Tuesday January 19 2016 THE SCRIPTURES AND THE MOUTH
Tuesday January 19 2016 THE SCRIPTURES AND THE MOUTH
Computers! You either love them or you detest them! I really don’t think it’s the computer’s fault but more my fault for not being tech savvy. I know enough about them to use them TO MY CAPACITY, but not enough to be master over them. I have been working with computer problems most of this afternoon and evening with a Geek squad representative. I only wanted tune ups by the Geek Squad but both PC’s have problems that need the big guns. That means I must take them in to be serviced (for no charge). OR… I can have the Geek squad (one person) come to the house for 4 hours and work on any and all computers that I own for $50 for the four hours. That is worth it to me. I have a big heavy tower for my professional work and it is a bear to haul back and forth. This poor laptop that I am currently using is having its one year birthday soon and has not been tuned up all year which has resulted in overload. It is so full that it will not support an online computer to take control online. Mr. Geek Squad suggested I get a tune up once a month. Which I will do from this point on. I’ll just schedule it on my calendar, call and have my over-the-phone service call (for three computer) via the phone. That way they will not get overloaded with all the excess that the computer holds on to. My Geek Squad subscription cost $99.00 for one year. There is absolutely no charge with over-the-phone repair or if I take it in to Best Buy. However, there are some things that need to be done, which must be done from home base because of all the connections and contraptions and WiFi that is involved with having all this paraphernalia. It will be best for me to have someone come out.
Our Quandary regarding the house is still not totally settled, but it should be by tomorrow. I am beginning to wonder if I have too much on my plate. That is a hard thing for me to admit. I have always just done what must be done, regardless how much was expected. Now, I am rethinking life a bit. I have pared down my obligations. I no longer do any type of consultations or counseling such as Stephen Ministry, or Theophostic Ministry. I am finished with my professional photography. I am not involved with any organized ministry at church. I am not on the prophetic prayer team this year, nor do I have any involvement leading or attending Connect Groups through our church. I have curbed all organized activities that meet on a regular basis and I still don’t seem to have time to accomplish what I desire to accomplish.
So…I have figured out it must be my age! If I don’t have anything else to blame something on I can always just blame it on getting older. But that doesn’t work for long either because I don’t feel old yet. I just had a light bulb moments! I think I know why I am not accomplishing my goals. It must be because I talk too much. I can talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime, even when realistically I don’t have the time. I saw that happen today and realized how much time it takes to talk and listen. Well, perhaps it was Dave that actually helped me to figure that out because he was patiently (or maybe I should say IMPATIENTLY) waiting for me all those times I was waylaid by all those interesting people. And he wasn’t a happy camper. And I don’t blame him. I shall try hard not to talk too much in the future (at least when he is waiting with me). I tried that once when we first married and it didn’t really work too well for me. Well, I’m older and hopefully wiser now so maybe there is hope. I suppose I’ll just have to write longer blogs to use up all my words. JUST KIDDING! JUST KIDDING!
To show you how mature I am becoming, I’ll just stop this blog right here, write a poem (MAYBE a short one) and get ready to make dinner. We usually have a light supper and so it is quite simple to prepare.
THE SCRIPTURES AND THE MOUTH
By Kathleen Martens
January 19, 2016
Oh the scripture is full of caution
Of what a mouth should say.
The wise heart accepts commands
But chattering fools, ruin, demands.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain
Of life, that flows from deep within.
Violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked
And their words cause them to sin.
Knowledge is stored up by the wise,
But ruin is invited by fools.
For the words they choose to speak
Seem to break all God’s rules.
When words are many
Sin is not absent
But he who speaks little
Allow sin no consent.
A righteous tongue is choice silver
As words come from their heart.
But the words of the wicked
Have little value to depart.
Lips of the righteous
Many will nourish.
But the simple fool will die,
For they do not flourish.
Through the mouth of the righteous
Wisdom speaks with voice.
Their words are fitting
Because of their choice.
And he who answers without listening,
It is his folly and shame.
And a liar who is perverse
Tarnishes his very own name.
