Easter Sunday!

Where do I start? All week we have had things come up needing Jaque and me to go out of town. Chris was turkey hunting and it is Easter Sunday. For some reason, we both just needed to stick close to home. Last night,she was even home early. So this morning, we got to church and Baylee and Blayne set by Jaque. I sit by Suzanne and Presley. After a wonderful worship service, a man from our church took center stage. He told us all a story of how God had been speaking to him and wanting him to pray for someone. He said that he was waiting for affirmation that he was suppose to do it, when a strong woman from our church approached him and told him that she wasn't sure why she was telling him this, but God said that he needed to listen and pray for someone. Now bear with my memory. Don't get stuck I the details I might get wrong. Please and thanks. So, he takes off down the isle and walks right up to Jaque. He speaks with her about how God came into his heart. Blayne helps her into her chair. Soon they head up the isle to the alter. He shares with her that God wants her to know that she will walk again. that God wants her to keep faith and know that th miracle is coming. He said, I am not really sur eif it will be today, but he wants you to know it is going to happen. he told her that she had some kind of pain in her life and God wants her free of it. He told her that God wanted to make sure what she knew who was #2 in her life. She said my family. I grinned, but he said it is you Jaque. That your number 2 in your healing. god is 1st. Now this is funny because she had told me this morning on our way out the door that her visit to Texas A&m was great because several people noticed her IAMSECOND bracelet. Now, he is telling her God wants to ensure she knows that she is indeed second. Then he talked with her about the healing God has instore for her. he said he wasnt sure what God had planned, and many of the members of our church came and prayed for her. I heard those loving prayers, hugs, tears.... All around her. It was the Elders and children. It was spectacular. It was wonderful to know that God uses those around us to deliver messages. Those that are faithful to him are bold and confident in making sure we hear his voice. I could type much more about what happens, but not sure I could do it the justice it deserves. I know in my heart that God is working on her. I know the things he has in store, and our church praying for her strengthens the love and Grace. He said that he knew God has great plans for her and a special purpose to fulfill. The past few weeks she has been working with some young softball girls. She is so great with them. She gives them confidence and the attitude they need, not just to get through the game, but to get through life. Also, our tour of Texas A&M Texarkana was great. I think she is secretly already packing. The facilities were great, nice, new and FLAT!! Seems just like that is exactly where her next path leads. And God willing, her friend Kelsie will be there with her. What does God have in store for ms Jaque? I am not quite sure, but I am thankful to be along for a ride. The story of Easter reminds us what price was paid for our salvation. It proved that faith is enough. Praying for those that do not know the love of Jesus is a very important part of being a Christian. Make sure that when they see you, they are seeing something in you that they want for themselves. Make sure they see Jesus. And when he commands you to step up and speak, follow his lead. And as for Ms Jaque and what I witnessed this morning, only one phrase comes to mind. I think I will tag it as the future...... It's NO DOUBT. Amen, and have a wonderful day everyone.

