Monday July 31 2017  NORMAL IS YET TO BE KNOWN

 

NORMAL IS YET TO BE KNOWN

Kathleen Martens

July 31, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

My friend has gone

Two weeks have flown,

But “normal” is yet

To be known.

 

Because two little munchkins

Fill our place!

And what a joy it is

To see each face.

 

Bed yet unmade

But sheets are cleaned

And its movie time!

Kids quiet and unseen.

 

But it won’t last long

So this poem will be short.

Moments are sparse

In this quiet court.

 

Rambunctious and fun

But attention needed

With two little boys,

And noise must be heeded.

 

They love to romp

And cause each other angst

To see which one

Can’t be out ranked.

 

But early to bed

And early to rise

Will be our motto

Because of their daily surprise!

 

Vacation Bible School!!!

Nice and early!

And it helps the grams       (that would be me)

Not get quite so squirrely.

 

We had the “changing of the guards” early this morning.  Grand children were delivered to my doorstep by 8:00 a.m. this morning.  Lana and I drove them across town to VBS (Vacation Bible School) and then went out for breakfast on the way to the airport.  I then stopped at the gym (across town close to VBS) and worked out at a new gym.  Had a great workout but the gym’s machines were not like those I normally use so it was a bit frustrating at first.  Picked up the boys and since they are fed lunch at VBS it was fun to be adventurous on the way home.  We stopped by a friend’s house (so I could show off my grandsons) and then went to the library.  That too was a great adventure.

 

We decided to do one very kind deed each day they are here.  Today when we were in the children’s section of the library no one else was there.  The play area was a disaster.  It is a great place but all the toys were scattered, the puzzle pieces were strewn about, the bean bag chairs were very uninviting in their arrangement, books were left out all over the place, and stuffed animals were on the loose.  So we decided to sort and arrange everything neatly so the next boys and girls would have a good time messing it up again.  Xander was on the computer so Zach pitched in and we had everything in tip-top shape before we left.  That was our kind act for this day. 

 

We came home and I juiced up fresh fruit, yogurt, and coconut water and made a delicious frozen smoothie.  They didn’t want to eat any fruit so instead, between the four of us, we “slurped down” a pile of frozen bananas and strawberries, an entire orange (peel and all), and two thin slices of lime, four ice cubes, and coconut water.  IT WAS DELICIOUS!  AND IT IS ALL GONE!  Dinner fare is still yet to be determined.

 

The movie is over and it is time for the boys to do their sit ups and pushups.  Zach does them every morning but due to the early travel time he is doing them now.  Xander is doing his version.  He doesn’t want to be left out of any activity.  He thinks he is as old as Zach.

 

Thank You God for two healthy grandsons.

Thank You God for this time to share with them.

Thank You God for my energy to do all I must do.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

Sunday Sabbath July 30 2017  THE BEAUTY OF IMPERFECTION

 

 

THE BEAUTY OF IMPERFECTION

Kathleen Martens

July 30, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

It is wise

      to listen

            to the heart of God…

For it is God

      we

            need to hear.

 

In His perfection

      the Son endured pain,

            and died on the cross

                  so that we would be free.

 

Even though we are imperfect

      Jesus died

            for you,

                  and He died

            for me.

And our hearts

      are changed by God,

      even through life’s storms that rage.

 

Life is perilous

      and earth’s tomorrows

            fraught with chaos.

 When life is lived

      in the will of the Father

            there is no safer…

                  or more pleasant place to be!

 

We  are like the jewel from the sea;

      a pearl of great worth!

But regardless

      how perfect 

            the pearl may seem to be…

      each pearl has

            a unique flaw,

                  just like the children of God.

AND GOD STILL LOVES US ALL!

 

This poem was inspired by this morning’s sermon at church.

Thank You God for all the great fellowship I have had these past two weeks with Lana and her friends.

 

 

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY SABBATH!

