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

adjective: Tending to promote peace; conciliatory.

Irenic comes from Greek eirenikos, from eirene, “peace.”

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

May there be peace within.

I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.

I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

Let peace settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.

Lord, You are at work in ways I cannot predict or imagine.

When I am tempted to be embittered at my circumstances,

let me remember that You are working all things together

for my good and that the only safe refuge is under Your wings.

MOM IS AN OVERCOMER.

EXPECT A MIRACLE!

Freedom and I have been together 10 years this summer.  She came in as a baby in 1998 with two broken wings. Her left wing doesn’t open all the way even after surgery, it was broken in 4 places. She’s my baby.

When Freedom came in she could not stand.  Both wings were broken, her left wing in 4 places. She was emaciated and covered in lice. We made the decision to give her a chance at life, so I took her to the vet’s office.  From then on, I was always around her. We had her in a huge dog carrier with the top off, and it was loaded up with shredded newspaper for her to lay in. I used to sit and talk to her, urging her to live, to fight; and she would lay there looking at me with those big brown eyes. We also had to tube feed her for weeks.

This went on for 4-6 weeks, and by then she still couldn’t stand. It got to the point where the decision was made to euthanize her if she couldn’t stand in a week. You know you don’t want to cross that line between torture and rehab, and it looked like death was winning. She was going to be put down that Friday, and I was supposed to come in on that Thursday afternoon. I didn’t want to go to the center that Thursday, because I couldn’t bear the thought of her being euthanized; but I went anyway, and when I walked in everyone was grinning from ear to ear. I went immediately back to her dowl cage; and there she was, standing on her own, a big beautiful eagle.  She was ready to live. I was just about in tears by then. That was a very good day.

We knew she could never fly, so the director asked me to glove train her. I got her used to the glove, and then to jesses (birding straps), and we started doing education programs for schools in western Washington. We]]> I came across this story recently and thought you might like it.

Freedom and I have been together 10 years this summer.  She came in as a baby in 1998 with two broken wings. Her left wing doesn’t open all the way even after surgery, it was broken in 4 places. She’s my baby.

When Freedom came in she could not stand.  Both wings were broken, her left wing in 4 places. She was emaciated and covered in lice. We made the decision to give her a chance at life, so I took her to the vet’s office.  From then on, I was always around her. We had her in a huge dog carrier with the top off, and it was loaded up with shredded newspaper for her to lay in. I used to sit and talk to her, urging her to live, to fight;
and she would lay there looking at me with those big brown eyes. We also had to tube feed her for weeks.

This went on for 4-6 weeks, and by then she still couldn’t stand. It got to the point where the decision was made to euthanize her if she couldn’t stand in a week. You know you don’t want to cross that line between torture and rehab, and it looked like death was winning. She was going to be put down that Friday, and I was supposed to come in on that Thursday afternoon. I didn’t want to go to the center that Thursday, because I couldn’t bear the thought of her being euthanized; but I went anyway, and when I walked in everyone was grinning from ear to ear. I went immediately back to her dowl cage; and there she was, standing on her own, a big beautiful eagle.  She was ready to live. I was just about in tears by then. That was a very good day.

We knew she could never fly, so the director asked me to glove train her. I got her used to the glove, and then to jesses (birding straps), and we started doing education programs for schools in western Washington. We wound up in the newspapers, radio (believe it or not) and some TV.  Miracle Pets even did a show about us.

In the spring of 2000, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I had stage 3, which is not good (one major organ plus everywhere), so I wound up doing 8 months of chemo. Lost the hair — the whole bit. I missed a lot of work.  When I felt good enough, I would go to Sarvey and take Freedom out for walks. Freedom would also come to me in my dreams and help me fight the cancer.  This happened time and time again.

Fast forward to November 2000, the day after Thanksgiving, I went in for my last checkup. I was told that if the cancer was not all gone after 8 rounds of chemo, then my last option was a stem cell transplant.  Anyway, they did the tests; and I had to come back Monday for the results. I went in Monday, and I was told that all the cancer was gone.  Yahoo!

