Author: Quilter

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

Dear Whomever

QuilterLeave a comment
© jb katke

Our society has come to this. Beware—a can or worms is about to be opened.

A recent shopping trip to find a birthday card led me to see this. Why doesn’t the card just say it like it is? ‘Whoever you are, Happy Birthday.’ Does that fill you with all the warm fuzzies coming from a loved one?

Me either. Greeting card shopping has become a challenge in recent years. It is hard to come by a card that expresses my wishes. The son-in-law that feels more like a son—the daughter-in-law that is more like a daughter. Just because we didn’t raise them—as most cards indicate, doesn’t mean they are any the less dear.

It goes without mentioning the estranged parents that want to celebrate their child, but the card says “us.” If a divorce took place “us” does not fit. What about the child that determines he is not a he anymore, but becoming a she? Or vice versa.

My mother had a clever saying, “The gravy thickens.”

Relationships have become convoluted. Families are not what they used to be and can easily leave one riding the waves, unsure of what shore they will wash up on.

Except for you and I. There are many that read my words that I have never met. Even so, I want to let you know how much you mean to me. It humbles me that you give time to read my thoughts of the day.

It’s you that helps me phrase those thoughts. While we all live on planet earth, our lives seem worlds apart. The norms of everyday living are vastly different. Yet here we are sharing a moment together. Thank you seems so trite—but I do thank you.

It is not just me that thinks of you regularly. So does Jesus. He played a huge part in creating you and continues to have great plans for your life. That is if you allow him to be a part of it.

What does that look like when you cannot see the guy?

Allow me to share what I have found to be a great help.

Early in my day, I talk with Jesus. Tell him what he already knows. He is great and powerful. (It’s a simple matter of giving credit where it is due) I bring up my family and put them into his hands because I can’t control their day or their thoughts like he can. I thank him for things in my own life that has brought me to a closer relationship to him and ask him to guide me through the day. Putting my concerns on his to-do list makes more sense because he is a get ’er done kind of guy.

It’s that simple. You are not a whomever person. You are a big somebody to Jesus. Consider each sunrise to be his greeting card to you. Nothing pleases him more than the two of you sharing life together.

Nice Things

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

Do you like nice things? I do and sometimes wish I did not.

Put your seatbelt on—I will take you on one of my rabbit trails of thought. I promise it won’t hurt.

While having nice things is nice—it is not always what it is cracked up to be. All the dishware and collectibles I have inherited are stored in our hutch. It’s big. The deliverymen referred to it as “The beast.”

“The beast” has a story in itself, starting with the wicked gash in its side, but will not elaborate on that today. I am nothing more than next in line of my ancestors collection. Whether tradition will continue and my kids want anything from it remains to be seen.

It. Is. Full. Everything in it must come out for a refreshing bath. When emptied, the glass must also be cleaned. It is more than a days work. Which brings me to my point. It is not so much ownership of memories—it is more like the acquisition owns me. Maintenance required.

© jb katke

Another for instance is our cookie jar. Like so much in our home, it has history. When my husband was just a boy, he purchased it—gifting the cookie jar to his mother. It reflects what a thoughtful, sensitive nature he has. Dave grew up with three other siblings. A cookie jar was a necessary kitchen item.

Washing that cookie jar is just short of a spiritual experience. When wet, it is slippery. It has lived such a long life—I would feel awful if I brought it to its’ demise. Care required.

On the other hand—check out these beautiful leaves. I am a pushover for autumn leaves. Dave says I can’t help myself. On the ground I can see their individual beauty—on the tree they get lost in the mass.

If you examine them closely, there are flaws. They are varying colors of death. The shapes are unique to the tree they fell from, and have little holes. Some may call imperfections.

Jesus and I think they are beautiful. They have served their purpose shading us in the heat of the sun, now we can appreciate their uniqueness. Various colors of death are beautiful when viewed with other trees. And those little holes? It reveals they have been through some stuff.

Have you been through some stuff too? Maybe you don’t look upon yourself as beautiful. Jesus feels you are just right. Acquiring a few scars as we go along is part of life. It defines who we are. If we live to tell about it—someone needs to hear it.

We are not placed on earth to endure, or look good in the eyes of others. We are here to lift each other up. Care and maintenance is required, and encouragement can be scarce. Let others know Jesus likes us just as we are.

Unmasked

Quilter2 Comments
(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

While scary and death seem to be the theme of Halloween—death is a life event no one is completely prepared for. It makes no matter if it is sudden or a lengthy illness.

There are a lot of mixed feelings going around. We are hearing of the war in Israel and the unrest in our own country. And now, losing the beloved Hollywood actor, Matthew Perry, as we learn of his last days. How weird that he recently wrote how he wanted to be remembered.