Saturday July 29 2017  THINK ON THESE THINGS 

 

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Kathleen Martens

Friday July 29, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

My heart hurts deeply when I disappoint

But I know God loves me no matter what.

I know I’m not perfect and do not understand.

But God’s love for me is my redeeming thought.

 

Though I may not live up to other’s expectations

And sometimes frustrate those close around.

God never lets me down regardless the occasion

And I ask God to make all motives sound.

 

To know when to cease all my busyness,

That I be a light to those in sorrow and pain.

To cease my activity and spend more time in prayer

And to do all that I do without cause for gain.

 

So I ask my Heavenly Father

That my heart would think true

And that whatever is noble

I would do that too. 

 

And that whatever is right

I would always know for sure

So that as I walk in grace,

I would do what is pure.

 

And that the Father would place

That which is lovely in my thoughts

And that whatever is admirable

Would be a goal well sought.

 

And if anything is excellent

Or praiseworthy in God’s eyes,

There, through purposeful deliberation

Is where my thoughts would fly.

 

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Friday July 28 2017  WE NEVER KNOW

 

WE NEVER KNOW

Kathleen Martens

July 28, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The day dawns bright and cheery;

And we anticipating a normal day.

But what we think and what we get

Sometimes doesn’t go our way.

 

We never know what the hours hold

As we breathe, eat, and live.

Without expectation the floor drops out

And time no longer gives.

 

But no matter how very serious

God is always by our side.

Though a loved one is seriously ill

In God they still abide.

 

And the future may seem quite bleak

Because the future is always unknown.

And when you are at your lowest

Is the time to seek God’s throne.

 

This evening, just as I sat down to write a poem we received a phone call from Dave’s sister.  Her only son had a very serious stroke and has a blood clot in his brain.  He is fighting for his life.  They are in California and we are in Wisconsin.  We know not what the outcome will be.  He has been in extremely poor health for the past several years, but a mother is never ready to let go.  Please pray for our nephew Wade, whom we love.  And please remember his Mother, Faith, in your prayers.  Pray that God’s will is accomplished in this situation and hearts are comforted during this time. 

 

Thank You God for Your continued presence in our lives even through the dark valley of the unexpected.

 

“Psalms 23:

¹ The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
³     He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for His name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.”

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Thank you for your prayers!

THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017  NO TIME TO THINK

 

NO TIME TO THINK

Kathleen Martens

July 27, 2017

http://www.visionsofpetry.com

 

My mind is racing

A mile a minute.

As if in a race

And just can’t win it.

 

Going in circles

Comes to mind,

But more like scattered

Is what I find.

 

Lots to do

And all is fun

So what to choose

When I’m on the run?

 

I take a deep breath

Deep with contentment

And do what’s before me…

Living in the minute.

 

One step at a time,

And a heart filled with joy

Because next week I’ll see

My two “little boys”.

 

I’ll cherish my memories

Of these two weeks with my friend

It just seems so quickly

Our time will come to an end.

 

But before it does

We have this day ahead

And we’ll fill it up

Before going to bed!

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Tuesday July 25 2017  MUSIC OF MY SOUL

This poem was composed last night (July 25, 2015).  Due to the late hour I reserved a place to publish the poem on the date it was actually written.  Last night when I wrote the poem I was alone in my library with just a single lamp lit.  Soothing music was in the background as I wrote, lulling me to sleep in the dim room.  The music supplied the inspiration for this poem.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

NIGHT IS CALLING

Kathleen Martens

July 25, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Night is calling

With gentle respect,

Another day lived

I did not expect.

 

Each hour a gift

I unwrap with pleasure.

While living in the moment

I savor the treasure.

 

And now I reflect

Devouring the day.

What single impression

With me will stay?

 

I sit in wonder

Listening with my heart

That I retain the beauty

Of music’s art.

 

Simple melody

Shrouds my being

A bit of Heaven

I am seeing.

 

The song is over,

My eyes need sleep

From this wondrous day

Music is what I’ll keep.