Be Courageous

Last weekend we were blessed with making a trip to Mena, AR to ride. We had family from OKC area and met some great friends as well. One particular instance I want to share is the trail ride. The last trail ride was the "most difficult" trail we had been on the entire trip. Jillian was tired of riding her 90 Polaris, so she got in with me and we took the RZR. Jaque got on her ride and up the mountain we went. Jillian and I were nervous the entire way up... Thinking we had made it to the top, we let our guard down, only to round the corner and have another hill. I told her that I knew we would not drive off the mountain, because we were not going to get going that fast...... And so we followed the group. Jaque rode that little 90 up that mountain, with courage and more importantly without fear. On the steep parts, Chris stayed in front of her to ensure that the wheeler did not tip. Knowing she could do it, but also being there if she should need a hand. Well, Jillian and I thought we might throw up when we got down, we were pretty rattled. But we survived. We lived to tell about it. Lol. And Jaque just kept going, without limits. Then on the last ride, we decided to follow the group to a hidden cave. It was a tight squeeze for the Jeep, but we made it. First, we walked a short distanc to a creek bed, the up it to the cave. Chris told Jaque to hop on and gave her a piggy back ride. The cave was awesome. Soon, someone noticed an opening to go through. The opening was probably three feet tall, and we could see light on the other side. As the group went through one by one, Jaque told Chris to take her back. That it was ok, that she had seen the cave. It was enough. But any of you that know Chris knows that he, like Jaque, has no boundaries. So what did he do? He got down in the bear crawl stance and crawled through the opening, knees in mud and all...... And got her through a part that she could not go at alone. Well, she could... She could have army crawled! Anyway, when we all got through to the other side it was magnificent. It opened up to a beautiful breathtaking view with a waterfall. It was rather large inside, and there were trails leading out of it. Jaque set down and just enjoyed the view. If the limits of the world would have been followed, she would have not seen that cave. But she and Chris pushed the envelope and got to experience the majestic views that it offered. Jaque is doing well in school. She has had to fight some memories of her past the last few months..... But has done so boldly with the help of true, real friends. She is thinking Texarkana A&M maybe in the fall.... lord willing. I cannot ever write enough how proud I m of the person she is becoming. She shared with me that one night, while Chris and I were at the cabin, she had a moment when she knew..... That she just had to pray about her future. She had to pray to God to show her what type of man she needed to wait for, and I believe that the Lord came to her and spoke. Jaque is not perfect. She is a typical 21 years old with all the flaws that go with it. Knowing that she has a moral compass that is trying to work is a wonderful thing. She has been giving some pitching lessons. The girls, ranging from Freshman to 10 years old, have been good for her. (and of course, her cousin Deanna). She is realizing how influential young girls are, and she wants to be a solid and loving figure in their lives. I see her bonding with each girl, building a relationship with them and their parents. I see her making a difference in their lives. And just as equally important..... They are making a difference in her life. When she is ready for a relationship, God will have a wonderful man ready too. She has some really great guy friends, but at 21..... Neither are ready for forever just yet. Of course, I am good with that! Life is to short to let the world limit you to what it expects of you. Set your own limits. Whether you are 21 or 49.... Don't just sit on the sidelines. Press forward and make others around you strive for being more as well. Life will pass you by and before you know it.... It will be gone. Make it worth something. Make it worth it for your family! Show your children that you care and give them the most precious thing you can... Time! You cannot buy it, borrow it, steal it....but it is the most precious thing you have. And when you do that, they will grow up wanting to be the type of person and parent you are. Be the type of dad, mom, or parental figure that gives up selfish time with "your friends" to spend with your kids. As for my Jaque, I feel great things coming in her future. Recently someone asked her if she lowered her standards for a man, since she was in her chair. this young person is new to a chair, and trying to find their way. Jaque said no, I didn't. In fact, I think I raised my standards. And through a connection with my nieces New York Mission work, another friend went to church for the first time, not because of Jaque, but through what witness she gives. God will provide us the tools, he will show us the way, and pave his WILL for our lives. We have the choice to follow his lead. Cast the devil in your life out! Surround yourself with others that have your basic beliefs and see what God can do in your life. It is much easier to follow the devil. But with God with you, who can come against you that you shall fear? No one. Start today, for tomorrow is no guarantee. Chris would literally bear crawl through a cave, climb a mountain, ride a wakeboard with Jaque on his back that see her miss one single opportunity in life. Are you willing to do the same for your kids?

Changing your mind...

