Watch Where You’re Walking!

Colorado is on my mind -- especially for our dear Jack, but today I'm seqwaying to a personal story.

I was remembering our trip to Crested Butte, Colorado. One morning we followed our leader -- Carl’s daughter, Amelia -- through some pretty rough terrain.

Oh, but it was so beautiful! Magnificent trees towered above us, evergreens surrounded us, and every turn seemed to offer another breathtaking view.

Along the way, I found a long tree limb, trimmed off the scraggly little branches, and made a walking stick for Carl’s sister. It helped steady her steps, but there was something else all of us needed even more:

We had to watch where WE were walking! YES! Keeping our eyes wide open! I have had some major falls -- when I wasn't being careful -- with rises in a sidewalk or street!

And, in Crested Butte -- we had to watch out for the beautiful trees that had roots that stretched right across our pathway. One distracted step and -- WHOOPS! -- down we could go!

Isn’t that a picture of life?

We can be walking through a beautiful season and still encounter something unexpected across our path. A disappointment. A hurt. A financial concern. A troubling report. An offense. Even our own fear or worry can become a “root” that trips us up.

Some obstacles are obvious. Others seem to appear out of nowhere.

That’s why we need to keep our eyes open -- but even more importantly -- keep our eyes on God.

God never promised every pathway would be smooth. But He did promise to walk it with us. Sometimes He removes the obstacle. Sometimes He leads us around it. And sometimes He simply gives us the strength and wisdom to step right over it.

Isaiah 42:16 says, “I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.”

What a promise!

Maybe there’s a “root” across our path today. But, let's not stare at the obstacle so long that we forget Who is walking with us.

Let's take God's hand. Let's watch our step. Let's keep moving forward.

And let's remember -- the rough places don’t mean we’re on the wrong path. They may simply remind us to stay close to our Guide.

#watchyourstep #Strength #pictureoflife

The Miracle Journey Continues!

PRAISE THE LORD! The day we've prayed for has arrived! Our wonderful Jack Malouff has officially arrived to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, for specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation!

THANK YOU, JESUS!

Yesterday morning, Jack's dad, Ryan, announced: "WE ARE ON OUR WAY!"

Jack and his mom, Dana, were picked up by medical transport for their flight to Colorado, where a new chapter of healing and rehabilitation begins.

Ryan shared these powerful words: "Everything has changed, but nothing has changed."

New surroundings. New challenges. New medical teams. But the SAME GOD, the SAME FAITH, and the SAME determination to believe for Jack's complete healing!

And here's a beautiful God-wink! Some of their family already lives in Colorado, ready to surround them with love. God knew what they would need before they ever knew they needed it!

What an army of love has carried this family!

Ryan's supportive employer, Dana's best friend Shawntel, my son who coordinated countless logistics, and my grandson Bryson, Jack's lifelong best buddy, who has faithfully stood beside him.

And Lee aka Popi, Jack's grandfather, who became the hospital's unofficial greeter, encourager, and prayer warrior!

We thank Jack's extraordinary medical team, City Reach Church, its pastors and members, and countless prayer warriors worldwide.

And the generous hearts who have contributed over $250,000 toward Jack's enormous medical and rehabilitation expenses!

This isn't boasting about people. It's boasting about GOD'S LOVE working THROUGH people!

Jesus said, "With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

Ryan calls this faithful army "JACK'S PRAYER FIGHT CLUB!" I LOVE THAT!

And prayer warriors, we're not hanging up our boxing gloves!

The journey ahead will require courage, patience, rehabilitation, and unwavering faith.

We're not closing the book. We're turning the page!

Genesis 50:20 reminds us that God can turn what was meant for evil into good.

We're believing for that GOOD!

So keep praying. Keep encouraging. Keep believing!

One day at a time. One prayer at a time. One miracle at a time.

FIGHT LIKE JACK!

And to God be ALL the glory!

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Colorado Bound -- And God is Leading the Way

Oh, happy day! I could hardly contain my emotions when I received the news! Jack Malouff is Colorado bound! PRAISE GOD!

