Irene had a great Saturday.

Irene’s nausea remained at a low rumble but we worked in the yard and planted a Wisteria plant in the garden.  While I went on an extended bike ride, she shopped at Home Depot, Beverly’s and Safeway, enjoying a tall, soy, green tea latte, no water, no melon and four scoops of tea.

Make sure you check out the new online DISCUSSION FORUM you can access through the sidebar and post your own JOURNEY OF FAITH or that of a friend or family member .... or simply log a prayer request or praise!!

It was a clear, sunny day on the Monterey Bay, and, despite all Irene’s facing along the journey, she’s still smiling through it all ....

Caminando con Fé

Dave

We’ve added a NEW discussion forum!!!

The purpose of the FORUM is to provide an opportunity for you to tell the story of your own journey of faith and/or share a prayer request.

Use the forum to your heart’s delight and post as often as you’re led to do so!!! You can access the forum from the sidebar menu as a registered member of the website.

We look forward to “doing life” with you within the context of this virtual community.

and may God be glorified,

Dave

We’ve been asked by many people HOW they can pragmatically help “spread the word” about the recent release of Irene’s Journey of Faith.  In response, we have created a “landing page” which you can send to your family and friends.

Feel free to cut and paste this link into an email and forward it to the people in your email address book along with your encouragement for them to check out the book and the blog.

http://www.irenedias.com/index.php/site/irenesjourney/

We hope this is a helpful resource.  As we’ve told many people, our goal is to make spiritual lemonade out of lemons and bring good out of a very challenging assignment.

One of our key motivations is our desire to bring HOPE to people facing dire circumstances.

And we HOPE that Irene’s Journey of Faith does just that.

Thanks for caring,

Dave Dias

Do you ever find yourself subconsciously negotiating with God?

Here are just a few examples to prime your thinking…

• If only this certain “challenge” would go away, then life would be so much better
• If only I could do such and such, then I could enjoy ....
• If only I had more money, then I could do this or that
• If only people would listen to me, then order would be restored
• If only…

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis today.  The nausea remained at a low roar and she was also able to accomplish several chores around the house, even working outside enjoying the beautiful, sunny day.  Considering she had a dialysis treatment, which usually translates into severe fatigue, she did well.

Ultimately and perhaps subconsciously, we want to be in control.  “If only” I could have things my way, in my time, on my terms.  It’s a slippery slope and easy to slide into that type of thinking.  Ultimately, however, we have learned, especially along the Amyloid journey that “control” is merely a perception.  Ultimately, we are never in control and “if only” negotiating, which is really a subconscious desire to “be like God”, needs to be radically removed from our lives…at all costs.

.... take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ
2 Corinthians 10:10

Perhaps you never slip into negotiations with God, but I confess that I do.  Perhaps you can’t relate to what I’ve shared today.  The next time that I find myself negotiating with God, however, I will endeavor to accept and actually embrace the set of circumstances in front of me.  I will turn the circumstances into a journey of discovery.  I will ask myself how to turn the set of challenging circumstances into an opportunity to explore new horizons and examine the possibilities.  I will intentionally re-direct my thoughts and heart to a reckless abandonment for Him.

.... above all things, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

The next time that I find myself negotiating with God, I will attempt to respond with the courage and focus manifested by Irene.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Who do YOU see in the mirror?

What would you do if, suddenly, you were unrecognizable?

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror ....
1 Corinthians 13:12b

For months Irene has talked about how strange it feels to walk by a mirror and suddenly realize that it’s HER she’s looking at.  It’s often been a reality check to the difference in her physical appearance today compared to what is was pre-illness.

This morning, Irene ran into some friends at Starbucks.  The only catch was that they didn’t recognize her.  After shopping at Gottschalk’s Irene was checking out with a cashier that she’s known for over 8 years.  This person didn’t recognize her either .... and when she finally did, she broke down, wept, came around the corner and gave Irene a HUGE hug.

When Irene was hospitalized in April of 2007, we agreed with Dr. Alan Buchwald that when Irene was discharged that we would dine he and his wife Kate Nakefor at the Panda Restaurant, one of our favorites in Aptos that we have enjoyed together in the past.  Tonight was the consummation of that agreement.  We recalled the journey of faith that Irene has been on, frequently acknowledging Dr. Buchwald’s early detection of the Nephrotic Syndrome diagnosis.  And we’re forever grateful.

