Monthly Archives: December 2016
Sunday Sabbath December 25 2016 A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Sunday Sabbath December 25 2016 A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS
Kathleen Martens
December 25, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
The wonder of Christmas
Is not just the day
That Jesus was born
On earth to stay.
His birth was amazing
Beyond scope of imagination.
Born of a virgin
To save the nations.
The greatest wonder
Was His commitment to live
So that in His death
Life He would give.
Through suffering and pain
He died on the cross
That man’s souls
Would no longer be lost.
His birth, but the beginning,
Knowing death He faced,
He was born willingly
To offer forgiveness and grace.
Christmas is not only
About what has been,
But about Christ’s gift of mercy
That frees us from sin.
Through His birth so long ago
Future forever changed,
He has given us promises
With a forever range.
He knocks at our heart’s door
And asks to come in.
And He promises salvation
And freedom from sin.
He offers mercy and grace,
Kinship for all time,
And a home in heaven
With the Devine.
The birthday of Jesus
Changed tomorrow’s forever.
Because His cross conquered death
And sin He severed.
And the greatest wonder of His birth
Is what is yet to come.
Through His love and forgiveness
We are God’s daughters and sons.
I hope you have enjoyed “A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION” written daily since December 1st to celebrate the true story of the Birth of Christ. And what is yet to come is even more amazing! God’s amazing Word tells of many promises to yet be fulfilled. Search the Word of God and you too will discover God’s amazing love and the promises He gives to His children.
I DO HOPE YOUR CHRISTMAS 2016 WILL BE A DAY YOU LOOK BACK ON WITH WONDER AND AMAZEMENT AS YOU BASK IN THE FULLNESS OF GOD’S LOVE, JOY, AND PEACE.
GOD BLESS YOU!
P.S. As a Christmas gift to myself I will not be writing a blog until January 2, 2017. It will be especially wonderful to give myself a break from my office.
HAVE AN AWESOME NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION!
Saturday December 24 2016 A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Saturday December 24 2016 A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS
Kathleen Martens
December 24, 2016
In darkness still before shadow’s flight
Waits the eve of Christmas light.
A day of anticipation, a day of delight.
A child now awaits their longest night.
Tis the eve of Christmas which brings to mind an ancient song
Sang in a meadow ore the land
When angels came to declare
The birth of the Great I Am.
The glory of the Lord shown round about
Causing fear and anticipation,
Delivered with love to shepherds
The good news with explanation:
“This is the night a Savior is born
In the Town of David good news of great joy!
Wrapped in swaddling clothes
Will be found the baby boy”
The startling sound of heavenly power
As angels sang that momentous hour,
So much unknown not yet shown
The shepherds listened and followed direction.
It must have been like a Christmas night
When a little child awaits with glee,
Anticipating the joys of tomorrow’s Christmas
Unknowing what gifts they’ll see.
But oh how awesome it must have been
When the shepherds walked Bethlehem’s way
Remembering the song the angels sang
And the words the angels did say.
The lowly shepherds were God choice
To be first to see His own Lamb
And the shepherds were God’s very first voice
To announce the GREAT I AM.
Twas the greatest gift ever given
To a world steeped in the darkness of sin.
A blessed Savior was born on Christmas
That all people could invite Him in.
Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
“The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
WISHING YOU A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS!
Friday December 23 2016 A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Friday December 23 2016 A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
EACH GENERATION HAS A GIFT TO GIVE
Kathleen Martens
December 23, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Have you ever thought
About connections in time
How you are linked
Through generational lines?
I oft have wondered
About salvation’s plan
Since that day Jesus was born
On earth as a man.
He taught, he loved,
And truth He shared,
Teaching His disciples
How much He cared.
That they in turn
Would tell His story
That generations to come
Could share His glory.
And I wonder
Who from His time
Is the reason I believe
And Christ’s salvation now mine?
One person tells another
And a generation goes by.
Then that person shares forward
Before He dies.
Who is the lineage
Of my spiritual soul
From that Christmas day
So long ago?
Who changed the heart
Of the one who told me
About the love of God
And how I could be free?
Free of sin,
Doubt, and worry.
With patience and love
Many told God’s story.
And I wonder what difference
I will make in another
Who will learn to trust God
And carry His story further?
Will my life change future generations
Because of that long ago night?
The night Jesus was born
And became hope’s light?
I pray in these years
I’ll not just rock on the porch,
But LIVE the story of Christ
And pass on the torch.