With his mouth
The godless destroys,
But through righteous knowledge
Escape is employed.
A man of understanding
Will hold his tongue
But a gossip,
By himself is hung.
Reckless words pierce
The heart like a sword.
But the tongue of the wise
Give a healing word.
Truthful lips endure forever,
God delights in what is spoken.
Kind words will cheer a man,
When he’s down and broken
He who guards his lips
Also guards his soul.
But he who speaks rashly,
For him, no such goal.
Knowledge is not upon the lips
When a foolish man doth speak.
It is the truthful who save lives,
A false witnesses voices deceit.
Folly and evil gush
From the mouth of a fool,
Kind words of the righteous,
Are a healing tool.
A man finds joy
When giving an apt reply.
And oh how wonderful
A timely word applies.
The righteous prayers
Of a man are heard,
Because God in heaven
Hears every word.
Good news gives health
To a man’s bones.
And to the man who listens,
His wisdom is honed.
He who speaks truth
Is an honored man.
Even among kings
He uprightly stands.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
And to the soul so sweet.
A Wiseman’s heart guides his mouth,
His words to others a treat.
Whew! That poem started short and just grew. I have looked up a lot of verses from Proverbs about the mouth. And this isn’t half of them!
GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU. I WILL KEEP THE REST OF MY WORDS TO MYSELF. (You see, I am learning.)
BELOW PLEASE READ PART THREE OF:
8 Keys to Finding God’s Will For Your Life
3) Obey what you already know to be God’s Will.
Many people seem to want to know what God’s plan is for their lives, but they overlook the fact that 98% of His will is already delineated carefully through His Word. God is very clear about many, many aspects of His will. For instance, it is clearly His plan that we abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
If we do not obey the things that God has shown us clearly to be His will, why would we think He would reveal any further information regarding His plan for our lives? Obedience is an important first step.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/chris-russell/8-keys-to-knowing-god-s-will-for-your-life.html
Monday January 18 2016 OUR QUANDARY
Monday January 18 2016 OUR QUANDARY
This morning it was minus 7 degrees outside when our post toasty bodies emerged from beneath our pile of quilts. It almost felt that cold inside too. News from the weather channel quoted the wind-chill made it feel as if it was minus 20 degrees. I have the heat up to 72 degrees in the living area, and 62 degrees in the bedroom wing. Downstairs is also set at 62 degrees. We cannot leave the heat off during this kind of cold for fear of pipes freezing. We have a large shop off our family room downstairs and lots of pipes, for our baseboard water heating system, that go through that area. That area is not heated. Because of the pipes being warm the shop does not freeze. The space is 40 feet by 20 feet. To show you how you must dress to go out in this kind of weather, I will include a picture of me still bundled up when we arrived home from the gym earlier today. It takes about 30 minutes for the car heaters to be able to start pumping out heat so we must really be bundled when we get into the below freezing car. We have wool blankets in the car that I snuggle in.
We’ve had quite a cold spell these past weeks and I keep forgetting to mention it in the blog. It is just a normal part of our life in Wisconsin during this time of year. I thought some of you living in the warmer climates might enjoy hearing about what it’s like for us in this part of the country. Dave looked outside the other day and asked me in all seriousness, “What do you see when you look outside?” I thought he was referring to the beauty of the snow and landscape and such, but he wasn’t. He simply replied, “I see death”. He went on to explain that the walls of our house and our heat coming into it, are all that stands between life and death for us. That was an eye opening statement. As I walked from the car into the gym, which probably takes less than 30 seconds, I could barely keep my eyes open because the surface of my eyes would start freezing and drying out. Fortunately I had on warm clothing, and for a short period of time, could be exposed to the bitter cold without permanent damage to my skin and eyes. Being in this kind of cold is brutal, even for a short period of time. Being INSIDE in this kind of cold can sometimes feel very uncomfortable if the house isn’t warm enough. I usually stay busy and active enough that I am not too bothered with it. But I do look forward to climbing into bed at night. As much as we enjoy all our windows in the spring, summer, and fall, even with dual panes and high rated glass, there is not quite so much enjoyment of being close to a window in the winter months. Most of our windows are not covered due to the fact we live in the country, have no street lights to come in, and we would probably never keep the window treatments closed due to the beautiful views we have from all directions. Another reason we keep our windows exposed inside is because of the humidifier that runs on automatic during the winter. Even the bedroom windows that do have blinds, we keep open. Too much moisture builds up between the glass and blinds and then drips on the hardwood floors. So you see, the cold can create dilemmas that you may never think about when you live in a warmer climate. FLORIDA, HERE WE COME! We just don’t know when.
