Tuesday February 28 2017  PEACEFUL REST

 

PEACEFUL REST

Kathleen Martens

February 28, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Lord, I come to be with You

In quiet morning, heart subdued.

Amidst peaceful whispers of predawn sounds

My spirit in solitude – Your presence found.

 

Thank You Lord for Your amazing grace

That whenever I come You lovingly embrace.

Thank You for accepting me just as I am,

Thank You for the plan of Your sacrificial lamb.

 

No matter what I do, You gently pick me up,

Set Your table before me and together we sup.

Your Word is my sustenance, Your joy my delight,

And in my darkest hour You are my guiding light.

 

Fill me now with Your loving presence

So wherever I go others experience Your essence.

Words are inadequate to describe who You are,

The God of the universe, Creator of moon, sun, and stars.

 

And yet You say, “Come”, even when I’m not at my best.

You offer me peace and sweet quiet rest.

You are so gentle and humble in heart,

And Your peaceful rest shall never depart.

 

“Matthew 11:28-29 New International Version

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Monday February 27 2017  A SAD REALITY

Our son’s family formerly lived in Cottage Grove a couple of houses down from a couple who were recently involved in the fatal accident on Highway 30 in Madison.  Due to a drunk driver speeding on a curve His car became airborne and landed on the car of my son’s former neighbors.  The 37 year old man was killed and his 34 year old wife has been hospitalized in critical condition since the accident two weeks ago.  Saturday she was released from the hospital to join her husband in the morgue.  A young couple’s  hopes and dreams of a bright future with their infant twin boys will never take place.  Instead, the couple will be buried side by side. They were on their way to watch a UW men’s basketball game and they never had the chance to return home. 

Two little baby boys will never remember the adoring looks of their parents, or experience the security and love of their parents holding them again.  I can only imagine the grief of the parents of the young couple who were so senselessly murdered. My heart and my eyes cry for this family as I write this sad saga; so unnecessary, so senseless, and so irrevocable.  And I wonder of the unspoken loss and sorrow their two babies must be going through. 

The young man who caused the accident has been retained in jail since the accident and has now been “tentatively charged with two counts of second-degree reckless homicide, three counts of second degree recklessly endangering safety and one count of reckless driving causing injury.  He has been held at the Dane County Jail since Feb 13.” (Wisconsin State Journal)

There is nothing in the world that can change the outcome of this couple.  Please give consideration as to how you are going to proceed on your journey if you are the driver of a car and choose to have a drink.  Please don’t take a chance with your life or the lives of others.  Make the decision to hand your keys over to a non-drinking driver and promise yourself that you will never get behind the wheel of a car if you have even had one drink.  The sad reality is it will continue to happen.  Not only does it change the future of the accident victims and their families, it changes the future of the murderer as well.  And I hope it is for a very long time.

A drunk driver is just as dangerous as a man wielding a gun shooting into a crowd.  Perhaps the mad-man doesn’t hit anyone with a bullet the first time; it doesn’t mean it won’t happen if he is given another chance.  A drunk driver is just as menacing, except you don’t realize he’s gunning for you.  Why should he be given a second chance for his bullet to make its mark? 

 

A SAD REALITY

Kathleen Martens

February 27, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

My heart is heavy

As I hear the story

Of a senseless crime

Oh so gory.

 

A mom and dad

Too soon dead.

Unintentional death

Alcohol fed.

 

Sadness whelms

Deep within

As one funeral planned

To bury best friends.

 

Husband and wife

At the threshold of life,

Now two little babies

Live in plight.

 

I pray God will comfort

Those left behind

And provide the family

New strength to find.

 

That those two little boys

Will be tenderly loved

And someday with know

There’s Heavenly Father above

 

Who watches over them

And holds them close.

And they hopefully will recognize

God’s loving voice.

 

Rarely do I write about such sadness but this hit so close to home.  I think about our grandsons and realize the bond of love that they have had since infancy for their own parents.  Yes, grandparents and other relatives can step in to fill the gap as best they can, but there is just something so special between a close bond between mother and son and father and son. 

Such a tragic loss that happened in Madison this year on the day before Valentine’s Day.  And the sad part is it was only one of such mishaps across the country caused by someone drinking and driving.  Please do not drink and drive.

 

MAY GOD PROTECT EACH OF US AS WE FACE THE ILLS OF OUR SOCIETY.

 

Thank You God that the two little boys of this couple were not in the car on February 13, 2017.

Lord thank You for this day of life I live today.  Let me never take one hour for granted.

 

Sunday Sabbath February 26, 2017  A TREE OF DIAMONDS

 

WINTER’S MUSIC

Kathleen Martens

February 26, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Winter elite

In diamond wear,

Tree tops twinkle

In sunshine’s glare.

