Category: Family

Private Eyes

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© 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

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© 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.

Extra, Extra

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© 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

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© 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.

What We Do

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What drives you, makes you want to roll out of bed to start a new day?

My co-worker Jan, had a passion. She lived and breathed bowling—claiming that working in a  bowling alley would be her dream job. It’s what she loves.

A reality TV personality feels farm life is the way to live. No such thing as too many critters to care for, and growing a vegetable garden to be the ultimate.  It grounds them in living simply.

© jb katke

In a previous life, I lived and breathed quilt-making. Sometimes it brought on humorous moments. On a particular fabric shopping trip, I encountered a shopper in an indecisive predicament. Should she buy this fabric or that?  Upon hearing what her desired outcome would be, I offered my opinion; then moved on. At the cutting table I overheard her question the employee, “Does she work here?” 

My heart was in encouragement mode.

Time has passed. I no longer work outside the home. While I continue to watch home improvement shows, quilting has almost become non-existent. The stash remains, waiting for me to make something beautiful. I look forward to that day. Working with my hands in making something purposeful feeds my soul. But it wasn’t what I was created to do.

Unexpectedly, writing has become my new thing. Sharing life experiences that others might relate to gives me satisfaction. It grew into One Day Wonders, Ordinary Days Becoming Extraordinary being published. Telling about Jesus’ involvement in my life has made an amazing difference to what could have been bad or at least frightening experiences.  It’s what I do.

My heart wishes to encourage your heart.

Life is full of turns and you may find yourself in a place never imagined. Have your changes impacted your life in a good way—do your current days fulfill you?

Consider allowing Jesus to become a larger part of your life. Trust me, no, trust him, there is no part of life on earth he does not have access to. That can be both frightening and comforting! But it helps to know he does good. I can attest to that!

Know too, that you have been handmade by Jesus. He considers you to be beautiful and created for a specific purpose. Having a relationship with him brings Jesus great satisfaction and feeds your soul.

August Birthdays

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© jb katke

First off, let me say: If your beloved wife is expecting a baby, and she is sick. It’s real. Even today, after all these years, I admire women who can be pregnant and carry on with daily life. I salute them because it is not always pretty.

Our first child was born in August. I see that as a great accomplishment—it took a lot of hard work.

Pregnancy did not come easily and when it did, we were ignorant of the signs. Cooking sausage flipped me every morning with nausea staying for the day. Our toddler nephew leaning against my chest brought pain.

This was during our Navy years. My husband Dave returned from his class telling me his peers diagnosis for my ailment. He promptly marched me into the medic office to confirm what was obvious to everyone but us.

In the military, all dependents are identified by the Social Security number of the enlisted. Praise the Lord for that! My first name was not on their records, likewise my age was incorrect. We confirmed my last name with his social number determining I was me and expecting his child.

We could not have been less prepared. The first several months I was pretty much bedridden, never far from the restroom. Pepto Bismal was my lifeblood. When I could finally keep food down, I gained too much weight. A new diagnosis became apparent—Toxemia Pregnancy. In my final month I needed help getting dressed, my feet felt as though I were walking on bowling balls.

It was the day before our due date that I could not stand up straight. Dave drove me the twenty miles to the hospital at Great Lakes Naval Air Station. Doctors poked and prodded, informing me the baby was coming soon. “Go home. By the way, it’s possible you are having twins.”

Mentally I screamed you are just now making that determination? My size being an indicator. That afternoon, I called my husband to take me back to the hospital; labor was present.

It’s a boy!

Unfortunately, my milk was not coming. Little did I know breasts must be prepared months in advance. Did I mention how little we knew and completely clueless on parenting? My folks came to help, and what a help Mom was! She bottle fed little Jamie and the infant gobbled that bottle. It marked the end of breastfeeding.

In those early months, I made several trips to the pediatrician. Dave telling me, “You can’t keep running to the doctor for every little thing.”

My response, “If our son needs medical care, he’s going to get it!” What I marvel at is Jesus giving a child to parents who know nothing. What is even more amazing is the children survive!