Each generation
Has a great gift to give,
Not necessarily with words
But by how they live.
When we live by doing,
Loving, and caring,
Other hearts may be open
To God’s love we are sharing.
That they too may become
Someone’s link from the past
That began that first Christmas,
So to another generation, Christ’s story will last.
Thursday December 22 2016 A SACRED BIRTH
Thursday December 22, 2016 A SACRED BIRTH
A SACRED BIRTH
Kathleen Martens
December 22, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
The earth sleeps in somber pose
No song birds sing; no blooming rose.
A quiet hush falls across the land
Winter’s chill in quiet command.
Muted light brightens snow
Casting shadows far below.
A time of reverence hearkens all
Who answer the message, the fervent call.
The call of the heart in seasonal bliss,
Jesus’ birth, a celebrated kiss.
A moment in time to celebrate love.
A Christmas moment from heaven above.
A point in time to experience the essence
Of a sacred birth when Jesus was present.
Once a year pause and savor
The royal birth of our precious Savior.
Wednesday December 21 2016 CHRISTMAS PAST
Wednesday December 21 2016 CHRISTMAS PAST
CHATTY CATHY AND THE PINK TEDDY
Kathleen Martens
December 21, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
A darkened room in quiet still
A little teddy bear sits in a chair.
A Christmas tree stands close by
With a Chatty Cathy sitting there.
In total silence a girl sneaks in
And with delight the doll she sees,
The midnight hour she hastens back
And into bed she quickly flees.
A doll for Christmas will be her gift,
Excitement stirs within her soul!
Oh to touch and own such a doll,
Just to hold her was her immediate goal.
The pink teddy was just right for sister,
A perfect gift for a two year old.
Christmas morn seemed far away,
But to steal a look was quite bold.
The little chairs that held the toys
Were scooted under a little table.
Short and small was its frame
With chairs not quite stable.
Finally morning opened its eyes
And into the living room two girls flew.
The eight year old seized the doll.
It was hers she definitely knew!
But alas it was not to be.
It was the teddy that held her name.
With heavy heart she handed over the doll
And never again was she quite the same.
The little table was to be shared
And each received one little chair,
She sat on her chair holding back tears,
Beneath her it collapsed in despair.
She always remembered that Christmas morn
And the broken chair she carted from place to place.
It was a memory sad and forlorn,
And Pink Teddy now has no face.
It became her friend in quiet solace,
And she always imagined it knew how she felt.
They were both it seemed a bit unwanted,
And with togetherness it was more easily dealt.
But that Christmas was long ago
And understanding covers old sorrow.
It was all her parents could afford
In order to buy food for the tomorrows.
Many years passed before she discovered
The doll was a sister’s gift,
By then her heart long had healed
But it still gave her bit of a lift.
She had always felt a bit less-than
Until she discovered she was the child of a King.
The gift of God’s love when Jesus was born
Renewed her heart and caused it to sing.
No gift on earth can surpass
What the true gift of Christmas means.
It is the gift of eternal life
And peace, joy, and love, it brings.
P.S. I did eventually get over the sadness of not receiving that beautiful Chatty Cathy doll. The very next year I received a beautiful grown-up lady doll purchased at the local corner grocery store. I still have her, dressed in her original outfit, down to her high heel shoes that sit on a shelf in my kitchen. And even after over half of a century her hair is as impeccable as the day I received her. She has aged well. Wish I could say the same for myself!
Tuesday December 20 2016 THE GREATEST LOVE LETTER FROM A FATHER
Tuesday December 20 2016 THE GREATEST LOVE LETTER FROM A FATHER
THE GREATEST LOVE LETTER FROM A FATHER
Kathleen Martens
December 20, 2016
How awesome is it to be given a letter
From someone you know and love.
How much more well received
If it is delivered from heaven above?
It is always a joy to know you’re loved,
Such words caress the heart.
And when the expression written in ink
The words linger and do not depart.
And such is the Word of God
The greatest love letter of all times.
Always available and personally written
Inspired by God the Divine.
The Word of God tells a story
About the awesome GREAT I AM!
Written to the children whom He loves,
Telling of His Son, the Sacrificial Lamb.
God loved us so much He offered His Son
To redeem those who call on His name.
And we are His letter that walks among men
So that others new life may claim.
We are the letter of the living God
Not written on tablets of stone,
But on the tablets of human hearts
From our heavenly God who sits on His throne.
We believers are letters not written in ink
Without embellishments of beautiful art.
