Monthly Archives: July 2017
Tuesday July 11 2017 YESTERDAY’S FOLLOW-UP
Tuesday July 11 2017 YESTERDAY’S FOLLOW-UP
Below are the fourth and fifth poems I wrote yesterday. These poems follow each other well. The poem I distinctly referred to yesterday is the second poem. Please note that the quotes in the second poem are titles of a few of the books sitting on the small shelf beside my chair. The titles, with the authors’ names will follow at the end. I enjoy reading from several books each day and not necessarily the same ones two days in a row. I read for the tidbits of interesting knowledge which different authors impart. And yes, I usually do finally get to the end of each book. Sometimes it takes a year or two and by then they are treasured friends. They live on my shelves and once again I find myself perusing the highlighted areas. These are the books who become my tried and true friends.
MY HEART IS FULL
Kathleen Martens
July 10, 2017
My heart is full
Of words to write.
I know not when
My thoughts take flight.
Influenced by so many books
Titles alone too numerous to tell,
Their words come tumbling out;
Devouring their presence I sit a spell.
A deep delight bubbles forth,
Creates a feeling oh so grand.
So many words yet to read
I pray for knowledge to understand.
Amazing stories waiting to be read
Include dates of history I should know.
And so many cookbooks I’ve yet to explore
And wisdom awaits regardless the shelf I go.
THE TITLES ON WHICH I FEED
Kathleen Martens
July 10, 2017
How can I even begin to choose
What next I’d like to read?
Rather than choose I peruse the shelves
And on many books I feed.
Books about “LIVING THE SIMPLE LIFE”
And stories of “PRECIOUS SOLITUDE”.
And about ‘LIVING YOUR UNLIVED LIFE”
And “GOD’S LITTLE INSTRUCTIONS” ALSO EXUDE.
“UNLOCKING YOUR LEGACY” is another title;
And “THE QUOTABLE WOMAN” cannot be left out.
“AND LEARN TO REMEMBER” I almost forgot”!
‘Come enhance your memory’, to me it shouts!
And the book “AT SEVENTY” is to be read
When that birthday shows its face,
Along with “WHEN I AM AN OLD WOMAN, I SHALL WEAR PURPLE”
Hopefully takes me to a happy place.
And “GOD’S FRONT DOOR” sounds so lovely
I can barely wait to read,
And I could go on describing for hours
The titles on which I feed.
UPDATE: The soft-touches were added to the new Library today by my friend Carolyn. Now the work is up to me; the next step being to have my artwork enlarged and framed. Once I have that completed Carolyn will come back and help me design my wall displays. But, oh….what awesome bliss it is to walk into a room that has been created as a sanctuary. To be able to experience such freedom as to sit, meditate, and spend time with God, experience solitude, view nature, and most of all…to create, opens up endless opportunities for me. I don’t know if I have ever had a room quite like it! I am also so thankful for Carolyn offering her expertise and time to create such a special environment that I can share with others. I AM TRULY GRATEFUL! Her gift of time is received as a gift of love.
Below is today’s poem:
OH THE PEACEFUL FEELING
Kathleen Martens
July 11, 2017
Oh the peaceful feeling
Of order in this space;
An invitation of leisure
Beckons me to this place.
Day or night I hear the call
To come bask in God’s presence,
And now I have a peaceful place
To soak in His essence.
Lord, I feel so wealthy
When I view Your creation
Which You lovingly lavish on me
As my heart overflows with elation!
A place to sit – a place to pray
In serenity all my own,
But I know nothing belongs to me
For everything I have You own.
And oh it is such a comfort
That regardless where I go
You are always right beside me
Whether mountains or valleys below.
But tonight I chose to thank You
And consecrate this room for Your glory.
And to You I offer this space
That it be used to share Your story.
Thank You God for our time together.
Thank You God that You are my true wealth.
Thank You God for seasons on this earth as well as seasons in our lives.
Thank You Father for continually teaching me through Your Word.