Yesterday, three vehicles headed toward Englewood, Colorado, home of Craig Hospital, a renowned rehabilitation center specializing in spinal cord and brain injuries.

Jack's dad, Ryan, drove a truck. His sister, Emma, and Bryson's girlfriend, Cheeks, drove Emma's car. And my 19-year-old grandson, Bryson? He's driving his own car!

Why? Because his best buddy since they were TWO YEARS OLD needs him! Talk about loyalty, devotion, and friendship! My grandmother's heart is overflowing!

Today, Jack and his precious mom, Dana, are scheduled to fly to Colorado with an experienced medical transport team, arriving between 2 and 4 p.m. And waiting for that plane? Jack's own personal cheering squad!

Isn't that just like God? He makes a way for family and friends to be close when they're needed most. Even Bryson has a place to stay at Ryan's mom's home. Doesn't that sound like God had a plan all along?

I keep thinking about the four friends who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. When they couldn't get through the crowd, they lowered him through the roof! That's friendship that refuses to give up! (Mark 2:1-12)

And that's what I'm witnessing today!

To the hundreds, perhaps thousands, who have prayed around the world for Jack, THANK YOU! Your prayers, encouragement, and unwavering faith have carried this family through some incredibly difficult days.

We aren't at the finish line. There is still a journey ahead. But what a milestone this is!

Craig Hospital has skilled medical professionals ready to help Jack take his next steps toward recovery. And above every doctor, therapist, and treatment plan, we continue trusting our Great Physician!

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." — James 5:16 (NIV)

So, dear prayer warriors, PLEASE DON'T STOP PRAYING!

We're believing for healing, restoration, renewed strength, and miracles yet to come.

Colorado bound! Hope rising! Faith standing!

And God is going with them every mile of the way!

#craighospital #dontstoppraying #GreatPhysician

He Was Going to Colorado Anyway!

Sometimes life takes a detour so unexpected that we wonder, "Lord, what in the world is happening?" And yet, even in the detours, we can trust that God hasn't lost sight of us.

Three weeks ago, our dear Jack Malouff was headed for Denver, Colorado! Jack and his team's AI project "Fosterly" won a pitch competition at Austin Christian University. The app they created was/is to help young people aging out of foster care.

Their mission? "No one should age out alone."

Jack and his team were celebrated with confetti and dreams of what was ahead! Onward to Colorado!

But, then came a devastating accident. Jack's one dive into unexpected shallow water changed everything.

Instead of preparing for a competition, Jack was/is fighting to recover from a serious spinal cord injury.

But here's where my heart gets stirred!

Jack was supposed to have been in Denver competing at the Gloo AI Hackathon on October 8, 2026.

His teammate Katie and the "Fosterly" team were in Denver for the competition. They carried Jack's vision forward. Katie even wore a "Fight Like Jack" hoodie! They worked tirelessly to ensure Jack's voice would remain part of their presentation.

Jack couldn't stand beside them, so they stood for him!

And isn't that something? Jack helped create an app because he believed no young person should face life's difficult transitions alone. Now, in his own life-changing circumstances, Jack isn't alone either!

His family, friends, medical team, and thousands of prayer warriors are standing with him!

And now -- there's another Colorado connection!
Jack is awaiting medical clearance to be flown to Craig Hospital near Denver, where specialists will help guide his rehabilitation.

Colorado was already on his calendar. The reason for going has changed dramatically, but our prayers haven't!

We don't pretend to understand God's ways or why painful things happen. But Proverbs 3:5 reminds us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not your own understanding."

So, dear prayer warriors, please keep praying for Jack's healing, restored strength, sensation, movement, and safe travel.

We are so grateful that Katie and the Fosterly team were given wisdom, confidence -- and best news ever -- they succeeded!

Hallelujah and praise be to God and a united team who believed in "nothing is impossible with God!"

Jack's friends are still carrying his dreams. We're all carrying Jack in prayer. And we're trusting God to carry them ALL!

FIGHT LIKE JACK!
Because no one should have to fight alone!

