I’ve been more tired than usual this week. It seems that if I don’t have at least 12 hours sleep at night, my day is tough.
I’m still encouraged by your comments, more encouraged than you’ll ever know.
Not much else to say. Mendelt and I are going to continue to keep fighting and we hope that you’ll keep praying.
Thank you,
Love Marisa
40 comments
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April 17, 2007 at 6:58 am
Ingrid
keep fighting Mrs. Vanderveen! Always have hope in the Lord, he can always pull you through no matter have hard your struggles may be! God bless you!
Emily Vos
April 17, 2007 at 8:13 am
Harriett Draaistra
Dear Marisa and Mendelt: Be assured that you will never be out of our prayers! Our thoughts are with you often and we know that our great healer is watching over you. Psalm 103 tells us that he heals all our diseases. This is the hope that my parents held to when my 27 year old sister was struggling with cancer and I hope it will be of comfort to you as well. May God give you rest and strength and may we all be amazed at His miracles in your life!
April 17, 2007 at 8:28 am
everydaymiracle
Sweet Marisa,
I am still praying.
In Him,
Sherri
April 17, 2007 at 9:21 am
jim poelman
Dear Marisa and Mendelt
We certainly are keeping you, your children and parents in our prayers. We eagerly await for God to make good His promise… “There will be no more…pain” Rev. 21:3-5)
We love you.
Jim and Linda Poelman
April 17, 2007 at 9:55 am
Susanne
Dearest Marisa and Mendelt,
We continue to pray for healing, for nights of restful sleep, for special family times and for the peace of Christ to fill you to overflowing. Thank you for continuing to allow us all to share in the journey. You have blessed us immensely. Take courage, take courage!
love and prayers,
Susanne (and family)
April 17, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Liz Schouwstra
Dear Marisa,
Thank you for giving us a little insight of how things are going right now. I can only imagine how much energy it takes to even think about writing a note when your strength is so limited. Be assured that many people are praying for you and the family. In some ways it seems like such a small thing to do considering the battle you are fighting, but we have the assurance that our faithful Father in heaven hears every prayer and utterance and as we humbly bring our requests before Him, we have that peace and assurance that He loves His children more than we can ever humanly understand. We think of the love that we have for our own children and sometimes think that nobody can surpass that love. But amazing grace, God’s love for His precious children is far greater and is a perfect love. My prayer for you, Marisa, is that you will be able to rest in that perfect love of our gracious and covenant God.
It’s amazing how the Lord brings scripture to mind and I had to think of our Pake’s (VanderVeen) favorite scripture and was also often read to our Beppe. That passage was Psalm 27. Some of the highlighted verses are:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? (vs 1)
Though an army besiege me,
My heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident (vs 3 – reminds me a bit of the battle of cancer waging war in your body)
One thing I ask of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to seek Him in His temple.
For in the day of trouble
He will keep me safe in His dwelling;
He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;
at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord. (vs 4-6)
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (vs 13-14)
I know that this passage meant a lot to both our Pake and Beppe as they could testify to the Lord’s working in their life. That confidence in the Lord, despite all their hardships, was a real witness to their children and grandchildren. I think what struck me the most was their contentment in the Lord as they believed in His sovereignty. Whatever the Lord did was good, despite the pain, and that is why “dwelling in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” was so important to Pake and Beppe. They had a steadfast faith that has been passed down as an example to us, as grandchildren.
What a blessing we have as we can read the same words of the Bible as our forefathers and know that the promises of old are as fresh and new and real to us today as in the years past when Pake and Beppe would read them around the table at meal times – for me that was down the hill in Thistletown (with all those cats and therefore, I had to keep my eyes open during prayer just incase they decided to jump on my lap – I did not inherit that love for animals from Pake and Beppe), then in Tottenham, and then in Holland Christian Homes.
I encourage you, Marisa and Mendelt, as it says in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
Love,
Liz
April 17, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Marg DeJong
Rest assured you are being prayed for and thought of daily. Love Rob and Marg DeJong and family
April 17, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Jan Gerzinus and Margreet
Hi Marisa,
It’s a hard time, but we hope (and read) that you will keep on fighting. You have a wonderful husband, family and friends: we hope that they will keep on carrying you.
From the other side of the ocean: we’re still thinking of you!