The following are the list of books and author from the poem THE TITLES ON WHICH I FEED:
“LIVING THE SIMPLE LIFE” Elaine St. James
“PRECIOUS SOLITUDE” Ruth Fishel
“LIVING YOUR UNLIVED LIFE” Robert A. Johnson and Jerry M. Ruhl PhD
“GOD’S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK” Author not identified: published by HB Honor Books “…specially selected from all the cherished ‘GOD’S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK’”.
“UNLOCKING YOUR LEGACY” Paul S. Meyer
“QUOTABLE WOMEN” “…a forum of eminent women opine, debate, and advice on a cornucopia of timeless and timely topics.” No author or editor name mentioned.
“LEARN TO REMEMBER” Dominic O’Brien
“AT SEVENTY” May Sarton
“WHEN I AM AN OLD WOMAN, I SHALL WEAR PURPLE” Edited by Sandra Haldeman Martz
“GOD’S FRONT DOOR” Jill Briscoe
Monday July 10 2017 MORNING’S JOY
Monday July 10 2017 MORNING’S JOY
It is such an enjoyment to walk into our “new space”! There are so many places to sit, so many books to peruse, and so much light coming in from the large window facing the backyard. We have double pane glass that looks out over nature’s wonderland. It is difficult for the animals to see us but if the light is just right there is a possibility to see inside, but usually we can watch without being detected.
We had a lightning storm last night and it appeared that the lights of heaven were flashing on and off all night long. Our neighbor measured 4 ½ inches of rain collected in his rain gage. This summer we have been abundantly blessed with rain. Now we desperately need heat and sunshine with intermittent rain thrown in for good measure.
As I was sitting in my old comfy chair that overlooks the back yard I couldn’t keep my mind on writing due to all the wildlife flitting by. I could go into detail but it would take too long. All I can say is that there is a whole other world that takes place right under our nose. I sat there for as long as I possibly could without a guilt trip. With all there is to do I am usually on a stringent schedule. But, the longer I sat, the less guilt I felt, and then the poetry bubbled up. I wrote four poems right in a row but I must be conservative as to what I transcribe so as not to make this blog too long.
MORNING’S JOY
Kathleen Martens
July 10, 2017
Oh what fun
To see the sun
In patches brief
As if on the run.
Dense clouds
On the prowl
Sun’s twinkling light
Erases scowl.
Nervous birds
Flit unheard
Speaking love
In silent word.
Flowers dance
On wind’s chance;
Fragmented sun
Colors enhance.
Pools of rain
Sidewalks stain
And birds bathe
Without shame.
Concealed behind
My window blind
The outside world
Enjoyed so fine.
So close, yet
Unseen by most,
I welcome nature
Which God hosts.
IN PERFECT CONNECTION
Kathleen Martens
July 10, 2017
In and out
Patches of sun
Delight the sated
Cool of earth.
Summer’s rain-forest
Foliage thick
Teams with movement;
Life and death.
Whispers of wind
Dance with Old Oak
In perfect connection
As lovers…
In passionate embrace.
MY HEART IS FULL
Kathleen Martens
July 17, 2017
My heart is full
Of words to write
I know not where
My thoughts take flight.
Influenced by so many books,
Titles alone too numerous to tell.
More words come tumbling out
I devour BOOKS’ presence as I sit a spell.
A deep delight bubbles forth
Creates a feeling oh so grand!
So many words I’ve yet to read
I pray for comprehension to understand!
I have one more poem to share, (my favorite one of the day) but it is too long to include here. Perhaps I will include it with the poem I write tomorrow. I’ll give you a clue, the title is “THE TITLES ON WHICH I FEED”.
Thank You God for all the animals that live in our woods.
Thank You that You are even concerned about the sparrows.
Thank You for the joy that Your creation gives to me.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Sunday Sabbath July 9 2017 HE WHO TRUSTS IN JESUS WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED
Sunday Sabbath July 9 2017 HE WHO TRUSTS IN JESUS WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED
HE WHO TRUSTS IN JESUS WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED
Kathleen Martens
July 9, 2017
Sitting alone in quiet reverence
My heart worships with sacred song
The gentle melody of my Savior’s love;
Sung to the One whom my heart belongs.
