Monthly Archives: November 2015
Sunday Sabbath November 15 2015 MY HONEYMOON BEGINS
Sunday Sabbath November 15 2015 MY HONEYMOON BEGINS
And just how do I begin my “HONEYMOON” of retirement on a Sunday Sabbath? Working, of course! I normally do not work on Sundays as all. However, this is an exception due to the busy schedule of the people I will be meeting with today. You may remember the wedding I needed to finish after I arrived home in July? It was the last wedding book I had left to design. Due to all which happened in our lives, as well as what was going on in lives of the bride and groom, we are just today able to get together for their final consultation to view all the layouts and sign off for ordering. I have had the album designed for several months. Hopefully I will be able to place the order tomorrow. It will have a turnaround time of about ten days. Then there will be one final session for the couple to pick up the finished product. Oh man…I am so looking forward to having it done. It looks absolutely beautiful. I just hope they think so. They were such a beautiful bride and groom and their wedding was outdoors on a sunny day. It took place in our neighbor’s back yard. It was an absolutely astounding setting. Some of the formal photos were taken in our yard as well. As soon as this order clears my computer system (it takes several hours to transfer the order through my computer due to the size of the files and the amount of photos), I will then be able to work on the school and finish that up. I actually hope to have the school delivered before Thanksgiving. After those two are accomplished I have two smaller jobs to finish up and I am truly done. It feels so good to know my professional days are behind me. Everything is planned to be finished before December 31st.
My clients called and will be a bit late so that is why I started my blog. It also means that the meeting will go later. This meeting usually takes about two hours or more depending if there are any changes to do in the layouts. It is quite an important meeting as it makes for happy and satisfied clients if they like the end product. Only when everything is signed, sealed, and delivered will I really begin the true nitty-gritty of my HONEYMOON. Until then I will pretend.
Again, our Pastor outdid himself in his sermon presentation this morning. He is doing a series in Luke and going into depth about what the scriptures say about the “last days”. He uses the old testament to explain what was prophesied, which prophecies have already been fulfilled and which prophecies are yet to come. He explains in detail all the “clues” God’s Word gives to us regarding the time frame of the “last days”. In the Scriptures there is a gap of time that is not measured, so to know a date or year is impossible. Mostly, it is recognizing the signs as to when the Lord will return. Again, to know more you can google “City Church Madison WI” and go to the media page and listen to today’s sermon, November 15, 2015. It would be well worth your time. I always learn something when I listen to his messages.
Since I do not expect much else to happen this day I will not write more later this evening. Sometimes I like to write an easy blog just to say hello to my friends and family. I do not go on my facebook account for the same reason a lot of you may not read this blog regularly, TIME. I found that facebook can really take a bite out of my day. And besides, my password is too long.
A DAY TO ENJOY THE SABBATH
By Kathleen Martens
November 15, 2015
I have come to say hello
To let you know I care.
Not much to say about my day
But the little I have I’ll share.
Awake before dawn
To snuggle and think
And to watch the sun give
It’s morning’s first wink.
A day to enjoy the Sabbath,
The day God set aside,
So that on one day of the week
We remember, that in us He abides.
I wish you well this autumn day
That will so quickly pass to night,
And then I will be in bed again
So in the morrow I can greet the light.
It is only 2:50 p.m. so I will wish you a blessed Sabbath and a wonderful tomorrow.
Saturday November 14 2015 A SHORT BLOG
Saturday November 14 2015 A SHORT BLOG
At least I hope it is short. It is already almost 9:00 p.m. and I need my bed! A busy, fun day. Awake at 4:30 a.m. and a full day ahead. Early work out at the gym, office work preparing for a final consultation for my last wedding album order which will take place tomorrow, cooking (more soup), and off to dinner at the Boy Scout Salmon dinner fund raiser. This was the 21st anniversary of the annual Salmon dinner. Twenty one years ago our son was in Scout troop #50 and as his parents we were involved in organizing the very first Salmon dinner, held at a local school. It has happened every year since. The cost for Senior Citizens is $8.00. Not bad for a delicious fresh cooked, fresh Washington Salmon, flown in by special order. I also ordered a whole alder wood, smoked grilled Salmon fillet, hot off the grill for only $15.00. I think we will be eating Salmon for a few days. They also gave us a big bowl of wild rice mixed with other grains. Delicious.
We are now home listening to another presidential debate. Dave is watching the T.V. and I am listening from an adjacent room. I want to hear every presidential debate regardless whether Republican or Democrat. It is quite interesting. Since I am retired I may need to start watching more T.V. during this next year. I find it interesting to become informed in what is happening politically in a presidential election year. I would like to be involved in helping my candidate become elected. I have no commitments to a candidate of choice at this time. It will be interesting to find out who ends up as the presidential candidates. But…I am trying to hold back with committing myself to anything this next year due to all that we intend to accomplish in the coming months. So perhaps I will just sit back on the sidelines and just listen.
