Tuesday August 22 2017  SIGNS AND WONDERS

Yesterday’s eclipse must not go unmentioned in my blog.  It was an overcast day.  However, I definitely knew when the eclipse was taking place due to the pallor of the clouds and a subdued dimness that permeated the entire outdoors.  It was actually quite eerie, as if the world was off kilter in a muddy atmosphere; as if covered with a sheer blanket, yet not quite dark.

I’ve listened to both sermons and scientific speeches about the eclipse.  Somehow I tend to connect more with what is said in the Bible.

 

Genesis 1:14

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:”

 

There are many more verses depicting why God gave us the firmament but this is the primary verse to which I was referring.  It is rather amazing to read about the signs and wonders revealed throughout Biblical history and later have it confirmed by modern scientific measurements of time and location as to when and where such signs and wonders actually took place as well as the Biblical significance in God’s timeline.  The old prophecies in the Bible are extremely interesting to learn about because so many of them were fulfilled and confirmed hundreds of years later by Biblical writers who did not even know that some of the prophecies had  been written.  Remember, Scriptures were penned at a time when no cell phones, computers, or mass media communications existed. 

In reference to the paragraph above a concise, interesting, and informative resource to listen to is the sermon I heard at our church this past Sunday August 20, 2017 presented by John Bevere, author and missionary who travels the globe. 

Google:  City Church Madison WI.

Click on the media website and it will take you there.

 

I hope you check it out.  I found it interesting to listen to the scientific process of proving what has been claimed in the past before such measurements and timelines were known and understood by man.

 

THE LIGHT OF HIS SON

Kathleen Martens

August 22, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Even a total eclipse

Could not turn

The day to night

 

And no amount of clouds

That shrouds the sky

Could obliterate God’s sunlight.

 

Just like sin

So often steps in

Cannot remove what is right.

 

The light of God’s SON

Will never be extinguished

And Sin’s eclipse is less than distinguished.

 

BUT BECAUSE OF WHO GOD IS

HE WILL FOREVER REIGN!

AND THE LIGHT OF HIS SON…

WILL NEVER WANE!

 

I wrote the above poem this morning a little after 6:00 a.m.  Later when I racked my brain for a blog topic the poem came to mind and so this is my historical experience of the long anticipated full eclipse of the sun.  

I hope you check out Sunday’s message online.  You might even want to read some of John Bevere’s books.  Many are best sellers, one title being “THE BAIT OF SATAN”.

 

Thank You God for topics about which to write.

Thank You God for the signs and wonders You display in the heavens.

Thank You Lord for the excellent teaching of Sunday’s speaker.

 

BLESSINGS ON YOU THIS DAY!

Monday August 21 2017  LIFE’S JOURNEY

 

Please continue to keep my husband’s sister and her son in your prayers.  It is expected that Wade may survive on this earth a few more days before the Lord takes him home.  He has suffered severe damage to his body and brain and is unable to respond.  It is a difficult time for his mother. 

My husband’s father was 52, 53, and 54 years old when Dave and his two sisters were born.  Dave is the youngest.  POPS lived to be 101 years old and all of Dave’s relations died out many years ago.  Dave was the only male in his father’s family to carry forward the family name.  With an extended…extended family like I have it is just so hard for me to fathom a family which consist of one brother (Dave) and his two sisters, Faith and Jon, one nephew, and one niece who have as cousins our two children.  And that is their entire family and extended family.    

After suffering the stroke a couple of weeks ago, and then the heart attack last week, the damage to Wade’s brain and body was irreparable and he is unresponsive.  God has a purpose in each of our lives and it clearly states in the Word of God that God has our days numbered.  From the day we are born we are on that journey until God calls us home.  And that is the reason I do not fear death.  When God is ready to take me home, I am willing and ready.  And in the meantime I hope to use the time I have left on earth to worship God, allow God’s love to flow through me that others will desire to pursue the path toward heaven, and to extend a hand to those I can help.

UPDATE ON THE PHOTO ALBUMS I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON FOR THE PAST 18 MONTHS:

Though I am not quite finished with the end product, I do want you to know that I have all the physical photo layouts in their clear plastic jackets, sequenced, and deposited in the actual albums numbered one through five.  As I glanced through the layouts it gave me a new insight as to how short life really is.  Nieces and nephews whose diapers I changed as babies are now middle aged and have grown children of their own.  I look at my young self in those pictures and I wonder when and where the years have gone.  The lyrics of the song, “Those were the days my friend, I thought they’d never end…” kept ringing in my head.  And it is oh so true.  Maybe that is a gift that God gives the young.  I’m certainly glad I didn’t find out all the “later-in-life” details early on.  I just take each day at a time and learn something new every single day!

And today I will rejoice in life.  I will rejoice with Wade as he will soon beat me to heaven!  The race is on friends and family.  Which race are you running?

 

GOD’S TIMING

Kathleen Martens

August 21, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Life happens ever so quickly

Each moment blurs into the next,

But God has a definite design

One that is never perplexed.

 

Oh, we may go through struggles

As well as through great trials,

But the joy that comes each morning

Over rides the distance of miles.

 

God is always by our side.

When we seek Him we will find.

Even though our days are numbered

I discover I don’t really mind.

 

Because you see, I never fear

When death’s sting will chime.

Because I live each day in Christ

My death won’t happen before God’s time.

 

Numbers 6: 24-26

“May the Lord bless you

   and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you

   and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you His favor

   and give you His peace.”

 

THANK YOU GOD FOR LIFE SO I CAN LIVE IN ETERNITY WITH YOU!

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath August 20 2017   TRUTH YOU WILL RECEIVE

 

TRUTH YOU WILL RECEIVE

Kathleen Martens

August 20, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A Sabbath Day

Once again,

A time of introspection

To search within.

