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Ver Beek Blog

Our young family battling stage IV breast cancer one day at a time
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Plans to prosper and not harm…

posted by:
Lindy

So what’s up with cancer anyway?  Doesn’t cancer know that we have 7-month-old twins and a 5-year-old and we don’t have time for it?  Our lives are chaotic already.   We’ve had a difficult year.  Okay, the pity party is over.    

I know that our Heavenly Father is the only one who will get us through this.  He will never leave us.  He is always with me.   Even when I’m scared and I don’t feel like going through cancer or going through chemo.  I don’t feel like having a surgery tomorrow.  I don’t feel like being tired and I don’t feel like being sick.  I just don’t want to do it.  I know He will carry me and my family through this.  I know these things.  I just have to believe and trust in them. 

I feel so blessed to have all of you in my life.  You are so encouraging and supportive that I have no choice but to be positive and lifted up by you.  I’m humbled by how many people are praying for us.  People I’ve never even met!

I received an email from another cancer survivor from Haven Church who said Jeremiah 29:11 kept popping up everywhere during her cancer journey.  It was even in the card we sent her.  So she sent it back to me in an email.  Then Sunday morning we had a guest pastor – Ren Broekhuizen and instead of the standard closing “….may God bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you and give you peace…” he said the verse from Jeremiah:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

I remember smiling and trying to pull my jaw off the ground because there was that verse again.  Now I’m excited to see where else I will hear it or see it.  God talks to us in so many ways.  He is so cool. 

So the plan for tomorrow is to get four injections at 11:00ish at HCH so they can do the lymph node biopsy.  The biopsy and surgery are happening at 3:30.  I still do not know if chemo will start on Wednesday.  I’m working on my patience and I’m hoping Dr. VanderWoude will be in contact soon about that. 

The kids are doing great.  I’m pretty sure Max grew another inch during his afternoon nap.  Samantha is super smiley and jabbering quite a bit.  Brooklyn is doing well.  She thinks my cancer will go away when I go to the doctor.  She’s still trying to figure out that it will take time for my cancer to go away. 

Please pray for my surgery tomorrow.  It’s a minor one, but I don’t like surgeries.  Thank God for all the wonderful helpers who are taking care of my kids – my mom, Kathy and Jill a.k.a. Jilly Bean.  (She gonna hate me for writing that).   As all mothers know, you can’t relax until you know your kids are being well cared for. 

Thank you for your prayers.  Thank you for your support – I can’t believe you cut your hair and you know who you are!  Thank you for your comments (I love them).  

Have a good night 

34 Responses to “Plans to prosper and not harm…”

  1. Kelli Tinholt says:

    Lindy – I’ll be praying for you tomorrow morning!
    Kelli

  2. Jen TenHarmsel says:

    Lindy- I’m sure everything will go fine tommorrow, but I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers for sure…Just remember it’s really only a few more needles-nothing I know you can’t handle! Be sure to give me a call if there is anything I can do to help you out…

  3. Miscellaneous says:

    Prayers being said for you.

  4. Monica says:

    Hey Lindy and Dusty – we will lift you up in prayer tomorrow for sure. Please know that you each are being covered in prayer. We’ll work on getting Brooklyn over here so she can play. Sorry – I just can’t handle the twins too!!

  5. Kim Lubbers says:

    Lindy, I thought of you immediately when Ren was reciting that verse Sunday morning! Ryan and I will be praying you feel at peace tomorrow, that you sleep tonight and your nerves are calmed. Praying… Kim

  6. Joyce Klynstra says:

    Hi Dusty and Lindy, Praying for your family here in Lansing, MI. We have been friends of Dusty’s parents for years. And now friends of Dusty’s Aunt Joy and Uncle Alv, since we go to the same church. Will be praying for you especially tomorrow and everyday. Joyce Klynstra

  7. Livvy Zimmerman says:

    We’ll be thinking of you and sending up prayers during your surgery tomorrow. I got chills when I read about the verse… that’s awesome. He knows what He’s doing.

  8. Patty says:

    Oh dearest Lindy….I hope and pray you sleep well tonight! Please know how much you are loved by your family, church family and those of us many miles away! I soooo love the pictures of your adorable family! Already your faith walk has many chapters! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and hopes and dreams with all of us so we can pray and support you along the way!

  9. Holly Dornbush Bosch says:

    Hey Lindy,
    I was reading a random blog, and it was asking for prayers for your family. At the time, I didnt make the connection that we went to school together. I just began to pray, and pray.
    I then found your blog, and saw your face. I remembered you right away!
    You and your family have been on my mind since.
    We are praying for you, and hand this journey over to God.

    “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

    That happens to be one of my favs also.
    Thinking of you tonight! (((Lindy))))

  10. Michelle Koop says:

    Hi Lindy,
    I was so sorry to hear the news. You, Dusty, and the kids have been in our prayers and I’ll be praying for you today that your surgery goes well and the results come back quickly with good news. Keep your head up, be strong, your going to beat this.
    Michelle

  11. Jill Deters says:

    Lindy,
    My husband Brad and I went to Haven with you guys a few years back. I just came across your blog and read what you are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dusty and your kids. Your faith is so strong, God will get you through.
    Lots of prayers,
    Jill Deters

  12. Avery says:

    i hope you get better soon.
    avery graves

  13. Rachel Baird says:

    I’m praying for you all day — praying for calm nerves, for strength, for peace.