 

As if dipped

In liquid jewels

In opulent glory

Without rules.

 

Frozen solid

In magical light,

Stardust glitter

In sun’s delight.

 

Frozen limbs

Bow in weight

In pompous glee

Unknowing fate.

 

Glistening sparks

In icy cast

Wave in glory

Unyielding mask.

 

Unusual facets

In luminosity glow,

Flicker in sunbeams

Falling below.

 

And the sound,

Like a bubbling brook

While diamonds drop

As I look.

 

Sounds like music

To my soul.

Remembering the picture,

My heart’s goal.

 

In awe and wonder

Jewels let loose.

Transform to ice

As I peruse.

 

Limbs are freed

From heavy load

As diamonds of ice

Splatter the road.

 

A new experience

And it was so fine

To view first hand

What can’t be defined.

 

Open your eyes

So your heart can see

And open your ears,

God’s music is free.

 

A beauty so pure,

Musically refreshing.

Winter’s parting gift

To me such a blessing.

 

Oh what we see

When we take time!

God offers us daily

Such gifts divine.

 

Take time out in your day to experience the wonder and beauty of God’s gifts that surround you.

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH DAY OF REST!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday February 25 2017  BE CAREFUL FOR WHAT YOU WISH

I hoped and wished for colder weather to save the local orchards from budding.  I guess I forgot that that cold weather would affect me as well.

 

WITHOUT GUILT

Kathleen Martens

February 25, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The rains came

Cold reared its head.

Ice in droplets

Snow it fed.

 

Blanket of white,

Overcast pale.

In darkness of night

Over hill and dell.

 

Cold wind blows,

Icy fingers grip.

Footing unsteady

Easy to slip.

 

But oh the beauty

Of winter’s finale.

A Christmas card dream

Decorated with holly.

 

In contrast wonder

Light’s early bliss,

As if Mother Nature

The earth has kissed.

 

In silence sleeps

Under winter quilt

The slumbering land

Without guilt.

 

And my poem came and says it all.  Almost.  A short addendum to yesterday’s blog: I did go out!  The only place I didn’t make it to was the gym.  I accomplished everything else on my list; slowly and carefully I might add.  The world was a winter wonderland without the snow.  Early in the morning the ground was dark and saturated from the overnight rains.  Every tree and branch was covered with drips of ice frozen in motion.  By the time I arrived back home at 1:00 p.m. the trees and bushes were heavily coated in shrouds of heavy ice.  The closer I got to home I noticed tree after tree along the highway had lost branches; some quite large.  There they sat on the ground below, skeletons of ice covered limbs severed from life.  It was sad to see.

And this morning we are once again covered in white.  So winter has come again.  But even so, the few days of make believe spring last week did much to buoy the spirit. 

 

Thank You God for the changing seasons.

Thank You for protection yesterday as I traveled.

Thank You for protection over our son’s family as they traveled to our home.

Thank You for the beautiful landscape you create.

 

Oh, by the way, we had a delightful birthday party yesterday; lots of fun and activity, especially with the balloons.  If you provide balloons any kid can have a great time.  And old people too!

 

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU THROUGH THIS DAY.

Friday February 24 2017  WHAT IS GOING ON?

Control.  I must admit I do like to be in control. That can be both positive and negative.  For instance, I have my day planned.  Up early, and then one, two, three, I know exactly in what order I want to do things in order that my day work accordingly.  Is that too much to ask?   Maybe it is when you live in Wisconsin.

We had threat of snow scheduled for last night but it turned out to be a heavy rain instead; a cold down poring.  The window was open a bit and I could hear the rain and thunder throughout the night.  In the dark of morning I looked outside only to realize that it appeared the roads are frozen.  Perhaps my assessment will be proved wrong when daylight sheds full specter.  I hope so.  I have things to do and places to go.

You see, this afternoon and evening is my birthday party!  And that happens only once a year.  Perhaps I should have been born in the summer.  I have stops to make, a gym to go to, things to purchase, as well as hopes that my guests will be able to drive here safely.  We have a forecast of rain for today with snow beginning about 3:00 p.m. (the time our gathering will begin).  So here I am in the early hours of dawn revamping my day.  I suppose I should not have waited until the last moment to finish my shopping.

So, I must give my carefully planned control over to life’s circumstances and go with the punches.  Perhaps this is God’s way of my protection for this day.  I will do what I can, go where it is safe, and perhaps stay a bit closer to home (or not go out at all).

