When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 8:3-4

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis treatment today but came home extremely fatigued and nauseated.  She took a 3+ hour nap and rested for the balance of the day.  The quick weekend to S. Cal and today’s dialysis treatment really took a physical toll.  Thanks for prayerfully intervening on her behalf.

The wonder of His care for us remains a mystery other than that which He reveals to us in His Word.

Psalm 136

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.

6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.

7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.

8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.

9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Jesus transcends man-made DENOMINATIONS.

According to dictionary.com, TRANSCEND is defined as…

• to rise above or go beyond; overpass; exceed.
• to outdo or exceed in excellence, elevation, extent, degree, etc. surpass; excel.
• Theology (of the Deity) to be above and independent of (the universe, time, etc.).

Irene and I left S. Cal early this morning and arrived home around 2 p.m.  She then ventured to Trade Joe’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Her nausea was off and on again and her energy was somewhat diminished but she had a very fulfilling weekend.  There’s no place like home!!

According to Wikipedia there are five major branches of Christianity:  Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant ....

Denominationalism is an ideology which views some or all Christian groups as being, in some sense, versions of the same thing regardless of their distinguishing labels. Not all churches teach this. The Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches do not use this term as its implication of interchangeability does not agree with their theological teachings. There are some groups which practically all others would view as apostate or heretical, and not legitimate versions of Christianity.

Here is a list of man made denominations…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations

Denominations, in my humble opinion, have confused the core message of Jesus. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_denomination

Jesus, as the God-Man, TRANSCENDS all man made denominations.  We keep our eyes on Him and on His Word.  We are to FOLLOW Him, TRUST Him, OBEY Him, and LOVE Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength.  We are to love others as we love ourselves.  He is to be FIRST in ALL THINGS.  His Holy Spirit indwells all those who receive Him and we will spend eternity with Him when we pass from this world.

The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Matthew 6:33a

It is in this God-Man that we HOPE and wait on for Irene’s complete healing and restoration on her journey of faith.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

We must remember that Jesus is a Jew…

NEW YORK (AP) - Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope to visit an American synagogue Friday, bringing greetings for the Passover holiday and accepting gifts of matzo and a seder plate. Benedict, 81, stopped briefly at Park East Synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, near the Vatican residence.

“I find it moving to recall that Jesus, as a young boy, heard the words of Scripture and prayed in a place such as this,” he said.

The German-born pontiff then offered a gift of his own: a reproduction of a Jewish codex.

“In our lifetime, we have experienced the ravages of war, the Holocaust, man’s inhumanity to man and tasted the joy of freedom,” said Rabbi Arthur Schneier, who lived in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe.

“This momentous occasion takes places on American soil, where men and women escaping the clutches of oppression and religious persecution have built a nation of democracy and freedom. This is a nation which has allowed all religious communities to flourish.”

The Jewish community makes “a valuable contribution to the life of the city,” Benedict said. “And I encourage all of you to continue building bridges of friendship with all the many different ethnic and religious groups present in your neighborhood.”

Irene is thoroughly enjoying our S. CAL trip.  She was energized by spending quality time with JoAnna and having a fabulous dinner at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant in Newport Beach with our dear friends, Gary and Cathy Daichendt.  You may recall that they made a special trip to visit Irene when she was going through several very challenging days throughout the stem cell transplant process at UCSF and Gary even became a blood donor.  We’ll never forget that.  Since getting Gary’s blood, we’ve also noticed a dramatic improvement in Irene’s math, and executive business skills!!!!

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Matthew 5:17 (Jesus speaking)

Pope Benedict’s visit to an American Synagogue is inspiring.  It is more than symbolic; it is an exemplary example of bridge building and reconciliation.

Despite the distinctions between Jew and Gentile as well as Protestant and Catholic, Jesus, as the God-Man, is the manifestation of the invisible God that came to reconcile and fulfill the Law and the Prophets.

His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,
Ephesians 2:15b

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1 Timothy 2:5

The Jewish nation, Israel, is dear to God.

Jesus is a Jew, and we are dear to Jesus.

…and Jesus is dear to us.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Update from AZUSA, and the Azusa Street Revival.

After Irene’s dialysis treatment this morning she came home, finished getting the house in order and we departed for southern California for the weekend.  It’s the first time we’ve been in S. Cal since October of last year.

Irene’s nausea remained at a low roar and she was fatigued but determined to make the trip.

The Azusa Street Revival was a Pentecostal revival meeting led by William J. Seymour, an African American preacher.  Today, the revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th century. 

Caminando con Fé

Dave

You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Irene soloed last night while I attended InterWest Board of Director meetings in Sacramento.  She did well and enjoyed having lunch with Jocelyn today.  Later this afternoon Shirley Churchill worked with Irene for 3+ hours on physiology techniques designed to wake up the kidneys.  The nausea remained at a low roar ,,,, an obvious answer to much prayer from people like the person reading this update!!!!  THANK YOU!!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Happy 10 MONTH Birthday!!!

