Friday December 8 2017  OH SO SWEET

 

In the past I have diligently tried to have all the business of the Christmas season completed before December begins.  If I am putting up a tree I want it trimmed before December 1^st (and sometimes as early as October) so that I am free for all the events and festivities that spring up during the last two months of the year.  With all that has taken place during these past few months I decided several weeks ago that this would be a year when all the extra decorating, cooking, parties, and such would be set aside.  Not because I am a party-pooper, but because I needed to have a period of rest and quiet in my life. 

 

My pace is now slower as I am not forging forward at a hundred miles per hour each day.  Instead I am indulging in experiencing retirement (my definition of retirement) for the first time.  I am getting up when I want (which is between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.), spending as much time as I desire studying God’s work and having my quiet time with the Lord, going to the gym at whatever time suits me each day, and being more open to connecting with friends.

 

Up to this point retirement meant doing more than twice what I did when I worked.  I actually do not know how I even had time to work when I was running my photography business because after I retired I was still busy every single moment of each day.  When I worked at my job I stayed awake way too late (trying to get more things accomplished), and then always rushing…rushing…rushing.

 

I keep thinking I may actually be able to watch some Hallmark movies this season.  I did watch one and I must admit it was not any easier to sit still for the duration of the pre-recorded movie than it was way back when I was a busy working woman.  There is always something I’d rather do than watch television.  But, I may just try again.

 

So, no Christmas tree or holiday lights around the house.  But in my heart there is a light that shines brighter and brighter each day.  It is the connection I am forging with my Savior whose birthday we celebrate this season.  My time is focused on relationship and knowing God personally through His amazing Word.  It is time well spent.  If I am still living when another Christmas rolls around I may consider decorating once again.  But right now, I am adorning my heart with a deeper understanding of who GOD IS.    It says in the scripture that we are to engrave His Word on the tablets of our heart.  Even though my house is not decorated, my heart is being chiseled and embellished by HIS WORD.

 

And now I have time to watch the sunrise each morning.

 

OH SO SWEET

Kathleen Martens

December 8, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Night is over – rest complete

Darkness of morning

A special treat.

 

Window view – black as night

I stand in reverence

To witness the light.

 

Ever so quiet – in stillness born

The morning dawn

From darkness torn.

 

Hint of change – silhouettes stare

Through pink and orange

Now are there.

 

The hush – as blackness falls

Morning’s glory sweetly returns

Once again answering God’s call.

 

All the wonder – magic of creation

Speaks in secret

Instilling elation.

 

Oh, so sweet – to witness again

The miracle of God…

A new day begins.

 

Thank You God for each miracle You show me each day.

Thank You God that I can see in color.

Thank You God for stilling my heart.

Thank You God that I can be a blessing to others.

Thank You Father for loving me so perfectly.

 

Good night and God bless You!

 

P.S.   For some bonus poetry keep reading:

 

FIRST SNOWFLAKES

Kathleen Martens

December 7, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

First snowflakes of the season

Frolic in the breeze

Languidly testing their freedom,

Learning to float with ease.

 

Cold and crisp winter winds blow

Laughing at what’s to come,

Reminding the earth it is time to sleep;

Short days and little sun.

 

TO KNOW MORE OF YOU

Kathleen Martens

December 6, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I love You Lord

Even when days are askew.

I know You are with me

All the day through.  

 

But I long for quiet;

An interlude with the King of kings,

a time of personal intimacy

That sets my heart to sing.

 

And in these quiet moments

Mysteries of You revealed

As I long to know more of You

When in Your presence I kneel.

 

Scroll down to view my final bookshelf that is now in it rightful place.