Saturday January 28 2017  HE’S ALREADY PAID THE COST

 

Another day of driving.  All alone with only Siri’s voice directing my pathway.  It would have been difficult for me to find my way without Siri’s ever present promptings.  And depending on the road noise I could change the volume of her voice so I could hear above the din of traffic noise.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could just hear the Spirit of Jesus speaking to us like we can hear the GPS?  When we don’t know which way to go in life it would be much simpler if we could just turn up the volume and listen for the directions that God speaks to us.

In order to hear what my GPS is saying I must invest my time in order to learn how to use my cell phone.  I spend time laying the groundwork by creating a relationship with my phone.  And even after I know what to do I must take the time to pick up my phone and type or speak my destination into the phone’s GPS program in order to have a response.

So it is with our Lord.  We must invest and read His manual (The Bible).  We need to know the ground rules and take time to know who God is.  Only when we participate and read the manual inspired by God will we be able to recognize His voice.  And the most important thing we must remember to do is to listen when He speaks.

And because of Siri’s computer voice that accompanied me on my solo journey this day, I was able to arrive at my destination without a hitch.  And I have long since learned that in order to arrive at the destination God has for me I must invest time for a relationship with Him.  And it seems on these quite days of driving, I can all the better hear God’s voice speaking to me because I am taking the time to listen.

 

HE’S ALREADY PAID THE COST

Kathleen Martens

January 28, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

My little phone is my tool

One of which I use.

When I ask a question

It responds without ruse.

 

I need to always be aware

Of where I’ve stashed my phone,

And must take it with me,

And never leave it home.

 

It can brighten my way

In the darkness of night,

But I must be the one

To turn on the light.

 

The little phone is powerful

And programed to do much.

But I must make an investment

By using my own touch.

 

It is a tool that costs a lot

But we think it enhances life,

True, it is a great convenience,

But can also cause much strife.

 

It is quite different with my Lord.

I never worry about Him being lost.

He never charges for his power

Because He’s already paid the cost.

 

He comes with a manual

That offers me a plan,

That teaches me to hear His voice,

And He holds me in His hand.

 

He IS my light in the dark

And is always by my side.

I know His voice when He speaks

Because daily we confide.

 

 

 

Thank You God for always being with me.

Thank You God that You speak to my heart.

Thank You Jesus that You are the light that leads the way.

Thank You for the plan You have for my life.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

Friday January 27 2017  THREE LITTLE GIRLS

Another interesting day!  A very long day of driving.  Arrived at my destination in the Fort Worth area a short time after dark.  NO RAIN TODAY AND NO SNOW TODAY!  The morning temperature started out at 28 degrees and when I arrived in Fort Worth Texas it was 48 degrees.

Before I left home I noticed that the “chip” on the one and only credit card I use for every day purposes had worked itself loose.  Because of leaving earlier than planned I had no time to contact the credit card service. I did go to the bank that stands behind it but there was nothing that they could do since they don’t issue cards directly from the bank.

So, I decided to use the one and only other card we have for all my trip expenses.  In the last few days I have filled up with gas several times each day while on the road.  Earlier today my card was denied.  Over and over it was denied at the pump.  I called the number on the back of the card and was told that chances are it was flagged because of unusual pattern of use.  We usually only charged something on the card a couple of times of year so it would stay active in case we needed a back-up for some reason.  And that reason finally happened.  The woman (a real live person) I spoke with on the phone today made certain to attach a note to the account so that the charges will not be denied again.  I thought all was taken care of.  That is, until I needed the next tank of gasoline.  Again, it was denied.  So, I am stuck between a rock and hard place.  Perhaps another phone call will get things straightened out.  Oh how I dread that.  I only spent about 15 minutes on the phone waiting for my turn to talk to someone earlier today.  But the problem is that I do not have a spare 15 moments or more to talk on the phone to get this card situation straightened out.  And now I must do it all over again.  Oh well, at least I was able to fill up my gas tank one last time.   But that will only get me about 300 miles or so.

I left Fort Scott at about 9:00 a.m. this morning and arrived in Hurst at about 7:30 p.m.  I had a lot of stops, including the half hour layover regarding the card debacle.  I also found an Aldi’s Market and had the opportunity to stop and buy fruit and goat cheese.  Then I needed to stop and eat my picnic lunch, so I lost time there as well.  I am thankful for a day of protection, especially since I was driving in Texas.  And, I found a great way to combat the fast drivers in Texas.  It’s simple, I just drive as fast as the Texan’s do and I discovered I fit in quite nicely.  Thoroughfares through in the city limits have speed limits of 75 mpg. It reminded me of being in a hot-air balloon.  You move with the wind and therefore there is no breeze.  So be it is with the automobiles.   Just slip in a lane of traffic and go with the flow and you don’t feel the rushing.  It worked today.

My cousin Nora talked to me during my last 45 minutes of driving and guided me in; sort of like what a lighthouse does for ships.  Unfortunately my cell phone’s GPS would no longer work for me.  The Dallas/Fort Worth area is not made for sissies.  It is sort of like going on your own private “Lewis and Clark” expedition every time you get on the road.  You never know what is yet to come.

I had a nice visit with Nora and one of her sisters who was able to come over after dinner.  The three of us sat around and probably thought about how old the others looked.  It is interesting to see the aging process up close and personal to those we knew as infants and children.  There is a special comradery in such relationships.  We have known each other since infancy and understand so much about each other’s lives that it takes just a few words bring back a cascade of memories for all of us

 

AGE-OLD MEMORIES

Kathleen Martens

January 27, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Cascade of memories flood our hearts

When three old ladies become little girls.

As we now sit in staid stance

Our memories around us swirl.

 

Memories of childhood antics,

Splashing the bathtub water!

At their house it was me in trouble

And I wasn’t even their daughter.

 

Sunburns and magic sheets on the line,

And planes flying in for a landing

And we each knew our own place

And we learned not to be demanding.

 

Oh such fun were those days,

Summertime in each other’s beds.

Trips to the beach and camping out,

And the delicious food my aunt fed.

