amazing resemblance

One of my friends told me, she had a new email-address. I asked her,"send it to me." She said, she sent it to all the people on her list, including me. Well, I didn't receive it. "But you change so often your email-address, that must be the reason, you didn't get it." she said.
She was wrong. I told her that I have 2 email-addresses already for years now. Not changing all the time, not even in the past.

I am sending a lot of emails, but that's a different thing.

Many people say, the Bible has been translated so many times, so the Bible isn't reliable anymore.

They are wrong. The Bible has been translated in many languages, always straight from Hebrew and Greek. The Old Testament from Hebrew and the New Testament from Greek.

There are many different churches and dominations, but that's a different thing.

Sukkoth in Jerusalem

This year 7,000 Zionist Christians from all over the world will once again march in Jerusalem to fulfill that which is written in the Book of Zechariah, whereby all nations will make pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the messianic era to celebrate Sukkot.
Their parade is the highlight of an ongoing effort to stand by our side for better or for worse, unconditionally and without receiving anything in return. On the contrary, they are grateful that we accept their outstretched hands.

Paulo Silva, a pastor from Brazil, said he came to Jerusalem to support Israel, and because of a biblical promise that those who come to Jerusalem will bring rain and prosperity to their home country. With 1,200 participants, Brazil had the largest contingent at the conference this year.
In the group from Holland were around 55 participants. I was moved by heart when we walked through the Jaffastreet of Jerusalem, hearing the people from Israel call to us: "Holland, Holland, halloooo! Thank you for coming! We shook hands and wished eachother "Shalom" ! I had many eye-contacts special with older people, but surprising also with young people around 20 years old. They all appeared to be sincere thankfull
There were 80.000 people together in the street: it reminded me to the book 'Hebrews' in the Bible, where is written: " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.."

At Vancouver Island

The climate is wonderful; even when it rains, it's not cold.
I've been to the famous Butchart Garden. When waiting at the busstop with a suncap in Frisian flag design, a young man met me there and made himself known as born in Frysland too. He lives now with his Canadian wife more than a year at Victoria.
Kim and I went to Sidney, up to the north. Here we spent more than 5 hours; walking along the beach and harbour and seeing a special museum and shopping.
At Labourday, September 3rd, Douglas & Kim and I rode along the south coast of Vanc.Island. Suddenly we saw a big black bear in front of us! But he quickly disappeared. We walked through the woods there and on the China Beach. It's amazing how large this island is: with mountains and woods and lakes and nice valleys.
My condition has improved; walking many kilometers. The people on the street are so kind. Traffic isn't in a rush. There is such a nice atmoshfeer. What thrilled my heart the most: http://www.victoriaharbourferry.com/ballet.html
You will see this moving ballet of small boats and hear also the nice music, when you click on it. Kim and I have been in such a boat. It's been a relaxing holiday with new experiences.

Me at Victoria BC

One week has passed and I still enjoy it being here. Special because the people are so friendly and more relaxed then elsewhere. One day I couldn't find the right busstop for me. So I went to another busstop, where was a bus with closed doors and 2 drivers inside. I knocked at the door and immediately the door openen and the one driver came out and he leaned forward to listen to my question. He helped me out in a friendly way.
This morning I was going again for coffee in the supermarket; and another man arrived at the same time at the coffeeplace. "Go ahead, mylady", he said. "'ts up to you". This coffee is so nice to drink. I go every morning for a coffee. This day I also bought a loaf of bread. The cashier asked me; if I still had to pay the coffee and I answered "yes". I didn't know I had to pay for the coffee, while at A.H. in Holland we get it for free. So several days I just took the coffee and was drinking at around the coffeeautomats, which took about 10 minutes, while the coffee was so hot.
Now I know , I can pay the coffee also behind the automats at another cassa.
I had to buy 2 "bus-cards" for travelling with Kim tomorrow. I asked for 2 bus-tickets. "We sell them in an amount of 10", the man said. "I don't think so" I said. Then explained to him, that I wanted 2 tickets for 7 dollar each. "Oh, you mean 2 day-passes". Me laughing, "Yes", that's what I mean".

The Intelligent Designer

One day a group of scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one scientist to go and tell Him that they were done with Him.

