Saturday February 27 2016 DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE THE RECIPE
Saturday February 27 2016 DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE THE RECIPE
“Don’t be afraid to change the recipe.” That is a direct quote that my husband said to me just the other day. Again, I had asked him for a blog title, and that is what he said to me. His comment came on the heels of a discussion about people and situations in our lives. He inferred that perhaps I should just mix things up a bit and not be afraid to change the recipe of my life. Anyway, that’s the meaning I understood from his comment. If I am incorrect about his meaning he may make a comment about my understanding of what he said if I am incorrect. But, regardless what he may or may not have meant, I am going to roll with that premise.
I get so used to doing things a certain way, such as writing my blog, or always doing certain things in a certain order, or always cooking with the same ingredients and finding the results are always the same. Perhaps I should become a bit bolder and not be fearful of experimenting. I’m always bold about my cooking. I’m not afraid to change a recipe when food is involved. After all, what is the worst thing that could happen? That it won’t taste good? Well, there is always a remedy for that. Just add jalapenos peppers to anything and it is immediately improved. But all kidding aside, perhaps I really do need to take a closer look at my life and be willing and daring enough to change the “recipe” of the way I live. It is easy to get stuck in the same routine. Especially when you get into retirement age.
I’ve listened to those who are older than me, I’ve read books, I’ve had a limited time now in the old age bracket, as well as a few short months of retirement. I can understand how it would be very simple and easy to just find the “perfect” way to do something and then just stick with it, day in and day out. After all, routine makes life easier. It is helpful when we have a pattern of how and when we do certain things so we don’t forget how it is done, or, that it needs to be done. I get that. But you know, sometimes we might just want to jump out of the box and try something new. That is when experimenting with your new recipes come into play. I find myself trying something one way, if it doesn’t work, trying it another. After I’ve tried a few things and nothing seems to make me any more satisfied than my old recipe, then I can just go back to the tried and true. But I have decided I will not be afraid to try something new. Who knows, I might find something that is even better than the original recipe.
And that is where I am in my life right now. Sort of like a young child, finding their way around in a world that they are getting used to. Retirement feels similar to that. I see that happening in my world at present. My world is different now. My world has expanded and opened up. Before I went on my trip I was rigid with myself and my routine. Up between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., then a quiet time with the Lord, go to the gym, get home and finish up my photo work. Home on Thursdays for the produce box, and then cooking and preparing foods for the freezer for the next couple of days. Not every week was exactly the same but there was still a rigidity about it. And now it is different. I still long for structure, yet there is a freedom that I am tasting and can’t seem to get enough of.
Nothing has been the same since I arrived home last July. I have not been able to adapt to a true routine. I’ve tried. But, it is sort of like every single day is Christmas. I so anticipate it, waiting to see what gifts it will hold, how it will unfold, and how much I can get done in the course of its hours. It seems like the last few months have been full of experimental recipes. Maybe it is getting used to Dave being home. However, I can’t blame anything on him because he is such a great help to have around. Especially when it comes to cleaning up the kitchen, doing the laundry, helping me strip and remake the bed, cleaning the front bathroom (and I do the others), and he also does all the vacuuming. Plus, now that winter is making an early run for it, he is out in the yard doing spring cleanup. He can keep that recipe going! He really enjoys working in the yard. I fear when he gets back out in the yard I will have a lot more to do inside. We haven’t yet experienced a “normal” year of retirement at home. From the time he retired in July, all the way until the beginning of January, he was either sick or recovering from surgery, or we were on a trip. And it may be happening again, the trip part that is.
So, what I guess I am saying is, I’m not afraid to change the recipe, but it’s been so long since I made the original recipe that I can’t quite remember how to make it again. Perhaps I need to go back and take stock of my larder and make certain I have everything I need to make a new recipe work. Life does not stay the same even from one day to the next. I must be prepared to go with the flow and use whatever I have in my pantry to make the recipe needed for today. It does make life a bit spicier.
My ultimate goal is to just go with the flow for right now. Accomplish what I can, enjoy every moment of everything I do, and not worry about all that is not getting done. It may not yet be the right time to add one more ingredient into the mix yet. I’ll just give it another taste test in about month.
THE PERFECT RECIPE
By Kathleen Martens
February 27, 2016
The perfect recipe is only perfect
If the tester likes the taste.
Someone else might not like it at all,
To them it would all be a waste.
Each one has their own desires
Of what a flavor should be.
And with a bit of experimentation
Another ingredient might be the key.
Each one to his own fondness.
And so it is the same with life.
What may work fine for some,
To another would cause much strife.
So we must each choose our path
And taste the world on our own.
And what ingredients we add today,
To others may not ever be known.
What is important is we chose the course,
For we answer only to self.
And if we ever need a new ingredient,
We can always take it off the shelf.
A difficult blog to write for it to be such a simple topic. All I know is that my key ingredient for life is GOD!
GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!
REMEMBER: DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE THE RECIPE!
