Saturday February 20 2016  FINALLY IT IS MY BIRTHDAY PARTY DAY!

I feel like a little girl again waiting with anticipation for Christmas.  Regardless how poor we were, mama always made certain there was something under the Christmas tree, and nuts and an orange in our stocking.  Our stockings consisted mostly of daddy’s big white socks. 

Well, today is my Christmas and Birthday all rolled into one.  It is the day I invite those I love most in the whole wide world to a surprise birthday party!  It is my party, but the guests receive the gifts!  The first time I threw my surprise birthday party no one knew it was my birthday party and was caught off guard.  Now they know.  I still call it my surprise birthday party because it always surprises me that I do it.  AND I LOVE DOING IT!  Because my birthday is so close to Valentine’s day I choose to do it in a Valentine theme.  This year I attended a ladies luncheon the day before my original birthday date.  There were a lot of pretty paper heart doilies that were used on the luncheon tables that were going to be discarded so I asked if I could take them.  The answer was yes.  I hate to see pretty things thrown away and wasted without recycling into another use.  I came home and created pretty place mats with them. 

The table is all set.  My heart fabric is on the table serving as a table cloth, my St. Vincent heart vase stands in the center sporting little heart shaped candles and new little Valentine plates await my two grandsons.  Also, each has a new cup to take home decorated with the Valentine theme, awaiting hot chocolate and marshmallows.  Little bags of goodies are ready for the guests.  Trinkets of no great value but will be fun to eat and muse over and have fun with.  The kids are always excited with anything! 

We have one game we are going to play.  The only thing is, I can’t publish my blog until everyone is here and no one will have a chance to read it until after the party.  I will tell you about our game.  Each person will be given a heart with their name on it.  Inside the folded heart is an item of clothing they are to pick out of my closet.  Dave will pick out my skirt or pants, little boy will pick out my blouse, big boy will pick out my jacket, daughter-in-law will pick out my jewelry, and son will pick out my scarf and my hat.  I hope he picks my new red hat that was given to me on my birthday by Ellen from the “LAUGH-A-LOT-LADIES”.  After everything is picked out one by one without anyone seeing what the other picked out, I will dress in the ensemble and wear it the rest of the evening.  I’ll be sure to have a picture taken.  I hope they enjoy the game.  My four year old grandson did such a superb ensemble for himself one day when it was time to go shopping.  That is what gave me the idea.  He actually looked like a little ragamuffin and was so cute in it that I couldn’t wait to see what everyone would put together for me, especially when they will have no clue what the other one has picked out.  Regardless what it looks like, if it fits, I’ll wear if for the rest of the evening.  I get to pick out my shoes and socks.  I will wear red shoes and horizontally striped socks with apple green, orange, yellow, magenta, turquoise, and forest green.  They are my favorite socks.

So the clock is ticking.  My husband looks like a million bucks and here I sit in my workout clothing.  I told my husband I didn’t think I would change tonight.  He found that a bit odd and gave me a suggestion how I could make what I had on look better.  But I told him I looked fine like this and this was what I was going to wear.  My most favorite attire is being braless in my housecoat.  So since I don’t think that would be appropriate at my dinner birthday party, my second choice is to stay in my workout clothes all day if I am not going anyplace.  Once the game is underway Dave will know why I chose to stay dressed as I am.  When I am going someplace, be it to church, doctor, or shopping, I do try to look put together.  Now that I own a red hat, I will really go out in style.  Ellen, I will think of you every single time I wear it.  And I will have a big grin on this old face!  Thank you for making my birthday so special.

 

NEVER GROW UP

By Kathleen Martens

February 20, 2016

 

Whatever you do

Never grow up.

There are just too many fun things

On which to sup.

 

Keep your imagination

Sharp and keen.

And always be kind

And never mean.

 

Have fun every day

Keep inner child entertained.

To make it through life

Your fun sustain.

 

Laugh at yourself,

And laugh with others.

Never squelch your heart

Or fun times smother.

 

Be who you are,

Let your inner light shine.

And with your grandkids,

Spend lots of time.

 

Make things fun

Be a soft place to fall.

And when you’re together

Just have a ball.

 

Create a reason

To have a party,

Cook lots of food

And eat real hearty.

 

Live with gusto,

Enthusiastic and sincere,

For life is so short

And won’t always be here.

 

Time speeds quickly

So soon it is past.

So live today

As if it your last.

 

I AM GOING TO GO AND LIVE!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  I AM ANOTHER YEAR OLDER!  AND ONE YEAR CLOSER TO HEAVEN!

God bless all of you.  Remember, every day you live is a special day.  Reach out and touch someone else’s life today.  Something as simple as a phone call or a nice card may be all it takes.

P.S.  I’ll tell you about the party tomorrow!

P.S.S.  Since I haven’t yet published today’s blog that I wrote earlier this afternoon, I’ll tell you briefly about the party.  IT WAS WONDERFUL.  My outfit party game was a big hit.  Everyone was very cooperative and gave much thought to my attire as they went through my closets.  Xander picked out a silver sequined shirt because he loves “sparkly”.  Zach picked out the jacket with the most outlandish colors because he wanted me to look “wierd”.  Amy decked me out in pearls and silver neclaces, pearl ring, and a red-hat bracelet.  Courtland picked out my new red hat to top off my outfit along with a multi-colored, purple winter scarf, which would be worn outside in zero degree weather.  It got so hot inside the house that I had to take the scarf off.  I wore the outfit the entire night.  My striped socks and red shoes just set it off.

The food was great, the deserts scrumptious.  I made all the dinner but purchased the three different cake samplers.  Everyone loved their new Valentine cups and presents.  It was so much more fun to give than to receive.  Though I did get some interesting and one of a kind gifts.  Xander is extremely creative and loves to make things for grandma.  

We had a great time going around the table as each person had their turn to share one of the things they love about each person around the table.  I wish I had recorded it.  I can’t remember all the kind things that were shared but I will say there were a few tears shed.  We all had a wonderful time sharing with one another one of the things we love about them.  Xander, who is 4, wanted to start with grandma even though I was not the next one to be talked about.  He said what he loved about grandma was how much grandma loved him.  And the funny thing about that was, that what he said about me, was the exact thing I had already decided to say about him when it was my turn.  So when it was my turn I went ahead and told him that one of things I loved about him was how much he loved me.  He calls me on the phone just to tell me that.  It is so surprising what these boys come up with when given the opportunity to speak from their heart.  

What Zach loves about both grandpa and me is the fact that we have the best woods ever!  In the spring and summer I take them on trips through the woods and teach them about the plants and animals and birds.  They are pretty good troopers.  Courtland told me that what he loves about me is that I haven’t just sat down and retired, but keep on keeping on, and the fact that I have found so many things to do.  He also said he loves how I love life, and am so full of wonder.  And my husband chimed in and agreed, he too loves how I so love living.  Amy was very kind with her words toward me.  She said she is so thankful how I have them over and do all the work to have parties for them year after year.  Her words touched my heart.  Thank you Courtland, Amy, Zacharia, and Alexander for all the kind words you shared with me tonight.  Your words were the best birthday gift I could have ever received.  We had a great time with you here to celebrate grandma getting one year older.  Thank you for sharing your words and heart with us.  I write the above words not to brag about the complimentary things someone can think of to say about the birthday girl, but rather to capture the spoken word while my mind still remembers what was said, so I can cherish the memories in the future.  It is nights like tonight that make life so special.  Thank you for all the treasures you have added to my heart tonight.  I love all of you so much.

And my greatest treasure of all, and the one who receives my greatest thanks and gratitude is my precious husband, David.  Without his love and support for all the ideas and grandiose plans I forever come up with, I could never succeed.  He is my greatest helper, and my true soul mate. Thank you sweetheart for all your help in so many ways.  Without your help I would not be able to bring to fruition that which I can think of to do.  You truly are the love of my life.  

The End

 

 

 

Tuesday February 9 2016  BETTER THAN I THOUGHT

So far, today has gone better than I thought it would. I was up at 5:15 a.m.  Went to the gym, left from there at 8:15 a.m. and went directly to Dr. Doctor’s office regarding my shoulder.  GOOD NEWS!  Though I do have two tears in my rotator cuff, Dr. Doctor believes that I should try therapy.  The therapy may help my shoulder heal without needing surgery.  YEAH!  I am set up for my therapy appointment next week (another one of those “fit in” appointments).  I should only need one appointment because I will be issued the equipment needed, and then would follow through on the therapy at home.  I would need to do the right arm twice a day for about 6 months.  And then, to my “utter delight”, I was instructed to do the therapy, on both shoulders, once a day, for the rest of my life!  How’s that for adding one more thing to fit into my schedule!  But, if it will keep me moving, keep me strong, and I can do it at home, I will be more than happy to do it as long as I am physically capable.  I will incorporate it into my gym workouts on the days I go there.  The other days I’ll be diligent and do the exercise at home. 

I think the reason people need to retire is because it takes them so much more time to do upkeep on their body to just keep it tuned up.  When I asked my neighbor after he retired, “What do you do with all your time” he replied and said, “I don’t really have more time, it just takes me longer do everything I must do”.  Now I know what some of those “MUSTS” are.  But it seems my “must list” just keeps growing.  Eventually my purpose for getting up in the morning will be so I can do all the “musts” I must do, then eat my meals, and then it will be time for bed again. After all, I MUST GET TO BED EARLY so I’ll be able to do all the “musts” I must do tomorrow.

Well today I had a great big must!  I looked at my tile floors and said, “I MUST CLEAN THESE FLOORS!”  And so I did.  Surprisingly enough, it does not hurt my shoulder to sweep.  I think it is because it is below me and I don’t need to raise my arms much.  I then spot cleaned the tiles and they look a lot better.  And then I decided my cupboards needed wiping down so I did that too.  Then I decided to write a blog since I had a few moments before I do my Bible Study (that is not a “must”, but rather a “want to”).  I have a short speech presentation to do on Saturday morning at our ladies breakfast and I need a bit more time to think and pray and study God’s word. 

