Sunday Sabbath July 16 2017  A BIRTHDAY POEM

 

THANK YOU GOD FOR OUR SON

Kathleen Martens

July 16, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

A birthday poem for our son

My husband’s only begotten one.

A joy such as I’ve ever know

When I touched his flesh born from my own.

 

Tiny and helpless – such a wee babe;

Flesh of our flesh our union made.

What a miracle to hold in my arms

The beginning of new love that never fades.

 

And in the morn we celebrate his life,

Also shared with his children and wife.

But in my heart I’m once again

Living the ecstasy of birthing our son.

 

I thank You God for allowing him to live!

What a gift to us that You did give;

Our second child, our firstborn son,

And we thank You God for picking the exact right one!

 

 

Thank You God for the gift of life you allowed me to rear.

Thank You Father for providing just the right earthly father to be his parent.

Thank You Lord for all the joy our son has brought to our lives.

Thank You Lord for this beautiful Sabbath Sunday.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON!  YOU ARE A GREAT JOY TO OUR LIVES!

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

Saturday July 15 2017  A DAY NOT YET FINISHED

THOUGH MY WORK UNDONE

Kathleen Martens

July 15, 2017

 

A day is done

But not the work.

Poof! A day is but gone

And the clock ticks on.

 

A quiet house

Still and serene

Beckons quiet

Not yet seen.

 

So much to do,

Moments are few.

But this poem counts

As one more new.

 

Life bundled up

In two little boys

Who uses up time

While giving unending joy.

 

Days well spent

For eternity’s worth

By depositing love

And receiving mirth.

 

I’m ever so thankful

For the hours shared,

Though my work undone

I do not care.

 

Thank You Father for two delightful days.

Thank You Lord for your safety as we traveled home tonight.

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Friday July 14 2017  YOUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN

When you have children in the house somehow plans invariable change.  What I thought our grand-kids would most enjoy went flying out the window.  We gave them several options but they chose to stay at home and be together.  So the Amish trip flew out the window (even with the lure of picking out their own peanut butter).  We had a leisurely breakfast, and then to keep them busy we enticed them with the all mysterious junk drawer.  Everything was taken out and put on a towel on the kitchen counter and they helped up organize all the little pieces; nails, screws, pins, gadgets, tools, stickers, keys, and a sundry of other odds and ends.  It took a lot of time!  And that was a good thing! 

Of course Dave “wrestled”, and as usual, he was outmatched!  Two against one is becoming harder and harder.  Dave holds his own, but he suffers afterward.  As Dave quoted to me today, “Well, I am 70 you know”.  One time that sounded old, but not anymore.  Old is always ten years beyond where you are at the present.

We asked the boys if they would like to go to Subway for lunch.  Both boys negated the idea.  Zach said he loves my food and Xander told me: “I (Xander) would rather have a healthy meal and what you make would be more healthy than Subway’s”.   (And Zach, ever thoughtful of spending as little as possible, said it was also good because we didn’t have to pay for eating out when we had so much food at home.  It sounds like somebody has been giving these kids some sound advice!

A trip to Costco was our great excursion for the day which culminated in the boys having a soft serve before we left.  I am so proud of the way the boys behave when we go places.  They are kind and thoughtful to Dave and me and to all others.  They don’t complain, beg for treats, wander away or misbehave in any way.  I am proud to be their grandma!

When I sat down at the computer I was not planning to write tonight but Dave is playing a game with the boys as I capture in words the memories of our time together, so I took advantage and capture our day on paper.  It is all too soon over.  Zach and I sat in the library together and each wrote a poem.  I gave him a notebook and challenged him to write a daily poem describing something about his day.  He said he would try.  I find that poetry is a way of looking into the soul of child and discovering what is important to them.  We had the best conversations today that we have thus far experienced in his nine years of life.  Zach is growing up and is curious about so many things: family, life, growing up, God, and the Scriptures. I gave them two verses to memorize today so that they could quote them back to me next week.  They can already quote the two verses in their entirety; as they proved to us on our way home from Costco.  I already have the second two verses to give them when they go home tomorrow night.  I may need to send them their verses to memorize on a timelier basis than just once a week.  I think that is encouraging!

