Author: Quilter

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

Bookworm Days

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© jb katke
© jb katke

Books? Why yes, I have tonnage of them. Stacks everywhere. Thank you for asking.

I even wrote one. Thinking one and done. Those who know me well, know I never imagined myself a writer, much less an author. But here I am, embarking on book two.

Why do I do this to myself; or you? As I entered this world of writing, I learned quite a few things. A writer needs to write something that piques the interest of readers, making them want to read your words. But not everyone is a reader.

What do you enjoy reading? While I do want to know, it’s only fair to tell you what this second book of mine holds. Encouragement. At least that is what I’m aiming for. We all can use a dose of that once in a while, right?

Among the many things that have enlightened my mind recently is having something worth sharing. I’m hoping ‘hope’ is it. Okay, that’s two things I wish to share, encouragement and hope.

A friend of mine is currently writing up a storm, but not necessarily for publication yet. She is focused on writing prayers for our nation. I consider that a needed and worthy cause. Another friend writes amazing poems, again not intended for publication. But I’m telling you the world needs to hear her words. They come straight from the heart and impact as no other can.

The thing is we all are impacted by something. Whether it’s an injustice or a fellow shopper letting you go ahead of them in the checkout line. People not being what you thought they were can leave a sour taste in the mouth unless eyes are opened to goodness.

It’s there, but it might require digging around to find it.

For example. I’m not one to journal my thoughts. Those that do, encourage us non-journalers to start. Mine began as an assignment for one month to note daily something I was grateful for. It was an eyeopener.

Sometimes I wrote of things I was glad to have accomplished, other days consisted of words that ran along the line of ‘glad this day is over!’  We all have an occasional day like that. I now realize each sunrise can be a fresh start.

I wish I could rise early enough to watch the sunrise. It can be a beautiful way to start the day, reminding me of who is in charge. It’s not me. Not to mention the early start to getting my to-do’s done!

Keeping in mind that above requisite for a writer to have something worth sharing. I will pass on a tidbit that might be of interest to you. When starting my day, I have asked Jesus to give me the desire and energy to accomplish what he deems important. So far, it’s working!

Seeing The Light

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© jb katke

Ya know how you know something, but put it off? You know some things will have to change. But not now; you’re too busy, its takes too much time, or it will have to be when you are free of distractions. A good excuse is one you can use over and over again.

As if this tidbit of knowledge were a deck of cards, you shuffle it, push it down to your never-ending list of things to do, hoping it will fall to the bottom.

Grandma Andrews called it, “reading the writing on the wall.” It is more than seeing the light, it’s acknowledging the light.

For me it’s this writing thing I have going on. My modus operandi of blogging is to speak truth to you. It could come from any direction; experience, humor, or having witnessed. As long as it is real, it’s good enough to share.

This time it was reading the Good Book. A group of people followed Jesus wherever he went, the guy just drew people. Crowds gathered either by word-of-mouth rumors or actually witnessed what he did. He was a miracle-worker and his words were the likes of worthwhile quotes.

The story goes that the day was growing late and Jesus instructed his closest friends to give these folks something to eat. It was time for them to return home, but lived a far distance. They would never make the trip on an empty stomach.

“And just how are we supposed to do that, out here in the middle of nowhere?” was the question.

From seemingly little, Jesus saved the day. He always does. His friends should have been able to see the handwriting on the wall. Jesus’ daily miracles became ordinaries; they completely missed his point.

We know what ordinary looks like. It’s a constant stream of routine; we can easily cease to acknowledge what is right under our nose. A blindness of the obvious, not seeing the light. Not realizing the time is now to be open to change.

Opportunities come camouflaged in seemingly impossible situations. Like the above story of feeding the masses. FYI, I said story, but it’s a true one.

 You may share my question. How can my life be an encouragement to others? I’m only one person; a nobody to most everyone.  Who is gonna listen? But…to Jesus, I am somebody and so are you.

He too lived a life on earth as only one person. Yet Jesus gave hope, he healed, he befriended, he taught, he lead by example, he died, and he rose to life again, just so that we could maintain a relationship with him forever. Now as well as later.

Hopeless situations become Jesus opportunities. The difference is him. The impossible is his specialty. But he wants us to see it, to experience it; to be part of the delivery. It’s crucial that the world becomes aware of his miracles right now.   

