The Wenzel Family Blog

A Blessing...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:31:00 +0000

So this little story started with a facebook "conversation" with my sister-in-law, Ang, yesterday. She mentioned that Chris Tomlin had a concert in Minneapolis last night and that her and her husband were possibly going to his Chicago concert the next day, (today). While I had heard it over the radio for the past several months, I hadn't thought twice about it because it simply isn't within our means right now. But later, as I was writing in a prayer request to the local Christian station- about health for various family members, myself as well as a few other pertinent requests, I asked them to pray for my husband. I asked that he would be blessed because we have a had a very difficult few years as far as circumstances go. I shared that it was our 6 year anniversary since our first date and that if they had any extra tickets to the concert, I would love to bless my husband with a night of music and worship. Even as I wrote it, I didn't think for a second that anything would come of it. It just came out from my fingertips to the prayer- requesting e-mail.
I received an e-mail back saying they would certainly be praying, and asking others to pray, but that they didn't have any more tickets to give. I didn't care one bit- because prayer is really the most powerful and significant gift anyone can give us now. I thanked them and shared my whole-hearted appreciation.
A few hours later, I received another e-mail. They has rounded up 2 tickets for us and we could pick them up at "will-call". I started to tear up instantly- I was so moved. It wasn't even that I love Chris Tomlin's music- although I do. And it wasn't that I was so astounded by the kindness of this women- although I was. It was that God had orchestrated this small blessing. It was as if He said, "Kate, I love you and I love Jeremy. You didn't expect these tickets, nor should you, but I want to bless you with a night to enjoy Me and enjoy one another."
So, Jeremy and I enjoyed the concert and I truly met with God during that time. Our absolute favorite was singing "Amazing Grace" with thousands of others. It was simply beautiful.
But really, this wasn't about the concert. It wasn't about the radio station being kind. It was about God showing such love and saying, "I am here with You. I walk alongside you." I didn't need a concert to bask in this truth- but it was what He decided to use yesterday...

Thank you Lord, for your loving kindness.

Kate

Six years ago today...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:33:00 +0000

I just realized that today marks six years from when Jeremy and I went on our first date! I wanted to write something dedicated to the love of my life...

Jeremy,

I love you more than you will ever know. When I met you, over six years ago, I knew instantly that you were different from anyone else I ever met. Once we started to "court", my first impressions were solidified- you were the man God intended for me. We have certainly had our share of 'valleys' in these past few years- but walking through those unintended journeys with you has made all the difference. THANK YOU for being you. Thank you for allowing God to shape you and take hold of your life. Thank you for loving me through sickness and health, joy and sorrow...as long as we both shall live. So here is to 60 more years of being best friends, of making eachother laugh like no one else can, and clinging to Christ together when all else seems to fail. Apart from knowing Christ, YOU are the biggest blessing I have ever and will ever know.

Your wife,

Katey

Be All There

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:50:00 +0000

(this picture was taken in November- on a pathway in the woods, just a few blocks from our home.)

Hello friends! Once again, I sit here and realize it has been over two months since my last post. I finished teaching the writing course at Minnesota School of Business and my schedule became much more manageable. Kate Wenzel Photography was busy from May-November but has really slowed down this month.

Jeremy finished up coaching at the beginning of November and it has been wonderful! We have been able to spend a lot of time together and we both love it. We have also been able to hang out with friends and family more. Today marks the start of the 2nd Trimester and Jeremy grows as a teacher with each one; I really believe he does an outstanding job.

We spent Thanksgiving with my family and are looking forward to heading to Milwaukee for Christmas. We have an adorable new nephew to meet and simply cannot wait!

This is a seemingly quiet time in our life and we need that. After several years of medical issues and thus, financial difficulty, we have been looking forward to times of rest. Now that I have a diagnosis- it is about adjusting our life to a place that works best for our little family. I can no longer look at life with the same set of expectations that I had before- but now I appreciate the "little" things so much more. I love going for walks with Jeremy and Owen- basking in the beauty of God's creation. I love watching a good movie, snuggled up by the fire with my wonderful husband. I love getting a long e-mail from a good friend. I love the chance to hold adorable babies at church nearly every Sunday. These are the little things that God gives that make life precious. It really doesn't come down to the house you live in, the car you drive, the title of your position at work or the extravagant vacation you went on...but about relationships- with God, with family and with friends. It is so easy to live a life where you are discontent. Where you just live and forget to live intentionally. So, I am learning the beautiful art of thankfulness- and how it changes the situations of life so dramatically.

