Author: Quilter

I find life lessons and sometimes the humor and/or hope in everyday events.

The Darndest Thing

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© jb katke

The darndest thing happened as I sat down at the computer to tell you all about Betsy McCall. She was a doll my mother insisted I have—when I was pretty much done playing with dolls.

I started to tell the story of how she came to be in our family. Today  she is a sorry sight. Sorrier than I realized. When I went to the drawer I knew her to be in, she was gone. At some point in time, I must have put her in a very safe place that I cannot locate now.

The hunt for her continued. Looking high and low to no avail. That is when the darndest thing happened. Remembering some storage boxes we have yet to unpack I found a little souvenir our great grandchildren left for me to play with from Thanksgiving. These little cars. 

If I hadn’t been searching for Betsy, I would never have known the cars were here for me to enjoy. I never did find Betsy’s torso. She is a little worse for wear as my own girls were interested in a doll from mom’s childhood. Bit by bit, she came apart. All I could find is one of her legs.

Poor Betsy, she is lurking around somewhere. No doubt I will find her when I am looking for something else. That is usually the way things go, isn’t it?

The method to Mom’s madness was a secret to me. But the day after our little shopping trip, mom pulled out a sewing pattern to make clothes for Betsy. That is when I learned to sew. It helped fill my otherwise long lonely summer. There were no playmates in my neighborhood.

Such memories. Mom had made me a cardboard ‘house’ complete with furniture. The box bit the dust still in my childhood. The bed she made is intact, but was unable put my hands on the crocheted bed cover. Maybe another blog another day Betsy can enjoy the sunshine in her claim to fame.

Just for kicks, what were some of your childhood memories? Let’s go down memory lane together.

Ten Minutes Later

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© jb katke

Within ten minutes, the day changed with my phone ringing.

“Hi mom, what does your day look like?”

I knew—she has a need that involves me. Sometimes mothers need to be needed.

“I’m going grocery shopping, then having lunch with your dad.”

“A tow truck is taking my car the shop and I need to be there too. Can you get me there?”  Of course I will do all I can to help. I mean it.

What you don’t know is what came before that SOS call.  My focused Bible verses were about giving from the heart. I posted to my women’s Bible study group the desire for my heart and mind to be willing and able to help others. I meant it.

My helping took me on a route I more than dislike. I avoid it. We have an expressway that is heavily trafficked at all hours of the day. To get there in a timely manner, today would not an option. I mean it.

The following sentence may frighten you—but read it anyway. You need to know that Jesus is in the details of life. Stepping out of a comfort zone can also be exhilarating!

Choose carefully your words in prayer, Jesus takes them seriously. Requests are granted if they fall in line with his plan for your day.

Yes, I took the fastest route. And lived to tell you about it.   

Sometimes good intentions require us to do what is not comfortable. There is a secret to success that you may appreciate knowing. I prayed, thanking the Lord that he is with me during a stressful time. I meant it.

True to his word, Jesus’s dad provided safety and a clear path on unfamiliar roads. Of course he did, he was with me and makes me smile.

Solar Events

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Stranger things have happened.

Like getting my blog posted a day early. It had to be. All the news channels are talking about our solar eclipse. A full one that won’t happen again until 2044. I may not live to see that one, so I write about today’s event.

Only I won’t see today’s solar eclipse either. First off, my part of the country is not on the path. Secondly, even if it was on path, I’ve been hearing too much about don’t look at it. Regardless of the special lenses you may use. There is too much danger in doing so, possible blindness—a life-change I can do without. Just knowing it is happening and sensing a darker sky is enough for me.

The hype and conversation reminds me of another long-ago time the sky went dark. All we can do now is read about it. The factual story can be found in several places of the Good Book. (Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33, and Luke 23:44)

The history is intriguing enough that you may want to read the why and how of it. It was a bigger deal than what we have going on today. The creator’s son, Jesus once walked the face of this earth. He arrived by supernatural means with a love for people beyond comprehension. Only to be hung on a cross enduring a brutal death. It was by a willing plan to take the blame for all the evil found in mankind.

On his last breath, the sky turned dark—much like today. Not for a few minutes, but for three hours. That had to feel freaky. If you were in a church last weekend, you probably heard all about it. What we celebrate on Easter is another freaky thing, also by plan. Jesus came back from the dead.

I can’t help but think there is something special about three.

The Good Book speaks of God, his son Jesus, and the Comfortor (aka Holy Spirit). Three.

