The appointment went as follows:
Marisa is stopping the chemo drugs that she is currently on and on Tuesday will start a whole new chemo regimen, cycle and drug. This chemo is typically for people with lung cancer and in the oncologist’s term “can have a dramatic effect on tumours”. We are holding out for that.
As you can’t imagine, Marisa and I have been a bit low for the last couple of days but we are starting to prepare ourselves for the new fight.
The cycle for this drug is a 21 day cycle, with the first three days in the cancer clinic and the rest of the drugs at home. Apparently Marisa will be on this regimen for 4-6 cycles at most.
I know that love can not be rented, but I do ask that you keep the comments coming, Marisa sources much strength from them.
Peace and love,
MdH
Life 
50 comments
Comments feed for this article
July 14, 2007 at 10:10 am
Anita L
They always say the third time is a charm, so this being your 3rd type of chemo, it will be the one that’s going to kill these tumors!!! I know it seems like the chemo is going on and on but it sounds like you can mark an approximate date on the calendar for the END of chemo. Won’t we celebrate that!! I really wish distance didn’t separate us physically cause I would love to give you guys a huge hug for encouragement but on the other hand distance doesn’t matter cause no matter where we pray from, God will hear our prayers for you both, your children, both of your parents and extended family as well. I can’t wait to talk to you when our conversation can be “remember when we both had cancer, remember chemo, etc…” To be able to put this whole ordeal in the past will be a HUGE, HUGE celebration. Much love to you all
Love Anita
July 14, 2007 at 10:35 am
Neeke en René
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
We will keep on thinking of you, praying for you and sent comments. That’s easy.
You have to keep on fighting against cancer. That’s not easy. That’s (too) hard.
We hope you will never give up and that Marisa will have success with this new treatment. We love you!
Neeke en René
July 14, 2007 at 10:56 am
Betty Steenbeek
Marisa and Mendelt,
You are right…I can’t imagine how you feel. I just want to send this hug and let you know that you continue to be a source of inspiration to so many of us. Continue to fight and I pray that this new endeavour will rid you of this cancer. May you find the daily strength that you need and patience at your appointments.
Betty Steenbeek
July 14, 2007 at 11:31 am
Pastor Ken and Mbenj2468@sympatico.caary Ann Benjamins
We just want you guys to know that we keep you in our prayers! I know that news like this can hurt, but I pray you will be filled again with hope. God Bless guys-Mary Ann (and Pastor Ken-he’s a computer phobe, but we’re working on it:))
July 14, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Alison
Wow…Marisa, what a week! Guessing how tough this must be all I can say is “keep on trucking”!! You are and will forever be in my prayers. I’ll be there on Thursday night whenever you need it!!
Luv, Alison
July 14, 2007 at 12:13 pm
marlene langendoen
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29. Press on Marisa and Mendelt; press on. Praying for renewed HOPE and Strength to face each new day.
Marlene and Stan Langendoen and family
July 14, 2007 at 12:47 pm
mendelt en willy tillema
Dear Marisa and Mendelt, dear kids and dear family,
We can imagine this period in your life is absolutely not easy.
With great incertainty you have to keep on fighting and beating against that illness, called cancer.
All different feelings you have to go through….
We feel so sad for all of you.
We hope and wish you can handle this situation, going also through all the ups and also through all the downs.
You all are in our thoughts.
Dear greetings, love and a lot of strenght for each of you.
Mendelt en Willy.
July 14, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Susanne
Peace and much love to you all! You are strong, Marisa. You are so beautiful — inside and out! The Lion of Judah stands beside you as you prepare for this next battle. Take courage.
with much love and many prayers,
Susanne and family
July 14, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Michelle Fluit
Marisa and Mendelt, I’m not sure why I’ve never written before – probably because I don’t know you very well and because I’m not sure what to say. But I do want you to know that you are both in my prayers constantly. With a one year old daughter at home ourselves Greg and I can’t even begin to imagine how you are both dealing with everything. We pray that God will continue to give you the strength you need as you face this new round of chemo treatments. God bless, Michelle Fluit
July 14, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Selah Robb
I’m glad it wasn’t another tumour. I’m sorry the one you have grew. I’m praying for you that this new cycle work and kills the tumour, and that God’s undying love replenishes your strength and health.
