Tuesday February 21 2017  DRESSING FOR THE DAY

 

DRESSING FOR THE DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 21, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Looming day waits to break

Dark’s calm of peaceful night.

What it holds no one knows

Its depth nor its height.

 

To be ready we must dress

In what is fitting for the day.

In regards to our attire

God’s Word has much to say.

 

By God our Father we are dearly loved

And He suggests we wear compassion,

Kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

Because they never go out of fashion.

 

We must be groomed to bear with one another,

And grievances we must forgive,

Forgiving as the Lord forgave you

Is God’s plan for us to live.

 

And God’s design is never complete

Without the virtues He sends from above.

Bind all you wear in perfect unity,

By putting on the cloak of love.

 

“Colossians 3:12-17 New International Version (NIV)

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

 

My prayer for today:

Thank You Father that You care enough for Your children that You have even designed a wardrobe for us to wear.  I pray that I shall always remember to dress with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

Thank You for Your continued forgiveness over the sins of my life.  And thank You that You have shown me how to forgive others that I not have seeds of bitterness in my heart.  I thank You Lord for Your peace that lives within me.  And thank You too for placing Your songs within my heart. 

Use me this day through word and deed to speak and do all for Your glory.  I am so grateful for Your grace and mercy.  Thank You God for filling me with Your love and joy.

Amen

I PRAY GOD’S BLESSINGS BE UPON YOUR DAY.

Monday February 20 2017  HEARTBREAK OF EARLY SPRING

 

HEARTBREAK OF EARLY SPRING

Kathleen Martens

February 20 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Snow has melted in ragged peaks,

Ground exposed as moisture seeps.

Deep into the earth the thaw is felt

Too soon to accomplish what must be dealt.

 

Early spring, though anticipated in delight

To the farmer it causes such plight.

For Mother Nature can turn her back

When the necessary seems to lack.

 

For deep in the fields pests multiply

To eat future crops on the sly.

And mosquito eggs do not die

And during summer multitudes fly.

 

Sun warmed orchards unfurl their leaves

But promised warmth does not keep

Fragile buds, bloom then freeze

Because Jack Frost’s breath will sneeze.

 

Delicate flowers anxious to live

Push toward warmth their life to give.

Only to be covered once again by snow

An early death they then know.

 

But oh the pleasure of this early thaw

To smell the dampness of earth so raw.

Mounds of leaves shield the ferns

And some protection they do earn.

 

The promise of another spring

Awakens the heart to once again sing.

In hopes that nature will be gentle and kind

And allow the cold to once again find.

 

In hopes the freeze will not allow early bloom

And delicate flowers will not grow too soon.

But today with no snow on the ground

I will enjoy the smells that ubiquitously abound.

 

And I will pray that winter will comfort the earth

So that spring can share her worth.

For each season there is a right time

And to us a later spring is mighty fine.

 

During the winter Dave removes many of the screens from our windows.  Occasional do we open the windows in the winter and there are no pesky insects to fly into the house.  We have such beautiful views and the screenless windows are a delight to look through.  Our main bathroom is one of those rooms.  However cold it is we always open the bathroom window each morning when we shower to allow air flow to feed our ceiling vent and to allow some fresh air into the house.  Well, this morning I opened it wide, stuck my head outside and breathed in the deep earthy smell of the uncovered fern garden below.  It is almost two stories below us but the pungent discernible fragrance is so prevalent and heady even at that distance. 

 

In the fall Dave piles the fern gardens with mounds of hickory and maple leaves.  The leaves come up to the middle of my thighs.  After winter’s freeze and snow pack the mounded leaves lie in ankle deep puffs on the fern beds and are allowed to slowly mulch into the earth over the course of spring and summer.  The released spores drift upward; I inhale them like a fine perfume.  It is my first smell of spring; a smell of gentle calmness.  And then in silent prayer I ask God that he would return our freeze and keep our surrounding orchards abated by the cold.  Even freezing temperatures have a purpose.

 

Winters may at times be difficult to suffer through but the promise of spring is like a friend who comes when the timing is perfect.  Our early spring is not coming as a well timed friend.

 

Thank You God for the wonderful smells of spring.

Thank You too for the water reservoirs of California to once again be full.

Thank You for all the bounty of this earth.

 

Have a great day!

 

GOD BLESS EACH ONE!

Sunday Sabbath February 19 2017  THE QUEST

THE QUEST

Kathleen Martens

February 19, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

On a quest for a particular find,

Looking for a coat, but just the right kind.

 

Looked for weeks in specialty shops,

From one to the next it seemed I hopped.

 

In and out when time gave me a chance,

To find the right item would cause me to dance.

 

For something thick and fuzzy with a zippered front,

I searched endlessly month after month.

 

I continued the maze in one of kind stores,

This for many could become quite a bore.

 

And I never gave up searching for patch pockets.

But found not the coat, but a heart shaped locket.

 

And so I continued looking wherever I went.

I knew in time, answer to prayer would be sent.

 

And one day, a thousand miles from home,

Across expansive landscape of flattened loam

 

Shopping with my cousin I spied my desire

Hidden on a rack, amongst an array of attire!

 

There hung my coat, expectation of my dream.

I was actually so thrilled I squealed a small scream.

 

I grabbed it quickly so it would not disappear,

I was in “A COAT OF MANY COLORS”, a store I hold dear.

 

It was purple and fluffy, not exactly new you see,

But all broken in and was perfect for me.

 

A bit worn on the sleeves, perfect in length,

And a size too big, is what I think.

 

A zippered front, with pockets just right,

I could barely wait to wear it on a cold night!

 

My heart raced to discover such a find.

The fact it was used, I did not mind.

 

It was because of faith my prayers were heeded.

And it fit the description of what I needed.

 

My search too entailed St. Vinney’s and Goodwill,

Longtime favorite places to shop where time stands still.

 

I found my HOUSECOAT, extra roomy and big!

And when I wear it, my heart dances a jig!!

 

It cost the sum of five dollars, once another’s treasure.

I wonder just who enjoyed my coat’s pleasure?

 

Why was it placed on the give-away-pile?

Is this person now dead or still living a while?

 

It fits so comfortably in its medium sized glory.

I just wish I knew, my housecoat’s full story.

 

Thank You Lord for my wonderful house coat I bought recently in Fort Worth Texas.

Thank You for fulfilling so many of my heart’s desires.