I am also being stretched to TRUST God for things I cannot see. To wait patiently for something I believe He has called me to be but not yet; I am speaking of being a mom. Our situation is more complicated than that of a typical 25-year-old couple. With my diagnosis and progression of the illness, we have been told that the window to bear and care for infants is pretty small. We also have been made aware of a condition that impacts our ability to get pregnant quite a bit. All of this is sometimes heart-breaking. But I see His will in this...no, WE see His will in this and are moving forward in obedience and anticipation of what He desires for our lives. I simply ask for prayer. Please pray that I would experience peace and comfort. Only couples who have faced the same circumstance can understand- the longing to be parents and yet the possibility of that not happening on "your timeline" is difficult. Thankfully, others who have struggled through this have been placed in our lives and their wisdom and kindness makes all the difference. I am learning to LOVE the season Jeremy and I are in. I became discontent, wanting to move to that next stage so badly that I was missing the beauty of THIS time. Our marriage is wonderful, our love grows daily and we have a wonderful puppy to make us laugh. We have a great church family and incredible friends....so much to be thankful for! As Jim Elliot, the great missionary, once said, "wherever you are-be all there." I've decided to be "all there" for what God has for me TODAY.

Kate

The Home-Stretch

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:20:00 +0000

Hello beloved! We hope you are well! I am in the final week of teaching the college writing course. Due to the fact I have been working 70+ hours per week for the past 10 weeks, I gave my notice at the college. The good news is- I have an open invitation to come back if I want to at any point. Praise God for options. :)
Other than working, I have been sleeping. No, seriously...that is what my life has consisted of. I have an outstanding husband who has done more than his share of work around the house to keep us running. Thank you Jeremy for being wonderful in more ways than I can count. :) I love and cherish you. You are an incredible man.
I have started reading some interesting books in my spare time ( what spare time again?). :) I've decided to share those on the left hand side of this blog- check them out.
God is good and I have much to be thankful for. More to come in the coming weeks!

Blessings!
Kate (and Jeremy)

ps: Congrats to Karen, Casey, Rachel, Jess and more for your exciting news! We are praying for you and your babies wellbeing during these nine months. :)

From Streams in the Desert...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Songs of Praise Rise From Affliction
"Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Rev. 15:3).
The following incident is related by Mrs. Charles Spurgeon, who was a great sufferer for more than a quarter of a century:
"At the close of a dark and gloomy day, I lay resting on my couch as the deeper night drew on; and though all was bright within my cozy room, some of the external darkness seemed to have entered into my soul and obscured its spiritual vision. Vainly I tried to see the Hand which I knew held mine, and guided my fog-enveloped feet along a steep and slippery path of suffering. In sorrow of heart I asked,
"'Why does my Lord thus deal with His child? Why does He so often send sharp and bitter pain to visit me? Why does He permit lingering weakness to hinder the sweet service I long to render to His poor servants?'
"These fretful questions were quickly answered, and through a strange language; no interpreter was needed save the conscious whisper of my heart.
"For a while silence reigned in the little room, broken only by the crackling of the oak log burning in the fireplace. Suddenly I heard a sweet, soft sound, a little, clear, musical note, like the tender trill of a robin beneath my window.
"'What can it be? surely no bird can be singing out there at this time of the year and night.'
"Again came the faint, plaintive notes, so sweet, so melodious, yet mysterious enough to provoke our wonder. My friend exclaimed,
"'It comes from the log on the fire!' The fire was letting loose the imprisoned music from the old oak's inmost heart!
"Perchance he had garnered up this song in the days when all was well with him, when birds twittered merrily on his branches, and the soft sunlight flecked his tender leaves with gold. But he had grown old since then, and hardened; ring after ring of knotty growth had sealed up the long-forgotten melody, until the fierce tongues of the flames came to consume his callousness, and the vehement heart of the fire wrung from him at once a song and a sacrifice. 'Ah,' thought I, 'when the fire of affliction draws songs of praise from us, then indeed we are purified, and our God is glorified!'
"Perhaps some of us are like this old oak log, cold, hard, insensible; we should give forth no melodious sounds, were it not for the fire which kindles around us, and releases notes of trust in Him, and cheerful compliance with His will.
"'As I mused the fire burned,' and my soul found sweet comfort in the parable so strangely set forth before me.
"Singing in the fire! Yes, God helping us, if that is the only way to get harmony out of these hard apathetic hearts, let the furnace be heated seven times hotter than before."

