Thursday, July 28, 2005
The day the sun didn't shine!
There's a legend about a day the sun didn't rise. At 6:00 in the morning it was dark. At 7:00 it was still night. Noon came and it was like midnight. By 4:00 in the afternoon, people flocked to the churches to beg God for the sun.
The next morning, huge crowds gathered outdoors to face the eastern sky. When the first rays of sunlight pushed open the door of the morning, the people burst into cheers and praised God for the sun.
The psalmist (Psalm 103)knew he couldn't possibly remember all of God's benefits to him. He was distressed that he might forget them all, so he took his sluggish soul in hand, shook it, and urged it to consider at least some of the good gifts God gave to him.
Because God's goodness is as constant as the sun, we are in danger of forgetting what He showers on us each day. If we count our blessings one by one, we'll never get finished. But if we jot down a list of 10 or 20 gifts God gives us each day, something will happen to our hearts.
Let's try it and find out for ourselves. Haddon Robinson
Every morning as we rise,
God's new mercies greet our eyes;
And when twilight shadows fall,
Evening blessings brighten all, Anon.
If you want to be rich, count all the things
you have that money can't buy.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:2
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Something in my native language!
Het Boek (HTB)
Copyright @ 1988 by International Bible Society
25 En Jezus bad dit gebed: "Vader, Heer van hemel en aarde, dank U wel dat U de waarheid hebt verborgen voor wijzen en geleerden. Maar U hebt de waarheid bekendgemaakt aan kleine kinderen.
26 Ja, Vader, want zo hebt U het graag gewild."
27 Hij sprak weer tot de mensen. "Mijn Vader heeft Mij alles toevertrouwd. Hij is de enige die de Zoon echt kent. En Ik ben de enige die de Vader echt kent. En ook de mensen die Ik heb laten zien wie Hij is, kennen Hem.
28 Als de lasten u drukken en u vermoeid raakt, kom dan bij Mij. Ik zal u rust geven.
29 Voeg u naar Mij en wees mijn discipel, want Ik ben vriendelijk en nederig van hart. Bij Mij zult u diepe innerlijke rust vinden.
30 Wat Ik van u vraag is nooit te zwaar en de last die u voor Mij moet dragen, is licht."
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Good advice!
I cannot stress it enough to people to have the procedure done. I went to a specialist shortly after Ted was diagnosed with colon cancer. The specialist asked me a couple of questions, and then told me I did not need one, unless I was worried (that was to save his butt). I told him, no I am not the worrying kind. So, I left it on the backburner. Very, very dumb of me. (I was actually afraid to have it done.!)
What happened to me most of you know, I had grade 4 colon cancer as per picture. It had already gone into the Lymphnodes out side the colon wall. I want to be a bit graphic as I want you all to really think about this.

Now, that was less than three year after my visit to the specialist!
I had the colonoscopy done in the Hospital prior to my operation. Let me tell you, there is absolutely nothing to it. You are asleep, you wake up and you can eat again!! Except for me, because I had to go in for surgery.
They ended up removing 2/3 of my colon, the Ascending and the Transverse (that is one meter. The small intestine is now attached to the Descending colon). Smart hey?
Now let me tell you, an operation such as I had is no picnic either! Except you end up with a flatter tummy, at least I did! But don't kid yourself, I still have to exercise!
My advise to you is, please, please have it done, and do not let anybody, not even a specialist, talk you out of it.
I think I am scheduled for one at the end of this year. While Ted's will be in three years. After cancer went into his liver, (great possibility for me as well), they were able to operate on him. He has been cancer free for almost three years.
That is what you call a miracle as not many people survive that! We are so thankful to the Lord. That we are absolutely overjoyed is an understatement.
We plan to be around for a long time, I only have to look at my grandchildren.
But, if for some reason the Lord wants to call me to Himself. Hey, I am ready!!
As I wrote before, I am at the end of my Chemo, another week or so, until my pills are finished. I feel great, Ted feels great, all though he is not as energetic as I am and he never was! I do everything I want to do. I have never been as happy.
My faith is totally in the Lord. And please don't tell me I have more faith than you. You just have faith in Jesus Christ. He knows what I/you need, and that is enough for me and for you.
"I always like to just go with the flow", that has been my motto.
As I said in the Hospital a day or so after the surgery, when I felt the worst was over (Ted likes to repeat that once in a while, 'cause he thought that was funny!).
"Oh, It feels great to feel good!"
Bless you all, believe in God and in the power of Jesus Christ. But... Be wise!
All my love to you.
Trudy
Monday, July 25, 2005
More exercise anyone?

