held secure in His hand

I am sorry about taking so long to respond with good news about Ruth. Thank you for praying for her during the surgery and since then.

The procedure, known as electrophysiology surgery, was successful, and the doctor said the correct signal in her heart that pumps blood from the upper chamber to the lower chamber began to work better after he carterized the faulty one.

The dangerous part of the operation came when the doctor was about to do the procedure, but could not see the good signal. He said what he had to do was as dangerous as getting on the highway and driving with your eyes closed. He had to remove one signal without touching another one that he could not see!

Praise God the operation was successful!

Also during the operation, the surgen had to make incisions in three places, entering through veins to get to her heart. In her neck, he had to make an additional incision because one vein collapsed.

Again, thank you for praying for Ruth. She can't lift anything heavy for a bit, and is still sore from the surgery, but is doing better. It is a bit early to know if the operation has completely taken care of the problems she was having.


Have a blessed day!


Melanie

Counting down the days to the wedding, which is now about only 15 days...! While all that planning is going on, here is a little bit of what else is happening in our family.

Today my sister Ruth (18) goes into surgery to determine if the complications she has been having with her heart are what they have diagnosed it to be. It is possible that she may have two signals in her heart, where there should only be one in an average heart. If this is found to be so, the doctor plans to do a procedure to carterize one of them, so her heart will work properly. She has been told that this also may not be the solution to her problem, as the rapid heart rate she has been experiencing can be caused by many things. Please pray today at 3:30pm, as Ruth goes into surgery.

Also, my brother Jon (10) has come down with Strep throat, and looks like he may have asthma, as he is having trouble with his breathing, and lungs. Please pray for his healing, as well as protection for the rest of the family, as we have a wedding in two weeks, in which most of the family is a part of :)
We think Jon contracted this while away at camp last week. Poor guy almost enjoyed a whole week of fun, but ended up in the nurses station by the end of the week. :(

I am doing well, trying to get all the loose ends tied together for the wedding...cause it's my wedding! There are so many things left to do in such a short time, but it's awsome to see the Lord bringing it all together for us.

I am in the process of making connections with an oncologist in London, Ontario, where Michail and I will be living after our wedding, so that I can continue to have periodic checkups. My health continues to be great, though I know now a days, I have to be extra careful, as life tends to be a bit more stressful.

My sister Amanda is getting ready for her first time on a short term missions trip to Swaziland, S.Africa- the weekend immediately following my wedding. I am trying to help her as much as possible, and part of me wishes I was going too. I miss being out there on the field. Please keep Amanda in your prayers as she finishes up this week at her job, and then prepares to leave very soon after the wedding. She leaves on August 6, and will be gone for two weeks.

Thanks for praying - I will keep you posted about Ruth, and look forward to that being a good report!

God bless your day,

Melanie

Counting the days...

There is so much to share, and I hardly know where to start. My last update goes back to April 8. I have had a lot of friends ask lately how I am feeling, since I have not updated in quite a while. I'm sorry! Thank you to those who have been faithful to keep up with these updates, and waited patiently when I take so long to post a new report.

At the end of April, I visited Mt.Zion school of Ministry in PA for my sister Amanda's graduation. It was great to see some familiar faces, and many new ones. We were also able to spend time with our dear friends, the Fox family before returning home to Wisconsin. We had a wonderful time of praise and worship with this family - they are very musical and love to worship.

Since my last post, I have become betrothed to Michail - my Beloved fiance'! On May 14, our special Betrothal ceremony was held at my parents house, with our family, and a few close friends in attendance. On this day, we covenanted before God and witnesses to follow God together, and to be faithful to each other for the rest of our lives. It was almost like a small wedding ceremony, and according to ancient Biblical tradition, we would be considered married after this ceremony was finished, though not living together until our wedding ceremony.

I received my engagement ring, after we both read vows to each other, which we had written out. Then we had witnesses sign it - the same that will be our witnesses on the wedding day. Also included in the ceremony was a time when Michail officially proposed to me, and as a sign of accepting his hand in marriage, I had to follow his lead, and drink from a cup of wine(we used grape juice). I did not only have to drink from it, but drink all that was left after he drank, to show that I was willing to become his wife. Yes - I drank it all very willingly!

