December 28, 2008

On December 25th, we spent a nice Christmas day together. It was so good to be able to make an already special day even more special by spending it with the whole family. Below are a couple pictures I took of Grandpa, Grandma, and the Grandkids.

Brad (Jocelyn's Son)

In the early morning hours on Boxing Day (December 26) Jocelyn had a seizure at home and was brought to Welland Hospital, where she is now an inpatient. She had one more seizure after getting to the hospital but no more since then. At this time the doctors and nurses are trying to get her bone pain better controlled. Although weak and tired, Jocelyn is alert. She has a great sense of peace and is confident of the love of God, family and friends. Christmas is the time of celebrating Emmanuel, God with us. Truly God is with Jocelyn, John and the boys even during this time.

Kathy (Jocelyn's sister-in-law)

Thankfulness
Our family can't even express or keep up with thanking everyone for their acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, and prayers. So please know they are appreciated at this difficult time. Prayers are the most important need for our family. A special thanks to my cousin Cyn; you have a wonderful gift of encouragement and faith. Jocelyn

2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Corinthians 9:14
And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

December 12, 2008

It’s Friday evening and Joanne has just dropped off a meal for us. Jocelyn, Brad, Darryl and myself dig in and in 10 minutes it’s gone. It probably took hours to prepare but we polish it off in no time. Jocelyn came home Wednesday to “stay” home. After everything that happened last week we are exhausted and so glad to be home. Four of Jocelyn’s girl friends and coworkers Andrea, Mary, Coby and Jane got into our house and completely decorated it for Christmas. Apparently Rob Bouwers organized the whole thing. A guy? It has a beautiful Christmas tree completely decorated and each of the office employees picture is inside an ornament. The house is full of beautiful poinsettia’s and Jocelyn’s Christmas village was all set up with lights. When I would come home from being with Jocelyn all day at the hospital I would enter into a lonely dark house. It was nice to sit in the living room with all the decorations. I hated coming home without Jocelyn. Last Saturday after getting more bad news Jocelyn said that was enough, “No more treatments;” and as soon as she had recovered enough from surgery she came home. I couldn’t wait to show her the living room.

One of my buddies John and his son Jeff wired our living room with surround sound so she can listen to worship and praise songs, which she loves to listen to. We have set up an electric hospital bed in the living room to make her comfortable. When Jocelyn came home Wednesday my biker buddy and prayer warrior Pete Wierenga and Mary Bokma were there to help Jocelyn to get into the house. Jocelyn is resting comfortably and when she is resting in bed, she has no pain. She has a kitchen shelf full of medicine that I have to give her every so many hours. I am with her 24/7 to look after all her personal needs. Why? Because of she is my best friend, lover and my wife. I know without a doubt, she would do the same if it was me. I sleep on the couch in the living room at night so that I can help her at a moments notice. I keep in regular contact with my sister-in-law Kathy who is a cancer doctor to make sure we understand it all. She is amazing. Our youngest son Brad has quit his job and is staying with us. That is a big deal and together Brad and I can handle this. Our “middle” son Darryl can also get some time off from work and so with the three of us we will be in even better shape. We have set up the house so that visitors enter through the downstairs and can tiptoe into the living room without too much fuss. Last night our oldest son Chris and his wife Tiffany were over with their kids and it was neat to be able to have the grandkids play downstairs when they got to rowdy. Jocelyn needs a lot of rest so visits have to be very short and quiet.

When the hospital support staff and the community support organizations ask if we need any counseling we politely decline the offers. Why? Because we have an amazing circle of friends, a close family and a very caring and supporting church family. We are experiencing a never ending flow of love from family and friends. Jocelyn’s girl friends including Lorraine, Sonya and Vicky and others like Rob and Glenda dropped in just to give a hug and my big buddy Ed Roorda and his wife Ann stop by to drop off some home made bread, listen to a special song, hug, shed a tear and pray and have some quiet conversation. “Big Boys don’t cry, but real men do”. Pastor E.J. and Sharen stop by to visit and pray with us. Jocelyn’s brother Ron and his daughter Holly are here from Alberta. Jocelyn’s long time girl friend Winnie is here from B.C. Why do I mention all these names? Jocelyn and I are not alone in this journey. We are not afraid. We feel the comfort of our almighty God. We feel the love from our friends and family. We read scripture a lot. Jocelyn’s too favourite books are Psalms and Phillipians. We read together, share those things that stand out and pray lots. What a beautiful time it is to be able to share our deepest inmost feelings. The time we have yet together is so very very precious to us and we want to make every minute count. We can still praise our God for every minute and hour he gives us.

December 6, 2008

Update from the Family.

On Wednesday (the day after the last update), Jocelyn had gammaknife radio surgery to try to control the cancer that spread to her brain. She came through that well, although the procedure was exhausting.
She recently developed a new pain in her hip, and she went back to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton Friday afternoon. It turned out there was a tumour in her hip which caused a partial hairline fracture. This morning, she had surgery to repair the bone and strengthen it. We hope this will allow her to walk better without pain and prevent a more serious fracture down the road.
As you imagine, this has been a very difficult week for Jocelyn, John, and the rest of the family. John and Jocelyn have been at 6 different medical centres in the space of a week. At the same time, God still can be counted on to provide strength and courage and perspective for each day. For this, and for your prayers, thoughts, and e-mails, we are grateful.
We don't know how long Jocelyn will be in the hospital; if all goes well, maybe she'll be home with-in the week. In the meantime, we ask that family and friends not come to the hospital to visit. When she is back home and on her feet we hope she will be up to visitors then. We will keep you posted in the meantime.

December 2, 2008

(An Update from the Family)

Jocelyn has had a difficult few weeks. On November 12, she had a short seizure. Although she never lost consciousness, the seizure was a warning sign that the tumor in her brain was starting to grow. Since that time, she has had further X-rays, which showed that the three small tumors in her brain have gotten a bit larger, despite her having had radiation treatments in October. We are very grateful that she was referred to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. There they have something called a "gamma knife" to treat brain tumors. Despite the name, there are no knives and this isn't surgery. Instead, "gamma knife" radiosurgery delivers very high-energy, focused radiation right to the tumor lesions, hopefully without affecting the rest of the brain. Jocelyn is scheduled for gamma knife radiosurgery tomorrow (Wednesday - December 3rd) and, if all goes well, she should be able to come home very soon.

John and Jocelyn also learned that the colon cancer has spread to her lungs. For now, she has no symptoms from that, and this is a very good thing. The doctors have recommended chemotherapy to shrink those tumors, but this needs to wait until the brain tumors are taken care of.

In the meantime, John and Jocelyn are in Toronto, glad to have Brad and Darryl right at their sides, helping them find their way around the city (and glad that Chris is tending things back in Fenwick).

These treatments don't come with any guarantees (though we are grateful for the possibility that there are treatments that may be able to help her). But we know that God does guarantee that he'll provide strength and grace for each day, and that nothing can separate us from his love. Pray with us, thanking God for medicine and caring nurses and doctors and friends and family. Ask God to give Jocelyn the strength, courage, and hope that she needs. And thank God for each day that we have been given.