It is amazing at the doors God has opened for my family. 2012 has shown to us that is going to be a busy year. That's ok, because if your going to live life to the fullest, might as well be busy, right. For all of you that are facebook fans of with me or Jaque, you know that the jeep has been the big project. One little mud hole, complicated by just a little muddy water getting in places it shouldn't, and ...... Jeep has been out of commission. Jaque and Chris flushed the transmission for several days. We went from chocolate milk to a beautiful strawberry colored milk shake. Neither was good. So, one of our family friends came over and he, Chris, and Jaque took out the old transmission. And what did they find? Good ol McCurtain County Mud. Yep, it was everywhere it could possibly get, and them some. Chris went and bought a creeper so Jaque could get right under there with them. I loved it. That girl is happiest when she is 1-with her dad 2-getting dirty 3-learning stuff only guys usually know! She and chris then took it over and one of his friends talked them through how to rebuild everything in it. It took time, but having an expert helped. So now, they will soon be crawling back under it and putting it back in. The Facebook pictures are awesome. So, now you know what Jaque has been up to. This, and carrying a more than full load at school has kept her busy. So, you all know I am going somewhere, right? God puts us places sometimes where we have a choice, and sometimes we get stuck. We get mud in places we know it shouldn't be. Don't think that you have to get out all alone. First and foremost, he is the number one key in getting out. But notice that when he sends friends by to help you.....that they are a gift from him. He knows that on this earth, you cannot do it alone. And then he a reveals to us experts in the matter. We have a choice whether to use them, or discount them. For us, it was the transmission friend, but a preacher is the number two guy ready and willing to help in times of trouble. Use the resources he sends. They have intimate knowledge of him, and trust yourself. And when he speaks, listen. For his is the truth, the life! The worst thing you can do when your knee deep in the mud and feel there is no way out it to quit moving. Don't keep it in neutral til help comes, keep your engine running and put it in park. Be still and know he is God. And remember, everyone has a day when they have to learn a lesson. That is the beauty of life. And when you learn it, don't go back down that road again.....a.choose a different path. A friend in trouble told me once that they were too far gone, too much had happened in their life for the people around them to forgive them. That they have hurt feelings, and had hurt people that they love. That is never the case, nothing is to hard for God. I guess you could say, be courageous! Yesterday. Met a man that builds braces. He was telling Jaque that the electronic stimulation braces were ten to fifteen years off. He was telling her that they would not be something available in her life time. What did she do when facing this kind of pessimistic attitude? Mentioned her FES bike. He had not heard if it. Then she told him that she was not just sitting around and waiting for something to come along. She was going to do everything possible on her end to be healthy and read... And when (what is already in clinical trial phase) came out, she was going to ready for it. After leaving, we were both talking about how we just didn't get the right feeling that we were in the right place. And God got out attention, and I knew that we were not. So...... He did show her a couple of things, the first being that she is wise beyond her years. Second, that if she wants something, she must be diligent in fighting for it. And third, just because someone has a medical degree, doesn't mean they know squat! Dr McCarthy told her to go after what she wants and never quit. And that is what we have always lived by...set a goal and set it high! She is an overachiever. She attains more that everyone things she can, and then when you tell her it cannot be done, well, she has a way of doing it right in front of you and smiling the entire time. Luckily we have a couple of other brace builders to try... God will be us there. Guess we had to go to a bad one to appreciate the good one we will end up at. I have been trying to get her to let me write the Tim Tebow foundation. Tell her story, and see if she could get an invite to meet him. She said, mom that if for people that have something really wrong with them. And she is wright, it is. And she is correct in that there is nothing wrong with her.....we are blessed in her physical health ands even more so we are blessed in her mental health. She is my hero. She is everything I wish I could be. And as the song goes, I could fly higher that an eagle, and she would be the wind beneath my wings. Life is short. Don't feel sorry fir what you do not have. Money, fame, friends, boyfriends, cars, big house.... God will provide what you need. Have faith in him. And know that your trials on Earth and how your affect others through your witness will show what kind of person you really are. Please everyone continue to pray for Kirk Storey. He is still in hospital and is loved dearly by our family. And be a positive influence on someone today. Even if you think no one is watching, they are...lead by the example you set for your life. Don't say, when I grow up I am going to be a good witness for God. Do it today, don't wait for tomorrow, for we are never guaranteed time. Much love to you all. Carol

Looks Like We Made It!!