I will play it by ear tomorrow as to whether or not I’ll be writing a blog.  I’ll at least try to say hello and capture a poem.  Tomorrow is my day out with the Ladies.  I have two friends from the neighborhood that I have known for about 27 or 28 years and before I left on my trip last year we would meet once a month and have a fun day out.  Our fun days out may not be what someone else thinks of as fun, but we all enjoyed what we chose to do.  In the area where we live there are several different kinds of thrift shops, St. Vincent DePaul’s, Goodwill, Savers, Attic Angels, Boomerangs, and others that don’t come to my mind readily.  We will chose a few stores in neighboring communities and have a blast searching through all the old clothing and other items.  After I compiled a wardrobe for myself on our forays to the thrift shops, I began to browse the books more closely.  The books are my downfall.  Even if I don’t buy any books (which isn’t very likely), it is a great pleasure for me to browse throughout the day.  My friends have really taught me how to shop!  I LOVE IT!  And of course we always “do” lunch!

When I lost so much weight three years ago I just kept wearing baggy clothes.  My friends decided to fix that dilemma.  Our first shopping endeavor together was when they picked me to go shopping for a new wardrobe.  I had never shopped for clothing in second hand stores and I was amazed at what great items there were to choose from.  Of the three of us, Karen is the one that has an eye for shopping.  She knows quality, style, what size to pull off the rack for me, and gives me her opinions as to what colors I should, or should not, wear.  She is a great personal shopper!  However, she doesn’t agree with my choice of colors.  All the colors she picks out do look good on me, but I want colors she keeps telling me not to buy.  I usually listen, but not always, even though I do trust her judgement.  But I did sneak a few yellow items into my closet when she wasn’t looking.

Tomorrow is the first time we will get together since I came home in July.  I’ve seen Darlene once or twice since July (she moved away while I was gone), but I have not yet visited with Karen.  Darlene has been quite a bosom buddy over the years.  We have spent hours and hours talking together.   It will be so good to see them again after so long.  Tomorrow I hope to look for some Valentine decorations and favors for the party I am having on Sunday.  You might be surprised what you can find when you take the time to really snoop through all the shelves.  I have no intention of bringing more items into our house, but sometimes, even my best intentions fail me.  I want to see more “stuff” leaving the house instead of coming in.  But, I do look forward to tomorrow, just to be together once again.  We hope to resume our once a month adventure.  In the summer, we also like to browse beautiful gardens and arboretums in neighboring areas.  There are some magnificent places to explore, all within a radius of about 60 to 90 minutes away.  However, it is only 1 degree outside, and is not the time to visit the gardens.  

 

SPECIAL FRIENDS

By Kathleen Martens

February 9, 2016

 

There is a special something

About getting together with friends.

Especially the old ones,

That know you out and in.

 

Years ago so much younger,

And we all took it for granted,

Now we are decades older

And our eyelids a bit more slanted.

 

We used to talk at soccer games

But those days are long past.

Oh those sweet days of our youth

Just didn’t seem to last.

 

And now we three old biddies

Have wrinkles and loose skin.

And we never again need to worry

About the roving eyes of men.

 

No longer do we need to impress

Each other, or those we don’t know,

It’s just fun to be together

Without any hoopla or show.

 

And what we do really doesn’t matter,

What counts is that we’re together.

So we shop at second hand stores,

Our friendship tightly tethered.

 

And we drive from place to place

As we visit, laugh, and play.

We love to browse the vintage stores

All throughout the day.

 

Pants and blouses, dresses and slacks,

All uniquely one of a kind.

We search intently scouring each rack

For that perfect, amazing find!

 

It’s always there to be discovered,

That flawless hidden prize.

And what makes it even better

Is when it’s just the right size.

 

And then at lunch we eat and eat,

And talk and talk till we’re done.

And on every single one of our outings,

It seems we always have fun!

 

Three old friends coming together

To laugh; to shop; to share.

But the reason is truly because,

For each other we deeply care.

 

I love you Darlene!

I love you Karen!

 

Last night Dave and I went to hear a lecture at the University of Wisconsin.  I have much to say, but must figure how to present my thoughts on the subject.  The guest lecturer was invited by a student group that only brings in the BEST speakers.  He is a communist.  Needless to say, it was quite interesting to hear first hand what is being communicated on our local college campus.  It may take me a few days to come up with a summary of what I want to pass on to you.  Just so you know, Dave and I knew what his background was before we attended the lecture.  We just wanted to hear for ourselves what is being presented to the young on our University campuses.  You may find it quite interesting.  I just need to get up enough nerve to share it from my perspective.

 

Good night and God bless you. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath January 17 2016 CONNECT WITH GOD

“CONNECT WITH GOD”

“GOD’S WORD (THE BIBLE) IS REAL AND RELEVANT TO OUR LIVES.  WE BELIEVE JESUS IS PRESENT WITH US AND THAT HE STILL MOVES FOR PEOPLE ON A PERSONAL BASIS EVERY DAY.  HE WANTS EACH OF US TO KNOW THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS THAT COMES WHEN WE HONESTLY AND COMPLETELY TURN TO CHRIST, AND WE DESIRE TO ACTIVELY SEEK HIM OUT TO BIND OUR HEARTS TO HIM AND FURTHER THAT CONNECTION.”

The above is paragraph two, written on the back of our Sunday brochure where I attend church.  Our pastor spoke on the first paragraph last week, “COME AS YOU ARE”, which is in the blog written on January 10, 2016.  It is part of a four week Sunday morning series he is preaching at present.  I thought today’s sermon was worth mentioning today as it was very pertinent in our relationship with God.  The sermon went into a lot of detail that I do not believe I could do justice to, in just printing the highlights.  I recommend to those who have the option to listen to it, google City Church Madison Wisconsin, click on media, and click on today’s (January 17, 2016) message.  Rather than write about the sermon I am going to re-create the notes by composing a poem instead.  I hope I do it justice.

 

CONNECT WITH GOD

By Kathleen Martens

January 17, 2016

 

Show not contempt

For the kindness God shows.

Love the tolerance and patience

He shares where He goes.

 

An unrepentant heart

Will cause wrath to be stored

For the day of judgement

When justice is poured.

 

God desires the lost

To call out His name,

That they seek forgiveness,

His everlasting aim.

 

He is waiting for all

To taste and see

The promises He’s given

For you and for me.

 

He’s the author of joy

The most generous of earth,

He gave His Son’s life

Because of your worth.

 

But His severity is firm

On those who draw away

From His loving protection

Day after day.

 

When we deliberately sin

And for God have no room,

And we know and refuse Him,

We are headed toward doom.

 

But all is made right

When you come and repent

Because God wants to forgive

And live in your tent.

 

For repentance is step one

In order to connect

With the Lord God almighty

You’ll have no defect.

 

GIVE TO GOD all your sin

And His will pursue

So that He can design

What He desires you to do.

 

It is repentance

That makes you whole

Which connects you with God

Uniting your soul.

 

It is you who much choose

In order to receive

And a transaction takes place

Because you believe!

 

Not only do you reap

But deeply move God’s heart

And God experiences joy

That will not depart.

 

Because He created us

We are His delight

And all of heaven rejoices

With all of its might.

 

We are forgiven

When we become His child

And all of His richness

On us is piled.

 

And from that day forth

We are never the same,

For as His child

We possess His name.

 

And the resources of heaven

Become our treasure.

To give to His children,

Is God’s great pleasure.

 

When we accept

God into our heart,

He clothes us in righteousness

That need never depart.

 

And our salvation

To others must share

So that they too will know

That for them God cares.

 

What I have written above is just the slightest scrapings from a message that is so worth hearing.  Pastor Flaherty’s oratory is so much more eloquent than my simple poem of explanation.

I may have mentioned very recently what I am about to tell you.  I came across an absolutely wonderful explanation of the steps to take in order to find God’s will for your life.  It is on a website entitled “EIGHT WAYS TO FINDING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE”.  For the next eight days I will add one step a day from the website.  You may find it interesting to study each little segment with close attention to have a better understanding of what God is calling you to do.  God has a perfect plan for each of His children.  It will be exciting to seek out what our Holy Father has planned for you.   He gives us salvation as a gift, and all you must do is believe, ask, and receive.  That transaction is between you and God, and promises eternal life with our creator.

BELOW IS EXCERPT FROM THE WEBSITE:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/chris-russell/8-keys-to-knowing-god-s-will-for-your-life.html

“Chris Russell has spent the past 25 years actively involved in ministry through pastoring, church planting, writing, Christian radio, and special speaking around the country and in seven different countries. He is passionate about communicating the truths of God’s Word in a creative, highly-relevant way.

Chris has three kids and happens to be married to his best friend, Leigh. He currently pastors a church on the north side of Cincinnati. When he’s not pastoring or blogging (www.SensibleFaith.com), he runs a real estate company in his “spare” time (www.PlumTreeRealty.com). He believes that A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) is one of his ‘spiritual gifts.’

When I was a young man, I seemed to continually wrestle with knowing God’s will for my life. I wanted more than anything to follow His plan. Interestingly, now that I’m “old” (currently 47 years old), I still wrestle with doing His will in my life. I have come to learn that this is not just something that a young person does early in life; it is a lifelong pursuit in order to stay in the exact center of His plan.

So, then, how can we know God’s plan for our lives? Over the past twenty-five years that I have been in ministry, I have discovered eight vital keys to knowing God’s will. Here they are:

1) Walk with God.

For starters, if you are interested in knowing God’s plan for your life, then you must learn to walk with God. You need to develop a relationship with Him. Christianity is all about relationship rather than just religion.

And so you must cultivate your relationship with God. You must seek to know Him and not just seek to know about Him.

You will cultivate that relationship best by spending time in His Word, taking time for prayer, and taking every opportunity you can to be involved in church and small group Bible study opportunities. When you seek these disciplines in your life, God will begin the first steps to revealing His plan to you.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

 

I will close with the following comment.

