Got REST?

As we celebrate this Labor Day holiday in many different ways including picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, public art events and travel, I know few people who weren’t looking for a few “down days”.  The pressure and speed of life’s demands are exponential which often times stretch us beyond that which we desire or are capable of maintaining.  Most people were looking for a way to “get their batteries re-charged” and a three day weekend is often times an appealing way to do so!!

Labor Day began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the “working man”. It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many. Labor Day became a national holiday by Act of Congress in 1894.

As it relates to LABOR, where do we find respite and restoration .... and how do we find TRUE REST in the busy lives that most of us lead ....???

Jesus gives us the relevant answer in Matthew 11:28-30 ....

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

King David, in Psalm 23:2, also spoke to this issue in one of the most well known passages of all time .... “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He RESTORES my soul”.

Irene woke up this morning with lingering nausea and did have a dialysis session.  While driving to the treatment and referring to the Monday, Wednesday and Friday routine, she softly lamented, “I wish that we didn’t have to do this so often.” My heart instantly melted in empathy and I asked her if she was feeling somewhat discouraged.  With heartfelt emotion, her tender response was simply, “I see how much this is taking out of YOU and I feel really bad about that ....” 

Candidly, you could have blown me over with a feather .... Here she is, “hiking up Mount Everest with very little cold weather clothing or equipment” and Irene’s concern is more about how this journey is affecting me than her own suffering and hardship.  It’s very humbling and yet inspiring to live with a person who has such tenderness for others.  Irene isn’t self centered; she is completely and absolutely “others-centered”.  I have told her many times over the years that some people have been “Touched by an Angel” (as per the television program title); I was fortunate enough to marry one. 

Irene’s blood pressure has been high .... in the 170-180/95-105 range for about three weeks.  Her pulse has been running in the 90-110 range per minute for about 2 months.  Obviously, it’s another side effect of the Amyloidosis and ESRD.  Dr. Kumar, her renal doctor, ordered a prescription today.  We’ll be checking with Dr. Damon’s office tomorrow to make sure they’re in agreement with the medication type and dosage.  We want to make sure that both medical groups are on the same page before she starts yet another medication ....

JoAnna flew back to S. Cal today while Jocelyn spent the afternoon and evening at the house.  It’s been a quality weekend for our family.

On this Labor Day, as we relish family, friends, food, recreation and an extra day off, let’s remember that TRUE and lasting restoration for our bodies and soul can only come as we’re nourished by God’s Word daily and REST in Him. 

Caminando con Fé
Dave

9 p.m. ....

We were a couple of “kids” in 1978 .... with high hopes and dreams like most dating couples in their early 20’s ....

And where were we spiritually? Unfortunately .... absolutely nowhere!!!!!!

Nonetheless, Irene and I were married on March 1, 1980 and in late November of that year our world was “rocked” when our first daughter was born two months prematurely.  She had a severely deformed esophagus attached to her lung .... referred to medically as a TE Fistula which required a life saving emergency surgery in order to survive.  It was that experience that catapulted us toward faith in Christ.  Today, we’re eternally grateful for Jocelyn’s 26+ years of life which made it through such traumatic beginnings!  God also blessed us with a healthy JoAnna three years later and we’re forever thankful for her 23+ years! 

But these opening comments are merely a prelude to the crux of today .... We hear that when two people marry the “two shall become one flesh”.  You may know of married couples that separate or divorce when crisis strikes.  So, here are some questions to consider:

• Can a couple unify SPIRITUALLY and RELATIONALLY so that they not only overcome adversity when it strikes but actually “ .... become more one ....” through it?
• Is it really possible for two people to “become one” in today’s world .... or is becoming one in heart, mind and soul merely a distant fantasy or fairytale dream?
• Is it possible to still be on your “honeymoon” years after the wedding date?

Asked yet another way, how does a marriage get strong and grow even more robust, even when facing dire life and death circumstances?  The easy times are just that .... “easy”.  It’s when circumstances get TOUGH that often times make life and relationships very difficult to successfully navigate. 

I ask these questions because some people are graciously complimenting the way in which we’re dealing with this “little matter” confronting Irene called Primary Amyloidosis.  Please forgive the personal reference, but what we want to carefully communicate is HOW we’re managing through the crisis together.  How we’re doing it may or may not surprise you .... because it isn’t about us at all….

