9 p.m…

“Meaningless! Meaningless” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!”

Ecclesiastes 1:1

The Book of Ecclesiastes is a fascinating read. The author opens the 12 chapter book with an EXTREME positioning statement. “Everything is meaningless”. In brief, he continues with the following:

* Pleasures are meaningless 2:1
* Learning and Education are meaningless 1:12, 2:12
* Work and Toil are meaningless 2:17, 4:4
* Advancement (or promotion) is meaningless 4:13
* Riches are meaningless 5:8
* Sexual gratification is meaningless 7:26

Are not these the categories that “the world” claims to be vitally important to our personal fulfillment?

So, according to the author, what is meaningful, and what does truly fulfill us?

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

And, you ask, what does this monologue have to do with an update on Irene?

Answer: EVERYTHING.

When one has “walked in the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4) as Irene has, one is radically changed forever…and life priority alignment becomes even more imperative.

It’s not that we have to make major adjustments in our lives to be more in alignment with God’s purposes. It’s not that we have been living in disobedience to His Word. Now, more than ever before, we discuss and apply what we call right to left thinking because we now understand to an even greater degree the brevity of life.

If on the far right side is the END GAME OF LIFE and we’re now somewhere on the left side of that END GAME, the question is, “How then, should we live?” How do we “fine tune” our lives to be even more focused than before? In what and in whom do we invest our remaining time on this earth?

According to the well regarded Westminster Catechism, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever.”

The book of Ecclesiastes offers great insight into what should and shouldn’t be on our priority ladder. It gives us laser beam focus

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7 p.m. ….

Thanks for checking in!!

JoAnna picked up Irene after a three hour dialysis treatment this morning.  Irene rested this afternoon and later she, Jocelyn, and JoAnna prepared a wonderful shrimp soup for dinner.  Irene LOVES having her girls at home!!!!  It was a nice, relaxing way to ease into the weekend!!! The four of us also enjoyed an intimate birthday celebration for Irene.

Jocelyn & JoAnna soaking in the sunny afternoon on the deck in Aptos

Irene’s nausea also subsided somewhat so she was able to enjoy the sunny day and SLOWLY walk around and water some of the garden plants outside.

Irene’s very dark skin color (from the chemo), especially on her arms and legs, is beginning to “flake” like that of dandruff.  We see hopeful signs that her olive complexion may be returning ….

We also remain hopeful that the kidneys will someday “wake up”, but there is no real indication at this point.  This remains a very substantial prayer request.

In the meantime, we rejoice in God’s presence manifested in our lives.  For we “…. have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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8 p.m…

Irene had a Birthday SURPRISE late this afternoon when a few friends arrived with cake, ice cream and bearing gifts!!!  Jocelyn was able to get away from work for awhile and also join in the celebration.  It’s a good thing that Irene had rested earlier because it was a pretty wild group!!!!!   

Betty Fairhurst and Martha Price

Jack Cauwels, Irene and Jocelyn

Kent and Marsha Tarr

All kidding aside, Irene was blessed and encouraged…you could tell by her winsome smile and joyful spirit!  She was even able to enjoy some cake and ice cream!!  We huddled around her at the conclusion of our time together and prayed over her, rejoicing in her faithfulness and God’s favor upon her life.  We asked Him, again, to completely heal and restore her body.  We believe He will.

This evening JoAnna flies into SJC and will be here through Sunday.

As Irene continues to walk this journey we have referred to as the “hike up Mount Everest”, we’re grateful for the virtual community of faithful people like YOU who check regularly on Irene and faithfully pray for her to be healed of the Primary Amyloidosis and End Stage Renal Disease (which is the reason for the kidney dialysis three days a week).

Today we celebrate Irene’s LIFE, and we look forward to many more birthdays in the years ahead!!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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