Thursday June 30 2017  A KISS UPON MY FACE

A KISS UPON MY FACE

Kathleen Martens

June 30, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

Rain…a gift from heaven,

But sometimes we complain a bit.

It seems we either have too much

Or in a dry spell sit.

But oh the sound in early morn

Is beautiful to hear

As it waters ferns of lace

And hickory trees so near.

Earth’s aroma is like a song

As it floods the senses,

Speaking to the heart

Breaking down defenses.

I close my eyes to live the moment

Wrapped up in sound and space,

Tinkling drops of liquid gold…

A kiss upon my face.

 Thank You God for the gift of rain;

For the color green and sunshine.

Thank You Father that I am Yours

And thank You that You are mine.

GOD BLESS YOU AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

Thursday June 29 2017  SILENCE IS A TALENT

Oh how fortunate I am to have a friend of such wisdom who sends out “THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY”!  The problem is, too many of them hit home with me.  I received this one earlier this week and the words she sent are again an eye opener. 

“THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Silence is a talent, as greatly to be cherished

As that other asset, the gift of speech.

Apples of Gold”

I don’t think there is a day that goes by that I don’t find the above statement so true, but of course it is only after I open my mouth and insert foot.  But, with the help of my wise friend I do think I am becoming more aware of my need for such a talent.  I would do well to take this “Thought for the Day” and practice it daily.  And I tell myself, I will solemnly try!

And perhaps that goes for my blogs too!  It gives me the great excuse to once again try and cut down on all that I write.  Unless I am just brimming to overflowing with words I plan to keep my blogs to two or three weekly.  I plan to continue my daily poem.

The summer is flying by too quickly and I am pressed for time for all that needs to be accomplished as I jump from one project to the next, some of which have time limits.  I need to focus my time on other commitments at the present.  Perhaps next year I will do what I did the first year I retired; give no commitments to outside activities.  Thanks to all of you who faithfully read and comment on my blogs.  Please continue to check in and remember I do enjoy hearing from you.

SILENCE IS A TALENT

Kathleen Martens

June 29, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

Silence is a talent

One of which I lack.

When I have something to say

Words I do not lack.

But I am certain

Some may tire of my voice,

So from hence forward

I will limit words by choice.

Though if I’m not careful

I may explode inside,

So I’ll spend more time with God

And in Him I will confide.

Now don’t hold me to this,

But know I do mean well.

Perhaps I’ll just find new ears

And my stories to others tell.

Thank You God for giving me food for thought.

Thank You for friends that share their heart.

Thank You Lord for loving me.

And thank You that You always have a listening ear.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Wednesday June 28 2017  ANOTHER DAY TOO SHORT

HOPEFULLY THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A LIST

Kathleen Martens

June 28, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

Another day too short

With so many things to do.

But I never regret

What it is I ensue.

Time moves on

Always unstoppable;

Regardless what I plan

Finishing seems improbable.

But what I can do today

Then when I wake it is done.

And the good thing about that is

Tomorrow I’ll be on the run.

But I’m sure when I retire

After tomorrow’s setting sun

There will still be a list

Of things yet left undone.

And so it is.  My saga continues.  But…I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.  For a starter I think I finished one task today that I can cross off.  I’ve been helping someone with a speech and I believe it is now finished.  Final draft was sent out tonight.  I also finished photographing all the pages of the album I have been working on for more than a year and a half.  It is somewhere in the vicinity of 300 pages (about 150 layouts).  I photographed many of the pages more than once because at first I could not get the exact angles and measurements from camera to easel.  I finally was able to make everything cooperate.  There is still a lot to do but each day I make inroads.

So much more I could say but must close down for the night as I have an 8:00 a.m. appointment in the morning across town and the rush hour traffic has escalated a thousand fold since I moved here 31 years ago.  Due to my business being in the lower level of our home, very rarely was it necessary for me to go out early.  Dave and I now plan our day around rush hour.  We always try to be done with our travels before the three o’clock hour.  Very rarely do I travel across town at 7:00 a.m.  But when a lady needs a hair cut she takes the appointment she can get!

Thank You God for the highways that make traveling safe and easy.