Irene celebrated her 10 month STEM CELL TRANSPLANT birthday by sleeping in and later savoring her favorite Starbucks drink!!!  It’s hard to believe that it was June 15, 2007!!

Irene’s nausea remained at a low roar and she was able to accomplish many items on her to do list.  She paced herself through the day and is grateful for the gift of LIFE and the prayers of so many.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

We received this email today and thought it was definitely worth sharing.  Enjoy.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tall, soy, green tea, latte, no water, no melon, no foam & 4 scoops tea!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave & Irene,

Several weeks ago now, a group of us ladies that have been bringing you before His Throne meet at Starbuck’s in your honor and ordered 4 of these special Irene drinks.  The Manager knew these weren't our drinks and wanted to know why the change.  We shared what we were doing and he gave the group a special cup for this drink.  This drink does require some getting use to.  We all barely got it down and were laughing so hard that we were crying and praise Our Lord for putting you in our lives.  I have to say we can only do this once a week Irene in your honor.  I’m so very glad that we can come before Jesus without drinking this special drink, uplifting you to His care many times during the day.  I wanted to share this story with you to know you are cared for and loved.

Much Appreciation and Love,
Carolene Drury

Breathtaking, panoramic views and a warm, balmy day on the Monterey Bay....

Shirley Churchill worked with Irene on physiology techniques designed to wake up the kidneys for about 3 hours while Ken and I casually strolled the Rio Del Mar beach.  Afterward, Irene and I valued an extended lunch at Stagnero’s on the busy Santa Cruz Wharf.

Irene’s energy was better today and the nausea was tolerable.  She did experience a severe early morning (4.45 a.m.) cramping episode in her right calf.  However, her blood pressure was within a more acceptable range of approximately 110/65 throughout the day, and, after a rest, she was able to enjoy the garden into the evening hours.

Irene is very appreciative for the continued prayer intercession on her behalf which gives her strength, day by day!!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

In the original Hebrew, “choliy” is interpreted “disease” and is used several times in the following potent passage which prophecies about Jesus.

Isaiah Chapter 53

Who would have believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he shot up right forth as a sapling, and as a root out of a dry ground; he had no form nor comeliness that we should look upon him, nor beauty that we should delight in him. He was despised, and forsaken of men, a man of pains, and acquainted with disease, and as one from whom men hide their face: he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely our diseases he did bear, and our pains he carried; whereas we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded because of our transgressions; he was crushed because of our iniquities: the chastisement of our welfare was upon him, and with his stripes we were healed. All we like sheep did go astray, we turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath made to light on him the iniquity of us all.  He was oppressed, though he humbled himself and opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before her shearers is dumb; yea, he opened not his mouth.  By oppression and judgment he was taken away, and with his generation who did reason for he was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due.  And they made his grave with the wicked and with the rich his tomb; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.’ Yet it pleased the Lord to crush him by disease; to see if his soul would offer itself in restitution, that he might see his seed, prolong his days, and that the purpose of the Lord might prosper by his hand: Of the travail of his soul he shall see to the full, even My servant, who by his knowledge did justify the Righteous One to the many, and their iniquities he did bear.  Therefore will I divide him a portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the mighty; because he bared his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Matthew 8:17 is the account of Jesus healing the sick and refers directly to the passage above, Isaiah 53.

“He took up our infirmities and carried (or bore) our diseases.”

When did Jesus bear our diseases?  The same time and place that He bore our sins .... on the cross!! 

Now consider this…

Psalm 103:1-3

Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits —
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

God declares to us .... ”do not forget ALL of His BENEFITS”?

He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases.

Irene and I were out early this morning running errands, and, of course, making a Starbucks run .... she’s actually converted me to her favorite drink .... a tall, soy, green tea latte, no water, no melon, no foam, with 2 extra scoops of green tea!!  Yum!!!

The weather today was spectacular ....!!!!!!!  We relished the low 80ish degree balmy day with a slight sea breeze and not a cloud in the sky.  While Irene rested I took an extended “beach bike” ride, riding directly on the sand next to the surf for miles… When I returned she insisted that I chill out on the hammock we occasionally suspend between two oak trees .... what a welcome respite ....

Irene’s nausea remained at a low roar and her energy level was somewhat better today.  Because of the lower blood pressure over the last few days her physician has taken her off of all high blood pressure medication for the foreseeable future.  We obviously view this is a very positive development!!

The prophecy about Jesus in Isaiah 53 is very germane.  If we believe that He forgives all our sins, we must also believe that He heals all our diseases.