Book Club: Chapter One

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:56:00 +0000

I really cannot add anything of value to what the women at GirlTalk wrote this week about Chapter 1. It is a convicting reminder and something that I am facing in my own life right now. Those "good things" are often what distract us from God, our relationship with Him and our aim to glorify Him. Please share your own thoughts - I'd love to have a great discussion going!
------------
We may run ourselves ragged doing many good things and yet miss what’s most important. Given the incessant “shouts from the misguided cultural sidelines” and our own wayward hearts, we easily become muddled, scattered, confused, and then overwhelmed. We lose the clarity of purpose found in Scripture’s guidance for our lives: both in the creation mandate and the wonderful privileges afforded us through the gospel.
But we must be careful that the good, even the very good, never replaces what Scripture says is most important. We must not try to “win it” in many good areas at the expense of “winning it” in the essentials. We must be clear on what Scriptures says are the priorities of our “position”: our spiritual growth, service in the church, evangelism, love for our husband and children, caring for our home.
We must ask ourselves—what am I spending my strength on? Where does most of my time and energy go? Where am I trying to “win it”? Have I allowed the good (even the very good) to distract me from Scripture’s clear assignment to me as a woman? Am I giving myself to temporal matters at the expense of the eternal? Have I unintentionally wandered from my position? Are there any good things that I need to give up in order to fulfill the role assigned to me in Scripture?
These questions are just to get you started. As you prayerfully consider them in light of God’s Word, He may prompt you with other probing questions that enable you to view your life through the lens of Scripture.
But let me encourage you to take time to evaluate your life and priorities. After all, what we’re playing for is nothing less than the commendation of our Lord and Savior: “Well done, you good and faithful servant.”
---------
I hope these words were both convicting and encouraging! :)

GirlTalk Book Club

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Hello friends! I am doing a Book Club study with GirlTalk. If you haven't visited there before, I highly recommend it. Anyway, I'm pretty limited for time these days but I wanted to be involved in some sort of study and grow in my understanding of womanly godliness. It's pretty easy to commit to; simply purchase the book on e-bay or amazon and read one or two short chapters a week. Then, stay tuned on the GirlTalk site and even this site for updates and commentary. :) The book is called Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski. ~Kate

His Face

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:17:00 +0000

"Lead me safely on to the eternal kingdom, not asking whether the road be rough or smooth. I request only to see the face of Him I love."

-Valley of Vision, pg. 103-

Summer Update...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Hello Friends and Family! I hope you are all well! I thought I would write a post and provide an update on our lives. Please know that we love you and pray for many of you often. We sincerely hope you are finding God's grace sufficient and His power is being made perfect in your weakness. (2 Corinthians 13). Below is an abbreviated version of life's newest happenings...

-Jeremy finished teaching two sections of summer school just this Friday. He is now focusing on getting ready to coach again and completing several projects at home. He had a great first year teaching and coaching but I believe he is looking forward to enjoying a month off.

- I received an opportunity to teach part-time at Minnesota School of Business. I will be teaching a Writing Fundamentals course starting July 21st. It is a big undertaking and will most likely be both challenging and rewarding in its own right. If this first Quarter goes well, I have the opportunity to then receive my MBA for free and continue teaching.

- Kate Wenzel Photography, (http://www.katewenzel.com/), is doing great! Word is getting out and I am becoming increasingly more busy with each passing month. It is both a blessing and bit overwhelming as neither Jeremy nor myself expected growth of this degree to occur this quickly.

- We just got back from a week-long vacation in La Crosse, Elkhart Lake and Door County, Wisconsin. During this time we were able to see friends from Christ Covenant Church, visit our college, attend a wedding, spend a few relaxing days at a beautiful resort and have quality time with family in Fish Creek. Even though we enjoyed our time, we were ready to get back to MN to our home and our puppy. :)

- The rest of summer should be both fun and extremely busy. We have our annual Wenzel Weekend in Milwaukee. We cannot wait to see our growing niece Emily- who is over a year and a half now!

