Saturday August 5  2017  TALK SENSE TO YOURSELF

 

TALK SENSE TO YOURSELF

The language of Personal Power

By Chick Moorman

 

I read the above book several years ago.  While my friend was here recently I happened to show it to her and she quite enjoyed reading the wisdom of what is written in the book.  According to the author we must listen to how we speak to and about ourselves.  Many of us may not even realize that what we say influences our behavior, how we see ourselves, and even the outcome of what we can and cannot accomplish.  We limit ourselves by our words.  We give our own power away by how we speak.

 

This above paragraph may sound confusing, but I believe if you have an opportunity to read this book you will be so amazed by how so many people limit their lives just through the words they choose.  

 

After my friend reluctantly relinquished the book upon her departure I took a new interest in it last night as I was enjoying my nightly readying before retiring to bed.  I prayed and ask that God would point me to the right book to read for my nightly reading.  I picked the book of a shelf that is beside my reading chair.  I asked God to help me select a reading that would speak words directed to that which I needed to hear.  The book TALK SENSE TO YOURSELF all but jumped onto my lap.  I opened the book to where my book-mark was placed.  It was chapter seven.  I read all but the last couple of pages of the chapter (I was beginning to fall asleep) and realized it was EXACTLY what I needed to read.   The title was:  “The Language of Here and Now”. 

 

To make a long story short the chapter dealt with living in the present instead of always looking back at the “what-ifs” of the past or the “when” of the future.  “I will do that when…”  “I will go there when…” “When I retire I will…”  A few years ago I prayed that God would teach me how to live in the present.  My learning journey took me over a year to learn.  I read books, prayed, searched the scripture, and listened to my heart to decipher what God was directing me to do.  It was not an easy feat.  However, once I mastered the concept of living in the present I found it is a very rewarding place to live.  Am I perfect at living in the present; probably not.  But I will share with you that I use scant moments worrying about the past or being apprehensive about the future.  I live in the here and now.    

 

As I re-read chapter 7 I realized that that was exactly what God wanted me to read last evening.  It gave me pause to reassess what I am doing, and allowed me to be more aware of the words I use in my own self-talk.  Let’s just say there is room for improvement.  And the reminder has spurred me on to continue using my self talk with words of encouragement rather tan using words of regret or future worry.  The present moment is the only time in which I will ever have the opportunity to live.  Tomorrow never comes as it magically turns into today.  And today becomes the past when tomorrow becomes today.  So…actually there is only the now.  That doesn’t mean we don’t plan things ahead, but even that is done in the present, and then it is set aside until the event.  Rather than fret I choose to live in the moment doing what must be done, when it must be done. 

 

Instead of always looking ahead to the “when”, you instead choose to do what must be done in the here and now which will prepare you for that which is scheduled in the future.  

 

This chapter is so full of helpful learning tools that I recommend you purchase the book (or check with your public library) and take advantage of words that can change your life.  Only you can make that decision and only you can choose to do it rather than simply say, “when I get the time…” or when I….etc…etc”.  A great place to start could be www.half.com

 

And after you read chapters one through seven you can then read the last chapter: “Strategies for Change”.  I think you may be surprised to find out how you presently speak to yourself and what a difference positive change can accomplish.

 

 

EXERCISE YOUR SELF LANGUAGE

Kathleen Martens

August 5, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Do you ever think

That “someday I’ll do that…”

If I only had a…??

I’d do it really fast.

 

And as you look back

Do you think, “I should have done”?

Whatever it is that you didn’t

May have been a lot more fun.

 

Do you say “I’ll get around to it

When I finally retire”?

And find that when you get there,

You no longer have your fire?

 

But knowing “you’ll do it when…”

But “right now it can wait”.

Another time sounds so much better

As you’ve discovered other things which sate.

 

“But I am really going to…

When the time is right.”

But never spend time preparing

For your eventuality to be in sight?

 

“I really should of…or ought to…”

Are those your past and future regrets?

Perhaps you should do what is in the here and now,

Rather than using your time to fret!

 

Here and now is fleeting

And can never be used again.

What wasn’t done yesterday

Tomorrow will mostly likely refrain.

 

Here and now are when things happen.

One moment at a time.

If time’s not “spent” then it is wasted,

For the NOW weaves a fine line.

 

“Exercise your self-language”,

Change what you do not want to hear.

Your language can change your attitude!

Be aware and live in the present, which we hold so dear.