What a gift this day has been.  And another gift awaits tomorrow.  I wonder what it will hold.

 

YOUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN

Kathleen Martens

July 14, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The older generation

Shall teach the younger.

With truth the doors shall open

As children’s hearts begin to hunger.

 

To pass on to your children’s children

The love that God has for them;

To prepare hearts for their heavenly home

By teaching them not to sin.

 

So important to take seriously

What the Word of God tells us to do;

That whosoever believes in Jesus Christ

Shall not perish, but have everlasting life anew.

 

Scripture verses for the boys to memorize:

 

Thank You God for Your protection over this day.

Thank You God for our two grandsons.

Thank You Lord that our children are being raise with righteous parents.

Thank You Lord that our grandsons are open for the teaching of  your word.

 

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

 

John 3:16

For God so love the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  I suppose I can never be for certain when I say I do not plan to write a blog. I wasn’t planning to write tonight and here I am.  I do not hear any commotion above me so I suppose Grandpa has everything under control.       

Thursday July 13 2017  EVERYDAY IS DIFFERENT

No solitude for me today, unless you count being alone in a kitchen working.  And I suppose I also had a bit of personal solitude in a public place as I listened to sermons on my iPhone at the gym.  I walked through the store alone so does that count?  I also didn’t have any sit down moments until I plopped down exhausted at my computer station; that is unless I was eating or driving in the car.  It has been a long day and my healing body (and aging body) is taking it very seriously. 

If I don’t fall asleep while I am typing (which I have done in the past) I may actually come up with a poem. 

 

MY REST WILL BE EARNED

Kathleen Martens

July 13, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Every day is wonderful, regardless what I do.

But at times I tire sooner, because tasks are seldom few.

 

A busy day awaits the morrow with grandsons in tow,

We’ve lot on our calendar and sundry places to go.

 

So tonight I’m soon to bed because my day begins so early.

And I hope to survive the hours without becoming surly.

 

Hopefully early to bed new energy will be caught.

I’m not quite certain if the next two days I’ll even write or not.

 

Perchance I do not blog, be not concerned.

By tomorrow’s darkness, my rest will be earned!

 

 

Thank You God for our grandsons.

Thank You God that Dave and I still have the stamina it takes to be active grandparents.

Thank You for this busy day!

Thank You Lord that I might even squeeze in a bit of solitude before I go to bed.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Wednesday July 12 2017  BLISSFUL SOLITUDE

Determined to have a time of solitude I simply stopped what I was doing and decided nothing else was allowed to crowd into my time space!  I had intended for it to happen at 8:00 a.m. and then I received a phone call.  The call lasted over two hours!  By then Dave was home from his breakfast meeting, and busyness started all over again.  I had not yet showered NOR DID I HAVE ON MY PRESSURE STOCKINGS!  And if you know me I am never up longer that it takes to have a shower before those die-hard stockings are securely pulled up to my knees. 

There is nothing better than a summer rain, loud roars of thunder, and scattered lightning thrown in to create the perfect time of seclusion; especially when I am sitting by my window with a panoramic view.  I ended up taking my shower at 1:00 p.m. and then eating lunch at 2:00 p.m. before finally leaving for the gym.  But…I did have my solitude!

 

SUMMER RAINSTORM

Kathleen Martens

July 12 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Thunder roars

rain pours

thick clouds

darkness shrouds.

Silent earth

claims worth

brilliant flight

lightning strikes.

Flowers greet

moisture sweet

rumbling sounds

solace found.

Summer’s storm

earth reborn.

 

 

Currently I am reading a book titled “Summer A Spiritual Biography of the Season” edited by Gary Schmidt and Susan M. Felch.  It is quite interesting and eye opening, as well as being  an informative book.  The editors’ write a preface before each short story written by many different authors, with spiritual applications relating to both the season and the story’s moral.  I find it intriguing.  The words give me pause to reflect on my own life and I believe the content of what I read influences my poetry.  And when I have a time of solitude it seems that more poetry pours out of my heart.  Here is another poem from this morning:

 

LIVE EACH SEASON AND CELEBRATE THE HOUR

Kathleen Martens

July 12, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Summer days slow down life

But being lazy causes me strife.