An attitude of quiet praise
During my day of Sabbath rest.
Oh to be more like Jesus
Is my daily quest.
Peaceful joy that floods my soul
Permeates from inside out.
The miracle of God’s astounding love
To the world I desire to shout!
Divine salvation is complete
Sealed by His Spirit we are anointed.
He who trusts in Jesus
Will not be disappointed.
The title of the above poem was the closing statement in Pastor’s sermon today. It resonated in my heart and kept repeating itself. Thus, when I sat down in my chair this afternoon perusing my sermon notes I knew it was the basis for my poem
Thank You God for Your promises found in Scripture.
Thank You for making Your Word come alive in my heart.
Thank You for placing a song in my heart.
Thank You for turning ashes into beauty.
Thank You for Your gift of the Sabbath day of rest.
GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH SUNDAY.
Saturday July 8 2017 EACH ONE IS PERFECTLY UNIQUE
Saturday July 8 2017 EACH ONE IS PERFECTLY UNIQUE
EACH ONE IS PERFECTLY UNIQUE
Kathleen Martens
July 8 2017
Everywhere I go
I see so many faces.
All are quite different,
It matters not the places.
Behind each face
There is a life.
And a face can portray
Which life has joy or strife.
Who are the people
We pass day after day?
What condition is their soul,
And what does their face say?
Each person is so similar
In that we all have hopes, and dreams.
BUT EACH ONE IS PERFECTLY UNIQUE!
EXACTLY LIKE YOU AND ME!
The above poem was inspired by a quote I read this afternoon in the Reader’s Digest July/August 2017 issue. The quote is as follows:
“REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE. JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.” Margaret Meade
Thank You God for creating me to be me.
Thank You God for my mother who taught me the way of salvation.
Thank You Father that I am a daughter of a King.
Thank You for loving me.
GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS DAY AND MAY YOUR SUNDAY SABBATH BE AWESOME!
Friday July 7 2017 WHAT MONEY CANNOT BUY
Friday July 7 2017 WHAT MONEY CANNOT BUY
HIS PLAN IS FAR BETTER THAN MINE
Kathleen Martens
July 7, 2017
From seven decades of life.
Piles; and piles of piles!
If stacked to the sky
Surely count as miles.
But I’m feeling satisfaction
As my car is filled with stuff
To drop off at St. Vinney’s
Though separation was quite tough!
But then again on the other hand
It feels good to just purge.
It seems the more I shed
The greater is my urge!
I’m just so happy to shout it out
That my studio is no more!
But now a lovely library,
A place I’ll never be bored.
Rows and rows of beloved books
Just awaiting my gentle caress.
It is a two way love affair
I truly must confess.
And now if I can focus outward
Other rooms may someday be
Actually used for their calling,
And from piles, they’ll be free.
My hope is that I will live
Long enough these plans to fend,
But I may leave some piles behind
For family as well as friends.
But all is well that ends well,
All I need to do is live ‘til I die
And hope I accomplish God’s perfect will,
Because His plan is far better than mine!
What an awesome event! Dave and I worked diligently this morning on the final touches of my new library. I say “my” because Dave takes no claim to it whatsoever. I feel like Goldilocks, I have even found the chair “THAT IS JUST RIGHT”! Dave’s library is confined in his “man cave”. And he doesn’t allow me to put even one thing on his shelves!!!
Tomorrow an interior decorator friend is coming over to tweak the final touches of the new library. My friend Carolyn will add the soft touches. She will also help me choose which artwork to display, how big, and where it will be positioned. Dave wants me to create a gallery of my travels but he has given me an explicit request to have some of the prints be something other than flowers and gardens. So, in addition to flowers I will display my favorite ocean views, mountains, waterfalls, and architecture. I might even intersperse a collection of family photos. My only concern is that I do not have enough wall space to include everything I hope to hang. Carolyn’s favorite saying is “less is more”. Remember, I tend to like the “more” side of life.