Rather written by the Spirit of the Living God
To share with others how new life can start.
A simple manger, a stable scene;
The greatest love letter from a Father.
Delivered as a treasure to the world
So all could become sons and daughters.
And before God we stand with confidence
And become His letter to the world.
Living His covenant through His Son Jesus
As through His Spirit new life is unfurled.
And I thank God for His Christmas letter
Which was the door to salvation’s plan,
That every single person have the opportunity
In righteousness before God to stand.
II Corinthians 3 New International Version
“3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
The Greater Glory of the New Covenant
7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Monday December 19 2016 ANGELS IN OUR WORLD
Monday December 19 2016 ANGELS IN OUR WORLD
ANGELS IN OUR WORLD
Kathleen Martens
December 19, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
I looked up the word “angel” in the Word,
Over and over their voices are heard.
The angels ask questions, answer, and speak,
Follow directions, attend and seek.
A little lower than the angel man was made,
Yet men are crowned with honor and glory.
They were given rule over all God’s creation,
And everything was made for man’s elation.
But through disobedience sin entered in.
God lost His relationship with His closest friend.
And through the years angels were used,
God spoke through angels without ruse.
It has been recorded angels shout for joy,
Ten thousands times ten thousands God employs.
God commands His angels concerning you
To guard your ways to help you through.
We are lifted up in angel hands
All because God so demands.
Through His great love God rescues
And lovingly protects as His angels ensue.
And it was the angels that proclaimed the birth
Of God’s son, who is of great worth,
Though subjected to a position under the angels
And delivered in a stable and laid in a manger.
So many angels which God does beckon,
All with purpose for which to reckon.
Angels to question, answer, and do,
They appeared and attended all on cue.
They announced Jesus’ arrival and rolled back the grave stone,
And the glory of the Lord on angels shone.
Angels respond when God calls them by name
And fulfills His bidding without need of fame.
And sometimes I wonder if during this season
The angels are amongst us in numerous legions
Singing “WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN”;
Because Jesus was born man can live again!
And they sing of His wealth, they sing of His power,
And His wisdom and strength, being our strong tower.
And they sing of his honor, glory, and praise,
That His story will be told throughout all days.
Following are scripture references I used to write this poem. I hope you enjoy reading these scriptures. All are quoted from the New International Version of the Bible
Psalm 91:11
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
Hebrews 2
Warning to Pay Attention
2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Jesus Made Fully Human
5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified:
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
a son of man that you care for him?
7 You made them a little lower than the angels;
you crowned them with glory and honor
8 and put everything under their feet.”
In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,
“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again he says,
“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous.
For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Concluding Exhortations:
Hebrews 13:1-2
13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Revelation 5:10-12
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
Sunday Sabbath December 18 2016 BECAUSE OF THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB
Sunday Sabbath December 18 2016 BECAUSE OF THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB
BECAUSE OF THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB
Kathleen Martens
December 18, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
How would it be
If Christmas had never been?
If the Savior had not been born
To free man from sin?
What would it be like
To live in the world we know
Without the presence of Jesus
Or the resurrection glow?
Oh to think of the chaos,
Sin multiplied and squared.
Would life be worth living
If there was no God who cared?
But so amazing is God’s love
That He sacrificed His only Son
That we have choice of new life,
Because over death Jesus has won.
A silent birth, a starlit night
In peace as well as scandal.
The virgin birth of an unwed teen
Could have been hard to handle.
But through Angels the story given
To shepherds and Joseph and Mary.
And the Holy Spirit’s seed was born
As there was no need to tarry.
And on that night so long ago
Was the fulfillment of God’s plan
That sin would be reconciled
Because Jesus was born a man.
I never ever want to know
How it would be if Jesus had not come.
I now have hope, peace, and joy,
Because of the sacrificial lamb.
Saturday December 17 2016 SEASON OF KINDNESS
Saturday December 17 2016 SEASON OF KINDNESS
LIVE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
Kathleen Martens
December 17, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Wouldn’t it be so awesome
If every person was kind?
Each doing for another
The best solution they could find?
What if we were more concerned
About what others need?
And we made it a priority
To simply do a good deed?
When we see those hungry
Do we quickly avert our eyes?
And if their sign says “HOMELESS”
Does it make our own hearts cry?
And if someone is a different race
Do we share our compassion?
Kindness knows no barriers
And it is never out of fashion.
Do we actually search to find
What we can do for another?
Or are we too uncomfortable?