 

And as I sit

In solitude alone

My heart is prepared

To approach God’s throne.

 

Gentle sound

Stirs my soul

As if in frolic

Like that of a foal.

 

Resonant glory!

Dancing notes!

Gifts that are offered

By Him who wrote!

 

Thank You God for this precious day!

Thank You God for being the AUTHOR OF GREATEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN!

 

 

 

 

 

Monday July 24 2017  SUMMER SUNSHINE BECKONS ME

 

SUMMER SUNSHINE BECKONS ME

Kathleen Martens

July 24, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

Summer sunshine beckons me

From indoor work I must flee.

As dear sweet Lana takes a nap

I’ll give the yard a few laps.

 

Deadhead geraniums is my charge

That new blossoms will enlarge.

Purple flowers past their prime

Must be cut back one more time.

 

Blooming zinnias harvested for vase;

I’m certain to find just the right space.

Tomatoes plucked from their stems;

Oh, how I do enjoy them!

 

Fern and hosta all doing fine

With so much rain, profusely divine.

Mulberry fruit has withered away

But on the ground quite a display.

 

The grass is lavish and ground is soft

The mowing job seems quite coiffed.

Summer’s shine is placid and sweet

Which is an improvement over last week’s heat.

 

And then I spy the hickory tree

Suspended in space, not yet free.

Future heat it will produce,

Not exactly what we choose.

 

But we cannot change the past,

The tree’s numbered days were cast.

No since crying over spilled milk,

Nor the death of leaves in wilt.

 

Life goes on in sunshine and rain,

Through joy and laughter: sorrow and pain.

We deal with the aftermath and give God thanks,

That all lives were spared in our rank.

 

But there is a sadness when such a tree falls.

Yet, still more to offer when nature called.

Its worth is valuable and will benefit man.

It had to die, in order to do all it can.

 

 

Again, thank You God that our giant tree did not fall on our house or hurt or kill anyone.

Thank You God for the protection You provide for us on a daily basis.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Sunday Sabbath July 23, 2017  YOU NEVER KNOW

 

TODAY’S ACQUAINTANCE TOMORROW’S FRIEND

 Kathleen Martens

July 23, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I meet new people

Hear new stories

Wherever I go

Is never boring.

 

A party is

A chance to meet

Friendly smiles,

And lots to eat.

 

Laughter beckons

Under the tent,

Who to choose?

The ladies or gents?

 

To be self

In stranger realm

Step out, be bold,

Take the helm. 

 

You never know

A stranger’s face

May become a friend

In time and place.

 

A guest might be

Tomorrow’s pal

Who brings to you

Lots of Kale.

 

So beam a smile

Do not frown,

A new friend

May be found.

 

Thank You God for the opportunity to meet the friends of friends.

Thank You God for a beautiful sun shiny day.

Thank You God for memories of the past and for each day we live to create new memories.

Thank You God for the people You bring into my life.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOUR SUNDAY SABBATH!

 

 

 

Saturday July 22 2017  SHARED MEMORIES

 

SHARED MEMORIES

Kathleen Martens

July 22, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

OH WOW!

I hope it is output

And not my age

For the reason I’m exhausted!

I hope it’s simply a phase! 

 

I’m on the go,

So many places to be.

With my friend in town

There are lots of people to see.

 

Plus the cooking

And preparing of meals

Keeps me quite busy!

But for me, such a great deal!!!

 

I love my friend

And I love to cook,

And we can gab for hours

In my kitchen nook.

 

I chauffeur Lana and guest

And it’s like driving Miss Daisy.

They sit in the back,

As I drive relaxed and lazy.

 

Because my friend is so kind

She bequeathed a friend to me!

A special lady so easy to enjoy,

More of each other we hope to see.

 

A gazebo morning at Carolyn’s house,

Pastries, muffins; and lots of fruit.

Wonderful ladies all arrived,

And none of them were mute!

 

Today Lana is gallivanting

Without me in tow.

You’d think I’d just rest

For two whole days in a row!