 

The road is broad

That leads to death,

We must guard our heart

Until our last breath.

 

And the way of life

Is easy to miss

So Know God’s word,

Don’t take a risk.

 

There are ways 

That seem right,

When not God’s truth

A  dangerous plight.

 

Good things often lead away

Causing you to be deceived.

Trust only in God’s Holy Word

And truth you will receive.

 

I received the inspiration for the above poem from Scripture references I wrote in my journal from this morning’s sermon.

 

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

 

Proverbs 14:12 NLT

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

 

Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. ¹⁴ But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

 

II Timothy 3:16 NLT

¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

 

Thank You God for the excellent sermon I heard this morning.

Thank You God for constantly giving me new insights to Your Holy Word.

Thank You God for a slow and laid back day.

Thank You God that You renew my strength daily.

 

I PRAY YOUR SUNDAY SABBATH IS FILLED WITH JOY!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Saturday August 19 2017  A DAY OF REMEMBERING

Today is the day my Aunt Esther was laid to rest.  I sat alone in my office during the time of her funeral.  Though I could not be there I reminisced and prayed for her family gathered together to celebrate her life.  The fact that she lived on this earth merits a celebration. 

Six years ago our family had a large family reunion and I wrote a biography for each of my mother’s siblings (13 in all) as well as a poem about their lives.  Each sibling was called to the front for the presentation of reading what had been written for them.  They were presented with an individual certificate of honor as to what their children remembered best about them.

I would like to give remembrance and honor to my aunt on this day of her burial.  It would have been awesome to celebrate in Arkansas, but I had my own celebration by remember who she was to me.  I have bits and pieces I have retrieved from what I wrote 6 years ago.  I hope you enjoy reading how one person blessed so many people.

 

My eulogy for Esther:

2011:

The world is a more beautiful place because Aunt Esther lives in it.  Her gifts are varied but she has been especially blessed with the gift of hospitality; always giving to others comfort of bed, food, love, and care.   When you leave Aunt Esther’s presence, you feel as if you have experienced a little more of God’s love.  She reflects that love.  She has truly been God’s hand extended.

 

Esther Ruth Carter

A Woman of Substance

Kathleen Martens

April 2, 2011

 

Home away from home; greeted with open arms and a smile

From one that has welcomed many, after long tiring miles.

Our family is so blessed, with God’s servant among us,

One who prepares for our coming without any fuss.

 

Hot biscuits waiting on a table set with food

Welcoming the travelers; improving their mood.

Our dear Aunt Esther, God hid her wings

So we could enjoy her as she whistles and sings.

 

As long as I remember she’s given love without measure,

No matter who you are, she makes you feel treasured.

Sweet and sincere – no airs or haughtiness,

Down to earth and genuine – no need for gaudiness.

 

God gave her extra measure for the desire of giving,

And on others she pours joy on their living.

So simply she lives, no time for a throne,

Busy helping others, or talking on the phone.

 

Busy, always busy, with never a frown!

And God is busy in heaven making stars for her crown!

 

Certificate of Honor

Presented to

Esther Ruth Carter

To honor you for your love language of serving others.  You have graced this family with an inner beauty that only comes from God.

First Place Award

for

#1 Mother and Angel in disguise

We will always remember you for opening your heart and home to family, never asking anything in return.

A woman of substance blessed with strong faith and strong love.

 

2017

 

A RARE TREASURE

(Dedicated to Aunt Esther)

Kathleen Martens

August 19, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Thank You God for the privilege

Of knowing someone so fine.

All these years of loving her

Have been quite sublime.

 

A gentle spirit, a humble soul,

She always did for others.

So selfless in her thoughts and deeds,

An awesome daughter, sister, and mother.

 

She always welcomed one and all

And was generous beyond measure.

When one was in her presence

They knew she was a treasure.

 

You always felt better when she departed

For a bit of Jesus she left in her wake.

I believe she was an angel in disguise

Put on earth for my sake.

 

But perhaps everyone thought

That very same old thing,

Because it seemed with her presence

Love and joy she’d bring.

 

 

Thank You God that I grew up knowing my Aunt Esther!

Thank You God that I am assured that I will see her again.

 

I’ve shed my tears and now it seems a smile has returned to my heart.  How can I not be joyful knowing where she is! 

 

GOD BLESS EACH ONE!

Friday August 18 2017  A STORY OF DISCOVERY (NOT YET PROOF READ)

 

The date on my poem is accurate.  It was written yesterday and was a poem that resonated within me.  When I write poems in my journal I usually publish them on the same day.  My blog was already published yesterday before I wrote the poem so I used it for today.   I wrote a personal poem today for my son and his wife to commemorate their 15^th wedding anniversary so I borrowed yesterday’s poem for today’s blog.

 

An extremely busy day today so this is what you get tonight; a leftover poem from yesterday, an extremely sleepy old lady, and very few words (I hope). 

 

I would like to explain a bit about the story behind the poem I penned yesterday.  I love to do random reading before I retire for the night.  There are many topics that interest me and I have a selection of favorite books close at hand, but the book I speak about in the poem is quite unique has become quite a favorite.  It doesn’t even get put back on the shelf.  I have it on my footstool for easy access.

 

It is obvious by the design, materials, paper, and binding that this book was published many years ago.  An interesting fact in which to take note is the fact that there is no copyright, no date of publication, no reference as to who published the book, nor is there an opening title page, chapter references, or a forward.  Two initials and a last name is printed on the front of the book.  Perhaps it is a one of a kind, self published book, from 80 to 100 years ago.  It is unlike any book I’ve ever seen.

