Sunday, May 17, 2009

Another good day

Amazing friends are an essential part of this process. We feel so blessed with all of the outpouring of service we have received. Today my parents and sisters came by and we were able to pull food out of our fridge and have a feast. Mike is eating so well (ravenously to be exact... steroids will do that to you.) Thanks to everyone for food... Do all of you know our friend Bonnie Farrell? Well, she happens to make the best cookies in the world. Mike was so delighted with those today :) Hannah has spoiled us with some of her good cooking. I don't know where she learned to cook so well, but oh my! The boys were both here this evening and Mike seems to be loving having the whole family together. He lies on the couch and listens to everything that is said... even things we don't want him to hear!

Right now Mike is laying on Hannah's lap and talking about all of the board meetings he is going to miss this week. He thinks the boards can't run without him. As hard as it will be... we WILL keep him home and quiet.

Mike confirmed with our neighbor that he could mow our grass for a few weeks, but today Dan Reno showed up with a lawn mower and did the job. As he was mowing the neighbor called and said he was on his way. Mike did tell Dan that "Mormon grass" shouldn't be mowed on the Sabbath :)

Again, we are grateful beyond words for your love and support. We know many fasted today in our behalf and we have felt the outpouring of the Spirit from that humbling experience.

Mike lives to read the comments on this blog so KEEP THEM COMING.

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17

14 comments:

  1. Okay, since Mike needs the reading material, I will write again!

    Mike,
    First of all, there are no boards in Muncie that cannot wait a week or two for your input. They certainly need you to come back & be a participating member of the various boards you are on, but they don't need you this week..or maybe even next week! If they do, I'm pretty sure they will call or write you to ask your opinion. Besides, you know Muncie, things just don't move that fast here! Secondly, those boards need for you to come back whole and well and if you have some sort of setbacks because you didn't do what the doctor & your family told you to do, that might not be possible. So, give them a break & be a good boy this week! If you do, maybe Bonnie will bake you more good cookies. YUM!! Meanwile, there is plenty of stuff on the Internet that you can take a look at! You can literally see all the architecture of the world there! Take care and hopefully things will be completely back to normal before you know it!
    Cindy, Jeff & Chelsea

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  2. Here's another one of my favorite scriptures (from Isaiah of course):

    “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:1–3).

    We so happy to hear that things sound so much better in the Ellis home...and that Mike seems to be doing so well. I thought of Mike as I taught my High Priest group lesson today about the miracles of healing. (See "Teachings of the Living Prophets: Joseph Smith," Chapter 33 and James 5:14–15. It is interesting that verse 15 doesn't speak of "healing," but rather of "being saved."

    David

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  3. My dearest friends: I love reading your comments and appreciate your love and concern. Let me remind you of just what sort of person is taking care of me here. She was insistant that i shut off my laptop computer this evening after a couple hours to get some rest. She is much more concerned and sensititive and so wise about my limits. I will do my best to obey, but I want you to know just how much I love being involved. This is my life's work. There is nothing which fills me more than spreading the Gospel of jesus Christ by serving others. zzzzzzzzzzzmsny in thr world don't understand that Mormons are Christians and I am out to prove them wrong! We believe in a complete and infinite Christ who is known to the Jews and Muslims as the Jehovah of the Old Testament and is the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. We are all brothers and need to do a better job of acting that way. Jesus is also the Savior of the world who has paid a price for my sins and transgressions that I may return to be with Him and My Heavenly Father. The power of the Priesthood of God has been restored again to earth and the power exists in our temples to bind on earth and in heaven. You see my life with Nancy, our children and our parents will be forever bound together. I want to live to be with my earthly fahter, John Ellis, who died when I was 14 and my angel mother raised 3 teenagers by herself (with heavenly help). I bear testimony that these things are true. Please give an open ear when our missionaries knock on your door or meet you. I promise you that prayerfully seeking to know the truth of these things will enrich your life as nothing else can. True happiness can only come from truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Son of God and our elder brother who is not completely understood in the world. I hope I can be your motivation to listen and open worlds of joy and happiness for you. Each one of you are precious to me and I would do anything for you. I have one more request...I am deeply touched by your sacrifice, prayers and service to our family. I want our community attention to turn to the healing of my dear friend, Jane Hughes, who faces a similar battle. I pray for positive coutcomes for her and want to have a community united behind her as well. I am so grateful to have crossed your path at some point in the past and know what promise the future holds for all of us. We are going to change this community, at the root and make a difference in just how we function, get along and thrive. I want to be there with you to do it together. Please work with me, please support those who are making difficult decisions which effect our livelihood and vitality. These are not easy decisions, but we have community capactiy to educate children, to change lives, and to effect real community change.