Love,
Jan Gerzinus and Margreet
April 17, 2007 at 1:51 pm
G & R VandenBerg
Hi Marisa and Mendelt!! I just read your latest “wise” words- that you and your husband will continue to fight!!! I do not know what you are going through but there is a verse in the bible that is going through my head “fight the good fight of faith” 1 Timothy 6:12. May you feel God’s strength in all that you are experiencing and going through and may you also feel all the love we have towards you ALL!! Love and prayers R&G VandenBerg
April 17, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Hank and Michelle
We’re praying (and we’re trusting that the Spirit is interceeding with groans that our words cannot express)!
“…suffering produces perseverence; perseverence, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5
Keep fighting and be assured of our praying.
We love you all dearly,
Hank and Michelle
April 17, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Jennifer (Geerts) Brennan
Still thinking of you and praying for you daily.
April 17, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Annette and Rob Schreuders
We are praying for you, daily, for God’s strength, to be yours. May you receive the rest you need to keep up the fight.
TAKE COURAGE dear Marisa and Mendelt
May you feel God’s arms around you, always. “not much else to say” you wrote. that’s okay; you don’t have to say anything; we’re all praying and ’saying’ for you to the Lord to give you moments of joy in every day.
Lots of love from us,
Annette and family
April 17, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Josh VanDyke
You’re in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I admire your strength and courage.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Hugs,
Josh
April 17, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Mike and Karen Carmody
You can be sure we’ll keep praying. Not much else to say here either.
Love you lots.
Karen
April 17, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Sarah Vanderkooy
I will pray for you, for rest for your body, rest for your mind, and rest for your soul. The song “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee” comes to mind. It sounds trite to write it but it is true, when we are focussed on God, we are able to rest in peace. I pray that you will soar….like on wings of eagles.
Continuing to pray,
Sarah
April 18, 2007 at 5:53 am
gary
Marisa:
You sound tired and spent – no wonder!!!
Just a short note to cheer you on today. This marathon is getting long me thinks but as you run it we see so many on both sides of the street giving you “high fives”; cheering words “Go Marisa Go”; holding up placards with verses; singing songs; – breathe deeply and keep those feet moving – there is Someone running right alongside you and Mendelt.
There is always that reserve deep within us – but not yet – keep that for later – for now Keep it up Marisa!!!!
Praying this morning for you all,
GT
April 18, 2007 at 6:46 am
Yvonne and Terry Veldboom and girls
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
We were drawn to your writings after reading about you in the community sheet in the St. Catharines bulletin and knowing Mendelt from St. Catharines and his work at Bethesda and Smithville. I started reading on Sunday evening and have read everything you have written from the beginning. I think of almost nothing else as my days are filled with thoughts and prayers for you and your precious children. Our family devotional yesterday morning reflected on Christ’s love ~ “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1 Cor. 13:7.
In our thoughts and prayers, with love, Terry and Yvonne Veldboom
April 18, 2007 at 9:02 am
Neeke de Boer
Dear Marisa,
We are proud of you; although it must be very hard for you, you keep on fighting. We keep on praying!
Love,
Rene, Neeke & kids
April 18, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Christina Hogeterp Vugteveen
Marisa you have been a fighter an a real champion in the days that we were connected way back on the Redeemer basketball court. I have always had such an admiration for the person that you are, and think of those days fondly. Though our paths have gone seperate ways, there is still that deeper connection in Christ. We are praying for you guys. Pax
Much love to you both
Christina Hogeterp Vugteveen
April 18, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Alicia (Molenhuis) Looyenga
Dear Mendelt and Marisa,
My kitchen floor is sticky.
My 8 month old is constipated and cranky.
My older boys fight more than I would like to deal with.
I’m lacking sleep…
These things are kind of getting me down this week. Isn’t that ridiculous? When I feel this way, I think of you and I pray for your kitchen floor, cuz you’ve got bigger battles to fight and from what I read in your blog, you are fighting them with so much grace that can only mean that God has his hands upon you. God is fighting right along side you and for you when your strength is gone.
By God’s grace alone, I’m off to wipe the hairy orange juice stain under the kitchen table.
Praying for big and small miracles,
Alicia (I was in your Redeemer year and used to work with CH folks who went to Bethesda for music therapy.)
