It was tougher than ‘usual’ today at the Cancer clinic. This whole new world seemed way too real today. The faces on the people seemed weathered. The eyes seemed tired. Maybe that was my projection of the situation but the burden seemed very evident today.
There were many tears shed today. I just pray that Marisa’s tears don’t rust her shining heart.
Thank you to all who prayed for us today. We don’t know how we would do this without you. I’ll repeat that…we don’t know how we would do this without you.
Love Mendelt
Life 
49 comments
Comments feed for this article
April 3, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Harold & Robin
We hold you up in prayer daily, knowing our Father is faithful, and his mercies are new every morning. Remember that he cries along with you, and feels and knows your pain. When you are weak, may his strength carry you through.
His Peace to your whole family.
Robin and Harold
Christopher, Rebekah, Suzanna, Isaiah, and baby Abigail
P.S. – my children faithfully pray at meals and bedtime for you, and never forget. Children’s faith is so pure and simple. May we all have faith like that, especially during the low times!
April 3, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Rachel Wiersma
Both of you have so much strength. I’m still praying for you guys and don’t forget, if you need anything, just give me a shout. I’d love to help.
April 3, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Mike & Sheri
If we had a bucket(s) for all the tears that are being shed along with you we could grow a lovely garden full of the most beautiful flowers – as beautiful as Marisa is and as fragrant as the love pouring out of Mendelt. Sending hugs and much strength to you both.
~ Sheri & Mike
April 3, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Vince VanderVeen
I couldn’t make it to the service at the church today, for obvious reasons, but I was praying. I am thinking of you, although from my perspective it is sometimes so hard to imagine what it is like for you.
Another snail mail letter is en route; hopefully it gets there this week before Friday.
with love,
Vince
April 3, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Rose Tamming
Your honesty is beautiful…so are you guys…
Praying for brighter days…
Love, Rose
April 3, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Carrie DeRoo
Hi Marisa. I’m sorry to hear today was not a great day. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Carrie
April 3, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Hank and Michelle
We’re praying for incredible results to this chemo infusion.
Keep your eyes focused on our Risen Saviour.
In His victory,
Hank and Michelle
April 3, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Liz Schouwstra
I just read your note for today wondering how things went. Many times throughtout the day you people came to mind and I prayed that the Lord’s peace and grace would be especially near to you. You are very precious to the Lord and He holds you in the palm of His hand – a safe place when the burden of the whole situation seems so overwhelming. Hold on to the promises of the Lord, that He is with you and loves and cares for you more than you could ever know.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Brian, Liz and family
April 4, 2007 at 1:21 am
Wendy Jagt (Amsinga)
We think of you a million times each day. Keep strong you guys! xoxo Wendy & John-Jay
April 4, 2007 at 1:50 am
Jake & Ann Ellens
Mendelt
You are on the front line in the battle field of human suffering. Not only do you see, hear and feel Marisa’s pain as well as your own, but the many wounded. Some old, some young, parents as well as children. We are here to support you, pray with and for you and help in any way we can, but we are not on the front line. Yet, be assured we share a measure of your pain. As we approach Good Friday we are reminded that the Son of God came to our battle field, moved passed us to the front line and stood alone so that we would one day be free of suffering and pain. Free. May the Lord continue to give you courage and fill you both with His peace.
Jake
April 4, 2007 at 7:46 am
Christina Bezemer
I wonder if we will ever know, how many tears were shed for you and your family through out this whole ordeal. Tears of sorrow for a time and tears of rejoicing later!
Isaiah 25:8
“…he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.”
1 Peter 3: 12
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer,”
Take courage, take hope, take comfort. Our minds can not fathom how many prayers are raised up on your behalf everyday!
Love, The Bezemer Bunch
April 4, 2007 at 8:21 am
Susanne
Dearest Marisa and Mendelt,
We send you much love and offer many prayers to the God of love and hope.
I pray that you will be able to rest well today and that you will feel the peace of Christ.
Susanne and Dan and family
April 4, 2007 at 8:43 am
mendelt en willy tillema
Dear Marisa, dear Mendelt, dear kids and dear family,
……..Words can not express how our feelings are for all of you in this situation at this moment.
