Today is New Years Eve Day... and tomorrow marks January 1st, 2008. It is a day when millions of people set goals to lose weight and not drink more than 3 cups of coffee, to work out 5 times a week and call grandma more often. Usually, the first few weeks are full of success and motivation, but by March most have all but ditched their "sacred" resolutions. Perhaps it is because these are more temporal goals and things we often rely on our own futile strength to accomplish. Below is a list posted on desiringgod.org that offers some more eternal resolutions...
1. At least once every day I shall look steadily up at the sky and remember that I, a consciousness with a conscience, am on a planet traveling in space with wonderfully mysterious things above and about me.
2. Instead of the accustomed idea of a mindless and endless evolutionary change to which we can neither add nor subtract, I shall suppose the universe guided by an Intelligence which, as Aristotle said of Greek drama, requires a beginning, a middle, and an end. I think this will save me from the cynicism expressed by Bertrand Russell before his death when he said: "There is darkness without, and when I die there will be darkness within. There is no splendor, no vastness anywhere, only triviality for a moment, and then nothing."
3. I shall not fall into the falsehood that this day, or any day, is merely another ambiguous and plodding twenty-four hours, but rather a unique event, filled, if I so wish, with worthy potentialities. I shall not be fool enough to suppose that trouble and pain are wholly evil parentheses in my existence, but just as likely ladders to be climbed toward moral and spiritual manhood.
4. I shall not turn my life into a thin, straight line which prefers abstractions to reality. I shall know what I am doing when I abstract, which of course I shall often have to do.
5. I shall not demean my own uniqueness by envy of others. I shall stop boring into myself to discover what psychological or social categories I might belong to. Mostly I shall simply forget about myself and do my work.
6. I shall open my eyes and ears. Once every day I shall simply stare at a tree, a flower, a cloud, or a person. I shall not then be concerned at all to ask what they are but simply be glad that they are. I shall joyfully allow them the mystery of what Lewis calls their "divine, magical, terrifying and ecstatic" existence.
7. I shall sometimes look back at the freshness of vision I had in childhood and try, at least for a little while, to be, in the words of Lewis Carroll, the "child of the pure unclouded brow, and dreaming eyes of wonder."
8. I shall follow Darwin's advice and turn frequently to imaginative things such as good literature and good music, preferably, as Lewis suggests, an old book and timeless music.
9. I shall not allow the devilish onrush of this century to usurp all my energies but will instead, as Charles Williams suggested, "fulfill the moment as the moment." I shall try to live well just now because the only time that exists is now.
10. Even if I turn out to be wrong, I shall bet my life on the assumption that this world is not idiotic, neither run by an absentee landlord, but that today, this very day, some stroke is being added to the cosmic canvas that in due course I shall understand with joy as a stroke made by the architect who calls himself Alpha and Omega.
-These were first given to John Piper by his professor, Dr. Kilby.
I don't know about you, but these resolutions would challenge me to change in many ways and fully rely on the Lord for that change to occur from the inside-out. I hope it gives you some 2008 resolution ideas!
Happy New Years Eve!!!
Kate
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Good News!
I wanted to let everyone know that God so quickly answered our prayers to provide me with a part-time job! PRAISE GOD!!!! I will be the Office Manager at Signature Chiropractic Center starting next week! Please pray that the transition back to work would be smooth as both Jeremy and I adjust. I will be working 27 hours a week which is a little more than we were looking for but with God's grace and strength we are praying that I will be able to handle it.
THANK YOU for all of your past and continued prayers! We love you!
Kate (and Jeremy)
THANK YOU for all of your past and continued prayers! We love you!
Kate (and Jeremy)
A Light Unto My Path
Last Friday, as Jeremy and I traveled to Milwaukee to celebrate Christmas with his wonderful family, we drove through very dense fog. At certain times throughout our drive, we could barely see 10 feet in front of us! It gave me such a sense of uneasiness. We weren't really in control, and had to go slowly, trusting that the road would be there to meet us.
Later that night, as I lie in bed praying, I started to think about how relevant the fog is in my own life. Now, more than any other time in my life, I cannot see what lies ahead. In college, we knew (for the most part) that we were going to return for another two, three or four years. That we would live in that city, work part time and go to school to complete our degree. Then, we looked forward to our wedding day... and the plans of going to seminary the following year. All of it seemed to lay out so wonderfully before us. But we know as Christians that we never really know what lies ahead...whether it be 10 years, 10 weeks or 10 hours from now. God Himself says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord," (Isaiah 55). Truly, we cannot bank on anything but the Lord. No matter where we go, or how significant the changes in circumstances are, we must KNOW that He is before us. In fact, Psalm 139 reassures us, "You hem me in, behind and before,and lay Your hand upon me." What a true comfort. And so, Jeremy and I face a future that to us in like the unpainted canvas. The wonderful thing is, the Lord is the most magnificent artist and already has the painting planned and formed. Thus, I learn another lesson in truly surrendering MY plans and MY ways, which are so futile, and cling to His sovereignty over the life He has graciously bestowed upon me. Although I seem to be walking on a path so dense and clouded with fog, I know that He provides sight for me to see one more step in front of me...and that is truly all we need. In His grace and mercy, He provides guidance and strength one step at a time through His holy word and the holy spirit. Similar to the sign in the picture above, He lets us know that He will never leave nor forsake us.
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way - Psalm 37
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Psalm 119
Thankful for His faithfulness,
Kate
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Process of Elimination...
The following is an e-mail I sent out today...I wanted to post it in case I missed a few people. Please notice we have also updated our prayer requests/praises to the right of the page. Thank you for all your support! :)
Dearest Friends and Family,
I hope this e-mail finds each of you doing well! Christmas is just a few days away and often that means the busyness of preparing for the festivities. I am praying all of us would be able to slow down enough to remember what this season is about...Christ! :)
I am writing to let all of you know that I just had my last specialist appointment today. I saw the Endocrinologist. He was thorough and gave me a very comprehensive look into my case and explained everything we've ruled out...which includes, a brain tumor, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other diseases. That is all wonderful, reassuring news. However, it leaves us with a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am thankful that we finally know WHAT we are facing...with confidence from dozens of medical tests and numerous specialists that it is nothing else. Of course, it is difficult as there is really no cure or substantial treatment for CFS. Typically, people do eventually get better...but it take years- anywhere from 5-20 years for recovery. Clearly, I am in need of family and friends who are willing to stick with me through this. Who will help me fight the things so often associated with CFS and be there in the long run. :) I am thankful for all of you and for all of your prayers. We see no need for me to go to Mayo Clinic at this point as the tests are clear as to what it is not, leaving us with this diagnosis.
For now, I am going to let this sink in. I am going to do all i can to remain positive and Jeremy and I will take a look at what our life can be now with this diagnosis.
Lastly, please feel free to check out this comprehensive website to get a better idea of what we face and how to help us: http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/
With love and Merry Christmas Wishes,
The Wenzel's
Dearest Friends and Family,
I hope this e-mail finds each of you doing well! Christmas is just a few days away and often that means the busyness of preparing for the festivities. I am praying all of us would be able to slow down enough to remember what this season is about...Christ! :)
I am writing to let all of you know that I just had my last specialist appointment today. I saw the Endocrinologist. He was thorough and gave me a very comprehensive look into my case and explained everything we've ruled out...which includes, a brain tumor, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other diseases. That is all wonderful, reassuring news. However, it leaves us with a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am thankful that we finally know WHAT we are facing...with confidence from dozens of medical tests and numerous specialists that it is nothing else. Of course, it is difficult as there is really no cure or substantial treatment for CFS. Typically, people do eventually get better...but it take years- anywhere from 5-20 years for recovery. Clearly, I am in need of family and friends who are willing to stick with me through this. Who will help me fight the things so often associated with CFS and be there in the long run. :) I am thankful for all of you and for all of your prayers. We see no need for me to go to Mayo Clinic at this point as the tests are clear as to what it is not, leaving us with this diagnosis.
For now, I am going to let this sink in. I am going to do all i can to remain positive and Jeremy and I will take a look at what our life can be now with this diagnosis.
Lastly, please feel free to check out this comprehensive website to get a better idea of what we face and how to help us: http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/
With love and Merry Christmas Wishes,
The Wenzel's
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The Kingdom vs. The American Dream
In this life, we are inundated with things that seek to distract us from the Lord and take our affections...there is no denying this. But what is at the heart of this issue? The fact is, each day is a daily struggle to not be torn between this world and our Lord. Afterall, we cannot serve two masters. John Piper answered this question succinctly and accurately on his site yesterday.
What's the difference between living for the Kingdom and living for the American dream?
The essential difference is, What are you trying to make much of? Do you want to make much of Christ in the world, or do you want to make much of yourself, your business, or your family? What are you passionate about seeing exalted, praised and enjoyed?
I want to put that central because if we don't ask the question day by day–What am I going to make much of today?–then we will gravitate towards making much of the same things that everybody around us is making much of, like sports teams, food, or a new computer program. None of these things are sin unless they become the thing that we're driven by.
The difference between a Kingdom mindset and a worldly mindset is the King. What place does the King have? Is he central in our affections, our vocabulary, and in what we want to see happen at work, church, and in our leisure?
Piper suggests this is a constant bending of our wills to His. We cannot do this on our own, for we are far too depraved to do anything good like that! But through His grace and how He ministers' to His chosen through Scripture and our prayer life, we are better able to central our affections upon whom they belong... Christ.
Kate
What's the difference between living for the Kingdom and living for the American dream?
The essential difference is, What are you trying to make much of? Do you want to make much of Christ in the world, or do you want to make much of yourself, your business, or your family? What are you passionate about seeing exalted, praised and enjoyed?
I want to put that central because if we don't ask the question day by day–What am I going to make much of today?–then we will gravitate towards making much of the same things that everybody around us is making much of, like sports teams, food, or a new computer program. None of these things are sin unless they become the thing that we're driven by.
The difference between a Kingdom mindset and a worldly mindset is the King. What place does the King have? Is he central in our affections, our vocabulary, and in what we want to see happen at work, church, and in our leisure?
Piper suggests this is a constant bending of our wills to His. We cannot do this on our own, for we are far too depraved to do anything good like that! But through His grace and how He ministers' to His chosen through Scripture and our prayer life, we are better able to central our affections upon whom they belong... Christ.
Kate
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
My favorite Song...
This is Derek Webb singing Deliver Us. It isn't his best version but it is all I could find...ENJOY!
Deliver Us-Behold the Lamb of God
Our enemy, our captor is no pharaoh on the Nile
Our toil is neither mud nor brick nor sand
Our ankles bear no calluses from chains, yet Lord, we're bound
Imprisoned here, we dwell in our own land
Deliver us, deliver us
Oh Yahweh, hear our cry
And gather us beneath your wings tonight
Our sins they are more numerous than all the lambs we slay
These shackles they were made with our own hands
Our toil is our atonement and our freedom yours to giveS
o Yahweh, break our silence if you can
Deliver us, deliver us
Oh Yahweh, hear our cry
And gather us beneath your wings tonight
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem
How often I have longed
To gather you beneath my gentle wings"
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Chief End
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
-Westminster Catechism
How does one enjoy God?
How do you personally enjoy God?
-Westminster Catechism
How does one enjoy God?
How do you personally enjoy God?
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving Indeed!
We have a special announcement! We are now onkel and tante (uncle and aunt) to Emily Muresan!!!! She was born Thanksgiving morning at 6am. Angie, Jeremy's sister, did a WONDERFUL job from what we hear. :)
We had lots to be thankful for this thanksgiving!!! :)
Congratulations Angie and Alex!!! :)
Sweet Little Emily Sleeping....
Monday, November 19, 2007
Praises...
So often, I write about the trials of being ill and such. I wanted to write today about the wonderful weekend I had...and how thankful I am for having a few days where I felt decent and was able to be with people I love being with!
Friday was excellent...I got to go to Nathaniel's Birthday Party and hang out with great people...
Saturday was quiet, but I did a lot of Christmas shopping and didn't pass out while doing it!
Sunday I enjoyed church, had a nap that was three hours long and actually refreshing this time!
After that Jeremy and I enjoyed a great dinner with Rachel and Kyle and then went to Life Group where we discussed a great section of scripture and learned a lot.
All in all, I was able to be social...something I truly enjoy! I praise God for blessing me with a great weekend and wonderful people to spend it with. I know that the coming days may bring more exhaustion and weakness, but for a time I was able to feel almost normal! :)
Love you all!
-Kate
Friday was excellent...I got to go to Nathaniel's Birthday Party and hang out with great people...
Saturday was quiet, but I did a lot of Christmas shopping and didn't pass out while doing it!
Sunday I enjoyed church, had a nap that was three hours long and actually refreshing this time!
After that Jeremy and I enjoyed a great dinner with Rachel and Kyle and then went to Life Group where we discussed a great section of scripture and learned a lot.