love Selah Robb
July 14, 2007 at 2:36 pm
The Pots
Strength, courage, and fuel for the fight to you both. Thanks again for keeping us all up to speed on the journey. You are not alone! May you find joy or at least something to laugh about today. When we have low times, we ask our older girls (5 and 3 yrs) to tell us knock, knock jokes. : )
Ralph and Sara Pot
July 14, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Wilfred & Jenny Lynn Vos
Mendalt & Marisa,
We have been keeping up with your blog regularly over these last number of months, but haven’t yet written. Using that age old excuse, ‘I don’t know what to say’. I so appreciate your use of words ‘as you can’t imagine’ – you are so right. For most of us we can’t imagine what you and your family are going through or feeling. But we just want to know that you are often in our thoughts and prayers – it is our prayer that God wraps His loving, comforting arms around you all, knowing that He walks before you, beside you, and behind you, as you continue this journey with Him.
You have been a true testament of faith to the many who have read your blog.
Wilfred & Jenny Lynn
July 14, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Epeus Doris
de4 MN CV VB c v b bhtt e7gfvvujykgs vefvftgrhyuyi8;o5 T t (love Epeus)
July 14, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Jen
Much love to you Marisa and Mendelt. You are constantly in my prayers.
Jen F-G
July 14, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Annette and Rob Schreuders
Dear Mendelt and Marisa
Thanks again for sharing. You’re right, we can’t imagine, but I don’t think you can imagine either, the prayers that are being constantly lifted up before our heavenly father, on your behalf.
May tomorrow, the day of rest, truly be a day of rest and refueling and encouragement for you both as you prepare for the next round in this fight.
Praying for strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow..Great is His faithfulness,
just one of the prayer warriors fighting with you,
Annette and Rob
Stephanie and Michael too!
July 14, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Paulette
I found your blog by the way of another blogger who asked prayer for you. I was quick to oblige as I have several other blogs I have visited and they are all battling cancer. I too had a lifelong friend who battled it severley and I was honored to be with her through it. I know how to pray for this and I want you to know you are added to my prayer journal and I will be committed to uplift you before the throne everyday.
I pray that God would give you the strength you need and wrap his healing arms around you and your husband. May he give you a peace that passes all your understanding, and bring you the complete healing you search for. You are correct, love cannot be rented, but it can be freely given and you have my love and prayer support.
Blessings to you both.
July 14, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Jerri
Dear Marrisa and family:
I think of you everyday and will be praying extra on Tuesday for your new regimen. This new round of drugs sounds very promising.
God bless……………….
July 14, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Curt and Marge
As I said on the day that we met, I pray for you every time I drive past your parent’s house….that seems to be a hundred times a day thanks to busy kids and a busy life!
I pray for healing, I pray for strength, I pray for peace, I pray for joy, I pray for love, I pray for this new round of chemo. Continue to fight this battle with the knowledge that God is on your side!
July 14, 2007 at 9:01 pm
The Eckersleys
I just returned from SERVE today with a group of youth. While there, we bumped into youth & leaders from other churches who know you, love you and pray for you. It was amazing to see kids from different places being impacted by God’s work in you. Thank you. Continuing to pray.
Eckersleys
July 14, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Wally
Hoek, Marisa,
You are right, love cannot be rented, but it can be given away unconditionally.
Take as much as you like!
Wally, Mireille, Bianca (ahem, terrible two’s), and Bébé Katia.
July 14, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Jen Riebot
praying..
i love you both, alot.
stay strong..
im going to pray for healing, and patience, and lots of peace and strength.