 

Last year in October I traveled with a friend to an Amish community about 100 miles away.  We stopped at an isolated group of buildings, one being a huge antique place.  Actually, our reason to stop was to see if they had a public restroom.  Previously we stopped at a gas station but the restrooms were off limits because we were not customers.  So, in our desperation we approached the next business down the road with more caution.  We figured we should pose as browsers and just quietly make our way to the back of the building where I noticed a Ladies sign.  Well, it was fortuitous because that was where I found my treasured book.

 

When I first spied the display of old books the one that stood out was “POEMS OF HOME”, by T.F. Hildreth.  It seemed to jump off the shelf and into my hands.  It was actually in a short stack of other books and I could tell by looking at it that it was quite unique.  When I opened its pages and discovered page after page of eloquent poems I was astounded.  Each one painted a picture in my mind and each story connected with my style.

 

*I just this moment decided to look online to see if I could glean some information about the author.  Please see asterisk at the bottom of the page.

 

A STORY OF DISCOVERY

Kathleen Martens

August 17, 2018

http://www.visionsofpoetry

 

A hardback book covered in linen

Faded green and worn

Though all pages are intact,

And no page is torn.

 

“POEMS OF THE HOME”

Is the book’s title

Filled with astounding truths!

And would make a great recital.

 

 

Quite a stout book

With a very strong core

With teeth marks and a scar,

Its edge viciously torn.

 

Amazing tales on each page;

Few lines but such a treasure!

Each poem, a story unto self

Which makes reading it such a pleasure.

 

I discovered in an antique shop

In a far and lonesome place…

A book I knew was just for me

When we met face to face.

 

Every poem speaks my language

About stories of life and love,

“FROM THE MANGER TO THE THRONE”

On page one: the story of God above.

 

And the book became mine

For it spoke to the depths of my heart.

I knew I had found a long lost love

From which I would never part.

 

The following is forwarded from a website:

 

* “Poems of the He Paperback – April 6, 2010

by T. F. Hildreth (Author), The Laning Company (Author)

“This book an EXACT reproduction of the original book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR?d book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

 

“This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts – the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide”.

 

I did discover as I looked at another site that T.F. Hildreth was addressed as “Reverend T.F. Hildreth.  All I can say is that his poems are awesome.

 

Thank You God for bringing such pleasure to my reading time by bringing to my attention this wonderful book.

Thank You God for the poem you gave me last night to use today.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

Thursday August 17 2017  THE WILL OF THE FATHER

 

THE WILL OF THE FATHER

Kathleen Martens

August 17, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

The Father’s will

Is the place I want to be.

By staying in His presence

I am truly free.

 

I pray that my desires

Are to do as God sees fit.

Because when I am in His will

The fire in me is lit!

 

Whatever plans I make

Must be with God in mind,

His plan for me is good

And peace and joy is what I find.

 

So even when I’m disappointed

And things don’t go as I planned

The moment I live is right now

And my joy is never unmanned.

 

God is who I lean upon,

He is my counselor and my guide.

And even when my days are changed

God is always by my side.

 

Dave and I had hoped to drive down to Arkansas to attend my Aunt Esther’s funeral but we were informed the funeral will be on Saturday, August 19th.  We know that it would be impossible for us to prepare, pack, and then drive the 800 miles in such a short time.  So we have decided to not attend the funeral.  There was a moment of heartbreak for me knowing I would not be there to celebrate her life but I decided that instead of feeling grief, I would allow God to fill my heart with joy because I know that Esther Ruth Carter is no longer housed within her frail body.  She is now rejoicing with the Savior she loved. 

And so I pray that everyday God will take control of my life and guide and direct me through each hour.  I take this change of plans as God’s direction and will for our lives at this time. 

 

Galatians 4: 13-15 NIV

¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

 

Thank You God that You have a plan for my life.

Thank You God for each and every day that I live in You.

Thank You Lord that I will know my family when I arrive in heaven and that there will be so many of my loved ones waiting to welcome me into Your presence.

Thank You Lord that I need not ever fear death.

Thank You Lord for calling Aunt Esther home.

 

Have an awesome day!

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

Wednesday August 16 2017  JOY AND SORROW

When we enter life we have no idea what lies ahead.  For that matter babies really do not know much of anything except to cry for food and then do what their bodies do naturally.  But as children, (as we were once upon a time) as we grow we become wiser in the aspects of life…as well as in the aspects of death.  However, usually from our personal perspective death is always meant for someone else.  Yet, we know and understand that our life on earth will be over.  We each have only one turn at this journey called life.  Even knowing that our own demise will surely come, it is still difficult to let go of those you love.

And that is where Dave and I right now in this journey of life.  My dear Aunt Esther is lingering between death and life.  Dave’s nephew Wade is in the same predicament.  We are 1,971 miles from Wade and 729 miles from my Aunt.  Though we are great distances apart it does not alleviate the sorrow and loss we are experiencing for our loved ones.

We have decisions to make.  When and where will we go first?  We feel the pain of Wade’s mother, especially without the support of Dave, her only brother.  I personally feel the sorrow of my own loss for not being with my Aunt whom I love.  Yet, even amongst the pain Dave and I still experience joy.  The joy comes through our faith knowing that both Wade and Esther are ready to meet God whenever He calls them home.  And it’s not because they are a certain religion or have attended certain kinds of churches on Sundays.  Their salvation is not based on that.  Rather, it is believing that God sent His Son to die for us so that any and all who believe on Him will have EVERLASTING LIFE.  And you know what; it doesn’t mean we’ve had to believe our entire lives.  It means that if even on our death bed, we call out to God, ask him to forgive us of our sins, and believe that He exists; God will open his arms and accept each person as one of His own.

 

John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

My joy is in knowing that God opens the door to heaven for those who believe.  And believing is simply a choice.  And what a difference it will make for each one who does believe. 

