It’s not how we start the race…but, rather, how we finish that counts.

Constantina Tomescu crossing the finish line of Women’s Marathon. (Photo Credit:Guo Dayue/Xinhua)

Irene has an appointment at UCSF tomorrow (Monday) to evaluate the readiness of the Cimino Fistula.  In recent days the blood flow through the Fistula region has become more intense and appears to be functioning more efficiently.  As soon as UCSF gives the green light then the dialysis will use this entry point rather than the existing catheter in her chest.  The catheter at some point in the near future will be surgically removed.  Stay tuned ….

Michael Phelps smiles after his victory in the 100m Butterfly final. (Photo credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Olympics are a joy to watch and they’re definitely inspiring.  The competition and determination of the human spirit is gloriously manifested in the global competition as well as the many personal stories that accompany the games.

And the GOAL OF LIFE, metaphorically, is to STRONGLY finish the race.  Irene is running the “race of life” STRONGLY and in such a way as to win the ultimate prize.  And what is that ultimate prize?

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

Irene is remaining focused on the ultimate prize of life …. the author and finisher of her faith, Jesus Christ, who promises eternal life and Heaven where there is no pain, no suffering, no nausea and no chronic fatigue to battle, so, despite her daily challenges, she ….

…. runs with perseverance the race marked out ….
Hebrews 12:1b

…. and she’s still smiling on the long and arduous journey.

It’s not how we start the race …. but, rather, how we finish that counts.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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Today Irene ushers in another birthday with grace and dignity.

Still smiling, Irene declared, “It’s a GREAT day to be alive!!”  We went to lunch with JoAnna at Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing.  Jack & Phyllis Cauwels dropped by the house for birthday wishes as well as that of Kent & Marsha Tarr.  Jocelyn joined us in celebration later in the day.

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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The Saddleback Showdown
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/15/influential-pastor-to-host-faith-forum/

We’ve heard it said that it’s already been a long and arduous campaign season.  Candidates become weary and worn on the campaign trail but trudge on.  Irene is on a brutal trail herself, the Primary Amyloidosis Showdown for over a year.  She is harassed by nausea and fatigue 24/7 but trudges on.  Unfortunately, an election date in November won’t settle the uphill battle.

We long for good governance.  We long for political stability, and we long for the presidential candidates to openly declare their positions at the Saddleback Showdown.  We long for clarity and understanding.

Stay tuned for live coverage on your local Fox News Channel on Saturday, August 16, @ 5 pm Pacific Time.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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