Read it for yourself, it’s in Mark 8:1-10. Don’t take my word, take Jesus’. (He is even referred to as the light of the world.)  See the handwriting on the wall and know that Jesus changes this, whatever your ‘this’ is. And be thankful for it!

Let Freedom Ring!

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© jb katke

Today we celebrate the Fourth of July.  Do you have a fun day planned?

Recently we had some family visiting; which is always a joy. But for the most part I spend my days doing ordinary things. Today may not look much different to the naked eye. Hardly thrill-seeking stuff.

When you have received so much that requires upkeep, I encourage you to feel fortunate. Not everyone has a home with a full pantry, a laundry room and a working vacuum.

Listening to news reports of the unrest worldwide can be a downer. If you feel as though we are losing freedom; that the rules of law seem to change daily. I will share what I recently read. We have the following freedoms:

To express love.

To feel at peace.

To practice patience.

To show kindness.

To live out goodness.

To exercise faithfulness.

To be gentle with others.

To demonstrate self-control.

I cannot take the credit for this list, it can be found in our Good Book; in Galatians 5:22,23. Taking it one step further, the book reads that these freedoms are just that, free. There is no law against any of them. Imagine!

The problem is not everyone is lovely, at peace, kind, good, or gentle. It’s a challenge to be patient with those who don’t trust you and have zero self-control. Welcome to Jesus’ world. Yet the above is exactly what he is doing with me, and possibly you too.

No where will you find that life on planet earth is easy. The world we live in only makes us hungry for a better life. No problem there, right?

To attempt even one of these freedoms is a challenge worth taking. We may never know what someone else is going through. I think it was an Indian that said walking a mile in his moccasins can change our perspective.

I’m thinking it would be hard to not reciprocate the kindness or goodness lavished on me. Someone once said smiling is contagious, we automatically smile back when even a stranger lays one on us. And hugs don’t cost a cent, yet can warm even the hardest heart.

But it doesn’t stop here. The Good Book says in trying to follow these freedoms, we will be blessed ourselves. Who among us couldn’t use a little heavenly perk?

Have a Happy, safe and maybe a challenging fourth of July!

A Funny

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© jbkatke

Dave: Did you notice that right after you got gas for the car the garage smelled like a gas station?

Me: Yes I did, and it makes me want to leave the car outside for a while so the odor will fade.

Dave: There is no need for that, it doesn’t do any harm.

Me: Maybe not, but it makes me hesitant to light up a cigarette in there.

Dave: That shouldn’t be a problem because of the ‘No smoking’ sign I have up.

The funny thing; neither of us smoke.

Do you and your significant other ever have meaningless conversations? Or maybe a humorous thing happened in your day that was out of your control?

Just as this picture I’m sharing with you today. We don’t have an airplane or a hangar to put one in if we did. Our sign serves no other purpose than it brings fond memories of when Dave was in the military, working on aircraft.

That is what humorous moments do; they provide fond memories of light-heartedness. We all need those from time to time.

Even Jesus. Would you believe he has a sense of humor? My life is a witness that he does. In my book, One Day Wonders, Ordinary Days Becoming Extraordinary I share several instances.

One of my favorites is a past declaration that I would never live in an inconvenient to-get to home. Like the one I now reside in. Returning home, I must pass home to get to the street to turn in. That street takes me to the street where my house sits, hence, another turn. It’s a trivial first world issue.

Another down side is the fact we are a cookie cutter neighborhood. Never a good idea if you have young children trying to find their way home when they all look alike. Not that we have that issue, we are a community of senior citizens. My point is, it’s not good for us either; we carry some age behind us and can get turned around just trying to take a walk for exercise!

You see, humor is everywhere. All we have to do is look around us. I would love to hear from you on your funny moments. Please make it clean. I probably would not understand anything suggestive and would hate to have to ask Dave for an explanation. He was in the Navy so he knows things that are better left unsaid.

That may sound like a shot at the Navy, but not so, I’ve never been in the Army. See what I mean?

A Time Like This

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© jb katke

As my friend Jon would say, “What a woman!”

Only she wasn’t yet; possibly just a preteen.

Recently we joined family in Branson, Missouri attending the live production of Esther in the Sight and Sound Theater. The town offers more things to do and places to see than I can list; I will focus on Esther.

