Update on Papaw

Well, Papaw went to see another lung doctor yesterday to get another opinion on his lungs. And this doctor said he had asbestos in his lungs and that is what's creating the problem. He does have cancer, yes, but according to this doctor, it's very small compared to the asbestos - or mesothelioma.

Apparently, he did work in some asbestos some ten years ago on a job and didn't even think of it until this doctor said something about it. So, he's had this stuff in his lungs for ten years without any major problem. Assuming this doctor knows what he's talking about, I'm not sure on a method of treatment as there is no cure for mesothelioma.

Other than that, we've been having this sinus stuff circling around in our house. T's had it for a while now, and I've been feeling cruddy since yesterday - which is why I'm up at a ridiculous hour when I went to bed after midnight. Mr. Tim was so funny when I told him I was starting to come down with something...he was like, "If I have to drive you and Tarah to the doctor myself, we'll get you pumped full of medicine and get you better for the tournament!"

I have applied for a job at a local coffee shop. The lady said they didn't really need anybody at the moment, but did say she would call me when she did. I do have hopes she will call, as I think I would love owning a coffee business but I want to get into it to be sure before I make the decision.

I also applied for the HOPE scholarship to attend a local college. I'm not sure what will happen with it, but I sure am dreading those tests! You see, I hate Math and being a homeschooler I got all of the Math I could out of the way as a freshman. Homeschoolers, don't ever try that! Because you forget it by the time you need it and it's frustrating!

I'm trying to think of something constructive I could do without waking everyone up. I thought about laying our karate clothes out, as we're going in for another sparring session with Tim this morning but the laundry room is right next to Mom and Dad's bedroom. I could clean the kitchen, I suppose...I'm too lazy for that though! ~laugh~ I guess I'll try to go find something to do instead of just sitting here staring at the screen....

The Enemy Within Ourselves...

The Enemy Within Ourselves...

As T and I are getting in some serious sparring time and lessons, all of our training is not just fighting. There are lessons our instructor will sit us down and tell us - trying to work it into our heads. One of those was fighting the enemy within yourself. Mr. Tim explained it like this...

Whenever you enter the sparring ring, you have two opponents. The first is the physical opponent, standing right across from you. You have to score 5 points on them before they score them on you. The second opponent is the one within yourself, the one that says, "You cannot fight. You aren't good enough. They are better than you." In order to fight that first opponent, you must first conquer the second one. You have to be able to know that you can beat the physical opponent before you ever will have victory.

It's not just a sparring lesson, but it's what I could consider a life lesson. A lot of things in life are like that, whether it's a relationship, a new job, or making a change. You always have that inner opponent shouting out, "You can't do this!"

"...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." ~Romans 8:37

Orange Belt

Well, last Saturday all three of us girls passed our orange belt test - if I can pass with a hurt knee, anyone can pass! ~laugh~ Mr. Tim - the instructor who issued the test - took into account that my knee was hurt and that the side-kick would be especially bad.

We recieved our orange belt on Monday night at class and began doing Basic Form 2. On Wednesday, we had pictures taken in the studio. I hope they turn out well!

Also on Wednesday, Mr. Ben gave us permission to get our pad and begin sparring...A.K.A. training for the upcoming tournament the studio is hosting. Mr. Tim has been very helpful and seems eager to work with us, a blessing I am so thankful for!

While we will be training in forms, we'll mostly be training for fighting. Apparently the school is known more for putting out good fighters rather than for the form part of the tournament. I think T wants to concentrate more on forms though.

Thanks so much for your prayers and support during this week. We don't know a lot more info on my grandfather, other than he did get an inhaler and that is helping him breath better. He has been to the doctor twice this week, but the doctor told him to come back in for more tests. Obviously, the longer it goes without news the more hopeful we get. Please continue to keep him and the family in your prayers...

Precious Life

You know, some things have come up lately that have really made me realize how vulnerable we truly are. Sometimes we seem to get stuck in a rut and don't take time to enjoy and take in the beauty of life. Over and over the Lord warns us of life's brevity...such as in James 4:14 "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

For a while it's felt like things were just great - no major issues, everyone is healthy, we're planning life. And you forget to cherish those sweet moments and make them last a little longer. The once cherished memories seem to lost in the rush of everyday living.

Tonight we Signed at a church. There was an older guy that came up to T and I afterwards and he started talking about all the youth energetically floating around the church. "Oh, sometimes I just wish I could be 100 years younger!" It was so sincere, so honest. It hit me that life is lived, destinies are completing themselves day by day. Your character is only who you are today. What is precious to you is only as valuable as you make it. Sweet memories are only there if you take the time to recall them.

Life is only as precious, as sweet, as joyful as we make it. At times, it can be scary to realize what "risks" living can have and how vulnerable you really are to it. But, then again, that's what makes it such fun and so very unique. This is a lesson that has taken me years to get, but one I hope to not soon forget.

Age Test

You Are 21 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?