 

Boyfriend’s and letters galore,

Church camp and frilly lace.

Little memories wiggles loose

And take up center space.

 

And I’ll be gone the morrow

But my little girl still dances inside.

It does an old heart good like medicine

When  in age-old memories we abide.

 

Thank You God that I have lived long enough to become an old lady and look back and reminisce.

Thank You for your daily protection.

Lord, I am so thankful for the reunion of us three “girls”.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

Thursday January 26 2017  MEMORIES

 

THE HEART OF A FAMILY

Kathleen Martens

January 26 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Never have I seen such beautiful images,

Smiling faces looking back at me.

Shelf after shelf framed with patience

Posed for the world to see.

 

Walls of history telling a story

Of family, life, and love.

Born of seed with a purpose

Designed by God above.

 

Mothers and daughters, generations born.

Father and sons, lived and died,

Sit on shelves celebrating existence,

And in hearts they still abide.

 

“The cobbler’s children have no shoes.”  “The photographer’s children have no portraits.”

One old saying, one new saying (mine).  Only after seeing all the dozens of framed smiling faces hanging on walls, sitting on shelves, and posted in albums of the places I have stayed on this trip did I realize the lack of same in my own house.  It’s not that I lack pictures. I actually have a few thousand prints; all stacked away in boxes, drawers and closets.  I have simply not had the time, or taken the, time to work on framing the pictures of my own precious children and grandchildren, thus the photographer’s children have no portraits.  That will change.  My heart was warmed by all the old and faded portraits, as well as the new and vivid prints.  Few and fewer of today’s generation have the good old fashioned, hands-on photographic prints.  Lots of cell phone peeks but nothing to brighten the walls, shelves, or in creative albums.

I have decided that will change that before I am dead.  I need some time to reflect on those past smiles of grandparents, parents as well as our own little kids, our grown version of our kids, and now our son’s sons.  Even reminders of our yesteryears need to be present as a pleasant reminder of our youth.  The homes I have stayed in or visited have all had dozens of portraits and snapshots on display.  It’s as if their walls celebrate the story of their lives.  Well, I decided I would like to do the same. 

Thank You God for my family.

Thank You God for opening my eyes to the beauty of celebrating each life with portrait memories.

Thank You for Your continued protection on our trip.

 

GOOD NIGHT.  REMEMBER TO CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY!

Most of all, celebrate that you are a child of God. 

Wednesday January 25 2017  ANOTHER ADVENTURE

When two “elderly” ladies are on a trip together it is an unending adventure.  The adventure may be something as a good laugh, or talking together as you fall asleep, learning how to use new shower controls, taking the wrong turn on the interstate system, or not being able to climb up on the bed because it is too high.  The adventures just do not end.

Today was another awesome day on our lists of adventures.  Let just say we became acquainted with the city of Des Moines, and that was just on the way to the capitol building.  And then I became very acquainted with the capitol and all the one way streets encircling the building.  ONE-WAY?  What does that mean? 

Since Marilyn fell and hurt her ankle she cannot walk very far without pain.  I wanted her to come into the capitol and let me push her in a wheel chair but we had one problem.  The capitol was surrounded with lots and lots of steps leading up to the entrances.  I stopped a sheriff and asked if there was a disability entrance so I could drive close to drop Marilyn off.  He wasn’t from the area and did not know.  I then asked a lady in a crosswalk the same question.  She said yes there was, but I had to go around the capitol and enter at the opposite side.  So I went around the capitol again and found out I was then trespassing because the area I was in was only for workers and were reserved.  I ran into the capitol and left Marilyn sitting in the car hoping she wouldn’t be towed away.  I was actually more concerned about the car being towed.

One of the staff retrieved a wheel chair and came out and wheeled Marilyn into the capitol.  Whew!  She didn’t need to wait in the car afterall!  That is what she wanted to do because she did not think she could walk on a tour.  I would not hear of that idea.  Once she was ensconced in a comfortable seat and she realized how easy it was for me to push her on the tiled and marbled floor she agreed to come along on the tour.  WE BOTH ENJOYED THE TOUR IMMENSELY!

Of all the capitol buildings I have toured I must confess that this capitol is the most unique of all.  Its beauty is beyond words.  The workmanship, the creativity, the way it was built, how it was constructed, the talent that is displayed in its creation is beyond imagination unless you are there to see it yourself.  It is a building I would love to see again and I have not yet left the area. 

Our next adventure was discovering the fine dining event we looked forward to.  We drove quite a distance to go to a restaurant which was referred to us by a local.  Once we arrived, we realized if we couldn’t understand the menu when we read it, perhaps we shouldn’t’ eat there.  Besides, Marilyn preferred a juicy hamburger from Burger King and I yearned for a customized pizza from Subway.  We found both restaurants side by side.  Marilyn ordered the hamburger, I walked next door and ordered my pizza at Subway and joined her at Burger King where we ate together.  It was a perfect adventure because we both ended up quite content.

Now if our “exciting adventure” doesn’t impress you I just don’t know what will.   Perhaps knowing that wherever we drove on the city streets and highways it snowed constantly will make our day seem a bit more interesting.  I must admit that trying to stop a car during rush hour at a downhill light was truly quite the adventure.  And it always seemed like we were going downhill.

We made it back to our abode and had interesting conversations with the couple we are staying with. 

 

A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY FOR ANOTHER DAY

Kathleen Martens

January 25 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

Thank You Lord for the wonderful day

With sunshine in my heart and snow at play.

White sky, white land, white cars in mass

And driving downhill was quite a task.

 

Easy to go down on slippery streets,

However the breaking was quite a feat.

What a day to be out and about,

When the heavens were pouring out.

 

But all is well and I’ll soon be in bed

And what a joy to lay down my head.

Another adventure tucked safely away

A beautiful memory for another day.

 

Thank You God for Your protection.

Thank You God for the fact that we escaped the worst of the snow by coming early.