It has been a long and rewarding journey taking my studio apart, getting everything patched and painted, and then collecting things from around the house to create our “LEFTOVER ROOM”. That is the name we have dubbed it. Almost everything now in the “leftover room” was garnered from other places in the house such as excess furniture, photography props from my studio days, and boxed up keepsakes, as well as the plethora of books from my previous library. We purchased three matching shelves from Craig’s List and one shelf unit and two chairs from Attic Angels’ fundraiser. Most items are keepsakes of things old and familiar. Included is an antique secretary that we purchased 44 years ago right after we married. It was old then, and now it is even older! We are using a white love seat purchased 38 years ago when our son was born. I have a table I bought many years ago that had to live in our laundry room until now. I’ve had several people offer to take it off my hands but I have always hung on to it, knowing that someday…. And that someday is now. We are also using our powder blue wing-back chair that is 38 years old. It is still in good condition, just as is the love seat. Furniture was once crafted to last; not anymore.
I have books that are older than I am; copies of well loved titles that my grandmother, mother and aunts held and read. We have keepsakes from throughout mine and David’s lives, as well as those belonging to our children. Our children are now minimalists. Someday all these things we enjoy will be dispersed, gone with the wind so to speak. And it won’t matter. Things are things. We are truly rich only when we realize that what is most important and valuable in this life on earth is that which money cannot buy; not how much we can buy. And the riches I have are not on this earth. My riches are knowing God and knowing that our children also have a personal relationship with God. There is nothing this world can offer or that I can purchase that is worth more than that!
We are instructed in the Scriptures that we are not to store up treasures on earth.
Matthew 6:19-21
19 “Do not store up for your selves’ treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for your selves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Thank You Father for Your gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ.
Thank You God for all that You provide for us as we walk on this earth.
Thank You God that You are our treasure.
Thank You God for giving Your Living Word as our instruction book as we travel through this world that is not our home.
GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU
Thursday July 6 2017 SUMMER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED
Thursday July 6 2017 SUMMER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED
SUMMER’S BIOGRAPHY
Kathleen Martens
July 6, 2017
Summer days in cumbersome heat
Settle in stillness nature’s song.
Time seems to expand the days
As evening awakens insect throngs.
Slow in movement under sultry blanket
Morning’s vigor released without guilt.
Languid motions thwart best laid plans
And daytime hours easily spilled.
All striving is laid to rest
Liberating self as motions slow.
Heart and body nourished as one
In the halcyon of summer’s glow.
As sparkling fireflies dance in the night
All sounds muffled grand.
Summer embraces sacred moments;
And stillness of the season in God’s command.
GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!
P.S. It’s almost as if I can hear the corn growing!
Wednesday July 5 2017 IT IS DONE (ALMOST)
Wednesday July 5 2017 IT IS DONE (ALMOST)
Unfortunately it is not the album that is done, but the placement of my books on nine book shelves. All total there are four locations around the room and one at the end of the hallway. Two areas have three units each, and the other three stand alone. I have taken pictures of each grouping or unit. I still have a bit of space left on some shelves, but once I bring the books down that are scattered on shelves upstairs, all the shelves will more than likely be full.
I assume this is not exciting news unless you too are a book lover and understand the relationship a reader has with his or her books. I have very few shelves of fiction. I have a compilation of the following subjects: poetry, travel, animals, plants, gardening, health, nutrition, self improvement, Bibles, concordances, dictionaries, wisdom, jokes, short stories, Christmas titles, writing techniques, Bible studies, Christian titles, trauma recovery, children, devotionals, golden books (from early 1970’s), and Anne of Green Gables collections. The entire shelf at the end of the hallway is full of my handwritten poems and journals from past years. The vertical piles of journals still need to be organized and a few are empty journals waiting to be filled.
In the Library area I have two or three shelf sections filled with novels. I also have two complete sets of children’s story encyclopedias, one set was originally published in the 1930’s and I think the other one published in the 1960’s.