Kathy Faber Langendoen (Sister-In-Law to John and Jocelyn)

Good evening

A job from my chair - oh yes, I'm supposed to be raising money for Rose City Kids. We had an amazing time today at Rose City Kids with 43 kids in attendance! Lots of exciting things happening. Todd Bender from Hamilton City Kidz says that the easiest way to fund raise is to just ask. Since I'm slacking lately - I thought I'd put out a plea to raise some money by Christmas for meeting our budget and goals.

If you would like, we could really use your support with volunteering, prayers and donations. If you would like a receipt send a cheque to Bethany CRC with a notation on it that it is for Rose City Kids (1040 Balfour Street, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0) as we do not have our charitable status yet. If you don't require a receipt - you can check out our website at http://www.rosecitykids.com/ and make a donation by paypal.

My health update so far looks like I go to Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday for an MRI and likely the assessment of the tumors and who knows what else. Living a day at a time - that's for sure. Went out last night for an uncle's birthdays - nice to see everyone. Looking forward to Baby Bo being baptized tomorrow. My kids and and grandkids are the greatest!

Love you all for your prayers and support for me and my family.

THANK YOU

Hi fellow supporters of life:
Thanks for your encouragement. Your kindness has blessed us. Pray for my family as they need to walk this road with me and continue on with life despite this cancer. We will continue to look at the next treatment they can offer.


Our kids were over yesterday and it is such a blessing to see who they have become and how God is working in each of their lives. Pray that I can stay positive about things and count my blessings every day.

"I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, The victory is mine; He'll help me win the race"
Love
Jocelyn & John

Be strong and courageous.....

A couple of verses come to mind tonight:

"Be strong and courageous do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

... Do not be afraid, for I am with you ..... Is. 43:5 (thanks Jacqueline M.)

and Psalm 116 (thanks Pastor EJ & Sharen)

Today we went to Hamilton to supposedly start my chemo. But the doctors want me to be assessed at Toronto Princess Margaret first to see about the spots on my brain. Because I had the seizure, they need to see what we are working with. They are going to assess me for this "picture lasor beam" thing that they do. (can't think of the word). Hopefully that will be assessed this week and they will call next week. The lungs and the tiny spot on my liver are a secondary thing at this point and they can hold off until they find out about the brain.

Prayer is powerful so I ask for your continued prayers for my family. Whether we live or whether we die - we know where our hope is - that is our security. My hubby and sons and daughter-in-law have been great through this - it is a tough journey.

Love to all the pray- ers and concerned people that read this blog.

November 14, 2008

Lamentations 3:22-23
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Because everything was going well and we managed to get away to Forida for 5 days - I haven't written lately. After awhile it seems that everything will just continue to go the way we want. This past week I had what might of been a focal seizure. My right hand suddenly lost co-0rdination for about 5-10 min. We called 911 from the office by the time the ambulance came everything was fine, blood pressure and everything. We did later go to Welland Hospital and check it out - they didn't have much to add. Then Friday we made an appointment with the cancer centre. They put me on anti-seizure drug and some sterioids again - as there could be some swelling on my brain due to the radiation.

What we weren't expecting is f0r them to tell us that they found 3 spots on my lungs as well as on closer examination of my liver there was a small spot there too. Not the news we wanted to hear. Our next appointment wasn't until the 24th. As all bad news - you spend some time crying, friends came over and prayed with us, faced the friends in the office this morning and Darryl took the day off and Brad coming home for the weekend. I was supposed to volunteer at Promise Keepers this weekend and John was hoping to go - but we cancelled for now. Then you tell yourself - Let God's grace kick in and carry on! Monday we start with chemo in Hamilton as we continue this cancer journey that we are travelling with many others. Likely have to go every 2 weeks for 3 hours or so.

So today we went on with life, went to the office where I love to be. We also met with the mayor of Welland and other town people to create awareness of our program. Tomorrow is another Rose City Kids - and life goes on - a DAY AT A TIME!

P.S. Our office email is down overnight - so I haven't got emails in or out for today. So Happy Birthday Greg and Jane and my sister Trudy!

THANKFULNESS!

We are very thankful for good news yesterday about blood work, CT scans, liver showing no signs of cancer at this time. We are still awaiting results for another test, but we are going to take a little vacation next week anyways. We were happy and excited about these results so far. We are thankful for many things, the prayers and support of many people.

We are so aware of living a day at a time still, but live each day excited and as I read in my devotion we start with "THANK YOU FOR WAKING ME UP THIS MORNING!"

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Psalm 63:4 "I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands."

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Psalm 145: 1-21

From Stormie Omaritan Bible:

THE LORD IS NEARER WHEN WE PRAY

"Our feelings may tell us that God is distant, but Scripture tells us otherwise. When we call on Him in prayer, God is near to us whether we feel it or not. At the same time, we might pray for something we need and fail to see an answer after weeks, months, or even years of passionate intercession. Why does God so often cause us to wait for what we are so sure we need right away?

If you start becoming discouraged and feel as if your life won't ever be any different than it is at this moment, know that the truth is quite the opposite. it's at these very times, when you feel as though you're not getting anywhere or you're missing the future God has for you, that God is actually preparing you for your future. And when the time is right. He has been known to do a very quick work. Draw close to God in prayer, trusting that He is near. Thank Him that he hears your prayers and will answer in His perfect way. "

Oct.28th

Exciting day – Brad coming home! Can’t wait to hear his stories and see his films.

Yesterday we met with the surgeon – all looks good! The MRI that was done last week was just to show a baseline of how things looked after the surgery. You just hope and pray that the radiation did it’s job to kill any floating cells.

I’m reading a devotional book given to me by Mike & Jess called “Prayers and Promises” and they talk about the amazing grace you get when you need it. The person writing is facing a life-threatening illness. He says if you think about facing a bad report – you say, NO, can't handle it. Do you need the grace to face another bad report from the doctor – YES! So where is the grace? The ram is already coming up the other side of the mountain. (The book talks previously about when Abraham and Isaac went up to the mountain and Abraham thought he had to sacrifice his son (Gen. 22:2) and suddenly a ram appeared to sacrifice instead.) God’s grace is already on the way. And he will provide that grace at the right moment. How comforting is that! So we pray for all of us dealing with different issues that you and I will have grace for today! GRACE IS AMAZING!

John & I are looking forward to getting away a little in November. One week for business and one just to relax. Will have to see where we fit that in yet – with Rose City Kids, Promise Keepers (we volunteer in the bookstore) , some appointments, etc. But we’ll try to make it happen.

Pray for Rose City Kids and the opportunities to maybe purchase a future home for Rose City Kids. All in God's timing!

Oct. 25th - TIME

We had the grandkids over for a couple of hours to have some fun and a mystery guest joined a wig party. See if you can tell who that is under that mop of black hair!!!???

TIME ... where does it go. A whole week went by and I haven't had a chance to write this week. Lots got accomplished .... but busy. I finally feel like I can relax. Between work year ends, some doctor appointments, Rose City Kids stuff.... lots of exciting stuff happening. My new assistant, Christine is doing great and John and I might try to plan some time away in November both work and pleasure. (we did miss that family vacation this year - but Honduras was worth it!)

As far as what's next, everyone who has had cancer knows that you need to always be checked and over the next month I will be having more appointments and probably many doctor appointments over the next year.

