Irene had a great Saturday.

Irene’s nausea remained at a low rumble but we worked in the yard and planted a Wisteria plant in the garden.  While I went on an extended bike ride, she shopped at Home Depot, Beverly’s and Safeway, enjoying a tall, soy, green tea latte, no water, no melon and four scoops of tea.

Make sure you check out the new online DISCUSSION FORUM you can access through the sidebar and post your own JOURNEY OF FAITH or that of a friend or family member …. or simply log a prayer request or praise!!

It was a clear, sunny day on the Monterey Bay, and, despite all Irene’s facing along the journey, she’s still smiling through it all ….

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Continue reading

Do you ever find yourself subconsciously negotiating with God?

Here are just a few examples to prime your thinking…

If only this certain “challenge” would go away, then life would be so much better
If only I could do such and such, then I could enjoy ….
If only I had more money, then I could do this or that
If only people would listen to me, then order would be restored
If only…

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis today.  The nausea remained at a low roar and she was also able to accomplish several chores around the house, even working outside enjoying the beautiful, sunny day.  Considering she had a dialysis treatment, which usually translates into severe fatigue, she did well.

Ultimately and perhaps subconsciously, we want to be in control.  “If only” I could have things my way, in my time, on my terms.  It’s a slippery slope and easy to slide into that type of thinking.  Ultimately, however, we have learned, especially along the Amyloid journey that “control” is merely a perception.  Ultimately, we are never in control and “if only” negotiating, which is really a subconscious desire to “be like God”, needs to be radically removed from our lives…at all costs.

…. take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ
2 Corinthians 10:10

Perhaps you never slip into negotiations with God, but I confess that I do.  Perhaps you can’t relate to what I’ve shared today.  The next time that I find myself negotiating with God, however, I will endeavor to accept and actually embrace the set of circumstances in front of me.  I will turn the circumstances into a journey of discovery.  I will ask myself how to turn the set of challenging circumstances into an opportunity to explore new horizons and examine the possibilities.  I will intentionally re-direct my thoughts and heart to a reckless abandonment for Him.

…. above all things, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

The next time that I find myself negotiating with God, I will attempt to respond with the courage and focus manifested by Irene.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Continue reading

Who do YOU see in the mirror?

What would you do if, suddenly, you were unrecognizable?

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror ….
1 Corinthians 13:12b

For months Irene has talked about how strange it feels to walk by a mirror and suddenly realize that it’s HER she’s looking at.  It’s often been a reality check to the difference in her physical appearance today compared to what is was pre-illness.

This morning, Irene ran into some friends at Starbucks.  The only catch was that they didn’t recognize her.  After shopping at Gottschalk’s Irene was checking out with a cashier that she’s known for over 8 years.  This person didn’t recognize her either …. and when she finally did, she broke down, wept, came around the corner and gave Irene a HUGE hug.

When Irene was hospitalized in April of 2007, we agreed with Dr. Alan Buchwald that when Irene was discharged that we would dine he and his wife Kate Nakefor at the Panda Restaurant, one of our favorites in Aptos that we have enjoyed together in the past.  Tonight was the consummation of that agreement.  We recalled the journey of faith that Irene has been on, frequently acknowledging Dr. Buchwald’s early detection of the Nephrotic Syndrome diagnosis.  And we’re forever grateful.

We know that things aren’t always as they appear.  However, Irene’s identity is in Christ.  She knows who she is and she knows whose she is …. and she reflects His Glory.

Who do you see in the mirror and what would you do if, suddenly, you were unrecognizable?  For Irene it’s very simple.  She understands that it is ….

…. Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27b

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Continue reading