Sunday Sabbath October 9 2016  THE UNWRITTEN POEM

 

THE UNWRITTEN POEM

Kathleen Martens

October 9, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Inspired to write

Earlier in the day,

But I was too busy

So I went on my way.

 

That is something

You would think I’d learned,

To write while inspired

Lest words be spurned!

 

And my poem now gone

From the shelf,

And I can’t remember

The words myself.

 

But it was about the Sabbath

Set aside for rest,

So I slept on the couch

And awakened refreshed.

 

MY THANK YOU POEM

Kathleen martens

October 9, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Lord, thank You for loving me so true

So that I in return can love You.

 

Thank You for food that fills my table

So feeding others I am able.

 

Thank You for the clothes upon my back

Enough to share with those who lack.

 

Thank You for joy that fills my heart

And spills out on others to help their day start.

 

Thank You for salvations that You gave to me,

So I can tell others it is always free.

 

Lord thank You for hope and eternal life

That makes it possible to carry no strife.

 

Thank You Lord for the words You speak

That instills my desire of You to seek.

 

Thank You God for each and every day,

So that I may follow heaven’s path way.

 

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH.

Saturday October 8 2016  A BEAUTIFUL DAY

 

A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Kathleen Martens

Oct 8, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A beautiful day of rejoicing

And celebrating life.

Thirty five years of marriage

Of one man and wife.

 

A marriage based on God,

A road of lessons learned.

Regardless life’s circumstances,

God they never spurned.

 

Days of Job often long

Through sickness, sorrow, and pain.

And regardless the situation

God made their days for gain.

 

Through times of need and tragedy,

And the loss of their precious son,

Even when their grief was deep,

It was to God they’d always run.

 

Their hearts given to others,

And it was LOVE which they gave.

To others they told their story of redemption

And how God their hearts will save.

 

A time of friends remembering

A wedding of many years before.

They always took the path of God

Unknowing what was in store.

 

And their vows of love survived

Through sickness and in health.

And their greatest gift from God

Is their love, which is their wealth.

 

And what an honor is was for me

To capture their moments of pleasure

As they shared with their friends

Joyous wealth which they treasure.

 

Unmeasured love God pours on them

Because they are willing to give theirs away.

And God has blessed them with more life

As they rejoice to overflowing each day.

 

And what a beautiful day it was!

I WAS THE PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE 35^TH WEDDING CELEBRATION OF OUR FRIENDS.  I LOVE BEING BEHIND THE CAMERA FOR SUCH EVENTS AS THIS.

 

 

 

 

Friday October 7 2016  LIFE JOY AND CONTENTMENT

 

“THE DECISIONS WE MAKE DICTATE THE SCHEDULES WE KEEP.  THE SCHEDULES WE KEEP DETERMINE THE LIVES WE LIVE.” 

Quote by Lysa Turkheurst,  Christian speaker and author of “The Best Yes” as well as many other books.

I heard the above quote in a recent sermon I listened to at http://www.southlandchristian.org.  I have not read “The Best Yes”, so I am not familiar as to its topic.  The sentence just struck a chord in me.  It is a statement I have long believed to be true.

Decisions we make in life all have consequences, positive, negative, and sometimes unintended consequences.  What I have tried to put into practice before I make a decision is to intentionally think first; what could be the outcome, will it be good for me, is it necessary, and how will it affect my life in the tomorrows to come.

I look back at my life and realize at times the decisions I made, and schedules I chose to keep, were at times unattainable and somewhat obsessive.  Too many times I have put too much pressure on myself to live up to my decisions which dictated the schedules I tried to keep. (I’m certain my oldest sister could write a nice long chapter about that which would be very unflattering to me.) The quote by Lysa Turkheurst above is so true.  True because I know just how difficult different times of my life have been due to the unwise decisions I did make, which resulted in schedules that were overbooked, which certainly determined the frenzied life I lived.  And I just kept doing it.  And it was not good!

Age has given me a bit different slant on life now.  Yes, my decisions and schedules are still my decisions, but I am trying to take into consideration the life I do want to live.  When I am too busy it is sometimes the most important aspects of my life that suffer the most, such as spending quality time with God, my husband, children and grandchildren.  It is only myself that can make the decisions which allow more time in my life in order to determine the kind of life I desire to live.  Thus, that was one reason I cut back to writing my blogs only three days a week instead of the seven days a week I have done for the past couple of years.  The rest of my life is also feeling the cutbacks.  And I am better off because of my newer decisions.

Take a look at your life.  Give yourself an evaluation to see if you have too many items on your agenda which determines the hectic lifestyle you live.  And perhaps there is something which you are not doing that you should be doing.  Only you can make that assessment, only you can change your decisions which will dictate your schedule, thus affecting how you live your life as well as the quality of life you live.  Be open to change and be open to making new decisions if it means creating a better return on how you live.

 

LIFE, JOY, AND CONTENTMENT

Kathleen Martens

October 7, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Many decisions made in the past

Were not ones to easily last.

Over the years I have learned

That experience, is great value earned.

 

I have gleaned wisdom from others and books,

Some which I discarded; some which I took.

I ask God first, for His answer divine

And intentionally think, pondering for a time.

 

And the first decision I needed to make?

Was to accept Jesus as Savior; into my heart take.

And that decision, dictates the schedule I keep

As I pray to God daily and His values seek.

 

And the rest of my schedule I give to my Lord,

I live in His presence, His Holy Word my sword.

And because of the relationship I have with my King,

It determines all my decisions and the heart-songs I sing.

 

And it determines the very life that I live,

And how I see others, and how I give.

My schedule is lived each day with intent.

 It is only because of God I am so content.

 

I am a sinner, but I found a Savior so true!

It makes me different, but not better than you.

It helps me decide as to what schedule I keep

And it determines the kind of life I seek.

 

There are so many people; empty and in pain.

Regardless their decisions, their lives have no gain.

Perhaps a kind word is what they need to hear,

And that others who care, really are near.

 

Perhaps it is contentment and love they lack,

Maybe the schedules they keep are quite slack.

Perhaps with help they’ll receive new direction;

Knowledge that God offers life and affection.

 

God never runs out of life, joy, or contentment,

He pours out more, without resistance.

Dispense joy to others; He’ll pour it back on you,

With abundant contentment, and more life too.

 

Allow your decisions to open windows of love

So you can give to others what comes from above.

That which you so freely to others give

Will be the schedule that determines how you live.

 

Thank You God for excellent teachers such as Reverend Jon Weece (http://www.southlandchristian.org).

Thank You God for pouring out life, joy and contentment over me each day.

P.S.  The above blog and poem was inspired by a sermon preached by John Weece.  I listen to several of his sermons each day and have no idea which sermon title it is.  All I can suggest is that you might want to listen to them all!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

Thursday October 6 2016  WHAT DO YOU WEAR UPON YOUR FACE?

 

WHAT DO YOU WEAR UPON YOUR FACE?

Kathleen Martens

October 6, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

When you are out and about

Going from place to place

Do you ever give consideration

Of the expression upon your face?

 

Do you scowl and furrow your brow

When you pass people in the aisles

As you meander through the malls

Walking your daily miles?

 

Exactly what does your expression say

When a stranger looks you in the eye?

Do you give a pleasant impression

Quickly responding with a smile?

 

Or do you turn your gaze away

Uncomfortable with eye contact?

So few people ever visually connect,

And that is a very sad fact.

 

Stop and take a look sometime

When you catch a glimpse of your reflection,

Is your expression open and loving?

Or one of personal rejection?

 

What we wear upon our face

Can make or break our day.

Because when we smile at another

More smiles will come our way.

 

Know exactly who you are,

For you are a child of God above.

Without confusion always think clearly

And sincerely to all people show love.

 

Never hesitate to trust God,

With pure motives treat everyone.

The countenance shining from your face

Will be a reflection of God’s Son.

 

Put on your smile in the morning

To brighten another’s day.

Acknowledge the Lord in all you do,

And He will show you the way.

 

The above poem was inspired by the following quote from Helen Keller.  I incorporated some of her thoughts (italicized) throughout the poem.

“Four things to learn in life:
To think clearly without hurry or confusion;
To love everybody sincerely;
To act in everything with the highest motives;
To trust God unhesitatingly.”

 

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. 