The time you spend cultivating a relationship with God will bless you immeasurably.  It may seem like a lot to do, but God will take joy in whatever steps you take to become closer to Him.

Good night and God bless you.

I just hope you made it through that long poem. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday December 4 2015  A DAY TOO SHORT

Yesterday was a long day, today is too short of a day.  I will not be able to write much tonight but wanted to let everyone know that I am alive and well.  I have family members that read this blog to keep up with what is going on here in Wisconsin so I just wanted to make certain they know that nothing is amiss.

I will not be able to have computer time tonight due to other commitments.  I would like to make a comment however.  My sister informed me that some of my information in my blog last night was incorrect.  My little sister was four years old the Christmas I remembered and I was ten years old.  All else is as it was.  When I went back and looked at dates relating to that event she is correct.  It has already been corrected but just wanted those of you who read it before the correction were not informed correctly.  Please be sure and refresh your computer or phones before reading any blogs.  I often publish them so as not to lose them and then a few hours later my husband helps me proofread them.  Sometimes they are read in that interim and have mistakes.

Since I must get ready for our event I will be publishing a poem written at an earlier date.  I shall check my hard drive to find something I like.

Perhaps tomorrow I will be able to live it slower and have time to expound on something that is close to my heart.

 

Below are three poems.  The first a Christmas present written in 1985.  Yes, I go back even farther than that in my poetry writing.  The next two poems are the definition of one word.  I left the title off so you would not know the word.  See if you can figure out what word the poem is defining.  Let me know if you think you figured it out.  The definition leans toward the spiritual definition of the word. 

 

Your Precious Present

By Kathleen Martens

1985

 

Christmas time, laughter and fun…

Hustle and bustle all on the run.

Cards to address letters to write.

Candy to make crowds to fight.

Cookies to bake parties to prepare.

Planning ahead to show others you care.

 

Packages to wrap, ornaments to make,

Decorations to do, cakes to bake.

Boxes to unpack, tinsel unfold,

Heat bills to pay to stop the cold.

Parties to give, games to contrive

And all the while just trying to survive.

 

Trees to buy and fix to stand,

Lights to untangle and try to command.

Bulbs that break cause nothing to light,

Must be downed, more limbs to fight.

Ladders that wobble as we hang things so

Causing light heads and vertigo.

 

Dusty boxes from rafters, broken memories found,

Some have survived for this year’s round.

Lines to wait in patient or not,

Everywhere crowds, that is our lot.

Last minutes gifts an absolute must,

Things that will eventually spoil or rust.

 

Stockings to press so beautifully displayed.

Everything bright, nothing is frayed.

All is done with utmost care,

Everything right so others can stare.

 Nails to pound around the eves,

Sidewalks to sweep to rid the leaves.

Lights on roof are ever so pretty

But the bill is quite gritty.

 

More ingredients to by, special trips to store,

More lines to fight, the silent war.

More candy to make, parties to attend

And cards we receive from whom we did not send.

And all those names that we dismissed

Put back on the interminable list.

 

As Christmas approaches we heave a big 

Just wanting the time to go quickly by.

Not pausing once the “NOW” to reflect,

Nor stopping once our motives inspect.

Always looking ahead wanting to borrow

The joys you know will be there tomorrow.

 

But the days long awaited, those cherished events

Wrapped with such fuss, no enjoyment is sent.

Living to make memories at future to ponder

Finds the joy is missing and tis little wonder.

When we only look forward or back at the past

The “NOW” never lived, life goes too fast.

 

But there is a gift that’s ours for the taking.

No one can bestow it and it’s always in making.

No matter what we do or how hard we try,

It’s a gift that is given, not one we buy.

It can be used every day and cause hustle to cease,

Can cause time to slow and seemingly freeze.

 

For that gift that is given is not one of the past,

Nor one of the future, but given to last.

It is a gift we must learn to use every day,

Makes the enjoyment of life an experience to stay.

When all else is rushing, your gift will be pleasant,

And that gift is realizing your “PRECIOUS PRESENT”.

 

So…when you’ve letters to write, cards to send,

Candy to make or lists to mend,

Whether you’re wrapping a package or lighting the fire

 Preparing the house or time to retire,

Standing in line or fighting the cold,

Remember your gift that never grows old.

And when parties are here and crowds to contend,

Just remember the “PRESENT” is your precious friend.

 

POEM NUMBER ONE

Kathleen Martens

July 29, 2011

 

To be alert

Stand in watch

Aware of surrounding

Go up a notch.

 

Ceaseless wonders

All about

Observe God’s glory

With a shout.

 

With open eyes

See details

Everyday new

Never fails.

 

Receive the world

With receptive eyes

God’s intricate majesty

Before you lies.

 

 

POEM NUMBER TWO

By Kathleen Martens

August 7, 2011

 

Internally envision

Conjure up

Dreamlike decisions

Make believe pup.

 

Born in thought

Illusive belief

Reality fraught

Ethereal relief.

 

Fanciful notions

Picture in mind

Heart in motion

Freedom to find.

 

Ideal to create

Fictitious or true

Visually elate

Whimsical and new.

 

God bless you and may you have a wonderful evening.

 

 

Wednesday December 2 2015  WHAT IS THE ANSWER?

Day number two of December and I am trying to live it slow.  One thing I have learned over the past several years is how to receive joy from all I do.  Today was one of those days.  How do I do it?  Well, for me it is going from one task to the next, slowly, enjoying everything as I am doing it, and maintaining a peaceful spirit.

My kitchen can become cluttered very easily.  Clutter, little things that aren’t put away because I use them often, or a pile of papers and magazines that I still yet want to read.  Perhaps even items of food that haven’t been put away after coming home from shopping.  Well, it gets to a point when I must just stop what I am doing and take care of the confusion.  I do not work well in clutter and confusion.  Believe it or not I much prefer empty, clear countertops and everything where it should be.  It just doesn’t always happen because Dave is the one that usually cleans up the kitchen when I have finished cooking, or when we finish dinner.  He says if I cook, then the least he can do is “clean” the kitchen.  He does a great job (for a man).  There are usually items left out that aren’t put away, some because he actually does not know where they go, and some at present, because he is not to bend or squat and he cannot put them away.  If I don’t get back into the kitchen for a few days some things get away from me.  Now, I am probably the most guilty of cluttering because of all the periodicals and newspapers I haven’t yet read.  So today after I woke up, three or four hours later than usual, I decided this was the day to reorganize the counters.  Now mind you, I did not say cupboards.  That will be at least a week’s job coming up next year (remember we are taking the month of December off).  I may be off but I still enjoy “piddling and puttering” around the house.  It actually seems I get more done when it is not planned and I do not think of it as a job.

Now back to my comment above, going slowly from one task to the next, which is just what I did.  I put no time restraint or expectations of what I could do in such and such a time frame.  I just started slowly, worked slowly and deliberately and loved uncovering my countertop and ridding myself of the unneeded, and putting all the little orphan pieces of the kitchen back where they belonged.  Most of it is my clutter because Dave really does not have a clue where to put it.  And the “where places” are becoming less and less available.  But, my kitchen looks pretty good again.  Now, let’s see how long it will last.  

I just want to bring you up to date about my movie watching.  After I finished everything that needed to be done last night I began watching a movie AFTER MY ACTUAL BED TIME.  So you can imagine how late I was up.  Well, this morning I had a surprise.  I woke up about 6:30 a.m., took care of the necessities and decided to get warm under the covers while I waited for Dave to wake up.  Low and behold, two hours later I look at the clock and it was 8:30 a.m.  Dave was AWOL and I was alone.  When he heard me stir he walked in fully dressed and was ready for the day.  That was an eye opener for me and a great disappointment.  I realized I borrowed from today by staying awake too late last evening.  I do not like that because even when I am up by 5:30 or 6:30 a.m. my day is still not long enough.  So, hopefully I will be able to start my movie earlier tonight.  I just never seem to have enough time during the day to take time out to turn on the television.  And today was no different.

Dave just arrived home and informed me about what took place in San Bernardino, California.  When I was leaving the bank this afternoon I heard a bit of it but had not time to listen to details.  It is so tragic.  Where are those three people?  Why did they do it? What are their beliefs that make it okay to do something so garish and unthinkable?  I told Dave that it is so sad.  We live in a “civilized” society, yet we seem to be at constant war and we know not who the enemy is.  I guess it takes a lot of courage to go into a group of people, heavily armed, and just shoot at random.  This is another example of a cowardly act.

My heart goes out to all the families involved.  I have tried to write a poem but it is not to be, for I have no words at this moment to express the depth of my sorrow.  So much evil in the hearts of some, and yet today, I still had a breath of fresh air.

While at the gym today I became engaged in conversation with a twenty year old woman.  She was well spoken, full of energy and life.  It is such a joy to meet young people like her.  I took this opportunity to ask her what her wisdom to the world would be and asked if she would let me record her so I could put it in my blog.  She said yes, to both.  Her name is Felicia.  She gives me hope for the future generations.  Here are her words:
“I WOULD SAY THE ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED IN LIFE IS TO LOVE AND TO FORGIVE. BECAUSE, WHEN YOU SPEND EVERY DAY JUST PUTTING HATE TOWARDS PEOPLE, AND SPEWING THAT VENOM, YOU ARE ONLY BRINGING YOURSELF DOWN, AND YOU ARE ONLY WASTING YOUR TIME ON LIFE.  YOU ONLY LIVE SO LONG, EVEN THOUGH OUR SPIRITS MAY LIVE FOREVER, WE ARE ONLY HERE IN THIS BODY FOR NOW, AND THE ONLY THING THAT WE CAN TAKE TO OUR GRAVE, IS THE PEOPLE THAT LOVE US, AND THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WENT THROUGH. SO IT IS BEST TO DO THAT WITH LOVE AND KINDNESS.”

Thank you Felicia for bringing a bit of fresh air into this day.

WOW!  Such wise words from one so young.  What a different place this world would be if more people had her insight. 