Thank You God for this beautiful sunshine filled day and warm temperature.

Thank You too for the wonderful teaching we receive from our Pastor each Sunday Sabbath.

 

GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY HIS PEACE SHINE UPON YOU!

 

Saturday February 18 2017  NOTHING BY HAPPENSTANCE

 

NOTHING BY HAPPENSTANCE

By Kathleen Martens

February 18, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Sequence of time

Not my own.

Belongs to God

To Him alone.

 

A plan in motion

There is no chance,

Or accident,

Or happenstance.

 

Even sorrow

Or tragic events

God will use

Going forward hence.

 

He’ll take the sad

And turn to good.

And every step

With us He’s stood.

 

What was taken

Is returned

With abundant love

Though unearned.

 

God takes the bad

And fashions grace,

He takes the heartache,

Puts a smile in place.

 

Regardless the circumstance

In our heart God lives.

He changes the negative

As new life He gives.

 

He takes the ashes

Of past trials

And fashions beauty

For future miles.

 

Even when circumstances seem against you, remember that God has a plan and that He will use what has happened in our past to create beauty for our future.  Sometimes a disappointment is just a way of God opening doors for better things to happen around the corner. wkm

Thank You God for this lovely day.

Thank You for placing a song in my heart.

Thank You for giving me strength for every day.

 

Good night and God bless you.

Friday February 17 2017  WHEN THE TIME COMES

Listening to books on CD is a favorite indulgence I enjoy.  Usually I listen in the car while traveling alone or carry around a CD in the pocket of my housecoat as I clean house.  Often I listen to books about the Scriptures, self improvement, finance, history, and lots of biographies and autobiographies.  And…sometimes I enjoy a good old fashioned novel.  At present the novel I am listening to is about a working wife living in New York City.  There are so many demands on her life, no time for friends or outside activities and she just walks out of her job in the middle of the day, goes home and packs and takes off.  She has no plans of where to go or what to do.  She did leave a note for her husband.  She left her watch behind and turned off her cell phone. 

I have to admit, there have been times in my life when I entertained thoughts such as those described in the book, but never acted on them.  There were a few times however when Dave came home from work and I would meet him at the door holding Courtland.  The minute Dave stepped across the threshold I said, “Here is your son, Rebecca’s in the other room.  I am leaving and I will be back after the kids are in bed”.  And I walked out without further explanation. 

Those events were few and far between but always culminated when I was “at the end of my rope” so to speak.  No one ever said life would be easy but there are days when I have wondered how much more complicated could it become.

Here I am retired and it seems as if I have complicated my own life.  The only thing is, I ENJOY WHAT I AM DOING TO MAKE IT SO COMPLICATED.  I love being with people, going places, cooking up a storm, working on album pages, writing a blog and poetry each day, and so on and so on.  I suspect what it all boils down to is that I am lousy at time management; and that, my friend, I am working to improve.  In a recent blog I stated that if we don’t like something about our life we should do what we can to correct what we don’t like.  So that is what I am in the process of doing.  Please don’t take my “ranting” as complaining, because I realize I have made my own bed and must now lie in it or get up and do something about it.  Well, I have decided to do something about it.  And I have already started.

Going to bed early is my first change.  And it is making a difference.  I go to sleep quickly.  Sleep deeply and wake up early.  Rising early is my benefit.  I love it.  I am fresh, ready to meet the world, and thus able to accomplish more while the day is young.  I have actually had my evenings free this week due to the fact that I had everything that had to be done accomplised early in the day.  I then had time in the evening to relax a bit before going to bed.  Going to bed early makes all the difference in being able to handle what I feel needs to be done in my daily existence.

Dave made a profound comment this morning and I heartily agreed.  His observation is that most of the pressures we put on ourselves is self inflicted.  And that is what spurred me on to write this blog.  Just think of this blog as my personal journal.  This is how I talk to myself but I am sharing it public today; sort of like airing my own dirty laundry.  Simply put, I must change that which is causing me angst while I still have the ability to do so.

There are so many things in life that we don’t have control over.  I can do nothing about my arthritis and my crippled fingers.  However I can do something about the pressures I put upon myself to accomplish all I used to accomplish when my hands worked as they should.  I must accept the fate that there are some things that now take longer to accomplish and other things I can no longer do at all.  That relieves a lot of my frustration as well as unnecessary physical pain.

I can control how much cooking I choose to do and slow down my hectic pace.  I can write shorter blogs so I have more time for other things.  (But as you can see it is not happening with this one.)  The projects I am currently doing will eventually be finished and I need not commit to others if I so choose.  The words “self inflicted” ring loud and true in my head as I give pause to interrogate myself about why I do what I do and how much I do. 

So what is it I do want to do?  I desire to finish downsizing (an old topic that is probably quite boring by now), get rid of boatloads of leftover things I do not need, have my library resituated, and then spend more time with my family and friends.  I would like to be available when I am needed to help a friend.  I would enjoy having more friends over.  I would probably even join a Bible Study group or go to the Senior Center and help out there.  But, am I then trading one kind of busyness for another kind of busyness? Or perhaps I should just get old and do nothing?  No…I don’t think I’m there yet.  I still have too much energy and get up and go power.  That will end soon enough; I might as well enjoy it while I have it.

Oh well, Rome was not defeated in one day.  I guess I won’t be either.  I’ll just challenge myself to be better organized, less cluttered in my time  (and on my desk), go to bed early, rise early, cook less, eat less, and spend more time with friends and family.  And…work out four days a week.  Remember, if I don’t use it I will lose it!  So as long as I can shake, I’m gonna keep shakin’!

 

AND WHEN THE TIME COMES

Kathleen Martens

February 17, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

This aging thing

Can get quite hairy.

Trying to slow down

Makes me quite wary.

 

I like to keep going

But my day runs out,

And night comes too soon,

Without a doubt.

 

So I must call a stop

To how I do what,

And when I do things

Remember how to halt.

 

Perhaps I must decide

To do fewer things

That will suffice

And joy to me bring.

 

But I think I’m afraid

Of what I might lose,

So in this bargain

I must carefully choose.

 

Life will necessitate

Someday what I do.

And until that day comes

I desire to ensue.

 

I’ll do what I can,

And do what brings joy.

And will be brash and bold,

Without being coy.

 

Too soon restricted

By old age.