You all are in our thoughts….
A lot of strenght.
Dear greetings,
Mendelt en Willy Tillema
April 4, 2007 at 9:04 am
The Pots
The heaviness is also evident between your words. Thanks for being honest. We’ve been lifting you up daily, several times a day. May His strength carry you both above and over this. No words suffice at this time – the Spirit will intercede. May you find joy this day, perhaps in the smallest thing.
In His grip.
April 4, 2007 at 9:59 am
Julie Pilling
The LORD is my Rock, my Fortress and my Deliverer;
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my Salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the LORD who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me.
In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to God for help.
From His temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
Psalm 18:2-6
We pray to Him, the Rock, because we know there are so many reasons why He might well intervene in what the world calls ‘dire’ needs. He can reverse a doctor’s prognosis…He can work miracles where modern medicine fail…he can use supernatural powers through the treatments that the world uses. And sometimes, He works in such a way as to wake up the medical profession and us to the fact that He holds life and the restoration of health in His hands. Ulitmately it is He who is the Great Physician.
He is the Rock. We have no ‘saint’ to pray to….we have God himself to listen to the prayers of his people.
And so Marisa and Mendelt….we pray…we pray for just one more miracle…because as you said….it sure wouldn’t hurt!
And do not fear Mendelt…your Marisa’s heart won’t rust…the tears just help to wash it clean to shine and be filled again with joy and hope. The tears work as a cleaner to scrub away the doubt and fear the Devil tries to dirty our hearts with.
Love and prayers to you this day,
Jules
April 4, 2007 at 11:15 am
The Pols family
Good morning guys. You were in my thoughts and in my prayers in an extra measure yesterday as Marisa went for another treatment. I’m glad that another one is over and that God continues to sustain you – even as you feel heavy laiden. With God as your source of daily strength, Marisa’s heart will never turn to rust and her faith will shine forth in brilliance! Those around you are blessed by your testimony in Jesus Christ, and may hardened hearts be softened in your presence.
We are left confused and troubled, even angered at times that we are to suffer so, in this life. May this not be so. God is God, and we are fallen, and we must totally rely upon Him to save us through His Son, wholeheartedly trusting HIS WILL for our lives; it is His and we are His; it is perfect and in Him we are made so. God commands us in His Word to take up our cross and follow Him — seems that some of us have a much heavier cross than others, but God gives the strength where and when it is needed. We need but ask.
This weekend as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, may we be blessed richly by the assurance of our salvation and may we glorify God in our suffering and moments of uncertainty…God knows there are many.
Praise God for the eternal Glory that awaits us!!
Be courageous in Him and press on toward that goal.
Love and prayers,
Cheryl, Andrew and boys
xoxo
April 4, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Thom Harris
Hey Guys,
We are all here thinking of you and praying for you!!!
I heard a song on the radio the other day not sure of the singer but it was a country song. It said “when you don’t feel like praying….. pray anyway and when you don’t feel like smiling…. smile anyway”. Not just for the sake of it but because during those times when life seems the most dire, God is with us. He doesn’t leave our side and he wants us to talk to him because he loves us. That is such and awesome reality!
Life can kick the crap out of us sometimes all we can do is pray anyway and smile anyway.
Much Love,
Thom
April 4, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Corrie
Dear Marisa & Mendelt: This morning at coffee break we continued with our Beth Moore study on Living Beyond Yourself (Exploring the fruit of the Spirit). I so thought of you both. One of the verses” “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph. 3:17 Then she goes on to say, “The context which leads to this precious portrait of God’s tender heart and nurturing Spirit is the calming of a child’s fears by his father. These verses beautifully illustrate that blessed moment in which God’s throne becomes a rocking chair and He pulls His fretting, fearful child into His arms and says, ‘It’s OK, I’m right here.’ This is the precious picture of a parent savoring the moment as His child’s frame finally rests in His arms to the tender melody of a lullaby.”
