Unappreciative …. ungrateful …. unpleasant ….
Angry …. bitter …. cynical ….
Disagreeable …. pessimistic …. thankless ….
How does it make you feel when you read those words? Read through them again …. slowly.
Beyond reading the words, how would it feel to actually express those words with intense emotion?
If you’re like me, those words and emotions are sad, negative and demoralizing.
If “attitude determines altitude” we must be intentional about our outlook on life. But if anyone has the “right” to express those negative emotions, Irene does. But she doesn’t. She’s a model of HOPE and OPTIMISM.
Irene’s signature smile and buoyant spirit express it all. The inner joy and beauty of her life, reflected by unqualified faith and confidence in God represent a lighthouse of cheerfulness and enthusiasm …. despite facing Primary Amyloidosis …. and she even maintains a refreshing sense of humor through it all!!
Beyond the decision to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior many years ago, in my humble opinion, those attributes are overwhelming evidence that God’s Holy Spirit resides in her. It’s a manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit. It’s also the attitude of the heart that speaks His quest into her world. Simply put, it’s inspiring …. and she models the following:
A happy heart makes the face cheerful ….
Proverbs 15:13aA cheerful heart is good medicine ….
Proverbs 17:22aThe LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7
According to Wikipedia…
On December 4, 1619, a group of 38 English settlers arrived at Berkeley Hundred, comprised of about eight thousand acres (32 square kilometers) on the north bank of the James River near Herring Creek in an area then known as Charles Cittie (sic) about 20 miles upstream from Jamestown, where the first permanent settlement of the Colony of Virginia was established on May 14, 1607.
The group’s charter required that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a “day of thanksgiving” to God. On that first day, Captain John Woodleaf held the service of thanksgiving. Here is the section of the Charter of Berkeley Hundred which specifies the thanksgiving service:
Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty god.
388 years after the English settlers arrived at Berkeley Hundred we keep this day holy and celebrate Thanksgiving Day. 2007 is a defining year of remembrance for our family. Our circumstances are obviously challenging but we have grateful hearts for God’s ever continuing presence and provision. We are overwhelmed with the knowledge of His power at work in our lives …. at deeper levels than we could have ever realized heretofore …. especially as we trust Him for Irene’s complete healing and restoration.
Irene is excited that Jocelyn and JoAnna are with us this Thanksgiving Day celebrating LIFE. She’s paying no heed to the nausea and embracing the festivities of the holiday.
Below is a great photo of Matt, Christy and Nina Arnold who visited today from NYC, along with Irene’s sister, Carmen …. and of course, Irene!!! Christy is Carmen’s daughter …. and obviously Irene’s niece!!! Below that is another photo of Irene thoroughly enjoying Nina!!!!
Here’s a quick update on our girls ….
Jocelyn continues to work at Port Supply, the Wholesale Division at West Marine, loves her 2007 4 Door GMC Canyon pickup and camper shell to haul friends and dogs!!! She LOVES living in Capitola …. about two blocks from the beach!!! On Monday she turns 27!!
JoAnna is working at Azusa Pacific University, loves her 2007 VW Bug, attends a weekly Bible Study and sings both at church and as opportunities are created. She loves living in S. Cal!!!
Provocative attitudes of being unappreciative, ungrateful, unpleasant, angry, bitter, cynical, disagreeable, pessimistic or thankless are simply not an option and instead we will intentionally choose an attitude of THANKSGIVING …. both for today and beyond.
On this Thanksgiving Holiday we bless YOU and pray you will experience God’s presence and provision in new and wonderful ways!!
Caminando con Fé
Dave