Good night and God bless you.

 

P.S.  I have written a poem after all.  However it takes a stance on a topic you may not agree with.  I ask a question at the end.  Please give some thought to the question if you choose to read the following poem.  And I ask that you judge me not for the thoughts I share.  What are your thoughts?

 

WHAT IS ONE TO DO?

By Kathleen Martens

December 2, 2015

 

My heart so sorry for those in pain.

So much tragedy with nothing gained.

Families bereft with great sorrow

For many, many, many tomorrows.

 

Such senseless deaths of innocent ones

That their lives are now all done.

All because hatred dwells

Within hearts headed for hell.

 

Who are the enemy with such hate

That decide another’s fate?

We are at war, the enemy unknown

Who walk among us, faces shown.

 

We know not who they may be,

Because we live in a land that’s free.

You cannot guess who is the one.

Is the best defense, to carry a gun?

 

QUESTION:

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday November 12 2015  MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING

 

It is early in the day but I decided to write my blog anyway.  Usually I wait until evening so that I can share part of what happens during the day.  However, while I was out I received a call from a friend I haven’t talked to for a while and she left a message that she would be available this evening to talk.  So, I decided to write in the afternoon and leave this evening open for our conversation.

The most exciting thing that happened today is that I had my hair cut.  Short, but not as short as I had it before I left in March.  I need a little fuzz on my head when it is so cold.  Today was quite a cold and blustery day.  Perhaps a better word than blustery would be downright windy.  I wore a winter coat over a thick workout jacket and the wind still pierced me to the bone.  Something about the wind that makes it seem even colder.  We had a powerful thunder and lightning storm with lots of rain last evening and all through the night.  So today the yard is once again strew with leaves.  I think they are about all off the trees.  We are a bit more fortunate that last winter.  By this time last winter we had already had two impressive snow storms.  Winter started early last year and when I left in March there was fresh snow on the ground.  It is predicted that we are to receive less than normal snow fall this year due to the El Nino that is expected to take place off the coasts of  Mexico and Southern California. Winter snow is important to us like rain is to California.   It replenishes the lakes and fills the water tables.  We have our own well on our property.  When we have dry weather we have no one else to go to for water.  Another drawback is that when our electricity is out we have no water and no flushing toilets.  It takes electricity to pump the water to the faucets.

Isn’t it amazing how I can begin a paragraph with a haircut and end it with no flushing toilets?  Interesting technique (called bad writing).  But, oh well, you get the picture.

It feels so cozy in the house when I sit here at the window and I can still see outside.  A little more than an hour from now the darkness will be upon us.  I love looking outside.  I just snapped a picture of what I see right now. The sun is just lowering itself behind our woods.  The sun actually never rises over our heads at this time of year.  It just makes a run across the sky like the arch of a rainbow in the distance.  It is getting darker by the moment (snapped another picture) and I can see the sun reflecting off the clouds above the treetops.  Now if I went over to my neighbor’s house through the woods the sun would still be visible and it would be quite a bit lighter.  In the summer we have the best possible situation.  The sun at that time does go over our house, rising in the front is due east and it setting in the back, due west.  Now it appears to be setting in the south west.  In the summer it becomes dark between 9:45 and 10:00 p.m.  And the good part is, that we are in the shade and also on the downside of a hill.  No matter how hot it is elsewhere in the local area it is often 10 to 15 degrees cooler in our backyard.  In the winter we have snow in our yard two or three weeks longer than the houses up the hill.  We also have less wind where we live because of the woods and the lay of the land.  Back to being cozy, it feels good to be inside today, warm and post toasty.  It makes me want a warm cup of my favorite tea, which is Rostaroma by Celeste seasonings.  Stores no longer carry it and I must buy it online.  I order two cases at once and then just hope that when I need to order it again it will still be available.  Try it with a big dollop of French Vanilla creamery!

God is good all the time.  Remember He is always waiting to hear from each of us.  It is so comforting to know that I have His presence living within me.  I am never alone and need never fear. 

 

OPEN THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART

By Kathleen Martens

November 12, 2015

 

Whenever fear or doubt assails

Call on God, He never fails.

He reaches down and comfort gives,

And in your heart He desires to live.

 

Just ask, He will come in,

And forgive you all your sin.

His Word alive and living still,

And your heart waiting to fill.

 

He desires to be your friend

If you are willing to let Him in.

Just open the door of your heart,

A new relationship you will start.

 

I had actually intended to end the blog here but I just thought of something else that transpired today.  I will share it with you.

Dave and I were enlightened this morning as we were putting clean sheets on our bed.  Maybe I should clarify, TRYING to put clean sheets on our bed.  Our mattress is thick and heavy.  First off, I forgot about the condition of my right elbow (still not wearing the sling), and reached down to grab my top corner of the mattress, only to discover with a slight scream (well, maybe a loud ouch) when my hand took the full weight of the mattress and caused my elbow to extend farther than it should (or could if measured by the pain).  I finally did get my corner of the fitted sheet on.

Now on the other side of the bed was Dave who is not supposed to do much bending AND NO LIFTING, trying to do the same with his corner of the sheet.  We actually just forgot for that one moment that we are both a bit infirm at the present.  Hmmm…so we attacked with a different strategy.  I would not allow Dave to lift and I knew I couldn’t.  So I used my knee at the bottom of the mattress to lift the edge of the thousand pound mattress (exaggerating) enough to slide the fingers of my left hand between mattress and box spring to get the top sheet tucked in a bit.  Then I used a wide back-scratcher to push the sheet the rest of the way between them.  Then we put the quilt on the bed which dragged on the floor at the end of the bed.  We fixed that by pulling it higher up at the top of the bed and then just let the rest of it hang off at the end.  Then we put our comforter on top of the quilt.  The comforter fits the bed perfectly and doesn’t need to be tucked.  Before we retire this evening I shall bring the other comforter upstairs to pile on top of the first one.  It is very cold at night since we don’t heat that end of the house.  Plus, we are still sleeping with the window open an inch or two and the ceiling fan oscillating on low.  We love the fresh air and I like the air to be moving.  We just snuggle deeper under the piles of weight on top of us for our long winter’s nap (sort of like in THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS).  However, I am not yet sleeping with my stocking cap on.  It’s not quite that cold.  That’s reserved for when it reaches minus 15 or 20 degrees outside.  We then close the window but keep the fan on.

Well, the enlightening part of our morning was realizing that we really are approaching “the latter years” of our life.  It made us realize how vulnerable we are right now due to us both having somewhat of a handicap in using our bodies to capacity.  We are first to admit that our capacity, even at its best, is noticeably less than in yesteryear.  It also makes this house seem a bit larger, not to mention the yard.  I think we will have a lot of decisions to make in the next two or three years.  But for today, we will take each day as it comes, trying to be careful so that we give our bodies a chance to heal.

I am discovering a lot of things I did not know about before now in regards to getting older.  I think as time allows I will do some research and talk to others who are older and willing to share some personal insight as to the aging process, so I can pass it on to you.  Perhaps ignorance is bliss.  I myself want to be informed, educated, and know what to expect.  It’s kind of like going through puberty backwards.  Lots of things happening to the body that you don’t quite understand.

Well, I guess it doesn’t make much difference if we sleep with our quilt hanging out and our floors not vacuumed, I can still cook and clean the toilets!  And those are the two necessities in this house!  I just hope our house doesn’t blow away.  Like in the THREE LITTLE PIGS we have the house made of bricks.  But, we do have windows.

 

Good night and God bless you.

 

P.S.  It is now 5:02 p.m. as I finish this part of the blog.  It is pitch dark outside and wind is blowing up another storm.  The sound is unbelievable as the wind blows through the empty branches.  It sounds like a lot of machinery running in the distance and then crescendos with a bit of howling.  This night is the perfect night for a scary mystery movie!

 

 

Wednesday November 11 2015  THEY ARE TRULY THERE

 

Angels.  They come in all sizes and in many different situations.  Well, today an angel came to my house.  Her name is Karen and she had a power pack on her back attached to a mighty, super power blower.  I know she doesn’t like to have her photo taken so I refrained, but I would have liked to have taken one so I could have posted it.  That way you would be able to see what a human angel looks like.  Unless you live in the woods you have no clue of the amount of leaves the yard will accrue.   The piles were enormous!  We had piles of leaves left on the garden areas and the rest blown into the woods.  I thank God for the angels he provides for us. 

In a message I listened to today on my IPhone I heard our Pastor talk about the fact that when we give thanks to God for all that He provides for us and all that he does for us, we are actually blessing Him and giving Him glory. I’ve always wondered exactly how I glorify God.  At least now I understand at least one way I can do so.  Every day I thank God for all that He provides such as a place to live, our running water, a car that is dependable, clothes to wear and food to eat.  I thank Him for His creation that surrounds me; the beauty of the sky, trees, clouds, sunshine, rain, birds and wildlife, lakes, and fresh air.  I thank Him for my health and all that I can still do with my hands.  I thank Him for my family, my friends, and for bringing new people across my path.  I thank Him for my vision and my hearing.  There is no thing too big or too small for which to give thanks.  I know I have mentioned this before, but as I was sitting here brimming over with thanks toward our neighbors I just had to comment again on the topic of thanks.  If you ever feel a grumble coming in your spirit, just look around and start thanking God for all that you have to be thankful for. Your grumbling spirit will soon be gone.

I believe I have shared the story of the angel that rescued our daughter from the ocean 30 years ago.  I should look back to see if I have previously written about it so as not to repeat myself.  If any of my readers remember it please shoot me an email and remind me that I did.  Including the experience with our daughter, there was one other time when I encountered an angel embodied in a person. Dave was with me at that time and we both experienced the angel’s presence.  I’ll tell you about it and hope I haven’t already mentioned it previously.