 

But it is not to be

Since summer is here.

All the veggies from the farm

Look at me and leer.

 

 

So cleaning food and cooking

Stares me in the face,

And fortunately I can accomplish

Much by God’s grace.

 

All too quickly time will pass.

My friend will leave my place

Therefore not a moment

Do we want to waste.

 

The week will disappear

And end all too soon.

She’ll climb aboard the plane

And away she will zoom!

 

Cherished memories we’ll keep

Tucked deep in our hearts.

But when we say our good-byes

It will still be difficult to part!

 

Thank You God for the fellowship of friends.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Friday July 21 2017  STORMY WEATHER

We are having thunder and lightning storms so I will not publish my poem tonight due to concern that my computer may be affected.  I will publish when the storm passes (possibly tomorrow morning).

GOD BLESS YOU!

Kathleen

 

THE FOLLOWING IS YESTERDAY’S POEM WRITTEN JULY 21, 2017 AND PUBLISHED JULY 22, 2017

 

SO UNTIL THE MORN

Kathleen Martens

July 21, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Almost too tired to write

And with the lightning my computer fights.

So this day comes to an end

Without my poem to welcome friends.

 

Every moment of my hours used

With friend and food; laughter infused!

Sunshine or rain or stormy night

It seems the clock I continually fight.

 

Having fun uses energy galore

And tasks that ensue are always more.

Cooking and cleaning; driving here and there,

Time together limited so all time we share!

 

And now the house is quiet and still

Because my friend is visiting on yonder hill.

The hour still; the night is dark.

With bolts of lighting the evening starts.

 

So until the morn my poem will be

Safely written but not published and free.

So now I will sleep, regain my strength

So I’ll have energy for tomorrow’s length.

 

NOTE:  It was much too static last evening with the lighting and storm to keep my computer open.  I decided not to take time to publish so I wrote the poem in my journal instead.  The above is what I wrote.  Remember I am only publishing poems until my friend leaves the area.  Our time together is limited.

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

Thursday July 20 2017  NOW YOU SEE IT…NOW YOU DON’T

 

A GREAT DEBACLE

Kathleen Martens

July 20, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

A late hello

To say goodnight,

A bit more refreshing

Than yesterday’s plight.

 

Late to bed

And early to rise

And with the morning

Came a great surprise.

 

Our shag bark hickory

About 80 feet in height

Met its doom

In the night.

 

And in its path

Nothing fared,

Our wrought iron fence

Was not even spared.

 

The tree came crashing

Breaking all it touched,

As if in panic,

Down it rushed!

 

Though suspended

From terrace to trunk

A great debacle

That has not shrunk.

 

As it fell

It met resistance

While landing on

Our terrace extension.

 

But no one injured

And we didn’t even know

Until the morning

When we move slow.

 

Such a beautiful,

Wonderful tree;

I’m glad its demise

I did not see!

 

Thank You God that no one was injured when our tree fell. 

Thank Your God for protecting our home yesterday evening and last night.

Thank You God that I only have a poem to write and nothing more.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

 

 

Wednesday July 19 2017  WAITING IT OUT

 

GOD WATCHES OVER US

Kathleen Martens

July 19, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Thunder and lightning

Dance the sky

As Seventy mile per hour

Winds fly by.

 

Sheets of water

From buckets fall

And life pauses

In quiet stall.

 

In hopes the storm

Soon will pass

And violent winds

Will not last.

 

Soon the sounds

No longer squall.

Nature speaks

With gentle call.

 

All is well

Knowing our Father cares

So thankful to God

That He answers prayer.

 

As the storm abates

The sound diminished

The danger has passed

The storm is finished.

 

But then again

The beating rain

Responds to thunder

Without refrain.

 

And so once again

In humble prayer

We know God hears

Our every care.

 

Amidst the howling

Blustery trees

God looks down

And our spirit frees.

 

But we hunker down

In basement walls

As tornado approaches

And winds call.

