One of the best decisions I ever made was when I persuaded Kaetlin to marry me. I can’t imagine where my life would be today if it wasn’t for her. Since we married in 2009, we have been on a never-ending adventure with many highs and lows. These adventures have broken and rewarded us; they have refined and pushed us. The biggest blessings through these adventures are certainly our 4 exceptional children, Laken, Isla Kaet, Hattie, and Ryder. Because of these little miracles, I get to see the beauty of their amazing momma in their eyes every day.
As my beautiful bride so perfectly, I also have worn and still do wear many hats, some hats, if I admit, I never wanted to wear, but I still put it on proudly. For 13 years, I got to serve as a Recreation Minister at Crosspoint, Niceville. In my last few years, I was allowed to also be a student Minister. In 2020, life took quite a turn for us when Kaet was diagnosed with Leukemia. From there, my hats and roles began to change a bit. I went from being a husband, a father, and a minister, to a husband and father who was blessed to be solely devoted to caring for his family. The newest hats that I never wanted to wear are a widow and single father; after an incredible journey, Kaet went to meet her Father in Heaven on January 9th, 2022
Although I have faced many difficult circumstances, I am still convinced God is good. He has made himself known in so many different ways through the trials and triumphs. I hope to take all the ways and experiences that God has used to make me who I am today and provide hope and encouragement in the lives of others. That said, I have a great desire to help others and see them win, no matter the pain or struggles that they have or will go through. Currently, in addition to the years of ministry I have spent serving others, I am pursuing a Master’s in Social Work in an effort to provide another platform for how I can help others.
God has always said, “He wants to use all of you, not just part of you .” That said, I have always loved being outside and sports. I can’t think of one sport that I have never tried. Currently, I’m working on being a golfer, which is the most challenging sport I have ever played! That said, although I love playing sports, I am more fascinated with the lessons learned when playing a sport. There are so many lessons that I have learned that have helped to make me who I am today. I hope and pray that my kids will be able to experience the same lessons I have learned through them.
Growing up, I always had a big dream and vision for what my life looked like, and it’s probably no surprise to you that my life is not the picturesque life I dreamed of. However, God has still used it to show me and provide me with what absolute joy is. This idea of true Joy began the first time our life was flipped upside down when Hattie was born. If I’m honest, I was terrified to have a child with special needs before Hattie. Still, after Hattie, I can’t imagine a life without her. Hattie is a light where ever she goes. Although she faces circumstances that many of us will never have to or even understand, she still chooses Joy. In some ways, I believe God sent Hattie to us, knowing the more significant battle in front of us. Because of Hatties and her “Hands Go Up” mentality, I believe it made it easier for me and Kaet to find Joy in the darkest of days during her treatment
My hope through this blog, as I continue what Kaet started, is that you will find hope, joy, and inspiration. I will be sharing stories of God’s amazing provision and comfort through the trials of our past, the ones to come, and the ones we are in now.
-James