I joked with Jaque tonight. I said you cannot go anywhere. That way when you turn 21..... You will be right here with me and your dad. Selfish, you Bet. She laughed. Hadn't planned on going anywhere anyway. Giggling, she said that if she had really wanted to go somewhere, I would have not minded. She is right, we have come a long way in 21 years. It started as a nervous night. Chris had just graduated. Me, it was the summer of my senior year. We had failed to be smart, and wait. But chris gathered the courage to come with me to tell our parents. I will never forget my dAds words..he said "you don't HAVE to marry her" Lol. Chris said, no I want to marry her. Funny now, but I cannot imagine what my parents were thinking. Now this was 1990. It was uncommon. But we made it work. With lots of help from Mimi Kay and grandma Donna, I made it through high school with good grades. Chris worked for my dad. Failure was not an option. We might have started our family too soon, but that would be the only regret we would have concerning our family. Jaque fought hard to get into this world. The morning I went into labor, they put me in a room to wait. As I laid there hurting, they decided to put a monitor on her. As we watched the monitor motion her heart beat....we listened to our new world waiting to arrive. And our little girl was in trouble. The heart beat and the monitor did not match, she had slowed breathing and the room went into overdrive. All I remember is that she was coming on strong, and soon i would have a Cody Wade.yes, I was having a boy! They handed Chris a huge stack of papers to sign, and rushed me in for a emergency c section. In the true sense of the word, knock mom out.....start cutting. I awoke about three hours later to learn that Cody did not arrive as planned. Instead my world with Jaque Renee' began. In true Jaque style, she mastered everything in life quickly. Walking, talking, climbing on refrigerators, etc.. If it could be done in record time, she was determined to do it. we soon realized that we did not have a girl that wanted bows and sweaters, yes.. We had a little tomboy. Couldn't have drawn her better myself. School was just a thing that kept her... But she has always been born to be on the go. She has always love to be busy,but the best times have been with her dad. little sahara, 4wheeling, hunting, fishing, frog gigging, fire building, swimming, wake boarding, anywhere he went, so did she. Then mom, yes I understand my place, and I love it. Food, clothing, and clean shelter. A shoulder to cry on every now and then....and I honestly feel like the luckiest woman on earth for it. In the few times that Jaque has been in trouble in her life, dad is what she wanted. A collision between first and pitchers mound between her and Dakota white... Where is my daddy? In trouble at school for hitting boys....just wait until I tell my daddy! Jeep stuck in mud....daddy?!? And the night of her wreck.... Just don't let me die dad, just don't let me die! Yes, it was a tear jerker, but she said dad don't let me die and I am gonna be ok, you just don't let me die. That's her, he held up his end, and Lordy...she is holding up hers. I am so proud of the spot we are tonight. I have a almost 21 year old daughter that I love. And she loves us. We speak hourly...we eat almost ever meal together. We talk, we witness to each other. She is single and she knows exactly what her next boyfriend will be expected to be like. Yes, like her daddy. She is an Imperfect girl that loves to have fun, but is learning what fun really is. She is learning that when kids look up to you, you are the example that they want to be when they grow up. She knows that God is #1 and she is second. She is not afraid to admit what God has done for her, and not afraid to step up in defense of others. She always forgives those who have wronged her, and thinks that anyone can change if they really want. She gives second, third, etc chances and believes the best in people. She admit when she is wrong, and knows she is not perfect. She knows God is working on her and she is gearing up for the challenge. She believes in herself, but more importantly has the ability to make others around her be lifted up. I could go on for hours, but in the list that I could write on "what I want my child to be at 21" she pretty much blows my list away. I could not be any more proud and humbled that God chose me to be her mother. And that he picked chris for her dad. Life is a gift from God. my relationship with my daughter in these 21 years has been more than I ever dreamed it would be. I have not doubt that she will achieve all her dreams through Christ, he gives her her strength. May she be blessed for the rest of her days, may God reveal a wonderful man for her, and may she share her story with others...changing lives along the way. If you are reading this and want that kind of relationship with your child, it is not something to envy. It is simple, make God #1 and put your kids above everything else and directly in his hands. The Lord will pave your path, you just have to have the courage and strength and dedication to follow it. Happy happy birthday baby! I love you!