And our concern, instead we smother?
I often ask myself
What would Jesus have done
As He walked among the poor?
From them did He run?
When a body was in pain
And asking to be healed
Did Jesus avert His eyes,
Or compassion did He yield?
One who was born in a stable
And fled the wrath of kings,
Was the very one born to die
So new life He would bring.
He reached out to the hurting,
To those in sorrow and pain.
He fed the thousands with so little.
Yet was held in great disdain.
The very one to be betrayed,
Prayed for the lost yet unborn,
That they too would be with the Father
And that none would be forlorn.
What would Jesus do today
If He lived amongst men?
Would He avert His eyes?
Or ask all to come in?
He would shower love and grace
And meet whatever the need
By showing compassion to the hurting,
And the homeless He would feed.
Jesus would not turn His back,
But rather teach others how to live.
Just by showing a little kindness
We too so much could give.
So look around this Christmas season
And allow God to speak to your heart,
That you would see what others need
And through kindness offer a new start.
Perhaps a lunch for the homeless,
Or a gift card to those in need.
Or even helping clean a house
Could be your simple deed.
There are so many little things
If you but open your eyes.
During this season of Christmas cheer
When doing a kindness, be not shy.
And live the joy of Christmas
By showing kindness every day.
Do what Jesus would do,
Because in your heart He’s there to stay.
Friday December 16 2016 ENJOY THIS PRECIOUS SEASON
Friday December 16 2016 ENJOY THIS PRECIOUS SEASON
ENJOY THIS PRECIOUS SEASON
Kathleen Martens
December 16, 2016
Nine days ‘til Christmas
And the hours won’t slow down.
Seems I’m running here and there
All around the town.
To the gym to exercise,
Then to Aldi’s to buy food.
And then of course to Costco,
Rotisserie chickens seem to woo.
And then to the library
To pick up books to read
Which I rarely have time to do
Except the audio ones I heed.
Everyday my hours race
And a new goal I must tap,
Today it was all the gifts
Which needed to be wrapped.
And the task is now done
Tucked away in secret places.
With intent out of view
That they not use up my spaces.
The tree decked out in its finery.
No gifts sit under the tree
Because we’ll have 50 little fingers
That will be here Sunday at three.
So much to do between now and then
When other company will also come,
Five little boys will be the kid total
And I hope they have lots of fun.
I am now set with all I need.
No more roaming around.
The snow is falling, the roads are slick,
I’ll be at home instead of downtown.
Now it is time for me to value
And enjoy this precious season.
Is a time to realize and appreciate
That Jesus is the reason.
And so the hours now are slowing,
My greatest pleasure is to write
My daily poem to celebrate Christmas,
That my words would share God’s light.
SO MERRY CHRISTMAS DEAR FRIENDS,
May your hours slow down too.
That you may reflect on this season
When Jesus was born for you.
Thursday December 15, 2016 WHEN WE JOIN HANDS AROUND THE TABLE
Thursday December 15, 2016 WHEN WE JOIN HANDS AROUND THE TABLE
WHEN WE JOIN HANDS AROUND THE TABLE
Kathleen Martens
December 15, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
I would like to write a poem
Filled with frivolity and fun,
But it seems I have no time
Because I’m always on the run.
Even when I think I’m “off”
From normal duties and chores,
It seems there always more thing to do,
Not to mention the beckoning stores.
Places to go, needs to attend,
Always planning the next event.
Doesn’t time off mean “Lets celebrate”?
So invitations must be sent!
And then the party looms ahead
And more things to do and buy.
So I’m off chasing the wind,
Day dreaming as time flies.
My brain is filled with recipes
And all the things I plan,
And my time off becomes so busy
Because I do everything I can.
And I get tired and need some rest
But after awhile I’m ready to go,
After all, the shopping must get done
Before tomorrow’s snow.
And so it did and now I’m home
And three batches of soup already made.
And only one more thing to buy
And all will be purchased and paid.
And regardless how much I do,
Or how busy I become.
I look forward to our dinner party
Because it will be so much fun.
And thus my time off will have reason
When we join hands around the table,
And give thanks to Jesus our Lord
Who made this season available.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FRIENDS!
ENJOY EACH AND EVERY MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SISTER!
Wednesday December 14 2016 GUESS WHAT THIS IS?
Wednesday December 14 2016 GUESS WHAT THIS IS?
GUESS WHAT THIS IS?
Kathleen Martens
December 14, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Peace and joy
Angels and horns,
Cherubs strumming,
Notes are born.
