Wednesday November 30 2016  SETTLED IN FOR MY LONG WINTER’S BREAK

Though Christmas hasn’t yet arrived I feel as if I need to start getting ready for next Christmas (2017).  When March rolls around I always feel like it is almost Christmas.  AND NOW CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE and therefore March is right around the corner.

I’m trying to get settled in to watch Christmas movies.  The kitchen is clean, the mousetraps have been set (and checked daily), and my warm fluffy blanket is on the couch.  The freezer is stocked with soup, there are bags of cooked cubed chicken to add to the soup, and I have lots of winter root vegetables to roast when the craving for hot food hits, which is about now.  It is suspected that we may be blessed with our first snowfall this week.  But, weather reports are quite often incorrect.  At least that is what we hope!

The Christmas tree is “dressed” and the lights still work.  Most of the shopping is accomplished and I’m stocked up on toiletries (I don’t like running out of supplies in the winter).  So therefore I am all settled in for my long winter’s break.

 

‘TIS THE MONTH OF CHRISTMAS (TOMORROW)

Kathleen Martens

November 30, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

‘Tis the month of Christmas

And all through my house

I am anticipating

Catching a mouse.

 

The traps are checked

Every day with scrutiny,

Hoping not one little mouse

Will be running free.

 

My blanket is settled

Neatly in place,

Right on the couch

Which is my space.

 

The TV is tuned

And ready to record

Christmas movies I’ll watch

And over months hoard.

 

The tree is dressed

In finery of gold,

Stars and angels

For the eyes to behold.

 

Red flowers grace

My garden room

As large pot of geraniums

Generously bloom.

 

Our down comforter

Adds warmth to our bed,

And a beautiful quilt

On top of it spread.

 

The freezer is stocked

With soups galore

So I won’t need to cook

For many days more.

 

Darkness greets

My first yawn

When I awaken

Before the dawn.

 

The shortened days

Indicate time to rest,

And I try to accommodate

And do my best.

 

I am really trying

To be still long enough

To watch an entire movie,

But for me it is tough

 

I’d rather be up

Than being so still.

But I am learning

How time to kill.

 

So at the stroke

Of midnight tonight

I will change my attitude

And will no longer fight.

 

I will be lazy

And wallow all day,

And if I like it,

The entire month I’ll play.

 

So in this season

Of fun and toys

My hope for you

Is that God gives you joy.

 

Merry Christmas

To one and all,

Watch lots of movies

And have a ball!

 

Thank You Jesus for all the Christmas’ You have given us.

Thank You Jesus for being the true meaning of Christmas.

Thank You Lord for being Love, that we might experience love.

Thank You for this day.

 

REMINDER NOTE:  I earlier stated that I would not be writing a blog for the month of December but will include my poetry.  I have given that some thought and have decided to revise that statement.  I will not write a blog on a routine basis but if my heart gets so full of words, I might just write one periodically as my mood insists.  If you are interested please check in occasionally to see if I have news to tell.  

Wishing you all a happy holiday and a time of refreshment and rejuvenation.

Kathleen

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Tuesday November 29 2016  “DEFINE LIFE FORWARD”

 

“THEN LIVE IT BACKWARD”

Kathleen Martens

November 29, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

When looking ahead

At your life.

Plans must be considered

To avert strife.

 

Allow God to speak

Before you embark.

Planning ahead

Is not just a lark.

 

Consider the future,

Define your goals.

Look deep inside

To stop the holes.

 

Aim for your dream,

Know your objective.

With the end in mind

Be not subjective.

 

Ambition is good,

But use care.

Remove personal traits

That should not be there.

 

Define your tactics,

Put what’s needed in place.

Grow your integrity

As challenges you face.

 

Trust in God,

Always keep Him in view.

Be aware of pitfalls

That will try to woo.

 

Guard your heart

That your motive is pure.

When you define life forward

Your step will be sure.

 

Then go backward

Into your plan.

Facing all challenges,

With God you can.

 

All your aspirations

Put in God’s care,

His plan is perfect

To get you there.

 

Trusting in God

Is the way to go.

Because the ending,

He already knows.

 

Allow God to prune

Where it is needed.

Put your trust in Him

As His word is heeded.

 

Be not careless

As you forge ahead,

But trust in God

For your daily bread.

 

And once surrendered

To God’s plan for your years,

Live it backwards

Without any fear.

 

Know what God wills

As you begin,

Shed the unnecessary,

Be free from sin.

 

And when you go forward

You’ll be where you should be,

Knowing your step is sure

And God holds the key.

 

The above poem might take some pondering to grasp my meaning.  It was inspired by a quote I heard today in a sermon online.  The quote sums it up in two lines much better than all I wrote above.  I hope it makes sense to you having not heard the context from which it was quoted.

 

“Define life Forward.

Then live it backwards.”  Soren Kierkegaard

I looked Kierkegaard up on line after I wrote the above poem.  Here is another quote I came across while reading his on line biography:

“What I really need is to get clear about what I must do, not what I must know, except insofar as knowledge must precede every act. What matters is to find a purpose, to see what it really is that God wills that I shall do; the crucial thing is to find a truth which is truth for me, to find the idea for which I am willing to live and die.”*

* Born May 5, 1813 in Copenhagen, Kimgdom of Denmark

   Died November 11, 1855 (aged 42)  

Would love to hear any comments.

 

Monday November 28 2016  LIFE SHOULD BE LIVED, EXPLORED, AND TASTED

We are never too old to discover new insights to ourselves.  Well, today that happened to me. 