 

I’ll let you know

When all ends well

But must now take cover

For a short spell.

 

 

More tomorrow night (I hope)!

 

Thank You God for protecting us thus far through this storm. 

Thank You God for your continued protection through this storm.

Thank You God for a wonderful day!

 

GOD BLESS YOU

 

 

Tuesday July 18 2017   A POEM A DAY

 

GOODNIGHT MY FRIENDS

Kathleen Martens

July 18, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A poem a day for the next two weeks

Maybe a comment here and there peeks.

There is just no time with company at hand

And my stay-at-home vacation greatly demands.

 

So while my friend abides with me

My time is not quite so free!

So to enjoy these few days together

My writing will be light as a feather.

 

A daily poem my brain won’t shirk

It is my joy and not considered work.

But writing a blog? Time demands I don’t,

But that doesn’t mean some days I won’t.

 

It all depends on how late I start.

I’m having more difficulty with sleep to part.

So this is an example of such a late night

And only my poem is your plight.

 

Goodnight my friends

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

Monday July 17 2017  MY PRAYER TONIGHT

 

MY PRAYER TONIGHT

Kathleen Martens

July 17, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

MY PRAYER TONIGHT IS…

 

Lord, this old brain is sleepy and tired

I pray for kindling to be refired.

And then my eyes behold a scene

And my senses once again are keen.

 

Dancing before me above the grass,

A spectacle of beauty that will not last.

Glistening diamonds in arcs of love

Calling to their lovers below and above.

 

Summer’s magic creates dazzling art

As fireflies in beauty part.

Calling their mate with sparkling light

Against the darkening of the night.

 

And mesmerized I watch the display

Proving that nature likes to play!

My spirit is lifted, my thoughts rearrange

But the sleepy part has not changed.

 

 

Thank You God for the beautiful gift of dancing fireflies.

Thank You God for filling my heart with joy.

Thank You Father for another lovely day.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SON!

 

Sunday Sabbath July 16 2017  A BIRTHDAY POEM

 

THANK YOU GOD FOR OUR SON

Kathleen Martens

July 16, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A birthday poem for our son

My husband’s only begotten one.

A joy such as I’ve ever know

When I touched his flesh born from my own.

 

Tiny and helpless – such a wee babe;

Flesh of our flesh our union made.

What a miracle to hold in my arms

The beginning of new love that never fades.

 

And in the morn we celebrate his life,

Also shared with his children and wife.

But in my heart I’m once again

Living the ecstasy of birthing our son.

 

I thank You God for allowing him to live!

What a gift to us that You did give;

Our second child, our firstborn son,

And we thank You God for picking the exact right one!

 

 

Thank You God for the gift of life you allowed me to rear.

Thank You Father for providing just the right earthly father to be his parent.

Thank You Lord for all the joy our son has brought to our lives.

Thank You Lord for this beautiful Sabbath Sunday.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON!  YOU ARE A GREAT JOY TO OUR LIVES!

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

Saturday July 15 2017  A DAY NOT YET FINISHED

THOUGH MY WORK UNDONE

Kathleen Martens

July 15, 2017

 

A day is done

But not the work.

Poof! A day is but gone

And the clock ticks on.

 

A quiet house

Still and serene

Beckons quiet

Not yet seen.

 

So much to do,

Moments are few.

But this poem counts

As one more new.

 

Life bundled up

In two little boys

Who uses up time

While giving unending joy.

 

Days well spent

For eternity’s worth

By depositing love

And receiving mirth.

 

I’m ever so thankful

For the hours shared,

Though my work undone

I do not care.

 

Thank You Father for two delightful days.

Thank You Lord for your safety as we traveled home tonight.

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Friday July 14 2017  YOUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN

When you have children in the house somehow plans invariable change.  What I thought our grand-kids would most enjoy went flying out the window.  We gave them several options but they chose to stay at home and be together.  So the Amish trip flew out the window (even with the lure of picking out their own peanut butter).  We had a leisurely breakfast, and then to keep them busy we enticed them with the all mysterious junk drawer.  Everything was taken out and put on a towel on the kitchen counter and they helped up organize all the little pieces; nails, screws, pins, gadgets, tools, stickers, keys, and a sundry of other odds and ends.  It took a lot of time!  And that was a good thing! 