There is a lot on our agenda at present and we have some tough decision to make regarding the rebuild from our water loss on Christmas day. This blog will be short due to time I need to make some phone calls before it is too late in the day. Please join us in prayer that God will give us wisdom to do what is best for all involved.
OUR QUANDARY
By Kathleen Martens
January 18 2016
No matter what confronts us
God is by our side.
He helps us make decisions,
Because in us He abides.
Thank you God for being
Our true and constant friend,
Directing mine and Dave’s choices
With answers that You send.
We ask for help in this matter
That what we do is best.
Direct us to do Your will.
Teach us through this test.
Such a comfort it is to know
That You guide us on our way.
Calm us that we are quiet
So we hear Your voice each day.
Your voice that so tenderly speaks
To the deep within our souls.
For it is our desire,
That You direct our goals.
So our quandary we lay at your feet
And ask You would intervene.
Give us courage to face what’s ahead
And show us the unseen.
Thank you Lord for Your strength,
That You are a tower in which to hide
Where we find solace and love
Because in You we do abide.
Thank you that you are in control
When we don’t know which way to go.
All we must do is faithfully follow
And Your way, to us You’ll show.
PROVERBS 18:15
“THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER; THE RIGHTEOUS RUN INTO IT AND THEY ARE SAFE.”
I believe this poem just came as a confirmation to me that I be reminded that God is in control and He knows the beginning from the end. We are to lay our concerns at His feet and then wait for Him to give us direction. This all has to do with the situation regarding the damage to our home, and how we are going to handle the entire situation, as to what must be done to rebuild. A lot more involved than that, but that is the gist of it.
Thanks for listening to the concerns we have. Remember, this is also my journal at present, so my raw feelings sometimes get put on the table for the world to see. Mostly, we just ask for your prayers tonight that God would lead us in the right direction for all matters involved.
Good night and God bless you!
BELOW PLEASE READ PART TWO OF:
8 Keys to Finding God’s Will For Your Life
2) Surrender your will to God’s.
Many times when we say we are seeking God’s will, what we are really wanting to say to God is this: “OK, God, here’s what I’m planning to do. Now I need you to rubber stamp this, all right?” I must tell you that this is not really effective in finding His true will.
Before God will begin to reveal His will to you, you must be committed to doing whatever it is that He desires for you to do. God will likely be slow to show you His plan if He knows you will likely not do that plan anyway.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Jesus was willing to die for us, so shouldn’t we be willing to live for Him? When we surrender to Him, that is when He really begins to direct our steps.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/chris-russell/8-keys-to-knowing-god-s-will-for-your-life.html
Sunday Sabbath January 17 2016 CONNECT WITH GOD
Sunday Sabbath January 17 2016 CONNECT WITH GOD
“CONNECT WITH GOD”
“GOD’S WORD (THE BIBLE) IS REAL AND RELEVANT TO OUR LIVES. WE BELIEVE JESUS IS PRESENT WITH US AND THAT HE STILL MOVES FOR PEOPLE ON A PERSONAL BASIS EVERY DAY. HE WANTS EACH OF US TO KNOW THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS THAT COMES WHEN WE HONESTLY AND COMPLETELY TURN TO CHRIST, AND WE DESIRE TO ACTIVELY SEEK HIM OUT TO BIND OUR HEARTS TO HIM AND FURTHER THAT CONNECTION.”