And now I will pontificate regarding the next “loss of control” I experienced this morning.  For some reason I cannot get a dial tone on the phone, nor will my computer connect with the internet.  So that will be another hurdle I face for the hour.  This blog may not be published in a timely manner due to lack of internet.  Perhaps the disconnect is due to the storm.  Power lines may be down.  If my blog is late let this paragraph be my explanation for its tardy publication.  At least I know that the computer problem is not internal to this computer due to the fact that my other computers are suffering the same ill.  Oh well, I am thankful for heat.

And we have heat this weekend because at short notice I was fortunate enough to find a repairman.  The repairman came yesterday to check out our ailing heat system.  We have a huge boiler that heats our home with hot water heat.  It is an awesome heating system and is relatively quiet as it performs its duty.  That was my first clue that we had a problem.  I kept hearing gurgling noises in the walls and floors and knew we had a situation brewing.  Sure enough, if I hadn’t called we could have damaged our boiler irreparably to the tune of $8,200 for a replacement.  It’s a long story so I will cut to the case and pass on the news that we do have heat until Monday when the repairman will return with the needed part to fix our system.  When you live in Wisconsin in February heat is a critical factor.

 

THE CHALLENGE OF A DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 24, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

“The best laid plans of mice and men”

Not necessarily how the day begins.

When there are setbacks plans must change

We foresee downfalls instead of the gains.

 

Whatever may come, purpose can be found.

We must listen and hear our heart-sound.

Allow wisdom to speak her worth,

And without disappointment experience mirth.

 

I have decided the best way to go

Is to be cautious and live with the flow.

Do what is safe and listen to your gut,

And for heaven’s sake don’t get in a rut.

 

You think I’d learn about February celebrations

Even though I anticipate birthday elations.

I can’t change the month I was born

But that doesn’t mean I must be forlorn.

 

I plan with hope that the day I choose

Will not end up being a day of ruse

But so be it, what will be will be

I am still  happy because I am still me.

 

Thank You God for Your sovereign plans over my life.

Thank You God for the wisdom that comes from You.

Thank You for this beautiful cold day regardless the outcome.

Thank You for the repairman that was able to give us heat for this weekend.

And special thanks Lord that I can hear so well.

 

I TRULY HOPE YOUR DAY IS WONDERFUL!

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!

P.S.  I’m on my way out and decided to shut my computers down when I realized I was once again online.  So published by 9:30 a.m.  YEAH!!

Thursday February 23 2017  THE END TIMES?

 

THE END TIMES?

Kathleen Martens

February 23, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Who will be ready

When the voice of God calls?

Who will be left behind

When the world falls?

 

How is one to know

Or even believe?

What is TRUTH

That one perceives?

 

How do we comprehend

Right from Wrong?

What is spirit?

To whom does it belong?

 

Are we ready

To meet our maker?

Is our heart sincere?

Are we a faker?

 

Do we believe

What’s written in God’s Word?

Have we even read it?

Has our heart heard?

 

So much will happen

That we must know

Before the trumpet’s

Sounding blow.

 

Search God’s Word.

Understanding is found.

Be ready for Christ’s coming

And all truth will abound.

 

So much is written

And The Word Shows

The wicked will not understand

But the wise will know.  (Daniel 12:10)

 

The above poem was inspired after I read a news article about a plot which was foiled by the feds to abort a vicious attack planned for President’s day in Kansas City, Missouri.  This was just another article to confirm that It is so true what the scripture says regarding the wicked.  I looked up some scripture which is about the “end times” which may or may not resonate with you.  If you read and study the Scriptures you will be aware as to what the end times refers to.  We all have our own beliefs and interpretations of what the end times means.  It is a topic that is dispersed throughout the Bible.  It certainly describes what is taking place in our world today. 

The passages I read today are Isaiah 46, Daniel 12, Mathew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.  If you have not read these chapters you may find the information interesting as well as eye opening.  Personally, I desire to know God’s Word, believe God’s Word, and strive to live God’s Word.  Might I come to the end of my life and find that an everlasting life does not exist?  Perhaps I will.  If so, I have lost nothing, but in the meantime I would have lived a life full of joy and hope.  However, if someone dies who does NOT BELIEVE that God’s salvation comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they then realize too late that there is an everlasting life and they have lost their eternity in heaven.  They will then be relegated to the judgment spoken of in the Scriptures which is hell and damnation; complete separation from God for eternity.  I’d rather live with the hope and knowledge of what is written and find it untrue than to not believe and find out too late that both God and hell are real.

I personally have experienced too many miracles first hand to doubt the existence of God.  We each have our own choices to make.  I’ve made mine.  What is your choice?

 

Thank You God for eternal salvation through Your Son Jesus.

Lord, thank You for revealing in Your Word the plan of eternal life.

Thank You God for a praying mother.

 

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.

Below I am including part of Mathew 24 so you can read the prophetic Word of Jesus being spoken by Jesus.  So much of this is happening in our world today.  Below I will include other Scriptures you may look up if you are interested in learning more. 