Years later, Jamie provided us his wife, with an August birthday. Reason two to celebrate!

A Basket Case

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© jb katke

Some may call me a basket case; that’s okay, I’ve been called worse.

Out of the bunch, I think only two have been purchased. The rest were either given to me or I inherited. It makes no difference; I love them all.

In a previous life I made one. I learned enough that I won’t be doing that again. It takes work, space and skill. Another rightfully belongs to my daughter, Naomi. She made it at a long-ago summer camp. To date, she has not been bitten by the basket bug to make any more.

They may have been useful in their day. Apparently the day is over.

Baskets are not all I inherited. My hutch residing in the dining room is chock full of dishes and tea cups that I never asked for. On Facebook I have noted that a china hutch is no longer desirable. That day is over too.

Every once in a while someone will repost that notice that I have quit reading. There was more to the list of undesirables that I house as well.  What does a person do that has all these reminders of family members that moved to their eternal home?

Some things I use today fondly recalling my Grandma Andrews standing at her kitchen table busy at work with her enamel mixing bowl. Or drying dishes with my mothers antiquated dish towels that are not nearly as useful as the new ones available today. Thinking of these two women and their ‘tools’ of the trade bring me joy.

It has been said, ‘You can’t take it with you.’ How I wish some of the stuff could have gone with them!

All that being said, I learned my granddaughter, Willow, loves antiques. It thrills the very cockles of my heart that I might be able to dump some of my junk on her! I mean give it to her if she has interest.

A few years ago, we went antiquing together with her Boo when I learned of her love for vintage. Going through the store, I thought, “Good grief girl, you could shop at my house free of charge!”

I since then have given it more thought; she may be more into the Mid-century modern. At some point I’m going to have to inform her that’s not antique. It may be old and trending, but it was ugly then and ugly now.

Oops! An opinion just slipped out. I will have to administer grace to all Mid-century lovers, just as you will have to extend grace that my home looks like that of an old woman.

There is nothing wrong with making your home a place of joy as long as we keep in mind this place is not our eternal home.

I’m betting if we can dump the junk in preparation for that final move; family will be most grateful.

Jamaica 2003

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© jb katke

Twenty years ago, my husband Dave, and I, went on a short-term mission trip to Jamaica. Sometimes we used vacation time to be a meaningful experience.

While many go to the tropical countries for rest and relaxation, living there is not easy. We had ourselves a cultural experience. The trip was to help make life better for a family. Not all the nationals have a place to call home; those having land may not have a dwelling. Their property is generally not as big as an American front yard. The land is chock full of beautiful plants, but also hard, full of hills and rocks.

In the midst of our trip, a weekend break was provided to recoup from the arduous construction. Our missionary sponsor took us to the Poor House. Not the kind of poor house Americans often find themselves in.

Our fellow workers joined us in  boarding a school bus, traveling more winding curves than I care to count. The single lane roads leading us were mountainous; sporting only an occasional lane wide enough for an oncoming vehicle to pass. The curves that had no rails to protect from falling over. It was a spiritual experience as we prayed no harm would come to us.

The Poor House is a nursing home of sorts, housing individuals that families were not equipped to care for. A large variety of health concerns lived in their walls. Arriving at our remote destination we were met by a huge young man wandering the yard, lacking a full mind. He was wearing the only garment that could be found to cover him, a pink dress.

Encouraged to meet the residents, two of them sit foremost in my mind. A nameless gentleman wheelchair bound. Afflicted with leprosy—having lost this toes he could no longer walk. He was a learned man living with his lot in life. The Good Book tells us such people were outcasts, feared that the affliction was contagious.

Another resident we learned was Miss Pearl. Bedridden due to a gun accident by her husband. Bed sores are sure to come if they had not already begun. She too, lived her lot in life; praising Jesus in the process.

I had much to glean from these people up in the mountains of a country not mine. That saying from back in the 70’s comes to mind. ‘Bloom where you are planted.’

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!

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?