Sending a Texas sized helping of love to you, Irene and Dave, and continual prayers for you both.

Martha has a special evening planned for Marsha tonight…an early birthday celebration.  I am sure this week’s Tarr Pit will have a report on it.

Psalm 121

Kent

Hey there! I’m sitting at my computer reading about you as I do every morning. You are in our prayers so much and I think about you constantly during the day. I know the power of prayer and what God’s healing touch can do. Price and I prayed heavily for our niece, Amelia, 10 years ago as she had a recurring cancer and had a bone marrow transplant. These are the days where God carries not only you and your family, but all of your friends as well who are praying for you. I am so thankful that He is there always and never leaves us.
We know how critical this time is and we are praying for wisdom with your doctors and guidance in their decisions for your needs.
We love you all lots and can’t wait to see you either in California or in Georgia.
Love from both of us,
Price and Nancy.
P.S. Amelia is 14 and beautiful and absolutely LOVES the Lord with all her heart! He is truly an amazing God!

Irene,

We are praying for you everyday. I can’t wait for all of you to come visit again and see my little Madden.  I know that this to shall pass, you are a Dias and we are strong!!!  Your family is so beautiful, I can not believe the girls are all grown up, boy do I feel old.

I think it is wonderful that this web site has been created and people are able to communicate with you. You are very loved and rightfully so.  I will visit again and give you all the wonderful updates on Madden. 

Lots of love, hugs & prayers
Julie, Kenny & Madden

Dear Irene and Dave,
I wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you two and Joanna and Jocelyn many times throughout the day. I am thinking that I have nothing to complain about compared to the every minute struggles you are all experiencing.  I heard a speaker say that he didn’t know if there was a God or not. I felt very sad for him. I know that there is a God and that he’s untimately in control. None of us know the future, but I’d like to trust that God knows the best future for us all.  You are not alone Irene. So many of us are thinking and praying for you. I’d like to take any pain away that you may have if I could.  I pray that you sleep well tonight and that God touches you with his healing hands.

We’re staying with you in prayer!

Kathy and I are talking with Mom and Dad (Uncle Bill and Aunt Carol) every couple of Days. So, even though they don’t have their own internet access, they know what is going on and how to pray. Mom usually lets me ead each of the updates and blogs sequentially…She and Dad wish that they were there with you. Please know that they (and we) are!!

We’re staying with you in prayer!

Kathy and I are talking with Mom and Dad (Uncle Bill and Aunt Carol) every couple of Days. So, even though they don’t have their own internet access, they know what is going on and how to pray. Mom usually lets me ead each of the updates and blogs sequentially…She and Dad wish that they were there with you. Please know that they (and we) are!!

Katie was small when we saw you last, and Noelle has never had the pleasure. Thank you so much for adding pictures to the website! This has enabled the girls to begin to know their cousins…and especially to have a picture in their minds, when they pray for for you, Irene.  Noelle (who is 7) was precious the other day…she said; “The Lord needs to make Irene all healed, because I think that I’d like to meet her!”

We love you and remain in prayer…

Shalom!

Michael, Judy, Katie, and Noelle

How does hope stay alive in the midst of pain?
How do we say with heavy hearts that God is King?
How do I sit here under the Hollywood sign when my heart is near the Golden Gate Bridge? I’m reminded of the cheesy song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” - because somehow that line rings true for me in this moment in time.

As I sit here feeling helpless to do anything, my only strength and lifeline is the truth that God hears my prayers – intercession for healing….

When life seems in the balance, God is steadying.
He is my hope and strength.
We can cling to hope and healing because no matter how things appear, nothing is as it seems to be.
We see in the mirror a dim reflection, but God’s glory WILL be revealed in full.
This song has been in my head lately:

“Life can be so good
Life can be so hard
Never knowing what each day
Will bring to where you are
Sometimes I forget
And sometimes I can’t see
That whatever comes my way
You’ll be with me

My life is in your hands
My heart is in your keeping
I’m never without hope
Not when my future is with you

My life is in your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
Cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands

Nothing is for sure
Nothing is for keeps
All I know is that your love
Will live eternally
So I will find my way,
And I will find my peace
Knowing that you’ll meet my every need

