Irene, I first heard of your illness from SCBC in the bulletin and have been praying for you.  I read more from the Bethany email just today.  You are in our prayers and I know you have been held by our Lord.  Your girls have grown to be beautiful women and I know you are proud.  We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.  Much love, Patty and Bryan Hayes

Dear Irene and Dave,
As we have newly learned of your “journey”, are hearts are daily lifting you before the Lord. May He, moment by moment, be your comfort, strength and joy. Wanted to share John 14:27 CEV
JESUS said, I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.
May His great faithfulness continue to hold you close to His heart. He will not relax His hold on you!
MUCH, MUCH love, Debby and Sam

Dear Irene and Dave,

Please be assured of our prayers at Bethany University. We are asking God for a miracle. Your strong faith, courage, and Christian demeanor is an encouragement for us all at Bethany University. May the Lord comfort you, and grant you many good days with your loved ones, especially during this Holiday Season.

In Christ,

Dr. Max Rossi,
President
Bethany University

Dear Dave & Irene,  You continue to be in our prayers.  We wanted to wish you a very Happy 50th Birthday!!, Dave.  You have been such a blessing to us and we are so grateful for your friendship.  Have a great day and a wonderful year.  We appreciate your updates on your sweet Irene.  God bless and keep you both.  Love,  Dave & Bev McQuade

Birthdays. Christmas is actually a birthday party. I remember when I was a child I always used to wonder why we didn’t have birthday cake on Jesus’ birthday. Sometimes the child in me still thinks of how ridiculous a cake would look with over 2,000 candles. But I am so grateful for the person we celebrate on Christmas day. Whether we celebrate with candles and cookies, turkey and pumpkin, or trees and presents, all of the additional traditions that we have come to know and love pale in comparison to the One whom we celebrate every year.

Tomorrow, December 6, 2007, there is another person we celebrate. This celebration does not include a manger and a cross, but, rather, Portuguese meat, pickles, French bread, and, of course, presents. This person never walked on water, made the lame walk, or redeemed the world, but he has had impact none the less. This website is a prime example. Tomorrow is my dad’s birthday. And it’s not just any birthday; it’s his 50th birthday. This year he did not give his life on a cross, but he gave his life in other ways to help support my mom and to continue to support our family. So, if you feel like it, share with my dad what he means to you and help make his day ultra special.
  Happy birthday, Dad!

The Word Became Flesh

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.

3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Following a good Monday of consultation at UCSF, Irene experienced a rough night.  The nausea “manifested” itself in the early morning hours and she was uncomfortable through most of the hours of darkness.  After resting most of today her diminished energy began to return and she was able to meander through some productive activities.  Her congestion and cough continues to linger.  I am amazed at the way that she patiently endures it all.

There is a time for everything .... we hope and pray that the sustained season of nausea and its accompanying side effects will be done and over with .... forever!!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Storms with cyclones create chaos, damage and report wind speeds greater than 115 mph and we’re all aware that tornados can cause catastrophic damage.
Living with the disruption of Primary Amyloidosis is sometimes akin to being in the midst of a fierce cyclone or brutish tornado.

• There’s distraction from living an orderly and focused life that enjoys rhythm and momentum
• There’s an emotional pendulum because of the ongoing uncertainty
• There’s obvious physical commotion, pain and discomfort
• There’s confusion at times from the complexity, various people and processes encountered along the way

Sound like the squall of adversity?  It’s definitely a tumultuous journey. 
However, it’s reported that the EYE of the STORM is very unlike the swirling activity because in the EYE there is very little wind and rain.  Most cyclones and tornados have a very CLEAR, CALM CENTER.

.... and that’s our challenge .... to live everyday with a clear, calm center, in the EYE of the STORM. 

• But is it even possible or merely a pipe dream?
• .... and if it is possible, HOW does one live in the eye?

After the early morning dialysis treatment we drove to UCSF and enjoyed a 90 minute, very productive consultation with Dr. Stephen Gluck. 
Here is the “net-net”:

• There is “marginal” kidney function improvement, but not nearly enough to consider dialysis less than three days a week
• We will return to UCSF next Tuesday, December 11, in order to meet with a vascular surgeon who will conduct vein mapping in preparation for a permanent access port in Irene’s arm.  A special type of access, called an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, is placed surgically, in her arm.  Basically it involves joining an artery and a vein together.
• Irene’s phosphorous level is extremely high;  we discussed several strategies and medication adjustments and/or additions to mitigate the risks inherent with a high level in her system
• Because she weighed in at 103 pounds, he wants her to gain weight
• In the next 60-90 days, we will explore the notion of Irene potentially transitioning to hemodialysis from home
• The amyloid blood sample was drawn and we hope to get results on December 17 when we see Dr. Damon
• Dr. Gluck will be sending Dr. Kumar his full report and recommendations.