- Lastly, we could use some prayer regarding my health. I continue to have varying degree's of pain in my joints, tissue and muscle as well as fevers, migraines and numbness in my limbs. It is both scary and aggravating. The most difficult aspect is waking up each morning with the extreme pain and uncertainty of what the day will look like. Some days are better than others, but the reality of this illness is never far from my mind. It impacts everyday tasks such as opening a jar of peanut butter and trying to lift a neighbor child for a hug. My hope and prayer is that I will learn and grow in my relationship with Jesus through this and be able to help others go through suffering by clinging to God. Life with this is about adjusting my expectations for myself in a given moment, hour, day and week. There are so many lessons to learn- I just pray I'm willing to learn them.

As we say goodbye again, I wanted to post a link to today's sermon at our Church, Glory of Christ. Click here to listen to it. It was a phenomenal sermon that spoke life into my weary soul. I hope you find it as such.

Blessings,

Kate

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Sun, 24 May 2009 19:43:00 +0000

I was having a terrible morning today. The pain was aweful and the exhaustion acute. I was so ill, I was unable to attend church- something that I greatly look forward to each Sunday. Partly because truth is spoken to me and my eyes are lifted up to Him- and partly because of the wonderful fellowship and support that I experience there. I cried hard. I felt so alone, so overwhelmed and thoughts of desperation, of hopelessness consumed me...thinking, I cannot possibly endure this day-in and day-out. I eventually fell into a deep sleep and awoke with a better sense of knowing that through God's grace, I CAN endure- but still dwelling on what I do not have, what I cannot do or what I miss out on due to the chronic illnesses...
Because I had missed church, I wanted to listen to a sermon. I somehow ended up a the Girl Talk Blog...if you haven't been there before- I highly encourage it. Before I knew it, I was listening to the 55 minute talk from a woman named Rachel. Rachel Barkey has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rachel is a wife, a mother of two young children, and she is not expected to live to see her 38th birthday. Several weeks ago, Rachel shared a message with a group of women entitled “Death is Not Dying: A Faith that Saves.”
As I listened...I felt tears well up in my eyes- this time not because I was feeling sorry for myself, questioning God, or focusing on my feelings and circumstances- but because I see the beautiful and transforming power of the Lord in a women with a circumstance exponentially more difficult than my own. I nearly passed by this talk of hers- but I am so glad that I did not- it was some of the best moments I have ever spent. I ask that you would take that time... do it while your folding clothes, paying bills, or washing dishes- just give 55 minutes of this day to listen to what life (and death) really is.

Living to bring Him glory by enjoying Him forever,

Kate

it is well with my soul

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:26:00 +0000

As I sit down to write an over-due update…the sun is just beginning to rise and illuminate the beauty that is the Lord’s creation. Moments like these are precious. Life seems to quiet and your heart seems to still long enough to experience a great sense of peace. With the overwhelming turn of events in the last few months, I am grateful for right now. Because it has been so long, I thought it would be easier to summarize the changes in life over the past several weeks.

- At the end of February, I was involved in a car accident in which the guy who rear-ended me fled the scene. I am still feeling the effects of that day on my back and neck but am trusting I will begin to feel better soon.

- After seeing a Rheumatologist and ruling out other medical conditions, I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This explains my severe joint swelling and pain as well as my constant fevers and fatigue. It is a blessing in one sense because we now know what we face…it’s no longer an ambiguous monster, but a disease we can learn about and target head-on.

- Largely due to my medical conditions, we made the decision (at the recommendation of my Doctors) to quit my job as Office Manager at the Chiropractic & Massage Center. Yesterday was my last day and I am now going to turn my focus to Kate Wenzel Photography and taking care of myself medically. This way, I can decide my own hours, take rests when I need to and listen to my body when it screams it is crashing. I hope and pray this will lead to some improvement physically.

- We have found a WONDERFUL Church! The Lord has provided (in His perfect timing, as always), an incredible body of believers that have truly strengthened and encouraged me. The woman of the church have helped in practical ways such as coming to help clean our house every few weeks and providing meals throughout the week of the car accident. Once again, God has shown His amazing faithfulness through His people. We are forever thankful for these new and cherished friends. In addition to this example of working as a body, the teaching is solid and doctrine is held fast. Praise God for bringing us to Glory of Christ church!