And as I was writing the sentence above, I received a call from my cousin informing me that the angels above are now rejoicing because my Aunt Esther just stepped across heaven’s threshold.  And my heart sings in gladness knowing she is no longer confined to her earthly body but has been transformed into her heavenly body, redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

Yes, I still have sorrow in my heart for my own loss but my joy overrides my sorrow because our separation is just for awhile.

‘EVEN IF THERE IS NO GOD I WOULD RATHER LIVE BELIEVING THERE IS A GOD WHO FORGIVES THAN TO LIVE AS IF HE DOESN’T EXIST, ONLY TO FIND OUT AFTER I DIE AND I NO LONGER HAVE THE CHANCE TO ASK FORGIVENESS, THAT HE DOES EXIST.’

(Recently I heard someone say words similar to the ones above but I can’t remember who quoted them.  I thought the concept worth repeating.)

 

JOY AND SORROW

Kathleen Martens

August 16, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Dear Aunt Esther:

Though my words to you unheard,

My heart rejoices even in my loss.

You have gained your eternal reward,

And it was for you that Jesus counted the cost.

 

Your absence on earth leaves a void

But I smile knowing you are with our King.

Peace and joy I experience this hour

Wishing I too could hear heaven’s angels sing.

 

Thank You God for the cost Your Son paid that I could choose eternal life.

Thank You God for the godly aunt who has loved so freely.

Thank You God for filling my heart full of joy amidst the sorrow.

I love You God.

 

To my readers:  Please continue to pray that Gods’ will is done in Wade’s life.  He had a massive heart attack yesterday and is in critical condition.  Please pray that God will supply strength to His family to endure this sorrowful time.

 

Good night and God bless you.

Tuesday August 15 2017  SYNONYM FOR BOYS

 

 

SYNONYM FOR BOYS

Kathleen Martens

August 15, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Morning

Bright and early

Sunrise work out

And home again.

 

Noise and chaos

In excited chatter,

Boys arrive

Nothing else matters.

 

Snack and chatter

Excitement and clatter

Picnic to pack

Things to do.

 

Run and jump

All for lark

Amidst squeals and laughter

At Dream Park.

 

Hide and seek

Without a peek

Last one found

Squeals abound.

 

Sweat and dirt

Unable to skirt

Pandemonium and racket

Synonym for “BOY”.

 

And picnic time

Oh so sublime

Noise subdued

Under sky of blue.

 

Ravenous machines

Eat to full

And lure of fun

Creates a pull

 

Wanderlust rears

With energy surge

And once again

On the road we merge.

 

Destination

Soon appears

SKY ZONE

Soon we’re near.

 

A place to bounce

And obstacle courses,

Just let ‘em loose

With new energy sources.

 

More sweat and stains

From strenuous play

What a way

To end the day!

 

And home again

And father comes

And all too quickly

I’m on the run.

 

Day winds down

Peace prevails

Now is the time

To tell the tale.

 

And then we’re off

Once again

To see what we love

As very old friend.

 

THE KIDS FROM WISCONSIN

Perform on stage

And we wouldn’t miss it

Unless we’re caged.

 

So home too late

To write a blog

So this poem

And off I log.

 

One more day

Busy boys

And when it’s over

There go our toys.

 

They are the delight

Of our long days

Which seem to fly

And pass us by.

 

No blog tonight, just a mixed up poem about this day.  We look forward to more noise tonight because THE KIDS FROM WISCONSIN (a group of Wisconsin’s’ finest young talent who audition from all over the state, ages 16-21)) are performing locally.  Our daughter was selected to perform with the group for three years, 1992, 1993, and 1994.  We fell in love with the singer/dancers and band players.  We have been faithful followers since that date.  The faces change but the quality has never disappointed us. 

 

One more exciting day with our two favorite Grandson’s!

 

Thank You God for your protection today.

Thank You God for the fun memories we have made this day.

And thank You Lord for your bountiful grace each and every day.

 

Good night and God bless you!

Monday August 14 2017  GRAND-KIDDOS ARE A GRAND ADVENTURE

 

AND TEACH THEM DAILY

Kathleen Martens

August 14, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

Thank You God for two special boys

Who so easily my time employs.

Full of fun, laughter and thrills

A house of silence their laughter fills.

 

Fleeting days too quickly expire

With little ones, whose energy is fired;

Who bounce and dance, hop and spin

And then get up and do it again.

 

And oh my goodness how they can eat

And you should see the size of their feet.

Too rapidly growing, and every day taller,

I feel I’m shrinking and getting smaller.

 

They’ve outgrown my lap but not my hugs,

But to get a kiss I’m sometimes THE THUG!

But I never give up and throw in lots of affection

While teaching them daily to head the right direction.

 

 

We had a busy, fun-filled day.  The “we” is Dave and me and our 5 and 9 year old grandsons.  How fortunate Dave and I are to be the grandparents of two healthy, busy, and active boys.  They are such a delight to have in our home.  We feel blessed that their day care provider ended her commitment earlier than planned because we are the ones who benefit. 

 

Today, Dave and I got the boys involved in a wood-working project.  Dave cut a long plank into three lengths as the boys watched how it was done.  Then they busied themselves sanding the rough, splintered edges.  After that the wood was cleaned up and left to dry in the laundry room by the dehumidifier awaiting to be painted.  We have big plans to create an interesting and unique art project from the odds and ends from our junk drawer, old jewelry, and anything else we can find.  I suspect that it is me who may be the most excited about the project.  I enjoy creating, and I must admit it is always quite interesting to see what the boys come up with.   When the project is finished I will snap some photos to attach to the blog. 

 

As if I don’t have enough to do, it seems I am always conjuring up just one more project.  But, is there anything more important than making memories?  I just always hope that the memories we make are looked back upon with love and nostalgia.  In a way, I think it is my way to re-live part of a childhood I never experienced.