The scientist walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're at the point where we can clone people and do a number of miraculous things, so thanks for everything, but we can take over from here."
God listened very patiently. After the scientist was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this? Let's say we have a man-making contest." To which the scientist replied, "Okay, great!"
But God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam."
The scientist said, "Sure, no problem" and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt.
God looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!"

Luke 11:24-27

Jesus' illustration points out that a spiritually empty heart-that is, one caught in isolation-is susceptible to being plunged back into injuries of the past. We need to fill up our "empty house" with unconditionally loving, honest people. Then there 's no room for more damage.
-Notice what this passage does not say. It does not say the evil spirits returned to find the Spirit of the living God there. Instead, the heart is "swept and put in order".-
The person has not moved toward God, but has tried to deal with its heart in isolation from Him!

"My case history is positive"

The Belgium journalist Annemie Struyf departed to Kenia at the continent "Africa" to write a book about the aidsproblems . She came back deep inpressed by the culture in the tribes, which maintains the aidsproblem. Her book was during a whole year the first one of the top ten books sold: "Mijn status is positief".
I heard the radio-intervieuw about how deep and intens and different the male and the female culture is in tribes!! There might be no other place on earth where the widows, as well as the orphans are so vulnerable as in the continent Africa.

Hardly to believe

Before he started to preach, the pastor introduced a visitor to the community. He said that the visitor was a very beloved friend from his youth and asked if he could say some words.
The senior man walked towards the pulpit ad told the next story:
A father, his son and a friend of his son were sailing along the coast of the Ocean, when suddenly rose a heavy storm , the boat canceled and the 3 men fell abroad. While the father grasped the leash of rescue, he had to make the hardest decision of his life: to whom did he have to throw the line? The father knew his son was a Christian and the sons friend wasn’t.
The father called ”I love you” to his son and threw the line to the boys friend. Pulling the friend aboard, he saw disappearing his son by the waves for ever.
The father knew his son would enter the eternity with Jesus , but the idea that his friend would enter eternity without Jesus, was unbearable for him. Therefore to safe his sons friend he gave his son as a sacrifice. At the end the visitor said: ’How great is God’s love to us, that he gave His only begotten Son, that we might be saved. So grasp the savings-line, which is thrown by God this evening!’
After those words the pastor took his place at the pulpit and started to preach.

At the end of the service some teenagers went to the senior. They had listened with their hearts full of doubt and hadn’t responded to the invitation. ‘That story doesn’t sound so realistic’ they scornfully said. ‘Not any father would do a thing like that.’
The senior said; ‘That might be . But I was here tonight to tell you that I personally like this story as a very nice picture of God, the Father, to us.
I was that father and your preacher is the friend of my son’.

Ichtus

June 22nd: my goldfish "Ichtus" passed away; after 5 years of company.
The foster-twins ,Marguerita & Constantine, who stayed with me during a month, gave this little fish for my birthday at July 22nd in 2002.
I noticed its dying and it took hours before the end was there. Somehow it moved my heart.

New Supermarkets

The new Supermarket near our house has an automatic water mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain. When you approach the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and experience the scent of fresh hay. When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying. The veggie department also features the smell of fresh buttered corn.
But I don't buy toilet paper there any more.

First a daughter, now a son

Friday, June first, baby August Jacob has been born. Koen and Leanne are very pleased with having a daughter and a son! And Caroline, almost 3 years, is excited. She repeats saying:"He is sooo cute!"
August is the name after Koen's elder brother and Jacob is the name after the baby of Leanne's sister, who lived only two hours.

All night long

Last night we prayed for the persecuted Christians. There were more than 200 places in Belgium and Holland, where people came together to hear about the individuals abroad, who are tortured often because they are Christians.
The evening starts at ten o'clock pm and finishes at 6.00 am. We watch videos, where we hear what is going on and how we have to pray. We had 4 rounds and in between we had a pause, to drink and eat something. The videos are deep impressing and every time we are amazed by their perseverence. Where the persecution is the most severe, faith increases most!
It's a battle in the heavenly realms, and can only be supported by prayer, while we see the power of the Holy Spirit in the persons, who are tortured are left behind with their loss of their beloved ones.