- In other news, Jeremy has continued to be quite busy. He is currently an Assistant Coach for Track and was also given the opportunity to teach an extra class after school. Although these things consume his time and energy- they are blessings and he seems to truly enjoy all of it. I am so blessed to have such a hard-working husband. I know he is greatly looking to his upcoming Spring Break and now even more so with his whole family flying in to visit us for Easter weekend!

So as I look forward to the coming months- I am experiencing a sense of anticipation and yes, fear. I am excited to have time to focus on getting the rest, eating the diet and doing the limited exercise that may help me as I cope with RA. I am excited to continue to grow my business and blessed by the fact I have booked many clients for May and June. I am looking forward to understanding all my medical options and selecting the best course. I am learning to be thankful for the small things- like the days when it doesn’t hurt to breathe and the sun is shining, or when my joints feel well and my fatigue lessened enough to enjoy a walk with my husband and puppy. And a good life truly consists of responding to adversities with hopefulness and a clinging to all that is true- not the absence of suffering. Without Christ as my rock and refuge- all of this would be insurmountable. Thankfully, I am His and His grace sustains me.

Thank you for your continued prayers and love, Kate

Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:39:00 +0000

I don't have time to write long- but I did just want to say that this weekend was an amazing one of fellowship and being spiriturally restored! We've updated our prayers and praises to the right so please check them out! Also, we believe we are getting closer to finding out more specifically what health issues I am facing! Praise God for that!

Thank you for your continued prayers and love!

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians

God's Megaphone?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:35:00 +0000

I have been reading Elisabeth Elliot’s book entitled Loneliness with a dear friend of mine and several points have really struck me… maybe because of my personal relation to them, or maybe because of the truth they speak- or perhaps both! In the beginning of the book she opens with this, “…as I began to learn about suffering I learned that trusting in those strong arms means that even our suffering is under control. We are not doomed to meaninglessness. A loving Purpose is behind it all, a great tenderness even in the fierceness.”

What beautiful words. What true comfort… to know that while we experience suffering, and we will- because a life with Christ doesn’t exclude suffering but always INCLUDES it- but that while we walk through the valleys, we can take heart in KNOWING that there is a divine purpose in this season. To know that although life feels like utter chaos, there is order in that it is in His sovereign hand. And as I read on, I came to a sentence that I believe God was speaking directly to me. “But a pure faith would be worth far more to God than all the service she had hoped to render if poor health had not interrupted her plans.” It was as if this sentence was written to my soul. It meets me right where I currently am. I so long to serve God in very real ways- short term missions, seminary, woman’s and children’s ministry, ministry to those who are poverty-stricken, foster care, dinners for my husband after a long day of work for both of us, and the list goes on. These are things God has so imparted in my heart- given me such a passion for…and yet I am so incredibly limited in my physical abilities. I find my sinful nature rears its ugly and too-familiar head and I begin to think thoughts that bring no glory to Him. Thoughts of why has he imparted these passions within me if I cannot act on them while so many healthy individuals could care less and yet have all the health to minister in those ways. But I catch myself sometimes and know that asking “why” is pointless- not to mention sinful because it means that I am not trusting His perfect wisdom and purpose. It means I am starting to believe the tempting lie that I know better than my Lord, Creator and King. It is a grievous error- one that I must rest upon His grace and mercy for. And then I read these words from one of my favorite woman authors…words that pierce right to the core of my questions and aching heart. All of those endeavors of servant hood should be done for one reason: to bring glory to my Lord and to please Him alone. And to know, to realize that a pure faith, an intimate relationship that magnifies Who He is… THAT pleases Him more- THAT is the ultimate aim. I am able to do this. I am able to go through the fire of what I consider suffering on a small level compared to the millions who agonize through far worse- and come out with a faith tested and purer than before. If this illness purges the parts of me to allow room for Him to make His home, for Him to be seen, then this sickness in itself is a beautiful ministry- full of purpose and servanthood. Now, unfortunately, I don’t always have this perspective- this “big picture” wisdom. No, unfortunately, I battle real thoughts of anger, frustration, uncertainty and feelings of purposeless and unbelief. But I am thankful that those situations give me the opportunity to turn back to scripture for guidance and truth. I am keenly aware of my feebleness, of my failures, and am constantly humbled by the limitations the illness puts on me and my lack of graciously reacting to these limitations. But I know that He meets me here. He meets me in these times. He knows the WHYs and the Ifs… I praise Him for the reality that His faithfulness is completely unrelated to my own. What a good God we serve. And C.S. Lewis brings a great summation to all of this for me…the man was big on free will which isn’t great but he has a lot of wise and true statements as well… after all, he was human and we tend to miss the mark sometimes, don’t we? Anyway, Clive puts it eloquently:

