I’m back! The first day after surgery the only pain I had was a some pain in my abdomen like I had been kicked. The second and third days that muscle pain spread to my entire abdomen, making it hard to sit up or get up. Today that pain is much less, but a new problem has arisen. Because of the location of the prostrate, I find I can’t sit down.  I’m OK sitting on my recliner with the back down, as that spreads out the weight. Another breakthrough today: I got my first shower since Sunday. I didn’t take an Ibuprofen last night, but took one again this morning.  Still no Vicodin.

While I’m resting, I’m still working on Stephen Ambrose’s book D-Day, the amazing account of the teamwork it took to pull off the Allied invasion of France in World War II. What tremendous planning went into that landing. Each part had to precede the next, each planned to the minute. If one part of the attack failed (and many did), it left those who followed vulnerable. The story reminds me of God’s plan for the Church. So many parts each fulfilling its own divinely appointed task. If one part of the body drops the ball, it leaves the other parts that follow vulnerable to attack by Satan. I surely don’t want to drop my spiritual responsibility and leave my followers vulnerable.

What do you see your divinely appointed task is and who is following that you don’t want to let down?

When we were in the surgical waiting area as Pastor was in surgery, Adam arrived carrying a bouquet of balloon flowers. This bouquet was really different! You could see him coming from way down the hall, and interestingly, heads were turning to look at it, as it was something they had never seen before. We put it on the table next to us, and heads continued to turn as we waited for a couple more hours. We had a couple of nurses stop to ask where they could get such a balloon bouquet. (Mary Dickinson had made it, and you can view more of her creations at: www.tinker.balloonhq.com)

Anyway, when we got to the room, nurses were commenting as we walked down the halls. The next morning Pastor said when the doctor came to see him, he walked back into the room and said, “That balloon bouquet is very innovative!”

All this got us thinking this morning. As Christians, we need to be DIffEReNt too. Do we go against the flow? Are we going along with others just to ‘fit’ into what seems normal? What if people had to stop and look at us, asking how they might have what we have? What if our character, thoughts, actions, words and motives were like the bouquet of balloons: Innovative and DIffEReNt? To get peoples attention we must! Lives are at stake!

Romans 12:2

Pastor is feeling better this morning, but last evening got a bit rough. He was feeling bloated in his abdomen and after walking the catheter bag filled up with air, then he felt much better. (Go figure) He has taken a sponge bath this morning and we even managed to wash his hair in the kitchen sink. He’s ready to watch John Wayne, or the Three Stooges at this point. On second thought maybe he should watch John Wayne as the other will make him laugh and that will hurt! The prescription Ibuprofen he is taking for pain is working well and he hasn’t had to touch the Vicodin, but could if needed.

I am feeling better also, and very grateful for your prayers.

We are going to have a quiet, restful day which seems unusual, but nice. Your comments on this blog are read over and over with delight. Thanks so much for keeping in touch with us. We love you all!

It’s almost 2 PM and we are home and settled. Pastor is sleeping right now, and I think comfortable.
I’ve been reading all your comments to Pastor and we are both enjoying and appreicate all your comments and prayers. We do feel extra close to each of you right now.

It has been amazing to feel such ‘cover’. As we waited yesterday for Pastor to come out of surgery, Adam, Nathan and Emily sat with me. My family was there all day with me and it was so good to share the time with them. What impressed me was they were all available, to run to the car for the overnight bag, eat lunch with me, help their dad if he needed anything, walk me to the car and follow me home after dark. We were able to all meet at Applebee’s around 7:30 PM, also meeting my brother, who is here from North Carolina right now. We had a great time together. After leaving Applebee’s my brother followed me home.

I thought on the way home, “I’ve had someone with me all day, covering me, protecting me, and looking out for me.” That was a very special thought. Then I realized how much more Jesus had watched over us all day. He watched over Pastor when we were waiting, watching over all of us all day long. It made me realize how special each of us (you included) are in God’s eyes. He has promised to never leave us! Remember God is watching you! He cares very much! Remember He’s “Got You Covered” too! How have your felt His ‘Coverage’?

Ir just called Pastor at 8 a.m. and all he could say was ‘Come and get me, I’m ready to go home.’
He’s been up walking the halls, and when they thought he should walk around the circle once, he walked three-four times. So to say it briefly, he is doing very, very well.

Pray for me, as I’m struggling with a cold, which I don’t need right now, but I feel like God has me covered in so many ways.
Watch for my next blog entry later today, Got You Covered.

Pastor really has enjoyed reading all your comments, and they encouraged all of us. We so appreciate your love and prayers.

This is so cool! Technology allows me to sit at the hospital and write this blog! Pastor just got out of surgery and the doctor said things went very well. The prostate is out along with the lymph nodes and no other sign of cancer. The doctor is optimistic that there will be no long term damage.

Nathan, Emily and Adam have been here and we were also blessed to have Pastor Kutzner and Pastor Ardhuerumly come down to pray with us before surgery. They also helped pass the time as we waited. We had multiple conversations about the TV show House. (This is a show about an obnoxious doctor who is brilliant and diagnoses tough cases.) That got us thinking that the really good doctors often do not have a favorable personality. The doctors who have studied have had their noses in a book and not had practice at social skills. Also some doctors just know they are right! Our doctor has had both and we have been blessed!

We have continued to have a calming peace, knowing so clearly He is taking care of each step. We appreciate so much you keeping up with the blog and really enjoy reading your comments as it’s encouraging to know how much you care. Reading your comments have made us feel closer to each of you and that means so much.

Our answering machine is off at home for a while so we can rest, so keep in touch by calling the church (260.837.3631) or check back here. I plan to update as often as I can for awhile so this information will be most current.

Feel free to comment as we are reading this often and enjoy hearing from you.