Still Praying. Asking God for complete healing.

Dear Irene and Dave,
Betty Bouzeos told me about Googling for info about you and I’ve just read almost everything printed.  What an amazing account of faith and tenacity!!
Dick and I are so sorry for all you’ve had to go through but you’re doing a lot better than we thought would be the case and we are so thankful to our merciful Lord for answered prayer.  You both are an inspiriation to all who know you and read your witness!  We will continue to uphold you both in prayer for complete healing and bringing continue glory to Him.
Heartfelt love,
Marty and Dick Payne

This is a very brief update for those of you “faithful” who check in regularly!!!!

I spent last night in Sacramento to attend several previously scheduled business meetings. Irene did well by herself except for the continuing and ongoing nausea saga. She was very lethargic today.

Two highlights of the day include:

1) Jocelyn purchased a 2007 GMC Canyon 4 door pickup truck and took Irene for a short drive!!!!

2) JoAnna was able to secure a new apartment in Southern Cal...

Our girls are on the move!!

Thank you for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

As you’ve probably noticed, we place a high view on His Majesty because He is worthy.  We are convinced that God is in our midst, and especially with Irene, on this challenging and circuitous journey.

The following are some of God’s promises to His people related to His Presence that we appropriate by faith:

• “From that day the name of the city will be ‘The Lord is There’”. Eze. 48.35
• “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you.  I will help you.  I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Is 41:10
• “Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
• “I am with you always, even to the end of the age”.  Matt. 28:28
• “Nothing in all creation will be ever able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord”.  Rom. 8:39

Irene had a better day with the nausea subsiding to some degree.  Early morning dialysis treatment was followed by breakfast with Sue Martinez at Papa O’s Restaurant in Capitola Village.  She rested this afternoon and is feeling stronger.

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.  Psalm 16:11

We know that God will never leave us nor forsake us.  We praise the Almighty for His faithfulness, for His loving attributes and for His ever abiding presence with us and in us. 

Caminando con Fé
Dave

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

Jesus promises us that we will have pain, suffering, hardship, difficulty, crisis, trial, tribulation, danger and challenge which are all synonymous to “trouble” in this world.  After all, we do live in a fallen creation.  However, we are to “take heart” .... by taking Jesus at his word when he says that these obstacles will be overcome by our FAITH in Him.  This is not a pending possibility, but an absolute reality.  And in the midst of trouble, he also promises us PEACE.  And to these promises we cling.

Irene is experiencing significant side effects after introducing the second blood pressure medication .... those side effects include excessive nausea, insomnia and lethargy .... not a pleasant combination!  Candidly, it’s been an incredibly intense 24 hours.  Both of us were up most of last night because her nausea and insomnia were such a hardship.  She spent most of today trying to work up enough gumption to accomplish “anything”! 

It’s also been a day of sober contemplation related to the veracity of the disease because she’s weary and desires relief from the adversity.  Her discomfort causes us to long for a day like the one depicted in the photo below which gives the “perception” that life is effortless, tranquil and uncomplicated ....

.... yet we know that the truth of our daily experience dictates otherwise.

The late and legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi is quoted “When the going gets tough the tough get going”.  I understand the spirit and intention of his remark and believe that many times that quote inspires us to “take action”.  And that approach often appeals to the “A” personalities like me!!  However, there are times when action is insufficient to the challenge.  In contrast, Jesus declares:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:21

At the end of the day we’ll choose Jesus’ prescription, come to Him and rest .... since He’s alive and well .... contrary to Vince Lombardi.  And in addition, Jesus’ peaceful words will stand the test of time .... because He has overcome the world.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

According to Wikipedia, a “plumb-bob or a plummet is a weight with a pointed tip on the bottom that is suspended from a string and used as a vertical reference line.  The instrument has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians by bricklayers, masons, and carpenters to ensure that their constructions are ‘plumb’, or perfectly upright. It may also be used in surveying to sight a point on the ground that is not readily visible.  Up until the modern age, on most tall structures, plumb-bobs were used to provide vertical datum lines for the building measurements.”

As we travel the “Amyloid Highway”, our PERSPECTIVE has become increasingly important.  In other words, with every twist and turn along the way, we are constantly adjusting and reorienting our finite view of things in light of God’s perfect and eternal reference point…His “plumb line”, if you will.  But this isn’t new.  God challenged Amos by asking him if he is able to perceive the circumstances of his day in light of God’s activity and purposes:

…This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the LORD asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” “A plumb line,” I replied.  Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel…”
Amos 7:8

After Irene drove herself to and from dialysis this morning we were off to UCSF for a day out patient services.  We had a good consultation with her attending physician, Dr. Lloyd Damon and learned the following:

• Irene’s blood counts are within acceptable ranges, although probably not within norms in many cases; she does not have to return to UCSF for 2 months!!  Yay!!
• A blood test was taken today with results expected in two weeks as to what level the Amyloid is still in her system or whether or not the Amyloid is in remission
• As of today, Irene is on two high blood pressure medications
• Irene weighs in at 112 pounds; she is encouraged to gain weight after being discharged from UCSF on July 20th at 118 pounds
• The lingering and chronic nausea is a direct cause of the Amyloid still remaining in her “gut”
• Dr. Damon and Dr. Kumar, (her renal disease specialist), are in consult and agree that Irene should remain on dialysis three days a week, however, Irene will take another urine test this weekend related to kidney function.