 

 

Thank You God for teaching me how to live in the present.

Thank You Lord for loving me as I am.

Thank You God for good books that teach us so many things.

Thank You Father that my present will last for eternity.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Friday August 4 2017  A TIME OF RESTORATION

 

A TIME OF RESTORATION

Kathleen Martens

August 4, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

It is Friday the end of the week

But truly seems like Saturday again.

I think I’m tuckered from being grandma

Added on to two weeks with my friend.

 

What a joy the past three weeks,

Being busy every moment of the day.

And this is the very first morning

I’m doing things completely my way.

 

Truly I believe I’m ready for bed;

Soft covers; a place to lay my head.

It is still morning, breakfast is past

But last night’s rest didn’t seem to last.

 

Perhaps I should admit and say I am tired

And I need a few days to become re-fired.

A busy week ahead, everyday set aside

To finish a project my week must abide.

 

If you must call me, I’ll call you back

Leave a message because time I lack.

I must focus with my mind on course.

I have but four days as my resource.

 

But on this Friday I plan to veg-out,

Regain my strength and again become stout.

A time of restoration, my time for pleasure;

Solitude with God; my true treasure.

 

Though I enjoyed every single day of my busy three weeks I am truly ready for a short reprieve.  I’m itching to cook but holding back today just so I can have absolutely nothing on my agenda.  But…that can’t stop me from reading cook books.  I have the yen to go to garage sales, but then I must put a bra on and that doesn’t entice me at the present.  I would even like to clean up the mess in my office but then I would be doing something instead of nothing.  And the other something I’d rather be doing instead of the nothing I plan to do, is straighten up my craft room.  But…I intend to listen to this aging body (for a change) and lie low.

 

I am seldom tired so perhaps this is a good lesson reminder about how it feels to be out of energy.  I usually need to experience firsthand what it is the Lord wants me to be aware of.  I hope I learn quickly.  It makes me realize I should never take for granite the endless energy I expend daily.

 

Thank You God that You are my provider in all things.

 

My prayer for today:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the renewal of my health these past four and a half years.  Let me never take for granted the body You have provided me to use while on this earth.  Teach me through Your wisdom how to care and nourish and work with my flesh and bones that house my spirit.  And Lord, I pray for those who lack energy and who are unable to eat all the foods available to make them stronger.  I pray that added strength and vigor will be supplied to those who need strength.  And let me always be reminded of the power in praising You for what You do and for Who You Are.  And on this day I thank You God for allowing me the time to have a “Friday Sabbath”, a day of rest, that my flesh may renew its strength.  Thank You for this time of rest and relaxation so that I will be rejuvenated so I can do what You call me to do and to say what You want me to say.

 

ISAIAH 40:28-31 NIV

“Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.”

 

And my goal today is to do nothing (EXCEPT WRITE MY BLOG) and allow the Lord to renew my strength.  

Have a great day!  I plan to.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU ADDED STRENGTH

 

 

Thursday August 3, 2017  THE OLDER GENERATION SHALL TEACH THE YOUNGER GENERATION

 

Words are never adequate when it comes to expressing how very much I love my grandsons.  I throw my arms open wide and express to them that I love them even more than my arms reach.  Xander often reciprocates in kind.  Zach has attained the ripe old age of “almost 10” so he is not quite as demonstrative as he used to be. 

Such a greeting at the breakfast bar happened this morning.  Dave held me a tight embrace, kissing me over and over on the neck (see what I mean when I say he still makes me tingle) and the boys were watching with delight, big smiles on their face and grimacing at the same time.  I quickly came around back of them and gave them a little slimy neck nuzzle.  “Euuuuu” was what Zach exclaimed and Xander giggled in tickles of laughter.  I opened my arms wide and told him once again that I love him even wider than my arms can reach.  He looked up at Dave and I and said…”but I only love grandpa this much” as he held his hands about a foot apart. 

Well…grandpa was standing there and I could see he was concerned.  I asked Xander why he only loves grandpa “this much” and he replied with such seriousness, “Because grandma, you teach me more things”.  Then he giggles, holds his hands open to his full reach and looks at me with a mischievous grin and says, “I was only kidding, I really love him this much”!

Dave is a born worker, a hard and diligent worker.  He has also been my teacher for the past 45 years.  I am a born teacher and I usually see the lesson to be taught in most circumstances.  I thank God for what Dave taught me, and I thank God for what my oldest sister has taught me.

