Visions of Poetry

Sunday Sabbath November 20 2016  SOMETIMES THE DECK IS STACKED AGAINST YOU

 

WITH LOTS OF PASSION

Kathleen Martens

November 20, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

It seems no matter how hard you try

The deck seems stacked against you.

You may take chances you hope will work,

But at times there’s nothing you can do.

 

Though you may try and overcome defeat

Yet nothing ever seems to work.

It seems the hand that is dealt

A favorable outcome it seems to shirk.

 

As you sort through what you hold

Bad cards turn up throughout the day,

And they seem to keep piling on

Regardless of how good you play.

 

How exasperating to watch others

As every card they draw turns to gold.

And so you mumble under your breath,

 “Why can’t I draw the cards he holds?”

 

And so it may be that others are dealt

A better hand in each round of the game,

But when it’s your husband’s face looking back,

You begin to feel you’re the blame.

 

But how can it be when the last inning is played

And you still can’t get any points,

You could throw down your hand and walk away

With your ego a bit out of joint!

 

The really bad part is the fact

That it was me who dealt the first hand.

And however those cards were stacked

It was as if Dave was in command!

 

And though I lost, I’ve won my share,

And I am really not a poor sport.

But to get back into my good graces,

It is me he must woo and court.

 

And that’s the fun part in this game called life,

We play in fun with lots of passion!

And after it’s over, regardless the loser,

Our love never goes out of fashion!

 

P.S.  Dave won the card game!

 

Saturday November 19 2016  JUST THINKING AHEAD

 

THE THANKSGIVING FEAST

Kathleen Martens

November 19, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

Gathered around the Thanksgiving table

Hearts full of gratitude.

So much spread before the eye

Causes an appreciative attitude.

 

Turkey and dressing and the all trimmings

Of sweet potatoes, muffins, and bread,

Enough carbs packed in one meal

And so you overeat until you are fed.

 

Cheeses and nuts then the dessert comes last

To heap more carbs upon the meal.

Your body works to break down sugar

But all those carbs will seal the deal.

 

Snoring on the couch if you are a guest,

And the hostess just goes on to bed.

Just remember to choose wisely,

Or realistically you may end up dead.

 

And another reason your fate is sealed

Your parasympathetic nervous system takes over.

Nothing else in your body may function

But you are sated and snoring in clover.

 

The dishes pile up, the television blares,

And all eyes quickly close fast.

Your main concern is to wake up quickly

Because the leftovers will not last!

 

The above poem was inspired by a forwarded email I received from my husband entitled “HERE’S THE REAL REASON THANKSGIVING MAKES YOU SLEEPY.”  Copied from the email I received from Dave:

Science by Jennifer Chaussee  11:18:16

“EVERY YEAR, MANY of us gather around a Thanksgiving table and stuff our faces with food before ducking out of awkward conversations with distant relatives by blaming our post-feast food coma on “too much turkey.” It’s true that there is no slumber quite like that of a Thanksgiving nap, but it’s time we faced what’s really turning us into drooling zombies who overstay our welcome on some second cousin’s couch. And guess what? It’s not the turkey.

For starters, turkey may be loaded with tryptophan, the amino acid that’s a precursor to the sleep-inducing serotonin, but so is just about any high-protein food. Cheese, nuts, and, yes, even Tofurkey all have way more tryptophan than turkey and many other meats. More importantly, tryptophan by itself doesn’t really make you tired. Foods laden with this amino acid are also loaded with a bunch of other amino acids that block your brain from absorbing the tryptophan and turning it into the sleep-inducing serotonin. A psychiatrist named John Fernstrom looked into this back in 1972 and found that, “The main determinant of brain tryptophan and serotonin concentrations does not appear to be…tryptophan alone.” Rather, it’s the presence of good ol’ delicious carbs that helps your body convert that tryptophan into serotonin. And let’s be real here—Thanksgiving isn’t really about the turkey. It’s about the carbs.

When you mix tryptophan with generous helpings of mashed potatoes, bread, and pie, it floods your body with sugars. Suddenly, all those other amino acids that were blocking your brain from absorbing that tryptophan suddenly have a new job: helping your body break down all those sugars. Without anything to stop it, the brain starts converting that tryptophan into serotonin, which ushers in those warm, sleepy feels.

What really seals your fate in dreamland, however, is the fact that you probably just ate way too much food. Regardless of whether you even ate any turkey, eating large portions of anything will leave your body with a ton of food to digest. That takes up a lot of energy, so while your innards are doing their work, your brain is signaling to the rest of your body that it’s time to take it easy and reserve energy.

This happens whether you want it to or not because the same part of your body that tells your heart to beat and your lungs to breathe also tells your body to digest. It’s called your parasympathetic nervous system, and it automatically queues up tasks that are necessary for survival. In order to successfully take in and process all of those nutrients you’ve just scarfed, that system goes into hyperdrive. So while you might feel guilty dodging the dishes, at least you can say one part of you is working hard.