The following article, (which I condensed somewhat) I received from an internet source. I thought it sounded like something worthwhile passing along. Somehow, there is somebody out there who thinks I need improvements? (By the way) I, personally do this kind of exercise faithfully everyday. Now you could also opt for an operation such as I had last December 31st, when 2/3 of my colon was removed, that'll do it, ha,ha!!
How To Get Rid Of Lower Ab Fat!
Every woman wants to know HOW... step-by-step... to get RID of fat from her lower abs.
You have four major abdominal muscles. The one that runs the length of your torso from your sternum to your pelvis is called the "rectus abdominis."
Because it is one long wide flat sheet of muscle, some scientists think it's a waste of time to do exercises that focus on the upper half of that muscle and other exercises to focus on the lower half.
The truth is, there is no such thing as "targeting" an area for fat loss.
The only way to lose fat in the lower abs, is to lower your overall body fat percentage.
Weight loss and ideal weight is all about body composition: the amount of fat versus the amount of muscle you carry around on your body.
When you hear the term "target your abs" or "feel the burn," you are targeting the MUSCLES that lie underneath the fat. You will definitely want to work those muscles, but you won't see the benefits until the body fat percentage itself is lowered.
So how do you go about changing your body composition for the better? It's quite simple! Here's how you can lose fat and gain muscle, improve your physique and slim down those trouble areas...
Eat SMALLER meals several times a day instead of just a couple of big meals.
This is important!
The main reason around this eating habit is that smaller meals can help you lose weight and absorb nutrients more efficiently by speeding up your metabolism.
Also, in regards to changing your eating habits to lower overall body fat, stick to a healthy, low-calorie diet. This will by far be the most important thing you do to assist your problem areas.
Do some cardiovascular exercise, which raises your heart rate and elevates your breathing level, at least three times per week. One good exercise to do is the REVERSE CRUNCH.
To do the reverse crunch, keep your back on the floor and use your abs to lift your hips straight up, just a few inches off the floor. Flatten the abs at the top of the movement by exhaling and contracting the muscles.
Train your muscles with weights about two or three times per week. Remember though, when training your muscles, one should wait 48 hours before training the same body part again. This gives your muscles some downtime.
Once you've done some weight training and you have replenished your muscles with protein, your body will need to rest. Make sure to get a good night's sleep and don't overdo it with other physical activities.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Princess



This is Samantha, our granddaughter, our son Paul and Jennifer's little girl.
You have to agree with me that she is georgeous.
Now you realize why I am just about very anxious to go there.
Every night she has been asking Jesus to bring us to their house, which is in North Carolina. We are planning a trip in October. I should be able to get insurance by then. Usually we go twice a year, but because of my sickness we had to cansel.
In the meantime, I just love to get pictures from them.
Good News, Chemo Cycle 8, The Last One!
I am doing so well, Dr. Harris said. Next time I see her will be in September, at that time I'll be getting a CT scan, complete blood work and a mammogram.
Now that sounds like great news. But..... I have this sort of secure feeling while on chemo I know for sure this killer stays away. Hey, I am not perfect!
But I have to assume that Dr. Harris knows what she is doing. We do what we can, and the rest is up to God.
I do feel very good, I do everything I want to do, work in the yard, gym, eat, sleep, see the grandkids, lay in the sun, what else, Oh yes, I still work two days a week. Life is good, God is good.
By the way, our airconditioner is on the blink, got to get a new one. I came home with my paycheck yesterday. (The repair man was here when I came in, and told us how much $1700.00). So I figured, easy come and easy go! Shocks, I could have gone to Holland with that amount of money.
My sister Bertie found out she needs a very risky open heart surgery. I would love to see her, in case something happens. So, please remember her in prayer. She is also like me, very, very positive. Which is wonderful, because that is half the battle. We talk a lot on the phone, at 9ct a min, we can talk for an hour, and that costs less than sending an Hallmark card with postage. So we stay in touch a lot.
She does not have a computer, so MSN-ing is not possible. Neither does my other sister Cobi. I stay in touch with her a lot as well. I will have to call them to inform them of the latest "good" news. Sounds like I am not quite convinced yet!!
We are planning to go out for dinner to celebrate, as soon as Ted wakes up from his nap.
He had to wear an heart monitor for the last 24 hours, to keep track of his blood pressure. We went to the hypertention clinic this afternoon to bring the monitor back. Yes, the average, we found out is way, way too high. They will have to give him a better medication to keep that down.
He also had to keep track and write down what he was doing during the 24 hours. This morning I asked him to make the bed, I said to him, that will really impress that nurse!!!!
Got to go!
Love
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
A thought for today!
But... What is important?
Those who have the law of God written on their hearts,by loving the Lord with all their mind, soul, and strength. They demonstrate this love to the world by showing honor to their parents, faithfulness in their marriage, and integrity in their work. Love for friends and those around them.
They respect human life and treat everybody with dignity and honor. They don't speak evil of anyone. They are... content with God and what He has given them, and they want nothing more. These are the outward signs that God's law is written on the hearts "by God".
You and I are living monuments. The world is watching!
You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day,
By the deeds that you do, by the words that you say;
Men read what you write, whether faithless or true,
Say, what is the "gospel" according to you? Gilbert
God's laws engraved on our hearts can never be removed from the public arena.
"COOL?"
She was telling us that she and her next door friend Maggie (she just loves Maggie)had started a "COOL GIRLS CLUB". So I asked Anneka, could I join? To which Anneka replied, "that would not really work Oma." I could see her thinking. So I said: "Why not, I am a "Cool Oma". Anneka thinking again, well, "I'd have to ask Maggie about that!"
Than Opa said: May be your daddy and I should start a club, Anneka thinking, then said: "Yes Opa that'll work!"
Aren't they priceless?
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Birthday

