Sunday Sabbath December 13 2015  ANOTHER BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER

 

Today is the anniversary of my mother’s 97^th birthday.  My mother went to be with her Lord In January 2010.  There is a story in one of my journals that I wrote about her a few years ago, and though I searched for it, I could not locate it.  I was going to share it here in my blog.  Someday when I find it I will share her story.  She was the oldest of thirteen children, and even in her humble existence, her life had both a tragic side as well as a side of triumph and beauty.  I look forward to sharing part of her story.   I give tribute to my mother on this, the 97^th anniversary of her birth. 

We are experiencing the effects of the warm weather patterns.  It hit 61 degrees today IN DECEMBER!  Needless to say, we have no snow.  It has been raining off and on all day and right now the rain is beating down quite forcefully and noisily.  It is a soothing mixture of runaway drops and splatters hitting different surfaces outside.  There is just something about the sound of rain that is indescribable.  It is like a quiet song to me that relaxes my soul.

 I came home from church today and opened up windows in almost every room of the house to allow the house to air out.  Winters are long here in Wisconsin and when it is over 50 degrees I try to let nature do an air exchange for me.  It was awesome.  We turned off the heat zones and had most windows opened for cross breeze.  This was one my Sunday Sabbath days when I try not to do anything more than I must.  I want you to take note, I actually watched TWO MOVIES this afternoon and evening.  First however, I cooked a HUGE pot of soup.  I’m still trying to use us my winter share vegetables.  And oh, they are still so tasty and fresh.  As I listen to the sound of the rain, wrapped up in soft blankets, smelling the aroma of herbs and vegetables simmering, and watching a movie, it makes for a wonderful relaxing Sabbath.

My zoom mode begins again tomorrow.  Can’t write what I am doing because it is a surprise for some who read my blog.  So I will just keep mum until after Christmas.  But, it is time consuming.  That’s all I will say.

Right this moment it is my bedtime (9:00 p.m.).  Which, I have not accomplished in quite a while.  But daily, I still hope to make that goal.  I fear I am becoming a little lax in being so tough on myself.  I guess that is a good thing!  I just don’t get quite as much done.  When I go to bed later I simply wake up later!

 

 

POEM OF RETIREMENT

By Kathleen Martens

December 13, 2015

 

Life has had its ups and downs,

Lots of smiles and some frowns.

Many years belonged to toil

When employment, our plans would foil.

 

But those years are now past

And the few ahead won’t really last.

So it is best to follow my heart

And allow, new dreams to start.

 

A time of tranquil reflection

Without cause for rejection.

A time to think and to ponder

All the mysteries of life to wonder.

 

A time we can stay up later

And have parties that are catered.

Time to let the dust settle

And let others tend the nettle.

 

Time to read and study God’s word,

Time to listen so God’s voice is heard

Time to dance and time to play

As well as laugh every single day.

 

Each is precious unto its own.

Our numbered days left are unknown.

But of the future we need not fret,

Whatever will be, will be yet.

 

So to the fullest live your life,

Be more flexible to have less strife.

In the shadows do not lurk,

And for enjoyment do God’s work.

 

Love others, and be kind.

Spread God’s joy so others will find

The way they too can be free

And live with God for eternity.

 

I guess the above poem would be considered a POEM OF RETIREMENT.  I shall go up to the top and type that in as the title. 

Good night and God bless you!

P.S.  HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA WITH ALL YOUR HEAVENLY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!