It was such a day of joyful celebration for us! Those in attendance on our special day were my immediate family, Michail's mom, our friend Paul, as well as Rabbi Eugene and his wife Dorota from London, ON Canada. From my hometown, two dear friends of mine came who were my former sunday school teachers when I was young. Pastor Dave and his wife Pat also shared this day with us, along with Bill and Linda - dear friends of my family. We had a couple times of praise and worship, among other memories like our parents praying prayers of blessing over us, and Michail and I anointing each other to consecrate our lives to one another.

Pictures from this day are posted in an album on Facebook!

After our Betrothal, I spent some more time in Canada, where Michail and I worked very hard on wedding preparations. Michail's mom finished altering my wedding dress, and I was able to take it home with me!

We also accomplished putting together our wedding invitations - even handpainting on the front! Michail enjoyed painting for the first time, and his enthusiasm was contagious! We found a paintbrush that fit into his pen splint perfectly! Also in London, Ontario, I also was given a bridal shower by Michail's sister Natasha. It was a special day, spending time with new friends in Canada, and my new in laws. The best part was at the very end, when each woman shared from her own experience - giving me advice for my marraige. I felt so blessed to have such friends already in Canada! My also mom came up by train to surprise me for the shower! That was so special for me to have her there.

When I returned, my sister Amanda gave me a second bridal shower. This one was in Burlington, WI at Meadowlark Acres Campground, where my dear friend Gramma Beth Wallace could be in attendance. Again I was blessed by many friends and family on this special day. Amanda and my family made it so memorable for me.

Finally, my health is excellent, and it is still improving as I continue to follow my diet, and healthy lifestyle. This month I have started jogging again, and have realized how much I have missed it. I feel great, and it's so good to be healthy, and know that everything is alright. I saw my surgeon for the last time before I move to Canada, where I will receive follow ups by a specialist there. My surgeon has once more given me a good report on my health, and I am so blessed by how the Lord has touched and healed my body. I am believing him for continued health for the future as well. Someone asked me recently if I have sick days, or times where I don't feel as great as others. I feel good every day! I try to go to sleep every night by 9:00pm, and if I do, I have plenty of energy all day long. Also, at the end of April, my family all got sick with pretty bad colds. One brother even had pneumonia. For the couple weeks while they all were sick, I remained perfectly healthy, which shows a great improvement to my immune system! In addition to my sleep pattern, I juice fresh vegetables almost every day, and eat according to a very strict diet, while also keeping up with drinking plenty of water. I am also taking some vitamins and supplements along with the good food to build up the weakened areas in my body.

Wedding plans are coming along pretty well, and when I look at the calendar, I can hardly believe that I am getting married in only 48 days! I am beginning to get responses back from guests, which is so exciting! I am so happy to see how everything is coming together! I am so looking forward to being married, and not being separated anymore from the one that I love. He really is a treasure like I never imagined I would possess! I have truly been blessed!

Update on Gwen Wilkerson

Pastor David Wilkerson's wife, Gwen survived the accident that took his life, but is still in ICU. Please continue to pray for her and her family, as some of her children and grandchildren are suffering with their heath as well.
Pray for Gwen that she would have understanding and closure about her husband's death, as well as healing from her injuries.
Here are a couple updates from Gwen's daughter Bonnie:

Tuesday : She is still in ICU and in much pain. She cries out to Jesus when she is awake and does not remember the car accident. The nurses say that every once in awhile she will cry out for Daddy. It has not sunk in her mind yet that her sweetheart is no longer by her side. She doesn't understand anything yet. Please God.....help!

Wednesday: If she doesn't start eating they will have to put a feeding tube in her stomach. She will be brought to a hospital rehab when the doctor thinks she is ready. The nurses all love her. Angels watch over her tonight! For now between God, the angels , the family, all the many many people praying for her I would say she is in good hands! Thank you for all the prayers.

Please pray dear friends. I can't imagine her loss, but we know the Lord is by her side to be her comfort.