So the first thing I did was get up to Sarvey and take the big girl out for a walk. It was misty and cold. I went to her flight and jessed her up, and we went out front to the top of the hill. I hadn’t said a word to Freedom, but somehow she knew. She looked at me and wrapped both her wings around me to where I could feel them pressing in on my back (I was engulfed in eagle wings), and she touched my nose with her beak and stared into my eyes, and we just stood there like that for I don’t know how long. That was a magic moment. We have been soul mates ever since she came in. This is a very special bird.

On a side note:  I have had people who were sick come up to us when we are out, and Freedom has some kind of hold on them. I once had a guy who was terminal come up to us and I let him hold her. His knees just about buckled and he swore he could feel her power coarse through his body. I have so many stories like that.

I never forget the honor I have of being so close to such a magnificent spirit as Freedom’s.  Hope you enjoy this.

Jeff

Jocelyn

What a BLESSING and JOY it is to wish you HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!  Where birthdays are normally a time where life is celebrated, today we shout joyful exaltations and REJOICE in your life.

You have truly been salt and light in my life, mom; and for many others as you have blessed all of our lives.

Today I rise and call you, Irene Dias, blessed.

Proverbs 31 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Thank you, Mom, for being a woman of Noble Character, who fears the Lord, and is irresistible to all who greet your smile.

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, jocelyn

Her bright smile that lights-up any room, remains the same.  Right now due to the bilirubin her skin is very dark and her eyes are a yellow hue, but her smile remains bright white and shining, a toothpaste commercial grin, with the shining star on the left incisor *tink* – Brilliant.

It is so good to hug ‘little mom’ who, although is a ‘fall risk’ right now is still quite strong – and getting stronger every day.

Mom is home the words hardly feel real after some of the moments we shared at UCSF.  I REJOICE in the reality.

God has spared my mom for a PURPOSE, she, and our family, are forever changed.  I am eager to see what the Lord has ahead.

17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons [and daughters] of God to be revealed. (Rm 8:17-19)

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts [our] prayer(s). Psalm 6:9

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. I Chronicles 16:11-12

You are God Mender of my soul You’re the rain that makes my whole You are God Ever-present help Savior of my life Everything I have belongs to you My time is in your hands My purpose is your will I know that you’ll provide so I’II be still

You are God Bright and Morning Star When I’m down you lift me up You’re the Lover of my heart You are God Mender of my soul You’re the rain that makes my whole You are God

You are the One that delivers me It’s not because of what I am but who You are

You are God Bright and Morning Star When I’m down you lift me up You’re the Lover of my heart You are God Mender of my soul You’re the rain that makes my whole You are God

You’re my provider When I’m down You lift me higher When I’m weak You are the fire That turns me into gold You are God Alpha, Omega

Take my life Lord I surrender You’re the rain that makes me whole You are God

You Are God written and performed by The Katinas

I had never heard this song before June 8th, 2007. When my dad woke me at 5:30a, that day to be at my mom’s bedside, I still had 4 hours before I could get JoAnna at the airport to go to San Francisco. In the interim, I dusted off the old CD Library and found: The Katinas, Amy Grant, Sonic Flood, Steven Curtis Chapman, and several other Non-Secular artists that I had not listened to in quite sometime to create a ‘praise and worship’ mix for my sister and I to listen to on our way to SF that day. You Are God was amongst the mix. When it came on, just a few notes into the song JoAnna said, “Oh, I love this song!” – I confessed I had never heard it. As The Katinas sang I became immersed in the lyrics and have loved the song ever since. My stereo is broken in my car right now, so when I went]]> Creator of all things
Healer of my being
Through your righteousness
I’ve been redeemed
Forgiven by your grace
Your joy is my strength
When everything has changed
You stay the same
You are God
Bright and Morning Star
When I’m down you lift me up
You’re the Lover of my heart