When our children were quite young I was listening to a program on the television that our daughter was avidly watching.  I didn’t like the sounds of the dialogue I heard on the TV as children were speaking in disrespectful tones, going behind their parents back and doing what they were told not to do.  I also did not like how the young teens in the show talked back to their parents. 

I called Rebecca to the dinner table and she had a fit.  She wanted to watch the rest of her show (we never had television on during dinner) and have me postpone dinner until it was over.  The food was hot and already on the table, ready to eat.  I insisted she come and sit down and she spoke to me like she had never done before, quite insolent and rude.  I already didn’t like the show and she had just made me realize exactly why.  Her tone was that of the kids on the show, belittling and sarcastic.  A light bulb moment for me!

After dinner I spoke with Dave and told him my light bulb idea.  I wanted to take the television out of the home.  I did not want our children influenced by the things I heard, the ideas being presented, the commercials, and the availability of what I termed as “trash” that was available back in the early 1980’s.  Dave had another idea.  We would just turn the TV off and he could watch TV in his office after the kids were in bed.  We owned a VCR and allowed the children to tape certain shows to watch on Saturday. 

Perhaps the above scenario sounds a bit controlling and it probably was.  For a few weeks our son and daughter were given one VHS cassette tape and they could tape the shows that passed our scrutiny.  Most shows were off limits.  Courtland was in Kindergarten so he wanted a few cartoons.  Rebecca chose a few shows a bit more sophisticated which passed our inspection.  They were so excited to get up on Saturday and watch a couple of the shows.  That lasted about three or four weeks and then they lost interest in taping anything.  The weaning from TV was accomplished successfully without many labor pains.  Not watching TV became the new normal.  There was never any further discussion about it.

Now let’s fast forward to today as I listened to a series of sermons online that were preached in January 2010.  The series was titled “The Decades” and it went through the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, with 2010 written like this “The Decade of 2010 and Beyond – The decade of…”.  With the use of video footage the minister spoke about different aspects of each decade such as television shows, movies produced, people who were popular, law changes, and behavioral changes, as he built a scenario as to where our society had been, was currently, and was heading. 

The sermons were quite an interesting capsule of each decade.  I was presented with a lot of reminders and memories of news events, styles, and fads.  There were also entire aspects of the decades that were totally void to me.  As I watched the video unfold while the minister spoke I realized I had never even heard of most of the television programs.  I had heard of the Simpsons but I have never even seen one episode, even to this day.  Show after show was foreign to me.  I finally had a realization of how a huge segment of my life is really different than what most people have experienced in theirs. 

Very seldom did Dave and I ever go to the movie theater so I didn’t know many of the stars over the decades.  I didn’t read many magazines that had to do with mass media and so I guess we (and our children) have been deprived of having the messages of the world poured into our lives over the past 40 years or more.  Years after Rebecca was grown she said to me, “Mom, I don’t know how we would have accomplished doing so much if you had not turned the TV off”. 

When Rebecca moved away from home we gave her a brand new television set.  Rebecca did not take the TV with her when she moved.  Each time she came home we asked her to take it and she said she had no use for it.  We had even purchased a 3 year extended warranty policy.  The policy long ago expired.  I kid you not, that huge TV lived in its box, in my library closet for 20 years, nestled securely in its original packaging.  We gave it away at our garage sale this past June, box and all.

Our son has two boys and they do not watch television either.  They do have movies and some select games they play on electronic devices for short periods at a time.  If time allows they do get to enjoy movies that Dad selects on their Friday night movie night.  And sometimes gramma and grandpa are invited over to watch the movie with them.  I’m living the childhood that I never experienced.  The “I Love Lucy” show made me upset so my mother curbed my TV diet as well.  I never missed it because I was too busy playing outside!  I pretty much had the run of the projects we lived in and was always coming up with new ideas as to how to do things.  Maybe that will be another blog. 

 

LIFE SHOULD BE LIVED, EXPLORED, AND TASTED

Kathleen Martens

November 28, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Oh the memories

That we keep.

Some instilled with purpose,

Some just seep.

 

Think of the messages

Kids see and hear

On television screens

When parents aren’t near.

 

Violence and profanity

Heard and seen

In stereo sound

On a 52 inch screen.

 

Over and over

Commercials tout

What their life

Should be all about.

 

Trailers of upcoming

Horror pictures

Just seem normal,

Like a simple fixture.

 

And we wonder why

Our children cry

And bully and kill

Without a blink of an eye.

 

And the profanity

That is spoken,

Signifies a society

Which is broken.

 

Television uncensored

With no concerns,

While the receptive mind

Of a child learns.

 

Movies and news

Beyond comprehension,

Cause children to waver

In a lost dimension.

 

Such a different world

A child lives in

When influenced by TV

And has no friends.

 

Life should be lived

Explored and tasted,

Rather than sitting,

Their childhood wasted.

 

Give pause and thought

To what your children see.

Are you helping them become

The best they can be?

 

Being extremely selective

With limited use

Helps grow awesome kids

Without a short fuse.

 

And life and love

And gentle behavior

Are what you’ll sow

Without waver.

 

Children are different,

Home life improves

When they play outside

Instead of by the tube.

 

And mom and dad

May even find

That there’s a whole new world

That’s a lot more kind.

 

Thank You Lord for our son and our daughter.

Thank You for placing in my heart the desire to be the best mom I could possibly be.