The above is paragraph two, written on the back of our Sunday brochure where I attend church. Our pastor spoke on the first paragraph last week, “COME AS YOU ARE”, which is in the blog written on January 10, 2016. It is part of a four week Sunday morning series he is preaching at present. I thought today’s sermon was worth mentioning today as it was very pertinent in our relationship with God. The sermon went into a lot of detail that I do not believe I could do justice to, in just printing the highlights. I recommend to those who have the option to listen to it, google City Church Madison Wisconsin, click on media, and click on today’s (January 17, 2016) message. Rather than write about the sermon I am going to re-create the notes by composing a poem instead. I hope I do it justice.
CONNECT WITH GOD
By Kathleen Martens
January 17, 2016
Show not contempt
For the kindness God shows.
Love the tolerance and patience
He shares where He goes.
An unrepentant heart
Will cause wrath to be stored
For the day of judgement
When justice is poured.
God desires the lost
To call out His name,
That they seek forgiveness,
His everlasting aim.
He is waiting for all
To taste and see
The promises He’s given
For you and for me.
He’s the author of joy
The most generous of earth,
He gave His Son’s life
Because of your worth.
But His severity is firm
On those who draw away
From His loving protection
Day after day.
When we deliberately sin
And for God have no room,
And we know and refuse Him,
We are headed toward doom.
But all is made right
When you come and repent
Because God wants to forgive
And live in your tent.
For repentance is step one
In order to connect
With the Lord God almighty
You’ll have no defect.
GIVE TO GOD all your sin
And His will pursue
So that He can design
What He desires you to do.
It is repentance
That makes you whole
Which connects you with God
Uniting your soul.
It is you who much choose
In order to receive
And a transaction takes place
Because you believe!
Not only do you reap
But deeply move God’s heart
And God experiences joy
That will not depart.
Because He created us
We are His delight
And all of heaven rejoices
With all of its might.
We are forgiven
When we become His child
And all of His richness
On us is piled.
And from that day forth
We are never the same,
For as His child
We possess His name.
And the resources of heaven
Become our treasure.
To give to His children,
Is God’s great pleasure.
When we accept
God into our heart,
He clothes us in righteousness
That need never depart.
And our salvation
To others must share
So that they too will know
That for them God cares.
What I have written above is just the slightest scrapings from a message that is so worth hearing. Pastor Flaherty’s oratory is so much more eloquent than my simple poem of explanation.
I may have mentioned very recently what I am about to tell you. I came across an absolutely wonderful explanation of the steps to take in order to find God’s will for your life. It is on a website entitled “EIGHT WAYS TO FINDING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE”. For the next eight days I will add one step a day from the website. You may find it interesting to study each little segment with close attention to have a better understanding of what God is calling you to do. God has a perfect plan for each of His children. It will be exciting to seek out what our Holy Father has planned for you. He gives us salvation as a gift, and all you must do is believe, ask, and receive. That transaction is between you and God, and promises eternal life with our creator.
BELOW IS EXCERPT FROM THE WEBSITE:
http://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/chris-russell/8-keys-to-knowing-god-s-will-for-your-life.html
“Chris Russell has spent the past 25 years actively involved in ministry through pastoring, church planting, writing, Christian radio, and special speaking around the country and in seven different countries. He is passionate about communicating the truths of God’s Word in a creative, highly-relevant way.
Chris has three kids and happens to be married to his best friend, Leigh. He currently pastors a church on the north side of Cincinnati. When he’s not pastoring or blogging (www.SensibleFaith.com), he runs a real estate company in his “spare” time (www.PlumTreeRealty.com). He believes that A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) is one of his ‘spiritual gifts.’
When I was a young man, I seemed to continually wrestle with knowing God’s will for my life. I wanted more than anything to follow His plan. Interestingly, now that I’m “old” (currently 47 years old), I still wrestle with doing His will in my life. I have come to learn that this is not just something that a young person does early in life; it is a lifelong pursuit in order to stay in the exact center of His plan.
So, then, how can we know God’s plan for our lives? Over the past twenty-five years that I have been in ministry, I have discovered eight vital keys to knowing God’s will. Here they are:
1) Walk with God.
For starters, if you are interested in knowing God’s plan for your life, then you must learn to walk with God. You need to develop a relationship with Him. Christianity is all about relationship rather than just religion.
