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

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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.  Eric and Ketty are always a blessing to us…!!!!

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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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”:

What is your most pressing issue?
In addition to this, is there something else?
How is this affecting you?
What will the future be like if nothing changes?
What do you see as my responsibility for this issue?
What do you see as your responsibility for this issue?
What does the preferable future look like to you?
What is the powerful

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