We pray for relief from the chronic nausea and for the miraculous healing of Irene from the amyloid disease invading her bloodstream.

Thanks for standing in the gap with and for us .... and thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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

Irene soloed yesterday and Thursday night while I was in San Diego for business meetings.  Today was another day that the dialysis caused her to experience significant fatigue.  She rested all afternoon but we were able to go out for an early dinner in Seascape and took a short drive before settling in for the evening.  Irene’s blood pressure this evening is 83/49.  Obviously this is too low.  Since she’s on medication for high blood pressure (which was recently reduced) we’re in consultation with her physician.

The reality is that all of us are outwardly wasting away.  We just don’t want to admit it because we don’t want to die and we long to live forever.  And we can.  Personally inviting Jesus Christ into our hearts, confessing, renouncing and repenting from our sin ushers us into a new life in Christ, promising that we will, in fact, live forever.  Though we will lay these “tents” we call bodies aside someday, our Spirit will be with Christ in Heaven for all of eternity.  That is a long time.  That is the hope of the gospel.

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

Caminando con Fé

Dave

In His sovereignty God allows human suffering to accomplish the purposes of His will.  Do you agree or disagree…?

Consider this…

Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

Job 1:8-19

Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

Job 2:-37

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis.  Today was particularly debilitating because the dialysis treatment really took its toll on her physically.  She came home and slept for almost 3 hours then rested because of severe fatigue for the balance of the day.  The nausea was also relentless and severe.

What was Job’s response to his circumstances ....?

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised.”

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 1:20-21

As Irene has journeyed this last year the mystery of God’s sovereignty and what He allows related to affliction and suffering has certainly been a relevant topic on many fronts.

As Irene continues on her “bed of suffering” she follows Jesus and Job’s example by not blaming God for the challenging journey she’s on, fully realizing that He gives and He takes away.  And all the while she worships and praises Him.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Psalm 145:1-19

A psalm of praise of King David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made. 
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you ....
Jeremiah 1:5

.... the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes ....
Psalm 118:23a

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis this morning and rested most of the day.  We watched with intrigue the amyloidosis episode on the Discovery Health Channel this evening.  It was particularly emotional to see the program although Irene’s journey has had a significant degree of complexity beyond that depicted on the program.  What we’re most grateful for is the public exposure to this hideous disease.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14

What we have concluded is this .... that before we were formed in the womb, God knew us.  Each of us is unique and God is the giver of life.  God makes no mistakes; He ordains our steps and directs our paths.  We are here on purpose.  In other words, we were born on earth for His purpose.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made.  We have complete confidence in Him, even with the challenges of the amyloid journey.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Saturday night Pajama Tea Party in Aptos ....

Irene’s sisters, Carmen and Jane, arrived Saturday evening and after dinner they relished each other’s company and took delight in a fun pajama tea party .... you can observe Carmen and Jane drinking from the world famous Azusa Pacific University mugs!!!

After a continental breakfast this morning they went out for shopping spree at West Marine!!  They’re seen below sporting their recently acquired totes and treasures ....!!!

Shirley Churchill graciously also worked with Irene for two+ hours on physiology techniques designed to wake up the kidneys.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Discovery Health Channel!!!

Monday, April 7, 10 p.m, Eastern Time, (that’s 7 p.m. CA time!!)
Mystery Diagnosis, Amyloidosis episode

Caminando con Fé

Dave

HE IS LORD OF ALL, including the WIND……..

He makes winds his messengers ....
Psalm 104:4a

.... stormy winds that do his bidding ....
Psalm 148:8b

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.
John 3:8a

It’s been a very good day for Irene!!

We were out of the house early this morning running several errands.  We had a terrific interaction with three cheery credit union employees who were stirred by Irene’s journey of faith after we gave them her book and told them some of her story.

After returning home she worked in the yard before the WIND brought her back inside the house!  She went out by herself to a couple more stores before returning home and resting.  I’m glad she rested because after she did, she baked a batch of my favorite cookies .... oatmeal smothered with chocolate chips, coconut and walnuts!!!!  Yuuuuuuuummmm ........!!!!!!  It’s a good thing that I had a good physical work out earlier in the day!!!

Late in the afternoon both of us worked in the yard after the WIND calmed.

Irene’s sisters, Carmen and Jane, arrived this evening and are spending the night at our house.  At the time of this writing all of them are outside in the flower garden!!!!

Irene’s unwavering, undoubting and foundational faith “grounds” her amidst the amyloidosis “wind”, resting assuredly that God answers prayer. 

.... he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Matthew 7:25

HE IS LORD OF ALL, including the WIND, which retreats into submission at the command of His word ....

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:39

HE IS LORD OF ALL, including the Amyloidosis.  We trust that He will rebuke the amyloid into submission at the command of His word.

Caminando con Fé

Dave