My sister sent me a blog today that I found interesting. It is in reference to the blog that I wrote yesterday about how I now really did feel retired. Here is the excerpt I especially enjoyed:
“I feel like I should have a retirement farewell party for you. Now you can be on your retirement honeymoon for one year. That is what I called my freedom from work and I reveled in it”
“A RETIREMENT HONEYMOON FOR ONE YEAR”. I love it! That sounds exactly what I need. I highlighted it in red because I shall receive it as wisdom. I shall spend the year getting used to being retired sort of like when a young couple spends their first year becoming used to each other. I shall woo my year, treat it gently, and fall in love with it more and more each day. I won’t count this past year as being retired due to the fact that I was so busy, first with traveling, then recovering from surgery, taking care of my husband’s needs as he recoverd from his infection and now recovering from surgery. I am just glad I was off work and able to have the time to help him. Hopefully after the first of the year we will begin with a new slate and our focus will be on our Honeymoon year. We willtackle getting our home organized and ready for the rest of our lives together. Who knows, we may have another 42 years together. Oh dear, that sounds a little frightening.
RETIREMENT HONEYMOON
By Kathleen Martens
November 14, 2015
Celebratory nuptials happen more than once.
The first, love between husband and wife.
The next is when you begin again,
After retirement for the rest of your life.
And the triumphant day after
Is when shackles are removed.
No clock to punch or half hour lunches,
And no longer, are your moments cued.
The day of freedom, “independently wealthy”??
Hoping it lasts, longer than you.
Hoping inflation will be kept low,
So your dollars won’t be too few.
But above all, each day is different,
Every day, new excitement lends.
You learn to protect your hours and days
They can be used up by all your friends.
You must learn to say no
Your honeymoon to survive,
As others give free wisdom
On how to live your life
So set your course, say no to some
And take it easy, enjoying yourself.
And remember your dreams, for now is the time
You can take them off the shelf.
Good night. God bless and keep you!
P.S. The news is forecasting that we may be receiving snow by Friday!
Friday November 13, 2015 NOW I AM DONE
Friday November 13 2015 NOW I AM DONE
Today was my final shoot. My PROFESSIONAL final shoot that is. I photographed the last part of my last school session. Dave went with me. It was fun having him there watching as I corralled almost 100 students into a group photo. A photo, in which I might add, you can see every single face. This is a private school and the nicest students I have ever worked with. The school has grades six through twelve. I figured out that I have taken every student’s class picture if they have attended that school, from 6th grade through 12th grade.
When the students walked into the large room where the session was to be photographed it was as if the world exploded in sound. It is amazing what 100 young people can sound like in an enclosed room. The principal got everyone’s attention and then I took over from there. This morning I told Dave he was going to see a sergeant in action. He corrected me and said He would see a “mini sergeant”. Well little did he know this mini sergeant has a booming voice when needed. Once I had their attention I told them that this was the first time my husband had come with me to watch me work at a school and that I wanted them to pay attention and really impress him with their behavior so I would look good.
In short time with the help of the principal I had 6 rows of students lined up and posed. I had all equipment set and ready before they came in. First row cross legged on the floor. The next row, also on the floor, were sitting on their knees, then a row sitting in chairs, the next row standing behind the chairs, the 5th row standing on the seats of chairs behind those standing, and the final row standing on tables. It makes for a very large group.
Before I took the first photo I explained to all of them that this would be my last year to be their school photographer. I told them how much I had enjoyed working with them and found them to be the most courteous and considerate students with whom I’ve ever worked. I thanked them for being such a great group year after year. I was caught off guard when the 6 rows of smiling students broke out in applause. I have never had that happen before. I was stunned, especially because it was all so spontaneous and went on for quite a few seconds. It made tears come to my eyes to realize that I will not be working in the professional photographic world again. I think this was my final curtain call, making me realize I am now truly retired. I still have the post production work to do but I will no longer need to plan and prepare and expend all the emotional and physical energy that goes into being a professional photographer.
Just in case you don’t realize it, wedding photography has been determined to be the next highest stress level job right behind war correspondent. I have done hundreds of weddings and all I know is that it is very high stress. From spring to autumn I became married to my work. I was always meeting deadlines, senior high school photos, newborns, hospital photos of stillborn babies for funerals, event photography, and occasionally photos taken of my family. Most of our family photos are still in the computer and not created into the artistic books I created for clients. I am ashamed to confess that fact. When wedding season began my own life was put on hold.
When I did film photography life was easy. I took the photos, the lab I used printed them and my orders were done. During film years I did as many as 40 weddings each season, occasionally two or three a weekend. Once I was “forced” into the digital world, photography took over my life. Digital photography for the professional is extremely expensive and time consuming. People would often ask me why that was so. For one reason, the investment for the digital equipment, from computers, software, lenses, cameras, (backup equipment for all shoots), lighting, camera cards, accessories so that everything attaches and works together, and I could go on and on. And then of course there are always the upgrades of computer programs,one costing about $1200 per upgrade every two years or so because the equipment would not work together without the upgrades. I have spent a small fortune on cameras, computer equipment and software programs alone. And this doesn’t even include the additional educational classes I paid for (some over a $1,000 each) and the time it took me to master the digital world.
Now I just hope that my equipment will last me long enough to finish all the projects I want to do for my family and myself. I have thousands of photos of my own to plow through. I hope to use some of my own prints for illustrations in some books. So I still have lots I desire to finish and will probably never lay the camera down as long as my fingers will allow me to hold one and my hands don’t shake. Then I’ll just use my tripod.
NOW I AM DONE.