Today is our Granddaughter Aila's second Birthday.
She is such a delightful little girl, with such charm and her own personality. This afternoon we went to McDonald and Wal-Mart. My goodness, what a trip! Things did not quite go her way, so she falls down and lays there as if dead, no kidding! Does not matter what you say or do, she won't move. We just watch and laugh, I think it is so funny! How come I never thought of that when I was little! Anyways, I just love to watch the girls being so lively, Yvonne said: "I am beginning to get stressed out". How come, I said: "I am having the time of my life". And they are having a ball, afterall, it is Aila's birthday! Then again, I see them a few hours, it is easy for me right?
Happy Birthday Aila!
Hobbies anybody?


Well this is the hobby of my niece Nelly and her husband Peter, (probably more his.) The backyard is a total show piece, with a moving train set which is an exact replica. Now I have not seen it myself,(they live in Ontario), but I thought the pictures look quite amazing. How about the little town called, "Kaussville", (Kauss is their last name.)
Anybody out there with hobbies?
Mine, dollhouses, except I never bought anything, since I find the stuff too expensive to indulge myself in. Nevertheless, if I had the money, that's what I would buy. Growing up, I never cared for dolls, but once I got a small doll table and chair, and I remember being so happy with it.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
The Boys!
The girls
This is Anneka, doing what she does best, computer games!
This is Aila, doing what she does best, making music! Note, the soother is on standby!Because of Jason's surgery, we had the girls over. We actually picked them up Monday afternoon and brought them back yesterday just before bedtime.
While Aila was sleeping, Anneka and I had a water fight. Because of the skitoos, the wading pool was sitting on the deck. So I could sun bathe and entertain her with this game filling up balloons with water and then throw them! What fun that was!
Anneka talking to Opa: "Oh darn, I just thought of something, lets go to McDonald's."
Always fun to have them over, and at the same time we were able to help Yvonne and Jason out. He is doing a lot better.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Today!
Tim and Sandra
Tim and LoganToday is the day Jason has his surgery,(removal of his tonsils and a pollyps in his nose).As a matter of fact as I write this he should be just about ready to go in. Yvonne is waiting for him, so she can take him home after recovery time later on.
I am therefore looking after the girls. We picked them up yesterday, so they slept here. Anneka woke me up at about 5:30. Guess, who is going for a nap this afternoon! Yes me!
I am very grateful for "Treehouse"
We went to Logans 1st birthday party Saturday July 2nd, well I bought him some pyjamas. I mean, kids always need pyjamas right? Well they sent me some pictures with Logan wearing one of them, shown here with his super handsome Dad (my nephew Tim). I tell Tim often, if his Mom were still here,(his Mom Ina passed away (cancer) in 1972), she would be so proud of whom he has become. We certainly are and are happy he found his wife Sandra, they are so happy together. Ina would have loved her very much!
So here is a picture of Logan and his "super handsome" Daddy. And a wedding picture of Tim and Sandra.
Talk later
Love trudy
Friday, July 08, 2005
Worry? Nah...not me!