The night this story takes place was when Dave and I were to fly out of the Milwaukee airport early the next morning.  We were in the middle of a severe snow storm.  The news said that the roads would become impassable later that night and we knew it would be next to impossible to reach Milwaukee in time for our early morning flight.  We decided to leave at 10:00 p.m. and drive there and get a hotel so we would be able to get to the airport.  Normally it is a 90 minute car ride away.  We left about 10:00 p.m. as planned and it took us over 5 hours.  Dave snuggled behind a semi-truck pulling a large trailer.  We watched cars pass us and go into skids and go off the Interstate.  Several times this happened.  We were content to go very slow and use the truck to shield us from the driving snow.  We made it to the hotel and couldn’t find a place to park.  The snow was about as high as the bottom of the van door.  We finally found one slot that we thought we could get into.  Nothing was plowed.  Dave angled the van in and then we found our tires would not turn to allow us to straighten into the slot and pull forward.  We tried and tried to get out of the high snow drift.  Dave got out and tried pushing while I steered.  We tried pushing forward and when that didn’t work we tried pushing it back out of the slot.  Dave walked up next to me and I turned to him and simply said, “What we need is an angel”.  Dave walked back to the rear of the van and we tried again.  Then I saw a man walking toward me that I not seen before.  We were in a well-lit parking area outside the hotel and I did not see where he came from.  All I know is that he was not there just a few seconds before.  He was one of the most beautiful people I have ever met.  He was coat-less and had on a blue open necked shirt.  He had sparkling blue eyes and the most beautiful smile upon his face.  He came up to my window and asked, “May I try”?  I told him I didn’t think there was anything he could do as my husband and I had been trying for quite a long time to get unstuck and nothing worked.  He simply said, “May I try”?

I was a bit skeptical.  Who was this guy?  Where did he come from?  Here it was snowing hard and he didn’t even have a jacket on and he didn’t appear to be covered with snow.  He asked me again.  Dave walked around to the driver’s side of the vehicle and asked what was going on.  I told him this man wanted to try to get our van out of the stuck position.  He said, “Go ahead and let him try”.  So I got out of the car and before the man could get in I said, “Oh wait a minute”, and then I reached back into the back seat of the van and took my purse with me.  My thought was that if he did get it unstuck he just might drive off with the van.  Go figure.  I ask for an angel and when one shows up I don’t even recognize him. 

The man in the blue shirt with the amazing blue eyes and beautiful smile sat down in the driver’s seat.  Dave walked back to the other side of the car to get out of the way and I stood by the driver’s side with a bit of doubt in my spirit.  The man put the car in reversed, touched the gas pedal and backed out of the space as easy as pie, stepped out of the van and turned to me.  He smiled a smile that was so astounding it almost took my breath away.  I looked into his eyes and said to him, “You are our angel, aren’t you”?  He said nothing and turned away.  I turned toward Dave as I heard him swishing through the deep snow.  He said he wanted to thank the man and looked beyond me.  He asked, “Where did he go”?  I turned around to where he had just been about 5 seconds before and there was no one there.  He was gone.  Here we were in the middle of a large parking area and there was no sign of him.  No moving cars, no car lights leaving, no one walking anywhere.  All we could see were the mounds of snow, no foot prints, and no one walking away.  I looked Dave in the eye and said, “That was our angel”.  And to this day we both share in the belief that God heard my heart’s spoken desire and actually sent an angel to our aid. 

We stayed two hours in our hotel room, our car was parked three weeks in the hotel’s auxiliary lot for travelers, and we spent the entire day sitting in the airport because the planes could not depart.  But at least we were on time!  We eventually made it to Florida.  Florida was wonderful that February month.  We arrived back in Wisconsin and our car was still in the snow.  I won’t even mention how cold it was.

Perhaps the above story came to me today for two reasons.  The first, my next door angel reminded me of other angels, and the second reason because we had a man come by today to give us an estimate on having our snow removed from our driveway this winter.  Just the thought of snow makes me remember God’s gracious gift to us in time of need.  When I think of that experience it makes me realize why I was never frightened while I traveled cross country this past spring.  I have so much faith in God’s continuing presence in my life and his protection over me.  I am not infallible and someday I will die.  How, yet undetermined.  If it turns out to be in a tragic way does that mean God will have forsaken me and wasn’t watching over me?  No, I do not believe so.  It will simply mean that He was ready for me to go home and be with Him in heaven.  But I do know that God’s presence will be with me through whatever I must face to step over the threshold of heaven.  I have no fear of death because I know this home called earth is just my temporary home and God has my days numbered.  When my work here on earth is over God will call me home.  I am listening for that call, and I am ready.  I just hope I still have a long time here to enjoy the beauty of his earthly creation around me.  I would also like to dance at my grandsons’ weddings!

A long story for sitting down in front of my computer without anything to say.  I hope my story will bless you and remind you that you too have angels that God places around you.  Some, you may someday see, some, you may call friends and neighbors, and some, you may never see.  But they are there.  If ever you find yourself in a situation when you are desperate or need help from God, just speak the name Jesus for angels are at His bidding.

 

THEY ARE TRULY THERE

By Kathleen Martens

November 11, 2014

 

An angel is but God’s helper,

Beckoned to do His will.

Whenever we should need one,

Our concern God will fill.

 

If we but call out,

And in Jesus’ name we ask,

God is ever commanding

His angels to the task.

 

Even when we can’t see them,

They are truly there.

A guardian angel for each one,

To tend to every care.

 

What we must do to be heard

And their help receive,

Is to call out in Jesus’ name

And in your heart believe.

 

Good night and God bless you.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday October 31 2015   LIVE THE SAME HOUR TWICE

Oh what a wonderful day is today.  I am now living the same hour twice.  The time changes officially at 2:00 a.m.  Well, my official time of setting the clock back is whenever I think about doing it during the day.  And we just did it!  My official time is now 4:56 p.m. instead of what the clock says.  So the hour I already lived, I get to live it again.  I will go to sleep, everyone else will set their clock back at 2:00 a.m. and when I awake I won’t know the difference.  Whereas, if you don’t live that extra hour today all you get is an extra hour of sleep.  I would rather live it awake!  Anyway, that is my take on it!

My extra hour is being used to write my blog.  It still feels early even though it is already dark when my clock is not yet 5:00 P.M.  In the following weeks it will be dark before 4:30 P.M.  That always seems to make for a short day.  I like to go to bed at dark and wake up before the sun is up.  I won’t be doing such as that, but it will make it easier for me to get into bed earlier.  I really do enjoy the early sunsets, as it also gives me good reason to be finished with all travel for the day, as I would rather not drive after dark.  As I traveled across country I always made certain I could make my destination before nightfall.  I succeeded except for two times.  I would love to say it wasn’t my fault, but it was.  I just believed it was safer and more considerate to arrive at host homes before it was too late.  The only exception was the week I took the class in Redding California and then I was always returned after dark.  The sessions went until 9:00 or 10:00 P.M. each evening.  I also took another woman back to her residence afterward because she did not have a car and it was in the opposite direction than my direction.  But I made it home safely and that is the best news.

This is my first minute to sit down without other obligations or being in the company of others.  We attended our “PUMPKIN PARTY” luncheon today.  It was lovely.  Our neighbor and friends always hosts the most wonderful events.  I have learned so much each time I attend one of her functions.  I could write an entire story about this couple but I refrain.  First, because I haven’t asked their permission, and second because I am hoping to keep this blog short.  We did meet some very interesting people and there was only one other person there that I recognized.  The rest were all new acquaintances today.  I enjoyed the party immensely.  My contribution to the luncheon was pumpkin chili. 

Tonight is Halloween.  We live tucked back off the beaten track so we usually do not have trick or treaters.  We have a little neighbor boy that moved in last year, and so this year, we took over a treat for him.  He was being made up as Frankenstein as we visited.  We have no street lights in our neighborhood, nor do we have sidewalks.  It is not really safe to walk our hill after dark.  The ground is sometimes littered with twigs and branches and today the street has the debris of wet leaves from the rain.  Very slippery and dark.  It sounds like it is still raining.  Actually, in Wisconsin it seems to rain EVERY HALLOWEEN EVENING, I kid you not (except when it snows).

 

BUT TONIGHT IS A SPECIAL TIME

By Kathleen Martens

October 31, 2015

 

Silhouettes dance in evening dusk,

Trees clapping their hands to the Lord.

The rustle of leaves sound like love

Wanting their voices heard.

 

Heaven pours forth bountiful rain

To nourish and water the land.

The cold of winter seems to creep in,

As autumn makes her last stand.

 

Starless sky in early twilight

As clouds block out the sun.

But tonight is a special time

When boys and girls have fun.

 

No matter how dark,

No matter how cold,

Children brave the elements

Ever so bold.

 

Fancy and scary, they run around

As fast as their little legs can go

This is the only night of the year

That candy is given so.

 

They don’t even notice the dancing trees,

Or the slippery ground in the county.

There is only one thing on their mind,

How much will be their bounty?

 

Remember to take time to live the second hour twice!

I can say goodnight at 5:20 P.M. (KATHLEEN CENTRAL TIME) because now it is dark.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday September 21 2015  AUTUMN IN THE AIR

 

This is the time of year that I feel sorry for people who do not live in Wisconsin or other states that have such a display of nature as we have.  There is something about the air that is different.  It begins in the evenings.  In Wisconsin during the summer, it can sometimes be warmer in the evenings than it is during the day time.  It seems like summer midday or afternoon should be the warmest part of the day.  Not so here.  As we approach fall that changes.  The evenings start turning cool and the nights drop down quite rapidly.  We have had beautiful sunny warm 70° to 75° days and the nights are now in the low 50°.  The frequent rains keep everything green and air clean and clear.  Flowers are still blooming and many do so until the first frost.  Frost have been as early as August and as late as the early to mid November.  Usually we begin expecting them in early October.  Wisconsin has 90 growing days for crops.  That is all that can be counted on.  A late frost in autumn is always hoped for.  What is worse is when you get a late frost in spring.  Most farmers do not plant to early but when we have early warm weather and the apple orchards start blooming a late frost can kill an entire crop.  And that is really sad because we have a great apple orchard just around the corner and down the road.  We stopped by on the way to the gym on Saturday morning to buy a bag of Honey Crisp apples at 9:00 a.m..  I like to buy seconds, the ones with a little spot or indent on them because they are so much more affordable.  We go through a bag of apples (probably about 10 pounds or more) every week during the apple picking season.  We eat them every day.   I cook with them, make soup out of them, or bake apple cranberry pies.  Just remember I didn’t say the f_ _d word.