Friday February 26 2016 A THOUGHT PROVOKING TALK
Friday February 26 2016 A THOUGHT PROVOKING TALK
It is so awesome to have two adult children, who, when I talk with them, still light up my heart. Heart to heart talks are more the “unusual” rather than the “usual”. Life seems to be so busy in all our lives that our phone conversations are often to convey necessary information about upcoming events, where to meet, what we need, how everybody is, and bam, the conversation is over. That’s just life in the fast lane I guess.
But…every once in a while a time coincides when you catch each other in a quiet, unhurried moment and the heart opens up. That happened just a few moments ago when I called to talk with our son. Dave is at the gym, this is my morning off, and I just wanted to check and find out some information from Courtland and ask him if he has time to come and help us move a huge couch through a small door. We must be ready to receive delivery of Dave’s retirement present, a beautiful Lazy Boy leather recliner for his office.
I invited Court and his family to dinner on Sunday hoping that might entice him. I knew the dinner wasn’t needed but it is something I like to do. Dave and I really enjoy seeing the kids as often as possible.
Now, to the conversation. It was one of those rare times when Courtland was off, the boys were home, Amy was at work, and both of our homes were quiet and peaceful. Courtland is a great conversationalist and extremely interesting to talk to when he is not in a hurry. I enjoy hearing him talk about that which he is learning in law school. I also enjoy two way dialogue regarding all the political issues brewing during this upcoming presidential election. I like hearing his slant. Though we don’t always agree, I always know so much more, after having talked with him.
Of our two children, Courtland is the most like me in personality. He far surpasses me in the intellectual and retention level of brain power but he also has a tender and compassionate heart. Courtland brought up the topic of his children going to college and actually how soon all the changes in his life will take effect. All of a sudden a flash of realization hit me. There is coming a time when Dave and I will no longer be a part of our grandchildren’s lives. Even if we maintained a close relationship for all the viable years we yet have, there will come a time when we are no more. I actually felt a deep mourning in my heart for my own demise. I have never experienced that before. I know our kids have thought about losing Dave and I. It shows when we discuss our estate planning and what is to be done when we are gone. Even during those conversation I am aware how difficult it is for them, realizing that someday Dave and I will not be part of their lives. Well, I actually had tears fill my eyes for my own death. It wasn’t because of the loss I would be to others, it was because of the loss I felt, knowing I would no longer be able to partake in the lives of our grandsons. Someday we will be gone. It is as simple as that. Court also sounded a bit emotional. He reminded me that he had thought about it before and it was not just our grandsons’ lives we would no longer be part of, but also his, and his sister’s lives and their spouses.
Somehow we still feel like the kid, young and invincible, with a long life ahead when our parents are still living. I remember when my mom died realizing that I was now the elder generation in our family. Yes, I still have aunts and one uncle, lots of cousins, some who are older, some younger, however, in my lineage I am now the oldest generation living. And even when I realized that, I still wondered if I was truly grown up. Even in my 60’s I felt like I too young to be an orphan. I think it may be a sobering thought for our son to look ahead and see himself as the “elder generation”.
So this is the time to live. This is the time to create memories for future generations. This is the time to love vigorously, laugh heartily, hug tightly, and spend as much time with each other as possible. This is the time to say “I LOVE YOU” every single day. With all the random shootings happening in the past few weeks it causes me to pause, giving me insight to how precious and wondrous is each and every day that we survive. As I write these words I am speaking them to all of you who read them, “NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED EVEN ONE HOUR OF ONE DAY”. Reach out to those who are close to you and let them know how much you love and care for them. Just to hear my little grandsons say, “I love you so much grandma” is like depositing riches into my bank account. How much will all the richness of my words compound for them over the years? Be generous with your love. Be generous with your words. Let your love be substantial deposits into the lives of others.
Now is the time to forgive those who have hurt you. Now is the time to ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt. Renew and rebuild the relationships you have. Take time to live, not just to work.
There was so much that was said in today’s conversation with Courtland. So much that I hold close to my heart, knowing how very fortunate I am to be blessed with the children God gave to Dave and me. God is the sustenance of my very being and it is through His grace and love that I am who I am today. He put a love in my heart for our children that burns deeply to this very day. When I became a mother my one prayer to God was that He would allow me to live long enough to raise our daughter. The same prayer was prayed when our son was born. I would not be the person I am today if God had not blessed me with two such precious eternal lives to rear. It was not all easy, but it was all worth it.
And so today is one of those days when it absolutely was worth it. Our conversation touched the deepest part of my soul and I don’t even think my son realized it. I never thought I could love anyone else as much as I loved our children…until our grandsons were born. There are some things you just have to experience for yourself before you can believe it. I thank God for that experience. My prayer for them IS THAT GOD WOULD ALLOW THEM TO OUTLIVE ME.
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
By Kathleen Martens
February 26, 2016
Nothing quite like
Holding your new born baby.
A love so profound
That never is it maybe.
So unconditional,
Even before birth.
Cradling life in the heart
Understanding its worth.
A daughter and son
God graciously gave.
One of each
For both me and Dave.
Nothing in the world
Could I love more,
Because I had yet to experience
A future knock at the door.
This time a grandson.
I felt no pain at his birth.
But that didn’t mean
I didn’t understand his worth.
And then number two
Came to tug at my heart.