 

“Matthew 24 New International Version (NIV)

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

24 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. ² “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

⁴ Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.  ⁶ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  ⁷ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of birth pains.

⁹ “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. ¹⁰ At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ¹¹ and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. ¹² Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

 

The following scriptures are excellent descriptions of what is happening now and what is to come.

 

Isaiah 46:

Daniel 12

Mathew 24

Mark 13

Luke 21

Wednesday February 22 2017  A DUSTER DAY!

A few weeks ago I went shopping with a friend at St. Vinney’s Store.  My friend spied a pink, knee length brand new duster.  She tried it on and did not like the way it felt on her.  I decided to try it on.  It was love at first caress.  It is roomy, has perfect sized pockets, made of pink quilted fabric, three quarter length sleeves, and nice and warm; the perfect description as far as I am concerned.  I no longer have a “housecoat day”, but rather a “duster day”.  I can wear it over my street clothes so when people come to my door they can see that I am dressed underneath.  When I wear my housecoat it is only left to the imagination as to what (or if) I am wearing anything under the housecoat.  Living in Wisconsin I need something more than just a sweater when inside.  This duster is just perfect!

 

A DUSTER DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 22 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

So today is my “duster” day.

And ever so toasty I am inside.

When winter’s cold visits long

Wearing my duster it’s easier to abide.

 

Pink and pretty, just the right length.

Supple fabric, quilted soft.

And the very best part of it?

Brand spanking new!  Without the cost.

 

So I work and so I play

And I stay inside all the day.

Wrapped in comfort and in warmth.

So happy to dress in my own way.

 

So, if you don’t have a “housecoat day” or “duster day” maybe you should try it.  It is my day to stay home all day long.  And that is such a treat since I go to the gym on other days.  And my new duster makes me feel as if I am dressed up!

 

Thank You God for the little pleasures in life like being able to stay at home an entire day.

Thank You for the joy You give to me as I go about my daily tasks.

Thank You for my pink duster!

Thank You for our home.

Thank You for all the wonderful clothes You provide for me at such great savings.

 

If you haven’t tried out some of the resale shops for clothing you have no idea of what you are missing!  God is my provider and I believe He directs me to the items I need.  When I go shopping God is always with me as my advisor.  He does the scouting and leads me to what I need.

 

MAY GOD’S BLESSINGS BE ON YOUR DAY!

 

Tuesday February 21 2017  DRESSING FOR THE DAY

 

DRESSING FOR THE DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 21, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Looming day waits to break

Dark’s calm of peaceful night.

What it holds no one knows

Its depth nor its height.

 

To be ready we must dress

In what is fitting for the day.

In regards to our attire

God’s Word has much to say.

 

By God our Father we are dearly loved

And He suggests we wear compassion,

Kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

Because they never go out of fashion.

 

We must be groomed to bear with one another,

And grievances we must forgive,

Forgiving as the Lord forgave you

Is God’s plan for us to live.

 

And God’s design is never complete

Without the virtues He sends from above.

Bind all you wear in perfect unity,

By putting on the cloak of love.

 

“Colossians 3:12-17 New International Version (NIV)

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

 

My prayer for today:

Thank You Father that You care enough for Your children that You have even designed a wardrobe for us to wear.  I pray that I shall always remember to dress with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

Thank You for Your continued forgiveness over the sins of my life.  And thank You that You have shown me how to forgive others that I not have seeds of bitterness in my heart.  I thank You Lord for Your peace that lives within me.  And thank You too for placing Your songs within my heart. 

Use me this day through word and deed to speak and do all for Your glory.  I am so grateful for Your grace and mercy.  Thank You God for filling me with Your love and joy.

Amen

I PRAY GOD’S BLESSINGS BE UPON YOUR DAY.

Monday February 20 2017  HEARTBREAK OF EARLY SPRING

 

HEARTBREAK OF EARLY SPRING

Kathleen Martens

February 20 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Snow has melted in ragged peaks,

Ground exposed as moisture seeps.

Deep into the earth the thaw is felt

Too soon to accomplish what must be dealt.

 

Early spring, though anticipated in delight

To the farmer it causes such plight.

For Mother Nature can turn her back

When the necessary seems to lack.

 

For deep in the fields pests multiply

To eat future crops on the sly.

And mosquito eggs do not die

And during summer multitudes fly.

 

Sun warmed orchards unfurl their leaves

But promised warmth does not keep

Fragile buds, bloom then freeze

Because Jack Frost’s breath will sneeze.

 

Delicate flowers anxious to live

Push toward warmth their life to give.

Only to be covered once again by snow

An early death they then know.

 

But oh the pleasure of this early thaw

To smell the dampness of earth so raw.