Well, I said all of the above to tell you that the season is changing for us here.  Another six weeks or so and our life will be a lot different.  Windows will be closed, the air conditioners covered, millions of leaves will have been picked up or still falling from the trees, and the heat system might even need to be turned on.  We sleep with our bedroom window open and close the door to the rest of the house so it won’t lose its heat.  Actually, we do not heat the entire back wing of the house where the bedrooms and bathroom is.  We have three heat zones and only heat the main living quarters.  In the deepest and coldest part of winter when it gets down to minus 20° we must turn on all the heat zones for about an hour a day to keep water running through the pipes of the baseboard water heating system.  We have a boiler room with a huge boiler that has an electric starter but is powered by natural gas.  The boiler room is included in our laundry area which is right below the kitchen.  The kitchen floors are tile and the heat conducts up from the boiler room and heats our kitchen floors wonderfully.  We also have a large shop, about 20 feet by 40 feet or more attached to the end of our home and goes under the garage.  The pipes also go through the shop and keep the shop from freezing.  The shop has an extra wide door so a riding lawn mower or small tractor can fit through it.  We also have dual window panes that helps keeps the heat from escaping.  We had these windows installed about eight or nine years ago and it actually saved us about $100 to $125 dollars a month on heating costs.  

In the winter when we sleep in our bedroom, even when the windows are closed once it hits freezing temperature, we awaken in the morning and our windows are covered with a thick layer of ice on the INSIDE of glass panes.  That is how cold it will become.  With both Dave and I breathing in the enclosed space it creates condensation on the windows which then freezes solid.  As the day warms up a few degrees the frozen breath starts melting and I must go and wipe it out several times before it totally thaws.  We have an April Air Humidifier that comes on automatically and the rest of the upstairs window panes also freeze but not to the same extent. We have a lot of windows so I do a lot of wiping in the winter.  I hope I have painted a realistic picture of what it like to live through a Wisconsin winter.  And I haven’t even touched on Dave having to go out in the cold and clear our driveway with the snow thrower.  You ought to see what he wears when he goes out in the extreme cold.  But I won’t get into that now.  I’ll just take a picture later and blog it. 

So now you can see why we love autumn.  And we also love spring and summer.  I even love the few days of humidity we get.  It seems we had more this year but I loved every time I was out in it.  It makes my skin feel so moisturized and refreshed.  Winter does the opposite.  Everything dries out.  And when I say everything, I mean everything.  It was quite frightening the first time we lived through a winter and our house started making the loudest cracking sounds.  EXTREMELY LOUD, like lightening striking the attic.  The booms were so loud and frightening that we thought a tree had fallen on our roof.  The entire house shuddered.  And there would be several cracks in succession.  We heard the sound all over the neighborhood.  That was even scarier.  Well, once we found out about it we understood what was happening.  It only happens in the extreme cold, literally minus 20° to minus 26°.  I think minus 26° is the coldest I have experienced outside while here.  It has gone down lower but I wasn’t shopping at the mall at the time.  These temperatures do not include windchill.  Windchill will cause it to feel much colder. The temperature can plummet in just a few hours and you don’t want to be caught out in it.  I remember getting into the car (barely able to get my keys in the lock because my fingers were so numb even in my moon gloves) and once in the car it took 30 minutes for the motor to warm up enough to allow the oil to start moving through the car’s engine.  The car absolutely would not drive until the motor was warm enough.  Needless to say it wasn’t plugged in anywhere.  As a matter of fact the car we had didn’t even have a plug adapter.  When it is so cold the battery will often die and the car can’t even be started.  I watch the weather very closely before venturing out.  Last year when I was doing a winter photo session at about 7:00 a.m. on a minus 12° morning I came home and my fingers were almost frozen stiff.  It was awfully painful!  I think the cold is what makes Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live.  I learn to live indoors for the winter months and then I have the pleasure of living in a very unpopulated area of the country the rest of the year.  After my trip through the cities this past spring, it makes me so thankful for our low population state.  Believe me, you don’t want to move to Wisconsin.  I hope that sounds convincing because for several years we have been winning awards for the BEST PLACE TO LIVE AND RAISE A FAMILY.  

Well, now I will tell you that I said all the above so I could copy my poem into the blog that I wrote this morning during my quiet time.  I have gone past my bedtime now so I shall make it quick and then will say goodbye.  Enjoy all that warm weather you are having and be thankful you do not need to look forward to a Wisconsin winter.  But autumn is lovely.

 

AUTUMN PRAISE

By Kathleen Martens

September 21, 2015

 

Autumn knocks gently at the door

And summer relinquishes her hold.

A graceful transition does ensue,

Summer sun is no longer bold.

 

Tempered nights carefully adjust

The blankets upon our bed.

A quiet stillness falls on the fields

As harvest looms ahead.

 

A time of change and grateful praise

For the bounty of summer’s end.

And the fall in decadent color

Soon becomes our intimate friend.

 

Sweaters and scarves are soon adorned

To deter the wayward nights.

And the days grow ever shorter

As earlier we turn on the lights.

 

Work increases to beat the clock

Of preparing for winter’s cold,

For there is always much to do

For a season that lives to be old.

 

And never is one truly prepared

For the blasts of the arctic wind,

Which takes control of how we live

Until Mother nature, spring doth send.

 

Usually I write my poem about what I have written in my blog.  Well this evening I have written my blog about the topic in the poem.

Have a wonderful tomorrow.

Good night and God bless you.

Tuesday September 15 2015  THE GIFTS GOD GIVES US

 

Again, my title does not make a lot of sense to me.  Sometimes I just have a “creative” thought and the title comes before my idea for my blog.  Thus, it is tonight.  I’ve been thinking about creativity lately and wondering what more can I do to be creative.  Am I only creative in the area which I “feel” gifted, or is it possible to be creative in other areas, or lots of other areas? 

I believe all people are given gifts of creativity from God.  The first and foremost reason is because God created us in His image and if we are created in His image we must be gifted with creativity.  After all, God created the entire world and universe.  If God is creative (which we know He is) and we are created in His likeness, it only proves to me that He has created us as creative beings.  It is such a joy to create. It doesn’t need to be some big project or something that the world will see and go ooh and aah over, nor does it have to be expensive or extremely detailed.  It could be something as simple as a sweet letter, encouraging a friend.   

There are probably as many definitions of creative as there are people.  Each person has their own unique and original way to create.  I look at some people and am so truly amazed at how they can paint unbelievable art, or sing with the voice of angels, or write books that become multimillion dollar sellers, or graphic artists and all the technological creativeness there is in the world.  It is just so astounding to me.  I even look at the gift God gave me in writing poetry and sometimes wonder how I can do that which to me, seems like such a simple thing.  And all of a sudden the thoughts that are forthcoming are beginning to make sense of my title, THE GIFTS GOD GIVES US. 

Over the last few days I am beginning to realize that the gift that I think of as simple, is actually a great gift that God has entrusted to me.  He has used several people the last few days to make me realize that my gift is only beneficial in as much as I use it for God’s glory.  It doesn’t matter what kind of gift God bestows upon His children.  He gives each of us gifts to be used for Him.  God purposed the creation of each one of us.  God has a plan for each of us and it is good.  I believe His plan is for each of us to use the gifts He has showered upon us.  Someday we will stand before God and when He asks us, “What did you do with the gift I gave you”, how will we respond?  I must take responsibility for the gift my Father has given me.  I must steward not only my talent, but I must be a good steward of what I do with my gift, how I present it, who I give it to, and how far to take it.  ‘How will it best be used for His glory’ is the question we must ask ourselves.

“THE GIFT GOD GIVES US.”  Have you, yes, if you are reading this I am asking YOU, PERSONALLY, have you taken time to discover the gift or gifts that God has bestowed upon you?  If you know your gift(s) have you set aside time daily to give these gifts back to God?  Are you developing your gifts?  Are you sharing them with your world? 

I will tell you a short story, part I may have mentioned before.  Several years ago I was reading a book and in the book it was talking about the Sabbath and how we need to restore the rhythm and rest to our soul.  The writer closed the chapter by asking the readers to take a look at their life and see if there was a possibility to take a part of everyday to have a “Sabbath rest”, by doing something you enjoyed.  I mentally cataloged all the things I liked to do and found that I already did everything I liked to do every day.  One of my favorite things to do at that time was write and I did that daily in my journal.  I left it at that.  A few days later I was listening to Joyce Myers on the computer as I worked in my photography office.  She said that God had given each of us a talent and we had to take a look at our lives and ask ourselves “what are you doing with that talent?”  She went on to say that someday we would have to stand before God and give an account to God as to what we had done with the talent He gave us.  WOW!  That hit me between the eyes.  I knew God had given me a talent for writing poetry from the time I was a very young girl.  I would write when someone needed something, or someone would hire me to write an epic poem about a life or a story poem about something.  I would usually write a poem for a special occasion and for Christmas, and that was about it.  I knew in that moment, listening to Joyce’s words, that God was giving me a gentle nudge to do more with the gift He had bestowed upon me.  I prayed and made a commitment to God that I would set aside 15 minutes every day for my “daily Sabbath” and write a poem.  I never really gave it a thought as to what I would do with them, how many hundreds, thousands, would accumulate, or how they would bless the people I gave them to.  Have I written one every single day since then? No.  Does God make me feel guilty?  No.  My poetry to Him is my gift to Him.  And he just keeps blessing me with His blessings of more and more poems to write.  I think I will include a poem I wrote several years ago about just this very topic.  (Of course I’ll write today’s poetry gift to Him before I include the older one.)  I already have it on the blog site but I’ll include it at the end of this date perchance you may want to read it.