All in all, I was able to be social...something I truly enjoy! I praise God for blessing me with a great weekend and wonderful people to spend it with. I know that the coming days may bring more exhaustion and weakness, but for a time I was able to feel almost normal! :)
Love you all!
-Kate
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Where we find ourselves today...
Good afternoon! I hope everyone is well! I appreciate the e-mails and calls I've gotten requesting a new update. Thanks to everyone prayers...I need them and can feel them!
This last week was pretty rough. I got a cold with fever and this impacts me more than "normal" people as my Doctor said. Yes, I am abnormal for all of you who hadn't figured this out yet! I am just starting to feel a little bit better now.
I went to my general Doctor on Monday and she referred me to more specialists and I am going back to one I have seen in the past. All together, I have 4 Doctor appointments with 4 different Doctors coming up. I am still clinging to the hope that they will find out what is wrong with me... and soon! After those visits, we are going to head to Mayo if no diagnosis is made. I am thankful for my husband being so patient and supportive during all of this uncertainty.
My days now, are the least busy I have ever been...by a vast amount! It is crazy to go from a life of college, wedding planning, being involved in many clubs and working to ....well, being a wife and focusing on taking care of myself. It has been humbeling to say the least. So often our identity is based on WHAT we are doing, not WHO we are...not until all of it was stripped from me have I fully realized this sad truth. An average day for me is e-mailing, sipping on green tea, watching a movie, reading a lot, hanging out with a friend if I'm up to it and enjoying the evening with my husband. This would be lovely if I was not feeling utterly exhausted and ill.
Well, I will end with a wonderful set of verses Tressa pointed out to me recently...how applicable!
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
-Isaiah 40:28-31
Much love, Kate
This last week was pretty rough. I got a cold with fever and this impacts me more than "normal" people as my Doctor said. Yes, I am abnormal for all of you who hadn't figured this out yet! I am just starting to feel a little bit better now.
I went to my general Doctor on Monday and she referred me to more specialists and I am going back to one I have seen in the past. All together, I have 4 Doctor appointments with 4 different Doctors coming up. I am still clinging to the hope that they will find out what is wrong with me... and soon! After those visits, we are going to head to Mayo if no diagnosis is made. I am thankful for my husband being so patient and supportive during all of this uncertainty.
My days now, are the least busy I have ever been...by a vast amount! It is crazy to go from a life of college, wedding planning, being involved in many clubs and working to ....well, being a wife and focusing on taking care of myself. It has been humbeling to say the least. So often our identity is based on WHAT we are doing, not WHO we are...not until all of it was stripped from me have I fully realized this sad truth. An average day for me is e-mailing, sipping on green tea, watching a movie, reading a lot, hanging out with a friend if I'm up to it and enjoying the evening with my husband. This would be lovely if I was not feeling utterly exhausted and ill.
Well, I will end with a wonderful set of verses Tressa pointed out to me recently...how applicable!
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
-Isaiah 40:28-31
Much love, Kate
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Happy Birthday Jeremy!
Today is Jeremy's 23rd birthday! I wanted to write to him and express my love for him on this special day...
You are the greatest blessing that our wonderful God has ever bestowed upon me besides the cross. Never did I imagine I would have such an amazing husband. You are my best friend, you are my husband, you're my love, you're my help... you are so many wonderful things wrapped in one. I thank God for you Jeremy. I thank God for who you are and who you will grow to be. I thank God for these past 4 years you've been in my life, and these past 6 months you have been my husband. No matter how difficult the day, you brighten it by being you.
I look forward to growing old with you. Happy Birthday to the love of my life... Happy Birthday Jeremy!
Your wife, Katey
ps: you also happen to be the most handsome man I have ever seen.... :)
Monday, November 5, 2007
Reviews of the John Owen Book!
We will begin Thursday, November 15th with Chapter One.
“The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen’s unrivalled insight into the Christian’s inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend.”
-J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College
“To read Owen is to mine spiritual gold. Unfortunately, as in mining, reading Owen is hard work. Now, Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor have made Owen’s work accessible to modern readers while still retaining his unique writing style.”
-Jerry Bridges, Navigators Community Ministries Group
“With brilliant editorial efforts and insightful introductions by Kapic and Taylor, John Owen’s magnificent treatises on sin and sanctification have been made available for a new generation.”
-David S. Dockery, President, Union University, Jackson, Tennessee
“Sin is tenacious, but by God’s grace we can hate it and hunt it. John Owen provides the master guide for the sin-hunter. Kapic and Taylor bring together three of Owen’s classics, clarifying them in simple ways—but all the substance, the careful, hounding arguments are still there.”
-Mark Dever, Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.
“John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen’s peerless works.”
-Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
“John Owen is a spiritual surgeon with the rare skill to cut away the cancer of sin and bring gospel healing to the sinner’s soul. Apart from the Bible, I have found his writings to be the best books ever written to help me stop sinning the same old sins.”
-Philip Graham Ryken, Senior Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia
“No writer has taught me more about the dynamics of the heart and the deceitfulness of sin than John Owen. Read this book carefully; it will help you understand your heart and experience God’s grace.”
-C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Saturday, November 3, 2007
The Book Club - Overcoming Sin and Temptation
I wanted to let everyone know that there is a great online "book club" that will be starting in about a week and a half.Click the link below to join me and many others in reading and discussing a Classic together!
www.challies.com/archives/reading-classics-together/reading-the-next-classic-together.php
Who's with me? :)
Kate
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
An Invisible Giant
I am feeling very frustrated today. I talked to my most recent Dr.- the Rhuemotologist - and she conveyed that 12 out of the 14 blood tests I recently had were normal. Two were highly abnormal. Both my sed-rate and my c-reactive protein were very elevated. I was actually relieved at first to hear that we finally found SOME type of answer. Only it turned out it isn't much of an answer after all.
The elevated blood tests aforementioned are usually linked with cancer, leukemia or different auto-immune diseases. The Rhuemotologist then said they could not do anything more in her department and that I should ask my General Doctor which specialist should help me now. So I feel both in the dark and frustrated because I will be on to my 5th specialist now. We just want to know WHAT we are facing and WHAT can be done about it, if anything. I feel as if I am battling against an invisible giant.
Please pray that the Doctors would have wisdom and a drive to find out exactly what is going on. Please also pray for peace as we continue to play the waiting game.
My husband shared his experience in meeting his FAVORITE music artist of all time below. It is both cute and amusing to read. :)
Yours, Kate
The elevated blood tests aforementioned are usually linked with cancer, leukemia or different auto-immune diseases. The Rhuemotologist then said they could not do anything more in her department and that I should ask my General Doctor which specialist should help me now. So I feel both in the dark and frustrated because I will be on to my 5th specialist now. We just want to know WHAT we are facing and WHAT can be done about it, if anything. I feel as if I am battling against an invisible giant.
Please pray that the Doctors would have wisdom and a drive to find out exactly what is going on. Please also pray for peace as we continue to play the waiting game.
My husband shared his experience in meeting his FAVORITE music artist of all time below. It is both cute and amusing to read. :)
Yours, Kate
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Meeting Mr. Webb
This weekend I had a wonderful experience that may not ever be topped in my life!!! Just Kidding. Maybe having kids someday will top this. :)
Anyway, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Derek Webb and speak with him for about 20 minutes. Just Derek, my wife, and me. What a wonderful gift my wife got for me!!!!! Anyway, we were able to watch a concert from about 15 feet away, then we were taken to a back room deep into the basement of the concert hall, wait about 15 minutes, and then the man himself came back to talk with us!!!! Here is a picture of me waiting anxiously, and very nervously.
Sorry this is somewhat blurry, I think Kate was excited too.
Anyway, he came down and brought some waters for us (waters that he actually had on stage... I'll be honest, I am not throwing the bottle away!) and just sat down and talked. Now, if anyone knows me they know that I am awful at meeting people, much less somebody who I consider famous and I respect ALOT. Anyway, my nerves definitely got the best of me, and I really did not too much to say to him when he came down. I mean, my mind was racing, but my mouth was speechless. Luckily, my wife is a good talker (haha) and picked up the slack, thanking Derek for taking the time for us, and telling him how much I love his music, etc. Derek was very nice and down to earth. He did not act like this was a huge distraction, did not act bored by speaking with us, and seemed genuinely thankful and humbled that I liked his music so much. We talked about his new baby boy, his tattoos (I told him that me and Lickel used his "Sola's" tattoo for evangelism in the dorms the past 3 years-- probably crept him out). He told us he was a "church history buff," which I found both ironic and amusing that we shared that interest. After talking to him for about 15 minutes he had to get going, since he had a 16 hour bus trip ahead of him. We walked up the stairs and he told us to email him the next time he comes into town, so we can hang out again (something I am sure he tells lots of people, but I obviously liked the idea-- maybe we can be friends!!!). Next time he is anywhere near where I am, I will invite him out for coffee or dinner, anything really. I would like to pick his brain on theological doctrine and social ideas. While we were walking out I finally got to ask a question that I had wanted to ask him for some time, "What kind of church do you go to?" The answer was great, "PCA." He found the way right to my heart. He goes to a church in the city that is Presbyterian in their doctrine, but not too traditional in their service. They find that to be the best way to reach the people in the area. We had one last quick conversation about how doctrine is more important than structure in the church, and said another quick goodbye (shook his hand for about the 5th time of the night) and left giddy as a school girl.
Here are a few more pictures of us, and I will close with some thoughts.
This was when we were down in the little basement after the concert.
Here is us talking after the show. I am clearly intrigued.
Anyway, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Derek Webb and speak with him for about 20 minutes. Just Derek, my wife, and me. What a wonderful gift my wife got for me!!!!! Anyway, we were able to watch a concert from about 15 feet away, then we were taken to a back room deep into the basement of the concert hall, wait about 15 minutes, and then the man himself came back to talk with us!!!! Here is a picture of me waiting anxiously, and very nervously.
Sorry this is somewhat blurry, I think Kate was excited too.
Anyway, he came down and brought some waters for us (waters that he actually had on stage... I'll be honest, I am not throwing the bottle away!) and just sat down and talked. Now, if anyone knows me they know that I am awful at meeting people, much less somebody who I consider famous and I respect ALOT. Anyway, my nerves definitely got the best of me, and I really did not too much to say to him when he came down. I mean, my mind was racing, but my mouth was speechless. Luckily, my wife is a good talker (haha) and picked up the slack, thanking Derek for taking the time for us, and telling him how much I love his music, etc. Derek was very nice and down to earth. He did not act like this was a huge distraction, did not act bored by speaking with us, and seemed genuinely thankful and humbled that I liked his music so much. We talked about his new baby boy, his tattoos (I told him that me and Lickel used his "Sola's" tattoo for evangelism in the dorms the past 3 years-- probably crept him out). He told us he was a "church history buff," which I found both ironic and amusing that we shared that interest. After talking to him for about 15 minutes he had to get going, since he had a 16 hour bus trip ahead of him. We walked up the stairs and he told us to email him the next time he comes into town, so we can hang out again (something I am sure he tells lots of people, but I obviously liked the idea-- maybe we can be friends!!!). Next time he is anywhere near where I am, I will invite him out for coffee or dinner, anything really. I would like to pick his brain on theological doctrine and social ideas. While we were walking out I finally got to ask a question that I had wanted to ask him for some time, "What kind of church do you go to?" The answer was great, "PCA." He found the way right to my heart. He goes to a church in the city that is Presbyterian in their doctrine, but not too traditional in their service. They find that to be the best way to reach the people in the area. We had one last quick conversation about how doctrine is more important than structure in the church, and said another quick goodbye (shook his hand for about the 5th time of the night) and left giddy as a school girl.
Here are a few more pictures of us, and I will close with some thoughts.
This was when we were down in the little basement after the concert.
Here is us talking after the show. I am clearly intrigued.
Lastly, a few closing thoughts of the weekend. What a gift my wife gave? Could I ask for anything more? Good luck ever topping this one!
2nd, after spending time with Derek, my huge thought was that he was just a regular guy who has tons of talent. I left with the will to pray for him, that God can keep using his words and mind to touch others, and that he stays a regular guy. If I ever do meet with him again, the one question I would ask him is, what can I pray for you for the next year. I cannot imagine the stress it must be to be a role model to others.
And lastly, I do hope that someday I can speak with him again, and maybe even take him out to dinner or anything. I realize these are pipe dreams, but you never know. God has used his music in amazing ways in my life. Christianity needs musicians like him, and I pray he continues to write his music without fear, and challenges my thoughts and ideas.
Still giddy like a school girl, Jeremy
PS: Just to make sure nobody takes this post too far, I would like to end this with some footnotes I do not love Derek Webb more than my wife or future children (I was just being facetious). Derek Webb is not my idol, just someone I respect. And Derek Webb is not God, just someone who helps me see God a little more clearly during various circumstances in my life.
Stay Tuned...A Post from Jeremy~
This is Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken... I did some photoshop magic...Jeremy will be posting shortly on meeting DEREK WEBB this past weekend! :)
Also, I will post soon about the results from the most recent bloodwork I had. I just want to get some more information first.