Unconditional love realized,
A brand new start.
Because two little boys,
Multiplied a mother’s love
As it kissed my heart
With gentleness of a dove.
A vulnerable deep love
Was born with each one.
Both were the children
Of our only son.
And then I realized
That my love was the same
As it was for our children
But each given new names.
I will take this opportunity to say to both of our children:
REBECCA AND COURTLAND:
I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART!
I AM HONORED TO BE YOUR MOTHER!
I pray God’s blessing on each one who reads these words. I hope that something I have written today will tug at your heart until you tell those in your life, just how much you love them. Never wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow never really IS.
Thursday February 25 2016 LEFT BRAIN-RIGHT BRAIN
Thursday February 25 2016 LEFT BRAIN-RIGHT BRAIN
Isn’t it wonderful how God created every individual so unique? And for some reason it seems as if God’s sense of humor is to allow opposites to fall in love and to live together as husband and wife under the same roof…for 43 years! And we are still together!
Tonight, I again asked Dave if he might have a topic for me to write about. He started sharing his ideas but they went right over my head. I could make neither heads nor tails out of what he was explaining. Or for that matter, why he was explaining what he was explaining. When he was all finished I simply asked my question again, “Do you have a topic idea for my blog?” He looked at me exasperated! I looked at him perplexed. His mind, and my mind, are two polar opposites. His brain is orderly, compartmentalized, and full of facts and figures. My brain is full of imaginative thoughts, artistic ideas, and full of sunshine, flowers and sentiment. I wouldn’t know what to do with a brain like he has. I guess his would best be described as a left brain and mine as a right brain. I suppose we can’t both be right. If we were both like me our house would be even more topsy-turvy, we’d never get to our destinations on time, and we’d probably have way too much fun. If both of us were left brained I think things would be a bit boring, uncluttered, and all the walls would be painted brown. But, we would probably always get to our destinations on time. YET SOMEHOW, WE GET ALONG GREAT TOGETHER!
I need Dave to be just who he is, solid and staid, while balancing the check book to the penny. He needs me too. He needs a little of my spontaneity and creativity, as well as my willingness to hand over my check book for him to balance. However, rarely does it balance. It’s close sometime, but there is always something I wrote down incorrectly. That is why he does the figuring. I can do it (if I have to), it just isn’t something that comes naturally to me. And that’s why I do all the art projects.
And we know God created us different for a purpose. He brought us together for a purpose. And He loves us both just the way we are. And I think the best thing I can do is to just try be the best “me” that I can be. And the best thing that Dave can do, is to be the best Dave, that he can be.
Today a young woman said to me she wished she could be more like me. I told her no, you should just try to be the best YOU, you can be. And I believe that is what each person should try to aspire to. It doesn’t mean we can’t do some things to change if we know we have areas in our lives that need improvement. There is always room for change. But the change should be, not to aspire to be like someone else, but aspire be, the very best YOU, you can be!
I never did really get a blog topic from Dave, but somehow I wrote something anyway. Short and simple. And because of living out of the right side of my brain, it probably doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to all you left brainers out there. I send you my sympathy.
HOPEFULLY IT’S A SANE BRAIN
By Kathleen Martens
February 25, 2016
Left brained, right brained.
We each have one brain.
And the thing that really counts,
Is hopefully it’s a sane brain.
Each so different
From the other,
Be it friend
Or a brother.
No matter all the millions,
Each person unique.
Each brain on its course
To pursue and to seek.
The Republican debate is coming on and I look forward to joining Dave in the living room so I can watch to see which candidate is going to shoot himself in the foot tonight.
Good night and God bless you.
Wednesday February 24 2016 WHAT WE DO TOGETHER
Wednesday February 24 2016 WHAT WE DO TOGETHER
Earlier today my husband and I were doing our morning routine and we found ourselves leaning our backsides on the bathroom counter, facing away from the mirror, both holding hot washcloth compresses to our eyes. He kiddingly chided me in a sing-song cadence, “Things we do together”. And we laughed hilariously because that is something we do together. We do a lot of things together and bathing our eyes in hot compresses, both morning and night, is one of those things. How is that for letting you see into the privacy of our morning routine. Well, I bring it up for a good reason.
The first reason I have, is that when he said it, right away I thought, “Hey, that would make a great blog.” So much for blog topics! I only need 365 topics a year so this is just one to help make up that quota. The second reason is, I thought it might be information that needs to be passed on.
A lot of people, both old and young, suffer from a condition of dry eyes or excessively oily eyes. There are also other eye conditions that seem to crop up now or then, but I am referring particularly to a condition of a chronic, dry eye situation that often plagues a person as they age. Different illnesses or autoimmune conditions can also contribute to this malady.