How am I to have a restful time?

I simply call it leisure and then all is fine!

 

Fun and play should not cause guilt,

Let leisure wrap you like a quilt.

Set time aside to laugh and play,

Enjoy your “leisure” on a summer day!

 

Summer lasts but for a short while,

Accept sunshine kisses; they create smiles.

When out of doors sing and dance,

Summer’s heat is your guiltless chance.

 

A time to slow down to enjoy creation,

And remember to live each moment’s elation.

Too soon it ends and autumn’s work begins

And the bounty of autumn becomes winter’s friend.

 

Treasure each season and celebrate the hour

Through frost, heat, and summer showers!

Whatever the season live in the present

It makes each hour delightfully more pleasant.

 

Thank You God for sunshine and rain.

Thank You God for the poetry You place in my heart.

Thank You for the little bunny I saw eating my flowers today.

Thank You that You provide food for the animals in nature.

And thank You for the foxes that live on our street!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

P.S.  Even though my library is full to overflowing I was tempted, and succumbed, to buying three more books.  I logged in at www.half.com and purchased the Autumn, Winter, and Spring (A Spiritual Biography of the Season) compiled by the same editors.  I ordered hardbacks and they cost 75 cents each.  I purchased them through the same bookseller so I was able to have a reduction on shipping costs as well.  The cover price on the inside jacket reads $21.99.  I paid less than half of that for my entire purchase, including the shipping.  I plan to read each book in its due season.  I checked to see if my library carries the books. All except Autumn was available.  If you are interested look them up at your library.  If you are interested in finding and purchasing  hard to find books check out www.half.com

Tuesday July 11 2017  YESTERDAY’S FOLLOW-UP

Below are the fourth and fifth poems I wrote yesterday.  These poems follow each other well.  The poem I distinctly referred to yesterday is the second poem.  Please note that the quotes in the second poem are titles of a few of the books sitting on the small shelf beside my chair.  The titles, with the authors’ names will follow at the end.  I enjoy reading from several books each day and not necessarily the same ones two days in a row.  I read for the tidbits of interesting knowledge which different authors impart.  And yes, I usually do finally get to the end of each book.  Sometimes it takes a year or two and by then they are treasured friends.  They live on my shelves and once again I find myself perusing the highlighted areas.  These are the books who become my tried and true friends.

 

MY HEART IS FULL

Kathleen Martens

July 10, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

My heart is full

Of words to write.

I know not when

My thoughts take flight.

 

Influenced by so many books

Titles alone too numerous to tell,

Their words come tumbling out;

Devouring their presence I sit a spell.

 

A deep delight bubbles forth,

Creates a feeling oh so grand.

So many words yet to read

I pray for knowledge to understand.

 

Amazing stories waiting to be read

Include dates of history I should know.

And so many cookbooks I’ve yet to explore

And wisdom awaits regardless the shelf I go.

 

 

THE TITLES ON WHICH I FEED

Kathleen Martens

July 10, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

How can I even begin to choose

What next I’d like to read?

Rather than choose I peruse the shelves

And on many books I feed.

 

Books about “LIVING THE SIMPLE LIFE”

And stories of “PRECIOUS SOLITUDE”.

And about ‘LIVING YOUR UNLIVED LIFE”

And “GOD’S LITTLE INSTRUCTIONS” ALSO EXUDE.

 

“UNLOCKING YOUR LEGACY” is another title;

And “THE QUOTABLE WOMAN” cannot be left out.

“AND LEARN TO REMEMBER” I almost forgot”!

‘Come enhance your memory’, to me it shouts!

 

And the book “AT SEVENTY” is to be read

When that birthday shows its face,

Along with “WHEN I AM AN OLD WOMAN, I SHALL WEAR PURPLE”

Hopefully takes me to a happy place.