And so you must cultivate your relationship with God. You must seek to know Him and not just seek to know about Him.
You will cultivate that relationship best by spending time in His Word, taking time for prayer, and taking every opportunity you can to be involved in church and small group Bible study opportunities. When you seek these disciplines in your life, God will begin the first steps to revealing His plan to you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
I will close with the following comment.
The time you spend cultivating a relationship with God will bless you immeasurably. It may seem like a lot to do, but God will take joy in whatever steps you take to become closer to Him.
Good night and God bless you.
I just hope you made it through that long poem.
Saturday January 16 2016 OUR NEW BEGINNING
Saturday January 16 2016 OUR NEW BEGINNING
Well, I went to church this morning to attend a women’s brunch and had an hour sermon along with brunch. It might have even been longer than an hour. And it was good! It spiraled me off course however for this weekend. All day long it has seemed like Sunday. I must draw myself back to pre-retirement-reality, and remind myself that it is only Saturday and tomorrow is the real Sunday Sabbath. So when I re-gain a day (even if it is only in my mind) it feels as if I have a whole new day added to my life. And believe me, I will take all the extra days I can get.
Life is going by too quickly and the years are quietly and quickly mounting. I no longer think in hours or days, but rather in months and years. No sooner does the last year get packed up before it is time to start unpacking this year’s times of celebration. I find I must start much sooner in preparing for whatever is coming up because it takes me longer to do everything. Why didn’t anyone ever tell me this was going to happen? Okay, okay…one person did tell me, and like she always says, “You (meaning me) never listen and learn by what is said to you. You always have to experience it to learn it.” And I think she is right! She is probably the one person in the world, other than my husband, who knows me best. I’m learning sister, I really am. And the list of what I am learning is long!
While at the brunch this morning I sat beside a beautiful young lady who is engaged to be married in four months. She was delightful to talk to. So young and so full of life and energy and anticipation of the future with the love of her life. I love weddings! I think that is why I have enjoyed being a wedding photographer for so long. But, I am retired now and will not be working as a professional photographer any longer, other than my volunteer work at the hospital. AND…I WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE THAT I COMPLETELY FINISHED ALL THE WEDDING WORK FROM THE FINAL WEDDING. Once I deliver the images I WILL TRULY AND COMPLETELY BE RETIRED!!!! I notified the government that my business is closed. SO NOW IT IS TAX TIME!
Back to the lovely bride to be. As much as I don’t learn without experience, I emptied my heart out to this lovely young lady by giving all the wisdom I could muster in the short time we were together. She was extremely polite. She listened! I hope some of it was worth it for her as she heads into her new role in life. I wish her well.
Even though I am extremely happy to finally be truly retired, I would be less than honest if I did not say that deep in my heart I do miss photographing weddings. Each and every wedding was special to me. My assistant and I usually traveled together to the weddings, as many were long distances away. We would always pray for the bride and groom as we traveled to the wedding. We also prayed for the equipment, our alertness, and for our protection. I could always feel God’s presence throughout the day. Not all weddings were God based, so I prayed even more fervently, that the the couple would someday know the Lord. The weddings days were always, busy, exciting, wonderful, and exhausting. Some of my weddings were 12 hours on duty, with 90 minute travel times on both ends. I never tired until it was all over and I was packed up, in the car, and ready to head home. Then I could feel the adrenalin, and tension drain from me, leaving me in a state of exhaustion. Years ago I used to do two and occasionally three weddings in one weekend. That was in film days. Digital photography is much more time consuming, both at the event, as well as post production work. But now for me, it is over. For that I am thankful.
Writing about the above, leads me to the thought that caused me to think about the end of my photography career. I recently either heard or read this statement, “OUR LIVES ARE FULL OF ENDINGS”. Over the years I have thought about that very concept as I watched my life unfold. I’ve actually written a few poems about that topic, but I think it bears mentioning again.