Marisa, this is how I have been picturing you today. Being rocked in God’s arms, comforting you, holding you close, listening to His heart beat – safe in the arms of Jesus. It is my prayer that you will feel His arms of love around you during this trying time. May He quiet your anxious fears, soothe your pain and know that He loves your even more than you love those miracles of love (ZJZ) He has blessed you with. Praying with you and for you all for ‘another’ miracle.
Luv & God bless – cJz
April 4, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Robyn Bezuyen
May the love of God surround you and may he cradle you as you weep and shed your tears. For Jesus weeps for those he loves. And be assured that you are one of the ones he loves.
Peace,
The Bezuyen’s
Terry Robyn Katryna Emily and Mackenzie
April 4, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Tara Clark (Kunkel)
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the healer, the one full of grace and mercy. He is enough and will store up every tear you shed to be used for his glory. You(s) are “hard pressed on every side but not broken”. Don’t be distracted by what you see around you the Lord is at work. Keep your eyes from “moving to the left or the right”. Keep pressing. I don’t begin to understand what you are going through, but I do know a most powerful Lord who loves you and your children. Rest and peace that surpasses all understanding to you both. He is so good.
April 4, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Annette and Rob Schreuders
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
Thanks for your honesty. We are praying with you, crying with you and taking courage with you.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth
will grow strangely dim
in the LIGHT of His GLORY and GRACE.”
May God be your strength and give you some rest.
Love annette and rob
April 4, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Wilma Groot
This blog inspires me ..it is wonderful to share our honest feelings and thoughts. Yes, we continue to pray for you all daily and trust that someway your prayers may be answered.
Hope you have a blessed Easter weekend!
April 4, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Tim and Daphne Vaandering
Dear Marissa, Mendelt and family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Remember God is all the “Rust Proof” we need. May you feel His loving arms surounding you all !!
Love
the Vaanderings
April 4, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Rusty and Leona
I’ve thought of yous guys when I hear Martina McBride’s song, ‘Anyway’, which may or may not be the song Thom is referring to, but here’s the lyrics anyway….
Anyway by Martina McBride/Brett Warren/Brad Warren
You can spend your whole life building
something from nothing
one storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You can chase a dream
that seems so out of reach
and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway
God is great
But sometimes life ain’t good
and when I pray
It doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway
This world’s gone crazy
and it’s hard to believe
that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart
for all the right reasons
and in a moment they can choose to walk away
love ’em anyway
God is great
But sometimes life ain’t good
when I pray
it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway yeah
You can pour your soul out singin’
a song you believe in
that tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway
Yeah yeah
I sing
I dream
I love
Anyway.
Yeah.
Hope you’re feeling OK
Shalom
Love Leona and Rusty (although Rusty doesn’t have an appreciation for country music like I do-if he did he’d be near perfect)
April 4, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Mark & Laura Bassie
Tears . . .
so delicate
so plentiful
bring release
bring healing
God’s strength made perfect in weakness
I pray that these tears of fear, frustration, sorrow, may very, very soon turn to tears of pure joy and thankfulness.
Psalm 16:1 – “Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge”
May you continue to take refuge in the mighty wings of the Lord your God and He will surely keep you safe.
Keep holdin’ on!! The both of you and your family are constantly in our prayers. Don’t know what else to say . . . but that we love you!
Grace & Peace,
Mark, Laura, Niesje, Sierra, Summer & Connor
April 5, 2007 at 6:05 am
Nancy
You don’t know me, but I have been following your journey as a former teacher at FV. I’m now a missionary at an orphanage in Mozambique and pray for you often. As I read your entry today I pray that the Lord speaks new life and hope into your whole family. I was reminded of what the Lord told Jehosophat when he faced a vast army in 2 Chron. 20:15-17. “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. . . Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” Years ago when my parents nearly lost me, the Lord took them to this passage to encourage them and give them new hope in the midst of their tears and discouragement. May you know the resurrection/healing power in your family and in Marisa’s body this coming weekend. With love and prayers for healing from Africa.
April 5, 2007 at 7:16 am
trinda
To see the Hand of God in times of prolonged anquish and suffering, requires innummerable choices to deny bitterness and to pray.