“Pain is God’s megaphone. He whispers to us in our joys, speaks to us in our conscience and shouts to us in our pain.” While God’s tone and “loudness” most likely remains consistent, we so often are ready to listen while in pain and suffering. The world and its offerings are stripped from us, leaving us with that still, quiet voice that belongs to our LORD.

Are you listening?

Love in Christ, always, Kate

Ps: Even in writing this the Lord gave me a great realization… something that prods at me from time to time but I seem to forget or ignore far too easily; I may not be able to DO some of the ministry I long to, but oh I can PRAY for those that can! I can do that in bed, with no energy to move but only the ability to offer up weak yet sincere prayers to the God of all things. I have long wanted to grow in my prayer-life and perhaps this is the vehicle to start on that. Any thoughts on how you’ve grown in your own prayer disciplines would be wonderful!

Beautiful...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:55:00 +0000

2008 Christmas Letter!~

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Double Click to View in Larger Size.

Thanksgiving and such...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Well, I figured it had been a while since we've posted an update or anything. Like most of you, we have been very busy celebrating and getting ready for the holidays! Over Thanksgiving, we were able to go to visit Jeremy's family in Milwaukee for a long weekend. During this time, we celebrated thanksgiving, Christmas and our beautiful niece Emily's 1st birthday!~ Needless to say, it was a packed weekend. :) It was wonderful for us to spend time with family and talk, play games, etc. Unfortunately, I had a serious relapse of my chronic fatigue and it left me in bed for over 24 hours. Thankfully, I have since made improvements. I am learning more and more what my limitations are and sometimes I certainly push myself more than the illness will allow... and that's when i "crash". Overall, it was a lovely time.
Since then we have been working, enjoying actually having time with one another due to the Volleyball season being over for Jeremy and visiting a few more churches. We have narrowed it down to two churches...one in Anoka and one in Elk River. We want to attend each one a few more times before we make our decision but I do believe the doctrine is sound and the preaching good at either one.
My Designs by Kate business has obviously slowed down quite a bit as a result of me not having an indoor studio currently. However, without pursuing any sessions, I have had two people contact me and just completed one session today in Plymouth and will be doing a sports session later this month. I was also privileged to speak in several Economics classes about Entrepreneurship and enjoyed that experience greatly!
I wanted to say another thank you to everyone who prayed for us during the theft situation. Things are finally pretty much all wrapped up regarding the money being refunded, etc. There are no leads as to catching the suspects but I have forgiven and am trying to regain a general sense of security. The whole circumstance was one I wouldn't wish anyone to go through but know that it is unfortunately fairly common.
In all, we are starting to adjust to our new jobs, home, and city... and looking forward to a few days off during Christmas and New Years to spend with family. I'll post a few pics of the weekend at the wenzel's over thanksgiving! More to come later....

Love in Christ and Happy Holidays,

J & K

Owen in his sweater that I bought him for $2 at Target b/c it was hilarious. He wore it for all of about 3 hours. :) Now it's a chew toy.

Jeremy w/ Emily: (this pictures makes my heart melt!)

Is she not adorable? :)

Bathtime!

Emily opening gifts:

Emily and Kate:

Siblings: :)

the girls!

The whole gang...

Update on the Theft

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:29:00 +0000

Hello friends! It has been one week since the theft occurred and things are MUCH better. Since Friday, I really started to sense the peace of the Lord and He gave me perspective and endurance. Thank you for your prayers because I certainly felt them! :)
Today we finally got access to our checking account again and we are still waiting for new credit cards to come. I really didn't realize how much we depend on money to survive...I mean, I couldn't do ANYTHING without my cards or access to any money... we are so in need of those resources to get through our day-to-day lives and it is something that is humbling and forced me to rely more on God.
The police are not acting too quickly to solve this case but there may be some footage of the women as they attempted to use my card at Holiday and Exxon Gas Stations in the area. Please do continue to pray for protection against identity theft and for continued peace.

