God comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we can comfort those in any affliction with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:4

Perhaps, unless we have faced affliction ourselves and have been comforted by God Himself, we are not yet qualified to comfort others with that which we have received from God.  Or, perhaps God allows our affliction in order for us to receive His comfort and therefore we can reproduce that comfort in others.  And yet one more brainstorm, perhaps we’re in “affliction training” for His Purposes to prevail in us and others.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.
Romans 8:29a

In the last 24 hours, Irene received comfort from God Himself and rebounded after resting most of yesterday following dialysis treatment.  This new found comfort in the form of “energy” enabled her to accomplish several errands around town and tasks around the house! …. and the nausea remained at a low roar. Yay!

I am sure that you, like me, have visited people who are ill with the notion that we’re expressing concern and comforting them.  It’s been my experience that I have been the one receiving comfort on many occasions, rather than the one giving comfort.  I have been both comforted and inspired by “many a person” with an incredible outlook on life given their challenging circumstances.

With God comforting Irene in her affliction, she in turn comforts those around her by inspiring all of us with her rebounding spirit, her ardor for life and her contagious smile through it all.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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Patriotism trumps politics …. and victory trumps challenge, no matter what that challenge may be.

According to Wikipedia ….

Presidents Day (or Presidents’ Day), is the common name for the federal holiday officially designated as Washington’s Birthday, and both variants are among the official names of a number of coinciding state holidays. It is celebrated on the third Monday of February.

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis this morning; below is a photo of Irene on the hemodialysis machine with Registered Nurse, Scott, who closely monitors Irene’s day to day progress.  The vertical “pink” colored device attached to the machine is the filter which acts as Irene’s kidney three hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of every week.

President’s Day brings out the patriotism in most of us and it also draws out the deeply protected FREEDOM that the United States of America represents not only in our homeland but around the world.

We deeply respect the dignity due to the office of the President of the United States but also realize that we aren’t dependent upon presidential leadership to grant us victory.

Paul exhorts us to live above our circumstances, even the colossal warfare engagement with the enemy identified as Primary Amyloidosis.

…. we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.
Romans 8:37

If we are “more than conquerors” then victory is assured …. through Him who loves us and gives us strength.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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After breakfast, Kathy, Irene and Jocelyn went shopping while Joel, Dan and I took a 6 mile hike up to Hoffman’s Historic Site in Nicene Marks Forest.

Joel and Dan Dias

Dan, Joel and Dave

Joel, Kathy and Dan

You know Who ….!!

All of us “crashed” this afternoon and later went to El Palomar Restaurant at the harbor ….

Nausea notwithstanding, Irene enjoyed a good day ….

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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