30
Oct

I’M BACK!

   Posted by: pastordiehl   in Casting Out Cancer

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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?

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 30th, 2008 at 1:58 pm and is filed under Casting Out Cancer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

12 comments so far

shelia
 1 

Praise God you are on the road to a quick and certain recovery. The Wed night study class with Pastor Stine is great. Learning alot! Also i had a long talk with Pastor Stine’s wife after church and understood alot of what i am going through. I feel like i am on a roller coaster of learning and doing. And roller coasters always did scare me. It is great. This morning i was sharing with the little 83 year old lady i care for about the wed. night group and our prayer partners we have. She said can you put me on your list. WOW!!! Door open! Get in there Shelia!!!!
You and Anita are ever in my prayers. I thank God for your Teaching!!!

October 30th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Todd and Bethany Helmkamp
 2 

We’re so thankful that you are doing so well! Your entire family means so much to us!

I see myself primarily as a husband and father. If I fail in those roles, my wife and sons can/will suffer from the wiles of the Enemy. But God-willing, that won’t happen!

October 30th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Randy Stine
 3 

That’s probably the best shower you’ve had in a long time. Things are going well so far here in the office with all the new responsibilities being discussed and initiated. You are greatly missed and in our daily prayers. Rejoice in the Lord always!

October 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Tara Lilly
 4 

Now that we are in full swing running Cub scouts and have grown in boys so rapidly (another one is coming, up to 26 now!!!), we are beginning to get to know the boys and their families and seeing the ones that are unchurched. Not only is our task to mentor these boys divinely appointed, but I believe each and every boy (and their parents and siblings) are divinely appointed and it is no accident that they have chosen to join scouts at New Hope! We will be taking that responsibility with us as we seek to use this program as a tool to minister to families and lead them to the Lord. You two have played a huge role in the leaders and servants that Mike and I have become, and we know that God would not have been able to put us in this place without your teaching, guidance, and example over the years. Thank you so much, and know we are super excited to know that God is taking care of you, just like He said He would! Keep resting and healing, we love you! 🙂

October 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Your niece, Wanda Facklam
 5 

I just heard about your surgery and thanks be to God that all went good. You truely are a gift from Heaven. I don’t know if my mom told you that Chris finally got licensed to pastor 2 weeks ago. You and Anita are big role models for us. You are the kind of couple we want to be. Thanks for helping us through.

October 30th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Scott Kincaid
 6 

Praise God for His healing touch on your body. Dr Kincaid says to continue to get plenty of rest. You don’t only need it but you deserve it as well. As does Anita. Take care, enjoy your book and we’ll see you soon.

October 30th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Paul Brewer
 7 

Pastor it is certainly a blessing to know that you are doing well and able to be at the keyboard even if for a short period of time.

The abdominal pains sound very familiar and I found relief by using a towel rolled up and then pressing that against my side where the pain was most severe. That seemed to ease the pain. I used it mostly while getting up or when setting down. Not sure if it will help you but it worked for me.

I too have read Stephen Ambrose’s book D-Day and I thought it made very good reading. I also have his book “Band of Brothers” it too is very good so if you have not read that one, I would be glad to share my book with you. I also read “Ghost Soldiers” by Hampton Sides. His writing technique is somewhat different from Ambrose but it was still a good book.

God Bless and continue to heal…do not push it if you have a “feel good day”, you may regret over doing it a few days later.

Paul

October 31st, 2008 at 9:37 am
Bill Steere
 8 

Ralph, I just learned late yesterday of your journey and God’s Grace to you. I deeply appreciate and respect you and what you have meant to me and CMI through the years. Peggy and I will add our faith to yours and New Hope for full complete recovery. After all – you’re back! blessings, Bill

October 31st, 2008 at 9:56 am
Eric Francis
 9 

El Pastore’, It is a blessing to know you are up and about, workin’ all the kinks out! The Lord blessed me to be able to spend last weekend with my parents in Florida. The downside of that is that I was away from home for two weeks and unable to keep up with that responsiblilty, or keep up with your blog.

Monday thru Wednesday, I FOUND myself praying for you and the Diehl family several times a day. I am so appreciative when the Companion shows me where my heart really is; that I am not the ‘old man’, and that He has/is recreating me. I am so greatly relieved to know that you are home and recovering on the fast track. Anita, bless you for taking the time to keep everyone informed.

I cannot say with words how proud I am of you that you allowed this season to become a ‘running testimony’. I am led to think that this season is ushering in a new season… a season you are going to enjoy… both of you. You are loved very much! Get use to it because as the Holy Spirit pours out in the times to come you will be loved all the more, by more.

I do have a concern though… now that your surgury is over, you will be in less than a pro-state. Hahaha

GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!

October 31st, 2008 at 11:17 am
JD and Vicki Burns
 10 

We are so glad you are doing better and we
keep you in our prayers for a fast healing.
We enjoy the great information and messages
that are on your blog page. Keep up the
great work.

October 31st, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Nancy
 11 

Glad to hear your updates and that you’re resting. Just wanted to say don’t be afraid to take the medicine prescribed for your pain. I learned after my back surgery that the stronger medicine took the edge off when the pain was the worst so I was able to walk around a little more. All the Mickelsons are praying for a speedy recovery for you!!!

October 31st, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Matthew, Chante', and Isaiah Harshbarger
 12 

Pastor let me tell you that Vicodin is strong stuff. When I had my appendix out i took one dose because my pain was unbearable. Man thats strong stuff I was out for the count. Don’t be afraid to take your medicine when you need it. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
– Matthew

When I had Isaiah I could hardly sit because of the stitches and swelling. One thing that you may want to try is sitting on a “boppy” it really helped me to be able to sit in a normal chair. I still have one if you want to borrow it. So glad to hear that you’re doing well otherwise. We’ll be praying for you!
– Chante’

njklhyhjykuykuououoikykyuulo;jjhggttykjuuyytggvggjljijuyttrffgbl.k,ydrdfrhyukiuikghftghhyjjhl!!!!! 🙂
– Isaiah

November 1st, 2008 at 5:37 pm

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