I also want to acknowledge Dr. Rachel Fogel’s (UCSF) gracious “well wish” from yesterday.  Our experience at UCSF has been amazing.  You’ll recall the July 20 update where Dr. Fogel is photographed removing stitches from Irene’s neck.  UCSF is doing the work of God .... and is setting standards nationally with medical best practices.  As I’ve shared before, they’re young, smart and they care!!!!

As we daily adjust to God’s activity in our lives we admit to having questions that will never be answered this side of Heaven.  But this we know and will do out of obedience .... to love and serve the infinite creator, our God, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength as we acknowledge that His ways are higher than our ways .... because we know that His perspective is everything .... and ultimately all that matters.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

Hi Irene and Dave -

Irene, I am so delighted to read about your gardening adventures, walks on the beach, outings with friends, and continued enjoyment of life!  Dave, thanks for continuing your amazing blog.  Love and best wishes from 11 Long -

Rachel Fogel

Greetings and thanks for checking in!!!!

Azusa Pacific University is an amazing place where God is “on the move” and FIRST in every way!!  The Board of Trustee all day meeting dates of September 27/28 have been on my calendar for quite some time and I missed the last time we convened in May for obvious reasons!!!  After consulting with UCSF and checking with friends and family that could look in on Irene, I ventured to S. Cal late Wednesday afternoon to attend those meetings.  Irene was “home alone” ....!!!!

.... and she did extremely well.  In fact, so well, that perhaps my ongoing presence has been a detriment to her recovery! 

Early Thursday morning she drove to Safeway and later met Phyllis Cauwels at Carpo’s for lunch .... Early Friday morning she drove herself to dialysis which is about 15 miles away and includes freeway driving.  Sue Martinez met Irene at the conclusion of the dialysis treatment, followed her to the house where they dropped Irene’s car off and set off for lunch at the Red Apple Restaurant. She was a “girl on the move”!!

On Friday Irene’s sisters Carmen and Jane arrived and stayed Friday night and Saturday with Irene .... bustling here and there.  They were just settling in for the evening when suddenly I crashed their “pajama” party!!!  Carmen and Jane spent Saturday night at the house and we watched The Ultimate Gift, one of our recent favorites!  Irene and I were fortunate enough to attend the opening premiere in Charlotte, NC, just weeks before Irene was stricken with symptoms of Primary Amyloidosis. 

Early this morning (Sunday) Irene was again “out and about” with Carmen and Jane, making a shopping run to Trader Joe’s.  After returning, they “played in the dirt” (gardened) for several more hours!!!!  A very long nap was in order after her busy weekend!!!!  It’s a good thing that I was in S. Cal for the last few days .... I probably couldn’t have kept up with her ....!!!!!!!!!

All kidding aside, Irene still clashes with nausea virtually 24/7 but she is “managing” the chronic discomfort in terrific fashion.  No pity party here!  Her courageous attitude and determination facing this challenge are inspiring and hopefully the annoyance will soon subside.  She is obviously not going to let it dissuade her from engaging life.  She is determined to let the “fullness of Christ” richly indwell her.  With growing strength and confidence combined with the ability to be more independent we’re hopeful that her steady progress will maintain without complication in the days ahead!!

Irene was SOLO on Wednesday and Thursday night with the exception of family and friends calling to check on her and for that we’re grateful.  Solo, also and except for God’s ever abiding and healing presence.  Her physical struggles continue but we’re appreciative of His abounding provision and your intercessory prayer.  It stirs me to look on with wonder and amazement at God’s miraculous activity in Irene’s rousing life. 

Caminando con Fé,
Dave

Dear Dave and Irene,

Tina and I are thinking of you, missing you and praying for you today.  We love you both very much and look forward to the day when we can just hang out and laugh with all our hearts.  May the Lord richly fulfill his good purpose in your lives.

Love,
Andy and Tina

Dear Dave

Just to let you know I was prompted by the Holy Spirit this morning to pray for Irene, for you, and for the family. I think of you all often and continue to ask for His direct and miraculous intervention for Irene.