 

And “GOD’S FRONT DOOR” sounds so lovely

I can barely wait to read,

And I could go on describing for hours

The titles on which I feed.

 

 

UPDATE:  The soft-touches were added to the new Library today by my friend Carolyn.  Now the work is up to me; the next step being to have my artwork enlarged and framed.  Once I have that completed Carolyn will come back and help me design my wall displays.  But, oh….what awesome bliss it is to walk into a room that has been created as a sanctuary.  To be able to experience such freedom as to sit, meditate, and spend time with God, experience solitude, view nature, and most of all…to create, opens up endless opportunities for me.  I don’t know if I have ever had a room quite like it!  I am also so thankful for Carolyn offering her expertise and time to create such a special environment that I can share with others.   I AM TRULY GRATEFUL!  Her gift of time is received as a gift of love.

 

Below is today’s poem:

 

OH THE PEACEFUL FEELING

Kathleen Martens

July 11, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Oh the peaceful feeling

Of order in this space;

An invitation of leisure

Beckons me to this place.

 

Day or night I hear the call

To come bask in God’s presence,

And now I have a peaceful place

To soak in His essence.

 

Lord, I feel so wealthy

When I view Your creation

Which You lovingly lavish on me

As my heart overflows with elation!

 

A place to sit – a place to pray

In serenity all my own,

But I know nothing belongs to me

For everything I have You own.

 

And oh it is such a comfort

That regardless where I go

You are always right beside me

Whether mountains or valleys below.

 

But tonight I chose to thank You

And consecrate this room for Your glory.

And to You I offer this space

That it be used to share Your story.

 

Thank You God for our time together.

Thank You God that You are my true wealth.

Thank You God for seasons on this earth as well as seasons in our lives.

Thank You Father for continually teaching me through Your Word.

 

The following are the list of books and author from the poem THE TITLES ON WHICH I FEED:

 

“LIVING THE SIMPLE LIFE”  Elaine St. James

“PRECIOUS SOLITUDE”  Ruth Fishel

“LIVING YOUR UNLIVED LIFE”  Robert A. Johnson and Jerry M. Ruhl PhD

“GOD’S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK”  Author not identified: published by HB Honor Books “…specially selected from all the cherished ‘GOD’S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK’”.

“UNLOCKING YOUR LEGACY”  Paul S. Meyer

“QUOTABLE WOMEN”  “…a forum of eminent women opine, debate, and advice on a cornucopia of timeless and timely topics.”  No author or editor name mentioned.

“LEARN TO REMEMBER”  Dominic O’Brien

“AT SEVENTY”  May Sarton

“WHEN I AM AN OLD WOMAN, I SHALL WEAR PURPLE”  Edited by Sandra Haldeman Martz

“GOD’S FRONT DOOR”  Jill Briscoe

 

Monday July 10 2017  MORNING’S JOY

It is such an enjoyment to walk into our “new space”!  There are so many places to sit, so many books to peruse, and so much light coming in from the large window facing the backyard.  We have double pane glass that looks out over nature’s wonderland.  It is difficult for the animals to see us but if the light is just right there is a possibility to see inside, but usually we can watch without being detected.

We had a lightning storm last night and it appeared that the lights of heaven were flashing on and off all night long. Our neighbor measured 4 ½ inches of rain collected in his rain gage.  This summer we have been abundantly blessed with rain.  Now we desperately need heat and sunshine with intermittent rain thrown in for good measure.

As I was sitting in my old comfy chair that overlooks the back yard I couldn’t keep my mind on writing due to all the wildlife flitting by.  I could go into detail but it would take too long.  All I can say is that there is a whole other world that takes place right under our nose.  I sat there for as long as I possibly could without a guilt trip.  With all there is to do I am usually on a stringent schedule. But, the longer I sat, the less guilt I felt, and then the poetry bubbled up.  I wrote four poems right in a row but I must be conservative as to what I transcribe so as not to make this blog too long.

 

 

MORNING’S JOY

Kathleen Martens

July 10, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Oh what fun

To see the sun

In patches brief

As if on the run.

