Thursday June 30 2016  SO SOON THE MONTH IS OVER

Such a beautiful month June has been and now is its last day for the year 2016.  As much as I enjoy the short days of autumn and winter, I also love the month of June for being the month of the longest days.  The longest day of my calendar year has passed here in Wisconsin and the days are already beginning to shorten.

When doing outdoor senior portraits in our yard I had to be much attuned to the appointment times of my clients as the calendar progressed throughout the summer.  In order to have the light exactly as I desired, it was necessary to be extremely aware of the sun’s shifting in order to capture beautiful backgrounds.   Appointment times varied throughout the season in order to take advantage of the sun’s preference in the sky.  And still, even though I am retired, I am ever-aware of the changing light of the evenings.  Wherever I am light enhances the beauty that surrounds me.  It makes me more aware of life.  And it is the light that feeds my insatiable appetite for nature’s astounding beauty.

My encouragement to you today is to stop and smell the roses.  Notice what is around you.  We have such a limited time to enjoy all the creation of God’s handiwork.  Try not to take it for granted.  Enjoy the moment and location of where you live.  Search for the beauty that is waiting to be discovered. 

 

YOU WILL EXPERIENCE NEW LUXURY

By Kathleen Martens

June 30, 2016

 

Life has a way of moving too quickly,

Be ever aware of your surrounding beauty.

Take a deep look at what is before you,

For inner peace let it be your duty.

 

Purposely search for what is unseen

That you will not miss new chance for joy.

Be not timid, but rather be bold.

When searching for splendor, never be coy.

 

Rather be diligent, anticipating much,

For what you anticipate is what you will find.

And you will become so much more aware

That this moment’s magnificence, is but one of a kind.

 

So take a closer look, observe what you see.

And discover new life, hidden though it may be.

And the more you realize all that you’ve missed,

You will experience new luxury, and forever it’s free!

 

Thank You God for Your amazing creation.

Thank You God for allowing my life to be filled with light.

Thank You Jesus that You came to be a light to the world.

Thank You Lord for filling me with the gift of wonder.

And thank You too for all the beauty You show me each day.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.  AND MAY GOD OPEN YOUR EYES TO BE EVER AWARE OF ALL THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS YOU.

P.S.  And just throw your watch and cell phone away and you will be amazed at how wonderful life can be.  (Well, maybe just leave them at home.)

P.S.S.  Just to let you know, each month in which I live, is always my favorite month.

GOODBYE JUNE!  THE YEAR IS HALF OVER!

Wednesday June 29 2016  REFRIGERATOR SOUP AKA “STONE SOUP”

My wonderful day off!  The day I plan to accomplish great feats.  And so I did.  I cleaned out my refrigerator by making soup, “Refrigerator Soup”.  And this time I wrote down all the ingredients I used.  Remember, the ingredients used today are only used because that is what I had left in my fridge the day before my Food Box is delivered.  There was absolutely no space for one more box of vegetables and bulky greens.

So, you are to be recipient of the recipe of this one-of-a-kind soup.  My husband likes bland food, I enjoy spicy.  So I make it palatable for him and spice it up in the bowl for myself.  Jalapeno slices from the jar usually do the trick along with a teaspoon or so of the liquid.

 

REFRIGERATOR SOUP

Concocted by Kathleen Martens

June 29, 2016

 

Preface to the soup:  I make my own chicken broth ahead and have it stored in the freezer.  I use containers with no lip so I can heat the container under the hot water faucet and then put the frozen broth in a large pot and defrost it as the burner warms on low.  I also cook my black beans the day I make the soup.  I use two cups of dry black beans, cleaned and rinsed, then use about 8 cups of WATER, cover and bring to boil.  I LOWER BURNER to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour.  Beans are set aside until needed.  Rinse and drain beans through colander before adding to the soup.

COMBINE THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS IN A LARGE POT:

10 cups homemade CHICKEN BROTH (unsalted)

1 small can TOMATO PASTE

2  15 oz cans of FIRE ROASTED STEWED TOMATOES

8  ounces of MEXICAN FLAVORED SALSA

3  medium sized DICED ONIONS  (I used two red onions and one white onion.)

2  large stalks of CELERY

3 TBS of diced jarred GARLIC

½  of a head of BOK CHOY (remember I used what I have)

5  large dried BAY LEAVES

½  head of CHINESE CABBAGE (the kind with ruffled leaves) (any kind will do)

1 ½   TBS of SPICE: BLEND-IT-UP SOUTHWEST SEASONING  (I tried to include pictures below but I have no service.  If I get service later I will add the pictures but they will be at the beginning of the blog instead of following the blog.)

¼  tsp black pepper

½  tsp sea salt

1/8  tsp cayenne pepper

PUT ALL OF THE ABOVE IN POT, BRING TO BOIL AND TURN DOWN TO SIMMER.  SIMMER APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 30 MINUTES, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY.  CHECK FREQUENTLY BECAUSE YOU DO NOT WANT THE VEGETABLES TO BE COMPLETELY COOKED BEFORE YOU ADD THE REST OF THE INGREDIENTS.

