Dave and Irene —

Debbie and I continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Every day we talk about your progress and are delighted with it. You are both so strong and an inspiration to us. Again we think it was no accident that we were able to get together when we did in April. Can’t wait until the time we can spend more time together. Again we love you guys and want all the best for you and your family.

love and prayers,

Ron and Debbie

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

....the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

Luke 13:11-13, 17b

I cannot imagine what being crippled for 18 years would be like.  However, we know from the inspired Word that Jesus, after observing the nameless woman’s plight, touches her and sets her free of the infirmity. 

Irene meandered through the day, completing several household tasks and preparing a warm dinner meal for Jocelyn and me on a rather cool, rainy day. By the way, Irene and Sue Martinez have been combing the Santa Cruz area for the best biscuits in town .... we ate them at home tonight!!! We received word from UCSF that the Amyloid is now considered in partial remission based on the most recent blood test.  Our goal is complete remission, when there is NO detection of Amyloid.  Irene will be tested again on December 3rd, her next outpatient appointment at UCSF.

As the infinite all knowing God, we know that Jesus is acutely aware of Irene’s plight, including the lethargy and 24/7 chronic nausea .... now exceeding four months.  Fully clothed, she weighs in at a lofty 109 pounds .... down from 118 when she was discharged from UCSF on July 20th. 

It is our confidence in The Word and in Him that gives hope that Irene will be completely delivered from her infirmity. 

Thanks for caring. 

Caminando con Fé
Dave

Dear Dave & Irene,  We are so glad to have read the good news about the doctors report.  We hadn’t checked on your site for a few days so were scanning the past few reports.  We will pray that the Amyloid in Irene’s bloodstream will continue to drop and the nausea will disappear.  Love,  Dave & Bev

Irene was REFLECTING on the day she was discharged from UCSF and came home .... July 20, 2007.  As she walked up the five steps from our garage to the kitchen she slowly but deliberately made the first two steps without incident.  As she attempted the third step her legs collapsed beneath her….Jocelyn and JoAnna held her arms steady, assisting and lifting her up the next three steps….until she was able to stabilize herself….

Here’s the point .... Irene feels that the prayer support she’s been getting from so many compare to what Jocelyn and JoAnna did by helping her up the steps.  She is convinced, with great emotion I might add, that without the prayer intercession of family and concerned friends she would not have made it this far.  God is faithful and thank you for praying!!  By the way, today we celebrate 4 months since Irene’s stem cell transplant!!!

Irene drove herself to dialysis this morning and contended with a brutal headache and nausea for most of the afternoon .... that is, until Shirley Churchill arrived and spent 90 minutes working on the physiology of rousing her system.  By the time Shirley left, Irene’s headache was diminished and the nausea had been somewhat sidelined .... Yay for relief!  Thank you, Shirley!!

The words of this great hymn from yesteryear are so appropriate .... it is Irene’s favorite scripture and hymn combination….

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

As we reflect on the past, we also focus on the future.  Reflection gives us time to gain perspective and see more clearly what God has done in His faithfulness toward us.  Focus directs our attention to the future, giving us “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

Last evening from our master bedroom bay windows we enjoyed the Monte Foundation Fireworks performance that occurred at Sea Cliff State Park Beach.  It’s quite a performance as they launch the display from atop the Palo Alto, a cement ship run aground at the beach more than 60 years ago.

This afternoon our master bedroom was converted into a two hour “treatment center” as Shirley Churchill tenderly administered several physiology techniques intended to rouse Irene’s nervous system and kidneys. Jocelyn later assisted Shirley with some of the methods and practice.

The human body is an amazing essence of God’s created order.  Our human understanding pales in comparison to the infinite, boundless and all knowing God. 

King David proclaims….

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 149:14

Irene scuffled with nausea today but once again I am inspired with awe by the way in which she patiently endures the challenge.  Dr. Damon was abundantly clear on our last visit to UCSF….that the nausea is a direct cause from the remaining amyloid in her bloodstream. Knowing the culprit gives us laser beam focus as we pray….

Thank you for being among the throng who prayerfully intercede for Irene’s comfort and relief. It is that prayer that encourages and inspires us.  Below is a photo of the prayerful Churchill clan that dropped Shirley off at our home and played in Capitola Village until she was finished with Irene….If you’re wondering where Ken is, he’s off camera standing next to me!