Mounds of leaves shield the ferns

And some protection they do earn.

 

The promise of another spring

Awakens the heart to once again sing.

In hopes that nature will be gentle and kind

And allow the cold to once again find.

 

In hopes the freeze will not allow early bloom

And delicate flowers will not grow too soon.

But today with no snow on the ground

I will enjoy the smells that ubiquitously abound.

 

And I will pray that winter will comfort the earth

So that spring can share her worth.

For each season there is a right time

And to us a later spring is mighty fine.

 

During the winter Dave removes many of the screens from our windows.  Occasional do we open the windows in the winter and there are no pesky insects to fly into the house.  We have such beautiful views and the screenless windows are a delight to look through.  Our main bathroom is one of those rooms.  However cold it is we always open the bathroom window each morning when we shower to allow air flow to feed our ceiling vent and to allow some fresh air into the house.  Well, this morning I opened it wide, stuck my head outside and breathed in the deep earthy smell of the uncovered fern garden below.  It is almost two stories below us but the pungent discernible fragrance is so prevalent and heady even at that distance. 

 

In the fall Dave piles the fern gardens with mounds of hickory and maple leaves.  The leaves come up to the middle of my thighs.  After winter’s freeze and snow pack the mounded leaves lie in ankle deep puffs on the fern beds and are allowed to slowly mulch into the earth over the course of spring and summer.  The released spores drift upward; I inhale them like a fine perfume.  It is my first smell of spring; a smell of gentle calmness.  And then in silent prayer I ask God that he would return our freeze and keep our surrounding orchards abated by the cold.  Even freezing temperatures have a purpose.

 

Winters may at times be difficult to suffer through but the promise of spring is like a friend who comes when the timing is perfect.  Our early spring is not coming as a well timed friend.

 

Thank You God for the wonderful smells of spring.

Thank You too for the water reservoirs of California to once again be full.

Thank You for all the bounty of this earth.

 

Have a great day!

 

GOD BLESS EACH ONE!

Sunday Sabbath February 19 2017  THE QUEST

THE QUEST

Kathleen Martens

February 19, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

On a quest for a particular find,

Looking for a coat, but just the right kind.

 

Looked for weeks in specialty shops,

From one to the next it seemed I hopped.

 

In and out when time gave me a chance,

To find the right item would cause me to dance.

 

For something thick and fuzzy with a zippered front,

I searched endlessly month after month.

 

I continued the maze in one of kind stores,

This for many could become quite a bore.

 

And I never gave up searching for patch pockets.

But found not the coat, but a heart shaped locket.

 

And so I continued looking wherever I went.

I knew in time, answer to prayer would be sent.

 

And one day, a thousand miles from home,

Across expansive landscape of flattened loam

 

Shopping with my cousin I spied my desire

Hidden on a rack, amongst an array of attire!

 

There hung my coat, expectation of my dream.

I was actually so thrilled I squealed a small scream.

 

I grabbed it quickly so it would not disappear,

I was in “A COAT OF MANY COLORS”, a store I hold dear.

 

It was purple and fluffy, not exactly new you see,

But all broken in and was perfect for me.

 

A bit worn on the sleeves, perfect in length,

And a size too big, is what I think.

 

A zippered front, with pockets just right,

I could barely wait to wear it on a cold night!

 

My heart raced to discover such a find.

The fact it was used, I did not mind.

 

It was because of faith my prayers were heeded.

And it fit the description of what I needed.

 

My search too entailed St. Vinney’s and Goodwill,

Longtime favorite places to shop where time stands still.

 

I found my HOUSECOAT, extra roomy and big!

And when I wear it, my heart dances a jig!!

 

It cost the sum of five dollars, once another’s treasure.

I wonder just who enjoyed my coat’s pleasure?

 

Why was it placed on the give-away-pile?

Is this person now dead or still living a while?

 

It fits so comfortably in its medium sized glory.

I just wish I knew, my housecoat’s full story.

 

Thank You Lord for my wonderful house coat I bought recently in Fort Worth Texas.

Thank You for fulfilling so many of my heart’s desires.

Thank You God for this beautiful sunshine filled day and warm temperature.

Thank You too for the wonderful teaching we receive from our Pastor each Sunday Sabbath.

 

GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY HIS PEACE SHINE UPON YOU!

 

Saturday February 18 2017  NOTHING BY HAPPENSTANCE

 

NOTHING BY HAPPENSTANCE

By Kathleen Martens

February 18, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Sequence of time

Not my own.

Belongs to God

To Him alone.

 

A plan in motion

There is no chance,

Or accident,

Or happenstance.

 

Even sorrow

Or tragic events

God will use

Going forward hence.