So what I can do

Is currently my wage.

 

I purely enjoy doing,

But I will simplify.

And perhaps the years

I will defy.

 

And when the time comes,

It is then I will face

What I can no longer accomplish,

And then accept it with grace.

 

Thank You God for helping me to reprioritize my life.

Thank You God for the energy my body still enjoys.

Thank You for a strong constitution.

Thank You God for this day of life.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!  GOD BLESS YOU!

Thursday February 16 2017  EACH DAY IS SUCH A SPECIAL GIFT

 

EACH DAY IS SUCH A SPECIAL GIFT

Kathleen Martens

February 16, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A day untroubled yet by pain,

Possible set backs or added gain.

So much determined on what I do

Before the hours my day is through.

 

The unknown could rear its head

Causing some to end the day dead.

But I will look forward to each hour I live,

And my best intent I will always give.

 

Each day is such a special gift

Allowing each person to soar or drift.

My hours are precious, beyond price,

And I allow each moment to suffice.

 

Because all the moments when added up

Are to be used, and can end abrupt.

So carefully decipher how your hours you spend

And LIVE YOUR LIFE FULLY until the end.

 

Regardless your age and waning body

Do your best to be a “Hotty”.

Look your greatest, and smile big.

And be glad if you can dance a jig.

 

Move around and keep in motion.

As feeling old? Forget that notion.

Just remember, “if you don’t use it”

Then it’s certain, that “you will lose it!”

 

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank You for each hour that You  have granted me to live.  I thank You for these special years as I grow older that I will have the opportunity to know You more intimately.  Thank You for Your love, joy, and peace that you instill in my heart.  Use me this day wherever I go and to whomever I speak that I will plant Your seeds and give others encouragement.  Let my life portray Your countenance.  Fill my heart with compassion and love toward others.  Give me understanding according to Your Word in all aspects of my life.  “This is the day the Lord has made; We (I) will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24.  

Thank You for your grace and the resurrection power of the cross so that I have the choice to accept eternal life through Your Son’s sacrifice to die for my sins.  Forgive me for all sin which I have committed this day through act, thought, word, or deed.  Thank You for Your forgiveness.

You are a great, great Father!

I LOVE AND HONOR YOU AND PRAISE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE.

Amen

To all my readers:  LIVE YOUR LIFE TODAY AND EVERY DAY TO ITS FULLEST!

 

Wednesday February 15 2017  LIGHT BEFORE DAWN

I am reorganizing my goals, my schedule, my eating, my prayer time, exercise time, and anything else that I can think of.  I have been allowing my days to get away from me and the only way I can change that is to change some of my habits.  And today is the day to begin.

Actually I began last night by getting to bed by 9:30 p.m.  And like clockwork, I awoke promptly at 4:35 a.m. without an alarm.  My first view looking outside the window was magical.  The bright waning moon was positioned about 10:00 o’clock high in the sky.  The large patches of scattered snow on the ground reflected the moon’s brightness.  It was mesmerizing!  The woods took on the magical look of an enchanted forest.  A beautiful visual memory I would have missed except for my early rising.

Walking into the kitchen a short time later I was greeted with the beginning light of dawn peeking through the barren trees in mysterious colors that thrilled my soul.  Color and light are a photographer’s paradise. 

And now, a short time later my jaunt upstairs rewarded me with an unnatural golden-orange glow of the sun as it made its ascent above the eastern horizon.  When viewing the sun-globe through the woods its orange light was refracted.  The beams scattered in rays surrounding the spectacular sphere of the sun.  It was amazing to see the play of light rays peeking through the stark contrast of leafless trees.  Words cannot do justice to describe the beauty I just experienced.  Dave came and stood behind me as we watched it rise.

 

A MAGICAL MOMENT IN TIME

Kathleen Martens

February 15, 2017

http://www.visionsofphotography.com

 

Elegantly simple

Color and light

With sunbeam ripples

A photographer’s delight.

 

Oh the beauty

The eye can behold.

No camera can capture

Color so bold.

 

Magical creation

In moonbeam design,

Man cannot accomplish

Mystery so fine.

 

And again my soul

Is filled with joy

As God creates

My visual toys.

 

My thought for today:  If you don’t like something about yourself consider making some changes.

 

Thank You God for helping me to become the best me I can be.

Thank You God for the beauty that you once again made just for my eyes to see.

Thank You too that I have an appreciation for enjoying that which you offer to me visually.

Thank You for my vision.

 

Have a great day.  It is not yet 8:00 a.m.!  Yeah!

Tuesday February 14 2017  A DAY OF HEARTS

 

A HEARTFELT DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 14, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Hearts in ads, hearts on cards,

Symbols of love for this day.

One day a year to celebrate

In a very special way.

 

But celebrations go much deeper

Than a calendar date once a year.

It’s what we do and say in-between

That really counts as dear.

 

To me each day is Valentine’s Day

Because of the man I married,

Who gives me cause for laughter,

But seldom makes me harried.

 

Gentle and sincere are his traits,

And his integrity I never doubt.

He stands tall in my book,

And in my life, holds much clout.

 

The way he cares is so dear,

Because it’s in all the little things.

It takes not wealth or prestige

To cause my heart to sing,

 

But rather the daily simple gestures

Which offer me greater pleasure.

Because in my heart this Valentine’s Day,

Dave is my heartfelt treasure.

 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY SWEETHEART! 

Celebrating 44 years of marriage in June!

 

Wishing everyone a special heartfelt day!

Monday February 13 2017  A DAY THAT JUST DISAPPEARED

It is late, actually it is already tomorrow and it seems my day just disappeared.  I arrived home a few moments before midnight and published the dateline so I would be able to actually publish this blog without skipping a day.  It is now after midnight. 

When I awakened this morning this poem was “talking” to me.  So I voice recorded it on my phone and transcribed it just now after the title page was published.  Now I will add it to Monday’s page and it will appear in date sequence.  I have no choice about date when I actually publish a blog. When I log in the blog is published in “real” time without exception…UNLESS…I already have my heading published in real time with a title and then I can add to it later.  A little sneaky secret I learned.  

 

EVERYONE LIVES A PRIVATE LIFE

Kathleen Martens

February 13, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Everyone lives a private life,

Some with joy, others with strife.

We greet and meet in our Sunday best,

Living harried days at our behest.