Thank You Lord that Marilyn and I had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful family at our host home.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

Monday January 23 2017  WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

Last week was an unbelievable week due to the problems with the well, icy roads, painting delays, and other things that cropped up that I can’t even remember now.  It all seems so long ago.  And now this week is just as busy with the unexpected.

I will be leaving on Wednesday before dawn for Corpus Christi, Texas.  I will be dropping a friend off in Kansas.  And supposedly I should be packed and ready to go by  6:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  Hmmm…I wonder if that will happen (the packing part that is).  I will be leaving, Lord willing, but I just wonder if I’ll remember to take what I need.  As of yet I have not had a moment to even get my suitcase out of the closet.  I did think to gather the dirty clothes so Dave could get them washed.  At least those will be ready by tomorrow’s deadline.  I’m so thankful for washing machines AND WATER!

And now, I have another cog in the wheel.  It is time to pay my blog fee and I can’t figure out how to do it.  Two years ago when I set up the blog a friend helped me.  He set it up through his computer, paid for it with his credit card, and ever since he has received my renewal notices.  He forwarded this year’s notice to me, as he did last year.  We couldn’t figure out how to get it transferred to my name and my computer, so I still can’t pay it.  When my friend forwarded it to me he wrote, “Make sure your domain gets renewed”, but my computer will not allow me to access what I need because my purchasing history is all on his computer.

How fortunate that I received the message before I left for Corpus Christi or my blog may not have been waiting for me when I returned.  Now all I must do on this late date and time is contact my friend and figure out once again how to get around this.  I would rather have everything transferred to me but it seems unlikely that it will happen.  There is not even a contact for me to connect with.  I’m just hope my friend is in town.  I suppose as long as he is alive and well he could keep renewing it but one never knows what tomorrow holds for either of us.  I’ve sent out my SOS so I hope he responds.  Just one more thing to take care of before I pack.  When it rains, it pours!  And that sounds like a pretty good forecast when I look at the weather report for Wednesday and see that it is supposed to snow Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.  If the Lord wills, we will go on scheduled.

The “we” I am referring to is me and my friend Marilyn.  And, if all goes well we have some adventures to attend to.  On Wednesday we plan to visit the State Capitol building in Des Moines, Iowa, stay in an Airbnb for the night and then on Thursday drive to Independence, Kansas and view Truman’s Library.  I will then drop Marilyn off at her niece’s house and spend the night at her niece’s home in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Friday I will travel to Hurst, Texas which is outside of Fort Worth, Texas.  My cousin lives there and has graciously said she could put up with me for one night.

On Saturday I will point the car toward Corpus Christi, with a short stop in San Antonio, to have a visit with a very special friend from over 40 years ago.  This special lady was the catalyst for Dave and me to adopt our daughter.  Our story is phenomenal and was definitely orchestrated by God’s timing.  No coincidence, all divine encounters, with the day and time in perfect synchronicity.

Then for the last leg of the trip I will finish the day driving an additional two and a half hours  to Corpus Christi. 

I will return by the same route and will be home sometime in February.  Dave seems confident that he can fend for himself.  He knows he has two freezers to eat out of and I have left prepared foods in the fridge.  But, I am taking all the Brussels sprouts with me!  I might allow Marilyn to eat ONE.

Please pray for us to have a safe round trip.  I really need to finish my sister’s Family Heritage Album.  Should something happen to me my husband said he would not finish designing the album for me!  I just hope I don’t leave too many loose ends when my expiration date arrives. 

 

FOR YOU ARE HIS CHILD

Kathleen Martens

January 23, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

We never know what tomorrow holds,

Nor this moment, nor this hour.

Seize each instant and live it bold

As you walk bravely in the Lord’s power.

 

Live every moment in the moment given.

It is the only time you are guaranteed living.

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow never comes,

Cherish life’s pleasures, both work and fun.

 

Put your whole being in the presence of now

For each tick of the clock is what life allows.

Fear not for the future, nor regret the past,

Because the human body will not last.

 

But you can prepare for the great unknown

By discovering the truths that are shown.

In God’s Word, is a map written in love

That gives direction how to meet God above.

 

Where there will be no clocks, no deadlines to beat,

No more sorrow, no more defeat.

And you’ll live eternally in God’s perfect plan

Because you were first born as woman or man.

 

So regret not your years for you are God’s treasure,

And He created you for His own pleasure

That someday you would dwell by His throne,

For you are His child, one of His own.

 

Thank You God that I can put my entire trust in You.

Thank You for the opportunity to go to Corpus Christi to be with my friend.

Thank You for my little KIA SOUL.

Thank You for Your protective angels.

Thank You for opening the door so Marilyn and I could enjoy this venture together.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

Sunday Sabbath January 22 2017  FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY FREE

 

FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY FREE

Kathleen Martens

January 22, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A bit of excitement

Lingers in the air

When I think of what’s coming up

And the getting here to there.

 

I’m ready to go exploring

The roads that lie ahead.

I have a purpose and a mission

To find a place to lay my head.

 

We’re leaving Wednesday morning

The classy old dame and me,

And just for a little while

Footloose and fancy free.

 

Our journey begins with my friend and I

But ends up in solitude.

A long drive awaits the pedal

Thank goodness for aptitude.

 

Another journey does begin

With a destination lingering,

And hopefully it will conclude,

Before I am withering.

 

Off to visit a dear friend,

And so thankful am I

That I can drive 1400 miles,

Because I do not like to fly.

 

Pray prayers for protection

As God with us abides.

And  ask that His angels

With us are allied.

 

Exhilaration and expectation

Are contained within my being

As I anticipate God’s beautiful gifts

That I will be seeing.

 

So much to see if we but look

With expectation in our hearts.

And I give thanks for everything

As this new journey I start.

 

Thank You God for Your provision for this trip.

Thank You God for the protection You provide.

Thank You that my friend is going part way with me.

Thank You Lord for continued healing for Lana’s body through her upcoming surgery.