BEFORE THE INGREDIENTS ABOVE ARE TENDER ADD THE TWO FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:

*3 or 4 ears of FRESH RAW CORN SCRAPED FROM THE COB  (If using canned corn add corn later when you add the beans)

6  peeled and thickly SLICED CARROTS AND CONTINUE SIMMERING UNTIL CARROTS ARE COOKED TO YOUR LIKING

NEXT ADD:

THE COOKED AND RINSED BEANS

*15 oz CAN OF DRAINED CORN would be added at this time as canned corn needs no cooking time.

BRING EVERYTHING BACK TO A SIMMER, STIR WELL AND TURN POT OFF

LET COOL BEFORE BOTTLING

TODAY’S BATCH MADE ABOUT 24-26 CUPS OF SOUP.  FREEZES WELL BUT REMEMBER TO ALLOW EMPTY SPACE IN TOP 2-3 INCHES OF GLASS CANNING JAR BEFORE FREEZING.

Please let me know if anyone tries the newly made-up refrigerator soup recipe.  I come up with some pretty amazing concoctions, varying my spices and herbs according to the vegetables I use.  I normally begin with either a chicken or tomato base.

Because I plan my meals to meet Dave’s requirements due to diabetes, I do not add rice or wheat products until the soup is served.  I also add diced chicken in serving portions when soup is served.  I pour the soup portion required by Dave over the rice and carbs and heat.  Then I know the meal is balanced.  Usually the soup is served with a salad and fruit.  If no rice is included in the soup then proper amounts of crackers, whole grain bread, or healthy chips are substituted. 

Just as an update, after eating differently and exercising for the last 12 months Dave has no signs of his Type II diabetes as of February 2016.  His blood work must be perfect for two years before he is released from diabetic care.  This progress is amazing when you consider that last year at about this time he was fighting for his life when his diabetes caused a septic infection in his blood.

I just want my readers to know that this recipe has taken me longer to write than it normally takes for me to write an entire blog!  I hope you try it.

 

MORE THAN ONE WAY TO CREATE POETRY

By Kathleen Martens

June 29, 2016

 

Creating recipes becomes my poetry

As I clean and peel and dice.

I start with an orderly kitchen

And when finished it still is nice.

 

Just to touch the fresh food

Brings joy to my heart.

And eating what I prepare

Lends our day a healthy start.

 

And there is also satisfaction

To know there is no waste

Of the generous contents of my box,

As I prepare without haste.

 

I go from one task to the next

With a spirit that is calm.

I receive such peace with food prep,

My synchronized rhythm a balm.

 

I plan ahead for what must be done,

Have it ready and waiting in line,

So when it’s time to add to the pot

It’s always just the right time.

 

And it is so beautiful

To see what grows before my eyes.

Food so nourishing and tasty

Which would be impossible to buy.

 

So much joy just in knowing

The pleasure it was to prepare,

The bountiful food I’m so privileged to have

And I never take it for granted it’s there.

 

As we sit to partake together

Across from each other every day,

We hold hands, close our eyes,

And bow our heads and pray.

 

“Thank You God for our blessings

Allowing us such bounty to eat.

And Thank You Lord for your provision,

As all of our needs You meet.”

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Tuesday June 28 2016  RUNNING ON EMPTY

 

RUNNING ON EMPTY

By Kathleen Martens

June 28, 2016

 

My body feels okay. 

My head feels empty. 

To not write a poem

Seems so tempting.

 

However the desire

I yearn for each day

Is to use my gift

And to always pray.

 

So I will ask God

Which poem to choose

From His shelf in heaven

So today I won’t lose.

 

This day not captured

If I wait till the morrow,

Because from yesterday

I can never borrow.

 

And tomorrow hasn’t happened

And too great would be the cost,

Because if I don’t write today

This poem would be lost.

 

So I come with salutation

And pray God will bless you,

As I take a vacation

Since no blog is due.

 

And since I did not write a blog today you have a bonus of TWO ORIGINAL POEMS ON THIS DATE!

 

MY “THANK YOU” IN RHYME

By Kathleen Martens

June 28, 2016

 

Thank You God for Your gentle peace.

Thank You God Your love does not cease.

That You Heavenly Father that You abide in me.

Thank You Lord that You have set me free.

Thank You God for my husband’s proposal!

And thank You God for garbage disposals.

 

GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE.  GOD BLESS YOU.

 

Monday June 27 2016  ONE MORE COMMENT

Just one more comment regarding the garage sale.  I promise the topic is coming to a close.  If I ever say I am having a garage sale again please remind me that I herby promise to never have another garage sale!  I must still hold my photography equipment sale but that will be in-house where the equipment is.  I do believe the job of cleaning up and clearing everything out after a garage sale is every bit as tedious and time consuming as it was setting up.  We are aiming to have it all gone by this Friday!  I’ll give one more update to let you know if our plans have succeeded.

 

WHY DIDN’T I LISTEN?

By Kathleen Martens

June 27, 2016

 

Oh, why didn’t I listen

To my sister’s advice

To be more selective

To avoid avarice?

 

My home is a refuge

To all the little things

Which I collected for fun,

Now consternation they bring.

 

To separate is difficult,

But I’m getting better,

At letting stuff go

So I am no longer fettered.

 

Hopefully my head

Is screwed on straight.