The annual fireworks exhibition at Sea Cliff Beach is one that we have enjoyed from our deck for the last several years.  We hope that when this time rolls around next year we’ll be celebrating with Irene wholly restored….with no lingering nausea or amyloid.  They’re both unwelcome intruders and simply not invited to the festivity.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

At first glance one would think that the live oak trees in our front yard and photographed below are dead.  After all, it’s October .... and everything is green and in fullness, right?  There’s been no “frost” or any other abnormal weather to blame.

Another kind of phenomenon occurred this year related to our trees. During July and August all of the leaves were eaten from the tree by small, black caterpillars that later morphed into oak moths. Now, it’s been reported that this development occurs every year but it hasn’t been obvious in our trees for at least the last 6 years.  We literally had tens of thousands of caterpillars all over our property and on our house .... it literally looked like Halloween in July and it was quite grotesque!!!  The trees became so barren I was convinced by their physical appearance that they were not coming back to life!!

.... But I was wrong and as Paul Harvey would say, here’s “the rest of the story” .... we now see new foliage forging it’s way back .... very slowly and surely as the leaves begin to reappear ....

In a similar way that the oak trees’  outside appearance seemed to be in severe deficit of fresh growth, Irene’s appearance has also paid a toll in a variety of areas.  But obviously that doesn’t tell the whole story ....

We have hope that slowly Irene’s internal body is recovering, healing and being restored .... and that the external will follow.  As we anticipate the oak trees’ return of complete foliage in the months ahead we hope and pray that Irene’s body will eventually burst forth into full radiance and wholeness.

Speaking to that end, our friends Ken and Shirley Churchill came to our home today but not merely for a social visit .... Shirley was “on mission”!!!!  Ken and Shirley have been among the praying faithful, reaching out to us in many ways behind the scenes.  Not only did Shirley pray with and for Irene today, but she graciously worked with her for over 2.5 hours, using specific physiology techniques to rouse the nervous system and kidneys.  What is even more astounding is that Shirley believes so strongly in this approach that she and Ken are driving from their home in Menlo Park to see us again tomorrow for more of the same protocol.  We’re overwhelmed with thanksgiving.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

God’s Word never changes.  God never changes.  He is the same yesterday today and forever.  God’s Word is true and He is good regardless of our circumstances.  We’re grateful that despite external appearances and circumstances that He remains in control .... and works on all of us from the inside out .... hoping that someday we produce foliage and fruit that reflects His glory.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

What’s in your wheelbarrow?

I like the metaphor that “everyone is pushing a wheelbarrow” of some kind and that it is full of “stuff” .... the BURDENS we carry, the “stow” we accumulate and the challenges that one endures in life.  “Stuff” might even include pain, suffering, illness or disease or even unfulfilled dreams and desires .... or how about this notion .... disappointment with ourselves from the decisions that we’ve made!!  Ouch .... that one hurt!  Obviously we don’t actually see the wheelbarrow but everyone is pushing one ....

Reflect on that assertion as you read what a Biblical response should represent:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

If our life objective is to become like Jesus, (Christ-likeness) then we should embrace trials .... not as intruders but welcomed as friends.  Trials of various kinds are not unusual but are absolutely inevitable .... and can often appear out of nowhere.  As I have shared in other updates I believe that there are two kinds of people in this world .... those that have problems and those that will.  We should not shun or avoid trials because in their purest form they are the raw ingredients that make us “mature and complete, not lacking anything”.  And there is no doubt that this belief is certainly “labor intense” when it comes to the afflicted and tested heart.

After an early morning dialysis session Sue Martinez took Irene to breakfast at Zelda’s in Capitola Village.  Afterward, Irene took a VERY long nap after being sleepless from insomnia most of last night.  Late this afternoon, we received a brief telephone progress report from the practice nurse, Jennifer Knoche, at UCSF, who works closely with Dr. Damon.  She shared the following related to the amount of Amyloid remaining in Irene’s bloodstream:

• In July, the Cappa Light Chain count was 78.5
• On October 1st, the Cappa Light Chain count was 33.1

The numbers represent milligrams of Amyloid per liter of blood.  The number is moving in the right direction, representing an approximate 60% reduction of Amyloid in the bloodstream from the stem cell transplant in June.  We have asked a number of questions including what number represents “amyloid remission” and when the next Cappa Light Chain blood test will be taken.  Stay tuned .... !!!

I don’t know what’s in your wheelbarrow but my assertion is that you’re probably pushing one.  I cannot tell you that Irene and I are at the level of spiritual maturity where we are “considering it all joy” .... in other words actually embracing the Amyloid trial and intrusion as a friend .... but we truly are experiencing God’s joy and presence in our midst on the journey .... perhaps because of people like YOU praying for us.