Thank You God that Your spirit is with us wherever we go.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

Saturday January 21 2017  AN INTERESTING WEEK TO SAY THE LEAST

This has been a very interesting and extremely busy week for me.  I have another such week I am anticipating.  So, I must rest.  Lots to do to get ready for the trip I discussed last night.  I have only one goal left today and that is to find a poem somewhere inside me and wish my readers well.

 

EACH MOMENT A PLEASURE

Kathleen Martens

January 21, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Such a wonderful day

Shared with a friend,

But tomorrow’s hours

Will just not lend.

 

So I am out of time

And need to sleep

So all that is undone

For tomorrow will keep.

 

Every hour savored;

Each moment a pleasure.

And so many memories

Are now my treasure.

 

I worry not

For what is yet to come

I live in each moment

And then it is done.

 

No time to regret

Or for the future stew.

I just need a good night’s sleep

And then more things I can do.

 

Thank You God for today.

Thank You for the people you bring into my life.

Thank You for our comfortable memory foam pad on our mattress.

 

GOOD NIGHT, GOD BLESS YOU, AND I WISH YOU WELL!

Friday January 20 2017  A DAY IN HISTORY

I’ll always remember today as a day in history.  I took a long awaited class to learn Light Room!  Oh, but before that I did watch Donald J. Trump’s inauguration.  So all in all, it will be looked back upon as a good day.  I’ll look back and remember that Donald Trump became president on the day of my class.

Right now I have a lot of other things on my mind.  The first being that I will be leaving on a trip this week, though my departure date is not yet determined.  My friend Lana who moved to a new location this past year will be facing major surgery and due to circumstances will not have a weekday care giver during her post surgery recovery.  She asked if she provided a round-trip airplane ticket if I would come for a week.  She lives in Corpus Christi Texas. 

I do not like to fly.  I choose not to fly.  I would rather drive wherever I go.  I will go and help her.  And I will drive.  I figure if I could go on an 11,000 mile trip by myself I could surly drive 1,400 miles to Corpus Christi.  I have my maps and my routes, and my alternate routes if needed.  I must still set up reservations and pack for the journey.  Please remember me in your prayers as I head out this week.

WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT

Kathleen Martens

January 20, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

When we least expect it

Our plans do often change,

And in the blink of an eye

Our plans seem out of range.

 

Thoughts and prayers are a must

In order to make decisions,

And when in unity with our Lord

Peace received through God’s precision.

 

And so I choose to drive.

My friend’s ticket will safely be

Waiting until she is well,

So she can come and visit me.

 

Lord, thank You for continued healing for Lana.

Thank You Lord that I have the availability to go.

Thank You Lord for your protection over me as I travel.

Thank You Lord for being with my friend during her long and difficult battle against cancer.

Thank You Lord for my health.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Thursday January 19 2017  A DISCOMBOBULATED DAY

 

A DISCOMBOBULATED DAY

Kathleen Martens

January 19, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

So what do I write

Now the day is gone?

Perhaps I should compose

A beautiful song?

 

Or maybe tell about

My shopping trip

Or the icy sidewalks

Where I almost slipped.

 

When I’m searching ideas

What words should I say

About this very

Discombobulated day?

 

I will mention one thing

I don’t like to confess,

My day was so crowded

From the gym I recessed.

 

I was busy from morning

To this very night.

I would have had more time

But talking’s my plight.

 

The car dealership,

Then to Triple A,

And then to Best Buy

Made for such a long day.

 

And all of the rest

That had to be done

Kept me quite busy

During a day without sun.

 

Costco for chicken

And water for a trip

So that as I travel

I can take a nip.

 

But the upcoming trek

Is another story

To be told tomorrow

So I am not boring.

 

I must finish this poem

Because I’m a sleepy-head,

Then when morning comes

I can get out of bed.

 

No blog tonight

Due to my limited time

So I bid you goodnight

And hope your sleep is sublime.

 

Thank You Lord for this busy day and that I was able to accomplish what I needed to do.

Thank You for the strength You give me each day.

Thank You for always being by my side.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday January 18  2017  WHEN KISSED BY HEAVEN

If you read Monday’s blog you will remember that we were limited in water use due to something gone awry in our well.  Yes, some people do still have their own wells and their own refuse treatment facility (that which is known as a septic tank).  And that would be us.  It is not fun to be without water.  However this time it was for only a few days and the water was not totally gone.  Monday’s icy roads prohibited driving so we had to wait until Tuesday.  And then Tuesday the roads weren’t much better so it didn’t happen Tuesday morning either.  However, the roads did thaw a bit due to the help of the salting and sanding trucks so the well specialist were able to come to our rescue later that day.  So the well works.

And then Dave decided to watch television and discovered that something was not working with our Direct TV satellite dish.  So along toward evening we were able to connect with the Philippines to discuss our issue and set up an appointment for repair for Wednesday (which is today).

And if you remember, the painter also had to cancel on Monday due to the road conditions.  He did come on Tuesday and was able to get two coats of pale green paint to cover the deepest dark maroon color you have ever seen.  But…two coats wouldn’t suffice so he had to schedule an early morning visit for today.  He showed up, painted and all is well.  After the painter left the Direct TV repairman arrived.  Dave was gone in the morning.  He came home for a quick lunch and left again for the afternoon.  And so I was left to manage the shop. 

When Dave moved the furniture out of his den to have the room painted he also removed a crucial component that must be connected in order to receive the information from the Satellite.  Primarily that was our issue.  However, it was found that the original installation was installed improperly and due to the wet ground our wiring was in danger of failing.  So…Mr. Direct TV man was here for most of the afternoon.  He did an excellent job of repairing and replacing and cleaning up the situation that the last installer had done. 

All was well until we began testing to make certain everything worked.  We had no Wi-Fi.  And that was not connected to the Direct TV installation.  All said and done, the Wi-Fi finally woke up and all was well.  Whew!  This has been a busy week and I haven’t much to show for it. 

When the house was once again my quiet domain I put on my coat and headed to the library to return books which were due today.  And…I end up meeting a stranger, talking awhile, writing my poem, and reading the latest large print edition of THE READER’S DIGEST.  No phones ringing, no one painting, no repair men, no laundry washing or drying, and no timers going off.  I settled myself in my favorite chair with a window overlooking a beautiful rocky view and enjoyed my reverie.