Conference of Pentecostle at Biddinghuizen

This morning I left early to bike the 17 km towards the Pentecostle Conference, which is from Fridayevening until Mondayafternoon late.Long ago I went camping with my family all the days of this conference. As soon as I saw the tents from a distance, my heart filled with joy! It is great to be there with 10.000 or 12.000 people. All singing and praising in worship.
There was also a man from Irak and I know him. He told his history: lived next to the palace of S.Hoess. and became the officer of arms over 400 soldiers. One day there was a visit from the countryleader. And there was made a formal photo, while this officer stood side by side to S. H.
He was planning to kill him; had the killing weapon with him. But then he reminded his family members; what would happen to them?... He was put in prison, that means one day he would be executed. He was tortured in several ways and then he woke up in the hospital with tubes in his body. Later he was bannished from Irak to Iran. There he was asked to work for the government, but he refused. He had many friends in Sweden and hoped he could find refuge there. The end of this history is, that he lives in our country now, with pain in his body still, but as the most happiest man on earth; he learned to know Jesus Christ, crucified, resurrected and glorified. We enjoyed the climax in his life!

Boattrip with Seniors of the P.C.O.B.

Last Wednesday we had a very nice and cheerful boattrip with about 125 persons from Harderwijk. The Protestant Christian Senior Alliance had its 25 anniversary. So members could join the boattrip for this occasion. We sang songs of early times from the past century. In the meantime we sailed between Spakenburg and Elburg, starting at 10.30 and finishing at 16.00. The weather was wonderful with sunshine all over. The lunch was delicious and also we could choose any drink we liked. We had a lot of fun together, while we didn't know each other so very well. But that was changed at the end of the boattrip.

Holiday in Africa and A'veen

Yes, my oldest son August and daughter-in-law Lisa were on holiday to Africa. To be with Lisa's parents at the East-coast and to spend some time in Capetown, since August lost his heart there.

So I took care of the 2 big dogs Tombi and Jazzie. I walked and talked with them and sat with them in the beautiful garden, reading books in the meantime. And the weather was almost like summertime; so nice. Amazing for the time of the year. We had holiday too in a very good relationship.

John 3:16.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Motor-accident and involvement

Last week I got the message that my cousin John de Vries died in a motor-accident at Florida. His wife, Kathy has broken ribs and she is bruised beyond recognition. The scalp was also very bad. She is in great pain. Before John emigrated to America, I played with him at the big farm of his parents in Frysland. John's brothers and sister, my cousins, are living everywhere in the States. 56 years old and his life is over. One thing is certain in life; it will end here on earth, but we don't know how and when. But I am prepared for that moment, to change tempory into enternity with my Creator.
I still don't know the details. I heard the service would be at saterday and some cousins from Canada would go there also. Cousin Josie mailed the next:
"Several Brothers and Sisters decided to make plans to go to Florida for a funeral service. Bill and Ann were already in Florida at their time-share enjoying a short vacation together .On Thursday night John and Luke and Sam along with Grace and Hilda alsotraveled together to be in Fort Myers for a Memorial Service on Saturday. Brother Ted called and indicated he wanted to be at the memorial service. I could give my time and go for a very quick trip. I should just bite the bullet and go with Ted. We were still able to get some airline tickets and indeed I did go. We left Friday morning and came home Sunday afternoon. It was a quick trip, but I felt I had done all I could.It was good to see the family in the States and to be in their presence."

Charlotte Glorie, blind cabaret artist.

Charlotte Glorie is a blind young lady and gives performances 60 times a year. In congrescentra and small theatres, etc. She likes it to approach with sharp remarks no obvious thinking and feelings and behaviour of herself and other people. When singing, Charlotte played the piano also. And she shared a lot of anecdotes with us; the Protestant Christian Leage of Seniors at Harderwijk. Charlotte teached us also to prevent bitterness by humor. We heard that only 3% of the blind people have a guide dog.
Proef het avontuur bij Gonzales Deventer! At March 30 : www.charlotteglorie.nl