I have been inconvenience by this condition for many years. One thing that exacerbates it for me is a chronic (long term) condition called Sjogrens Syndrome. The syndrome is just one reason dry eyes can happen, but, it happens more so because of aging. For whatever reason, dry eyes are a nuisance. Unless you suffer from it you may not understand. One of the causes for dry eyes, is that the glands that secret the moisture our eyes need to function properly, become clogged and sluggish. These glands are found on the little strip between the lashes and the lid’s contact with the eyeball. Pull down your lower lid and you can see the little tiny pin-like indentations on that little strip of eye. Several years ago I was instructed to take a hot folded washcloth and cover my eyes from anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes or more, once in the morning and and once at night. That is usually enough to heat up the oils in the glands and help them excrete what is needed for the next 12 hours or so. I have been faithful to that practice from the first night I did and discovered what a great difference it made in my eyes. Up until that point I was putting drops in my eyes many times a day. I have not used eye drops since I began the heat therapy.
Personally I also have another condition that causes dry eyes but I have a different therapy I must do for that. I had a surgical procedure several years to remove something in my forehead, and the best solution was to go through my eyelids rather than have my face peeled down from my hairline. Since the surgery my eyes will not close completely when I am relaxed in sleep. That too is dangerous to the sensitive moisture balance in the eyes. So, for that I must use a salve each night on each eye ball and then cover my eyes when I sleep. It’s a nuisance but well worth the health of my eyes.
Now, back to “our togetherness”. Over the past few months Dave has been suffering with an eye condition. His eyes were itchy, drippy, red, and swollen looking. When he had his yearly eye exam recently he came home with the news that he would be joining in the ritual of eye soaks morning and evening. So there we are, chatting and having a lively morning conversation when he comes out with his statement “Things we do together”. And yes, now we have one more thing to do together. And by the way, in just a few days his eyes looked better, the redness left, and I haven’t noticed him rubbing his eyes because they itch. The treatment really works! I do not know if he is still using the eye drops.
I tell you the above because I want to educate people. I want others to be aware of situations that many doctors don’t even think to discuss. Be certain to bring up every little body grievance you have with your physician when you go in for your yearly physical. You must learn to become your own best advocate. Ask for literature, ask to be referred to a specialist for a further look at your condition if your physician does not have answers as to what is going on. And most of all, do some investigating on your own, read some books, read articles, search the internet, talk to other people, AND READ MY BLOG! As I experience more of the aging process I intend to go public with what is going on just so I can educate and bring out in the open what might be expected as one ages. I have spoken with people who are so embarrassed to speak about the aging process and the changes that happen to and in their bodies. Because of people not wanting to admit to others that they too are aging, so much gets swept under the carpet, and older people sometimes feel as if it is only happening to them.
Aging happens to those who are fortunate enough to live a long life. I love my gift of life and hope that I can live as long as I can take care of myself. I am doing all I can to learn how to take care of myself, both mentally and physically. Never give up learning. Keep your mind active. Make certain you have a social life, stay connected to your family, keep your heart connected to God, and be willing to share the wisdom of living your long years with others who are still forging their own path. Today is the offering of my wisdom about dry eyes. Do I know everything? ABSOLUTELY NOT! And all dry eyes may not be related to what I am discussing in this blog. My recommendation for you, if you suffer from dry, itchy eyes, call your GP or eye doctor, and make an appointment to discuss what I have told you here. Below is an excerpt from a web address that identified the condition, the symptoms, and what the usual course of therapy is. Read it, and then find out first hand for yourself if this pertains to you.
The following is a quote from the enclosed URL address:
http://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/141Meibomian Gland “Dysfunction and Treatment
What are Meibomian (Oil) Glands?
Meibomian glands are glands that are arranged vertically within the eyelid near the lashes. The force of an eyelid blink causes oil to be excreted onto the posterior lid margin. The oil is the “staying power” of the tears that helps prevent rapid tear evaporation. In a patient with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), vision is affected because there is too much or too little oil in the tear film.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
MGD, also termed posterior blepharitis, is the most common form of lid margin disease. In the early stages, patients are often asymptomatic, but if left unmanaged, MGD can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms and eyelid inflammation. The oil glands become blocked with thickened secretions. Chronically clogged glands eventually become unable to secrete oil which results in permanent changes in the tear film and dry eyes. Symptoms include:
Dryness
Burning
Itching
Stickiness
Watering
Light Sensitivity
Red Eyes
Foreign Body Sensation
Chalazion/Styes
Intermittent Blurry Vision
What is the Treatment?
1) WARM COMPRESSES
Heating the lids will increase oil production and melt the oil that has solidified in the glands. Use a warm washcloth to apply heat on the eyelids for two minutes. This warms the oil, allowing it to flow more freely, and helps soften lash debris.
2) MASSAGE
Apply light pressure with your index finger or a Q-tip to the lid margin near the lash line. Roll the finger upward on the lower lid while looking up, then roll the finger downward on the upper lid while looking down. Excessive manipulation of the lids can cause additional irritation, so lid massage and scrubs should be performed only twice a day during the acute stage, and once daily during maintenance.”
In reference to the above “once daily during maintenance”, I just want you to know that both Dave’s doctor and my doctor told each of us to do it twice a day as ongoing therapy. SEEK YOUR DOCTORS DIRECTIVES!
A MELODY IN MY HEART
By Kathleen Martens
February 24, 2016
Age is just a matter of course
That happens every day.
Each day when I view the mirror
I fail to see yesterday’s decay.
