Category: On Any Given Day

Phase One

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© jb katke

Today I give you a riddle.

How can a quilt room expand and shrink at the same time?

We are up to our eyeballs in a home renovation. My quilt room is completely gutted. It has ‘expanded’ to whatever free space we have. Living room, writing room and, of all places, the shower. Not to worry, it’s the one that has never been used. We continue our hygiene as always.

The job will get done in phases. Little did I realize, with all the downsizing I’ve done through the years, how much stuff I still have. I refuse to take full responsibility. Many of the quilt shops I have entered bear a sign just inside the door. ‘Your husband called and said to buy whatever you want.’

Ideas come from so many sources, quilt magazines, the guild ladies, the projects and classes quilt shops offer is the problem. To make matters worse—fellow quilters are sooo encouraging. Never do they utter, “Don’t you think you have enough projects going on at home already?”

My turning point came by degrees. As I would sit in the guild meetings, I would realize all I am doing is keeping a seat warm once a month. All kinds of opportunities to become heavily involved were available, I just didn’t. Mostly, because of all the inspirational ideas rattling in head already. One person can only do so much you know.

Then this writing gig came forward in such a way I could hardly refuse—and I did try. It would seem my sewing machine broke down. But I really think it died of loneliness. Anyway, here I sit at the computer pecking away at keys telling stories of everyday events that might give my readers encouragement.

The quilt room is in a transitional season to be shared with an impressive bookcase. Complete with a library ladder. Be still my heart.

The answer to the above riddle is my task of weeding out, disposing, aka, getting rid of excess quilt baggage. Phase one began by throwing out tiny samples of fabric that my Aunt Jane must have saved for years. Any quilter worth her salt knows fabric of any size could be good for something. Wrong. These samples were all variety of fabrics, some dry clean only. Do not try to lay a guilt trip on me, they needed to go.

Usually, my rejects are so undesirable, no one else wants them either. If only my creative granddaughters were here to take some things off my hands! Surely they could find some useful project to make—I mean some of this could be used, right?

Patience 101

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© jb katke

Funny how a new lock on the door can bring a long past conversation to mind.

Me:      “I can tell you how to get your fingerprints to disappear. All you have to do is…”

Table leader:    “Ladies please, let’s get back to our subject matter!”

My table leader could have been rude to interrupt me—but maybe Bible study was not the best place to divulge that kind of information. I cannot even recall what brought that topic up. At any rate, now my table mates will never know.

The memory came popping up because of the new door lock we purchased. Like most everything in our home, this lock appears to have a mind of its own. Seriously.

The lock is the newest mental gadget against me. It accepts my code and fingerprint—until I try using said fingerprint to unlock the door. No can do.

The kitchen faucet suddenly needs a more competent hand than mine to turn off completely. The hose to the washing machine occasionally decides to leap out of its station and spill out leaving a souvenir puddle. Sometimes my blow dryer refuses to turn off when I push the on/off button. And my computer monitor will shut down at will. I could go on.

Have you noticed the recurring pattern? They are all things I use. My only comfort is that while the lock accepted my husband’s code and fingerprint at first. It now is rethinking the wisdom of letting him in the house too. Misery loves company.

The difference between Dave and I is he determines to master these inconveniences, refusing to allow the culprit-of-the-moment to win. My tendency is more in line with throwing the thing out the window. Anything that does not work as designed is trash to me.

It would be easy to think the world is against you. But these are everyday frustrations that happen to the best of us. Correction: The best of us may have in-house maids that do dishes and laundry. Maybe a daily hairdresser too. Since imagination is going off the deep end, perhaps the best of us have doormen to open and close doors for us as well.

I am an everyday person with none of the above. If you are too, take heart, these minor inconveniences is Jesus giving us opportunity to develop patience.

How are you doing? It’s okay, I understand.

A Story Gripper

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© jb katke

Have you ever read something, where the story line grips you and will not let go? This one keeps rewinding—playing over and again in my mind. It is worth sharing and may mean something to you too.