Never again will clutter

Be my fate.

 

No comments dear sister,

I can hear your thoughts.

And I’ve learned my lesson

As through havoc I’ve fought.

 

Just smile in satisfaction

And just know that I know

The words you want to say

Is “I told you so”!

 

God, thank you for sisters and their advice.

Lord, thank You for Your advice.

And Lord, thank You for coconut oil.

 

God’s advice:

Matthew 6: 19-20

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath June 26 2016  IT IS OVER…(THE GARAGE SALE, THAT IS)!

But, actually it is not over!  Not by a long shot.  The more we sold the more I wanted to see gone.  I put a few things back in the house because I had a bit of remorse.  After the sale I took those things around to where I thought about using them and if they did not fit in I took them right back out to donate.  And now I want to go through everything I already went through to see what more I can dispose of.  So, two steps forward and one step back.  Pretty soon it will be three steps forward!  The garage sale may be over but St. Vincent’s here I come!

Realizing that “stuff” is just “stuff” is a big part of letting go.  My memories of the stuff will die when I die.  No one else needs my old stuff to remind them of me when they have no memory whatsoever about the “thing” that I cherished.  When I finally came to that realization it was easier for me to let go of some of my mother’s things (that only she knew why she kept them) as well as Dave’s inherited items.  It was only with Dave’s approval however that I disposed of anything belonging to his side of the family tree. 

Everything that is removed from the premises only makes me feel better.  We can actually see the back wall of the shop.  Do I have a lot yet to part with?  Indeed I do.  But at least we now have a plan, and it is in motion.  Who knows, we may yet downsize enough that we would be able to live in a more compact dwelling.  I would love to live here until the end of my life but we both know that the upkeep would probably kill us both sooner than later.  See how wise I am becoming sister? 

When I turned 60 years old my physician of many years explained to me that I was entering a period of life where there would be many losses.  And the way I figure it, leaving our family home of 30 years could impact us as a great loss if we allowed it do so.  However, I want to leave our much loved dwelling on my own terms, with joy in my heart, and with joyful anticipation as I enter the final phases of my life on earth.  Regardless of the trials I have been through, as I look back over my years of living, I view my life as an awesome “turn”.  As you read these words, realize that you too are living your turn, and someday it will be over.  That is the reason that it is so important to learn to live in the moment, enjoying each moment, hour and day as they come.  Live not with regrets, nor with anxious anticipation, but rather learn to live in this moment that exists now.  I think that is what eternity will be like; it will always exist as the “NOW”.

Allow your legacy to those you love be wonderful memories of how much you love them and how precious they are to you.  Let your legacy be remembered as your kindness and patience that lingers in their heart long after your turn on earth is over.  Let not your legacy be only that which you leave behind in the tangible. 

 

WE EACH HAVE BUT ONE TURN

By Kathleen Martens

June 26, 2016

 

We each have but one turn

To get it right in this journey called life.

Though we suffer pain and sorrow,

Choose joy instead of strife.

 

We walk this road but once in time,

Don’t squander or use is for naught.

Choose each day to bless another,

And share what you’ve been taught.

 

As years accrue, so will wisdom,

And that is a gift worth giving.

So leave behind what you’ve learned in life

For those who will still be living.

 

Trinkets and baubles will decay and rust.

Love remembered will not pass away.

So lovingly nurture future generations,

So that your love in their hearts will stay.

 

God I thank You for the Amazing Wonder of who You Are.

Thank You for my turn in allowing me to live in Your beautiful creation.

Thank You for all You have done so that I have the choice to spend all eternity in Your Presence.

Thank You for last night’s rain.

Thank You for cabbage.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ON THIS LOVELY SABBATH DAY OF REST.

Saturday June 25 2016  BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, AND NOT AGAIN!

 

WOW!  What more can I say.  Perhaps I am realizing for the first time in a long time that I can’t really expect my body to do what it used to do.  That is an eye-opening moment. 

 

HISTORY WE CANNOT MEND

By Kathleen Martens

June 25, 2016

 

A three day garage sale is a saga,

A story best left untold.

When I take to account my age,

Tackling this endeavor was bold!

 

So much work it was to prepare

The tables, the boxes, the displays,

And now that it is over

My garage is in total disarray.

 

It is a sight to behold,

As if a hoarders live at this address.

I just hope company doesn’t stop by

Because the entire house is really a mess.

 

This coming week is to rearrange,

To pack up and donate it all.

If this old body will endure

Packing up hundreds of dolls.

 

I’m just thrilled the sale is done.

Three days seemed like such a long time.

Now I desire to get rid of more stuff

So that my life will be more sublime.

 

Oh to do over, the things of our past,

Those years cannot be lived again.

There is so much I’d do differently,

But history we cannot mend.

 

All we can do is go forward,

Learning from the mistakes we’ve made.

And perhaps the memories of this harrowing time

Will someday in the future fade.

 

Thank You God once again for your protection over us and all the people that came to our garage sale today.

Thank You Lord that I was able to keep my stamina through the intense heat.

Thank You God for working miracles in the little things.

Thank You Jesus that I was able to share Your love today with others.