much love*
July 14, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Sam Horn
Hi Mendalt and Marissa
You don’t know us but my wife, Beth, and I are fellow Christians and fellow pilgrims on the path God has chosen for you. Beth has a fairly aggressive case of breast cancer and, like Marrisa, is battling through chemotherapy. She can relate to the hair thing! Just wanted to let you know that others are praying for you — even some that you don’t know. We have literally lived day by day on the prayers of God’s people. Like you both, we are confident that we are in His hands. He chose to number us and you with those who have suffered for His name. We prayed that He would not send us into the furnace — no one likes fire — but He chose to place us in the furnace and He is in the fire with us. We are experiencing, as I am sure you are, the wonderful grace of His perfect will and He is burning out the dross of our lives. We have prayed for ourselves that we would not shrink back in the day of our testing — so much is at stake. I pastor a congregation of believers who are watching this and we have two small children who we are asking God to bring to a passionate love and commitment to Him. Our lives are a small price to pay for this — and our names are written down in His book of life. He has used this trial in so many ways — to reveal my fears as a husband, specifically my attempts to manipulate and control things. I am learning that cancer cells don’t respond to yelling, crying, begging, hebrew or greek words, or even well prepared sermons! I have learned that only He controls the future and so I am learning a whole new level of trust in Him through His Word. I have literally been afraid at times to even pray my own thoughts and have bound myself to praying His Word back to Him and have found grace and help for the moment. Please know that we and others who are on this same path will be praying for you both and for your children.
God will do great things in you both through all of this so that He can do great things through you both for His glory and for His kingdom.
Blessings,
Sam and Beth Horn
Brookside Baptist Church
http://www.brooksidebaptist.org
July 14, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Frances
I was talking to an aquaintance who had a friend who’d survived a pretty severe case of liver cancer (that had done some spreading into lymph nodes). Apparently, her chemo lasted one year and after a short bout of radiation, her treatment was complete. So, in that case, maybe you are halfway there to being cured! Wouldn’t that be great! So continue to hang in there, you are one tough cookie 🙂
PS/ The congregation of Fleetwood CRC in Surrey and the Mundy Park CRC in Coquitlam pray for you every Sunday.
July 15, 2007 at 5:57 am
Corrie
Dear M&M: As you hopefully enjoy today (a day of rest, a day of renewal, a day with God’s people [hopefully], another day to trust God) may you know how much you are loved and cared and prayed for. I am just so privileged to lift you up before His throne of grace and I pray that He will hear our prayers on your behalf and will allow healing to take place through this new treatment. My thoughts will surround you on Tuesday and you will be in my prayers.
“The peace of God, which transcends all undersanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7
Luv & God bless
cJz
July 15, 2007 at 8:03 am
Samantha Aantjes
I’m praying for stength, for patience, for healing and for peace. I’m praying for you everywhere I go, and I don’t doubt that God is listening to me. I know it may be hard not to, but don’t forget to remmeber that God goes with you everywhere, and he won’t take you somewhere He knows you can’t pass through. Anytime you need anything….don’t hesitate to call. May you enjoy this beautiful Sunday with your beautiful children, with a ready face to endure the next round.
Praying continually, Sam
July 15, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Harriett Draaistra
HI Marisa and Mendelt: We are still in this battle with you, watching to see how the tests come back and praying each day for you. Our hearts go out to you as you get disappointing news at times but take heart because even though the battle is long and hard, you are not fighting it alone. The great physician is there with you and knows exactly how it is going and how hard it is for you. Remember that he wept at Lazarus’ tomb. I think he wept for all the hurt that those poor people had gone through. Our God is a caring, feeling,loving God even when we doubt that at times. Take strength in that and know that there are many prayers going up for you. Harriett and Frank Draaistra
July 15, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Julie Vos
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
This is Julie Vos emailing – I am a friend of Jenn Dreise. I have been thinking about you and I wanted to send you an email to let you know that we are praying for you! I continue to read your blog every day. Thank you for sharing your hopes, fears, struggles so openly – I appreciate your openness as then I know exactly what to pray about!
Since the beginning of your blog, I have been so encouraged by your deep faith and commitment to Jesus Christ! I am so thankful that you can share your story with a community of believers and most of all that you know God loves you and has plan for you.
I was so saddened the other day to hear that you are feeling weary and far away from God. Oh, Marisa and Mendelt, how I will pray that you will once again feel strong from the prescence of God and hope for the future that He has planned for you! God is with you all the time – in every waking hour whether that be at home, in the car, at church, in the store, and in the doctor’s office! You are NEVER alone!
I pray that you may feel renewed energy during this new round of chemo. I am so thankful that God has provided such a wonderful medical care system and that there are different options of chemo treatments. I pray that this new chemo will have ‘a drastic effect’ on your tumor, Marisa – a drastically shrinking effect! I long for the day when I turn on my computer, read your blog and learn that your cancer is gone and God has performed another miracle in the life of His child!
