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
Thursday, September 27, 2007
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)
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