Thank You Lord for goat cheese.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Friday June 24 2016  A QUICK GOODNIGHT

 

SO NOTHING IS LEFT BEHIND

By Kathleen Martens

June 24, 2016

 

How soon a day is over

When something must be done.

How long a day becomes

When it’s not about having fun.

 

And yet, to be truthful,

I enjoyed doing what I did today.

I didn’t need to go any where

And people just came my way.

 

Lots of interesting stories,

And wonderful people to meet.

Maybe I should set up shop

And have a garage sale every week.

 

But then again, on second thought,

I must remember I am retired.

I’ve so much to accomplish,

Before my end date is expired.

 

So I will pick up all the pieces

Of the junk left behind,

Get my house back in order

Before I lose my mind!

 

No magic wand can make it happen,

So I must put my nose to the grind.

And pack it up and then donate

So that nothing is left behind!

THE END

 

I didn’t really know if I was finished with the poem but I decided to end it anyway so I can get my beauty sleep. 

 

Thank You God for all the wonderful stories I heard today.

Thank You for bringing so many people my way who are strong believers in You.

Thank You Lord for a husband who worked so tirelessly and painfully to accomplish all he did for the garage sale.

Thank You for Your protection over this day.

Thank You for yogurt and bran buds.  They makes such a nice easy dinner.

 

GOODNIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

Wednesday Junes 22 2016  UNBELIEVABLE MESS

Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings…that describes how exponentially my mess has gotten away from me.  The garage is full to overflowing, both kitchen and formal dining room floors cannot be maneuvered, piles of that which is no longer needed sit dejected, waiting their turn to  be taken to their final resting place on this premise.  The garage is the chopping block, so to speak.  If you make it to the garage, YOU ARE HISTORY!  And believe me, everything is priced to sell. 

Ads are out, signs are made and will be put in place by 6:30 a.m. tomorrow, and I am exhausted with much more to do.  Some things will come out as others leave and make room.  We will also spread out into the driveway once we are certain the rains are gone.  Yes, rain forecasted for today, tonight, and until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.  So we roll with the punches. 

We had hoped to have an auction instead but were told that we did not have enough stuff and that what we had (mostly antiques) were not selling very well at present.  It seems the coming up generation is a “throw away” generation and do not have tastes for the antiques of the world.  We’ve asked our children if they wanted certain things but only a few are they interested in.  So, out it goes. 

I also found out today that dust can become a solid.

SUCH DIRTY DIRT

By Kathleen Martens

June 22, 2016

 

Delving deep in the closet

Above, beyond, and out of reach

I discovered a dirty secret

One I just can’t keep.

 

In places that I never see,

Or think to vacuum or dust,

Is a place that should be cleaned,

And it really is a must.

 

My short arms could barely reach

From the top rungs of my ladder.

But I was able to get those cobwebs

That hung like wispy tatters.

 

But oh to my great surprise,

The dust on boxes draped

In solid mass across the top

And actually had to be scraped.

 

Such dirty dirt I’ve never imagined

Sneaking in when I couldn’t hear.

The top shelf was strictly for storage

For the past thirty years.

 

But inside, the box was pristine,

As were my hats from years gone by.

All passed my minute inspection,

So I decided to keep them until I die.

 

Actually, after I had everything laid out in the garage that I could possible fit in, I decided to attend my garage sale and shop.  And a few things made it back into the house.  Not much, but a few!  Maybe I’ll have the nerve to take a photo in the morning so you can see the immediate cacophony of “things”.  Perfect synonyms for the word “cacophony”, “dissonance and disharmony,  because that is what it is.  But, except for the things I must place and price tomorrow morning, is quite orderly and organized (for a garage sale).

Tomorrow is more than just a garage sale to Dave and I.  Tomorrow is our 43^rd anniversary.  So of course I am a bit nostalgic as I reminisce to our wedding day.  My sister Velma was my constant companion, friend, and helper during the days proceeding up to June 23^rd.  And 43 years later I would like to again say to my sister a heartfelt thank you for helping and guiding me through those days and months leading up to my wedding day.  Some of your advice took and some I am just beginning to grow into.  Thanks for not giving up on me through all these years.  I may not have ever grown up like you think I should have, but at least I’ve grown old.  And just so you know, sister dear, not growing up is much more fun than is growing old.

Today, buried in a cubby of our dresser I discovered a little wooden plaque that had a poem decoupaged  on it.  It was written to me from Dave.  He wrote it before we married.  I would like to share that poem with you.

(There is no title)

By David Martens

Written a short time before we were married on June 23, 1973.

 

If time made a sound

What would I hear?

Would it be like the soft

Breathing of someone asleep?

Or would it sound like

A swift current in a river?

Oh No, That couldn’t be.

Instead, it would sound

Like a strong heart beat.

That heart could be my heart.

And my heart beats for only you!

 

How sweet is that?  Thank you sweetheart!

 

Thank You God for 43 years with the man You brought to me.

Thank You Lord for giving me the strength I needed to prepare for this garage sale.

Thank You Lord for all the beautiful memories I have relived over the past few weeks. 

Thank You for my life

And thank You for hot, running water.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND SLEEP TIGHT WITH THE LORD’S BLESSING UPON YOU.