  14. Rachel Baird says:

    Hi again – I just found the link to your schedules. You are so organized! Do you need a fill-in for the week Kathy is on vacation? I’d be happy to watch the kids on the 16th and 17th.

  15. Tina Amaya says:

    Lindy – The bible talks about the the faith of a child…. take Brooklyn’s faith to heart! Praying for you today! Tina

  16. Kim Ray says:

    Lindy-
    You, Dusty and the kids are in our prayers and we know that God will use this circumstance for the good of his kingdom….NOTHING he does is without perfect reason!!! I am praying that you have peace going into surgery!

    Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

    Kim

  17. dustin_ver_beek@yahoo.com says:

    To My Dearest Lindy,

    We’re climbing another mountain together; we’re tired and scared. The past few years have been incredibly challenging, but look at what we’ve overcome. God, family, and love for one another are the most important things. Life can have the rest.

    God has chosen you to go on this new journey because of your incredible strength and faith. His plan is beyond our simple comprehension—yet I truly believe that He hand-picked you for the impact you can have on the people that surround us. In turn, people can show love to us in ways we couldn’t fathom. In moments of great despair, a perfect love shines through and lights the way. It’s a bit of heaven on earth.

    I pledge my enduring love and support—I will always hold you. You can lean on me and I will hold you up. When you can’t walk, I will carry you on my back. I will do whatever it takes to get you through this.

    I’m so proud of you. You’re a faithful and loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend.
    You are one of my greatest heroes. You are the love of my life. For this, I am blessed.

    Let’s keep climbing my sweet, I will not (and He will not) let you fall.

    -Dusty

  18. Todd and Karen Kamphuis says:

    Lindy,
    Praying for your surgery today, hoping that all goes well and that you can start chemo soon and get it over and done with!! We go to Dusty’s parents church and if you ever need to talk to others that have gone thru this cancer journey at a young age, your father-in-law can give you a few names from our church.
    Hang in there, God is on your side and I know that you have a lot of prayer support and a loving husband that will hold you through this journey as well.
    God Bless,
    Todd and Karen Kamphuis

  19. Marge Nieboer says:

    Hi Lindy,
    The Jeremiah verse is the one I chose when I needed to share my favorite verse at my daughter’s shower 3 years ago. I love it!

    I had to laugh when I read your blog title, “Ready?, OK!” I can still hear you saying it in your cheerleader voice sitting across from me here at HMI. We still miss you!

    I love your positive outlook and I am confident you will beat this cancer thing. I want to see you in short hair, I’m sure it darling!
    Please know my family and I are praying for you.

  20. Megan Van Kampen says:

    Dustin & Lindy,

    I have been thinking a lot about you lately and wondering how you’ve been doing. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this right now. I know what a strong person you are Lindy. I hope surgery goes well and I pray God gives you all the strength you need to get through the chemo. I hope your sweet kids are all doing good. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.

    You are in my prayers…I love you guys!

    Megan

  21. Liz TenCate says:

    Hi Lindy,

    We prayed for you in staff meeting this morning and I will continue to pray for you! Hebrews 11:1 FAITH, is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see!
    God will give you ALL the strenth to get you thru this journey! Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you or your family!
    Love you dearly!
    Liz TC

  22. Marianne says:

    Lindy,
    You don’t really know me (I’m Rachel’s mom). Your blogs are amazing testimony and when I read the responses, it makes me think that you and your family are “surrrouded by such a great cloud of witnesses.” (Hebrews 12:1) I wipe tears away every time I read your honesty, your humor, your faith . . . and then the outpouring of support and prayers! I can’t imagine going through the tough stuff without faith. I’m praying for God’s grace to fill you with peace and strength.

  23. Dusty and Lindy-

    You are in my thoughts and prayers! I know that you can do this. You have a great family and church family that loves you guys. Hang in there.

  24. Jana says:

    Praying your surgery went well today. I’m also praying that you don’t have too much discomfort. I love you.
    Jana

  25. Deb Nienhuis says:

    Keep up the good fight, you have GOD on your side!!!!! I will be keeping you in my prayers – especially for strength to fight this cancer and the thoughts and feelings the devil will bring. You are taking after your Mom as you too seem strong like a rock!! God Bless!!

    Deb Nienhuis

  26. Ginger Clark says:

    Dear Lindy,
    I am writing as a testimony that our whole community is praying for you daily. I am a friend of Jana and learned of your cancer journey. I have passed your needs on to my church and family as well.Be comforted thatyou are upheld in prayer everyday. Thank you for making you specific needs known as then we can pray that way. Don’t forget…save your energy for the healing and give your weakness to God-He carries you. Prayers also for your fabulous family as they walk it with you. Sincerely, Ginger Clark

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