Metaphorically, Irene has crested the summit and is now descending the icy mountain.  It’s still very treacherous on journey but she refuses to live less than all that God intends for her .... which is fully experiencing the reality of John 10:10:

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

After breakfast crepes filled with blueberries, blackberries, bananas and whip cream, Irene, Carmen and Jane ventured on a shopping spree!!!!

This evening Irene and I had FUN as Greg & Vicki Jamison’s guests in their private presidential box at the San Jose Sharks Hockey game!!!

Although life on the Amyloidosis journey still remains very treacherous and life threatening, the ultimate goal remains the same ....

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9

Jesus intends for us to live the abundant and victorious life, despite facing amyloidosis and this evening’s manifestation of that life was joyfully participating as a spectator in the San Jose Sharks hockey game with friends!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

There’s a God-Shaped vacuum in each of our hearts that can only be filled by God.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ
Colossians 2:9-10a

Marsha Tarr visited this morning and as she was leaving Irene’s sisters, Carmen and Jane arrived.  All of them got “juiced” on Mona Vie…!!! (See the Mona Vie in the sidebar of the website)

Shirley graciously worked with Irene for 2+ hours on physiology techniques designed to wake up the kidneys.  Both of them have been so faithful, weekly driving to our home from theirs in Menlo Park to support us on the journey!!!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7

There’s a God-Shaped vacuum in each of our hearts that can only be filled by God Himself.  Today our hearts, the “seed of human emotion”, are filled with joy, thanksgiving and celebration .... and filled with the fullness of His Presence.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

For those of you, like me, who are impressed with Hosanna Loh’s talent, visit her website at http://www.naturespraise.com/

Hi Dave,

After I submitted my post on Irene’s site this morning, I was inspired to finish this photo in light of Irene’s good news.  I’ve had the photo, but I did not know what scripture or sentiment to use until this morning.  The fireworks image, Irene’s joyful singing, and God’s faithfulness are the inspiration behind this photo paired with this verse ....

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11

Hope you both have a great day !!

Hosanna

Dave and Irene,

We are thrilled to hear that the amyloid is in remission!! We are so grateful that our awesome God has strengthened Irene’s health to give you this victory!!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11

Rejoicing with you!
Celebrating God’s faithfulness with you!

Julian and Hosanna Loh

So, how do we begin today’s update after yesterday’s overwhelming report from UCSF and what we KNOW is the answer to many prayers ….??????

As we drove to UCSF early yesterday morning, Irene burst forth singing this Andrae Crouch favorite ....!!!  Remember, I said that this is what she sang ENROUTE to San Francisco .…!!!

I’ve Got Confidence…

When trouble is in my way
I can’t tell my night from day
When I’m tossed from side to side
Like a ship out on a raging tide
I don’t worry, I don’t fret
My God has never failed me yet
Troubles come from time to time
But that’s alright I’m not the worrying kind
Because I’ve got confidence
No matter what the case may be
I know He’s going to fix it for me
I’ve got confidence
God is going to see me through

Irene woke up this morning with an extra skip in her step and drove herself to and from dialysis.  There was quite a lot of enthusiasm at the dialysis center given the news from yesterday!  They’re now discussing appropriate strategies related to pinning down exactly how much kidney function is occurring so she will be tested again soon. 

She did come home, however, exhausted. Her blood pressured dropped during dialysis to 97/35 .… obviously, not desirable.  Her fatigue and nausea lasted throughout the day .… probably in large part due to the dialysis and yesterday’s big trip to SF ....

Irene is eternally GRATEFUL for the many prayers, petitions, tears and intercessory prayers on her behalf.  THANKS for caring!!!!!  He Reigns!  We know that the journey is far from over, but we are overflowed with thanksgiving in our hearts.