Now I must go through the assortment of “junk” piled between the couch and two facing chairs in front of the fireplace. Other than artwork, I will then be finished except for the “soft touches”. I am thrilled to have it almost finished. My goal is to have it completed by the end of next week (except for the artwork). I have a friend coming to visit for two weeks and I would love to be able to use the room.
Since I’m talking about books I will mention the fact that I still have about one half of the floor space in the former library lined with books, spine-up, in box lids for give away. I plan to have a treat and meet party so friends can come and choose books to take home with them. The rest will be donated to the Public Library book sale or St. Vincent’s resale shop. I’m down to the final stretch!
THE BOOKS THAT CALL OUT MY NAME
Kathleen Martens
July 5, 2017
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Like the ant that carries its load
Just a little bit each day,
With perseverance and determination
I have slowly made my way.
Book by book; box, by box
I have touched each and every one.
Though it took determination
Slowly I got it done.
At least the books are in place,
I can see and read each spine.
Such an awesome feeling to touch
The friends who are mine.
For each book is a friend,
And many I know quite well.
I scatter my choice of what I read,
And the bookmarks my story tells.
So many books are smiling at me
And if I could I would but devour!
And each and every word that is written
I would sup on by the hour.
But alas, that is but a dream.
Life too short to accomplish what I desire.
But it doesn’t keep me from trying,
Because in my heart I have a flaming fire!
I care not for riches or gold,
And very few books purchased new.
Library sales and St. Vincent’s
Is the reason I have quite a few!
And hopefully I am done!
Between the library and what I own
I think I have enough to last
Until heaven is my new home.
For some reason I do believe
That in heaven there is more to read.
Perhaps I’ll only need to touch a book
And all its thoughts in me will seed.
But until then I will enjoy
The books that call out my name,
And read and study about my Lord
WHO YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER…
IS ALWAYS THE SAME!
Thank You God for all the great titles I have in my library.
Thank You God for this time in my life when I no longer must go to an outside job.
Thank You for awesome Christian writers who help to make Your scriptures come alive.
Thank You for all the bookshelves You have provided for my library.
GOOD BLESS YOU!
P.S. PLEASE SCROLL BELOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SHELVES OF BOOKS I WORKED ON TODAY. You may need to click on “older post” to see them all.
P.S. All my shelf space combined equals 157 feet and 6 inches of linear shelf space.
5 July, 2017 17:16
The original shelves that were in my former library. They no longer are double stacked. Well, actually only in a few places double stacked.
5 July, 2017 17:15
The shelf I purchased last year waiting patiently to be filled with cookbooks health books travel books and garden books
Tuesday July 4 2017 WE NO LONGER STAND FOR WHAT WE ONCE STOOD
Tuesday July 4 2017 WE NO LONGER STAND FOR WHAT WE ONCE STOOD
WE NO LONGER STAND FOR WHAT WE ONCE STOOD
Kathleen Martens
July 4, 2017
Today is our country’s birthday,
Celebrating two hundred and Forty one!
I wonder how long it will survive
Before its life is done?
In the years that I’ve lived
Our country has certainly changed,
And not always for the better,
Each year seems more deranged.
God’s been left out of so many things;
Shut out from schools and places,
And we wonder why our Nation flounders
When from our roots we’ve strayed paces.
Prayer is no longer considered acceptable
At events, at work, or at school.
When Godly character is set aside,
Then another facet will jump to rule.
And the choices are either GOOD or EVIL.
Just add a “D” to evil and you remove all GOOD.
Then you will find that our country
No longer stands for what we once stood.
As a citizen I honor our country and the beliefs and integrity upon which it was founded. And I sincerely believe our freedoms are at stake as we must now fight for the very reasons our forefathers separated from their mother country; freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and freedom of speech. Though this blog is not a political platform I sincerely believe that the rights we have been given in our constitution should not be a political agenda, but considered sacred in the fact that those very freedoms are what has allowed the United States of America to stand out among the world’s countries, and accomplish so much in the past 241 years. There must be an underlying reason why so many people, both today and in history, desire to immigrate to the United States. Perhaps it is because they too desire the freedoms and opportunities that their countries do not allow.
