Where is our trust .... and what are our priorities…??

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26

According to Wikipedia ....

The S&P 500 index was created in 1957, but it has been extrapolated back in time. The first S&P index was introduced in 1923. Prior to 1957, the primary S&P stock market index consisted of 90 companies, known as the “S&P 90”, and was published on a daily basis. A broader index of 423 companies was also published weekly. On March 4, 1957, a broad, real-time stock market index, the S&P 500, was introduced. This introduction was made possible by advancements in the computer industry which allowed the index to be calculated and disseminated in real time.

Irene certainly understands sweeping high highs and low lows on her journey of faith.  She is RICH towards God, has perfect PEACE in her heart and an unshaken trust and confidence in Him.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he (or she) trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3

Irene also rests in the promises of Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Long term stock market performance and economic stability are important to all of us, but we’re not to be consumed by it nor ever trust in it.  Wall Street and Main Street are literally fused at the hip.  Perhaps some who measure security and success by their financial portfolio are regretting it today.

Despite the high highs and low lows of the financial markets, our hope, security and provision come from God and from Him alone.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26

Where is our trust .... and what are our priorities ....??

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

.... who for the joy set before him endured the cross ....
Hebrews 12:2b

.... who for the joy set before him endured the cross ....
Hebrews 12:2b

.... who for the joy set before him endured the cross ....
Hebrews 12:2b

Irene continues to endure her faith journey with JOY .... despite the ongoing physical tribulation.  She smiles through the agonizing nausea and fatigue which are unremitting.  No “pity party” with her .... she’s upbeat and optimistic .... even on the most rugged days.  She continues to amaze me.  When I overhear her talking on the telephone she doesn’t focus on her own trial, but, rather, is compelled to learn about the caller’s life circumstances and their journey.

Irene endures with heroic dignity and illustrious determination.  Irene can face tomorrow, no matter what she faces today, because Christ lives and reigns in her heart.

Casting the nausea aside, Irene ventured to the mall and Safeway today.  She was encouraged to run into John and Karen Barton, two friends she used to enjoy working with at Monte Vista Christian School.  Their interaction and conversation gladdened her heart!!!

Jesus joyfully endured and died, but is no longer on the cross.  He is risen and lives because he ....

.... sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord
Psalm 33:12

Irene and I have prayed, using the following verse, for spiritual revival across this great nation for many years.

.... if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

In light of the colossal financial crisis facing our country and the first presidential debate that many of us viewed on network television last night, in my humble opinion, it’s time to meditate on and heed President Lincoln’s insightful words.

Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord
Psalm 33:12

Caminando con Fé

Dave

If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:10-11

I recognize that most people, at certain times and seasons, struggle with finding personal fulfillment and discerning one’s ULTIMATE life purpose.

Wouldn’t it be great to feel like you’re in the bull’s eye of God’s perfect will and doing exactly what He has intended for you?

Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a sense of JOY in all that you do?

Here’s a very powerful quote by Fredrick Buechner on this very subject:

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.  It’s the kind of work that you need most to do and that the world most needs to have done.”

I spent the last several days in southern California with clients and in Azusa Pacific University Board of Trustee meetings.  Irene’s sister, Jane, and her daughter, Carin, along with her children, visited Irene and they enjoyed the Rio Del Mar beach yesterday.  Irene soloed Tuesday and Wednesday.  Her nausea came in random waves, both extremely intense at times and then barely bearable, and certainly continues 24/7.  Her perseverance is nothing short of staggering .... especially because she continues to have such an amazing, victorious attitude through it all.  Today the nausea and fatigue were particularly intense.  In candor it’s very difficult to observe the rare, emotional meltdowns with no ability to “fix it”.

I recognize that most people, at certain times and seasons, struggle with defining their ULTIMATE life purpose.

Even on the rugged trek and calling of Irene’s Journey of Faith we’re comforted with the intimate knowledge that our ULTIMATE JOY and purpose are from Him, that He resides in our hearts, and that we are complete in Him.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:11

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Smoke tarnished the pristine blue sky this morning when several explosions suddenly erupted near our home.

Here’s what happened ....

A tractor-trailer burst into flames Monday morning after hitting the center divide and train trestle on Highway 1 near Aptos causing quite a ruckus and chaotic traffic disruption in this quiet, coastal town.  The fire from the collision ignited a grass fire on the side of the road.  Sirens raged, fire engines abound and several fire aircraft swarmed the area.

Traffic snarls delayed Irene from immediately returning home after dialysis this morning and the abrupt events caused major disruption.

Irene’s nausea remained vigilant and she rested for most of the afternoon.  Irene’s kidney doctor, Dr. Kumar, is recommending another UCSF appointment because he’s not satisfied with the performance of the Cimino Fistula.  The medical team used Irene’s chest catheter for dialylsis this morning and she’s scheduled to see the surgeon, Dr. Eichler, at UCSF next Monday afternoon, September 29.