The sun was shining and my getting out of the house today was the best thing I could have done.  The sun was brilliant after days of overcast and freezing rain.  The temperature hovered just above freezing but the parking lots were still icy.  However cold it was the sunshine alone made it worth my effort to return by library books.

I wrote the following poem from my favorite chair in the presence of the afternoon’s sunshine.

 

WHEN KISSED BY HEAVEN

Kathleen Martens

January 18, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Haven’t seen the sun

For many a day

And when I ventured outside

I was so amazed!

 

Sparkling light

In afternoon’s glow,

Sunshine in splendor

To the world shows.

 

A lift to my spirit,

A simple rebirth,

As if my heart was singing

For all its worth.

 

And my spirit smiled

In the dazzling rays

When kissed by heaven

On this sunshiny day.

 

And my day was complete.  I went back  home and prepared some letters for mailing.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

I LOOK FORWARD TO TOMORROW.

Tuesday January 17 2017  BUT RATHER MY FRIEND

 

BUT RATHER MY FRIEND

Kathleen Martens

January 17, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A woman’s work

Is never done

And regardless the task

I try to make it fun.

 

Fun for one

Not fun for all,

I love cooking

To others a pall.

 

I don’t mind dusting

With my mind occupied,

I’m forever busy

And laziness denied.

 

Just to accomplish

Much in a day

Is quite the challenge

Because I make it like play.

 

Being retired

Helps out a lot

Because I can do

What I have sought.

 

Cutting and pasting

Scrapbooks together

Is one of those tasks

That only gets better.

 

Learning new programs,

Makes my computer a toy,

And I can be myself

Without acting coy.

 

I can sit and write

Or compose and sing,

And no one need hear

The lyrics I bring.

 

And sometimes I sweep

When the floor is a mess,

Though as seldom as possible

I must confess.

 

And laundry and folding?

Been there, done that!

But hubby does it now,

And that is a fact!

 

So I have more time

To discover my day.

So to the gym

I go and play.

 

And I wonder where

My hours go

And why my days run out

And time never slows.

 

Probably due

To all the people I meet

When I’m at Aldi’s

Or walking the streets.

 

No one is a stranger

As I smile at all

In order to break down

Barriers and walls.

 

And for a few moments

I hear part of their story,

And I’ve yet to find

One that is boring.

 

And so my day goes

From morning to night.

Every day a different ending

When I turn out the lights.

 

And I sleep when I must

And early I rise,

And my daily prep

I must surmise.

 

Soaking and brushing,

Scrubbing and cream,

Showering when needed

So I become clean.

 

Powder puffing,

Dressing and eating,

The morning passes

Ever so fleeting.

 

To begin again

A day yet unused

A treasure before me

On which to muse.

 

As long as I can think

I am never bored!

And very seldom

Am I ever floored.

 

Few things surprise me

And I roll with the punches,

I eat a great breakfast

Then make our lunches.

 

My knight in shining armor

Comes galloping in

And he cleans up the kitchen

So I can begin again.

 

So as you can see

My tasks never end.

They are not my adversary,

But rather my friend!

 

AND DAVE IS THE VERY BEST PART OF MY DAY!

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Monday January 16 2017  A HOLIDAY

When I worked Monday through Friday holidays meant the world to me.  And there was nothing quite as wonderful as a day off.  However, now that I am retired holidays are only an interruption and nuisance to my weekly schedule.  Monday through Friday are the days I venture into the world at large without concern that the stores will be crowded.  That is when I shop, go sightseeing, receive mail, and call businesses for whatever service I may need (like when the water pressure in our well decreases) and the businesses are open. And of course if workers are needed to be dispatched the cost is always higher on a holiday or weekend.  But, emergencies are emergencies.  And we have one today.  And today is a holiday.

The holiday is not the main problem on this particular day as is the fact that our local roads are iced over.  And true to form, our well is losing pressure and air comes sputtering out of our faucets with diminished water flow.  We would be more than willing to pay holiday pricing but I am not willing to have someone drive so far out to us that they are in jeopardy due to road hazards.  Tomorrow should be better.  Both the painter and the well maintenance crew will show up tomorrow if roads are thawed.

So what happens when you have very little water to use?  First of all, you don’t flush the toilet.  Yellow is mellow and you bag the paper.  And you hope that brown goes down if you have enough water pressure left.  Hopefully this will be corrected by tomorrow at this time.  Of course there are no showers and very little use of water for hand washing.  But, we plan on surviving this glitch.  I suppose losing water pressure is better than losing our heat, especially when it is hovering below freezing outside.

And the brighter side of the situation is THAT WE ARE RETIRED, and because of that, it really doesn’t matter if we take a shower in the morning or not.  Another benefit is that we can arrange our schedule to be home regardless what day we may need the emergency maintenance.  And by not going shopping on this day I can be thankful that I did not spend anything today (I’ll just wait until tomorrow to buy groceries).  So there are the pros and cons for all situations.  But just so you know, NOTHING BEATS BEING RETIRED!  And to be honest, one reason Dave and I do not do our shopping in the evenings or on weekends is to lessen the crowds for those who do work throughout the week.

 

WE CAN STILL TINKLE

Kathleen Martens

January 16, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Icy roads

And cold winds

Into hibernation

They do send.

 

Just the thought

Sends a chill

So inside

My day is filled.

 

Water or not

We can still tinkle.

The falderol

Is but a wrinkle.

 

Hopefully tomorrow

It will be over

And our toileting

Will be in clover.

 

I do hope my poem topic did not insult your sensitivities!

 

God, thank You so much for toilets that flush.

Thank You too that there are specialists to take care of our well.

Thank You Lord for the reminder of how much we take for granted.

Thank You too for providing us a warm house to live in.

Thank You for Your love.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

I do hope all is right in your world.

 

 

Sunday Sabbath January 15 2017  A LAZY DAY

 

SUNDAY SABBATH A DAY OF REST

Kathleen Martens

January 15, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Time to rest on Sabbath day

Time my thoughts to deeply weigh.