So, when our standards, laws, and freedoms are taken away, where will YOU choose to go? The erosion has begun.
It saddens me to realize our citizens are now at war with each other simply because they do not agree on political issues.
In the book of Matthew, chapter 22, beginning with verse 35, the Sadducees and Pharisees were questioning Jesus to try to trip him up,“ 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question: 36 ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
If only we as American citizens, regardless our religion, took the words “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”, our country as a whole would be a better place to abide: regardless what political stance, color, whether natural born or immigrant. And then perhaps The United States of America could stand another 241 years.
Thank You God that I still have the freedom to voice my opinion.
Thank You God that I can still own a gun if I so choose.
Thank You God that I can say to You whatever I choose to speak without retaliation.
And special thanks to You God that I can pray to You in silence regardless where I am.
GOD BLESS YOU!
AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
Monday July 3 2017 TOMORROW I WILL FIND A WAY
Monday July 3 2017 TOMORROW I WILL FIND A WAY
TOMORROW I WILL FIND A WAY
Kathleen Martens
July 3, 2017
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Another long day
And I’ve much to say.
But due to time
I write short lines.
My brain is fried,
Words are denied.
I have a sleepy head
That wants to fall into bed.
So as my energy drains
I will refrain
And from tomorrow
I will borrow.
What I can’t do today
Tomorrow I will find a way
To take time to write
After I sleep through the night.
Thank You God for this day.
GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU
Sunday Sabbath July 2 2017 MUSIC IN THE AIR
Sunday Sabbath July 2 2017 MUSIC IN THE AIR
MUSIC IN THE AIR
Kathleen Martens
July 2, 2017
Music in the air
Abounds everywhere.
Piano keys
Set it free.
Frolic dance
In myriad chance,
Visualized notes
Hearing quotes.
Fingers dancing,
Ever prancing,
And by choice
Visualize voice.
Freedom’s heart
Notes depart
Delivering joy
As hearts employ.
Resounding swirls
Like dancing pearls,
In the air
Everywhere!
This morning at church as I sat and listened to the pianist create magic through his finger tips I actually visualized notes dancing in the air. The worship service was awesome and the sound of music penetrated my heart with sacred gladness to the Lord: I do wonder what heaven will sound like.
Thank You God for Sunday’s day of rest.
That You Lord that music speaks to my heart.
Thank You Lord for the opportunity to listen to such a talented pianist.
And thank You that I can hear.
GOOD NIGHT AND MAY GOD’S PEACE BE WITH YOU ON THIS BEAUTIFUL SABBATH SUNDAY.
Saturday July 1 2017 MY JOURNEY HOME
Saturday July 1 2017 MY JOURNEY HOME
MY JOURNEY HOME
Kathleen Martens
July 1, 2017
http://www.visionsofpoetry.com
Fields of green
In sunshine glow
Alive with motion
As breezes blow.
Offset by amber’s
Creative marsh
Wispy willows dance
Without farce.
Harmonized perfection
In beautiful delight
As a golden sun
Ushers in the night.
A wealth of beauty
In orchestrated rows;
With perfect grandeur
Nature shows.
The poet’s heart
With vision and sound
Dances gaily
As nature’s song abounds.
A mighty feast
Upon which to sup,
Exquisiteness of splendor
Brims the poet’s cup.
This evening my eyes feasted on the display of man in harmony with nature as I drove toward home on quiet country roads. Today was a day of sunshine, blue sky, and exquisite white cumulus clouds after so many days of rain. Green fields of knee-high corn, crops of soy beans, and patches of marsh, framed by tree covered hills, filled me with passion and delight for the spectacular array of nature’s offerings. Not only was the sun golden, but the silence of the world around me was also golden, allowing nature’s song to dance and resonate in my heart.
Isaiah 55:12
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Thank You God for the exquisite world You created.
Thank You for today’s sunshine.
Thank You for the crops in the fields.
Thank You for the beautiful drive home today.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Visions of Poetry 