My life is in your hands
My heart is in your keeping
I’m never without hope
Not when my future is with you

My life is in your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
Cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands

When I’m at my weakest love
You carry me
Then I become my strongest love
In your hands

My life is in your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
Cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands
I trust you Lord
My life is in your hands”

Trusting in Him~
JID

(Love you, Mom - lots and lots… my apartment is still waiting for you to come help it… you might want to hurry… ;o) )

Dave and Irene,

We will just continue to go before the throne of God on your behalf. We cry out for mercy and his healing hand. May the Holy Spirit fill you up this very moment. I am trusting him for restoration.

Love,

Devin and Veronica

12.15 p.m…...quick update…

It’s been a brutal 16 hours for Irene… she was up almost all night…I was at her bedside… and she is just finishing up 3 hours of dialysis as I send this update.  Lots of challenges and complications…

She’s definitely in the valley… but she remains determined…

Thanks for your support…

Dave

Dear Irene,

You have been daily in our love and prayers, especially knowing that you are now going through a strategic time in the surgical
and medical procedures. 

May the very precious sense of God’s presence be with you and those that are ministering to you.  God is still on the Throne!

You are a very special lady!  Not only to your family, but to all who know you you!  May God’s strength be your portion TODAY!

Dave and Becky

Dear Irene,

Just wanted you to know that you’ve been in my thoughts and prayers very much the last few weeks.  Dave Whiting has been keeping me informed of the latest and that has been much appreciated.

Please know that you will be in my prayers daily and I’m sending you lots of smiles and well wishes.

Much love,

annette

Jeremiah 33:3

Irene, how could I not love that name, that was my mother’s name!  She had a beautiful smile just like yours and I can see that smile in your daughters (especially JoAnna).  I am still believing and trusting our Great Healer and I know that there is nothing impossible for Him!  I just want you to know that I am praying for all of you! (Dave, Irene, Jocelyn and JoAnna).

6.30 p.m….

“Not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit, says the Lord”.

                                              Zechariah 4.6

Irene quoted this verse early this morning and again just a few minutes ago.  It’s been a very rough day….

The doctors have previously informed us that Irene would enter a “valley” for 7-10 days following the chemotherapy.  She’s just now entering that valley…

However, we also know this truth written by King David long ago…

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
                                          Psalm 23:4

We are grateful that so many are supporting Irene….  Your thoughtful “well wishes” remind me of this verse…

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
                                          Proverbs 16:24

Irene is determined, focused and enduring, reminding me of this verse…

“Blessed is the man (or woman) who perseveres under trial, because when she has stood the test, she will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

                                          James 1:12

You can see from the photo that I “caught” Dave Whiting at the UCSF Blood Bank today… we’re grateful to Dave and so many others who are donating blood and platelets…and as I write this update from her bedside on the UCSF wireless internet, Irene is receiving platelets…

Thank you for all you’re doing for us…

Dave

Hi Mrs D,

As I was checking the website this morning to see what to pray for you and how you were doing the Lord gave me a picture of all the people who love you (family, friends, etc.) gathered in a circle surrounding you, protecting you, loving you with prayer.  Each one literally had their arms around you to support you.  It was a beautiful picture of God’s people united in a common cause.  I know there are ministering angels around you too as you put yourself in Jesus arms. I continue to pray for you to be healed and to be protected during this critical time.  Much love ,  Jean

Hi Everyone,

It’s 11 a.m…. just received the report that Irene has reached the neutropenic levels… she’s extremely fatiqued… but resting…with her resistance this low, the next few days are critical…

More later…...
Dave

Irene, Dave, Jocelyn, and Joanna,

We continue to check the web site daily for news about how to pray and support you. We continue in prayer as well for a full and complete recovery, for the blood donations to come in speedily, and for stamina.

Today as I was praying for you, Psalm 31:19 jumped out to me:

“How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You.”

Irene, watching your faith and courage in the face of adversity is showcasing in the sight of men {nurses and staff and friends} how God supports His own. For that we are so grateful and in awe.

We love you all very much!

Laura Gschwend (and Dave)