On July 13, 2008 the life of our family and community changed forever. Tim Dienger, a wonderful man, and my husband, very tragically and unexpectedly died due to a complete dissection of his aorta. It has been a very difficult journey of grief as we have had to rebuild our life to a much altered new normal. But through it all, God has been faithful in His provision. This road we have been on has been a testament to God’s grace, mercy, and healing. As it says in the book of Romans, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Tim was a man who believed wholeheartedly in serving his community. This is something he demonstrated through his profession, service in our church, involvement in and support of the YMCA, and other community volunteerism, including coaching. Civic responsibility is a value that he wanted to share with all, especially our two children and the youth in our community. In that spirit, I have decided it is my duty to carry on with Tim’s vision. I have spearheaded the creation of the Tim A. Dienger Memorial organization. It is the goal of the memorial to build Coulee Region youth through scholarships for secondary education, financial giving to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, support the Sand Lake Wesleyan Church Youth Mission Trip, and improving public parks. I have started our financial base through all the donations given to our family at the time of Tim’s death. In order to continue the growth of this fund, and expand the possibilities for the future, we are teaming up for the 1st Tim A. Dienger Memorial Golf Scramble and Silent Auction on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at Drugan’s Castle Mound Country Club in Holmen, Wisconsin. Understanding the difficulties of these economic times, I would like you to consider supporting our endeavor. To understand better the man Tim was, I will let you read Tim’s own words.
In Mysterious Ways
Hmmmmmmm…..I was just thinking about a friend and some challenges that that particular friend is facing and then started thinking about some of the challenges I am facing myself at the current time. As you have probably read in some of my early blogs, I have often wondered why life appears to be a continuous series of challenges. It seems that at every turn you are slapped in the face with yet another obstacle. While I was sitting here contemplating the issues at hand and those faced by my friend I began to think about the mysterious way in which the Lord works. Prayers, believe it or not, are always answered though not necessarily in the way we want them to be or as quickly as we would like, per say. The very essence of faith is that we will obey and trust in God, that God does indeed answer our prayers, and that God does NOT make mistakes. God knows more about what we need in our lives and about what ultimately is more in tune with His plan for us and His will here on Earth than we could ever hope to comprehend. Could it be that the obstacles and challenges that we face on a daily basis are merely God's answers to our prayers? A way of growing in our faith and in Christ-like character? Perhaps we face as many challenges and obstacles as we do simply because we are not listening to His messages to us. God will not give us more than we can handle. In that sense, perhaps we ask for more than we are ready for when we pray. Perhaps God challenges us to listen and to grow so that we may be ready for what He has in store for us and for what it is that we truly need in life. Rather than looking at the challenges I face in daily life as an obstacle in the path of achieving and obtaining the things I want and pray for, I am now choosing to be grateful for them since they are an opportunity to grow in a manner that will prepare me for God's will and purpose for me here on Earth. The growth that come from listening to and following God's messages will help better prepare us for the blessings, both on Earth and in eternity, that God will bestow upon us. God bless and Godspeed.
As you read, Tim was committed to his faith and discovering his higher purpose on Earth. As tragic as losing him has been, I choose to see his passing as a part of fulfilling this purpose. If not, our sorrow is in vain. Through our loss, I choose to search for the good that can follow. Again, please consider becoming part of what I believe will be a life changing organization in our community by golfing with us on June 27, 2009, or through financial and/or in-kind support of the Tim A. Dienger Memorial Golf Scramble.
In Him,
Jennifer Junion Dienger