 

Each life is different, going separate ways

And each individual guards their days.

So much masked by a stay-pressed smile,

And so many walk such difficult miles.

 

Many retreat within themselves,

Hanging their feelings upon a shelf.

It is so sad when all we must do

Is turn to God to help get us through.

 

His arms open wide as He beckons us come,

God gave eternal life when He gave His Son.

All we must do is walk into His embrace,

And focus on Him face to face.

 

And say, I love You Lord, forgive my sins,

My heart’s door is open and invite you in.

I choose to follow wherever You go

As daily Your plan to me You will show.

 

I accept your mercy and I accept Your grace,

I desire to live with You, in Your heavenly place.

And my burden is loosed and pain is gone,

And in its place God’s light is shown.

 

All because I dared to ask

To be forgiven; because Jesus bore the task.

And my smile no longer just on my face,

But in my heart, and every place.

 

I live my life one day at a time

And with God’s help it has been refined.

And not only that but to others I tell

How to be rescued out of a living hell.

 

That they too ask Jesus to come in

So they can be forgiven from their own sin.

And on it goes and smiles increase,

And as we love, more love released.

 

Oh what glory to be in the presence of a King!

And oh what joy each hour brings!

 

Lord, thank You for this wonderful day that seemed to disappear.

Thank You for the memories I carry in my heart for having shared this day with my grandsons.

Thank You that You sent Your Son to die for my sins.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND SLEEP TIGHT!

Sunday Sabbath February 12 2017  A QUIET DAY

 

A SABBATH DAY OF REST

Kathleen Martens

February 12, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A quiet day in peaceful solitude,

Refreshing hours in blissful quiet.

Being alone serenity revived.

Tranquil surroundings, no chaotic riot.

 

A Sunday Sabbath in slow motion,

Drowsy moments in recline.

Priceless treasure in quiet calm,

Precious hours were all mine.

 

Simple pleasures create rest,

Being alone settles the heart.

Sabbath break provides the soul

Get-up-and-go for Monday’s start.

 

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH DAY OF REST. 

 

 

Thursday February 9 2017  A COLD WIND BLOWS

Wisconsin welcomes me with lingering tendrils of icy fingers.  I thought I was cold yesterday morning scraping the snow off my car.  Well today I have been living cold.  I was in and out so I dressed in my warmest faux fur/faux suede coat.  I had on my faux fur lined hat with flaps that come down over my ears, and a scarf around my neck.  Underneath all that, my attire consisted of a shirt, pants, and a thick sweat suit jacket.  I was a sight for sore eyes!

It’s warmer now with the oscillating heater breathing out a constant stream of warm air under my desk.  Perhaps the house would not be so cold if we would turn on the two heat zones we rarely heat.  We have three pumps, three separate thermostats, and three areas of which we can heat separately.  We usually heat the kitchen and living area.  When it drops below zero we will turn on the other heat zones an hour or so a day to keep the pipes from freezing.  If we don’t use the vast majority of rooms we don’t heat them.  Mine and Dave’s offices are across the hall from each other in a NO HEAT ZONE, and we each have our own private floor heater which we turn on while we are working.  It saves lots of money!  Maybe that humidity I left behind in Corpus Christi wasn’t quite so bad after all.  Actually, the humidity did not bother me and I rather enjoyed its damp caressing touch to my normally dry winter skin. I could certainly tell the difference in just a few days. 

But I am home and Wisconsin winters are my lot in life.  I have long ago become used to living in perpetual winter except for the few short months from May through September (if we are fortunate).  And actually, if truth be known, I do love the winters here.  I enjoy the shorter days with darker evenings and mornings.  I enjoy being snowed in and having a great excuse not to leave the house (except to exercise that is).  I enjoy the smell of soup cooking on the stove and hibernating in the confines of our home. 

Our house has lots of glass surrounding our inside world so it often seems as if I am living in the outdoors even when confined to our safety zone of heat.  Without heat we could not survive.  And without the light from our many windows it would be difficult for me to survive the long months of being indoors.  So, I have the better of two worlds.  And I never take it for granted. 

So wherever you are as you read these words look around you and find something for which you can be grateful.  Look for the silver lining.  Whether it is light or dark, if you enjoy it be grateful.  If you don’t enjoy it, ask yourself what you can do to change it.  And then go about doing it.  I choose to be thankful in whatever situation or surroundings I am in.  And being thankful changes a lot of things!  And even when I am cold I am still full of joy!

 

GOD IS IN THE DETAIL

Kathleen Martens

February 9 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Thank You God for windows

Which look out over our land.

Thank You for a heated room

Where comfortably I stand.

 

I  gaze at winter’s glory

As I’m confined by brick and glass,

And I wonder how much longer

This old world can last?

 

In spring and summer, fall and winter

God’s miracles abound.

I never tire at the view

Before a new one comes around.

 

God must love this winter world

For it always seems to last,

But before I know it.

Spring brings a warmer blast.

 

And the greenery shades the windows

Blocking gentle, peaceful views

As if we live in a glass aquarium

And everything seems daily new.

 

And all too quickly comes the autumn

Gentle rustles of mighty color.

And not far behind is winter,

Autumn’s mighty brother.

 

And once again I’m in my element,

Short days and longer nights.

And for that I am so grateful

As I turn on my early lights.

 

Thank You God for each season as it comes.

Thank You for snow to nourish our land with moisture.

Thank You for rain that brings forth our flowers.

Thank You for sunshine that grows leaves so well.

Thank You for the harvest of autumn.

And especially thank You that the world shares its seasons so there are perpetual places to grow food.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND I HOPE YOU ARE WARM!

 

 

 

 

Wednesday February 8 2017  HOME AGAIN

There was about four inches of snow covering my entire car this morning when I went outside to load up for the final leg home.  I wasn’t quite expecting so much precipitation.  I used my snow removal mitt and sludged my way around the car and wiped away the snow so I could load up the car.  It was extremely cold!  Halfway through the loading I had to go inside to allow myself to warm up.  I feared frostbite.  That is not a fun experience and it can happen quickly in such cold weather.

After a look at the storm pattern my Airbnb host helped me re-route my phone’s GPS.  My passenger Marilyn and I were on the road by 11:00 a.m. We waited until after rush hour traffic as well as to allow enough time for the roads to be cleared.  We still encountered trucks plowing along the way but the roads were very passable.  With our new directions we were quickly out of the snow pattern.  We took the back roads and reconnected with our route once we were far enough north to miss the snow pattern.  The scenery was beautiful and there were few vehicles on the back road highways.