 

Dense clouds

On the prowl

Sun’s twinkling light

Erases scowl.

 

Nervous birds

Flit unheard

Speaking love

In silent word.

 

Flowers dance

On wind’s chance;

Fragmented sun

Colors enhance.

 

Pools of rain

Sidewalks stain

And birds bathe

Without shame.

 

Concealed behind

My window blind

The outside world

Enjoyed so fine.

 

So close, yet

Unseen by most,

I welcome nature

Which God hosts.

 

 

IN PERFECT CONNECTION

Kathleen Martens

July 10, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

In and out

Patches of sun

Delight the sated

Cool of earth.

Summer’s rain-forest

Foliage thick

Teams with movement;

Life and death.

Whispers of wind

Dance with Old Oak

In perfect connection

As lovers…

In passionate embrace.

 

 

MY HEART IS FULL

Kathleen Martens

July 17, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

My heart is full

Of words to write

I know not where

My thoughts take flight.

 

Influenced by so many books,

Titles alone too numerous to tell.

More words come tumbling out

I devour BOOKS’ presence as I sit a spell.

 

A deep delight bubbles forth

Creates a feeling oh so grand!

So many words I’ve yet to read

I pray for comprehension to understand!

 

 

I have one more poem to share, (my favorite one of the day) but it is too long to include here.  Perhaps I will include it with the poem I write tomorrow.  I’ll give you a clue, the title is “THE TITLES ON WHICH I FEED”.

 

Thank You God for all the animals that live in our woods.

Thank You that You are even concerned about the sparrows.

Thank You for the joy that Your creation gives to me.

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

Sunday Sabbath July 9 2017  HE WHO TRUSTS IN JESUS WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED

 

HE WHO TRUSTS IN JESUS WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED

Kathleen Martens

July 9, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Sitting alone in quiet reverence

My heart worships with sacred song

The gentle melody of my Savior’s love;

Sung to the One whom my heart belongs.

 

An attitude of quiet praise

During my day of Sabbath rest.

Oh to be more like Jesus

Is my daily quest.

 

Peaceful joy that floods my soul

Permeates from inside out.

The miracle of God’s astounding love

To the world I desire to shout!

 

Divine salvation is complete

Sealed by His Spirit we are anointed.

He who trusts in Jesus

Will not be disappointed.

 

The title of the above poem was the closing statement in Pastor’s sermon today.  It resonated in my heart and kept repeating itself.  Thus, when I sat down in my chair this afternoon perusing my sermon notes I knew it was the basis for my poem

 

Thank You God for Your promises found in Scripture.

Thank You for making Your Word come alive in my heart.

Thank You for placing a song in my heart.

Thank You for turning ashes into beauty.

Thank You for Your gift of the Sabbath day of rest.

 

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SABBATH SUNDAY.

Saturday July 8 2017  EACH ONE IS PERFECTLY UNIQUE

EACH ONE IS PERFECTLY UNIQUE

Kathleen Martens

July 8 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Everywhere I go

I see so many faces.

All are quite different,

It matters not the places.

 

Behind each face

There is a life.

And a face can portray

Which life has joy or strife.

 

Who are the people

We pass day after day?

What condition is their soul,

And what does their face say?

 

Each person is so similar

In that we all have hopes, and dreams.

BUT EACH ONE IS PERFECTLY UNIQUE!

EXACTLY LIKE YOU AND ME!

 

The above poem was inspired by a quote I read this afternoon in the Reader’s Digest July/August 2017 issue.  The quote is as follows:

 

“REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE.  JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.”  Margaret Meade

 

Thank You God for creating me to be me.

Thank You God for my mother who taught me the way of salvation.

Thank You Father that I am a daughter of a King.

Thank You for loving me.

 

GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS DAY AND MAY YOUR SUNDAY SABBATH BE AWESOME!

 

 

Friday July 7 2017  WHAT MONEY CANNOT BUY

 

HIS PLAN IS FAR BETTER THAN MINE

Kathleen Martens

July 7, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

From seven decades of life.