...Just one Step

Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time of year for families. Ours is no exception. It is the one time of the year that she is fed very well by both grandmas. Lets face it, all that we moms and dads learn about cooking is usually picked up from our mothers. So, it goes without saying that we all gained a little weight over this week. lol A funny thing happened over this Thanksgiving break. We were on our way out the door, and I was thinking that Jaque wouldnt get much therapy done since all of her "stuff" would be at the house. SO out the door we are going, with truck loaded...and Eddie patiently waiting....and I said "Jaque, do you want to take your braces?" She said, ya...sure. We have been working with them off and on, but mostly we work with the bike and standing frame. So, off we go to western oklahoma with braces in tow. Now about three years ago, all of Jaque's doctors told us that she would not grow anymore. Then, last summer, she was fitted for a new wheelchair because she went from 5'5ish to around 5'7.5 ish. We have noticed that she is growing taller from her time in her standing frame. So imagine that we are all standing in my mothers kitchen. My mother, Donielle, Deanna, Jaque, and myself. So, late one night she decides to put her braces on to show everyone how tall she has gotten. I will remind everyone that with an SCI (spinal cord injury) each milestone, big or small, is just that....it is doing something beyond what is expected. So she gets in her braces, and much to my and her surprise...she is a full nose taller than me. Taking into account the height of the shoes on her braces, this means that Jaque is now around 5'10" now. Yes, go ahead and take a minute to praise God. So...she has proved all the specialist wrong in the fact that she is STILL growing. This concludes to me that they have really no clue what is going on in that amazing body of hers. And this concludes also that she now knows why none of her clothes are fitting. Yes, she is gaining weight, but her waist is no longer located in the same spot, and her legs just keep getting longer!!!! Guess I will get the hand me downs now. She cannot even wear my wind pants because they are too short. SO back in the kitchen where she and i are sizing her up to everyone and she is now proclaiming the title of tallest person in the family. (a title that I have held for about 23 years). The she proceeds to move in her braces. We have left the old lady walker at home, so i stand in front of her so it kind of looks like we are dancing. Each step I take back, she is chasing me down. She is not just taking baby steps, but one step to my two steps. In fact, I only have to assist the braces moving on a few occasions when she is tangled up. Prasie God. No doctor has ever said that she will not walk again. No doctor has even said that she cannot and will not regain her legs. Dr McCarty only said that due to the fact that her lungs held off her spine surgery, it would be a long hard road. That she must work hard and stay on the therapy. So, to clarify, she is not technically walking as you or I would. But each milestone, like the long forceful steps in her braces is proving that she is regaining muscle movement and control in her lower back. And the ab work she has been looking for...well.....we have found it. We say the six pack and it was reminding her that it was there and ready to work for her! It is hard to be on the outside and looking in to a situation like ours. Unless you have been through it with someone, you understand, but it is hard for the full appreciation. Praise the Lord for his mighty contiuned work within this gifted and blessed child of mine. SO, as 2011 draws near, I want to update you all on the happenings through her eyes.... Jaque has finally broken free from the bonds of a man that was not sent by God for her, and she is single, indenpendent, and STRONGER for it. She has written papers and given speeches in class on ADA, service animals, accessiblity of places, and shared her story....changing lives throughout her educational journey. She has struggled through getting settled in college and learning to study. Setting goals to someday soon live at a campus on her own....and get herself ready for a career, hopefully in something she loves. She has contiuned her therapy when she has time, and wakeboarded until she was complete exhausted (love you ANN). She has learned the value of honesty with her parents, and learned what true friends really are. Some old friends have been found again and new ones are showing up as well. She started giving pitching lessons again, and her students are phenomenal. SHe has learned that her mind and heart offer more learning in the game of softball that just simply her legs. She has made friends with these students and their parents. She met so new guy friends that have shown her what TRUE guys can be like. They are young and dumb, like her lol, but they have raised the bar for her, and she is learning what she wants in ther perfect mate. And i must mention that she discovered a man by the name of Tim Tebow. He is a man that shows youth that it is ok to give God the glory. That being christian doesnt have to be just for church. And that through a sport, you can touch many lives. Through reading his book, and seeing his awesome power to give God praise, she has learned that the perfect guy can still be out there waiting for her. If you read his book, you will snicker at how much his and Jaques competitive nature resembles eachother. The list goes on, but hopefully through this, you now feel you are living this life with us, because through prayer and petition, you guys really are. So, as 2012 creeps closer, I have thought about what I wanted for her life. 1st and foremost, may she start Jan 1 2012 knowing that anything is possible if you dream big enough. That she realizes sacrifices that are made are sometimes worth it. And from that first day of the new year, may she realize all her dreams can come true by keeping the faith. I also hope that the opportunity will present itself for her to share her story to others on a bigger stage. She is an amazing young imperfect child of God. She makes mistakes, and is learning along the way. Jesus held her hand, he comforted her, and now, as I see one set of footprints, he is carrying her while she heals. Jaque Hall...I want you to know that God is readying a wonderful young man for you. He is building his character and making sure that he can keep up with your fast paced 4wheel drive lifestyle. And when you are ready, and he is ready, you will find eachother and grow old together. And yes dear, it just might be Tim Tebow,I have faith it will be someone of high standards. I would never underestimate the power that somehow glows within your smile and "through your eyes."

