Today marks Jeremy's (and mine) parents Wedding Anniversary! I wanted to write about the beautiful marriage they have and the gratitude I have for them sharing that with me. They truly love one another and even when they are picking on eachother its adorable. :) They know one another inside and out and show care by putting the other first all the time. The proof of their incredible love is in the three amazing children they raised- I think that is usually the best testimony of a marriage. I know that Jeremy is the way he is today in large part because of his parents love for eachother and for him. I appreciate them allowing me to see a strong marriage that really does stand the test of time. Congrats Gery and Inge and know that we all love you dearly!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Happy Anniversary Gery and Inge!
Today marks Jeremy's (and mine) parents Wedding Anniversary! I wanted to write about the beautiful marriage they have and the gratitude I have for them sharing that with me. They truly love one another and even when they are picking on eachother its adorable. :) They know one another inside and out and show care by putting the other first all the time. The proof of their incredible love is in the three amazing children they raised- I think that is usually the best testimony of a marriage. I know that Jeremy is the way he is today in large part because of his parents love for eachother and for him. I appreciate them allowing me to see a strong marriage that really does stand the test of time. Congrats Gery and Inge and know that we all love you dearly!
The Cold Winds Blow...
It has been interesting weather lately- one day I'm sweating like crazy and the humidity is at 80%- the next its not even 60 degrees and I'm freezing. Profoundly deep thoughts- i know. :)
But really, it had me thinking about the changes Jeremy and I are in the midst of. We are very blessed and happy in general- but being the social person I am- I am starting to get lonely. Jeremy is very busy with school and coaching and while I have remained busy with work, house stuff, and people visiting- I'm still starting to get that subtle ache in your heart called loneliness. A friend of mine recently wrote on her blog, “when we’re lonely, it’s not the company we want but familiarity.”
When I read that- I felt like she had written what my soul wanted to express but couldn't. And it is such a true statement! I mean, I have some new friends- but it isn't the same as the people & places that became familiar and my family in the past 6 years of life. What I find as I get older is that I am not quite as resilient and adaptable as I was before. Everything was such an adventure- but now I'm in the "real world" and adventures have to slip in-between working, being a wife, taking care of a house and so on. Not that those things in and of themselves cannot be adventures- but ... well, it's different. I also see that once you're out of college- it is much harder to meet and make friends. You're not surrounded by an inundation of people your age going through many of the same things in life. You also don't have the free time and leisure to hang out for a quick lunch or meet up for a walk in a park for an afternoon. So needless to say- life changes and I need to go back to the one constant thing for comfort- God, and my relationship with Him.
One thing that will help the whole loneliness factor is finding a church. We did visit the Church plant up here and while it was nice - Jeremy and I want to try another before we go back and decide. I don't like "shopping" for a church. It is difficult because there are usually great things and not so great things about each and every church. It is difficult because you go from having friends, knowing so many people and being a part of a very close family of believers to knowing now one, being a stranger and getting accustomed to how things work. Again, it's change.
In all, I know I will be just fine. I know I have to be patient and wait on the Lord to provide a church family and to establish meaningful relationships. But sometimes I would like to skip the waiting part and get right to the good stuff. :) I guess THAT way wouldn't refine my character or challenge me to grow.
That's all for now,
Kate
But really, it had me thinking about the changes Jeremy and I are in the midst of. We are very blessed and happy in general- but being the social person I am- I am starting to get lonely. Jeremy is very busy with school and coaching and while I have remained busy with work, house stuff, and people visiting- I'm still starting to get that subtle ache in your heart called loneliness. A friend of mine recently wrote on her blog, “when we’re lonely, it’s not the company we want but familiarity.”
When I read that- I felt like she had written what my soul wanted to express but couldn't. And it is such a true statement! I mean, I have some new friends- but it isn't the same as the people & places that became familiar and my family in the past 6 years of life. What I find as I get older is that I am not quite as resilient and adaptable as I was before. Everything was such an adventure- but now I'm in the "real world" and adventures have to slip in-between working, being a wife, taking care of a house and so on. Not that those things in and of themselves cannot be adventures- but ... well, it's different. I also see that once you're out of college- it is much harder to meet and make friends. You're not surrounded by an inundation of people your age going through many of the same things in life. You also don't have the free time and leisure to hang out for a quick lunch or meet up for a walk in a park for an afternoon. So needless to say- life changes and I need to go back to the one constant thing for comfort- God, and my relationship with Him.
One thing that will help the whole loneliness factor is finding a church. We did visit the Church plant up here and while it was nice - Jeremy and I want to try another before we go back and decide. I don't like "shopping" for a church. It is difficult because there are usually great things and not so great things about each and every church. It is difficult because you go from having friends, knowing so many people and being a part of a very close family of believers to knowing now one, being a stranger and getting accustomed to how things work. Again, it's change.
In all, I know I will be just fine. I know I have to be patient and wait on the Lord to provide a church family and to establish meaningful relationships. But sometimes I would like to skip the waiting part and get right to the good stuff. :) I guess THAT way wouldn't refine my character or challenge me to grow.
