Hebrews 12:1-2a

"Let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with Endurance
the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus,
the author and finisher of our faith."
Hebrews 12:1-2a

Monday, May 18, 2015

Recovery - Day 6

Jim called shortly after 7 this morning. He already had blood work drawn and another x-ray of his right side and back.

He said he woke at 3 a.m. with a full bladder, but couldn't release it on his own. Please pray he can accomplish this before going home. It is not a requirement to go home, but would definitely make things easier at this end if he didn't have to deal with a catheter.

Today's devotional led me to Isaiah 55:8-9, which reads: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." 

We are challenged continually to trust the Lord and search for His way throughout each day.

An email received from my friend Lorraine brought more Scripture from the prophet Isaiah (43:5) - "Do not be afraid, for I am with you!" 

Do not be afraid
Do not be anxious
Do not be disappointed
Do not be frustrated
Do not be distressed.
I AM with you!

He, the almight God
Is with me!
and with Jimmy!
to help us
to comfort us
to sanctify us
to save us
He is with us
as a kind, benignant Father
He is with us
in every place, every trouble, every conflict
He is with us
through our journey and for evermore
He is with us
through our sicknesses
He is with us
to hold communion
He is with us
to listen to our sighs
to number our tears
to secure us from all injury

Appearances may be very dark; the night may seem very long; and your pains, weakness, and fears may be many and great. Still, if the Lord is with you, you may sing,

 "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty--yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

We are thankful the Lord has blessed us with so many friends and loved ones.

Jim called me around 10 and said he would not be going home today. Still waiting for the chest tube to be drier.

Because of many errands I had to run this morning, I didn't arrive at Jim's side until later.  Dr. Parekh (his surgeon) said the chest tube might come out tonight. A swallow study with barium will be done at 1 p.m. in X-ray. It will show how well the sutures are holding and if there is any leakage. Pray there is no leakage. 

The final pathology report indicates all is fine. There is NO CANCER. Praise God!

Later this afternoon, I learned results from Jim's swallow study were just fine -- the sutures are holding, meaning there is no leakage.

The challenges to seek the Lord's way throughout this day instead of our own way I'm sure brought disappointment to Him. I'm sure grateful He continues to love us and gives both of us each second and third and fourth chances and more to be His greatest desire for us.