Our prayer is to persevere and grow in God’s grace so that we may be mature and complete in Him .... and to lighten the wheelbarrow as we unload our burdens on Him.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

I’m sure you’ve heard it said that “attitude is everything”.

Despite the challenging journey, Irene’s ATTITUDE through this segment of her life has been nothing short of remarkable .... let me give you a brief illustration ....

I was up very early in the home office this morning enjoying a quality “quiet time” and moving through my daily “to do” list as well as that of responding to email .... As the sun began to rise Irene was finally sleeping VERY soundly so I deferred getting ready until the latest possible moment ....

Finally, I gingerly tip toed into the master bathroom, showered, then entered the master bedroom where she greeted me with her “signature” ear to ear smile .... I simply shook my head in wonder and amazement because Irene even wakes up with a great ATTITUDE!!!  If this was an occasional occurrence I would not even mention it.  However, this is Irene’s consistent behavior!!!!  She reminds me of this passage:

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life— ....

Selected verses from Philippians 2:5-14

Irene applied herself through the nausea today by completing several errands around town thoroughly enjoying the freedom of driving.  I arrived home late but in time to relish aroma-rich candles glowing throughout the house.  She prepared a wonderful dinner and we gazed at the picturesque sunset with wonder and awe .... it’s a lovely time of the year.  Irene has always made my homecoming such a joy ....

As witnessed by many, Irene’s life shines and reflects the glory of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.  If “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING” then Irene has it all.  She personifies that which we’re admonished to do .... which is to sustain the same humble attitude as that of our Lord .... and that she does with a winsome smile on her face!  She exhibits the
“shining like stars in the universe .... holding out the word of life ....”

Caminando con Fé
Dave

“…if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Jesus speaking in Matthew 18:19-20.

Do you believe Jesus’ words are true? .... that if we agree about anything we ask for it will be done for us by our Father in Heaven? .... and that He is in our midst?

I am privileged to be involved with the Time Out Conference for the last 12 years which convenes annually at the Monterey Plaza Hotel.  The conference attracts remarkable entrepreneurs & business leaders as well as fervent influencers from across the nation whose focus is growing their relationship with Christ and making a difference in the world.  That’s where I have been the last three days.  It’s a special group of guys that have become very close friends.

Let me tell you about three distinguishing moments at the conference…

• Late Sunday afternoon approximately 100 of the guys surrounded and laid hands on me, interceding for Irene’s healing.  It was a heartfelt moment.
• On Monday afternoon there were approximately 50 guys meeting in a room where I wasn’t and they prayed over a white shawl, asking for God to heal Irene.  After arriving home this evening I placed the prayer shawl on Irene’s shoulders.
• This afternoon as we were preparing to conclude the conference, for the second time, this same group of 100 guys circled and laid hands on me .... praying for Irene’s healing and restoration.

Irene did well while I was in Monterey .... receiving calls or visits from Jocelyn, JoAnna, her brother David, sisters Carmen & Jane and Marilyn Miller.  Sunday afternoon was spectacular weather and Irene enjoyed working in the yard and visiting with our neighbor Pamela.  On Monday, Sue Martinez picked Irene up from dialysis and took her to breakfast at the Silver Spur.  Jocelyn had taken Irene to dialysis treatment earlier in the day.  Irene’s nausea clings to her 24/7 but she continues to patiently work through each day.  She greeted me this evening with her winsome smile and a cheerful spirit!!!

As we petition God on Irene’s behalf we’re confident that He hears our supplication.  We take Jesus at His Word.  We remain bold in our faith and trust .... that as we pray and agree on earth for Irene’s complete healing and restoration He hears us .... and that He is in our midst. 

Thank you for remaining in agreement with us. 

Caminando con Fé
Dave

It was so great running into you and Dave at Carpo’s yesterday evening.  It was just a reminder to us of how great it is to be back home.  Irene, I just wanted you to know that there is one thing that I cannot get over from our encounter, and that is your smile.  Your smile radiates the Holy Spirit.  Lynn and I have had multiple conversations in the past 24 hours about how amazing it was to see the joy in you.  I just wanted to let you know how much of an encouragement you were to us.  We love you and are praying for you. 
Eric, Lynn, Emory, and Samuel.

My friend, Gil Ahrens sent the following thoughts from the great thinker Oswald Chambers that are very appropriate to our journey:

Dave –

From Oswald Chambers’ Daily Devotional.  I thought of you when I read this yesterday.