Blessings, brother,
Walt

Dear Dave and Irene, I read some of your previous entries this morning.  I had missed checking in for a few days.  Your notes about Hudson Taylor were so comforting to read.  It just reminds me of the impact our lives can have on those around us now and in the future when we lean completely on the Lord.  God bless you both and we continue to keep you in our prayers.  Love, Dave & Bev

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding”
Proverbs 4:7

“.... get wisdom, discipline and understanding ....”
Proverbs 23:23

WISDOM defined: 

“The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight.”

• So, how do we get it?
• How do we discern or judge that which is true, right or lasting…or insightful?
• How do we know when God is speaking to us as compared to other voices and “noise” in our lives?
• Is it possible to really KNOW that God is speaking to us?
• As FINITE human beings is it possible to grasp the INFINITE?

Those are certainly questions worthy of exploring and this is a season where we need WISDOM!!  We’re navigating through “uncharted waters” and strategic direction, in terms of knowing which way to turn, is absolutely vital.  After following Christ for 26+ years, we have concluded the following .... which is this .... that God speaks WISDOM to us primarily, but not exclusively, in the following ways:

• God’s Word, The Bible
• God’s Holy Spirit, speaking to us as followers of Christ
• Through prayer; both intentional and spontaneous
• Through Godly people, where the Holy Spirit resides
• In and through circumstances that validate and do not contradict the Word of God

We’re grateful that God has given us this “road map” as the “itinerary” for life.

Irene enjoyed a nice visit with Marilyn Miller on this balmy Aptos day.  Irene has been contending with lethargy daily.  One reason she’s feeling this way is the nightly insomnia which is also a challenge!!  She’s also been “testing” the nausea medication by not taking it the last two days.  The nausea remains but at this point it is not any better or worse than when she’s taking the powerful combination.  Interesting .... stay tuned ....!!

We have gleaned WISDOM from many of you and are grateful for the insight and care expressed in so various ways.  We are desperate for wisdom and understanding at every juncture and are confident that He is speaking to us along the journey.  I’m reminded of Proverbs 1:20-21:

Wisdom calls aloud in the street,
     she raises her voice in the public squares;
at the head of the noisy streets she cries out,
     in the gateways of the city she makes her speech ....

And we are assured of gaining wisdom with this promise in James 1:5:

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

YOU have also been a source of great personal encouragement to us; thank you for your continued support of our family during this difficult time.

Thank you, for regularly checking these updates.  However, due to extenuating circumstances, the next UPDATE will not be launched until this next Sunday.

In the interim, may God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand, granting YOU wisdom in this season of your life.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Irene experienced a restful day after an early morning dialysis treatment.  Today was a day of coordinating logistics between doctor’s offices, UCSF and Long’s Drug Store.  We did take another stroll this evening on the beach which has been good exercise for Irene’s legs.

The world would imply that only the exceptionally gifted, the sophisticated scholar and the most attractive and charismatic person are qualified for occupying a significant place of leadership and influence in the world.  Scripture and my personal observation prove otherwise.  I am impressed by Hudson Taylor’s walk with God and the impact he had in the world.  Reed Jolley is a wonderful friend from Santa Barbara who spoke yesterday morning at Mount Hermon.  He wrote a stirring article which follows, about the faith and suffering of Hudson Taylor.  I hope it inspires you. 

The Continuous Habit of the Soul: Hudson Taylor’s Secret in Suffering
Author: Reed Jolley

He was short, soft-spoken and shy.  He didn’t believe he possessed great spiritual gifts and on more than one occasion referred to himself as God’s little servant.  He was given to depression and melancholy and was called a madman by some who worked alongside him.  One colleague called him the strangest looking man I have ever met.  But it was through this little servant, James Hudson Taylor, that God brought the gospel to China. 

English born Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) gave his life to Christ as a young adult and never looked back.  By the time of his death he had served his Lord in China for almost 40 years.  Along the way he founded the China Inland Mission, which during his lifetime grew to include 205 mission stations and over 800 missionaries.  More than 125,000 Chinese met Christ through Taylor’s ministry before he died.

I have read two lengthy biographies on the life of Hudson Taylor — 11 years apart.  Each was terribly exciting and each moved me deeply to a closer walk with God.  The life of this pioneer missionary reads a bit like a Robert Ludlum novel.  Taylor went where white people had never gone.  He faced xenophobia, riotous crowds, natural disasters, political opposition and disease.  He lived on faith and, like Jason Bourne, escaped time and again from seemingly hopeless situations.  Living by faith, for Taylor, meant trusting in God to act like the loving father God claimed to be.  His faith was instructed by his own experience as a father:

I notice that it is not difficult for me to remember that the little ones need breakfast in the morning, dinner at midday, and something before they go to bed at night.  Indeed, I could not forget it.  And I find it impossible to suppose that our Heavenly Father is less tender or mindful than I.