Thank You for protecting their young minds from the ravages of the world that is allowed into the home via the TV.

Thank You God that You are a good, good, Father.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

Sunday Sabbath November 27 2016  SIMPLIFICATION OF TODAY’S SERMON

 

WORRY IS A CHOICE

Kathleen Martens

November 27, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

Worry is a choice of wear,

What we think is our fare.

Anxiety of past, present, or future

Might determine if we’re a loser.

 

Our actions begin deep within,

How we think is how we win.

What we say comes from our heart,

How we believe is our start.

 

So put aside worries of woe,

Those of past do not hoe.

Those happening in the present

Usher discreetly to the exit.

 

As to what may come tomorrow

From future troubles do not borrow.

When you give all worry to God

Worry free is no longer odd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday November 26 2016  STOP AND TAKE A BREAK

“STOP AND TAKE A BREAK”  is a phrase I borrowed from my friend’s *“THOUGHT FOR THE DAY”.   I just opened the email she sent me thing morning with her thought and realized that in simple synchronicity that is exactly what I did today (and yesterday).  I simply took a break from my normal routine!  It was awesome!

 

And not only did I borrow her thought for today, I borrowed my friend for the day!  Though I am not supposed to be writing a blog on Saturday I just had to share this lovely interlude into my otherwise normal routine of being over booked and often over worked.

 

STOP AND TAKE A BREAK

Kathleen Martens

November 26, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

“Stop and take a break”

Are really powerful words

If you can but put into action,

The meaning that is heard.

 

And so it was my goal

Two consecutive days in a row,

And all on the spur of the moment

No plans and no place to go.

 

I called my friend not knowing

What was her wisdom for this day.

But it was exactly what I needed

In the form of wonderful play.

 

I desired a partner in crime

And I called her on the phone

Wondering if she would come with me

And roam away from home!

 

I picked her up and off we went

Like two little sweet young things,

Making today an adventure to happen

Simply because of the joy it brings.

 

First we shopped our heart’s content

Until our stomachs began to growl,

And then back to my place,

For food, we were on the prowl.

 

And so I prepared way too much

But she ate every single bite,

Thanksgiving leftovers on our plate

And it was really quite a sight.

 

Then we talked and talked some more

And roamed around the house,

And fortunately I did not find

Even one dead mouse.

 

Though she saw all my mess

I feared not scowl or scorn,

It was because I felt her acceptance

And the undone no cause of forlorn.

 

I certainly enjoyed my needed break,

But too soon time to return her home.

And then I realized she was a great subject

On which to base my poem.

 

And so I say, “Thank you friend”

I enjoyed our hours together.

I hope I didn’t wear you out,

Because tomorrow will be even better.

 

GOOD NIGHT ONE AND ALL.  GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU ENTER SUNDAY SABBATH.

 

P.S.  I sure am glad I opened up my friend’s “Thought for Today” when I sat down at my computer a few moments ago.  My poem was totally inspired by her thought as well as the fun memories we made today.

 

*THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Stop and take a break from the busyness of life,

So that you can refuel your soul.

The Daily Bread

 

Thursday November 24 2016  SO BLESSED

 

SO VERY BLESSED AM I

Kathleen Martens

November 24, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A table spread with bounty

Food to sate the soul,

A son and daughter in good stead,

Could there be a greater goal?

 

A warm house beckons me close

In sanctuary of peace,

And my cup runneth over

With a joy that does not cease.

 

What more can I say

On this Thanksgiving day,

To show my true gratitude

In an over abundant way?

 

For every single morsel,

And for words left unsaid,

I daily give thanks to God

As on His word I’m fed.

 

At His table I daily eat

In solitude of heart.

He prepares a table before me

As each day I start.

 

And so today I give thanks

For all He has bestowed.

On this day of national rejoicing

I am so thankful from head to toe.

 

 

Lord, thank You that You are my King.

Thank You Father that I am under Your care.

Thank You for blessings, both big and small.

Thank You for THANKSGIVING DAY!

Thank You Lord that it is You who is the creator of love.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS BEAUTIFUL THANKSGIVING NIGHT.

Wednesday November 23 2016  I HAVE A DREAM

 

The world is falling apart around us and each year people die by the thousands from starvation in underdeveloped countries.  Innocent people are being murdered because they are in the way of someone else’s religious persuasion. Wars mercilessly ravage some countries, women are held captive as sex slaves, and nature leaves paths of destruction.  We (U.S. citizens) go about our daily lives as if none of this is taking place around the world.  So many silently dismiss the thought that here in the U.S. thousands of innocent babies are murdered each year as they are excavated from their mother’s womb at abortion clinics.

I stated the above because of the title of this blog.  I actually was thinking of a dream I have and then when I gave pause as to what is truly happening in all parts of the globe all those scenarios popped into my mind and it put my dream on the back burner.  It even made me embarrassed to even bring it up.  As I thought about my dream in the light of the difficulties and horrors of so many individuals on this earth it made me ashamed.  I always ask myself, what can I do?  I do not feel even the least bit effective in helping with the horrors that are happening even as I sit here writing.

