The Army of the Lord
2Kings6:17 "And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man and he saw. And behold , the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
This may seem like an odd request but we know there are many who have kept up with this blog but never posted. So we would like to have our eyes opened to the Army of the Lord that has been encamped around us all these months. So would you mind posting a comment, or your name, or anonymously. I have heard sometimes there is a problem being able to post a comment on the blog. If so you can go to Fort Worth Star-Telegram obituary and the have a guest book that is easy to get on. There was also a really good article on Wed. about Jared that they ran. We are still trying to get together a final post and try to put some other pictures of Jared, Christina, and family on it. Your support and prayer are still being experienced here for which we are grateful. The Waters
.jpg)

61 Comments:
i've been praying for yuo guys
-deborah glover
7:07 AM
Thank you for sharing your faith through this site. You have been a witness to so many.
My prayers are with you.
Patty Walker
7:27 AM
We have kept up with the blog every single day and we continue to pray for you. God Bless You.
Steve & Kim LeGard
Jordan & Logan
Highland Village Elementary
7:37 AM
I have been praying for you.
Alyson's mom, Betty
7:38 AM
We checked the blog daily. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and will continue to be with you.
BJ and Becca Cotton
7:59 AM
We have checked the blog daily and have prayed for Jared and your family continuously. We represent the 60 or so warriors of Pleasant Green Baptist Church in Cynthiana KY who have also been in prayer for Jared and your family since Jared's diagnosis. We will continue to lift you up to the Lord.
Your fellow warriors in Christ,
Pastor Josh and Christy Hildebrand
8:17 AM
Dear Waters Family,
My heart breaks for you. I found your blog when I was searching the net for my uncle who had leukemia and passed away from this most evil disease in April. Since that time I have looked in almost everyday hoping and praying that the miracle Jared deserved would happen. That the transplants would take hold and restore him to good health so he could lead the life, on this earth, he and Christina had planned.
While that ending did not occur he is now at peace and, thank the good Lord, pain free. We can’t feel bad for Jared or my Uncle Mickey because they have been rewarded for their faith and are now in the most wonderful place there is. We can be sad for us, because we do miss them so. One day, if we lead the best lives we can, it is promised that our reward will be to see all those we loved most again. Thank you, Waters family, for sharing Jared’s journey to his promised land with so many of us you will never meet, but be assured we were with you each painful step you took though the evil land of leukemia. God has blessed you more than you will ever know, and I am sure he will continue to bless this wonderful family.
8:27 AM
We read the wonderful article that was in the newspaper. Jared's life was a life "well-lived". Actually, few people can make that claim. When something like this happens and it "seems" like our prayers weren't answered (at least in the way we wanted them to be, the only thing I can come up with is this....
Someday, at the final judgment, a lot of folks will stand before God and say, "Well, God... Here's the reason I didn't believe in You or trust in You....Because you didn't do THAT or You let THAT happen and I didn't see You as worthy of my trust". Then God will point to a person like Jared and say, "Jared trusted in Me and kept the faith regardless of his "circumstances"...Jared did what the scripture commanded and kept his eyes on that which was not yet seen, on that which was still "hoped for", and in so doing, he showed to the world that faith in the unseen is what is in fact, the reality".
Jared has left an example for us to follow in his footsteps, trusting that the whole story is yet to be written in eternity. This life we are now living on this earth, in these bodies, is just another chapter in God's forever book.
9:17 AM
Dear Waters Family - I have been with you in prayer and spirt since this journey began and I must say I am SO sad at Jared's passing AND SO happy that he is now in God's arms. How happy all of heaven was on November 3rd when Jared came through those gates, undefeated and whole once again. I know his grandpa and Rod had been waiting and waiting for him to come and they were there to joyfully greet him.
I, like many others, marvel at your family. God has truly blessed you with strength, love, and above all unending faith in the Lord.
I would like two things - please leave the blog intact. It helps us with our own spirituality and also allows us to never forget Jared as we reread the blog entries.