Marilyn and I were excellent traveling companions.  I talked and she listened.  How is that for someone who loves detail.  She is a good listener and is teaching me to be one as well.  Marilyn was so appreciative to be able to travel and visit her sister who celebrated her 90th birthday while Marilyn was there.  It was a pleasure to have my friend with me as well as to be able to help make it possible for her and her sister to be together once again for a few days.

Marilyn was so delighted when she arrived home today to discover that her daughter had come to her place and left a welcome home card, a gift, and had also cleaned her home.  I was certainly impressed!  I thought how awesome it would be to walk into a bright and shiny abode after being gone for over two weeks.  I dropped Marilyn off a bit after 4:30 p.m. and I arrived home at 5:00 p.m. 

I was more than pleasantly surprised when I too walked into a bright and shining dwelling.  Wow!  The first step into the house I immediately took in all which Dave had accomplished in preparing for my return.  The kitchen was uncluttered and sparkling, the floors had been mopped, the carpet vacuumed, the toilets were scrubbed, and I was informed there were fresh sheets on the bed!  IT LOOKED GREAT!  That is, until we hauled everything in from the car. 

Dave’s wonderful surprise gave me incentive to put EVERYTHING away tonight before I retired.  I methodically went through every single bag, box, and suitcase and put each item in its place.  The only thing I have not finished is the laundry and that will wait for another day.  Dave usually does all the laundry but I told him I would take care of everything I brought back with me due to the fact that I shopped at one of my favorite stores and I always wash everything I purchase before wearing it.  Some must be hand laundered and I would rather do that myself.  I must admit it feels great to know that all is in order and I can start my tomorrow without chaos.  And best of all, the house looks great once again.  What a husband!!!  My sister calls him “St. David”. 

 

JUST SO YOU KNOW

Kathleen Martens

February 8, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Oh how blessed I am

That God’s gift to me

Is my wonderful husband,

Almost perfect, to a TEE.

 

Over forty four years

I’ve know this man,

And still beside me

He solidly stands.

 

He is my helpmate,

With whom each day I start,

And oh what a blessing

That he’s the love of my heart.

 

He makes me laugh

When we are together.

He is my rock

Through stormy weather.

 

And I come home

To arms open wide…

AND A CLEAN HOUSE

In which to abide!

 

Perhaps I too

Shall call him “Saint”

But just so you know

Perfect he AIN’T.

 

Thank You God for the man you designed just for me.

Thank You Lord for Your protection over Marilyn and me these past two weeks.

Thank You Father for all the things I have learned these past two weeks.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

 

Tuesday February 7 2017  DO I TRY TO CHANGE OR STAY THE SAME?

Friends and Family:

Another safe day of driving.  We arrived at our Airbnb BEFORE DARK!  We are staying in Urbandale Iowa for the night at the same Airbnb where we stayed two weeks ago.  I have met my kindred soul.  Birdie is the hostess at the Airbnb and lo and behold, she loves detail.  Detail in talking that is.  I love telling stories of bygone years.  I love telling the details.  And I enjoy hearing the details of other’s stories.  So much is lost without a bit of history before the punchline.  And Birdie enjoys the same.

So, I have new things to think about and according to my cousin, less words I should be speaking about.  I have been informed that I go into too many details and it becomes laborious for the listener.  She is not the only one who has informed me of this information.  I sit here thinking about it and realize perhaps I should have heeded my cousins gentle advice long ago.  However, I just have too many words in me. 

Even my children have a times become perturbed with me because of all the detail I describe and all the facts on which I choose to elaborate.  As I listen to others I sometimes walk away and wonder what the point of their story was.  Later as they again discuss the subject they say things they think I should know and understand due to the previous conversation.  However, at the original telling they left out most of the details which left me more baffled than enlightened.  After I find out some of the additional details the story begins to make sense.  So, do I do the short version, which actually has no meaning, or tell the long version which explains all the whys and wherefores?

Even my wonderful husband sometimes becomes exasperated when I go into great detail.  However, he gives me his encouragement by saying, “this is the way God made you and He gave you the gift of “gab” for a reason”.

So now I question myself.  Do I try to change or do I stay the same?

 

THE GIFT OF GAB

Kathleen Martens

February 7, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Do I try to change or stay the same?

A question the plagues my soul.

I only desire to encourage others,

Their wellbeing my only goal.

 

I always have a story to tell,

Perhaps my audience is not quite in sync.

So I must learn to audit my tongue

And speak more often in ink.

 

Then he who wants to read

And all the details find,

Can do at their own leisure

To enlighten their searching mind.

 

But there are times to be quiet

And to keep my tongue still

So that I only speak

The words God has willed.

 

So to my friends I will say

If I’ve ever bored you to death

Please know that henceforth

I will limit the words of my breath.

 

It may cause me to explode

For I’ve so many words inside

And Dave has allotted me His words

And I don’t think I can keep them inside.

 

Perhaps I should try with all my might

To change how God made me,

And live constrained like so many others

And no longer allow my spirit free.

 

Thank You Father for the gift of gab that you have given me.

Thank You Lord for the open heart of my cousin’s desire to help me.

Thank You for a safe day of traveling.

Thank You for people you bring into my life.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS EACH ONE!

Monday February 6 2017  A WONDERFUL DRIVE

Texas is flat.  At least the miles I drove today.  I will admit I’ve been to parts of western Texas that is anything but flat but today everywhere I looked was flat.  I couldn’t even tell when I crossed into Oklahoma.  So I guess Oklahoma is flat too.  But it sure was beautiful flatland.  No precipitation, but low clouds hovered most of the day.  Only when the sun began to set did the clouds part as if giving me a goodbye present in hopes of leave a good impression on me. 

The scenery was dressed in winter garb, harvested fields proudly displaying the stubble of last year’s crop and acre after acre of land dotted with hundreds of black cattle.   It was amazing to see such vast pasture land.  It seemed to go on forever.  For that matter, it seemed as if the highways went on forever. 

I stopped several times today for gasoline and/or potty stops.  However, I did make good time and actually arrived at the time I estimated.  Marilyn was quite surprised and impressed.  She said she didn’t think I ever looked at a clock.  Actually she is mostly correct in that assumption.