Our wedding text was from Jeremiah 29:11-13. Let me share it with you…For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
May the words of our Lord strengthen you this day!
Love,
Julie & Henry Vos
July 15, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Faye
Dear M&M +kiddos
As I hear your pain and see other glimpses of such pain on the earth, I wonder how God can bear all this earthly pain. What I feel, is only a fraction of what He feels for us, His beloved children. And as much as we love you, He loves you so much more. Somehow Marisa, hold on to that. Love you tonnes, praying for you, and looking forward to swinging in a hammock together soon
Faye & family
July 15, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Danielle VanderKolk
Marisa,
My heart aches for you. One verse strikes my mind.
“The Lord gives strength to the weary.
and increases the power of the weak…
…but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary.
they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29, 31
Keep on hoping and trusting in the Lord, Marisa.
God is by your side. When you feel tired and weak, he is there carrying you in his mighty arms, strengthening you with all the strength and might you need to fight this battle. He will renew your strength.
May the Lord bless you with his peace and hope.
Danielle
July 16, 2007 at 2:09 am
Lynn Groot
We’re always here for you guys! Keep pressing on during the next phase in the winning fight against cancer. You are both pillars of strength. Praying for you!
Lynn
July 16, 2007 at 7:29 am
Lani V.
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
it’s been a while since I’ve written, but I’m always checking your blog to see how you are doing. It’s amazing how much support and love you have coming your way. I can’t even imagine what you are going thru, but please know that thru it all, you are shining God’s love. You are affecting people’s lives in ways that you might never know. But the reality of what is happening, still sucks. So I hope that you will find not only courage and strength, but also a new determination in this sermon from Tony Campollo.
It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.
It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming.
And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.
Now it’s Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn’t the only thing that was shaking because now it’s Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb. Yes, it’s Sunday, and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it’s Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.
It’s Sunday, and the crucified/resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave. It’s Sunday. And now everything has changed. It’s the age of grace, God’s grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again. All because it’s Sunday.
It’s Friday! But Sunday’s a Coming!
Marisa, your Sunday is coming!!! I pray that the holy spirit will encase you in his love and that his peace will permeate to the very core of your being.
Lani
July 16, 2007 at 9:05 am
Tine
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
Much strength as you begin your new chemo regimen on Tuesday!
Another cycle. Twenty one days. First three in the cancer clinic, and with the rest of the drugs at home. On this for 4 to 6 cycles.
Such a calendar!
Keep going, both of you! We are with you in this! We are also with your children, and with your families in this grueling haul!
Still, take heart! A mobilizing of compassion and prayer is happening here from numerous heard and unspoken voices and places, from an amazing array of lives and locations! This is the blog for Marisa’s support group while she beats cancer, it reads. We are reminded!
And this blog continues to branch out! Like so many who have already contributed here in previous submissions, Sam and Beth Horn’s struggle and words in their recent entry, speak volumes!
From Isaiah 51…”Look to the rock from which you were cut
and to the quarry from which you were hewn…”
From Psalm 62…
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation…”
For today, for tomorow, and forever,
Tine
July 16, 2007 at 10:33 am
Janine Ferrier
Know that prayers continue to be lifted for you here in Arkona. A day never goes by when the kids don’t pray for you and ask about you. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.
Keep your eyes up.
Janine, Jonathan,
Kaleb, Lydia, & Malachi
July 16, 2007 at 10:35 am
Julia Verbrugge
Hi Marisa,
This is your cousin Julia. Although I had checked your blog daily for updates since early this year, I never posted a comment. However, having been through a medical crisis recently, I now realize the importance of these comments and how uplifting they can be, especially on those really nasty days.
We join so many others in praying for you regularly. Matt and I can relate to having days when praying seemed so difficult, but it was comforting to know that so many others were doing it on our behalf.
Our journeys are very different (ours seems like a 1 mile race while yours seems like a marathon), but there are similarities too. We are thankful to read that you are also surrounded by a community of the saints who are providing practical help as well as prayers.
We will most certainly continue to pray and hope that we can visit soon!
Love,
Julia & Matt
ps – if you are having the same needle I did for that blood clot (a daily shot in the stomach), I’m so sorry. That one stank!