Of course Dave “wrestled”, and as usual, he was outmatched!  Two against one is becoming harder and harder.  Dave holds his own, but he suffers afterward.  As Dave quoted to me today, “Well, I am 70 you know”.  One time that sounded old, but not anymore.  Old is always ten years beyond where you are at the present.

We asked the boys if they would like to go to Subway for lunch.  Both boys negated the idea.  Zach said he loves my food and Xander told me: “I (Xander) would rather have a healthy meal and what you make would be more healthy than Subway’s”.   (And Zach, ever thoughtful of spending as little as possible, said it was also good because we didn’t have to pay for eating out when we had so much food at home.  It sounds like somebody has been giving these kids some sound advice!

A trip to Costco was our great excursion for the day which culminated in the boys having a soft serve before we left.  I am so proud of the way the boys behave when we go places.  They are kind and thoughtful to Dave and me and to all others.  They don’t complain, beg for treats, wander away or misbehave in any way.  I am proud to be their grandma!

When I sat down at the computer I was not planning to write tonight but Dave is playing a game with the boys as I capture in words the memories of our time together, so I took advantage and capture our day on paper.  It is all too soon over.  Zach and I sat in the library together and each wrote a poem.  I gave him a notebook and challenged him to write a daily poem describing something about his day.  He said he would try.  I find that poetry is a way of looking into the soul of child and discovering what is important to them.  We had the best conversations today that we have thus far experienced in his nine years of life.  Zach is growing up and is curious about so many things: family, life, growing up, God, and the Scriptures. I gave them two verses to memorize today so that they could quote them back to me next week.  They can already quote the two verses in their entirety; as they proved to us on our way home from Costco.  I already have the second two verses to give them when they go home tomorrow night.  I may need to send them their verses to memorize on a timelier basis than just once a week.  I think that is encouraging!

What a gift this day has been.  And another gift awaits tomorrow.  I wonder what it will hold.

 

YOUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN

Kathleen Martens

July 14, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The older generation

Shall teach the younger.

With truth the doors shall open

As children’s hearts begin to hunger.

 

To pass on to your children’s children

The love that God has for them;

To prepare hearts for their heavenly home

By teaching them not to sin.

 

So important to take seriously

What the Word of God tells us to do;

That whosoever believes in Jesus Christ

Shall not perish, but have everlasting life anew.

 

Scripture verses for the boys to memorize:

 

Thank You God for Your protection over this day.

Thank You God for our two grandsons.

Thank You Lord that our children are being raise with righteous parents.

Thank You Lord that our grandsons are open for the teaching of  your word.

 

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

 

John 3:16

For God so love the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  I suppose I can never be for certain when I say I do not plan to write a blog. I wasn’t planning to write tonight and here I am.  I do not hear any commotion above me so I suppose Grandpa has everything under control.       

Thursday July 13 2017  EVERYDAY IS DIFFERENT

No solitude for me today, unless you count being alone in a kitchen working.  And I suppose I also had a bit of personal solitude in a public place as I listened to sermons on my iPhone at the gym.  I walked through the store alone so does that count?  I also didn’t have any sit down moments until I plopped down exhausted at my computer station; that is unless I was eating or driving in the car.  It has been a long day and my healing body (and aging body) is taking it very seriously. 

If I don’t fall asleep while I am typing (which I have done in the past) I may actually come up with a poem. 

 

MY REST WILL BE EARNED

Kathleen Martens

July 13, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Every day is wonderful, regardless what I do.

But at times I tire sooner, because tasks are seldom few.

 

A busy day awaits the morrow with grandsons in tow,

We’ve lot on our calendar and sundry places to go.