Jesus’s ministry of telling others a new and different way of life that would bring them into heaven. Three years.

Jesus mentions that he could rebuild a bunch of believers (church). In three days. Dead in a tomb. Three days, before rising again.

A mother giving birth to triplets, a life-change.

The egg. The shell, the white, and the yolk. Three.

There must be more three’s. If you come up with others let me know.

It is Finished 2

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© jb katke

…but Easter 2024 is not over, the message is more than daily. It is hourly—year in and year out.

I love the words I heard on Sunday, never having put the concept together before. They came from two sources, Tim Tebow, former football quarterback, and my pastor, Mike Bickley.

“Jesus’s death on the cross is biggest rescue mission known to man.”

How true! Some had need to call a fire department, others maybe the police. Or maybe both. Depending on the need being an urgent cry of help, and the right people came running.

How many of us have felt that cry of help in a spiritual sense? A mental scenario plays in my mind of someone on the verge of drowning, pleading with Jesus to save him. If saved, this individual makes all kinds of promises—only to forget about them when he miraculously is saved. It is human nature to look after number one. An unfortunate human response.

There is so much in life that is beyond our control. It only makes sense to turn to Jesus. Or is that the last resort? Consider making it your first priority. Jesus already owns a claim to fame. Cracking open the Good Book, you can read about his message of his healing, salvation, his new way of worshipping.

Wait, back up. Does that cry for help in a spiritual sense denote a need of saving? What is really desired is being removed from danger, right? Consider this: We all are in danger. If Jesus is somewhere in the way background of your life, you are putting yourself in danger of falling for…whatever.

A bigger home, the newest model vehicle, or the latest cell phone available won’t give you peace of mind. They will forever require updating.

Compare that to what Jesus has to offer, free for the asking. He is capable of instilling new wholesome desires that fall in line with his plan for you. Were you even aware he made you for a purpose and has great plans for your life? I can vouch for the fact that he will take you places never dreamed of. It’s a good thing.

Jesus can and does fill a heart with gratitude, comforts in time of need, and gives you the opportunity to spend eternity with him. The hard things in life are not removed, but you can have him with you wherever you go. Whatever you do. That, my friend, is better than a State Farm agent who is always there. An agent has hours, Jesus is 24/7 on call, waiting to hear from you.

Getting back to Easter—we have it because of Christmas. Commonly they are the seasons of acknowledgement. He came as an infant growing in this world as you did. Living a blameless life, he deliberately took all the wrong things of this world (aka sin) and let the blame fall on him. Take it personally that he died for you. It truly is the biggest rescue mission ever. It is up to you, do not let your faith be seasonal.

Any hour is right to call on him, he will come running.

Yesterday’s Easter…

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…does it look the same today? Do folks still purchase clothes to wear to church on Easter Sunday?

There is so much to prepare for that one day. Eggs get hardboiled in preparation to dye. Festive baskets came out filled with chocolate and marshmallow bunnies. Some families hide the eggs for children to hunt down. The house gets a spring cleaning. Don’t forget the food prep for a big meal.

It is all a welcome site as spring time reeks new life when the weather warms. Our lawns come back from dormancy. Flower bulbs start to make their presence known. Gardeners are poring over their seed catalog, designing new flower beds. After a long cold winter, the greenery is welcome to come. The anticipation of it all.

Gardening is a mystery to me. Seeds put in the ground and if properly nourished, will grow, looking radically different.  The action is done underground where we cannot see. The seed breaks and dies in order to be transformed into a new and beautiful life.

Does the Easter season bring thoughts of Jesus to mind? His life walking on earth was so long ago, it would be easy to completely disregard him. His life was devoted to helping and encouraging others.  He was a man in demand as he traveled around healing the sick, he was often spoken of with admiration. But he also endured a solid week of false accusations, imprisonment, and mockery. An unjust court trial lead to beating—ultimately ending with his death on a cross.

His story is heard in many churches on Easter. What I find astounding is he intentionally left heaven to make certain these events would take place. Why?

For the express purpose of taking the blame for all the things you and I have done. He knew what would follow.  Jesus didn’t stay on the cross. He didn’t even stay in his tomb. His earthly body was broken and dead. But he rose again to a new beautiful life.

He wants all of mankind to have that same opportunity. Jesus returned to heaven to be at his dads’ side. Because of him you and I have the same opportunity for our heart to join his. It’s ours for the asking. After leaving, Jesus even sent a helper for mankind to make it easier for us to bear the hard things of the world.