April 18, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Natalie Boydston
I a stranger to you, yet a sister in Christ. I stumbled upon your website today. I am, right now, in my husband’s hospital room at UCLA Medical Center. He was diagnosed with leukemia almost a year ago. He was in remission but then relapsed. He just received a stem cell transplant (from an umbilical cord) last week. Through cancer, I have learned a lot about faith and relying completely on God, as I’m sure you have too. Keep trusting God, expect to see a miracle. I hold you in my prayers!
2 Corinthians 1:9-11 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
April 18, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Margaret
Oh marisa, so many people are praying for you.When I read your blog I am just amazed your name is known in so many parts of the world not just Canada but Europe and didn’t I read a comment from indonesia?
Praise God for this technolgy that makes it possible . God hears your name being wispered al through the day. you are brought before his throne constantly.
Remember:
God hears
God cares
God loves you.
And so do I and I will keep on praying for you.
Love you lots, Marg
April 19, 2007 at 7:41 am
Brian and Ellen Vyn
I always found my little daily devotional to have such powerful little messages just when I needed them. I will share some with you.
“Sure I must fight, if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord;
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.” -I. Watts
“Did ever trouble yet befall,
And He refuse to hear your call?
And has He not His promise passed,
That you shall overcome at last?” – John Newton
“So on I go-not knowing; I would not if I might;
I’d rather walk in the dark with God
Than go alone in the light;
I’d rather walk by faith with Him
Than go alone by sight.” -M.G. Brainard
April 19, 2007 at 10:42 am
Betty Steenbeek
Marisa, Mendelt and children
May you feel the Spirit’s presence as God’s arms surround you with comfort and strength. You are engraved in the palm of His hand.
Betty, Tony, Derek and Kyle Steenbeek
April 19, 2007 at 12:08 pm
dorene
Dear Family: today I pray you will experience the “ordianary miracles” of life, like
the holding of each others hands, looking into each others eyes and speaking volumes without saying a word, tucking in your little ones at night and giving them a big hug, sharing a laugh and defintely sharing the tears, watching the sun come up and go down and knowing our Heavenly Father is always, always in control.l
Many prayers, Dorene
April 19, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Tricia DeVries
Thinking of you often throughout the day, we continue to pray for you and your family.
April 19, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Matt Van Geest
Hey Marisa,
Keep it up. We won’t let you down – we’ll keep praying.
Matt
April 19, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Diane Bakker
Dear Marisa,
It was good to hear from you! You know that the longer the span of time between postings has us on praying harder and lifting you up constantly.
We continue to pray….pray…….and pray some more…
“He who has begun a good work in you will see it to completion”.
We pray that completion comes soon and for your physical restoration!!
Keep strong and keep the faith
Thinking of you all every day!
Diane
April 20, 2007 at 9:50 am
Rebecca Thalmann
Dear Marisa
I am definately still praying for you (often at night when I am feeding Montgomery (it is quiet then and if you are awake in worry I want you to know that God and I are talking about you and battling for you)). Hopefully that gives you peaceful sleep.
Stay strong and keep holding on!
Love Rebecca
PS. Mendelt, You wrote earlier that you hoped that Marisa’s heart wouldn’t rust because of all the tears…DON’T WORRY!!! GOLD DOESN’T RUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 20, 2007 at 9:54 am
Chris & Cheri
Hi Marisa,
We are thinking of you constantly. We won’t stop praying.
I will, however, try to stop phoning after 10PM from the Saddledome.
CG
April 20, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Marsha (Nijp) Daggett
Dear Marisa & Mendelt
Be encouraged. We know that it is difficult to do when you are in the midst of battling cancer. While going through this situation with my dad God provided our family with a level of strength and courage that we never knew we had. We don’t know what God’s plans are but we do know that God’s plans are bigger than ours even though it is difficult to believe at the time. He will bring you both through this and your family will be closer together than it ever was before. God brought our family through this and he will bring yours through as well.
We also wanted to mention that Bethel Pentecostal Church in Sarnia is in the midst of a revival. Many people are being healed from all kinds of illnesses and set free from addictions. You may want to check out their website at sarniarevival.com for more information.
As we said before be encouraged. We love you, God loves you and many people are praying for you.
Love,
Frank & Marsha
April 20, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Eric and Lisa
Prayers keep going up. May you be given stength.