We live a day at a time though and thank God for every day. I choose to trust God in this and pray for many days and years to spend with my family and to work at Rose City Kids, World Missions, Stewardship Committee, Coffee Break and our church as well as our business.

Our wedding text was Luke 12: 22-31 and we've learned that we need to not worry over the years - very appropriate for us.

Luke 12:22-31 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on. For life is more than clothing. Consider the ravens; they neither sow now reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. O how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass which is alive in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O men of little faith. And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind. For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom and these things shall be yours as well.

**Continue to pray for Brad coming home next week. We pray that he has had a most awesome time and God will show him what's next for him. http://www.nonviolentartist.com/
**Check out how our website is coming along: www.rosecitykids/com Feel free to come and watch a session - just give me a call. We are excited to see what God will do in Welland, Ontario.

Oct.19th - Sunday

Good Morning:
Life is good – the colors of this fall are breathtaking. Grandson Bo is doing wonderfully. You have to admit he is pretty cute!

I love collecting poems and quotes – found this is my archives. So meaningful as we are going through a 9 week series on marriage at church.

Marriage Takes Three
I once thought marriage took
Just two to make a go,
But now I am convinced
It takes the Lord also.
And not one marriage fails
Where Christ is asked to enter,
As lovers come together
With Jesus at the center.
But marriage seldom thrives,
And homes are incomplete,
Till He is welcomed there
To help avoid defeat.
In homes where Christ is first,
It's obvious to see,
Those unions really work,
For marriage still takes three.
Author Unknown

PRAYERS FOR CHANGED LIVES

GOD, give me eyes that I might see
The work that can be done by me;
GOD, give me ears that I might hear
The cry of those who need me near.
GOD, give me lips that I might speak
Comfort and peace to all that seek
GOD, give me a mind that I might know
How to help those who need it so
GOD, give me hands that I might do
Some large or simple task for You;
GOD, give me a prayer that I might pray
THY help and guidance every day.
And this one thing, all else above;
GOD, give me a heart that I might love.
(author unknown)


Brad got off on the 14th and arrived safely. Remember him in your prayers in the next two weeks. Thanks to those who supported him. We received an email - totally awesome experience he is having! Aren't the fall colours awesome this year!!

PICTURES ARE WORTH 1000 WORDS RIGHT. FAMILY - GOD'S GIFT TO US!

OCT. 13TH - A GREAT STORY OF NEW GRANDSON - BO DANIEL, JOHN'S BIRTHDAY, AND MARY B. BIRTHDAY

I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LONG STORY - BUT IT IS A GOD STORY!! (PICTURES YESTERDAY)

I've been sharing on the blog about bible story of Daniel. I have a written copy of my nephew’s sermon when he passed away August 1998 – 10 years ago. Jeremy's pastor wrote: - Jeremy was a fun loving kid - the pastor's message was entitled - FAITH THE HEART'S ASBESTOS. He relates the story about Jeremy loving the story of Daniel and his 3 friends being thrown in the fire and it was a miracle - they never got burned.

The night before surgery - I had Brad and Darryl type a message on the blog - since at that point I couldn't type any more, my left foot dragged, I had to hold up my arm. I knew going through surgery I was in God’s hands – I was at peace either way. I was in the fire - I didn't get burned - God gave me a wonderful peace!

It seemed to happen automatically that three close friends surrounded us - I call them our Daniel friends. See Below. Many others are in the fire with us too, example Ed (and Ann) Roorda who has been John’s Promise Keeper Friend, our friends for over 28 years.

Friends Cliff & Alice from Hamilton who have been friends for 35 years and also came to visit and support us.

3 Daniel friends
Mary B: who has been my friend for over 25 years, we’ve cried, prayed and she encouraged me, she took me shopping for new clothes, came with to buy the wig, drove me to radiation. Hilbert is in our prayer group and also in John’s small group – he’s praying from other country right now and is faithful never missing a day in prayer. .

Pete & Lorraine: John's small group friend is Pete Wierenga, his wife is my dear friend Lorraine who dared to stand in front of church, almost crying, she gave me the verse Psalm 62::6 for me - she told the church and then they sang '"Faithful One" by Brian Doerkson.

John & Sonya: who prodded us (along with Brad) about going to Honduras on a mission trip - Sonya and I wanted to work on something together since 5 years ago - well here comes Rose City Kids - and are we passionate about it. Both our John husbands are excited about this ministry. Both love kids, started as snowmobile friends .. now look what’s happening!

These 3 are in the "FIRE" with John and I as we fast tracked 4 days, ct scan (Pete was there to receive the news of cancer in Welland Hospital that Sunday morning) , MRI, doctors appt., surgery! Wow! Thank you God for answers to prayers! Pete was John's calming person while we got the news of cancer.

October 11th. Mackenzie's birthday. First our family went to visit Mackenzie’s for her birthday - had a great time - Tiff's parents were there. Darryl/Brad came. Meanwhile Tiff is going in the hospital at :00 a.m. to be induced. The plan was John has his cell on, Darryl has his cell on. We have a wedding to go to - went to church - awesome wedding - very fun (Sonya's daughter Emily and her new Australian man!). You can just see the joy on her face – she’s just hamming it up the whole service. I wanted to cry during the ceremony.

One busy lady Sonya has been this week. At one point I told her I wasn’t going to be her friend any more. I can’t keep up with you I said. Her SON-IN-LAW's family is small but they came from Australia for the wedding, Sonya found housing, entertainment etc. etc. Thanks George K and Riet S. for being an example for us and attending the wedding!

Back to the baby. So between services, everyone is taking a nap, I finally go to lay down, John's cell is in our room - he's sleeping in the TV room. Darryl is taking a bath, no phone with him. Now if I was a lawyer – I rest my case – God doesn’t think I need to sleep! We would have missed the call – I got to take it. I had just lay down on the bed to fall asleep - I hear John's cell beeping.- I can't get it out of the case fast enough to answer. Suddening I hear my cell in the kitchen ringing - I jump up - knowing it's Chris. Everyone else is napping.

Well "Bo Daniel" is the name - born, 9 lbs 14 oz’s. Not sure about the color hair yet – maybe blonde, maybe red….? . I asked Chris - when did you decide on the name - he says 1/2 hour before we had him - suddenly Tiff and I were walking down the hall - his middle name is going to be Daniel they said. Not sure if they remembered my Daniel stories – but God was working. IT WAS THEIR SIDE OF THE MIRACLE. Isn't that amazing! I go yelling in the house "BABY IS BORN"

For life he has a story to his name.

WHAT A THANKSGIVING – Yesterday grand daughter Mackenzie turned 7 years old, MARY B. MMM HOW OLD?? SECRET'S SAFE– How awesome is that! On John's birthday we get to have the grandkids over for a sleepover!

Sunday, July 27th – I found John’s sermon notes from this summer - on LORD CHANGE ME – RUNNING ON EMPTY. PSALM 63
Seek spiritual nourishment
Engage your spiritual gifts in service
Do not trust in your own strength
Revive body & soul
My verse from friend Lorraine is Psalm 62:6 and song by Brian Doerkson called “FAITHFUL ONE”.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. Psalm 62:6

NO TIME FOR WORDS - THE PICTURES TELL IT ALL!