July 16, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Kristie
Dear Marisa & Mendelt,
I am a stranger who found you via a friend’s blog (everday miracles). But I am also your sister in Christ and, as such, family in the spiritual realm. I just want you to know that I pray for you often Marisa and for your family. May you find peace and rest and healing and strength I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Him,
Kristie in Pennslvania, USA
July 16, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Helen
Dear Marisa and Mendelt
May you be encouraged by the prayers of God’s people and may you again experience HIS peace that surpasses all understanding. We lift you up to HIM who gave you life and will ever keep you in HIS arms. In the meantime I DO understand what you are going through and my heart aches for you.
Peace to you,
Helen
July 16, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Ingrid Vos
sometimes we don’t know what to say. We continue to pray for you and read the blog. Every day you are in our thoughts and prayers. I can understand that the many comments would be a source of strength. knowing that so many are praying and thinking of you all. Can we bring you some borenkool?
July 16, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Kim Reitsma-V
On a maller scale, I know what a freakshow it can bo to start new meds and new treatments.. never without a bit (or a whole ton) of anxiety…depending on your personality, of course. You seem to take everything in stride so well.
You bet I wll be praying for you tomorrow. Hope it all goes without a htich and this new rigamarole can give the CA a big ole kick into the next millennium.
Love you…, And amen to Psalm 62. Get a great sleep tonight.
Kim
July 16, 2007 at 8:36 pm
julie kingma
praying for the peace that only God can provide tonight as you sleep and energy and determination as you face the next hurdle tomorrow.
with much love,
dave and julie and family.
July 16, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Phil Nywening
Marisa and Mendelt
Please know that so many people are praying for you. We may not be there physically, but we are laying our hands on you in prayer.
July 16, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Delaney Janhunen
Hi Marisa,
I have been reading your blog for a couple of months now. My kids go to Beacon and a couple of the moms there told me about your fight with cancer (S Pot, K Teeuwsen). I wanted to let you know I’ve been praying for you, and have been inspired by you as well. I’m also going through a similar struggle. I was diagnosed this past April with breast cancer that has spread to my liver, and I’ve just had my third round of chemo. And I also have 3 young children ages 3, 6 and 8. I know that you’ve probably been given lots of advice and information from many people about different alternative therapies, but after hearing your discouragement after your latest test results, I felt the Lord leading me to share what I have been doing. I have been seeing Dr. Michael Prytula (Naturopath) from NaturoMedic in St. Catharines (NaturoMedic.com). In addition to several other recommendations, I have just started high dose IV Vitamin C therapy. Reportedly it can be effective in killing cancer cells, especially when combined with chemotherapy. Another woman with breast cancer (also in her liver and bones) that I have spoken to, who has been having IV Vitamin C for several months has had the lesion on her liver shrink by 30% (she is also taking Tamoxifen, but is not on chemo). I don’t yet know the response of my own cancer, as I haven’t had an MRI yet since my diagnosis ( I have one at the end of July) and I know that everyone and every cancer is different. Anyways, I thought I’d just pass along the info, but if you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I know that God is in control of my life and this situation, and I am in the process of learning how to really trust Him, no matter what the outcome. I pray that He is comforting you, and holding you, and drawing you into a more intimate relationship with Himself. My heart aches for you and your struggles, and I will continue to pray.
Delaney
July 16, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Cam and Helen Beldman.
Dear Marissa and Mendelt
prayers of love and support are sent your way. We lift you up high. We pray God will give you some comfort, some peace and strength to endure the road ahead, one day at a time. God is our refuge and our strength. Pray without ceasing.
After trying to lift your spirits with words of encouragement and continual prayer…. it’s okay to be upset, to be mad … to be really, really angry. If anyone has a reason to be angry it would be you. Heck, I’m angry at Him on your behalf. But as the saying goes, never go to bed angry with the one you love. Talk it out, God is listening.
Cam and Helen
July 16, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Jody Roest (Vandeputte)
Dear Marisa,
I talked with your brave Mom on Sunday, and my heart goes out to her, as well as to you. I can’t imagine. Sometimes the only prayers I can offer are these quiet tears as I sit at the computer and read about what you are going through, and the hope and comfort being given by God’s people, your prayer family.