Stop and think about the gift(s) God has given you.  Step out in faith and cultivate those gifts and give them away.  Creativity is fun to do for self but I think it has more meaning when others too can enjoy it.

I said all the above to let you know that I am making a new commitment to God and myself to fulfill what I believe God is directing me to do.  I am to finish writing and compiling books that are started and to create new ones.  I have had several people tell me recently that I need to get that done.  I agree.  My sister told me recently that I may have to become a recluse to do the work that needs to be accomplished.  I am beginning to understand that becoming a recluse may need to become a possibility in the near future.  HOWEVER, A RECLUSE I AM NOT!  The synonyms for recluse are:  hermit, loner, outsider, solitary, eremite, ascetic, and lone wolf.  If you know me, you can tell those words do not describe me in the least.  However, I do love my times of solitude.  Oh, how I enjoy solitude!  (INSERT:  MY HUSBAND IS PROOFING THIS WITH ME AND STOPPED HERE TO SAY SOMETHING TO ME.  THIS IS THE SOMETHING HE SAID, “HONEY YOU WOULD BE A DYING FLOWER IF YOU CUT YOURSELF OFF FROM PEOPLE BECAUSE YOU LIKE TO TALK..AND TALK.. AND TALK…)  End of comment.

My timeline is starting.  I don’t know exactly when.  (Doesn’t sound too promising, does it)?  I have a few obligations that are to be fulfilled and I have a promise to myself to keep my calendar cleared after those are fulfilled without new commitments.  I have found that keeping promises to myself are some of the most important promises I must keep.  However, keeping my promise first to God is always my priority.  When I am obedient unto Him I believe that He will direct my steps.  What does it mean in the future for my blog?  I do not know at this time.  All I know is that I enjoy writing the blog.  It sort of feels like therapy to me.  You should try it.  Even if you do not go online with what you write, it may stretch your thinking, and cause you to give thought to that which you never considered before.

One of the commitments I choose to do is to be a good steward of that which God has given me.  I appreciate the feedback I have received from readers.  Thank you for your encouragement.  Also, as of yesterday, I opened my blog up for online search engines to be able to find me.  Perhaps others will find my site like the lady who needed to hear a word from God and googled, “word from God”, and my blog came up to a certain date.  This was before I was on the search engine.  I believe that was a direct hit from the Lord.  Please pray that if there are those out in the public who might benefit from a blog such as mine that they will be directed to my site.  As I traveled I did not go heavy on the spiritual aspects when writing the blog.  It will now become more spiritual oriented.  If I can touch even one life, then it is not in vain. Please share my blog with any who you think might enjoy it.  And remember, I am open to topics that you would like me to explore and perhaps write about.

 

IF I CAN…

By Kathleen Martens

September 15, 2015

 

If I can touch, just one life

Perhaps this time will be rife.

If my song will touch a soul

That alone would be my goal.

If my word speaks to one

I hope it is about God’s Son.

If what I write is a gift

Another’s heart it will lift.

If my gift is offered back

Then my words will not lack.

If what I say rings so true

Perhaps a heart will be made anew.

 

Thank you for reading today’s blog.  I hope it makes some sense.  Following is the poem I wrote on July 23, 2010

 

 

God’s Gift to Us Is Our Gift to Him

Kathleen Martens

July 23, 2010

 

We go about our lives, in such a busy way,

Not stopping to enjoy the present throughout our entire day.

Our stress rises when there is no time for rest.

Our work falters, and no longer do we do our best.

 

What if just for fifteen minutes we stopped to be alone?

Enjoying thoughts and solitude, restringing our heart’s tone?

Doing something that gives us peace, as we set those minutes aside,

Doing what we love to do, as in our creativity we abide.

 

We all are given from our God, a unique and wonderful gift.

Not for us to boast about, but rather our spirit to lift.

We can take no credit for what to us God gives,

But rather must answer Him, with my gift how did I live?

 

Did we use it, to the potential that God desired?

Or instead, in pity did we get mired?

No one else has potential, to do just what you do.

No one can write the song that can only come through you.

 

No one can dance the dance with your own two feet,

Or write the lyrics of your song, upon your blank sheet.

No one can hold a pen and sketch the faces you see.

No one can unleash your talent setting your spirit free.

 

Someday we’ll leave this magnificent earth below

And stand before the Almighty King, the one that we know.

And then we must answer, what did we do?

And Oh I hope, we surely do not rue.

 

But rather I would hope we’ll leave our gift behind,

That which only we could give; something one of a kind.

Created in those moments, of solitude and love,

Created from the wonderful gift, God gave us from above.

 

So take the time and sing your song—

Write your poem for it’s never wrong.

Dance your dance with merry heart—

Even fifteen minutes is a grand start.

 

Paint your portrait, sketch that face—

Slow down your spirit, calm your race.

Build your tower, create a new design—

So many different ways, to be oh so fine.

 

And by using your gift you are fulfilling God’s plan

His unique idea, for each woman, each man.

And not only do you give lasting pleasure

But God receives joy in unending measure.

 

For He delights in the joy you receive

For when doing what you love, 

IN YOURSELF YOU BELIEVE.

 

Good night.

 

 

Thursday September 10, 2015  I DID NOT ACCOMPLISH WHAT I PLANNED TO DO

I did not accomplish what I planned to do today.  Too much interference with phone calls, repair men, and other obligations that were time sensitive and had to be taken care of today.  So, I have nothing to brag about tonight.  Dave said it sounded like I was bragging yesterday so I definitely do not want to brag two days in a row.  I truly hope I didn’t sound that way.  When I make my food and say I like it and it is good, to me it is and I am just simply stating a fact.  Not everyone likes it, but that is okay because I doubt if I would like to eat some of what they eat.  It is not that what they eat is wrong, but rather just different.  Dave constantly tells me that what I like is not what most people would eat.  I figure there must be someone else out there who likes what I eat or it wouldn’t be on the shelves being sold.  Things like goat cheese made with figs, quinoa with lots of little veggies cut up in it with craisins, and sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, winter squash bisque dill soup, and zucchini pepper pie.  Are there any out there that would like to come over for dinner?

Today I planned to make two lasagnas.  Sounds simple to me.  I have all the ingredients so what is the hold up? I just didn’t have time to get it started where I would have a block of uninterrupted time to get it to completion.  One of these days I am going to hibernate for an entire week, turn off the phones, put my iPhone away so I won’t rely on Siri to help me find facts, turn the T.V. off (if Dave will go for it), and just go to town on all the little tasks I would like to get done, and that might include making my lasagnas!  And maybe I won’t even get dressed.  That sounds like paradise!

I had an interesting insight today when the Charter man was here.  He looked at all the mess under my desk and started investigating.  I had so many wires going to so many places that I could not make heads or tails of what went where.   Well, he too was perplexed and started asking questions.  Come to find out we had a lot of things connected to modems and splitters and other boxes that no longer were even in use.  Since we now have Direct TV some of the cords were no longer needed as they no longer had a job to do.  I was so used to them being there that I never thought to investigate what they were for.  I had just become oblivious to the mess, and went about my business not even paying attention to all the extra baggage my electronic center had become burdened with.  It reminded me a bit of real life. 

In real life we take on responsibilities, and when we are no longer involved with the tasks related to our commitments, we just carry a lot of the baggage around with us instead of letting it go.  We become burdened with stress and emotional burdens and perhaps physical problems that need attention.  We fail to stop and take a good look at what needs to be taken care of and discarded.  It just becomes part of our “normal day”.  Perhaps we need to take a look at what we have in excess, perhaps it is unforgiveness toward another, or hurt feelings from the past, or anger that we quell in hopes that no one notices it.  We get used to it and allow it to clutter our space.  Our space that could and should be cleaned out by forgiving another, getting over what someone may have said or done to us, and give up the anger that only damages the container it is carried in.  We need to step back and take a look at all those unneeded “wires sticking out going nowhere” and unplug them and get rid of them. 

It is easy to ignore what is right in front of us.  For instance, I ignored my own health for years.  Food was important to me and I liked to eat.  And, so I did just that.  I ate and I ate and I ate.  Good things and bad things and too much things.  And one day after one more diagnosis of what was happening to my body I actually stepped back from myself and asked myself the question, “was the amount of food that I ate and the sweets that I consumed worth my health and in essence, my very life?”  I realized I had to start “unplugging” all those unnecessary connections.  And, so I started unplugging and slowly ridding myself of the unneeded baggage that I had been carrying around.  I chose to change my mindset.  I spoke to myself in positive words, believing that they would come true.  I encouraged myself by standing in front of the bathroom mirror and telling myself daily, “Today I choose to eat healthy”.  I would then say to my body “Body you want to lose weight”.  And then I would say, “This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it”.   And I did eat healthy (and still do), and I did lose weight (ever so slowly), and I still say that “This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it” because I still believe it and I still rejoice, and I am still glad.  I CHOSE to change the course of my life.  I chose to do it one day at a time.  I did not concern myself about next week or next year.  It was only about today.  And that is what I still do. 

Do I think about tomorrow, next week and next year?  Yes I do.  There are things that must be done to prepare for upcoming events, such as sending out the invitations for the party coming up.  There are dates that must be taken into consideration, and other plans that must be carried out.  When there is a time factor involved, timely they must be dealt with, not worried about, but dealt with.  Living in the moment is how next week and next year are handled.  What decisions we make today, from every bite we take, to how we save or spend, will affect next week and next year.  I found with this attitude that when I take care of today in a wise manner, then next year did not need to be worried about.  Every decision we make today in some way affects our tomorrows.  Perhaps it is time to unplug the unnecessary.

So, I did not make my lasagna today.  Even though I didn’t plan for it, I ended up accomplishing a lot of small tasks that needed immediate attention that will definitely affect my tomorrow.  Having all the loose ends unplugged today will make my tomorrow easier to navigate.   Tomorrow I will make my lasagnas.  After all, they won’t even be eaten until our trip in October.  I guess one more day doesn’t really make a difference.