#miraclesstillhappen #TrustInGod #HealingJourney

Don't Stop Believing! Don't Stop Praying!

We're STILL praying! STILL believing! STILL expecting God's healing power to work in our wonderful Jack Malouff! One day at a time. One victory at a time. And we're NOT giving up!

Matthew West's song, "Don't Stop Praying," has become a cheerleading anthem for my heart! I especially love these words:

"Don't stop praying
Don't stop calling on Jesus' name"

And that's exactly what thousands of prayer warriors around the world are doing! We're calling on Jesus, standing in faith, and refusing to surrender our hope!

Yesterday morning, I awakened to a message on my Facebook feed from "God Met Me There." It felt like a little love note from heaven, reminding me that faith isn't always accompanied by smiles and sunshine.

Sometimes faith has tears streaming down its face. Sometimes it asks difficult questions. Sometimes it simply whispers, "Lord, help me take one more step."

Corrie ten Boom is credited with saying, "Faith is when you praise God in the storm, you trust Him in the valley, and you follow Him in the dark."

Oh, how those words speak to my heart!

Faith doesn't mean we never feel afraid. It means we know WHO to run to when fear comes knocking!

As Jack prepares for the next chapter of rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Colorado, we're thanking God for every milestone, every answered prayer, every medical professional, and every person standing with this precious family.

Jesus said in Luke 18:1 that we "should always pray and not give up."
And that's our marching orders!

We don't know exactly what tomorrow holds, but we KNOW Who holds tomorrow!

So, dear friends, whatever mountain you're facing, whatever prayer you're still praying, whatever miracle you're believing for -- DON'T STOP!

Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep praising.

The same God who carried us yesterday is holding us today and will be faithful tomorrow! AMEN!

#DontStopBelieving #dontstoppraying #corrietenboom

LOOK AGAIN! The Cloud Is Rising!

Yesterday -- Carl and I visited the hospital where our precious Jack Malouff continues his fight toward healing. There was Jack's grandfather, Lee Rosenlund (our beloved Popi), his dad, Ryan, and others faithfully standing in the gap. What a beautiful sight!

Prayers, hugs, encouragement, food, donations, and love continue pouring in from near and far.

And, praise God, there is encouraging news!

Jack has been initiating breaths with reduced ventilator support, exceeding his medical team's goals! His white blood cell count has returned to normal following a lung infection. He's spending some time upright in a specialized chair. Small steps? Maybe. But we're celebrating EVERY ONE!

Ryan shared that Jack may be flown Wednesday or Thursday to Craig Hospital in Colorado, a renowned rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord injuries. His medical team is carefully determining whether he's ready for the flight. We're trusting God's wisdom and guidance in every decision.

But here's what stirred my heart!

Ryan shared how he awakened during the night hearing one unmistakable word: "LOOK!"

Immediately, he remembered Elijah praying for rain in 1 Kings 18. Elijah sent his servant to look toward the sea. Nothing! Again. Nothing! Seven times he looked until finally, a tiny cloud appeared, no bigger than a man's hand.

And that little cloud was the beginning of a mighty rainstorm!

LOOK AGAIN!

Look for another breath! Another movement! Another sign of strength! Another encouraging report!

We're praying for Jack's spinal cord to heal, for communication between his brain and body to be restored, for feeling, movement, and strength to return.

We're also praying for relief from nausea, comfortable rest, and safe travel when the time comes.

Dear friends, sometimes faith means looking again when yesterday's view hasn't changed.

We're not denying the seriousness of Jack's injuries. We're declaring our confidence in the God who hears our prayers!

So, prayer warriors, keep praying! Keep believing! Keep looking!

That little cloud reminds us that what we see today may not be the whole story.

And we're trusting God with every chapter still to come!

#lookagain #TrustingGod #prayerwarriors #cloudisrising

One Step Closer to the Miracle!

Oh, happy day! Another reason to praise our faithful God!

Our amazing Jack Malouff is making progress! After the frightening accident that changed his life and sent hundreds, even thousands, of us to our knees, we see another door opening.