There are many ways we could identify with her. Hold that thought.

In her youth, Esther was an orphan, taken in by a cousin. She was well cared for, but what jumped out at me was her upbringing prior to being orphaned. At a young age, she was taught to depend upon her Creator.

Only the proverbial rug was pulled out from under her. The rules of the land hit home. It was back in the day of women having no say in their future that she was forced to enter into a beauty contest. I’m trying not to spoil this true story that sounds unbelievable.

Given six months to prepare for the winning, I envision every Mary Kay and Avon lady entering the scene selling their products. Likewise with the jewelers hoping to make a profit at beaty enhancement. Dieticians may have been part of the mix, advising which foods will provide the sexiest figure.

Times were changing fast, no thanks to a foolish king and his advisors. Power, jealousy and hatred reigned in the palace, headquarters for how the people of the nation will live. Murder was an undercurrent in those who served the powers that be.

Maybe this story impacted me because of our recent Fathers’ Day. How the teaching from her parents who were no more played out in her circumstances. One line was all it took to make a difference in my life so I will share it with you. It’s not verbatim but as I remember it.

“Perhaps this is why you are here, for such a time as this.”

Young Esther made a difference, not just in her own life but the life of her people, her nation as a whole. She did all she could do. All she could do was have a conversation with her Creator, and if she died, then so be it.

She prayed the prayer that cannot fail. It’s not common knowledge what that prayer is, so I will tell you. Ask that events would be in accordance with the Creators’ will.

I’m here to tell you that takes guts. How many things occur in our lives that we have no control of? Yet to tell the Creator of the Universe that the results will be okay with us?

It takes more than guts. It takes faith and trust in a loving Creator. That can be hard to fathom if the father you know on earth is anything but loving. The Father in heaven is just that and more. He provides in ways beyond comprehension. Just ask Esther.

Don’t take my word. Read all about it in the Good Book.

Oh! One more thing. When you read it, note that no where in her story is the mention of God. Yet he was with her in the middle of her circumstances. Just like he is involved in your life, even if there is no mention of him.

Because of that, you can make a difference in the world around you.

The Best Plan

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© jb katke

Do you ever feel as though you are wandering aimlessly through life? I’ve been there.

It’s important to me that you know where there is breath, there is always hope.

Should you feel like you have no control of things around you, I must agree. But perspective makes all the difference in the world.

In my book, One Day Wonders, Ordinary Days Becoming Extraordinary each page reveals an event in my life where Jesus intervened unbeknownst to me at the time. It was an eye-opener. Never imagining to write; yes even this blog amazes me, my days have become purposeful.

One after the other, experiences came to mind; stories to share from  supposedly a nobody. Who would care? Maybe you.

I snapped this picture while on an outing with family. Watching it for a few minutes, the boat did seem to be drifting aimlessly. Actually, it was a fisherman, moving from one fishing hole to another. Seeking fish that would take the bait.

The day was mild, the water calm. Nothing remarkable going on here. Life can be like that, just going through the status quo of a normal day.

How can we know what lies ahead? 

Upon purchasing our first home, a (not so) mobile home; never imagining we would be selling it nine months after sealing the deal. The draft can do that to newlyweds. Only to find years later, Dave didn’t have to enlist, his draft number never came up.

An employer from my past; after seeing my multiple residences exclaimed, “Good heavens, I’ve hired a gypsy!” Not really, just a wife that follows her Navy husband to his military installations.

We tried hard to get pregnant; I resigned us to be childless. It was then that we realized we would be a family after all.

After purchasing a home (without wheels) we figured living there five years, fixing it up and move upwards to a nicer place. Our planned garage instead became a second child. Improving the curb appeal was replaced by a third child.

Ya just never know what life will put in your path. See what I mean by the uselessness of plans? I hasten to say, we would not trade any of our children for what we imagined life would be.

Its what Jesus had in mind for us all along. His way is always the better way. More years than I care to tell you, I did not include him in my plans.

I know better now. Jesus gives purpose and hope to carry on, even when times get tough. Do not be deceived, just because he takes up residence in a heart, doesn’t mean everything will be lollipops and roses. But beyond a shadow of a doubt, he makes life bearable and way more interesting. 