You are God
Mender of my soul
You’re the rain that makes my whole
You are God
Ever-present help
Savior of my life
Everything I have belongs to you
My time is in your hands
My purpose is your will
I know that you’ll provide
so I’II be still

You are God
Bright and Morning Star
When I’m down you lift me up
You’re the Lover of my heart
You are God
Mender of my soul
You’re the rain that makes my whole
You are God

You are the One
that delivers me
It’s not because of what I am
but who You are

You are God
Bright and Morning Star
When I’m down you lift me up
You’re the Lover of my heart
You are God
Mender of my soul
You’re the rain that makes my whole
You are God

You’re my provider
When I’m down
You lift me higher
When I’m weak
You are the fire
That turns me into gold
You are God
Alpha, Omega

Take my life
Lord I surrender
You’re the rain that makes me whole
You are God

You Are God
written and performed by The Katinas

I had never heard this song before June 8th, 2007. When my dad woke me at 5:30a, that day to be at my mom’s bedside, I still had 4 hours before I could get JoAnna at the airport to go to San Francisco. In the interim, I dusted off the old CD Library and found: The Katinas, Amy Grant, Sonic Flood, Steven Curtis Chapman, and several other Non-Secular artists that I had not listened to in quite sometime to create a ‘praise and worship’ mix for my sister and I to listen to on our way to SF that day. You Are God was amongst the mix. When it came on, just a few notes into the song JoAnna said, “Oh, I love this song!” – I confessed I had never heard it. As The Katinas sang I became immersed in the lyrics and have loved the song ever since. My stereo is broken in my car right now, so when I went to see my mom on Sunday there was nothing better to do than sing all the way up…I definitely sang this song.

You are God
Bright and Morning Star
When I’m down you lift me up
You’re the Lover of my heart
You are God
Mender of my soul
You’re the rain that makes my whole
You are God

A couple days before my mom’s transfer to UCSF my dad and I were praying over her with Dave and Laura Gschwend and anointing her with oil.  Laura had prayed for my mom to have peace without even knowing that Irene is from the Greek Ειρηνη (Eirene) which meant “peace”.

When I was little and had to get inoculations or had a bad dream my dad would comfort me by singing:

In the name of Jesus In the name of Jesus In the name of Jesus There is Peace, Sweet Peace.

I love you Lord And I lift my voice To worship You O my soul Rejoice Take joy My King In what you hear May it be a sweet Sweet sound In your ear

This journey has required that comfort.  The first night my mom was transferred to UCSF I called my dad and asked him to sing it to her.

Recently, as I pondered all that my mom has endured and continues to battle daily, rather than get caught up in grief or worry, God called me to make a joyful noise.  While it felt silly at first shouting out HALLELUJAH in my bedroom, it sure gave me a sense of His presence and peace followed.

Psalm 100:1-5 1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Tonight, I continue to SHOUT TO THE LORD on my mom’s behalf.

Shout to The Lord Words and Music by Darlene Zsche

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You; All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love. My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength; Let ev’ry]]> The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8

A couple days before my mom’s transfer to UCSF my dad and I were praying over her with Dave and Laura Gschwend and anointing her with oil.  Laura had prayed for my mom to have peace without even knowing that Irene is from the Greek Ειρηνη (Eirene) which meant “peace”.

When I was little and had to get inoculations or had a bad dream my dad would comfort me by singing:

In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
There is Peace, Sweet Peace.

I love you Lord
And I lift my voice
To worship You
O my soul
Rejoice
Take joy My King
In what you hear
May it be a sweet
Sweet sound
In your ear

This journey has required that comfort.  The first night my mom was transferred to UCSF I called my dad and asked him to sing it to her.

Recently, as I pondered all that my mom has endured and continues to battle daily, rather than get caught up in grief or worry, God called me to make a joyful noise.  While it felt silly at first shouting out HALLELUJAH in my bedroom, it sure gave me a sense of His presence and peace followed.