A medical representative from Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, near Denver, came to evaluate Jack and prepare for his anticipated transfer next week.

And here's the GOOD NEWS! Jack is well enough to make that flight! HALLELUJAH!

Craig Hospital is internationally recognized for its specialized rehabilitation of people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.

What an extraordinary opportunity for Jack to receive the focused care, expertise, and encouragement he needs for this next chapter of recovery!

Of course, our hearts are rejoicing! We know there is still a journey ahead. But we're not measuring our hope by the size of the challenges. We're measuring it by the greatness of our God!

Jack's best friend, my grandson Bryson, plans to drive to Denver to be near him. Jack's parents, Ryan and Dana, and sister, Emma, are preparing to be there, too. What a beautiful picture of love that refuses to let go!

And to every prayer warrior who has stood in the gap with us, brought food, offered encouragement, shed tears, and whispered Jack's name to heaven — THANK YOU! Your prayers and love matter more than words can express.

I keep thinking about Philippians 1:6: "He Who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

We're grateful for brilliant doctors, skilled therapists, remarkable facilities, and every advancement in medicine. And we continue looking to our Great Physician, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

We're not declaring the journey finished. We're declaring our faith UNFINISHED!

One breath. One movement. One milestone. One day at a time.

Because our God is STILL in the miracle-working business!

God is faithful. Hope is alive. And the story is still being written!

To God be the glory!

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Everything Has Changed, But Nothing Has Changed!

Fourteen days. Two weeks. And what a journey our precious Jack and his family have traveled!

With the help of a special speaking valve attached to his trach, Jack can occasionally use his own breath to make his voice heard!

This little valve allows air to enter his lungs through the trach, but when he breathes out, it redirects the air past his vocal cords so he can SPEAK.

And what did this precious young man do with that opportunity? I especially love that Jack used his opportunity to speak to express gratitude. After everything he's endured, he wanted to thank the people and his doctor for helping care for him!

When Lee (Jack's grandfather -- aka Popi) heard his grandson speaking, tears filled his eyes. Can you imagine? After days of watching Jack silently mouth his words, hearing his voice again was a gift beyond measure!

It's another encouraging step in a journey that we're walking one day, one breath, and one prayer at a time.

BREATH! Genesis 2:7 tells us that God breathed into Adam the breath of life.

And here we are, thousands of years later, praying for breath, strength, healing, and restoration for Jack.

We've been praying for Jack's breath, and now we're hearing what he's doing with that breath. He's using it to say THANK YOU!”

Oh, and by the way – you see this hat with TINGL on it (my mastermind, grandson Bryson had it made for Jack) and being held by Ryan -- Jack's dad

You know what that means – Jack is feeling tingling occasionally in his legs and body -- hallelujah!

One breath at a time. One step at a time. One miracle at a time.

Next week, the family and my Bryson are preparing for Jack's next chapter at Craig Hospital in Colorado, a specialized spinal cord rehabilitation hospital.

And there's MORE! Before the accident – Jack had won the honor of representing Austin Christian University at the Gloo Hackathon in Denver.

Jack's friends represented him a few days ago in Denver and Jack’s Fosterly app WON! What a beautiful reminder of this young man's creativity and dreams!

His dad, Ryan, shared these profound words:
“Everything Has Changed, But Nothing Has Changed.”
Their circumstances? Dramatically changed.
Their faith? UNCHANGED!
Their prayers? UNCHANGED!
Their confidence in God's goodness? UNCHANGED!

And something else is happening. I'm witnessing an awakening! People are setting aside their own concerns, filling social media with prayers, gathering in hospital waiting rooms, and standing together for Jack.

We're learning what it means to HOLD THE ROPE for one another!
We're believing for Jack's healing, breath, feeling, movement, and restoration. We don't know every step ahead, but we know God is with him through every one.

And perhaps that's the message for all of us. When life changes overnight, our circumstances don't have to dictate our faith.

Everything around us may change, but our faithful God NEVER DOES!

TOO GOOD TO NOT BELIEVE!