Contributions can help a cause if it gets in the right hands.  Adopting children from worn torn countries can help if you are in the right circumstances.  Some people go to foreign countries and work among the sick, homeless, and starving offering the services of their professions for a limited time.  But what can I do?  And when I stop to think about all the aforementioned I realize that I am where I am for a purpose.  I am here, living in the United States because this is where I was born.  I am here living in this house because this is where Dave and I decided to raise our children.  I am the neighbor of the people next door.  I am the face across the table at the Senior Center, I am the older woman shopping at Aldi’s, and there are hurting people all around me.  There are those who are at times blessed by a simple smile, a friendly greeting, or an act of kindness.  There is always something to do to make someone’s day brighter, if and when you make yourself available.  And then the answer comes to me about what I can do.  I can do whatever it is God wants me to do in any one day.  I can give a smile, a word of encouragement, volunteer for events, or lend a listening ear.  I can share my story if it is appropriate and I can share God’s story of divine intervention.

Whoever we are, wherever we go, regardless our talents, resources, personality, age, or race, we can extend love to those around us.  I am the vessel that God uses to extend His love to others.  And it is awesome when someone else bestows that same feeling of love and acceptance on me, a total stranger.  That happened today.  I was at Aldi’s shopping when I rounded a corner and came face to face with a woman who looked at me, gave me a bright, sincere smile, and caught me off guard.  I’m the one that usually smiles at strangers.  Occasionally I’ll even receive a smile back or even a short conversation.  Well, today it was reversed.  I was actually shocked to see such a glow on a woman’s face when she looked me.  There was light and life in her eyes and a beautiful smile upon her face.  I found myself startled for a second, I gave her a slow smile in response thinking perhaps she knew me, and I continued past her.  I then turned around and spoke to her.  I said, “I really appreciated your smile, it was awesome”.  She turned and looked me in the eyes with a glow about her.  I told her “I love to smile at people too but I was caught off guard by your smile because seldom do people make eye contact and very rarely smile in return, much less be the one to smile first.”  She looked me in the face with such sweet sincerity and said, “I smile because I am a Christian”.  I responded, “I too love God with all my heart and am a Christian”.  I then said, “It shows upon your face because it’s as if the glory of God rests upon you”.  And it was so true.  I hope that I have that same sincerity and that Jesus shines through me like He does with that woman I met today.  And in my heart, I now know, that though I can’t go overseas and rescue the hungry and dying, I can give a smile to everyone I met.  Try it, you might like it.

And though I am so blessed to live in the United States, to live in a house, have food to eat, and own things, I do not need to feel guilty.  I am where God intends me to be and I can still have dreams.  And the dream I was thinking about as I wrote the title of this blog was wishing that I could afford a crew of workers to come in and clean my house from top to bottom about once a month.  It seems so trivial in the light of global issues, but as I age it would certainly make it easier for me.  And when I think about it I wonder if it would be selfish or stingy for me to do just that.  Well…when it comes right down to it I don’t think it will happen.  Perhaps I could live guilt free if I only did it once a year.

The reason I even thought of such a dream is because yesterday I spent quite a few hours cleaning my kitchen surfaces.  I paced myself; slow, easy, and thorough.  And oh what a delight it was to get up to such a clean and sparkling kitchen.  It gave me a feeling of peace and calm.  Mostly it was just the knowledge that the dust and grime was gone and the surfaces had been disinfected.  

Perhaps it is too soon to give up my dream.  Who knows, maybe dreams still come true.

 

I HAVE A DREAM

Kathleen Martens

November 23, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

What is in one’s heart

No one really knows.

Unless it is shared it with others

Rarely do dreams show.

 

No dream is too small,

Nor is a dream too grand.

In quiet reverie of reflection

A dream never demands.

 

A dream is really not much more

Than a wish unfulfilled

And most likely will not come to pass

When in time left un-tilled.

 

To make a dream into a goal

A date of accomplishment set,

And that dream will not happen

Until certain qualifications are met.

 

So any dream can come true

When the mind sets its aim,

With a future timeline in place

It is no longer a wishful game.

 

So set your sights.

Put a work plan into action.

With realistic deadlines in place

Your goal will gain traction.

 

And no longer will you have a dream

Because reality will take its place.

Once your goal has been accomplished

It will have been worth your race.

 

Thank You God for the beautiful smile I received today.

Thank You Lord that You smile through me.

Thank You too for my dreams.

Thank You for my house, even though it is not always tidy.

Thank You God for watching over me.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS  YOU!

REMEMBER, WHEN YOU GET DRESSED TOMORROW DON’T FORGET TO PUT YOUR SMILE ON! 

Tuesday November 22 2016  PREPARATION

 

THE STORY OF MY DAY

Kathleen Martens

November 22, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I am tired but my kitchen is clean,

Even my sink has a shiny sheen.

Every counter emptied then scrubbed down,

And I want it be known all over town!

 

Every surface dusted and even the walls,

No more cobwebs from ceiling falls.

Each little knick-knack scrubbed by a brush,

It took several hours without any rush.

 

Utensils all washed, scrubbed too with a brush,

I now behold my kitchen in reverent hush.

The toaster oven sparkles both in and out,

Just one more accomplishment about which to shout.

 

The cup holder scoured and cups re-hung,

And in my heart a melody sung.

The pile of cookbooks no longer a stack

But to the library they’ve been sacked.

 

The stove is glistening ready for use

Odds and ends washed and no longer loose.

I climbed high and stooped down low

There wasn’t one place I didn’t go.

 

Cupboard doors washed and spots removed,

And counter-tops cleaned and wiped smoothed.

There’s more yet to do before we have fun,

And I’ve one more day to be on the run.

 

And then comes Thursday, my ulterior motive,

So my company can see “how clean I live”.