Piles; and piles of piles!

If stacked to the sky

Surely count as miles.

 

But I’m feeling satisfaction

As my car is filled with stuff

To drop off at St. Vinney’s

Though separation was quite tough!

 

But then again on the other hand

It feels good to just purge.

It seems the more I shed

The greater is my urge!

 

I’m just so happy to shout it out

That my studio is no more!

But now a lovely library,

A place I’ll never be bored.

 

Rows and rows of beloved books

Just awaiting my gentle caress.

It is a two way love affair

I truly must confess.

 

And now if I can focus outward

Other rooms may someday be

Actually used for their calling,

And from piles, they’ll be free.

 

My hope is that I will live

Long enough these plans to fend,

But I may leave some piles behind

For family as well as friends.

 

But all is well that ends well,

All I need to do is live ‘til I die

And hope I accomplish God’s perfect will,

Because His plan is far better than mine!

 

What an awesome event!  Dave and I worked diligently this morning on the final touches of my new library.  I say “my” because Dave takes no claim to it whatsoever.  I feel like Goldilocks, I have even found the chair “THAT IS JUST RIGHT”!  Dave’s library is confined in his “man cave”.  And he doesn’t allow me to put even one thing on his shelves!!!

Tomorrow an interior decorator friend is coming over to tweak the final touches of the new library.  My friend Carolyn will add the soft touches.  She will also help me choose which artwork to display, how big, and where it will be positioned.  Dave wants me to create a gallery of my travels but he has given me an explicit request to have some of the prints be something other than flowers and gardens.  So, in addition to flowers I will display my favorite ocean views, mountains, waterfalls, and architecture.  I might even intersperse a collection of family photos.  My only concern is that I do not have enough wall space to include everything I hope to hang.  Carolyn’s favorite saying is “less is more”.  Remember, I tend to like the “more” side of life. 

It has been a long and rewarding journey taking my studio apart, getting everything patched and painted, and then collecting things from around the house to create our “LEFTOVER ROOM”.  That is the name we have dubbed it.  Almost everything now in the “leftover room” was garnered from other places in the house such as excess furniture, photography props from my studio days, and boxed up keepsakes, as well as the plethora of books from my previous library.  We purchased three matching shelves from Craig’s List and one shelf unit and two chairs from Attic Angels’ fundraiser.  Most items are keepsakes of things old and familiar.  Included is an antique secretary that we purchased 44 years ago right after we married.  It was old then, and now it is even older!  We are using a white love seat purchased 38 years ago when our son was born.  I have a table I bought many years ago that had to live in our laundry room until now.  I’ve had several people offer to take it off my hands but I have always hung on to it, knowing that someday….  And that someday is now.  We are also using our powder blue wing-back chair that is 38 years old.  It is still in good condition, just as is the love seat.  Furniture was once crafted to last; not anymore. 

I have books that are older than I am; copies of well loved titles that my grandmother, mother and aunts held and read.  We have keepsakes from throughout mine and David’s lives, as well as those belonging to our children.  Our children are now minimalists.  Someday all these things we enjoy will be dispersed, gone with the wind so to speak.  And it won’t matter.  Things are things.  We are truly rich only when we realize that what is most important and valuable in this life on earth is that which money cannot buy; not how much we can buy.  And the riches I have are not on this earth.  My riches are knowing God and knowing that our children also have a personal relationship with God.  There is nothing this world can offer or that I can purchase that is worth more than that!

We are instructed in the Scriptures that we are not to store up treasures on earth.

Matthew 6:19-21

¹⁹ “Do not store up for your selves’ treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for your selves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

 

Thank You Father for Your gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ.

Thank You God for all that You provide for us as we walk on this earth.

Thank You God that You are our treasure.

Thank You God for giving Your Living Word as our instruction book as we travel through this world that is not our home.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

Thursday July 6 2017  SUMMER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED

 

SUMMER’S BIOGRAPHY

Kathleen Martens

July 6, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Summer days in cumbersome heat

Settle in stillness nature’s song.