When we were young, even as little kids, we rarely thought about “endings”, but rather about new beginnings. I have found that with each new beginning for someone, there is usually an ending of something else that is being left behind. It begins on the day of birth. It is new life for the baby, the end of a pregnancy for the mother. And there are so many steps that build each year, creating new beginnings and new endings for both parent and child. And here I am now, looking at the ending of something I loved to do, yet on the other hand, seeing new beginnings of a different kind of life. About five years ago, my family doctor told me I was entering a stage in my life when I would be experiencing many losses. Though I could see with my mind’s eye what he was talking about, I hadn’t experienced it yet. But with each of those losses that he discussed I could also see new beginnings that would emerge. As the years progress some of those losses may be catastrophic, such as losing a spouse, losing your memory, downsizing, limited function of body movements, giving up driving, poor health, and the list goes on. But the way I look at it, each loss must come with a new beginning, a new normal, just as it did as we gave birth to our children and made more room in our heart and home for each child. And we also experienced losses as well; children growing up (a good loss), empty nest syndrome, and so much more, but always a new beginning just ahead.
Living in the world we sometimes try to reinvent ourselves when one phase of our life is over, rather than just accept the new beginning that God has already provided for us. With each ending, each change, or each loss, I have found my glass half full rather than becoming half empty. I choose to see all the possibilities yet to come, rather than dwell on the endings. Endings are expected. Endings are needed. To me, endings are nothing more than new beginnings in disguise. And what is so wonderful about endings and beginnings is that when we walk with God, who has no beginning and no ending, we have the assurance that He has been with us through all the paths we have traveled, through all the trials and struggles experienced, through all the beginnings and the endings we transitioned through, as well as promising to be with us for that which is to come. We, as believers, do not ever need to reinvent ourselves, because God already did that for us through the blood of His Son’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. We have been made new, and we are His Beloved sons and daughters. Our “final ending” will actually be our NEW BEGINNING. THE BEGINNING OF FOREVER WITH OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, FOR ALL ETERNITY. How awesome it that! Yes, a lot of things will change over the course of our lifetime, but the wonderful thing is, God never changes and our new beginning began when we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior. AND WE NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE THAT BEHIND! Come to think of it. I think my glass is always full, regardless the circumstances.
OUR NEW BEGINNING
By Kathleen Martens
January 16 2016
This day’s beginning will have an end
As time progresses and darkness falls.
But some things will never change
When we answer God’s amazing call.
When our heart we give to Him
God leads and directs each day,
Through all the pain and trials of life,
Every moment He shows us the way.
So when this life on earth is done,
Even our death is not the end.
When it’s our time to be called home,
We will be greeted by our Truest Friend.
And heaven’s arms will open wide
As we see Christ in all His glory.
FOR OUR NEW BEGINNING, ACTUALLY BEGAN,
WITH REDEMPTION’S STORY!
Good night and God bless you!
Friday January 15 2016 LET YOUR EYES LIGHT UP
Friday January 15 2016 LET YOUR EYES LIGHT UP
Another day. Another blog. But where is the idea? What to write today, is the question I ask myself. Up very early to get out the door by 6:00 a.m. to be with our grandchildren for the day. This is my window of opportunity to write but not much has happened yet today as a springboard to jump off from. Dinner is already in the refrigerator waiting to be heated and served. Our son has been out of town the past couple of weeks doing an extra course for his law degree to shorten the time of his studies. From what I have seen through his life (or perhaps how much I HAVE NOT SEEN HIM) law school is quite grueling. We try to do what we can do help out when he is not available to be with the boys.
Our new dishwasher is beautiful but not full enough to run a load. We look forward to filling it up and hearing how quiet it is. It was actually quite easy to just wash up the dishes after each meal and put them away with just the two of us. However, I think it will be nice when we have big dinners and lots of cooking going on to once again have a working dishwasher. I am taking a break from cooking at present because we have so much food to eat from the freezer and cupboards. Actually that is quite nice right now too. Lots of frozen soups and casseroles, fish and burgers, as well as lots and lots of frozen fruit. I purchase all our fruit in season of freshness, freeze on cookie sheets, (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries) and then put into freezer bags for fruit smoothies and yogurt toppings throughout the winter. The fruit does not stick together when put in the bags and it makes it easy to reach in for a handful of whatever you prefer. I do other fruits the same way but must cut them up first before freezing. Do you ever wonder if this blog is a cooking blog?