Thank You for early morning appointments so I can get so much else done throughout the day.

Thank You for protecting us tonight as we sat in our basement safe room as the tornado warning swept past us.

Thank You God for Your continued protection tonight until the storm watch is over at 10:00 p.m.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU. 

I AM GOING TO BED.  MY CELL PHONE WILL BEEP IF THE TORNADO WATCH TURNS INTO A TORNADO WARNING.  HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL TOMORROW.

Tuesday June 27 2017  THE VERY ATTENTION OF THE HOLY GOD

My day has run out of hours.  The poems I wrote today will not be published because they were personally written for specific people.  However, I wrote several poems on Sunday so I will choose one for you to read tonight.

More about my day will be shared at a later date.

THE VERY ATTENTION OF THE HOLY GOD

Kathleen Martens

June 25, 2917

www.visionsofpoetry.com

Oh Father, that I can summon

The very attention of the Holy God!

The power that created the universe

As well as all earth’s sod!

How is it Lord that You listen

When I call out your name?

And that You wrap me in Your love

And forgive all sin and shame?

Thank You for Your patient Love

When I have no time to talk,

And even when I don’t listen

You come beside me and walk.

Draw me close and never let me go

That my heart pants after you.

And that I would know the most important time

Is when I’m in Your presence to renew.

Thank You God that You are with me all the time!

Thank You God that You always hear me call out to You.

Thank You for this awesome day and all the beauty I saw today.

Thank You that I can see.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Monday June 26 2017  PAUSE TO THINK

Yesterday I had a question from a friend which caused me to stop and consider a more complete answer than that which I answered spontaneously. The words my friend speaks often cause me to pause and give greater introspection.

My friend asked me the question, “Why do people write blogs?”  She questioned as to why people would share about their life in a public forum.  Perhaps she was curious as to why I write my blog (which does have personal life experiences presented in a public forum) but perhaps she wasn’t referring to me at all.  I really don’t know.  I answered her as to why I write a blog and surmised why others may do the same. 

I came up with a list of why I spend my time tackling a daily blog, starting with the fact that I believe the Lord had directed me to write so I could share my hope and love with others.  I began in January 2015 and had two months to learn how to administrate an online blog.  I had tried previously but could not learn in the fashion in which the first volunteer taught.  Through one conversation a man stepped up to the plate and offered to teach me.  He gave up his Sunday afternoons for almost two months to do so. And, as for an older me, it definitely took that long for me to learn.  After I learned how to administer the blog I immediately left on a four month trip.  The purpose for the blog was to connect with family back home, as well as with those I met on my journey.  I wrote about my trip and about those with whom I encountered along the way.  I asked people if they would allow me to quote them in my blog and usually they would say yes and ask for my blog address.  A lot of the people I met followed my travels, wrote to me along the way to give me encouragement, and shared with me things about their spiritual life.

I believe the reason God had everything come together with an excellent instructor, the timing, and with those I met along the way, was for the purpose it served.  I was able to touch hearts and lives and be a witness to them through my writing.  God has given me a gift and I want to share my gift with those who are put in my path to receive it. 

I intended to stop writing when I returned home.  However, when I stated that information on my “last blog post” I received a number of emails from readers who gave me a variety of reasons I should not stop.  For one person it was the fact that it was the only devotional she received during the day and others contacted with me spiritual questions and updates on what changes they had experienced since our encounter.  Each person who contacted me had their own personal reason for reading the blog.  So, I continued for awhile longer. 

And I am still faithful to log a bit of my life each day.  My hands do not host a pen as easily as they used to do and I find writing on a keyboard much easier and quicker.  (At least it is much easier than deciphering my penmanship.)  For my own personal reason I believe I write because it provides a measure of discipline in my life.  Some days I purposely do not write in blog form (other than publishing the poem I write for the day).  On those days I collect my personal private thoughts, write out my goals, my conversations with God, and perhaps even a frustration or two.  I have shelves and shelves of handwritten journals and now I have boxes of printed pages of blogs, journals, and poems.  Who will want them after I am gone?  Why do I pour out my heart?  Why do I so faithfully come before the Lord and offer Him a poem each day? 