It is the Lord Himself who collects each and every one of our tears. He does not let one little drop roll down without it being seen, counted and remembered by Him alone.
Is it not God that we will praise? In God we have trusted and will not fear. Psalms 56: 8-11
Each Friday past, I would drive a van to bowling. And each time we pass your house, we would all say a prayer………….indeed the prayers of the children and the prayers of the feeble are very clear in His ears.
much love
trinda
April 5, 2007 at 9:46 am
DORENE
Life can be such a battle but always remember who is our Commander and Chief
April 5, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Jody Roest (Vandeputte)
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
Just want to thank you both for sharing this very difficult burden with us all. You are blessing many people with your words and honesty. We all surround you and your family with prayers of love and pleading to God. May He reveal Himself to you and ease your way; may He be even more real to you than all the terrors of the night and day. My children also pray for you every day. We lift you up, and your children, your parents, all your family and friends–we all hurt about this. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, both seen and unseen.
Love,
Jody and Clarence Roest, Masozi, Chihinga, and Samuel
P.S. Thank-you also to all who write comments here–you are blessing so many people as well.
April 5, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Lauren Heinen
Dear Marisa, Mendelt, and Family
I see your perseverance, faith, endurance, love, courage, and hope through these difficult times and I cannot even describe the way you provide encouragement and inspiration to myself and so many others. I check your blog often for updates, and it breaks my heart to read about difficult and trying times, but I have a great appreciation for your honesty through your trials. I want you to know that you are on my mind frequently and I am praying for another miracle.
I pray that God will reveal himself to you and will continue to be a “refuge” and a “stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9-10). I also pray that you will be able to “rejoice in the Lord always” and let “your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7). I understand that it is one thing for me to write those words from the Bible, and another thing for you to endure what you are enduring and find assurance through these difficult times. So I pray that these words will provide a great assurance and comfort that only God can provide you with.
Lauren Heinen
April 6, 2007 at 6:05 am
xone
never lose your faith
I will pray for you ,for the miracle!!!
April 6, 2007 at 7:51 am
Klaas
I just noticed that both pictures of Marisa with her father and father in law are in front of the Microwave.
I look forward to your Christmas Picture.
Love Klaas
April 6, 2007 at 11:45 am
Kim Reitsma-VanHaitsma
I was just reading Klaas’ comment; I had alos noticed the microwave in both pictures. Hey, some people are very close to their microwaves.
Speaking fo pictures, do you have a recent one of Zekijah? I’m sure she is getting bigger/older! They change so much when they’re that age, just thought a new one would be neat to see.
Hope your Good Friday is not only good, but GREAT.
Love, Kim (writing from work, as we do NOT have a holdiday in the US today!)
April 6, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Charlene Gritter
Dear; Marisa, Mendelt and family
Thought you might need a little pick-me-up today…
so I prayed for you.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the
law of Christ.” Galations 6:2
I really do think that a lot of people are trying to carry your burden each day.
The comments and words of encouragment you receive are such a blessing. Our hearts are always with you and are praying for you.
Your in my thoughts often as I have 3 kids also just a few months older then each of yours.
I pray each day for the Lord to give you strength and peace and to live each day to the fullest.
On this day, may you experience a sweet renewal of faith, hope, and joy.
Wishing each of you a very happy and blessed Easter.
Love; Charlene
April 6, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Mike and Karen Carmody
Because He Lives
God sent His Son – they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Chorus:
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.
And then one day I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory – and I’ll know He lives.
Just wanted to share the words of that song with you. It’s a good song for Easter but also for our everyday trials – a great reminder that Christ is the reason we can go on and get through each day and “face tomorrow”. So keep your eyes focused on Jesus – He’ll give you the strength to go on.
We love you and pray you have a blessed Easter.
Karen
P.S. That was one of my dad’s favourite songs and I can still hear him singing it at the top of his lungs. 🙂
April 7, 2007 at 12:52 am
Carel and Irene Geleynse
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We learned of your situation last Sunday, through a prayer request from Norm VD, a former teacher of Mendelt’s (and Carel’s!), who attends our church here in Chilliwack BC. We couldn’t believe what we heard. May God help you through this difficult journey; what a lot of wonderful support you are receiving from His family!