WILL WRITE LATER, NO TIME FOR TALK TONIGHT! - HERE'S THE EXCITING PICTURES OF FRIDAY NIGHT CAMPFIRE FOR JOHN'S BIRTHDAY AND MACKENZIE'S 7TH BIRTHDAY (SHE GOT A NEW BROTHER FOR HER BIRTHDAY). MISSED MARY B. BIRTHDAY, SAME DAY AS THE BABY AS WELL. - SORRY MARY - FORGOT TO SAY IT THIS MORNING IN CHURCH.

WEDDING AND NEW GRANDSON OCT. 11TH!!!!

THE FIRST PICTURE IS JOHNNY & EMILY COMING OUT OF CHURCH! 2ND - IS JOHNNY'S WONDERFUL MOM AND ONE OF HIS SISTERS FROM AUSTRALIA. THE 3RD IS JOHN & SONYA LOOKING ON AT THEIR DAUGHTER AND NEW SON-IN-LAW. PROUD PARENTS FOR SURE!!!

AWESOME WEDDING OF EMILY & JOHNNY GILES LAST NIGHT! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE! EMILY SHOWING HER DELIGHT IN HER LOVE FOR JOHNNY! EMILY - YOU MADE ME LAUGH DURING THE SERVICE! GOD IS SMILING DOWN ON YOU! JOHNNY JUST BEING SO WONDERFULLY HONEST. BOTH MOTHERS LOVE FOR CHILDREN. SONYA - WHAT A WONDERFUL NEW SON-IN-LAW. I'M BEATING THE PRESS WITH MY AMATEUR PHOTO'S.

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BETWEEN THE SERVICES WE GOT THE CALL

New Grandson, Bo Daniel Langendoen was born and weighed in at 9lbs 14 ozs. We will be seeing the baby after church this morning and introduce him to is 2 sisters and brother. God is good! When Chris called, saying mother and son are doing good! - he said the "jury is still out if it's another red head or blond!! Hard to say yet, I think he wants to be bald like me! What a miracle! Pictures and story coming soon!

WOW, IHAVE TO MAKE A COMMENT HERE. THE TIME ON THE BLOG IS NOT CORRECT. - THE TIME NOW IS 5:36 . (IT'S NOT SHOWING THAT - I THINK 2:00 SOMETHING). It is true, I only sleep 3 or 4 hours at night, but all you moms out there - no worries -I do my best work in the night. My doctor said - no problem. But I am off all steroids, all radiation done, my radiation doctor says - What next - "God willing - nothing"! I'm with him. Miracles everywhere!

THANKFULNESS! MY CUP HAS OVERFLOWED! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!

I’ve never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now;
But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow.
And as I go along life’s way, I’m reaping better than I sow;
I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven’t got all the riches, And sometimes the going’s tough,
But I’ve got loving ones around me, And that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings, And the mercies he’s bestowed;
I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.
O, remember times when things went wrong;
And my faith sometimes grew thin;
But all at once the dark clouds broke.
And sun peeped through again.So Lord, help me not to gripe.
About the tough rows that I’ve hoed;
I’m drinking from my saucer - ‘cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough,
I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy. To help others bear their loads;
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer
‘CAUSE MY CUP HAS OVERFLOWED.

Oct. 9th - Good Morning

Look at what my wonderful husband did! We have set up our home office to work as well, and organized – I’m learning to love taking the time to be organized.

All the pain he had yesterday of waking early … and look. I could hug him, now he just wants to sleep – he’s off to the greenhouse conference on his motor bike today –

In Coffee Break last night we started with studying the book of Colossions (2nd favorite book of mine - about being kind to each other!). What a great night of sharing. Joyce did a good job of curbing Nancy and my comments and giving others time to talk!

p.s. sorry John I tried not to talk to much. I'm down to 1/2 pill a day. On Thanksgiving I'm finished with them. I don't think I can blame them though...... I learned to email John all my great thoughts, so I don't need to talk them all...... Glad that he loves me anyways!!

AHHH, CAMERA TIMERS!!.....

P.S. Mary in the office will be showing me how to set the timer on the camera, so I won't have to work so hard with the extended cane to push that buttom next time. I had a laugh over that one. Just one of these things I never had time to figure out. Now that I've learned to delegate, I eventually will have time to do this. I learn by just doing.....

October 8th – One month from diagnosis to radiation finish…. Yeah!!!

I promised a wig picture up! So here it is!! THANKS TO TRANSITIONS STUDIO'S IN ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO FOR A GREAT WIG.
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Philippians (my most favorite BOOK in the Bible)

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Every day we have a choice. Will we be positive or negative? Optimistic or pessimistic? Will we choose to focus on God’s blessings and the wonderful possibilities of a life lived for His glory? Or will we focus on life’s troubles and resign ourselves to an existence that is far less than what God has for us?
(taken from N.I.V. version of Stormie Omaritan Bible – given to me as a gift last Christmas from Chris & Tiff - what a great gift it’s been!)

Philippians 1:3-6 “Pray often for your family and friends, and tell them that you thank God for them every time you remember them in your prayers.

Philippians 3:7-12 “pray for an overwhelming hunger and thirst to know Christ and that He would become the greatest passion of your life.”

Philippians 4:6 “Take to heart Paul’s suggestion to not worry about anything but In everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God.”

My hubby isn’t a morning person and when I woke him at 5:00 a.m. by going in the bedroom to get my stuuf - a little early (well he has small groups this morning at 6:00 anyways!) He rolled over mumbling – so I had to get creative. So how to get some pictures, take them by myself, of myself? Out come the books off my shelf ….. grabbed the cane I used the first day home …. Extended it so I could push the camera buttom so you don’t see every wrinkle. I thought I was pretty smart I faced the camera to the mirror so that I could see if I was in the picture. /the new wig picture shows how I did it. The props to set up the camera! When he did wake up I asked him for one picture – he still not awake but did it. 6:00 a.m. - he's off to small group! I think he will smile when he see’s this blog though. Maybe I will get my morning kiss after he reads this!!
(ha, ha)

Now every husband who has ever put Staples or Ikea furniture together is going to appreciate what John did for me last night. After my last radiation yesterday – YEAH! Count it all joy – great radiation people, great medical attention!

Let's stop at Staples on the way home. My new assistant has me on a roll now. Simple, clean furniture, I knew what I wanted – poor John we finally decided. We get home and of course we need to get started putting it together. Check the picture on the sidebar to see what it looked like when we went to bed at 10:30 p.m.– EVERY HUSBAND OUT THERE IS GOING TO FEEL SORRY FOR JOHN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

Oct. 6th - Wow what a weekend we had!

What a great anniversary we had on Friday – we bought watches – nothing spectacular – Cardinal brand, but what they symbolize TIME is what is amazing. Our single sons spent some time with us as Chris & Tiff are patiently baby waiting. I cooked a meal for them Saturday night. Saturday we had an awesome Rose City Kids even though there was a Niagara Food Festival going on celebrating Welland’s 150th anniversary.