After pondering the above questions I have come to the conclusion (which I mentioned in yesterday’s answer to my friend) that I do it as a “discipline” because it keeps my mind active.  The blog causes me additional reasons to think, read, and converse with people, so I garner stories of which to write.  I continue to write because I still feel God calling me to give away the words I write.  I do it because sharing Christ’s words of hope, peace, and love, will perhaps direct the heart of others toward God. 

As many people who write blogs, there are probably as many reasons to do so.  I have come to the conclusion that even if I didn’t have one person read my blog, I would still do it for all the good it does for me in my own life.  I feel as if I am being faithful to what God has called me to do.  I know I will not be able to continue indefinitely, but for this time in my life I can I choose to continue writing.  It has made a difference in my life and has given me purpose to be true to self.  It allows my voice to be heard.  And, I ultimately believe that having one’s voice heard may be the universal thread which is the motivating factor for those who write.  I believe that those who choose a public forum in which to publish do so as to have their voices heard. I sincerely pray that the voice that comes out of my heart will be pleasing to the Lord.

And, you see, the question my friend asked me yesterday gave me pause to think.  And I notice as I age that even THINKING takes a bit more time.

FOOD FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

Kathleen Martens

June 26, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

Thinking is such a beautiful gift

We often take for granted.

But we must give consideration

What thoughts in our minds are planted.

For what goes in somehow comes out.

Be careful what you read and hear.

What you choose to see on TV

Can cause pain sorrow or fear.

So choose carefully what you allow in

That gives food for your thoughts.

What I have chosen as my feast

Are the words that Jesus taught!

Thank You God for a brain that still works.

Thank You for the Word of Your Scripture.

Thank You for the brain power to administer a website.

Thank You for all the functions my brain does in the course of one day.

Thank You for the gift You have given me to share with others.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Saturday June 24 2017  THE REST OF THE STORY

Sometimes situations are not as simple as I might hope them to be.  So it is with the fall I had this past Monday.  Manifestations of pain seemed to sneak up on me as the days past.  I expected the third day post fall would be my peak day for pain.  But I have one pain that just seems to exhibit new symptoms daily.  I went to the chiropractor yesterday thinking I could have a back adjustment and perhaps that would take away the burning spot of pain in my back that has reared its head a bit more intensely each passing day.  I stood with my face toward the upright adjustment table and the doctor began to lower me to a prone position.  As the table lowered me face down the pain intensified to the extent that it was intolerable.  He immediately brought me back to an upright position.  He gave me a more thorough examination and discovered a rib that has been broken loose from the ribcage.  This broken rib counts as my 6^th broken rib in the last four years.

Broken ribs are a nuisance, and even more so, A PAINFUL NUISANCE!  I had mentioned to Dave several times that I thought I had a broken rib but I wasn’t certain.  All my other breaks in my ribs were at the tips of the rib, not where they attached in the back area.  The stand-in doctor I saw on Monday did not diagnose the detachment as he did not examine me thoroughly.  He was the same doctor I had last year that said I didn’t have broken ribs from the fall in August only to have it confirmed three days later by an x-ray, that yes indeed, I did have three broken ribs.  I had a suspicion that this rib was broken before it was confirmed yesterday.  I chose to not have an x-ray.  There is nothing that can be done about a broken rib except limiting my movements so it can heal in place.  Breathing deeply is also painful at this stage of healing.  But, I will continue to do what I can do within my limits.  AND…I SOLEMNLY PROMISE TO SLOW DOWN AND BE MORE AWARE OF WHAT IS ON THE GROUND IN FRONT OF ME. 

My tri-focal lenses and diminished vision is sometimes the culprit for not noticing what is on the ground.  I do not have good depth of perception.  My friend who is 86 years old wrote me this week and told me that her greatest fear at this stage of her life is falling.  Her comment opened my eyes to the importance of me, protecting me, from bodily harm by being more aware of my movements.  I don’t think I need another wake-up-call.

Saturday is not a normal blog day but I still wanted to document my situation due to my fall.  Logging in my blog (journal) often helps me pinpoint certain events and their significance.  So sorry if hearing about an old woman’s woe is boring or sounds like a complaint.  I can’t help being old, but I certainly do not mean anything I say to be a complaint.  Just the facts ma’am, just the facts!