 

We left the house late morning and visited a sunflower farm with supposedly over a million sunflowers planted.  All I know for certain were there was a lot of them!  I didn’t take the time to count.  A few moments ago I tried sending some photos of the sunflowers to my blog address but for some reason they would not send.  Who knows, perhaps they’ll mysteriously show up tomorrow.  We ate our picnic lunch on the premise and enjoyed the beauty of the yellow sea of waving sunflowers.

 

We drove to our son’s place of employment and the boys connected with their dad for their ride home.  But, tomorrow is another day.  AND WE HAVE PLANS!

 

Thank You God for a sunshine filled afternoon.

Thank You God for the beauty of a sea of sunflowers dancing in the wind.

Thank You God for granting me life so I have the opportunity to experience this season of our grand-children’s lives.

Thank You God for the quiet evenings!

 

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath August 13 2017   AN AWESOME DAY

 

I LOVE SUNDAY SABBATH!  A DAY OF REST!  Stepping back from the usual hubbub of a work week, or of a “retired” work, week is always refreshing!  I really don’t know which one takes more energy.  All I know is, as a general rule, being retired I never have a quitting time.  I just keep going like the energizer bunny EXCEPT ON SUNDAY SABBATH!

The sermon was interesting, the worship service was awesome, and the time after the service was also refreshing; a time of praying for others, others praying for me, and then just good old fashioned conversation.  However, sometime the lengths of my conversations become taxing on my husband’s gracious patience.  He watches the clock.  I do not.  I promise myself that I will limit my conversations hence forth.  I just hope I remember that when next Sunday rolls around.

So thus, the following poem.

 

A SUNDAY SABBATH

Kathleen Martens

August 13, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A Sunday Sabbath

Living free,

No time constraints

That must be.

 

But to enjoy

Without rush

A blessed gift

In quiet hush.

 

Sometimes I forget

Others waiting.

When I’m engaged

My soul is sating.

 

I shall try

To stay tuned

That other’s schedules

Not wasted or ruined.

 

One day a week

I live in bliss.

Moments uncounted

No seconds tick.

 

But for others

I guess theirs do.

Clocks progress

Their moments few.

 

Whatever I’m doing

Seems to me

The perfect timing

For living free.

 

But my world is not one

But belongs to others too.

So I will try to the extreme

A new Sabbath goal to do.

 

Keep conversations short,

To the car in a flash!

But what a waste

Of life’s short dash.

 

 

To read more about “Life’s Dash” please click the website below.  It will take you to a poem written by Linda Ellis.  It is well worth reading.

 

http://www.linda-ellis.com/the-dash-the-dash-poem-by-linda-ellis-.html

 

Thank You God for a beautiful Sunday Sabbath.

Thank You God for the new lady I met today at church.

Thank You Lord for the prayers Letitia prayed over me today.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL NIGHT!

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

Saturday August 12 2017  HOW TO RELAX

As many as there are people in the world, there are probably that many different ways in which to relax.  I have never quite determined which relaxing technique was best for me.  So I decided to take the day “off” and give myself a break and figure it out.  What an interesting dilemma I faced.  How does one relax when one does not enjoy television, taking naps, or being still?

So what did I find myself doing?  For a starter I slept until 7:37 a.m. (went to bed last night at 12:40 a.m.), cooked up a gourmet breakfast for Dave and me, and then decided to actually wear a bra in case I wanted to relax in the outside world.  I actually sat down for a few minutes listening to music while I did some musing and deep thinking.  I had too much energy to sit for long so I decided to go all around the house and collect all my CD’s and go through them by organizing and getting rid of some.  So that is what I did.  That took up about an hour.

Then I just sat and listened to melodies from long ago, wrote extensively in my journal pouring out heart and soul, wrote poems, and loved every moment doing so.  Satisfied with my alone time I decided to go through past emails on my computer, respond to time  sensitive questions, and get rid of most others without reading.  It is an unending battle and something that IS NOT RELAXING TO ME AT ALL! 

So, I discovered that in order to relax I simply need to have unscheduled time to do whatever job I want to do instead of what is so pressing to do, due to commitments I’ve made.  When I spontaneously take advantage of open time available I never mind doing what needs to be done that has too long been neglected.  Slowly but surely I am making headway in getting things organized.  A little bit at a time.  And each room that becomes organized helps me relax just a little bit more.  I never need worry about running out of things to do!

Following is one of the poems I wrote this morning during my musing.

 

NEW DISCOVERIES

Kathleen Martens

August 12, 2018

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I think I’ve discovered

How to relax—

The best way for me

Is to perform a task.

 

Something different

From my norm,

I’ve always loved motion

Since the time I was born.

 

I find sitting

So very hard;

And doing nothing

My psyche bombards.

 

But when I am composing

That’s quite another matter.

My brain isn’t still

But actually quite splattered!

 

And that’s okay

Because that is relaxing!

It’s the doing nothing

That is so taxing.

 

But when I must wait

I am never bored

Because my thoughts are composing

And on paper stored.

 

I find fragments of paper

And write what I think,

So I capture my thoughts

And give others a peek.

 

Because a poem is simply

A glimpse inside me

That I am allowing

Others to see.

 

Thank You God for a wonderful relaxing day.

Thank You God for the bounty of summer.

Thank You God for the sound of the washing machine working and me not ever needing to think about laundry.

Thank You God for a husband that does all the laundry from start to finish!

Thank You God that I can still think.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

 

Friday August 11 2017  SHE IS ON HER WAY TO HEAVEN!

One of the angels in our family is on her way to heaven.  I wish I could be with her when Jesus beckons her to her heavenly reward.  Aunt Esther is 89 years old and lived alone in her little house alongside the highway until yesterday.  Sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. she fell.  Her sister Vela last talked to her about 8:30 a.m. and then Vela received another call at about 11:30 a.m. from Esther’s daughter-in-law, who lives next door, saying Esther had fallen outside next to her back screen door area and was on her way to the hospital.

