Visions of Poetry

Monday November 9 2015  TIME KEEPS MARCHING ON

PLEASE STOP RIGHT HERE AND READ THIS FIRST PARAGRAPH.  I HAVE ALREADY FINISHED MY BLOG AND FELT I WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING BEFORE YOU READ IT.  I ASK OF YOU ONE THING.  IF YOU CHOOSE TO READ THE FIRST LINE OF THE NEXT PARAGRAPH PLEASE READ ALL THAT I HAVE WRITTEN TO THE VERY END.  I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MAY TURN SOME OFF BECAUSE OF MY TOPIC, AND UNLESS YOU READ IT IN ITS ENTIRETY YOU MAY GO AWAY WITH AN IMPRESSION THAT I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE WITH YOU.  IT IS BECAUSE I VALUE THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS THAT I CHOSE TO WRITE THESE WORDS.  I WOULD ALSO VALUE TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK OF WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN.  I DON’T EXPECT MANY TO AGREE WITH ME BUT THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF LIVING IN A COUNTRY WHERE WE CAN TRULY SAY WHAT WE THINK.  IT IS NOT MEANT TO DEMEAN OR HURT ANYONE, RATHER, IT IS ME JUST SHARING PART OF MY SOUL WITH YOU, MY READERS.

Time happens and so does life.  And so many millions of different lives happening all at once.  Sometimes I wonder how God keeps up with it all, not to mention with every single human being.  When I think of the world in that way it makes me seem very small and inessential.  The synonyms for inessential are:  unnecessary, unneeded, superfluous, redundant, dispensable, surplus, and extra. I ask myself, does that really pertain to me?  And when I really ponder and think of the love that God has toward me and all men, that the answer is no.  He loved me so much that He sacrificed His only Son to die for my sin even before I was born.  I truly believe that He knew me and had a plan for me before time even began.  I believe His plan for every man is good.  But, it is man’s choice as to whether or not they choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  How different our world would be if all men desired to live according to the Word of God.  I believe that someday that is how the world will be when we have a new heaven and a new earth. 

I realize that what I believe is not necessarily what you, or even most of the world believes.  It is not my place to judge others for believing differently and walking their own path.  Our history, upbringing, culture, country, religious backgrounds, are all different.  I hold no disregard, disrespect, or discount the path that others follow. However, it actually seems that the world is now taking a different stance toward the person who believes in God and that salvation is through His son Jesus Christ.  They are the ones that are being disregarded, disrespected, and even persecuted and killed in many places of the world.  Even in the United States, the land of liberty, the country which was founded and based on freedom of religion, where we now cannot kneel and pray silently in public lest you be suspended from your job.  God’s name cannot be brought up or discussed at most work places or most schools without repercussions.  Freedom of speech seems to be a bit narrower for the “Christian” in the public sector.  And sadly, I must admit that there are many who profess to be Christians who have spoken out in the name of Christianity, that have greatly disparaged the name of Jesus due to their off the wall opinions and quirky beliefs, that have nothing to do with what is taught in the Word of God.  However, if there are those who do not know what the Bible teaches, but hear the “Christian” speak as if he has all authority according to how he interprets it, that may cause those who are ignorant of what the Bible says to disdain all Christians because of the behavior of just one such “Christian person”.

Why can we not, as a human race, respect all mankind, “do unto others as you would like them to do unto you”, treating others with consideration and respect?  And even as I ask that question I already realize I know the answer.  We live in a sinful world since the fall of Adam and Eve.  Evil is in the world and God has a plan that all should hear the way of Salvation and that none should perish but that all would have everlasting life with Him in heaven.  However, some choose not to follow the teachings of God’s Word.  God’s plan will eventually bring us back to His original plan, where His kingdom will rule upon the earth.  But there is much prophecy that He spoke through the prophets of the Old Testament that must first be fulfilled.  And the time is getting closer.  Time keeps marching on and every day is a day closer to the last days and the return of Jesus.  No man knows the day or the hour, not even Jesus.  But I believe it will happen.  Whether I die or I am still alive on earth when Christ returns, there is one thing I know for certain, and that one thing is, that I want to make sure I am right with God when my turn comes to stand before Him.  I believe Heaven is for real!  We have free will and free choice.  We each choose whom we serve.  I choose to serve the Lord, and because of God’s love for me, love others regardless of what they believe.  I love God and I hope you can still love me even if my faith is different than yours.