Gil

The Vision and The Reality

“. . . to those who are . . . called to be saints . . .” —1 Corinthians 1:2

“Thank God for being able to see all that you have not yet been. You have had the vision, but you are not yet to the reality of it by any means. It is when we are in the valley, where we prove whether we will be the choice ones that most of us turn back. We are not quite prepared for the bumps and bruises that must come if we are going to be turned into the shape of the vision. We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to be battered into the shape of the vision to be used by God? The beatings will always come in the most common, everyday ways and through common, everyday people.

There are times when we do know what God’s purpose is; whether we will let the vision be turned into actual character depends on us, not on God. If we prefer to relax on the mountaintop and live in the memory of the vision, then we will be of no real use in the ordinary things of which human life is made. We have to learn to live in reliance upon what we saw in the vision, not simply live in ecstatic delight and conscious reflection upon God. This means living the realities of our lives in the light of the vision until the truth of the vision is actually realized in us. Every bit of our training is in that direction. Learn to thank God for making His demands known.

Our little “I am” always sulks and pouts when God says do. Let your little “I am” be shriveled up in God’s wrath and indignation—“I AM WHO I AM . . . has sent me to you” ( Exodus 3:14 ). He must dominate. Isn’t it piercing to realize that God not only knows where we live, but also knows the gutters into which we crawl! He will hunt us down as fast as a flash of lightning. No human being knows human beings as God does.”

Irene rested most of this day but we ventured to Carpo’s Restaurant for dinner with our good friend Dave Ball.  We ran into some other friends…a dynamic young family, Eric and Lynn Ingram, and their two adorable kids!!  They just moved back to Santa Cruz after living in Atlanta and it was wonderful to see them “home again!!!”

Unfortunately, as we were leaving Carpo’s Irene abruptly banged the top of her head on the GMC pickup truck frame as she was entering the backseat.  Ouch!!!!  She’s now sporting a “knot” with an ice bag on her head…. Bless her heart…!!!!!

As we contemplate the words Oswald Chambers we are endeavoring to “live the vision” and recognize that we are “in training’ as we trust in the sovereign God who understands our path.

Due to extenuating circumstances there will be no UPDATE for the next several days.  The next update will be posted on Thursday.

Thank you for your continued care and concern for Irene!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

It’s Friday night!! 

We ordered “No Guilt Chicken Fajitas” to go from Chili’s with the notion of eating dinner in our vehicle on this windy and clear evening overlooking the Monterey Bay.  After picking up the package we quickly arrived at our beautiful destination and gave thanks to God for our food!!  My taste buds were ready and I was about to “dig in”!!  And Irene, despite her nausea, was also up to the challenge!! 

Well .... much to our chagrin the food container was an order of baby back ribs and french fries .... it could have been worse, but not exactly “no guilt chicken fajitas”!!!  So, now we’re at a crossroad .... Do we return to Chili’s and trade our meal for the original order or eat that which we just thanked God for?  And this as well .... do we maintain the same grateful heart for that which God put in front of us .... even if it didn’t meet our expectations?  We opted for the latter .... and ate our fare with much thanksgiving!!

Irene had dialysis this morning and afterward Sue Martinez took her to a local restaurant for breakfast.  Sue and Irene are exploring breakfast cafés and sharing omelets with the hope of locating the best biscuits in Santa Cruz County!!

Irene has been sluggish and lethargic most of the day .... taking a nap late in the afternoon which has become a daily routine.  We’re sure that the high blood pressure medications are also sapping her energy.  I’m really proud of Irene’s valiant efforts to eat as much as she possibly can, despite the icky and chronic feeling that remains with her virtually 24/7.

There are certainly lessons learned from our dinner experience.  Whether it’s a misdirected food order or something dreadfully more significant, i.e. Primary Amyloidosis, ultimately, we know that, as Christians, God is in control and directs our steps.

“The steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord.”  Proverbs 20:24a

We also need to accept the certainty that we are not in control of life’s outcomes.
“…how can any man understand his own way?”  Proverbs 20:24b

God also intends for us to be flexible and “go with the flow” .... and surrender to Him.

“.... not my will, but thy will be done ....”  Matthew 6:10b

Admittedly we could have avoided eating ribs and fries this evening if we would have checked the container contents when we picked up the order.  However, we may have missed the more salient lesson of the day which is this: 

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thes 5:16-18

Irene manifests this verse in her daily experience.  She has been an inspiration for many with her gentle and loving way in which she has faced this formidable opponent named Primary Amyloidosis.

Thank you for your continued prayers on her behalf.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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