 

He’ll take the sad

And turn to good.

And every step

With us He’s stood.

 

What was taken

Is returned

With abundant love

Though unearned.

 

God takes the bad

And fashions grace,

He takes the heartache,

Puts a smile in place.

 

Regardless the circumstance

In our heart God lives.

He changes the negative

As new life He gives.

 

He takes the ashes

Of past trials

And fashions beauty

For future miles.

 

Even when circumstances seem against you, remember that God has a plan and that He will use what has happened in our past to create beauty for our future.  Sometimes a disappointment is just a way of God opening doors for better things to happen around the corner. wkm

Thank You God for this lovely day.

Thank You for placing a song in my heart.

Thank You for giving me strength for every day.

 

Good night and God bless you.

Friday February 17 2017  WHEN THE TIME COMES

Listening to books on CD is a favorite indulgence I enjoy.  Usually I listen in the car while traveling alone or carry around a CD in the pocket of my housecoat as I clean house.  Often I listen to books about the Scriptures, self improvement, finance, history, and lots of biographies and autobiographies.  And…sometimes I enjoy a good old fashioned novel.  At present the novel I am listening to is about a working wife living in New York City.  There are so many demands on her life, no time for friends or outside activities and she just walks out of her job in the middle of the day, goes home and packs and takes off.  She has no plans of where to go or what to do.  She did leave a note for her husband.  She left her watch behind and turned off her cell phone. 

I have to admit, there have been times in my life when I entertained thoughts such as those described in the book, but never acted on them.  There were a few times however when Dave came home from work and I would meet him at the door holding Courtland.  The minute Dave stepped across the threshold I said, “Here is your son, Rebecca’s in the other room.  I am leaving and I will be back after the kids are in bed”.  And I walked out without further explanation. 

Those events were few and far between but always culminated when I was “at the end of my rope” so to speak.  No one ever said life would be easy but there are days when I have wondered how much more complicated could it become.

Here I am retired and it seems as if I have complicated my own life.  The only thing is, I ENJOY WHAT I AM DOING TO MAKE IT SO COMPLICATED.  I love being with people, going places, cooking up a storm, working on album pages, writing a blog and poetry each day, and so on and so on.  I suspect what it all boils down to is that I am lousy at time management; and that, my friend, I am working to improve.  In a recent blog I stated that if we don’t like something about our life we should do what we can to correct what we don’t like.  So that is what I am in the process of doing.  Please don’t take my “ranting” as complaining, because I realize I have made my own bed and must now lie in it or get up and do something about it.  Well, I have decided to do something about it.  And I have already started.

Going to bed early is my first change.  And it is making a difference.  I go to sleep quickly.  Sleep deeply and wake up early.  Rising early is my benefit.  I love it.  I am fresh, ready to meet the world, and thus able to accomplish more while the day is young.  I have actually had my evenings free this week due to the fact that I had everything that had to be done accomplised early in the day.  I then had time in the evening to relax a bit before going to bed.  Going to bed early makes all the difference in being able to handle what I feel needs to be done in my daily existence.

Dave made a profound comment this morning and I heartily agreed.  His observation is that most of the pressures we put on ourselves is self inflicted.  And that is what spurred me on to write this blog.  Just think of this blog as my personal journal.  This is how I talk to myself but I am sharing it public today; sort of like airing my own dirty laundry.  Simply put, I must change that which is causing me angst while I still have the ability to do so.

There are so many things in life that we don’t have control over.  I can do nothing about my arthritis and my crippled fingers.  However I can do something about the pressures I put upon myself to accomplish all I used to accomplish when my hands worked as they should.  I must accept the fate that there are some things that now take longer to accomplish and other things I can no longer do at all.  That relieves a lot of my frustration as well as unnecessary physical pain.

I can control how much cooking I choose to do and slow down my hectic pace.  I can write shorter blogs so I have more time for other things.  (But as you can see it is not happening with this one.)  The projects I am currently doing will eventually be finished and I need not commit to others if I so choose.  The words “self inflicted” ring loud and true in my head as I give pause to interrogate myself about why I do what I do and how much I do. 

So what is it I do want to do?  I desire to finish downsizing (an old topic that is probably quite boring by now), get rid of boatloads of leftover things I do not need, have my library resituated, and then spend more time with my family and friends.  I would like to be available when I am needed to help a friend.  I would enjoy having more friends over.  I would probably even join a Bible Study group or go to the Senior Center and help out there.  But, am I then trading one kind of busyness for another kind of busyness? Or perhaps I should just get old and do nothing?  No…I don’t think I’m there yet.  I still have too much energy and get up and go power.  That will end soon enough; I might as well enjoy it while I have it.

