and "where have you been" comments. Everyone there it seemed knew my Jaque and had sincerely missed her. A young preacher man.....who Jaque aggravated from the minute she rolled in, and he was dishing back. The older couple whom the wife had recently had knee surgery. He was watching over her (in a way that I much admired) and she was doing little, but it was all she could do. The faithful lady, who at close to 50 has had 80+ surgeries. And the young boy who seemed, like most boys, blushing as soon as he laid eyes on our girl.

They all watched and listened as Jaque and Chance stretched. Just like they were all our family, they were listening to where she had been and what all she had been doing. And like all of you, they smiled as they watched. I was truly touched by the warmth that I felt in those that surrounded her. Chance (her therapist) and his two helpers are really the best I have ever seen. They get that it is more than just working out. God has sent her to them. And he has sent them to hear her.

On Wednesday, I got to go again. All of the above were there. Jaque strapped on her braces and off she and Chance went. It had been awhile, so she was working hard for every swing, every step. Chance thought that the new sizing on the braces worked much better. On her way back across the room, she passed the man and his wife. He looked at her and his eyes filled with tears. He said, she is so tough, she is beautiful. Wow, she is so tough. And he looked at his wife, their smiles could have provided light for the entire room. Touched they were, and I am sure that she is now on their prayer list...and they are spreading the word. The young man just watched her and as she walked the room, each time she moved her walker, he got more determined on his bike. I wish that I could bottle how he looked at her. If she could see that each morning, no day would be bad. Of course, she is oblivious to the Ora that she releases as she strolled across the room.

And the older woman with so many surgeries, so many obstacles herself...she was just enjoying jaques chatty attitude. Ash she grabbed her own walker and struggled to walk out of Chance's, she turned to Jaque and said you are doing great girl, great.

What better testimony can a mom have? What better way to see the glory of God working but through your child.

One last story. We ran by Chances at lunch today. Jaque wanted to tan, so in we went. It is raining like crazy!! When we finally made it in, Chance and jaque were chatting over a young man that was there working out. Jaque said that he was in her reading class. This boy is a little slow. Not really in the mind, but in getting the words formed and out. As they talked about him, Chance shared that his mom takes him to the movies on Saturday's, so the boys mother can have a break. Jaque said that they were grading papers in class, and she asked him if he wanted her to grade his paper. So she did. She said that she took it to the teacher and told the teacher that she did not count any wrong (not sure exact wording, but follow me) because she was not quite sure how to grade it.

Then, she surprised even me. She said, you know, because even if he did not have it answered did not mean that he did not know it, he could have just not been able to get it down on paper. Wow. This to me speaks much of Jaque and Chance both.

Some people go through life living on the surface, others always seem to live a little deeper, and use every layer that they have.

Everyone keeps asking her what she is going to do with her life. She says she doesn't know.....but what she doesn't know is that she is doing it. She is fulfilling the purpose and the will of God with each person that comes in contact with her. Many of her friends are not ready for that type of burden. Not the burden of a chair, or her accident.. not that at all, it is not a burden, mealy a different way of doing things. The burden is in knowing that what you do and say affect people. Knowing that even those that do not know you, know of you and are praying.

A girl that Jaque played upward basketball with is in OK heart hospital. Without going into detail, she is in need of our prayers. Her illness have brought those around me to me with questions about while they DR had Jaque sleeping. I think it is really not about him leading them to me for questions, but leading them to me for me to show my UNWAVERING FAITH IN HIS HEALING. He says to be specific when we pray, so HEAR this and REPEAT this. God, while Katie Hamilton is sleeping, while you have her still, let her and her family not be afraid. Let them feel your presence, let them feel your love surround them. Your healing hands need to cover her body and touch where she might be hurting, in need of your mighty powers. God, do your will in her life. Let this young, 21 year old child of yours know that you are with her, let her hear the love of family and the words of emails from friends. Let the information that they get from the doctors who are worldly be driven by you that are ALL MIGHTY. Let the faith in you guide the healing, the recovery. Let this family know that no matter what news they hear YOU ARE IN CHARGE. YOU ARE THE MIRACLE WORKER. All things are possible through you, dear Jesus.

Jesus, you saved my Jaque. You preformed miracles in her life. Each day you bring her the possibility of passing your word to others. I ask that you, the same God that brought back jaque to me, seek out Katie in her time of need. Meet her needs. Amen.

Thank you to all family that will pray for Katie. And thank you to all of you that keep up the prayers for little ol' Jaque.

She is our miracle girl. Her attitude and love of life is far more that I ever expected. Eddie and Sassy sure do help too! she is on facebook, for those of you that have not found her yet.

Love you all. Carol