Second, please consider writing a book of Jared's journey, including blog entries. Even though you and he have already touched countless lives, a Christian book would reach many, many more.
Hugs and Blessings,
Dori in AZ (Lance's mom)
9:35 AM
I have checked this blog on a daily basis and have the entire waters family in my prayers.
Daniel Latimer
10:02 AM
We are blessed to be a "Waters" in Shawnee, Kansas. We too have followed the blog daily and were so inspired by Jared. If you were fortunate enough to be able to go to the funeral, then I hope you have the same feelings that we did coming away from it--How BLESSED were we to be a part of the Celebration of Jared's life. I have never experienced anything so moving, inspirational and full of love in all my life. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it.
Our prayers will not end for you, our dear Texas family, we are still standing in the gap for you.
Hold Fast!!
Lance, Jennifer, Jenna and Taryn Vogel
10:59 AM
I checked the blog often and always held both jared and christina close to my heart. I continue to pray and am always here for you Christina. You are very loved. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey. I am saddened by the loss but thankful jared is on his next journey in a wonderful place.
All my love always, Heidi Faillace
11:11 AM
We have keep the entire Waters family in our hearts thoughout. Each day we were blessed to be able to be a part of Jared's amazing journey. Thank you for sharing though this blog. We will continue to keep everyone in our hearts as you continue this journey in honor of Jared and the man he has become.
Peace & love to all,
Alice Malec Hayes & Family
1:14 PM
Dearest Waters Family,
I have read the this blog soooo many times, I never placed a comment, only because I don't actually know you. I am Jason South's aunt in Kansas City, I am so sorry for the pain and loss you are feeling. My heart hurts, because your hearts hurt! I hope to come to Texas in the summer of 08', I would sure enjoy meeting each of you, and telling you in person how Jared's fight kept me on a path I am proud of. I began this path of faith around the time Jared was diagnosed, I have kept up with the details through my family there with you. I am ABSOLUTELY AMAZED at the love, hope, and un-endless trust you each have in our LORD, and HIS only Son. You have been a true example of Christ-likeness. Thank you for that. And thank you for the info you kept posted here. My prayers have been about you for so long, and won't be ending EVER. One thing is for certain....I don't have to know you to love you. I am blessed to know of you!
What an angel YOUR Jared is. Your words, actions and faith are pleasing to the LORD. You are in our thoughts/prayers daily.
Daryl, Susie & Matthew Hediger
2:07 PM
I found Jareds blog right after it began. I have come by almost everyday to check on Jared and pray over your family. At first it was very hard because I had just lost my dear friend to cancer and I was afraid to make myself known so I prayed for Jared everday in my quiet time.
I was so sad when I came last week and saw he had died but I had been preparing myself for it. He was such a brave man and I admired both he and Christina's fight.
While we know for sure he is in heaven and not suffering he will indeed be missed and I did not even know him.
Blessings to your whole family and I am so so sorry for your loss.
2:15 PM
Dear Waters Fam,
I wanted to say that I am sorry for the loss of our Jared, and also I am sorry that I wasn't able to make it down for the service. Your new cousin Natalie will be here shortly...so I had to stay close to home! I love you guys, and I have kept you all in my prayers and followed the blog since day one. May god ease the pain you all are feeling now. God Bless... and know that your fam in KC is here with open arms.
Love,
Megan, Baby Natalie
and all the Carrs
2:18 PM
We were so very blessed to be a part of such an inspirational, moving experience as Jared's Celebration of Life. We will continue to honor Jared's prayer by glorifying the Lord at every turn in our lives- every triumph, every glory, every pain and every sorrow, great or small. We will follow the amazing example he has set for us all and never forget his unwaivering faith and love. He is truly our hero.
We love you all.
Jamie, Robb, Haley & Caden
5:45 PM
I am a friend of Christina's. I have checked the blog almost daily since May 2006, but I've never posted before. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer.
Alyson Owen
5:59 PM
To my family in Texas,
None of you were ever far from our thoughts & prayers. Often Megan & I would ask each other if we had checked the blog on that particular day. I'm deeply saddened by your loss. His smile will remain in all our hearts.