Every day I just look the same
But how is it when I look back,
That that smooth unblemished skin
I now seem to lack?
Exactly when does youth leave?
When every day is just twenty four hours?
I’m just happy I don’t wilt
As quickly as does a flower.
And what about these aches and pains
That just seem to come and go?
What’s today’s flavor of pain
Is something I want to know?
I am always so surprised
Each day that I find,
That something else doesn’t work
And it seems one of a kind.
Today it could be the big toe,
Tomorrow an ankle or knee.
And some days my back goes out
Yet there’s days I’m flying free.
So who knows what this day will bring
At times there’s just something wrong.
But I find true joy in each hour,
For in my heart I carry a song.
A melody about love and life,
With praise to God on my tongue.
And no pain will dampen my spirit
When in my heart my song is sung.
Have a great day. Now I am off to work. Still putting the final touches on my now, decluttered, office. YEAH!!!!! Two big file drawers left to sift through! Everything I throw away is making me feel lighter. Try it. You might like it!
Tuesday February 23 2016 DON’T GIVE UP
Tuesday February 23 2016 DON’T GIVE UP
Today is another one of those days that have caught me shorthanded in the hour department. There just aren’t enough hours to finish all I would like to do so I must compromise as to what will be finished. Today I have no alternative except to inform you that I do not have time to sit, think, and compose a blog. So this will be very short. But please DON’T GIVE UP ON ME! I plan to write more in the future.
I just walked in the door and it is almost 4:00 p.m. We have a commitment to be at our son’s home by 5:00 p.m. and it is about 40 minutes away if traffic is good. Between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. is commute time here in Madison.
I do have one important matter to let you know about. I am a “real” blogger now. I have graduated from a free website to a domain website. What that means, is now I must pay for my domain name, and I can take the word “wordpress” out of my URL address. It will also be more easily accessed by the general public. IMPORTANT NOTE HOWEVER: Whichever address you use will take you to my site.
Since I am committing to writing my blog for at least another year I would appreciate if you would share my site if you know others who might enjoy it. It was about three years ago that I felt God prompting me to start a blog. I told him I would and then it took me about two years before I really fulfilled my commitment. I originally began writing it so I would be able to log information about my travels and allow Dave to follow my daily course. Through God’s intervention I connected with a very knowledgeable man that manages about 10 or more of his own blogs. Just so you know, it’s more difficult for an old dog to learn new tricks. It was so confusing for me at first. I still don’t keep it up like I should, nor do I feed all the information into the right categories. But, I did get the hang of it before I left. I met with Len for many weeks on Sunday afternoons until I was adept to pretty much take care of it myself. A few times on the road he had to bail me out of sticky situations. I sure am grateful for Len.
When we go to Monday night movie nights it is at Len and his wife’s home. We always have such a great time. And the good part is that I can ask him questions if I am stuck somewhere in the blog and need some help. Last week I was informed by another friend, that because I used the free website from WORDPRESS, that WordPress actually had content rights of what I write as long as I used their site. I have hope of publishing some of what has already been written and did not want to ask for permission to use my own compositions. Once I no longer am under their free site I hold my own rights of everything that has been, and will be written. So, I said that to say this: my new web address is the same, except it no longer has “WORDPRESS” in it. Now it is:
You are welcome to share it with your friends and I ask that you please do so if you think someone else will enjoy it or may benefit by some of what I write.
Visions of Poetry
By Kathleen Martens
February 23, 2016
My new little address
Is now all my own.
And I write to tell you,
So it is known.
Now what I write
All belongs to me.
So if it gets published,
To do it I’m free.
Please tell your friends
So they will tell more.
And I hope that their hearts
Will walk through new doors.
And I pray God will bless
The words that I say,
As well as the poem
I write each day.
And thanks to you all
Who faithfully read.
May what I have written
Plant new seeds.
My hope is to give
Others a smile.
And to fill them with joy
As they walk their miles.
And I pray God will bless
Each and every one,
As they read when they can,
And hopefully have fun.
And for another year
Now I must write.
So invite new readers
At least one each night.
For it would surely be
Such a great shame,
If others don’t know
About God’s great fame,
For that is my message
That I desire to share,
To let others know
That God for them cares.
Good night and God bless you.
Monday February 22 2016 MY INSIDE SOURCE
Monday February 22 2016 MY INSIDE SOURCE
My inside source knows who the next president will be. Of course I hope it will be the one that I will vote for. As of this moment I do not even know who I will be voting for. The main reason, I’ve yet to know who will be on the ballot.
I have prayed that God will give me wisdom when I vote and that the most qualified person will become the victor. However, it is God who is “my inside source” and He already knows exactly who will become the next president. And actually, my prayer is not for any one candidate to be voted in, rather that God’s perfect will is done. We are in precarious days and I believe, that Biblically speaking, the calendar is already ticking in the end times. Many may not understand what it means when the words “end times” are used in reference to what is going on in the world. In a nutshell, the Bible actually tells about what will take place during the “end times” before Jesus returns to earth. The scripture also makes reference as to what the conditions of the world will be at that time, both physically and spiritually. There is also a glimpse in the scriptures as to what kind of situations will be faced by those who believe in God. There will be great persecution. Though persecution is not unknown throughout the history of the world, it has never been as blatant as it appears so now, especially in the mid-Eastern countries. So my supposition is, if the end times are already in motion, God is the only one who knows which man or woman is needed to be in place to fulfill that which the Bible recounts. Only God know who needs to be voted in to fulfill His ultimate plan. The scripture mentions in several places that it is God who appoints the ruler. I’m leaving this election in His hands. Yes, I will vote, but the outcome is up to God. My prayer is, that His will, will be done.