Hope everyone is well and keep sharing your thoughts on Halloween from the post below!
Much Love, Kate
Monday, October 29, 2007
Halloween
Hello friends! The Halloween poll has been interesting! It seems like there is no overall consensus anywhere about this holiday! I was going to write about the origin/history of Halloween and the different arguments that present themselves but I found this article and it was better than anything I could write. I am interested to see what the wonderful readers of this blog will have to say!
Christianity and the Dark Side: What About Halloween? by Albert Mohler
Friday, October 31, 2003
Over a hundred years ago, the great Dutch theologian Hermann Bavinck predicted that the 20th century would "witness a gigantic conflict of spirits." His prediction turned out to be an understatement, and this great conflict continues into the 21st century.
The issue of Halloween presses itself annually upon the Christian conscience. Acutely aware of dangers new and old, many Christian parents choose to withdraw their children from the holiday altogether. Others choose to follow a strategic battle plan for engagement with the holiday. Still others have gone further, seeking to convert Halloween into an evangelistic opportunity. Is Halloween really that significant?
Well, Halloween is a big deal in the marketplace. Halloween is surpassed only by Christmas in terms of economic activity. According to David J. Skal, "Precise figures are difficult to determine, but the annual economic impact of Halloween is now somewhere between 4 billion and 6 billion dollars depending on the number and kinds of industries one includes in the calculations."
Furthermore, historian Nicholas Rogers claims that "Halloween is currently the second most important party night in North America. In terms of its retail potential, it is second only to Christmas. This commercialism fortifies its significance as a time of public license, a custom-designed opportunity to have a blast. Regardless of its spiritual complications, Halloween is big business."
Rogers and Skal have each produced books dealing with the origin and significance of Halloween. Nicholas Rogers is author of Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night. Professor of History at York University in Canada, Rogers has written a celebration of Halloween as a transgressive holiday that allows the bizarre and elements from the dark side to enter the mainstream. Skal, a specialist on the culture of Hollywood, has written Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween. Skal's approach is more dispassionate and focused on entertainment, looking at the cultural impact of Halloween on the rise of horror movies and the nation's fascination with violence.
The pagan roots of Halloween are well documented. The holiday is rooted in the Celtic festival of Samhain, which came at summer's end. As Rogers explains, "Paired with the feast of Beltane, which celebrated the life-generating powers of the sun, Samhain beckoned to winter and the dark nights ahead." Scholars dispute whether Samhain was celebrated as a festival of the dead, but the pagan roots of the festival are indisputable. Questions of human and animal sacrifices and various occultic sexual practices continue as issues of debate, but the reality of the celebration as an occultic festival focused on the changing of seasons undoubtedly involved practices pointing to winter as a season of death.
As Rogers comments: "In fact, the pagan origins of Halloween generally flow not from this sacrificial evidence, but from a different set of symbolic practices. These revolve around the notion of Samhain as a festival of the dead and as a time of supernatural intensity heralding the onset of winter.
How should Christians respond to this pagan background? Harold L. Myra of Christianity Today argues that these pagan roots were well known to Christians of the past. "More than a thousand years ago Christians confronted pagan rites appeasing the lord of death and evil spirits. Halloween's unsavory beginnings preceded Christ's birth when the druids, in what is now Britain and France, observed the end of summer with sacrifices to the gods. It was the beginning of the Celtic year and they believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking live evil spirits themselves."
Thus, the custom of wearing costumes, especially costumes imitating evil spirits, is rooted in the Celtic pagan culture. As Myra summarizes, "Most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to the old pagan rites and superstitions."
The complications of Halloween go far beyond its pagan roots, however. In modern culture, Halloween has become not only a commercial holiday, but a season of cultural fascination with evil and the demonic. Even as the society has pressed the limits on issues such as sexuality, the culture's confrontation with the "dark side" has also pushed far beyond boundaries honored in the past.
As David J. Skal makes clear, the modern concept of Halloween is inseparable from the portrayal of the holiday presented by Hollywood. As Skal comments, "The Halloween machine turns the world upside down. One's identity can be discarded with impunity. Men dress as women, and vise versa. Authority can be mocked and circumvented, and, most important, graves open and the departed return."
This is the kind of material that keeps Hollywood in business. "Few holidays have a cinematic potential that equals Halloween's," comments Skal. "Visually, the subject is unparalleled, if only considered in terms of costume design and art direction. Dramatically, Halloween's ancient roots evoke dark and melodramatic themes, ripe for transformation into film's language of shadow and light."
But television's "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" (which debuted in 1966) has given way to Hollywood's "Halloween" series and the rise of violent "slasher" films. Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff have been replaced by Michael Myers and Freddy Kruger.
This fascination with the occult comes as America has been sliding into post-Christian secularism. While the courts remove all theistic references from America's public square, the void is being filled with a pervasive fascination with evil, paganism, and new forms of occultism.
In addition to all this, Halloween has become downright dangerous in many neighborhoods. Scares about razor blades hidden in apples and poisoned candy have spread across the nation in recurring cycles. For most parents, the greater fear is the encounter with occultic symbols and the society's fascination with moral darkness.
For this reason, many families withdraw from the holiday completely. Their children do not go trick-or-treating, they wear no costumes, and attend no parties related to the holiday. Some churches have organized alternative festivals, capitalizing on the holiday opportunity, but turning the event away from pagan roots and the fascination with evil spirits. For others, the holiday presents no special challenges at all.
These Christians argue that the pagan roots of Halloween are no more significant than the pagan origins of Christmas and other church festivals. Without doubt, the church has progressively Christianized the calendar, seizing secular and pagan holidays as opportunities for Christian witness and celebration. Anderson M. Rearick, III argues that Christians should not surrender the holiday. As he relates, "I am reluctant to give up what was one of the highlights of my childhood calendar to the Great Imposter and Chief of Liars for no reason except that some of his servants claim it as his."
Nevertheless, the issue is a bit more complicated than that. While affirming that make-believe and imagination are part and parcel of God's gift of imagination, Christians should still be very concerned about the focus of that imagination and creativity. Arguing against Halloween is not equivalent to arguing against Christmas. The old church festival of "All Hallow's Eve" is by no means as universally understood among Christians as the celebration of the incarnation at Christmas.
Christian parents should make careful decisions based on a biblically-informed Christian conscience. Some Halloween practices are clearly out of bounds, others may be strategically transformed, but this takes hard work and may meet with mixed success.
The coming of Halloween is a good time for Christians to remember that evil spirits are real and that the Devil will seize every opportunity to trumpet his own celebrity. Perhaps the best response to the Devil at Halloween is that offered by Martin Luther, the great Reformer: "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him for he cannot bear scorn."
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther began the Reformation with a declaration that the church must be recalled to the authority of God's Word and the purity of biblical doctrine. With this in mind, the best Christian response to Halloween, might be to scorn the Devil and then pray for the Reformation of Christ's church on earth. Let's put the dark side on the defensive.
Christianity and the Dark Side: What About Halloween? by Albert Mohler
Friday, October 31, 2003
Over a hundred years ago, the great Dutch theologian Hermann Bavinck predicted that the 20th century would "witness a gigantic conflict of spirits." His prediction turned out to be an understatement, and this great conflict continues into the 21st century.
The issue of Halloween presses itself annually upon the Christian conscience. Acutely aware of dangers new and old, many Christian parents choose to withdraw their children from the holiday altogether. Others choose to follow a strategic battle plan for engagement with the holiday. Still others have gone further, seeking to convert Halloween into an evangelistic opportunity. Is Halloween really that significant?
Well, Halloween is a big deal in the marketplace. Halloween is surpassed only by Christmas in terms of economic activity. According to David J. Skal, "Precise figures are difficult to determine, but the annual economic impact of Halloween is now somewhere between 4 billion and 6 billion dollars depending on the number and kinds of industries one includes in the calculations."
Furthermore, historian Nicholas Rogers claims that "Halloween is currently the second most important party night in North America. In terms of its retail potential, it is second only to Christmas. This commercialism fortifies its significance as a time of public license, a custom-designed opportunity to have a blast. Regardless of its spiritual complications, Halloween is big business."
Rogers and Skal have each produced books dealing with the origin and significance of Halloween. Nicholas Rogers is author of Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night. Professor of History at York University in Canada, Rogers has written a celebration of Halloween as a transgressive holiday that allows the bizarre and elements from the dark side to enter the mainstream. Skal, a specialist on the culture of Hollywood, has written Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween. Skal's approach is more dispassionate and focused on entertainment, looking at the cultural impact of Halloween on the rise of horror movies and the nation's fascination with violence.
The pagan roots of Halloween are well documented. The holiday is rooted in the Celtic festival of Samhain, which came at summer's end. As Rogers explains, "Paired with the feast of Beltane, which celebrated the life-generating powers of the sun, Samhain beckoned to winter and the dark nights ahead." Scholars dispute whether Samhain was celebrated as a festival of the dead, but the pagan roots of the festival are indisputable. Questions of human and animal sacrifices and various occultic sexual practices continue as issues of debate, but the reality of the celebration as an occultic festival focused on the changing of seasons undoubtedly involved practices pointing to winter as a season of death.
As Rogers comments: "In fact, the pagan origins of Halloween generally flow not from this sacrificial evidence, but from a different set of symbolic practices. These revolve around the notion of Samhain as a festival of the dead and as a time of supernatural intensity heralding the onset of winter.
How should Christians respond to this pagan background? Harold L. Myra of Christianity Today argues that these pagan roots were well known to Christians of the past. "More than a thousand years ago Christians confronted pagan rites appeasing the lord of death and evil spirits. Halloween's unsavory beginnings preceded Christ's birth when the druids, in what is now Britain and France, observed the end of summer with sacrifices to the gods. It was the beginning of the Celtic year and they believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking live evil spirits themselves."
Thus, the custom of wearing costumes, especially costumes imitating evil spirits, is rooted in the Celtic pagan culture. As Myra summarizes, "Most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to the old pagan rites and superstitions."
The complications of Halloween go far beyond its pagan roots, however. In modern culture, Halloween has become not only a commercial holiday, but a season of cultural fascination with evil and the demonic. Even as the society has pressed the limits on issues such as sexuality, the culture's confrontation with the "dark side" has also pushed far beyond boundaries honored in the past.
As David J. Skal makes clear, the modern concept of Halloween is inseparable from the portrayal of the holiday presented by Hollywood. As Skal comments, "The Halloween machine turns the world upside down. One's identity can be discarded with impunity. Men dress as women, and vise versa. Authority can be mocked and circumvented, and, most important, graves open and the departed return."
This is the kind of material that keeps Hollywood in business. "Few holidays have a cinematic potential that equals Halloween's," comments Skal. "Visually, the subject is unparalleled, if only considered in terms of costume design and art direction. Dramatically, Halloween's ancient roots evoke dark and melodramatic themes, ripe for transformation into film's language of shadow and light."
But television's "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" (which debuted in 1966) has given way to Hollywood's "Halloween" series and the rise of violent "slasher" films. Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff have been replaced by Michael Myers and Freddy Kruger.
This fascination with the occult comes as America has been sliding into post-Christian secularism. While the courts remove all theistic references from America's public square, the void is being filled with a pervasive fascination with evil, paganism, and new forms of occultism.
In addition to all this, Halloween has become downright dangerous in many neighborhoods. Scares about razor blades hidden in apples and poisoned candy have spread across the nation in recurring cycles. For most parents, the greater fear is the encounter with occultic symbols and the society's fascination with moral darkness.
For this reason, many families withdraw from the holiday completely. Their children do not go trick-or-treating, they wear no costumes, and attend no parties related to the holiday. Some churches have organized alternative festivals, capitalizing on the holiday opportunity, but turning the event away from pagan roots and the fascination with evil spirits. For others, the holiday presents no special challenges at all.
These Christians argue that the pagan roots of Halloween are no more significant than the pagan origins of Christmas and other church festivals. Without doubt, the church has progressively Christianized the calendar, seizing secular and pagan holidays as opportunities for Christian witness and celebration. Anderson M. Rearick, III argues that Christians should not surrender the holiday. As he relates, "I am reluctant to give up what was one of the highlights of my childhood calendar to the Great Imposter and Chief of Liars for no reason except that some of his servants claim it as his."
Nevertheless, the issue is a bit more complicated than that. While affirming that make-believe and imagination are part and parcel of God's gift of imagination, Christians should still be very concerned about the focus of that imagination and creativity. Arguing against Halloween is not equivalent to arguing against Christmas. The old church festival of "All Hallow's Eve" is by no means as universally understood among Christians as the celebration of the incarnation at Christmas.
Christian parents should make careful decisions based on a biblically-informed Christian conscience. Some Halloween practices are clearly out of bounds, others may be strategically transformed, but this takes hard work and may meet with mixed success.
The coming of Halloween is a good time for Christians to remember that evil spirits are real and that the Devil will seize every opportunity to trumpet his own celebrity. Perhaps the best response to the Devil at Halloween is that offered by Martin Luther, the great Reformer: "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him for he cannot bear scorn."