We know that things aren’t always as they appear.  However, Irene’s identity is in Christ.  She knows who she is and she knows whose she is .... and she reflects His Glory.

Who do you see in the mirror and what would you do if, suddenly, you were unrecognizable?  For Irene it’s very simple.  She understands that it is ....

.... Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27b

Caminando con Fé

Dave

What a joy it is to read daily from your websute.  The words of Laura Gschwend share my heart beat about Irene’s green thumb and the Kingdom.  I so appreciate those who have a wonderful use of the English language and can express it.

The other that I so appreciated was by Joni Eareckson Tada - this picture was so clear and that is how Irene showcases who Jesus Christ is. 

I pray today that you both do not grow weary in well doing for Jesus Christ.

Carolene

Hi Dave & Irene.

I had no idea. I can’t believe all of the things that you guys have been through. Kristi told me about your situation yesterday. I asked her to send me the link so I have been looking over the web site. Wow. I will be praying for you all.

Very good job on the web site. Very informative and does a great job of bringing glory to God.

Thanks

Don Sleeper

Hi Dave and Irene,

I have been on a recent journey in my devotional life where seeing God’s Glory in “the kingdom of God” as Jesus often referred is best seen in the weakness of all who call Jesus Lord.  The most common expression of God’s Glory is best seen within our weakness.  We often may attribute to someone that they have character in the way they handle themselves, or that they have great skills or giftings.  But who gets the glory?Weakness makes the best and clearest way to see us stripped of our veneers.  If we are weak yet look to be strong what other explanatation is there?  You both have come to mind often and I see God’s glory shining through your day to day challenges, the times of being weak.  Staying alive is not living, but living life each day we are given is to be alive.  I am seeing God’s Glory shinning through you.  Thanks for being a beacon that points me to our source of all things.  I will continue in our prayers for your current pursuit of medical procedures and feeling God’s immeasurable touch in the simple moments of the day to day.

I love the series Reed did on suffering and was excited to see it listed on your site.  Another wonderful form of God’s Glory!

Our Love,

Dave and Edie

My wife and I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to your family.  My wife, Deborah sue was diagnosed with Breast cancer on her 50th birthday Dec. 2002, in Aug 2003 she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on her eyelid.  She was treated with a lumpectomy for both and was due to be in remission for BC Mar of this year.  On thanksgiving of this year she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital which found a large pleural affusion in her chest.

Test results confirmed metastatic malignant melanom throughout her chest and lungs.  It has been a roller coaster ride ever since.  I can’t begin to tell you how blessed we are.  We have the same good days and bad days resulting from Biochemo therapy that many others experience as well.  Although her prognosis is grim, her spirit remains strong and our faith affords us the gift of clinging to each small victory with hope as opposed to dwelling on the overall crisis.  My wife, as is yours; is an inspiration to all who come in contact with her. She is also an example of the fragile nature of our lives.  In the end all that really matters is our faith, friends and families.  God bless you and your family we will be praying for you.  John Crouch

What GOOD can possibly be intended or accomplished through Irene’s incurable diagnosis of Primary Amyloidosis?  When we’re asked that question we respond by simply saying that we’re trying to make “spiritual lemonade” out of lemons.

Joseph had to reconcile a challenging situation when he was banished as a young child by his older brothers.  What was his response, decades later, when he was finally vindicated and in a powerful political position to dispense revenge?

.... Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.:
Gen 50:19-20

Irene had a relatively good day.  Though very lethargic, nauseated and itchy, the cold symptoms appear to be dissipating.  She was able to run errands, accomplish much around the house, enjoy the cool, sunny day and exercise her right to VOTE.

.... we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

And, perhaps, as God used Joseph, He may be using Irene for the saving of many lives.  We don’t know why Primary Amyloidosis came Irene’s way.  What we do know is this .... that WHAT WAS MEANT FOR HARM GOD INTENDS AND CAN USE FOR GOOD.

We hope that through Irene’s enduring testimony many will place their faith in Christ, assuring them of eternal life extending beyond all that we see and experience in this fallen world.

We hope that for those who have placed their faith in Christ that it will take on new dimensions of confidence in Him who promises eternal life.

