How HIGH is our view of God?  According to A.W. Tozer, the most important thing about us is what we think about first when we think of God.

Shirley Churchill graciously treated Irene again today with physiology techniques designed to foster kidney and body function.  Irene still believes that God is going to “wake up” and restore her kidney function ....!!!

On Monday the medical team will try to use the Cimino Fistula again, initially using two very small needles rather than one larger entry point.  The region on her arm is still bruised but they’re going to try again because at each treatment last week they were unsuccessful in achieving the fluid removal goal from her body.  Irene remains challenged by the unrelenting nausea and chronic fatigue. 

We have a very high view of God.  We trust and serve the God of Heaven, who rules the stars, the universe, and He Reigns.

How HIGH is our view of God?  According to A.W. Tozer, the most important thing about us is what we think about first when we think of God.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:15-17

According to Wikipedia ....

LAMININ is the major non-collagenous component of the basal lamina, such as those on which cells of an epithelium sit.  Basically, LAMININ is a PROTEIN found in the “extracellular matrix”, the sheets of protein that form the substrate of all internal organs also called the “basement membrane”. It has four arms that can bind to four other molecules. The three shorter arms are particularly good at binding to other laminin molecules, which is what makes it so great at forming sheets. The long arm is capable of binding to cells, which helps anchor the actual organs to the membrane.

The “body glue”, LAMININ, which holds all of us together, is, amazingly, in the shape of a cross.

Here is a must see YouTube video:

Snubbing the nausea, Irene and Jocelyn gallivanted around the region shopping and savoring the stellar day on the bay.  Irene’s determined ambition later led to her working in the garden.  She cast her fatigue aside with the following comment .... “I can rest anytime .... I’m going to get something done on this beautiful day!”

The “body glue”, LAMININ, which holds all of us together, is, amazingly, in the shape of a cross.  We don’t know how laminin relates to Primary Amyloidosis (an abnormal protein anti-body), but one thing we do know and believe is this ....

.... he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17b

Caminando con Fé

Dave

All of us should be on The Road to Jerusalem

Raleigh is one of the most well regarded speakers at Promise Keepers stadium events, addressing as many as 75,000 people at any one time. 

Raleigh & Paulette, graciously flew in from their home in Denver, Colorado, this weekend to visit us today and pray for Irene.  They were truly a blessing!!  Jocelyn joined us and we enjoyed an extended breakfast (which Irene prepared!!) and savored great fellowship around the Lord.

Irene commented to Raleigh and Paulette that her personal WORSHIP of God and the prayerful intercession of so many people have sustained her on the journey. 

After hearing Irene, Raleigh read the following text and offered the accompanying three bullet point commentary:

The priests then withdrew from the Holy Place. All the priests who were there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their divisions. All the Levites who were musicians — Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives — stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.”

Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.

2 Chronicles 5:11-14

• The priests consecrated themselves regardless of their divisions
• The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, giving praise and thanks to God as one voice
• God’s presence was so powerfully represented in the cloud that the priests couldn’t not even perform their service (speak a sermon)

Raleigh concluded by saying that God inhabits the praises of His people and the overwhelming and powerful evidence of the Holy Spirit manifested in Irene’s life is a remarkable and inspiring testimony. 

We joined Raleigh & Paulette, worshipping God as one voice and praying over Irene, asking God to completely heal and restore her. 

For someone who has been through what Irene has already experienced and is still going through, she looks GREAT, doesn’t she ....???  She is still smiling, and He is FAITHFUL.

He reconciled us to Himself .... and we worship His Holy Name on the road to Jerusalem. 

Caminando con Fé

Dave

According to Wikipedia ....

a thrombus, or blood clot, is the final product of the blood coagulation step in hemostasis. It is achieved via the aggregation of platelets that form a platelet plug, and the activation of the humoral coagulation system (i.e. clotting factors). A thrombus is physiologic in cases of injury, but pathologic in case of thrombosis.

Specifically, a thrombus is a blood clot in an intact blood vessel. A thrombus in a large blood vessel will decrease blood flow through that vessel. In a small blood vessel, blood flow may be completely cut-off resulting in death of tissue supplied by that vessel. If a thrombus dislodges and becomes free-floating, it is an embolus.

At dialysis this morning, Irene was told that she may have a blood clot in her arm near the Cimino Fistula caused by the chest catheter.  Her arm is swollen and as a result the fistula still can’t be used.  Following treatment she went to the radiology department at Dominican Hospital and had an X Ray.  Fortunately, there isn’t a blood clot.  The conclusion is that the fistula is simply not mature enough to be used. 

We’re obviously glad there wasn’t a blood clot, but realize that circumstances can change very quickly.

Thanks for your continued support of Irene’s Journey of Faith.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Satellite Dialysis used the existing chest catheter today because Irene’s forearm fistula still couldn’t be used.  The continued swelling and tenderness still remains from the needle infiltration last week. 

The eventual catheter removal @ UCSF has been postponed until further notice. 

Irene’s nausea was unremitting and the nausea merciless. 

Before retiring this evening, Irene’s final comment was that “His mercies are new every morning”

…as she looks forward to a better tomorrow.