SO FUTURE GENERATIONS…

Kathleen Martens

June 24 2017

Just the facts in mundane prose

Might be as boring as blowing a nose.

But I capture events on paper

Because my memory seems to taper.

So I speak what I want to say,

Write a poem and go on my way.

And leave the rest for others to guess

I’m extremely careful as to what I confess.

There is always secrecy from the outside in,

Things I tell to very few friends.

But I enjoy writing a bit of my history

So future generations may enjoy my mystery.

Thank You God that my body is created to heal.

Thank You Jesus that You know how I feel.

Thank You God that there is still much I can do,

But most of all Heavenly Father, thank You for being YOU!

Have a great day.

GOD BLESS YOU

Friday June 23 2017  LOOKING BACK

Forty Four years ago today Dave and I were married.  When I walked down that long aisle in a borrowed church I had no concept of how quickly 44 years would go by.  I am still the same person, but yet, so completely different.  Immaturity is only understood from a distant observation.  And when I look back from this distance I am utterly aghast at some of the things I did and said “way back when”.  And now, even though I am older and hopefully wiser, I often times still make big mistakes.

But, there is one thing I did in my life that was no mistake and that was to marry Dave.  Not even for one day have I ever regretted it.  To this day I truly believe it was only through God’s provision that I met and married the perfect man that God picked out for me.  Since he is a man he is not perfect, but for me, he was exactly who God designed just for me, so that made him perfect for me.

To celebrate 44 years we decided to make ourselves an adventure.  We headed out with no destination, no plans in mind except to stop by the AAA and pick up some maps so we would be able to find our way home.  Yes, we have GPS on our phones but it seems much more adventuresome to “map it out”.  And believe me, when you get out on the back roads of Wisconsin a map comes in handy.

We ended up in a little town on the edge of The Wisconsin River known as The Village of Prairie du SAC.  And the highlight of our day was our last stop at a mom and pop bakery named THE MIXING BOWL BAKERY.  All the food in the bakery is made from scratch and looked delicious.  And the highlight of going there was the soft serve ice cream made fresh daily.  Vanilla and chocolate were the only flavors offered.  I had a small taste of chocolate, and then an entire 8 ounce cup of the fresh vanilla.  OH MY GOODNESS!!!  It was ecstasy!  Funny, but 44 years ago I remember ecstasy as being something quite different than a scoop of vanilla soft serve!  THE MIXING BOWL BAKERY is already beckoning my return.

It was interesting when we entered the bakery to see several children scattered about.  The couple who owns and bakes everything themselves have 9 children under the ages of 11.  They are a beautiful family and the children were so wonderfully behaved.  I asked the baker mom if she home-schooled and she answered yes.  I had great pleasure in conversing with the children.  I was amazed to see how well they interacted with an adult and how candidly they spoke.  I was informed by the oldest that she was the “eldest” in the family and she also volunteered the information that four of her siblings shared the same birth date.  The eldest child (and self appointed spokes-person) informed me that there were two sets of twins, born two years apart on the exact same calendar date.  It appears that the children spend their day at the bakery.  It was actually quite a homey atmosphere.  I also believe they may have living quarters under the same roof toward the back of the building.  To say the least, it was an interesting set-up and they portrayed a beautiful model of a family working and thriving together.  I was impressed by how well behaved the children were.  Oh, I was also informed (by the eldest) that there were three babies already in heaven.  I must say, a busy mom (and a busy dad)!

ECSTASY WHAT A WONDERFUL WORD

Kathleen Martens

June 23, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

Ecstasy!  What a wonderful word

For joy, happiness, and elation heard.

A cup of ice cream offers bliss

Like a Seventh Heaven or well lighted kiss.

OH the thrill of such a taste

As a bite of chocolate eaten in haste!

Such a pleasure of sweet excitement,

A once a year treat with such delightment!

A day of adventure ending sweet

As our 44^th anniversary we did meet.

About future we know not what’s in store.

As for anniversaries, we hope for 31 more!

Thank You God for these past 44 years.

Thank You God for all the time we have before us.