Clean as a whistle to impress the crowd,

But only my son and his family are avowed.

 

So why so much trouble when they’ve seen my mess?

To tell you the truth, it was for me I confess.

I was just so tired of so much dust,

For my peace of mind it was a must.

 

And now I can cook and make my meal,

And while I do so, better I’ll feel.

Going into the holidays I’ll have a better self image,

And I can have guests without any scrimmage.

 

Just the good feeling of getting things done

Will make my tomorrows a lot more fun.

The only problem is I’ve more to do

But at least for Thanksgiving I can get through.

 

I will enjoy every moment with my two little boys

Because we are having a party with movies and toys.

We have three birthdays we will celebrate,

And for every single one their party is late.

 

And we have much for which to give thanks,

And for out grandsons thanks highly rank.

I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day,

Remember; count your blessings as you pray.

 

GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU THIS DAY

Monday November 21 2016  A CURIOUS SOUL

 

I WANT TO KNOW THE STORY

Kathleen Martens

November 21, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I want to know the story

Of everyone I meet,

Of all the faces that pass me by

As well as those I greet.

 

Each life both public and private

Has a story to tell.

Some have lived fairy tale lives,

While others a living hell.

 

What words would I hear

If I were but to ask?

Just exactly what could I write

If I were but up to the task?

 

Some faces friendly and open,

Other discreetly disguised,

You can never tell what the story will be

If by the outside you have surmised.

 

And sometimes my curiosity

Gets the best of me.

And I simply ask outright,

Tell me your story please.

 

And oh how I would love to capture

All that is told in bits and pieces,

Never can a full story be known

Until the person ceases.

 

And no one knows the inner workings

Of what goes on in another’s heart,

And perhaps even the self

Wouldn’t know where to start.

 

So instead of life’s adventures

I ask what in life have they learned

That they would share with all mankind,

What wisdom have they earned?

 

And so today I did as such

With two lovely ladies sitting at a table,

Ruth was eighty nine and spunky

And Doris, ninety three and quite able.

 

Doris responded quite quickly:

“Fear and love

And trust in God above all things”

Then confided, “Someday I’ll live above.”

 

And Ruth replied

“I tried to live right

And tried to show Gods love,

And sow into people God’s light”

 

Just a little part of their stories

Relative to eternity’s plan,

Their wisdom in the simplest form

Was to love God, and to love man.

 

What better way to celebrate life,

With creases of time etched on faces.

The ladies were so beautiful to me,

Regardless their outward cases.

 

Our bodies are but what houses our spirit

And today I was ushered in

To hear the stories of two lovely ladies,

Confident they are forgiven their sin.

 

What better wisdom I could not tell

Than to share their destiny’s path,

Both knowing they are bound for heaven

To an eternity that will forever last.

 

When I sat down to write it was one of those moments when I thought I had nothing to write.  I simply prayed and asked God to bring to light what He wanted me to share.  Then the conversations with these two lovely women came out in a poem.  I stopped by the Senior Center this morning to pick up some bread (delicious day old sourdough bread) and became engaged in a conversation with two beautiful elderly women.  After talking with them for about 30-40 minutes lunch time was looming and the crowd was coming in to eat so it shortened our conversation somewhat.  Before I left I asked them if I could record their words of wisdom.  I figured that sometime in the future I might be able to write a blog about them, I just didn’t know it be in poetry form on this same day.  The poem says it all, at least what I thought to be the most important.  Don’t get me wrong, I heard lots of stories, lots of back grounds information, and either life stands alone to be the making of an interesting book.  Such a plethora of stories that go unnoticed all because their faces are wrinkled and their bodies are slow.  There was nothing slow about their minds however!  What two such amazing women!  As each older citizen dies we lose a bit of our heritage, a bit of our country’s history, and a lot of the population who have close relationships with God.  What a tragedy that more voices are not asked to be heard.

 

God, thank You for the years of life which I have lived.

Thank You Lord for the stories I hear from others.

Thank You Lord for Ruth and Doris’ salvation.

And thank You Lord for something as simple as a poem to share their story.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

P.S.  I didn’t get my bread today because the sourdough is dropped off on Tuesday.  Today’s trip was well worth my time.  I guess I’ll just have to go back!  I wonder with whom I will have the pleasure of talking with tomorrow?  (I enjoy being retired!)

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath November 20 2016  SOMETIMES THE DECK IS STACKED AGAINST YOU

 

WITH LOTS OF PASSION

Kathleen Martens

November 20, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

It seems no matter how hard you try

The deck seems stacked against you.

You may take chances you hope will work,

But at times there’s nothing you can do.

 

Though you may try and overcome defeat

Yet nothing ever seems to work.

It seems the hand that is dealt

A favorable outcome it seems to shirk.

 

As you sort through what you hold

Bad cards turn up throughout the day,

And they seem to keep piling on

Regardless of how good you play.

 

How exasperating to watch others

As every card they draw turns to gold.

And so you mumble under your breath,

 “Why can’t I draw the cards he holds?”

 

And so it may be that others are dealt

A better hand in each round of the game,

But when it’s your husband’s face looking back,

You begin to feel you’re the blame.

 

But how can it be when the last inning is played

And you still can’t get any points,

You could throw down your hand and walk away

With your ego a bit out of joint!

 

The really bad part is the fact

That it was me who dealt the first hand.

And however those cards were stacked

It was as if Dave was in command!

 

And though I lost, I’ve won my share,

And I am really not a poor sport.