Besides, you’ve likely just endured hours of horrible traffic, jet lag, day drinking, endless cooking, and/or a series of tense and circular political discussions all in the name of gratitude. So go ahead—loosen that drawstring, kick off your shoes, and post up. You’ve earned it, ya big glutton.”

 

Thursday November 17 2016   THE GIFT

 

THE GIFT

Kathleen Martens

November 17, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

What lies ahead

Is always unknown.

In dawn’s early light

Day is unknown.

 

The minutes and hours

Unfold one by one.

There could be tragedy

Or there may be fun.

 

There could be sorrow

That happens by chance

We may be defeated

Or firm in our stance.

 

What we see with our eyes

May not be the same

As seen from another

With a different name.

 

Our parallax is unique

From all others around.

What you see as easy

To another may confound.

 

What we hear in our heart

Depends on how we are strung.

We may answer with joy

Or like a song unsung.

 

Things will happen

And some are not good.

But the outlook can be different

When it is understood.

 

It’s not what happens

But rather what you perceive

And it’s how you take it

That helps you receive.

 

So no matter the dilemma

You find yourself facing,

Give your spirit a gift

Without all the pacing.

 

Relax in the presence

Of The Sovereign God over all,

And when in a predicament

On God’s name simply call.

 

We will never know

What any day will bring.

Dedicate each day to God

And truth will ring.

 

Do not allow life

To set you adrift.

But give God thanks for each day

BECAUSE EACH DAY IS A GIFT!

Wednesday November 16 2016  A TWO WAY STREET

 My husband opened the following email and thought it noteworthy enough to read it to me.  It made sense to me after I read it a couple of times and understood the message of the scriptures used.  Our Pastor sent this out today.  I thought I would use it for my blog material today and pass on his spiritual insight of the outcome of the election.  If you are at all like me, you may need to read it twice for the entire message to be comprehended.  I thought it quite thought provoking and wanted to share it with you. 

*SEE NOTE AT END OF BLOG

 Subject: Weekly Devotional by Pastor Tom

“A Time for Prayer

“‘Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice:  Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.  It may be that then your prosperity will continue.’  All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.  Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?’  Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, ‘This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.  You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox.  Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes'”  Daniel 4:27-32

As the events around the presidential election have unfolded, I have been preaching through the book of Daniel.  I am convinced that however we voted it’s not a time of celebration or despair; it’s a time for prayer.

First, I’d like to address those who voted for Donald Trump.  Please don’t take his victory as God’s endorsement of his character or the tactics he employed during his campaign.   Proverbs 27:2 says: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.”  God had allowed many successes for King Nebuchadnezzar, but he didn’t acknowledge God’s role.  Pray for our president elect, that he will choose humility and work with those around him for the good of our nation.  Pray that he will appoint humble men and women to his cabinet that will give him heaven’s advice.  Rehoboam listened to the wrong advisers at the beginning of his reign and his decisions split Israel.

Secondly, I’d like to say a word to those who voted for Hillary Clinton and feel afraid, and/or heart broken by a Trump presidency.  The conclusion of Daniel 4 is found in the final verse: “And those who walk in pride God is able to humble.”  Instead of listening to Daniel’s advice, King Nebuchadnezzar continued in his pride so God reduced him for “seven times.”  During that season God’s grace protected the country and it continued to function until the king had learned his lesson.  Even though you didn’t vote for him, please pray for our president elect and for our country.  God has a long history of using flawed characters for His purposes. Don’t give into fear or despair, God is able to humble those who walk in pride and keep a country from falling apart while he learns his lesson.“

Have a great week,

     Tom

Pastor Tom Flaherty
City Church
4909 East Buckeye Road
Madison, WI 53716
www.citychurchonline.org

 

A TWO WAY STREET

Kathleen Martens

November 16, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

If there are two

Who fit the shoe

But only one

Will be total sum,

 

A winner and a loser,

Voter is the chooser.

But someone lost

Regardless the cost.

 

And life advances

Regardless lost chances.

The one who wins

Will soon begin.

 

Whether you like it

Don’t have a fit.

But be prepared

With prayers shared.

 

No need to fight

No one is right.

What’s done is done

Don’t be so glum.

 

If the results

Were of opposite such

Then joy some gain

Then others in pain.

 

A two way street

Where both sides meet,

What’s done is done,

We’re a nation of one.

 

Pick yourself up

With opposition sup,

Mend the fences

Without tenseness.

 

Don’t be a poor

Looser anymore.

You won’t always win

And this isn’t the end.

 

God is in control

And directs His goal

Though a big hump

God can use a Trump.

 

Thank You God that You are a God of mercy and grace.

Thank You God that our country is still a country of free choice.