WOW! That one sentence paragraph above makes it seem real for the first time. It feels like a burden has been lifted. I think when I finish all my work I will just take off in a hot air balloon someplace where I have never been before. That sounds like a befitting activity to get my feet off the ground. Besides, our daughter Rebecca and her husband Neil actually gave Dave and me the gift of a balloon ride. Dave and I have been scouring the United States to see which state we want to balloon over. Of course it will only be a few short hours but I know it will be spectacular. Dave and I have been on one previous balloon ride in the past. It was everything I thought it would be and more. Now if I could just get the nerve up to sky dive. Rebecca said she would go with me and we could sky dive from the same plane. I’m not quite there yet. When she sky dives I told her not to tell me until after the dive is over. I don’t know if I could get into all that gear she wears. It looks too heavy and too cumbersome. A balloon ride is more my speed. It was so awesome to travel with the speed of the wind. Maybe I’ll be one of the fortunate souls who will be alive when Jesus returns in the air. Then I’ll just sky dive (or would it be sky soar?) all the way up to heaven! Oh man, that would be awesome experience.
Well, perhaps you can feel some of my excitement in being finished with my job. Though I loved my profession, I am just so ready to be rid of all the responsibility. I think the joy I received from my work was presenting beautiful pieces of art to families which would become treasured memories as the years pass. When I am dead and gone my work will be left behind for the hundreds of families I have captured on film and digital prints. People in the future will not even be concerned who took the photos, but it will put a smile on their face as they look at the baby faces of their now adult children, or the wedding pictures of years gone by and more. I still love looking at my children’s baby photos. It instills memories in my heart. I guess you could say I am A Memory Maker.
CHERISH THE MOMENTS THAT YOU LIVE
By Kathleen Martens
November 13, 2015
One simple click of a camera lens
Can capture a moment in time,
And in years become a memory
And a mother’s heart will shine
A simple expression caught in truth
In a moment of such innocence
Can become a work of art.
On a wall becomes magnificence.
And grandma’s grin on printed paper
Can outshine any face.
And when she is no longer alive
The photo a destination place.
A place to view and look upon
To remember joys all past.
One thing that a photo does,
It helps our memories last.
Cherish the moments that you live,
Capture moments for future care.
Looking through your album
Will recall, your memories shared.
Good night and God bless you from TREASURED MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY!
Thursday November 12 2015 MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING
Thursday November 12 2015 MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING
It is early in the day but I decided to write my blog anyway. Usually I wait until evening so that I can share part of what happens during the day. However, while I was out I received a call from a friend I haven’t talked to for a while and she left a message that she would be available this evening to talk. So, I decided to write in the afternoon and leave this evening open for our conversation.
The most exciting thing that happened today is that I had my hair cut. Short, but not as short as I had it before I left in March. I need a little fuzz on my head when it is so cold. Today was quite a cold and blustery day. Perhaps a better word than blustery would be downright windy. I wore a winter coat over a thick workout jacket and the wind still pierced me to the bone. Something about the wind that makes it seem even colder. We had a powerful thunder and lightning storm with lots of rain last evening and all through the night. So today the yard is once again strew with leaves. I think they are about all off the trees. We are a bit more fortunate that last winter. By this time last winter we had already had two impressive snow storms. Winter started early last year and when I left in March there was fresh snow on the ground. It is predicted that we are to receive less than normal snow fall this year due to the El Nino that is expected to take place off the coasts of Mexico and Southern California. Winter snow is important to us like rain is to California. It replenishes the lakes and fills the water tables. We have our own well on our property. When we have dry weather we have no one else to go to for water. Another drawback is that when our electricity is out we have no water and no flushing toilets. It takes electricity to pump the water to the faucets.
Isn’t it amazing how I can begin a paragraph with a haircut and end it with no flushing toilets? Interesting technique (called bad writing). But, oh well, you get the picture.
It feels so cozy in the house when I sit here at the window and I can still see outside. A little more than an hour from now the darkness will be upon us. I love looking outside. I just snapped a picture of what I see right now. The sun is just lowering itself behind our woods. The sun actually never rises over our heads at this time of year. It just makes a run across the sky like the arch of a rainbow in the distance. It is getting darker by the moment (snapped another picture) and I can see the sun reflecting off the clouds above the treetops. Now if I went over to my neighbor’s house through the woods the sun would still be visible and it would be quite a bit lighter. In the summer we have the best possible situation. The sun at that time does go over our house, rising in the front is due east and it setting in the back, due west. Now it appears to be setting in the south west. In the summer it becomes dark between 9:45 and 10:00 p.m. And the good part is, that we are in the shade and also on the downside of a hill. No matter how hot it is elsewhere in the local area it is often 10 to 15 degrees cooler in our backyard. In the winter we have snow in our yard two or three weeks longer than the houses up the hill. We also have less wind where we live because of the woods and the lay of the land. Back to being cozy, it feels good to be inside today, warm and post toasty. It makes me want a warm cup of my favorite tea, which is Rostaroma by Celeste seasonings. Stores no longer carry it and I must buy it online. I order two cases at once and then just hope that when I need to order it again it will still be available. Try it with a big dollop of French Vanilla creamery!
God is good all the time. Remember He is always waiting to hear from each of us. It is so comforting to know that I have His presence living within me. I am never alone and need never fear.
OPEN THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART
By Kathleen Martens
November 12, 2015
Whenever fear or doubt assails
Call on God, He never fails.
He reaches down and comfort gives,
And in your heart He desires to live.
Just ask, He will come in,
And forgive you all your sin.
His Word alive and living still,
And your heart waiting to fill.
He desires to be your friend
If you are willing to let Him in.
Just open the door of your heart,
A new relationship you will start.