More information will come forward—it always does. Matthew conquered a drug addiction. His battle was real and didn’t make it a secret. He unmasked his trial for the world to see and let them know it is beatable. Good. For. Him. We need more people like that in life—to know there is hope.

Life can be hard. Anything can weigh a person down. With the right kind of helpful people, we can become conquerors.

On a lighter note, are the Halloween costumes ready? The children are certainly ready to haul in the candy. I’m hoping there are lots of kids parading around as cops, EMS workers and firemen. They are the right kind of helpful people that are getting a bad rap lately.

But there are others, less noticeable. Do you have a friend that harps on Jesus? There was a time when they were referred to as Jesus Freaks. If they are in your circle, good for them.

Their words may not always be appreciated, but I gotta tell ya. They can be a real help when you are in your own battle. Addiction, divorce, death or whatever. These so-called Jesus Freaks are just the ones to help when tough times hit.

Facing hardship is never easy, but to mask it makes everything worse. It’s living a lie. How do you want to be remembered?

Jesus wants to help but won’t if you haven’t asked him. He is not one to intrude. I have learned firsthand he can bring others into your circle that are an encouragement. Either be that person or go to that person.

It makes the world a better place. Shock of shocks, chocolate is not the answer for everything.

Private Eyes

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

“Momma, is it true, private eyes really are watching us?”

Daughter Naomi had a legitimate concern.

Dealing honestly with my children was a must, “No honey, no one is watching us.”

Her question was based upon a song that Hall & Oates produced the year of her birth. ‘Private Eyes Are Watching You’ played for substantial years, long enough for her to comprehend what the lyrics meant.

But was I being honest with her? To my knowledge security cameras were few and far between. Unlike today. We cannot even make a run to the corner store for milk without being under surveillance.

I once had a neighbor with one of those Ring doorbells that gave video of who was at their door. His range of vision was vast—knowing our every move.

The lights that line our streets serve more than just giving us light in the dark. Them things have cameras. People need to know that fact.

Don’t throw caution to the wind. There are apps available for cell phones that inform what location firemen are called to and the nature of the emergency. Privacy has gone out the window.

The worst of it is what comes into our homes. Reality TV shows air the stupidity of thieves making errors in their effort to steal. Police shows share videos of drivers gone bad.

Not to mention the news. Wars are telecast for us all to see the atrocities of evil. Everyone can see everything. I repeat:

Was I being honest with my daughter?

Particularly when I know Jesus. He sees all and knows all. That fact is too important to forget. It has impacted me in an unexpected way. He led me to start writing.

Those that know me, know I have never fathomed writing. But here I am making contact with you to know what I know. At some point I will be face-to-face with Jesus, I don’t want to explain why I didn’t do what he asked of me.

He willingly died before there were cameras and television to record the horrific event. But you can read all about it in the Good Book. It wasn’t pretty.

Reading further, you will also run across parts that tell how much you are loved. That too, is a fact. Let Jesus be a guiding light instead of the street lights with cameras.

At War

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

Are you at war within yourself-switch on, then switch off again? Life is full of dispute.

Being on the proverbial fence, not knowing whether to change gears to be pro this and con that. The news and social media give never-ending viewpoints making it hard to know where to stand.

Dilemma can be on any given subject. Seniors, soon to graduate high school—then what? Not only are colleges expensive, but possibly not the answer. Trade schools are great but one must know what they want to do in life.

That brings up the subject of job v career. A job brings in the cash flow—a career is doing what you love and getting paid for it. It circles back to what do you want to do in life. Here is a clue to get your mind going, what brings you pleasure? Dig around and see what occupations would supply you with satisfaction.

Are you willing to marry and spend the rest of your life with the current boo? I have lots to say on that, but will leave it with this: It has nothing to do with how great your sex life is. If you want details, ask me.

Thinking about the future may seem an exercise in futility, considering the nations at war. Is our safety switch on or off? One can only guess if the end is near.

The politics of the day is a great example of mud-slinging. Is one political party better than the other? It is a personal decision. I have asked Jesus’ dad to decide how life will play out. That may sound noble, but the question is—can I live with what he deems good? That is the sixty-four-dollar question.

The answer could be, ‘Yes I can.’

The Good Book is full of promises. It says that Jesus is the son of God, that he came to earth in a supernatural way and died so that you and I can have access to hope now—and  live eternally with them later. Folks eternity is a really long time.

I have read that Jesus’ dad has plans for each person and that he is always with us. Is there a hitch? Of course. The Good Book also says we have to want him in our life. The decision is yours to make—don’t be at war when so much is at stake.

Connecting With Jesus

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

The challenge—should I choose to accept it, was noting the way I connect with Jesus. Then writing about one that I do not connect with.

