2016 New Years message.
Hope this message finds all of you in good heath and at peace.
2015 was a year in which we were saddened with passing of a number of friends, both in the Netherlands as well as here in Canada. Our thoughts and prayers are often with and for those who are left behind.
It is with deep thankfulness that Jane and I have closed the old year and started the new.
We celebrated Christmas in the Grand Rapids area. For two days we had the whole "clan" together at the Hyatt in Wyoming Mi.
Think you can imagine how blessed we feel to have experienced this, with all of our children and grandchildren. On March 12 (a date we remember for a number of reasons) it will be 4 years that
the oncologist suggested that we not make any plans beyond the 7 months mark.
Since then we welcomed Lucas and Evan Noordermeer and Wesley Heene into our family. And on Christmas Eve, Benj and Kelly shared that they are expecting their 3rd child around July 4.
Are we blessed or what?
Kevin and Christine have their oldest two, Noah and Gideon, as junior and freshman in high school and Tristan, Wyatt and Tehya between grade seven and one of grade school.
Justin and Monic's oldest, Christian is in grade one of grade school and Wesley is at home.
Marc and Shelly's girls, Annika, Brynne, Kambria and Maren are all in grade school, between grade seven and kindergarten.
Benj and Kelly have Lucas and Evan still at home.
Noah already has his drivers license and will soon have to consider his options for post secondiary education.
It is an absolute joy for us to see how giftings in all of them are starting to be developed, in faith in Jesus, academia, music ,sports and other areas.
We are priviledged to watch our grandchildren's parents establish their homes and encouraging their children to follow Jesus as they themselves do.
Much of Kevin's time is spent on guiding Moline Christian school as principal and chief administrator with Christine doing some child care at home , Justin's business, Nevtro takes up a lot of his time as well as the odd 16 holes of golf, with Monic on maternity leave at home.
Marc is busy launching his own business of heating and cooling services with Shelly picking up hours at the hospital in Crown Point In. hospital prenatal department on the weekends.
Kelly still works at Christian Rest Home on Grand Rapids's westside.
Benj is awaiting the "final" final decision of the US immigration dept. as to whether he has to leave the US or not. Both Benj and Kelly have God's peace about having to move to Canada if that is where He wants them, but Jane and I are still praying (interceding on their behalf - as John19:11A says that God gives authority to those in authority over us, then by extension He can change their mind too) that they may be allowed to raise their family where they themselves choose. For if he is forced to move to Canada, then there may very well be a restriction on his travel into the USA. If you feel prompted please pray with us on this issue.
Jane and I are doing well. At our last visit in London the doctors shared that the latest CT scan does not show any progression since may 2015. So we just keep on "trucking".
Next visit in London January 6. Because of the holidays, this meeting coming will be 35 days since the last one and because of the clinical trail regulations they could only give us 28 daily pills. So we are a few pills short. The doctors assured us that there was no risk in doing this.
We have learned in a very real way that our lives are not ours, but belong to our Savior Jesus.
Our God still heals and restores and at the same time also allows medical personnel and treatment to benefit us.
As for myself, I got a message from the nurse of our personal physician that I should give blood for some testing. The results of which are probably forthcoming in the next week or two, but we entrust that to God as well.
Still have some cows, calves and meat goats in the barn. So that, as well as some machining and fabricating gives me still opportunities to challenge myself. The hay fields are dormant now and as of yesterday covered with snow, but trust that God will revive nature again in due time.
For me springtime "screams out" the reality of the intelligent design of a Creator who loves His creation and in particular humanity which he created after His own image.
We thank God for all of you, our family and our many friends, may He bless you richly.
We remind ourselves often and encourage you all to keep looking up for He is coming soon. Marinus & Jane.
P.S. Let us know if you read our blog by sending us a short note. (nrdrmr@xplornet.com) God bless all of you.