Love Always,
Lisa Skwarlo
lskwarlo@kc.rr.com
6:53 PM
Waters Family,
I am a friend of Christina's. I read the blog and prayed daily for Jared and his family. The service was so inspirational and it was wonderful to hear all about the pride you have for Jared. I've been keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Courtney Auten
7:35 PM
You will never know how proud, how very proud, I am to have been called a friend by Jared and to have called him a friend. I hope one day you will know how proud, how very proud, I am to be called by the Waters a friend, and to call them friends. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. I love you guys, I thank the Lord for the example of courage, faith and trust in Him that you have so richly displayed every step of the way. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
David Paulus
7:39 PM
I had the RSS feed on my google page. Yall were always part of my prayers.
Jarrod Wade
8:06 PM
To the Water's family,
I wanted you to know that I checked the blog daily and had you guys in my thoughts and prayers daily. I want you to know that the world feels different without him here. I know that he is in a better place but I still miss him. I do believe that he is in peace. I had a dream about a month ago and he told me to get ready, he was done here on earth and he assured me that for every life taken there is one replaced (not really sure what he meant). I will never forget what a great guy he was. You guys are such a strong family and I am proud to know you.
Love,
Tracy & Tommy
9:30 PM
Dear Waters Family,
We still continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. I am so happy that I was able to come to Texas and share in the celebration of Jared's life. You all are such a remarkable family, an inspiration to us all. We are so blessed to be part of your family. And by the way KU 10-0!! Jared is once again victorious!
Love,
Kathy,Ross,Seth and Summer
11:22 PM
Jared was such an amazing young man. He was so brave and unwavering through so many challenges. He was fortunate
to have been surrounded here on
Earth by so many loving and
caring people. I feel fortunate
to have been touched by his life.
5:57 AM
My daughter is a friend of Christina. I have prayed daily for Jared and your family. While I never met Jared, I felt like I knew him through the blog. His faith and courage was such an inspiration. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know Jared is now with our amazing God. May you find comfort and strength in the love of our heavenly Father, your family, your friends and the army of prayer warriors.
Kathy Starling
7:14 AM
Jared has a place in our hearts and he will always remain there till the day we die. We feel such deep sorrow for his loss to Christina and his dearest family. We will continue to pray for strength for them and think of them all every day.
love from Judy,David,Ben and all family.
7:29 AM
I cannot put into words what I'm feeling since Jared's passing. I never got the opportunity to meet him but felt I knew him well through his Dad. The first thing of the day would be to check the blog. Every morning I would listen for Lt. Waters' voice on the radio, and a sense of relief would come over me the second I heard him, as if that meant the family was blessed with having Jared with them for another day. Lt. Waters' never grew tired of us "girls" asking how Jared was and mainly how the family was doing. I'll never forget one day in August after Jared's transplant Lt. Waters and I were talking about how strong he was and how proud he was of Jared's never waivering faith,how he admired him for never asking why me, and how amazed he was at the way Jared's kept up his spirit and fight, and how everyone was excited about him possibly getting to go home soon. I told him as always ya'll are in my prayers and I'll keep my fingers crossed that he gets to go home soon. No sooner had we hung up when the phone rang and my fellow dispatcher said Lt Waters wants to talk to you. I thought oh my goodness what has happened. You could hear the pure joy in his voice when he said I just wanted to let you know Jared's doctor just came in and asked what he was still doing there and told him he could go home! I felt so honored that at a time of celebration that Lt Waters called me of all people to share in the wonderful news! At that moment I knew what a wonderful, loving, and spiritual family Jared belongs to. Thank you all for letting "us" be a part of your world.