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther began the Reformation with a declaration that the church must be recalled to the authority of God's Word and the purity of biblical doctrine. With this in mind, the best Christian response to Halloween, might be to scorn the Devil and then pray for the Reformation of Christ's church on earth. Let's put the dark side on the defensive.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
the 30 day diet ...
Well, I have to say that people have got to be praying for me because I have felt a peace that passes all understanding since Tuesday and haven't worried about the car, money stuff, etc.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
I am currently on Day 11 of a special diet given by my chiropractor.
I am only able to eat fruits, vegetables, and brown rice for a month. Last week was VERY difficult but this week, I am starting to feel a little bit more energetic. I am not allowed to eat meat, dairy or sugar at all. And most of the food I do eat is organic. I guess almost 70% of your immune system is in your stomach so it makes sense to try to clense out my system from toxins so my body can perhaps start working better. That would be so nice!
I think this is teaching me some important albeit challenging lessons in self-control.
I've had to resist some difficult things like pizza and such and thus far, have not given in. I am always hungry and never feel "full" but learning that this is ok! :) I think in America we usually eat until we are full and that isn't necessarily healthy either.
Anyway, I would appreciate continued prayer as I have more than 2 weeks left and am starting to really crave CHEESE! :)
Jeremy and I will be going to the Cities and seeing my mom for the first time in over 4 months! I am SUPER excited as I miss her greatly.
Love in Christ,
Kate
Thank you for your continued prayers!
I am currently on Day 11 of a special diet given by my chiropractor.
I am only able to eat fruits, vegetables, and brown rice for a month. Last week was VERY difficult but this week, I am starting to feel a little bit more energetic. I am not allowed to eat meat, dairy or sugar at all. And most of the food I do eat is organic. I guess almost 70% of your immune system is in your stomach so it makes sense to try to clense out my system from toxins so my body can perhaps start working better. That would be so nice!
I think this is teaching me some important albeit challenging lessons in self-control.
I've had to resist some difficult things like pizza and such and thus far, have not given in. I am always hungry and never feel "full" but learning that this is ok! :) I think in America we usually eat until we are full and that isn't necessarily healthy either.
Anyway, I would appreciate continued prayer as I have more than 2 weeks left and am starting to really crave CHEESE! :)
Jeremy and I will be going to the Cities and seeing my mom for the first time in over 4 months! I am SUPER excited as I miss her greatly.
Love in Christ,
Kate
Monday, October 22, 2007
What A Day...
Hello loved ones! We hope you are all very well! I thought it was time for an update. Last Friday, I went to see a rheumatologist. She did various tests and examinations and asked the usual questions. Then today, she had me get about 14 more blood tests dealing mostly with immunology. She will be bringing my health case to the group of rheumatologists tomorrow so I hope and pray they will see SOMETHING to give us some answers. Before all of the blood tests, Jeremy and I discovered my car was broken into, the tire slashed, 150 CD's, some cash and the CD player were all taken.
I feel scared...violated in a way. They took a few pictures of me that were in the glove box as well as our address, etc. It's all pretty surreal. The police took down a report but the stuff is long gone. Now we have to pick up the pieces.
I know it could be FAR worse...but this is truly the last thing we needed. Things are tight already and to have this added to the bills is hard to swallow. Please pray for our safety and that I would feel secure again in our apartment and neighborhood.
What a lesson...another lesson. There is NO security in this world besides through the Lord. Nothing is guaranteed.
Thank you for your prayers... on a positive note:
We were blessed to have Jeremy's very good friend Andy here visiting this weekend!
We are blessed to have friends like Jodi who was willing and able to drive me to the hospital today!
We are blessed to have one another and each of you supporting us in love and prayer!
We are thankful the car wasn't completely stolen or ruined.
We are thankful we are both safe.
We were blessed to have the SUN OUT on Saturday!
Life sure isn't easy. But we are alive and here and we must make the best of it!
In Christ,
Kate
and
Jeremy
I feel scared...violated in a way. They took a few pictures of me that were in the glove box as well as our address, etc. It's all pretty surreal. The police took down a report but the stuff is long gone. Now we have to pick up the pieces.
I know it could be FAR worse...but this is truly the last thing we needed. Things are tight already and to have this added to the bills is hard to swallow. Please pray for our safety and that I would feel secure again in our apartment and neighborhood.
What a lesson...another lesson. There is NO security in this world besides through the Lord. Nothing is guaranteed.
Thank you for your prayers... on a positive note:
We were blessed to have Jeremy's very good friend Andy here visiting this weekend!
We are blessed to have friends like Jodi who was willing and able to drive me to the hospital today!
We are blessed to have one another and each of you supporting us in love and prayer!
We are thankful the car wasn't completely stolen or ruined.
We are thankful we are both safe.
We were blessed to have the SUN OUT on Saturday!
Life sure isn't easy. But we are alive and here and we must make the best of it!
In Christ,
Kate
and
Jeremy
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Modesty: Post Two
"Any Biblical discussion of modesty begins by addressing the heart, not the hemline."
-C.J. Mahaney.
I couldn't agree more with C.J. Modesty does being with the attitude of the heart within the woman. He also goes on to define modesty as: propriety; the avoidance of clothing and adornment that is extravagant, showy and sexually enticing.
I believe a humble heart comes before modest dress. Thus, immodesty is a form of arrogance. We are arrogant when we say we don't care how it impacts the men that cross our path, but only our desire to remain fashionably "in". Modesty, in general, protects our brothers in Christ from temptation and sin. We are certainly not to identify with our sinful, worldly culture through our dress. We are, after all, to be IN this world and not OF this world. We are to be distinct from the culture in many ways...among them, our dress. If we think about it, our apparel is a public statement of our heart. What is my wardrobe communicating? What is yours?
Earlier, I mentioned 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Through reading and such, I have learned that Paul is warning woman from dressing and adorning themselves like the culture of the time...the Roman court and the Prostitutes. Context is important here. "Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works."
So I don't believe it is necessarily the pearls or the braided hair, but the motivation and the heart behind it. During this time, ostentatious jewelry and braided hear was associated with both vanity and prostitution.
In regard to some of the many comments from the first Modesty post...
I am one who is 100% behind personal responsibility in the Christian life. I believe this modesty discussion is one largely on the shoulders of women. HOWEVER, there IS a place for the husbands and fathers of the women in their life to encourage them when they dress modestly and to hold them accountable when they dress immodestly. If my words in anyway disregarded the supreme importance of woman holding personal responsibility over themselves, then I was unclear. But I see that the body of Christ has dropped the ball in graciously speaking truth and demonstrating Godly care and courage. There is a difference between condemnation and imposing versus giving kind observation and allowing the Holy Spirit to then convict and carry out the good work.
Fathers are to lead their daughters in this issue of modesty. Daughters are to submit. However, much of the time that doesn't occur and the woman is now 20 years old and largely clueless about her impact upon the people in their life.
There is of course, always room for growth. We need to ask ourselves questions. We need to not only trust our own evaluation, but your friends and husband if you have one.
The other issue that arises is self-righteous judgement over those who are not Christian or those who are but newly so.
Lastly, and on a lighter note...I do believe that it is possible to not be fashionably outdated and to be modest. Basically, Modesty and Fashion are not mutually exclusive. It just takes a little extra work and it certainly cannot become our focus.
In 1 Timothy, 2:9-19, Paul insists that more time be focused on spiritual matters then the apparel for the women. Why? Ultimately, because of the gospel. Again, C.J. Mahaney brings this into perspective. Paul teaches every topic in relation to the gospel. As we should. I began with a quote from Mr. Mahaney, and I will end this post with a quote by him, "Modesty and dress and women characterized by good works are the impact of the gospel. That is the transforming power of the gospel."
-C.J. Mahaney.
I couldn't agree more with C.J. Modesty does being with the attitude of the heart within the woman. He also goes on to define modesty as: propriety; the avoidance of clothing and adornment that is extravagant, showy and sexually enticing.
I believe a humble heart comes before modest dress. Thus, immodesty is a form of arrogance. We are arrogant when we say we don't care how it impacts the men that cross our path, but only our desire to remain fashionably "in". Modesty, in general, protects our brothers in Christ from temptation and sin. We are certainly not to identify with our sinful, worldly culture through our dress. We are, after all, to be IN this world and not OF this world. We are to be distinct from the culture in many ways...among them, our dress. If we think about it, our apparel is a public statement of our heart. What is my wardrobe communicating? What is yours?
Earlier, I mentioned 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Through reading and such, I have learned that Paul is warning woman from dressing and adorning themselves like the culture of the time...the Roman court and the Prostitutes. Context is important here. "Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works."
So I don't believe it is necessarily the pearls or the braided hair, but the motivation and the heart behind it. During this time, ostentatious jewelry and braided hear was associated with both vanity and prostitution.
In regard to some of the many comments from the first Modesty post...
I am one who is 100% behind personal responsibility in the Christian life. I believe this modesty discussion is one largely on the shoulders of women. HOWEVER, there IS a place for the husbands and fathers of the women in their life to encourage them when they dress modestly and to hold them accountable when they dress immodestly. If my words in anyway disregarded the supreme importance of woman holding personal responsibility over themselves, then I was unclear. But I see that the body of Christ has dropped the ball in graciously speaking truth and demonstrating Godly care and courage. There is a difference between condemnation and imposing versus giving kind observation and allowing the Holy Spirit to then convict and carry out the good work.
Fathers are to lead their daughters in this issue of modesty. Daughters are to submit. However, much of the time that doesn't occur and the woman is now 20 years old and largely clueless about her impact upon the people in their life.
There is of course, always room for growth. We need to ask ourselves questions. We need to not only trust our own evaluation, but your friends and husband if you have one.
The other issue that arises is self-righteous judgement over those who are not Christian or those who are but newly so.
Lastly, and on a lighter note...I do believe that it is possible to not be fashionably outdated and to be modest. Basically, Modesty and Fashion are not mutually exclusive. It just takes a little extra work and it certainly cannot become our focus.
In 1 Timothy, 2:9-19, Paul insists that more time be focused on spiritual matters then the apparel for the women. Why? Ultimately, because of the gospel. Again, C.J. Mahaney brings this into perspective. Paul teaches every topic in relation to the gospel. As we should. I began with a quote from Mr. Mahaney, and I will end this post with a quote by him, "Modesty and dress and women characterized by good works are the impact of the gospel. That is the transforming power of the gospel."
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Health Update for Today
Hello again friend and family!
I am writing to let you know what is going on lately with my health.
Things seem to be very up and down health-wise. Some hours I will feel ok, others I will be unable to leave my bed due to sheer exhaustion or headaches.
I have been reading up on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and it seems that everyone who has this has gone through the months of unknowing...of test after test coming back normal. Because this is a sickness that can only be diagnosed by process of elimination. I've also learned that CFS manifests itself in different ways to different people on different days. What I mean is...yesterday I was feel the exhaustion and weakness, today I have a terrible sore throat and swollen glands.
Now, I say all this because I want those in my life to understand what it's like on a daily basis. I don't want pity of course, but prayers. Most days, I don't even pray for healing anymore. I need to. In all honestly, a lot of days I am doing OK...focused on what I am thankful for and trusting in the Lord. But every few weeks, there is a dark cloud of hopelessness and being so weary from being weary. Thankfully, it seems to not last more than a day.
Anyway, I have to go back to bed...
I will be getting more into the Modesty Posts as soon as I feel up to it a bit.
Oh! And this friday I have another Doctor appt. with another specialist. I am hoping that there will be some sort of answer to all this.
Kate
I would just like to add a special thanks for my amazing husband, Jeremy. This is not an easy thing for us to bare as newlyweds...but you have never complained and you are so loving and encouraging. THANK YOU for your support and care! You are certainly glorifying the Lord through this and ministering to your wife. :) I love you so much.
I am writing to let you know what is going on lately with my health.
Things seem to be very up and down health-wise. Some hours I will feel ok, others I will be unable to leave my bed due to sheer exhaustion or headaches.
I have been reading up on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and it seems that everyone who has this has gone through the months of unknowing...of test after test coming back normal. Because this is a sickness that can only be diagnosed by process of elimination. I've also learned that CFS manifests itself in different ways to different people on different days. What I mean is...yesterday I was feel the exhaustion and weakness, today I have a terrible sore throat and swollen glands.
Now, I say all this because I want those in my life to understand what it's like on a daily basis. I don't want pity of course, but prayers. Most days, I don't even pray for healing anymore. I need to. In all honestly, a lot of days I am doing OK...focused on what I am thankful for and trusting in the Lord. But every few weeks, there is a dark cloud of hopelessness and being so weary from being weary. Thankfully, it seems to not last more than a day.
Anyway, I have to go back to bed...
I will be getting more into the Modesty Posts as soon as I feel up to it a bit.