 

Wednesday October 5 2016  REQUIREMENTS OF LIFE

Life sometimes requires us to do things we don’t want to do.  We do them because they must be done to enable us to have orderly and well balanced lives.  Perhaps I should change the word “sometimes” to “often”. 

In order for each individual to lead a productive and organized life there are a lot of “have to’s” along the way.  When we are born there are necessary requirements needed for someone else to take care of, even when they don’t want to do it, in order that we survive infancy, toddlerhood, and childhood.  And even from an early age there are a myriad of “musts” that we, as young children, must learn to do.  And most likely, we will NOT want to do them!  We probably even threw a few loud tantrums because we just didn’t want to cooperate.

Every day decisions must be made “to do” what needs doing before we can do what we would like to do; so Dave informed me a few moments ago.  I was sitting at my desk going through emails since a blog topic had not yet surfaced.  I was thinking about how much I’d rather be upstairs in my craft room working on the photo album (that is consuming my life at present) instead of writing a blog.  Do I have to write a blog?  No, I don’t.  The world would not come crashing down around me if I chose not to write one today, skipped a few days, or even stopped altogether. So I suppose it is not a requirement for me to do, but a commitment that I have decided to do.  But because I have committed to doing it, I discipline myself to fulfill my commitment and so thus, it is something I have to do because I have chosen to commit myself to doing it. 

Well, Dave informed me that he was headed upstairs to do one of the things he did not want to do, but in order to upkeep our home, he knows it must be done.  His comment was the fodder I needed for my blog topic.  What he doesn’t want to do is a big job and must be done in spurts over many days.  Today he is tackling the sun room windows which need to be washed.  The room has six, large, double hung windows and is on the top level of the house.  There is no access from the outside except by ladder.  So, he capitulates and wrestles with the heavy windows which are hinged to hang horizontally into the house so they can be accessed on both sides.  It is a heavy, difficult job.  And because we live in the woods the debris that comes in through the screens creates quite a mess.  AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF, somehow the box elder bugs have learned how to enter and live between the screens and the glass.  He has to vacuum them up as quickly as he opens the window so they won’t fly all over the house.  There are dozens of them.  Dave is just beginning the autumn rounds of window washing.  We only have 45 windows in our house.  About half of them are on the upper level.  But, as he put it, it has to be done!  We have chosen to live here and have committed ourselves to keeping up our investment, so thus, we make certain to take care of the windows (along with a lot of other chores we’d rather not do).

I am looking at my life a bit differently these days.  I am committing to less clutter on my calendar, less mess in the house, and hopefully a smaller dwelling in the future.  It sort of reminds me of a statement I read in a book this past year, “downsizing up”.  The author emphasized that as we de-clutter our lifestyle, move to a smaller residence, rid ourselves of the things we don’t need, and limit our commitments, we are actually “DOWNSIZING UP FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE”.  Perhaps that is the answer to not having so much to do that you don’t want to do.” The flip side of the coin is that you can then spend so much more time doing more of what you would like to do. I’m not quite there yet.  But I’m working on it. 

 

THE HAVE TO’S OF LIFE

Kathleen Martens

October 5, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Downsizing up

Sounds a bit suspicious

But the end results

Are temptingly delicious.

 

But how to get there

Is the question?

How do I live

That I am not in subjection?

 

Do I put on hold

My desires and dreams

Until I am downsized

To the extreme?

 

Or do I muddle

Through all my mess

Doing all the have to’s

To experience success?

 

Just one day at a time

Do what must be done

Because there will be moments

When it’s time for fun.

 

Like reading and writing

And creating art

And garnering all the pieces

Of a free spirited heart.

 

And always remember

These days will go fast,

So give unto others

Memories that last.

 

The less you own

The more you can do,

Not just for yourself

But for another too.

 

Live life simply,

As it creates elegance,

Live one day at a time,

With hope and diligence.

 

The more you get rid of,

The more of self you can give,

“Things” are no longer more important

Than the life that you live.

 

P.S. Forty five windows are a lot of windows!

 

Just so you know it is so difficult for me to write short blogs.  There is so much more I would like to say about this topic but I am trying to keep my promise to write shorter blogs.  It helps me have more time to do all the other HAVE TO’S!

 

Lord, thank You for the opportunity of living in a country that offers so many choices.

Thank You Father that You gave me the choice to choose eternal life through the sacrifice of Your Son.

Thank You for this day, this hour, and this moment as my fingers write out these words.

Thank You God that You are Sovereign.

Thank You God that Your Word has given us truth, regardless what the laws of our country dictate. 

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

Tuesday October 4 2016  A DAY OF MEMORIES

 

A DAY OF MEMORIES

Kathleen Martens

October 4, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A day of memories

Lived with my eyes.

Photos of the past

Do not lie.

 

The days of film

Garnering truth,

No computer photo-shopping

Lines to smooth.

 

All the little newborns

Who brought great joy,

Through their precious lives

As little girls and boys.

 

Yet passage of time

Tells a different story,

About lives of destitution

That lacks all glory.

 

Hopes and dreams

Each had for self,

Yet so many goals

Left on the shelf.

 

Both joy and death

Have left their mark

Through the years lived,

No matter how stark.

 

Yet smiles prevail

On printed faces,

Though trouble abounds

In so many places.

 

And life goes on,

New generations born.

The elderly die,

And hearts are torn.

 

And in just a blink

Of the proverbial eye,

The ones who are old

Are you and I.

 

While creating an album

Of both the living and dead,

Thoughts run rampant

Of words once said.

 

I remember each face,

I still hear their voice.

Though longtime now gone

Their memories are foist.

 

As I arrange on paper

Faces staring at me,

With each new layout

More faces I see.

 

The photos are silent

But I still hear the clamor,

Of those I have loved

My memory hammers.

 

And page by page

Layouts are accomplished

And the pile of photos

Is slowly demolished.

 

Hour upon hour

The time passes by,

And I am so engrossed

That time seems to fly.

 

I abruptly come to the end

Of my fun and play.

My creativity is done…

Until another day!

 

My neck will relax,

My back will mend,

And tomorrow once again,

I’ll BE SORTING RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.

 

 

 

Monday October 3 2016  A RECOLLECTION OF GARBAGE DAYS OF YESTERYEAR 

Monday is garbage day. And every other Monday is also recycle day.  Today Dave brought to my mind some of the memories of past garbage days.  Our memories are different; having lived in different parts of the country growing up.  And I imagine that garbage collection from city workers or garbage disposal of one’s own trash is probably quite diverse depending on circumstances and where and when you lived.

My earliest memory is when we lived in the housing projects.  Scattered about the grounds were burn barrels with a screen to throw over the top when the fire raged inside.  There was one such can between our apartment building and the one behind us.  We collected the burnable trash and took it to the burn barrel, lit a match and covered it with the screen.  When anyone burned it was an entertainment draw for the rag-tag kids playing on the weedy, treeless hills.  Back when I was a youngster there were mean spirited kids that lived in the projects around us.  It was not uncommon for some kid to scoop up someone’s pet cat (of course the flea infested cats all ran free), and throw it into the burning incinerator.  It was always so traumatic to me when that happened and a burned and scarred cat would find footing to catapult itself out the flames.  Rarely did they survive, but they certainly suffered.

I remember the summers we spent in Arkansas on my grandparent’s dairy farm with its beautiful scenic landscape.  About a quarter mile down the dirt road past grandma and grandpa’s house there was a meandering little creek that worked its way through the wooded land.  The creek crossed the road in high water season.  Unfortunately, it was a dumping ground for the neighbor’s garbage, old appliance, dirty diapers (when disposables came along) and so much more.  The rushing water would send the debris floating across the road depositing it here and there along its way.  And believe it or not, it is still used for such.  And believe it or not, it is still a dirt road that washes out each year with the creek’s high water.  And one more “believe it or not”, my mom told me that grandma and grandpa deposited their garbage there too!

Dave and I both remembered years ago when the men who collected the garbage in the big trucks had to jump off the truck, pick up the cans manually, and dump them into the back receptacle of the truck.  When the bin became too full the driver would turn on a motor that would raise the bin to the top of the truck and dump all the garbage into the larger bin.  That sound could be heard from blocks away.  As a little kid it was always mesmerizing to watch.  One thing for sure, back then, and even now, we always know when the garbage truck is in the neighborhood. 