Uh Oh! I hear little pitter patter of feet coming up the stairs. A breathless little boy is telling me about how he won! He played air hockey, Ninja, wrestled, and then “worked out” (on the treadmill). All with grandpa. Of course Xander won. It is 10:15 a.m. and my quiet time is over.
Checking in at 3:10 p.m. Baby boy (4-year old) is napping and Dave went to pick up Zachariah from school. It will soon not be quiet again but perhaps I will be able to complete a short blog on a day when spontaneity of AMAZING THOUGHTS failed me…miserably. Oh well, I guess I am just not perfect.
We had a delightful time at Costco, then a stroll through Aldi’s to buy some sale items, and home again. Only this home is the home of our son and his family. Usually I come alone to watch the boys but then the little one cannot nap because I must wake him to go get the bigger one from school. Last week and this week Dave came along and it helped out tremendously with allowing Xander to nap. When you are retired you don’t usually have to worry about the little one’s nap time schedule (you only have to be concerned about getting your own).
It is so interesting how quiet the house is until the Zachariah bursts in, full of life and exuberance. There is sort of a vibration, a pulse of life that I feel when that happens. His sparkling eyes, his voice so full of excitement, movement, and a trail of paraphernalia strewn across the floor, (until I direct him to pick it up) such as a coat, mittens, snow pants, shoes, scarf, hat, and backpack. I kid you not! And he always responds, “It’s okay grandma, that’s where it’s supposed to be.” And I always tell him, “Well not when its grandma here who must walk all over it”. He always picks it up and piles it into the laundry room, chattering the whole time. And my heart smiles deep inside and I can feel the need for a kiss coming. Of course it’s my need, not his. He is a bit past that at age 8. But he always lets me smooch on him anyway.
These are the kind of moments I cherish and put into my bank of treasured memories. Each boy is so different and at different stages. Xander is all for the kisses and hugs and comes up to me often throughout the day to lean into me, hug whatever part of me is available, and tell me in the sweetest, sincerest voice, “Grandma, I just love you so much.” If you don’t think that makes a sappy heart, then you are not yet a grandmother. I wouldn’t trade these two boys for anything in the world.
Years ago Dave and I devised a “code” for when we need attention from the other. If we say, “I need some medicine”, it means, please look at me in the face and give me your undivided attention. With no questions asked, that is what we do. And it works. Often time, those you love are the ones you take the least notice of when they walk into a room. Eye contact is so important. And it doesn’t matter your age. Not only do my eyes light up when Dave walks into a room where I am, my heart still lights up. I try to be consistent in never taking him for granted.
I remember hearing Oprah once say, when your child walks into a room your eyes should light up. I can’t say I was always faithful in doing just that, but I purposely tried to remember to do so. And now as a grandparent, I again try to remember to let my eyes light up when my grown children or my grandchildren, come into a room. It is not difficult to light up, when your heart’s delight, walks through the door. Oh, don’t I sound mushy, mushy? That’s okay. I like being mushy.
So today is a bit different as far as my blogs go. Thank you for reading this far (if you are reading these words). I may have not have had a lot to say, and certainly nothing profound, but I did let you have a peek into my soul. And if I were to leave you with one last statement it would be to cherish your family and love them deeply. Let your eyes light up whenever you see them. Your eyes are the window of your soul. When you have light in your eyes, you have life in your heart.
LET YOUR EYES LIGHT UP
By Kathleen Martens
January 15, 2016
Each precious moment
A special treasure.
How can love
Even be measured?
Let those you love
Light up your eyes,
There are always
Too many goodbyes.
Let your greetings
Be with a kiss
So they know
They were missed.
Too soon time passes,
Have no regrets,
That your heart
Has nothing to fret.
With open arms
And open heart,
Give each entrance
A perfect start.
My sweetest pleasure
My little grand boys
No one in the world
Brings such joy.
Take nothing for granted
They are big too soon,
And you are old
Ready to croon.