I wasn’t sure how to begin today’s update but I certainly know how to end it….the following lyrics are the tender sentiment of Irene’s heart this day…

In my moments of fear
Through every pain every tear
There’s a God who’s been faithful to me
When my strength was all gone
When my heart had no song
Still in love He’s proved faithful to me
Every word He’s promised is true
What I thought was impossible
I’ve seen my God do

He’s been faithful, faithful to me
Looking back His love and mercy I see
Though in my heart I have questioned
Even failed to believe
Yet He’s been faithful
Faithful to me

When my heart looked away
The many times I could not pray
Still my God
He was faithful to me
The days I spent reaching out for what pleased me
Even then God was faithful to me
Every time I come back to him
He is waiting with open arms and I see once again see
He’s been faithful, faithful to me

He’s Been Faithful, by Carol Cymbala

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Dear Dave and Irene,

After I opened up your e-mail, I sat “glued” to the computer and all the wonderful news about you, Irene, and just cried out of thankfulness for your GOOD NEWS. I sent it on to Leah, my daughter in Sacramento as she has followed all of your progress. You have both been such a blessing to me and to everyone at Monte Vista.  Your friendship is very dear to me. I especially was blessed by Joanna’s writing in this e-mail.

Your book was wonderful and what an encouragement it has been to me.  I visited Jim Smiley, the MV librarian, at the hospital last week and your book was lying on his bed.  He pointed to it and said how helpful and encouraging it was to him.  He is home from the hospital now but is so weak that he can hardly stand up. He wants to come back for several hours a day.  What a Godly, loving man he is.  He loves these students and in the past, he never missed an athletic game here.

I am so glad you wrote the book.  You must be very proud of both of your girls for they wrote a lot of it too.

Much love and prayers of thankfulness,

Martha Price

Dear Dave and Irene,

What wonderful news to hear that Irene’s amyloid is in remission!  We have been praying throughout her illness and keeping up with news via the website and Phyllis & Jack & Marilyn Miller.  We are so happy for you.  We will keep praying that God will continue to heal Irene’s body.  God bless you both. 

Walt & Lynnette Maynes

Dear Dave and Irene,

Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is FAITHFUL to provide and meet our needs in ALL things.  You both are examples of faith and trust.

Love and hugs to you both.  You remain in my prayers as always.

Susan

Mr. and Mrs. Dias:

My dad called and encouraged me to check your website for an update.  I am overjoyed for your family — and have had tears of gratitude for Mrs. Dias’ remission.  May our God keep healing and strengthening, as he forms in you the lovely image of his beloved Son.  Thank you for the grace and trust that you consistently reflect from our Lord.

Rich blessings to your family.  Your girls must be so thrilled.

Raija

We too can understand Irene’s emotions as she entered that wing of the hospital.  We experienced the same flooding of emotions when we revisited our doctor at UCSF.  We also are advocates of UCSF and the wonderful medical staff there. They saved my life .... Thank God for the wonderful news.  We will continue to pray for the other challenges Irene is faced with.

Jim and Anna Maynard

Hello Dave and Irene and Family -
Praise the Lord!!!  You were in my prayers throughout the day yesterday.  What a blessing this morning to read the encouraging and uplifting words of REMISSION.  I sat here in tears as I read your update - so thankful for the answer to prayer.  I won’t cease to keep you in prayer as you faithfully embrace the next step for a full recovery.   
“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified”  Psalm 40:16
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised…” Psalm 48:1
In His Love,
Annie

I just heard the wonderful news about remmission. Praise the Lord!

Irene and Dave,

What an AWESOME LORD we serve!!!  We are so full of praise to read this wonderful news!  We know the Lord’s timing is perfect and that He leaves nothing undone…we trust fully that He will continue His good work as you move through the process of kidney treatment/transplant.  We will continue to pray the nausea will be fully removed and that the Lord’s hand will be in every detail as you work through this new phase of nephrology treatment.

Praying you have a wonderful and restful weekend rejoicing in the wonders of God’s amazing work…Thank you for letting us be a part of witnessing it and for especially for your faithfulness, such a testimony of the truth that “the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well”!

In Love,

Steve and Sue Azevedo

Irene and Dave,

I have been praying for you, and getting updates from Neil, and I rejoice over your great news of Irene’s remission.  It is my 50th birthday today and I count this as one of the best gifts ever.  May the Lord continue to sustain you, heal you, and provide for all your needs.  What a testimony of faith and courage you have been to all.