That's all for now,
Kate
Monday, August 25, 2008
Our House
I've received several requests to post a few pictures of our new house. So I am posting a page I designed on the computer for a digital scrapbook of some kind. :)
God has blessed us by providing a foreclosure for us to buy- and thus, afford a BEAUTIFUL home!
We have already enjoyed inviting Jeremy's entire team (13 teenage girls) over for dinner. We look forward to building many wonderful memories here. Hope all is well...more to come later!
God has blessed us by providing a foreclosure for us to buy- and thus, afford a BEAUTIFUL home!
We have already enjoyed inviting Jeremy's entire team (13 teenage girls) over for dinner. We look forward to building many wonderful memories here. Hope all is well...more to come later!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Our "new" life...
Hello friends and family! It has been far too long! We have been in our new house for a little over two weeks- and life is just beginning to get into a routine of some sort. We are truly so so blessed to have such a beautiful home. Waking up to the gorgeous woods in out our backyard is my favorite part. We are pretty much all unpacked- now its just saving up and prioritizing for what to do, update, paint or furnish next. Luckily, we won't have to worry about what to pick or do for a while given that we need to be conservative with the funds. :) We have so much to enjoy- so we don't "need" anything.
We have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to friends in La Crosse and to Jeremy's parents for all their help. It could not have been done without you. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to help us! We will be forever thankful.
So the last 2 weeks have consisted of unpacking, organizing, lots of runs to walmart or home depot for needed items, and just a general getting settled that comes with moving to a new state. I (kate) started my new job last Monday and am enjoying it as much as one can enjoy the first week of any new job. My co-workers are very, very nice and the patients are unbelievably wonderful. For those of you who don't know, I am an office manager at a Chiropractic and Massage center in Elk River. I will be working about 30 hours a week which is good as I continue to IMPROVE my health! This week, I will be in Washington D.C. for a big conference which is sure to be enriching for my current profession. I will miss Jeremy and our house to be sure, but am trying to see the positive of getting to go to D.C. and stay in a nice hotel for a few days. Jeremy officially starts coaching tomorrow! He has try outs and then will begin regular practice for the Varsity team. He has been busy setting up his teaching room, getting prepared for the Volleyball season and completing tasks at our house such as hanging up towel racks and watering our sod daily. :) Needless to say, we are officially adults now! No more rent- time to face the music and the mortgage. I have no doubt there Jeremy will be challenged these next few months but also that he will be an exceptional teacher! I am proud to be his wife.
Other that that, we went to Bethlehem Baptist Church last weekend in Minneapolis. While there, we discovered that they have a church plant about 5 minutes from our house! That couldn't be any better- so when I return from D.C., we are going to check that out- and not have to drive the 35 minutes to church each weekend!
I am starting to really miss our church in La Crosse, along with my good girl friends. Any weekend visits are welcome so call or e-mail us if you're interested~!
That is the update- please let me know how all of you are and know that we still continue to pray for you.
In Christ, Kate (and Jeremy)
We have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to friends in La Crosse and to Jeremy's parents for all their help. It could not have been done without you. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to help us! We will be forever thankful.
So the last 2 weeks have consisted of unpacking, organizing, lots of runs to walmart or home depot for needed items, and just a general getting settled that comes with moving to a new state. I (kate) started my new job last Monday and am enjoying it as much as one can enjoy the first week of any new job. My co-workers are very, very nice and the patients are unbelievably wonderful. For those of you who don't know, I am an office manager at a Chiropractic and Massage center in Elk River. I will be working about 30 hours a week which is good as I continue to IMPROVE my health! This week, I will be in Washington D.C. for a big conference which is sure to be enriching for my current profession. I will miss Jeremy and our house to be sure, but am trying to see the positive of getting to go to D.C. and stay in a nice hotel for a few days. Jeremy officially starts coaching tomorrow! He has try outs and then will begin regular practice for the Varsity team. He has been busy setting up his teaching room, getting prepared for the Volleyball season and completing tasks at our house such as hanging up towel racks and watering our sod daily. :) Needless to say, we are officially adults now! No more rent- time to face the music and the mortgage. I have no doubt there Jeremy will be challenged these next few months but also that he will be an exceptional teacher! I am proud to be his wife.
Other that that, we went to Bethlehem Baptist Church last weekend in Minneapolis. While there, we discovered that they have a church plant about 5 minutes from our house! That couldn't be any better- so when I return from D.C., we are going to check that out- and not have to drive the 35 minutes to church each weekend!
I am starting to really miss our church in La Crosse, along with my good girl friends. Any weekend visits are welcome so call or e-mail us if you're interested~!
That is the update- please let me know how all of you are and know that we still continue to pray for you.
In Christ, Kate (and Jeremy)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Goodbye La Crosse...