Pastor David Wilkerson - Beloved Child of God - enjoying His presence

The following is a very comforting message written by Pastor David Wilkerson today - of all days. Pastor Dave was killed today in an accident. His wife is in critical condition. Please keep the family in your prayers. He will be greatly missed, but oh what joy in Heaven! I can just imagine the Father saying, " Welcome home, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Surely he fought the good fight, finished His course, and kept the faith.

WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
by David Wilkerson | April 27, 2011

To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).

Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.

Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.

That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”

Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”

Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.

To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

It makes me want to shout hallelujah!

I thought about this song this morning as I heard AWESOME news from Michail ! He had a visit from his nurse, and she has pronounced his bedsores completely gone! He now has one remaining bandage that stays in place for about 1 month. We are so excited to see the touch of the Lord on his body, and we are believing Him for complete healing!

When I think about the Lord
how He saved me, how He raised me
how He filled me with the Holy Ghost
how He healed me to the uttermost
When I think about the Lord
how He picked me up
turned me around
how He set my feet
on solid ground

It makes me want to shout
Hallelujah! thank you, Jesus!
Lord, you're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
Hallelujah! thank you, Jesus!
Lord, you're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!

It makes me want to shout!

April...for real?

I can't believe that it is April already. This year has begun to fly, and on one hand I am so excited that it is, because I am looking froward to my wedding, but then there is the load of things I have to accomplish before August, and I often wonder if time could slow down a little I might be able to breath better!

I am back in Milwaukee, and have realized that as easy as it was to work on things in Canada, I have to work a little harder here, as there is more commotion here at home with my family. I have to focus more. Making lists and keeping up with a certain pattern helps a lot, as well as always timing things... I feel like I don't know what I would do without a clock right now! :) I have also been informed that it is OK take time for myself, and not spend every waking moment working on wedding plans...cause I will burn out. I think this is wise advice, though it will be hard for me to make this a part of my life. I don't like to fuss over myself too much, but I know I have to take care of my body.

The sun is shining today! I am looking forward to warm weather and the arrival of Spring. There is 1 month and 8 days remaining before Michail and I will be betrothed. We are so excited! I have been blessed by the Lord so much by such a wonderful man of God. All my love to you my sweetest!

we are getting married!

Think, think, think...sometimes it is hard to know what to write when I sit down to update here. As I ponder, I am sitting down in the kitchen that will be my own in a few short months. For those who have not heard the news, I am getting married!
In January, Michail asked me to marry him, and I accepted with all my heart. We have set our wedding date for August 2, which I have begun to realize is not very far off! Shortly after our wedding, I will move to Canada with my Beloved.

We will take up residence in the home that Michail has prepared for us in London, Ontario.

Now I am in the midst of a lot of wedding planning. I am struggling to keep myself stress-free in the middle of thoughts that want to run in all directions, even when I am sleeping!
As I mentioned, I am in Canada, and Michail and I are working on making the most of our two weeks of time together to get as much accomplished as possible in preparation for our betrothal and wedding. Betrothal is the Biblical form of engagement. However, it is as binding as marriage, and at the betrothal we will exchange the same vows that we will on our wedding day, only in a more intimate, family setting. Michail will officially ask me to marry him, and will give me a ring!

While here in Canada, I am also getting my wedding dress altered, which I was able to find in January, thanks to my awesome cousin, who kept her eyes open for me! The story gets better though - the dress was only $50.00! Now tell me who buys a wedding dress for that crazy price? The size was much too large, but Michail's mom is an excellent seamstress, and is working hard on it for me! God is so good to me, and I am so grateful for the ways He is showing me that He cares.As for a health update, Michail is still recovering from one final bedsore, and we are praising the Lord that soon he will be able to be back to normal again, as the remaining sore is very small now. In all actuality Michail's recovery time has been quite rapid in light of how long these type of sores have been known to last.