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Then on Sunday morning, during the service our pastor in his 9 week sermon series about marriage asks all the married couples in church who would like to stand up and repeat their vows all after him, but look into your partners eyes at the same time and say their name. Well, John & I are looking into each others eyes - repeating was pretty touching. Years ago a pastor might have tried that and no one would have stood up. Today, so many couples did, maybe everyone did. For me, that is a gift to John & I, when we had to say to each other – “in sickness and health, for better or for worse”…. and know that in sickness is real!!” I thanked God for today, as all the praise touched our hearts, the buzz of excitement in church! It was a great service! We are becoming a God-honouring community witnessing for Christ.

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John and I also enjoyed the glorious weather – went out on the motorcycle with John to the hills of Effingham and Pelham back roads. I would never believe I could do that this soon! But we tried and it was fun! How can I be sad about cancer?

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I have a great wig which I’m wearing cause my color is coming out and my vanity likes the wig! My hair is coming out as I comb it today. I took my first aspirin Sunday night - no head ache ever in the last 4 weeks, pre-surgery, surgery, recovery … but felt one before sleep last night - must be the hair tingling at my scalp. When I woke up the headache was gone!

No mourning that hair, it’s looking the wrong color to me anyways (ha, ha, we vain women who color our hair!!) – People tell me this wig makes me look better than ever. I have been trying to lose 10 lbs for 10 years, and now I did. God is giving me these little gifts – I just know he is! So I will ask at radiation today if I can get Emily to just cut more hair for me, or if I should let it fall out naturally.

Can I share a God story about my wig? Thanks. Glenda who got me in touch with Transitions Studio – Carlos who started up a Canadian chapter of a a non-profit organization in 1977 called “Wigs for Kids” They make wigs for kids with cancer from real hair. See below for website info. When friend Mary and Christine came with me to pick out a wig Mary talked about “Irene Bakker being a scarf lady”, way back when. He said he remembered her! Maybe even saw a video she made? Wow! God story! He was wonderful to help make decisions about a wig. Mary and Christine laughed right along with him. He was impressed that I could almost talk as fast as him. We all know Italians can talk fast! So Thanks Carlos at Transition Studio’s – you are going to need to send some business cards over to the Juravinski Cancer Centre. I gave mine to the radiation nurses! They loved the wig. The Bakker girls and Vermeer's will be blessed by this story

God provided an army of pray-ers for me (through you all) – fast tracked through all these medical appointment stuff. Delegating is becoming a wonderful thing I’m enjoying at work. Great assistant! God is good! Looks like a nice weather week – enjoy everyone! Day 9 of radiation today, work in the morning and appointment in the afternoon. Love you all for your prayers and concern.

John & Jocelyn
Websites to hear incredible stories …….
http://www.transitionstudio.ca/
http://www.rosecitykids.com/
http://www.nonviolentartist.com/
http://www.citykidz.ca/
http://www.gravelroadjourney.blogspot.com/
www.langleyimmanuelcrc.org/david/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m584z5aE4Uc - Tony Campolo's interview

http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/videos.html?id=875564353 - CBC interview

OCT. 5TH - AMAZING STORY - I POSTED ON HIS BLOG AND MINE

PUT ON GERALD FOLKERTS BLOG AND MINE....

TO GERALD FOLKERTS AND FAMILY
Wow, can I share a little story. I met your Dad at a Willowcreek Conference in 2001. The CRC Home Missions Board had a meeting first there – and we were all willing to see and learn what God would do. I was there for Bethany CRC in Fenwick with 2 others and your Dad from Covenant Church in Winnipeg. When I went I looked across the room and I met someone who so resembled our dear friend, John Folkerts that I went up to him and said – by any chance do you have a brother in B.C. Well, of course – you looked so much the same. I kept a wonderful prayer journal for awhile and I looked it up – my pastor made me do a write up about the experience and I mentioned it in there.

I hope your church has grown as much as ours in the last 7 years. Previously we would have had to get past 3 committee meetings, council and just maybe we could go up and speak. Today we called the pastor, asked the praise team to say something for us and play this CD I liked called

What a Good God
What a good God You've been to me
Your goodness and Your grace everyday I've seen
What else can I do but give my deepest thanks to You
What a good God You've been to me
What a faithful God You've been to me
You've provided far beyond everything I'd ever need
What else can I do but give my deepest heartfelt thanks to You
What a faithful God You've been to me
What a loving God You've been to me
You shed Your blood on the cross
So that I can stand here and be free
So what else can I do
But give my deepest thanks to You
What a loving God You've been
What a faithful God You've been
What a good God You've been to me

The only problem was the Praise Team wanted John and I go up to talk. FEAR, DREAD, I CAN’T DO THAT – IT’S MY FIRST SUNDAY BACK, I PANICKED – JOHN GENTLY TOLD ME JUST COME WITH ME I’LL TALK. We walked up front and John asked for a moment to get it together. We were able to share that many of us in this church are experiencing trials, not just us. Yet we have the comfort that we can rely on God to walk with us, and carry us through these challenging times no matter what they are. I can’t believe I’m up there! This is not me. But you know what, cancer has made me bolder for Jesus. Our mission statement is "Bethany is a God-honouring community witnessing for Christ".

Now I find out that the exact same week – your Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour for the first time and I had recurrence. You were diagnosed Sept. 4th and me the 7th. I had surgery the 11th and he the 12th. I had colon cancer 3 years ago and have been given clean bills of health right from 5 months ago to 2 weeks ago on different tests. Within 3 days I experienced some of the same things as your Dad. Low energy on the left side of my body, first my arm, then my leg, and then my left foot dragging. We pushed things (we have a cancer specialist doctor in the family from Syracuse, New York) because of my history of cancer and from Sunday to Thursday I had a CT scan, doctors appt., MRI, brain surgery to remove the cancerous tumour. Thanks to fast action at the Welland Hospital to have a C-scan, we found out in the emergency room Sept. 7th. See my blog at the bottom so I can keep this shorter.

God is amazing through both our journeys – I just finally had time to read your blog with tears this morning and thought we both needed to tell our congregations how important that Willowcreek conference was – our church has grown in wonderful ways. Hopefully yours has too. It sounds like a caring support for you too.

We have been corresponding with John & Wendy (our dear friends and your brother).

One step at a time! I feel the prayers of everyone. I can tell that we both feel God’s presence in this all and we both have wonderful communities around us supporting us. And I have a feeling we both were inspired to set up a blog because of John & Wendy’s son’s friend who set up the blog for their son.

Sorry I tried to limit my words? My husband might tell you that has been hard for me to do lately. I only need 4 hours of sleep at night! So my day is ½ done when he wakes up!!

www.jocelynlangendoen.blogspot.com
John & Jocelyn Langendoen
Fenwick, Ontario

Gerald Folkerts
Winnipeg
www.gravelroadjourney.blogspot.com/

Oct. 4th - ROSE CITY KIDS DAY!!

Whooaaa, alright everyone - yesterday John’s blog write-up make me sound like I’m perfect!!