This came via my writing coach, having read Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas.  According to Thomas, there are eight ways people can connect with Jesus:

  • Naturalist-loving Jesus outdoors
  • Sensate-loving Jesus through the senses
  • Traditionalist-loving Jesus through ritual and symbol
  • Ascetics-loving Jesus in solitude and simplicity
  • Activist-loving Jesus through confrontation
  • Enthusiasts-loving Jesus with mystery and celebration
  • Contemplatives-loving Jesus through adoration
  • Intellectuals-loving Jesus with the mind

First off, I wish to say none of these ways are wrong. Nor is one way superior to another. Mankind is a vast people group of individuals. How we relate varies among us all—even among our circle of family and friends. Not to confuse the issue with a split-personality, we just learn how to adapt our communication with how individuals relate to our words.

I chose Naturalist, mostly because I am not an outdoors girl. Some would point me out as being a hot-house plant. I am okay with that, because there is too much sunshine, heat or cold and bugs for my liking.

The very reasons I dislike outdoors is no doubt why others love it. Fresh air, well all right, I enjoy a good breeze. But there is more, plants, trees, and just nature itself to be appreciated. And I do, mostly as I look out my window.

What I find interesting, living in this day and age—are those who are entirely wrapped up in climate change. My goal is not to get political. But those who are actively endorsing ways we can save the earth are frustrated that others do  not join their cause. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that other nations are not their teammates.

Jesus created nature, not only for our well-being, but for its beauty. However, that is not all that he created:

Jesus gave mankind senses to take in the sights and sounds of pleasure. How unfortunate, understandably for safety sake, we can no longer smell burning autumn leaves.

He instilled in mankind a need for organization—a practice or an object that brings Jesus to our mind.

Have you noticed some folks just need a down time? A mind without distractions is an excellent time to think on Jesus.

There are those who feel the absolute need to voice their love of Jesus to everyone and anyone who will listen. They have a point that needs to be heard.

Many who love Jesus love to dwell on how he accomplished his mission. It can boggle the mind as we celebrate his birth each December and beyond.

Often just thinking about Jesus, his mission—how he loved on others and drew such crowds brings such thoughts of gratitude.

The mind is a wonderful creation of his—that we can be fascinated by an ordinary man that was anything but ordinary.

Any one of these connections can be dangerous if taken to the excess. While mankind has breath, it is imperative that each connection has its own time of reflection on our soul.

“In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:6 (ESV)

I would enjoy hearing how you best relate to Jesus!

Speechless?

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

Me—speechless? In your dreams!

I have all sorts of thoughts and ideas that roam freely inside my head. At the end of the day, when my feet are level with my head they activate, keeping sleep at a distance. My mind is not a blank screen.

Just this morning, as we watched the news, my husband Dave commented, “There is something I have noticed about you.”

“What is that?” I asked laughingly. Only to sober up enough to wonder did I really want to know?

“You have lived with me too long. You’re talking back to the television like I do.”

True statement. But the TV needs to know how off-base it sometimes is.

Like so many others I have an unnatural attraction to social media. Oh—the useless information one can learn! Much of it questionable.

Some feel the necessity to share the name of the restaurant they went to for lunch. Others post the pictures of their vacation.

This leads me to thinking many may need a relationship. We live in a busy world these days and don’t seem to find the time to establish friendshipe. That is where social media comes in handy.

We can reach out to a world of people we may not even know and get feedback from them. The response may stem from the topic or maybe the picture always attached. It doesn’t matter as long as some response comes from somewhere.

Beware of the questions memes ask. “What was your pets name when you were growing up?” or, “What was the make of your first car?” Someone, somewhere appears to want to know you. “Just for fun they say.” The information you provide can give them access to change your password, make expenditures in your name, or any other kind of mayhem. They are not your friend.

My personal unfavorites are the political ones. I don’t have enough fingers or toes to count how many times I would like to respond, but hold back. We live in a day and age when everyone feels the need to let the world know who they support.

So then, why don’t I respond, letting others know how I feel?  Because there is another issue of far greater importance—that no one wants to discuss.

Like what? It is important to me that you know this. Too many people don’t acknowledge life after death.

My beliefs are based upon the Good Book. It is there that truth and hope live. I do not aim to flaunt my opinions, but to point others to read it for themselves. If you take Jesus’ words personally, you won’t be sorry.

Extra, Extra

QuilterLeave a comment
© jb katke

Read all about it! Have you heard to the news recently?

A young mother has made the national news. Her story can prompt some head-scratching and possibly controversy.

You may find the following offensive, but it is real. Before I go any further, let’s agree there are places in this world that do not offer choices.

Last year a young woman was diagnosed with brain cancer, and she was pregnant.

Her cancer doctors told her what she must do to beat this. To use the best treatments, she must abort the baby. We all want a doctor that will give us the answer to our illnesses. Generally, we trust them because they know more than the average person.