My news is second hand news so I don’t know all the details or specifics but in the course of her treatment in the small town of Russellville, Arkansas it was determined that due to a brain bleed she would go by ambulance to Little Rock Hospital for surgery to stop the brain bleed.  Esther’s hip was also broken.  That was the news I received yesterday.

This afternoon while I was on the phone with Vela she received a call from Esther’s son saying that Esther was on her way back to Russellville via ambulance.  Her condition did not merit having the brain surgery and she will be admitted to Hospice care in Russellville.  Her condition is too precarious to do either surgery and it is not expected that she will live.

Esther has been an amazing woman all her life.  She has lived through the sorrow of outliving three husbands and burying four of her six children.  She never gave up on life or turned away from God. 

Since moving to Wisconsin 30 years ago Dave and I (and our children when they were younger) visited Esther in Arkansas almost every year.  I have been so blessed to have had so many aunts in life and I love them all.  Esther stole my heart when I was a young child.  She became an angel to me because when I was with her she always spoke so kind and gentle to me, as she did to all children.  Her voice was soothing, her smile genuine, and even as a young child I knew she was special.

The poem below was written while I stayed with Aunt Esther when I traveled back to Arkansas for the disbursement of mama’s belongings in 2010.  Having lost my mother I was more aware of the importance of my aunts and uncles.  I observed Aunt Esther and watched her routines.  I saw her boundless desire to accomplish; her limited energy source; and her utter delight at having company to talk to.  She is one of the most giving people I have ever had the blessing of knowing.  This poem was just my observation of her life seven years ago. And oh how I dearly love my aunt.  She was just as beautiful, kind, and gentle then  as she was when I was six years old.

 

I would say that Esther is a true example of a woman after God’s own heart.  Soon she will be home with The Lord God whom she has loved all her life.  My heart sings for her joy when she meets Jesus face to face and at the same time tears slide down my cheeks.  I grieve not for Esther, but for my loss.  She touched my life in ways few people have been capable of doing.  I love her now and I will always treasure the nuggets of gold she leaves behind in my heart.

 

My Aunt Esther

Kathleen Martens

May 26, 2010

http://www.visionsofpoetry

 

I watch the slowness of her movement

Continually busy

Never idle

Hands gnarled by time

Carefully prepare the socks

To slip over her feet

Worn by miles of use.

Elbows crooked

Shoulders limited

But no task goes undone.

Everything takes longer,

But no need to worry,

It all gets done.

Only slower.

Words are evasive

Memories take time to surface.

Her fingers pull the stocking at the toes

And the shoe is slipped on.

Bruises line her arms,

Her blood is thin.

Strokes have invaded her brain

But her work doesn’t cease.

It’ll all get done.

Only slower.

Her eyes are alert

Her laugh lines deep

Her laughter comes quickly

Her love spills out.

She enjoys her company

And cooks with a vengeance.

Slowly

Steadily

Her work gets done.

Only slower.

Early morning coolness

She is one with her hoe,

Each row tended in her garden.

Flowers pruned

Soil freshened

Woodpile burning

With yesterday’s trash.

Mounds of request for money

Preying on the generosity of the elderly

Going up in smoke.

Her day is long

So much to accomplish.

It all gets done.

Only slower.

 

The following poem was written after Esther found an old Bible she wanted to give to me.  It was a Bible she read and she wanted me to have it.  She had signed it after reading it and below her name was my mother’s signature signifying that she too had read through the entire book.  I am doubly blessed to now have the opportunity to read the same pages both she and my mother read.  Someday I hope to write my name beneath my mama’s.

The poem is a description of my day and was written at the end of a busy day.  I remember the long walk I took on a back country road, my trip to Wal-Mart to have my eye glasses repaired where I had to wait in line for a long time, Aunt Vela’s house for a big pot of soup with her daughter and my sister, then home to Esther’s house for our farewell dinner that evening before leaving for home the next day.  Esther always made her company feel extra special with her delicious meals.

And the crown of that day was the Bible she gave me.  She remembered it late in the evening and looked and looked for it because she wanted me to take it home.  I didn’t understand at first the significance of it also having been read by my mother and Esther wanted to offer it to me. I love it.  But I cherish it even more because she too had read it from cover to cover.

 

GOD’S SPECIAL TREASURE

By Kathleen Martens

May 27, 2010

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

Thank you Lord for showing to me

The hidden treasures you want me to see.

 

The butterfly flitting on paper wings,

A tucked away nest where a little bird sings.

 

An outcropping of rock under towering oak,

A quiet refuge where Your love I soak.

 

A pot of soup, homemade cornbread

Prepared in love, my soul Vela fed.

 

A gentle old man, with God’s love on his face

Allowed my long wait to show Your grace.

 

Then “home” to family, to sup at the table,

My farewell dinner made by hands so able.

 

And those same hands, with love wrote my name

In her old worn book, with precious words of fame.

 

An old Bible, falling apart,

What a treasure, for my New Year to start.

 

Her hands held the book, each page she did turn,

As she read God’s word, His message to learn.

 

And at the front of the Bible written below Esther’s name,

Was that of my mother’s, her eyes had read the same.

 

When I saw mama’s name it made me know

That someday in that book, my signature would show

After I too read, the words she caressed,

And turn the pages she read, as her love she confessed.

 

What a wonderful gift from Aunt Ester so sweet,

Another treasure from God, His bountiful treat.

 

Thank You God that Aunt Esther is, and always will be in my heart, because of the loving influence she has modeled for me during my life.