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I am NOT! But Sonya said I needed to let him do it - I listen to my friends! We have shared lots though and had lots of fun along the way – So things that didn’t seem fun at the time now we laugh with fond memories. I kept a prayer journal for about 10 years – very good to do – I love to read it now as my memory isn’t always good – yes son, Darryl it’s the 2nd time I told you the story! Life just seemed to get busier and busier and I haven’t written since 2004. But God has got my attention this time with this cancer! I have learned to delegate and am enjoying that so much now! Now I pray for time if that is what he has in store for me. We have so much wonderful talent at work!! God is blessing us even now in our business because of our wonderful staff pulling together!

John forgot to mention some of my faults: I am not always kind, don’t always think of others, sometimes talk to much, some times sarcastic and sometimes a back seat driver,
sometimes like to plan too much….. But God is Good – I do love John with all my heart! So it was a Happy 33rd Anniversary yesterday!! (I think our new grandson wanted his own special day – so no baby yet!) We do work, love, laugh, breath and worship God together and me - I ask God to use me any way He can! I did have to let John write on the blog what was on his heart – even though I’m feeling this isn’t about me. It’s like when people pass away and people only say all the good things they’ve done. It’s easy to forget the imperfect. I guess cancer enabled him to give me a gift that I could hear about. It was kind of a gift – I will admit it. Last night we went to buy our watches, we had a wonderful person helping us – amazing when your kind to people how it changes their day and yours and how easily you are able to share a little of your story! I love my new wig – even though I don’t need it – and yes I am a little vain, I don’t want grey hair – so no despair – if you see me I haven’t lost my hair yet, but I do like my new look – so yesterdays picture is the new me for the next 3 or 4 month. Yesterday co-worker, friend Coby, my driver for radiation for the day had fun as we enjoyed asking a young makeup person in Shoppers how 50+ could look like them? We had fun!

Please don’t think bad of me, but yes I am an intentional person, before I was diagnosed part of my job was to work on raising funds for this year. It was a little scarey to how we were going to get people to donate. – how do we raise $45,000. We are just a small program with 35 kids – how will people notice?! Well, we just won’t spend it until we have it. So far the first 6 months a handful of people at Bethany CRC have been donating to our expenses. We only spent $6,000 from March to June. Hamilton City Kidz founder Todd Bender advised: “remember time is your most precious commodity, watch you don’t spend a lot of time on small projects to raise money – sometimes all you just have to do is ask. And watch God work. Wow, I am! His other advise is – don’t worry about numbers – remember it’s about the ONE!!

Am I using my cancer – you bet I am. MY MESSAGE ALL ALONG – USE THE PAIN OF YOUR LIFE TO GOD’S GLORY AND WATCH WHAT HE WILL DO. SO HERE IT GOES! So many people have shared wonderful stories with me – that’s why I’m talking so much – it’s not a energizer bunny that they put in my head during surgery really John! Feel free to share on the blog – so I don’t have to talk so much!! Because God can use my cancer, not a good thing to His glory. Realize in your life that God can use your pain too. I asked another crazy grandma to meet me at Rose City Kids today. Are we willing to be used by God? "AVAILABILITY IS HIS ONLY REQUIREMENT"!!

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John & Sonya’s (President and Director) ability to work with youth and all their experience going on mission trips (the last 5 years) doing Kids programs, doing KIDS CHURCH once a month at Bethany have all worked up to this, dragging youth to Brooklin, New York on Easter weekend to see the biggest program you can imagine to feel Metro (Brad and I attended once). Hielke, one of the directors has been on all those trips too and even inspired the City Kids Hamilton/Metro Ministry one. Hielke is a kid magnet as anyone in our church will tell you – really he is a retired chicken farmer with time on his hands! We did end up going on a trip to Honduras (10 of us and 15 from B.C. met up with us) this past June all together with these youth (son Brad telling us – you need to go on a mission trip) – this year and we had a blast doing it. John and Victoria (girl on our website) enjoyed going into the streets of Honduras and inviting children to come to the program this afternoon – they came back with tons of kids from every direction. It was amazing! 3 days before returning home – John got violently sick, even though we had our needles (probably parasites from carrying these young kids on their shoulders). Our youth prayed downstairs as a group as we thought for sure he was dying. I was scared, he was scared, we just held each other! Suddenly he sat up and said is someone praying, I feel a little better! John’s brother and wife (missionaries in Honduras) got their nurse to prescribe something the next day for probably parasites and he slowly got feeling better.

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Elise, our Consultant Program Director is the most creative person I know as she makes videos for our program with other youth and who spent 2 years at Hillsong in Australia – she is hired for 16 hours a week consulting and does many volunteer hours as well, we have in mind to hire one more part time. Bethany has scooped her up the other part of her week as they had fun with a successful Day Camp for Fenwick youth this summer!! I’m a firm believer that ministry people need to be paid fairly! Everyone else is volunteer – our youth have stepped up to the plate! They are young, enthusiastic and open to share the gospel, they inspire us – they teach us age 50’s people a lot about their openness!! Hamilton City Kidz have sponsors, like CHCH News who will also be giving us Christmas gifts for our kids this year too. I just checked and World Wide Christian Schools is also mentioned on their special race. Is that awesome or what! They have great sponsors like McDonalds/Canadian Tire who see the kids lives be worked on – they know the next group of kids becoming teens in Hamilton will have had some great times before they reach that hard age and maybe, just maybe God is using them. Their story is a wonderful story of 15 years of God’s Grace. So this is much easier for us then for them! They are celebrating 15 years this year! Kids are volunteering now as leaders who grew up in the program. They have made it their mandate to start up City Kidz type programs all over Canada. We are a first pilot project too.

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I’m praying that when you watch the video’s at http://www.rosecitykids.com/ that you will be inspired by all the youth talent and participation in our volunteer program that you will be able to give a small donation (before we get tax status maybe). Friday we applied with Rev. Canada for our charitable status and those who know me, know that I am not above instructing my lawyer to add a compassionate letter about my cancer and plea to fast track this please? Sometimes God works through pushy women I think!! (another fault) We have a $60,000 budget this year and we received $15,000 from http://www.citykidz.ca/. We have entered into a partnership agreement with them for a year. So we say we are affiliated with them. So our official company name is Rose City – Kids Ministry.


Today (every other Saturday) we are off to 77 Division Street for Rose City Kids. Welland has a NIAGARA FOOD FESTIVAL TODAY celebrating 150 years. Not sure how many children we will get with that going on. Welland might be very busy! But our two buses are going out. During the week our volunteers visit the homes of their group of kids. We will also be working on improving our website with, exciting, fresh and lots of creative ideas as to how we can change positive values in the kids of Welland, even though it is known being one of the drug cities of Canada! See what God will do! But now I don’t have to say all this when I bump into you as we do life together!

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p.s. Now I don't have to say this to every one of you when we meet in the street - I can say read my long winded blog. 2 days left of radiation - Monday and Tuesday. PRAISE GOD THROUGH IT ALL!

OCT. 3, 2008 - TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE ON OUR 33RD ANNIVERSARY

Jocelyn and I are buying a gift of a watch for each other for our anniversary today!! We thank God for this gift of time together.

It seems only yesterday that we met and began dating. Jocelyn was a really hot chick with long blonde hair, (I think she worried my mother at first) and I fell in love with her at first sight at a weekend campout with the Aldershot Church youth group. She was a spunky gal and all of you who know her, know she hasn’t changed a bit over the years.