What GOOD can be intended or accomplished by the diagnosis of Primary Amyloidosis?  Saving lives and spending eternity with Christ, in our humble assessment, is very, very GOOD. 

Caminando con Fé

Dave

According to Wikipedia ....

A Cimino fistula, also Cimino-Brescia fistula and arteriovenous fistula, is a type of vascular access for hemodialysis. It is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein in the forearm.

The procedure was invented by doctors Cimino and Brescia in 1966. Before the Cimino fistula was invented, access was through a Scribner shunt, which consisted of a Teflon tube with a needle at each end. Between treatments, the needles were left in place and the tube allowed blood flow to reduce clotting. But Scribner shunts lasted only a few days to weeks. Frustrated by this limitation, Dr. James Cimino recalled his days as a phlebotomist (blood drawer) at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital in the 1950s when Korean War veterans showed up with fistulas caused by trauma. Cimino recognized that these fistulas did not cause the patients harm and were easy places to get repeated blood samples. He convinced surgeon Kenneth Appel to create some in patients with chronic kidney failure and the result was a complete success. Scribner shunts were quickly replaced with Cimino fistulas, and 40 years later, they are still the most effective, longest-lasting method for long-term access to patients’ blood for dialysis.

After her dialysis treatment this morning Irene and I drove to San Francisco and consulted with the Vascular Surgery team at UCSF to discuss the FISTULA procedure.  Candidly, in some ways, it was somewhat of a letdown.  As previously reported, on December 11, 2007, Irene and I traveled to UCSF for the “vein mapping” .... which is the pre-procedure work in preparation for the fistula process.  Unfortunately, UCSF has no record of the December 11 work.  So, we’re re-scheduling another date in the near future to go through the process again.  Irene did, however, have another blood draw for the current Amyloidosis value.  We hope to learn the results inside of two weeks.

We remain hopeful that Irene’s kidneys will “wake up” so she won’t endure the fistula procedure at all.  In the meantime, Irene’s Journey of Faith continues on a circuitous path.

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Hi Dave,

I visit Irene’s web site often. I am surprised that she didn’t make some of her famous “blueberry dessert” for your super bowl bash. What an awesome ministry and influence her web site accomplishes. It is interesting how life is so paradoxical; when we think that we are comforting and encouraging an individual, the truth of the matter is that they are a much greater encouragement to us. In 1 Thes. 3:7, the apostle Paul says that it was the steadfast faith and labor of the believers that gave him the comfort and encouragement to endure his afflictions; that our labor is not in vain. My mom ministered to me more in her affliction than I ever could have done for her. I had flown to California to visit her, planning my words carefully, preparing my emotions for the painful visit. When I opened her bedroom door, there she was, sitting on her bed dressed in her brightest dress, with a big smile on her face. I asked, “how are you doing, mom”? With a big smile, her face beaming, she replied, “I’m standing on the promises.” That took every bit of “Mr. tough” out of me. She demonstrated a faith, in her Lord, that I will remember always, and hope to attain.

I will be in prayer for you and Irene. You have blessed the multitudes.

Philippians 1:29 is an interesting verse. We have been granted a privilege.  I will let you read it. It is hard to fathom, at times. Keep striving.

Know that He is God.

Your friend,

Phil

Welcome to the NFL.

By the time a player makes it to the pros he’s operating at an amazing level of athletic ability.  Playing the game at that stratospheric level requires an enormous amount of discipline, endurance and commitment.  It takes years of rigorous training and practice.  And of course, the physical and mental demands are also enormous.

Irene and I went to the grocery store to make sure that I would have lots of snacks for the big game!!  She prepared a large number of thick, marinated and boneless beef ribs, spicy bean dip and chips served in football shaped Super Bowl dishes and gigantic oatmeal cookies ....!!!!!  Without question .... it was the best Super Bowl meal I’ve ever had!!  What a party .... what a “happening” ....!!!

Irene is again experiencing some allergy or cold symptoms and hoping they will not proliferate.  Her energy level is lethargic and the nausea remains at a low rumble. Shirley Churchill worked with Irene on physiology techniques for 2+ hours while Ken and I relaxed and enjoyed the big game!