Love and all my prayers,
Heather Bierman
Haltom City Dispatch
9:53 AM
Dear Christina, Dianne, Terry and all,
Yes, we've followed the blog and prayed with you through this valiant battle. Jared and our son, Chad, are the same age, born two months apart; and though they did not know each other, Dianne and Terry always hold a special place in our hearts from their years in KC in the early years of all of our walks with the Lord. Our hearts ache, and lean on Him, with you. Our prayers continue to lift you up for God to wrap His tender arms around you and give you comfort and strength for each new day. Lovingly, Rose and Steve
11:05 AM
I have been praying for you guys and I will continue to pray. I love you guys!
Sara Schleimer
2:21 PM
Dear Waters,
I agree with all who have written before me. Amazing to witness Jared's fight. Awe stuck by his never ending faith. Encouraged by the love everyone shared for all of you. And forever changed..........
jenny
3:35 PM
Christina, Terry, Dianne, Joanna, Justin, Jessica, and the whole Waters family,
We are very sorry to hear about Jared, and pray that the Lord will keep you all in His comfort and peace. We rejoice in knowing that Jared is now home with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
5:06 PM
I,too am honored to be part of such an awesome family with my favs Jared and Christina. I cannot tell you how much I miss him, yet am so peaceful at the thought of him being face to face with our precious Lord who brought him thru the trial by fire without even a hint of smoke. What an incredible guy-our loss but heaven's gain. I never saw anyone so stripped of all dignity handle it with the utmost of dignity, always wanting to know how everyone else was doing, never dwelling on himself-a true servant of the Lord. I must say he one-upped his Uncle Rod on the Celebration of his Life-and it truly was one to celebrate. Sue Ann's daughter, Jamie, who had never met Jared, told me after the service with tears in her eyes,"He is still teaching" to which I replied,"The lesson never ends!" What a tribute! As he was readying himself to leave this world Friday night, I whispered in his ear he could have the seat in heaven I had asked Rod to save for me (because Rod ALWAYS had the best seats), only til I got there to claim it. Christina asked him if I really meant it and he said,"Oh yes"-and I did-anything for my Jared! So, until we meet "in the mansion with many rooms" I will continue to honor his noble efforts and remember the wonderful man the Lord blessed our family with for too short a period of time with much love,pride and I am sure a few more tears. I will "fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen" as Jared did and hopefully will someday hear the same words our Abba Father spoke to His beloved son, Jared, "Well done thou good and faithful servant" With all the love in my heart for this precious family, Aunt Marylyn
5:41 PM
The Haltom City Dispatchers have read the blog about the extradorinary fight that Jared and the whole waters family fought. Are prayers are with you and your loved ones.
6:01 PM
We love you and were so honored to participate in Jared's celebration of life. He is so very missed, but we rejoice knowing we will meet again. Thank you for letting us join you in this battle and journey of faith. You are in our prayers always.
All our love,
Simon and Elisha
6:11 PM
My son had prayed for Jared every night before he went to bed. He always asked for updates and when he found Jared's blog, he looked at it every day. My son is a tremendious christian and strong in his faith. Jared helped develop a strong since of the power in prayer for a young man and helped teach a life lesson. This in itself makes Jared's experience a blessing and a gift.
7:27 PM
Waters Family,
We had the pleasure of meeting you guys briefly when we visited Dallas a couple of years ago. We have been joined with you in prayer for several months now. We were so saddened by the news of Jared’s passing but we also rejoiced with you in his total healing. What an awesome testimony your family has been for those who have had the privilege to walk with you. We will continue to lift you up and pray that God can somehow begin to heal your hurting hearts.
In Christ Alone,
Chris & Julie Wells
Nicholasville, KY
5:05 AM
Dear Waters Family,
We have been following this site and praying for all of you since your journey began. Our son, Zach, was one of Christina's first students when she taught Kindergarten at Highland Village Elementary. It was in May that year that Jared was diagnosed and we have been reading your blog and praying for complete healing. Thank you for sharing your story with us. God bless you all!
Love, Sue, Mike, Josh, & Zach Ringsdorf
5:39 AM
Jared and his incredible spirit will be missed, he was like a big brother to me many times growing up and for that I will always be grateful. I love you all very much and was blessed to be a part of Jared's celebration of life. You are all still in my prayers.