Thanks for caring.
Dave

Without question women are the CROWN JEWEL of God’s creation.

God created Adam first, but examine what happened He did next, which is this .... God created woman.

So, why did God create woman after man?

I’m convinced that after creating man He thought, “I can certainly do better than that!!!”

August 26 is a great day.  It’s great because it’s my mom’s birthday!!  Happy Birthday, Mom…!!!!

My mom’s birthday is reminding me of God’s creation and the role of women and the influence they have on the next generation.  And I’m grateful for the momentous role that women play in our society and the world around us.  Mom has always been a champion for all three of her boys .... i.e. me and my brother’s Greg and Dan.

Irene came home from dialysis having dealt with low blood pressure during the duration of the protocol. What was the result? The treatment was unable to remove the ultimate fluid reduction objective.  Certainly we hope this doesn’t become a trend.  She rested this afternoon and battled the relentless 24/7nausea.

Irene is certainly a jewel.  Her persevering and joyful spirit is convincing testimony of her inner strength.

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground- the LORD God formed the man The Hebrew for man (adam) sounds like and may be related to the Hebrew for ground (adamah) it is also the name Adam (see Gen. 2:20). from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin [e] and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”

Genesis 2:4b-23

I am REALLY glad that God said that it is not good for man to be alone .... and I’m grateful that He created woman as a suitable helper.

Without question, women are the CROWN JEWEL of God’s creation .... and I am convinced that God’s response after creating man was .... ”I can do better than that”!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

I have been musing on the word HOPE since meeting last Friday with Mark Laret, the President & CEO of UCSF.

HOPE is defined in the Online Etymology Dictionary as…

hopian “wish, expect, look forward (to something),” of unknown origin, a general Low Ger. word (cf. O.Fris. hopia, M.L.G., M.Du. hopen; M.H.G. hoffen “to hope” was borrowed from Low Ger. Some suggest a connection with hop (v.) on the notion of “leaping in expectation.”

I really identify with the notion of HOPE as “leaping in expectation”.

Mark Laret describes HOPE as a primary motivator that encourages patients at every turn of their hospitalization.  He comments that HOPE gets redefined along the way depending upon the patient’s diagnosis and prognosis.  He describes patients who have HOPE of feeling better, HOPE of healing, HOPE of not experiencing pain, HOPE of being discharged, and so forth.  Mark affirmed that HOPE combined with FAITH are a powerful combination.

Lauren and Caleb Murray, with their 21 month old son, Rowan, visited Irene and presented her with a PRAYER & COMFORT QUILT.  There were many “conspirators” to this loving and gracious surprise including…

• Kathy & Kacey Cook
• Andrea Palmer
• Susan Bernal
• Sue Hasty
• Caroline Kirchner
• Betty Fairhurst
• Jan Messini
• Marsha Hesketh

The quilt is PURPLE Irene’s favorite color, displays beautiful HEARTS, and has her favorite verse sewn into the fabric…

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Anecdotal .... Many years ago Lauren taught sewing and worked with Irene at Monte Vista Christian School.  At that time Lauren and her class presented Irene with a Christmas theme quilt completed by students .... that we still use to this day!!

Scripture uses HOPE in abundance .…

May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Blessings of HOPE from God were delivered through the hearts and hands of Lauren and the team of prayer intercessors who lovingly displayed the Body of Christ at work.  This Prayer & Comfort quilt will be a constant reminder to Irene as she uses it not only at home but three days a week at dialysis treatment.

We are “leaping in expectation” as we eagerly HOPE in Him on Irene’s Journey of Faith ....

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Because he’s an Alum of Azusa Pacific University, all university eyes were glued to Bryan Clay as he competed for the GOLD at the Olympics.

http://www.bryanclay.com/clay/index

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

If there was an Olympics Medal for JOYFUL PERSEVERANCE, Irene would, without question, win the GOLD!!  She was very uncomfortable throughout most of the night because of the infiltration and unrelenting nausea but faithfully endured and gained some measure of relief today.

We had the privilege of recently hosting Bryan in our home.  He enjoyed the panoramic Monterey Bay views and reminisced that they reminded him of his home in Hawaii.  Bryan is a gracious gentleman off the track and a fierce competitor on the field ....

Bryan earned the Olympics GOLD Medal by defying the Decathlon competition, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decathlon, and now winning the unrivaled distinction as the greatest overall athlete in the world.

Bryan is known not only for his athletic prowess, but for his VALUES commitment.  Azusa Pacific University is proud to call Bryan Clay alum .... not only because of his Olympics accomplishments, but, even more importantly, for his commitment to God and family.

All eyes are still glued on Bryan Clay, not only because he achieved his colossal Olympic accomplishment, but now for how he will compete in the Decathlon of life. 

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Dave, thanks for your faithful, inspiring, and adoring updates...I read them as often as I can to inform my prayers for Irene. Your words of affection for Irene and your inspiring insights continue to be a hearty hug from God each day I am able to log on. Bless you for your enduring gift of faith, your networking, and your ability to behold future possibilities even before they are on anyone else’s radar.