Irene and I have been married a short 27 years.  Because of the normal stress and strain of relationships, early on we had to become intentional about growing and cultivating our marriage.  And we did.  We began using Biblical tools and working on our marriage intentionally, EVERY SINGLE DAY.  There is no “auto pilot” for a successful marriage.  It’s a journey, not a destination.  It is a road that is always under construction and never complete.  I’m grateful that we are making the “investment” in each other .... 100% of the time.  Our growing intimacy and relational fulfillment today is in direct proportion to our growing spiritual walk in obedience to Christ.  He is the answer.  It is Christ in us that allow us to walk victoriously through this chapter in our lives.

“....God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 1:27

Irene and I also love “windshield time”.  Simply riding to any destination is okay with us .... it’s just the notion of being together .... it’s this place that often allows us to share our ongoing hopes, dreams, joys, struggles, fears, pain and sorrows.  And after all these years we’re still getting to know each other with an exciting new discovery almost everyday.  How is this so, you ask?  It’s because we go into each day with a great sense of expectation that something new is going to be learned.  By the way, windshield time is also a great way to pray together .... just make sure that you keep your eyes open if you’re the one driving!!

We know that without Christ in the center of the relationship “holding it together”, our efforts are futile.  Ecclesiastes 4 is very clear:

“Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down,
    his friend can help him up.
    But pity the man who falls
    and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
    A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Christ is the third strand in the cord, holding us together.

Today’s been another good day for Irene.  She even remembered how to use the credit card at Trader Joe’s!!!  Her nausea was at a “low rumble” today .... Irene, Jocelyn, JoAnna and I joined Jack, Phyllis, their daughter Denise and Phil Tuttle for a light and informal dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and have now settled in for the evening.  Irene does have dialysis early tomorrow morning, which, of course, is Labor Day.

We’re grateful that while facing another “life and death” crisis we’re better equipped and prepared this time around.  We couldn’t “TiVo” life when the crisis hit to suddenly begin working on our spiritual life or marriage.  We had, for years, been consistently investing in our relationship with Jesus at the core of our union.  He is our foundation and He is who we lean on today.  But please don’t misunderstand .... we certainly haven’t arrived .... and never will .... but we are in process.  We’re still growing daily and working on our marriage 24/7. 

And we are certainly not holding ourselves out as an example .... but we are lifting up CHRIST and His Word as the ANSWER.  If there is anything good in us or our relationship it is Him. 

“....they may see your good deeds and glorify God….”
1 Peter 2:12b

To God’s glory we are “becoming one”. Our marriage is more vibrant today than on our wedding date.  We’re grateful for God’s grace .... combined with His powerful Word and Work in our lives making our joy filled marriage an abundant reality.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

Irene and Dave
We continue to read your site and are always so very encouraged hearing of the Lord’s healing of Irene.  What a journey…what faith we see through both of your lives….an encouragement to us all.  With my physical challenges this summer, I can also relate to your words, Dave, “observing slow but forward movement”. God is so Faithful.  I, too, stand in awe of Him.  Love to your whole family, Tom and Deb Steipp

Irene and Dave,

We are praising our Lord this morning as we read about your day of ‘normal’; our prayers are for many more days in the near future of normal for your family.  It’s such a blessing for all of us who are priviledged to read your updates; you are an encouragement to so many who struggle with much lesser challenges.  Your assurance of His protection and purpose over all of life is very evident.  Chapter 49 in the book of Isaiah tells us that our names are engraved on the palm of His hand; your faith is an added assurance of that fact.

With many prayers and love,

Steve and Sue Azevedo

9 p.m. ....

“See, the LION of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.”
Revelation 5:5b

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the LAMB of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”
John 1:29

Jesus is described as both the “Lion of Judah” and the “Lamb of God”.

The manifestation of this reality is captured with this unique art display, a gift to Irene from artist Heather Gebbia and her sister Cheryl McKay.

The Lion of Judah has its origins in the Book of Genesis where the Israelite tribe of Judah had the lion as its symbol.  In our Christian tradition, the lion is often representative of Jesus.