But to get back into my good graces,

It is me he must woo and court.

 

And that’s the fun part in this game called life,

We play in fun with lots of passion!

And after it’s over, regardless the loser,

Our love never goes out of fashion!

 

P.S.  Dave won the card game!

 

Saturday November 19 2016  JUST THINKING AHEAD

 

THE THANKSGIVING FEAST

Kathleen Martens

November 19, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

Gathered around the Thanksgiving table

Hearts full of gratitude.

So much spread before the eye

Causes an appreciative attitude.

 

Turkey and dressing and the all trimmings

Of sweet potatoes, muffins, and bread,

Enough carbs packed in one meal

And so you overeat until you are fed.

 

Cheeses and nuts then the dessert comes last

To heap more carbs upon the meal.

Your body works to break down sugar

But all those carbs will seal the deal.

 

Snoring on the couch if you are a guest,

And the hostess just goes on to bed.

Just remember to choose wisely,

Or realistically you may end up dead.

 

And another reason your fate is sealed

Your parasympathetic nervous system takes over.

Nothing else in your body may function

But you are sated and snoring in clover.

 

The dishes pile up, the television blares,

And all eyes quickly close fast.

Your main concern is to wake up quickly

Because the leftovers will not last!

 

The above poem was inspired by a forwarded email I received from my husband entitled “HERE’S THE REAL REASON THANKSGIVING MAKES YOU SLEEPY.”  Copied from the email I received from Dave:

Science by Jennifer Chaussee  11:18:16

“EVERY YEAR, MANY of us gather around a Thanksgiving table and stuff our faces with food before ducking out of awkward conversations with distant relatives by blaming our post-feast food coma on “too much turkey.” It’s true that there is no slumber quite like that of a Thanksgiving nap, but it’s time we faced what’s really turning us into drooling zombies who overstay our welcome on some second cousin’s couch. And guess what? It’s not the turkey.

For starters, turkey may be loaded with tryptophan, the amino acid that’s a precursor to the sleep-inducing serotonin, but so is just about any high-protein food. Cheese, nuts, and, yes, even Tofurkey all have way more tryptophan than turkey and many other meats. More importantly, tryptophan by itself doesn’t really make you tired. Foods laden with this amino acid are also loaded with a bunch of other amino acids that block your brain from absorbing the tryptophan and turning it into the sleep-inducing serotonin. A psychiatrist named John Fernstrom looked into this back in 1972 and found that, “The main determinant of brain tryptophan and serotonin concentrations does not appear to be…tryptophan alone.” Rather, it’s the presence of good ol’ delicious carbs that helps your body convert that tryptophan into serotonin. And let’s be real here—Thanksgiving isn’t really about the turkey. It’s about the carbs.

When you mix tryptophan with generous helpings of mashed potatoes, bread, and pie, it floods your body with sugars. Suddenly, all those other amino acids that were blocking your brain from absorbing that tryptophan suddenly have a new job: helping your body break down all those sugars. Without anything to stop it, the brain starts converting that tryptophan into serotonin, which ushers in those warm, sleepy feels.

What really seals your fate in dreamland, however, is the fact that you probably just ate way too much food. Regardless of whether you even ate any turkey, eating large portions of anything will leave your body with a ton of food to digest. That takes up a lot of energy, so while your innards are doing their work, your brain is signaling to the rest of your body that it’s time to take it easy and reserve energy.

This happens whether you want it to or not because the same part of your body that tells your heart to beat and your lungs to breathe also tells your body to digest. It’s called your parasympathetic nervous system, and it automatically queues up tasks that are necessary for survival. In order to successfully take in and process all of those nutrients you’ve just scarfed, that system goes into hyperdrive. So while you might feel guilty dodging the dishes, at least you can say one part of you is working hard.

Besides, you’ve likely just endured hours of horrible traffic, jet lag, day drinking, endless cooking, and/or a series of tense and circular political discussions all in the name of gratitude. So go ahead—loosen that drawstring, kick off your shoes, and post up. You’ve earned it, ya big glutton.”

 

Thursday November 17 2016   THE GIFT

 

THE GIFT

Kathleen Martens

November 17, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

What lies ahead

Is always unknown.

In dawn’s early light

Day is unknown.

 

The minutes and hours

Unfold one by one.

There could be tragedy

Or there may be fun.

 

There could be sorrow

That happens by chance

We may be defeated

Or firm in our stance.

 

What we see with our eyes

May not be the same

As seen from another

With a different name.

 

Our parallax is unique

From all others around.

What you see as easy

To another may confound.

 

What we hear in our heart

Depends on how we are strung.

We may answer with joy

Or like a song unsung.

 

Things will happen

And some are not good.

But the outlook can be different

When it is understood.

 

It’s not what happens

But rather what you perceive

And it’s how you take it

That helps you receive.

 

So no matter the dilemma

You find yourself facing,

Give your spirit a gift

Without all the pacing.

 

Relax in the presence

Of The Sovereign God over all,

And when in a predicament

On God’s name simply call.

 

We will never know

What any day will bring.

Dedicate each day to God

And truth will ring.

 

Do not allow life

To set you adrift.

But give God thanks for each day

BECAUSE EACH DAY IS A GIFT!

Wednesday November 16 2016  A TWO WAY STREET

 My husband opened the following email and thought it noteworthy enough to read it to me.  It made sense to me after I read it a couple of times and understood the message of the scriptures used.  Our Pastor sent this out today.  I thought I would use it for my blog material today and pass on his spiritual insight of the outcome of the election.  If you are at all like me, you may need to read it twice for the entire message to be comprehended.  I thought it quite thought provoking and wanted to share it with you. 