Clusters of bells
Dance in flight,
Chrystal baubles
Catch the light.
Stars glistening
In myriad shapes,
Scenes portrayed
In golden scapes.
Horses and snowmen
Caper about,
Santas in gold
Large bags tout.
Golden globes
And reindeer in flight
Shimmer profusely
With twinkling lights.
Ribbons and bows
Accent empty spaces,
And glittered holly
In sundry places
White little stars
On the end of sticks
Above a heart
Makes a nice mix.
A little package
Held by a snowman,
And filigreed snowflakes
And a musical band.
The beautiful cherub
Lounging with wings,
Strumming a lyre,
A focal point brings.
And what exactly
Do I describe?
It’s our Christmas tree
Decorated inside!
Tuesday December 13 2016 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE
Tuesday December 13 2016 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE
Kathleen Martens
December 13, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Years have a way
Of settling one down.
All the hoopla of Christmas
No longer abounds.
A simple tree
And the same decorations,
It doesn’t take much
To achieve elation.
The delight found in Family,
Not what we buy,
Nor how much we give,
But together time.
Happy smiles,
And stories shared,
Seem to satisfy
Without fanfare.
Ever so soon
The day arrives,
Without the panic
Of things contrived.
Just simple elegance
In a welcoming home,
Includes quite contentment
With no need to roam.
And two little grandkids
Make us proud as punch.
And a simple table spread
On which to serve lunch.
Few gifts to exchange
Tokens of love given
Our own quiet world
In serenity living.
And we bow our heads
And give thanks to our God
Who sent His only Son
To walk on earth’s sod.
Born to woman
God’s perfect plan.
Jesus became
The Sacrificial Lamb
My prayer for today:
God thank You for your perfect plan. Thank You for the years you have given to Dave and me. Thank You for increasingly opening our hearts to Your peace, joy, and love. Thank You for sacrificing Your Son, so that we might live.
Kathleen
Monday December 12 2016 DOES JESUS RECEIVE BIRTHDAY CARDS?
Monday December 12 2016 DOES JESUS RECEIVE BIRTHDAY CARDS?
THE GREATEST CARDS EVER GIVEN
Kathleen Martens
December 12, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
I wonder how many birthday cards
Jesus will receive this year?
I wonder if He has ever received
A birthday card so dear?
How would we send a card to heaven?
What would be the address?
I think Jesus receives His greetings
When sinful men confess.
Perhaps cards arrive as special deliveries
Every time someone gives Him their heart,
And I imagine He cherishes them forever
And desires they never depart.
And the very greatest news of all
Is each birthday is brand new.
When a new believer is born into heaven
A big party goes on too.
Yes, we celebrate the birth of Christ.
But He celebrates those born again.
I envision Him lavishing forgiveness and grace
Every time sinners are freed from sin.
Never take Jesus’ birthday for granted,
Give reverence for the day He was born.
His birthday marked the resurrection coming
And on His death the veil was torn.
And that’s when the birthday cards began
And He writes down every name received.
The greatest cards ever given?
Are on the day new souls believe.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! I HOPE YOU RECEIVE MILLIONS OF NEW BIRTHDAY GREETINGS THIS SEASON.
Sunday Sabbath December 11 2016 MY CHRISTMAS CARD TO YOU
Sunday Sabbath December 11 2016 MY CHRISTMAS CARD TO YOU
A CHRISTMAS CARD OF WORDS
Kathleen Martens
December 11, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
If I should make a Christmas card
With only words to say
I would carefully choose
Which words to display.
I would think and ponder
On what should be spoken
And it would be my desire
To speak words as a token.
I would try to create an image
That would enlighten the inner mind,
A Christmas portrait so vivid
It would endure through all times
Above and below are the poems I wrote this morning. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POEM MY CHRISTMAS CARD TO YOU. Open your heart and mind to receive the visual imagery spoken by these words. Visualize a frame and allow the Lord to show you the complete portrait of what my words speak.
A VISION OF POETRY
Kathleen Martens
December 11, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Winter’s dawn
In soft glow
Awakens the earth
With new fresh snow.
A magical hush
Falls across the land
And nature is in
Quiet command.
A pureness settles
And stills the heart,
Today is the day
For a fresh new start.
Oh the purity
Of such white
Reminds me of the story
When a star shown bright.
When baby Jesus
Laid in a manger crib
Twas the beginning of eternity
Where man could live.