Oh! And this friday I have another Doctor appt. with another specialist. I am hoping that there will be some sort of answer to all this.
Kate
I would just like to add a special thanks for my amazing husband, Jeremy. This is not an easy thing for us to bare as newlyweds...but you have never complained and you are so loving and encouraging. THANK YOU for your support and care! You are certainly glorifying the Lord through this and ministering to your wife. :) I love you so much.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Modesty: Post One
There is a chill in the air that reminds us fall is here and winter is just a few weeks away... it also provides a reason for the girls and women of our culture to bundle up! I have heard several men communicate their dislike for spring and summer simply because of the clothing (or lack of) that women wear.
Just yesterday, a good friend of mine shared that her husband feels that very same way. Walking through a college campus is like a painful test for every man. Eyes to the sidewalk until you get to class. Girls in bikini's all throughout campus is typical. Spending a summer in California only made ME aware of it that much more.
As women, we are inundated with magazines, commercials, TV shows, movies and peers that portray fashion and pressure us to imitate that fashion. Walk through the mall for 5 minutes and it is clear: baring skin is in. It is HARD not to fall into this ... and to imitate the culture that surrounds us.
When Jeremy and I got engaged, I had to personally struggle with modesty. As I went looking for wedding dresses, it became difficult to find a dress that was not strapless or too tight or designed in a way that brought attention to my female figure. I ended up adding capped sleeves to my bridal gown in an attempt to bring more modesty to it. After all, I wouldn't wear strapless shirts any other day of the year, why would I on my wedding day? Around the time I was searching for a wedding dress, Albert Mohler, President of Southern Seminary in Louisville aired a radio show about Weddings and Modesty. I encourage you to listen to it.
Now, I am not saying the standard I felt called to for my wedding or for everyday life is the end all, be all...but I do want to raise this issue. Some items that are perfectly modest on a friends body, may not be the case for myself and vise-versa.
It makes me sick when I see little girls... just 6 or 7 years old, wearing clothing that reveals their stomach or mini skirts and heals! This is now an issue not just for women, but for little girls and the parents that allow, and yes, even encourage, them to wear these things! Most of you that read this blog are not parents yet, but we need to start thinking of these issues now. The easy thing to do is to allow your kids to wear whatever they want... to be their friend and not their parent... but is that what the Lord calls us to do? I think not.
Well, I could ramble on for a long time about this... but this is just the beginning post....I will continue to post on this topic in the next week. There are many people, much wiser than myself who have great insight and advice regarding modesty. I hope to include some of their thoughts in coming posts.
Until then, I will leave you with this verse:
Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
-1 Timothy 2:9-10.
Love in Christ, Kate
UPDATE:
To listen to the aforementioned radio program about Weddings and Modesty, please go here:
http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2006-05-16
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Back from the Woman's Retreat!
I was blessed to be able to go on the Women's Retreat this weekend in Green Lake, WI.
I was very hesitant to go at first due to the cost and the fact that I am not working right now. Also, I am supposed to travel as little as possible...but from the kindness of the church, the financial aspect was taken care of and I was assured it was VERY relaxing. This was very different from any other retreat or conference I have gone to. In the past, there are hundreds of us, going from 8am to midnight with sessions and activities. This was JUST what I needed. It was SUCH a restful, wonderful time with 15 other women from the church! I was the youngest so in a way I had 15 mothers to make sure I didn't overdo it! :)
It was such a wonderful time of friendship, fellowship and reflection! This conference center was INCREDIBLE and just really displayed God's majesty ...from the lake, to the trees.
We stayed in an old Mansion that looks right out to the lake! Here is a picture:
We had this entire place to ourselves... it has 22 rooms! Including enough beds for 20 people and 6 bathrooms, a gorgeous living room with a grand fireplace and a huge dining room table to fit all of us! I will write more in the next few days of some of the lessons learned during this time. Stay tuned! :)
Thank you to anyone who read this... I appreciate your prayers, your love and for reading this boring old blog. :)
In Christ Alone, Kate
I was very hesitant to go at first due to the cost and the fact that I am not working right now. Also, I am supposed to travel as little as possible...but from the kindness of the church, the financial aspect was taken care of and I was assured it was VERY relaxing. This was very different from any other retreat or conference I have gone to. In the past, there are hundreds of us, going from 8am to midnight with sessions and activities. This was JUST what I needed. It was SUCH a restful, wonderful time with 15 other women from the church! I was the youngest so in a way I had 15 mothers to make sure I didn't overdo it! :)
It was such a wonderful time of friendship, fellowship and reflection! This conference center was INCREDIBLE and just really displayed God's majesty ...from the lake, to the trees.
We stayed in an old Mansion that looks right out to the lake! Here is a picture:
We had this entire place to ourselves... it has 22 rooms! Including enough beds for 20 people and 6 bathrooms, a gorgeous living room with a grand fireplace and a huge dining room table to fit all of us! I will write more in the next few days of some of the lessons learned during this time. Stay tuned! :)
Thank you to anyone who read this... I appreciate your prayers, your love and for reading this boring old blog. :)
In Christ Alone, Kate
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Being Real Part 3: Our attempt to answer a great question.
The following question was asked a few days from the original post on "Being Real":
How would you recommend starting down the path of 'being real'? For someone who has been so hurt, time and time again, even the attempt at trust is like peeling the scab off of a wound that has barely healed. Any scripture/books you would recommend?
from kate:
Three things come to mind immediately. Before we even begin "down the path of being real", we have to stand upon some basics …
1. It is always by God’s grace that we are able to be real. It is our natural disposition as humans to be prideful and want to conceal the truth, to put on a facade, etc. So to begin, we must simply pray for His grace to enable us to be stripped of any need to impress others or camouflage our pain, hurt, etc. I too have been hurt, time and time again in very real, deep ways and am only able to be real because of Him. If it were on my shoulders, I would never share my heart with another human again. Thank God it isn’t.
2.I believe the first step is to forgive those that have hurt you. How can one move on to trust others when there is still unforgiveness submerged within the spirit and soul? Of course, forgiveness can be VERY difficult. This is an entirely different topic and post for another day.
3. Sometimes, we wait until we feel no more pain from our past hurts and wounds before we are willing to trust others. Sooner or later, we discover that the pain never COMPLETELY heals and thus waiting until we are healed is simply unwise. I do not believe we will be entirely whole and healed until we reach heaven. But, God is gracious enough to heal us in profound and deep ways. Actually, great healing can take place IN and WHILE trusting others and being real. It takes discernment, however, to know who is trustworthy…but that comes with time. We can take our time in friendships, and allow the Spirit to guide us as to when and where and how much to share with another.
Lastly, another final note ...while i have not read this book personally, I've heard it is an incredible, healing book that is VERY biblical. It's called Women Helping Women by Elyse Fitzpatrick. You can find it on ebay or amazon.
It's Jeremy here. I have a few other ideas on how to be real.
4. You need to have a firm grasp on scripture, so that you know, that no matter what, your actions fall in line with Christ. Knowing what scripture says, and trusting and holding to that more than you trust and hold onto others opinions of you, is key to being real. Instead of worrying what others think of you, put your faith and hope into what God thinks of you, and how he has redeemed you. The more you study the Bible and keep its precious truths in your heart, the easier it is to allow yourself to open up to others, being indifferent of the consequences towards you.
5. This should go without saying, but you need to forever keep your eyes focused on Christ. After what he has done for you, dying on a cross and enduring unbearable pain, we should be able to endure pain by being real about our lives with others. I truly believe that if you look to Christ for your identity and satisfaction, instead of to others, "being real" will not be a struggle, but it would come naturally.
Thank you for that question and keep them coming as it challenges us to think deeper. I hope that the above was of some help in some way.
How would you recommend starting down the path of 'being real'? For someone who has been so hurt, time and time again, even the attempt at trust is like peeling the scab off of a wound that has barely healed. Any scripture/books you would recommend?
from kate:
Three things come to mind immediately. Before we even begin "down the path of being real", we have to stand upon some basics …
1. It is always by God’s grace that we are able to be real. It is our natural disposition as humans to be prideful and want to conceal the truth, to put on a facade, etc. So to begin, we must simply pray for His grace to enable us to be stripped of any need to impress others or camouflage our pain, hurt, etc. I too have been hurt, time and time again in very real, deep ways and am only able to be real because of Him. If it were on my shoulders, I would never share my heart with another human again. Thank God it isn’t.
2.I believe the first step is to forgive those that have hurt you. How can one move on to trust others when there is still unforgiveness submerged within the spirit and soul? Of course, forgiveness can be VERY difficult. This is an entirely different topic and post for another day.
3. Sometimes, we wait until we feel no more pain from our past hurts and wounds before we are willing to trust others. Sooner or later, we discover that the pain never COMPLETELY heals and thus waiting until we are healed is simply unwise. I do not believe we will be entirely whole and healed until we reach heaven. But, God is gracious enough to heal us in profound and deep ways. Actually, great healing can take place IN and WHILE trusting others and being real. It takes discernment, however, to know who is trustworthy…but that comes with time. We can take our time in friendships, and allow the Spirit to guide us as to when and where and how much to share with another.
Lastly, another final note ...while i have not read this book personally, I've heard it is an incredible, healing book that is VERY biblical. It's called Women Helping Women by Elyse Fitzpatrick. You can find it on ebay or amazon.
It's Jeremy here. I have a few other ideas on how to be real.
4. You need to have a firm grasp on scripture, so that you know, that no matter what, your actions fall in line with Christ. Knowing what scripture says, and trusting and holding to that more than you trust and hold onto others opinions of you, is key to being real. Instead of worrying what others think of you, put your faith and hope into what God thinks of you, and how he has redeemed you. The more you study the Bible and keep its precious truths in your heart, the easier it is to allow yourself to open up to others, being indifferent of the consequences towards you.
5. This should go without saying, but you need to forever keep your eyes focused on Christ. After what he has done for you, dying on a cross and enduring unbearable pain, we should be able to endure pain by being real about our lives with others. I truly believe that if you look to Christ for your identity and satisfaction, instead of to others, "being real" will not be a struggle, but it would come naturally.
Thank you for that question and keep them coming as it challenges us to think deeper. I hope that the above was of some help in some way.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
A Guest Post!
My dear friend Abby has agreed to allow me to post some of her thoughts regarding "being real". I thought they were insightful and would be beneficial to share on here!
Perhaps it is due to our American culture that many people find it a struggle to be genuine or “real” with one another. I have discovered, and especially while I was in college, that many of us feel the need to portray a facade to the general public that they have everything under control and that life is dandy. I attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota (the town of cows, colleges, and contentment!), which was a highly positive experience for me. The student body, as a whole, was highly ambitious, extremely intelligent, and involved in numerous extracurricular activities, whether it be music, sports, volunteer commitments, Christian organizations, and so forth. Because the average student was talented, smart, and/or beautiful, I think everyone felt the pressure to DO everything and make it appear that this was normal and easy to do!
I am sure that I am not alone in the experience I had while in college. My guess is that others have stumbled across similar situations in other educational or occupational settings. Society today teaches us that we need to excel, get ahead, and hide any appearance of weakness or fear that lies within. Ultimately, this is human pride that is getting in the way of being real with one another.
Over time, God has humbled me much in this area and a certain, small book in the Old Testament, Obadiah, was what made this most clear to me. Obadiah was a prophet from Judah who announced the coming judgement of the Lord against the nation of Edom. He fortells,
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You shall be greatly despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground? Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, says the Lord.” (v. 2-4)
Edom held pride in their safety as a city, their wealth, self-sufficiency, allies, and wisdom. As the book of Proverbs also warns, pride is a sure route to destruction, and that is exactly what happened to the nation of Edom.
Although many of us struggle with pride, learning to be genuine with each other is one way to avoid pride and instead put on humility. This is one function of the body of Christ, to mourn with each other, be joyful with each other, pray with each other, and meet the specific needs each may have. This is impossible, or at least highly difficult, with an attitude that is reluctant to be open with others.
The Church could thrive to a greater degree by fostering a community of openness: by forming small group or Bible Studies, by encouraging accountability among its members, and in general practicing the example Jesus set for us in loving one another. And as we strive to become more like our Savior, the words of this song by Helen Lemmel will be reflected in our lives:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the Light of his glory and grace.
Perhaps it is due to our American culture that many people find it a struggle to be genuine or “real” with one another. I have discovered, and especially while I was in college, that many of us feel the need to portray a facade to the general public that they have everything under control and that life is dandy. I attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota (the town of cows, colleges, and contentment!), which was a highly positive experience for me. The student body, as a whole, was highly ambitious, extremely intelligent, and involved in numerous extracurricular activities, whether it be music, sports, volunteer commitments, Christian organizations, and so forth. Because the average student was talented, smart, and/or beautiful, I think everyone felt the pressure to DO everything and make it appear that this was normal and easy to do!
I am sure that I am not alone in the experience I had while in college. My guess is that others have stumbled across similar situations in other educational or occupational settings. Society today teaches us that we need to excel, get ahead, and hide any appearance of weakness or fear that lies within. Ultimately, this is human pride that is getting in the way of being real with one another.