My life changed when I met her and I knew she was an answer to prayer. Oh yes, before I met her, I prayed and prayed that God would led me to a girl that I could go through life with and love for the rest of our lives. I had no idea what God has blessed me with and I have often taken it for granted.

Jocelyn made my dream of owning and running a nursery business, “our dream”. I couldn’t have had a better business partner, wife, friend and the love of my life. Jocelyn didn’t hesitate to sacrifice things to make the business go, such as selling our house in Hamilton and living in a trailer for five years on rented land while we started the business. During all this we raised 3 fantastic boys, worked crazy hours, and held jobs outside of the business to supplement our income. Jocelyn could work and work and get by with 4 or 5 hours of sleep, and even now she is still doing.

She never criticized me for mistakes made and was always the upbeat one during times of difficulty, and even now she continues to be energetic and positive. I reflect back on times she would ride with me on a tractor when we had a apple orchard (before kids stage), while I was spraying in the middle of the night, just to be with me.

I knew where Jocelyn’s heart was, always patient with the boys, and with me. She would never get frustrated, willing to do anything at a moments notice without hesitation and with a smile. When Jocelyn is working in the kitchen or in the office doing a menial chore she would subconsciously be singing hymns or songs of praise. That is a testament of her faith and where her heart is at, something that I’m certain made an impression on our boys.

We enjoyed so much raising our boys, seeing them grow up to become men and see them begin a faith walk with our Lord – they have taught us lots! That’s gotta be the biggest blessing that Jocelyn and I have experienced. They are all different, have already had very unique individual experiences, but they have the same love for our Lord. Seeing our oldest get married and now expecting their fourth child is sooo…. exciting and we enjoy our grandchildren so very much. What a blessing!

So we pray that God will give us more time together, learn from yesterday, appreciate today and eagerly look forward to tomorrow. We know our life on earth is temporary and that we can look forward to a rich future in heaven, but we love our life here on earth. We have been so blessed with support from family and friends, some of you have been amazing for Jocelyn, something that I can hardly comprehend.

We have felt the power and peace of prayer and ask that you continue to keep Jocelyn in your prayers. Time for us is precious, something that we are so very conscious of now. Jocelyn and I also have other passions outside of our family and business and some of these we are going to focus on because we don’t know how much time we have ie; our Church in Fenwick, a new Christian School in Fonthill, more time with our family, a few more holidays and one that Jocelyn is particularly excited about is Rose City – Kids.

Rose City – Kids Ministry has been a passion for a number of people in Bethany CRC in Fenwick, to get up and running for the kids of Welland to give them hope. Welland has the highest rate of drug trafficking in the country, has the highest rate of poverty and unemployment in the Niagara Region and has many single parent families, so there is such a need for the children of Welland for this program. This Saturday we meet again.

So many of you of you have told us many wonderful stories about your lives since we have started this blog. Check out http://www.rosecitykids.com/ and we now have a relatively smooth avenue of taking donations – using paypal and by giving your credit card in a secured way. (no taxable receipts can be issued for this yet though). Note that our charitable status could take 6-10 weeks yet and if you would like to get a receipt and wait until then – just send us a email at rosecity-kids@hotmail.com and we will let you know when we have it.

Oct. 2nd - #9th( last) - FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT - SELF CONTROL

Self control is not fragile like a strawberry plants; it’s big and solid like an apple tree. Only God can plant something of that magnitude in you and make it bear fruit. Make every effort to add to your faith, goodness and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness (2 Peter 1:5-6)

Stormie Omaritan devotion says: “If you’ve not been bearing the fruit of the Spirit in your life the way you’d like, ask God to help you plant good seeds and pull up any weeds that may have grown up around your soul. Feed the soil of your heart with the food of God’s word and ask the Holy Spirit to water it afresh every day.”
GOOD WORDS WE NEED TO HEAR!

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DONE IN WITH A PEPPERMINT….My “Dr. Sister-in-law” is laughing at me (she too had a good surgery report!) – I managed to have no pain in surgery, no pain in radiation, able to walk etc. quickly but in her words: “one little pesky peppermint is bringing me down.” After biting into one – it made me break the filling on a molar and is causing my tongue pain! Maybe things will be quieter - Not for long though – this morning I have dentist appointment at 8:00 and day 7 radiation at 10:00! Thanks Mary you’re the best for taking me – I know you love the early hours of the morning – Sorry for the change to 7:30 a.m. dentist!!! Thanks coffee break friends for last night! Thanks all blog comment people for your encouragement to our family and special cancer fighting people in our church walking alongside.

We love you all for it.
John & Jocelyn

Oct. 1st - This morning when I woke up this is the message I needed to share:

Years ago my family and I learned the truths to the words of this song when our son Brad was young, his 5 year old friend battled cancer - John Martin went to be with Jesus at a very young age. We got to know a crazy grandma! (P&S) We were blessed. These words of this song stayed with us and they come back to me this morning.
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We are encouraged even today by living one day at a time, sometimes one step at a time, and sometimes one moment at a time…… life isn’t easy …..

but we have grace for each day!
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When something seems to hard to handle, to big too conquer, too far away to touch,
When all your dreams begin to shatter, and deep inside you, your hurting most of all.
That’s when it’s time to say, I’m climbing my mountain, step by step.
I’m climbing my mountain, day by day. Climbing my mountain all the way.
Climbing my mountain …. I’m going to make it. One step at a time.
One step at a time. One step at a time. With Jesus by my side. One step at a time.
With Jesus by my side. One step at a time. One step at a time. I’m climbing my mountain,
One step at a time. Even though you might grow weary, don’t get discouraged,
In a weakness, God is Strong. Remember this …..
He’ll never forsake you. He’s your strength and he is your song.
So singing is got to say. I’m climbing my mountain, step by step.
I’m climbing my mountain all the way. I’m climbing my mountain.
I’m gonna make it one step at a time. With Jesus by my side.
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BLESSINGS IN OUR LIVES
Today Brad has compassion in his character which was being molded even way back then when we had many visits with his friend. Recently he spent 2 years at the Centre for Creative Media in Texas. Not getting a degree but learning hands on about film and production. It was an amazing, invaluable experience for him. While spending time with our family closely the last couple of weeks - Brad prayed a lot and made the hard decision to continue going to the Middle East on October 14th on a 2 week trip. Check out www.nonviolentartist.com to learn more. He has our blessing and we look forward to seeing what God can do in his life.

Darryl has gotten his social work degree this year and had 2 years experience working in Chicago with neighbourhood action groups, volunteer time in Mexico etc. He is going to be a great asset for advise

with his expertise for Rose City – Kids Ministry. He recently started working in Toronto with

Wood Green Neighbourhood Services.

Chris is working in business with us with many gifts and talents and John and I enjoy this so much. Our daughter in law Tiff , is wonderful, caring mother of 3 and soon to be 4. We are so excited this week! Day 6 of radiation today – God is answering all your prayers and

working through this and giving me strength for each day.
GOD IS GOOD!!

#8 Fruit of the Spirit – Gentleness (seems appropriate for today)

Stormie Omaritan says – Plant seeds of gentleness.
Being considerate of the feelings and needs of others by exhibiting gentleness shows that your are responding to the Spirit of God. Pray that you will be gentle and meek today!