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank You that we in America have the freedom to say what we believe.  Lord I pray for those who hold animosity in their hearts toward another due to how one feels, or votes, or worships.  Lord I pray that You would put compassion into the hearts of those who abhor others for not thinking as they think, or voting as they vote.  Regardless of winning or losing, we are one nation, under one flag, and we should support the republic for which it stands; one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.  Lord I pray that You would open the hearts of those who believe in You as well as those who do not believe in You.  Please take away the wrath and anger and sorrow and fear that dwell in so many during this time.  And especially take away the hate that swells up which causes people to be against one another.  Please break down the barriers of race against race, political opposition, and religious differences. 

Thank You God for our great nations and the freedoms afforded to us daily.  I am so grateful for all Your blessings.  Amen

 

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY.

*NOTE:

RED INK IS SCRIPTURE 

GREEN INK IS GUEST’S VOICE

BLACK INK IS BLOG

BLUE INK IS DAILY POEM

 

Tuesday November 15 2016  WORDS

 

I’M SO GLAD THERE ARE WORDS

Kathleen Martens

November 15, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

If there were no such things as words,

Then our voice would not be heard.

Nor our vision in silence read

All the laws we must heed.

 

But I suppose there would be no laws

Nor a description to express the flaws.

No ballot on which to vote.

And absolutely no one to quote.

 

A silent world, no radio or TV,

No description to describe you or me.

How would our brains think?

How with others would we link?

 

Is that how an animal exists?

Living by instinct and with gist?

Would we still live as cave men?

Or with animals in their den?

 

Just think what things would not be,

Without communication, no ideas to see.

In a world without words we have silence,

What’s a party without sounds of vibrance?

 

But we are fortunate to have words

Many languages of sounds heard.

And many thoughts come interloping in

Bringing words, thought’s best friends.

 

And I’m so glad to speak them out

And I’ve many to say without a doubt.

And I am so glad there are words

So all my poems can be heard!

 

NOTE:  Tired blank brain tonight so I had to really think hard to come up with enough words to write my poem for today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday November 14 2016  GOD’S APPROVAL WILL SHOW

As long as we (collective we) allow what other people think to determine our decisions, we will never live free.  Is this a true statement or a derogatory statement?  When we so crave the approval of others we often make decisions to conform to what we think will most impress the other in order to have their approval.  It is the beginning of our loss of self esteem.

Recently several thousand people at a church were given a piece of paper and asked to write their five most burdensome behaviors that they can’t seem to overcome.  I found it interesting that the behavior that took first place was “lack of self esteem and need for approval”.  The sermon went on to say that the need for approval from others is like living in bondage.  The need is so great that many will go along with the crowd in order to fit in, vote for who their peers vote for, deny things they believe in and choose to do things they do not believe in order to gain the approval of others.

Personally, I believe that a lack of self esteem and a need for approval from others causes us to conform to what we believe others want us to be.  We strive for that ever illusive state of perfectionism.  It’s as if we must prove to those around us that we are worthy.  It places a heavy burden on the person of this mindset. 

I know…I have been down that road.  And sometimes I feel as if I am still on it.  It is not fun when all of a sudden your eyes are opened and you discover things about yourself that you did not realize before.  But, until you see yourself in the light of how others see you, the situation cannot be addressed.  I don’t know about you, but I desire to be on a path of wholeness and healing.  When I need to change, I hope that I am pliable enough for God to speak to my heart so that I can change.  God does not want us burdened down by any kind of behavior that holds us back from the fullness of life that He intends for us.  Whatever your behavior is that needs to be dealt with, whether it be bad thoughts, a foul mouth, an addiction, pornography, low self esteem, the need for approval, or any number of other things, God wants us to lay it at His feet and give it to Him.  It may not mean that it will immediately disappear with the snap of a finger, but it does mean that God will give us the strength to daily give it to Him until we no longer pick it up again.

The only approval we need is God’s approval.    

 

GOD’S APPROVAL WILL SHOW

Kathleen Martens

November 14, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Bring to God

All burden of woe,

Sorrow, and pain,

That torments the soul.

 

Whatever the cross

That you carry

God is with you,

And He will tarry.

 

If it’s bad thoughts

You can’t let go,

Or from your mouth

Vile words flow,

 

Or smutty pictures

You crave to see,

Give it to God,

He’ll set you free.

 

If you have hatred

Stuck down deep,

He can heal your wound

So it no longer seeps.

 

Whatever your pain

He can take it away

And replace it with peace

Each and every day.

 

If you need approval

And your self esteem low

Turn to Him,

His approval will show.

 

We only answer to God

Not to those around.

When we surrender to God

Then healing is found.

 

Thank You Father that You shine down Your approval on those who seek You.

Thank You that You are my Heavenly Father.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Sunday Sabbath November 13, 2016  AN UNEXERCISED BRAIN

 

FERTILIZE IT WELL

Kathleen Martens

November 13, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

An unexercised brain

Can become quite lazy,

With no workout

Thoughts become hazy.