Time seems to expand the days

As evening awakens insect throngs.

 

Slow in movement under sultry blanket

Morning’s vigor released without guilt.

Languid motions thwart best laid plans

And daytime hours easily spilled.

 

All striving is laid to rest

Liberating self as motions slow.

Heart and body nourished as one

In the halcyon of summer’s glow.

 

As sparkling fireflies dance in the night

All sounds muffled grand.

Summer embraces sacred moments;

And stillness of the season in God’s command.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  It’s almost as if I can hear the corn growing!

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday July 5 2017  IT IS DONE (ALMOST)

Unfortunately it is not the album that is done, but the placement of my books on nine book shelves.  All total there are four locations around the room and one at the end of the hallway.  Two areas have three units each, and the other three stand alone.  I have taken pictures of each grouping or unit.  I still have a bit of space left on some shelves, but once I bring the books down that are scattered on shelves upstairs, all the shelves will more than likely be full. 

I assume this is not exciting news unless you too are a book lover and understand the relationship a reader has with his or her books.  I have very few shelves of fiction.  I have a compilation of the following subjects: poetry, travel, animals, plants, gardening, health, nutrition, self improvement, Bibles, concordances, dictionaries, wisdom, jokes, short stories, Christmas titles, writing techniques, Bible studies, Christian titles, trauma recovery, children, devotionals, golden books (from early 1970’s), and Anne of Green Gables collections.  The entire shelf at the end of the hallway is full of my handwritten poems and journals from past years. The vertical piles of journals still need to be organized and a few are empty journals waiting to be filled. 

In the Library area I have two or three shelf sections filled with novels.  I also have two complete sets of children’s story encyclopedias, one set was originally published in the 1930’s and I think the other one published in the 1960’s.   

Now I must go through the assortment of “junk” piled between the couch and two facing chairs in front of the fireplace.  Other than artwork, I will then be finished except for the “soft touches”.  I am thrilled to have it almost finished.  My goal is to have it completed by the end of next week (except for the artwork).  I have a friend coming to visit for two weeks and I would love to be able to use the room.

Since I’m talking about books I will mention the fact that I still have about one half of the floor space in the former library lined with books, spine-up, in box lids for give away.  I plan to have a treat and meet party so friends can come and choose books to take home with them.  The rest will be donated to the Public Library book sale or St. Vincent’s resale shop.  I’m down to the final stretch!

 

THE BOOKS THAT CALL OUT MY NAME

Kathleen Martens

July 5, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Like the ant that carries its load

Just a little bit each day,

With perseverance and determination

I have slowly made my way.

 

Book by book; box, by box

I have touched each and every one.

Though it took determination

Slowly I got it done.

 

At least the books are in place,

I can see and read each spine.

Such an awesome feeling to touch

The friends who are mine.

 

For each book is a friend,

And many I know quite well.

I scatter my choice of what I read,

And the bookmarks my story tells.

 

So many books are smiling at me

And if I could I would but devour!

And each and every word that is written

I would sup on by the hour.

 

But alas, that is but a dream.

Life too short to accomplish what I desire.

But it doesn’t keep me from trying,

Because in my heart I have a flaming fire!

 

I care not for riches or gold,

And very few books purchased new.

Library sales and St. Vincent’s

Is the reason I have quite a few!

 

And hopefully I am done!

Between the library and what I own

I think I have enough to last

Until heaven is my new home.

 

For some reason I do believe

That in heaven there is more to read.

Perhaps I’ll only need to touch a book

And all its thoughts in me will seed.

 

But until then I will enjoy

The books that call out my name,

And read and study about my Lord

WHO YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER…

              IS ALWAYS THE SAME!

 

 

Thank You God for all the great titles I have in my library.

Thank You God for this time in my life when I no longer must go to an outside job.

Thank You for awesome Christian writers who help to make Your scriptures come alive.

Thank You for all the bookshelves You have provided for my library.

 

GOOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  PLEASE SCROLL BELOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SHELVES OF BOOKS I WORKED ON TODAY.  You may need to click on “older post” to see them all.