“See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?”
Please know, Marisa and Mendelt, Ann and Chris, children and parents, that you are not alone in this. We love you; we pray for you; the Spirit intercedes for you with groans too deep for words.
“Trust in him at all times, O people;
Pour out your hearts to him,
For God is our refuge.” Ps. 62: 8
Praying that the new chemo will do its job; that God will grant you hope and peace. It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.
Love, Jody and family
July 16, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Steve and Julia
Marisa and Mendelt,
I just read the comment from the Pots about their kids telling knock-knock jokes when they are having a down day. Tonight, as I was sitting in the living room enjoying some quiet time, I heard Steve burst out laughing from Megan’s room. After putting her to bed he came into the living room and told me that Megan and him were telling jokes. Megan (age 3) said to Steve,
“knock-knock”
Steve: “who’s there?”
Megan: “little old lady”
Steve: “little old lady who”
Megan: “I didn’t know you could yodel”
Kids sure can brighten up your day!
Praying for strength, peace and brighter days ahead.
Someone once said to me, when I was going through a difficult time and feeling as though God was very far away, “during dark and difficult times, it can feel as though God has left me or is so distant from me, I know and believe that He is there, but I can’t feel Him. It’s kind of like the sun on a cloudy day. I can’t see or feel the sun, but it’s still there, and when the clouds move I will see it again.”
May you see and feel the Son today,
Steve and Julia
July 17, 2007 at 8:01 am
annette mitchell
M&M – just wanted to say hi and let you know that my family and I have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Emma was a real trooper in the relay for life and made her so much more aware of cancer and how many lives it touches! As we stood for a moment of silence in honour of you Marisa our hearts and prayers went out to you that God would have mercy and heal your physical body and continue to give you strength and joy during your fight.
Keep up the fight and keep your eyes focused on Jesus! I am inspired by your honesty and questions but still your continued faith. God has a great reward for you! May this new round do the trick! Love Annette & Fam
July 17, 2007 at 8:25 am
Robyn Bezuyen
Wow. Another hurdle to jump over OR be carried over. The Lord is stronger that any storm and He can lift you higher than the highest hurdle, so please let Him hold you and carry you on this next journey. Sometimes we get so frustrated that we can not do enough, be enough and fix enough. Guess what WE can’t but for the grace of God WE don’t have to. Marisa and Mendelt, you are loved by many and ours and GODS love CAN carry you when you can’t stand anymore. Please be weak and broken, becasue by HIS mercy we can be. Tears are a good thing – very stress releiving! So, cry to Him because his shoulders are big enough to absorb all of your tears. (Many angels on earth have shoulders to rent out too!) Keep going – we are all cheering you on!
Love the Bezuyen’s
Terry Robyn Katryna Emily and Mackenzie
July 17, 2007 at 8:26 am
Marg DeJong
Dear Marisa , Mendelt and family, Know we pray for you daily and keep up with you on the blog. Marisa, I can relate to the daily needle I too had them in the stomach or the legs. We are so happy that you have so many people supporting you. There are people here you do not know who pray for you. They know of your illness through our Coffee Break Ministry and quite often ask how you are doing. Praying the new chemo goes well without too many adverse effects. Marg, Rob and family.
July 17, 2007 at 9:41 am
Amanda Kleinhuis
Marisa, Mendelt,
Do you read “Focus on the Family” magazine? The July issue was about having hope while facing a crisis. The president, in his letter, made reference to Joshua 1:6. God is giving words of encouragement to Joshua and his people as they prepare to enter the land He is giving them, and as they prepare for unknown battles. From verse 6-9 God says three times, “Be strong and (very) courageous.” Keep these words with you as you continue to face unknown battles.
You both are an inspiriation.
In prayer,
Amanda
July 17, 2007 at 11:55 am
Sherri de Graaf
From all the people who have you constantly in their thoughts and sending love your way you could live free on rent for the rest of your lives- i’m sure of it. I hope the road becomes smoothly paved very soon without a pothole in sight. Take care .
Sherri, Remco, Annalies Owen en Mathijs
July 18, 2007 at 10:29 am
snezpah
Just remember to be strong and dont give up because the fight is totally worth it.