I had actually intended to end the blog here but I just thought of something else that transpired today. I will share it with you.
Dave and I were enlightened this morning as we were putting clean sheets on our bed. Maybe I should clarify, TRYING to put clean sheets on our bed. Our mattress is thick and heavy. First off, I forgot about the condition of my right elbow (still not wearing the sling), and reached down to grab my top corner of the mattress, only to discover with a slight scream (well, maybe a loud ouch) when my hand took the full weight of the mattress and caused my elbow to extend farther than it should (or could if measured by the pain). I finally did get my corner of the fitted sheet on.
Now on the other side of the bed was Dave who is not supposed to do much bending AND NO LIFTING, trying to do the same with his corner of the sheet. We actually just forgot for that one moment that we are both a bit infirm at the present. Hmmm…so we attacked with a different strategy. I would not allow Dave to lift and I knew I couldn’t. So I used my knee at the bottom of the mattress to lift the edge of the thousand pound mattress (exaggerating) enough to slide the fingers of my left hand between mattress and box spring to get the top sheet tucked in a bit. Then I used a wide back-scratcher to push the sheet the rest of the way between them. Then we put the quilt on the bed which dragged on the floor at the end of the bed. We fixed that by pulling it higher up at the top of the bed and then just let the rest of it hang off at the end. Then we put our comforter on top of the quilt. The comforter fits the bed perfectly and doesn’t need to be tucked. Before we retire this evening I shall bring the other comforter upstairs to pile on top of the first one. It is very cold at night since we don’t heat that end of the house. Plus, we are still sleeping with the window open an inch or two and the ceiling fan oscillating on low. We love the fresh air and I like the air to be moving. We just snuggle deeper under the piles of weight on top of us for our long winter’s nap (sort of like in THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS). However, I am not yet sleeping with my stocking cap on. It’s not quite that cold. That’s reserved for when it reaches minus 15 or 20 degrees outside. We then close the window but keep the fan on.
Well, the enlightening part of our morning was realizing that we really are approaching “the latter years” of our life. It made us realize how vulnerable we are right now due to us both having somewhat of a handicap in using our bodies to capacity. We are first to admit that our capacity, even at its best, is noticeably less than in yesteryear. It also makes this house seem a bit larger, not to mention the yard. I think we will have a lot of decisions to make in the next two or three years. But for today, we will take each day as it comes, trying to be careful so that we give our bodies a chance to heal.
I am discovering a lot of things I did not know about before now in regards to getting older. I think as time allows I will do some research and talk to others who are older and willing to share some personal insight as to the aging process, so I can pass it on to you. Perhaps ignorance is bliss. I myself want to be informed, educated, and know what to expect. It’s kind of like going through puberty backwards. Lots of things happening to the body that you don’t quite understand.
Well, I guess it doesn’t make much difference if we sleep with our quilt hanging out and our floors not vacuumed, I can still cook and clean the toilets! And those are the two necessities in this house! I just hope our house doesn’t blow away. Like in the THREE LITTLE PIGS we have the house made of bricks. But, we do have windows.
Good night and God bless you.
P.S. It is now 5:02 p.m. as I finish this part of the blog. It is pitch dark outside and wind is blowing up another storm. The sound is unbelievable as the wind blows through the empty branches. It sounds like a lot of machinery running in the distance and then crescendos with a bit of howling. This night is the perfect night for a scary mystery movie!
Wednesday November 11 2015 THEY ARE TRULY THERE
Wednesday November 11 2015 THEY ARE TRULY THERE
Angels. They come in all sizes and in many different situations. Well, today an angel came to my house. Her name is Karen and she had a power pack on her back attached to a mighty, super power blower. I know she doesn’t like to have her photo taken so I refrained, but I would have liked to have taken one so I could have posted it. That way you would be able to see what a human angel looks like. Unless you live in the woods you have no clue of the amount of leaves the yard will accrue. The piles were enormous! We had piles of leaves left on the garden areas and the rest blown into the woods. I thank God for the angels he provides for us.
In a message I listened to today on my IPhone I heard our Pastor talk about the fact that when we give thanks to God for all that He provides for us and all that he does for us, we are actually blessing Him and giving Him glory. I’ve always wondered exactly how I glorify God. At least now I understand at least one way I can do so. Every day I thank God for all that He provides such as a place to live, our running water, a car that is dependable, clothes to wear and food to eat. I thank Him for His creation that surrounds me; the beauty of the sky, trees, clouds, sunshine, rain, birds and wildlife, lakes, and fresh air. I thank Him for my health and all that I can still do with my hands. I thank Him for my family, my friends, and for bringing new people across my path. I thank Him for my vision and my hearing. There is no thing too big or too small for which to give thanks. I know I have mentioned this before, but as I was sitting here brimming over with thanks toward our neighbors I just had to comment again on the topic of thanks. If you ever feel a grumble coming in your spirit, just look around and start thanking God for all that you have to be thankful for. Your grumbling spirit will soon be gone.
I believe I have shared the story of the angel that rescued our daughter from the ocean 30 years ago. I should look back to see if I have previously written about it so as not to repeat myself. If any of my readers remember it please shoot me an email and remind me that I did. Including the experience with our daughter, there was one other time when I encountered an angel embodied in a person. Dave was with me at that time and we both experienced the angel’s presence. I’ll tell you about it and hope I haven’t already mentioned it previously.