Jeremy and I will be leaving La Crosse in just a few days! I think we are ready but it is still strange to be leaving a place after six years. For me, these past six years marked times of growth, challenge, hurt, healing and for the most part, wonderful memories! Last night, Jeremy and I took a walk around UW-L campus and remembered many special times both together and apart. Some of the best were mud fights on campus after (or during) a hard rain, bible studies with the girls, long talks as Jeremy and I got to know one another, studying in the grass or on a bench...
Revisiting significant spots in La Crosse has made me pretty nostalgic. I think that is a great way of processing us leaving and getting ready to begin another new chapter in our lives. The nice thing is, we have so many dear friends here that we will be able to visit this city that brought us together and largely shaped us into the people we are today. I will certainly miss the beauty that is La Crosse. The bluffs and Riverside hold dear moments for me. But perhaps the most difficult will be leaving Christ Covenant Church. The people within that church are some of the best I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Sunday was a little bittersweet as our Pastor put it. Bitter because we are leaving and sweet because we are going where God desires us to be now. We can only hope to be part of a Church as amazing and Christ Covenant.However sad it may be to leave, we are equally as excited to arrive in Minnesota and begin our new jobs, enjoy a house and find a new community of believers of which we can grow within and serve. The future looks to be wonderful....
Thank you to all of those who have been a part of our adventures in La Crosse!
Kate and Jeremy
ps: We will not have much access to Internet in the coming weeks so to get ahold of us, call! :)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Remaining...
The last couple weeks have been completely insane. Two weeks ago our Honda was flooded on Front Street of La Crosse while Jeremy was at work. The water was about 3 feet high and our car wouldn’t start for days. Finally, we called a tow truck and had a mechanic look at it. At first, they thought the damage may be irreversible, but, a day later- the car had finally started again! While our Accord is a bit smelly and sounds a little out of sorts- it is working! The repairs weren’t nearly what it would have been to get a “new” used car. Praise God and thank you for your prayers regarding that situation!
Well, yesterday proved to be another difficult day for the Wenzel cars. I (Kate) took the Oldsmobile to get a needed oil change. Once there, they discovered that the rear struts and springs were broken. According to them and another mechanic we spoke with, this could have been severely dangerous. So, the fact that the Lord let us find this out now and not as a result of a serious accident is huge! Praise God again for that! There were already some needed repairs on this car. The most recent discovery along with the previous issues made it clear that repairing this car with 215,000 miles on it was not a wise investment.
So within two weeks time, we have lost or almost lost both of our cars … within just a few days of closing on our first home! It was easy to panic immediately. It was easy to freak out and forget God’s faithfulness. But one day later, I sit here seeing that once again, He is gracious to His children. Although we don’t have a solution exactly, we are exploring different options and have been offered a car to borrow for this next work week. Time and time again, life has been unpredictable and difficult- throwing one curve ball after another and being as inconsistent as possible. But more importantly, time and time again, God has been constant and good- graciously giving us the strength to endure and revealing His sheer love through His Bride- the Church. Whether thoughtful cards and calls, or a lending of resources- He has always remained. Thus, we remain in Him.
Whatever you may be going through, whether it be sickness, financial issues, loneliness, depression, family difficulties or anything else- stand today on the truth that He will NEVER leave nor forsake you. Just when the bottom has dropped out and there seems to be no other options, no answers or help- His grace shows up and brings hope. Hold tightly to that hope.
In His loving arms,
Kate
Well, yesterday proved to be another difficult day for the Wenzel cars. I (Kate) took the Oldsmobile to get a needed oil change. Once there, they discovered that the rear struts and springs were broken. According to them and another mechanic we spoke with, this could have been severely dangerous. So, the fact that the Lord let us find this out now and not as a result of a serious accident is huge! Praise God again for that! There were already some needed repairs on this car. The most recent discovery along with the previous issues made it clear that repairing this car with 215,000 miles on it was not a wise investment.
So within two weeks time, we have lost or almost lost both of our cars … within just a few days of closing on our first home! It was easy to panic immediately. It was easy to freak out and forget God’s faithfulness. But one day later, I sit here seeing that once again, He is gracious to His children. Although we don’t have a solution exactly, we are exploring different options and have been offered a car to borrow for this next work week. Time and time again, life has been unpredictable and difficult- throwing one curve ball after another and being as inconsistent as possible. But more importantly, time and time again, God has been constant and good- graciously giving us the strength to endure and revealing His sheer love through His Bride- the Church. Whether thoughtful cards and calls, or a lending of resources- He has always remained. Thus, we remain in Him.
Whatever you may be going through, whether it be sickness, financial issues, loneliness, depression, family difficulties or anything else- stand today on the truth that He will NEVER leave nor forsake you. Just when the bottom has dropped out and there seems to be no other options, no answers or help- His grace shows up and brings hope. Hold tightly to that hope.
In His loving arms,
Kate
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Simply Beautiful
Some of you know how much I appreciate dance. It is a passion that began while i was in Gymnastics and has continued. I wanted to post the dance below because it is one of the most beautiful and moving pieces i have ever seen. Enjoy! -Kate
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