A VISE is an apparatus used for holding or clamping a work piece to allow work to be performed on it with tools such as saws, planes, drills, mills, screwdrivers or sandpaper.  The vise holds, clamps, grasps, or clutches the object being held in place so that the creator’s work may be advanced.

Irene’s bronchitis symptoms appear to be diminishing and for that we’re grateful.  Shirley Churchill graciously worked with Irene for 3 hours again today.  Jocelyn was in and out; it’s nice that she lives close by.  After Irene’s dialysis treatment tomorrow morning we travel to UCSF to meet with Dr. Damon and learn more about the amyloid blood test drawn on December 3.

I certainly don’t know what it actually feels like, but my guess is that the “object” inside a vise wouldn’t “feel” comfortable but rather extremely restrained or metaphorically speaking, “kidnapped” to some degree.  Perhaps being bound in a vice could also cause panic…especially if one is claustrophobic.  The one conclusion that we confer however, is that the process and outcome of being in the vis is always constructive.

As a metaphoric VISE, God promises that he will never leave nor forsake us.  He longs for us to GRASP how wide and long and high and deep is his love for us.  He HOLDS victory in store for us and promises to be our shield.

“…and I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…”
Ephesians 3:17b-18

“…He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless…”
Proverbs 2:7

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8

Knowing these verses to be true, His GRIP is dependable and firm.  His Hand is steadily upon Irene and upon both of us for that matter, HOLDING US STEADY so that work can be performed in our hearts and minds for we are being conformed to

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This morning after breakfast, just before returning JoAnna and Brenda Reinebach to SJC, they sprung into action and performed a mini private Christmas Concert for Irene, celebrating her six month stem cell transplant.  Brenda accompanied and JoAnna sang two of Irene’s favorites with Brenda singing harmony.

The Gift Goes On
O Holy Night

It was a special moment for Irene to vicariously appreciate last night’s event.

Later in the day, Irene and I viewed the video of last night’s Christmas party that I had captured for that very reason.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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It is 6 months today that Irene had her stem cell transplant at UCSF.  Irene commented that the Lord has given her an additional 6 months of life.  Thank you for your continued expressions of prayer and care.

Given Irene’s journey of faith, Psalm 139 is an amazing reflection:

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against

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