The night this story takes place was when Dave and I were to fly out of the Milwaukee airport early the next morning. We were in the middle of a severe snow storm. The news said that the roads would become impassable later that night and we knew it would be next to impossible to reach Milwaukee in time for our early morning flight. We decided to leave at 10:00 p.m. and drive there and get a hotel so we would be able to get to the airport. Normally it is a 90 minute car ride away. We left about 10:00 p.m. as planned and it took us over 5 hours. Dave snuggled behind a semi-truck pulling a large trailer. We watched cars pass us and go into skids and go off the Interstate. Several times this happened. We were content to go very slow and use the truck to shield us from the driving snow. We made it to the hotel and couldn’t find a place to park. The snow was about as high as the bottom of the van door. We finally found one slot that we thought we could get into. Nothing was plowed. Dave angled the van in and then we found our tires would not turn to allow us to straighten into the slot and pull forward. We tried and tried to get out of the high snow drift. Dave got out and tried pushing while I steered. We tried pushing forward and when that didn’t work we tried pushing it back out of the slot. Dave walked up next to me and I turned to him and simply said, “What we need is an angel”. Dave walked back to the rear of the van and we tried again. Then I saw a man walking toward me that I not seen before. We were in a well-lit parking area outside the hotel and I did not see where he came from. All I know is that he was not there just a few seconds before. He was one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. He was coat-less and had on a blue open necked shirt. He had sparkling blue eyes and the most beautiful smile upon his face. He came up to my window and asked, “May I try”? I told him I didn’t think there was anything he could do as my husband and I had been trying for quite a long time to get unstuck and nothing worked. He simply said, “May I try”?
I was a bit skeptical. Who was this guy? Where did he come from? Here it was snowing hard and he didn’t even have a jacket on and he didn’t appear to be covered with snow. He asked me again. Dave walked around to the driver’s side of the vehicle and asked what was going on. I told him this man wanted to try to get our van out of the stuck position. He said, “Go ahead and let him try”. So I got out of the car and before the man could get in I said, “Oh wait a minute”, and then I reached back into the back seat of the van and took my purse with me. My thought was that if he did get it unstuck he just might drive off with the van. Go figure. I ask for an angel and when one shows up I don’t even recognize him.
The man in the blue shirt with the amazing blue eyes and beautiful smile sat down in the driver’s seat. Dave walked back to the other side of the car to get out of the way and I stood by the driver’s side with a bit of doubt in my spirit. The man put the car in reversed, touched the gas pedal and backed out of the space as easy as pie, stepped out of the van and turned to me. He smiled a smile that was so astounding it almost took my breath away. I looked into his eyes and said to him, “You are our angel, aren’t you”? He said nothing and turned away. I turned toward Dave as I heard him swishing through the deep snow. He said he wanted to thank the man and looked beyond me. He asked, “Where did he go”? I turned around to where he had just been about 5 seconds before and there was no one there. He was gone. Here we were in the middle of a large parking area and there was no sign of him. No moving cars, no car lights leaving, no one walking anywhere. All we could see were the mounds of snow, no foot prints, and no one walking away. I looked Dave in the eye and said, “That was our angel”. And to this day we both share in the belief that God heard my heart’s spoken desire and actually sent an angel to our aid.
We stayed two hours in our hotel room, our car was parked three weeks in the hotel’s auxiliary lot for travelers, and we spent the entire day sitting in the airport because the planes could not depart. But at least we were on time! We eventually made it to Florida. Florida was wonderful that February month. We arrived back in Wisconsin and our car was still in the snow. I won’t even mention how cold it was.
Perhaps the above story came to me today for two reasons. The first, my next door angel reminded me of other angels, and the second reason because we had a man come by today to give us an estimate on having our snow removed from our driveway this winter. Just the thought of snow makes me remember God’s gracious gift to us in time of need. When I think of that experience it makes me realize why I was never frightened while I traveled cross country this past spring. I have so much faith in God’s continuing presence in my life and his protection over me. I am not infallible and someday I will die. How, yet undetermined. If it turns out to be in a tragic way does that mean God will have forsaken me and wasn’t watching over me? No, I do not believe so. It will simply mean that He was ready for me to go home and be with Him in heaven. But I do know that God’s presence will be with me through whatever I must face to step over the threshold of heaven. I have no fear of death because I know this home called earth is just my temporary home and God has my days numbered. When my work here on earth is over God will call me home. I am listening for that call, and I am ready. I just hope I still have a long time here to enjoy the beauty of his earthly creation around me. I would also like to dance at my grandsons’ weddings!
A long story for sitting down in front of my computer without anything to say. I hope my story will bless you and remind you that you too have angels that God places around you. Some, you may someday see, some, you may call friends and neighbors, and some, you may never see. But they are there. If ever you find yourself in a situation when you are desperate or need help from God, just speak the name Jesus for angels are at His bidding.
THEY ARE TRULY THERE
By Kathleen Martens
November 11, 2014
An angel is but God’s helper,
Beckoned to do His will.
Whenever we should need one,
Our concern God will fill.
If we but call out,
And in Jesus’ name we ask,
God is ever commanding
His angels to the task.
Even when we can’t see them,
They are truly there.
A guardian angel for each one,
To tend to every care.
What we must do to be heard
And their help receive,
Is to call out in Jesus’ name
And in your heart believe.
Good night and God bless you.