    With all sincerity, Mike

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  4. Dear Mike and Nancy,
    I eagerly read your blog every day and am thrilled to sense the joy and unity you feel as an individual family, as well as a larger family of friends who love you. You inspire me with your happiness and optimism in the face of adversity. I hope today is another good day.
    Love,
    Sandra

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  5. Dear Nancy and Mike, We have been praying several times a day for your complete recovery. We love you and your family and your mom very much. I hope each day you will get stronger and will soon be able to do all , well some. of the many things you usually do. Eunice and Garth

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  6. First- the 'Mormon Lawn'- I think Harrison also takes that to mean it shouldn't be mowed on Monday (family night) or Wednesday (young mens) or, well I'm sure he could find a reason for everyday!
    Second- Yes Mike you do have quite the lady there. I heard Micheal Wilcox quote his professor, "There is no greater joy than knowing the woman you love loves you" Then he added - "There is also no greater joy than knowing the God you love loves you."

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  7. Greetings, Mike and Nancy. Your 11 PM testimony was and is powerful. Thank you for sharing the words which your life has already and continues to show. We are truly one in the Spirit. PS The Camp Crosley day lillies you both planted in the rain are growing tall and strong!! Road trip in July to see the blooms.

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  8. Mike you are an inspiration to all! I am so glad to know you are home and doing well. We have you all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Frank Petty

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  9. Mike, Nancy, Hannah, Andy, It was quite a joy for us to get to be with you for a short time yesterday. It is so great to see and hear about all the love and kindness your friends and relatives are pouring out to you. You are so LOVED BY SO MANY. God must be very proud of all of you and we are feeling that HE will see this through. Be a good boy for Nancy and the other care givers. Again this morning we send our love and prayers. We will make sure that Glen Griener, Dave Neckers and Greg Parris along with other UC folks know of your message and will all be praying for you. Much love to all of you this day. Jane and Bill

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  10. Dear Ellis'
    I have just returned from vacation and I am slowly being filled in on your surgery, Mike. Please know how special the Ellis family has been to the Thomas' for the past 20 years and know we are hopeful and thinking only positive thoughts in our heads! That God for family and friends. Nancy..........I can't imagine your life right now....do I need to drop off chocolate? Hannah, are you OK?? If you need a chuckle just think of that swim meet trip and that ice cream cone incident:) We love you guys so put us on the late night phone call list! Susan, Bob, Abby and Lisa

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  11. Mike –
    I continue to be amazed about what I can learn about the world via this marvelous blog. I have now dubbed my yard a “Mormon Lawn” and it will remain unmowed until a neighbor comes over to do it. Preferably they will also bring me cookies.
    I may reside outside your faith but the more I hear about it the better it sounds.
    I hope your healing process continues and my best wishes to your supportive family.
    TWW

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  12. Nancy, I have just read the past comments.......is Jane Hughes "my" Jane Hughes whose son swam for Bob?? Yikes....SusanT

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  13. Pres Ellis~ Just wanted to let you that we here in the Mission Office are cheering for you! Thanks for having the blog so we aren't wishing for information and pestering people. Just get weller!! Thanks ~ Sister Hubbell

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  14. We so much appreciate this blog that keeps us current on your progress. So glad that you are doing well. Our ward loves you both and we have all been praying for your complete and speedy recovery. You are one of the special ones and God often uses you "SO" to teach the rest of us how a faithful person does things. Thank you for your beautiful example in this trial and for the examples you have been in the past. We just love you!! God bless!! Love ya, Clair and Faye J

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