So much I could share about all I saw but the hour is late and I have another day of driving ahead.  We plan to spend the night in Des Moines, Iowa and drive the final leg of our journey on Wednesday.  Only two more days of unbridled freedom.  I so enjoy the time I spend on the road.

 

SO I JUST GO THE SPEED LIMIT

Kathleen Martens

February 6, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

So amazed at the vast array

Of highways stacked in the sky,

Under and over, around and about

The cars seem to fly by.

 

Where are they going

In such hurried frenzy,

Little cars and big cars,

And fast ones to envy?

 

Day after day the highways fill

Never in solitude alone,

With purposeful intent always speeding

While talking on a phone.

 

Bullying pickups plow my tail

As if saying, “GET OFF THE ROAD!”

And when the drivers get in front of me

The next car they seem to goad.

 

So I just go the speed limit

And follow the driver ahead,

So I can live through another day

And not end up dead.

 

Thank You God for my safe trip today.

Thank You for the beautiful scenery my eyes devoured on this day of travel.

Thank You for country driving.

Thank You that I do not live in a large city.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath February 5 2017  A DAY OF REST

 

A day of rest, doing something you enjoy doing rather than doing what must be done (like work).  And so it was today.

I accompanied Nora to church this morning.  Both her sisters also attend the same church,  After service we all enjoyed meal together and then I said farewell to LaFawn.  Janet, Nora, and I decided to check out a different resale shop and had a prosperous time shopping!  Again, a very successful and fruitful day.  Later we visited Janet’s son and his wife at their apartment.

Nora and I were off again, leaving Janet to watch the Super Bowl with her son and daughter-in-law.  So where did we go?  You probably guessed it.  However, this resale shop was a vintage shop.  Very unique, personable, with lots of treasures to find.  Nora found the treasure this time.

It was such a treat to spend two whole days with my cousin.  I originally hadn’t planned to stay today, but Nora assured me that if we weren’t at home to bother the Super Bowl husband I could stay and visit.  We tried to stay away but arrived back at Nora’s home before the game was over.  I still don’t know if the game is over and it’s 9:42 p.m. at present.  I’m in an upstairs bedroom, safe and sound and out of the earshot of T.V. language.  I tried very diligently to make as little noise as possible and not become a nuisance.  As I left to go upstairs He said I had done a good job.  I told him I felt like I was a little kid again going into the principal’s office awaiting my verdict.  Whew!  I passed the test.  For those of you who know me, you probably have an inkling of just how difficult that quiet time was for me.  But it was worth it!  I had an opportunity to spend time with cousins I had not seen for two years.

 

SWEET REFRAIN OF YESTERYEAR

Kathleen Martens

February 5 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Sweet refrain of yesteryear

In quiet reverie,

Taking joy in each moment

As the hours quickly flee.

 

So joyous I am

For an opportunity of such,

To relive days gone by

As memories we gently clutch.

 

Thank You God for the new memories we have made.

Thank You for this precious interlude to visit with my Cousins.

Lord, I thank You in advance for my safe travels home.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

Saturday February 4 2017  A FRUITFUL DAY

Productive, fertile, rich, prolific, abundant, successful, profitable, and rewarding are all synonyms for the word “FRUITFUL”.  And my day was such.

 

A FRUITFUL DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 4 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Productive means to get it done

Fertile means abundant and lush.

Rich means having it all

And receiving without rush.

 

Abundant means all you need

Successful is being effective.

Profitable means being gainful,

Rewarding without being defective.

 

All in all that was my day,

To shop in total leisure,

And my cousin fulfilled my dream

All without measure.

 

And so it was with my day.  Not only did I have a fruitful day, to top it off, I met a wonderful couple in the resale store (A Coat of Many Colors).  They were young and in love and I could tell by the way they spoke to each other how much in love they were.  There was a special something that drew me to them.  Well, that something was the glory of God that was round about them.  They both love the Lord and I could see the joy in their lives.  I am so blessed when I meet those of the younger generation who love the Lord and show love toward others.  I could sense that measure in them.  They were a refreshing gift to me today.  We spoke for a few moments and then I resumed my shopping.

My shopping too was quite rewarding.  When I visited my cousin two years ago this was my all-time favorite place to shop.  I am thrilled that I had the opportunity to come once again.  I purchased seven pullover shirts/sweaters, one button up blouse, two pair of slacks, and the most luxurious house coat (robe) I have ever owned.  Though it is floor length IT WAS ACTUALLY SHORT ENOUGH FOR ME AND DOES NOT DRAG ON THE GROUND!  I can hardly wait until the house coat is laundered and ready to wear.  And the second best part about it, it is purple!  AWESOME!  My total expenditure for the above items was $32.00 and some of the items were brand spanking new!

Last night Nora and I were on our way to the mall to do a power walk and we just happened upon a Goodwill Store that Nora had never been in.  Her car just automatically made a bullseye for the parking lot and low and behold, before we knew it, we were walking across the threshold and it was after 8:00 p.m.  We were there until closing.  I bought one blouse, one sweater, and one RED jacket!  A pretty good find in my book.  Not only did we both discover some great finds, we had a fun-filled time of doing so.

Today before shopping we attended the senior’s luncheon at Nora’s church.  It was excellent.  I was able to visit with Nora’s sister during the luncheon.  She is about 8 years older than I am and was closer to my older sisters as we grew up.  Nora and her other sister Janet and I were all close in age so they are the ones with whom I spent the most time.  Though LaFawn and I haven’t kept in close contact over the years it was a great treat to be able to visit with her today as well.

All in all, I think today was quite a fruitful day.  Not only did we accomplish serious shopping, we spent quality time with each other, reminiscing, and being our ornery selves towards each other as we laughed over some of our childhood antics.  Of course it was Nora who was the ornery one, surely not me!

 

Thank You God for this delightful time with my cousins.

Thank You for the great finds I discovered today.

Thank You for Nora and her husband.

Lord, especially thank you for my housecoat!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS ONE AND ALL!

 

Friday February 3 2017  TRAVELING HOME

Up bright and early to a blustery cool morning in Corpus Christi.  I wish I could have stayed another couple of weeks to help Lana.  Home and responsibilities beckon me.  There are some things of which you can just never have enough.  For me, that is time.  The years go too fast and are too short.  The months speed by.  The weeks are swallowed up, and days are so fleeting that I can barely keep up with them. 

