Visions of Poetry

Wednesday May 4 2016  EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER

Experiential knowledge is sometimes the best teacher. 

Think about a newborn baby, born into the world without any experience, no knowledge, and no language.  Just think of all the experiences that await that newborn in order to acquaint them with life.  Life is experience.  Experience becomes knowledge.  Knowledge builds and as we grow we draw upon our life experiences for each decision we make.  And through the experiences we go through we have better understanding and compassion for others who may eventually go through some of the same situations we have already gone through.

Some experiences are good.  Some experiences are not.  Some experiences cause grief and sorrow.  God never “makes us” to go through painful situations but it does happen, such as death, accident, injury, divorce, abuse, and many other situations which leave sadness and regret in their wake.  What the devil means for evil God turns it into something good.  And what more perfect thing can one do with their experiential knowledge than to walk alongside someone else who is now going through what they experienced.

Think about the ways that you can use the lessons you have learned through your experiences in life to help another find healing.  My friend recently lost her husband to Parkinson’s disease.  It was a long road of grief and sorrow for her before her husband died.  So many new obstacles to overcome as the unknown and dreaded disease took its toll.  It was not easy for her, nor for her husband.  She has been in support groups in order to help her learn and adjust to all the changes that took place in their lives as they battled this unrelenting disease.  And today she told me that she is still going to the support groups, but now it is to reach out to others and to help them walk through their journey.  Experience is the best teacher.  Suffering the emotional pain that she went through is the best teacher that enables her to help others make it through their pain.  God is bringing people to my friend who just need to talk, or cry, as well as those that just need to know there are others out there willing to help them get through one day at a time.   Experience, it speaks a thousand words, sometimes without even uttering a sound.

I would venture to say that none of us have gone through life unscathed.   What in your life has given you the experience to help another?  Think back to your darkest days and remember those who were there for you.  Ask yourself this question: “What do you think God would have you do with your experiential knowledge?”  Many people are hurting.  Each situation is a bit different but oftentimes the pain is universal.  Perhaps you could think about making yourself available to help others through something you have already forded.  Maybe it will even make a difference for their eternity.  When you reach out to another it is recognized and received as “LOVE”.  God commands us to go and love one another.  What a better way to do that, than to reach out when someone is in pain, and help them get through the kind of pain you have already experienced.  We ALL NEED HELP at some time or another in our lives.  Perhaps we should ALL EXTEND HELP at some time or another.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE GOD’S GREAT PLAN

By Kathleen Martens

May 4, 2016

Just one life I have to give

In the perfect will of God to live.

When He beckons do I come?

Or away am I apt to run?

Pain and sorrow I’ve lived through,

And with that experience what shall I do?

Have I learned what I need to know

In order to show others new ways to go?

Have I wisdom to share with another,

To give a helping hand to a sister or brother?

Even when I have experienced sorrow

God makes it good in my tomorrows.

That I in turn will reach out and extend

A helping hand to stranger or friend.

To be their strength and give them hope,

Offering encouragement for them to cope.

Never underestimate God’s great plan

Of what He has for each woman, each man.

Your experience may save another’s soul.

Let God’s plan, be your ultimate goal.

God, thank You for all the people in my life who have helped me in so many ways.

Thank You Lord for every poem I write.

Thank You Father for being such a good Father. 

Thank You Lord for the plan You have for my life.

Thank You Lord that I am sitting here in the quiet of my office with my heart turned toward You.

Thank You that I still have the freedom to worship You in my country.

Thank You Father for daily opening my eyes to the needs of others.

Thank You Lord for the beautiful gift of song writing that you have given Your children.

*Thank You for Fanny Crosby.

Thank You Father for all the poems you have given me over the years.

Thank You Lord for being so awesome and loving.

Thank You Lord that it is well with my soul.

Thank You too for my three hole punch.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

From website:  www.wholesomewords.org

*Fanny Crosby

Tuesday May 3 2016   WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN YOUR LIFE?

There are so many topics swirling in head that I would like to write about.  I will tell you about just one of them.