Metaphorically, Irene is playing in the SPIRITUAL NFL.  She is “stepping up her game” at a stratospheric level of performance with spiritual maturity facing her competition, which is a real life, formidable, opponent named Primary Amyloidosis.  In the “practice” of life, it took her years of to develop the spiritual discipline and training necessary to compete at this level.  In other words, her tender response to all of this is empirical evidence that she is spiritually prepared for the challenge.

What were some of her training and disciplines in the “practice” of life which prepared her for this confrontation?

• Years of Bible Study and scripture memory
• Daily quiet time, worship and prayer before God
• Being “teachable” and mentored by a “spiritual” parent
• Serving others joyfully and living within the context of community and accountability

Operating in the “spiritual NFL” requires an enormous amount of personal determination and commitment.  She wills to live and overcome her circumstances.  All of us who have watched her know that the physical and mental demands she’s facing have been, and are, colossal in nature.  That’s why her response has been so inspiring.

At the same time, however, we take Jesus at his Word when he declares:

.... apart from me you can do nothing  
John 15:5b

So, while Irene’s “practice”, commitment, discipline and training are a necessary part for her role to play in obedience to Him, she ultimately rests in His activity, in His work on the cross and in His resurrection, knowing that it’s by His grace, not by her works, that she can actually experience “major league performance” in the spiritual life.

Irene denies herself and abides in His Presence, for playing in the “spiritual NFL” pales in comparison to that which lasts for only a season on this earth.  And, ultimately, she wins the Super Bowl of eternal life.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

According to Wikipedia ....

An iceberg is a large piece of freshwater ice that has broken off from a snow-formed glacier or ice shelf and is floating in open water.

Because the density of pure water ice is about 920 kg/m³, and that of sea water about 1025 kg/m³, typically, only one-ninth of the volume of an iceberg is above water. The shape of the remainder under the iceberg can be difficult to surmise from looking at what is visible above the surface. This has led to the expression “tip of the iceberg”, generally applied to a problem or difficulty, meaning that the visible trouble is only a small manifestation of a larger problem.

Irene and I were out early Saturday morning running errands and enjoyed the cool, cloudy day.  Her nausea remained at a low roar.  She appears to be slowly gaining some weight, holding steady at 110-111 pounds for the last month.  After dialysis treatment this coming Monday we’ll venture to UCSF to meet with the vascular surgery team for a fistula procedure consultation.  This continues to be a dynamic journey because it is forever changing.  If the kidneys do “wake up” and function again Irene won’t endure the fistula procedure and the dialysis treatment will be discontinued.  As Hosanna Loh commented in a recent email, we pray that “He restores Irene’s kidneys”!!

In order to see below the surface of our challenges, sometimes we need to go DEEP and S.E.E. .... perhaps journeying through a “Significant”, “Emotional”, “Event”.

In other words, sometimes it’s only after we’ve experienced a traumatic or colossal event directly affecting us that we’re more receptive to the ultimate purposes of God.  Perhaps a “felt need” surfaces through the ordeal and we’re able to see more clearly than before.  Or, perhaps, as a Christ follower, God takes us into deeper water to make us a deeper person.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
Psalm 42:7

The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
Jonah 2:5

He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
Daniel 2:22

It is God who works in us and through us for His purposes and His purposes will, in fact, prevail.  Our duty is yielding to His leading and even beyond that, LEANING into His LEADING.  Therefore, we cooperate with Him and go where He wants us to go, trusting Him at unfathomable levels .... believing that His power is manifested in our weakness.

 

We also trust Him to draw us out of those deep waters, in His perfect time, as King David proclaims:

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
Psalm 18:16

So, when we see the tip of the iceberg, we know that there’s much more than what meets the eye .... with, according to Wikipedia, perhaps as much as 90% of it being unseen.  But it’s often when we’re in that unfathomable depth of darkness, perhaps in our darkest hour, with the metaphoric seaweed wrapped around our head, that we truly come to experience the manifestation of His Presence and see His liberating hand at work in our lives.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Dave and Irene….

We continue to strongly support you both in our Prayers….One day at a time sweet Jesus…the old song goes…And its so true….Dave the thoughts and flow of the story journaling Irenes illness along with your giftedness will have eternal impact….We are grandparenting in NC until the 12th….Have a Blessed Lords day…Our love to all…Jack