It is one that brings my friend Sally to mind—her life was a contrast to what I read. But more about her in a minute.

The story has two main characters, both men considered to be do-gooders. Cornell, a Roman soldier with high enough authority that he had men under his service. He was a praying man, sensitive to the needs of others—he routinely was a help and encouragement. But never imagined how the future was going to play out.

Having never met this Jesus, Cornell had a thirst to learn more about him. He heard the legendary stories—but wanted more. He had this dream-like vision that he should send his men to get Pete. Bring him back here and listen to what he says.

Pete was a follower of Jesus.  Knowing him well enough to go around telling others the message he had for mankind. Pete too, had a dream-like vision. To do something that would have been taboo in the current society. Pete’s vision included a message from Jesus. Essentially saying, “Do it.”

Pete did—the end result was a miracle in the making. Cornell’s whole family made a personal decision, right then and there.

What I did not share with you was the full message Cornell got. Jesus told him he saw how Cornell lived his life, praying for others and selflessly giving to those in need. In certain circles, one could say his life was a blessing.

But about Sally. She knows Jesus too. Like Cornell, she has a sensitive heart. Only Sally does not live exactly like Cornell. She has a comfortable life—and prays, but not so much for others. Wondering why she doesn’t get the answers she would like. Discontent might be a good way to describe her life.

You can read the story yourself—it’s an eye-opener. Check out the Good Book, Acts chapter ten. There is good stuff to dig out of it—ya never know how it could play out in your own life..

Considerations

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© jb katke

Have you ever thought of your home as breeding ground? Or maybe a training center?

I never have before, but am giving it serious consideration now. Over something so mundane these thoughts come to me. My husband, Dave, was cleaning out our window wells. They are the below ground level ‘pits’ for the lack of a better word where the basement egress windows are.

Pulling weeds, disposing of the debris that the wind blows in, he comes upon two little unexpected finds. Babies—a frog and a turtle. We did not get a picture of the frog—it wouldn’t stay in one place long enough to snap one. Bless their little hearts. Any living thing that is small is cute and adorable. Suddenly he is on a rescue mission.

These critters would never survive if he had not pulled them out. No food, no water. It’s a mystery how they got down there, but can assure you it was by accident. Little did we know these little things were hatching there.

It got me thinking of people homes. Where children grow, develop and learn. It’s true you know—home is a breeding ground and training center too. It is the place where language is learned, social graces of what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Home is the launching pad for living a respectable, independent life as a responsible adult.

Wow mom and dad, what an awesome responsibility you have!

Pat yourselves on the back if you are proud of your offspring. It takes time, work, and a truckload of patience. Here is a message of hope for you parents that are still on the ground floor with little people under your feet. If your child seems to make excessive boo-boos, take heart. Our best lessons are learned through error. That goes for adults too—cut yourself some slack along with your child.

My own children are now grown and beyond my teaching them. Some of them are college graduates and could probably teach me a thing of two.  Giving it more thought, they do. One of the biggest lessons a parent learns is to respect the no longer child they birthed.

Dave and I are incredibly proud of ours—despite our shortcomings, knowing with Jesus’s help—we did good!

June Finding

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© jb katke

Are you ready for summer? June will soon be upon us. The month conjures upcoming events to mind. Graduations, weddings, vacations, picnics—you can fill in whatever I left out.

The picture you see is a couple vintage Bride’s magazines, circa 1969/1970. I was planning my own wedding—sentiment is the only reason I have them today. Boy, am I glad now!

Coming across them in my never-ending goal of downsizing, I am so thankful to have them. Perusing through the pages, to my surprise, these two drawings presented themselves to me. One depicts my wedding gown before Mom altered it. I recall the day of purchase like it was yesterday.

The other is a picture of my dearly beloved husband-to-be. Have I seen these pictures before? I don’t recall. Did I put them in the magazine for safe keeping? Maybe. Or did Mom insert them in there for me to find at some later date? That I can address. A treasure found fifty-three years later.