Tuesday November 10 2015 PRACTICING RETIREMENT
Tuesday November 10 2015 PRACTICING RETIREMENT
We are still practicing retirement. For me that means waking without an alarm, lying in bed as long as I desire, having no duties to attend, no place to go, and a leisurely breakfast. And we have actually been fortunate enough to do that occasionally during these past 4 months, but they weren’t all in a row.
Today was one of those days. But I was committed to going someplace, (the gym) but that was okay because I could go at the time I chose. As wonderful as it was today I don’t think I would enjoy a long diet of such inactivity. I would rather get up, get lots done, and then do some more! If it weren’t for health reasons I could probably give up being a gym rat very easily. However, that is one thing I must do if I enjoy feeling good, and that I do.
So other than eating the delicious soup for lunch that I made yesterday, and preparing all the ingredients to stir fry for my Ambrosia pizza topping for tonight’s dinner, I have not accomplished much else. My elbow, (the torn triceps) had been feeling better until I woke this morning. It has given me grief today. Probably because I haven’t been wearing my sling and I did way too much yesterday. So I am backing off the work for a bit and practicing retirement. If I am practicing retirement at least I don’t need to feel guilty for being lazy, because if you really think about it, I am accomplishing something. In order to get good at something you need to do a lot practicing. I shall be a good student.
I am also planning to put into action the promise to myself to be in bed by 9:00 p.m. every night. Except tonight, that is. Political debates are being aired tonight and Dave and I want to hear all the debates from both parties so we will have some insight as to who the candidates are and what they stand for. So, I plan to be READY for bed, so that at 10:00 p.m. when the debate is over, I can go directly to bed. I always seem to awaken between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. every day regardless what time I go to bed, and I need a full seven and a half hours sleep each night.
I will say I am looking forward to Dave’s recovery which hopefully be right around Christmas. He has restrictions that limits what he can do until December 23rd. And the restrictions for my elbow use is until about the middle of December. I am going to try to be very, very well behaved! WE HAVE A LOT TO DO AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR! We both want to be at our physical best. Hey, I wonder sometimes if there is such a thing as “physical best” when you get our age. Oh well, at least we’ll try.
I had an interesting experience last evening. I drove by a house that is in our neighborhood where an older lady lives, who I have noticed for 29 years, as I drove to and from town. To me she has always been old. She is a widow, has a huge piece of land which is almost all grass, some flower beds and lots of scattered trees. As a matter of fact, the golden tree with the sun hitting it that I posted in last night’s blog is on her property. Last evening I stopped to take a picture of the tree. As I slowly drove by her house I saw her, head tied with a scarf, and she was bundled from head to toe with warm clothing as she drove a tractor lawn mower alongside her long driveway. Her house sits on a rise above the road. I had never walked up there and I was surprised at how beautiful the view from her place was. As a matter of fact, the trailers of corn that I took a photo of a few days ago and posted on the blog is the view across the highway from her house. The sad part of this whole story is that having lived here for 29 years I had never met her. I knew very little about her as she does not socialize in the neighborhood. As I walked up her driveway she stopped her tractor and sat on the seat just staring at me as if I were an apparition. The tractor motor was running as I approached her. From a distance I could tell she was indeed very old by her wrinkles. The closer I walked toward her, the more beautiful she became. Her wrinkles were lovely on her porcelain skin. Her eyes were clear and sparkling blue. She did not crack a smile. No telling what she was thinking.
I stood to the side of her mower and simply said hello (motor still running). Finally, she turned her motor off, I said hello again, introduced myself as living in the “Benjamin House”. It’s how everyone in the neighborhood identifies where you live, by saying the original owners name, of the house you live in. I could see her visibly relax. I don’t have a clue what I must have looked like to her in my workout clothes, a scarf blowing around my neck, and my red glasses upon my face. My very red glasses! Before the conversation was over I knew quite a bit about her life story. I won’t go into it here but I will tell you that she is 91 years old. She was on her tractor blowing acres of leaves into lines so she could pick them up. That is a long and hard job. She goes to West Virginia each winter. She drives herself and is planning another trip in a couple of weeks. People thought I was brave at my age to drive all over the country but I don’t hold a candlestick to this beautiful aged woman. She was alert, quick to respond, and had such a twinkle in her eye. I think she was delighted that I stopped by. If it hadn’t been for this elbow situation I would have liked to have helped her pick up her leaves. Our neighbors have so kindly taken pity on our physical conditions and have taken care of our bountiful leaves and now I’m wanting to take care of hers. I even wish I could drive her to West Virginia. She invited me to come back and visit. Never once since I have lived here have I seen any other car in her driveway except her own. Her vehicle appears to be 25 to 30 years old. And she will drive it to West Virginia. YOU GO GIRL! I hope she comes back safely because I hope to be her friend. I have felt drawn to her for a long time. I finally acted on that feeling. When I looked into her eyes it was as if I was looking into the eyes of my mother before she developed dementia. I still miss my mama.
A good neighbor I have not been to her. But now that I am retired I shall practice being a good neighbor too.
STOP AND GREET A STRANGER
By Kathleen Martens
November 10, 2015
We never know what joy
Lurks around the next bend.
If we listen to our heart
We may just discover a friend.
Be open to what you feel,
Let your heart lead the way,
Stop and greet a stranger
It may be your lucky day.
Friends are hard to come by
And age is not a factor,
You might even find one
Sitting on a tractor.