My husband and I have taped each debate so as to be sure and not miss out on getting to know each candidate’s stance. I recommend following both parties, to learn from each side firsthand about what they speak and reflect on the values of each candidate. See how their past records stand up, and by all means, I recommend listening to different news stations because each one has their own slant. Don’t go into the polling booth with a preconceived notion that you can only vote for this party or that party because THAT’S WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE IN THE PAST. Become educated in our country’s history. Try to imagine what the future will be like in regards to each candidate being voted in. What changes will be made? How will each candidate affect our economy? Depending on who wins, how will it affect our heritage, our future, our personal finances, our national resources, our constitutional rights, and our freedoms? And most of all, GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!
VOTING IS A VERB
By Kathleen Martens
February 22, 2016
We are a country that stands free
As free as a country can be.
But slowly and surely our freedoms wane
Never again to be the same.
Stand up, stand firm, on what is right.
Be willing to fight the fight.
Do not lay down your absolutes,
Hear the voice of each repute.
Know the principles on which you stand,
And reach out to others with a helping hand.
Each person’s voice needs to be heard,
Remember that “VOTING” is a verb!
And know that God is in control.
Regardless the outcome be consoled.
God has a plan and it will take place,
Regardless the outcome God offers grace.
No fear is needed when we look ahead,
God’s plan is in motion, His words have been said.
Regardless who wins, God’s plan is in gear,
And it’s just a matter of time, He’ll soon be here.
I choose not to become a platform for the political world. I know that primaries are cropping up all over the country and I just wanted to remind everyone to become as educated and informed as possible about each candidate. And also to remind you to VOTE on the day of your caucus or primary.
Good night and God bless you.
Sunday Sabbath February 21 2016 A DAY OF REST
Sunday Sabbath February 21 2016 A DAY OF REST
A quick hello to tell everyone I survived the party. My house survived the party. Two little boys and two big boys survived the party. But oh boy, can they create quite a ruckus! Especially, when the little boys want to wrestle with the big boys, and the big boys want to wrestle with the little boys. I can’t quite figure out just who the biggest kids are? All I know is that Zach, at eight years old, is getting too strong to wrestle with the “older” generation. And two, three, or four bodies take up a lot of room. And the noise enters another decibel level. And we two women just talk over the cacophony of grunts and giggles and Amy prays that no one gets hurt (as I pray that NOTHING OF VALUE gets destroyed.) All’s well that ends well. The evening ended well, but it was a lot of fun for the big boys and the little boys.
Today is the first Sunday night service at our church which will continue from this point forward. The service will be a repeat of the two morning services. Dave and I would like to support this endeavor, and even though we will attend the early A.M. service, we would like to be present for at least the first night of the P.M. service. This service is to be an outreach to the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus. I hope it is a successful outreach.
Today I am just checking in to let my faithful readers know that I am taking the afternoon off from writing my blog due to the fact that my day will be so short and I have much rest to do. I was trying to figure out what I absolutely needed to do so I could tell you how busy I am, but I decided I am not going to do anything but cook and rest. I need to come down from the past few days of anticipation and excitement.
A DAY OF REST
By Kathleen Martens
February 21, 2016
A day of rest
To replenish
And refill my reservoir.
A day of rest
To finish
And restore.
A day of rest
In silence sweet
To contemplate.
A day of rest
The Lord to meet.
And on him wait.
Have a wonderful Sunday Sabbath!
Saturday February 20, 2016 FINALLY IT IS MY BIRTHDAY PARTY DAY!
Saturday February 20 2016 FINALLY IT IS MY BIRTHDAY PARTY DAY!
I feel like a little girl again waiting with anticipation for Christmas. Regardless how poor we were, mama always made certain there was something under the Christmas tree, and nuts and an orange in our stocking. Our stockings consisted mostly of daddy’s big white socks.
Well, today is my Christmas and Birthday all rolled into one. It is the day I invite those I love most in the whole wide world to a surprise birthday party! It is my party, but the guests receive the gifts! The first time I threw my surprise birthday party no one knew it was my birthday party and was caught off guard. Now they know. I still call it my surprise birthday party because it always surprises me that I do it. AND I LOVE DOING IT! Because my birthday is so close to Valentine’s day I choose to do it in a Valentine theme. This year I attended a ladies luncheon the day before my original birthday date. There were a lot of pretty paper heart doilies that were used on the luncheon tables that were going to be discarded so I asked if I could take them. The answer was yes. I hate to see pretty things thrown away and wasted without recycling into another use. I came home and created pretty place mats with them.