The Lamb of God is a title of Jesus in the New Testament.  It refers to Jesus’ role as a sacrificial lamb atoning for the sins of man, hearkening back to ancient Jewish Temple sacrifices in which a lamb was slain during the Passover.  The Biblical significance of the title is understood within the context of earlier lamb symbolism.  The blood of the lamb of the Old Testament protects and saves the Israelites in Exodus 12. Christians are saved by Christ as the true lamb.

Irene had a great day.  She was up this morning canning raspberry preserves, later went to the store with JoAnna and was also up to a “take out” dinner this evening which we enjoyed “bay side” near Capitola Village.  The nausea was tolerable.  I took a bike ride; Jocelyn was enjoying being with friends; JoAnna took a run on the beach.  Irene took a nap this afternoon and enjoyed a short visit from Kent & Marsha Tarr with John & Karen Malinowski.  We’re so grateful for the day.  There was such a sense of “normalcy”. 

When visiting Irene in the hospital, our friend Laura Gschwend, commented about taking “Judah” Street to the top of the hill where UCSF gloriously overlooks the San Francisco Bay and skyline.  She would boldly pronounce that the “Lion of Judah” was “roaring” on Irene’s behalf.  Those were days of great emotional uncertainty and Laura’s comments were especially meaningful and comforting at the time.  We see the evidence of His “roaring manifestation” in Irene’s body as it heals day by day.

We are forever grateful that God, through Jesus Christ, has provided the “Lion and the Lamb” as the “Gateway to Heaven”.  He stands alive today in a resurrected body and gives all who receive Him eternal life.  Our confidence is in Him.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

We just finished reading your update yesterday that described Irene’s progress since she left the hospital.  We too wish the healing would speed up but are thanking the Lord for positive improvements.  We will continue to pray most for the nausea to stop and her energy to increase and of course for those kidneys to wake up.  Walt Wilson visited our offices last Thursday and we all gathered for a staff devotion and took time to pray for you and Irene.  We love you guys,  Dave & Bev

Dear Dave and Irene,

Your updates have so blessed my life.  I am in prayer for you daily and will continue to do so.  I do not know the depths of your suffering, but I do know the greatness of God’s love and His intention to pour out his love and blessing to you.  Know that you are loved and prayed for. 

Susan Bernal

7 p.m. ....

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully ....”
1 Corinthians 13:12a

It’s exactly 6 weeks ago today that Irene was discharged from UCSF, so it’s been a day of REFLECTION in terms of assessing where Irene is in the healing process.  We continue to pray for her complete restoration.

Here is where she is to date ....

• Irene is physically stronger today than when released from UCSF
• Irene is in kidney dialysis 3 days a week; her kidney function has not improved
• Every two weeks Irene is at UCSF for out patient services
• Irene has an ongoing need for blood transfusions
• Irene is taking several prescription medications related specifically to the Amyloid
• Irene has “chronic” nausea and uses a combination of 3 powerful medications to mitigate the discomfort and daily lethargy
• Irene isn’t losing any more weight, but has a net loss of 28 pounds since being admitted into the hospital in April
• Irene’s skin remains very dark but is slowly morphing
• We await blood test results to learn more about why Irene’s hemoglobin counts are regularly depleting
• Yesterday was the first day that Irene was “Home Alone!” all day
• Irene has been released to occasionally visit the grocery store and go out to a restaurant
• We won’t know for some time (perhaps months) whether or not the amyloid is in remission
• In addition to the kidneys, the amyloid has invaded her liver, stomach and intestinal tract
• Irene’s spirit and attitude are incredibly determined and courageous!
• NET report: Irene is making progress and the restoration process is moving in the right direction!!!

JoAnna flew in to SJC early this morning and later picked Irene up from dialysis treatment.  Together, they went to Target for the first time in 5 months!!  Irene is looking forward to Jocelyn & JoAnna being in and out of the house this Labor Day weekend.

We know that God is at work.  We are confident that he hears the prayers and praises of His people and is responding to our daily petitions.  THANK YOU for your intercessory prayer .... and don’t stop now…!!!

Although we’re certain of challenges ahead, it’s very encouraging to look in the “rear view mirror” and observe slow but forward movement .... God tells us to memorize, meditate and reflect on his Word:

“REFLECT on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this…”
2 Timothy 2:7

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m. ....