I was listening to http://www.southlandchristian.org while at the gym this morning.  The sermons are only 30 minutes in length so I can usually listen to three or four episodes per workout session.  Today I was listening to the series “PERISCOPED”.  The sermon title is: “Peri-live” presented on November 15, 2015.  The pastor relayed a story about a 96 year old man who died.  This elderly man had known the Lord only the last three years of his life.  Before he died the man recorded the words he wanted to share with those who would attend his funeral.  After living 96 years in this world he wanted to share what he felt mattered most in his entire life.  He said, “If I could just tell you what matters I can also tell you what doesn’t matter.”  The man then spoke about what really mattered most to him by quoting the following verse:

1 John 2:15-17

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world you do not have the love of the Father in you.  For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements, and possessions.  These are not from the Father, but are from the world.  And this world is fading away, along with everything that everybody craves.  But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (nlt)

Just this little excerpt from Jon Weece’s sermon gave me much pause for thought.  What words would you speak at your funeral if you really wanted to get your most important point across as to what was most important in your life?  I wonder what words I would share?

I have never really been at a loss for words but this question has been circling around in my thoughts off and on throughout this day without coming to a full conclusion.  After giving this some serious think-tank time I have indeed come up with something I would like to share with others.  My first impression is that the most important thing for me to do would be to focus on my family, my friends, and those I come in contact with to make certain that I share God’s love and salvation with them.  And the most important question I could ever ask myself would be: “ WHAT CAN I DO WHILE HERE ON EARTH THAT WILL MOST AFFECT ETERNITY?” 

We cannot take anything with us when we die except those we love who have also accepted Christ into their own lives.  And one of the greatest investments of my time on earth was, and is, living a life that would be acceptable to God so that our children too would know and accept God’s love, and thus pass on that truth to future generations.  Our investment in our children’s and grandchildren’s spiritual destiny should be of the greatest importance.  It is only though our children and grandchildren that we can influence the future generations.

I AM BUT ONE

By Kathleen Martens

May 3, 2016

I am but one so what can I do?

That will affect now and eternity too?

What is most important, as I live my days?

Is it how much I accrue, or is it what I say?

Is it my possessions, or prayers for another?

My time on the job?  Or time with my brothers?

Years on earth short, eternity unending,

To the earth’s cravings I will be unbending.

When I give to the Lord my precious hours

He fills our lives with His amazing power.

When I share with others God’s precious love,

God pours down more from heaven above.

When I love not the world nor the sin it offers

My treasures are deposited in heaven’s coffers.

I need no pride in what I achieve

Rather place my trust in whom I believe.

When I please God I will live forever,

And throughout eternity we’ll never be severed.

So what is the best investment of my time?

To take to heaven those who are mine.

Thank You God for your amazing Living Word.

Thank You Father for the faith I have in You.

Thank You Lord for all the miracles I experience each day through Your love.

Thank You Lord that I had the opportunity to share a recipe with a lady I met at Walmart today.

Thank You God for a husband so sensitive that he waited to mow the grass so I could rescue a new little Trillium sprout.

Thank You for all the early spring flowers that bloom in our woods and yard.

Thank You for Bluebells.

Thank You for shade.

Thank You for Raspberry Jam!

Thank You that my husband is alive.

Thank You for the powerful sermons I listen to.

Thank You for loving me so much God.

Thank You too for libraries.

And thank You for Your Holy Spirit that speaks to my heart.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Monday May 2 2016  A TIME TO REMEMBER

Oh WOW!  I made it through the weekend.  It was busy, interesting and fun…and exhausting.  I didn’t feel the exhaustion until this morning.  And as I look back over this day I am very proud of myself for getting out of bed, dressing for the gym, doing my grocery run, and working out like a pro!  Had a great lunch and have spent the last two hours working out computer situations that had to be upgraded as well as new downloads that were past due.

All day Friday (the beginning of this past weekend) was taken up with errands and necessity shopping.  Rushed home, changed and attended a performance put on by The Philharmonic Chorus of Madison.  It was absolutely awesome!  It was held at a local church with great acoustics.  The harmony of sound reminded me of what one might hear in nature.  The voices were rich and mellow and the harmony felt as if it were velvet, caressing your heart.  I could just feel the smile spread across my face and fill my spirit to its depth.  It was a magical time of awareness, living the moment.  It was like being in a magic garden of soothing sound.  It was somber, yet lively.  It was both serious and light hearted.  There was a resonance that infiltrated into my soul.   Not only was it beautiful to listen to but a delight to watch the performers.  I could see the sincerity and intense enjoyment they received as their voices blended into exquisite significance.  The moments went by too quickly.