His primary purpose
Was to enlighten men
And to live and die
To free them from sin.
That man could be
Washed whiter than snow,
When from his heart
The Savior’s forgiveness flowed.
Paint this scene
In color of red
And remember that Jesus
Rose from the dead.
So in this season
As we celebrate His birth
Recall His story
Of why He came to earth.
He came to die
That we might live
When our heart
To Him we give.
Remember morning’s magical
SUN ON WHITE.
Remember that Jesus
Is the SON OF LIGHT.
I pray that the above Christmas card of words has painted an indelible portrait in your heart and mind that you will always remember. Jesus came on Christmas day that you may have everlasting life in the presence of a Father whose love is unfathomable.
This morning I awakened during the 5:00 o’clock hour with the above and below poems rhyming the words in my head. I picked of my iPhone and clicked on the voice recorder to capture the words. The poem was created verbally as the portrait was being drawn in my mind’s eye. I immediately got up and walked into the kitchen to transcribe the words to paper. Instead, of writing the words I stood in awe amazed at the view that greeted me. It was just as my poem described.
There seems to be serenity as well as magic in morning’s dawn following an all night snow. It’s as if the world has been cleansed and given a fresh new start. Early morning is always an enchanting time for me. There is nothing quite as beautiful as the first light of dawn. It’s as if God himself bends down to caress me as he kisses me on the forehead with a gentle touch. In the early morn I am always aware of God and mesmerized by the early illumination of first light. Each daybreak is unique. God’s creativity is unending and morning’s radiance never ceases to amaze me. The landscape always seems so pure and fresh after such a snow as we experienced last night. It is as if a blanket of forgiveness has been spread over all the past sins and blemishes of the earth.
Last night at about 10:30 p.m. Dave and I turned on the outside lights as we stood in the darkness of our home looking out on the dancing snowflakes. The light reflected off each snowflake and they appeared to be weightless diamonds dancing in midair. Dave said it felt like we were in the center of a snow globe looking out. And so it did.
It is times such as these that my hearts is so full of gratitude. I see the beauty and mystery of God’s design as I stand in the very presence of the Almighty Creator. I never cease to give The Lord my thanks and praise for who He is. God sent His Son to earth so that all could have eternal life. He doesn’t force it upon us, but rather lays it out before all to choose which path to take. If you have not chosen the path toward God it is not yet too late. Some day your days of opportunity will end. Which way do you choose to go? The path toward God is eternal light and love. The path away from God is eternal darkness and hell.
To begin your journey toward heaven is as simple as asking Jesus to come into your life and be your Savior as you confess your sins. Surrendering your life to God is the first step. The next is to read the scriptures and learn to know the Jesus who loves you so much that He was willing to die so you would have the opportunity to choose eternal life. It was through Christ shedding His blood on the cross and becoming the sacrifice for your sins that made it possible for you to have reconciliation and a personal relationship with God the Father. The choice is yours.
My Christmas prayer:
Dear Father:
Thank You for sending Your only Son to die for my sins that it would be possible to have a personal relationship with You. I pray that for those who do not yet know You this Christmas season that their eyes would be opened to Your truth that they too would believe and accept you as their Savior. Thank You Father for the joy, love, and peace you instill in my life. Thank You for being my Creator and my Redeemer. Thank You too for this time of celebration that we would be reminded of the greatest event on earth, when Deity took on the form of man.
I love You God,
Your loving daughter.
Saturday December 10 2016 A FATHER’S LOVE
Saturday December 10 2016 A FATHER’S LOVE
A FATHER’S LOVE
Kathleen Martens
December 10, 2016
So many past memories
Come to my recollection
As I think back,
Giving time for reflection.
One such memory
Was the birth of my son,
He was born too soon
And not quite done.
So helpless and small
There was no more I could do
To help him grow
Or more life ensue.
Through pain and sorrow
My heart so heavy
I railed at God
For such a levy.
My arms empty
When I returned home.
My sadness turned to anger
As I howled at the throne.
I was mad at God
For the pain I carried,
Not knowing if my son
Would live or be buried.
I wept and cried
For days and days,
Not understanding
God’s miraculous ways
Of opening my eyes
So truth I would see.
So physically spent
I longed to be free.
And I began to ponder
And to then realize
The wisdom of God
And just how wise.
I began to understand
In a roundabout way
What it must have been like
On that first Christmas day.
I began to feel
What God might have felt,
Considering the plan of salvation
That was to be dealt.