It seems God has always graced me with older friends throughout my life. I have walked with several of them to their graveside. No matter the sorrow I felt at losing them, I was so fortunate to know these wizened souls while they were still on earth. I learned so much from our conversations and through the events that we shared. Many conversations still linger in my heart of all that was spoken to me by those who had lived decades longer than me. One of my elderly friends named Jacqueline told me a piece of advice that she had received from a very old lady years before. This older lady who spoke the wisdom had lived a very long life and had outlived all of her relatives, including her children, as well as all her friends and neighbors that she had known throughout her years. She told my friend, “When you make new friends always make certain you make some friends who are younger than you”. I have never forgotten that seed of wisdom and I have made certain to nurture friendships from those who are a generation behind me, and now, two generations behind me. Her reason for telling my friend this was because as all her friends died, she was left with no one. Perhaps I can be such a friend to the lady on the tractor.
Remember, never cease to make new friends!
Good night and God bless you.
9 November, 2015 22:11
And this is today’s bounty. Two double batches. EXCELLENT DINNER served over Hard Red Winter Wheat and wild rice and chicken breast cubes.
Monday November 9 2015 TIME KEEPS MARCHING ON
Monday November 9 2015 TIME KEEPS MARCHING ON
PLEASE STOP RIGHT HERE AND READ THIS FIRST PARAGRAPH. I HAVE ALREADY FINISHED MY BLOG AND FELT I WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING BEFORE YOU READ IT. I ASK OF YOU ONE THING. IF YOU CHOOSE TO READ THE FIRST LINE OF THE NEXT PARAGRAPH PLEASE READ ALL THAT I HAVE WRITTEN TO THE VERY END. I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MAY TURN SOME OFF BECAUSE OF MY TOPIC, AND UNLESS YOU READ IT IN ITS ENTIRETY YOU MAY GO AWAY WITH AN IMPRESSION THAT I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE WITH YOU. IT IS BECAUSE I VALUE THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS THAT I CHOSE TO WRITE THESE WORDS. I WOULD ALSO VALUE TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK OF WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN. I DON’T EXPECT MANY TO AGREE WITH ME BUT THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF LIVING IN A COUNTRY WHERE WE CAN TRULY SAY WHAT WE THINK. IT IS NOT MEANT TO DEMEAN OR HURT ANYONE, RATHER, IT IS ME JUST SHARING PART OF MY SOUL WITH YOU, MY READERS.
Time happens and so does life. And so many millions of different lives happening all at once. Sometimes I wonder how God keeps up with it all, not to mention with every single human being. When I think of the world in that way it makes me seem very small and inessential. The synonyms for inessential are: unnecessary, unneeded, superfluous, redundant, dispensable, surplus, and extra. I ask myself, does that really pertain to me? And when I really ponder and think of the love that God has toward me and all men, that the answer is no. He loved me so much that He sacrificed His only Son to die for my sin even before I was born. I truly believe that He knew me and had a plan for me before time even began. I believe His plan for every man is good. But, it is man’s choice as to whether or not they choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. How different our world would be if all men desired to live according to the Word of God. I believe that someday that is how the world will be when we have a new heaven and a new earth.
I realize that what I believe is not necessarily what you, or even most of the world believes. It is not my place to judge others for believing differently and walking their own path. Our history, upbringing, culture, country, religious backgrounds, are all different. I hold no disregard, disrespect, or discount the path that others follow. However, it actually seems that the world is now taking a different stance toward the person who believes in God and that salvation is through His son Jesus Christ. They are the ones that are being disregarded, disrespected, and even persecuted and killed in many places of the world. Even in the United States, the land of liberty, the country which was founded and based on freedom of religion, where we now cannot kneel and pray silently in public lest you be suspended from your job. God’s name cannot be brought up or discussed at most work places or most schools without repercussions. Freedom of speech seems to be a bit narrower for the “Christian” in the public sector. And sadly, I must admit that there are many who profess to be Christians who have spoken out in the name of Christianity, that have greatly disparaged the name of Jesus due to their off the wall opinions and quirky beliefs, that have nothing to do with what is taught in the Word of God. However, if there are those who do not know what the Bible teaches, but hear the “Christian” speak as if he has all authority according to how he interprets it, that may cause those who are ignorant of what the Bible says to disdain all Christians because of the behavior of just one such “Christian person”.
Why can we not, as a human race, respect all mankind, “do unto others as you would like them to do unto you”, treating others with consideration and respect? And even as I ask that question I already realize I know the answer. We live in a sinful world since the fall of Adam and Eve. Evil is in the world and God has a plan that all should hear the way of Salvation and that none should perish but that all would have everlasting life with Him in heaven. However, some choose not to follow the teachings of God’s Word. God’s plan will eventually bring us back to His original plan, where His kingdom will rule upon the earth. But there is much prophecy that He spoke through the prophets of the Old Testament that must first be fulfilled. And the time is getting closer. Time keeps marching on and every day is a day closer to the last days and the return of Jesus. No man knows the day or the hour, not even Jesus. But I believe it will happen. Whether I die or I am still alive on earth when Christ returns, there is one thing I know for certain, and that one thing is, that I want to make sure I am right with God when my turn comes to stand before Him. I believe Heaven is for real! We have free will and free choice. We each choose whom we serve. I choose to serve the Lord, and because of God’s love for me, love others regardless of what they believe. I love God and I hope you can still love me even if my faith is different than yours.