Saturday was an early day, work out time, lunch time, and then off to see a live production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.  It was performed by Abundant Life Christian School which is the school on the campus of City Church, the place where we worship.  It was produced by Sarah Karlen, a long time veteran of many productions in the Madison and outlying areas.  She did a superb job.  The settings were grandiose, the costuming was simply elegant and amazing, and all the actors were outstanding.  The facility was packed with hundreds of people of all ages.  Dave and I both enjoyed it immensely.  Because we were gone while the tickets were being sold we ended up in about the farthest wing, in the third pew from the back.  And still we had a great view!  The show was bigger than life, the sound was excellent and I think I enjoyed the perspective of being so far back so I had a better visual command of the entire stage and surrounding areas.  There was a lot of acting and movement that took place up and down the aisles as well as close to the platform. 

We left the three hour production and headed out to Sun Prairie to pick up our grandsons.  We had a nice dinner out and then home to our abode.  Dave wrestled (the boys’ favorite past time when with Grandpa), I read stories and before I knew it, it was bedtime.  A little later than I would have liked because we all had to rise early the next morning.  At least, as it turned out, Dave and I had to get up extra early to get ready for church, and we didn’t know if the boys were ever going to wake up.  By 7:30 every one was up.  We had a quick breakfast, clean-up and teeth brushing and everyone was out the door by 7:50 a.m.  Gramma and Grandpa can make miracles happen when we need to.

We had a very busy afternoon (which is still a secret), and finally the youngest fell asleep.  Believe me, it was a much needed nap.  I prepared dinner, and the kids (older kids), came over for dinner.  Everyone left but I can’t remember what time it was.  All I remember is that after I had finished putting the house in order it was 9:00 p.m. and I then sat down to watch a little T.V.  That was the end of my day.  I was down for the count.  I did finally make it to my bed when I needed a potty break.

And then came morning.  This morning, when I had not one ounce of energy left.  It was if I had been ZAPPED!  But so far I have made it through the day.  As soon as this blog is published I will be showered and in bed so quickly that Dave won’t know what happened to me.  Another busy day awaits me tomorrow.

I have so much more to talk about.  Having the boys here this weekend reminded me of so many memories from the past.  It is quite uncanny to see how much Zachariah looks like his father.  His resemblance propels me back in time to the memories I cherish of my own little boy and girl.  I think I was fortunate to have one of each.  It’s as if two little boys instigate so much more rambunctious activity than did one little boy and one little girl.  Whew!  I dodged a bullet.  Sorry Amy that there are so many males that reside in your house.  Boys may be easier to rear when they are older, but they certainly are not easier when so young and full of vinegar.  Dave is a bit worse for the wear after being a human springboard in the wrestling arena on the living room floor.  He said the after-pain is worth it because these are the happy memories that his grandson’s will carry forward.  What they’ll probably remember about me is that this was a weekend without T.V., computers, I Pads, cell phones, or video games.  That’s how I planned it.  I didn’t say anything about the loss of such items until Zach brought it up and asked if he could use my computer.  He was not such a happy camper but went along without the use of electronics as graciously as any 8 year old boy could possibly do.  However, he did say he might not come back again.  Uh-Oh!  Oh well, we are still bigger than he is.  He said it with a smile!  He brought a book with him so when he was not engaged by one of the adults and Xander was sleeping, he enjoyed reading his book.  I also did a lot of reading to both boys.

IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE

By Kathleen Martens

May 2, 2016

How can I remember I need to slow down?

I forget old age has me bound.

I bite off a lot and it gets tough to chew,

And I’ll do it again before I am through.

Two little boys can run you ragged,

Make you tired and feel quite haggard.

But a mom needs a break as well as a dad

And so it’s our boon because we get the lads!

I’ll use my last strength as well as last breath

To do all I can before I meet death.