Irene’s fever broke today; our conclusion is that perhaps the fever was caused by a minor sinus infection.  She’s lethargic but the symptoms appear to be subsiding .... it must be answered prayer!! 
It was a long but affirming day; just seeing Dr. Gluck lifted Irene’s spirits!!

Irene and I are endeavoring to live in the “eye of the storm”.  We’re appropriating, by faith, His PEACE .... despite the surrounding chaos.  The emotional pendulum is very real but we get “centered” primarily by five facets ....

• His ever abiding Holy Spirit
• His consistent and never changing Word
• The power of Prayer
• Transparent relationships with our daughters, Jocelyn & JoAnna
• Being surrounded by a caring “community”

And through it all, He promises to give us PEACE ....

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 14:27
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

I recently told my good friend, Ken Churchill, that, believe it or not, we are truly ALIVE at a new spiritual dimension; that we have a heightened awareness of purpose and LIFE itself .... that God appears to be renewing and illuminating our hearts and minds.  Abraham Moslow would identify the level of our lives at “self actualization” and “self transcendence”. 
God is also giving us spiritual boldness to speak with truth and authority.  We sense His transforming work.  It is humbling and inspiring.  The words of scripture literally leap off the page, speaking to us with greater insight and affirmation in deep and profound ways.  Our learning is exponential and we have a peace that passes explanation and understanding.  For all of this we’re grateful .... for He enables .... to His Glory.
With the erupting tempest swirling all around us, we endeavor to live in the eye of the storm.  We also realize that God’s EYE is upon us .... and that He is ever with us. 

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chronicles 16:9

If He strengthens, He also enables us to live the abundant and victorious life with a “clear, calm center” .... even when facing the colossal leviathan called Primary Amyloidosis.
Caminando con Fé

Dave

We’ve become very fond of the medical staff at UCSF.  Established in 1873, this literal “city on a hill” is a place where professionals, 24/7, have committed their lives to saving lives. 

We recently learned through Wikipedia that UCSF’s official motto is “Fiat lux”, interpreted: “Let there by light”.  It was a thrilling discovery!!

According to the UCSF website, “Let there be light” is an English translation of the Hebrew yehiy ‘or. Other translations of the same phrase include the Latin phrase fiat lux, and the Greek phrase genēthētō phōs.

The phrase comes from the third verse of the book of Genesis in the King James Bible:

1:1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

1:2 - And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

1:3 - And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
1:4 - And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Despite Irene’s cold, Shirley Churchill worked with Irene for almost three hours to relieve her discomfort.  We’re so grateful and hope she can endure the next few days until the cold passes. Irene is now running a low grade fever of 100.4.  Thanks for praying.
After an early morning dialysis treatment tomorrow, we’re scheduled to be at UCSF for outpatient services, seeing Dr. Stephen Gluck, the renal specialist.  Irene will also give a blood sample which will be tested for amyloid.  The purpose of the test is to learn if the amyloid is in remission and, if not, what percentage of amyloid is still within the bloodstream.  We hope to get test results when we return to UCSF on Dec 17 to see Dr. Lloyd Damon.

Jesus asserts…

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Matthew 5:14-15

A lamp never draws attention to the lamp itself but rather illuminates everything in the room.  As followers of Christ we, too, are lights and our ultimate purpose is to reflect His Glory in our lives. 
It is encouraging to know that the “city on a hill” we refer to as UCSF carries the official motto, “let there be light”.  UCSF is a bright light…and our prayer is that He will enlighten all of us.
Caminando con Fé

Dave

Most everyone enjoys a romantic sunset and we have captured many magnificent settings from our home.
As the earth’s primary source of ENERGY and LIGHT the sun’s energy can be harnessed in a variety of natural and synthetic processes and its ultraviolet light can even be used to sanitize tools and water.

But that’s just the beginning.  As earthly environmental concerns rise and the GREEN movement gains momentum, the study of the sun’s solar energy becomes an increasingly important component of confronting the challenges in front of us.

Here’s the point .... as we apprehend how to better harness and appropriate the sun’s resources, we improve the quality of our daily experience on earth.

You know what it’s like to have a cold .... and yes, that’s exactly what Irene is experiencing now .... feeling tired, achy, sore throat, sneezing, wheezing and coughing .... temperature is 98.8 and her blood pressure is 136 over 81; pulse 80.  Pray she endures the cold and it doesn’t get any worse.