 

Lollygag awhile

And memory gets slow,

And before you realize it,

There’s not much that you know.

 

So be careful little mind

As to what you do,

And what you think,

And what you pursue.

 

Challenge your thoughts.

Read some books.

Clean out the cobwebs,

And all the nooks.

 

Keep your head clear

And your thinking sober.

You’ll have a greater chance

Of becoming older.

 

Tease it, squeeze it,

Do math in your head,

Decipher what you can

Until you are dead.

 

Eat lots of nutrients

Both micro and macro

That your brain is alert

While fresh thoughts grow.

 

Figure out puzzles

And think lots of thoughts

That you lose not concentration

And become quite fraught.

 

Your brain needs stimulus

Fresh air and good food,

And a good night’s rest

Gives your brain a fine mood.

 

Exercising your body

Is being good to your brain,

That it be refreshed daily,

So it is never drained.

 

Think of the good

That you can do for others,

Keep brain unencumbered

So thoughts will not smother.

 

With less clutter in your head

You will live smarter.

The freedoms you’ll enjoy,

Such a great starter.

 

So be careful little brain

For the thoughts you think,

And to fertilize it well…

Talking with God is your link!

 

I wasn’t quite certain what poem I would come up with today so I just rattled my head around a bit and this one tumbled off of a hidden shelf deep within the recesses of my mind.  Perhaps I need to do a little rearranging in the brain department.  It seems to get quite crowded in my head at times and at other times it feels a bit empty.

 

GOD BLESS YOU THIS BRIGHT NIGHT OF THE BIG MOON.  THERE WILL NOT BE ANOTHER NIGHT LIKE THIS ONE FOR ANOTHER 34 YEARS.  THE MOON IS CLOSER TO THE EARTH ON THIS NIGHT THAN IT HAS BEEN SINCE 1948.  IT IS WITHIN 222,000 MILES OF THE EARTH.  IT WILL LOOK 14% LARGER AND 30% BRIGHTER.  THE MOON ROSE THIS AFTERNOON AT 4:39 P.M. CENTRAL TIME IN WISCONSIN AND SETS AT 5:21 A.M. TOMORROW MORNING CENTRAL TIME IN WISCONSIN.  IT WILL APPEAR THE LARGEST AT ITS SETTING TIME.  IF YOUR AREA IS CLEAR OF OVERCAST AND CLOUDS BE SURE TO TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THIS PHENOMENON.  DAVE AND I WILL HAVE BOTH REACHED OUR 100^TH BIRTHDAYS BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN.  I WATCHED IT RISE A LITTLE WHILE AGO AND IT WAS A GLORIOUS SIGHT!  I PLAN TO BE UP EARLY SO AS TO SEE IT SET.  I HAVE DUBIOUS THOUGHTS AS TO WHETHER I’LL BE AROUND TO SEE IT AGAIN IN 34 YEARS.  MAYBE I’LL BE ABLE TO SEE IT FROM HEAVEN.

Saturday November 12 2016  “GIVING IS GOOD, GETTING IS BETTER”

 

“GIVING IS GOOD, GETTING IS BETTER”

Kathleen Martens

November 12, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

“Giving is good, getting is better”

I must admit it caught my attention,

As I read the headline across the ad

Such an easy phrase for retention

 

It seems the way our world thinks,

“What about me?  What about me?”

While the needs and wants of others,

So few take time to see.

 

If giving is good perhaps we should pause

And consider giving should be our fate,

But if GETTING IS BETTER as the ad says

Surely others will see that WE rate.

 

In other words spend lots of money

To buy whatever and anything you desire.

If anyone is worth it, surely you are

Because getting more is what you conspire.

 

And the more you get, the more you want

And giving is out of the question.

And soon your wants consume your days

And it becomes a rampant infection.

 

And as a virus it goes unchecked,

And the masses come down with the same,

“Giving is good BUT GETTING IS BETTER”

Seems to be the name of the game!

 

When I opened my email and read the above quote as a headline for an ad, it gave me pause to think.  It doesn’t really matter whose ad coined those words because it seems that is the underlying current of most ads.  YOU ARE WORTH IT!  How sad it is that our society has such a desire to “get” so much.  I must admit that I have been a guilty party at one time or another.  I don’t know if it is because of age or something else but I no longer have the desire to get, get, get.  I just wished I had learned that principle years ago.  If I had, perhaps I wouldn’t have so much to get rid of now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday November 11 2016  WHAT A MESS!

How in the world can I create so much mess when all I am trying to do is clean everything up?  I’ve come to the conclusion that this house is just too big!  I seem unable to finish one room before another needs attention for some reason or the other. 