Thank You especially for our two children born from our love, one from our hearts and one from our seed.

Thank You for Your protection over our family these past 44 years.

Thank You God for the love that you have placed in mine and Dave’s hearts for each other these past 44 years and 8 months.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

P.S.

FUN FACTS!

We met October 28, 1972

We were engaged on Valentines day February 14 1973.

We dated long distance and had 23 actual days of being together during the eight months before our wedding.

Married June 23, 1973.

AND LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER (ESPECIALLY AFTER OUR KIDS LEFT HOME!)

And now, wouldn’t you know it, they can still interrupt us just as much with a few dozen texts as I try to write this blog!!!

Thursday June 22 2017  A DOUBLE BREAK

It has been an interesting past two weeks.  A whirlwind bus trip to Branson, Missouri which was absolutely magnificent and another partial week at home without exercising!

Last year when Dave and I traveled to Cincinnati, Kentucky (also a bus tour) to see the Creation Museum and Noah’s Ark I had a significant fall.  I was running when the tip of my sandal caught on a raised area and I fell hard on a cement floor.  I broke three ribs, pulled my hamstring, caused a popliteal cyst to burst in my knee, as well as causing a sundry of other ailments which necessitated an MRI.  Needless to say the leader of this year’s tour was greatly relieved to deliver me home safe and sound, all in one piece.  I was quite happy too! 

We arrived home to a well watered garden, thanks to both our house sitter and God’s gift of rainy days. We enjoyed a relaxing Father’s day shopping for food to restock our fresh fruits and vegetables. I so looked forward to this week as I had set it up as a staycation week which is when I go absolutely no where except to the gym.  This week I made an exception.  I decided I wanted stop at a store to pick up an item on the way to the gym.  That was my first mistake.  I purchased what I needed and then took a short, out of the way walk (my second mistake).  My left shoe was grabbed by a piece of cement that was protruding higher than the ground where I was walking. My foot did not get past the raised area and I had a split second fall without any warning.  My body was ramrod straight and immediately slammed to the ground.  My first point of impact was the underneath part of my chin that hit the sidewalk in a whiplash motion.  My nose was the next to be pulverized by the hard sidewalk.  Only later did I discover all the other impact areas. I look like a wounded warrior where the other guy won. 

My body was quite shook up!  I never did make it to the gym.  I did see a doctor and I have no broken bones, no leaky spleen, no head injury, and I can still walk.  But believe me, I am a walking testimony to the impact I felt.  And both the good and the bad part is the fact that I am not to exercise until next week due to my injuries needing a bit of time to heal.  I didn’t need to be told twice.  TWO WEEKS WITHOUT EXERCISE AND NOT WRITING A BLOG GAVE ME A DOUBLE BREAK!  There was no time to exercise on the trip and now that I have the time, my body is not in condition to take to the gym.  I hope I am doing better by Monday because I sure can feel the need to get rid of some vacation calories! 

Before you offer me too much sympathy let me explain that I don’t have the kind of injuries that prevent me from doing what needs to be done.  I am in the photo stage of my album work and I have been able to get my body to cooperate.  It is a big task and will probably take me quite a few more days to finish.  I am using natural light and only have a few hours a day that provide the kind of light I need.  I am pleased that I am close to the finalization of a project that has taken me over a year thus far.  The end is in sight!

ACT YOUR AGE!

Kathleen Martens

June 22, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

SLOW DOWN! Are the words I hear

Coming from everyone, far and near!

ACT YOUR AGE is another cry

From those who see me whiz by.

I guess I must practice being old

Slow and methodical as I go.

But so much energy I need to express

And I love living life with oodles of zest.

But this falling bit is not the least bit fun

Though I really do love to be on the run!

But my neighbor’s sage advice as I go

Is to take it easy and go real slow!

The best I can say is that I will try.

Perhaps it will postpone the date I die.

And it is not much fun to smash your face

Especially in a public place!

A purple chin and a purple nose

Shines brightly wherever I go.

And oh the looks and averted gazes

I’m sure this face to others amazes!

Thank You God for protecting me from major injury or death.

Thank You Lord for a safe and wonderful trip.

Thank You for friends.

