Jacque's Journey

08/06/2025

We got wet getting to the pool today!! Haha. Poor David gets out and gets the wheelchair and other stuff I need. I feel so bad for him. However, he never complains. I did a 45-minute session. My recovery breathing was a little quicker today, and I felt a little stronger. I take that as a win.

Afterwards, we went for my monthly lung biologic. Prayers are requested. I do biological injections/infusions three weeks out of the month. They are different meds. I truly think my immune system and my body are reacting to some of the side effects. One of the drugs I have been on for a long time, but the addition of the other seems to create a few issues. However, both drugs are necessary. I don’t like the other options.

As always, I appreciate your prayers and support as I journey forward to better health. I am a firm believer in prayer! I claim victory with each and every stroke and kick! Much love…. Remember, “Life is too short to wear boring glasses!” 🤓😎

08/04/2025

Journey continues! I had a great swim today. David helped me into the pool so I didn’t have to walk down the ramp and across the lanes to get to my lane. I don’t know why we haven’t done this before! It was great! Muscles, nerves, and joints do not handle the walk right away. I still have to cross and walk up at the end, and that is exhausting, but I made it and recovery breathing and movement seemed better today. The walk up pushes the length I can walk, but they have a solid rail and I take my time. I lasted 50 minutes of continuous movement. When not lapping I am treading to catch breath and get a break. I was wanting to go home and crash, but birthday boy wants to go out for lunch. Had to fix hair and get makeup on, but right now just resting til he gets here from his office. Enjoying the day and enjoying his face when he gets birthday greetings. Thanks for prayer support!

07/28/2025

Psalms 143:8
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

So much of my confusion in trying to decide my path has been lifted. As always, God led me to His word and plan. My path is not for everyone, but it brings me peace.

Journey to pool went well this morning. I only lasted 45 minutes, but I increased intensity in the water. The water gives me freedom from some of the pain and helps me to have balance. I feel so free and happy in the water.

It truly is a day to day thing for me. Yesterday I pushed to get to church. I made it to church but was too weak to get up to the piano and play for worship. That’s ok! I worshipped down front in the wheelchair. I still won the battle. I was there and loving on my COR family. They truly are the best!

Listen. Be still. God will speak and give you direction as well. Abide in Him. Don’t simply visit Him on Sunday. He wants
You to dwell in Him and His word. Daily.

James 4:8
New Living Translation
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”

07/21/2025

Warning! Long update:

I haven’t forgotten the journey. I’ve just been sidelined for several months. I would have a strong day, then 5 bad days would follow. It got in my head… badly. The pain, weakness, wheezing, and lack of endurance has felt like a cage.

BUT- God is faithful. God is good. I am taking one day at a time. One of my dear friend is ALWAYS reminding me to take baby steps.

That being said….
Today I swam. I can no longer swim a mile or workout in water for 2.5 hours, but I moved legs continuously for an hour. The arms were moving most of it. They pushed water weights (it weight ones) during lengths. At the deep end I would rest by either treading or doing other slow movement exercises. I should have stopped at 45, but I can be stubborn. Of course, David has to assist me in getting there with gear and the wheelchair. The lifeguards assist me down the ramp and to my lane. Getting back out was an issue due to muscle exhaustion and recovery breathing from going up the ramp took awhile. BUT— I did it.

I want to return to the gym soon. Even if I have to roll in, I can make necessary adaptations and start lifting again. That is a deep desire of my heart. This is a vital part of warring against disease and side effects of all the biologics and meds.

I am milling my wheat and baking ly bread orisucts again. Again, I couldn’t do it without David. I am becoming more and more reactionary to food, so we are eliminating preservatives wherever I can. Today I milled 3 kinds of wheat and we made muffins and a loaf of bread. I get frustrated because I did it all alone for many, many years. I cannot do that at this time, BUT I will.

I am praying that returning to extremely clean eating will give my body what it needs to heal and fight. Something has to change, so let it be my choices. God expects me to do my part. It’s not convenient. It requires me to ask for help. I hate doing that!

I am soooooo thankful for my wonderful husband. He travels this road with me and many, many times it is harder on him than me. I would ask that you pray for David as you pray for me. I love this man of mine!

I told you it was long!! If you are still reading that means you are one of the cherished friends/family members that I love so much. You know me. I love fierce. Consider yourself hugged. I am so grateful for all who encourage, support, and most especially pray for me.

Future updates will be much shorter. I promise!

04/21/2025

Absolutely worn out, but I made it today. The laps were very slow and I had to recover at the end of each length, but I swam for about an hour before my sugar dropped and I started wheezing and showing obvious distress. The journey has stalled this past year, but I am looking forward.

11/05/2024

“If we are pleased with the results of
today’s election, let us yet in humility
remember that every earthly authority
must one day give way to your eternal rule—
so let us in grace love all our neighbors well.

Or, if we are disappointed, let us resist all
fear, anger, accusation, and bitterness,
but instead renew our trust in you—
and let us in grace love all our neighbors well.

Whatever the outcome of this election,
let our citizenship and our hope be rooted
first in your heavenly kingdom, that we might
live in exile here as winsome ambassadors of our
soon-returning King—
always in grace loving all our neighbors well.”

(Liturgy for Election Day
RabbitRoom.com)

The Rabbit Room cultivates and curates story, music, and art to nourish Christ-centered communities for the life of the world.

11/04/2024

If you haven’t voted yet, make your plans now. Go to your state web site and make sure the location of your polling place. Some of them have changed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. After you get location and plan for the time, call a friend! Call a neighbor! Help someone get to the polls. Voting is a precious right and responsibility of citizenship in these GREAT United States. Vote as if your freedom depends on it, for it does!
Vote and then leave it all in the hands of God. Pray for the outcome and the candidates. No matter the outcome, God is in control and the nation needs your prayers. VOTE♥️

10/13/2024

Prayers requested. Every excuse and hurdle that would prohibit my return to the water has been cleared. Femur has finally healed, knee looks to be healed beautifully, and electric wheelchair has arrived. Dr at VCU has cleared me for swimming. All that is left is the irrational fear and anxiety…😂🤣 Last time I did this, it didn’t go so well!! (Day of the fall/injury) We are doing everything to prepare tonight so that the morning will go well. Pray saints!! (Also pray I don’t run the wheelchair into the pool!🤣)

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

09/16/2024

This spoke to me. I have been planning on going back to the pool today for weeks. It will be the first day since the fall in February. I’ve been quite anxious, but ready to take this step. After 3-4 days of breathing issues and elevated GP symptoms we felt Wednesday would be a better goal. I truly need this to begin rebuilding strength, endurance, and balance. I was pretty bummed, but it is what it is. My dear friend keeps telling me, “baby steps”. Waiting 2 more days is not the end of the world. It doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Patience has NEVER been my strongest virtue, esp when it comes to me.

08/17/2024

Live without regrets!

08/14/2024

“In Romans 8:18 Paul says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” Notice the words “suffering” and “present time.” Christianity does not give us a free pass from suffering. Knowing Jesus is not a “get out of suffering” card.”

Lord, reveal your glory!♥️

07/24/2024

Yesterday was a very emotional day for me for many, many reasons. Today I refuse to go down those rabbit holes. I choose to focus on God’s word and his creation. I am sharing a pic that makes me happy. This is from my friend Lori Haskell Carter’s garden. Look how beautiful and unique!! Hit me up with your pics of nature. They make me happy!!