8 p.m….

Dictionary.com defines WORRY as “to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; to fret.”

Are you ever anxious or do you ever worry? If so, what do you worry about? Worry can pre-occupy our minds and hearts causing us great mental duress. And, if you’re like me, I will tend to go to the worst possible scenario whenever I find myself going down that slippery slope called WORRY.

But what does Jesus say about worry?

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (Author: Paul)

If you were Irene, what would you be anxious or be worrying about?

The truth of the matter is that Irene does have ONE big worry and it’s probably not what you think….and here it is: She worries that she will fail to be a good testimony of her faith to the unbelieving world…

As Irene has grown in her faith, trust and confidence in God, she realizes the enormous stewardship responsibility she has as a follower of Christ. She longs to be salt and light to those around her…and have them see only Jesus in her life…(which, by the way, she has done in many amazing ways over the years!).

But WHY is this matter such a concern for Irene?

What she understands is that the stakes are high…and that they are eternal. Those who die without Christ will be eternally separated from him. She wants no one to experience a Christ-less eternity and longs for her life to bring GLORY to God.

During dialysis treatment today we received the following not-so-good news:

• Albumin level 2.7 versus a target of 3.6-5.4
• Hemoglobin level 9.9 versus a target of 11.2-15.7
• Irene’s kidney function was 3.4 when discharged from UCSF; today the level stands at 1.5.
• There is a possibility that internal bleeding is occurring at microscopic levels. Tests are underway.

Dr. Damon, UCSF Oncology, and Dr. Kumar, Renal Specialist, are sharing intelligence and developing strategies on Irene’s current condition.

Thank you for your continued prayer support. I am also very thankful to Sue Martinez for spending time with Irene today.

We thank God that we can take our anxious and worrisome thoughts to Jesus our Savior who alone comforts and protects us in our greatest hour of need.

Caminando con Fé
Dave