I was doing my devotion this morning and the reading was Matthew 6 :25-34.
I must say, that is one of my favorite readings in the Bible. Jesus is so practical, and since I am a practical person, hey, no wonder!
Jesus is saying something like this: " Look at the birds and the flowers, they don't worry, they just fly (the birds that is) around! They are saying to each other"Let's see if Trudy has put something in the feeder.""
(I mean they are not too concerned! If there is nothing in the feeder, then they just go to the neighbor's!)
Or the beautiful flowers in our garden, they do not scream out "Hey give me some water!" They are just there, making my life wonderful. I planted them when they were tiny a few weeks ago, and look at them now, aren't they beautiful?
In the seventies, we went through a financial hard time, a very hard time. I mean, I had to pray for food on the table. No, nobody knew about it, even though we were doing a lot of ministry at that time. But I have to say, we never went hungry. We ate a lot of pancakes. I made the syrup from brown sugar. And to this day, I still love pancakes! I mean, He our wonderful Heavenly Father, provided for us.
So Ted wrote a song about our experience during that time. He wrote a lot of songs, songs we sang so many times with the children. Actually, he used to kid around when we were on the platforms, he'd say: "Writing my own songs means that Trudy is finally saying what I want her to say!".....
The words are:
Verse
Sometimes it seems that everything is failing
and all our plans lay crumbling at our feet
We go to God in prayer, we tell him every care
And then we know that he'll supply our needs
Chorus
But seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven
and all these things are added unto you
Oh dare to take the Lord at His promise
And you will see His promises come true
Verse 2
Our worries and our cares are often useless
Concerned of what to wear and what to eat
Before we even pray, the answer is on its way
Our Heavenly Father knows our every need
Verse 3
Oh, look upon the birds and the flowers
So beautifully dressed in bright array
If God looks after these, our hearts may be at ease
For...... Then the blessings are not far away!!!!!
Ted(Theo) deCock 1973
Monday, July 04, 2005
My family!


You can tell, I got the hang of posting pictures.
Yvonne used to do it for me, but since she was down (her computer that is) I was forced to do it myself. I love our children and the little ones. Since all our family is mostly in Europe and yes in Toronto, I might be more attached to the children than the average Mom, sorry kids!
But isn't this Ron (our oldest) good looking, and what about little Evan, he is just sooo cute, and Hudson what about him, what a boy. I don't want them to grow up!
I stole these pictures from Lynne's site, sorry Lynne, I told you they were keepers?
Love Trudy
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Beautiful day!


The side of our houseI just had to show these pictures I took this morning.
Today, or rather this afternoon, we went to Logan's first birthday. It was quite a party.
Logan is our grand nephew, Tim and Sandra's little boy.
They had invited a lot of relatives from Sandra's side, whom we had never met, which was nice.
It was held in their backyard, the kids were in the pool, they were having a ball. Anneka did not want to leave. She wanted to stay and play with her new found friends.
They had a big Birthday cake and Logan got to put his hand in it, boy did he loved the icing. I have to get that picture from them so I can post it here, that was really cute!
Happy 1st Birthday Logan
Last night we went to the fire works at the community centre, that is Yvonne, Anneka and me. We took blankets along, popcorn, and let the show begin. Anneka thought it was way too loud!
But as Yvonne said, we are making memories. So we started reminiscing, that when they were young, before we had central air. We let them get out of bed and we'd go for a night walk to cool off. They all had a flashlight, that was fun, even for us. Yvonne said we once got them out of bed to get an ice crean. Her first time she had a dipped cone. I don't remember that.
Love Trudy
Friday, July 01, 2005
Chemo cycle 7
So today I started the Xeloda again. I have to complete 10 cycles. I will be done September 15th.
The doctor is happy about the progress and that I am able to take the chemo so well.
I feel great, have lots of energy, love to see the grandchildren. Anneka and Aila were here this afternoon, while Yvonne and Jason went on a date.
Today is also our son Ron's birthday 41. Happy birthday Ron, he is our oldest, and he thinks he is therefore the wisest! Nevertheless, we are very proud of him.
We are having a pretty nice day today weather wise. It is cloudy right now. It better not rain as there will be fire works all over the city. That would be a disappointment for many people.
So Happy Canada day everybody!
Love Trudy