Thank You God for all the golden nuggets of wisdom I have learned from her.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  Due to blog’s length I will will not include my daily poem.

SEE BIBLE PICTURES BELOW

 

 

Friday August 10 2017  SONGS OF OLD

 

Being considered as a certified member of the “older” generation and perhaps a bit “old fashioned” I choose to give a bit of insight to this situation.  Along with being in that category I must say it comes with blessing as well as a bit of mourning.  The blessing is we have a long history and have lived many years that many young people may never have the chance to experience due to early deaths.  The mourning aspect is the fact that all too soon our lives will be over.  Dave’s mother who was in her nineties one said to him in all sincerity as she lay ill in her hospital bed, “I’m just too young to die”. 

Yes, if we are fortunate we will live to a ripe old age, become a bit old fashioned, be put out to pasture, enjoy our retirement, secretly mourn the passing of self as the years settle in and look back over lives lived well.  And I’m sure that is how the young may perceive us, especially with the old fashioned part thrown in.  And you know what, that is the bare bones truth…the “old fashioned” part that is.  And I’m there.  And I love being there because when I look back over my life I still enjoy doing some of those very old fashioned things I used to do; like holding a book in my hands when I read it, or actually sitting down in a quiet place when having a conversation on the telephone without needing to drive or do ten other things while I’m using the phone. 

Another old fashioned “thing” I enjoy doing is listening to, and singing, old hymns.  Oh how I love the thoughtful choruses and the rhyming of the verses.  How so very pleasant are the tunes and attitude of worship in both words and music.   Very rarely do we sing a hymn at church but it is always a delight when we do. 

I turned on my CD player this morning and listened to old hymns being performed by guitarists and pianists.  Oh what a delight!  Though the words were not verbalized they resounded in my memory.  I mentally (and sometimes out loud) hummed along and even sang some of the stanzas and verses.  Some of the words came back to me, some did not, but I knew the stories behind some of the songs and sometimes even a bit of history as to the circumstances that caused the verses to be written.  That made the songs even more special. 

So, if I am old fashioned, so be it.  The younger generation will never know how awesome it was to live in the era I lived.  You could buy a huge chocolate candy bar for five cents if you were lucky enough to have five cents. Yes, we had wars and depressions, famine and the cold war, but even with all that, the world in general seemed more gracious, kind, compassionate, and caring of one for another.  It seems that in our modern day world very few of the younger generation know how to carry on a conversation, especially with an older person.  I must admit it is sad to see the demise of the “old fashioned” kindnesses and concerns of the past.  Actually it is kind of scary.

But for a little while this morning I simply sat and listened and allowed myself the pleasure of capturing some of the words of the songs that were being played, and construed them into a poem The words echo from my past as I sat in a little church in Pinole, California singing off key along with a congregation of about 30 other people.  

 

SONGS OF OLD

Kathleen Martens

August 10, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Old hymns echo in my memory

As I listen to instruments

Strum the tunes

Of long ago.

 

Words of comfort from childhood days

“Washed all my sins away”

And oh to remember

“We stand on the Promises of God”.

 

And even today—I still stand

“On the promises of God, my Savior.”

“I will shout and sing

“I’m standing on the promises

Of Christ my King!”

 

And “Blessed Assurance

Jesus is mine

And oh what a foretaste

Of glory divine…”

“Heir of salvation

Purchase of God.

Born of His Spirit,

Washed in His blood.”

 

The violin sings in soulful sound

As if my heart its source.

Resounding joy of yester-year

Once again to expound.

 

Music—God’s gift to creation

That man would hear

Nature’s character loud and clear.

 

“What can wash away

My sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus”

Another old song and remembered friend.

 

My “Rock of Ages,

Cleft for me

Let me hide myself in Thee”

And as I listen

Memories fly free.

 

Then I sing

“Give me that old time religion”,

And though words escape me

Joy explodes and my heart rings.

 

The banjo strums

The piano hums

My smile bursts forth!

Words escape,

But the tune

Has so much worth.

 

And my heart is glad

My smile is seen.

Music echoes in my soul;

My countenance a shiny sheen!

 

 

Thank You God for this day.

Thank You God for memories.

Thank You Lord for walking with me each day.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Wednesday August 9 2017  MY HEART IS STILL

 

MY HEART IS STILL

Kathleen Martens

August 9, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Home in my library

Quiet music

Hushed sound

A gentle stillness

Around me surrounds

Like a gentle breeze

In silence sings.

 

My heart is still

I approach God’s throne

He beckons

With open arms

And says

Come my beloved

You are my own.

 

My heart

In tune

With God’s harmony

Of love;

Wrapped

In gentle grace

His love

Is always enough.

 

 

The words came silently early this morning as if being offered to me as a gift.  It has been awhile that my routine has been interrupted and this morning I felt as if I was once again home, though I never left.

 

And my day disappeared.

 

But…

I accomplished something that was a must to do!  And that is a very satisfying accomplishment.  Though I am far from finished, I think I will be able to hand it over this week!  I am racing the clock as I have my grandsons three days next week due to childcare needs.  So…I will be forced to have some fun and enjoy my two precious boys!  God is so good to me.  It is such a treat when they are here.  All too soon these years will pass.

My blogs will be short.

 

Thank You God for every opportunity to enjoy my grandsons.

Thank You God for the headway I accomplished today.

Thank You God for the peace you give me each day.

 

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU.

 

Tuesday August 8 2017  WOW  THE DAY GOES FAST

 

WOW!  THE DAY GOES FAST

Kathleen Martens

August 8, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I promised myself not to look at the clock

But things are happening slow.

I’ve so much I desire to accomplish

Before to bed I go.

 

Already past three o’clock

And I’ve not started what needs doing.

But I have accomplished other things

But not what I should be pursuing.

 

I slept in late all the way to seven

Then enjoyed a leisurely hour.