To settle down in peaceful respite,

Before exertion makes me desperate.

 

Sometimes I just can’t seem to stop,

And then I know I need to plop.

Not because I’m tired, but just in case,

That I not expire before tomorrow’s race.

 

The most difficult task for me to do

Is to lie down and kick off my shoes.

I’d rather be up, flittering around

Because my energy seems to abound.

 

And for that I give God my thanks

Because being grateful highly ranks.

God delights in our love and in our praise

So I send both heavenward throughout my days.

 

Thanking God for everything I can do

Because someday I’ll be unable to pursue.

So I will take a rest, when rest is needed.

A new discipline that must be heeded.

 

And since Sunday Sabbath is a day of rest

I’ll be still and rejuvenate all my zest.

I’ll laze away and do no more,

Then go to bed and soundly snore.

 

GOOD NIGHT!  GOD BLESS YOU!

Saturday January 14 2017  WITH JOY I COULD JUMP AND SHOUT

WITH JOY I COULD JUMP AND SHOUT

Kathleen Martens

January 14, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I am at such a loss for words

Because I have been so blessed,

All because of meeting a family

Who we asked to be our guest.

 

A cup of soup, a plate of salad

Was the fare they received.

However it was I who was the recipient

I really do believe.

 

Sometimes life has harsh reality,

Smiles lacking from people’s faces.

You never know whom you can trust

When going to different places.

 

But then someone comes along

Sharing happiness and goodwill.

And most of all sharing time,

Dropping all pretense and shield.

 

And I’m so thankful God brings along

Those who redeem mankind

By being so friendly and so helpful,

Because they’re truly hard to find.

 

They share their hearts and their souls

While doing good towards another.

And God brought them into our day,

A father, daughter and mother.

 

And I say thank you for the time

They offered to help me out.

I am so thrilled with their gift of knowledge,

With joy I’d like to jump and shout!

 

The above poem is actually a continuing saga from yesterday.  The couple I spoke of yesterday came over again today to pick up some items from us.  While they were here I asked the man if he could spare some time to go over some instructions for the class I’m scheduled to take Tuesday night.  Though he taught me some things when they were here on Thursday it was difficult for me to retain all that I needed in order to be able navigate the computer program for the class.  The young man willingly and patiently walked me through the instructions multiple times so I could have a better grasp of the fundamental steps.  He was patient, and that is a good thing when trying to help an old brain learn new tricks.

 

I am so very grateful for his kindness and the patience of his wife’s demeanor as she sat in the room with us.  I now have a bit more confidence. I pray the Lord will bring people just like them to come along in your life too.  Dave and I have both been blessed through them.

 

Thank You Lord that I still have the desire to learn.

Thank You for those willing to teach.

Thank You Heavenly Father that Your timing is always perfect!

 

GOOD NIGHT!  The world is a better place because of these precious people.

Friday January 13 2017  ANGELS UNAWARE

 

ANGELS UNAWARE

Kathleen Martens

January 13, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

What should I learn

Now that I’m old?

What good will it do

When I’m ready to fold?

 

Should I fill my head?

Be smarter when dead?

Or should I just enjoy living

My moments given?

 

When I fill my thoughts

With new facts and figures,

Will my head explode

As it becomes bigger?

 

What shall I do

With the knowledge I learn?

It will not increase

What I might earn.

 

So what should I do

When there’s data to know,

And I desire so deeply

New information to stow?

 

But as quickly as I learn

It disappears with haste.

So the time it takes learning

Is it all for waste?

 

So I give pause

And think some more.

And I’ve decided

To settle the score.

 

I’ll just do what I want

And keep filling my brain

With all I can learn

In hopes I stay sane.

 

The more I read

The more I enjoy.

The more I listen

More thoughts employed

 

I have aspirations to learn

So will traipse ahead

To acquire all I can

So my brain stays fed.

 

I will stay engaged

Because life inspires,

And new knowledge is food

That sets me afire.

 

I hope to not lose

My passion for knowledge

Because I’ve decided my old age

Will be a version of college.

 

 

The above poem was inspired by an online class I joined midstream today that was teaching Lightroom to beginners.  Lightroom is a program to correct and edit RAW images from a digital camera.  There are so many details I will need to learn.  It made my head spin a bit but I persevered and listened intently so that I MIGHT learn.  For my aged mind the class seems quite exhaustive and meticulous to master.  Perhaps I shall never master it, but I can at least learn the basics on how to process the digital images of my 2015 trip.  Actually, I don’t think it would have been any simpler to learn the program with my younger mind.  But, I am determined to try, and I guess I’ll just have to use the brain I have. 

 

Last night God sent me an angel is disguise.  He came disguised as a husband, a father, a fellow Christ follower, and as a guest at our table.  Little did I realize that our dinner guest was my prayer being answered when he walked through our door.  I mentioned at the end of dinner the fact that I was enrolled in a Lightroom class next week and needed to cancel my license agreement on one computer so I would have licensing permission to install it on another computer.  This would have taken me hours to probe and correct.  I had totally forgotten that he had mentioned he was an I.T worker.  Well, he promptly went down to my computer and had everything figured out and in working order within a short while.  I was dumbfounded.  He then he stayed until I had downloaded all my camera cards into Lightroom so I would have them ready for next week’s class.  What he did was simply amazing to me.  It gave me such a great sense of relief to actually believe that I will now have the tools I need to learn this program.  Oh do I ever thank God he walked into our home last night.  I only hope to get to know his entire family at a deeper level in the years to come.

 

It is always such a blessing when God brings special people into our lives.  Last night was truly one of those blessings.  It was so refreshing to be with a young couple and their delightful infant daughter.  It took less than one evening for both Dave and I to fall in love with their baby.  God is just so good to us.

 

Thank You God for fulfilling the desires of our heart.

Thank You God for the people You bring into our lives.

Thank You for new life in the form of a beautiful baby daughter.