The amyloid journey has certainly caused DISRUPTION .... except that the colossal amyloid disruption has not been for just a few short hours but has continued since April of 2007.

It appears “normalcy” is returning to the region .... except for the charred remains of the tractor trailer being towed away and traffic delays that occurred for nearly 10 hours beyond the incident.

The photo below scarcely depicts any evidence of the startling disruption which occurred only a few hours earlier.

We long for the day when the amyloid disruption will finally cease and a sense of normalcy returns .... realizing, however, that the “charred” amyloid remains will linger forever.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Early this morning we were at Starbucks getting our favorite drink and casually driving along the Santa Cruz, Capitola and Aptos coastal route delighting in the varied micro climates on this cool, semi foggy morning. 

This afternoon we watched Emily Johnson play soccer (she’s the goalie) at Cabrillo College .... Emily is the daughter of Frank & Bobbetta Johnson.  Frank is the faithful webmaster and strategist for IreneDias.com.  You can learn more about Frank at www.franknjohnson.com.

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Caminando con Fé
Dave

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood ....

This morning Irene shopped in Marina, Sand City and Seaside while I bicycled in Monterey and Pacific Grove.  We worked in the yard this afternoon, savoring the balmy, Monterey Bay day.  Irene’s nausea remained at a low roar and she was able to take advantage of the respite.  Today was literally a “breath of fresh air” compared to yesterday!!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Liberal or conservative, it appears that just about everybody quoted in the press has an OPINION about how to fix the economy and move the country forward .... but here’s my question to all of them .... does anyone have the right ANSWER?

The Satellite Dialysis Center stopped short of removing fluids from Irene’s body today after her blood pressure lowered to unsafe levels (84/45).  The nausea was fierce and unrelenting.  Fatigue and discouragement are the defining words of the day.  Candidly, at times it is very painful to observe Irene’s raging battle without any ability to “fix it”.

.... if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1b-5

We’re learning that there are often times no easy answers to many of the lingering questions on Irene’s journey of faith.  The interesting observation about the above verse is that we’re commanded to PURSUE insight and understanding.  Now read this verse ....

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Is there a contradiction?  In the first passage we’re commanded to pursue insight and understanding.  In the next passage we’re encouraged to not lean on that understanding.  So, what is my humble conclusion?  We’re commanded to pursue understanding but never to lean upon it.  Why not?  It’s simply because we’re to lean on and trust Jesus .... not trust in our understanding .... as valuable and attractive as that may be.

Liberal or conservative, it appears that just about everybody quoted in the press has an OPINION about how to repair the economy and move the country forward .... but here’s my question to all of them .... does anyone have the right ANSWER?

The ONLY true understanding and right ANSWER for all of life’s perplexing issues are found in a personal relationship with Him.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Thanks for checking in…!!

Irene had a much better experience at dialysis today.  One of the medical attendants, Pat, volunteered to oversee Irene’s needle sticking episode.  He is going to establish a “button hole”.  In other words, they want to establish the same entry point for each needle.  Pat was successful today with both needle sticks and Irene was much more comfortable than her previous experience.  Pat will be “on point” for the next several treatments to make sure the same needle angle and location are used.  Irene was tired today but the nausea relented somewhat. 

This evening we ran into Ketty Palau Green and her husband, Eric, at a new Mediterranean Restaurant in Aptos.  Ketty is the International Ambassador for the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association, http://www.lpea.org.  Eric and Ketty are always a blessing to us…!!!!

Thanks for caring,
Dave

How many people are in your RELATIONSHIP cemetery?

What do I mean by that?  How many people are you not communicating with today that you used to communicate with on a regular basis?  Think about a relationship where a conflict arose and that person is no longer someone you want anything to do with.  You have, in essence, buried that relationship.  I must confess that I have at least one in my 50+ years on this earth.

Irene had another rough day at dialysis.  She experienced physical pain throughout the duration of the treatment.  It took several needle “sticks” to get the fistula working and they still needed to access the chest catheter to make it all work.  The nausea was fierce.  She’s finding the three day a week dialysis/needle episode a significant emotional challenge.  In other words, she really needs to be mentally prepared for each episode.

We are learning to keep “short accounts” with the Lord and people.  When conflicts arise, time is NOT our ally and the passing of time only erodes relationships if not decisively and appropriately addressed.

So, here’s the question:  Are you (and am I) ready for the challenge of a “Courageous Conversation”?

According to www.noblecall.org, the following are guidelines and questions for a “courageous conversation”:

Speaker:

• Speak the truth in love
• Provide a safe environment for listening
• State the facts you are basing your feelings on instead of making your feelings the facts
• Allow the listener to summarize the meaning of your statements
• Clarify statement until listener has understood the message to your satisfaction

Listener:

• Listen from the speaker’s perspective
• Show respect by staying in the conversation
• Do not complain, explain or blame
• Restate the meaning of the message to the speaker’s satisfaction
• Gain wisdom and develop understanding to establish relationships of trust, and use knowledge to resolve issues.