Yesterday, Carl and I witnessed something beautiful. Something that filled our hearts with hope and reminded us that miracles don't always happen all at once. Sometimes they come one tiny step at a time.

We brought a big bowl of treats, a blessing cross, and words of love to the hospital waiting room, where so many have gathered to pray for our precious Jack.

We expected only to peek through his ICU window. Instead, his sweet mom, Dana, welcomed us inside.

There was Jack, surrounded by his medical team, smiling and encouraging him as they moved him from his bed into a recliner facing the window.

And then came the moment I'll treasure forever.

Jack couldn't speak aloud because of the trach, but he looked at us with those beautiful, bright eyes and repeatedly mouthed, “I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!”

BE STILL MY HEART!

I teased him about telling my grandson Bryson, his lifelong best friend, “You look fat!”
“So, Jack, do I look fat, too?”
His answer? “NO! I LOVE YOU!”

Oh, how we laughed!

Later, we saw a hat bearing the letters TINGL, Bryson's idea! It celebrates Jack reporting sensations, including tingling and feeling that a cooling pad was too cold.

Little things? NOT TO US!

Each encouraging sign is another reason to thank God and keep praying.

Brandon Lake and Cody Carnes' song “Too Good to Not Believe” has become my victory anthem. It reminds me that our God is still the wonder-working God!

We don't know every detail of Jack's journey or how long recovery will take. But we know the One who walks beside him.

One day at a time. One step at a time. One word at a time.

We're praying, believing, and trusting God for more.
Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

And today, after hearing those silent “I love yous,” my heart is singing:
GOD, YOU ARE TOO GOOD TO NOT BELIEVE!

#toogoodtonotbelieve #WithGodAllThingsArePossible #onestepatatime

Inch by Inch, Step by Step — We’re Still Believing

Last Tuesday brought another reason to say, “Thank You, Lord!”

Our dear Jack Malouff made another step forward. He is off the ventilator and breathing through a tracheostomy. His medical team continues to carefully monitor him and help keep his airway clear. Oh, but hold on! Last evening Jack was able to speak and give glory to God for the prayers of so many! His first words in 12 days… his thank you to all of you praying and standing strong with us!!

What a beautiful strong boy who even in this -- is giving glory to God.

DAY 12 UPDATE from Ryan -- Jack's dad -- JACK, BREATHE

Jack began initiating more of his own breaths. He wasn't completely breathing on his own yet, but it was a HUGE step forward. So grateful!

And then something else happened that honestly felt like a gift to all. Jack was able to use a speaking valve with his trach, and the family could hear his voice. And once he started talking, he did not want to stop. It was the BEST. After days of tubes, machines, mouthing words, and trying to understand what he needed, they were able to sit there and TALK WITH THEIR BOY.

Ryan sent praise for those who stood with them, believed with them, and carried them through the first 12 days. Thank God, we are all celebrating this precious moment.

One step. One victory. And we celebrate it!

But we haven’t finished praying.

We are still contending for the miracle -- inch by inch, step by step, prayer by prayer. Because nothing is impossible with God.

What has touched me deeply is watching so many people stand in the gap for Jack. Hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- are praying.

Family, friends, churches, students and people who may never have met Jack are pleading with God on his behalf.

And here's the thing -- those people have problems too.

Some are facing health concerns. Financial worries. Exhaustion from caregiving. Family heartaches. Private battles nobody else knows about.

Yet, for a moment, they set their own burdens aside and carry someone else's.

Isn't that LOVE?

Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

And maybe something beautiful happens when we pray for someone else. While we're carrying their burden to God, we suddenly remember -- God is carrying ours.

So, let's keep praying. We keep believing. We thank God for doctors, nurses, medical wisdom, every breath and every bit of progress.

And we continue expecting more.

I believe we are watching a miracle in the making.

Great Physician, we thank You for how far You've brought Jack.

And we're still believing You for the rest of the story.

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole!”

YES! That is our prayer for Jack and dear Jack’s prayer to Father God!