Living by faith, therefore, meant having a child-like trust that God would provide what was necessary. While traveling with Harry Beauchamp and C.T. Studd to bring the gospel to Szechwan, Taylor’s group was out of both food and money.  The missionaries were, literally, hungry.  As they walked along the road Hudson cried out, We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food.  Beauchamp couldn’t help but ask, Where is the food?  Taylor smiled and said, It cannot be far away.  Our Father knows we are hungry and will send our breakfast soon: but you will have to wait and say your grace when it comes, while I shall be ready to begin at once! (Yes, the food came shortly thereafter.)

But life in China was anything but an action-packed thrill ride.  James Hudson Taylor suffered greatly in his efforts to bring the gospel to those who had never heard about Jesus.  While in his thirties this little servant buried three of his own children and then the wife whom he loved so dearly.  Taylor’s sufferings shook him to his core, yet he persisted in faith.  After losing two children and then his wife in a single summer he wrote,

I cannot describe to you my feelings; I do not understand them myself.  I feel like a person stunned with a blow, or recovering from a faint, and as yet but partially conscious ....

But Taylor’s pain was instructed by his understanding of God.  The above quotation continues,

.... But I would not have it otherwise, no, not a hair’s breadth, for my world.  My Father has ordered it so — therefore I know it is, it must be best, and I thank Him for so ordering it.  I feel utterly crushed, and yet “strong in the Lord and in the power of his might”.  Oft-times my heart is nigh to breaking but, withal, I had almost said, I never knew what peace and happiness were before — so much have I enjoyed in the very sorry .... I could not have believed it possible that He could so have helped and comforted my poor heart.

Notice the gutsy faith, the spiritual moxie of Hudson Taylor — stunned and crushed, yet confident and comforted.  This 19th century saint denied neither the painfulness of his grief nor the incomprehensible comfort of his heavenly Father.  What was his secret?  How did he persevere?  Why didn’t Hudson Taylor’s faith crumble and his mission collapse in the midst of such adversity?  To quote Job’s wife, why didn’t Taylor curse God and die?

Hudson Taylor’s secret was what he called the continuous habit of the soul.  Here was a missionary who taught himself to drink deeply and continually of the refreshing living water of Christ.

Jesus said, “Come unto me and drink.” Not, come and take a hasty draught; not, come and slightly alleviate, or for a short time remove one’s thirst.  No! “drink’” or “be drinking” constantly, habitually .... One coming, one drinking may refresh and comfort; but we are to be ever coming, ever drinking.

When asked how he persevered after so much grief and pain Taylor said, The secret was that Jesus was satisfying the deep thirst of heart and soul.  The continuous habit of Taylor’s soul was to spend time with God regardless of life’s circumstances or busyness. 

Dr. Howard Taylor wrote a book on the spiritual life of his father, Hudson Taylor.  Howard traveled many miles with his father and included the following in his book, Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret:

It was not easy for Mr. Taylor in his changeful life, to make time for prayer and Bible study, but he knew that it was vital. Well do [we] remember traveling with him month after month in northern China, by cart and wheelbarrow, with the poorest of inns at night. Often with only one large room for coolies and travelers alike, they would screen off a corner for their father and another for themselves, with curtains of some sort; and then after sleep at last had brought a measure of quiet they would hear a match struck and seek the flicker of candlelight which told that Mr. Taylor, however weary, was pouring over the little Bible in two volumes always at hand. From two to four a.m. was the time he usually gave to prayer; the time when he could be most sure of being undisturbed to wait upon God.

As we live out our faith in our own time and place, troubles, grief and suffering will come our way.  We will not suffer in the same ways that Hudson Taylor suffered, but the storms of life will arrive on our doorstep. Jesus said it would be so. Let us, therefore, become people who employ Hudson Taylor’s secret.  Let us drink — deeply and continually — of the Living Water who refreshes our soul and gives us hope in time of need.  Hudson Taylor’s citizenship wasn’t in China, nor was it in England.  And our citizenship isn’t in the United States.  Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Let us know Him well so that we long for His coming.

Irene and Dave,

Just want to say we are continuing to enjoy & be thankful for your updates and photos, as well as the ‘word pictures’ you offer in the way of Who our God is and what He has done and is doing in this world.  We continue to pray for Irene’s healing, trusting in His many promises to work all together for His glory.  We are so thankful for the days we open your website and read of Irene having a good day, but we know His faithfulness is there always.

With Love,

Steve and Sue Azevedo

Dave / Irene:

We want you to know that we contine to pray for you.  We pray for your complete healing. 

Dave, after seeing you yesterday, a quotation from the 17th century Cambridge puritan, Richard Sibbs came to mind that I’ll share.

God sometimes heals by not healing and leaves infirmities to cure enormities.
Richard Sibbs

As you pointed out, this season of suffering has made you a deeper person and it has drawn you closer to your wife, your daughters and to God.  Praise Him for that!  And we pray that soon we will be able to praise Him for healing Irene’s infirmities as well.

May God bless you and keep you!