Remember Me

Yes, it's been a while. Thanks to all that read, and pray for Jaque and our family. Today is an american day of remembrance. As I have watch videos, Facebook posts, and the history channel today.....my heart smiles. Only in america can those so hurt by this event come together and celebrate this awesome and yet devastating day in our history. Through their courage and pain, we live their grief, we stroll in their footprints. We are a country, a nation Under God. I am humbled by one of Jaque's good friends that is in Afganistan tonight. He is the age of my sweet girl. he is fighting for her, for my family, and for all reading this. He is even fighting for those that do not respect him. Why? I missed my chance to ask him they day I was honored to meet him. But, no doubt he felt the call to serve.... I am sure his reasons are many, and for him, I am thankful tonight. As with our troops, and those affected directly by 9/11, we all are poised for the same goal in our lives. We want to be remembered. We want for someone to know who we were, what we believed in, and ho loved us while we were here. This last week, Jaque was in speech class. She had to give her first speech. As true to Jaque form, after giving her info, her teacher had a light bulb come on. She said that she remembered Jaque, her accident, and that her church had prayed for Jaque. After all this time, she is still meeting people that she affected, that in some way, she touched their life. She shared with me that someone asked her what her future goals were. ..... She wanted to make her mom and dad proud, and she wanted to fulfill what God had planned for her. Those were not her exacts words, but you guys get the gist of the conversation. I hope she knows that from January 19, 1991... I have been proud. Every day. Good days, and days that were challenging, I am Proud of her. I simply cannot understand a parent who says "I wash my hands of him or her". I cannot understand a chi,d not feeling loved every moment of every day. Now I may understand "mom, your smothering me". Lol. For those that are my friends on Facebook, you know I am always proclaiming that my child is my hero. Not just to me.... But she is to many. She is learning the awesome responsibility that comes with younger kids looking up to you. She knows that God sees and knows all. And that kids go by what they see and hear. With this comes living up to high standards. I am proud that she is learning this at 20..... She is really amazing me with her personal and spiritual growth. Her schooling is going well. Keeping her very busy. She is still single, but finally meeting some good Christian boys, and good hearted boys. She says she is far from ready for a boyfriend, deep wounds heal slow. But I know when God has THE ONE ready for her, she will not be able to out run him, even in her power chair! God's working on her.... And her soul mate is also learning how to be a real man, how to provide for his future family, and learning what true love is in Gods eyes. Does she know him? Who knows. He may be as far as Denver, or he could live 30 minters from our house. The excitement is in that he is here.... That God has someone just for her. and I guess Eddie will let her know if he is the right man. I have a couple that I think God is preparing, time will tell. So how do you know that you are on the right path? "when nothing goes right, go left". That's what her phone says....and such is true for all. When you keep asking God to save you from the flood, don't miss the lifejacket, rowboat, and coast guard. God is always there with the answer. God is always there with the way. We just have to pay attention. And for me the best way to do that is prayer. He hears our prayers, but we must be faithful. There is nothing to hard for God. Nothing he can't reach, and nothing he cannot heal. Please pray tonight for Jaque, and for Katie Hamilton. God is not finished with either one of those girls yet. They are living testimonies to the power of prayer and the Miracles god performs in our lives. Jesus came to earth for us. God sacrificed his son for our sins. Now we must be willing to sacrifice our children for him. Place them in his hands. Do not try to control them, allow him to take the lead and work in their lives. For if we lead, we will step on toes. God, I surrender my child to you. Please protect her, guide her, let her know she is loved, and fill her heart with grace and the peace of knowing she is never alone in this world, you are always with her. Have a great week everyone, and pray for our troops.

Half full or Half Empty?

Talk about a suntan! Yes, Jaque is sporting her usual tanned and tone body. Didn't take long either. Broken Bow lake has always been some type of mysterious therapy for Jaque. Seems like when she is on the lake, she is just a little closer to our maker. We have enjoyed this summer, cooking out, swimming, and just hanging with friends. Some friends are new to our lives, others, like little Ms Kelsie have been around forever.

I cannot help but share a recent conversation that I had with an older man who was a grandpa of one of Jaque's teammates for the Haworth Lions. Be prepared, because in true Carol style, I have decided to be blunt.

It started out as him just asking how Jaque was doing. Of course, I filled him in on school, lake, friends, etc. Then he started talking about his granddaughter. I was tickled to hear that she was doing well. She is a sweet kid with a lot going for her in life.

But as the conversation kept going......God hit me with a brick. It was right then and there I realized that their are two types of people in this world. 1-over achievers 2-over comers. disclaimer*I am not talking of the granddaughter, merly making a statement on what people see is important.

An over achiever is one who sets the bar high in life. Satisfied with the trophies on the wall, the next big challenge, and glory when it is achieved. They miss the small milestones because they can only focus on the big wins. They see any setbacks as loses. They see defeat as weakness. They focus on the "what if's" of those around them. If someone has a potential and does not fulfil it (for any circumstance) it is a failure on their part. It does not matter the life circumstances, if they are not a winner, they are losing.

And over comer is, in my weird way of thinking, one who faces each challenge and is proud of the outcome no matter what it is. They know as long as they try their hardest, they are winners. An over comer keeps God always in the game plan and understands that in life, not everyone is given a path that is golden. They see that each of us is just a prayer away from becoming the person that God wants us to be. They also understand to appreciate each trophy as a day that they were meant to win, and know that some days just are not meant to be.

An over comer is proud of their accomplishments in life, but they know that "what if" is a question left to those that dwell in the thoughts of the devil. Those that are asking "What will I do next" shows strength and courage to move in the right direction.

If you cannot tell, this man did strike a nerve.

Jaque has been giving pitching lessons and loving it. I have heard more from the mothers of the girls about how much Jaque has positively affected the lives of these young girls and even the friendship she is making with the moms.

This man talked as if her not walking affected her ability to teach, to witness, to understand.

Yes, I know you are all shaking your head. But know that the 10 minute drive home was used in talking with God about how this grandfather, a man of God, is missing the point. How I prayed for him to know and understand what Jaque has taught me.

If we can do nothing more in life than inspire someone to be more that they are, to see that we have faith, and to know that through our trials, God is getting us ready for what lies beyond this earth.......if we can do that, I think we are working in the right direction.