Once more, I have been to the doctor for a 3 month checkup, and have returned with more good news! God has been faithful to continue to bring healing to my body following the removal of a malignant tumor last August. The cancer marker in my blood has come back even more favorable towards my recovery this time. I am still strictly following a high alkaline diet, which requires a lot of my time and effort, as well as self control, as I am avoiding eating a lot of foods that I have been accustomed to in the past. For those who may ask, this diet is a change in my lifestyle as well, as in order to keep my body healthy, I need to be careful to take extra care of it from now on. I have been eating carefully since August - following my operation. Michail has committed to help me by changing his diet also to make it easier for me. It has proved beneficial for him as well.
I am looking forward to helping plant my garden here in Canada (as we know Spring is just around the corner), as we will be reaping the fruit of it shortly after we are married! Thinking ahead is hard sometimes, but as I do, I would ask that you would remember us in your prayers as we both are making dramatic changes in our lives. Here are a few things to pray for on my end:

-My move to Canada, and all that this may involve, known and unknown
-transporting my things across the border, especially myself
-change of drivers license, and other legal paperwork
-health coverage until I become a permanent resident (Canada has socialized medicine)
-making the right connections with a doctor in Canada for my periodic checkups

-Wisdom for choosing and purchasing a bed that will suit Michail's needs and fit two :)

-Adjusting to life in a new country

-Learning the Russian language -for easier communication with Michail's mom

I appreciate you all so much, and though I may not know who exactly reads this, I am glad to be able to update you and share the good news of what God is doing in my life.

Blessings and Shalom!

With the changing of seasons comes lots of new beginnings

Dear friends,

I don't have too much to say, as I am going to update very soon. I do have a lot to say...

I know I sound confused, but as I am having another checkup with the doctor in a couple weeks, I will update then.

Thank you all for following this blog, and for remembering me in your prayers. I appreciate you guys!

Melanie

He has carried me

January 5, 2011

Dear Friends,

Here is another update on my health, for all of you who have been keeping up with me in regards to all that has transpired this past year.

At the end of December, I had an appointment with my surgeon for a routine checkup on my healing process after surgery four months ago. It's hard to believe so much time has gone by already! God has been faithful to do His work in my body, and I am continuing to trust Him for complete healing.

Results from my blood work came back normal, where before the cancer marking levels were extremely elevated. My scar is healing well, and everything else seems to be doing great. My doctor said I should be able to do anything I want now, though I know I need to work on bringing my strength back to what it used to be before my operation.

Personally, I feel very healthy, though I know that some things in my body will still take a while to be restored to complete health. I am continuing to follow a high alkaline diet recommended by my personal health practitioner. Some people have asked me how long I will continue with such a strict diet. I can't say I know the time frame, but I am taking each day as it comes, and trusting the Lord to guide me. I feel comfortable following the advice of my natural doctor, and healing my body the way God intended.

Michail (a.k.a. Misha), my beloved, is continuing to heal from his bedsores. His recovery has been long and trying, but not unprofitable. At Misha's last checkup with his wound doctor, the report was good, and very soon he will be able to be up and around like before. Hopefully by February things will be able to pick up their normal pace. One sore has almost completely closed up, and the other will follow soon. We are praising the Lord for His healing in both of our lives.

Our relationship has been blossoming in spite of the circumstances that have threatened to create a lot of stress and hardship in our lives. God has taught us how to use our difficulties to return praise back to Him. Together we are learning how to trust. Our Father has been teaching us how to stand up under pressure, so that we can in turn help those who find themselves in similar circumstances. He has not taken away our sufferings, but enabled us to grow, to overcome and to learn through them. I am blessed by how closely the Lord has interwoven our hearts in 2010, and look forward to the future that the Father Himself has been preparing for us. Michail and I are continuing to trust the Lord to provide financially, as I am unemployed since my operation. Please pray with me about getting a job, or some way to help cover expenses. There are high costs associated with the vitamins I am taking to regain my health. In addition, there are outstanding hospital bills yet to be paid.

My Grandma passed away on December 30 after struggling for quite some time with Dementia. I am glad that she is now no longer in pain, and is in the presence of our Lord. My family an I are in Missouri presently, as her funeral service was held yesterday, January 4. My mom and her family have a lot of sorting to do pertaining to what my grandmother left behind.

Please continue to keep my mom and her family in your prayers. Grandma had 10 children, 26 grandkids, and 11 grandkids. We all miss her.

Once again, I want to thank all of you for your prayers. I can't describe how blessed I am to have such a wall of support around me!

Blessings,

Melanie Phillips