I am currently working several hours a day on my sister’s photo album.  I know it probably gets boring hearing me repeat the same thing over and over, but people always ask me how am I so busy, so I thought I’d just fill you in.  I am still working on the studio, trying to get it emptied out.  I am boxing up books in the library in order to get things ready for its move when the studio area is empty.  And then I am trying to work on the album so I can be finished with it in order to get my craft room in some semblance of order.

And everything I do causes more work someplace else.  For instance, I had stacks and stacks of printed pages of poetry accumulated from the past several years which needs to be sorted and filed in proper sequence.  I’m talking about several thousand pages.  Those pages are being relocated into my office where I have more counter work-space and can do the sorting and binder filing.  The only problem is that I still have a couple of thousand poems to type up and file which are written in the pages of my journals.  I feel an urgency to do that so I can find the poems I need for certain publications I want to do.  Perhaps typing and editing my poetry is not a big deal to most people.  However, some of my favorite poems are among the pages of the past and it is important to me to have at least one typed copy of each.  The poems in my journals are the ones that have always been created through inspiration and spiritual times in my life.  The ones written in my blogs are the ones that come easily from whatever topic I may have discussed in the blog the day I write the poem.

I must stay focused and know that the mess will eventually be emptied out.  It is still difficult for me to part with “things” that help me recall memories, but the more I purge, the easier it becomes.  So, I will start by writing shorter blogs, shorter poems, and spend less time writing and more time logging those which I have already written.  Soon I will be finished with the album (perhaps in 3-4 months) and that will free some more time as well.  In December I plan to write poetry only for the blog space and on some days I might delight you with some of my previous work.  It goes all the way back to the 1960’s when I learned how to type.

Yes, things may look in disarray, but I know where everything is, my tools are accessible, I have space to work, and I am accomplishing more than I thought possible.  I am a fortunate person because I have been able to accomplish two passions in a lifetime.  I accept that writing poetry is truly a gift from God given to me in my childhood.  It has given me comfort in some of my bleakest hours.  And then to able to follow a dream to become a photographer and work in a field I loved was like icing on the cake. 

As far as I am concerned, photography and poetry go hand in hand.  I hope the words of my poetry create a mental reflection that is beautiful, calming, and speaks to the soul; just as I hope my photography creates beautiful poetry spoken silently to the heart.  Thus, “Visions of Poetry” was born.  I do not publish my professional art on the blog but rather include real life; daily situations which help tell my own personal story.

 

A PIECE OF TIME

Kathleen Martens

November 11, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A piece of time

Captured in word,

A portrait captured

With words unheard.

 

Simple beauty

Seen with the eye

Can put a song in the heart

And soar to the sky.

 

Descriptive thoughts

Shared from a soul

Paint a beautiful portrait

For the heart to hold.

 

Lord, thank You for the beauty I see around me each day.

Thank You Jesus for the gift of SEEING poetry in Your creation!

Thank You too for the words You place in my heart.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

I HAVE A PARTY TO ATTEND TO!

Thursday November 10 2016  SO MANY CHOICES

 

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Kathleen Martens

November 10, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

We all have many choices

That come along each day,

Even a small choice

Often has much to say.

 

We choose our clothes,

We choose our style,

Some choices are small,

Some worthwhile.

 

We choose what we eat.

When and where,

How much or how little

Depends on our care.

 

We choose to have children,

Or possibly not,

And choices have consequences

Whether we like it or not.

 

We choose our car,

We choose our spouse,

And if we have enough money

We choose our house.

 

How we choose

Determines how we live.

What is left over

Determines if we can give.

 

We may desire to exist

In a perfect little world

To escape the turmoil

The human race unfurls.

 

But do we give pause

To really think ahead

And wonder where we’ll live

After we are dead?

 

With all of our choices

Do we take serious heed

As to what choice to make

So as to heaven will lead?

 

While on earth

We experience tears and laughter,

But we must choose God

In order to live happily ever after.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU!

Wednesday November 9 2016  A GOOD DAY?

Of what does a good day consist?  Did you wake up to a “good day” today?  Today is a day that will go down in history.  Did you stay up last night to watch through the night to see what history would report?  Is your heart heavy or are you rejoicing?  It all depends from what perspective you view the outcome of a long and arduous battle of political differences 

I am having a good day!  Before you jump to conclusions let me clarify my perspective.  I long ago made up my mind that regardless my circumstances, regardless my pain, my health, my business, or anything else that might interrupt the flow of my day, that every day when I awakened I would say in my heart, “This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it”.  And so today was and is a good day.  If the outcome of the election had a different outcome would I feel the same?  Absolutely!  I know that my circumstances and those happening around me are not what give me joy, peace, satisfaction, or even security.  My hope and security is in the Lord.  My joy comes from God.  My peace is instilled within me because Jesus abides within me.  And regardless the outcome of a political election my satisfaction and contentment and outlook for my future is grounded in the plans God has for me.   