Thank You that I am able to sit here in front of my computer and that I survived to tell my story.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Friday June 9 2017  TAKING A BREAK

Every once in a while it is time for me to take a break.  And that time is now!  A stay-cation just doesn’t cut the mustard because staying at home is no vacation for me.  So therefore, I am escaping Wisconsin.  I will not be writing blogs until June 22.  I will daily write poetry but will not publish them.  Perhaps I’ll add them to future blogs.  Try as I may, our friends who babysit our home when we are gone refuse to learn how to publish my blogs.

To be truthful I see myself climbing the walls because I will not have the time to write daily.  As mundane, repetitious, or scattered (or thrilling) my blogs may seem at times, I still benefit from the daily discipline of sitting down in front of my computer to see what dances onto the screen from the touch of my fingers.  

There are deadlines looming ahead and my time is scarce.  This year has flown by more quickly than any previous year of my life.  I must focus on the week ahead, enjoy myself, and then come back to reality.  At the end I’ll either be extremely tired, or exhilaratingly rejuvenated! 

I’ll let you know.

EVERY SINGLE SECOND

Kathleen Martens

June 9, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

An hour goes by without a glance,

A day escapes without a chance.

A week is history all too soon,

And the month seems to zoom.

The year begins and then it ends,

It doesn’t stay around to become a friend.

The decades too quickly cluster,

And one of these days I’ll not muster.

But until then I’ll enjoy the ride

And in euphoria I’m content to abide.

To live life fully is a great pleasure,

And every single second, an awesome treasure!

Thank You God for the joy in my life that comes from You.

Thank You for every second I live.

Thank You God that my readers will come back to say hello.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Thursday June 8, 2017  THE CONTINUING SAGA

The following blog was instigated as a response to a friend’s email about a previous blog written on June 6, 2017  “A SOUND YOU NEVER FORGET.”

EMAIL:

“Hi KM,

You never did mention how much damage it did to your neighbor’s house when the tree fell on it.

Did it ruin furniture, walls, and etc.? Was anyone hurt? Will insurance cover all of the damage?”

The tree was large, the branch that fell was as large as most yard trees.  Fortunately the outer most leafy branches had some give as it came crashing down and the end of the branch, though it was totally broken off was left supported in the air which took the pressure off the fall.  Some roof damage and they were told they need a new roof on one portion of their house as well as a thorough inspection for structural damage in the attic and support system.  There was also gutter and yard damage. 

No one was hurt and no furniture or keepsakes were ruined.  One person was in the house and she said that when the tree fell it was frightening as she heard and felt the impact when the tree hit the roof.  The splintering of the wood made a horrible racket as it gave way and that sound is one of the most frightening sounds for someone who lives under trees.  Yes, the insurance adjuster said it will be covered.

The tree is now gone and has become either wood chips or huge pieces left in the yard.  It is beautiful oak wood and one person will be buying the trunk and hauling it away with a skip loader.  One grocery sized bag of the wood is almost too heavy to pick up.  My neighbors allowed me to choose a couple of pieces of the tree to keep.  The pieces of wood were quite beautiful to me.  There are lots of bugs living in that tree so I won’t be bringing my treasures into the house unless I have them fumigated.  My wood art may become ornaments in the garden. 

The tree specialist said there were signs that the tree had been struck by lightening.  There was other damage as well and it was recommended to cut the tree down.  Dave and I were able to watch four men dismantle a living structure that is estimated as being almost 300 years old.  It was like watching a choreographed dance of four strong men conquering a mighty giant. 

I (with all of my exaggeration experience) estimate that the tree was more than 60 feet tall with a branch spread matching its height.  Its massiveness was quite impressive as it towered over a two story house.  My neighbor mourned as she watched its demise.   

Today Dave and I watched with rapt attention the cycle of life.  Living and dying; we each have one turn.  The tree spread its arms and its roots grew deeper and deeper.  It has played host to many species through its centuries.  And now it will be recycled in a myriad of ways, ultimately giving back to the earth the nutrients that the earth provided for its own existence.  The tree lived well and its legacy lives on.