 

 

Tuesday June 21 2016 PEOPLE VERSES THINGS

 

The countdown has begun.  One more day to go before the GARAGE SALE!!!

I never realized how much a book could influence me to get rid of so much.  Before I read the book, “Downsizing the Family Home”, by Marni Jameson, I had gone through most rooms and was able to release quite a few items.  After reading the book I took another look deeper into each room to see what I might have overlooked.  Oh my goodness.  If I hadn’t known I had already gone through things, I would not have believed that the rooms had been touched.  I thought I had a lot of “stuff” before.  Now I know what “stuff” really is.  And it grows and grows as I release it from the confines of boxes, drawers, closets, and cupboards.  I just hope I have our bed cleared away before bedtime so we have a place to sleep.

So tonight there really won’t be much more than this as a hello and goodnight.  Below is one of my “oldies” for you.  It fills me with peace when I read it so I thought you might it enjoy it also.

MORNING OF SOLITUDE

By Kathleen Martens

November 17, 2012

 

Oh, beautiful morning hours,

Quiet, hushed…

As if in reverence

For the new birth

Of another day.

 

Each hour a gift

Veiled in the mystery,

As yet,

Undisturbed.

 

The sound of solitude

In a dark world

I sit alone,

Private and sacred

In the presence of God.

 

Oh, such beautiful

Morning hours!

 

And now I’ll see what comes to me quickly for today’s poem. 

 

“THINGS” ARE NOT MEMORIES

By Kathleen Martens

June 21, 2016

 

There is still so much to do.

Crowded places

In all my spaces.

 

Alas, but it is I

Who must dig

Through piles so big.

 

Memories scattered everywhere,

On the floor,

In closets more.

 

And to “THINGS”

I say goodbye

And find no need to even cry.

 

Soon every box

In the garage

Will become a mirage.

 

And my load

Becomes much less

As out the door goes all the mess.

 

 

And then I realize,

Joy remembered are not things.

Joy is what people bring.

 

Thank You Lord for all the wonderful memories I hold in my heart.

Thank You for this time of purging that you are allowing to happen in my heart as I realize all that is no longer needed.

Thank You for the encouragement of friends and family.

*Thank You Lord for the treasure I found today!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU

*More about this treasure when I begin writing my full blogs on July 4^th.

 

 

Monday June 20 2016  THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

 

EVERYDAY A PART OF ME

By Kathleen Martens

June 20, 2016

 

Summer surprised us by coming early.

The calendar speaks it begins today.

But somehow Mother Nature

Always has her very own way.

 

Warm days are scarce and swift

In the Calendar of a Wisconsin year.

If summer comes too early

You won’t see me shed a tear.

 

Just to frolic in the sunshine

And to relax in evening’s breeze,

Are days I cherish to remember,

To help me endure winter’s freeze.

 

So I take each day at a time,

Whether hot, rainy, or cold.

Just to be alive is such a joy

And it matters not that I am old.

 

Being old is such a gift

For memory has such exquisite treasure.

To reminisce in the quiet of self,

To the old it’s a secret pleasure.

 

No matter how many days I live

Each sunrise is born anew

And every day part of me

Is also born brand new.

 

Quick comment regarding yesterday.  Our son and his family joined us for a dinner to celebrate both fathers, on Father’s Day, as well my husband’s birthday.  We are so fortunate to have our son and his family so close.  It is also amazing to know our children as wonderful, middle aged adults.  It is especially awesome to see our son as a father himself, raising two wonderful sons.   I just want to express publically how thankful I am to our children for the love and care they give to Dave and me as well as the love I see in their relationships with their spouse.  Perhaps we just don’t express that sentiment often enough, and for some reason, I wanted to remember to say that to them today.  And I speak for my husband as well because I know his heart.  Courtland we love you.  Rebecca we love you.  Thank you son and daughter for being such wonderful children, adults, friends, parent, dog lover, follower of Christ, and always so kind and caring to your mom and dad.  Other than the salvation Christ gave to us, you are both the greatest gifts that God has ever given us.

Dave just came into the room and I asked him if he had read yesterday’s poem.  He said yes.  Then he proceeded to say, “At least you have my funeral poem”.  Oh dear, I never thought of it that way.  And then he went on to say, “Hopefully you wrote it years in advance”.

Lord, thank You for a husband with a sense of humor.

God, thank You for two amazing children.

Thank You God for their mates who love You too.

Thank You for our grandson’s who have stolen our hearts.

Thank You Lord that You fill me with joy regardless my circumstances.

 

Okay gang!  It is actually on 9:12 a.m. and this blog (which was not supposed to be written) is completed. 

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Sunday Sabbath Father’s Day June 19 2016  WORDS IN COMMON

What one thing do the following words have in common?

Fierce

Fabulous

Wonderful

Diligent

Hardworking

Amazing

God loving

God Following

Abiding

Wise

Helpful

Humble

Giving

Phenomenal

Awesome

The one meaning that these words have in common is that all of them were used to describe my husband.  Wouldn’t you like to meet a guy that fits that description?  Well, I guess I was the lucky one because I have lived with him for 43 years as of this coming Thursday.  But I wasn’t the one to describe him using the words above.  However I do concur.