As if my eyes were opened
I asked the question,
Did God feel this kind of pain
When He gave Jesus direction?
When God’s Son was born
To fulfill His plan
I could imagine His pain
When He made Jesus a man.
Though I didn’t know
If my son would live,
God gave His Son knowingly
That His life He would give.
That’s when I comprehended
God knew exactly my pain,
And He had felt such sorrow,
All for my gain.
I cried out for forgiveness
From my deepest part.
I relinquished my child
To be held in God’s heart.
I was so sorry
And began to understand
The separation God must have felt
While Jesus walked as a man.
God’s pain must have been deep
As that which I knew,
But He willingly sacrificed His Son,
For me, and for you.
And when I surrendered
My son to His care
I knew without a doubt
God had always been there.
My baby I placed
Into God’s loving protection
Knowing in my heart
I would cherish life-long affection.
And that night the call came
And the nurse on the line
Said something had happened,
And it was mighty fine.
My little boy’s breath
Was without assistance.
His kidneys were working.
His vitals consistent.
My son that day
I placed into God’s hands.
He restored my son’s health
Without any demands.
It was only when
I surrendered my son
That I finally understood,
And my lesson was won.
God had His own reasons
Despite all of His sorrow
Knowing His Son’s agony
Was for our tomorrows.
It was because God’s great love
Which He was willing to impart,
That His Son would be sacrificed
So resurrection would start.
I know without a doubt
I am never alone.
Through both good and bad
I have access to His throne.
And because of that Christmas
So long ago
The Holy Spirit of God
Goes wherever I go.
The above poem was inspired by my husband. I asked him to inspire me so I could write another Christmas poem. He gave me a couple of suggestions, both of which I had already considered. Then, Dave said a few words that triggered this poem. He told me to just look at the entire picture of the Christmas Story and see if there was something that I had not yet thought about. It immediately triggered the above memory. I came into my office and wrote the poem, tears streaming down my face the entire time, in about 15 minutes. It catapulted me back to almost 38 years ago and it was just as vivid today as it was when it happened. And it is a lesson I have always remembered. There is so much more God can do with my life when I surrender all to Him. One of the most difficult things for me to say was, “Lord I give my Son to You, knowing you understand my pain, because You gave Your son for me”.
He gave His Son for You too!
Friday December 9 2016 UNDERSTANDING THE REASON
Friday December 9 2016 UNDERSTANDING THE REASON
UNDERSTANDING THE REASON
Kathleen Martens
December 9, 2016
A silent thought
Lies deep inside
In that quiet place
My soul abides.
Wondrous thoughts
Only mine
Of peace and hope
So sublime.
Regardless what
Task at hand
A day of rest
Mine to command.
Being busy
All alone
Quiet solitude
Is my own.
And my reflections
In quiet work
No clock to watch
Time doesn’t flirt.
Past and present
Meld as one
And future worry
I have none.
My eternity
Forever secure
Jesus was born
And my salvation is sure.
I bow my head
In sweetest pleasure
Understanding the reason
God sacrificed His Treasure.
And I’m reminded
Of reality’s cross
When I think of Jesus
In the manger box.
Thursday December 8, 2016 TRUTH RATHER THAN FICTION?
Thursday December 8 2016 TRUTH RATHER THAN FICTION?
TRUTH RATHER THAN FICTION?
Kathleen Martens
December 8, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
If I were once again a kid
Would I have the joy of believing
That there was a Santa Clause
And gifts I’d be receiving?
Fantasy was never taught
Though I truly wanted to believe.
Oh, how I had wished Santa was real,
It would have made me so relieved.
There was no magic in the air
Or anticipation of what was to come.
Though I hoped for lots of presents
I was fortunate to receive even one.
And the little tree was an added nuisance.
And it always cost too much.
No center piece on the table
And never a Christmas brunch.
Though we had no fancy ornaments
We strung popcorn and paper chains,
And we always had a Christmas dinner
But there were never any games.
Mama and Daddy did what they could
With a crowd of five girls and a brother.
But Christmas memories held no excitement
Unless we invited others.
And those were the times I remember,
When we had lots of noise and fun,
And everyone brought a dish to pass
So out of food we would not run.
But the truth my mother taught
In her calloused, austere way
Was that Christmas happened because
Jesus was born on that day.
And never has that thought diminished
From earliest memories until now.
All the gifts we received in the past
Were temporal and did not last.
The only gift that survives forever
Is the one that Jesus gives.
And that was His gift of death
So that eternal life with Him we live.