I thought when I retired I would have all the time in the world.  Oh my, is that a misnomer.  My drive today was seven hours and it just flew by.  I listened to an interesting mystery book most of the way and it made the day speed by even quicker than usual.

Stopped at a gas station and ate the packed lunch I brought with me so I saved a lot of time.  And here I am sitting in a Barnes and Noble store in the café area writing a quick blog before I arrive at my cousin’s for dinner.  I plan to be at Nora’s by 6:00 p.m..  I am now in Hurst Texas, a few miles north of Fort Worth, Texas.

This is just a quick note to let my readers and family know that all is well.  You know, you can never quite trust an old lady on the loose!  It sure feels good!  To be both old and on the loose.

 

ALLOW YOURSELF TO FLY

Kathleen Martens

February 3, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

How do we contain the years

The months and the days?

How do we fill them with memories

Through a calendar’s maze.

 

Every moment is a blessing.

Every hour can be a profit.

Every week can make a difference

And every second can be a rocket.

 

We decide our attitude,

Light your fuse and aim high.

Live life with great passion!

And allow yourself to fly.

 

Thank You God for a safe trip today.

Thank You that Lana is doing better every day.

Thank You Lord for Nora and Mike’s hospitality.

Thank You for life!

Thursday February 2 2017  CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS

Lana was invited by her seven year old grandson to attend Grandparents Day at his school.  And today was the big day!  Lana was determined to attend as it only happens once a year and this was her first opportunity to participate.  So I was the chauffeur and accompanied her for the celebration.  And what a celebration it turned out to be! 

It was at a private school and I was amazed at the excellent behavior of the children, their work ethic, the availability of learning tools, and the caliber of teachers.  We were present for morning devotions, prayer time for each child’s prayer request, The Lord’s Prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  I even remembered all the words to both The Lord’s prayer and the  pledge.  Following morning opening we listened to some of the children practice their recital for a speech competition. Both poetry and dramatic interpretations of stories were presented.  The children were seven, eight, and nine years of age.  I was quite impressed.  The class segued into learning time and work time.  The grandparents observed and were able to ask questions.

Following the morning session we walked to the gym and there was an all school mass for approximately 800 plus students from Kindergarten through 12^th grade.  I have never seen such quiet orderly conduct, decorum, and courtesy of so many children in one place at one time.  The mass was beautiful with music, singers, communion, and many more lovely maneuvers. 

We then went to join the children in the lunch room during the elementary lunch period.  Grandparents were offered a free lunch.  What a pleasure to watch so many well behaved children and their proud grandparents.   I asked someone how often this celebration and mass took place.  I was informed that it is presented only once a year on grandparent’s day.  How awesome is it that I had the privilege to attend.  Lana and her grandson were having such a good time together at the lunch table that I decided to make myself useful.  I went from family to family and asked if they had a cell phone.  It they did I offered to take a photo of them and their grandchildren together.  The grandparents loved it.  I had people waving me over to take their photos.  I met a lot of interesting grandparents and well behaved children.  I was able to give them a snapshot in time for them to cherish.  Only one family did not have their phone with them.  I took their photo on my phone and immediately sent it to their phone which was tucked safely in their truck outside.

Lana needed to leave and I had to stop with families still requesting me to take their photo.  Lana is still quite weak from surgery and I believe she pushed herself a bit hard today.  I was only more than happy to take her back home.  Once home she went straight to bed and slept a good part of the afternoon.  I am heading north tomorrow.  I only wish I could stay longer.

 

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS

Kathleen Martens

February 2 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.co.

 

Memories of childhood

Come rushing back,

Of joyous excitement

There was no slack.

 

Boys and girls beaming

At grandparents in love,

Adoring adulation

Never enough.

 

Moments in time

To cherish forever,

When grandparents are gone

Memories not severed.

 

Sweet little faces

With pleasing smiles

Excited that grandparents

Came the extra mile.

 

Some so old

They wobbled a bit,

And others quite young

And very fit.

 

But it mattered not

Whether young or old,

Grandparents were grandparents

Like beams of gold.

 

Each child so happy

And grandparents eager

To share joy and love

Without being meager.

 

And my memories surfaced

Of younger years

Both joys and sorrows

Of laughter and tears.

 

It was so fun

To share in this day

Watching children

At work and play.

 

Watching grandparents

Having fun

Enjoying grandchildren

All on the run.

 

At the end of the mass a lady shared that her grandmother always said:

 

“Your children are your investment.

Grandchildren are your profit.”

 

Thank You God for my son and daughter.

Thank You God for my grandsons.

Thank You for loving them so much.

Thank You that I was able to participate in this lovely day with Lana.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Monday January 30 2017  EACH DECISION WE MAKE

 

Each day runs into the next.  Some days are so long that it seems as if I’ve lived two days.  Fortunately for me they are good days that last so long.  This trip has delivered several such days.  The drives have been longer than I usually plan but I had many miles to travel in just a few days.  Instead of feeling weary or defeated because of the long road ahead I looked at it as an adventure.  I broke the driving tedium by making a game out of getting below the next 100 mile marker on my trip tick.  I celebrated with happy thoughts for each 100 mile marker I covered. 

I also discovered a new way of driving.  Fortunately my car is small, with plenty of room in the seating area, and the seat pumps up high enough for me to see over the steering wheel.  The car sits high so I don’t feel as if I am dragging my wagon on the pavement.  I don’t enjoy riding in or driving low designed cars.  And another thing, I get in and out quite often for potty stops and it is easier on the back and legs for an older person to bypass the hoisting of the body.  But the one thing that has made a difference for me on this trip is realizing that driving braless (skip to the next paragraph if this is too much information) is the panacea for comfortable driving.  No straps or elastic stretching around the midsection and back causing pressure to the upper body.  It is freedom personified!  I just wear blousy clothes and a couple of layers and even my friends would not know I was braless.  How do I know that?  I do it quite often around my friends.  Either they don’t notice (close lady friends) or they are too polite to say anything.  When you don’t have much to begin with you can get away with it more readily!  Oh the lasting joy of breast reductions!  I’m a walking testimony to that.