Dave received a beautiful Father’s Day card from our daughter, and I kid you not, that is how she described him.  Can you tell who has always been a Daddy’s girl!  I’ve always told Dave, that if I had known before I married him what an awesome dad he would be, that I would have married him even if I hadn’t fallen in love with him.  And you know what else?  All those words do describe him.  

 

A DAUGHTER’S TRIBUTE

By Kathleen Martens

June 19, 2016

 

Fierce is the word to describe a lion,

And fabulous for someone really great.

Wonderful is what you really hope for

When searching for your perfect mate.

 

Industrious means quite diligent

Which translates to being hardworking.

And in your heart if you are God loving

Means your spirit is never shirking.

 

Even more astounding is to be

A follower of the God of truth.

Abiding is to endure to the end

And never being footloose.

 

And to be described as someone wise,

No greater compliment can ever be.

For God has told us wisdom to seek

And to speak counsel about being free.

 

And everyone loves the person who is helpful

For they are certain to be quite humble.

And when giving from our hearts

Our spirit soars and is never jumbled.

 

Phenomenal means unique and rare,

A trait so rare to find.

And the way my daughter described her father

I know my husband is awesome and one of a kind!

 

What an awesome tribute our daughter wrote in her card.  I agree with her.

DAVE:

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!  AND, OH BY THE WAY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO!

 

GOOD NIGHT ONE AND ALL!  I AM A WALKING ZOMBIE!  GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.

 

Saturday June 18 2016  GOD OF THE SCRIPTURES

Dear Readers:

Remember this is the first day of my break from writing the blog due to my current hectic schedule.  Below you will find the longest poem I have ever written.  It was written from verses that I wrote over a five month period while reading the book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young.  I went through each verse and picked out the description of who God says He is in the scriptures.  It is my favorite poem, especially on Father’s Day weekend.  God is my Heavenly Father and it does me well to remember all He is and all He does.  And just so you know this is not a complete list.  I still have seven more months of scriptures to write about.  I hope you enjoy this poem.  It is especially powerful when read aloud.  I promise, I will never post a poem this long again.  Note that though many scriptures are quoted I chose to print the poem in blue instead of red ink which I usually use for scripture verses.

 

GOD OF THE SCRIPTURES

Kathleen Martens

May 11, 2010

 

How great and vast is Your domain.

How can I comprehend Your love?
You are my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

The earth is full of Your glory.

You give me strength and help.

You hold me by my righteous right hand.

You love me with an everlasting love.

You clothe me with the garment of salvation

Arrayed in a robe of righteousness.

You never leave me or forsake me.

You guide me with your counsel.

You are transforming me into your likeness.

You are my salvation.

I rejoice in this day you have made.

 

NO THING CAN SEPARATE ME FROM THE LOVE OF GOD.

 

NEITHER LIFE NOR DEATH.

NEITHER ANGELS NOR DEMONS.

NEITHER THE PRESENT NOR THE FUTURE.

NOR ANY POWERS.

NEITHER HEIGHT NOR DEPTH.

NOR ANYTHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION.

*****

Lord I am the work of your hand.

You are the potter.

I am the clay.

In repentance and rest You give me salvation.

In quietness and trust I gain Your strength.

Your power can accomplish more than I can ask.

You make my paths straight when I acknowledge You.

You meet my needs

According to  Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

I take refuge in You, and You bless me for it.

You are the God who sees me.

In this world I have trouble,

But You, Oh God, have overcome the world.

Your arms are everlasting.

You drive out my enemy before me.

You have transformed me by the renewing of my mind.

I rejoice in You Oh God.

You keep me in perfect peace.

You have placed the hope of the world in my heart

Which is in Christ Jesus.

How awesome is that!

*****

You have taught me to be still in Your presence.

You have made known to me the path of life.

You fill me with joy in Your presence

With eternal pleasure at your right hand.

Lord you are my portion.

Lord I hope in you, and You are good to me.

My hope is in You

And as I hope in You

You renew my strength.

I shall soar on wings like eagles.

I shall run and not grow weary.

I will walk and not faint.

I will wait before You Oh Sovereign God.

I give You my thanks

And worship You God

With reverence and awe,

For You God, are a consuming fire.

How precious is Your unfailing love.

I find refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

I feast from Your abundance.

I drink from Your river of delights

For with You is the fountain of life.

In Your light I see Light.

I rejoice in You again and again.

I sing for joy to You Lord.

I come before You with thanksgiving.

I trust in You for I know Your name.

You make me glad with the joy of Your presence.

Lord you are spirit.

And Lord You are freedom,

For where the spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom.

You have set me free from the law of sin and death.

 

Part 2

Oh Lord Almighty

Blessed is the man who trusts in You.

You have searched me Lord.

You know when I sit and when I rise.

You perceive my thoughts.

You discern my thoughts and my lying down.

You are familiar with all my ways.

You never leave me or forsake me.

You make me stand firm in You Oh God.

You have anointed me.

Lord you have set your ownership on me

And you have put your spirit in my heart.

You are mighty to save.

You are with me.

You take great delight in me.

You quiet me with Your love.

You rejoice over me with singing.

You give me ever increasing glory

Which comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit.

You dwell in my heart through faith.