Over time, God has humbled me much in this area and a certain, small book in the Old Testament, Obadiah, was what made this most clear to me. Obadiah was a prophet from Judah who announced the coming judgement of the Lord against the nation of Edom. He fortells,
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You shall be greatly despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground? Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, says the Lord.” (v. 2-4)
Edom held pride in their safety as a city, their wealth, self-sufficiency, allies, and wisdom. As the book of Proverbs also warns, pride is a sure route to destruction, and that is exactly what happened to the nation of Edom.
Although many of us struggle with pride, learning to be genuine with each other is one way to avoid pride and instead put on humility. This is one function of the body of Christ, to mourn with each other, be joyful with each other, pray with each other, and meet the specific needs each may have. This is impossible, or at least highly difficult, with an attitude that is reluctant to be open with others.
The Church could thrive to a greater degree by fostering a community of openness: by forming small group or Bible Studies, by encouraging accountability among its members, and in general practicing the example Jesus set for us in loving one another. And as we strive to become more like our Savior, the words of this song by Helen Lemmel will be reflected in our lives:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the Light of his glory and grace.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Health Update
Hello friends and family! I have received a few calls and e-mails from people asking for an update in the health situation.
This week is my official last week of work before my break of a couple months of not working at all. While this is challenging in some aspects, we know it is what has to be done given the worsening of my health and because of several Doctor's highly advising it.
Yesterday I had a spinal tap. It was pretty scary and a painful but God gave strength to endure. In 7 business days, we will find out the results of the tests.
We hope that there is something we are able to treat is found, rather than the no answers that have resulted from dozens of blood tests and the MRI's. We are very thankful however, that we have ruled out tumors, MS, Lupus and other conditions.
Through your prayers, encouragement and love, I have been encouraged lately. I am not losing hope and am trying to trust Him daily.
Next is another specialist on October 19th.
I will let you know if I here anything as far as results. Please contintue to pray for God's peace and provision.
Thank you for your continued love and support.
In Christ's love, Kate
This week is my official last week of work before my break of a couple months of not working at all. While this is challenging in some aspects, we know it is what has to be done given the worsening of my health and because of several Doctor's highly advising it.
Yesterday I had a spinal tap. It was pretty scary and a painful but God gave strength to endure. In 7 business days, we will find out the results of the tests.
We hope that there is something we are able to treat is found, rather than the no answers that have resulted from dozens of blood tests and the MRI's. We are very thankful however, that we have ruled out tumors, MS, Lupus and other conditions.
Through your prayers, encouragement and love, I have been encouraged lately. I am not losing hope and am trying to trust Him daily.
Next is another specialist on October 19th.
I will let you know if I here anything as far as results. Please contintue to pray for God's peace and provision.
Thank you for your continued love and support.
In Christ's love, Kate
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Being Real
Sometimes I see that Christians have the most difficult time being real than any other people. I noticed this far more in Christian Organizations that I have been involved in previously, not as much currently.
But a recent occurrence brought this to my attention again. I am a real person. Whether that is good or bad...what you see is what you get. I hope and expect others to be the same. Why do we put on facades? Pride. I guess thinking back... I was a pro at putting on a mask. All the trials of the last few years have stripped me of this for the most part. I see no reason, no purpose in acting. We are all fallen, we are all in desperate need of God's grace and help from the body of Christ in someway or another.
How can we glorify the Lord when we are so busy trying to keep this act together, seamless and yet full of falsehood? How much more is God magnified when we are real, honest, and vulnerable with one another?
I have to note there is a balance. We cannot have our hearts be open territory to anyone and everyone. There is a need to "guard our heart". But I believe we can be real and yet still adhere to this wisdom.
I just am drawn to people who are real, genuine and honest. These are the qualities that really represent humility to me. But it does take such an effort after this world's harshness has made us wounded individuals.
From my conversation with two of my good girl friends last night... we see how much of our sin, our pride, our self-pity, our selfishness, etc is remedied by a focus on the Lord, by meditation on His incredible character and truth. It is the reality of seeing ourselves as we are...finite, unknowing, flawed individuals who undeservedly are saved by a infinite, all-knowing Lord.
I'll stop my rambling...
Humbled by my inability to grasp our Great God,
Kate
But a recent occurrence brought this to my attention again. I am a real person. Whether that is good or bad...what you see is what you get. I hope and expect others to be the same. Why do we put on facades? Pride. I guess thinking back... I was a pro at putting on a mask. All the trials of the last few years have stripped me of this for the most part. I see no reason, no purpose in acting. We are all fallen, we are all in desperate need of God's grace and help from the body of Christ in someway or another.
How can we glorify the Lord when we are so busy trying to keep this act together, seamless and yet full of falsehood? How much more is God magnified when we are real, honest, and vulnerable with one another?
I have to note there is a balance. We cannot have our hearts be open territory to anyone and everyone. There is a need to "guard our heart". But I believe we can be real and yet still adhere to this wisdom.
I just am drawn to people who are real, genuine and honest. These are the qualities that really represent humility to me. But it does take such an effort after this world's harshness has made us wounded individuals.
From my conversation with two of my good girl friends last night... we see how much of our sin, our pride, our self-pity, our selfishness, etc is remedied by a focus on the Lord, by meditation on His incredible character and truth. It is the reality of seeing ourselves as we are...finite, unknowing, flawed individuals who undeservedly are saved by a infinite, all-knowing Lord.
I'll stop my rambling...
Humbled by my inability to grasp our Great God,
Kate
Saturday, September 15, 2007
This is inspirational
Ok, if this little girl can do it, we certainly should be able to!
I hope and pray Jeremy and I will have kids like this someday!
I hope and pray Jeremy and I will have kids like this someday!
Thankfulness
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
-Colossians 1:9-13
I have been thinking a lot about thankfulness. When you go through a bit of a scare like we did this last week, you start to really reflect. One thing I have learned (although perhaps not learned to practice as much as I should), is the importance of perspective and having a heart full of thankfulness. This week I found myself thanking God for each day, despite pain, headaches or exhausting. Thanking God that I can see, hear, touch His beauty. Thanking God for family and friends, however far away or busy. Each day IS precious. Each day is not easy, but it is still one more day I have to enjoy the gifts given by God. I pray that Jeremy and I, as well as all those around us who are going through a difficult time will be "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy..."
It is by HIS glorious might that we are given grace to endure another day, another hour, another moment. This is ALWAYS true, whether we realize it or not. When we go through times of hardship, we actually notice our need for Him, but it is a constant, unconditional need for Him is something that cannot be escaped or avoided.
SO here are a few things I am thankful for in this moment,
for the beauty of the bluffs in my backyard
for Saturdays to sleep in
for an amazing husband who is supportive, godly and humble
for a church family that is so willing to help and exemplifies what it means to care
for friends that called and e-mailed or stopped by this week to physically show their kindness and prayers in action
for not having a tumor (praise God!)
for a few nice hugs and a great prayer from my dad before the MRI's
for safety
for provision for what we NEED, and not for what we may want
for the smell of fall
for being able to take off work for a while to try to make some progress
for books to read
for a Savior that is sufficient to meet ALL my needs.
the promise that "He who called us is faithful, and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
I do not know what His plan is with my health and what the future holds, but whatever it is, I must always remember that He is faithful.
As a friend recently challenged me to focus on one thing I am thankful for each day, I too, extend that challenge to anyone that reads this... what are you thankful for?
-Colossians 1:9-13
I have been thinking a lot about thankfulness. When you go through a bit of a scare like we did this last week, you start to really reflect. One thing I have learned (although perhaps not learned to practice as much as I should), is the importance of perspective and having a heart full of thankfulness. This week I found myself thanking God for each day, despite pain, headaches or exhausting. Thanking God that I can see, hear, touch His beauty. Thanking God for family and friends, however far away or busy. Each day IS precious. Each day is not easy, but it is still one more day I have to enjoy the gifts given by God. I pray that Jeremy and I, as well as all those around us who are going through a difficult time will be "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy..."
It is by HIS glorious might that we are given grace to endure another day, another hour, another moment. This is ALWAYS true, whether we realize it or not. When we go through times of hardship, we actually notice our need for Him, but it is a constant, unconditional need for Him is something that cannot be escaped or avoided.
SO here are a few things I am thankful for in this moment,
for the beauty of the bluffs in my backyard
for Saturdays to sleep in
for an amazing husband who is supportive, godly and humble
for a church family that is so willing to help and exemplifies what it means to care
for friends that called and e-mailed or stopped by this week to physically show their kindness and prayers in action
for not having a tumor (praise God!)
for a few nice hugs and a great prayer from my dad before the MRI's
for safety
for provision for what we NEED, and not for what we may want
for the smell of fall
for being able to take off work for a while to try to make some progress
for books to read
for a Savior that is sufficient to meet ALL my needs.
the promise that "He who called us is faithful, and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
I do not know what His plan is with my health and what the future holds, but whatever it is, I must always remember that He is faithful.
As a friend recently challenged me to focus on one thing I am thankful for each day, I too, extend that challenge to anyone that reads this... what are you thankful for?
Saturday, September 8, 2007
What we face, how I feel
I wrote this poem today...it was a relief to find some way, however poor, of expressing what is going on inside me.
The bottom falls through
My arms are flailing,
My head in spinning.
The word alone chokes me.
Tumor
The is the valley
I have become familiar with its sights
I have had to embrace the depths
Often there is only a dim light
Isolation
The silence is deafening but it fights
To take hold
And I long for the noise to press out
To force out
The thoughts that so seek to stifle my breath
Hope
Is this still to be grasped?
I’ve been told there are streams in this desert
But I only see drought.
Suffering of length now, the days are so long
Truth
I must cling to this. The promises stand strong
Even when, mostly when, I do not
I remind myself that my roots are deep within the rock,
Not shifting sand.
Grace
I stare the reality in the face
It appears ugly but endurance will erode this sight
Through Him, my heart is fixated and
there is no separating me from my Lord
Perseverance
Whether resolute or suspended by only a thread
It is Your arms, Your saving arms, I am pulled toward.
by Kate Wenzel
The bottom falls through
My arms are flailing,
My head in spinning.
The word alone chokes me.
Tumor
The is the valley
I have become familiar with its sights
I have had to embrace the depths
Often there is only a dim light
Isolation
The silence is deafening but it fights
To take hold
And I long for the noise to press out
To force out
The thoughts that so seek to stifle my breath
Hope
Is this still to be grasped?
I’ve been told there are streams in this desert
But I only see drought.
Suffering of length now, the days are so long
Truth
I must cling to this. The promises stand strong
Even when, mostly when, I do not
I remind myself that my roots are deep within the rock,
Not shifting sand.
Grace
I stare the reality in the face
It appears ugly but endurance will erode this sight
Through Him, my heart is fixated and
there is no separating me from my Lord
Perseverance
Whether resolute or suspended by only a thread
It is Your arms, Your saving arms, I am pulled toward.
by Kate Wenzel
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Christ and the OT
I saw this tonight and thought it relates to some postings jeremy has done regarding the OT and Christ Jesus.... It is from Desiring God.org
We are in the middle of a series of messages called Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ. All but one of these sins happened before Christ came into the world. One might ask then: Should we really think of the purpose of these ancient sins having anything to do with Christ who came so much later? The answer is yes. The link between Christ and the Old Testament is more amazing than any of us realizes. Here are a couple general statements about that link. First, Luke said, in Luke 24:27, “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” And in John 5:39, Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
What follows is a sampling of how Christ is the ground and goal of everything in the Old Testament. Let this litany of Christ’s pervasive presence make you marvel at him and look for him everywhere.
Christ upholds all things (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). Therefore, all Old Testament events are possible because of Christ.
Christ created all things (John 1:3, 10; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). Therefore, all that exists in the Old Testament is because of Christ.
Christ is one with God (John 10:30; 17:11, 22). Therefore, all that God does in the Old Testament Christ is involved in doing.
All things were created for Christ (Colossians 1:16). Therefore, all people, things, customs, nature, and events in the Old Testament are for the glory of Christ.
Christ is the end and goal of the law for righteousness to all who believe (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:24). Therefore, all Old Testament commands lead to Christ for righteousness.
Christ was speaking through the Old Testament writers (1 Peter 1:10-12). Therefore, all the Old Testament is the word of Christ.
All treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ (Colossians 2:3). Therefore, all Old Testament wisdom finds complete expression in Christ, the one who is wiser than Solomon (Matthew 12:41), who surpassed all the kings of the earth in wisdom (1 Kings 10:23).
Christ is the final high priest (Hebrews 1:3; 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:5-10; 6:20-8:1-2, 6; 9:11-12, 24; 10:11-14; 10:21). Therefore, all the atoning action of priests in the Old Testament is fulfilled through Christ and their atoning work is ended in him.