 

So tonight I’m soon to bed because my day begins so early.

And I hope to survive the hours without becoming surly.

 

Hopefully early to bed new energy will be caught.

I’m not quite certain if the next two days I’ll even write or not.

 

Perchance I do not blog, be not concerned.

By tomorrow’s darkness, my rest will be earned!

 

 

Thank You God for our grandsons.

Thank You God that Dave and I still have the stamina it takes to be active grandparents.

Thank You for this busy day!

Thank You Lord that I might even squeeze in a bit of solitude before I go to bed.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Wednesday July 12 2017  BLISSFUL SOLITUDE

Determined to have a time of solitude I simply stopped what I was doing and decided nothing else was allowed to crowd into my time space!  I had intended for it to happen at 8:00 a.m. and then I received a phone call.  The call lasted over two hours!  By then Dave was home from his breakfast meeting, and busyness started all over again.  I had not yet showered NOR DID I HAVE ON MY PRESSURE STOCKINGS!  And if you know me I am never up longer that it takes to have a shower before those die-hard stockings are securely pulled up to my knees. 

There is nothing better than a summer rain, loud roars of thunder, and scattered lightning thrown in to create the perfect time of seclusion; especially when I am sitting by my window with a panoramic view.  I ended up taking my shower at 1:00 p.m. and then eating lunch at 2:00 p.m. before finally leaving for the gym.  But…I did have my solitude!

 

SUMMER RAINSTORM

Kathleen Martens

July 12 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Thunder roars

rain pours

thick clouds

darkness shrouds.

Silent earth

claims worth

brilliant flight

lightning strikes.

Flowers greet

moisture sweet

rumbling sounds

solace found.

Summer’s storm

earth reborn.

 

 

Currently I am reading a book titled “Summer A Spiritual Biography of the Season” edited by Gary Schmidt and Susan M. Felch.  It is quite interesting and eye opening, as well as being  an informative book.  The editors’ write a preface before each short story written by many different authors, with spiritual applications relating to both the season and the story’s moral.  I find it intriguing.  The words give me pause to reflect on my own life and I believe the content of what I read influences my poetry.  And when I have a time of solitude it seems that more poetry pours out of my heart.  Here is another poem from this morning:

 

LIVE EACH SEASON AND CELEBRATE THE HOUR

Kathleen Martens

July 12, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Summer days slow down life

But being lazy causes me strife.

How am I to have a restful time?

I simply call it leisure and then all is fine!

 

Fun and play should not cause guilt,

Let leisure wrap you like a quilt.

Set time aside to laugh and play,

Enjoy your “leisure” on a summer day!

 

Summer lasts but for a short while,

Accept sunshine kisses; they create smiles.

When out of doors sing and dance,

Summer’s heat is your guiltless chance.

 

A time to slow down to enjoy creation,

And remember to live each moment’s elation.

Too soon it ends and autumn’s work begins

And the bounty of autumn becomes winter’s friend.

 

Treasure each season and celebrate the hour

Through frost, heat, and summer showers!

Whatever the season live in the present

It makes each hour delightfully more pleasant.

 

Thank You God for sunshine and rain.

Thank You God for the poetry You place in my heart.

Thank You for the little bunny I saw eating my flowers today.

Thank You that You provide food for the animals in nature.

And thank You for the foxes that live on our street!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

P.S.  Even though my library is full to overflowing I was tempted, and succumbed, to buying three more books.  I logged in at www.half.com and purchased the Autumn, Winter, and Spring (A Spiritual Biography of the Season) compiled by the same editors.  I ordered hardbacks and they cost 75 cents each.  I purchased them through the same bookseller so I was able to have a reduction on shipping costs as well.  The cover price on the inside jacket reads $21.99.  I paid less than half of that for my entire purchase, including the shipping.  I plan to read each book in its due season.  I checked to see if my library carries the books. All except Autumn was available.  If you are interested look them up at your library.  If you are interested in finding and purchasing  hard to find books check out www.half.com