I also believe God has a plan for the United States of America.  If you know me well you will have heard me state that I believe God is in control and puts the leaders in place just as the scriptures read.  Did I look forward to voting for either candidate?  No, I did not.  Those who I thought prepared to lead our country were long ago discarded.  I decided not to vote.  I could not vote for either candidate with a clear conscience.  But, in the end, I did make my decision, stood in line to vote, and prayed that God’s will be done in this election.  And that doesn’t mean that God’s will was necessarily the one for whom I voted.  But I did my part. 

I will pray for the president and vice president elect, our house and senate, as well as others who work for the government.  I will pray that they will seek truth and be filled with wisdom.  I will pray for protection over our service men and police officers.  I will pray that peace and love will be instilled in the hearts of our countrymen so that hate and discrimination are no longer prevalent.  I choose to not waste my time with a hang-dog look.  I choose to not speak negatively about the outcome of the election.  And I choose to not carry a heavy load because of who will was elected to the office of President of the United States.  Rather I choose to hold his name up before God that God will give Donald Trump strength and wisdom to be the leader our country needs.  I pray that our country will be restored to peace and love between all citizens.  My prayers sound like a tall order and more than likely the sinful conditions of our world will never cease to be until the Lord returns and we have a new heaven and a new earth.  But I always remember the scripture that says:

“2 Chronicles 7:14

…if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

And so this is what I choose to do.

 

THIS IS THE DAY GOD HAS MADE

Kathleen Martens

November 9, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

God is the one

Who sees the future ahead.

Moses and the Israelites

Out of Egypt led.

 

David fought the giant

With a slingshot and a stone,

And God rescued Daniel from the lion

Without a pain or moan.

 

And when Isaac was on the alter

Instead of a lamb,

The God of provision

Provided a bleating ram.

 

When Job was in torment

With illness, loss, and pain,

God knew the future,

And replaced Job’s loss with gain.

 

When the world seems forsaken

God always has a plan,

Regardless of elections,

Be it woman or man.

 

In His everlasting scriptures

God’s ultimate plan ensues,

Even the outcome of an election

Is not something for man to rue.

 

What we must remember

Is this is the day God has made.

And in the course of history

God’s plan will never fade.

 

Thank You Father for a peaceful election.

Thank You for a society that transfers the authority of its leaders peaceably.

Thank You Lord that You are in control of our lives when we offer ourselves to You.

And thank You Lord that You can restore peace and love in our hearts for others.

Thank You Lord that this is a good day!

 

Remember, it is attitude that will change how you view the world.  And it is only you who chooses what attitude you will have in your heart.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday November 8, 2016  BLOG POETRY DAY!

 

OUR LIFE IS BUT A BANK ACCOUNT

Kathleen Martens

November 8, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Our life is but a bank account

With a new deposit each day

Of eighty six thousand four hundred seconds,

To use any which way.

 

Every second is a treasure

That we must decide how to use.

How we spend it is up to us,

Or we can squander our seconds and lose.

 

Time must be spent or it is lost,

But once again renews at midnight.

But if unspent and instead squandered

It will expire in silent flight.

 

We can’t spend it twice,

Nor does it carry over into tomorrow.

It has a very short shelf life,

And it can’t be loaned or borrowed.

 

But what we don’t spend on ourselves

We can certainly spend on another

By giving our time and compassion

To help all sisters and brothers.

 

Though our account can’t be transferred

It is so valuable to share your wealth.

So make the most of each second of life

That disappears with quiet stealth.

 

So many decisions we make in a day

As we spend each second given.

We do not know when the deposits cease,

They last only as long as we’re living.

 

So use wisely the gift of a day,

The abundance of NOW simply share.

How we live and show love to others

Will show the richness of our care.

 

For the greatest wealth that we own

Is TIME, our greatest FRIEND.

And how we spend each precious second

Depends on the seconds we tend.

 

The above poem was inspired by a forwarded email that I received a few moments ago from a friend.  I am including the forward below.  I don’t usually forward emails, especially not in a blog, but I thought this one gives pause for thought.  I hope you enjoy it.  The author is unknown.  I took poetic license to highlight its important meaning of life.

 

HERE IS THE FORWARD:

“THE AUTHOR IS NOT KNOWN. IT WAS FOUND IN THE BILLFOLD OF COACH PAUL BEAR BRYANT, ALABAMA, AFTER HE DIED IN 1982

 

THE MAGIC BANK ACCOUNT

Imagine that you had won the following “PRIZE” in a contest:

Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has Rules:

The set of Rules:

1. Everything that you didn’t spend during each day would be taken away from you.

2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account.

3. You may only spend It.

4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day.

5. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time, it can say, “Game Over!” It can close the account, and you will not receive a new one.

What would you personally do?

You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for people you don’t know, because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself – right?

You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right?