However, this young mom didn’t agree with her doctor. I do not know what her obstetrician may have said.

Many may question her decision. She already had a two-year old child—can’t that be enough? But she determined not to have the abortion. I’m aware of only two women that have faced this dilemma. Both of them based their decision on their faith.

Abortion would not fall in line with their spiritual beliefs. Jesus has never endorsed abortion. He was and is, a giver of life, not a taker.

To some, this woman may have been incredibly brave. To others, foolish. But here is her logic—

“My baby has nothing to do the cancer, killing her would not take the cancer away.”

Next month her baby daughter will celebrate her first birthday.

Watching her interview on television, I noted the woman looked the picture of health. None of us know if she will be cured or how long she will live, but all of us will at some point die.

It’s the choices we make while breathing that make all the difference in the world.

As I write, she is currently out of state, undergoing treatment with different doctors. What kind, I do not know. But this I feel, she had a choice of life or death and today it appears life has won for both mother and child.

As far as her appearance is concerned, looks are deceiving. We cannot possibly know what others are going through, but the journey is real. It is not for me to say whether I agree with this womans decision or not, but I do commend her for living her faith.

Let’s just support each other as we each travel our own path.

In Memory Of

QuilterLeave a comment
© jb katke

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in memory of ________________.”

These words are often said at funerals—at least on television. We just need to fill in the blank. This morning we discovered a death outside our door.

This precious little hummingbird. I cannot say he, or she, was part of our family, but in recent years I have devoted a lot of sugar and various feeders trying to lure them to us. Throughout the summer they have been scarce. I anticipate seeing more of them this time of year as they fill themselves up in preparation for wherever they migrate to.

Families of today consider their pets as part of the family. When I was a child, pets had pet names—Rover, Spot, Fido. These days pets are given ‘people’ names. What I find astounding is the pet life insurance companies.

Yes, pets can now have life insurance! Who are the beneficiaries? Someone has to inherit the dog collar, litter box, or birdcage. Of course, it goes without saying that upon demise, pets can be laid to rest in pet cemeteries. Urns are available to put their ashes in. This mindset may have its’ roots in the ‘Save the whale’ mantra we heard years ago. 

Perhaps the blank can be filled in with common sense.

There is a saying, ‘There are bigger fish to fry.’ Meaning, there are greater concerns in life than all this pet stuff.  Hearing the news of the day, we have constant reminders of theft, murders and child-trafficking. The list goes on, but you know what is happening in your community. It’s heartbreaking.

What can a person do to make a positive difference in our society?

There is no one pat answer. But I can suggest a good place to start. Crack open the Good Book and discover what is important to Jesus. Cover to cover, we can learn more about the man, what his motive operandi is, and what is important to him.

Both good and bad examples in the life of individuals are highlighted. Family life is revealed; you think your family is dysfunctional? Not to worry though, there are lots of feel-good encouraging parts too. Complete with how things will end up! The book has been in the top seller list for practically ever. Consider it a must-read.

The Mystery Within

QuilterLeave a comment
© jb katke

What you see is not what you think.                      

Coming from an apple; this seed was trying to sprout internally. Never have I seen the likes of this before. It would have been interesting to see how it developed, if it developed. But how could I have known what was going on inside; to wait and see what the outcome would be?

To my way of thinking, this should not happen in an apple world. But what do I know?

Nature is full of little surprises. Some more apparent than others. I suppose that would be dependent on where you live. Each part of our country has its own perk attractions; which makes for interesting travel. It broadens our horizon on its uniqueness.

The same goes for people. Differing locales have their own accent. For example, I come from the great state of Michigan, but currently reside in the great state of Kansas. People here can pinpoint I’m from the north.  However, when visiting our home state, I get remarks the likes of, “You sound so Kansan.” 

My Michigan isn’t the same as when I grew up there. Kansas weather is not all it’s cracked up to be. It has all the makings of feeling like I don’t belong anywhere. My normal does not always include what is reality.

Kind of like this apple seed. It was trying to develop in an abnormal place. The seed belonged in the apple, but the sprout did not.

Can you relate? Trying to fit into a place where you don’t belong? It could be anything. Your state—your place of employment—college choice—or the friends you hang with? You name it.

Frustration arrives at your door when others don’t understand where you come from. People cannot understand the things you have seen or what you have endured. Words or actions don’t suit their vision of you.

It’s a mystery because possibly no one has taken the time to see your uniqueness. No one can know what is going on inside of you. Time marches on day in and day out, week after week, months, maybe years pass before the outcome can be discerned. Until sometime in the future, even you may be surprised at the outcome.

Whether you can grasp it or not, the fact remains you have perks that were especially created for you. Jesus has a plan for your life that may not be fully developed yet. Only someone who loves you intensely is able to see the potential that resides inside of you.

Hang in there, we all are a work in progress.