Making memories is the gift we can give

To two little boys, to remember as long as they live.

And it is so much fun to tell our stories,

Yet I’m sure at times it may be quite boring.

But the boring times they won’t remember

When they are old and no longer quite limber.

It’s hard to imagine that our years will end,

But I hope not before we can be their friends,

All grown up with families of their own,

With great-grandchildren who are yet unknown.

God, thank You for such a wonderful weekend.

Thank You Lord for the energy to make it through this day.

Thank You Father that I had honey roasted peanut butter in my refrigerator this weekend.

Thank You God that these two boys survived this weekend.

Thank You God that WE SURVIVED THIS WEEKEND!

Thank You God for the great sermons I am listening to everyday from SOUTHLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

Thank You Father for being such a good Father to me.

Thank You God for all the smiles You have placed on my face.

Thank You God that I was able to get everything accomplished on my computer today.

Thank You for grapes.  They are so good.

Thank You for creating music Lord.  The very sound of beautiful music just seems to worship You.

Thank You for loving me God despite knowing me so well.

Thank You God that I still have some hair on my head. 

Thank You God for my fingers.

But mostly, thank You for two such wonderful grandsons.

GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE.  GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.

Saturday April 30 2016  MULTI-TASKING:  THE ART OF THE YOUNG

I will be the first to admit that I don’t multi-task as readily as I was able to you when I was younger.  I’ve only recently noticed in the last year or so that it is a bit more difficult.  But, I want you to know that as of this moment, while writing this blog, I am MULTI-TASKING in a big way.

Lots to do today so I must put all gears in motion.  Right now I am writing, chewing a mouthful of lunch, as I sit at the kitchen counter, keeping watch over a pot that is cooking with rice for tomorrow night’s dinner, as well as keeping an eye on the clock to make certain I am prepared to wrap things up in one hour so I can get ready to see a live musical production this afternoon.  We then leave from there to pick up our grandsons which we will have as our guests for the rest of the weekend.  We plan to take them out to dinner and then have a quiet story time and conversation before bedtime.  Now that might sound interesting to a couple of old fogies like us but I am skeptical as to whether or not the boys will think it will be “fun”.

By the way, the lunch that I am eating consist of my famous AMBROSIA with black angus beef patties scrambled into it.  It is delicious.  I also have a beautiful salad (beautiful because I say it is), topped with avocado and feta cheese.  My two prunes snuggle in close to my three delicious strawberries.  How do I know that the strawberries are delicious?  Because I just ate about 4 or 5 right out the cleaned bowl full.  They actually have a true strawberry flavor!

Dave and I spent time perusing Michael’s Craft Store looking for just the right something for the boys to do as a gift for their mom.  I can’t say what it is, I don’t know how it will go over, nor do I know whether my house will survive the potential mess, but I think they will have fun doing it.  We’ll do that Sunday after church.  I just hope it takes a bit of thought on their part and they are not finished in five minutes or less.  More about that after Mother’s day.

Tomorrow may be my first day in months and months (sans the night I was sick and Dave wrote my blog for me) that I will not write a blog.  You may want to check just in case.  Our day tomorrow will be even more packed than today.  The boys have a way of keeping us both busy and occupied.  However, do check to see if one is there because if I have time after publishing this one there is something I would like to get ready and will go ahead and publish my concoction tomorrow just so you know I’ll be thinking about you.  I really do appreciate all of my readers who check in every day and I even appreciate all of my readers who check in every once in a while.  I know I write a lot and people’s schedules are busy and hectic.  But hey, it might be worth it, because every once in a while I actually write something pretty good.  I just have fun doing the writing.  I hope you enjoy reading what I write.

I just discovered that writing a blog while I am eating actually makes my lunch last a very long time.  It seems there are advantages in most things.

WHEN YOUR ATTITUDE IS RIGHT

By Kathleen Martens

April 30, 2016

No matter how busy

Or how hectic my day

Life is so awesome

Whether at work or at play.

I look forward to living

Regardless what’s to be done,

When your attitude’s right

Whatever you do is fun.

And I find satisfaction

In whatever the task

Because my body still functions

And does what I ask.