As I sat down to write tonight I had no preconceived idea of what I would write.  Again, as many times before, I wrote the title not having a clue as to what it meant.  Perhaps I was meant to write this tonight.  If it helps even one person then it was worth it.  In no way do I ever intend to offend anyone, but I will never say I am sorry or ashamed when I speak of God and His Son Jesus.  So far, I still have the freedom to write my true feelings and beliefs in my own blog.  Others may choose not to read it, and that is their privilege and freedom to decide.  I hope that this great country we live in, which was founded as a place to worship God in freedom OF religion (not FROM religion), will forever remain free to all who choose to live here.  It also means that those who choose other religions, or choose none at all, should also have the freedom to follow their beliefs as well.  None should be persecuted, ridiculed, or killed for what they believe as long as it does not violate or cause harm to another.  Can we not live in harmony, regardless of our beliefs, in what is called a “civilized society”.  It seems to be getting more and more difficult. 

IS IT SO HARD TO RESPECT ANOTHER?

By Kathleen Martens

November 8, 2015

Time keeps marching on

Regardless the path we follow.

Beliefs that others have

May be hard for some to swallow.

Can we not choose to be

Compassionate toward all men?

Regardless how their faith is viewed

Or their belief in sin?

Each man searches for truth,

That which satisfies His soul.

Is it so hard to respect another

Though different be his goal?

I just want my friends and neighbors and family to know that regardless our differences, in spiritual beliefs or any other belief, I love you and respect you.  I love my God and since He is my best friend I may talk about Him from time to time.  Would I love for you to know Him like I do?  Yes, but even if you don’t know or love the Lord, I will still love you and respect you and your beliefs.  That is what living in the United States is all about.  Oh, and just so you know, that pertains to politics too.  Regardless who you vote for, even if it is different than my choice, I will still love and respect you as I would hope you would me.  The very fact that we have differences and live in peace is a great tribute to the freedoms we enjoy.  Let’s keep our freedoms and offer respect and compassion toward all men, regardless of ethnic background, skin color, lifestyle choices, religious beliefs, gender, or political persuasion.

God bless you.

Sunday Sabbath November 8 2015  A QUIET REPOSE

Sunday is the best day to practice retirement.  That is what we did today.  Dave felt up to going to church for the first time since his surgery.  My arm is actually doing very well so it was not a hardship for me to get dressed.  I even put on my own earrings.  By service end however, we both needed to be home.  It seems that any type of pain can easily deplete our stamina.  We had a leisurely lunch, a card game and then I had to try out a “Christmas present” that Dave bought for me and insisted I use it now.  It is an electrically heated throw for the couch.  In other words, a small electric blanket with the fuzzy soft feel.  IT WORKED BEAUTIFULLY!  Oh man was it ever toasty and comfortable.  I watched some news and then decided I needed to stay where I was a bit longer so I watched a Hallmark Movie, “An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving”.  It was a simple, sweet movie.  Definitely a Hallmark movie.

If I had time to tell you just one thing of importance that happened today it would be this: If you are interested in the Biblical aspects of “THE END TIMES”, I would suggest you listen to the sermon I heard at Church today.  It was very, very interesting and enlightening.  I have been studying the Prophetic Books in the Old Testament in the Bible and then going forward to the New Testament to study the fulfillment of the old prophecies.  Because of my studies this sermon was very apropos for me to hear at this time.  I think it stands on its own however for being very insightful.  Our Pastor has a very easy way of explaining the scriptures as to make them easier to understand.  If you are interested in hearing this message google, “City Church Madison Wisconsin” and follow the information to listen to today’s sermon, November 8, 2015.  It will literally open up your mind to better understanding as to what is taking place in the mid-east, as  well as in the entire world.   I will be listening to it again with my Bible on my lap so I can better comprehend all that Pastor Tom taught.

And that is just about as much time as I have.  I still would like to write a poem so I must open my mind and see what pops in.

I WANT TO KNOW

By Kathleen Martens

November 8, 2015

God has a plan for all the world

And it is spoken in His word.

What we must do is search it out

For as you listen to the media it’s heard.

So many truths tucked inside

A book that some countries ban.

So many times the very truth

Is what the media pans.

Search it out so you will know

The facts laid out by God,

So when the times occur

To you it will not seem odd.