A little memory that tugged me this morning by one of the blogger comments to share.
Two days out of surgery, lying in bed and not being able to move much yet. Brad was printing blog comments out to me. And I was especially blessed by this one. Margaret faced cancer years ago too and she had this verse from Isaiah 43 that helped her through it “when you walk through the fire you will not be burned”. Thanks Bert & Margaret you shared and helped without even knowing. This will touch other lives as well!!

This is how it blessed me - I felt like I was in that fire at first when we heard the news that Sunday, but going into surgery and recovery John and I were so calm – it was amazing – I was awake nights but I wasn’t getting burned! I just peacefully rested in knowing that God has a plan for my life! But it was a reminder of my 7 year old nephews funeral service which was about Asbestos to Heart – and that we would not be burned through this fire of losing a child either. The pastor of that church was inspired by Jeremy because he loved the Bible story of Daniel in the lion’s den and tell me how could kids not love that story! Daniel standing in the blazing fire and not getting burned.

But what a wonderful testimony it is in our lives for years to come as that memory came to mind! None of us will be burned in the fires of life (some very tough ones) when we trust in God to guide us.

Day 5 treatment of radiation – no pain. Thank you God for today! Have a great day!

#7 Plant seeds of Faithfulness - MONDAY - a new week lies ahead!

Day 4 of radiation today… so far so good, no head aches, no tiredness (I think John only wishes that side effect would kick in!!) after 30 days of radiation for my colon cancer, this one is easy! We are looking forward to this new grandchild – maybe this week?! ! No pressure Tiff. As we look forward to yet another “sunshine day” today - We consider God’s faithfulness – when we are solid, steadfast, dependable, reliable, loyal and trustworthy and do what is right no matter what, then we can exhibit faithfulness.

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Sunday was a wonderful day of worship reminding us about our marriages, celebrating a baptism, Lord’s Supper, excited grand kids enjoying Kids Church, faithful youth leaders - knowing 150 youth attended Youth Talks at night right next door –and some wonderful hugs from special people. John and I enjoyed our family over on Saturday night and just watching the grand kids playing with their uncles was awesome. Had some more family visits on Sunday afternoon. A motorcycle friend dropped in! (stories safe with me friend!) God is good!

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Thankful for God’s faithfulness to me!! Think about His faithfulness to you and how God is with you no matter the circumstances you are going through. Pray, pray, pray. I know he answers! My "Dr" Sister-inlaw is going to day surgery today (to get a stent and a filter, related to her blood clot last summer) - she was a brave soul to stand at our side during surgery for me. Prayers for her today. Also to others having surgery today! Have a good day – I’m off to work !

#5 & #6 FRUIT - PLANT SEEDS OF KINDNESS & GOODNESS

Stormie Omaritan NIV Bible - Kindness is something you choose to put on, like your clothes! The ultimate act of kindness was when Jesus gave His life for us. Pray that His brand of kindness will grow in you! (Colossians 3:12)
AND

When the goodness of God is sown in your soul, it leads you to produce good deeds.

(Matthew 12:35)

Sometimes God uses creative people – I think I’m creative?? – I’m not always organized as some can tell you, sometimes talk to much – but I’m willing to be used by God.

Can I tell a fun story?

(Aren't blogs wonderful you don't get to answer!?)

While sitting in the coffee shop at the Juravinski Cancer Centre after radiation with my Dad and Mom, friend Lorraine and myself. We talked about a special aunt’s (mom’s sister) 80th birthday and how originally way back she was going to have a celebration dinner. With everything going on she decided not to. How can we make her day special? Did we have a plan?!!!!

Off to the store to see what we could find – thanks for being a partner in crime Lorraine! We found a scarecrow of a girl in pigtails and tied some helium 80th balloons to it and added a card – just because we love you! Then 2 signs that said Open House / FREE COFFEE. The store clerks were impressed with the idea and had a good laugh.

Then we had to find 2 kind souls (willing volunteers) ended up being Rob & Glenda, who would go in the night and put it on her lawn. Amazing what true friends/co-workers will do for you if you ask nicely!!! Thanks guys - your the best!!!!

Well Aunt Joyce ended up having a great day and seeing lots of people! We were blessed by the funny stories she had to tell! And I’m sure the people visiting Aunt Joyce were blessed by her! So thanks everyone!!


DROPPING BY AFTER SUPPER FOR A PHOTOSHOOT!!
































My 82 year old mom (left), My 90 year old Tante

Mies Simmelink (center), and My now 80 year old

Tante Joyce Denbok (right)
...... enjoying a supper together in celebration!

My Dad and his two Sister-in-laws - he's feeling young at 79!

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I know that 12 special people helped a single mom and her children move today! Awesome!!! KINDNESS IN ACTION!

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What about if everyone reading this blog could work on a

really kind and good thing to do this week?

Whose world could shine just a little brighter and

be reminded that God loves them?

Fruits of the Spirit
Plant seeds of patience. “God’s timing is not our timing. He is always doing more than we see or know, so we have to trust Him on how long He takes to bring things to pass.”

Can I tell a little story? Thursday - My radiation doctor called in the morning and asked my permission for him to talk to my sister-in-law, Dr. Kathy Faber-Langendoen – I thanked them for allowing and appreciated this wonderful/kind doctor. We went to radiation yesterday. We walk in the door of the cancer centre and we just literally bump into the radiation doctor. I usually go directly to radiation and don’t see him. (We were a ½ hour early – God’s timing to meet.) He recognizes us – and John jokingly says, can I ask you a question, “Is my wife supposed to glow in the dark with radiation?” We had a chuckle. (I don’t seem to need more than 5 hours of sleep – ). Then I ask if he got in touch with our sister-in-law. He pulled us aside and says that they talked and concluded together that for me maybe the very best would be to spread treatments over 10 times – pretty much same dosage, but I would need to come 10 days instead of 5. So would I mind going home today – and they will recalibrate my dosage starting Friday. I loved the timing of the 5 days – quick, done, good, move on, but PATIENCE… We thank him – and say we’ll do the best that you think – let’s do it. John and I look at each other and we know we thank God for those taking care of me medically.

Sunday morning we wanted to give a message of thanks to our church for all the prayers, deeds and kind thoughts from so many. Also the message that Cancer is just one pain – there is so much going on with others as well - trials in our lives and we have the comfort to rely on God to walk with us and carry us through challenging times no matter what they are. We hoped the praise team leaders could say it and ask everyone to close their eyes and listen to the words of this song we picked – “What a good God You’ve been”. John went and asked Sunday morning and came back and said they wanted us to do it. I panicked ( – not me – I can’t do that, don’t want to go up – first Sunday back etc.!!) John said he would read it and I could just come up with him (he choked up a little which was fine).
Our Pastor is doing a 9 week series on God’s model for marriages – so it was a good day!

(Pastor EJ & Sharen are teaching a study on Marriage boosters – something we all need, we are thankful for them at Bethany CRC).



Elise and Katie do teaching video’s for Rose City – Kids and they capture the kids attention amazingly. This is one of there videos.

Below are the lyrics to the song we listened to on sunday. I will add the music soon so you can hear it.