As I sat down to write tonight I had no preconceived idea of what I would write. Again, as many times before, I wrote the title not having a clue as to what it meant. Perhaps I was meant to write this tonight. If it helps even one person then it was worth it. In no way do I ever intend to offend anyone, but I will never say I am sorry or ashamed when I speak of God and His Son Jesus. So far, I still have the freedom to write my true feelings and beliefs in my own blog. Others may choose not to read it, and that is their privilege and freedom to decide. I hope that this great country we live in, which was founded as a place to worship God in freedom OF religion (not FROM religion), will forever remain free to all who choose to live here. It also means that those who choose other religions, or choose none at all, should also have the freedom to follow their beliefs as well. None should be persecuted, ridiculed, or killed for what they believe as long as it does not violate or cause harm to another. Can we not live in harmony, regardless of our beliefs, in what is called a “civilized society”. It seems to be getting more and more difficult.
IS IT SO HARD TO RESPECT ANOTHER?
By Kathleen Martens
November 8, 2015
Time keeps marching on
Regardless the path we follow.
Beliefs that others have
May be hard for some to swallow.
Can we not choose to be
Compassionate toward all men?
Regardless how their faith is viewed
Or their belief in sin?
Each man searches for truth,
That which satisfies His soul.
Is it so hard to respect another
Though different be his goal?
I just want my friends and neighbors and family to know that regardless our differences, in spiritual beliefs or any other belief, I love you and respect you. I love my God and since He is my best friend I may talk about Him from time to time. Would I love for you to know Him like I do? Yes, but even if you don’t know or love the Lord, I will still love you and respect you and your beliefs. That is what living in the United States is all about. Oh, and just so you know, that pertains to politics too. Regardless who you vote for, even if it is different than my choice, I will still love and respect you as I would hope you would me. The very fact that we have differences and live in peace is a great tribute to the freedoms we enjoy. Let’s keep our freedoms and offer respect and compassion toward all men, regardless of ethnic background, skin color, lifestyle choices, religious beliefs, gender, or political persuasion.
God bless you.
Sunday Sabbath November 8 2015 A QUIET REPOSE
Sunday Sabbath November 8 2015 A QUIET REPOSE
Sunday is the best day to practice retirement. That is what we did today. Dave felt up to going to church for the first time since his surgery. My arm is actually doing very well so it was not a hardship for me to get dressed. I even put on my own earrings. By service end however, we both needed to be home. It seems that any type of pain can easily deplete our stamina. We had a leisurely lunch, a card game and then I had to try out a “Christmas present” that Dave bought for me and insisted I use it now. It is an electrically heated throw for the couch. In other words, a small electric blanket with the fuzzy soft feel. IT WORKED BEAUTIFULLY! Oh man was it ever toasty and comfortable. I watched some news and then decided I needed to stay where I was a bit longer so I watched a Hallmark Movie, “An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving”. It was a simple, sweet movie. Definitely a Hallmark movie.
If I had time to tell you just one thing of importance that happened today it would be this: If you are interested in the Biblical aspects of “THE END TIMES”, I would suggest you listen to the sermon I heard at Church today. It was very, very interesting and enlightening. I have been studying the Prophetic Books in the Old Testament in the Bible and then going forward to the New Testament to study the fulfillment of the old prophecies. Because of my studies this sermon was very apropos for me to hear at this time. I think it stands on its own however for being very insightful. Our Pastor has a very easy way of explaining the scriptures as to make them easier to understand. If you are interested in hearing this message google, “City Church Madison Wisconsin” and follow the information to listen to today’s sermon, November 8, 2015. It will literally open up your mind to better understanding as to what is taking place in the mid-east, as well as in the entire world. I will be listening to it again with my Bible on my lap so I can better comprehend all that Pastor Tom taught.
And that is just about as much time as I have. I still would like to write a poem so I must open my mind and see what pops in.
I WANT TO KNOW
By Kathleen Martens
November 8, 2015
God has a plan for all the world
And it is spoken in His word.
What we must do is search it out
For as you listen to the media it’s heard.
So many truths tucked inside
A book that some countries ban.
So many times the very truth
Is what the media pans.
Search it out so you will know
The facts laid out by God,
So when the times occur
To you it will not seem odd.
I don’t know about you and others
But, I want to know what God said
When He spoke through the ancient prophets
Who are no longer living but dead.
And when you read how the word aligns
To the truths of what is coming near,
You will have a better understanding,
And need not have any fear.
For God will be with us through it all
For our hope is not of this world.
He will be with us every step of the way
When His plan someday unfurls.
Hmm…the above poem even surprised me a bit. I know that there are those who read this that might not agree with what I wrote in the poem or paragraph above, but I would suggest if you haven’t ever read the scriptures about “THE END TIMES”, rather than be ignorant of what the scriptures says, read it for yourself and draw your own conclusion. I would rather be informed than left out in the dark as to what was written. It is truly amazing, especially when you realize how accurate it is in regards to what is happening in the world politics at this time.
If Lana is reading this blog I single you out because I know that this is something you will really want to hear. Thanks for all your comments in the past regarding what I have written. It spurs me on to keep on writing. I love doing it, especially if it helps others or it gives them incentive to seek out more truth for themselves.
Must keep this short for the evening has much ahead. Part of the “much” is getting to bed on time! Besides, I must finish “my quiet repose”.
Good night and God bless all of you.
Visions of Poetry 