I don’t know about you and others

But, I want to know what God said

When He spoke through the ancient prophets

Who are no longer living but dead.

And when you read how the word aligns

To the truths of what is coming near,

You will have a better understanding,

And need not have any fear.

For God will be with us through it all

For our hope is not of this world.

He will be with us every step of the way

When His plan someday unfurls.

Hmm…the above poem even surprised me a bit.  I know that there are those who read this that might not agree with what I wrote in the poem or paragraph above, but I would suggest if you haven’t ever read the scriptures about “THE END TIMES”, rather than be ignorant of what the scriptures says, read it for yourself and draw your own conclusion.  I would rather be informed than left out in the dark as to what was written.  It is truly amazing, especially when you realize how accurate it is in regards to what is happening in the world politics at this time.

If Lana is reading this blog I single you out because I know that this is something you will really want to hear.  Thanks for all your comments in the past regarding what I have written.  It spurs me on to keep on writing.  I love doing it, especially if it helps others or it gives them incentive to seek out more truth for themselves.

Must keep this short for the evening has much ahead.  Part of the “much” is getting to bed on time!  Besides, I must finish “my quiet repose”.

Good night and God bless all of you.

Saturday November 7 2015  AND THAT WHICH HE GIVES HE GIVE FREE

It is dark and it is late (8:13 p.m.) and my arm worked too hard today so I don’t have much oomph left in me for blog writing.  I did want to come and say hello and let you know I am still kicking.  I worked in the kitchen doing one of my favorite things and I am ready for the bed.  But, I do want to tell you that the soup I made today (from an actual recipe) turned out unbelievably delicious!   With most soups I just make up the recipe and sometimes have somewhat varying results.  This recipe was easy and quick to cook.  Once it came to a simmer it took only 1 hour for everything to be ready.  It is called summer vegetable stew.  All the vegetables are still available from the market and perhaps even from some gardens if you live in the right clime.  If anyone would like to have the recipe just let me know and I’ll publish it in a later blog.  VERY, VERY DELICIOUS!  Even if I do say so myself.

I also have a crustless apple pie baking in the oven.  I just followed my regular recipe (made up) and put it in a baking dish, covered it with a glass lid and will wait and see how it tastes without the crust.  Probably will taste more like a lumpy, sweet applesauce.  I used honey crisp apples right from the farm down the road.

This morning as I drove to the end of the street at the top of the hill from our house I saw a beautiful sight.  I always love the view I see as I come to the stop sign to turn onto the road that takes me to the apple farm and the gym where I work out.  Every year there are rotating crops planted that change week by week.  This year corn was planted.  Last year it was soybeans.  The corn was in the process of being harvested.  The machines are huge and seriously scary looking.  Standing in the field by the side of the road a truck patiently waited to be filled with the harvested corn.  The harvester goes down the long rows of corn stalks, picks the corn, shucks it, and takes the kernels off the cob, all in one fell swoop.  As the corn is processed through the harvester it comes out a shoot and fills up a large compartment.  When the compartment gets full, the harvester comes over to the waiting trailers and transfers the corn.  Well, as I approached it I could see one trailer was already full and I had the advantage of being higher than the truck as the field was below the road.  I only had my cell phone with me but I couldn’t let the beautiful sight of the corn being harvested left uncaptured.  Besides, my first thought was that I wanted to share the picture on my blog.  I’ll post it below.  I just love all the beautiful sights I see every day and wish I could share them with the world.  The camera never does them justice. 

The leaves have finally fallen from the great oak tree outside our living room window.  It was dusk when I looked outside and I could actually see the backyard area behind our house because the leaves no longer covered the view.  I’ll post that picture so you can see the abundance of leaves strewn over the yard and terrace below.  Every season here has such a unique beauty all its own.  I never cease to be amazed.  I wonder sometimes if others see the beauty as I see it.  If so, I never hear people speak of it.  It is such a shame when we take the beauty of even one day for granted.  To have eyes to see is enough reason to revel in all that can be enjoyed.  Look around you and find things to look at that you pass every day and never take time to really focus on.  You may surprise yourself with all the beauty that is in your world wherever you live.  I just happen to think that I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.  I have never regretted moving to Wisconsin from California 29 years ago.  It gets cold, that is true, but even the stark white of winter is pleasing to my eye.  Another thing I love about country life are the fragrance of life around me.  Unless it is freezing I usually have my car window rolled down and just inhale all that I pass.  However, there is one farm down the road that I usually roll my window up before I pass when I have to go by it.  It is a very large dairy farm.  Need I say more?  There is one other oder that catches me unaware when I wish my window was up and that is the smell of a skunk, of which we seem to have a plethora.