You have rooted and established me in love.

You give me power together with all the saints.

You love me with a love that surpasses knowledge.

You desire to fill me with the measure of all the fullness of God.

You desire me to grasp

HOW WIDE

AND LONG

AND HIGH

AND DEEP

Is the love of Christ.

You offer me hope

That I may be greatly encouraged.

Your love is made complete in me.

You have given me FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.

You have given me LOVE.

You have given me JOY.

You have given me PEACE

You have given me PATIENCE.

You have given me KINDNESS.

You have given me GOODNESS.

You have given me FAITHFULNESS

And SELF CONTROL.

I look to you Lord in Your strength.

I seek Your face always.

I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness

Because You are my help.

I will sing in the shadow of Your wings.

I will stay close to You.

Your right hand upholds me.

You help me develop perseverance

THROUGH TRIALS.

You intercede for me at the right hand of the Father.

I delight in You Lord

And You give me the desires of my heart.

I trust in You Lord and You give me soft pasture.

You love me.

You call me.

You grant me Wisdom

And put discernment upon my lips.

My heart cries out to You

And You give me understanding….

According to Your Word.

*****

You go out ahead of me Oh Lord

And I follow you as a sheep

For I know Your voice.

You are Father of all

And I give thanks in all circumstances

For this is your will.

You are the resurrection.

You are the life.

I believe in You Lord

And I have life.

You are gentle and humble in heart.

I find rest for my weary soul

In Your love.

I believe in You and am filled

With an inexpressible and glorious joy

Even though I cannot see you…

My faith brings the salvation of my soul.

With prayer, petition and thanksgiving

I make my request to You,

And Your peace oh God

Which transcends all understanding

Guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Your presence goes with me and You give me rest.

OH HOW I LOVE YOU GOD!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND MAY THE GOD OF THE SCRIPTURES BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!

Friday June 17 2016  THE SCOUTING MISSION

It was a dirty job, but someone had to do it.  Up bright and early to greet a quiet, still world.   I love waking up early.  When I awaken early it seems as if I am given a gift of more time in my day.  After food prep work relating to yesterday’s farm box, and making our lunch salad so it would be ready later in the day when we needed to eat, I left on a mission. 

If you have read even one or two of my blogs in the past month I am certain that you must be aware of the garage sale we plan to have next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.   I have spent over a solid of month pilfering our house of everything that is taking up space without reason or cause.  I have just made a dent in all that I could gather, if I but had more time.  There are still cubby holes, closets, drawers, boxes, shelves, and pantry that still seem to cry out, “Don’t forget me!”.  So I must revamp every day from now through next Wednesday to allow me more time to do so. 

My mission this morning was to go to a local neighborhood and scour their annual garage sales.  My purpose was to garner ideas of ways to set up and display our “merchandise”.  It was not time wasted.  I observed many creative display techniques.  I even snapped a few pictures so I could share them with Dave.  One lady gave me two stand alone signs, one for an open house and one with another message emblazoned on each side.  Now I must cover them with poster board and paint my “Garage Sale” and arrow sign, and then stick them into the ground.  I hope I can find some more like that.  And of course while perusing the innovative table designs I just happened upon a few treasures for myself.  Like I said, it was a dirty job, but someone had to do it.

After looking over my calendar I realize that I cannot possibly accomplish what must be accomplished by next week if I continue publishing my daily blog.  Some of my readers have made it known that my blogs are quite long, so perhaps there will be some who are happy to know that I plan to publish my daily poem without a lengthy blog.  Some of the poetry will be the ones I compose each day.  Other poems I plan to include will be what I have written in the past.  I plan to return to the keyboard on July 4^th (in order to give you something to look forward to on your holiday)!

Actually, this week will be not stop sale prep, the following week will be getting my house back in order and packing up the leftovers for charity, and any extra hours will be used for mental and physical recuperation.  On Saturday July 2^nd I am committed to being second shooter for an 8 hour wedding (which means a 10-12 hour day).  Notice, I said SECOND shooter, lest anyone get the idea that I am back in business.  I am still 100% retired so no need to call for an appointment.  A second shooter is the photographer who clicks about 2,000 photos throughout the event, removes the camera cards from their camera, hands the unprocessed cards to the principle shooter (the business owner who has the contract with the wedding couple), and then walks away with no post production work.  I dearly love the shooting, posing, running around to catch that “perfect moment” and then handing over those cards!  Post production takes hours of intensive art work and book designs.  With as busy as my days are now I sometimes wonder how I had time to actually work.

 

WHAT I HAVE DISCOVERED TO BE TRUE

By Kathleen Martens

June 17, 2016

 

There comes a time when we dream

Of unhurried days in the sun, 

That time of doing nothing

So we can lollygag and have some fun.

 

Those days sound oh so sweet.

It is almost is worth it to get old.

And those days of retirement to come,

From a distance, they seem like gold.

 

But, oh let me tell you

What I have discovered to be true!

Now that I am retired,

One of Medicare’s true blue,

 

It seems my days are even busier

And I work harder than ever before.

Never a moment to call my own

And some days, don’t even get out the door.

 

From sun up to sun down

A project calls out my name.

Work beckons from every corner

And my house not easily tamed.