An outside breakfast so I doused with spray

Against mosquitoes, my shield and power.

 

Picked tomatoes since I was slathered,

Watered and checked all my pots.

Some things just can’t be put off

Regardless if it rains or not.

 

I took the time to follow an ant,

Carrying a burden twice his size.

For quite a long way he toted a bug

As if it was an important prize.

 

He only stopped when I towered close

Camouflaged on speckled ground.

He only advanced when I was still.

Hoping that he would not be found.

 

I watch with interest his endless effort

As he joined skittering red ants,

Each carrying a white load in front;

I discerned they were ant-eggs to plant.

 

It was only the red ants that had the eggs,

The black ants were foragers of food.

The red one’s pace seemed a frantic rush

And their task they faithfully ensued.

 

And the bigger black ant which toiled so far

Was lost in the blades of grass,

Knowing its destination was close at hand

It laboriously completed its task.

 

A whole little world beneath our feet

And we rarely take time to notice.

That little ant had a job to do

Survival of his species his motive.

 

And as I watched I ate a fruit bar

Frozen on one stick.

Though it was only my second favorite

It was good to the very last lick.

 

Written words revealed at last bite

Always little wisdoms they bring.

I read the four words and smiled inside

It read: “APPRECIATE THE SMALL THINGS!”

 

It is now 3:30 exactly.  It took me 29 minutes to write.  I am making headway with my day!

 

Oops!  The phone is ringing…

…and it is my daughter!

 

AND NOW TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER I AM BACK!

 

Talked awhile, fixed and ate LUNCH (at 5:30 p.m.) on the back patio, watered backyard pots, and here I am!  And I probably only have two or three dozen mosquito bites.  (I might be exaggerating a bit.)  It was a battle when I went into the garden.

 

Thank You God for an awesome daughter who calls to say “I love you”!

Thank You God for mosquito repellent.

Thank You God for providing so much for us eat.

Thank You God that You are always in control even when we don’t understand the circumstances.

Thank You God for strength for this day.

 

For those of you who have asked for prayer recently I am praying for you.  I am praying for strength, stamina, that direction will be revealed, for jobs that are needed, for healing, travel protection, and for provision.  Each situation is for different request.  If you are a praying person please join me in prayer for those who have sent emails regarding the above needs and requests.  God knows each and every name. 

 

My prayer:

Lord, you know each and every name and circumstance behind the above requests.  Father I pray that you will reach down and provide, heal, and protect each according to their need.  Reveal your mighty power and provision to those in need.  Father please cleanse and heal broken bodies and place your angels around each person who will be traveling that they will arrive to and from their destinations safely.  I ask that each person will be drawn close to You and will recognize Your presence in their life.  Thank You Lord for caring for each one of us.  Thank You Lord for providing for our needs.  Thank You Lord that You are the One who renews our strength and fills us with joy.  Thank You Lord for watching over us as we travel daily close to home  and for those going on missionary trips abroad.  Thank You Father for loving us unconditionally.

 

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Monday August 7 2015  FULL SPEED AHEAD

God must laugh in heaven when he sees me making plans.  I find that regardless what I plan to do there is always something else that comes up.  Today was one of that day and it made me so tired that I don’t even think I can write all the words it would take to describe what happened in this day.  Besides, my mother always insisted that if I can’t say something good about someone then don’t say anything at all.

Today I intended to work on a speech which I will be presenting in a few weeks. I missed my deadline to turn it in. I’m already so far past the deadline that I am embarrassed.  I have a new commitment to hand my speech over at the end of this week.  So, that is my goal!  I planned to do it last week before I knew the grandsons were coming.  So I asked for another time extension, which was thus granted.  I cannot (I WILL NOT) let this week pass without my speech being written.  Maybe I need to reread the poem I wrote a couple of days ago about ‘TIME’.

I won’t elaborate as to the distractions that wooed my time away because it would take too long.  Just so you know this “thing” called life takes a long time to master.  And without God we never will master it.  I have found that it is only through God that I understand the meaning of life.  And it is only through God that my joy is complete.

 

GOD GIVEN VIBES

Kathleen Martens

August 07, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Even on a day

That has twists and turns,

There always proves a reason

As well as something to learn.

 

I realize not everyone

Carries contentment in their heart.

And oh it is so obvious.

When given a new day to start.

 

There are many people I do not know

And many pains they seem to carry.

Both young and old alike.

Have a sadness that seems to tarry.

 

And God knows each and every one.

He sees them from inside out.

The mission field starts at my door

And follows me round about.

 

And hopefully my joy from the Lord

Will spill forth and touch other’s lives.

And any gladness I can share

Will be God-given vibes.

 

Thank You God for filling my heart with joy!!!

Thank You God for smiles that I both give and receive in return.

Thank You Lord for a discombobulated day.

Thank You Lord that my children and grandchildren love me.

Thank You God for loving me!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

Sunday Sabbath August 6 2017  LIFE SIMPLY RIGHT NOW IS.

 

 

LIFE SIMPLY RIGHT NOW IS

Kathleen Martens

August 6, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

I was born.

I am alive.

My world began

With my breath of life.

 

 

Time before

Did not exist

Regardless what

Others insist.

 

And someday

I’ll be no more

For I’ll be in heaven

On golden floors.

 

The here and now

Is where time lives.

Life simply

Right now is.

 

So live each moment,

Accomplish what you can.

Comprehend the worth

Of just one Man.

 

When life ends at last breath

Eternity begins…

Because ONE MAN

Conquered death.

 

 

Thank You God for Sunday Sabbath.

Thank You God for this week ahead. 

Thank You God for the words I haven’t yet written.

Thank You Jesus that it was You who conquered death.

 

 

Good night.

 

GOD BLESS YOU!