*SEE NOTE AT END OF BLOG

 Subject: Weekly Devotional by Pastor Tom

“A Time for Prayer

“‘Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice:  Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.  It may be that then your prosperity will continue.’  All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.  Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?’  Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, ‘This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.  You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox.  Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes'”  Daniel 4:27-32

As the events around the presidential election have unfolded, I have been preaching through the book of Daniel.  I am convinced that however we voted it’s not a time of celebration or despair; it’s a time for prayer.

First, I’d like to address those who voted for Donald Trump.  Please don’t take his victory as God’s endorsement of his character or the tactics he employed during his campaign.   Proverbs 27:2 says: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.”  God had allowed many successes for King Nebuchadnezzar, but he didn’t acknowledge God’s role.  Pray for our president elect, that he will choose humility and work with those around him for the good of our nation.  Pray that he will appoint humble men and women to his cabinet that will give him heaven’s advice.  Rehoboam listened to the wrong advisers at the beginning of his reign and his decisions split Israel.

Secondly, I’d like to say a word to those who voted for Hillary Clinton and feel afraid, and/or heart broken by a Trump presidency.  The conclusion of Daniel 4 is found in the final verse: “And those who walk in pride God is able to humble.”  Instead of listening to Daniel’s advice, King Nebuchadnezzar continued in his pride so God reduced him for “seven times.”  During that season God’s grace protected the country and it continued to function until the king had learned his lesson.  Even though you didn’t vote for him, please pray for our president elect and for our country.  God has a long history of using flawed characters for His purposes. Don’t give into fear or despair, God is able to humble those who walk in pride and keep a country from falling apart while he learns his lesson.“

Have a great week,

     Tom

Pastor Tom Flaherty
City Church
4909 East Buckeye Road
Madison, WI 53716
www.citychurchonline.org

 

A TWO WAY STREET

Kathleen Martens

November 16, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

If there are two

Who fit the shoe

But only one

Will be total sum,

 

A winner and a loser,

Voter is the chooser.

But someone lost

Regardless the cost.

 

And life advances

Regardless lost chances.

The one who wins

Will soon begin.

 

Whether you like it

Don’t have a fit.

But be prepared

With prayers shared.

 

No need to fight

No one is right.

What’s done is done

Don’t be so glum.

 

If the results

Were of opposite such

Then joy some gain

Then others in pain.

 

A two way street

Where both sides meet,

What’s done is done,

We’re a nation of one.

 

Pick yourself up

With opposition sup,

Mend the fences

Without tenseness.

 

Don’t be a poor

Looser anymore.

You won’t always win

And this isn’t the end.

 

God is in control

And directs His goal

Though a big hump

God can use a Trump.

 

Thank You God that You are a God of mercy and grace.

Thank You God that our country is still a country of free choice.

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank You that we in America have the freedom to say what we believe.  Lord I pray for those who hold animosity in their hearts toward another due to how one feels, or votes, or worships.  Lord I pray that You would put compassion into the hearts of those who abhor others for not thinking as they think, or voting as they vote.  Regardless of winning or losing, we are one nation, under one flag, and we should support the republic for which it stands; one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.  Lord I pray that You would open the hearts of those who believe in You as well as those who do not believe in You.  Please take away the wrath and anger and sorrow and fear that dwell in so many during this time.  And especially take away the hate that swells up which causes people to be against one another.  Please break down the barriers of race against race, political opposition, and religious differences. 

Thank You God for our great nations and the freedoms afforded to us daily.  I am so grateful for all Your blessings.  Amen

 

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY.

*NOTE:

RED INK IS SCRIPTURE 

GREEN INK IS GUEST’S VOICE

BLACK INK IS BLOG

BLUE INK IS DAILY POEM

 

Tuesday November 15 2016  WORDS

 

I’M SO GLAD THERE ARE WORDS

Kathleen Martens

November 15, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

If there were no such things as words,

Then our voice would not be heard.

Nor our vision in silence read

All the laws we must heed.

 

But I suppose there would be no laws

Nor a description to express the flaws.

No ballot on which to vote.

And absolutely no one to quote.

 

A silent world, no radio or TV,

No description to describe you or me.

How would our brains think?

How with others would we link?

 

Is that how an animal exists?

Living by instinct and with gist?

Would we still live as cave men?

Or with animals in their den?

 

Just think what things would not be,

Without communication, no ideas to see.

In a world without words we have silence,

What’s a party without sounds of vibrance?

 

But we are fortunate to have words

Many languages of sounds heard.

And many thoughts come interloping in

Bringing words, thought’s best friends.

 

And I’m so glad to speak them out

And I’ve many to say without a doubt.

And I am so glad there are words

So all my poems can be heard!

 

NOTE:  Tired blank brain tonight so I had to really think hard to come up with enough words to write my poem for today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday November 14 2016  GOD’S APPROVAL WILL SHOW

As long as we (collective we) allow what other people think to determine our decisions, we will never live free.  Is this a true statement or a derogatory statement?  When we so crave the approval of others we often make decisions to conform to what we think will most impress the other in order to have their approval.  It is the beginning of our loss of self esteem.