As I think about my sister my mind wanders back to my early childhood.  Velma left home when I was about 8 or 9 years old.  She very much fulfilled my craving desire to learn.  I was always curious and always wanted to know the “WHY” of whatever was happening around me.  I explored, I read, I discovered, and she shared her 9 years senior experience with me and probably taught me things I didn’t even want to know.  But I absorbed and still remember many of the things she taught.  My mother had a house full of kids in all stages and though she loved us tremendously she did not have enough hours in the day to give us the individual attention we probably needed.  Velma was my surrogate mother during my formative years.  She moved away from home when I was about 9 years old.  But she has never stopped teaching me.

Did Velma give me the love for learning or was I born with that desire?  Only God knows.  And as I watch children grow I can sometimes detect inborn traits, characteristic, talents that seem to come naturally with the birth package.  It is a true teacher that sees the heart of the child and encourages each individual to pursue developing their God given talents.  Also the true teacher sees the need of each child to be encouraged to accomplish that which is difficult.  The older generation has knowledge, life experience, and answers that the younger generation need to know.  Even when it might not be well received some information must be taught to prepare the child, young adult, or others to be equipped with what they need in order to be ready for “real life”.

A little mind is open to direction, unfortunately not all children’s living situations allow the child to learn and develop their talents and skills.  The scripture instructs the older generation to teach the younger generation.  And I don’t think it meant giving them technology to teach them in the way they should go.

What a privilege it is to be able to answer questions, instruct, and point out things the child would never even think about.  WOW!  God has really entrusted parents (and grandparents) with an awesome purpose!

 

THE MIND OF A CHILD IS AN OPEN SLATE

Kathleen Martens

August 3, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

How do we know the mind of God

From whence all wisdom flows?

How do we learn life’s basic skills?

From the world or someone we know?

 

So many children have no guidance

Other that TV, U-tube and porn;

Messages the world proclaims,

Not that for which we are born.

 

The mind of a child is an open slate

To be taught, instructed, and loved.

From whom better to receive the knowledge

Than the loving Father above?

 

And His word best instilled

When the child’s heart is new.

The older generation shall teach the young;

Using the Word of God as their tool.

 

There is so much more I could say about this topic.  I hope what I have said will give parents and grandparents the incentive to realize how important their role is in the lives of their children and grandchildren.  If we do not teach them, who will?

 

Thank You God for the inquiring minds of our children and grandchildren.

Thank You God for trusting us with two precious children to rear and two awesome grandchildren to love and teach in the way they should go.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

GOD BESS YOU!

And always remember that GOD LOVES YOU TOO!

Wednesday August 2 2017  CHANGING OF THE SEASONS

 

I HEAR THE SYMPHONY

Kathleen Martens

August 2, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I hear the symphony

Sweeping across rolling fields;

Bounty of tassels

For Autumn’s yield.

 

Triumphant sounds

Fill my soul…

The endless cycle

Of centuries told.

 

Ribbons of beauty

Undulate with breath

Living life

So man is blessed.

 

Fragrant perfumes

Waft in gentle waves

In frolic dance

As if in play.

 

Towering trees create

A soaring flight;

Intimate interlude

Blocking light.

 

Field upon field

Wave in glee

Bowing to wind

In silence free.

 

The kiss of summer

As season goes by,

Its music is pure

As autumn is nigh.

 

My heart sings

As majesty abounds 

In God’s mighty creation

Through sight and sounds.

 

Music of the heart

Whispered on the wind…

And its stirring is felt

Deep within.

 

My very being

Hums in gentle repose.

Wherever I travel

God’s glory shows!

 

As I drove across the backroads of our area this morning my heart was truly hearing the beauty upon which my eyes feasted.  I can’t even begin to explain the exquisite patchwork design of field after field as I drove up and down the rolling hill.  My birds-eye view was breathtaking; mile after mile.  It’s as if the entire earth is singing in harmony; as if man and God are in partnership.  Open fields edged with groups of trees created a photographer’s dream.  The depth of field and the amazing patterns, colors, textures feed my soul.  If I could I would leave early in the day and just drive SLOWLY up and down the lazy hills decorated with intricate designs, heights and colors.  And as I passed through towering old trees lining both sides of the road I experienced a feeling of exclusivity.

Thank You God for my vision so I can enjoy Your magnificence as I travel the country roads.  What a delight to see the fields changing throughout each season and know that it is good because it was created by You.