AND THAT WHICH HE GIVES HE GIVES FREE

By Kathleen Martens

November 7, 2015

Stop and enjoy your day,

Look around and view sights unseen,

Let your EYES speak and say,

What your busy thoughts screen.

Instead of thinking of tomorrow

Be aware of the presence of now.

From the future do not borrow

When there is so much today allows.

Let your eyes gaze in shadow and mist

To see all that there is to see.

God displays such beautiful gifts

And that which He gives He gives free.

Do not be in such a haste

That you miss the glory that abounds.

What you don’t see is such a waste

For tomorrow it may not be around.

So many things are once in a lifetime,

Like the miracle of an individual flower

Enjoy the moments of the warm sunshine

And the miracles in every hour.

The baked apples with cranberries turned out delicious!  It would be great over ice cream!

Enjoy your moments because they are when you live.

Good Night.

Friday November 6 2015  TWO LITTLE BOYS

A day out, shopping for supplies, but it was still a day out.  Dave is eager to have a reason to go out when he has been cooped up for so long recovering.  So today he braved the world, I drove and he went along for the ride.  At our last stop he said it was time to go home.  So we did.  A bit of rest to freshen up for the evening ahead.  It will need to be a short evening because I don’t want him to over exert.  He is more apt to try to do too much if I don’t stand guard.  Anyway, that’s what I like to think.

Court and Amy are coming over.  We are going to go to Subway and get three, foot long subs.  The boys really like to go to Subway and this is to celebrate Xander’s fourth birthday.  I want each boy to always know they have a party at grandma and grandpa’s to celebrate the day of their birth.  No matter what other parties they have we ask them to come over so that they will always know how special they are to us.  I figure if the party tradition is ingrained in them while they are young, that when they become teenagers,  it will still be important for them to come over to be with grandma and grandpa to celebrate their birthday.  They are both growing so quickly and so soon adolescence will be upon them when their friends become more important than their family, especially the “older family”. 

After subway we plan to go to the MacDonald’s play land for a while, as they both still enjoy the fun it affords.  Zach will soon be too big.  He is growing taller by leaps and bounds.  He will be eight years old in a couple of weeks and he is almost up to my chin.  Of course that probably isn’t very impressive when you realize how short I am.  But to me, he is tall.  Built just like his father was (and still is), massive shoulders and strong muscular legs.  Our son had no chance for any other shape because both Dave and I have thick thighs and I guess it was passed on to the next generation too.  I am just so thankful that both boys are healthy, strong, and have a sound mind.  When we have healthy children we are truly blessed and should remember to be thankful for it every day.  One last thought about Mac Donald’s, we will have vanilla cones to celebrate the day (along with a treat which they don’t yet know about).

Soon our quiet house will be full of noise as the birthday boy arrives with his family.  Dad is coming from work and mom from home with the boys.  There is always so much excitement and kisses and energy that it just revs me up.  A good rev!  We love it when they spend the night or part of a weekend.  There is always a lot that goes on.  If you are not a grandparent you may not quite know what I am talking about.  Let’s just say it is a highlight of our life.

TWO LITTLE BOYS

By Kathleen Martens

November 6, 2015

Two little boys

With smiles and wiggles,

Makes a day brighter

With all their giggles.

So much excitement

That life affords.

Energy abundant

Which they never hoard.

Makes my heart glad

To see their faces,

And it’s off to the run

Like horses at races.

Kisses and hugs

Laughter and joy

Walk through the door

With two little boys.

They are here!  Must go and will return later.

I’m back.  What a fun evening we had.  We did just what I previously said we would do, Subway, MacDonald’s, fun time on the equipment, ice cream cones and cookies, and then the big present which Xander seemed to be excited about.  I don’t think the evening could have gone any better.  Dave’s energy lasted, and I felt good about already having written my blog.  I love writing my blogs, but sometimes I really have to squeeze them in to have the time between all else the beckons me.  Thanks to the notes you send me after reading the blogs. It is fun to hear your comments and learn what others are doing.

The night is still young.  It is only 8:33 p.m.  We squeezed a lot in today and now it is time to retire.

Good night!