Written Thursday July 21 2016  THE WORD OF GOD

Published Friday July 22 2016

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

By Kathleen Martens 

July 21, 2016

 

There’s nothing quite like

My most favorite book.

But when asked the title,

My favorite book I forsook.

 

You see today I was asked

What was my favorite read,

And I was at a loss

As to what one indeed.

 

Only to realize later

That there is only one that matters

And one copy I had

I used unto tatters.

 

And years ago I searched

For another that would do,

And the one I found

Fit like a perfect shoe.

 

So now when I’m asked

On any old day,

I will know exactly

Which title to say.

 

“What is your favorite book?” That question was asked of me today and since I have read so many books I could not come up with an answer.  And then later today as I randomly opened up a journal on my desk from 2010 of which I am currently using as manuscript material for the book I am compiling, it opened up to a poem.  Curious, I couldn’t help but read it and then it dawned on me that I truly do have an all time favorite title. 

I was looking for inspiration as to what to write tonight with so little time.  Even when my time is short I feel compelled to write for the sole purpose of opening the gift that God has waiting for me each evening.  And that gift, is the gift I return to God, as I write a poem dedicated with thanksgiving for His gift to me.  The gift God gave me was to instill in me my love for writing from the time I knew how to print.   One day I asked God why He had given me such a gift.  He impressed upon me that He had placed that gift in me because He knew it would give me comfort.  And it did.  It placed a peace and calm inside the heart of a troubled little girl.  And as an older woman, it still does.  There is just once difference, I am no longer troubled. When God instills peace, it lasts forever.

Below are two poems from the past about the topic of the poem above.  I hope you enjoy them.

 

My Friend

By Kathleen Martens

July 11, 2010

 

I’ve had a friend

For so many years,

We’ve spent hours and hours together

And I’ve shed some tears.

 

This friend of mine

Had lots to say

About life and sorrow

And was with me every day.

 

We travelled together,

Slept in the same bed.

I listened to her wisdom

As I lay down my head.

 

When I had questions

I sought her out,

And with such patience

She spoke without a shout.

 

She had lessons for me,

Instructions for so many things.

All I had to do was search

And the answer she’d always bring.

 

She told me how

To live my life.

How best to behave

To have no strife.

 

We sat together

By the hour

And when I was weak

She gave me power.

 

I learned wisdom

At her knee.

Her lessons unending

And always free.

 

When I sought knowledge,

Understanding she gave.

She taught me how

God’s love will save.

 

I know her well,

Quote from her words.

And I tell others

Who have not heard.

 

But now my friend

Is tattered and worn.

I must be careful

So she will not be torn.

 

I must leave her,

Put her on the shelf.

And though I’ll miss her,

I’ll not be by myself.

 

For a new relationship

Now I will start.

And my new friend

I’ll love from my heart.

 

It will take awhile

To break her in,

But her teaching is true,

She knows about sin.

 

She won’t be marked up

Like my last friend,

Not for awhile

Like she’ll be in the end.

 

I know we’ll share

Joy, tears and sorrow,

And my new friend

 Will be in all my tomorrows.

 

My new Bible,

My new friend.

I hope I can live long enough,

To wear her out again.

 

And now for the final poem.

 

My New Friend

By Kathleen Martens

August 11, 2010

 

Today is the birthday

Of my new friend.

Hand in hand

The world we’ll fend.

 

She’s not my color,

But a warm dark brown.

Smooth and beautiful,

I brought her from town.

 

I dressed her up

In smooth black leather

To cover her over

To withstand the weather.

 

I’ll cherish her

For as long as I live,

And then to my son

My friend I will give.

 

I’m acquainted with her,

She is one of a kind.

I searched very hard

The right friend to find.

 

Though I know,

She has yet to know me,

Soon my presence she’ll feel

And then she will see.

 

When I wake each day

I’ll run to her side

And together we’ll sit

And for a time abide.

 

I’ll listen to her words

As I read along,

Stories and parables

And the beautiful Psalms.

 

I’ll mark her up

So I can remember the verses.

She’ll teach me how to live

And stay away from curses.

 

I’ll take her to church

And hold her on my knee

As I caress her pages

And read of salvation free.

 

Today is her birthday!

Remembered in my heart

That today is the day

Our life journey we start.

 

My new Bible,

God’s Holy Word.

Inspired Words of God

I’ve already heard.

 

But I always find

Understanding and support

In the loving pages

And God’s comfort.

 

We’ll stay together

My friend and I

Until my spirit takes wings

And off I fly.

 

I hope I live long enough

For my friend to wear out!

And that’s a long time,

For she’s made stout!

 

Thank You Lord for memory.

Thank You Lord for Your Living Word.

Thank You Father that You have set before me a path of righteousness.

Thank You for being the lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.

Thank You God for Pastor Andrew and his question that made me realize what book is truly my favorite book!

Thank You for taste buds.

Thank You for peaches.

Thank You for our grandsons who will spend the night with us tonight!

 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!  AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

P.S.  This blog was primarily written yesterday, July 21, 2016.  Our electricity never did go entirely off but I could not take any chances of using the computer in such a lightning storm.