Hello, Irene and Dave!

You have been on my mind and in my prayers. I’m sure there’s some excitement with the upcoming wedding and Joanna’s new venture. Praying for strength and relief from nausea. Know that you are loved!

Irene,
It was so good to have Dave and JoAnna on our APU trip; JoAnna was delightful, and they both were so helpful with our guests. BUT I kept thinking about how much fun it would be to have had you with us as well! So glad to hear you are doing well. We are praying for you, sweetie!
Love,
Gail

I heard this song for the first time on the radio in the last week…and immediately thought of my mom

This was forwarded to me by a friend:

Word of the Day for Sunday, November 1, 2009
irenic \eye-REN-ik; -REE-nik\,

adjective: 
Tending to promote peace; conciliatory.

Example:
Taylor was always irenic by temperament and desire, and his sensitivity to others enabled him to bring together and work with people of very diverse views.
—“The Right Rev John Taylor”, Times (London), February 1, 2001

What wonderful news to hear today.  Jim and I are rejoicing over this.

My dear Irene and Dave ... saw Joanna last week at APU and was so very sorry to learn of the nausea escalating.

As we’ve talked, I know what it means to stand beside the one afflicted with such waves ... it is not easy moccasins for either side of the equation :-(.

We “wave-riders” like to live in David’s territory ... Psalm 107:

“They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths; their soul melted away in their misery.

They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, and were at their wits’ end.

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.
He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed.

Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven.”

Praying you know His haven today.  You are loved!

Hey Dave and Irene,

Irene’s testimony was so beautiful. IRENE YOU ARE JUST BEAUTIFUL!!!  I want to be like you when I grow up .... that’s settled. To look death in the eye with such bravery, love, and boldness is a miracle itself. We love you guys.

David Gschwend

Dave,

Please tell our precious Irene that she IS glorifying God!

Loved the video and the music behind it and the beautiful face and testimony of a woman beloved.

Laura

Dave,

Irene’s testimony was so gentle yet strong!  There’s only one person in the universe that has such a consistently rare combination of gentle strength and that’s our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is evident, from her words, the tone in her voice and the peace in her face that Irene is spending a lot of quality time with Him!  May He continue to hold her close!

Blessings to you, your bride and your daughters!

randy shuler

Irene, I watched your video today. You inspire me and you give us all hope. Life is a difficult journey at different times and to watch you walk it with such grace and beauty makes me want to do it well. We continue to pray for you and lift you up to Heaven. Thank you for walking it the way you do. We love you. Devin and Veronica

Dave and Irene,
Read some of your blog and watched the video. Your faith is overwhelming and inspiring. Sent your email to our friends who lost their daughter and read your book (also members of Santa Cruz Bible).
Hope to see you both when Irene is up to an outing to dinner .... your choice, our treat.

God bless you both,

Kate

Great video.  Thanks for sending this out.  It soon will be spread even farther.  Thanks for being used by God.

David

Hi Dave,

Thanks for sharing the powerful testimony of your bride. She’s an awesome, brave women who I’m proud to know as a fellow follower of Christ. We’ll continue to pray for improved health, hopefully a new kidney and and renewed strenth.

Please give her our love from Clarice and I.

Love ya brother ....

Paul

Hi Dave and Irene,

I watched the video and was once again inspired and awed by Irene’s courage, grace and faith. Thanks so much for sharing the video with us. Take care and know that we think of you two often. We would love to get together for a visit. Take care. We send our love.

Ron and Debbie

Good morning Dave & Irene,

Anna & I get your medical updates daily and partner with you and Irene in this journey. We pray daily for the family.

Irene’s testimony was so powerful and profound that we found ourselves worshiping and praising God. What a beautiful, Godly helpmate God has given you. So, my words of comfort and encouragement do not come from a perspective of distress or discouragement but from one of optimism and assurance promised us by God. The comfort and contentment we have in the blessed hope. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us and nothing can separate us from His love. This promise separates us from the world. It’s obviously sustaining your entire family.

Rest assured .... “God is being glorified”. We love you both.

Blessings,
Jim Maynard