July 19, 2008
Posted by DaveDias in Dave's Updates

I Desire to Depart and Be with Christ

I desire to depart and be with Christ
Philippians 1:23b

Paul’s writes that his desire is to depart this world and be with Christ…and he writes in the present tense without qualification.

How many of us can honestly make that same statement?  My conclusion: very few.

*  Was Paul delusional?
*  Was he insinuating about the notion of taking his life?
*  Or, was the motivation behind his statement one that defined greater intention?

Examining the context of Paul’s statement one sees a greater life purpose being defined in his words and motivation…

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Philippians 1:21-26

Convinced that he will remain, Paul’s purpose was to urge his readers to continue progressing in their faith, with the manifestation and JOY of Jesus overflowing in their lives.

How does our desire mirror that of Paul’s, which is to depart and be with Christ, yet, since we remain on this earth, to completely understand why we’re here and live with and on purpose?

The secret is found another statement written by Paul…the secret of denying our own agenda and pursuing God’s.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2.20

I don’t hear too many people often talking about “being crucified with Christ” or their desire to “depart and be with Christ”…even within the ranks of those who

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July 15, 2008
Posted by IreneDias in Irene's Updates

Update From Irene

He gives grace to the afflicted.
Proverbs 3:34

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10b

It is hard to believe that it is ONE YEAR since my UCSF discharge (officially July 20, 2007).  What a colossal journey of faith!!!!  And yes, this is the first UPDATE that is coming directly from me …. and I hardly know where to begin.

However, here are some reflections ….

I have a grateful heart and deeply regard the prayer and support from so many.  The outpouring of support has been humbling and overwhelming, and I know the Body of Christ is at work in our midst.  Your website well wishes, visits, flowers, cards and other expressions of love and support mean more to me than words can express.
I am grateful to the InterWest Team and loyal clients supporting Dave so he can support me.
I call Dr. Alan Buchwald, my “Fairy God Father”.  He fervently supported me in the spring of 2007, when all of this began, and he was the first to diagnosis nephrotic syndrome (kidney failure) prior to my transfer from Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz to UCSF.  His phone call to Dr. Stephen Gluck in the Nephrology Department at UCSF was also instrumental in successfully securing my UCSF admission.
The Dominican Hospital nursing team was amazing.
I am grateful to Don Thomas who also aggressively intervened in securing my successful admission into UCSF.  His telephone call to Mark Laret, the CEO of UCSF, was instrumental.  Ultimately, the UCSF admission led to the diagnosis of Primary Amyloidosis.  And, without that diagnosis and treatment, I wouldn’t be writing this today.
And to the UCSF team itself…words cannot express the abundance of caring support from their entire team, from the admissions office, to the nursing team, to the blood center, to the physicians who tirelessly supported my nearly three month hospitalization.
With the incomprehensible 45 blood transfusions during my UCSF hospitalization I have deep appreciation for the many faithful blood donors who supported me during some of my darkest and literally blurred hours from the two detached retinas.  And, for Janette Bruffey, who stepped up as the coordinator

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July 14, 2008
Posted by DaveDias in Dave's Updates

The No Spin Zone

The No Spin Zone

As Bill O’Reilly would report, you are entering the NO SPIN ZONE…

Here’s a quick report of our trip to UCSF today.

As previously reported, last week Irene’s nephrologist, Dr. Surinder Kumar, who is overseeing Irene’s dialysis treatment, strongly urged her to consult with Dr. Charles Eichler at UCSF, “sooner rather than later” regarding the function of the recently installed Cimino Fistula.  He told Irene that the fistula was not functioning correctly.  Then, today, one of the dialysis nurses informed Irene that “perhaps” she had a blood blot in the fistula region.

Now, I don’t want to exaggerate, but Dr. Eichler spent…oh, about 10 seconds checking Irene and verified that the Cimino Fistula is functioning PERFECTLY at this stage following the recent surgical procedure.

Taking the high road, and without further commentary, we will conclude and report that it is better to be safe than sorry!!!!  Now, wasn’t that nicely stated…?   

On a positive note, prior to the brief consultation with Dr. Eichler we had the privilege of visiting and praying with Scott Halverson (who works at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center) who is battling cancer and is admitted at UCSF.  Scott’s strong faith and supportive family are a true testimony to the glory of God!!!!

http://halverson-family.com/?p=134

We continue with NO SPIN on Irene’s journey of faith!!!

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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“Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:22-23

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