8 p.m…

El-Roi (EL ROY) (The God Who Sees)

“Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her as ‘the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have seen the One who sees me!’”
Genesis 16:13

We’re so grateful that El Roi sees and knows everything.  The all seeing God knows and understands all that is happening surrounding Irene’s circumstances and we’re confident that he is pleased with her response as she walks through this ordeal.

Irene was challenged by nagging nausea and lethargy most of the day.  Marilyn Miller graciously spent some time with her this morning.

El Roi is never surprised by anything.

“From His throne He observes all who live on the earth.”
Psalm 33:14

“Nothing in all creation can hide from Him.  Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes.
Hebrews 4:13

We exalt the all seeing God who can sympathize with us and manifests His presence in our midst every day.  We trust in Him.

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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8 p.m. ….

A brief but strong impression hit me yesterday as I set the house alarm and left Irene at 4.30 a.m.  I was preparing to drive to Sacramento for a series of business meetings that obviously began very early in the morning!  To frame the intense feeling, here is some background and please forgive the personal reference ….

I’ve always been athletic, extremely competitive, was a cop (SWAT Team, undercover narcotics and major crimes task force) for 10 years, an elected politician and the breadwinner of our home.  I’m in the “risk transfer” business.  I have always perceived myself to be the spiritual leader (actually, the family priest) and consummate “protector” of Irene and our family.  For the last 20+ years every time I leave the house, I “bless” my family …. by literally raising my right arm and open palm in the direction of each person wherever they may be …. Irene, Jocelyn and JoAnna, and ask God to bless and protect each of them that day.

So, here’s what hit me as I was SETTING THE BURGLAR and FIRE ALARM, LOCKING the door, and entering the garage …. I thought, “I can’t protect my family against amyloid”.  I can set the alarm and endeavor to do all that I can within my power to “protect” but this worthy enemy called amyloid is a very significant threat to overcome.  Even the “risk transfer” component of a healthy diet and exercise mantra is irrelevant.  The disease does not discriminate.  Healthy or not, it can strike anyone at anytime.  Candidly, it was a hard hitting, frustrating feeling, which was, truthfully, extremely overwhelming to consider.

I thought again about Eldredge’s book, “Wild at Heart”, which identifies the three core needs of a man ….

A battle to fight
An adventure to live
A Beauty to rescue

Jumping into “WARRIOR” mode was the natural response when Irene’s symptoms were first diagnosed and we were in “emergency mode” throughout the three month hospital stay.  My initiative was to fight the enemy and was literally in “a beauty to rescue” mode …. fitting perfectly into a man’s greatest needs …. but

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