I never take it for granted,

For each year strength wanes,

So I’ll do all I can

Until I’m riddled with pain.

And perhaps then

I’ll just sit around.

And if you can find me

I’ll be writing something down.

But in the meantime

I thank God for His grace,

And for my daily strength

I will seek His face.

For however long I can do

And for how long I can think

I will thank God for all the words

He allows me to capture in ink.

Lord thank You for this day of life.

God thank You for creating strawberries.

Thank You Father for the knowledge I read in Your Scriptures.

Thank You God for all the words You have put in my heart.

Thank You God for the fact that I was born and was introduced to You at a young age.

Thank You Lord for holding me close and never letting me go.

Thank You for grains that You have created.

Thank You that I was born into a country that was fashioned to be a country of freedom.

Thank You God for all that will not be allowed in heaven.

Thank You God that there will be no more death in heaven.

Thank You God that there will be no more darkness.

Thank You God that there will be no more pain.

Thank You God that there will be no more disorder or chaos in heaven.

And thank You God that You have given me peace in my heart while I am still here on earth.

Thank You God for chickens.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY, EVENING AND NIGHT.  REMEMBER THAT GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS TO HOLD YOU CLOSE EVERYDAY IF YOU BUT ALLOW HIM TO.

Friday April 29 2016  DEAR ELDERS, I’M SORRY

Interesting title to say the least, but I thought it worth repeating.  Dave asked me to listen to a message on U-Tube with this title.  And I am going to pass on that suggestion.  The web address is too complex so just google “Dear Elders, I’m Sorry, U-Tube” and it should come up.  Several come up.  This one was the first on the list when I googled it.  The speaker is a young woman with blond hair, sitting behind the wheel of a car.  If you listen I think you will be amazed at what she says.

Now the question regarding this blog is if I can write it by the time Dave gets out of the shower.  I just arrived home from a doctor’s appointment and he just arrived home from the gym.  We have an exceptionally busy day ahead and the only blog I will be able to write is in these few moments.  Tonight, our night out ends later than usual and I know I will need to get to bed.

It looks like everything shows fine with the mammogram I had today.  There was some suspicious areas of concern so they scheduled an ultra sound immediately following the mammogram.  The ultra sound showed nothing suspicious so I received a good report.  If you know my history you will know that this is good news.

Today I am still basking in my great accomplishments over the past two days (remember the freezers).  I feel liberated from that job for another year.  Now Dave and I have the freedom to go and gather all that is needed to sustain our household for the next couple of weeks.  In order to save money and not have food products expire, we choose to shop more often for exactly what is needed, instead of stocking ahead.  It is actually more fun that way because I then tend to cook up all the food I buy as I have all the spices and ingredients I need for that specific recipe.  I discovered a lot of new recipes today as I was waiting and perusing a magazine.  I took a few pictures of the recipes I wanted to try.   If they turn out great I’ll let you know.

I just heard the shower water go off.  Must hurry!

I REALLY DO LIKE THIS RETIREMENT THING

By Kathleen Martens

April 29, 2016

This poem is just a hello

As well as a quick good-bye.

Today is gone before it’s begun

So quickly away I must fly.

All is well on the home front.

My mind is full and spinning.

My list is long of places to go

So thus my early beginning.

Here and there and everywhere

To get all the little things done.

But when we do it together

It is always a lot of fun.

I really do like this retirement thing

Of planning my day as I choose.

So I try to plan my time wisely

For I no longer have an excuse…

…Not to finish what I begin

For each day is at my heeding.

I can plan according to what must be done

And spend the rest of my time just reading.

Lord, thank You for the time I have every day to live life.

Thank You that my mammogram had good results.

Thank You for books.

Thank You than I can read.

Thank You for the love you put in my heart.

Thank You for the lovely spring we are having.

Thank You for yesterday’s rain.

Thank You for paper.

Thank You for a bathroom that is all put back together.

Thank You for wash cloths.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!  AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Thursday April 28 2016  ANOTHER DAY DONE

I truly did not believe that so much could be packed into one single day.  Which is a good thing because it makes my days seem very long, thus, it makes me feel as if I am living longer.  And on the flip side of the coin, it seems as if my days fly by every time I write the date on a new blog.  I know the months disappear with the bat of an eye (not to mention the years).  You may just have to get old to experience such a malady.