As we apprehend how to better appropriate the sun’s resources as earthly stewards, so goes appropriating the Son’s infinite resources into our individual lives.

For Jesus proclaims:

I am the light of the world
John 9:5b

After all, the Son is the true source of all energy and all light, even that of the sun.

And, in that Son, we trust.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Whose REFLECTION is it?
If REPUTATION is how we’re known in PUBLIC .... and if INTEGRITY is how we behave in PRIVATE .... are we reflecting the same person? 
Or what about this convicting inquiry .... does one set of people in our relational network view us one way and another group of people view us in another? 
Being a consistent person of high moral CHARACTER is a lifelong quest and a worthy aspiration.  We’re admonished to be salt and light, thus reflecting Jesus and His glory in our lives. 

Irene had a very challenging day.  Her nausea “manifested” itself at dialysis.  She was lightheaded from a blood pressure drop .... and is experiencing sore throat and cold symptoms which developed late yesterday.  She was very lethargic so her ambitious plans were deferred to another day.
Who do you see in the mirror?  Are you the same person in private that you are in public?

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:23-24

Our identity is in Jesus .... and we long to REFLECT Him. 
Caminando con Fé

Dave

A meditation…

...25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:25-33

For those of you who are following the updates you have probably noted that Irene’s days are mixed with both good and not-so-good days.  It really does beg the question .... how much progress is being made?  Can we measure it?  Can we always see it?  Do we need to see it in order to believe it?

From a human perspective we long for answers to those and many more questions .... but there is a God perspective that we need to appropriate into our lives.

.... we live by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7

.... when told about Jesus being present in their midst, Thomas challenged his friends ....

.... unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.
John 20:25

.... but a graciously Jesus accommodates him ....

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
John 20:26-28

.... and Jesus told him (Thomas) ....

.... because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
John 20:29

Irene was solo all day today, driving herself to and from dialysis and afterward went to Safeway.  She worked in the yard this afternoon and enjoyed the beautiful day.  The nausea persists but she pushed through it ....
Though we do have many questions surrounding Irene’s progress and hope to have answers soon, our challenge is to BELIEVE .... even when we can’t see .... especially on the more challenging days.  We will, however, take Jesus at his word and believe, not only in Him as Lord and Savior, but in the hope of Irene’s complete healing and restoration.

.... 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 ....
1 Peter 1:8

We desire to be among the faithful to whom Jesus refers .... “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Caminando con Fé

Dave

“The Lord of Hosts”

David referred to God using this term when confronting the giant, Goliath…

David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin.  But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied”.       
1 Sam 17:45

David was confident that “the Lord of hosts” would bring him victory .... and that he did by slaying Goliath!!!!

If yesterday was a challenging day for Irene, today was a very good day!  Thanks for praying!!!  Although challenged by the nausea she ventured to the mall and came home to some gardening in the front yard.  She worked on several personal projects around the house today and feels a sense of accomplishment.  Yay!!!

As “the Lord of hosts” came to David’s aid, so He comes to Irene’s (and all of ours) when facing a personal crisis.  We praise Him because he delivers us from fear, failure and defeat.

You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory.
Psalm 32:7

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Got “tummy” GROWL….?
If you’re like me, it’s easy to work up a very hardy appetite and have my stomach growling for food!  I am reminded that….
The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.
Proverbs 16:26
....and after a good meal, my tummy busily churns with the digestive juices doing their amazing job….!!!

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis this morning.  She came home extremely exhausted and took an extended nap.  She weighed in at 106 pounds, fully clothed….losing another pound since November 19th and at this stage every pound counts!!  She’s endeavoring to eat well but is challenged to maintain and put on some additional weight….even with turkey, leftovers and pumpkin pie!! 
Also, one of the more interesting physiological reactions in Irene’s body is the very loud gurgling of food (tummy growl….l!!) being digested after each meal.  It can be heard for up to 2 hours after eating!!  Please pray that Irene can gain weight!!
Irene and I met with Jocelyn at her favorite restaurant this evening in honor of Jocelyn’s 27th birthday.  It was a time of celebration….and watching Jocelyn enjoy her Sushi….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are a lot of lessons being learned about the body’s physiology and Primary Amyloidosis as we navigate through IRENE"S Journey of FAITH.  The human body is truly an incredible creation.
For us the one thing that continues to grow is our hardy appetite for God.  And this we’re guaranteed in the Word….that our appetite will always be completely satisfied in Him.
Caminando con Fé

Dave