Goodness, so much happening, I haven't had time to post. But I'm making time today 'cos the whole reason I started this is so that a year from now I can have somewhat of a journal of our lives.

About 3 weeks ago, JL was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had been having difficulty breathing and they kept treating him for pnemonia. After he had no positve response to antibiotics they sent him to a lung specialist. He told him it was possibly some sort of fungus and scheduled some tests. But the tests weren't gonna be for another 2-3 weeks. Velma called late on a Sat nite and asked if we would take them to a hospital in Chatt. We did and the emergency room doctor was very blunt in telling us it was cancer and to go back to the lung doctor for what to do.

When they went back to the lung doctor, he still said he wasn't sure it was cancer, needed to do more testing. Set him up for a stress test for his heart, a CT scan, and a biopsy. It was just all discouraging that it takes so long to get anything done these days. His heart test was great. But his biopsy did show cancer. He goes to the doctor about 3 times a week (a couple times to the lung doctor, then other specialist like Ear, Nose and Throat, Heart,) but they still haven't given him any news about what their plans are.

In all this I get more and more skeptical with the medical field. It just seems all most doctors are interested in, is getting all these appointment made so that they can get their money from the government for all these "visits". Maybe I'm all wrong. If this wasn't "free" government care, who in the world could afford to go to all the doctors 3 and 4 times a week, plus the 2 times he's been in the hospital already.

Ok, enough complaining!

We went to a Karate tournament in Villa Rica. Sonya took home the 2nd place trophy in sparring and Andrew took home 1st place. It was alot of fun to watch, but especially when you have someone to cheer for.

The girls have been doing great in Karate. They were asked to compete in the November tournament. So they've been working very hard training for that. Also, Ben asked Josh to spar in his division, so that was great too. I'm sure Sonya and Andrew will do well in this tournament too.

We have been doing some research on vitamin B17 and apricot seeds. Some say B17 is very good for building the immune system and helping your system fight, so we have implemented that into our diet. Plus we're just trying to clean up our overall diets as well.

Maegan applied for a position at "The Perfect Cup". For some time now she has said that she would be interested in having a small coffee and bread shop. I tried to get David to let us start one a few months ago but he said he just doesn't have the time to put into it right now, which I completely understand. But I suggested to Maegan that if she wants to get a real taste of what it's like to see if she's really interested, then work at one. She also got all the info she needs to get enrolled at Dalton State College. So lots of things happening along those lines right now. I'm just trying to savor the moments right now.

Work has been slow and I've taken some time off. I haven't been "sick" just not feeling "well". I'm sure it's all emotional, just trying to be a support for David during this time.

And, I almost forgot too that David got an 05 Roush Mustang. We were sitting in the hospital with his dad one day and we were discussing what we were going to replace the Suburban with. He had been looking at a Honda CRV. I'm not sure what made me asked the question, but I asked, "What would you WANT to drive?" His response was, "That blue Roush in Athens." So we talked about it, and both cars were in the same price range, same gas milage, etc so I told him that I would get what I would want to drive. He's sure sacrificed so much for me and the girls, over the past 20 years. So anyway, that's how all that came about. It really is a nice ride, but very masculine. Needless to say, we're all having to learn to drive a stick. Fun, fun!

Well, there's much more, but I really have to go.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes, or resort to shame or ridicule. May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power.

Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal. And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces happiness. Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. And when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue. May I ever be mindful that my children are children and I should not expect of them the judgements of adults.

Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions. Bless me with the bigness to give them all their reasonable requests, and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm...And fit me, O Lord, to be loved and imitated by my girls.

And please forgive me for spanking Maegan when it was Tarah that deserved the consequence.

I've Been Tagged...

I've been hearing stuff about this "tagging" on blog, but wasn't exactly sure how it worked. Well, when I got tagged by Peaceful Selah I had to figure it out...and quick! This is what I have to do...

1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.

Here's the results of my research. The post was titled "Karate, Cars and Perfect Sisters"

and the sentence is...... ~drum roll please~

I must admit Wild At Heart was much more intriguing, which was surprising.

Now I must tag 5 others... ~big grin~

DayDreamer T
J Money
WildCard
FillMeWithU
My Perfect Sister

Interruptions or Divine Encounters?

No matter how you plan and prepare, each day brings its own unexpected encounters. No matter how predictable and mundane your life may feel, surprises always wait around the corner. I am learning to look at these little surprises in a little different light. It's a slow go, but I'm trying to see them as divine appointments rather than hinderance. A divine appointment may be a wonderful contact with a long-lost friend or an unexpected emergency that takes you to a hospital waiting room. You may meet a new person or lose a loved one. There will always be many detours, disasters, and unexpected delights scattered along your path.

Sometimes divine encounters can be dramatic and surprising. When the angel came to Mary she was afraid, but she said yes to God. Jesus confronted Paul on a road, and Paul's entire life changed with that encounter. But not all divine appointments take place in unusual circumstances. God often brings people together in the course of their daily routine. Paul met Lydia when he went down to the river to where a regular prayer meeting was being held. Peter and John were on their way to afternoon prayer in the temple in Jerusalem when they met and healed a man crippled from birth. A casual encounter can have life-changing effects when God is at work thru His people.

Keep in mind that though you may be unable to change a situation, you still have control over how you will respond. When your plan are interrupted, take a deep breath and give yourself time to think before you react. Take care of the need that is confronting you at the moment. Look at each person that needs something from you as if he or she is sent from God. Say a quick prayer and ask God to guide you and give you patience and wisdom. Trust the process and be open to God's leading thru the unexpected.

Can you look back in time and see where what you thought was an interruption was actually a divine encounter, that has now changed your life for a better purpose?

When a difficult situation arises, will you choose to rest in Him. When a desired outcome is delayed, are you willing to listen for the lesson in the detour? Are you willing to receive the unexpected gifts a day brings and be open to divine appointments?

"Don't just live life, love life"

Thanks!

Josephine and Buck came last nite. It was a great time for me.

What started out as an evening with just Jo, Buck and the five of us ended up with 30-40 others. I'm thankful that we all had the opportunity to share the evening.

Thanks to Maegan for baking some of the best bread and cookies. Thanks to T for organizing and getting everyone one presentable. Thanks to Josh for the moral support and help. And thanks to David for just putting up with all of us during these times. As Jo put it, "He's a keeper!"

And a special thanks to my sweet (and yes perfect) sister for being there. Sometimes (most always to think about it), just having her around is comforting to me. I'm so proud to call her my sister... she's so beautiful, inside and out. She probably gets tired of me asking her, "Now, what color is that color you're using on your hair?". But I reckon I'm hoping that somehow it will make me look like her! LOL

Well, lots more to tell but I gotta run!

Oh, but Faith I am so glad you're feeling better. Sorry if I made you sick! I sorries!