Thank You God that I can breathe in the intoxicating fields of wild flowers and corn tassels and wet ground.

Thank You God that I can hear the birds singing as I drive through the shadows of the towering trees!

 

Update on my grandsons.  They are at present attending VBS.  I did a photo shoot this morning for a church project so had no time to work out.  So, in order to spend more time with the boys, I stopped at the gym to use their WiFi to write and publish this blog so my time will be open when we return home.  The afternoon plans are still not decided.  I never mention any plans until I know the plans will truly take place.  I do not like disappointing them.

The boys spent night last night at their own house so they could attend Karate class.  They arrived back at my place early this morning, quite tired from the evening’s events and early wake-up.  It is normally about a 40 minute ride from our home to theirs so they had to arise quite early so as to be ready when mom left for work.  The boys have been great!  They have worked in the yard, (Zach’s kindly deed), sweated up a storm, and have had their share of mosquito bites. They are troopers!  Since the day has not yet unfolded I must wait until tomorrow perchance something exciting comes along.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday August 1 2017 DICHOTOMY OF LIFE

 

CHANGE–the synonyms being:  alteration; modification, variation, transformation, revolution, conversion, adjustment, and amendment.

DIFFERENT—the synonyms being:  dissimilar, diverse, unlike, unalike, altered, poles apart, and not the same.

I am working-out at a different gym location this week due to my grandsons attending VBS nearby.  After one day on DIFFERENT machines I was ready to give up!  But I came back again today.  Yesterday was tough.  I am not fond of using my time learning new contraptions I only plan to use for a week.  Each had a different touch; a different menu of instruction in order to make it run, felt differently, and being a newer facility seemed to affect the stress of my workout.  I stuck to my usual weights and repetitions; I wasn’t going to let a mere machine defeat me.

At first I thought it was the DIFFERENCE of location and unfamiliarity that was causing me the consternation.  After looking up the word CHANGE and then the word DIFFERENT I realized the two words are worlds apart.  Both words and synonyms describe my conundrum but I see the words as each having a different outcome of results.

“Different” describes my place, my unfamiliarity with the equipment and the fact that the machines are not the same.

“Change” seems to be the word of choice in this instance because it deals with proactive measures of what I must do to contend with my present situation.  I can make choices.  I cannot disagree with the fact that the machines are unalike but I can choose to use them by modifying my expectations, by transforming the way I think, by adjusting to the situation at hand, and even having a “self-revolution” of modifying my behavior and attitude.

As I sat here in the gym with my computer opened the lady who works here at the gym walked by.  I asked her to suggest a topic and she suggested writing about being in a new place to work out.  So that is what I am writing about.  And ultimately what I discovered is that this gym is a lot like life.  Every day is different.  Each circumstance can bring new experiences, hazards, adjustments, and rewards.  However, when we face change it’s more about how we view life.  This gym is an example of the dichotomy of life.

DICHOTOMY—the synonyms being:  contrast, opposition, gulf, contradiction, separation, clash, and irreconcilable differences.

Even here I had an “irreconcilable difference” with an elliptical machine.  I could not handle the way it affected how I controlled my body due to the unfamiliar footings.  After I tried for a few moments I found a different kind of machine that met my needs.  I made the proactive choice to change in order to try something different in order that I not give up on my ultimate goal; a heart healthy workout.  And I think that may actually be an answer to some of life’s situations (especially as we age).  We all go through hardships, financial drought, sickness, pain, and death of loved ones.  But through it all we must accept different situations  as they happen, and by choice, even when things are unfamiliar and different, choose to change what we can to create a life worth living.  The dichotomies that we face will teach us strength, perseverance, and new ways to accomplish our goals.

 

DICHOTOMY OF LIFE

Kathleen Martens

August 1, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Each day is different,

Each hour never the same.

But God has the ultimate plan,

And He knows us each by name.

 

Life never stays the same;

Change is an inevitable part.

We must be willing to modify our attitude

And allow joy to fill our hearts.

 

Look ahead with anticipation

As here and there we roam.

God is our ultimate destination;

Know this world is not our home.

 

Thank You God for change in our lives.

Thank You God that You created each and every person uniquely beautiful.

Thank You God for sharing with me the truths in Your Holy Word.

Thank You that I have faith.

 

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU SAFE THIS DAY.

 

 

 

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!