Thank You God that You place Your children in the paths of others to become their angels.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

Go out and invite someone over to your house for dinner.  You might be surprised when God brings angels to your door instead.  Three came to our house last night!

 

 

 

Wednesday January 11 2017  MY LOVE STORY TOLD

 

MY LOVE STORY TOLD

Kathleen Martens

January 11, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Sitting alone

In an atmosphere of friends,

In silent solitude

Distant sound lends.

 

Rows upon rows

In stately array,

My companions sit

Throughout each day.

 

With proprietor air

My view commands,

And comfortable chairs,

Sitting demands.

 

A favorite place.

No passage of time,

Suspended, subdued,

My world sublime.

 

Patiently waiting

And generous beyond measure

My friends long to be

My next treasure.

 

And so I peruse

Touch and inspect.

Each has a tale

On which I reflect.

 

Though many are strangers

Some I take home,

And dozens and dozens

I’ve already known.

 

In quiet pleasure

It’s so nice to realize

I can take what I like

Without any guise.

 

My love story told

From deep in my heart.

I’ll go check out a book

And a new read I will start.

 

The above poem was inspired by my visit to the library this afternoon.  The library was my destination with full intent to sit in solitude, with no distractions, no phones, no work looking me in the face, and with intent and purpose to just go there because I could.  Wednesday is my day off and I like to do something during the day that is a treat to me.  Actually I planned a short interlude so I could sit in a different environment to write my daily poem.  I ended up reading the newspaper and a magazine before I wrote my poem.  I was gone just under two hours.  It was a treat! 

Our library is two miles down the highway from where we live.  The state of the art building was opened in June 2010.  Until then we had to drive several miles to go to a library.  I was overjoyed to find out we were building a library here in our own community.  Our community is quite spread out.  The area we live in has a moratorium that you can only build a house on 40 acres or more.  That moratorium was put into effect after our development was built in the early 1960’s.  The homes built around us are on about two to 5 acres each.  So to have a library come as close to us as ours did was quite a triumph.  There is very rarely a week that goes by that I do not go to the library.  It is truly a love story for me.

I have loved libraries from the time I could first read.  We lived in a little town in the San Francisco bay area and we even had a library there.  It was a small house converted into a public library.  I visited that library from the time I was 6 years old.  It was my favorite place in the world.  When I passed through the little town in 2015 I stopped by and went inside the tiny building.  It was as if I was visiting a long lost friend.  Very little had changed except the little tables and chairs.  Once they were made of sturdy wood.  Now the tables were covered in Formica with metal legs and the chairs were the colorful molded seats and backs with metal legs.  I sat down in one of those little chairs with my favorite childhood book in hand.  I went to the same shelf it had been on years before and it was in the exact the same place, but in an updated version.  It was Beverly Cleary’s, “Henry and Ribsy”.  The librarian snapped a picture of me using my cell phone.  However, I am not using my cell phone this week so I cannot post the photo.

Libraries are wonderful friends.  When I walk inside our local library it always amazes that every single book in there belongs to me!  A bit egotistical, but that is how I perceive it.  I simply walk over to a shelf, choose a book, put it through a scanner, and walk away without so much as saying hi or good bye.  It makes me feel so rich.  What opulence! 

 

Thank You God for words.

Thank You especially for Your Word.

Thank You too that I have the capacity to read.

Thank You that I have vision.

Thank You for audio books as well.

And thank You that I can hear.

 

My prayer for today:

Lord, my thanks to You never ends.  Lord, let me never take for granted what is available to our population because of the fact that we live in the United States.  Let me never take for granted my vision or my hearing.  I pray that I am always thankful for all things that are so often taken for granted each day.  Thank You that I can walk, and talk, and touch, and feel, and think, and sing.  Thank You that libraries are available as well as education.  And especially, thank You for Your love.”

 

GOOD NIGHT!  I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT BOOK TO READ!

Tuesday January 10 2017  “NEVER SAY NEVER”

My friend Marilyn writes a column for a newspaper.  She sends it to me each week and this week I was flabbergasted at what I read.  The day before she sent it I had already decided to write a short blog about the very topic of her newspaper column.  If that wasn’t enough, even some of the sentences she used had flittered through my mind as I was contemplating what I would write.

Marilyn recently had reminisced about a time when she was younger and walked past a couple of elderly ladies walking slowly down the sidewalk.  As she viewed these elderly ladies she promised herself that she would NEVER look like they did.  Well, guess what, almost three quarters of a century later she realizes she has arrived.  Marilyn is 85 years old and one would supposedly say that she is in the ballpark of “old age”. 

The day before I received Marilyn’s column, the exact same thought skittered through my mind about what I had said to myself when I was younger.  When I was a young mother I picked up a passenger each day to ride with me to work.  Day after day I remember seeing the loose abundant skin jiggling under her arms and thinking to myself, “I will never let that happen to me”.  Well guess what, I’m about the age of my former passenger AND MY ARMS HAVE ALREADY BEEN JIGGLING FOR A FEW YEARS.

Both Marilyn’s mom and my mom said the same thing years ago to their young inexperienced daughters, “NEVER SAY NEVER!  It just may come and bite you back”.  Our mothers were right; at least when referencing the old.  I’ve said many “nevers” and just as many have bit me back.

Recently Marilyn’s great granddaughter pointed out to Marilyn, “You know all old people look just alike”.  Oh, how astute are the young!  Many old people do have a tendency to look alike.  However, I find it interesting that when I am with the older generation that I knew when I was kid, or as a young adult, they always appear to me to look as they did in their hey-day.  Those I am not acquainted with are more easily grouped into the “look alike” group.  Not only do we tend to look alike, but we also become anonymous to the younger generation.  They just simply look past us and choose to not see us.  I noticed this years ago, even before my wrinkles, whenever I went someplace with my beautiful young daughter.  I spied the ogling eyes of dirty old men undressing her as she passed by.  They never even gave me a courtesy glance.  And so the baton was passed.  I had a few choice comments to say under my breath as I passed by these dirty old men, which always caught them off guard, creating an embarrassing flush of red to spread up their necks.  I did receive some satisfaction from that. 