OMG. What if I had disposed of the mags without giving a look see? It was fun to reminisce what was trending back in the day. I consider these finds a gift. My mother was a self-taught artist and I am very proud of her. She could have made a name for herself. Instead, she took my father’s name.

Mom grew up in a different era. Women were, for the most part, expected to marry and have children, end of story. We know there were exceptions. Today’s women have more opportunities to offer the world. Yet some of us do as I did, and follow in known footsteps.

Even so, Jesus can present new horizons to contemplate. Never would I have dreamed of being a blogger and author. Feel free to read One Day Wonders, Ordinary Days Becoming Extraordinary and find out what Jesus did in my own life and those near and dear to me.  

Can you see yourself doing the unimaginable? If so, what would it be? Do share.

Giving All

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© jb katke

This is a neat story—I wish it were mine. All I can do is pass it on…with a few comments and paraphrases from yours truly.

Peter and John were followers of Jesus, back in the day when he walked this earth. Devoted to their faith, the two men were about to enter into the prayer building. They were stopped short by a crippled guy begging for money.

How many people ask for money today?

Something to note is this man is not labeled a beggar, he was just a cripple in need. He did not look at these men, but feeling their presence and the potential to give what he requested.

Shame can keep one from looking others in the eye.

Peter did the talking—with his attention focused on the cripple, “Look at us. I don’t have money to give, but what I have, I give freely to you. Because of who Jesus is, get yourself up and walk.”

Peter extended his arm, grabbing hold of the man’s right hand, helping him to stand. Elated the no-longer-cripple joined them inside, walking and skipping. It seems details are included that are not necessary. Or are they?

Why was this narrative included? The Good Book, among so many other details, tells us Jesus’ dad was a man of action and has a ‘Mighty right hand.’ It can be found in Psalms 118:16. That makes one wonder, is this cripple going to do mighty things now too, because of his healing?

Why do I even bother to tell you all this? Because daily we are inundated by people with outstretched arms, asking for our money. Our hard-earned money that is difficult to come by these days.  A few dollars does not go very far anymore.

Do you have something to offer to those in need? There is more to give than just money. Some donate unused clothes. I know a guy that befriended a principal of a local elementary school, learning of ways the community can be a supportive assistance. He also listens as children strive to become better readers. We can be creative in our giving.

One of the most beneficial ways help is sharing the love of Jesus. The impact made is eternal. If you are a modern-day follower of Jesus, freely share what a difference he can make in life.

The benefit can be twofold, the hearer getting acquainted with a loving Jesus and the teller becoming more bold in faith and sharing. Both are necessary.

Shoulda, Coulda

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©jb katke

I wanted to but didn’t.

The temptation was strong to stay in the parking lot until the driver next to me returned to their car.  This sign was in their driver side window. My inclination was to wait until they came out and then tell them, “You’re not chunky.” But then maybe they were.

Besides, I came to the grocery store to do business, not offer sweet platitudes to somebody. The need to accomplish what I came for took over. However, I will confess, the temptation was equally strong not to approach each overweight shopper, “Is it you that has that clever message in your window?”

That could have lead to a bunch of awkward conversations. “No, why do you ask?”

Better to let it go. Another clever sign I’ve seen on cars recently is the “Please be patient, Student Driver.” Maybe they are legit, but I doubt it—so many have been sighted. A dead giveaway is when the sticker is adhered crooked.

Shortly after moving to Kansas, I saw a street sign bearing the words, “Keep moving, merge later!” Confession, the exclamation point is mine, not on the actual sign. But it did strike me funny.

Another one, during the same move was the Touchless Carwash sign. Never had I ever seen raindrops as enormous as what was experienced. A tremendous amount of flooding at the time—highways closed, as well as the carwash. The rain water reached the height of the sign, probably two feet deep. That was touchless alright.

If you look around, you may see a few humorous signs yourself. Some though, are worth being mindful of. “Deaf child at play,” “Smile, you’re on camera,” or our good old speed limit signs. Those are especially helpful when school lets out. Don’t ask me how I know, I just do.

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.