ACTUALLY, THIS GAME IS REAL!

Shocked ??? Yes!!!

Each of us is already a winner of this “PRIZE”. We just can’t seem to see it.

The PRIZE is “TIME”

1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds, as a gift of life.

2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is not credited to us.

3. What we haven’t used up that day is forever lost.

4. Yesterday is forever gone.

5. Each morning the account is Refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time WITHOUT WARNING…

SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?

Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars.  Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.

So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life!

Here’s wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day.

Start spending….

“DON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT GROWING OLD

SOME PEOPLE DON’T GET THE PRIVILEGE!”

Monday November 7 2016  HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO CIRCUMSTANCES?

My plans changed today when I received one telephone call.  I had a window of time and my good intention was to go to the gym.  The call was from a long-time friend and we talked for almost two hours!  And I don’t regret it.  My friend has been going through a long arduous journey of cancer treatments.  Lately she hasn’t had many “good days”, as far as feeling well, due to the weeks and months of chemo.  Today was a good day and I was so happy to hear from her.  She sounded stronger and her voice was vibrant.  We had such a great conversation.  Moments such as these are precious as well as priceless.  Every day of our lives is a gift and there is no better reminder than beating cancer!  She still has more treatments to go and then a mastectomy.  And we have faith that she will be a survivor.

Never take a day for granted.  We are so privileged living in this country.  We are so fortunate to have food available to us that is abundant as well as food that is nutritious.  How awesome it is that we can pick up a phone and hear a friend’s voice hundreds of miles away on the phone line talking to us.  So many things that we take for granted that so many other people don’t even have available.  When I flush the toilet I think of all the fresh water it takes to flush it and I think of those that don’t even have fresh safe drinking water.  Look around you, open your eyes to what is available to you every single day and remember to be grateful.  When things don’t go as you planned and you may want to grumble and complain, stop and really take a look at your life.  Are you healthy?  Can you see?  Can you walk, Can you hear?  Do you have food to eat?  Do you have a toilet to flush and a roof over your head?  Do you have a good friend who calls you on the telephone?

I look at my life and give thanks to God over and over throughout the day for all the amenities which are available to me.  I thank him for my health and for the medical treatments available to my friend to fight the killer cells that are trying to take away her life.  I thank God for every bite of food that I eat.  I thank God that I can see and feel and hear and taste and walk and so on and so on…  When life tries to get you down, check your attitude, choose to respond positively to both people and circumstances that would try to undermine you.  Regardless your circumstances find something for which you can be thankful and then find another and another.  You may be surprised how your circumstances may even begin to change or how people will begin to treat you differently.  You may not have control over your circumstances but you do have control as to how you respond to those circumstances.

My friend is so full of life and hope and dreams (yes, even we older people love life and have hope and dreams) and every day is so precious.  She shared with me that before these treatments began that she was going to go forward with a positive attitude, giving thanks IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES and determined to finish the treatments even before they began.  Her attitude is what has kept her going and now she is seeing positive results.

Stop for a moment and give yourself an appraisal.  Do you believe your hours and days are precious?  If not, take a closer look.  Look around you and open your eyes to the value of this day.  So…I have not accomplished today what I had planned to do.  In the scheme of my life how important is that?  Sometimes we have to roll with the punches; like going through months of cancer treatment, or something as simple as not going to the gym.  I’m not trivializing, I’m just saying that primarily it is our attitude that will best help us do what we must do, regardless of how difficult, inconvenient, or uncomfortable it may be.  We cannot walk in another’s shoes so we should never be condemning or be judgmental of how another may respond to pain, sorrow, disappointment, or illness, but rather we may choose to walk along beside them, lending an listening ear, encouraging them, praying with and for them, rejoicing when they rejoice and crying with them when they cry.  And the best part of the journey for me is knowing God and having a deep and abiding relationship with Him; knowing that I am doing my best to walk on His righteous path regardless the circumstances.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTITUDE

Kathleen Martens

November 7, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

An attitude of gratitude

Is a nice rhyming phrase,

But what does it really mean

As we walk through our days.

 

There is always so much

For which to give thanks

Through both the happy times

And even during angst.

 

When we have trouble

And don’t know what to do,

Sometimes how we take it

Will help our journey through.

 

When problems come along

We must decide how to act,

And what we speak is important

As its best to speak with tact.

 

Be aware of your manner

As well as your approach.

Lean on God and listen,

He is the wisest coach.

 

Let a bit of sunshine

Shine from your heart each day.

When your attitude is positive

It will light another’s way.

 

It matters not what happens.

What matters is how you respond.

When your stance is positive

It can help right lots of wrongs.

 

It’s not necessary to just be right,

But to react with gentle grace.

An optimistic mind-set

May help another to save face.

 

Thank You God for this day.

Thank You God for friends.