In your remembering past Easters, remember Jesus and what he did with you in mind. That gives us all a  reason to celebrate the opportunity of a new and beautiful life.

Make this the year your life is transformed to a new and beautiful life—Happy Resurrection day!

Waste Not

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© jb katke

The saying goes, ‘Waste not, want not.’ Frightening as it may sound hang with my random thoughts here.

In a former life I was a quilter but remain a fabriholic. My fabric stash has been greatly downsized, but has potential. It’s all good for something. Just about every quilt I’ve made has shared the same sentiment, “I’ll not make that again.”

The last being a cathedral window quilt. It is a prime candidate for using up excess scraps. I used up enough to have to go out and purchase more fabric, an exercise in futility for you. These blasted two-inch squares are the leftovers and I’m making an effort to use them as well. Saved for some day.

Today’s point has nothing to do with fabric or quilting. The focus is on opportunities. I have missed National Son’s Day. Again. For starters, I don’t keep track of them until the day arrives. Then feel bad about it, until I remember my son doesn’t keep track either. He seldom gets on social media, so he doesn’t feel snubbed—leaving me feeling guilty for nothing.

Not to mention National Daughters Day. I have more than one of them and I’d miss that too, just to be fair. Here is what I am saying:

I am incredibly proud of every one of my children. Despite their tendencies in childhood, they have grown to be hard-working, responsible, law-abiding adults. They made excellent choices in their spouse as well, as the blessings carry on.

This is my sentiment every day of the year. Not just once a year for those national days I keep missing. I give a shout out to them because they deserve it. They may not realize this post immediately because, for them, it’s a work day. They all lead busy lives. Eventually, one of them may get to it and contact their siblings, “Hey did you catch mom wrote about us?”

Let those you love know how much they are loved. Life is so short and accidents happen. It is easy to think there is time, but tragedies occur on a daily basis. Our family has experienced a few and know we are not alone.

It is a sad dirty shame I didn’t realize how precious time is when we had little ones. Young families are up to their eyeballs with, well, young families. Life stops for no one. Its when more years are behind you than in front that prompts reflection.

Another word. If your fortunate enough to have grandparents, spend time talking with them. I didn’t and regret it. Older folks have stories to share to whoever will listen. They have lived through some stuff and pass on some words of wisdom.

Who else could picture fabric scraps and speak of time well-spent?

Stranger things have happened.

This I Know…

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© jb katke

…head colds now reveal themselves differently in me than before. Because misery loves company, my husband Dave joined me. Technically, he started it. The difference between us is he went to work and I returned to bed.

…having to back out of five commitments told me I am busy. I may long for a time out, but acknowledge my life has purpose.

…drinking more water is advisable, but does not taste as good as Coke. Frozen Coke, better yet.

… it is not a good idea to procrastinate. Laundry multiplies.

… the sun rising to a new day, regardless of how I feel boggles my mind.

…doing things that are good for me is not fun. Going for walks is time-consuming.

…reading makes me tired and I have so many books to read.

… I truly don’t like change, unless it’s for the better.

…when my sewing machine misbehaves, it is time to walk out of the quilt room.

…while certain foods may be healthy and necessary, if it makes you gain weight, it’s evil.

…life is what you make it, dang it.

…dogs try to make friends with people that don’t like dogs, Just ask Dave, he can tell you.

…I can be a whiner if I set my mind to it. 

… Jesus loves me anyway. He said so in the Good Book. Starting a day reading what he says, makes the day go better. It is a supernatural experience. Trust me, I know.

…asking Jesus to take control of my life does not guarantee a problem-free life. He just makes it bearable one day at a time.

…Jesus gives me something the world cannot. Worry-free. Another mind-boggler is what he allows to take place on earth—just know his patience will come to an end.

…peace and contentment can be had.

…that you need Jesus as much as I do.

Don’t forget—Jesus loves you more than you realize.

Selling Point

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©jb katke

Have you ever encountered something that impacted you in a big way? You were not looking for it—it just presented itself to you. Add seeing it in the most unexpected place. Wow, right?

Pictured here is what was written on a business van, just making its daily service calls. I was running an errand—not on the lookout for a meaningful moment. But here it was.  

Currently I am in progress of writing a devotional and the wording on the van “It’s about the relationship” resonated with me. Some way, some how this will work itself into my book. My plan is not so much to teach, but it could. True to my way of doing things, it is intended to plant encouragement and hope. Could ya use some?