Christ is himself the final atoning sacrifice (Romans 3:25; 5:9; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 9:12-14, 25-26, 28; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 2:2; 4:10;). Therefore, all Old Testament sacrifices lead to him and end in him.
Christ is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6; John 1:14; 2:18-22; Colossians 2:9). Therefore, he is “where” we meet and have fellowship with God and see his glory.
Christ is greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41). Therefore, all the miracles of the prophets are surpassed in Christ’s Jonah-like miracle of death and resurrection.
Christ is preeminent in all things (Colossians 1:18; 3:11). Therefore, all greatness in the Old Testament points to and is surpassed by Christ’s greatness.
Christ is the Yes to all God’s promises (2 Corinthians1:20). Therefore, in him we are heirs of all the promises in Scripture.
Christ is the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16). Therefore, in him we inherit the promise of Abraham.
Christ is the son of David (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32, 69; John 7:42; Acts 2:30; 13:23; Romans 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:8; Revelation 22:16). Therefore, the covenant with David is ours in him (Isaiah 55:3).
Standing in awe of Christ—from whom and through whom and to whom are all things,P
astor John
We are in the middle of a series of messages called Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ. All but one of these sins happened before Christ came into the world. One might ask then: Should we really think of the purpose of these ancient sins having anything to do with Christ who came so much later? The answer is yes. The link between Christ and the Old Testament is more amazing than any of us realizes. Here are a couple general statements about that link. First, Luke said, in Luke 24:27, “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” And in John 5:39, Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
What follows is a sampling of how Christ is the ground and goal of everything in the Old Testament. Let this litany of Christ’s pervasive presence make you marvel at him and look for him everywhere.
Christ upholds all things (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). Therefore, all Old Testament events are possible because of Christ.
Christ created all things (John 1:3, 10; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). Therefore, all that exists in the Old Testament is because of Christ.
Christ is one with God (John 10:30; 17:11, 22). Therefore, all that God does in the Old Testament Christ is involved in doing.
All things were created for Christ (Colossians 1:16). Therefore, all people, things, customs, nature, and events in the Old Testament are for the glory of Christ.
Christ is the end and goal of the law for righteousness to all who believe (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:24). Therefore, all Old Testament commands lead to Christ for righteousness.
Christ was speaking through the Old Testament writers (1 Peter 1:10-12). Therefore, all the Old Testament is the word of Christ.
All treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ (Colossians 2:3). Therefore, all Old Testament wisdom finds complete expression in Christ, the one who is wiser than Solomon (Matthew 12:41), who surpassed all the kings of the earth in wisdom (1 Kings 10:23).
Christ is the final high priest (Hebrews 1:3; 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:5-10; 6:20-8:1-2, 6; 9:11-12, 24; 10:11-14; 10:21). Therefore, all the atoning action of priests in the Old Testament is fulfilled through Christ and their atoning work is ended in him.
Christ is himself the final atoning sacrifice (Romans 3:25; 5:9; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 9:12-14, 25-26, 28; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 2:2; 4:10;). Therefore, all Old Testament sacrifices lead to him and end in him.
Christ is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6; John 1:14; 2:18-22; Colossians 2:9). Therefore, he is “where” we meet and have fellowship with God and see his glory.
Christ is greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41). Therefore, all the miracles of the prophets are surpassed in Christ’s Jonah-like miracle of death and resurrection.
Christ is preeminent in all things (Colossians 1:18; 3:11). Therefore, all greatness in the Old Testament points to and is surpassed by Christ’s greatness.
Christ is the Yes to all God’s promises (2 Corinthians1:20). Therefore, in him we are heirs of all the promises in Scripture.
Christ is the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16). Therefore, in him we inherit the promise of Abraham.
Christ is the son of David (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32, 69; John 7:42; Acts 2:30; 13:23; Romans 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:8; Revelation 22:16). Therefore, the covenant with David is ours in him (Isaiah 55:3).
Standing in awe of Christ—from whom and through whom and to whom are all things,P
astor John
Thoughts on Marriage Continued...
About a week ago, I wrote about Marriage and its refining, sanctifying process. That post is here:
http://thewenzelfamily.blogspot.com/2007/08/marriage-is-growing-process.html
I have heard of a few couples who are working on posting their own advice and am waiting with excited anticipation! Until then, I thought I would share a quote I've read recently.
"We must not enter marriage predominantly to be fulfilled, emotionally satisfied, or romantically charged, but rather to become more like Jesus Christ." -The Sacred Marriage
This is an excellent synopsis of exactly what we, in our culture, fall in to. Perhaps its more of a struggle for woman... but nontheless, it must be addressed. More to come in a few weeks when I am done working for a while and resting.
http://thewenzelfamily.blogspot.com/2007/08/marriage-is-growing-process.html
I have heard of a few couples who are working on posting their own advice and am waiting with excited anticipation! Until then, I thought I would share a quote I've read recently.
"We must not enter marriage predominantly to be fulfilled, emotionally satisfied, or romantically charged, but rather to become more like Jesus Christ." -The Sacred Marriage
This is an excellent synopsis of exactly what we, in our culture, fall in to. Perhaps its more of a struggle for woman... but nontheless, it must be addressed. More to come in a few weeks when I am done working for a while and resting.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Jeremy's Book List
Bible omitted from the following answers except #1. Sorry!
1. One book that changed your life:
Really, only the Bible can boast that title for me. Not to seem all spiritual and all. Although, Soul Winner by Spurgeon DID help me out in my theological understandings.
2. One book you've read more than once:
Lord Foulgrin Letters by Randy Alcorn
3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin... a basic EVERY christian should read, which was its original intention.
4. One book that made you laugh:
Panache That Pays- a book about etiquette...whats that?
5. One book that made you cry:
The fairy tale book I wrote for my wife for when I asked her to marry me.
or Basics of Biblical Greek because man that is some hard stuff!
6. One book you wish had been written:
Everybody Barfs... so the Everybody Poops series would be a Trilogy. (Kate thought of this!)
7. One book you wish had never been written:
A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren...I think this book is deceptive because McLaren is smart enough to make his theology SEEM like it could have some truth to it. I still can't believe my church from home gave me this book as a High School graduation present! I am just happy that God was gracious to me, in that I did not buy into it when I read it.
8. 10 books you're currently reading:
Calvin's Institutes, Sacred Marriage, Pleasures of God, Lord of the Rings, Urban Ministry, Overcoming Sin and Temptation, The Glory of Christ, etc etc. My wife says I should work on doing ONE book at a time. :)
9. One book you've been meaning to read:
Bondage of the Will by Luther. Also, Edwards (all).
10. Tag 4 other readers:
Andy (again)
Kenny Hunt (the Dr.) :)
Abby (again)
Ron (again)
1. One book that changed your life:
Really, only the Bible can boast that title for me. Not to seem all spiritual and all. Although, Soul Winner by Spurgeon DID help me out in my theological understandings.
2. One book you've read more than once:
Lord Foulgrin Letters by Randy Alcorn
3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin... a basic EVERY christian should read, which was its original intention.
4. One book that made you laugh:
Panache That Pays- a book about etiquette...whats that?
5. One book that made you cry:
The fairy tale book I wrote for my wife for when I asked her to marry me.
or Basics of Biblical Greek because man that is some hard stuff!
6. One book you wish had been written:
Everybody Barfs... so the Everybody Poops series would be a Trilogy. (Kate thought of this!)
7. One book you wish had never been written:
A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren...I think this book is deceptive because McLaren is smart enough to make his theology SEEM like it could have some truth to it. I still can't believe my church from home gave me this book as a High School graduation present! I am just happy that God was gracious to me, in that I did not buy into it when I read it.
8. 10 books you're currently reading:
Calvin's Institutes, Sacred Marriage, Pleasures of God, Lord of the Rings, Urban Ministry, Overcoming Sin and Temptation, The Glory of Christ, etc etc. My wife says I should work on doing ONE book at a time. :)
9. One book you've been meaning to read:
Bondage of the Will by Luther. Also, Edwards (all).
10. Tag 4 other readers:
Andy (again)
Kenny Hunt (the Dr.) :)
Abby (again)
Ron (again)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Books of Influence to us
Kyle Borg tagged Jeremy to do this on our blog, but I thought I would as well, (in hopes of getting Jeremy to do it also).
He called it Book Meme but that sounds strange so ... here it is: By the way, The Bible is Omitted from these answers.
1. One book that changed your life:
When I Don't Desire God by Piper. Real, Biblical and Practical.
AND My Utmost of His Highest by Chambers
2. One book you've read more than once:
A Path Through Suffering by Elizabeth Elliot
3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
Valley of Vision... this collection of puritan prayers is amazing.
4. One book that made you laugh:
Probably Captivating... after I got over being mad, the fact that she writes that we as woman are the "zenith of creation" is hilarious.
5. One book that made you cry:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This is an amazing fictional story based off Hosea that really portrays God's grace in amazing ways.
6. One book you wish had been written:
Any book by Piper, Owen, Spurgeon, Carmichael, etc...all of my favs.
7. One book you wish had never been written:
anything by Joel Osteen or Brian McClarin (not spelled right)
8. One book you're currently reading:
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas...awesome!
9. One book you've been meaning to read:
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
and The Mystery of Marriage and the Glory of Christ
10. Tag 4 other readers:
Jeremy (my dear husband)
Chad
Casey
Abby and Ron
He called it Book Meme but that sounds strange so ... here it is: By the way, The Bible is Omitted from these answers.
1. One book that changed your life:
When I Don't Desire God by Piper. Real, Biblical and Practical.
AND My Utmost of His Highest by Chambers
2. One book you've read more than once:
A Path Through Suffering by Elizabeth Elliot
3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
Valley of Vision... this collection of puritan prayers is amazing.
4. One book that made you laugh:
Probably Captivating... after I got over being mad, the fact that she writes that we as woman are the "zenith of creation" is hilarious.
5. One book that made you cry:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This is an amazing fictional story based off Hosea that really portrays God's grace in amazing ways.
6. One book you wish had been written:
Any book by Piper, Owen, Spurgeon, Carmichael, etc...all of my favs.
7. One book you wish had never been written:
anything by Joel Osteen or Brian McClarin (not spelled right)
8. One book you're currently reading:
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas...awesome!
9. One book you've been meaning to read:
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
and The Mystery of Marriage and the Glory of Christ
10. Tag 4 other readers:
Jeremy (my dear husband)
Chad
Casey
Abby and Ron
Velvet Elvis
I've been growing in concern with the popularity of this book. Please read the reviews below, one by a friend of ours and the other, a professional blogger in the Reformed circle. We MUST be careful with what we read... we MUST make sure it aligns with scripture. Truth is being maligned on every front and we must guard it with all we have, this is what the gospel, our salvation is built on and we cannot lose even an ounce of it or we lose the entire gospel itself. Velvet Elvis is just one example of the chipping away of God inherent word through creating our own, more humanized and relative "truth".
http://synodofsaints.blogspot.com/2007/07/systematics-of-velvet-elvis.html#links
http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review-vel.php
Standing on His word,
Kate
http://synodofsaints.blogspot.com/2007/07/systematics-of-velvet-elvis.html#links
http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review-vel.php
Standing on His word,
Kate
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Response to Chad about the OT
A response to Chad….
Hi Jeremy and Kate! This is Chad.So Jeremy, you said that the OT speaks much more about God's character than the NT does. Why do you believe this? Does not Christ speak very clearly about God's character? Since Christ is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being (Hebrews 1:3), I was wondering how the OT speaks more pertaining to God's character.
First of all, sorry Chad that it took me SO long to respond to your question. I meant no offense to you. Kate has been asking me to do this for awhile, and I hear Mr. Lickel also wants me to write, so, hear is my response.
Chad, I think this is a great question, and I agree completely that Jesus does show the "exact imprint of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3). As I went back and read what I wrote, I realized that I what I meant to say is that the OT speaks much more exhaustively on certain attributes of God than the NT. The heart of that writing was to realize that we would never have the NT without the OT. So often today we find churches that put no emphasis on the OT, on the wrath of God, on what we are saved from, and on the story of mans redemption (a few topics I think the OT speaks more about then the NT). I know growing up all I knew about the OT was a few stories about an ark and a killing of a giant (usually without getting the point of those stories). Never did I learn about how the OT points to Christ and how the OT shows some amazing things about who God is.
After saying that though, I am not saying that many of these attributes are not reaffirmed in the NT through Christ. One quick example of this is from 2 Samuel 7. David sees the palace he is living in, and the tent that the Ark of the Covenant is sitting in, and sees there is an obvious problem with this. David goes to God and says that he is going to build a house for him. God says (this is paraphrased), "You are going to build me a temple. Ever since I have taken my people out of Egypt I have traveled with them from tent to tent. Never have I asked for anything more than what I asked of them." (verses 6-7). What this says about the character of God is that he is humble. Here is the almighty God, who created the entire galaxy by his fingertip, and he is traveling with a nomadic tribe in a tent, without wanting anything more than those people to follow him. Now of course the NT shows God through Christ as being humble, but Grace did not begin with Christ, it began with the triune God before creation. As Paul says in 2 Timothy chapter 3, "from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." What Paul is saying is that we can know about Christ through faith (reformed people call this doctrine "Sola Fide" or by faith alone).