Lots of Love
Lisa
April 20, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Corrie
Dear Marisa: Thinking of you so often and praying that God will give you rest and peace. As you rest this night, and as a new day comes tomorrow, I pray that you will be able to: “Cast all your anixiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Dear Mendelt: I pray that God will continue to keep you strong. May He be your source of strength and courage as you care for Marisa and those wonderful kids!
Luv & God bless – cJz
April 21, 2007 at 9:00 am
Gary Reitsma
Dear Mendelt and Marissa
I’ve been following your courageous battle for some time.
Mendelt your piece “Dear Cancer” was insightful and drew the right conclusion. I used it in our devotions the other day at OACS along with Thess. 4:13-18.
Marisa we love you and pray that God will give you peace even in the darker hours.
I’ll continue to pray for that elusive miracle.
GR
April 21, 2007 at 11:18 am
Sherri deGraaf
Mendelt and Marisa
Just thinking about you again today. I hope the nice weather is uplifting for your spirits. Stay strong.
sherri
April 21, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Steve and Julia Kooy
Dear Marisa.
Steve and I are praying for you and Mendelt everyday.
Wish we could do more. Praying for “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”
We love you our dear, sweet Marisa,
Steve and Julia
April 22, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Leanne Riebot
Hello there, I am leanne riebot, i think you know me Mr.Hoekstra, im Jen and Stacey Riebots little sister. I just wanted to let you know, that I pray for you nightly, and i hope that you put all your hope and faith in God, because he can do anything. I hope that you are staying strong, and I know that there are many people who are there for you, and staying strong for you.
My friend Erin VanderVeen and I, and hosting a prayer chapel at our school on Wednesday April 25th,(Christian Education Week) We are praying for you, The Vermeers, and anyone else who is suffering, or has suffered cancer. We have voulenteers who wrote prayers for cancer, and healing. And my friend Rachael Klner and I wrote a prayer, deticated to you, i will write it down here, and please e-mail me back, and tell me if there is anything else that you think we should add. Here goes,
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for bringing us all here today, I would like to dedicate this prayer to the dear Hoekstra Family. Lord, and cancer has entered their family, please be with them. And show them your overflowing love and strength in this difficult time. Please give Mr.Hoekstra strength to continue to support his wife. Lord, also be with their children, Zion, Jacoba, and Zekiah as they are very young. We know how amazing and powerful you are, so if it is your will, please heal Mrs.Hoekstra. Lord we know you have a plan, and it might not always be what we want it to be, but in the end, the results always work out for the best. Please bless this family, and please help their faith to be fully towards you.
In Jesus gracious and glorious name me pray, Amen.
So please contact me, either e-mail riebot17@hotmail.com, or call me (905)-774-8461. Many people are praying for you, so stay strong! You are in my prayers! Lots of love, Leanne.
April 23, 2007 at 8:55 am
Pamela Brocklehurst (Van Wingerden)
Dear Marissa and Mendelt,
You do not know me but a friend of mine told me about your story. I live in North Carolina and even though I am far away and I do not know your family, you are in my prayers. Your faith has strengthened my faith.
I get K-LOVE’s (a radio station) encourgaing word everyday in my email and today’s made me think of you.
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 NLT
A Deeper Look:[these are words from K-LOVE'S website]
God has big plans for you–even if it may not seem like it right now. Even in the worst of circumstances, God has provided a heavenly hope. Keep telling him about your struggles, and he’ll keep holding you up.
You are in my daily prayers,
Pamela
April 26, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Kris
I stumbled – literally – across this site today. I have no idea how I got here, but I am grateful to be led.
I am just a stranger from far away – way over here in Lynden, WA – but I want you to know that you have my prayers for God’s healing, His Grace, His Mercy and His Wisdom.
May His light guide you and keep you during this time in your life.
God Bless You All.
July 21, 2007 at 12:33 am
Sara
i did just as the person before me “Kris” just stumbled across this page.
I typed in “Be patient in trouble” hoping to find some encouraging words. And i foudn this. I am a teen fighting depression. its been off and on. and i realized how much harder my life could be from reading this. I really hope you are doing ok. god is here to help everyone, especailly ppl like you. and its amazing how even simple issues i deal with when i get upset from something at school. he makes time for it and helps me through it.
I will pray for you tonight, and others that may be fighting any disease. God will always be there for you with you and he’ll never let you go. Anything you are going thru. God wants to happen. He is controlling this. and it may not make sense. but he is doing this. so believe in him. and trust him.