 

UNPLUG AND LET IT GO

By Kathleen Martens

September 10, 2015

 

I’m like a little modem

Hooked up to lots of wires.

Some doing their jobs

Without getting tired.

 

Yellow and blue cords

Hanging all around.

Some are black or white,

Some hanging on the ground.

 

And then I notice,

Some have no cause.

They do absolutely nothing,

Which creates great big flaws.

 

When anything is dangling,

No purpose does it serve.

So I started investigating,

Which took a lot of nerve.

 

Were they really useless

Hanging there in space?

I needed to find out

If this was their rightful place.

 

So I started  unplugging,

Unburdening my load.

And this little modem

Traveled a lighter road.

 

I looked very carefully

As to what decision to make,

Realizing the useless wires

Were leftover mistakes.

 

Unplugged and uncluttered,

Everything worked so much better

For I was no longer tangled

By cords that were like a fetter.

 

So, if your modem is too messy,

Take stock of what to rid.

If it has no purpose,

No longer keep it hid.

 

Unplug, and let it go.

It will free your tomorrow.

It may be your pain you unplug

And that will take away your sorrow.

 

Just be aware of the baggage

That no longer belongs,

And allow your heart to be filled

With a new and joyful song.

 

Well, I guess if one can sing of being “a little teapot, short and stout”, I can surely be “a modem with dangling wires”.  I just don’t have a tune to go with it.

I hope you are smiling.  I am.

Good night and God bless and keep you.

Wednesday September 9 2014  I ACCOMPLISHED  WHAT I SET OUT TO DO

 

I made a mistake today.  I called Charter Communications.  It has been hit and miss here lately with our internet connection.  I called to see if they could do something to make my internet connection better.  Well, ninety minutes later the phone service agent was finally able to get my internet back on line.  It worked a bit when I first called him but then we lost it all together for over an hour.  I wouldn’t give up and he hung in with me and kept having me try things.  Finally, I tried one last reset, one last time, and the green light came on and the internet stayed with me.  So far, that is.  I hope it lasts through the night because I have an open house to plan, write the invitations, and email out to those invited.  I said all that to say this, again my day did not go as planned but that is more the normal than the oddity.

There will be an open house here at our home on one of the days that my friend is staying with me.  There are so many people she hopes to see while she is here and we are hoping that they will come here since she cannot go to so many places.  She will not have a car available either.  I guess I better start now to see if I can get my house presentable.  Maybe by the time she gets here in two weeks I’ll be ready.  I do look forward to seeing her.  I was able to stop at her place twice while I was traveling this spring.  She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  I didn’t think I would enjoy being in a desert clime, but I found that I enjoyed it immensely.  It was beautiful.  The mile high altitude however, did not suit me, or my heart very well.

My main plan was actually accomplished today despite the 90 minute delay with the Charter call.  I am preparing different foods to freeze ahead of time to take on our Branson trip.  Today’s specialty was making three batches of a stir fry to eat in Branson.  I plan to serve it over a wild blend of rice.  It has a raspberry balsamic vinegar base and Dave calls this recipe “AMBROSIA” because he absolutely loves to eat it.  And, it’s a healthy recipe.  I made three batches which made approximately 4 quarts.  It is already in the freezer.  I think tomorrow (the Lord willing), I will make a large meat lasagna and a small zucchini lasagna.  Just for the record, I make a mean lasagna!  I even like it myself.  Then, after the lasagna I plan to make (on another day) a chicken tortilla casserole at the request of our daughter.  It was one of her favorite dishes when she was growing up.  I only make it now when she requests it because I seldom cook with anything canned from the store.  But it won’t hurt to occasionally eat something with cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup in it.  It really is good, but very fattening.  The last meal I plan to make is a big pot of my special chili. Yum, Yum, is all I will say about it! (P.S. to this last statement:  Dave is helping me proof this blog and he inserts his opinion at this point by saying to me “I’m glad you’re modest honey”.)

Do I have other things I’d like to write about?  Probably, if I gave myself time to think of something.  I’m being careful not to allow myself to get involved in a topic I’d like to expound on because I must compose that invitation I spoke of and email a copy to all of Lana’s friends.  I don’t know how long that will take.  So, I will see what poem is on the shelf tonight and make this blog short and sweet.  I’m just happy that I have internet tonight and I can send my blog out.

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MIRACULOUS GRACE

By Kathleen Martens

August 9, 2015

 

Oh Lord,

Even in the midst of the busiest day

I am needful to stop and pray.

The busier I am the more I need,

Pour out your love so I may feed.

 

Thank you for loving me

And allowing me to see

What You do every hour I live,

Filling me with love so I can give.

 

Thank You for providing more than enough

Delivering to me just the right stuff.

For taking away my pain and sorrow

That I need not worry about tomorrow.

 

Thank you for filling my heart with peace

And Your joy that will never cease.

Your amazing love is beyond measure,

Being with you my greatest pleasure.

 

Your marvelous mercy You daily extend,

It is so wonderful You call me friend.

Thank You for Your miraculous grace

That someday, I, will see Your face.

 

Good night dear readers.  Have a blessed night and a wonderful tomorrow.

 

Sunday Sabbath September 6 2015  “BUT…I DON’T KNOW HOW”

 

WORDS ARE SO POWERFUL!  I believe most of us do not often realize just how very powerful our words really are.  Both spoken word and written word.  However, sometimes I think that the written word has a bit more strength to it.  I wrote a blog a few days ago with the comment: “There are so many people I know who have lost that child-like wonder that once resided in them as children.”  A reader responded to what I thought were just simple words.  But to this reader it seemed the words I wrote pierced her heart like a knife.  She said the comment “made me stop, think and realize that is exactly ME.”

She wrote quite a lengthy response that opened my eyes to the power of the words I write; words I thought were simple at the time I wrote them.  The written word can have a profound impact on what they reveal to someone else. Her personal information  I will not reveal, but I would like to share her closing last line.

“I just want to enjoy life, what little I have left.  “BUT … I don’t know how.”

To me, the most powerful words she wrote is:  “BUT…I DON’T KNOW HOW.” I believe her response to me was profound.  My heart aches tremendously for what she is going through.  I only hope that something I write will help turn the situation as it is, into something new and beautiful to help her.

The email I received gave me pause to think about a lot of different things.  One, we should never look at another person and come to judgement on who they are, why they do what they do, or what they are going through.  Secondly, when someone is hurting we should more readily be available with words that heal rather than with words that hurt.  My third thought is that we should try to be the best person we can be and extend a helping hand to others who are hurting, either physically, spiritually, emotionally, or financially.  All I know in this situation is that I want to give words that will heal and help…BUT…I DON’T KNOW HOW.  And that truly is the sad part.  How do I do something when I don’t know how?

And as I write the last sentence above it comes to my mind, I don’t need to know how to do everything.  All I must do is ask God to take care of the situation, and to let me know what His will is for me in this situation, and then be willing to follow His directions.  I have no answers.  It is only God that can heal the broken hearted, touch and heal the sick, and place peace in the heart and soul of those who are in pain.  And so it is to God that I turn and lift up my prayer.

THIS IS MY PRAYER:

“Oh Lord, thank You for being a loving Father that chooses to give His children all good things.  Thank You for dying on the cross that we may have eternal life.  Thank you God for being the provider of all we need as your children.  Thank You that we can bring our words to You, and You hear each word we pray.

Lord, forgive me for the times I forget who You really are, for YOU ARE MY GENEROUS FATHER.  Lord, forgive me for the times I forget who I am, FOR I AM YOUR FAVORED DAUGHTER.  Thank you Father, that You desire to take care of me that I may have the time to seek Your presence and Your favor.  Lord I give myself to You and I come asking favor that You will touch and heal the one who wrote to me who is in such pain and turmoil.  I pray that You will take her burdens and pain from her that she may be healed both physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Give me the words to speak to her that they will be healing words, and she will know that they come from You.  All the promises of the Old Testament have become “yes promises” through the death of Jesus on the Cross.  Thank You that you have opened Heaven’s resources to meet all our needs.  Thank You Father for your healing power.  I now ask that Your healing power be released over the writer of the powerful words I received today.  You know who she is, where she is, and all that needs attention.  I pray that your healing hand is upon her at this very moment, starting its good work in her body and life.  Give me direction to follow Your will that I will be a faithful daughter to You, my generous Father.  Amen”

 

I do hope she will read today’s blog and not be offended by anything I have written.  Hopefully, others who read this blog will take these words to heart and remember to be the extended hand of the Lord, both through action and words.  REMEMBER THE WORDS YOU SPEAK ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU KNOW. And the prayers you pray reach a mighty and powerful God!

 

TO BE HIS HAND EXTENDED

By Kathleen Martens

September 6, 2015

 

To be a hand extended

Is but part of the task

The Lord intended.

 

We are to be

His hands and feet

Until the day that we meet.

 

We are also to be His ears

While taking each step

In the direction He steers.

 

We should also be His heart

Seeking daily

His way to start.

 

Our eyes should be used

Seeing those in pain

Hurting and so bruised.

 

And our mouths speak healing

With words of love and grace

To a world that’s reeling.

 

And the words that we say

Should ring God’s promises true

Through each and every day!

 

Offering peace and grace

While teaching others

To seek God’s face.

 

I think this was the most time consuming and thoughtful blog I have ever written. Also, my most difficult one to write. I hope the readers who need this prayer will take this prayer with them and read it daily, believing in the promises of God to heal and to be near to them at all times.  There may be more than one who claim the prayer for themselves.  God is real.  Lean into Him and accept His healing peace.  Let Him restore you in body, soul, and spirit.  Accept His love and practice having joy in your life even if it is only for a moment at a time.  God wants to draw each one of us close.  He is an up close and personal God.

Please know that I extend my love to each and every one who reads my written words.  May my words bless you and in some way give you hope and peace in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Good night and God bless you.