a KING ’s daughter

It happens regular that I feel a KING’s daughter; all things work together for good.(Romans 8:28.)
When I had to go to the audiologic centre, I left the bus too early, according the advice of the driver. Then I didn’t know if I had to go forward or backward. I asked a young man where I had to go and he said: ”Do you like me to take you there?” I said :”Oh yes!” And so it happened.
When leaving this centre, the bus was just gone. I had to wait more than half an hour. And this bus was overdue to catch the train, so I had to wait again. So when arriving at Harderwijk, it was already dark ; not safe to walk homewards on a lonely road. (just to save money)
I showed the driver my bus & tram ticket, and he gave permission to sit down, without stamping!
Also with the cooking for 20 persons who follow alpha-course: I had to cook 3 times within 4 days! I tried to involve other people; so that I had to cook only twice. Wasn’t lucky to find.
But it turned out; I didn’t have to cook at all!! And still there were all dinners served.
I love the winks of the Lord.

Different Strokes

A Jewish man and a Chinese man are in a bar. Suddenly, the Jewish man punches the Chinese man in the face. "Ow! Why did you do that?" asks he Chinese man.
"That's for Pearl Harbor," says the Jewish man. "But the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I'm Chinese!" says the Chinese man.
"Chinese, Japanese, what's the difference?" asks the Jewish man.
So the Chinese man punches the Jewish man. "Ow! What's that for?" asks the Jewish man.
"It's for the Titanic," says the Chinese man. "What? That was an iceberg that brought down the Titanic!" says the Jewish man.
"Iceberg, Goldberg, what's the difference?"
submitted by:Isaac Avg Rating.

in Native Language of The Netherlands

Er was een man, die leefde in de tijd van Jezus. Zijn naam was Nico. Hij kende de Bijbel uit z’n kop, zat elke week in de kerk, maar hij ontdekte dat er iets bij hem ontbrak. Hij wist alleen niet wat. Hij ontmoette Jezus en Die vertelde hem dat hij opnieuw geboren moest worden. Opnieuw geboren? Daar snapte Nico niks van. Hij zag het volgende scenario al in z’n gedachten afspelen:
Hij dacht: Mijn moeder ziet mij al aankomen. “Mam, ga maar even liggen want volgens Jezus moet ik opnieuw geboren worden”.
“Maar jongen,”, antwoordde Nico’s moeder ontsteld:”Je hebt inmiddels maat 45.”.
Waarop Nico zei:”Wees gerust moeder, ik trek mijn schoenen uit”.
Gelukkig haalde Jezus Nico uit z’n benarde droom. Hij zei; een mens moet een keer geboren worden uit z’n moeder en een keer uit Gods geest. Dan kom je echt tot leven.
Net zoals een kip twee keer geboren moet worden;
een keer als ei en daarna als kuiken.
Als je niet als kuiken wordt geboren blijf je een ei.
En dan word je wat erin zit: dooier en dooier.

Meeting with Eleonora after 28 years

This week I stayed some days with my first sister-in-law.
28 years ago I lost sight of Eleonora. But since her daughter Vera has a weblog, I saw also the weblog of Eleonora in a link. I started to mail and now we can be called "Friends".
We had a lot to tell each other. Besides we made a walk in the woods. The weather was beautiful with sunshine, while it was a rainy day in The Netherlands. And we saw videos of her holidays with her daughter Cathja. We also had a lot of fun!

National Week of Prayer in The Netherlands

All over the world the churches are growing:large numbers of people learn to know Jesus Christ In the West and in the East, but not in Europe.

But we don't loose heart; and every year in the 2nd week, the Jesus-fans come together and pray; for our country and our cities and everything that matters.

This week in Harderwijk from Monday till Friday we came together daily one hour in the evening and joined each other's community; we shopped from one church to another this week.

We sang songs and prayed and were drinking tea and coffee afterwards and we loved being together. As children of one Father; as brothers and sisters all over the city. It was great!

respecting myself

Pondering the last night of 2006, I was thinking about how human habits become human customs. And when we want to change some customs, it ‘s really hard to do so. For example: going to bed late, spending time behind the PC too long and every evening again, while I like to read books, but hardly left time for it anymore.
It’s almost like being addicted to something. Being limited or even imprisoned.
But I don’t like to be limited or called addicted.
So I have to act! Otherwise I am not respectable to myself anymore
Taking off my old self with its practices, and putting on the new self..