Thanks again and know that we love you!!!

What Happened....

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:02:00 +0000

I wanted to first thank all of you for your prayers and kind e-mails! Many of you asked exactly how this happened so I wanted to let you know...
Yesterday, I was working my job as Office Manager at that Chiropractic and Massage Center in Elk River and 4 woman walked in. This was at the exact same time that I had 3 patients signing in and 2 patients trying to check out and the phones were ringing. I had never seen these woman before but they seemed to be 3 daughters and a mom. They asked about 15 questions regarding our clinic and insurance. Apparently, one of them snuck around to the backroom where we keep our purses, etc. Although there were 1 or 2 other purses, mine was the only one that was looked through and my license, credit cards, $50 cash and debit card were stolen. Thankfully, one of our patients noticed this woman walk out of the back office and informed me as soon as they had left. By the time I checked my purse, they were gone. Immediately, I called the banks and credit card companies but within 10 minutes they had already spent $1,000 from my checking account on a laptop at Office Max which in about 4 blocks away. There we no camera's and no one saw what they were driving although many of us were able to give a description.
So in a few minutes I am leaving to go back to the Police Station to pick up my filed report, to the DMV to get a new License and to the banks to get new accounts and cards opened.
I feel very violated, scared and mad. I looked at these woman in the eyes and helped answer what I thought were their sincere question and concerns. I gave them my undivided attention and showed care. I feel fearful b/c they have my license and so Identity Theft is a real possibility. They have my address, date of birth, full name and much more. Please pray for things here on out to go smoothly. Please pray for me to experience peace and to not be afraid.

Thank you dear friends and family.

Kate

Owen!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:48:00 +0000

We have a new addition to our family... Owen. He is our adorable puppy! He is just about 3 months old and is half yellow lab and half australian shepherd! We have had him for over 2 weeks now and he is just adorable! Puppies are LOTS of work but there are great rewards too! Here are a few pics of our little Owen. :)

Our First House!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:55:00 +0000

Well, I am finally posting pictures of our house!! Yay! :) We are truly so blessed that the Lord provided this home. Although foreclosures are sad- for us it was amazing! We were able to purchase a new construction foreclosed home for much less than it is worth! Lord willing, we will be in this home for a long time! Every time I drive up the driveway, I thank God for this undeserved and very much appreciated house!

The Front Door and Stairway to upstairs:

Living Room and Backyard View...

Living Room and part of Kitchen Windows...

Kitchen...

Our Bedroom!!! (this is my favorite room!)

Office/Library: Huge Basement to finish...currently our workout room...

There you go! There are more rooms but i didn't want to bore you with the mud room and bathrooms! :)

We are completely blessed. We want to honor God with this house every way we can.

October Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:31:00 +0000

Hello friends! How are you? Are you enjoying the beautiful fall leaves as much as I am? God's glory is really shown through His creation and fall truly exemplifies it! I have been completely slacking in my "blog duties". I think it's OK b/c I'm not sure anyone noticed. ;) I have been super busy working my job as an Office Manager, working on the Designs by Kate business and going to Jeremy's Volleyball games. We also have had friends visit, Jeremy's parents were here last weekend and my mom comes this weekend! Needless to say, its been pretty crazy. As far as my job goes- I like it sometimes but the hours are really not great. I work afternoons and into the evenings so I usually don't get home until 7 or 8 at night. Regarding Designs by Kate, I have had one Senior Portrait session and have a Children's session tomorrow afternoon. It has been wonderful so far! I really have a passion for photography and then doing various art designs with the portraits. It is fun to enjoy what you are doing and to be your own boss!! I could definitely get used to that! Here are a couple pictures from my first Senior Portrait Session...

She hasn't seen them yet but I will deliver the proofs and ordering packet Sunday night and hope that her and her family love them! I have a lot to learn but I am excited to do so! Other than that, Jeremy has been working 12+ hour days at school teaching and coaching. It is certainly an exhausting job but I think he enjoys it for the most part. We are both looking forward to seeing one another more after the Volleyball season is over. The girls had a great win last week and I have enjoyed being a part of their lives as well. Tomorrow night Jeremy and I are going to the Homecoming Football game. The girl above, of whom I took the Senior Portraits for, is the Homecoming Queen and the captain of the VB team so that is exciting!