The table is all set. My heart fabric is on the table serving as a table cloth, my St. Vincent heart vase stands in the center sporting little heart shaped candles and new little Valentine plates await my two grandsons. Also, each has a new cup to take home decorated with the Valentine theme, awaiting hot chocolate and marshmallows. Little bags of goodies are ready for the guests. Trinkets of no great value but will be fun to eat and muse over and have fun with. The kids are always excited with anything!
We have one game we are going to play. The only thing is, I can’t publish my blog until everyone is here and no one will have a chance to read it until after the party. I will tell you about our game. Each person will be given a heart with their name on it. Inside the folded heart is an item of clothing they are to pick out of my closet. Dave will pick out my skirt or pants, little boy will pick out my blouse, big boy will pick out my jacket, daughter-in-law will pick out my jewelry, and son will pick out my scarf and my hat. I hope he picks my new red hat that was given to me on my birthday by Ellen from the “LAUGH-A-LOT-LADIES”. After everything is picked out one by one without anyone seeing what the other picked out, I will dress in the ensemble and wear it the rest of the evening. I’ll be sure to have a picture taken. I hope they enjoy the game. My four year old grandson did such a superb ensemble for himself one day when it was time to go shopping. That is what gave me the idea. He actually looked like a little ragamuffin and was so cute in it that I couldn’t wait to see what everyone would put together for me, especially when they will have no clue what the other one has picked out. Regardless what it looks like, if it fits, I’ll wear if for the rest of the evening. I get to pick out my shoes and socks. I will wear red shoes and horizontally striped socks with apple green, orange, yellow, magenta, turquoise, and forest green. They are my favorite socks.
So the clock is ticking. My husband looks like a million bucks and here I sit in my workout clothing. I told my husband I didn’t think I would change tonight. He found that a bit odd and gave me a suggestion how I could make what I had on look better. But I told him I looked fine like this and this was what I was going to wear. My most favorite attire is being braless in my housecoat. So since I don’t think that would be appropriate at my dinner birthday party, my second choice is to stay in my workout clothes all day if I am not going anyplace. Once the game is underway Dave will know why I chose to stay dressed as I am. When I am going someplace, be it to church, doctor, or shopping, I do try to look put together. Now that I own a red hat, I will really go out in style. Ellen, I will think of you every single time I wear it. And I will have a big grin on this old face! Thank you for making my birthday so special.
NEVER GROW UP
By Kathleen Martens
February 20, 2016
Whatever you do
Never grow up.
There are just too many fun things
On which to sup.
Keep your imagination
Sharp and keen.
And always be kind
And never mean.
Have fun every day
Keep inner child entertained.
To make it through life
Your fun sustain.
Laugh at yourself,
And laugh with others.
Never squelch your heart
Or fun times smother.
Be who you are,
Let your inner light shine.
And with your grandkids,
Spend lots of time.
Make things fun
Be a soft place to fall.
And when you’re together
Just have a ball.
Create a reason
To have a party,
Cook lots of food
And eat real hearty.
Live with gusto,
Enthusiastic and sincere,
For life is so short
And won’t always be here.
Time speeds quickly
So soon it is past.
So live today
As if it your last.
I AM GOING TO GO AND LIVE!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I AM ANOTHER YEAR OLDER! AND ONE YEAR CLOSER TO HEAVEN!
God bless all of you. Remember, every day you live is a special day. Reach out and touch someone else’s life today. Something as simple as a phone call or a nice card may be all it takes.
P.S. I’ll tell you about the party tomorrow!
P.S.S. Since I haven’t yet published today’s blog that I wrote earlier this afternoon, I’ll tell you briefly about the party. IT WAS WONDERFUL. My outfit party game was a big hit. Everyone was very cooperative and gave much thought to my attire as they went through my closets. Xander picked out a silver sequined shirt because he loves “sparkly”. Zach picked out the jacket with the most outlandish colors because he wanted me to look “wierd”. Amy decked me out in pearls and silver neclaces, pearl ring, and a red-hat bracelet. Courtland picked out my new red hat to top off my outfit along with a multi-colored, purple winter scarf, which would be worn outside in zero degree weather. It got so hot inside the house that I had to take the scarf off. I wore the outfit the entire night. My striped socks and red shoes just set it off.
The food was great, the deserts scrumptious. I made all the dinner but purchased the three different cake samplers. Everyone loved their new Valentine cups and presents. It was so much more fun to give than to receive. Though I did get some interesting and one of a kind gifts. Xander is extremely creative and loves to make things for grandma.
We had a great time going around the table as each person had their turn to share one of the things they love about each person around the table. I wish I had recorded it. I can’t remember all the kind things that were shared but I will say there were a few tears shed. We all had a wonderful time sharing with one another one of the things we love about them. Xander, who is 4, wanted to start with grandma even though I was not the next one to be talked about. He said what he loved about grandma was how much grandma loved him. And the funny thing about that was, that what he said about me, was the exact thing I had already decided to say about him when it was my turn. So when it was my turn I went ahead and told him that one of things I loved about him was how much he loved me. He calls me on the phone just to tell me that. It is so surprising what these boys come up with when given the opportunity to speak from their heart.