Thank You God that I can see.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

Sunday Sabbath November 6 2016  “FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE”

The following Sabbath Sunday poem and title was inspired by today’s sermon I heard at City Church, Madison Wisconsin, by Pastor Derrick Wright: “FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE”. 

 

FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE

Kathleen Martens

November 6 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

What is your fear that lingers inside?

What frightens you most in the darkest night?

To whom do you turn for comfort and peace?

What do you do to make it right?

 

Rise up and take a stand,

Fear not what the world can do.

Fear not anything for God never fails,

He dispenses FAITH to get you through.

 

How much do you choose to love God

In order fulfill your purpose while here?

God has ordained a plan for your life,

And it is because of FAITH you need never fear.

 

Fear not what comes your way.

To live is Christ!  To die is to gain!

Allow no room where fear can live,

And fear will always wane.

 

Rather face the fears that attack.

Rise up in victory with FAITH!

Push all fear down to the depths

As daily transformed, in FAITH you bathe.

 

Bask in God’s renewing strength,

Let the past be the past.

There is no place for fear to dwell

Because God’s love will always last.

 

God’s perfect love casts out fear

Because God is with you forever,

So where He is, fear cannot abide

Therefore pursue God with great endeavor!

 

“Matthew 10:28 

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

 

“Isaiah 41:10

 So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.”

 

SCRIPTURE READING FOR SUNDAY SABBATH

Psalm 37

¹ Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
² for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.

³ Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
⁴ Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:
⁶ He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
    your vindication like the noonday sun.

⁷ Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.

⁸ Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
    do not fret—it leads only to evil.
⁹ For those who are evil will be destroyed,
    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

¹⁰ A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
    though you look for them, they will not be found.
¹¹ But the meek will inherit the land
    and enjoy peace and prosperity.

¹² The wicked plot against the righteous
    and gnash their teeth at them;
¹³ but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
    for he knows their day is coming.

¹⁴ The wicked draw the sword
    and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
    to slay those whose ways are upright.
¹⁵ But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
    and their bows will be broken.

¹⁶ Better the little that the righteous have
    than the wealth of many wicked;
¹⁷ for the power of the wicked will be broken,
    but the Lord upholds the righteous.

¹⁸ The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care,
    and their inheritance will endure forever.
¹⁹ In times of disaster they will not wither;
    in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

²⁰ But the wicked will perish:
    Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,
    they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

²¹ The wicked borrow and do not repay,
    but the righteous give generously;
²² those the Lord blesses will inherit the land,
    but those he curses will be destroyed.

²³ The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in him;
²⁴ though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

²⁵ I was young and now I am old,
    yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
    or their children begging bread.
²⁶ They are always generous and lend freely;
    their children will be a blessing.^[b]

²⁷ Turn from evil and do good;
    then you will dwell in the land forever.
²⁸ For the Lord loves the just
    and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed^[c];
    the offspring of the wicked will perish.
²⁹ The righteous will inherit the land
    and dwell in it forever.

³⁰ The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
    and their tongues speak what is just.
³¹ The law of their God is in their hearts;
    their feet do not slip.

³² The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
    intent on putting them to death;
³³ but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked
    or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

³⁴ Hope in the Lord
    and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
    when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

³⁵ I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
    flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,
³⁶ but he soon passed away and was no more;
    though I looked for him, he could not be found.

³⁷ Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
    a future awaits those who seek peace.^[d]
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
    there will be no future^[e] for the wicked.

³⁹ The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
    he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
⁴⁰ The Lord helps them and delivers them;
    he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
    because they take refuge in him.

Saturday November 5 2016  FALL BACK

 

THE HANDS OF TIME

Kathleen Martens

November, 5, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Thank goodness for husbands

Who listen to the news

To remind us old folks

The clock turns back at 2:00.

 

Nothing worse than forgetting

To change the old clock hands

That faithfully ticks in the hall

Its grandfatherly commands.

 

And the clock in the dressing room

That circle each hour each day

Its hands must be manually moved

To proceed correctly on their way.

 

And the clock my son made

That hangs proudly on the library wall

It too must be synchronized

Or tomorrow, today’s commands recall.

 

And then the little bird clock

The chirps on each hour

Must be hand coordinated

As they have no WiFi power.

 

And my windup watch

That sits patiently in a drawer,

Will continue on its merry way

Until I wear it once more.

 

And I must not forget the car

Which I learn anew each time

How to reset the dashboard lights

So the hour will read just fine.

 

And the microwave is so old

New numbers must be put in

So that I can stay on track

And correctly my timer end.

 

 

And then all the computers,

The smart phones and T.V.

Fortunately have a better memory

And at 2:00 am will be set free.

 

More than likely there’s another clock,

But I can’t remember where,

And someday when I least expect it

Its face will give me a stare.

 

REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR TONIGHT!

GOOD NIGHT!  HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR EXTRA HOUR OF SLEEP IN THE MORNING!