“You are the SALT of the earth…”
Matthew 5:13a

“You are the LIGHT of the world…”
Matthew 5:14a

“For we are…the AROMA of Christ…”
2 Corinthians 2:15a

I had an amazing experience at the Aptos Post Office today.  I was being assisted by Tina when she asked me how Irene was doing because she hadn’t seen her for such a long time.  Tina further explained how much she and several other employees missed seeing her and how they appreciated the creatively decorated packages that Irene would send to various people, especially our daughter, JoAnna, who lives in S. Cal.  My first thought was “how many post office ‘counter’ employees know their customers by first name?”  Then, almost instantaneously, my thought was, “.... and this should surprise me????????”

I explained to Tina what was going on and could tell by her reaction that she was deeply moved by learning of Irene’s plight.  Tina explained that her husband had a liver transplant 10 years ago and is doing fine today.  That was very encouraging to hear!  Tina’s only knowledge of Irene is through that of mailing packages at the post office.  But, obviously, there was something about Irene during transactions that were special to Tina. 

I wonder if Tina saw salt, light and the aroma of Christ represented in Irene?

Today was the first time that Irene was by herself all day.  It was somewhat uncomfortable to leave her this morning but I knew that I was with clients within a 15 mile radius of the house. My last instructions were for her to keep her cell phone on her hip and to behave!!!  She was “Home Alone!!”

Irene had a slow and measured day .... the nausea gripped her and wouldn’t let go, but she was able to push through it .... the highlight of the day was really enjoying the beautiful and balmy weather ....

We never know what affect we may have on another person.  It’s a strong reminder that our lives do influence others .... Today is yet another example of how Irene represents what Christ calls us to be .... salt, light and the aroma of Christ. 

Caminando con Fé
Dave

In light of my dad’s entry today, I immediately thought about this song:

“Caught in the half-light, I’m caught alone
Waking up to the sunrise and the radio
Feels like I’m tied-up, what’s holding me?
Just praying today will be the day I go free

I want to live like there’s no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one’s around
I want to sing like nobody’s listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I’m not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made

Made in Your likeness, made with Your hands
Made to discover who You are and who I am
All I’ve forgotten help me to find
All that You’ve promised let it be in my life

I want to live like there’s no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one’s around
I want to sing like nobody’s listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I’m not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made”

My mom loves this Chris Tomlin song – this is how she lives her life. When I think about what God calls us to do as Christians, this is exactly it. He wants to take over our lives. We have each been made for a specific purpose. He has redeemed our lives for a very definite reason. He wants us to live with reckless abandon. Not like the world sees reckless abandon – the world’s motto is: “Have fun – do what you want, when you want.” God’s reckless abandon comes as we recklessly run into His love and give our lives over to Him. He wants us to love others with all our hearts, He wants us to give as though the resources will never run out, He wants us to fulfill the purpose that He has for us day by day. Not so that we can give Him a list of all the great things that we have done, but so that His heart can be seen to those who have never realized his voice. He wants us to hand Him our lives so that He can touch others with His love.

The way that God made us is not so that we can live for our own pleasure. If that’s the case, my mom would have given up on God a long time ago. God made us to be in relationship with Him – to get to know Him, to learn His voice – which is tender, not accusatory. He wants us to become skilled at knowing when He is speaking, to learn His heart, and to see that He has created us for eternity. It’s our decision to hear Him, our decision to accept Him, and our decision to obey Him. His goal is eternity – that’s where His eyes are fixed. Bad things happen, but thankfully we know that in ALL things God promises to work for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), therefore we have hope in all things.

When we find the purpose He has created for us, we find true abundance. He wants to take over our lives so that we can have joy, so that we can see meaning in life, and so that we have significance. He wants us to be able to sing, love, give, and “be” with reckless abandon – to discover who we have been made to be – to have our hearts filled – and to find acceptance in a world that really stinks sometimes. He wants our entire lives so that He can give them back to us in plenty. He wants us to know His whispers, so we can hear His promises, and live out the plan He has for us. Only then do we live with reckless abandon and become who we were made to be – because only then are we, as the creation, tuned in to know the Creator’s exact purpose for us.

8 p.m. ....

“.... And 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

This journey is affecting and growing EVERYONE who is intimately aware of its circumstances.  I see it, read it, hear it and feel it.  Forgive the personal reference in today’s update, but my own “empathy” and “compassion” quotients are being elevated to stratospheric levels.  Let me explain a brief example.