I always say that the devil attacks us when God is getting ready for a great blessing. The devil tried to attack me that day, but he forgot I was on Team Jaque. That afternoon, I had a wonderful time cooking with Jaque. Then, she had friends over, and we had family as well. She was surrounded with love, smiling and laughing. Chasing Jordan and Carson with water balloons, hide-and-go-seek, and playing bumper cars with her buddies in powerchairs. I wished at that moment the grandfather could see her. He could have a humbling sense of when the world throws you a curve you can watch it go by or take it for a long road out of the park.

Pray for this man, and peace in his life. Remember that those you might come in contact with today may not have strong faith. The words you say to them might cut deeper than you think. And it is easy to pour salt on a wound than it is to help someone bandage it up. Be on the side of the healer, not on the destroyer.

Yesterday my family lost a strong woman. My great Aunt Olean. She was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Please keep our family in your prayers. She was ready. Angels had appeared to her, and she spoke of what she would say when she saw Jesus. She was ready....are you?

With Love for all of our friends and family that keep up with my rambling.

June Bug's are out

OK, so Eddie is a pretty well mannered dog. He listens well and is always there when you need him. But.....we have found an exception. He hates June Bugs. Yep, good old Oklahoma June bugs. In fact, he cannot even go to sleep with a June bug in the room. It is quite funny.

As do most things Eddie and Jaque, this really made me think. What things are around us everyday that make us stress? Do most of these things ever really result in actual harm to us? We need to leave those bugs to the Lord and enjoy life. Bringing people closer to God, or letting him be see through us should be higher on our listing. Yes, preaching to myself too!

The Shepherd Center announced that the first stem cell phase I trial is working!! Yes, our Lord is ALIVE!

This last month has been super busy. We had to opportunity to spend time with most of our family back home. And we survived the second annual "Ride for Eugene" at Little Sahara State Park. Deanna got to go with us this year. It was exciting, thrilling, sandy, and the weather was perfect. The mornings were filled with the good ol cafe breakfast, followed my Maria and Sarah cooking dinner for us.MMMMMM We really had an awesome time. Felt like our friend was with us, as it often does when Darrell and Jaque are up to no good. LOL

We also have been going to the lake. Jaque's favorite thing to do in LIFE. She and Kelsie braved the freezing cold water at BBow lake and rode the wakeboards. They had had some friends going with us, so its been a lot of fun. Yesterday, we actually had some boys cook us steaks. Not very often that happens. Of course, then Andrew had to show then how to jump the wake. Love YOUTH showing us how it is done.

I was having to pull Jaque and Kelsie. They were wanting to ride at the same time. I - as many of you know - am not the first pick for boat driver. So I laughed and told them to say a prayer. Then, since I had never pulled Jaque before, I told Kelsie I was going to concentrate on her getting up first. Kelsie laughed and said "Just watch her and I will make it up."

Have you ever had a friend in life lay it out for you? Ever had one that above all else is there for you, without reservation or complaining? Ever had one that cared beyond thyself. That is Jaque and Kelsie. They are those kind of twins that were detached at birth. My favorite verse growing up was "greater love hath no man than he who lay his life down for his friend." This is evident between these girls.

This summer, Jaque is not taking classes, but is helping out on pitching with a few girls. I know she and Kelsie look like naturals when they are working together.

I heard a song that said I don't know why bad things happen to good people. Although this accident was a bad thing that happened, I grow more proud of my child every day. She is growing into a beautiful young woman. She makes me want to be a better person. When I am in the world whining and complaining, I look to her and she shows me a different view. Hers is lined with sunsets and the big panoramic picture, where my view was through a tunnel.

I know that I am part of that reason, as is her dad. I am thankful. But I have seen the Lord touching her life in 2011 and feel a tug at my heart. He is telling me to prepare for her blessings. When I watch her work with Whit, my eyes tear up. Not at the fact that she is not standing or running with her.....but bigger. They tear at the look in Whit's eyes as she hangs on her every word. They tear as a mother tells me how her child thinks so much of mine. And, as the mother becomes a friend of Jaque's, it humbles me.

Thank you Lord for the bundle of every day blessings that I call "My Life." Thank you Lord for my wonderful parents Danny and Ladonna Aycox who celebrate their 45th anniversary this week. And thank you for Chris, with out him, we would not have Jaque.

I read this recently on a wall "First we had each other, Then we had you, Now we have EVERYTHING." Yes Lord, this is my family, and this is praising you in our lives.

Curveball easy?