Jenn Garcia
6:41 AM
I have been informed of Jared's battle since day one (from Misty- in KC and by the blog). Having just lost my father to cancer last year, I felt your family's every emotion- Again. When you triumphed, I felt your happiness, when things weren't looking good, I felt the mixed emotions of sadness and hapiness (that the pain would soon be gone). Unfortunately, I never met Jared, but from what I've heard he was an amazing young man. I hope your tears will be dried by the comfort of knowing that he is home. He just arrived sooner than we'd hoped. I continue to pray for your family. Thank you for allowing others to be a part of this struggle and fight with you/for you.
7:29 AM
Dear Waters Family,
I have been praying for you all ever since I heard of Jared's diagnosis last fall. I worked with Christina at McKamy. I have since moved from Dallas, but I've kept up with the blog and your journey. I will continue to pray for your comfort during this sad time of loss. And I will continue to rejoice with you that Jared is no longer in pain & he can now truly rest with Jesus!
Blessings,
Chandra Verhalen
9:21 AM
I started praying for Jared when he was first diagnosed because Brian Lindenberger sent me an email asking me to pray for his long-time friend, Jared Waters. I had been praying for Jared and reading the updates before I discovered he was the son of Lt. Waters from the Haltom City Fire Department. My son-in-law, James Trimble, is also a Haltom City Firefighter and he showed me a picture that was in the paper from the firefighters doing a bone marrow drive for Jared. That day it occurred to me that this was the same "Jared" who was Brian's friend, and I was already praying for him! It has been a special privilege to pray for Jared and the Waters family and to be a part of the journey through this blog and updates from James. I will continue to pray for the peace of God that will pass all understanding.
9:34 AM
Terry, Diane, and Family:
Words cannot describe how I feel about my friend Jared. I will miss him until I see him again.
Hans
11:28 AM
I have kept up with Jared's progress through Highland Village Elementary. I no longer taught there when Christina started student teaching-but I heard about Jared through M.McAdams. I have prayed for you all since the beginning!
~Megan Racca
12:51 PM
Terry and family, I have been keeping-up with the blog, but have never written. Although we have spoke several times, I saw your request for everyone to write so I thought I should leave this note. Josh Pool
1:59 PM
Chrissy, My thoughts and prayers have always been with you and your amazing Jared. My heart is hurting so for your loss. I love you. Oma in Carlsbad NM
3:31 PM
Christina, My little Church of God in Carlsbad NM has continually had Jared and you in our prayers. Your Uncle Raymond in Robert Lee, TX has always prayed as well, and we are still praying for you and the entire Waters family.
Love,
Grandma Smith
3:37 PM
Our Texas Waters family,
Thank you for allowing us to share in Jared's journey along with all of you. Getting to be a part of his celebration of Life was the most amazing gift we will ever have. Jared is missed so much and our hearts ache, but he will be remembered so sweetly in Christ's love. Prayers, thoughts, love, & many hugs your way always. Christina, what can we say but Thank you for loving Jared and caring for Jared like no one else could. We love you all~~xoxoxox~~Misty & Bob
4:40 PM
I've been praying for you all for some time. I'm Kyle Gabhart's sister-in-law. I continue to pray for you all.
6:52 PM
What an amazing journey, and what an amazing group of family and friends who have stood shoulder to shoulder in faith and in love. Christina and all the Waters, you are greatly loved. You have inspired us all, and our lives will never be the same. To God be the Glory!
Pastor Eric
7:31 PM
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home.
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears."
8:12 PM
Thank you! For sharing this very hard, difficult journey. We appreciate you and your faith! You have made us stronger, better people. We love you all so very much. We are trusting the Lord to provide for you especially now.
Love & Prayers,
Kelli, Stuart & Jimmy
7:29 AM
Dear Waters Family,
You all are in our prayers as you continue on this journey, I know the Lord will provide everything that you need. We have thought a lot about what to say and still cannot seem to find the words to express our feelings about Jared and you all. The only word is blessed, We are blessed to know Jared, blessed to have witnessed his unwavering faith in such difficut times, blessed to have witnessed your unending devotion to Jared and the Lord in this most difficult time, and I am blessed to be part of such an amazing family and for that I must thank you all.