I walked into a Starbucks today and noticed a large group of people with “Downs Syndrome” enjoying coffee and each other’s company.  The Holy Spirit “awakened” my emotions as I was thinking about the journey that many of those people are on .... those who are perceived to be weaker in this world .... the sick, the lame, the young, the aged, etc.  It’s not that I didn’t care or think about those people up to this point in my life.  I did.  In fact, as a police officer in a “past life” my focus and priority was to protect those in greatest need.  But what happened today was at a deeper, more profound level.  I had an acute sense of spiritual awareness that moved me beyond personal observation to “deep human interaction” even though we never exchanged a word between us.  They weren’t even aware of my feelings or thoughts but I related to them and loved them from afar. 

Irene has always been very sensitive in this area.  She’s always had deep empathy and compassion for others.  She’s demonstrated this sensitivity with her acts of kindness and quick smile to all of those around her, especially those with obvious need.  In fact, in this area, she’s my role model and my hero. 

Sue Martinez picked Irene up from dialysis and took her by Starbucks on the way home.  Irene actually went inside .... her first official “outing” since being home.  Irene rested this afternoon and tried her best to ignore the chronic nausea.  However, we do have a “skip” in our spirits today because of the affirming UCSF visit yesterday. Thanks for your continued prayer cover ....

I want to smile more and be “driven” less.  I want to talk less and listen more.  I want to do more of the important things and less of the urgent things.  And for those who know me, you’re probably aghast at my confession!! I want to live my remaining time on this earth with even more intentionality .... and for the “purposes of God”. 

I want to live a more reasonably paced life .... because God is working deeply and powerfully in me and in all those who love God and who are called according to his purposes.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m. ....

Hopefully you were able to view part of the total lunar eclipse which occurred very early this morning .... fortunately, I was able to get a photograph from our deck ....

ECLIPSE is a very intriguing word ....

Eclipse defined as a noun:  the disappearance of the whole or part of the sun when the moon comes between it and the earth or of the moon when the earth’s shadow falls across it.  Since the earth is bigger than the moon, the process of the earth’s shadow taking a bigger and bigger “bite” out of the moon, totally eclipsing it before the shadow recedes.

Eclipse defined as a VERB: “.... be greater in significance than ....”

The verb definition is fascinating.  In every way, God ECLIPSES our human understanding.  Check out these examples:

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9

A man’s (or woman’s) steps are directed by the Lord.  How can anyone understand his (or her) own way?
Proverbs 20:24

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me if you understand.  Who marked off its dimensions?  Surely you know.  Who stretched a measuring line across it?  On what were its footings set or who laid its cornerstone ....?
Job 38:4-6

For me, it’s very comforting to acknowledge that God’s ways ECLIPSE ours. 

We had a very encouraging day at UCSF which included an unscheduled visit with Dr. Lloyd Damon, the attending physician who has been overseeing Irene’s stem cell transplant process.  Here is what we learned:

• RBC (Red Blood Cells) at 3.76 with a target of 4-5.2, even with the blood transfusion yesterday.  UCSF is conducting a test which will determine if Irene’s body is producing a substance which counteracts the red blood cell production.  We won’t know the results for two weeks.
• Bilirubin level is 3.0 with a target range of .3-1.2, but lower than the last test
• Creatinine (liver function) level is 4.0 with a target range of .6-1.2, but lower than the last test
• Platelets are at 59; still low, but stable with a target of 140+
• Dr. Damon and Dr. Kumar are discussing Irene’s kidney function .... although the kidney function is not improving, there is still hope that it may do so in the future

There are more interesting statistics we learned today combined with some encouraging news.  On a national basis, each year there are over 700,000 new cases of cancer; 13,000 new cases of Leukemia and about 30 new cases of Primary Amyloidosis.  The obvious conclusion: Primary Amyloidosis is one of the rarest blood diseases on the planet.  Therefore, much is known and also still unknown about this disease .... and it will perhaps take up to 1 year for Irene to fully recover from this treatment .... which will be very slow and arduous.  There will be physical and emotional swings throughout the process.  The net report: be patient, persevere and hope for the best.