I have not had one backache while driving the long hours.  Being unconfined is a most amazing comfort to experience.  I know that this is probably considered a taboo topic to discuss, but I’m done with being conventional.  I will say it like it is and believe others may benefit from my candid assessment of why I have no pain or discomfort throughout a long day of driving.  Ladies, try it, you might like it.

Well, since I have been driving for days, and yesterday being Sunday, I was with Lana all day, I didn’t wear a bra yesterday either.  Today I decided to become civilized again.  I need to exercise and it is more comfortable to be “confined”.  But, oh boy, do I feel the bondage again.  Ladies, it must have been men who designed ladies under garments.  Surely no woman would have thought of such self-torture.

Lana is doing well considering what her body has gone through this past year.  She has battled this cancer for several years so it has been a long journey.  She looks exceptionally healthy in the face, minus eyelashes and hair, but her beauty still shines through.  She tires easily and must lie down immediately when the tiredness comes over her.  She is on pain regulated medicine, has at least two tube strippings a day in order to empty her drains, and must be careful with bandage changes.  Lots to do in order to get well following the surgery she has experienced. 

I am chief cook and bottle washer at present.  I enjoy ministering my tasks.  Lana is not a complainer, nor demanding, and we have enjoyed the presence of each other (at least I’ve enjoyed hers), as well as praying together.  We are kindred spirits in the sense that we are both full of prayers and praise to God.  Tim led us in a time of prayer and Holy Communion yesterday on the Sabbath.  Just being able to set aside time in remembrance of what Jesus did for us on the cross gave us pause to celebrate our day of rest.

 

EACH DECISION WE MAKE

Kathleen Martens

January 30, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Oh God, for the beauty of life

As each morning rises alone,

Each to experience life in full

When sin has been atoned.

 

Oh for the hours we have in each day

To spend and conquer at will.

And the outcome because of choice

Anxiety or peacefully filled.

 

Each decision we make this hour

Will have consequences ahead,

Unintended or intended,

They can bring life or death.

 

Over and over You offer choice

Of what path our lives will lead.

Draw me close that I will hear

Your words that I might heed.

 

 

Thank You Father that you have given man choice.

Thank You for Your Holy Word that we may know the way to salvation.

Thank You for every sunrise and every sunset.

Thank You for Your ever-present love.

P.S.  Thank You for the insight of driving braless!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath January 29 2017  THANK GOD FOR HIS STORY

I’m here to help.  So what do I do on my first day of duty?  I sleep in until almost 8:00 a.m.  I was out like a light last night once I went to bed at 1:00 a.m.  I usually wake up quite early so rarely need to set an alarm.  But not today.  I guess the world got along without me. 

Last night I had my first lesson on stripping the wound drains.  Today I did on the job training with Lana’s husband looking on.  I passed the test.  I had my training session this morning on dressing changes.  I feel confident I can do the administrations in Tim’s absence. 

Yesterday was an awesome day.  My friend Siri was in excellent form and I was able to have voice commands through all the traffic.  As I approached Austin Texas the traffic seemed to pick up considerable.  Fewer interstates and lots of cars.  Traffic was backed up for miles all due to one car stalled alongside the fast lane on a transition highway,  Texas roads are well built, extremely complicated with layered bridges circling in the sky.  So many “lefts and rights” to adhere to in order to maneuver the correct transitions.  And I truly believe it was only God that allowed me to maneuver at speeds of 70-75 mph through all these transitions on highways that were often times six or seven lanes wide with turnoffs coming up quickly as the transitions took place.  I will always remember Austin for the its beautiful capitol building I visited two years ago.

San Antonio is also a beautiful city.  The buildings and homes there are mostly made of bricks, rocks, and other hard stuff.  I did not spend any time in the downtown area this trip.  As I drove through the area it brought back all the memories of two years ago when I spent a day at the Alamo right outside the city.  It was an awesome place to visit.  It beckoned me but I could not take the time to stop.

As I drove south and was approaching Corpus Christi I viewed vast expanses of plowed and furrowed land recently planted.  The soil was black and rich looking and went on for miles and miles.  In the distance I could see the outline of hills meeting the sky.  And it was as if God was painting a remarkable light show for me as I traveled south.  The sunset was spectacular.  It was in colors of amazing purples, highlights of red and orange, and powdery pink with flex of gold.  The sun was setting to my right.  In the low clouds left of me were amazing reflections mirroring the sunset with shades of lavender, blue, and pink.  The clouds surrounding the sunset were hanging low, as if finger-painted in place with myriad wisps of tendrils and swirls and scattered across an expanse of sky.  The colors so breathtaking and varied.  The entire world within my view was basking in the reflections of the sunset.  Lana informed me that this area is the Rio Grande Valley which produces innumerable kinds of produce.  I wish I could have stopped on the road and taken photos.

I arrived a bit after dark last night and there was a delicious dinner waiting for me.  Lana, Tim and I visited later than we should have.  It was late when I began my blog.  Thus, it took me twice as long to write something coherent.  So, today while Lana is resting I am writing this blog.  As I travel my blogs seems to be more about my journey and what I see.  I just fill up on the beauty that surrounds me, tuck it in my heart, and enjoy the next moment.

We took a break for lunch and now I am back.  Lana has decided she would like to go for a ride for some fresh air as the weather is now in the 70’s.  They plan to take me to the ocean!  I think I shall try to talk them out of it because I am concerned Lana may try to do too much too soon.  I’ve been there, done that!  And it is not good!

 

THANK GOD FOR HIS STORY

Kathleen Martens

January 29 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The day is young, I’m living slow. 

So many places I could go.

A world awaits in renewing birth,

And of beauty there is no dearth.

 

The evening sky basking in glory,

Yesterday’s tale, revealing its story.

The awesome wonder of God’s creation

Fills my heart with such elation.

 

Colors and swirls in magnificent array

Splayed throughout, any which way.

Art in the making by God’s hands,

And oh such joy it does command.

 

It’s as if God pleasures in the beauty of light

And sparkles the earth with such delight.

In awe struck wonder my heart is filled,

And my spirit is gently stilled.

 

Wherever I go such wonders exists,

And it seems for my joy they consist.

And I never cease to thank God for His story,

Because I know He is sharing His glory.

 

Thank You God for timing my arrival.

Thank You too for my safe travels.

Thank You for your provisions for this trip.

Thank You for today.

 

HAVE A GREAT AFTERNOON AND WONDERFUL EVENING.

GOD’S BLESSING BE UPON YOU.