So every hour
Realize you’re blessed
That you can hug them
Close to your breast.
Let your eyes light up
When they walk into a room,
For they will be grown,
All too soon.
I shall go play ping pong.
Good night and God bless you.
Thursday January 14 2016 THINGS YOU CAN THANK GOD FOR
Thursday January 14 2016 THINGS YOU CAN THANK GOD FOR
There are so many things to thank God for that I don’t think I shall ever run out of new things of which to give thanks. My thank you journal has been an active place these past few days when I resurrected it from my ever-growing pile of books that surround my special chair in my downstairs library. I differentiate the downstairs library from the “upstairs” library. Actually we don’t have an upstairs library, per say, but as I sit here and look at my rickety little table desk, I spy way too many books that don’t have a home. Piles here, piles there,…uh oh! I feel a poem coming.
PILES HERE, PILES THERE
By Kathleen Martens
January 14 2016
Piles here, piles there,
Piles stacked everywhere.
On the floor are even more,
Everywhere, books galore.
On dressers, on living room shelves,
So I can go help myself.
In baskets and on the chairs.
Every place EXCEPT the stairs.
Books in closets, cupboards too,
And my desk has a few.
Neatly piled in a stack,
Books of God I do not lack.
Even on my chase lounge,
For books I do not scrounge.
Under my elbow there is one
Started, but not yet done.
By my bed behind closed doors,
Open them up, and there are more
End tables hold their share,
Wherever you look, books are there.
In the hall’s decorative case
More books have a place
And there are places left untold
Of little niches that can hold
More books dear to my heart
All of which I cannot part.
I dare not tell you all the places
Where my books take up spaces.
Many are read, most are not.
But there is always one more spot.
I must live to be quite old
Before these books can be sold.
To read every one is my desire
That my soul will be inspired.
I hope to read every word
Before my call to heaven is heard.
(Well, there you go, that is how a poem is born. Thankfully, there is very little labor involved. I feel it coming and I just give it one push and out it comes!) And each one is given their own name!
And I even forgot to mention all the books in my library. That is why we are creating a library where my studio was. But first I must finish getting everything sorted and out of their storage places in the prop room. Everything is just waiting to be labeled and priced. Hopefully we will have the sale this spring or summer and the rooms will be empty.
Well, this wasn’t what I planned to write about today, but it came out of me, so that must be where my thoughts were. I actually thought about writing about our highway system in the United States. But now I will save that for another day. There are a couple of facts I would still like to search out.
As I began the first paragraph above I was talking about my Thank You Journal. Let me get back to that for just one moment. When I sat down to do my quiet time today with God I happened to turn to the back of the book of Psalm. Some of my favorite chapters in Psalm are the last dozen or so chapters of the book. There are so many words of praise to God in them. As I read Psalm 145, what jumped out at me, were all the THANK YOU’S I could give to God. So, I again retrieved my journal and started writing line after line of thanks for all that was in the scriptures. Let me show you an example:
Psalm 145:1 reads “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise Your name for ever and ever.”
This is how I would write it in my journal, “Thank You God that I can exalt you.” “Thank you, O King, that I can praise Your name for ever and ever.”
So that is what I did. I just read each scripture and then wrote it in my journal in the form of a Thank You. It is awesome when you later re-read your journal and come across all the beautiful scriptures turned into Thank You Notes to the Lord.
About now you may think I don’t have anything better to do with my time than to sit down and “play” with scriptures and a journal of thanks. Well, actually I have too much to do, but I think it is more important to me, to just enjoy the Lord’s presence every day because I know that God desires my undivided attention. I’m sure He would delight in your undivided attention as well. Try it, you might like it! Even though it is God who enjoys intimacy with each of us, it is we who really benefit. It is the time when my faith is strengthened, when I hear what God is impressing upon on my heart, and the time I receive power and strength from His presence. And for me, it is being obedient to what I believe He is asking me to do.
Short blog, but I am sending it with lots of love.
Have a great evening. It isn’t dark yet.
Signing off at 4:32 p.m. The days are lengthening!
Visions of Poetry 