What’s in your wheelbarrow?

I like the metaphor that “everyone is pushing a wheelbarrow” of some kind and that it is full of “stuff” …. the BURDENS we carry, the “stow” we accumulate and the challenges that one endures in life.  “Stuff” might even include pain, suffering, illness or disease or even unfulfilled dreams and desires …. or how about this notion …. disappointment with ourselves from the decisions that we’ve made!!  Ouch …. that one hurt!  Obviously we don’t actually see the wheelbarrow but everyone is pushing one ….

Reflect on that assertion as you read what a Biblical response should represent:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

If our life objective is to become like Jesus, (Christ-likeness) then we should embrace trials …. not as intruders but welcomed as friends.  Trials of various kinds are not unusual but are absolutely inevitable …. and can often appear out of nowhere.  As I have shared in other updates I believe that there are two kinds of people in this world …. those that have problems and those that will.  We should not shun or avoid trials because in their purest form they are the raw ingredients that make us “mature and complete, not lacking anything”.  And there is no doubt that this belief is certainly “labor intense” when it comes to the afflicted and tested heart.

After an early morning dialysis session Sue Martinez took Irene to breakfast at Zelda’s in Capitola Village.  Afterward, Irene took a VERY long nap after being sleepless from insomnia most of last night.  Late this afternoon, we received a brief telephone progress report from the practice nurse, Jennifer Knoche, at UCSF, who works closely with Dr. Damon.  She shared the following related to the amount of Amyloid remaining in Irene’s bloodstream:

In July, the Cappa Light Chain count was 78.5
On October 1st, the Cappa Light Chain count was 33.1

The numbers represent milligrams of Amyloid per

Continue reading

I’m sure you’ve heard it said that “attitude is everything”.

Despite the challenging journey, Irene’s ATTITUDE through this segment of her life has been nothing short of remarkable …. let me give you a brief illustration ….

I was up very early in the home office this morning enjoying a quality “quiet time” and moving through my daily “to do” list as well as that of responding to email …. As the sun began to rise Irene was finally sleeping VERY soundly so I deferred getting ready until the latest possible moment ….

Finally, I gingerly tip toed into the master bathroom, showered, then entered the master bedroom where she greeted me with her “signature” ear to ear smile …. I simply shook my head in wonder and amazement because Irene even wakes up with a great ATTITUDE!!!  If this was an occasional occurrence I would not even mention it.  However, this is Irene’s consistent behavior!!!!  She reminds me of this passage:

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life— ….

Selected verses from Philippians 2:5-14

Irene applied herself through the nausea today by completing several errands around town thoroughly enjoying the freedom of driving.  I arrived home late but in time to relish aroma-rich candles glowing throughout the house.  She prepared a wonderful dinner and we gazed at the picturesque sunset with wonder and awe …. it’s a lovely time of the year.  Irene has always made my homecoming such a joy ….

As witnessed by many, Irene’s life shines and reflects the glory of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.  If “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING” then Irene has it all. 

Continue reading

“…if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Jesus speaking in Matthew 18:19-20.

Do you believe Jesus’ words are true? …. that if we agree about anything we ask for it will be done for us by our Father in Heaven? …. and that He is in our midst?

I am privileged to be involved with the Time Out Conference for the last 12 years which convenes annually at the Monterey Plaza Hotel.  The conference attracts remarkable entrepreneurs & business leaders as well as fervent influencers from across the nation whose focus is growing their relationship with Christ and making a difference in the world.  That’s where I have been the last three days.  It’s a special group of guys that have become very close friends.

Let me tell you about three distinguishing moments at the conference…

Late Sunday afternoon approximately 100 of the guys surrounded and laid hands on me, interceding for Irene’s healing.  It was a heartfelt moment.
On Monday afternoon there were approximately 50 guys meeting in a room where I wasn’t and they prayed over a white shawl, asking for God to heal Irene.  After arriving home this evening I placed the prayer shawl on Irene’s shoulders.
This afternoon as we were preparing to conclude the conference, for the second time, this same group of 100 guys circled and laid hands on me …. praying for Irene’s healing and restoration.

Irene did well while I was in Monterey …. receiving calls or visits from Jocelyn, JoAnna, her brother David, sisters Carmen & Jane and Marilyn Miller.  Sunday afternoon was spectacular weather and Irene enjoyed working in the yard and visiting with our neighbor Pamela.  On Monday, Sue Martinez picked Irene up from dialysis and took her to breakfast at the Silver Spur.  Jocelyn had taken Irene to dialysis treatment earlier in the day.  Irene’s nausea clings to her 24/7 but she continues to patiently work through each day.  She greeted me this evening with

Continue reading