Recently several thousand people at a church were given a piece of paper and asked to write their five most burdensome behaviors that they can’t seem to overcome.  I found it interesting that the behavior that took first place was “lack of self esteem and need for approval”.  The sermon went on to say that the need for approval from others is like living in bondage.  The need is so great that many will go along with the crowd in order to fit in, vote for who their peers vote for, deny things they believe in and choose to do things they do not believe in order to gain the approval of others.

Personally, I believe that a lack of self esteem and a need for approval from others causes us to conform to what we believe others want us to be.  We strive for that ever illusive state of perfectionism.  It’s as if we must prove to those around us that we are worthy.  It places a heavy burden on the person of this mindset. 

I know…I have been down that road.  And sometimes I feel as if I am still on it.  It is not fun when all of a sudden your eyes are opened and you discover things about yourself that you did not realize before.  But, until you see yourself in the light of how others see you, the situation cannot be addressed.  I don’t know about you, but I desire to be on a path of wholeness and healing.  When I need to change, I hope that I am pliable enough for God to speak to my heart so that I can change.  God does not want us burdened down by any kind of behavior that holds us back from the fullness of life that He intends for us.  Whatever your behavior is that needs to be dealt with, whether it be bad thoughts, a foul mouth, an addiction, pornography, low self esteem, the need for approval, or any number of other things, God wants us to lay it at His feet and give it to Him.  It may not mean that it will immediately disappear with the snap of a finger, but it does mean that God will give us the strength to daily give it to Him until we no longer pick it up again.

The only approval we need is God’s approval.    

 

GOD’S APPROVAL WILL SHOW

Kathleen Martens

November 14, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Bring to God

All burden of woe,

Sorrow, and pain,

That torments the soul.

 

Whatever the cross

That you carry

God is with you,

And He will tarry.

 

If it’s bad thoughts

You can’t let go,

Or from your mouth

Vile words flow,

 

Or smutty pictures

You crave to see,

Give it to God,

He’ll set you free.

 

If you have hatred

Stuck down deep,

He can heal your wound

So it no longer seeps.

 

Whatever your pain

He can take it away

And replace it with peace

Each and every day.

 

If you need approval

And your self esteem low

Turn to Him,

His approval will show.

 

We only answer to God

Not to those around.

When we surrender to God

Then healing is found.

 

Thank You Father that You shine down Your approval on those who seek You.

Thank You that You are my Heavenly Father.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Sunday Sabbath November 13, 2016  AN UNEXERCISED BRAIN

 

FERTILIZE IT WELL

Kathleen Martens

November 13, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

An unexercised brain

Can become quite lazy,

With no workout

Thoughts become hazy.

 

Lollygag awhile

And memory gets slow,

And before you realize it,

There’s not much that you know.

 

So be careful little mind

As to what you do,

And what you think,

And what you pursue.

 

Challenge your thoughts.

Read some books.

Clean out the cobwebs,

And all the nooks.

 

Keep your head clear

And your thinking sober.

You’ll have a greater chance

Of becoming older.

 

Tease it, squeeze it,

Do math in your head,

Decipher what you can

Until you are dead.

 

Eat lots of nutrients

Both micro and macro

That your brain is alert

While fresh thoughts grow.

 

Figure out puzzles

And think lots of thoughts

That you lose not concentration

And become quite fraught.

 

Your brain needs stimulus

Fresh air and good food,

And a good night’s rest

Gives your brain a fine mood.

 

Exercising your body

Is being good to your brain,

That it be refreshed daily,

So it is never drained.

 

Think of the good

That you can do for others,

Keep brain unencumbered

So thoughts will not smother.

 

With less clutter in your head

You will live smarter.

The freedoms you’ll enjoy,

Such a great starter.

 

So be careful little brain

For the thoughts you think,

And to fertilize it well…

Talking with God is your link!

 

I wasn’t quite certain what poem I would come up with today so I just rattled my head around a bit and this one tumbled off of a hidden shelf deep within the recesses of my mind.  Perhaps I need to do a little rearranging in the brain department.  It seems to get quite crowded in my head at times and at other times it feels a bit empty.

 

GOD BLESS YOU THIS BRIGHT NIGHT OF THE BIG MOON.  THERE WILL NOT BE ANOTHER NIGHT LIKE THIS ONE FOR ANOTHER 34 YEARS.  THE MOON IS CLOSER TO THE EARTH ON THIS NIGHT THAN IT HAS BEEN SINCE 1948.  IT IS WITHIN 222,000 MILES OF THE EARTH.  IT WILL LOOK 14% LARGER AND 30% BRIGHTER.  THE MOON ROSE THIS AFTERNOON AT 4:39 P.M. CENTRAL TIME IN WISCONSIN AND SETS AT 5:21 A.M. TOMORROW MORNING CENTRAL TIME IN WISCONSIN.  IT WILL APPEAR THE LARGEST AT ITS SETTING TIME.  IF YOUR AREA IS CLEAR OF OVERCAST AND CLOUDS BE SURE TO TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THIS PHENOMENON.  DAVE AND I WILL HAVE BOTH REACHED OUR 100^TH BIRTHDAYS BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN.  I WATCHED IT RISE A LITTLE WHILE AGO AND IT WAS A GLORIOUS SIGHT!  I PLAN TO BE UP EARLY SO AS TO SEE IT SET.  I HAVE DUBIOUS THOUGHTS AS TO WHETHER I’LL BE AROUND TO SEE IT AGAIN IN 34 YEARS.  MAYBE I’LL BE ABLE TO SEE IT FROM HEAVEN.