8 p.m…
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thes 5:18
Is it possible to be joyful and thank God in all circumstances while in the midst of significant and “real time” challenges…like facing Primary Amyloidosis?
Scripture is either true or it’s not. So here are the questions:
• Is it true in Irene’s experience?
• Is it true in our collective family experience?
My humble answer is this:
The mystery of the ever abiding Holy Spirit combined with much intercessory prayer, (probably by the person reading this update), and the truth of God’s Word is enabling our family to appropriate the above verse into our lives at this time…we are truly JOYFUL and giving THANKS in all circumstances. Notice that we’re not grateful FOR the circumstances, but we’re grateful IN and despite the circumstances.
© 2002 Hosanna Loh
Certainly, this is not to minimize the HUGE emotional swings that will at times grip and overwhelm each of us. And there are many times when it’s not easy. But we’re grateful for God’s Spirit which sustains us and manifests himself to us in joy and thankfulness.
This morning a long time friend from Merced, Vicki Shewey, whose family is vacationing this week in Aptos, visited Irene. It had been several years since they had seen each other so they had LOTS to catch up on…!!
Gracious Sue Martinez again spent several hours with Irene this afternoon as I spent the entire day in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Valley area working… it was refreshing to briefly see some of the incredibly supportive InterWest team in our Capital Division office today…
Irene had mild nausea today, was unable to ingest much food, but remains very emotionally and spiritually upbeat!!! She’s up and walking about but not necessarily what we would define as “Jack La Lane” energized… 
We continue to rejoice in the favor of God upon us TODAY… and are very grateful for the many expressions of concern and support that continue to be shared with us in so many ways…
Caminando con Fé
Dave