Dave and I remember the time when all the garbage cans were different.  Different sizes and different colors, but all were banged up.  When it was windy we kids would run down the streets collecting the light metal lids that where flipped away in the wind or because some kids rolled the lid down the hilly street just because they could.  Garbage can lids were always a great source of entertainment; loud entertainment!  And it was always fun to peek into the trash cans to see what others had thrown away.  There were few regulations or rules “way back when”, and sometimes as kids we discovered little treasures amongst the trash and garbage.

Now things are a bit different.  All the cans in our neighborhoods are issued through the city and the only difference is size choice and the colors.  Garbage is in the green can and recyclables are in the blue can.  And actually they are not cans at all.  Plastic has replaced the old metal round cans.  The lids are attached, and very rarely is a “can” ever touched by the garbage collectors.  The big claw comes out from the side of the truck, grabbing the can in its vice-like hold and then slings it above the bin in front of the truck’s cab, turning it upside down with the lid swinging back and forth, then sets the plastic container back down on the ground (sometime in the upright position) and goes along the street to the next square plastic container.  When it is very rainy outside it seems those are the days the plastic container maintains its upright position, with the lid open of course. 

And of course we are now governed with lots of rules and regulations, even on garbage and recyclables.  When both garbage and recyclables are picked up together the cans must be a certain distance apart, the lids must shut, and there are more “don’ts” than there are “do’s”.  Oh, the passage of time, how much better off we are for all the rules and regulations.  I say that both tongue-in-cheek as well as with sincerity.  It is certainly a lot better than dumping the trash, garbage, and a whole lot more in the gutter, or for that matter, in the stream!  Dave and I both came to the conclusion that we are just very glad that we have garbage pick-up as well as recyclable pick-up.  It is certainly a lot better than taking it to the dump or allowing it to pile up around the house.  But, sad to say, there are still some places in the U.S. that do just that.  I know, because I’ve been to Arkansas recently.

 

A LOT CAN BE DECIPHERED

Kathleen Martens

October 3, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A lot can be deciphered

By what you throw away.

When the lid won’t close,

Your labels are displayed.

 

It is easy to see

What other people eat

When spilling from the top,

MacDonald boxes peek.

 

And it’s easy to perceive

Who doesn’t cook

Because of empty boxes and cans

Wherever you may look.

 

Oh my! Sounds that rattle

From the recycle bin

When one drinks booze

With all their friends.

 

What you see in the trash

Has a story to tell,

A way to know neighbors

All quite too well.

 

And then there are packages

That blow in the wind,

Donuts and candy bags

Your mower will fend.

 

So be mighty careful

When you throw things away,

Take your address off of everything

So your trash won’t say

 

Who you are

And where you live.

And especially the junk mail

To your shredder give!

 

Better yet, grow your food,

Buy everything fresh.

And use canning jars

So you won’t have a mess.

 

Shred your personal business

As mulch for your plants.

Have a compost heap,

So your garden will dance.

 

On the other hand, just throw away

Whatever is on your shelf.

After all, others are not interested in you!

They are too busy with themselves!

 

Thank You God for garbage collectors!

Thank You too Lord for the food we have available that come in boxes and cans.

Thank You Lord for a society that does have rules and regulations that help us live on clean streets.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Sunday Sabbath  October 2 2016  SUNDAY SABBATH POEM FROM ROMANS

 

IT IS GOD’S WORD THAT TEACHES US

Kathleen Martens

October 2, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Another Sabbath come and gone

To worship and glorify the Lord.

To be one in the body

To listen and hear God’s Word.

 

A time of reflection of what is truth,

With teaching for our hearts.

And the Sabbath of the week

Revitalizes a new week to start.

 

So I close this beautiful day

Full of joy to overflowing,

With my spirit full of peace

Because my God is all-knowing.

 

And our God is the God of Love

Who teaches us how to forgive.

So that we can be forever whole

He also teaches us how to live.

 

Our love to others must be sincere.

We are to hate evil that abounds,

And do good to all others,

And devotion is easily found.

 

Honor one another above self,

And never lack in zeal,

Always keep your spiritual fervor,

Because on our spirit we have a seal.

 

Serve the Lord with all your heart

And always be joyful in hope.

Even through the greatest affliction

Faithful prayer will help you cope.

 

Be certain to share with God’s people

And give to those in need.

Never forget to practice hospitality,

And you will be blessed indeed.

 

Bless those who persecute you,

Be certain you do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice

And always put God first.

 

And when you know others mourn

Mourn whenever they mourn.

Live in harmony each and every day,

And do not live in scorn.

 

Be not proud of yourself

But rather associate with all men.

Never be self conceited

Lest you live in sin.

 

Never repay evil for evil,

Be careful to do what’s right!

Do not cause another to stumble;

Rather be their shining light.

 

And always do what is in your power

To live at peace with everyone.

And never take revenge on others,

But follow the steps of God’s son.

 

Allow God to be the judge

For these words God has spoken:

“It is mine to avenge, I will repay.”

It is only God who can fix the broken.

 

So if your enemy is hungry

Give him food to eat.

And if your enemy is thirsty

Offer him something to drink.

 

And never be overcome by evil

But overcome evil with good.

Just like Jesus who walked this earth

And has stood where you have stood.

 

The above poem was inspired from God’s word.  Poetic license has been taken for flow of words and rhyming purposes. 

“Romans 12:9-21  New International Version

Love in Action

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

 

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH EVENING

Saturday October 1 2016  LIFE THROUGH THE SPIRIT

 

LIFE THROUGH THE SPIRIT

Kathleen Martens

October 1, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Condemnation is no longer

For those born again.

When we are born in Christ

He has forgiven us of our sin.

 

It is the law of the spirit

That has set us free.

Sin no longer has a hold,

And death we’ll no longer see.

 

When we walked the way of the world

Sinful nature made us weak.

But God sent His own Son

That new life we could seek.

 

Jesus came in the likeness

Of a sinful man.

He became the sin offering

So before God we could stand.

 

And His righteousness requirement

Was met when He died on the cross,

So that man no longer carries

A sinful nature that is lost.

 

When man accepts Jesus as Lord

He walks in the Spirit of life and peace,

And his sinful nature, no longer in control

Because God it can never please.

 

The Spirit of God who lives in you

Will forever with you abide

And when you walk with the Lord

He will never turn aside.

 

We are no longer a slave to fear

For we have received the spirit of sonship.

And His Spirit will testify daily

Of our relationship.

 

We are the Children of God.

Though that is not the end of the story.

When we share in Christ’s suffering

We will also share in His glory!

 

THE ABOVE POEM INSPIRED FROM ROMANS 8:1-7

“Romans 8:1-17New International Version (NIV)

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a]free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.  And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[e] his Spirit who lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba,  Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

 

The following is a poem written in 2010

 

I AM HERE IN YOUR PRESENCE

By W. Kathleen Martens

May 13, 2010

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I am here in Your presence Lord to give you my love,

And I’m here to give you the first part of my day.

Lord tune my heart to the melody of your voice

So with listening ears I hear what you say.

 

I am here in Your presence Lord seeking your face,

Accepting your strength and glory as I walk through this world.

Moment by moment, I bask in Your love

That You gave so freely, on the cross unfurled.

 

I am here in Your presence Lord to drink from your counsel.

You make my paths straight when I acknowledge You.

You are the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega.

I give You my trust as You lead me through.

 

I am here in Your presence Lord just to be glad,

Drinking so freely from your river of delights.

Resting in love and the fullness of your glory,

Beholding Your righteousness with spiritual sight.

 

I am here in Your presence Lord to put my hope in You.

Trusting with faith for that glorious day

When my race is done, when this life is over.

“Well done faithful servant” is what I want to hear You say.

 

GOD BLESS YOU THIS DAY!

 

Friday September 30 2016  IT IS ALMOST CHRISTMAS!

As far as I am concerned when the calendar turns over to the month of September it means it is almost Christmas.  The older I become the faster time speeds by.  And since tomorrow will be October 1^st it is time to think about getting the Christmas tree set up.  I kid you not!  We already have it on our calendar next week to do just that.  Now, I’m not saying how quickly it will be done, but it will be started none-the-less.  So what if guests come over and see the tree up in October or November; they might think I am dorky but that won’t bother me in the least.  I already know I’m dorky!  When everything is trimmed, the lights are working, the Christmas packages wrapped and stowed away before Thanksgiving, it will be us who will be free to go to all Christmas event that pop up in December.  So many things always happen in December and if we are not ready with all our preparations we sometimes can’t participate in the fun stuff.

My goal is to be totally ready for Christmas by December 1^st (and hopefully before the week of Thanksgiving).  Now just to set the record straight, for the past several years we have just not done anything that had to do with a tree, decorations, hosting parties, or even buying many presents.  This year we want to do it differently.  We once again want the grand kids to see a tree at Gramma’s and Grandpa’s house.  We want them to have at least one memory of a Christmas celebration here at our house.  Oh, they usually come over each Christmas week but the house doesn’t look much different than it usually does. 

But then again, on the other hand they still may not see a Christmas tree here for Christmas.  As you know our goal is to downsize our belongings and one thing that we would like to downsize is the stash of Christmas paraphernalia that resides in our upstairs hall closet.  You got it!  THE CHRISTMAS TREE!  We own a beautiful artificial tree with a billion beautiful ornaments.  Actually it was on clearance at a local hardware store, completely decorated, and still looks like a million bucks.  The ornaments are beautiful and there is a plethora of them.  We thought perhaps we’d decorate the tree and see if our children were interested in having the whole shebang.  If they are not interested we plan to market it on Craig’s list right after Thanksgiving and sell it.  Perhaps someone will buy it, ornaments and all.  But in the mean time, the kids can enjoy it in October and November and then tell the story at our funeral about how we sold the Christmas tree.

Truth be told, we’ll see how it all works out.  But, I am serious about getting everything out next week and starting to decorate.  We celebrate Christmas with few gifts but lots of time together.  The memories we make while being together far outlast the memory of what we received for Christmas last year.  Who knows, if the tree DOESN’T disappear before Christmas perhaps we’ll have a party.  Once up on a time we threw some big shindigs; who knows, perhaps we have one more left in us.  Besides, I love parties!

I hope that this year Christmas day will not end with a flood at our house like it did last year.  It took about five months to get that mess ironed out and the bathroom rebuilt. 

 

WHAT A JOYOUS TIME TO COMMEMORATE

Kathleen Martens

September 30, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

It is always best to be prepared

For what is yet to come.

Even if it is way too soon

To begin having such fun.

 

Christmas comes but once a year

Yet it seems to come so fast.

All the busyness of Christmas month,

And the special day seems not to last.

 

So much planning is always done,

And everything must be just so.

Always searching desperately for the right gift

Makes it necessary to be on the go.

 

I want everything done before the month

Of celebrating Christ’s Holy birth,

So I can participate in festive events

Rejoicing about His coming to earth.

 

My one goal is to be free

For the entire month of December.

And then it will be the family times

Which will be remembered!

 

What a joyous time to commemorate,

Lord, I thank You for coming to earth.

Thank You God for Your wonderful plan

Of salvation, through Your Son’s birth.

 

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU THIS DAY.

AS WE ENTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON MAY YOUR JOY IN THE LORD BE COMPLETE.

 

P.S.  Just a reminder that I will be writing my blogs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday beginning in October.  I do hope to publish a poem daily.  I hope you will still check in on my blog-free days.  I absolutely love the challenge of coming up with something to write about each day but due to all that I must accomplish in the next few months I am hoping my daily schedule will allow more time for me to finish up the projects I am currently working on.  I enjoy hearing from my readers so please check in occasionally.  Sincerely, Kathleen

 

 

Thursday September 29 2016  THE AMAZING HUMAN BODY

As I age I have become more aware of my body.  Perhaps it is because my body is talking louder than it used to.  Anyway, I can hear it better.

There was a time when I hardly had to think about what I was doing, could do, how difficult would it be to do, or the fact that I would become fatigued.  My body just did what I wanted it to do without me needing to really think about it at all.  It’s not that way anymore.  I take no part of my body for granted.  In order to work or play or sleep efficiently my body requires purposeful and attentive care.  I am so thankful that I can do as much as I can do. 

But never have I been more thankful for my body than I was yesterday when my right knee was hurting.  I just looked up to heaven and said to God, “God, thank You that I feel the pain in my right knee because I am so thankful that I have a knee in which to feel the pain.”  And I meant it from the bottom of my heart!

Before I got out of bed yesterday I was perusing my iPhone and came across a topic that said “Torso Man”.  My curiosity got the best of me and I clicked on that story.  That is something I almost never do!  I don’t normally “surf” the web for anything.  My heart was so saddened by what I saw.  It was a handsome young man, about 28 years old, who had been born without arms or legs; absolutely no part of either.  His parents had relinquished him to foster care as an infant.  An older woman took him in.  She was about 52 years old at the time and is now 75 years old. 

This young man is brilliant, charming, college educated, and can do absolutely nothing for himself.  He does have a wheelchair that can be maneuvered by his mouth.  He can move his head up and down and from side to side and that is it.  He must be placed in a seat specifically fitted to the contours of his body which allows him to be propped upright.  His spirit is amazing.

When he was about 3 or 4 years old he said to his “mom”, “I’ll have arms and legs when I get older, right?”  She told him no.  He then said, “I’ll have arms and legs when I get to be old like “PaPa”?  She told him, “No; you’ll never have arms or legs.”  He asked why.  She told him that God had made him that way because through his life he would bless others and God made him for a purpose.  A few other things were spoken which made me realize that this woman was a godly woman and was raising her “son” as a godly young man. 

Later as I was thinking about this man the thought came into my mind that when he arrives in heaven he will then have arms and legs.  I gave praise to God for the godly teaching this young man has received in his life and heard that still quiet voice inside me say, “It was no accident”.  And I knew in my heart that someday I really will see him in heaven.  It was God who provided just the right caretaker for that little precious baby who was given away because it was just too heartbreaking for his parents to keep him.  I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them too.  But God’s plan was perfect.  Perhaps just hearing about his story will bless you as it did me.  And perhaps it will cause you to not take for granted all you can do, but instead to be grateful for EVERYTHING that you can do.

After viewing that U-tube story it has given me an even greater appreciation for my body.  My body is getting older and a bit more decrepit.  However, if I have the blessing of living a few more years it may fail me altogether.  Even then, I will give praise and thanks to God for what I can do, what I have been able to do, and I will try my very best to not take for granted the freedom of whatever movement I have.

EVERYDAY IS A MIRACLE

Kathleen Martens

September 29, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Every day is a miracle

When I set my feet on the floor,

When I can brush my teeth,

Or walk out the door.

 

When I have the freedom

To get in my car and go

I hope to never take it for granted,

Even as I age and get so slow.

 

I hope I remember to never complain

About the pains I feel here and there,

Instead I desire to be thankful

That my feet are a matching pair.

 

And so thankful I have two arms

And two hands that still work,

So when there are things to do

My tasks I will not shirk.

 

Oh Lord, let us never forget

That regardless of our dearth,

You have a purpose for our life!

 And a reason for everyone on earth!

 

Oh God, I am so grateful for having arms and legs my entire life.

Thank You Lord that I have two knees.

Thank You for Your love that You have for each one of Your children, and that each one is perfect in Your eyes, because You created them for a purpose.

 

A little story I once heard.

There was a large room of people who all carried a cumbersome bag.  This parcel they carried represented their life story and all the burdens they had in the world.  Hearts were weighed down by what they carried in their bags.  God was also in the room.  He spoke to everyone and told them to go and lay down their baggage over by the wall.  They all did so.  Then God spoke and told them that they could each go over and pick up any bag they wanted.  The group silently pondered a moment, looked around at the others, and then each went over to the wall and picked up their own bag and silently left.

My comment:  MORAL OF THE STORY:  The known MUST be better than what is unknown.  

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Wednesday September 28 2016  I KNOW WHO I AM

I am so grateful for the people God brings into my life, one of which is a recent acquaintance named Marilyn.  We’ve not spent much time together but share via email, an occasional phone call, and riding to church together a couple of weeks ago.  What attracts me to her is the peace of God’s glory that hovers about her wherever she goes.  I was drawn to that presence the first time I met her at Aldi’s grocery store.  She has already touched my life in so many ways.  God is so good to me through the people he allows me to meet.  It’s as if I can just feel the love God pours into me for those He brings into my life.  I have had this happen on a few other occasions during my life and it is always for a reason. 

Marilyn has written a column for a small town newspaper for many years.  She now sends me what she writes.  Whenever I read her morning thoughts or her column, my heart smiles; I see Marilyn as a kindred spirit.  To have a kindred spirit is a precious gift.  I have always felt different from others and somewhat of an outcast when I venture to talk about how I view God as a close friend and how I see the beauty of His creation around me.  As close as I am to my husband, he does not view the world as I do.  It must become very boring for others to be around me when all I want to talk about is the grandeur of God’s beauty that is living and pulsating, and breathing around about me.  And for Marilyn I am grateful.  I am grateful because she shares a bit of her heart each day as she sends a message of hope, or love, or of good sense to those on her email list.  And my heart can identify with what she says, how she says it, and all the beauty she sees in the world from an artist’s eye that is filled with a heart of gratitude and joy for God’s creation around her.  And I see it too; through her words.  It gives me joy to know that there are others who are just as comfortable and attentive to the presence of God’s mighty majesty that surrounds us.  Thank you Marilyn for sharing those glimpses into your spirit; in you I see a walking, talking, Jesus. 

Jesus came into the world and the world did not receive Him.  And when we love the Lord I believe the world sometimes does not (or refuses to) recognize who we are. 

But, who are we?  Do we even recognize exactly who we are?  I heard a Christian speaker recently say that until we know God we will never actually know who we really are.  I cannot quote him on the following in his exact words but this is what I wrote down as he spoke quickly.  I may have written it incorrectly but it made sense to me.

‘EVERYBODY IS TRYING TO BE SOMEBODY.

SOMEBODY IS NOBODY TO EVERYBODY.

SOMEBODY IS EVERYTHING TO SOMEBODY.’

“I AM SOMEBODY.

BECAUSE GOD SAYS I’M SOMEBODY!

I AM A CHILD OF GOD

I know WHOSE I am…

And I know WHO I am!

I AM A CHILD OF GOD!”  (Quote from Richard Ellis)

 

“John 1: 9-14

⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but His own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

 

It is always such a joy to meet a kindred spirit of heart, but an even greater joy to meet another precious CHILD OF GOD! 

 

BECAUSE I KNOW

By Kathleen Martens

September 28, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Lord, thank You for those

You bring into my life

That my spirit is calmed

With less strife.

 

Thank you for the love

That flows from another,

From a heart full of joy

For sisters and brothers.

 

Thank You for family

That come together on earth

Because we are the children

Of a God of such worth.

 

Thank You that I know

Just WHOSE I am

A beloved child

Of the GREAT I AM.

 

You came to give light

To EVERYONE in the world

Yet the truth

Away was hurled

 

And was not received.

You suffered and bled as you died

And You were not recognized

As You were crucified.

 

Thank You Father

For such an awesome gift,

My heart is so grateful

As Your praise I lift.

 

Thank You for friends

With hearts full of love!

It will be so awesome

To know each other above.

 

Because I know

Just WHO I am!

I am the beloved child

Of the GREAT I AM!

 

My thank you list is in my poem.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU THIS DAY!

Tuesday September 27 2016  THE WORK IS IN THE AIR

Cool nights and mild days of autumn signal the time for lots of work.  The cold nights quickly bring color to the trees and we know that lots of work awaits us.  As I sat down to write the sentence which my husband said to me a few moments ago, I realized that sentence was the first line of my poem for today, as well as the title for this publication.  So as I write this blog my poem about autumn is already written.  Usually I write the blog and THEN compose the poem.

In Wisconsin the seasons are very succinct when it comes time to change.  It’s just too bad that some seasons sometime arrive early and then, end up like unwanted guests, as you can’t seem to get rid of them; especially winter.  On the calendar the seasons are SUPPOSE TO START AND END ON CERTAIN DATES.  Rarely does that happen in Wisconsin.  Sometimes a season will begin on time but, some of them (like winter), long overstay their welcome.  

Autumn has made her debut right on time this year.  Some of our gardens are in demise and others will bloom profusely until the first frost.  And quickly the temperature begins to fall.  Beautiful warmish days as the night temperatures begin to plummet.  And another quilt is added to my side of the bed.  Perhaps that is because I sleep closer to the open window that allows the fresh cool night air to mingle with our breaths.  I so enjoy the brisk, invigorating night air.  And all too soon more quilts are again piled on, the window slit becomes smaller, and we have our first frost.  And Mr. Frost is coming soon because I had to wear socks to bed last night for the first time since spring.

Cleaning up a yard as large as ours is truly an endeavor.  Dave works diligently each day doing what needs to be done as our yard is put to bed.  He works and works getting everything cleaned up…and then…the leaves will fall.  When the leaves fall we know that winter is just around the corner.  And since we live in an extremely wooded area we have lots and lots of leaves.  Fortunately many of the leaves are used as mulch and are raked onto beds of ferns, hostas, and flower gardens.  We try to remove the flowers in bloom before the first frost hits.  They are easier to pull up by the roots rather than having piles of soggy black leaves everywhere.  We sometimes change our annual flower beds from year to year so we don’t like having all the seeds left behind which then encroach on next spring’s flower selection.

And now is the time when we feel the cooler temperatures and know that lots and lots of work is brewing in the air.  We love living here, but we pay dearly with back labor, especially Dave.  Someday we may move from this place.  If we do, it will only be because of the yard, not because of the house.  We love living right where we have been planted for the past 30 years.  Our roots go deep and it will probably take a lot of pruning in our lives to get us to the place of moving.  I do think it will happen.  God has been so gracious to allow me to live in such a wonderland of beauty and I will enjoy it to the fullest every day that I am here.  God never ceases to amaze me when I view the glory of his creation.

 

THE WORK IS IN THE AIR

By Kathleen Martens

September 27, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The nights are colder,

The work is in the air.

I can see it in the trees,

I see it everywhere!

 

Now is the time

To put the yard to bed,

Snipping and cutting

The branches that are dead.

 

Pruning and hauling

Debris to curb;

Their beautiful purpose

Has graciously been served.

 

God’s magnificent creation

Starts with a seed.

And then marches on

As if an army to feed.

 

Transplanting and thinning

Gardens gone wild,

Now is the time

While temperatures are mild.

 

The trees are yet green

Holding the promise of work

Over the next few weeks,

Which cannot be shirked.

 

Since nights are colder

The color will come,

And the leaves will fall

And we’ll call our son.

 

And the heaps will grow

As we rake the miles,

And the grandsons will enjoy

Jumping into the piles.

 

Autumn’s work creates

A celebration of life!

At the end of a season

So early is night.

 

And the world will sleep

Under mounds of snow,

And we then bundle up

When outside we go.

 

Yes, the season of work

Can be felt in the air.

As the garden is tucked

Into bed with such care.

 

And as the earth rests,

So gratefully shall we.

Short days and long nights

Make me happy as can be.

 

But first we must complete

All the chores we face

Before we can snuggle,

Into our warm cozy space.

 

Stop and take time to glory in the creation around you, WHEREVER YOU MAY LIVE.  After all, we can’t all live in the most beautiful state of the Union!  But isn’t it wonderful that God’s beautiful creation can be enjoyed wherever you are; if you but stop to partake.

 

Lord I give You praise for the beauty You have created around me.

Thank You God for the seasons that You have created.

Thank You God for the seasons of life which You have given me.

Thank You for every birthday celebration I have.

Thank You that I am Your child.

 

I HOPE YOUR DAY IS WONDERFUL!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Monday September 26 2016  ONE DAY AT A TIME

In last Friday’s blog I shared an email I received regarding “WHAT YOUR BODY DOES IN A DAY”.  Friday’s topic was in regards to your brain.  It stated that the brain does not stop working.  Well there is something else in your body (actually many things) that you better hope won’t stop working either; primarily, your heart!

“Your heart pumps approximately 2,000 gallons (7571 liters) of blood through its chambers every single day.  It beats more than 100,000 times each day to achieve this incredible feat.”

As I age I have become aware of several aspects of aging.  One such thing was realizing my heart was intermittently beating 180 to 230 beats per minute!   Those “aging aspects” sneak up on you and sometimes catch you by surprise.  And then it is even more surprising when you discover it is not happening due to aging, but due to neglecting what your body needs.

The body is such an incredible creation and everything thing in it has a purpose and is necessary.  For the most part we usually go through the entire day unaware, without even giving a second thought, as to what the body is doing to keep us healthy and alive.  It is actually incomprehensible to me when I think of all the body does every single day without us needing to consciously tell it what to do.  And most of its functions are run by our internal computer, our amazing brain.

We tend to take our bodies for granted.  Perhaps if we became more aware of exactly what our bodies are doing and accomplishing inside of us on a daily basis we would become more aware of what we put into our bodies, or what we don’t put into our bodies.  I believe there are many people who live their entire life without realizing they need to be aware of what is going on inside their human body.  Seek out knowledge that will educate you as to how to treat such an amazing vessel that houses your very existence upon this earth.  A lot of people are more particular about the fuel they put into their cars than they are about what fuel they are feeding to their living machine; the one vehicle that houses their very existence, the amazing human body!

And I’m guilty of all of the above.  And my body suffered for it.  I was extremely obese, had a chronic heart condition which caused me to need several cardio versions in the ER on different occasions.  I was sick with pneumonia, viruses, skin conditions, heart disease, experienced pain when walking, and lacked energy.  I could go on and on.  And then with the scare of having multiple sclerosis I had a wake-up call.   Three and a half years ago things changed.  I began to listen to the alarms going off in my incredible machine.  I knew I had so much I still desired to accomplish in my life and felt that God was instructing me that if I didn’t do something to clean up my lifestyle I would not have the energy for the calling He had on my life. 

So, I did an about face.  I began an exercise program, cleaned up my eating habits, and focused on the Lord and His direction for my life.  One hour at a time, one day at a time, one workout session at a time and the excess weight came off, my skin healed, I had no more colds or infections, the pneumonia did not come back, my headaches disappeared, and my energy and stamina returned.  I HAD FORGOTTEN HOW GOOD IT FELT TO FEEL GOOD.  And then I fell.  I have battled some injuries due to my fall two months ago but I am slowing recuperating from those.  I have no sign of M.S. on my last brain scan, and my energy can usually outlast those much younger than myself. 

I didn’t write the above so as to brag.  There are no bragging rights in order here.  I believe it was only though God’s help when I surrendered to His calling, as well as my perseverance to eat healthy and exercise, one day at a time.  There was no looking ahead long term.  I just tackled one day at a time!  I also listened to my body!  I felt the nuances of not eating the right foods, or going without the needed liquids I would forget to drink. 

We have an incredible machine that houses our spirit.  And in the scriptures our body is referred to as the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Treat it as such and experience the benefits that your body will yield.  It is amazing!

“1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

And oh by the way, when Dave decided to do the same, HE WAS ABLE TO BECOME DIABETIC FREE IN JUST SEVEN MONTHS!  Perfect blood sugars every single day!  And how did he do it; by changing his diet and exercising!  He had diabetes for many years before deciding to read the book “The End of Diabetes” and follow the course.  The book gives instructions for a vegan diet but he accomplished his end results eating minimal beef, as well as chicken and fish on a regular basis.  And it still worked.  And for that, we thank God!

Oh, I also have not had one cardio version since I changed my lifestyle.  Everything we did was worth it, one day at a time!

 

ONE DAY AT A TIME

Kathleen Martens

September 26, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

One day at a time

Is a small bite to chew,

Do not look ahead

And dread what’s in view.

 

Only for today

Are the choices you make,

Because each day adds up

For your body’s sake.

 

Choose for this hour

What is best to do,

Because there is no end

What is in store for you.

 

You are not on a diet,

It is a lifestyle choice.

Let your ensuing results

Be your silent voice.

 

And give thanks daily

For your body is incredible!

But always realize

It is not indelible.

 

It houses our spirit

While upon this earth,

Treat it accordingly

For it is of great worth.

 

It has a purpose

For the calling of God.

And you’ll no longer need it

When you depart this sod.

 

So treat your body well,

The temple of God’s spirit.

That it serve you long,

As this life you merit.

 

Thank You God for the wonderful human machine that You created.

Thank You God that You have placed Your image in human form.

Thank You Lord for all the healing I have had over the past years.

Thank You God for Dave’s return to health.

Thank You Lord for our aging years for they are our gift from You.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

 

September 25 2016  SUNDAY SABBATH POEM

 

Sabbath Evening

Kathleen Martens

September 25, 2016

 

Evening hue of yellow-gold.

Whispering sound yet untold

The rush of wind through the leaves

Sounds like water if it breathed.

 

The hoot of an owl in melody sweet

Poignantly seeking it’s mate to meet.

And wispy rustling of dying flowers

Sing their song by the hour.

 

The distant humming sounds of life

In no way a cause for strife.

All is peaceful as night falls

I turn to God and on him call.

 

Silent songs well up inside

As I commune with He who abides

Within my heart each and every hour.

God is my strength and my strong tower.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SUNDAY SABBATH.

 

 

 

Saturday September 24 2016  THE PASSAGE OF TIME

It seemed like a long ways away a few months ago when I agreed to assist at the wedding taking place today.  And in the snap of a finger, summer is over, and the wedding date has arrived.  I report to the photographer’s home, pack my gear in her car and she is in charge from there.  We’ve worked together for years and we always have a wonderful time being together as friends as well as working together.  Next week we will do the same thing again; another wedding, different bride and groom, different location.  And the Saturday after that; you guessed it, another event.  The only thing about that third event is that I am the primary and only photographer for a celebration of 35 years of marriage.  I will leave that celebration and high tail it to another photography event.  So, the next few Saturdays are fully booked. 

It is always easy to commit to events way ahead because the calendar looks so clear at the time.  But, by the time the date arrives the calendar has somehow filled up and must be shuffled to make everything fit in.  However, the photography sessions for weddings are not one of those events that get shuffled. 

AND THEN…since I retired I decided to no longer photograph schools due to the all the post production time needed to create the packets of photos for the students.  Remember, I am a one woman operation and must do it all.  I know it sounds simple with “digital” photography, but believe me, when I changed to digital photography years ago it increased my workload by 100 fold (yes, seriously).  Due to the expense of buying the needed equipment it takes to finish the end product, it is financially astronomical for the photographer.  The cost is in expensive cameras, computer equipment, programs which will run the digital RAW photos, to the finished proofs being sent to a lab for printing.  Overall, it takes longer, costs more, and the end product is not nearly as beautiful as film prints.

Even though I am no longer photographing schools I have committed to help my friend through her first year’s session with a school I referred to her.  It is a big shoot, a big endeavor, and takes lots of extra setting up of equipment.  One of the photos I do has about 100 students in one photo.  Lighting and staging takes a lot of extra time and work.  I agreed to go because I actually have that day available by shuffling some things around.  I am leaving on a trip with a girlfriend early the following morning and I had planned to prepare food all that day for our four days away.  I will need to back up my plans in order to make certain I am prepared for the early departure the next day.  But you know what the good thing is?  I will be leaving all the post production work behind!  YEAH!!!

It is so fun to be retired!  When I am employed by another photographer all I do is hand the digital camera card to the primary photographer, go home, and I am done.  The business owners have the pleasure of using their hours to do the editing, corrections, proofing, special effects, orders, all the sorting, packaging, and whatever else needs to be done.  It is so nice to no longer have every evening scheduled with possible bookings for next year’s weddings, and then staying up until 2:00 a.m. each night to finish the post production work.  My daytime would be taken up with studio sessions and location events such as high school seniors and family portraits.

And just some inside information between you and me, I think all these sessions have solidified the fact that I think I will sell my equipment and keep one camera for personal use.  No equipment equals NO JOBS!   Hmmm….

 

IF I COULD SING IT FROM THE ROOFTOP

Kathleen Martens

September 24, 2016

 

If I could sing it from the rooftop

I would let the world know

How much I love being retired,

And how free I am to go.

 

Calendar stands quite empty

Of appointments galore,

And all that I love to do,

I can now do so much more.

 

Nothing makes me happier

Than seeing a blank page,

My calendar now so docile

And no longer in a rage.

 

Lines are empty with promise

Of what is yet to come,

And I’m much more available

To go and have some fun.

 

Yet my days are busy

But it is me who decides,

What and when, where and who

And how my day divides.

 

My promises are commitments

And some take lots of time.

But I create the timetable

As to how my day will climb.

 

And I have also gained insight

Which took many years to learn,

Purposefully, I can now say “NO”,

And precious hours are my return.

 

And so, I SING IT FROM THE ROOFTOP

Which is actually my office chair!

I have more hours to create,

Which means, I have more words to share!

 

It is 9:37 A.M. as I conclude my poem (approximately another half hour before I will be published).  In the scheme of my day that is actually quite impressive to me.  I may even have time to go watch a movie with Dave before I leave.

 

Thank You God for the lovely day that awaits me.

Thank You Lord that I am healed enough to actually handle another nine hour work day.

Thank You Lord for Your love today.

Thank You for the joy You have placed in my heart.

Thank You that I am alive!

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY FOLKS!

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!

Friday September 23 2016  YOUR BRAIN DOESN’T STOP WORKING

I received an email today which included facts about how hard our bodies work each day while we go about our business.  One of the tidbits related in the email forwarded to me is as follows:

“Your brain doesn’t stop working.  It’s estimated that about 50,000 thoughts pass through it each day on average, although some scientists put the figure closer to 60,000.  That is a whopping 35-48 thoughts every minute”

Well, if that is the case, why then am I ever at a loss when it comes to finding a topic to write about?  I will agree with one stated supposition on the above statement, though I can’t count the thoughts that fleet through my mind, I definitely know that my mind is always full!  The negative part is that it seems I forget so many of the thoughts that run so quickly through my head, especially if it is something I want to say to someone in the next breath.  I guess the thoughts are so fleeting I can’t grab them.

So today, I guess I have a topic to talk about; thoughts.  The thoughts we think are one of the most important building blocks of our lives.  We become what we think.  Thoughts come from three sources.  First, our own random thoughts come.  They are often the result of where we are, what we believe, what we see, who we are with, and they come indiscriminately.  Secondly, thoughts come from God.  God puts thoughts in our minds to guide us, steer us away from danger, alert us to the evils that surround us, and at times to comfort us and to tell us how much He loves us.  And lastly, but not necessarily least, are the thoughts that the devil and his demons are constantly throwing our way.  And it is easier and easier in our society to be filled with evil thoughts via television, books, ads, billboards, movies, online pornography, as well as with alcohol and drug abuse.

The scripture addresses our thought-life throughout the Bible.  My recall for scripture references is not what I’d like it to be but I do remember one such passage in Philippians, chapter 4.  This passage had a great affect on me when I was going through a difficult time with my thought life many years ago.  I was bothered by thoughts and memories that hounded me and was distressed because of them.  When I read Philippians chapter 4, I decided to do just what it said.  When the ugly thoughts would hound me I would take out my list of things written in the scriptures that I was to think about instead.  Over the course of a few months I realized I was no longer bothered by all the daytime nightmarish thoughts I used to have.  If my thoughts wander to places I don’t believe they should go, I pull out that scripture and just do a refresher course.  It is amazing how you can take your own thoughts captive and not just allow 50,000 or 60,000 random thoughts to flit through your brain on a daily basis.  The scripture says we CAN TAKE CONTROL OF OUR THOUGHTS!  More than not, I INTENTIONALLY decide on what to think.  I do that before I go to sleep and find that I am not bothered by horrific nightmares that once plagued me years ago.

Choose what you want to think, enjoy your time inside your brain when you have quiet moments to yourself so that you will be refreshed to meet the challenges of your day.  One of my favorite things to do is to actually set aside time each day to simply think!  And thousands of those thoughts are in volumes of journals.

“Philippians 4:4- 9

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

 

I have written a poem about Philippians chapter 4 but I cannot remember the title so I am unable to pull it up.  When I come across it I’ll publish it for you.

 

UNREMEMBERED TITLES

Kathleen Martens

September 23, 2016

 

So today

I cannot find

What was once

In my mind.

 

Sometimes my poems

I don’t recall.

And the title names,

I can’t remember all.

 

There are thousands

In pen and ink

In stacks and volumes

With no computer link.

 

Slowing transcribing

The poetry written,

But it takes forever

To copy words smitten.

 

And even the ones

In computer files

Titles fail me

After a while.

 

So I will go through

Adding code words

To catalog easier

So poems can be heard.

 

Thank You God for all the words You give me.

Thank You too that my brain is still functioning.

Thank You Lord for Your Word that has taught me so much.

Thank You Lord for the thoughts You bring me each day.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

P.S.  Tomorrow I am the second photographer for a wedding so if by some reason a blog does not get published please do not be concerned.  I will be home late and no matter how much I beg and plead, Dave will not write a blog for me.  He did that once and it was like pulling teeth without anesthesia.

 

 

Thursday September 22 2016  EVERY HOME IS A SCHOOL

While recently driving home from our son’s house we passed the school where our grandson attends.  On a signboard that faces both directions of traffic were these words:

 

“EVERY HOME IS A SCHOOL.

  WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING?”

 

Those few words hit a cord in me.  It is an absolutely 100% TRUE AND VALID STATEMENT!

When I read the newspapers, listen to the news, or drive down the streets of our cities, it seems that not everyone treats “home” as a learning ground.  So many crimes, such bizarre behaviors, unruly children in the classrooms, belligerent children in public places all attest to the fact that perhaps not everyone’s home is a teaching place.  Perhaps we assume if the home was a school that only good things would be taught.  But that is so far from the truth.  The home IS the teaching place; it is up to the parent as to what they teach.

It would be a misnomer to insinuate that just because a child grows up, follows the crowds, gets involved with drugs, alcohol, and crime it is the result of parents who have not taught their children right from wrong.  Some homes, absolutely, other homes that have painstakingly taught strong moral principles and have given excellent parental guidance, still result in offspring who go against the teachings in the home.  Each child eventually separates from the parent and must be held accountable for their own actions.

But the statement that a home IS A SCHOOL is absolutely correct.  The question is: “WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING”?  Are you actually spending time with your children instead of allowing them to immerse themselves in all the electronics available in today’s world?  Do you turn off the TV?  Do you eat together?  Do you listen to one another?  Ask yourself the question, “WHAT AM I TEACHING THEM?”

Over 30 years ago when our children were young I overheard a TV show the children were viewing that was geared for young adolescents.  My heart was clenched.  I heard nothing but words that were disrespectful toward their parents and behavior that was going against their parent’s rules.  That night Dave and I had a conversation.  The next day was the first day of our children’s lives without television.  It was a difficult weaning but they made it through.  Television was no longer the center idol in our family room.  We chose what came into our home, from television, video games, and internet.  The week after our son moved out of our home to get married was the week I signed up for the internet.  When children are not TV watchers you have totally different children living at your house.  It was awesome.

Perhaps my measures seem harsh to some but we know our children benefited far more from the teaching and instruction we provided for them than allowing the world, and all the temptations that are made available through television and internet, to entice our young and impressionable children.  And believe me, that day when we turned off the TV was a turning point that guided our home school in a whole new direction.  The children still attended public schools but we were able to do more, experience more of life, have more conversations, and much less stress about wanting everything that was advertised on the TV.   The benefits of turning off the television were endless.

Look at your family life.  Where can you improve the value of your schooling?  Considering the high cost of children, isn’t the value of their education worth it.  And when I used the word “education” I am referring to that which they receive at home.  There is no education that is more valuable than that.

 

SCHOOL IS THE PLACE

Kathleen Martens

September 22, 2016

 

School is the place

Where we send our kids.

The world’s values taught

Without putting on the skids.

 

School is the place

Where you have to fit in,

And dress to a standard

So you can have a friend.

 

School is the place

Where you can’t say God’s name,

But must be tolerant to all others

Or it’s you who is to blame

 

School is the place

Where deviant behavior taught,

But one must keep silent

About spiritual thoughts.

 

But school should be the place

That starts in the crib,

Where love is nurtured

And you are taught how to live.

 

School is the mother’s arms

That cuddle and nurture her young.

Where peace and joy are taught

Through lullaby’s gentle song.

 

School is a home

That teaches love and prayers,

Where children learn kindness,

As well as compassionate care.

 

School is the clock

That forever runs

When parenting young children,

Precious daughters and sons.

 

And school is the setting,

The course of a child’s life.

A journey of joy and contentment

Instead of competition and strife.

 

SCHOOL IS THE HOME

And so remember well

That the parents are the teachers!

And NEVER is there a bell.

 

And little children are watching

Who someday, tall will stand.

Give them the tools they need

And the greatest, are God’s commands,

 

That they will be strong and true,

That good decisions will be made.

If home is where the teaching begins

Perhaps their values will not fade.

 

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

 

Thank You Father for all the parents who truly do see home as a place to teach their children.

Thank You Lord for the protection of our children’s minds as they are taught values that differ from the Biblical view.

Thank You Lord for our two children and our two grandsons.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU THROUGHOUT THIS DAY!

Wednesday September 21 2016  THE LAST

The last day of summer has passed for yet another year; and autumn begins.  Dave made a comment at the breakfast table this morning that set my mind thinking about all the “lasts” that we go through in life.  Some are final, some are seasonal, and others are cyclical.  We know that some of our lasts are final lasts and that other lasts show up unexpectedly.

We know when the last day of school is, or when the last Sunday of September will be.  We know when the last day of a presidential term will end, and we know when we scoop out the last bit of peanut butter from the jar.  But some lasts we are unprepared for; others we do not expect to happen and we may be caught off guard.

When we say goodbye to a friend, a parent or a child, do we ever stop and think it could be our last goodbye?  On a day to day basis I doubt if we dwell on it.  However, as I have gained years and experience I find that I never take life for granted.  Dave and I always give each other a hello when coming home and a goodbye when we leave to go someplace separately.  I ALWAYS say to him, “I love you” because I realize that it could be our last goodbye someday.  And I cherish those words each and every time he says them to me as I close the door behind me.  I never take them for granted.  And likewise, we always tell our children and grandchildren the same.  I hope when my last day comes the words my loved ones hear echoing in our final departure will be, “Remember, I love you”

Pause for moment and think of all the different kinds of “lasts” you have experienced, more than likely some were bad, but I hope more were good.  Think of the lasts you have yet to look forward to.  The list could go on and on as long as we are living.  I remember when I turned 60 years old and my family doctor sat me down and informed me that I was entering a time when I would be facing losses as I moved forward in life.  A few I have encountered, more are yet to come.  Am I afraid?  No.  Am I ready?  Probably not, but as the losses (or “lasts” in this case) happen I will go forward expectantly because I know when I get to the end of my road, breathe my last breath, and I am no longer living on earth, there will be no more lasts.  It will be a new beginning as I see Jesus face to face.  There will be so many new firsts to look forward to.

Someday each of us will experience our last day on earth.  The question to ask is not when, but the question is: are you ready to meet the Lord when it does happen?  Don’t wait until it is too late and your LAST opportunity to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior is no more. 

 

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED

Kathleen Martens

September 21, 2016

 

Each day is an opportunity

To be loved while loving back.

To give encouragement to another

And show your kindness does not lack.

 

Today is an opportunity

To give to those in need,

Whether it be gentle words

Or a meal on which they feed.

 

When someone greets you with a smile

It is a gift from their heart.

Pass it forward to the next

For your smile will never part.

 

Every day is unknown

And what will happen not yet done,

Many awaken on this day

Unaware it’s their last one.

 

So live each day as if you have forever,

But also live it as if it’s your last.

Because every single one of us

Will someday be in the past.

 

So ask yourself the question,

Before you meet your maker above,

How do you want to be remembered?

As for me, I hope it’s for my love.

 

Thank You God for each day I have on earth to love those around me.

Thank You for the gift of your love.

THANK YOU THAT I HAVE THE ASSURANCE THROUGH YOUR WORD THAT MY LAST DAY ON EARTH WILL BE THE REASON I WAS GIVEN LIFE.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY! 

MAY GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY WITH HIS LOVE AND GRACE

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.

Author Unknown

Above quote sent to me by my friend Marilyn.

 

Tuesday September 20 2016  FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOPS

What an incredible storm we had last evening and into the night.  Yesterday as I was working on the photo album for my sister I looked out the window and noticed how late it had become.  It was totally dark.  I wondered how I had been in my craft room for so long and had not realized it was getting so late.  I didn’t have long to wonder.  All of a sudden the sounds that came from outside made me realize that something more than nightfall was going on.  It wasn’t night at all, but rather a dark storm.  I peeked into the darkness and I could see and hear the pounding of rain as I watched the torturous twisting of the large limbs of the oak tree right outside the window.  It was fierce!  I later told my husband, “I was really praying”.  One thump on the roof from either a broken limb or the bowing of a branch knocking against the roof was all it took to focus my attention on the storm.  The rain came down in torrents.  Dave was not home and I knew I was all alone, that is except for God!  He is a great companion during times of storms. 

And God has been that companion to me through life storms as well.  When things are going well and you feel as if you are on the mountain top of life, and the view of your life stands comfortingly before you, it is often easy to disregard God.  When not in stress or dire circumstances why do you need to turn to God?  It’s becomes ever so easy to take off on our own path and forget that God wants to be your friend every day.  And only when the path leads back down to the valley, and the fog of life blocks out your view and you don’t know which way to turn, do you then turn once more to the God who so desires to walk hand in hand with you.  And so quickly our circumstances can change.

When I looked out the kitchen window this morning there was a shroud of fog that blanketed the entire view from our house.  We live on the downside of the hill.  When I look out the kitchen window I am looking uphill.  It was foggy all the way up with beautiful shards of light permeating the fog and shining across our driveway and lawn.  It was etheral.  I hopped in my car and drove up the hill through the wooded acres all around me.  I traveled about ¼ mile to the stop sign and turned left onto a two lane country road.  I was greeted with clear blue sky, picturesque corn fields laid out before me in pristine light, and not a cloud in the sky.  My little Kia Soul climbed to the top of the “mountain peak” (actually just a higher hill) and the vista was so awesome it took my breath away.  From the advantage point of my “mountain peak” I could see the farmlands rolling off to my right with the lower hills covered in magnificent forests.  I could see the highway about two miles away and all along the ridge of the highway (another two lane country road) was a mass of fog that had settled all along its edges.  Even further out the fog turned to a brown covering shrouding everything from view.

I was on top of everything and visibility was clear.  Life was beautiful.  The sunshine was brilliant.  As I descended into the valley and looked off at the lowlands on my left side, the mist of fog eerily masked the crops; as if God had spread an iridescent veil on top of everything.  The road was clear and sun was still shining on me but I wouldn’t have wanted to have been lost in the shroud of murkiness off to my left.  And again I saw the parallel between the beautiful scenery, and life.  When we follow God it may be dark and dank around us but He will keep our path clear and visible when we trust in him.

Personally, I enjoyed the visual contrast of the beautiful creation around me.  I see the world as a masterful creation of God.  I take it very personally because sometimes I really do think He makes some moments so awesome because He knows that I will be coming by at exactly that time.  Perhaps that sounds selfish and prideful.  I mean neither.  But I do believe His handiwork is in all of creation and I will enjoy every moment and every experience possible to me; and take great pleasure in it.  God is known to me in all His creation.

“Psalms 19:1-4

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
² Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
³ They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
⁴ Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.”

 

GOD IS KNOWN TO ME IN ALL HIS CREATION

By Kathleen Martens

September 20, 2016

 

God is known to me

In all His creation.

I view His masterpiece

With exhilaration.

 

What I see

Each day in my view

Is always unique,

Created anew.

 

Fresh flowers bloom,

New clouds appear.

New songs are sung

By birds in the air.

 

The beauty of light

A paintbrush in action

Illustrate new hues

With deep satisfaction.

 

Overjoyed by splendor

That alights my vision

To enjoy God’s creation

My daily mission.

 

To feel the freshness

After a night of rain

Giving praise to God,

How can I refrain?

 

I see Gods workmanship

In the sunset glow,

And in sparkling loveliness

As lightening bugs show.

 

From the mightiest waterfall

To the drip of rain,

To savor each moment

Is for my gain.

 

When I experience creation

It’s God’s love I see.

I know He designed it

For both you and for me.

 

Thank You God for the beautiful afternoon drive today.

Thank You for creating the world with such beauty.

Thank You Lord that You love me.

Thank You for my vision.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU. 

“Romans 1:20 NIV

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”