I think this old tree is a parallel to our own lives.  We are born, we put down roots, we grow and change; and perhaps we offer kindness to others by feeding them, providing protection and love, as well as being there for those who need sanctuary.  We face adversity, and we keep going, but someday the old body just gives out and we too leave our legacy behind. 

We should ask ourselves this question, “What legacy will we leave behind?”   A legacy is never written while someone is still alive.  Nor is it a letter one writes to another instructing them as to how they want to be remembered.  Rather, it is how people remember the deceased because of who they were, which is a reflection of how that person lived their life.  How we live our lives is actually the determining factor as to what kind of legacy we too will leave behind.  When others remember a person with an upright character, who shows kindness, gives protection, expresses love to others, and speaks gently, that is how a person will be remembered.  How they are remembered after death is the legacy they leave. 

I will miss that old oak tree, as I am sure the squirrels, birds, ants, bugs, and spiders will.  And the loss for each animal, insect, or person will be experienced differently.  And just like that centuries old tree, you too will be remembered with a legacy after death.  You may have touched lives in ways you were never aware.  It is when you touch the lives and hearts of others that your legacy will live on.  

When you walk with God following the plan He has for your life, just like that tree, you too will leave a beautiful legacy.  That old oak tree has stood for centuries with its arms open to protect and provide for so many, so thus can your legacy be.  Ultimately, the only legacy we need be concerned about is the legacy God writes for us.

And I think God had that old oak tree’s legacy planned before the squirrel planted the acorn.  God also has plans for us.

So thank you Marilyn for opening the door for today’s blog topic.  I didn’t mean to make my letter quite so long!

OH, IF I COULD JUST HAVE SUCH

Kathleen Martens

June 8, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

How many trees stand

Because of a buried seed

Upon which squirrels

Had thought to feed?

A massive oak

So very alive,

Each day its purpose

Is only to strive.

Going forward in time

With rings of remembrance,

Even chopped down

It continues deliverance.

Giving of self

With joyful votive.

Offering its all

Without motive.

Firewood for warmth

On cold winter nights,

And art for the mantle

As stunning sights.

Planks for the carpenter

To create true treasures,

Which will warm hearts

With endearing pleasures.

Wood-chips for gardens

To recycle the earth,

To enrich the soil

So nutrients not dearth.

And someday mushrooms

Can receive their food

Attached to decaying,

Crumbling oak wood.

And all is well

With such a legacy of love…

“Oh, if I could just have such”,

From the Father above!

Thank You God for clean windows.

Thank You God for loving me so much.

Thank You God for all the trees that surround me as I gaze out the windows.

Thank You God that You care for the little birds who nest in trees.

Have a wonderful evening!

GOD BLESS YOU

P.S.  SEE PICTURES BELOW

Wednesday June 7 2017  PAINTING PICTURES WITH WORDS AND CREATING POETRY WITH PHOTOS

I PRAY THAT HEARTS ARE FILLED WITH SMILES

Kathleen Martens

June 7, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

A day filled with anticipated delight

With color and sounds and stunning light.

Places to go, people to meet,

Lots to do and schedules to keep.

A fulfilling day now at its end

And my salutation to you I send.

In picture form I speak my words

In visual image my day is heard.

A morning stroll full of bouquets,

Morning ritual to see if plants are okay.

The Hostas were doing especially fine,

But annuals now have a fence line.

Shrubbery growing well and hardy

Decked in finery attending a perfect party.

But alas, the old oak next door

After today will be on earth’s floor.

And so much more happened on this day

And it felt as if it was fun and play.

It was the hour of the poets’ reception!

Unique were the poems without exception!

Young and old, wrote from their heart

And each winner read their art.

Watch for my poem written on a bus

For certainly mine will be a must!

All for fun I submitted my words,

And now they’ve a chance to be heard.

And as they are displayed across the miles

I pray that hearts are filled with smiles.

Thank You God for the opportunity to meet the people I met today.

Thank You God that my poem was one of the chosen.

Thank You for the iPhone camera!

GOD BLESS YOU!

I had chosen more photos to send but for some reason my iPhone refused to send them.  Please scroll down to view the photos below until you reach yesterday’s blog text.  I will try to send the additional photos tomorrow.  The photos will be above this blog instead of following the blog.