In Christ, who won the victory(!)
Irene, Carel, and Alexa Geleynse
April 7, 2007 at 7:42 am
Jennifer (Geerts) Brennan
Continuing to think of you and pray for you.
April 7, 2007 at 8:16 am
Michelle Prinzen
Praying for you…. May you find strength in the Resurrection, especially this weekend! God is a great God and mighty in strength! “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
April 7, 2007 at 8:46 am
Diane Bakker
Dear Marisa & Mendelt,
Psalm 56:8(NLT)
“You keep track of all my sorrows,
You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.
You have recorded each one Your book.”
Our Lord knows each tear that has been spilled and carries them all,
The road you now travel, our Lord has already walked,
and in the end He was victorious!
Praying for yet another victorious miracle for you!
Blessing this most Holiest of Holy Seasons……..
May the God of all comfort continue to soothe and embrace you!
love Diane & Ralph
April 7, 2007 at 9:17 am
Mem Hoekstra
Dear Mendelt, Marisa and Weblog family,
May your Easter be filled with Hope and Hallelujas.
Love from Mem Hoekstra
April 7, 2007 at 11:11 am
Irma and Geurt VandenDool
We think of you and pray for you daily.
May the grace of The Lord surround you and sustain you.
Love and blessings,
Irma and Geurt ( VandenDool)
grandparents of Mike VandenDool.
April 7, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Laurie DeRoo
*~ !HAPPY EASTER!~*
I hope you and your kids are having a great long weekend so far.
I heard this quote the other day and I wanted to share it with you.
“Nails didn’t hold Jesus to the Cross,
His love for US did!”
and I believe that His love and the love of all your friends and family will get you through these times of trouble.
you continue to remain in the prayers of me and my family.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Love always,
Laurie DeRoo
P.S. Mr Hoekstra, I didn’t forget about making cookies for Tuesday!!
See you then!
April 7, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Jill Vanderveen
Hey there dear Marisa and Mendelt ,
My heart crys and prays for a miracle of healing for you Marisa.
I call upon Jesus to protect and embrace you in his unconditional Love and
Wisdom.
Peace and Love Always
Jill
April 7, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Frances
I remember a sermon in which the minister likened us, in our difficult times, to toddlers having a temper tantrum. That we can kick and fuss and cry and shout to God and that’s okay, because He is still holding on to us. We are being held tightly in His arms. Nice imagery. (Pictoral symbolism).
Love you guys, Frances
April 7, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Rebecca Stieva
Marisa, Mr. Hoekstra and family,
I hope you have a blessed Easter. Still praying for a miracle every day.
Rebecca
April 7, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Roslyn K
Marisa, Mendelt and Family,
I am wishing you a Blessed Easter. May the sacrifice of God’s son provide you with the Spirit to carry on with meeting your challenges. Also to give you the strength, in your battle with this disease to meet it with fierce and faithful hearts.
Roslyn
April 8, 2007 at 10:41 am
Erica Martin
I stumbled across your website a few days ago and have tried for days to write something. I know you don’t know me, and I don’t know you, but we serve the same risen Saviour and somehow that is the connection.
I am praying for you.
(you don’t need to post this comment. I just wanted to send a note to say I was praying).
April 8, 2007 at 11:26 am
Rebecca Lindeboom
Mendelt and Marisa Hoekstra
I am so touched by the strength that you two ares howing. even though so much has gone wrong, you still rejoice to God. i am praying, and thinking of you all the time.
April 13, 2007 at 7:58 pm
sandra werkman
Dear Marisa and Mendelt: Unfortunately I have not yet meant you, but I attend Hope church with marisa’s parents. Please know, that my 3 children and I are praying for you always, as you go thru this battle. The children attend BCS, and as you know they are all praying for you. The 2 of you are quite an example to the greater Christian community. I know that God is going to use this horrific time in your lives in some great way! Jesus promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us!!
In Christian Love: Sandra, Jamie, Emily, and Cassandra Werkman.