"Life throws you a curve but also makes it right across the edge of the plate so you can send it for a ride and have no worries about if your gonna make it to first base or not... Thank you god for those ridiculous curves without them I would be swinging at the same ole slow fastball" per Jaque's facebook post today.

Funny, how her brain works. Some girls fear the fastball, and never really sees a ball curve as it comes at them. But my girl, well....let me tell you a few secrets about her.

The first day Jaque went to pitching lessons, we were in Fastpitch World in Russellville AR. She had to be about 11 or so, not really sure. But the coach told her to throw what pitches that she had learned with her dad, and Monica, a local friend that had a really good background in pitching. There she went, throwing as hard as she could...accuracy was coming around good. He then showed her a bunch of grips with the ball. Fastball and changeup, curve, screwball, a second change up, drop ball, rise ball....well, you get the point.

When he was finished he asked her what she would like to work on. He suggested the rise or drop. Jaque asked him which was the hardest to learn, he said curve. She said "I think I will start with that one." Yep, that is her. Full steam ahead. By the end of the lesson, she had it down, and off we went to work on it at home. In the next few lessons we had at Fastpitch World, she even threw a drop curve that managed to change speeds. Her coach was highly impressed, and like us, told her that nothing was impossible for her.

It is great remembering those times, but even greater knowing what that time in her life taught her. To try your best, to expect nothing less, and remember the game face is for the game....leave it all on the field. Where a smile everywhere else.

The last high school game she played, was regionals with the Lady Lions. We lost in a terrible fashion, on errors. When it was over, she walked over to us...her family that followed our fearless leader. She was smiling, and said "I do not understand why they are all crying." They were her teammates. She said "mom, I know I gave my all, I know I tried my best, today just was not our day." Then, in true Jaque fashion, she said "Where we gonna eat?"

I say all of this because it is part of who she is, a hero to me. She is my daily smile and reminder to live each day. She has "gotten it"

Chris and I recently were blessed with being fortunate enough to visit our friends Tracey, Eric, and sister Hannah Lacy. Their son, Buck, is in Tulsa ICU as I type this. Buck is a fighter, and he too is defying what the world says are expectations, and he is showing that God is the true healer. Buck recently had brain surgery. They will soon be getting him off the vent and slowing trying to wake him from the coma that he has been medically placed in since his surgery. I tell you this so you can pray specifically for Buck. For pain free and smooth transition.

After our visit with the Lacy's, I was reminded by all those feelings of Jaque's accident. I told Chris that you did not have to be best friends with someone to be the closest to each other in prayer after something unexpected happens to them. Our community and their family have been through lot, but as we Christians know, we are being prepared for heaven, and our trials make us stronger and closer to God. Pray for Buck tonight, thank you.

Well, just as an update, vacation was wonderful. The Shepherd Center brought old friends, and the opportunity for Jaque to touch a recently injured young mans life. He was thinking of what he would do when he got back home to his farm. She told him all the activities that she did, and when she left him.....he was indeed smiling.

Ann at UCANSKI2 was AWESOME. No other way to put it. She is such an inspiration and what she has done in her lifetime, well....she touches so so so many lives. Ann - God Bless You and your mighty works.

Disney too was as expected. Wonderful rides, even better shows, and our tour guide (dad Chris) picked excellent food. We even got to visit cousin Karen (who couldn't find her car so we helped) and with Jason Mills, Jaque's neighbor for our 3 months in ATL. On the way home we stopped off at Destin. All I can say about that was we will definitely be back!

Long trip, but was indeed what God wanted our family doing over spring break. I could feel his presence with us. He was revealing to me that Jaque would see through Ann what an inspiration she is through the lives of others.

I always say my imperfect perfect teenager. Faults, yes, she has them. We all do, all but our Father in Heaven. But through Jaque, and Buck, people will come to God. They will stop wandering the path that leads to no where, and they will get on the one that is labeled God's WILL for their lives.

Each day is a gift in this life. We go through them some days with a frown, down and worrying about simple things, all of which are out of our control. But when you learn to let God control it, when you learn to turn it all over to him, Life turns out to be an amazing journey of miracles all around us.

Sometimes God speaks in a shower with water beating on the back of your stressed neck, sometimes he comes in a hospital room with the curtains shut and the lights off, but I promise if you will just ask him in your heart, it will warm. You will know his quiet still voice, you will know peace.

Thank you for listening to my constant rambles on this blog. Our journey is not one to be locked in journal for only us to see, it is written and happening to share with you all, our family and friends. If our journey can help save just one soul from the wrath of Hell, then it will have been worth it. We are preparing for the hear after, share this with someone who needs a little pick me up. For when we get to Heaven, we want to share it with those around us!

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.