What Zach loves about both grandpa and me is the fact that we have the best woods ever! In the spring and summer I take them on trips through the woods and teach them about the plants and animals and birds. They are pretty good troopers. Courtland told me that what he loves about me is that I haven’t just sat down and retired, but keep on keeping on, and the fact that I have found so many things to do. He also said he loves how I love life, and am so full of wonder. And my husband chimed in and agreed, he too loves how I so love living. Amy was very kind with her words toward me. She said she is so thankful how I have them over and do all the work to have parties for them year after year. Her words touched my heart. Thank you Courtland, Amy, Zacharia, and Alexander for all the kind words you shared with me tonight. Your words were the best birthday gift I could have ever received. We had a great time with you here to celebrate grandma getting one year older. Thank you for sharing your words and heart with us. I write the above words not to brag about the complimentary things someone can think of to say about the birthday girl, but rather to capture the spoken word while my mind still remembers what was said, so I can cherish the memories in the future. It is nights like tonight that make life so special. Thank you for all the treasures you have added to my heart tonight. I love all of you so much.
And my greatest treasure of all, and the one who receives my greatest thanks and gratitude is my precious husband, David. Without his love and support for all the ideas and grandiose plans I forever come up with, I could never succeed. He is my greatest helper, and my true soul mate. Thank you sweetheart for all your help in so many ways. Without your help I would not be able to bring to fruition that which I can think of to do. You truly are the love of my life.
The End
Friday February 19 2016 A DAY OF RECOVERY
Friday February 19 2016 A DAY OF RECOVERY
Today is someone else’s birthday. It is no longer mine. It is a good thing because I don’t think I could handle two birthday days in a row. Instead, I must use some of today to cook, clean, and prepare for tomorrow’s birthday party (so you see my birthday is not quite over yet), and the remainder of the day to recuperate from yesterday’s saga. The entire day yesterday was delightful, even going back to pick up my credit card. Dave did not complain one iota. Tomorrow should be fun too because we’ll get to be with our family. I’ll have the house all decorated with balloons and Valentine décor (which was last Sunday’s theme) so it should be festive and colorful. Martha Steward I AM NOT, but it is fun trying.
I was up quite late last evening writing yesterday’s blog so I would have everything fresh in my mind. There was so much more I could have written about but it would probably have made you realize that it was just the random thoughts of “the elderly”. And so perhaps they would have been. My blog is the voice I want to be heard, and I write whether anyone reads it or not. Someday my written words will become pictures of the past. My grandchildren will someday be able to read about their childhood written from grandma’s point of view written in real time. My children will have stories written from the perspective of what I remember first hand. My blog pages may not seem important in the present, but perhaps someday my family will find pleasure in reading them. When the elderly pass away, so many stories, so many memories, die with them. I wish I had my mother’s stories in writing. I do have her journals but she wrote only about day to day life (which is a story in itself) but she rarely bared her heart and soul to her pen.
When I write personal, hand written journals, I more easily let it all hang out. I must be a bit more tasteful and “correct” if I am going to write for an audience. I realize that. Not all laundry needs to be hung out in public. But, to my chagrin, I find that even though I hope I am being tactful, I often compose words that others (mostly my family) do not think worth saying, or should simply not be printed. And that is okay too. I like hearing from those who think differently. Never do I intend to come across in my blog as my way is the only way. It is not. It is just my view of things from my perspective. I learned a long time ago that I don’t agree with the way many others believe, or think, or the choices they make for their lives. Does it stop me from being their friend or from loving them? Absolutely not! I know that it is okay to disagree. We are all different, come from different backgrounds, and though we may even do some of the same things, we do them unalike. Please don’t think that because I am giving my opinion about a topic that I expect another should do it just like I do. I do apologize if I have stepped on any toes. But…I will keep speaking my own voice, my own opinions, and telling about my own experiences. Who know, just as some may be turned off by what I voice, others may be enlightened by the same words. The intent of my heart is to write words that will build up, not tear down. My goal is to give hope to a world that is falling apart in so many ways. My hope is to reach out and touch a life for the better. I know I cannot fix the world, but if I even help one person, by my touch, by my action or through my words, I will not have lived in vain.
I love writing, for myself, for my readers, for God, for the peace and release it brings to my soul, and to hopefully leave a legacy behind that in years to come will still touch a heart that I may never know. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
BEYOND THE BEAUTIFUL FACE
By Kathleen Martens
February 19, 2016
Who we are in body form
Is but the casing of our soul.
The true self only exists
In that illusive inner hole.
Others see the outside casing,
The part that decays and crumbles,
And often ignores the aged one,
Who now is old and mumbles.
But if one would stop and look
And view with spiritual eyes,
They would see the inner being,
The share that never dies.
Often so misunderstood
Until experienced firsthand,
Though our body will grow old,
Our spirit always stands.
But alas, the young don’t see
Beyond the beautiful face
That the true test of time
Is found in the inner space.
I will go and cook, and rest, and clean, and rest some more.
God bless you on this cold, wind-howling day. It feels like a storm is coming. It is supposed to be in the 50’s by tomorrow.
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!
Visions of Poetry 