Irene, YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND ALWAYS IN MY HEART. I will especially be praying about this new issue with the fistulla...I pray for you when I drive to work, when I wake up in the middle of the night, whenever I see something in the garden I know you would love, anytime I see purple (our front and back yard are flowered in purple in honor of you), and whenever I see young women that remind me of your precious daughters...I am contending for healing, for courage, for freedom from pain, and for blessings galore in your life. I love you sister.

Moments after this photo was taken at dialysis this morning Irene experienced an INFILTRATION.

So, what’s an infiltration?  An infiltration occurs when the needle goes through the wall of the fistula.

Obviously, this is NOT good news.

The infiltration occurred approximately one hour into the three hour treatment protocol.  Obviously, use of the fistula was immediately discontinued.

So, what does this mean?

• Irene’s arm is very swollen and sore (she iced it for four hours)
• The catheter will be used for the next treatment while the arm/fistula recovers
• Scheduled removal of the catheter has obviously been delayed for at least two weeks

Irene was VERY nauseated following the treatment and rested for the balance of the day.

While Irene was going through this difficulty, I was at UCSF for a scheduled appointment with Mark Laret, the President/CEO of UCSF. Mr. Laret is very humble, gracious, and a gentleman with a very, very big job .... to lead one of the most prominent tertiary care centers in the world.  Our visit lasted for approximately 45 minutes.  The purpose of the meeting was to express to him our DEEP appreciation for how UCSF carries out its purpose and mission.  Our experience at UCSF, although a challenging journey, makes it easy to be “goodwill ambassadors” ....!!!!  The caring culture they perpetuate is truly a wonder to behold .... and it begins with excellent leadership.  UCSF is a CITY ON A HILL whose beacon of light shines goodwill to all who it touches ....!!!

Thank you for your support on Irene’s Journey of Faith.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Irene’s sister, Jane Smalley, visited Irene today, arriving in her new car!!  They enjoyed mall shopping and had a casual lunch at Chile’s.  Later, they returned to the house savoring the high blue sky and balmy day on the bay.  Irene is grateful for the expressions of love and support she continues to receive from people like the one reading this update.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement
Philemon 1:7a

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Quick Update…….

Irene’s dialysis treatment with the newly installed Cimino Fistula went well.  The technicians encouraged Irene with levity as she endured the first “shot” creating what they call the “button hole” for access.  They used the existing catheter in her chest for the “in” line and the Cimino Fistula in her arm for the “out” line.  In the coming weeks, as the “button hole” with the fistula becomes routine, they will exclusively use the Fistula and will terminate use of the catheter.  At some time in the near future the catheter will be surgically removed.

Irene enjoyed the day and appreciates your continued support on her journey of faith.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

.... he leads me beside quiet waters ....
Psalm 23:2b

Following the early morning dialysis treatment in Watsonville we trekked to San Francisco where Irene’s appointment at UCSF went well.  Dr. Eichler confirmed the Cimino Fistula’s state of readiness and authorized the dialysis center to start using it on Wednesday.  Thanks for your continued prayer cover regarding her chronic discomfort .... i.e., fatigue, nausea and itching.

Irene’s name in the original Hebrew means PEACE, and the photo above recently taken by our friend, Hosanna Loh, who commented, “.... the small lake was surrounded by lush green meadows with pink/purple wildflowers on one side, and tall trees on the other side.”

.... he leads me beside quiet waters ....
Psalm 23:2b

Irene Lake @ Rocky Mountain National Park is very appropriately named.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

It’s not how we start the race…but, rather, how we finish that counts.

Irene has an appointment at UCSF tomorrow (Monday) to evaluate the readiness of the Cimino Fistula.  In recent days the blood flow through the Fistula region has become more intense and appears to be functioning more efficiently.  As soon as UCSF gives the green light then the dialysis will use this entry point rather than the existing catheter in her chest.  The catheter at some point in the near future will be surgically removed.  Stay tuned ....

The Olympics are a joy to watch and they’re definitely inspiring.  The competition and determination of the human spirit is gloriously manifested in the global competition as well as the many personal stories that accompany the games.

And the GOAL OF LIFE, metaphorically, is to STRONGLY finish the race.  Irene is running the “race of life” STRONGLY and in such a way as to win the ultimate prize.  And what is that ultimate prize?

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

Irene is remaining focused on the ultimate prize of life .... the author and finisher of her faith, Jesus Christ, who promises eternal life and Heaven where there is no pain, no suffering, no nausea and no chronic fatigue to battle, so, despite her daily challenges, she ....

.... runs with perseverance the race marked out ....
Hebrews 12:1b

.... and she’s still smiling on the long and arduous journey.

It’s not how we start the race .... but, rather, how we finish that counts.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Today Irene ushers in another birthday with grace and dignity.

Still smiling, Irene declared, “It’s a GREAT day to be alive!!” We went to lunch with JoAnna at Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing.  Jack & Phyllis Cauwels dropped by the house for birthday wishes as well as that of Kent & Marsha Tarr.  Jocelyn joined us in celebration later in the day.

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave