Monday March 13 2017  A BLANKET OF MANY COLORS

Recently I mentioned my mother and her best friend Merle.  We first met Merle when we moved into government housing.  I think their friendship was slow in coming.  We lived in the apartment above them and my bedroom was over Merle and her husband’s bedroom.  To say the least, her husband known as Chalky, was a bit of an imbiber and was often drunk, especially in the evenings.  It was an unfortunate circumstance that the bedroom I shared with my younger sister was right above theirs.  The floors were linoleum and more than likely there was not much insulation between their ceiling and my bedroom floor.

I loved to play with marbles during my younger years and had collected a huge coffee can full of them. We children played for “keepsies”.  When you hit a marble out of the circle the prize was the friend’s marble.  On occasion I had the ill-fated happenstance of setting the can of marbles on the foot of the bed before I fell asleep.  I soon learned that I should not do that.  Perhaps the first time was excusable, but not the second or third.  When the marbles tipped over in the night they made a loud clatter on the hard floor above Chalky and Merle’s bedroom.  The noise was enough to awaken the dead.  And if that noise had not awakened everyone in hearing distance they were soon awake from Chalky’s loud pounding on our door with a few loud expletives adding to the chaos.  It was quite scary to the six-year-old me.  I think it frightened my mom too.  If I remember correctly is was the marble event(s) that opened the door to my mom and Merle having a reason to talk.  Their friendship was born and only died when they did.

I truly believe Merle was the reason I had such a happy childhood.  She was so good to me and genuinely loved me.  She was never “put out” by all my questions, imaginative stories, or my incessant talking.  At least, if she was, she never let it show.  When I was about eight or nine years old Merle and her family moved three miles away because Chalky qualified for housing in a “company town” offered by the coal company who employed him.  It was out in the country alongside a few other company owned houses.  Albert, Merle’s son, was my tried and true best friend, and I often spent weekends in the country with his family.  We explored, I got bucked off a horse and broke my tail bone, had a salamander shoved down my shirt by Albert’s “mean” older sister as we traipsed through a viaduct under the interstate freeway system, went on Easter egg hunts at the little schoolhouse across the highway, made Christmas cookies each holiday, and Albert and I slept together telling each other secrets.  I did the talking and he did the listening.  Albert was always a good listener.  We explored under the weeping willow trees, picked cumquats from a tree outside his parent’s bedroom window, ate lots of Spanish rice and tortillas, and played paper dolls on their garage floor.  We also jumped and bounced on their beds!  Those weekend and summer overnight stays were the highlight of my life.  And I fell in love with Merle, too.  Chalky always frightened me but I just stayed out of his way.  When he wasn’t working long hours he was rarely home and usually came home drunk and then gave way to sleep.  Years later after he sobered up he was actually quite a nice guy.

Now, in reference to the title of my blog “A BLANKET OF MANY COLORS”; one of the things Merle taught my mom was how to crochet. One of my mom’s first projects was to learn how to crochet little squares.  These square pieces delighted me because they had so many different colors.  I wondered how she put so many different colors in one square.  I did eventually learn it was the variegated yarn that made it possible.  After all the squares (which I counted many times) were complete she crocheted them all together and made a blanket.  It was a tight yarn made out of wool.  It was very heavy and very warm. 

That blanket followed us around as a family for many years.  I saw it on many different beds and it was often saved for company who slept on the couch or on the floor.  Wherever my mother moved she always took that blanket with her.  I think it was the first project she completed after she learned how to crochet.  From then on one of my clearest memories of her was the crochet hook in her hand as she edged delicate lace on ladies’ hankys (our word for handkerchiefs), table cloth edging, pillow edging, and once even on the collar of a dress she made for me.  Except for my mother’s mid-day nap time she was always in motion.  As she aged her motion might have been with a crochet hook or holding a book, but she was ALWAYS occupied with some sort of activity.  She was never a television watcher, seldom listened to the radio, but was always on the “do”.  She definitely knew how to rest, she knew how to visit (with a crochet hook in hand), and ALWAYS knew how to keep us kids busy if we got “underfoot”.  To be “underfoot” usually meant work (with a capital W). 

Now, back to her first crocheted blanket.  A couple of weeks ago during the warm spell we experienced Dave and I took our down comforter off our bed.  Well, the temperatures have again dropped and I woke up cold the other night.  In the dark I searched on top of the cedar chest through the pile of blankets folded there and picked up the familiar heavy crocheted wool blanket and added it to my quilt spread on my side of the bed.  When I awakened in the morning the light shown on my mom’s beautiful blanket of many colors and all the memories I have shared above came tumbling down memory lane.  I remembered my mom visiting with Merle at the grey Formica kitchen table as Merle instructed her how to crochet the squares.  I remembered leaning against mama and peering with amazement as she created something out of a string.  I remembered the blanket being packed in the car when we made visits to other places.  I remembered seeing it folded double and laid long-ways across the back of our gold upholstered couch.  I remembered seeing it packed away and then reappearing again a few years later.  And I remembered longing to take possession of that blanket.  Never in a million years did I ever think it would be mine.  After mama died it was one of the items I asked for as we sisters wrote down our requests.

Today the blanket of many colors belongs to me along with all its memories of years past. But they are only my memories and this blanket will probably hold no nostalgia to the ones who come after me.  But I still enjoy it.  It still gives me warmth and satisfaction as I sleep under its weight.  It’s as if it’s a little bit of my mama still giving me a hug at night as I pull the blanket up over my shoulders to tuck myself in.  The blanket is still beautiful in my eyes and will ever be in my heart.  In later years my mama made me a coat of many colors.  I love having the coat she made especially for me, but it will never compare to the affection I own for my blanket of many colors.

 

A BLANKET OF MANY COLORS

Kathleen Martens

March 13, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A blanket of many colors,

A patient friend of mine.

Waiting for when I need it,

Providing warmth so fine.

 

Summer is its time for slumber

In piles which await winter’s cold.

Peacefully quite and stilled

In gentle careful folds.

 

I wish I knew its stories

Of untold nights unseen

Providing comforting warmth

During times so lean.

 

It added a spark of color

Wherever it was adorned.

As if smiling through its beauty

To those who were forlorn.

 

Not only did it travel well

But showed not its dirt.

As if it were impervious

To all it had to skirt.

 

Mama’s fingers curled each angle

As square after square was formed.

And though mama is long gone

The blanket does not mourn.

 

Its value is in the present

And the kindness it provides at night.

As it caresses the body’s warmth

Causing cold to take its flight.

 

So many years it has born

Lone nights alone.

As well as having comforted others

Through nights while they mourned.

 

Oh the stories it could tell

If it had but voice to speak.

Even if it could, I don’t think it would,

Not even one secret leak.

 

It’s a friend in the truest sense.

Made from a heart of love.

A little bit of mama’s touch,

Left behind when she went above.

 

 

Thank You Lord for my blanket of many colors.

Thank You Lord that I have blankets that keep me warm.

Thank You for the bed I sleep in each night.

Thank You for all the good memories I have.

Thank You for placing Merle and Albert in my life as I grew up.

Thank You for my mother’s heart of love for You, and for her children.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!  GOD BLESS YOU.

Take time to stop and give yourself the pleasure of remembering a wonderful memory.

Sunday Sabbath March 12 2017  WINTER’S BREATH BREATHES AGAIN

 

WINTER’S BREATH BREATHES AGAIN

Kathleen Martens

March 12, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Winter morning in coldness wrapped,

Stark and bare of winter’s dress.

Plummeting thermometer sets the stage

That snow again will do its best.

 

Beautiful sunshine awakens the morn,

Threats of storms before the night.

If the forecast is correct

Inches of snow will be our plight.

 

Hints of spring have come and gone.

Nature tantalizing heart’s desires

Of warmer days and balmy nights

Roasting marshmallows over open fires.

 

The cold wind blows in freezing breath

Stark ground meets the skies.

But oh the beauty of a fresh new snow

May tomorrow greet our eyes.

 

Thank You God for another beautiful Sunday Sabbath in which to praise You.

Thank You Lord that You are worthy of praise.

Thank You Lord for placing music in my heart that I may lift up my song of praise unto You.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH DAY OF REST.

Saturday March 11 2017  MORE ACCOMPLISHED BY DOING LESS

 

MORE ACCOMPLISHED BY DOING LESS

Kathleen Martens

March 11, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Time passes all too swift.

Good intentions seem to drift.

So much to do that calls my name,

But heart’s desires seem to wane.

 

So much sits on the shelf

Of what I desire to do for self.

Not just for me, but to do for others.

Yet life’s busyness seems to smother.

 

Letters to write and get in mail,

Pressing matters cause that to fail.

Keeping track of distant friends,

Undone, because of days quick end.

 

Little touches of extending a hand,

Thwarted by the urgent taking command.

So how to stop the treadmill race?

And once and for all slow my pace?

 

How do I make my days include

All it is I want to do?

A wise friend says: “SLOW-UP”

And I so desire to drink from that cup.

 

Not so I can just be lazy

But so I won’t go crazy.

I need slow down to have more time,

So with friends my hours combine.

 

And when tired I should take a rest

That in hours remaining I give my best.

More accomplished by doing less

Is something I must certainly test.

 

I’m still learning in reverse.

Perhaps life will be less terse,

That more hours will be in my day

When I can again go out and play.

 

Oh, woe is me!  This poem sounds like I’m complaining.  I guess I am, yet not intentionally; just speaking facts the way I view them.  I think it is the overwhelming task of downsizing which disrupts what I would rather be doing.  I recently read the following statement which I must paraphrase because I can’t really remember the exact words or where I read it:  “Living life only begins when your house is in order”.  And for me that about sums it up. 

I still desire to have people over, entertain, and take time to relax with friends.  At the present it just takes so much effort because of everything else that I am involved in.  I literally must plan when I am going to shop for the food needed for preparation.  Then I must make an appointment for myself on my weekly calendar in order to allow the time needed to prepare the food.  I choose to entertain because I so enjoy it and take pleasure in the friends who come over.  It gives me the needed reprieve in my never ending charade of downsizing.  Perhaps the word “charade” is not the exact description but sometimes I feel as if the word fits. 

Between having two weeks taken over by the replacement of our heating system, moving two rooms of boxes and furniture out of the way for painting, then moving more furniture and boxes out of five rooms for carpet cleaning, and straining my back at the gym, the toll caught up with me.  I think when all is said and done it was the pain of my back injury that caused my unraveling.  I am not used to being limited in my movements.

But you know what?  Even while suffering the pain, and perhaps because of it, I have much for which to be thankful.  I have learned some valuable lessons.  I think I had forgotten what it must be like for others that do not have unlimited energy and stamina.  Perhaps I even lost touch with others who suffering pain in so many different ways, and some who suffer in many ways.  Since Monday I have had to come to a halt in order to deal with the pain and what my body would allow me to do.  When we are in pain no one else can feel our pain.  Often it cannot be detected by how we appear.  But pain is real to the one who harbors it.  The pain I have suffered in my back this week has awakened my empathy and understanding of what others go through who daily suffer chronic pain.  So even in my limitations I have learned valuable lessons.  I have learned to be thankful in so many ways. 

 

Lord thank You for the lessons learned through this past week in regards to limitations and pain.

Thank You God that You have been with me through it all.

Thank You for the hope of recovery.

Thank You for the words of a dear friend who was willing to speak truthfully to me by telling me to “slow-up”!

Thank You for giving me more empathy and understanding for those suffering chronic pain.

Thank You God that I can walk.

Thank You God that I can bend.

Thank You God that I can sit and stand.

Thank You God that I can still lend a helping hand to others.

 

GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE. 

I pray you are healthy and pain free.

Friday March 10 2017  WISDOM, WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

 

I AM THE WISDOM YOU SEEK

Kathleen Martens

February 6, 2011

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I AM

The Wisdom you seek.

Read My Word.

Your heart will keep

What I desire

For you to know

Tucked in memory

Wherever you go.

 

My first plan this morning was to write a poem about Wisdom.  So I looked up the synonyms for wisdom.  Then I looked up the synonyms of the synonyms and on and on.  WOW! Mind boggling!  Then I started reading in Proverbs which in essence is about Wisdom.  In the past I have studied this word, its meaning, and how it pertains to my life; only to discover that it is a topic I can never learn enough about. 

I wonder what the word “wisdom” means to most people.  Actually it was years before I finally understood the meaning that made sense to me.  I heard a sermon that defined wisdom as using the knowledge we have attained in life to make the best possible decisions in the present.  This statement presents the idea that in order to have wisdom one must first attain knowledge.  And in order to attain knowledge you much search to understand that knowledge and how it can best be applied to your daily life.

And then I started studying the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament.  Over and over I read the scriptures making certain I understood who and what the pronouns were referring to in the Scriptures.  My inclination was to copy and paste to this blog all the scriptures that pertain to knowledge, wisdom, and the seeking of both.  If I did, I fear this blog would end up being a book. 

 

WISDOM, WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Kathleen Martens

March 10, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Wisdom but a word we use

Do we know what it means?

It appears there are so many ideas

Of what the definition seems.

 

Over the years I’ve studied much

But to knowledge there is no end.

I desire more and more to learn

So that wisdom becomes my friend.

 

I checked back in my archives of poetry and found a few poems I have written in the past pertaining to the topic of wisdom.  I will share a few below.  Realize I am on a life journey of learning and changing, accepting, and growing.  By reading these poems I look back and view my journey.  I hope you enjoy the ones you read.

 

WISDOM

Kathleen Martens

June 8, 2010

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Wisdom

Appointed from eternity

From the beginning

Before the world began.

 

And we are told to attain it

By living our lives

In prudence & understanding.

 

By choice we attain these qualities.

By choice we choose prudence.

By choice we choose understanding.

By perseverance we choose knowledge.

By seeking we gain

 

Seeking Wisdom

Kathleen Martens

July 8 2010

www.visionsofpoetry.com

This poem written in 2010 are the thoughts that came to me after I asked the Lord: 

HOW DO I FIND WISDOM?

I ask the Lord

How do I find Wisdom?

 

“When you hear My voice”

 

How do I know it is Your voice I hear?

 

“My voice will not go against My Word.

Listen for My voice.

Obey my command.

But first you must seek Me

In Solitude

Without outside interference.

Turn off the phone,

Music, sounds.

Just listen to the quiet

For I am in the stillness.

Quiet…

A thought…

Though not audible

Your heart hears

And knows.

 

Act on what you hear.

Perceive My presence

Through your senses.

Visualize Me.

Smell the sweetness of my presence.

Taste and see that I am good

By digesting my scripture.

Feel My caress

As I sooth your body,

For your body longs for Me.

And then listen

Intently

For I want to speak.

 

You will have wisdom

When you know Me.

For wisdom and I

Go hand in hand.

 

When you know My spirit

You know wisdom.

You will have knowledge and discretion.

You will hate evil

And have understanding.

 

The more time you spend with Me

The easier you will distinguish

Your own thoughts from Mine.

The fear of the Lord is wisdom

And when you shun evil

You will have understanding.

 

WISDOM CRIES OUT

By Kathleen Martens

February 8, 2013

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

WISDOM stands at entrance of door

At gates and cities she cries out more.

“To you, O men, I call

Heed my words lest you fall.

Listen closely sons of men

Against Your self do not sin.

You simple ones PRUDENCE understand,

O, you fools, allow UNDERSTANDING

Your heart to command.

“Listen, for I will speak of excellent things.”

When I speak—righteousness I bring.

With my mouth truth I speak,

Find KNOWLEDGE, and INSTRUCTION seek.

“Wickedness is an abomination to my lips”

Turn toward me, lest you slip.

Receive my INSTRUCTION, silver is worth less

And choice gold will not impress,

Better than rubies I am to own

Or any desire you’ve ever known.”

 

WISDOM IS THE TOOL

By Kathleen Martens

January 23, 2013

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

So much truth

You Give Lord

That we should

Seek to find.

 

Your Instruction…

As love from a Father.

 

Your Knowledge…

That which we learn.

 

Your Understanding…

So to comprehend.

 

And that which results

In use of instruction, knowledge, and understanding

 

IS WISDOM

 

The beautiful tool

That allows us

To use the knowledge, instruction and understanding

Which you have provided

In Your Living Word.

 

“Proverbs 2:1-11 New International Version

Moral Benefits of Wisdom

2 My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
⁵ then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷ He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
⁸ for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
¹¹ Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.”

 

Thank You God for providing a way for man to receive wisdom.

Thank You for this beautiful winter day.

Thank You that my back is feeling so much better.

Thank You that You listen when I call our Your name.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Thursday March 9 2017  MAYBE I’LL TAKE A NAP

It is amazing how much one person can do to fill up a day.  I overslept this morning so that shortened the beginning of this day.  If I desire to get up by 4:30 a.m. I must be faithful to my 9:00 p.m. bedtime. Sometimes that just doesn’t happen. I was an hour late getting to bed last night and thus an hour late waking up this morning.   And therefore, my poem was not written before my 7:45 a.m. departure.  It was time for my yearly fasting blood work.

I went from home to the lab, from the lab to the gym, from the gym to Hobby Lobby, from Hobby Lobby to the barber; and from barber to home again.  And I have been longing for sleep since I arrived home.  It’s as if I have been drugged.  I am trying ever-so-hard to stay awake, accomplish a few things, and then get to bed earlier tonight as I also have a very early day tomorrow.  Since I get up so early now perhaps I should plan for a rest (or short nap) each afternoon.

As I’ve pointed out before, as we age we go backwards in regards to bodily functions.  Maybe I have hit the stage of a toddler who still needs that occasional afternoon nap.  My sister keeps telling me a short nap each afternoon really does help.  I guess I have to get to the point where I am willing to admit that.  I think my body has arrived but my psyche is not willing to admit it.  Maybe I’ll get over it!

 

OLD AGE, A TIME OF LOSSES

Kathleen Martens

March 9, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The aging old, a time of loss,

Is what my doctor said.

But I draw the line and resist

Afternoons in bed.

 

I like the hours I have to live

And choose not to squander.

I’d rather live to the fullest,

Using my brain to think and wonder.

 

But bodies stiffen with the years

And legs seem to swell.

Perhaps if I just keep resisting

These losses I can quell.

 

Eye exams not quite the same,

The charts seem further away.

The big black letters no longer black,

But now a small, dull grey.

 

And my hair has lost its luster

And seems to shed like a cat.

Soft and limp it now feels,

And that’s a plain old fact.

 

Luckily I still have my teeth

And can eat what I like.

And as long as I get my prunes.

I can do my daily hike.

 

I’m up and down through the night,

The toilet my best friend.

Then I swish my mouth with gunk,

And back in bed I always end.

 

Early to bed early to rise

So I have been told

Will make a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,

Even when He is old.

 

But I can’t tell if it’s working.

Maybe the nap I need everyday

Will give less time for losses

To find a place to stay.

 

So I’ll keep on keeping on

And do as much as I can do.

Whatever it is I’ll just enjoy…

Even if it’s taking a nap or two.  (Shhh…just don’t tell anyone!)

 

Thank You God for everything I can still do.

Thank You God that I can still use my hands for lots of things.

Thank You God for toilets.

Thank You for the invention of eye glasses.

Thank You for false teeth because I know they have helped many people.

Thank You for hearing aids for those who cannot hear.

And most of all Father, thank You for the privilege of living these “old age” years.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL AFTERNOON.  GOD BLESS YOU!

 

P.S.  Who knows, maybe I will go take a SHORT nap.

 

“OR NOT” !!!

 

 

Wednesday March 8 2017  DO NOT BE LEFT BEHIND

As a child we barely had enough income to live on.  Once we moved to California my mother seemed to eke out a bit of money here and there to afford little trips to museums, fairs, gardens, and out of the way places that offered learning experiences.  I don’t remember that happening with my older sisters but they were married and out of the apartment by the time I was, 9, 11, and 12 years of age.  So it was then just me and my sister Faith who was about 7 years younger.

My mother had a friend named Merle who lived in the apartment below us.  She had a son my age named Albert.  We bonded at age six and have since been lifelong friends.  Merle owned a STATION WAGON!  I looked the model up online and recognized it as the 1957 model.  It was red and white!  When we went on excursions Merle would drive the station wagon and we kids felt like royalty all packed into the long back end behind the second row seat.  Gasoline was about twenty to thirty cents a gallon at that time.  I imagine my mom and Merle probably split the cost of gas in able to afford the excursions.

Albert had two younger siblings and with the two kids from our family we made a great troop.  We would all get in the back of the station wagon and had a grand time while our moms were in the front seat shooting the breeze.  The trips I remember best are the ones we took each year to the state fair.  We didn’t get to ride on the rides due to cost but we paid the quarter to get in and it was the best quarter I ever remember spending.  Of course when it was time to eat we all trekked back to the car, pulled down the back of the wagon door and ate our homemade fare.  So did a lot of other families.  It was what you did when you had a brood of kids to feed and not much money.

The adventure was being together.  Of course I don’t remember ever being naughty or cranky but I remember my sister being that way.  Perhaps that is selective memory.  But the things I remember most are the adventures of going through the displays and exhibits and demonstrations housed in the BIG BUILDING! 

This morning I read a newspaper article about a self-driving car, (BMW Series 7)  that is already at the Car Dealerships.  It is actually a model already available to the public that uses minimal human control. The car cost over $81,000.  The article reported the skepticism of most people and how many do not believe it will eventually be the new normal.  Reading that article catapulted my memory back to the late 1950’S when I saw the “future kitchen” in the big building at the State Fair.  It was amazing.  There was a large metal and glass box that could bake a potato in 10 to 15 minutes and it could heat up food on a plate in about 5 minutes.  Of course the demonstrations were extremely fascinating to the kid I was back then.  And even though it didn’t seem possible “EVERYONE” would someday have one in their kitchen, it still mesmerized and astonished my young brain.  I remember jumping on the bandwagon declaring and believing that it would happen!  I couldn’t wait to tell my friends, and even those I didn’t know, about the amazing thing this machine did.  Those who knew me thought it was just one more of the imaginative stories I made up.  About 17 or 18 years later Dave and I had one in our kitchen.  When I used our huge microwave oven I often thought about that day so many years before when I saw the amazing capabilities of what it could do.  By the time we owned one it was able to go far beyond the expectations of that pioneer model.

So, who is to say what kinds of cars we will be driving in the future.  For that matter, who is to say that with the way the world is going that there will even be a future?  All I know is that today I am alive and I will live in the circumstances I have.  However, I might add, I do enjoy the “modern kitchen”!

And one more thing, I still love “going through the displays and exhibits and demonstrations housed in the BIG BUILDING!”  I learn something new every time I go.  In this age of technology there is always something new to learn.  Actually, it seems that technology advances so quickly I barely hear about it before there is something even better coming along.

 

CHOOSE WHAT WORLD YOU LIVE IN

Kathleen Martens

March 8, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

This world is rapidly changing

In terms of technical matters.

A new invention of today

Tomorrow could be in tatters.

 

So swiftly do things come and go

On which economy depends.

As quickly as the new is offered

Sooner the masses will spend.

 

A new model or a new App

Can hardly wait to be tried,

It’s all the rage to have the latest

So to others you can confide.

 

But my choice is to go slow,

Choose what I need and no more.

As far as knowledge I choose to seek!

So I can be aware of future’s door!

 

To keep up with all that is changing

New facts you must seek and find.

Just because you are getting older

It’s still important not to be left behind.

 

The world is advancing every day,

Be aware of what is taking place.

From politics to modern conveniences

Look facts straight in the face!

 

So many refuse to advance with change,

Of new knowledge they have little to show.

How sad it will be to wake up and find,

You live in a world you no longer know.

 

Thank You God that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Thank You that You are the grounding of my existence.

Thank You that this world is not my final home.

Thank You for preparing a mansion for me in heaven.

 

“John 14:2 King James Version

² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Tuesday March 7 2017   THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD

It is a challenge to take a verse or chapter from the Bible and ponder on what each Scripture speaks to me.  Those ponderings become my Scripture poetry.  I take a verse and read each coupling, then add my thoughts as to what I perceive them to mean.  In no way is it my intent to change the Word of God, add to it, or distract from the meaning set forth by God.  I do it for my pleasure to increase the value of what those words are speaking to me.  I hope you enjoy the poems I write using Scripture as my inspiration. 

Remember the red ink highlights quotes from the Bible and the black ink are my thoughts.  It is fun to come up with meaning that will harmonize and rhyme with the words I read from the scripture.  I hope you enjoy the poem I wrote today.  Following the poem is the full chapter of Psalm 19 so you can read it in its entirety.

This morning as I was saying goodbye to a friend on the phone I asked her to give me a poem topic.  My friend Lana quoted what would become the title of the poem (Psalms 19:1).  I wrote it down, and then the poem was born.  Thanks Lana.

 

THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD

Psalms 19 with embellishments by Kathleen Martens

March 7, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

“The heavens declare the glory of God:

The skies proclaim the work of His hands.”  Psalm 19:1

And when we listen in His presence

We hear what His sky commands.

 

“Day after day they pour forth speech:

Night after night they reveal knowledge.”  Psalm 19:2

And our hearts must be open to receive

Lest we succumb to folly.

 

“They have no speech, they use no words;

No sound is heard from them.”  Psalm 19:3

God’s voice delivered in silence.

What the heavens speak is from Him.

 

“Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

Their words to the ends of the world.”  Psalm 19:4

Like beautiful jewels being delivered

In mass being unfurled.

 

“In the heavens God has pitched

A tent for the sun.”  Psalm 19:4

Contented mass of glorious light

It’s work is not done.

 

“It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber

Like a champion rejoicing to run his course,”  Psalm 19:5

Sated, calm, and invigorated

Energy with such force.

 

“It rises at one end of the heavens

And makes it circuit to the other.

Nothing is deprived of its warmth,” Psalm 19:6

As God’s Words over the earth hover. 

 

“The law of the Lord is perfect

Refreshing the soul.”  Psalm 19:7

So to walk in righteousness

Should be our purposed goal.

 

“The precepts of the Lord are right

Giving joy to the heart.”  Psalm 19:8

What better way is there

That our morning we start?

 

“The commands of the Lord are radiant

Giving light to the eyes.”  Psalms 19:8

Casting rays of hope to the world,

With a joy that never dies.

 

“The fear of the Lord is pure,

Enduring forever.”  Psalm 19:9

Which ensures everlasting life

Never to be severed.

 

“The decrees of the Lord are firm,

And all of them are righteous.”  Psalm 19:9

And walking in His Commandments,

To accomplish is our must.

 

“They are more precious than gold,

Than much pure gold.”  Psalm 19:10

And must be passed on and on

As God’s story continually told.

 

“They are sweeter than honey,

Than honey from the honeycomb”.  Psalm 19:10

And should dwell continually in our heart

And never just on loan.

 

“By them your servant is warned;

In keeping them there is great reward.”  Psalm 19:11

And of utmost importance

In your heart they should be stored.

 

“But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.”  Psalm 19:12

That I will not sin against God

And all sin in my life will halt.

 

“Keep your servant also from willful sins;

May they not rule over me.”  Psalm 19:13

That as my heart hears Your Word

So from sin I am totally free.

 

“Then I will be blameless,

Innocent of great transgression.”  Psalm 19:13

That when Your heavens declare Your glory

My heart is a heart of confession.

 

“May these words of my mouth

And this meditation of my heart

Be pleasing in Your sight,”  Psalm 19:14

As each morning I start.

 

“Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

 

Thank You God for Your Word.

 Thank You God for friends that give me suggestions for poems to write.

 Thank You too Lord for opening my heart to receive the words that come to me.

And thank You too for all the couches I have been privileged to sleep on.

HAVE A GREAT AFTERNOON AND GOD BLESS EACH ONE WHO READS THESE WORDS

 

 

Psalm 19  Holy Bible New International Version

“For the director of music. A psalm of David.

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.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
⁵     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
⁸ The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
⁹ The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.

¹⁰ They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
¹¹ By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
¹² But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
¹³ Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

¹⁴ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

 

 

Monday March 6 2017  CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE

Despite the fact that March designates for me that Christmas is right around the corner, I waved the truce flag of leaving our tree up until then.  As of Saturday it is boxed away and stowed in the closet.  I neither gave it to my son, who didn’t want it, nor did I sell it.  Once I had it up I remembered all the reasons I purchased it in the first place.  To me it is beautiful, but not to everyone. I enjoy it and have no need to try to please the world.

There was only one reason I put it away.  We decided to have our lower level carpet cleaned and decided to have upstairs rooms cleaned as well.  Most of our floor space upstairs is tile but since the tree was not vacationing on the tile I decided having a clean carpet was more important to me than having the tree gather dust.  My decision was not premeditated.  I spontaneously knew it was the day to do it.  As I was leaving the house I asked Dave to retrieve the boxes from their hiding place and I would dismantle the tree when I returned home from exercising.  And so I did.  The best part was that I didn’t have to look forward to the day.  The right day just arrived and I used it to do the job.  It took me two hours. 

 

CHRISTMAS PAST

Kathleen Martens

March 6, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Winter snow graced this week

In puffy white, like cotton balls.

So soon spring will come alive

And then comes summer and fall.

 

Two hours of time is all it took

For me to tuck away.

All the falderal of Christmas past

Now in the closet to stay.

 

I suppose each and every season

Should have its time to shine.

And perhaps by next winter

A Christmas tree will again be fine.

 

Thank You God that a job is behind me and I didn’t even have to dread doing it.

Thank You God for the delicious salad I ate for breakfast.

Thank You God for all the people in the world who work at so many different jobs so that what is needed is available.

Thank You God that there are still kind people in the world.

Thank You too for plumbers, and heat repairmen.

Thank You that I have a bed to sleep in.

 

HAVE A GREAT DAY.  GOD BLESS YOU.

 

Sunday Sabbath  March 5 2017  A SACRED PLACE TO DWELL

A SACRED PLACE TO DWELL

Kathleen Martens

March 5, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

Lord, once again I thank You

For this day of Sabbath rest,

Gathering with your followers,

Worshipping You at Your behest.

 

You are faithful to those who love You

And obey the commandments You give.

Your Word is our blueprint for happiness,

And it teaches us how to live.

 

Your commandments show Your character,

And You teach through Christ’s example.

You give us purpose to be righteous

That our souls will not be trampled.

 

You’ve given atonement for our sin

And have taken it all away.

You have covered our sinful nature

So in Your Company we can stay.

 

We must make room for Your sacred presence,

A place where You can dwell.

That our hearts are the destination

Of  Your love that never quells.

 

Thank You God for the commandments You have given us to follow.

Thank You for covering our sin nature.

Thank You for Your love.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SACRED SABBATH.

Saturday March 4 2017  THE SCRIPTURE SPEAKS

 

As I was reading in the Scriptures this morning I again pondered at all the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs alone.  If we used the book of Proverbs to rear our children it would ground them for life; so much wisdom in one book, yet unknown to so many.

This morning, as I was reading God’s Word, it was as if I was reading poetry.  The scripture fed my soul.  I took the liberty of copying a few verses, which each consisted of two lines each.  I then added my own two lines to each verse in order to create a four line stanza.  So thus, a poem was born from the scriptures and from my heart.  I have referenced the verse following each quote.  Red lettering is Scripture from the New International Version of the Holy Bible; blue lettering is my additional phrase.  Please take time to allow the wisdom of the Scriptures to permeate your heart.

 

POETRY IN SCRIPTURE

Kathleen Martens

March 4, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

“Each heart knows its own bitterness

And no one else can share its own joy.”  Proverbs 14:10

We all have our own secrets

And hidden thoughts we can’t avoid.

 

“He who guards his lips guards his soul,

But he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”  Proverbs 13:3

And we must be careful to guard our hearts

Because what we allow in, will come out soon.

 

“The righteous hate what is false,

But the wicked bring shame and disgrace.”  Proverbs 13. 5

When we love truth and seek God

We will someday see His face.

 

“The light of the righteous shines brightly,

But the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.”  Proverbs 13:9

So choose to be God’s resounding voice

As The Father’s business you go about.

 

“Righteousness guards the man of integrity,

But wickedness overthrows the sinner.”  Proverbs 13:6

Only when we walk in the footsteps of Jesus

Are we then considered the winner.

 

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

But longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”  Proverbs 13:12

When we put our hope in God alone

Eternity is viewed without strife.

 

“The teaching of man is a fountain of life

Turning man from the snares of death.”  Proverbs 13:14

And the peace of God is beyond understanding,

And is ours until our final breath.

 

Thank You Father for Your Word.

Thank You Lord for the Wisdom written in Your Word.

Thank You that I have eyes to see and the ability to read Your Living Word.

And thank You Father that I have hands that can touch and hold Your written Word.

Thank You that I have access to a Bible.

Thank You for another day of life.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!  GOD BLESS YOU!

Friday March 3 2017  THE END OF THE WEEK

 

A BUSY WEEK

Kathleen Martens

March 3, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Some days go quite fast.

In busy bustle they do not last.

Yet, the week interminably long

When it seems things go wrong.

 

Thankfully, all becomes right,

Work and money corrects the plight.

The heater breaks because it’s old

And of course the days are cold.

 

And life happens between the mess,

Yet I’m full of joy I must confess.

I have a house in which to live,

Though it gobbles money like a sieve.

 

And thus today the painter comes

To patch and paint the ceiling some.

Entire mess in every room

But we have hopes that very soon

 

Finally our library will be done.

And days of work will turn to fun.

Our disarray will soon be past

When our room is finished at last!

 

Still much to do, much sorrow to face

Because I will never have enough space

For all the books which are my friends,

Alas, their time with me will end.

 

I’ll pass them on without stealth

Giving to others part of my wealth.

So much pleasure and knowledge found

When we open a book that is bound.

 

There is something special feeling the pages,

As history speaks throughout the ages.

And such comfort in the written word

Where voices of the past can be heard.

 

All these thoughts go through my head

As another thought to me is fed.

No matter how difficult the week may start

The joy in my heart never departs!

 

Thank You God for opening the door to allow the painter time to come today.

Thank You God that my circumstances cannot rob me of joy that comes from You.

Thank You Lord for this amazing week.

Thank You for the heat we have today especially since the temperature outside is 15 degrees at present.

Thank You God that You are an awesome God.

 

GOD BLESS YOU AND I HOPE YOUR DAY IS AWESOME!

Thursday March 2 2017  MOMENTS COUNT

 

OUR GOAL IS SCORED

Kathleen Martens

March 2 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Moments count when I’m in a hurry

Less time to write as I must scurry.

Just remember I am retired

But to me it means being RE-FIRED.

 

I’m really trying to take things slow

I do well unless I must go.

And best laid plans sometimes go astray

When I can’t do things my own way.

 

Mr. Repairman must once again come

And it causes our day to be on the run.

But first our appointment to “do” the taxes

Which cannot be changed as our boiler relaxes.

 

We must have heat that will not fail

So day four of workers we do not quail.

And then tomorrow an added delight,

A day the painter can fix our plight.

 

So lots of work we must do

In order this week to get through.

When it rains it seems to pour

But if all goes well our goal is scored!

 

A note of explanation as to why I chose the topic of today’s poem:

I think I previously mentioned that our heat system was not working.  Mr. Repairman came on Friday and tried to repair it but needed a part.  We had no heat and he could not return until Monday.

Monday bright and early Mr. Repairman returned.  With Dave’s help he was able to dismantle what was needed in order to replace the new part.  After he was gone we discovered that no part of the system was working.  We made it through another cold night.

On Tuesday Mr. Repairman returned with a helper.  After much consternation it was determined that the system had died after $650.00 worth of labor and parts has been paid.  The entire boiler had to be replaced.

With the promise of returning on Wednesday to replace the aging system we weathered another freezing night.  In the morning it was snowing.  This time Mr. Repairman came with three additional workers.  The boiler was made of cast iron and it took the back breaking labor of four strong men to get it out of the house and into a truck.  Once it was loaded one man took off and three stayed and worked the entire day, from sun up to sun down. 

All was well…ALMOST.  As I was working on my computer my circuit breaker started making noises and seemed quite stressed.  I have a lot of equipment plugged into a large CYBER POWERED unit that will keep my appliances working for one half hour if there is a power outage or major power surge.  Something definitely was happening.  I went into the boiler room and asked what was going on with the electrical system.  They didn’t know but they did know they had a problem.  They worked for several more hours and determined that when the copper pipes above and been soldered some of the metal particles had worked their way through a small opening on the top of the unit and short circuited the computer system which manages the boiler.

You guessed it!  They are coming back today to replace the “mother board” of the system.  No extra charge and they also deducted what we had already paid for the “repair work” from the total installation fees.  This heating system cost almost nine thousand dollars.  Even with all the extra workers they did not increase their estimate of cost.

So, needless to say, sometimes things just happen to discombobulate our best laid plans.  We did not want to reschedule with the tax man this morning because he books up ahead.  So, Mr. Repairman is working around our schedule today.  But it means we may abort some of our plans in order to be back on time to accommodate him.   

And then, just before going to bed last night I receive a text from the painter who will be repairing and painting our ceiling in the dismantled photo studio in the lower level.  We had metal tracks on the ceiling for years which allowed me to maneuver hanging backdrops during photo sessions.  I had three shooting bays and so we have three areas to patch.  I sold the system and the buyer removed all the hardware which left us with lots of repair work.   Our painter was scheduled to come in five weeks to repair and paint the ceilings.  We asked that she would call if she had any cancellations.  And so last night amid all the other chaos, she texted us saying she could come on Friday.  So folks, this week “ain’t” over yet!  We said yes, and now we have even more work to do in order to be ready for her at such short notice.

As soon as Mr. Repairman leaves tonight we will start moving things into our utility room which is quite large.  The larg pieces of furniture will be moved as needed while she is here working.  We have many recessed ceiling lights and all the light canisters must be lowered in order for her to cut in properly.  That makes it necessary that everything is cleared for ladder work.  We have our work cut out for us.

Though this was not to be a blog day I just wanted to explain why I wrote the poem I wrote. 

 

Thank You God for the early call from the painter.

Thank You God for keeping our bodies strong and able to work.

Thank You too for the invention of portable room heaters!

Thank You that we have a home to heat.

That You Lord for Your provision that allows us to pay for repairs.

 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!  GOD BLESS YOU!

Wednesday March 1 2017  THE YEAR IS MARCHING ON

Perhaps at times I sound like a broken record but what I am going to say bears repeating again.  When I see March roll around I always think it is time to start getting ready for Christmas.  Once the New Year has lost its fresh imprint (by March) it seems as if it passes in a blur.

Now I have a conundrum.  (Isn’t conundrum a wonderful word?)  I have not yet taken down our Christmas tree which proudly stands in the formal dining/living room area.  And since it is now March I am beginning to wonder if I should just leave it up until next Christmas.  Though I have few extraneous Christmas decorations I have not yet boxed them up either.  Why?  Primarily it is because I have not had a day to set aside to do the entire task justice from beginning until end.  And perhaps another reason is the fact that I already know I may not ever want to go through the time and hassle of decorating it again.  I either make the decision soon to dismantle completely or to dust it through the summer. 

I’ll keep you posted as to the outcome.

 

A LIFE FULL OF PASSION

Kathleen Martens

March 1, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Life has a way of baffling the heart.

Always young when we first start.

As we age, mature, and grow

It seems there’s much we do not know.

 

Our body changes when we least desire

And then it seems it is set on fire!

And the world around us seems to change

And parents no longer in modern range.

 

Old fashioned and strict with too many rules,

It’s wonderful when we finally finish school!

We live foot loose and so fancy free

As we become acquainted with the new “ME”.

 

And a girl grows up and becomes a mother,

Or perhaps she chooses to become “another”.

Male or female seems now the choice

And it seems you can decide to change your voice.

 

And too, a male can decide and choose

If their testosterone they want to lose.

But I am happy to simply be

The “who I am” God designed for me.

 

And life goes on for one and all

Until the day our “number” is called.

We only live until the day we die

And we do not know what each day belies.

 

The years for some keep marching past,

It seems the present just won’t last.

And now I realize I’m getting older,

But it seems my spirit is growing bolder.

 

I’m no longer afraid to face future or death,

I worry not a bit about my last breath.

I live in the moment and laugh at my antics,

And over the years have become less frantic.

 

It is actually quite a good place to live

Because life experiences have much to give.

I am more content and go with the flow,

Perhaps it’s because I’ve become so slow.

 

But all in all I am now a walking story,

Which may become, to others quite boring.

When spoken true, facts stay the same,

And so it’s your audience that must change.

 

And just like when we were young

Our bodies once again sing a song unsung.

We learn to cope and go with the punches,

More secrets to learn, our daily hunches.

 

But even so, smiles seem to increase

As I’ve so many inside me left to release.

Perhaps I’m referred to “as out of date and old fashioned”,

BUT I STILL CHOOSE TO LIVE A LIFE FULL OF PASSION!!!

 

Thank You God for the air I breathe.

Thank You God for the years I’ve lived.

Thank You God for filling me with such a passion for life.

Thank You God for the smiles that are still inside my heart.

Thank You God for being my All in All.

Thank You God for Your Word that teaches me how to have a life filled with joy and peace.

 

“Philippians 4:4-9 New International Version

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.”

 

GOD BLESS YOUR DAY!

 

Tuesday February 28 2017  PEACEFUL REST

 

PEACEFUL REST

Kathleen Martens

February 28, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Lord, I come to be with You

In quiet morning, heart subdued.

Amidst peaceful whispers of predawn sounds

My spirit in solitude – Your presence found.

 

Thank You Lord for Your amazing grace

That whenever I come You lovingly embrace.

Thank You for accepting me just as I am,

Thank You for the plan of Your sacrificial lamb.

 

No matter what I do, You gently pick me up,

Set Your table before me and together we sup.

Your Word is my sustenance, Your joy my delight,

And in my darkest hour You are my guiding light.

 

Fill me now with Your loving presence

So wherever I go others experience Your essence.

Words are inadequate to describe who You are,

The God of the universe, Creator of moon, sun, and stars.

 

And yet You say, “Come”, even when I’m not at my best.

You offer me peace and sweet quiet rest.

You are so gentle and humble in heart,

And Your peaceful rest shall never depart.

 

“Matthew 11:28-29 New International Version

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Monday February 27 2017  A SAD REALITY

Our son’s family formerly lived in Cottage Grove a couple of houses down from a couple who were recently involved in the fatal accident on Highway 30 in Madison.  Due to a drunk driver speeding on a curve His car became airborne and landed on the car of my son’s former neighbors.  The 37 year old man was killed and his 34 year old wife has been hospitalized in critical condition since the accident two weeks ago.  Saturday she was released from the hospital to join her husband in the morgue.  A young couple’s  hopes and dreams of a bright future with their infant twin boys will never take place.  Instead, the couple will be buried side by side. They were on their way to watch a UW men’s basketball game and they never had the chance to return home. 

Two little baby boys will never remember the adoring looks of their parents, or experience the security and love of their parents holding them again.  I can only imagine the grief of the parents of the young couple who were so senselessly murdered. My heart and my eyes cry for this family as I write this sad saga; so unnecessary, so senseless, and so irrevocable.  And I wonder of the unspoken loss and sorrow their two babies must be going through. 

The young man who caused the accident has been retained in jail since the accident and has now been “tentatively charged with two counts of second-degree reckless homicide, three counts of second degree recklessly endangering safety and one count of reckless driving causing injury.  He has been held at the Dane County Jail since Feb 13.” (Wisconsin State Journal)

There is nothing in the world that can change the outcome of this couple.  Please give consideration as to how you are going to proceed on your journey if you are the driver of a car and choose to have a drink.  Please don’t take a chance with your life or the lives of others.  Make the decision to hand your keys over to a non-drinking driver and promise yourself that you will never get behind the wheel of a car if you have even had one drink.  The sad reality is it will continue to happen.  Not only does it change the future of the accident victims and their families, it changes the future of the murderer as well.  And I hope it is for a very long time.

A drunk driver is just as dangerous as a man wielding a gun shooting into a crowd.  Perhaps the mad-man doesn’t hit anyone with a bullet the first time; it doesn’t mean it won’t happen if he is given another chance.  A drunk driver is just as menacing, except you don’t realize he’s gunning for you.  Why should he be given a second chance for his bullet to make its mark? 

 

A SAD REALITY

Kathleen Martens

February 27, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

My heart is heavy

As I hear the story

Of a senseless crime

Oh so gory.

 

A mom and dad

Too soon dead.

Unintentional death

Alcohol fed.

 

Sadness whelms

Deep within

As one funeral planned

To bury best friends.

 

Husband and wife

At the threshold of life,

Now two little babies

Live in plight.

 

I pray God will comfort

Those left behind

And provide the family

New strength to find.

 

That those two little boys

Will be tenderly loved

And someday with know

There’s Heavenly Father above

 

Who watches over them

And holds them close.

And they hopefully will recognize

God’s loving voice.

 

Rarely do I write about such sadness but this hit so close to home.  I think about our grandsons and realize the bond of love that they have had since infancy for their own parents.  Yes, grandparents and other relatives can step in to fill the gap as best they can, but there is just something so special between a close bond between mother and son and father and son. 

Such a tragic loss that happened in Madison this year on the day before Valentine’s Day.  And the sad part is it was only one of such mishaps across the country caused by someone drinking and driving.  Please do not drink and drive.

 

MAY GOD PROTECT EACH OF US AS WE FACE THE ILLS OF OUR SOCIETY.

 

Thank You God that the two little boys of this couple were not in the car on February 13, 2017.

Lord thank You for this day of life I live today.  Let me never take one hour for granted.

 

Sunday Sabbath February 26, 2017  A TREE OF DIAMONDS

 

WINTER’S MUSIC

Kathleen Martens

February 26, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Winter elite

In diamond wear,

Tree tops twinkle

In sunshine’s glare.

 

As if dipped

In liquid jewels

In opulent glory

Without rules.

 

Frozen solid

In magical light,

Stardust glitter

In sun’s delight.

 

Frozen limbs

Bow in weight

In pompous glee

Unknowing fate.

 

Glistening sparks

In icy cast

Wave in glory

Unyielding mask.

 

Unusual facets

In luminosity glow,

Flicker in sunbeams

Falling below.

 

And the sound,

Like a bubbling brook

While diamonds drop

As I look.

 

Sounds like music

To my soul.

Remembering the picture,

My heart’s goal.

 

In awe and wonder

Jewels let loose.

Transform to ice

As I peruse.

 

Limbs are freed

From heavy load

As diamonds of ice

Splatter the road.

 

A new experience

And it was so fine

To view first hand

What can’t be defined.

 

Open your eyes

So your heart can see

And open your ears,

God’s music is free.

 

A beauty so pure,

Musically refreshing.

Winter’s parting gift

To me such a blessing.

 

Oh what we see

When we take time!

God offers us daily

Such gifts divine.

 

Take time out in your day to experience the wonder and beauty of God’s gifts that surround you.

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH DAY OF REST!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday February 25 2017  BE CAREFUL FOR WHAT YOU WISH

I hoped and wished for colder weather to save the local orchards from budding.  I guess I forgot that that cold weather would affect me as well.

 

WITHOUT GUILT

Kathleen Martens

February 25, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The rains came

Cold reared its head.

Ice in droplets

Snow it fed.

 

Blanket of white,

Overcast pale.

In darkness of night

Over hill and dell.

 

Cold wind blows,

Icy fingers grip.

Footing unsteady

Easy to slip.

 

But oh the beauty

Of winter’s finale.

A Christmas card dream

Decorated with holly.

 

In contrast wonder

Light’s early bliss,

As if Mother Nature

The earth has kissed.

 

In silence sleeps

Under winter quilt

The slumbering land

Without guilt.

 

And my poem came and says it all.  Almost.  A short addendum to yesterday’s blog: I did go out!  The only place I didn’t make it to was the gym.  I accomplished everything else on my list; slowly and carefully I might add.  The world was a winter wonderland without the snow.  Early in the morning the ground was dark and saturated from the overnight rains.  Every tree and branch was covered with drips of ice frozen in motion.  By the time I arrived back home at 1:00 p.m. the trees and bushes were heavily coated in shrouds of heavy ice.  The closer I got to home I noticed tree after tree along the highway had lost branches; some quite large.  There they sat on the ground below, skeletons of ice covered limbs severed from life.  It was sad to see.

And this morning we are once again covered in white.  So winter has come again.  But even so, the few days of make believe spring last week did much to buoy the spirit. 

 

Thank You God for the changing seasons.

Thank You for protection yesterday as I traveled.

Thank You for protection over our son’s family as they traveled to our home.

Thank You for the beautiful landscape you create.

 

Oh, by the way, we had a delightful birthday party yesterday; lots of fun and activity, especially with the balloons.  If you provide balloons any kid can have a great time.  And old people too!

 

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU THROUGH THIS DAY.

Friday February 24 2017  WHAT IS GOING ON?

Control.  I must admit I do like to be in control. That can be both positive and negative.  For instance, I have my day planned.  Up early, and then one, two, three, I know exactly in what order I want to do things in order that my day work accordingly.  Is that too much to ask?   Maybe it is when you live in Wisconsin.

We had threat of snow scheduled for last night but it turned out to be a heavy rain instead; a cold down poring.  The window was open a bit and I could hear the rain and thunder throughout the night.  In the dark of morning I looked outside only to realize that it appeared the roads are frozen.  Perhaps my assessment will be proved wrong when daylight sheds full specter.  I hope so.  I have things to do and places to go.

You see, this afternoon and evening is my birthday party!  And that happens only once a year.  Perhaps I should have been born in the summer.  I have stops to make, a gym to go to, things to purchase, as well as hopes that my guests will be able to drive here safely.  We have a forecast of rain for today with snow beginning about 3:00 p.m. (the time our gathering will begin).  So here I am in the early hours of dawn revamping my day.  I suppose I should not have waited until the last moment to finish my shopping.

So, I must give my carefully planned control over to life’s circumstances and go with the punches.  Perhaps this is God’s way of my protection for this day.  I will do what I can, go where it is safe, and perhaps stay a bit closer to home (or not go out at all).

And now I will pontificate regarding the next “loss of control” I experienced this morning.  For some reason I cannot get a dial tone on the phone, nor will my computer connect with the internet.  So that will be another hurdle I face for the hour.  This blog may not be published in a timely manner due to lack of internet.  Perhaps the disconnect is due to the storm.  Power lines may be down.  If my blog is late let this paragraph be my explanation for its tardy publication.  At least I know that the computer problem is not internal to this computer due to the fact that my other computers are suffering the same ill.  Oh well, I am thankful for heat.

And we have heat this weekend because at short notice I was fortunate enough to find a repairman.  The repairman came yesterday to check out our ailing heat system.  We have a huge boiler that heats our home with hot water heat.  It is an awesome heating system and is relatively quiet as it performs its duty.  That was my first clue that we had a problem.  I kept hearing gurgling noises in the walls and floors and knew we had a situation brewing.  Sure enough, if I hadn’t called we could have damaged our boiler irreparably to the tune of $8,200 for a replacement.  It’s a long story so I will cut to the case and pass on the news that we do have heat until Monday when the repairman will return with the needed part to fix our system.  When you live in Wisconsin in February heat is a critical factor.

 

THE CHALLENGE OF A DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 24, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

“The best laid plans of mice and men”

Not necessarily how the day begins.

When there are setbacks plans must change

We foresee downfalls instead of the gains.

 

Whatever may come, purpose can be found.

We must listen and hear our heart-sound.

Allow wisdom to speak her worth,

And without disappointment experience mirth.

 

I have decided the best way to go

Is to be cautious and live with the flow.

Do what is safe and listen to your gut,

And for heaven’s sake don’t get in a rut.

 

You think I’d learn about February celebrations

Even though I anticipate birthday elations.

I can’t change the month I was born

But that doesn’t mean I must be forlorn.

 

I plan with hope that the day I choose

Will not end up being a day of ruse

But so be it, what will be will be

I am still  happy because I am still me.

 

Thank You God for Your sovereign plans over my life.

Thank You God for the wisdom that comes from You.

Thank You for this beautiful cold day regardless the outcome.

Thank You for the repairman that was able to give us heat for this weekend.

And special thanks Lord that I can hear so well.

 

I TRULY HOPE YOUR DAY IS WONDERFUL!

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!

P.S.  I’m on my way out and decided to shut my computers down when I realized I was once again online.  So published by 9:30 a.m.  YEAH!!

Thursday February 23 2017  THE END TIMES?

 

THE END TIMES?

Kathleen Martens

February 23, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Who will be ready

When the voice of God calls?

Who will be left behind

When the world falls?

 

How is one to know

Or even believe?

What is TRUTH

That one perceives?

 

How do we comprehend

Right from Wrong?

What is spirit?

To whom does it belong?

 

Are we ready

To meet our maker?

Is our heart sincere?

Are we a faker?

 

Do we believe

What’s written in God’s Word?

Have we even read it?

Has our heart heard?

 

So much will happen

That we must know

Before the trumpet’s

Sounding blow.

 

Search God’s Word.

Understanding is found.

Be ready for Christ’s coming

And all truth will abound.

 

So much is written

And The Word Shows

The wicked will not understand

But the wise will know.  (Daniel 12:10)

 

The above poem was inspired after I read a news article about a plot which was foiled by the feds to abort a vicious attack planned for President’s day in Kansas City, Missouri.  This was just another article to confirm that It is so true what the scripture says regarding the wicked.  I looked up some scripture which is about the “end times” which may or may not resonate with you.  If you read and study the Scriptures you will be aware as to what the end times refers to.  We all have our own beliefs and interpretations of what the end times means.  It is a topic that is dispersed throughout the Bible.  It certainly describes what is taking place in our world today. 

The passages I read today are Isaiah 46, Daniel 12, Mathew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.  If you have not read these chapters you may find the information interesting as well as eye opening.  Personally, I desire to know God’s Word, believe God’s Word, and strive to live God’s Word.  Might I come to the end of my life and find that an everlasting life does not exist?  Perhaps I will.  If so, I have lost nothing, but in the meantime I would have lived a life full of joy and hope.  However, if someone dies who does NOT BELIEVE that God’s salvation comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they then realize too late that there is an everlasting life and they have lost their eternity in heaven.  They will then be relegated to the judgment spoken of in the Scriptures which is hell and damnation; complete separation from God for eternity.  I’d rather live with the hope and knowledge of what is written and find it untrue than to not believe and find out too late that both God and hell are real.

I personally have experienced too many miracles first hand to doubt the existence of God.  We each have our own choices to make.  I’ve made mine.  What is your choice?

 

Thank You God for eternal salvation through Your Son Jesus.

Lord, thank You for revealing in Your Word the plan of eternal life.

Thank You God for a praying mother.

 

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.

Below I am including part of Mathew 24 so you can read the prophetic Word of Jesus being spoken by Jesus.  So much of this is happening in our world today.  Below I will include other Scriptures you may look up if you are interested in learning more. 

 

“Matthew 24 New International Version (NIV)

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

24 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. ² “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

⁴ Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.  ⁶ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  ⁷ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of birth pains.

⁹ “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. ¹⁰ At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ¹¹ and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. ¹² Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

 

The following scriptures are excellent descriptions of what is happening now and what is to come.

 

Isaiah 46:

Daniel 12

Mathew 24

Mark 13

Luke 21

Wednesday February 22 2017  A DUSTER DAY!

A few weeks ago I went shopping with a friend at St. Vinney’s Store.  My friend spied a pink, knee length brand new duster.  She tried it on and did not like the way it felt on her.  I decided to try it on.  It was love at first caress.  It is roomy, has perfect sized pockets, made of pink quilted fabric, three quarter length sleeves, and nice and warm; the perfect description as far as I am concerned.  I no longer have a “housecoat day”, but rather a “duster day”.  I can wear it over my street clothes so when people come to my door they can see that I am dressed underneath.  When I wear my housecoat it is only left to the imagination as to what (or if) I am wearing anything under the housecoat.  Living in Wisconsin I need something more than just a sweater when inside.  This duster is just perfect!

 

A DUSTER DAY

Kathleen Martens

February 22 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

So today is my “duster” day.

And ever so toasty I am inside.

When winter’s cold visits long

Wearing my duster it’s easier to abide.

 

Pink and pretty, just the right length.

Supple fabric, quilted soft.

And the very best part of it?

Brand spanking new!  Without the cost.

 

So I work and so I play

And I stay inside all the day.

Wrapped in comfort and in warmth.

So happy to dress in my own way.

 

So, if you don’t have a “housecoat day” or “duster day” maybe you should try it.  It is my day to stay home all day long.  And that is such a treat since I go to the gym on other days.  And my new duster makes me feel as if I am dressed up!

 

Thank You God for the little pleasures in life like being able to stay at home an entire day.

Thank You for the joy You give to me as I go about my daily tasks.

Thank You for my pink duster!

Thank You for our home.

Thank You for all the wonderful clothes You provide for me at such great savings.

 

If you haven’t tried out some of the resale shops for clothing you have no idea of what you are missing!  God is my provider and I believe He directs me to the items I need.  When I go shopping God is always with me as my advisor.  He does the scouting and leads me to what I need.

 

MAY GOD’S BLESSINGS BE ON YOUR DAY!