Jack's First Words in 12 Days

 

Update 10/7- Jacks first words in 12 days… his thankyou to all of you praying and standing strong with us!! What a beautiful strong boy who even in this is giving glory to God.

DAY 12 UPDATE from Ryan— JACK, BREATHE

Prayer team — today has been unbelievable. This morning, our prayer was simple: JACK — BREATHE. And today, Jack began initiating more of his own breaths. He is not completely breathing on his own yet, but this is a HUGE step forward, and we are so grateful.

And then something else happened that honestly felt like a gift to all of us. Jack was able to use a speaking valve with his trach, and we got to hear his voice. And once he started talking, he did not want to stop. It was the BEST. After days of tubes, machines, mouthing words, and trying to understand what he needed, we got to sit there and TALK WITH OUR BOY.

I am sending you a little video from Jack because he wanted to thank you himself. You are the people who have prayed with us, stood with us, believed with us, and carried us through these first 12 days, and we wanted you to get to share this moment with us.

Thank you. Seriously — thank you. Your prayers matter. Your faith matters. Your consistency matters. We have felt carried by you.

Today we prayed for breath, and today we saw progress. We heard Jack’s voice. We saw joy. We got to talk with our boy.

So tonight we celebrate what God is doing, and tomorrow we keep praying.

JACK — BREATHE.

Strong. Steady. Independent.

We love you all so much.

— RadDAD

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Dyhi3e1K7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Here....and There

On Monday we attended a beautiful funeral Mass for the husband of a dear friend.

During the priest's message, he told about a young man grieving the death of his grandfather. What troubled him most was knowing how much he would miss their conversations.

Then the priest walked toward my friend, now a widow, and offered a tender thought:
Keep talking.
That touched me deeply.

Not praying to our loved ones. Not trying to summon them or receive messages from somewhere beyond. Simply allowing love to still have a voice.

Those of us who have loved ones who we deeply loved -- understand this.

Sometimes we still want to say, “You would have loved this!”
Or, “I wish you could see the kids now.”
Or even, “I am okay -- God is with me each day!"

Death may end our earthly conversations, but it doesn't erase decades of love, laughter, memories and shared life.

For those who die in Christ, we have an even greater comfort. Paul wrote -- that to be absent from the body is to be “present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

What peace there is in knowing our loved ones are safely in God's keeping. No more pain. No more suffering. Now, safe in God's arms.

Do they hear the little things we say? Scripture doesn't give us enough information for me to declare that they do.
But God hears us.
And I'm sure that is enough.

We can remember. We can smile. We can tell their stories. We can even speak aloud the words our hearts are carrying -- and then place those words, and that person we love, into God's hands.

Love doesn't require us to pretend someone never existed simply because they moved from here to Heaven.

Grief says, “I miss you.”
Faith says, “I know where you are.”
And hope whispers, “This goodbye isn't forever.”

Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live.” — John 14:19

So, until that glorious reunion, let's celebrate this beautiful life God has given us here! We're here -- so we're not done! Let's celebrate this beautiful life! #GodHearsUs #SafeInGodsArms #GodWithUs

Update from Jack's dad -- Ryan Malouff

 

Update from Jack’s dad! Thank you all for continuing to agree in prayer!

Update: Tuesday 10/6 From Ryan (Jack’s dad)—Thank you so much for being a trusted prayer warrior for Jack.

This has been the craziest fight of our lives, and your prayers have truly carried us, kept us, and sustained us.

If there is one thing I could ask of you today, it is simply this: please don’t stop. We need you.

I keep picturing Jack at the edge of a cliff, and all of us together holding the rope. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

I believe every prayer, every person standing in faith, every voice calling out to God has become part of that cord around Jack.

And together, prayer by prayer, we are pulling. We are holding on. We are refusing to let go.

We are believing that what has tried to take Jack down will not have the final word, and that God is drawing him toward life, strength, healing, breath, feeling, movement and restoration.

Thank you for holding the rope with us. Thank you for pulling with us. Thank you for continuing to pray.

With all my heart,

RadDAD

(as Jack likes to call me)