To close, we as the elect must continue to get to know about Christ through the OT. Believe me, it at times can be challenging. About a week ago I was in the middle of reading through Jeremiah, and I started to forget about the grace of God. There was a lot of anger, and God was about to rightfully destroy the Southern Kingdom of Jerusalem. This was the kingdom that David had begun about 800 years earlier. I am not saying that the grace of God was not written throughout these chapters of Holy Scripture, but I not comprehending them. Anyway, during that time I listened to a sermon by R.C. Sproul about Justification by Faith Alone through Christ Alone (I commend that sermon to all—if you want a copy of it just ask). After hearing that sermon, and a solid explanation of the mercy God has in declaring me just, because of His son’s death, I remembered again that God is merciful with me, a sinner who needs mercy. Therefore, we must consciously study the OT with Christ in mind, or else we will begin to misinterpret it, and eventually try and forget it completely, and some of our wacky theologies ("such as we do not need a literal virgin birth" or "hell is a metaphor not a real place") might gain a stronger foothold in the church. Granted, people can create crazy theologies while using the OT, which is why all of scripture must be used to interpret the rest of scripture. But we do not need to get into that now because that is another post on another day (or month is I keep posting like I have been).
Let me know what you think Chad. We both miss you and look forward to seeing you again sometime soon.
Jeremy
PS- Much of what I just wrote comes from a sermon by Ligon Duncan about preaching Christ from the OT. Anyone want a copy of that as well, please ask.
Hi Jeremy and Kate! This is Chad.So Jeremy, you said that the OT speaks much more about God's character than the NT does. Why do you believe this? Does not Christ speak very clearly about God's character? Since Christ is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being (Hebrews 1:3), I was wondering how the OT speaks more pertaining to God's character.
First of all, sorry Chad that it took me SO long to respond to your question. I meant no offense to you. Kate has been asking me to do this for awhile, and I hear Mr. Lickel also wants me to write, so, hear is my response.
Chad, I think this is a great question, and I agree completely that Jesus does show the "exact imprint of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3). As I went back and read what I wrote, I realized that I what I meant to say is that the OT speaks much more exhaustively on certain attributes of God than the NT. The heart of that writing was to realize that we would never have the NT without the OT. So often today we find churches that put no emphasis on the OT, on the wrath of God, on what we are saved from, and on the story of mans redemption (a few topics I think the OT speaks more about then the NT). I know growing up all I knew about the OT was a few stories about an ark and a killing of a giant (usually without getting the point of those stories). Never did I learn about how the OT points to Christ and how the OT shows some amazing things about who God is.
After saying that though, I am not saying that many of these attributes are not reaffirmed in the NT through Christ. One quick example of this is from 2 Samuel 7. David sees the palace he is living in, and the tent that the Ark of the Covenant is sitting in, and sees there is an obvious problem with this. David goes to God and says that he is going to build a house for him. God says (this is paraphrased), "You are going to build me a temple. Ever since I have taken my people out of Egypt I have traveled with them from tent to tent. Never have I asked for anything more than what I asked of them." (verses 6-7). What this says about the character of God is that he is humble. Here is the almighty God, who created the entire galaxy by his fingertip, and he is traveling with a nomadic tribe in a tent, without wanting anything more than those people to follow him. Now of course the NT shows God through Christ as being humble, but Grace did not begin with Christ, it began with the triune God before creation. As Paul says in 2 Timothy chapter 3, "from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." What Paul is saying is that we can know about Christ through faith (reformed people call this doctrine "Sola Fide" or by faith alone).
To close, we as the elect must continue to get to know about Christ through the OT. Believe me, it at times can be challenging. About a week ago I was in the middle of reading through Jeremiah, and I started to forget about the grace of God. There was a lot of anger, and God was about to rightfully destroy the Southern Kingdom of Jerusalem. This was the kingdom that David had begun about 800 years earlier. I am not saying that the grace of God was not written throughout these chapters of Holy Scripture, but I not comprehending them. Anyway, during that time I listened to a sermon by R.C. Sproul about Justification by Faith Alone through Christ Alone (I commend that sermon to all—if you want a copy of it just ask). After hearing that sermon, and a solid explanation of the mercy God has in declaring me just, because of His son’s death, I remembered again that God is merciful with me, a sinner who needs mercy. Therefore, we must consciously study the OT with Christ in mind, or else we will begin to misinterpret it, and eventually try and forget it completely, and some of our wacky theologies ("such as we do not need a literal virgin birth" or "hell is a metaphor not a real place") might gain a stronger foothold in the church. Granted, people can create crazy theologies while using the OT, which is why all of scripture must be used to interpret the rest of scripture. But we do not need to get into that now because that is another post on another day (or month is I keep posting like I have been).
Let me know what you think Chad. We both miss you and look forward to seeing you again sometime soon.
Jeremy
PS- Much of what I just wrote comes from a sermon by Ligon Duncan about preaching Christ from the OT. Anyone want a copy of that as well, please ask.
Marriage is a Growing Process
The following is a bit of "advise" ...can you call it that? on marriage that I wrote for one of my old friends that is getting married soon. I thought about how much I have to learn, and how exciting that is...but also about how much God has refined me and revealed Himself in just a few months... I would LOVE for those who are married (whether recently or for 50 years) to write their own thoughts.
As you begin your life together and enter a new phase of this narrow path we are on with Christ, I offer you a few tips from my three months of marriage thus far.
1. Pray together every day. Whether you do this in the morning or at night... this will be the foundation of your marriage. Pray for people in your lives, for God's will, specific situations and also, your marriage.
2. Be humble and selfless. This is obvious...all of them are actually, but all of them are essential. Put your husband before yourself in all things. Trust that God will meet your needs through Himself as well as your husband.
3. Trust and submit to your husband. He is to be as Christ is to the church- the head of you marriage. He will and should value your thoughts and opinions but ultimately, he makes the final calls. He has a huge responsibility that I thank God I do not have to undertake. The best thing you can do is love him through showing and living out your respect and trust for him.
4. Enjoy the simple moments together. At first, this is no problem. But with school, or working full time, or church involvements, family and friends and keeping a house or apartment running, you guys will get busy. Go for 15 minutes walks, snuggle before bed, or read a book together, one chapter a week to keep your connection. It is those little, meaningful things that will keep us all "in touch" with our spouses when life gets crazy busy. (and when is it NOT?!)
Love in Christ, Kate
As you begin your life together and enter a new phase of this narrow path we are on with Christ, I offer you a few tips from my three months of marriage thus far.
1. Pray together every day. Whether you do this in the morning or at night... this will be the foundation of your marriage. Pray for people in your lives, for God's will, specific situations and also, your marriage.
2. Be humble and selfless. This is obvious...all of them are actually, but all of them are essential. Put your husband before yourself in all things. Trust that God will meet your needs through Himself as well as your husband.
3. Trust and submit to your husband. He is to be as Christ is to the church- the head of you marriage. He will and should value your thoughts and opinions but ultimately, he makes the final calls. He has a huge responsibility that I thank God I do not have to undertake. The best thing you can do is love him through showing and living out your respect and trust for him.
4. Enjoy the simple moments together. At first, this is no problem. But with school, or working full time, or church involvements, family and friends and keeping a house or apartment running, you guys will get busy. Go for 15 minutes walks, snuggle before bed, or read a book together, one chapter a week to keep your connection. It is those little, meaningful things that will keep us all "in touch" with our spouses when life gets crazy busy. (and when is it NOT?!)
Love in Christ, Kate
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Floods Came
Here are some pictures from about 20 hours after the major destruction near our place. The street next to ours had to be evacuated, cars in our parking lot were ruined due to massive flooding, the bluffs we live RIGHT next to had mudslides, basements right next to us had 3 feet of water and our power was out for over 2 days!The Lord really protected us and we saw His massive power over ALL things.
One of the smaller trees that was taken out.
Just hours before, many of these cars were flooded.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Thread Weaving Through...
In this week’s, (or months depending on how quickly I get used to this blogging thing) entry, I want to tie a few books I am reading together. One of them is the Bible (a few of the Minor Prophets in particular), and another is a book I am reading with my wife Sacred Marriage.
I will start with the Bible reading I have been doing. The last few days I have been able to read Nahum and Zephaniah, which are tiny books in the Bible that most people most likely have not even heard of. If my memory serves me correct, this is the first time I have ever read them. A few cool things I noticed are first, they both, (although especially Zephaniah) are so very gospel oriented. It shows Gods wrath against sin and mankind because of the fall, and then his promise to redeem his people. There is prophecy of Christ’s eventual coming, and it ends in a hope for that day. After listening to Tim Keller’s talk on Evangelism and Postmodernism and his ideas that all theology must be gospel based, I have a new appreciation for these books, and thinking that all theology I stand on must be an exposition of Christ’s redemption in my life.
Now usually when I read a book like Nahum, where God says things like "Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder… dead bodies without end – they stumble over the bodies" (Nahum 3:1,3) my immediate thoughts are how sinful these people must have been to deserve a wrath like this. My thoughts tend to drift into how I have never sinned this badly and deserved this type of wrath. My thoughts are absolutely sinful, because all I really think about is how bad these people were, and how I have never been that bad. I am shown daily how wrong I am in my thoughts, and I thank God for his works of grace to wake me up and show me this, which leads me to the second book I am reading, Sacred Marriage.
It is actually the single best book on marriage that I have ever read, and anyone who is married, or about to be married should certainly read it. It is honest, real, easy to read, and solid in its theology. One thing that the writer Gary Thomas often reminds me in this book, is how sinful I am. My marriage also reminds me of this daily. When I lose my temper, when I cannot control my tongue with my wife, when I act selfishly, when I think negative thoughts, when I fail to lead and love my wife as Christ does His church. It is in these times that I am in an utter state of sin, with nothing but the sheer grace of God to hold me up. God would be saying to me: "Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall no longer be heard." (Nahum 2:13) My sin is just as bad as the people of the Old Testament. Marriage shows me this each and every day.
And this is one of the main reasons I utterly enjoy being married. One thing I have learned quickly while being married is that it is the most sanctifying covenant I will be in on my earthly life (besides the covenant with Jesus obviously). God uses this relationship to open my eyes to sins I have never known before, and He then changes me. Then what is said in Zephaniah is true for me: "The LORD has taken away the judgements against you: he has cleared away your enemies… Fear not, O Zion: let not your hands grow weak. The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." (Zephaniah 3:15,16-17)
-Jeremy
I will start with the Bible reading I have been doing. The last few days I have been able to read Nahum and Zephaniah, which are tiny books in the Bible that most people most likely have not even heard of. If my memory serves me correct, this is the first time I have ever read them. A few cool things I noticed are first, they both, (although especially Zephaniah) are so very gospel oriented. It shows Gods wrath against sin and mankind because of the fall, and then his promise to redeem his people. There is prophecy of Christ’s eventual coming, and it ends in a hope for that day. After listening to Tim Keller’s talk on Evangelism and Postmodernism and his ideas that all theology must be gospel based, I have a new appreciation for these books, and thinking that all theology I stand on must be an exposition of Christ’s redemption in my life.
Now usually when I read a book like Nahum, where God says things like "Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder… dead bodies without end – they stumble over the bodies" (Nahum 3:1,3) my immediate thoughts are how sinful these people must have been to deserve a wrath like this. My thoughts tend to drift into how I have never sinned this badly and deserved this type of wrath. My thoughts are absolutely sinful, because all I really think about is how bad these people were, and how I have never been that bad. I am shown daily how wrong I am in my thoughts, and I thank God for his works of grace to wake me up and show me this, which leads me to the second book I am reading, Sacred Marriage.
It is actually the single best book on marriage that I have ever read, and anyone who is married, or about to be married should certainly read it. It is honest, real, easy to read, and solid in its theology. One thing that the writer Gary Thomas often reminds me in this book, is how sinful I am. My marriage also reminds me of this daily. When I lose my temper, when I cannot control my tongue with my wife, when I act selfishly, when I think negative thoughts, when I fail to lead and love my wife as Christ does His church. It is in these times that I am in an utter state of sin, with nothing but the sheer grace of God to hold me up. God would be saying to me: "Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall no longer be heard." (Nahum 2:13) My sin is just as bad as the people of the Old Testament. Marriage shows me this each and every day.
And this is one of the main reasons I utterly enjoy being married. One thing I have learned quickly while being married is that it is the most sanctifying covenant I will be in on my earthly life (besides the covenant with Jesus obviously). God uses this relationship to open my eyes to sins I have never known before, and He then changes me. Then what is said in Zephaniah is true for me: "The LORD has taken away the judgements against you: he has cleared away your enemies… Fear not, O Zion: let not your hands grow weak. The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." (Zephaniah 3:15,16-17)
-Jeremy
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