Use the following questions to facilitate your “courageous conversation”:

1. What is your most pressing issue?
2. In addition to this, is there something else?
3. How is this affecting you?
4. What will the future be like if nothing changes?
5. What do you see as my responsibility for this issue?
6. What do you see as your responsibility for this issue?
7. What does the preferable future look like to you?
8. What is the powerful thing we can agree to ask God for?
9. Based on the above, what is the one thing that we cannot fail to do?
10. What practical steps must we take to make this happen?

The above insights provide immeasurable context to facilitate relational HEALING and reconciliation.

So, here is your homework assignment.  First pray, then identify WHO you need to reconcile with and establish a “courageous conversation”.  This is someone you know, in your heart of hearts, that resurrecting the relationship is the right thing to do and that the passing of time is only eroding that relationship.  Call that person TODAY and schedule a meeting.

How many people are in your RELATIONSHIP cemetery?  Only you can answer that question .... and you now have several tools for reconciliation.  The issue is whether or not you will take action.

I’m taking action and making my call today.

The ball, as they say, is in your court.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.
2 Corinthians 4:8

My brother, Greg, and his bride, Colleen, and their son, Matt, refreshed us with a visit today and we enjoyed a hardy brunch at Shadowbrook Restaurant.

We have certainly done a lot of thinking on this circuitous journey and have many perplexing questions which will not be answered this side of eternity.  However, we press on in trust and faithfulness in Him who empowers us each day.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.
2 Corinthians 4:8

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

How GREAT is God?
How great is YOUR God?
Is the only True God YOURS? 
.... and are you HIS ....?

Shirley Churchill graciously worked with Irene for two+ hours on physiology techniques designed to facilitate kidney and body function.  Brushing aside the nausea, Irene went shopping and worked in the Wisteria Garden on this breezy, sunny day.  She enjoyed a much better day than yesterday, worshiping and praising the God of Heaven. 

How GREAT is God?
How great is YOUR God?
Is the only True God YOURS?
.... and are you HIS ....?

Caminando con Fé

Dave

A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:23a

I had the privilege of dining with Michael Ramirez in Newport Beach on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 ....

Michael Ramirez is the Editorial Cartoonist and a Senior Editor for Investor’s Business Daily. Ramirez is a Lincoln Fellow and has won several awards during his career, including the 2008 and 1994 Pulitzer Prize, the UCI Medal from the University of California, Irvine and the Sigma Delta Chi Awards in 1995 and 1997.

Ramirez was named “Best Editorial Cartoonist 2006” by the National Cartoonists Society, and won the prestigious 2008 John Fischetti Editorial Cartoon Competition.

When one considers editorial cartoons, one might think of lightheartedness, humor and wittiness, which are all true, but Michael Ramirez is also a very weighty and contemplative individual.

Irene had another rough day of unrelenting and brutal nausea.  The dialysis team was once again unable to achieve the fluid removal goal.  But, despite the sobering nature of her illness, Irene maintains an envious lightheartedness and strong sense of humor.  And, although her energy is significantly diminished, she remains optimistic about the future.

Irene is a Proverbs 31 woman ....

…clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:25

And the sobering reality of the journey is also captured in this verse ....

Even in laughter the heart may ache
Proverbs 14:13a

Caminando con Fé

Dave

On Irene’s journey of faith, the PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL PENDULUM swings as far as the east from the west.

Irene had a much better day.  The edema is still noticeable but she was able to get out of the house early this morning, get some shopping done and meet for lunch with Phyllis Cauwels and her daughter, Denise Haikkila.  Compared to yesterday, the nausea retreated somewhat today.  After lunch Irene canned fresh peaches.  I called her the energizer bunny.  She’s really bounced back from yesterday’s adverse experience.  It’s amazing how far and wide the physical and emotional swings can be in a day.

Thanks for praying .... especially because she faces another dialysis treatment tomorrow…!!

On Irene’s journey of faith, the PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL PENDULUM swings as far as the east from the west .... and the last time I checked, the east never does, ever, meet the west.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Irene, in my opinion, had a rough day. 

The medical team was able to use the Cimino Fistula this morning by using two small needles but the pain and discomfort was unrelenting for the entire three hour dialysis session.  They were unable to remove fluids because as they removed fluids her blood pressure dropped to unsafe norms (in the 85/45 range).  As a result, her “dry” weight is up.  Her medical attendant also observed noticable edema on Irene’s face. They continue to discuss mitigation strategies. 

Irene is still very nauseated, itchy and fatigued.  I commented to her onoing challenge by stating, “I am sorry that you’re suffering like this, Rin”.  What was her response?  “I am not suffering, Dave, there are so many others who have it worst than I do.”

Thanks for caring.
Dave