P.S.  All my shelf space combined equals 157 feet and 6 inches of linear shelf space.

Tuesday July 4 2017  WE NO LONGER STAND FOR WHAT WE ONCE STOOD

 

WE NO LONGER STAND FOR WHAT WE ONCE STOOD

Kathleen Martens

July 4, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Today is our country’s birthday,

Celebrating two hundred and Forty one!

I wonder how long it will survive

Before its life is done?

 

In the years that I’ve lived

Our country has certainly changed,

And not always for the better,

Each year seems more deranged.

 

God’s been left out of so many things;

Shut out from schools and places,

And we wonder why our Nation flounders

When from our roots we’ve strayed paces.

 

Prayer is no longer considered acceptable

At events, at work, or at school.

When Godly character is set aside,

Then another facet will jump to rule.

 

And the choices are either GOOD or EVIL.

Just add a “D” to evil and you remove all GOOD.

Then you will find that our country

No longer stands for what we once stood.

 

As a citizen I honor our country and the beliefs and integrity upon which it was founded.  And I sincerely believe our freedoms are at stake as we must now fight for the very reasons our forefathers separated from their mother country; freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and freedom of speech. Though this blog is not a political platform I sincerely believe that the rights we have been given in our constitution should not be a political agenda, but considered sacred in the fact that those very freedoms are what has allowed the United States of America to stand out among the world’s countries, and accomplish so much in the past 241 years.  There must be an underlying reason why so many people, both today and in history, desire to immigrate to the United States.  Perhaps it is because they too desire the freedoms and opportunities that their countries do not allow.

So, when our standards, laws, and freedoms are taken away, where will YOU choose to go?  The erosion has begun.

It saddens me to realize our citizens are now at war with each other simply because they do not agree on political issues.

In the book of Matthew, chapter 22, beginning with verse 35, the Sadducees and Pharisees were questioning Jesus to try to trip him up,“ ³⁵ One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question: ³⁶ ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’

³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

If only we as American citizens, regardless our religion, took the words “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”, our country as a whole would be a better place to abide: regardless what political stance, color, whether natural born or immigrant.  And then perhaps The United States of America could stand another 241 years.

 

Thank You God that I still have the freedom to voice my opinion.

Thank You God that I can still own a gun if I so choose.

Thank You God that I can say to You whatever I choose to speak without retaliation.

And special thanks to You God that I can pray to You in silence regardless where I am.

GOD BLESS YOU! 

AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

Monday July 3 2017  TOMORROW I WILL FIND A WAY

 

TOMORROW I WILL FIND A WAY

Kathleen Martens

July 3, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Another long day

And I’ve much to say.

But due to time

I write short lines.

 

My brain is fried,

Words are denied.

I have a sleepy head

That wants to fall into bed.

 

So as my energy drains

I will refrain

And from tomorrow

I will borrow.

 

What I can’t do today

Tomorrow I will find a way

To take time to write

After I sleep through the night.

 

Thank You God for this day.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath July 2 2017  MUSIC IN THE AIR

 

MUSIC IN THE AIR

Kathleen Martens

July 2, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Music in the air

Abounds everywhere.

Piano keys

Set it free.

 

Frolic dance

In myriad chance,

Visualized notes

Hearing quotes.

 

Fingers dancing,

Ever prancing,

And by choice

Visualize voice.

 

Freedom’s heart

Notes depart

Delivering joy

As hearts employ.

 

Resounding swirls

Like dancing pearls,

In the air

Everywhere!

 

 

 This morning at church as I sat and listened to the pianist create magic through his finger tips I actually visualized notes dancing in the air.  The worship service was awesome and the sound of music penetrated my heart with sacred gladness to the Lord: I do wonder what heaven will sound like.

 

Thank You God for Sunday’s day of rest.

That You Lord that music speaks to my heart.

Thank You Lord for the opportunity to listen to such a talented pianist.

And thank You that I can hear.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND MAY GOD’S PEACE BE WITH YOU ON THIS BEAUTIFUL SABBATH SUNDAY.