Irene was also told that she can occasionally go to the grocery store .... I said “YAY” to that! 

She was also told that she can occasionally venture out to a restaurant.  Irene was cautioned, however, to stay away from large groups of people and children at this time.  Emphasis on the word “cautioned” ....

One personal note: my credit cards and I are hoping that she has some time before she can go to the mall again ....

As we continue on this circuitous journey we are grateful that God’s ways ECLIPSE ours.  He is in control.  He knows best.  We may not understand, but we know that He does.  We entrust our present and future to Him. 

Caminando con Fé
Dave

7 p.m. ....

Irene and I are humbled by the expressions of love that are continually bestowed upon us.  THANK YOU so much for your continuing prayer, care and concern!!

Among an ongoing expression of friendship and love is that of Frank Johnson, the strategic, humble prayer warrior who works behind the scenes making sure that IreneDias.com is functioning 24/7.  This website would not exist in its current form without Frank’s input, wisdom and support!!  He is constantly making sure that photos are placed correctly, the links work, navigation is easy and that the overall user experience is a good one.  Thanks, Frank, for all you do!!!

Frank Johnson
www.strategicdigitaloutreach.com
www.missionequip.com

Irene did receive two units of blood during dialysis today and is looking forward to the UCSF outpatient clinic services appointment tomorrow.

One notable change occurring with Irene’s skin (from the chemo and medicine rash) is this: her arms, legs and “core” are literally “PEELING” in dramatic fashion .... we’re now seeing her natural olive complexion returning underneath the outside layer.  We literally brush off the outside layer like heavy “dandruff” .... it’s a pretty amazing metamorphosis .... it hasn’t started changing on her face or neck yet .... we wait to see how and if that follows ....

Steve and Anne Nelson visited Irene late this afternoon and prayed with her .... they also delivered a HUGE box of raspberries .... Yum .... !!!!

Finally, you may have noticed some changes on the Home Page of IreneDias.com.  We have added a category called ABOUT ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease).  There is a lot of information in that section which explains the differences between ACUTE and CHRONIC Renal Disease.  As you’re aware, the ESRD is a direct result of the Primary Amyloidosis.  We hope you find this information useful.

Thanks for your prayer, care and concern!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

Dear Dave and Irene,

Your journey through these difficult times have made you both so much stonger. It is a true inspiration to all of us.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,

John, Aldora, George, & Lisa Dias

7 p.m. ....

Occasionally someone queries me as to whether or not we’re asking God WHY this is happening to Irene or if we’re MAD at God because of it. 

How would YOU answer those sincerely asked questions?

Here is what we know about God:

God is love (John 4:16)

God is for us, with us and in us; he will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut 31:6)

God is sovereign and there is much that we will never know this side of Heaven. The secret things belong to God.  (In other words, God is the only person that exercises supreme, permanent authority that we, as finite human beings, must submit to) (Deut 29:29)

God is worthy of our trust but we are to “lean not” on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God deals with us individually, not collectively. (John 21:18-22) Each of us is on our own journey and must give an account to God.

So, to answer the first question I would suggest that perhaps asking WHY this is happening to Irene is asking the wrong question.  Perhaps the more appropriate inquiries are WHAT and HOW.  In other words, given what we know to be true in scripture, the better questions are these: “WHAT life lessons are we to learn and apply through this experience?” and “HOW do we share our learning with others?”

To address the second question as to whether or not we’re mad at God for what Irene is going through, I first ask this rhetorical question: “Does our faith only work when life is going our way?”  Then, our response: instead of getting mad at God, we want to go deeper in our knowledge of him.

Irene enjoyed a relaxing day and did her best to ignore the ongoing nausea.  She even fixed two small meals and some peach crisp for dessert!  We’re anxious for Irene to get two units of blood tomorrow during dialysis and we’re really looking forward to learning more about her declining kidney function and the other relevant blood counts on Tuesday at UCSF.  We’re not sure what additional testing is required but we want to get on with it, whatever it is!

We live in a fallen world of sin and decay.  We know that it “rains on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45b). Irene and I are thoroughly convinced that we’re never going to answer many of life’s queries.  Instead of asking WHY, we’re asking WHAT and HOW.  Instead of getting MAD at God, we’re going DEEPER with him.

Caminando con Fé
Dave