Oh well, Rome was not defeated in one day.  I guess I won’t be either.  I’ll just challenge myself to be better organized, less cluttered in my time  (and on my desk), go to bed early, rise early, cook less, eat less, and spend more time with friends and family.  And…work out four days a week.  Remember, if I don’t use it I will lose it!  So as long as I can shake, I’m gonna keep shakin’!

 

AND WHEN THE TIME COMES

Kathleen Martens

February 17, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

This aging thing

Can get quite hairy.

Trying to slow down

Makes me quite wary.

 

I like to keep going

But my day runs out,

And night comes too soon,

Without a doubt.

 

So I must call a stop

To how I do what,

And when I do things

Remember how to halt.

 

Perhaps I must decide

To do fewer things

That will suffice

And joy to me bring.

 

But I think I’m afraid

Of what I might lose,

So in this bargain

I must carefully choose.

 

Life will necessitate

Someday what I do.

And until that day comes

I desire to ensue.

 

I’ll do what I can,

And do what brings joy.

And will be brash and bold,

Without being coy.

 

Too soon restricted

By old age.

So what I can do

Is currently my wage.

 

I purely enjoy doing,

But I will simplify.

And perhaps the years

I will defy.

 

And when the time comes,

It is then I will face

What I can no longer accomplish,

And then accept it with grace.

 

Thank You God for helping me to reprioritize my life.

Thank You God for the energy my body still enjoys.

Thank You for a strong constitution.

Thank You God for this day of life.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!  GOD BLESS YOU!

Thursday February 16 2017  EACH DAY IS SUCH A SPECIAL GIFT

 

EACH DAY IS SUCH A SPECIAL GIFT

Kathleen Martens

February 16, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A day untroubled yet by pain,

Possible set backs or added gain.

So much determined on what I do

Before the hours my day is through.

 

The unknown could rear its head

Causing some to end the day dead.

But I will look forward to each hour I live,

And my best intent I will always give.

 

Each day is such a special gift

Allowing each person to soar or drift.

My hours are precious, beyond price,

And I allow each moment to suffice.

 

Because all the moments when added up

Are to be used, and can end abrupt.

So carefully decipher how your hours you spend

And LIVE YOUR LIFE FULLY until the end.

 

Regardless your age and waning body

Do your best to be a “Hotty”.

Look your greatest, and smile big.

And be glad if you can dance a jig.

 

Move around and keep in motion.

As feeling old? Forget that notion.

Just remember, “if you don’t use it”

Then it’s certain, that “you will lose it!”

 

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank You for each hour that You  have granted me to live.  I thank You for these special years as I grow older that I will have the opportunity to know You more intimately.  Thank You for Your love, joy, and peace that you instill in my heart.  Use me this day wherever I go and to whomever I speak that I will plant Your seeds and give others encouragement.  Let my life portray Your countenance.  Fill my heart with compassion and love toward others.  Give me understanding according to Your Word in all aspects of my life.  “This is the day the Lord has made; We (I) will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24.  

Thank You for your grace and the resurrection power of the cross so that I have the choice to accept eternal life through Your Son’s sacrifice to die for my sins.  Forgive me for all sin which I have committed this day through act, thought, word, or deed.  Thank You for Your forgiveness.

You are a great, great Father!

I LOVE AND HONOR YOU AND PRAISE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE.

Amen

To all my readers:  LIVE YOUR LIFE TODAY AND EVERY DAY TO ITS FULLEST!

 

Wednesday February 15 2017  LIGHT BEFORE DAWN

I am reorganizing my goals, my schedule, my eating, my prayer time, exercise time, and anything else that I can think of.  I have been allowing my days to get away from me and the only way I can change that is to change some of my habits.  And today is the day to begin.

Actually I began last night by getting to bed by 9:30 p.m.  And like clockwork, I awoke promptly at 4:35 a.m. without an alarm.  My first view looking outside the window was magical.  The bright waning moon was positioned about 10:00 o’clock high in the sky.  The large patches of scattered snow on the ground reflected the moon’s brightness.  It was mesmerizing!  The woods took on the magical look of an enchanted forest.  A beautiful visual memory I would have missed except for my early rising.

Walking into the kitchen a short time later I was greeted with the beginning light of dawn peeking through the barren trees in mysterious colors that thrilled my soul.  Color and light are a photographer’s paradise. 

And now, a short time later my jaunt upstairs rewarded me with an unnatural golden-orange glow of the sun as it made its ascent above the eastern horizon.  When viewing the sun-globe through the woods its orange light was refracted.  The beams scattered in rays surrounding the spectacular sphere of the sun.  It was amazing to see the play of light rays peeking through the stark contrast of leafless trees.  Words cannot do justice to describe the beauty I just experienced.  Dave came and stood behind me as we watched it rise.