 

Just the same for my husband,

He’s never worked harder in his life.

But there is one good side,

He seems to have no strife.

 

Recently, as he left to go outside,

He spoke as his hand turned the knob,

“I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard,

I think I’ll go out and get a real job.”

 

Oh, do I ever know what he means,

But being retired does have its perks.

Because I can now be my own boss,

And I wonder, “How did I ever have time to “work?”

 

Thank You God that I am retired as well as RE-FIRED!

Thank You God that I still have energy to do what must be done.

Thank You Lord for a joyful heart.

 

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND WATCH OVER YOU BOTH DAY AND NIGHT.

 

Thursday June 16 2016  IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like a GARAGE SALE everywhere I go in this house!  Closets are coming apart, cupboards are being rummaged, boxes are opened, and in some instances the entire box, content and all are promptly curtailed to the garage.  Those boxes no longer have a place of honor under this roof.  And oh, it feels so good when the entire box goes out.  I have boxes of Christmas décor, and Thanksgiving décor, and even Halloween fall-DE-rill!  And then there is the occasional box I keep.  The one I kept today included my older cameras all the way back to the Box Camera that belonged to my parents.  It is the model you held at your waist and viewed an upside down rendition of what you planned to capture on film.  That camera took some awesome photos during my early childhood.  I think it would still work if I had some film to fit it.  I think I actually do have film that could probably be used but it is outdated.  Oh well, so is the camera outdated. 

I also came across Dave’s teddy bear that he loved as a baby and toddler.  In the same box was Courtland’s little teddy bear.  It was well loved but not nearly to the extent as Dave’s was.  Courtland helped me with the decision to keep them.  I think his boys would enjoy seeing them.  Both boys have had their own true loves sleeping with them these past few years.  And Xander is still in love with his soft stuffed animals.  He decorates his room with them.  And of course, I keep adding to his collage.    

Zach is now in the Lego and comic book stage.  So soon their babyhood is over.

Today was filled with eye tests, dilation, bright lights, and good news for the present.  I was being checked to see if my cataracts were ready to be surgically repaired and to confirm that I did not have a retinal disorder.  Over the years I have had some very major issues with my eyes and the result is I have permanent damage from past trauma and illnesses pertaining to them.  On one occasion I had a serious MRSA infection in both eyes and almost had to have one eye ball removed.  God intervened and I was spared having my eyeball taken out of my head.  I won’t go into details about much that has happened in the past, but because of so many traumas to my eyes there is damage control to be considered in order to keep my eyes as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Because of my history of MRSA in the eye the surgeon does not think removing my cataracts is worth the risk.  My vision will be distorted but it is better than causing the MRSA to flare up.  Just in case you don’t know about MRSA it is a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics.  There are some powerful antibiotic cocktails used to squelch it and sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.  It is a major killer in post operative patients. 

There are some more points about the eye that I would like to discuss as an entire blog topic but will do so in the future as I am still having a bit of difficulty with the light due to my dilated eyes.  I just wanted my family to know that I am doing well and there is no surgery for me in the near future.  For that I am grateful.

Now, back to my upcoming garage sale.  Here goes!  I am “borrowing” a well known line from a song we all know…

 

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…

By Kathleen Martens

June 16, 2016

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like

A garage sale everywhere I go,

The house is a mess I must confess,

Enough to make one depressed.

 

But I choose to look at the bright side

And enjoy everything I do.

I read the titles of the books,

And pick out just a few.

 

Just a few to keep that is,

The rest are up for sale.

Beloved books from the coat closet,

I swallow my moans and wails.

 

To give up a book not yet read

Is chivalry to say the least!

And to myself I am gracious,

For an unread book my feast.

 

Out go my pots and pans,

Brand spanking new ones already in place.

But I may sneak two back in…

If I have the space.

 

Holiday décor in great amounts

Spill out as I open lids,

I quickly fasten the tops back on

And will accept the highest bid.

 

What was once so beloved

Has betrayed me through the years.

The boxes sat around doing nothing,

And now from closets will no longer leer.

 

And so it is time to make it happen,

Downsizing “UP”* more time to give.

Without so much stuff to take care of,

Life will offer me more hours to live.

 

Empty cupboards and empty drawers,

And closets no longer cluttered.

That is the solace of beautiful peace

And no exasperation will be muttered!

 

Just so you know this the first round

Because there is so much to let go.

I don’t think there is room in the garage

For everything to even show.

 

And hopefully it will all happen

Making signs and pounding them in.

 

And I hope some big fat wallets come

With a host of women and men!

 

Thank You God that I do not need to have cataract surgery at the present.

Thank You Lord for my vision.

Thank You Father for loosening the binds of clutter!

Thank You Lord for kohlrabi.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND MAY GOD’S BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU!

*  Downsizing “UP” is a phrase I read in Marni Jameson’s book, “DOWNSIZING THE FAMILY HOME”.  She states that as we downsize all that we own we are actually downsizing “UP”, because without all the clutter and things to take care of, the quality of our life will be much improved.  We will actually have the time to do what we love to do instead of just taking care of all our belongings and a big house!  So, instead of “DOWN” sizing, we are “UP” sizing!