The words on this truck nailed it. I don’t have a plumbing, heating, or air conditioning issue—but if I did, I would be inclined to call them up. What is it that sells you on any given product or service?

It seems the way of the world is to tell people what they want to hear. Give the shoddiest job done and move on. Years ago, Dave and I were on the receiving end of a similar situation. I got a verbal estimate and requested a written statement for my husband to read over. Going to his truck, the man tore off a corner of paper and wrote the price down. Real professional, huh?

That’s not the way to promote your business.  I know. My husband was a remodeler in a previous life. Early on, most of his work was from recommendations. Friends of friends. Small repairs often grew into future home remodels on a larger scale. It was important to listen the homeowners because—bottom line, these people had to live with the end result.

It just makes sense to establish a relationship first. Offensive as it may sound, first impressions are your first impression. If that does not go well, forget it.

That holds true in business, co-workers, and neighbors. How we present ourselves is the defining moment. Considering the fact that nothing happens by accident, it could even be a Jesus moment.

There is Hope

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© jb katke

Me and my kitchen have never been good friends.

Memories of bloopers flood my mind. My future husband, Dave, gave me a cookbook a year in advance of our marriage. I took the cellophane off it after our wedding. Shortly after opening it I cooked a roast misunderstanding the oven temperature for the inner temperature of the meat. Dinner was late that night.

The year I roasted my first turkey, Dave invited a single friend to join us. For starters I neglected to realize there were little ‘treats’ left inside the cavity that needed to come out. Before roasting. Our friend loved stuffing, or dressing, as some say. Call it what you will, I didn’t make any. It’s bad enough to not enjoy cooking, but to be a disappointment to your guest. That is unacceptable.

There was the cake that refused to raise, ditto for the meringue on my lemon pie. Need I go on?

It isn’t just food issues, it’s appliances too. When the kitchen was remodeled a dishwasher and garbage disposal was added. I didn’t see the need them I wasn’t missing what I didn’t have. It’s for resale value I was told.  No time at all and I had adjusted to them.

Years ago, when microwaves were the thing, Dave insisted our kitchen should have one. I resisted—I fought the new-fangled thing that would take up space on the counter. The kids would grow used to one so that when they left home it would be a necessity in their mind. All to no avail. The pressure was on when we purchased one for Mom, with a price too good to be true. Now I cannot imagine a kitchen without one. Told ya so.

Yesterday was da ja vu. Air fryers were the topic.

Mine will arrive today. But no promises from me. Again, I resisted, but knuckled under ahead of schedule. I know defeat when I see it. I will get used to it as I did to all our other conveniences. Adjusting to change is hard when your husband does all he can to make my life easier.

Here we Are Again

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© jb katke

Every year, about this time memories kick into gear. Valentines Day.

So many past reflections of Valentines. Remember the sweet sentiments our children brought home from school mandated by the teacher? Perhaps too, the child returning home, broken hearted over the coveted valentine that never came by a certain person.

It’s nice to have a home where we are accepted and tears can flow freely.

One Valentines Day in particular was an oops. As my daughter and I were talking a woman unlocked our door and entered with her arms full of cleaning gear.

“Marge?”

“No, you must have the wrong house.”

Thinking he had arranged a treat for me, I called Dave at work. He laughed at the situation. Still today, I fail to see the humor. Some stranger had a key to our home.

Why oh why, did I not let her go about her business?

Many moons ago, I experienced that aforementioned broken heart. My job as receptionist was to accept and distribute all the beautiful incoming flowers the privileged employees were receiving from their loved one. None for yours truly, I felt special to no one. Oh yes, I regret to admit, Dave heard about it. He hasn’t made that mistake again. He has become more vocal in how much I mean to him. Expressed love was all that I needed.

That experience taught me something. What about widows? They have memories of expressed love they no longer hear. The following year, the only year, I rectified that. A friend of mine, a kind and gentle woman who was now working to support herself. Money was tight and I imagine her life had taken a hit at losing her husband. Having a tight budget ourselves, I purchased a few flowers, put them in a small vase and took them to her place of employment.

She was surprised and touched by my thinking of her. We have since lost touch with each other. Man, I wish I was better at staying in touch with friends! If my words resonate with you, bringing an individual to mind, I hope you do something special for them. Lifting up another brings smiles to both your faces.

About that feeling loved thing. We are. Look into the reflection in your mirror. Our Creator thought enough about each individual on the face of this earth to bring us into being. That’s a lot of thinking folks. We need each other and we need him.

Happy Valentines every day.