Nobodies are among his favorite people; itching for you to take his hope bait and see what miracles he can do in and for you.

Dreaming

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© jb katke

Dreams can be a funny thing; mine are downright bizarre.

My man will attest to that after he heard about the one I had being on a game show. Let’s Make a Deal, if memory serves me right. The contestant had to vie for attention through some outlandish costume. All I can recall is having the opportunity to choose Door #1, Door #2, or Door #3. Having made my choice, I discovered I  won seven tons of cat food.

This was before we were married and I only had one cat. Nevertheless, I earned the reputation for crazy dreams.

The one I had last night might rank up there with the cat food.

My son, Jamie, sent me a birthday card. The was the message:

Gu bib,

Hidt qumye yi qudg ti0 u gu[[t n94ygeut.

9 yg9m; iv ti0 cxc4t eut ume q9dg qc p9xce wpidc4 yi6cygc4.

9 /9dd ti0 ume gi[c ti0 jmiq 9 pixc ti0 di /0wg.

Jamie

Gibberish to you? Me too, that’s what woke me up. On the outside, I was sleeping, my dream laughter woke me.

Mothers can read between the lines.  

Jamies’ alleged message said: Hi Mom, Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I think of you every day and wish we lived closer together. I miss you and hope you know I love you so much. Jamie

I’m confident enough of these words to comprehend this is Jamies’ thought. I know my boy.

The hilarious part is it is no where near my birthday. Nor is it close to his; to prompt me of sending a birthday greeting to him.

What brings these thoughts to a sleeping mind? I’ve read of folks back in the Bible times that could interpret dreams. If one of you readers can, never mind interpreting mine, I may not want to know.

Whether your dreams are of a sleep nature or physical vacation plans for the summer, I hope they bring as many smiles and happiness as mine did.

One Mans’ Treasure

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© jb katke

 Momma said, “One mans’ trash is another mans’ treasure.”

Together Dave and I sorted out his wood supply. Generally, when he has a new addition he just adds it to any pile. Not anymore. We laid it all out on the garage floor to determine what is Red Oak from White Oak; separating it from the Walnut and Maple…you get the idea.

It will be helpful when he is looking for a specific wood for his latest project; knowing just where to find it. That is after making an Inventory List. Wasted time?

Not at all. It’s every bit as important as cataloging your quilt fabric. I suppose you don’t do that either. But you have your own treasured things. Perhaps useless to some, likely your kids, who want nothing to do with what took you a lifetime to accumulate. But you know what has potential use. How many times have you gone to get any given object, that you know you have somewhere, only can’t put your hands on it? At least not when you need it. Speaking for self, often I have gone on a hunt only to find what I was looking for last month, but not finding what I need today.

Maybe I need a running list of what is where too. Most likely I would misplace my list. Is there any hope for us? Being creative takes so much space…and time if we have to hunt it down. If I look too long, the feeling passes. This is why we organize folks!

It brings to mind what my father experienced on his (decidedly) last trip. We were still living in our home state of Michigan and Dad, with his wife were staying in a hotel. Their choice not ours, but that’s another story.

Apparently, they brought along some valuables. Not all hotels offer a safe in the room, so they scouted around, trying to find a secure spot. It seems there were several secure spots. Dad would put his valuables one place, then decide, no this other spot is better. Only to find yet another good hiding place. The problem is, he was having trouble remembering where the last safe place was. The light dawned. They shouldn’t be traveling anymore. It was too easy to forget important things.

I get it and so does Jesus.  No one wants to lose what they consider valuable. That is how Jesus feels about his creation. I’m talkin’ people, you and I. He had a specific purpose for each of us and knows our potential. That is, what we can do with his help.  That is where hope can be found.

Reflection Time

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© jb katke

Did you miss me? Last week I neglected to post a blog. Accidently on purpose.

I hadn’t forgotten, I just struggled to put into words what I wanted to say. Why? Because I couldn’t speak from experience. My aim is to share what I’ve come to know or experienced. It’s always real. I invite you to follow me, if you need a little hope or humor in your life.

That I can speak on.

This topic that didn’t come to be last week was something I only know exists. To write with any kind of knowledge I must give it due diligence in research or interview others. Time did not allow for that. At some future date I may give it the attention it deserves, but not now.