And now I am old; one of the “white hairs”, nondescript, out to pasture, an over the hill has-been!  And oh, it is so wonderful!  I love who I have become as I have aged.  I know I have been more fortunate than many others by marrying well.  And by that I mean marrying someone who truly loves me, has treated me with the greatest of respect our entire 43 years, treats me like a queen, and allows me to love him back in the same way.  I also know who I am in the family of God, and I have a Heavenly Father that loves me more than I can comprehend.  How is that for a great family! 

Our children are grown, are grandchildren will someday be grown, and we’ll be gone from this earth.  I will say that I have no regrets in aging or knowing that my remaining time on earth is in its winter season.  In that too I have been extremely blessed.  Not everyone has had the honor of living the years I’ve lived and many young people alive today will not attain the years I have had.  I am so thankful for each year I have lived, each moment I am living, and for all the hours, days, months, or years I may have ahead. I look ahead with joy and anticipation in spite of the fact that I have flabby arms, white hair, failing vision, and a body that is slowly showing signs of the old age stoop.  I hope to enter into the Kingdom of God with a graceful exit from this stunning world.  I hope I will leave a legacy of love, and a remembrance of beautiful memories for those left behind in my wake. 

Yes, I may experience aches and pains into the future but I hope to enjoy the journey until God’s numbered days for me are spent.  Then I will be rejoicing with my Lord.  Until then I choose to be joyful, living life to the fullest and enjoying each moment I have.

Thank you Marilyn for graciously allowing me to quote you, use your story and add my own thoughts as well.  You helped make my blog better than it would have been.

 

NEVER SAY NEVER

Kathleen Martens

January 10, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Old age has a way

Of sneaking up.

Like an uninvited guest

Sitting down to sup.

 

Slowly, ever so slowly

The face I see

Changes imperceptibly

And becomes a different me.

 

Every day when I look

At my mirrored face

I look exactly the same

As in yesterday’s race.

 

Why is it then

Those portraits don’t lie

And they show the passing time

Those days belie?

 

All of a sudden

I just look old,

As if my younger body

Was just simply sold.

 

My hair is white,

My skin is wrinkled,

And I must be careful

To not inadvertently tinkle.

 

I bounce around

On the gym floor

And the jiggling skin

Seems to daily be more.

 

And it seems memory’s pockets

Become deeper and deeper.

New facts unimportant

To bag as keepers.

 

My specs ever present,

Thankfully my teeth are too,

And my bunions keep growing

And calluses are new.

 

Crooked hands all bent

And pain seems to linger

And it always appears

I’m giving “the finger”.

 

But my smile is present

And my love unending,

Though now one of “the anonymous”,

My love I’ll keep sending.

 

So when you pass me by

And I smile at you,

NEVER SAY NEVER, because…

You’ll wear the same shoes.

 

Thank You God for the years I have lived.

Thank You too for all the enjoyment of Your beautiful creation that I have been able to experience.

Thank You Lord for loving me.

Exodus 20:12 

“Honor (respect, obey, care for) your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged in the land the Lord your God gives you.

Proverbs 16:31

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!  MAY YOUR DAYS BE DAYS OF WONDER AND ENJOYMENT!

P.S.  I want you to know that even after knowing Dave over 44 years when he walks into a room I still see the face of the man I walked down the aisle to.  He hasn’t changed a bit!

Monday January 9 2017  ULTIMATE DESTINATION

 

THAT I BECOME YOUR RESTING PLACE *

Kathleen Martens

January 9, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I am here Lord

Inviting Your presence come.

My deepest longing beckoning

That in meeting we are one.

 

Allow my spirit open

That I become Your resting place

So Your glory shines

That I reflect Your amazing grace.

 

And that Your love flows through

My vessel where You live,

That I will be filled to overflowing

So Your living water I may give.

 

Fill my heart with Your presence

So wherever I may go

I will listen for Your voice

And Your love to others show.

 

Lord, allow Your presence to be known

When we meet throughout the day.

It is a most important matter

As I long to hear words You say.

 

But even when silence prevails

Amidst cacophony of worldly infection,

I will always be aware that my heart

Is Your ultimate destination.

 

* P.S.  The above poem was inspired from the Sunday’s sermon (January 8, 2017) preached by Pastor Tom Flaherty at City Church, Madison WI. Some wording may be snippets of quotes from his message.

Sunday Sabbath January 8 2017  A PLACE FOR GOD’S PRESENCE

 

MAKE A PLACE WHERE THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAN DWELL

Kathleen Martens

January 8, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

In days of old the ARK was built

Where Gods presence rested.

No longer does He need that place

Because in believers He invested.

 

God’s manifestation no longer dwells

In an inanimate dwelling place.

He now abides in His children

When they meet Him face to face.

 

Though He will not force His presence

Into those who turn Him away.

He must receive an invitation

In order that He stay.

 

God chooses to be good to everyone

Though some choose not to believe.

And when they turn their back on Him

His presence they do not receive.

 

And when His presence does not abide

Hearts are never fed,

And those who choose to walk alone

They are the walking dead.

 

Make your life a destination

A place where God can go,

And the manifestation of His presence

Will be friend and never foe.

 

Asking God into our lives

Is when we truly become alive.

We belong no longer to ourselves

Because in Jesus we now abide.

 

And when we seek His living Word

We must follow His directions.

All His teaching is for our benefit

And is given with great affection.

 

Seek God’s presence and honor His Word

That other lives too will see

So they too desire to be God’s destination

So even others will choose to be freed.

 

So remember to make a place

Where the Spirit of God can dwell.

When He lives within your heart

His glory to others you tell.*

 

God, thank You for choosing to live in my heart.

Thank You God for providing salvation through Your Son Jesus.

Thank You that I am Your daughter.

 

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS DAY OF REST!

 * P.S.  The above poem was inspired from the today’s sermon (January 8, 2017) preached by Pastor Tom Flaherty at City Church, Madison WI. Some wording may be snippets of quotes from his message.