Jim IS getting stronger, but he struggles. He feels he is always tired and sometimes when he is very tired, he gets frustrated and confused. But don't we all? He wants to do things, and we are doing things. But then he doesn't understand why he is so tired. He is tired of being tired.
I Chronicles 16:11 -- "Seek the LORD and His strength; see His presence continually!"
Isaiah 40:28-31 -- "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
PHOTOS FROM JULY 6, 2015
Our second adopted grandson, James David Cook, was born Monday afternoon, July 6, at UIHC. We were there with our family. Jim loved being there, holding his new grandson, his namesake, when he was only 2 hours old. A special feeling he has for this little boy, just like the special bond he and firstborn grandson, Austin Lee, share. He is glad, we are glad God brought us all together.
I am tired of not knowing what is going on with Jim. He fails to share or when he finally does, I am nearing frustration myself. I have told him we need to trust the Lord. Look to Him and not ourselves. When we only look at ourselves, we become discouraged and depressed, and we don't need to go there. I know the Lord will take care of us; He showed us so much during all that time Jim was in the hospital. He will continue to show us, if we're paying attention to Him and following His instructions.
We need to stop feeling sorry for where we are not and go with whatever God gives us. God gives us every ounce of strength we need to face whatever comes. We must rely on Him alone.
Isaiah 41:10 -- "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
I Chronicles 16:11 -- "Seek the LORD and His strength; see His presence continually!"
Isaiah 40:28-31 -- "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
PHOTOS FROM JULY 6, 2015
Papa Jim and Grandma Cathy
with second adopted grandson, James.
Papa Jim and James
Our adopted grandsons, Austin and James
Today in the mail we received a check from Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for use of the ambulance Jim required June 7. The check was for $689, which we delivered to Area Ambulance Service. We now owe them $413. We plan to appeal the claim from Wellmark.
Another thing that only adds to our frustration is the bill we received for the emergency room service at UnityPoint - St. Luke's on June 7. The bill went to Medicare instead of Blue Cross because UnityPoint - St. Luke's does not pay attention to what we have repeatedly told them.
At supper tonight I asked Jim where his pain is that makes it necessary for him to take the pain medication. I said we had some narcotic meds that are not as strong as the hydromorphone, and he was all for taking them. The pain is primarily in his back. He said it burns. Sometimes his incisions hurt. He mostly lies on his back when sleeping. He tries to lie on his side, but then his incisions hurt, so he returns to his back. I don't know what causes the burning.
Your continued prayers are appreciated.