Sometimes silence is better than going off an untraveled road. Our world today is full of folks that take joy in sharing their opinion; whether asked or not. Uncontrolled words can get us in a heap of trouble. I grew up with the saying that ‘Silence is golden.’

This picture includes my reflection in the mirror behind me. That is too often the case with saying what is on our mind. It reflects who we are. Another saying goes like this, ‘One may look foolish; but opening their mouth removes all doubt.’ Some things are better left unsaid.

If only I could live by that!

Back when I had teenagers under my roof, one was giving me a little sass. The older one chastised her sibling, “Don’t you talk to mom like that!” Immediately, she whirled around saying, “Who said that?!

Are you ever surprised at what comes out of your mouth, wondering where that came from?

I look upon that day with fondness. Let it be said I got a fair amount of sass from both of them once in a while. What made the difference?

Motherhood. It changes our viewpoint, does it not?

I try to keep in mind what others have experienced that I have not. I don’t have to understand it. Just respect it, acknowledge that it is a reality.

This is why I appreciate you. My faithful followers let me elaborate what having faith in Jesus is to me.  It’s a reality that is so good that I wish it for others. The problem is I cannot coerce anyone to take that step forward. Ya gotta want it for yourself.

Spoiler alert: Life with Jesus brings change, but not as one might expect. What we look upon as bad things, may still happen. The difference is our response. To trust is to experience Jesus making the hard things bearable. I used to wallow in my sorrow. Now I tend to look not only for the good, but what I can learn from the experience.

One portion of the good news is people who have suffered have the most potential to ease life experiences for those around them. It’s a Jesus thing that begs to be shared because there is so much more to be had.

A Colanders Life

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© jb katke

My thoughts today are trite and realize not everyone can identify with these words. I guess with Mothers’ Day coming up it takes me back to my pre-mom days.

Back in the dark ages of my engagement, brides used to register for items needed to set up housekeeping. The only store that offered that service was our then upscale JL Hudson department store. It was a time when bridal showers were a popular thing. Do they even exist anymore?

Today brides can register at stores that carry all manner of things. A wish list may comprise of camping gear, all the way to tires for the car. How exciting is that?!

My list was focused on linens, cookware, and all variety of setting up housekeeping. Among my selections was a stainless-steel colander. Grandma Andrews considered that an over-the-top request when one could easily pick up a plastic one at the local discount store. Why she thought that was unreasonable I don’t know; her daughter, my Aunt Jane shopped there all the time.

I was gifted with the colander and am pleased to tell you it is with me as I speak. Grandmas’ colander didn’t stand the test of time as it was in the early days of plastic and melted from getting too close to the heat. Mine may show a few scratches but is working as good as the day I got it.

If it could talk, it would tell you of all our family moves. Starting out in our first home, a 12×60 mobile home, heading south to the mud flat duplex that we obtained by default. Back north to a couple military apartments that were converted barracks, returning to our home state for several years. Only to move south again to a few residences in Kansas.

That speaks only of the housing. It was there to welcome all three of our children; never complaining about moving over to make room for a bottle sterilizer and food mill to make homemade baby food. She watched those little ones of mine grow up. She was sitting on the counter witnessing our sons’ face getting washed by an overjoyed pup so happy her boy was home from his paper route.

She was on call if our 8-yr old needed her as she and a friend tackled making chocolate chip cookies by themselves. Unneeded but available just the same. Our family colander sat in on the conversation of our youngest learning that Santa Claus was really we parents providing Christmas gifts for the children we love.

Today our colander has a sibling, a smaller rendition, also stainless steel,  that fits our lifestyle now that we are empty-nesters. Time marches on, circumstances change and our needs are not the same. I’m just passing through this life, enroute to my forever home.

In the future our family colanders may move to one of the kids homes, or maybe the home of our grandchildren. It makes me realize that all the things that fill our home, essential as they may be at the time, will no longer be needed. Children beware, these colanders are just the tip of the iceberg!

Happy Mothers’ Day to mothers everywhere! Enjoy what you have today, even if your littles tend to be as messy as mine were. Jesus will be there giving you the patience required to train up these adults-in-training. This is my way of saying the day will come when you miss them and look back with fond memories of what all they put you though. Momma, you are a survivor!