In other news, we could still use some definite prayer about finding a church home. We still have not found one that we just love and feels like the right fit so we will keep looking. We both appreciate our beloved church in La Crosse even more now.

Lastly, I thought I'd give a brief health update since it has been awhile and a few people have asked. It has been a year since the brain tumor scare and since I was off of work on bed-rest for three months. I have improved significantly, although am not my normal self and still require an immense amount of sleep. I have to keep reminding myself to slow down because when I have a good day I do too much and then wear myself out. But, praise the LORD I am at about 75% of my normal capacity. I was at about 30% a year ago so I really cannot complain. God has indeed been faithful. I have renewed hope that we can have children and that I can live a pretty normal life. I will probably always require a lot of sleep but if I can function ok, then I am content. Please know that I do need your CONTINUED prayers regarding my health and that it is those prayers that helped both Jeremy and myself get through the last year.

Well, I should get going but stay tuned b/c I will be posting pictures of our house VERY soon! :)

God Bless,
Kate (and Jeremy)

The Completed Logo

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:31:00 +0000

Hello! Thank you to all those who voted...it helped me narrow it down to Fonts #1, 4 and 5.

I then played around with those fonts a little and added some design work and here is what I've come up with:

I'd love to know what you think! I've ordered business cards and had my first Senior Portrait Session this weekend and it went great!!! Thanks so much for your help and I'll keep you posted!

Help with Font for my Logo!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:05:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!! A lot of you know I have started my own Photography and Designs Business. Well, I am currently working on revamping my logo and need to pick a new font. Below are 7 choices that I have gotten it down to...but I need your help with the rest! PLEASE take two minutes to look at each font and then vote on the right-hand of the screen for your favorite!
Look just at the font, not at the way the words are placed as that can be changed. :)
This will largely determine which one I go with so take it seriously and remember it is a Photography and Design business when you are voting. :) THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!

To Vote: For your #1 choice: Vote TWO times - For your #2 choice: Vote ONCE.

Font 1:

Font 2:

Font 3:

Font 4:

Font 5:

Font 6:

Font 7:

My Strong Tower

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:27:00 +0000

I have today off which is amazing. However, I stayed up until 2am last night watching a documentary about the events of September 11th. To be honest, I feel as if I have rarely stopped to acknowledge that date for years. The documentary was pretty raw...it was rough footage for the most part and was during the first moments of the terrorist attacks. I was hooked. I couldn't look away for the entire show. It was gripping and real. A few things come to mind today as a result of my viewing this 9/11 show. First, watching the planes slam into the most immense buildings of concrete, steel and metal and then subsequently watching these buildings fall reminded me that NOTHING is safe here. Those were built with the best structural integrity known to man, with the best materials available to build with- and yet a few men were able to take those down, (along with countless lives) in a matter of minutes. This helped me remember the increasingly apparent truth that only God will stand the test of time.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. - Isaiah 40:8

As Americans, we get so wrapped up in culture, finances, degrees, jobs and the like that we completely forget how absolutely fleeting all this is. Which is why it makes so much sense to put effort, time and thought into the only thing that WILL REMAIN: God and our relationship with Him, His Son and The Spirit. So why do we allow these futile things to take priority over our Constant? How often do I chose to watch TV or get a little more sleep over spending time reading His Word or praying? This isn't meant to be a guilt trip- but a written reminder to myself.

Secondly, I started thinking of the importance of reflection. Each year, our nation will create documentaries or specials memorializing the tragic events of 9/11. However, how often do we sit to reflect upon the events of life (both good and bad) that have shaped us? In my own experience, I am either DWELLING on past situations or events or completely IGNORING them. Where is the balance and what is the fruit from true reflection?

Those are some thoughts, albeit mundane, that I have been having lately. Feel free to share your opinions.

ON a personal note, we haven't found a church home and could use some prayer regarding our search.

With love, Kate

Our Beautiful Niece...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy and Kate) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:43:00 +0000

It's been a while since we've posted pics of our little niece Emily whom we just adore...enjoy!