Psalm 100:1-5
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Tonight, I continue to SHOUT TO THE LORD on my mom’s behalf.

Shout to The Lord
Words and Music by Darlene Zsche

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength;
Let ev’ry breath, all that I am, never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and Majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of your hands,
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and Majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of your hands,
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

HALLELUJAH for the Healing of Irene!
I love you Mom!

Over the last three weeks I have found immense comfort in Steven Curtis Chapman’s song His Strength is Perfect

Specifically, the verse ”We can only know/the power that He holds/when we truly see how deep our weakness goes/His strength in us begins/where ours comes to an end/He hears our humble cry and proves again/His strength is perfect when our strength is gone/He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on/Raised in His power, the weak become strong/His strength is perfect”

I truly saw how deep our weakness goes as I saw you struggle through the last week. I am so blessed to see you raised in His power as you continually become strong.

I woke up from a dream sometime around 4:30, this morning and pictured you sitting in your hospital bed with a banquet table spread out before you, anything you could imagine to eat was there before you, and you were feasting. When I got in the shower this morning I kept singing:

He brought me to his banqueting table His banner over me is love He brought me to his banqueting table His banner over me is love He brought me to his banqueting table His banner over me is love His banner over me is love I am my beloved’s and he is mine His banner over me is love I am my beloved’s and he is mine His banner over me is love I am my beloved’s and he is mine His banner over me is love His banner over me is love

…and I was reminded that DAVID means BELOVED. God, and Dad, have faithfully seen you through this, and I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for my two Fathers who demonstrate unconditional love – true love – to you, and to our family.

Soon Dad will be picking up Spicy Tuna from Sushi on the Run in Aptos for you, Mom, and you will feast on it and whatever else your heart desires.

Bless the Lord, O my soul And all that is within me Bless His holy name Bless the Lord, O my soul And forget not all His benefits Who heals all your diseases Who redeems your life from destruction Who crowns you with lovingkindness]]> Dear Mom,

Over the last three weeks I have found immense comfort in Steven Curtis Chapman’s song His Strength is Perfect

Specifically, the verse ”We can only know/the power that He holds/when we truly see how deep our weakness goes/His strength in us begins/where ours comes to an end/He hears our humble cry and proves again/His strength is perfect when our strength is gone/He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on/Raised in His power, the weak become strong/His strength is perfect”

I truly saw how deep our weakness goes as I saw you struggle through the last week. I am so blessed to see you raised in His power as you continually become strong.

I woke up from a dream sometime around 4:30, this morning and pictured you sitting in your hospital bed with a banquet table spread out before you, anything you could imagine to eat was there before you, and you were feasting. When I got in the shower this morning I kept singing:

He brought me to his banqueting table
His banner over me is love
He brought me to his banqueting table
His banner over me is love
He brought me to his banqueting table
His banner over me is love
His banner over me is love
I am my beloved’s and he is mine
His banner over me is love
I am my beloved’s and he is mine
His banner over me is love
I am my beloved’s and he is mine
His banner over me is love
His banner over me is love

…and I was reminded that DAVID means BELOVED. God, and Dad, have faithfully seen you through this, and I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for my two Fathers who demonstrate unconditional love – true love – to you, and to our family.

Soon Dad will be picking up Spicy Tuna from Sushi on the Run in Aptos for you, Mom, and you will feast on it and whatever else your heart desires.

Bless the Lord, O my soul
And all that is within me
Bless His holy name
Bless the Lord, O my soul
And forget not all His benefits
Who heals all your diseases
Who redeems your life from destruction
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies
Who satisfies your mouth with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagles
The executes righteousness
And justice for all those who are oppressed
He made known His ways to Moses
His acts to the children of Israel
The Lord is merciful and gracious
Slow to anger and abounding in mercy
He will not always strive with us
Nor will He keep His anger forever
For as the heavens are high above the earth
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him
The Lord has established His throne
In heaven and His kingdom rules over all

Love, Jocelyn