 

A MAGICAL MOMENT IN TIME

Kathleen Martens

February 15, 2017

http://www.visionsofphotography.com

 

Elegantly simple

Color and light

With sunbeam ripples

A photographer’s delight.

 

Oh the beauty

The eye can behold.

No camera can capture

Color so bold.

 

Magical creation

In moonbeam design,

Man cannot accomplish

Mystery so fine.

 

And again my soul

Is filled with joy

As God creates

My visual toys.

 

My thought for today:  If you don’t like something about yourself consider making some changes.

 

Thank You God for helping me to become the best me I can be.

Thank You God for the beauty that you once again made just for my eyes to see.

Thank You too that I have an appreciation for enjoying that which you offer to me visually.

Thank You for my vision.

 

Have a great day.  It is not yet 8:00 a.m.!  Yeah!

Tuesday February 14 2017  A DAY OF HEARTS

 

A HEARTFELT DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 14, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Hearts in ads, hearts on cards,

Symbols of love for this day.

One day a year to celebrate

In a very special way.

 

But celebrations go much deeper

Than a calendar date once a year.

It’s what we do and say in-between

That really counts as dear.

 

To me each day is Valentine’s Day

Because of the man I married,

Who gives me cause for laughter,

But seldom makes me harried.

 

Gentle and sincere are his traits,

And his integrity I never doubt.

He stands tall in my book,

And in my life, holds much clout.

 

The way he cares is so dear,

Because it’s in all the little things.

It takes not wealth or prestige

To cause my heart to sing,

 

But rather the daily simple gestures

Which offer me greater pleasure.

Because in my heart this Valentine’s Day,

Dave is my heartfelt treasure.

 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY SWEETHEART! 

Celebrating 44 years of marriage in June!

 

Wishing everyone a special heartfelt day!

Monday February 13 2017  A DAY THAT JUST DISAPPEARED

It is late, actually it is already tomorrow and it seems my day just disappeared.  I arrived home a few moments before midnight and published the dateline so I would be able to actually publish this blog without skipping a day.  It is now after midnight. 

When I awakened this morning this poem was “talking” to me.  So I voice recorded it on my phone and transcribed it just now after the title page was published.  Now I will add it to Monday’s page and it will appear in date sequence.  I have no choice about date when I actually publish a blog. When I log in the blog is published in “real” time without exception…UNLESS…I already have my heading published in real time with a title and then I can add to it later.  A little sneaky secret I learned.  

 

EVERYONE LIVES A PRIVATE LIFE

Kathleen Martens

February 13, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Everyone lives a private life,

Some with joy, others with strife.

We greet and meet in our Sunday best,

Living harried days at our behest.

 

Each life is different, going separate ways

And each individual guards their days.

So much masked by a stay-pressed smile,

And so many walk such difficult miles.

 

Many retreat within themselves,

Hanging their feelings upon a shelf.

It is so sad when all we must do

Is turn to God to help get us through.

 

His arms open wide as He beckons us come,

God gave eternal life when He gave His Son.

All we must do is walk into His embrace,

And focus on Him face to face.

 

And say, I love You Lord, forgive my sins,

My heart’s door is open and invite you in.

I choose to follow wherever You go

As daily Your plan to me You will show.

 

I accept your mercy and I accept Your grace,

I desire to live with You, in Your heavenly place.

And my burden is loosed and pain is gone,

And in its place God’s light is shown.

 

All because I dared to ask

To be forgiven; because Jesus bore the task.

And my smile no longer just on my face,

But in my heart, and every place.

 

I live my life one day at a time

And with God’s help it has been refined.

And not only that but to others I tell

How to be rescued out of a living hell.

 

That they too ask Jesus to come in

So they can be forgiven from their own sin.

And on it goes and smiles increase,

And as we love, more love released.

 

Oh what glory to be in the presence of a King!

And oh what joy each hour brings!

 

Lord, thank You for this wonderful day that seemed to disappear.

Thank You for the memories I carry in my heart for having shared this day with my grandsons.

Thank You that You sent Your Son to die for my sins.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND SLEEP TIGHT!

Sunday Sabbath February 12 2017  A QUIET DAY

 

A SABBATH DAY OF REST

Kathleen Martens

February 12, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A quiet day in peaceful solitude,

Refreshing hours in blissful quiet.

Being alone serenity revived.

Tranquil surroundings, no chaotic riot.

 

A Sunday Sabbath in slow motion,

Drowsy moments in recline.

Priceless treasure in quiet calm,

Precious hours were all mine.

 

Simple pleasures create rest,

Being alone settles the heart.

Sabbath break provides the soul

Get-up-and-go for Monday’s start.

 

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH DAY OF REST.