Again today we packed a full one.  Yesterday and today are days I am glad have passed.  Two freezer defrosts in two days!  That is a bit much.  And I have one more small one to do tomorrow (maybe).  It may need to wait until next week due to how packed our tomorrow is.  The freezer left to do is the one in the kitchen under the fridge compartment.  It is packed full and needs some purging.  I have a little bit of space left in the outside freezer I defrosted today.  And as much as I hate to admit it, I think some of the inside foods may be too old to eat because I never dig deep enough to see what is under the top layer.  I would never choose to have an “under drawer” freezer again.  Nor a side by side. 

All that is left to do is to wash all the towels I used to sop up the melted ice.  Both freezers are repacked in order of what to use first.  I don’t think I will need to make more soup this year.  We’ll just need to eat all the produce up as we receive it.  I need to use up about 150 quarts of soup before making more.  It is one of my favorite breakfast meals.

One last worker had to show up today to fix our self-closing magic drawers in our bathroom vanity.  He spent quite a bit of time re-working them and tightening some screws in order to make them function properly.  The drawers are now working fine, for the time being.

Tomorrow is prep day for our boys coming to spend part of the weekend with us.  Court has finals this weekend and Amy needs a bit of a reprieve on occasion.  We are glad to have any excuse to have them over.  Court will come over after work on Sunday (yes, he works most Sundays) and Amy will meet him here for dinner.  Guess what we’re having for dinner?  YEP!  SOUP!  I’ll set the jars out on Saturday and have them defrosted by Sunday.  I’ll add a salad to it and put fresh chicken breast in the soup when I heat it up.  It is a vegetable medly so I will also add a rich hearty grain to it also.  It will be yummy! 

Dave and I have come up with a unique weekend for the boys.  I hesitate to write anything in the blog, perchance Court and Amy may read it and mention it to the boys.  If they knew what we planned the boys might not want to come.  I’ll let you know how it turns out.  It should be an interesting experiment because it is totally opposite of what they are used to.  But, we think it will be fun once they realize we are serious about our endeavor.

Time is passing all too quickly and I still have hopes of getting to bed early.  I must leave the house in the morning by 7:00 a.m. as I have a 7:30 a.m. doctor’s visit scheduled.  Then I’ll go to the gym, then Dave and I have a myriad of other forays that must be accomplished before the setting sun.

A DAY’S END

By Kathleen Martens

April 28, 2016

Oh the sweetness of a job well done,

Especially one you didn’t want to do.

And what makes it even better

Is that I had to do two.

Now evening yawns offering solace,

And my bed offers promised rest.

Such a good feeling it is to know

That today I did my best.

Whatever I do, I do unto the Lord,

For He gives me strength for each day.

I’m just thankful I can work so hard

And that God is with me all the way.

Someday I may not be so able to work

Or do things for another.

That is why I put in my years

To be the world’s greatest mother!

And I say the last, all in jest,

Hoping these words my kids will read.

So they can get ready to work real hard

When it is them that I will need.

Uh Oh, I hope they hear my smile in the last two stanzas above.  I couldn’t resist writing them because I needed something to rhyme with “another”.  I love you Court and Amy!  I love you Rebecca and Neil!  AND JUST FOR THE RECORD…THEY ALL WORK REALLY REALLY HARD!

So…do I send the poem or not?  If this last sentence gets printed, it means I sent it.

Thank You Lord for my children.

Thank You for our grandsons.

Thank You God for my extended family.

Thank You for this day of hard work.

Thank You that my feet are doing well.

Thank You for my shoes.

Thank You for the sermons I found to listen to from Southland Christian Church in Lexington Kentucky.

Thank You Lord for bringing to me the messages I need to hear at such appropriate times.

Lord, Thank You for soup.

Thank You God that I like soup.

Thank You God for electricity.

Thank You for lilacs.

Thank You for my nose.

Thank You God for loving me so much.

Thank You for words.

Thank You God for ideas.

Thank You Lord for BLANK ANGUS HAMBURGERS.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!