His gift of life is the greatest gift
Made available to every soul.
It is the gift he offers to all
Through His salvation which makes man whole.
So I think mama did okay
By teaching me truth rather than fiction.
Through those early, impressionable years,
She pointed me in the right direction!
Wednesday December 7 2016 WHAT IS YOUR WORTH?
Wednesday December 7 2016 WHAT IS YOUR WORTH?
WHAT IS YOUR WORTH?
Kathleen Martens
December 7, 2016
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Do you ever question
What your life means?
Do you wonder what it’s worth?
If it were redeemed?
Is there any value
In all that you do?
Have you found an admirable cause
Within scope and view?
How would you even know
If worthy are your plans?
As you walk among millions,
What does your life demand?
Is there even a reason
You were placed upon this earth?
Do you hold yourself sacred
When morality is so dearth?
Not until you understand
That another suffered unto death
To offer you a valuable future,
Even past your final breath.
That what we do is pittance
As our life is consumed
By all the unnecessary
That takes us to our doom,
Until we finally realize
We must lay our life down,
Only when it is surrendered
Is our true worth found.
The answer is found in a book
Written over years of time,
Giving man the knowledge
To grasp our one life-line.
And it began in a stable
On the first Christmas day.
Only through that infant
Was our hope and future paved.
The solid hope of salvation
Through a man laid on a cross,
And he hung and died for us
That our lives would not be lost.
And only when we receive
The message that is so true
Do we understand our value
And that our life has meaning too.
For we are but dust
And our bodies will someday die.
But our spirit will live eternal
And it’s to heaven I want to fly.
So by understanding
That being on earth is to prepare
For what lies in our future
We must live our time with care.
And what we decide today
Decides upon where we will go.
I choose to go to heaven
Because I do not choose below.
So take note on the eves
Of this season’s celebration of birth,
It is because of this sacred event
That gives our life priceless worth.
I was listening to a talk news commentator this morning (which I cannot remember who) and he shared the following words that a friend spoke to him. These words resonated with me so I copied them down and then ended up using them as the basis for this poem. One little quote, a new idea, and a new Christmas poem was born. I wish I knew the friend’s name. It was quite a thoughtful and interesting observation to put into words.
“This life will never mean anything
Until you realize it means nothing
And once you realize it means nothing
It will mean everything.”
I am enjoying my “time off” but I am just as busy as ever. But it does mean I have more time to be busy doing other things than writing. It is a much needed break.
Tuesday December 6 2016 A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Tuesday December 6 2016 A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
THE JOY OF THE LORD
Kathleen Martens
December 6, 2016
Joy seems to come from within,
Some people have it-some without.
What actually makes the difference
When one is lacking-another paramount?
It seems we abound with joy,
Reaped from a simple attitude
Of a heart full of thanksgiving,
Continuously filled with gratitude.
IT IS NOT JOY THAT COMES FIRST
IN THE LONG LIST OF THINGS WE RECEIVE.
JOY IS THE RESULT OF OUR GRATITUDE TOWARD GOD,
WHEN IN HIM WE BELIEVE.
We believe, because Jesus was born
As a fulfillment to God’s plan
As a way of fulfilling redemption,
Providing eternity to the heart of man.
And it is because of the baby Jesus
Placed in a rough hewn manger,
That we and The Mighty God of the universe,
No longer live as strangers.
This little baby called Emmanuel,
Became the Savior for all on earth,
His identity He gave to man;
A distinctive honor of great worth.
He placed in reach the greatest hope
That mankind could ever dream.
He offered forgiveness to the fallen race,
His righteousness for them He deemed.
Security, the Lord promised to all
Through His bloodshed on the cross,
He instilled peace in hearts
That they never again be lost.
And as we celebrate the Holiday
Of the biggest birthday party of all time,
His glory is forever sung in heaven,
He is sinless and free of all crime.
Baby Jesus, born and died
Yet His Christmas gifts live on forever.
Identity in Christ comes with hope and peace
And forgiveness that will not be severed.
Always remember an attitude of gratitude
Have returns of joy beyond measure.
All the thanks we give to our Lord,
He receives as bountiful treasure.
And everyday a part of Christmas
Lives deep within my soul.
The joy of the Lord that comes from within
Is the Christmas gift that makes me whole.
Today’s poem was inspired from a sermon I listened to today from http://www.southlandchristian.org. Sermon title: “Amazed by Joy”. Speaker: Jon Weece
Visions of Poetry 