God Bless,
Krista, Dave and Joe in KC
P.S. Rock Chalk Jayhawk go KU!
9:49 AM
I didn't know Jared personally but I knew of his story through his cousin Misty. His situation has made me realize that there are people that are far worse off than I am and to know that he stayed positive and even in his worst times he was thinking of others and how he could make them feel better about what was happening to him. I have been reading the blogs and have been praying for him and his family for quite awhile now and I feel as if I know them although I dont. I have been told that God will not give you more burdons than you can handle. I know that your family has gone through alot not only with Jared and I also know that your family has unwavering faith so I know that you know that God is only making you stronger. I will keep your family in my prayers. God Bless all of you.
11:21 AM
Tracy said it for me, "the world feels different without Jared". It is different and I can't honestly say
I like it very much. Jared, I loved the way you laughed at Hans. Until we meet again.
Ms. Janie
6:57 PM
I still can't seem to find the words to express my sympathy to you all. Seeing all of your strength through this has been very meaningful to me. I will hold Jared in my heart forever next to my dad!! At least they will be cheering the Jayhawks on together!! Love you all!!
Sara (Skwarlo) Bryant
brysara@yahoo.com
6:57 PM
I have a photo album that goes back to 1st grade. Seeing Jared in both 1st and 2nd grade classes brings a flood of memories. He was always headstrong. well, so am I and think we probably knocked heads a couple of times. I remember birthday parties, in grade school, of all the MCC boys getting together. Lots of good memories. I am honored to have grown up around your family as a boy and to know him as a friend.
Jared's wake was glorious, honoring and humbling. I will never forget the Changing of the Guard. Jared waged war, fought to the end and deserved honor.
God is good and if we knew all His mysteries, we would not need Him. Jared proclaimed the Father always and wanted his life to be a testimony that spreads out. I believe the waves have just begun and they will grow bigger than he ever imagined.
Love you all..
Brian,Heidi & Valin Lindenberger
8:37 AM
What a journey....
Thank you...each one of you...for allowing all of us to be apart and present in deep "WATERS" with you as you journeyed through this last 17 months.
You will never know the impact of Jared's journey and your continual example of support...
strength...and selflessness has already has on so many lives and will continue to in the future.
We continue to pray that our Father's loving arms will craddle each of you through the days to come. We pray when the enemy comes in to confuse, disrupt, or press against you...that you will stand on our Lord's faithfulness to Jared and that carried you through the last 17 months.
Our hearts overflow with love for all of you!
Ben and Crystal
9:01 AM
Chrissy and the Waters family,
I'm continuing prayer for strength and comfort each and every day. There is no doubt in my mind that someday you will all see Jared again. Jared and Chrissy had such love for each other, and for the Lord. They and their families had unshakable faith. When I look at Chrissy, Jared and their families I see light and hope, and a loving Lord that has carried them thru. I'm sure everyone that looks at you sees and wants the same spirit and strength you have. Your family has touched so many lives, and been an inspiration to all. God Bless and keep you. Love Marion Carlsbad NM
3:45 PM
Our hearts hurt because we know that yours do. It has been our joy to stand and believe with you these last months, and it has been our gift from the Lord to watch HIM be glorified in all of your lives as you've walked out this journey of faith. Jared is rejoicing with that great cloud of witnesses in heaven - whole and complete in and with Jesus. We are so thankful that your family was brought into our lives. We love each of you dearly, and will continue to pray the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit to carry you these next days, weeks, months...forever. Thank you for letting us help you and love you.
We are still & will always be here for you. All our love,
The Barnett Family: Cathy, Kevin, Jessica & Robert Herrera, Joanna & Seth Brewton, Jedidiah & Jared
8:56 AM
You write very well.
1:13 AM
Post a Comment
<< Home