Category: On Any Given Day

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.

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!

All Things (K)New

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© jb katke

Have you noticed the change?

No perhaps not. You have not been aware of the tan walls in my writing room, they are blue now.

The change makes me feel like the outdoors has entered in bringing fresh air inside. It renews the spirit, making me anticipate impactful words coming out of my keyboard.

Why can’t I feel that specialness every day? Each one is unique and cannot be repeated. No doubt, it is because of so much ordinary going on.

There is work to be done, schedules to keep, appointments made, and obligations. The list is endless. Too many ‘to-dos’ drown out the extraordinary moments. If you are like me, I make mental notes but then forget to remember them.

I have similar moments when in church. Not everyone would be in agreement with me. A relative once told me, “I can’t go to church when I see so many hypocrites there.”

Duly noted. But rather than point fingers, I see folks like me, that screw up from time-to-time. Bloopers happen.

Hypocrites are aware of their words and actions. Whereas a Jesus follower can forget their humanness. Letting poor company plant a bad seed in the mind, allowing it to ooze into the heart where it eventually spills out of the mouth. It benefits no one.

It happens to the best of us. That is why church-going is priceless. I need a reminder that Jesus sees me for who I really am. He knows I’m gonna screw up once in a while. That is the reason behind his death on a cross. To forgive.

It’s all about redeeming and making new. His forgiveness brings fresh air into a life. The spirit is renewed and feels energized to make each day count for something. The change happens inside, but is visible outside.

Marital Death

© jb katke “I can’t see the forest for the trees.” It’s a 1546 Renaissance proverb found in John Heywood’s collection. He was born a little before my time, so I cannot say what he was referencing. It could allude to any number of topics. I am applying it to a well-known situation that I […]

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© jb katke

“I can’t see the forest for the trees.”

It’s a 1546 Renaissance proverb found in John Heywood’s collection. He was born a little before my time, so I cannot say what he was referencing. It could allude to any number of topics.

I am applying it to a well-known situation that I have never experienced. Death by divorce. The following are my observations. I am counting on your feedback if I am off base.

You may wonder what a forest of trees has to do with marriage. Lots. As in any difficult situation, yours is the only viewpoint seen. Other stuff gets in the way to see the situation clearly. Unfortunately, likewise for the other party.

In fairness, I am certain at the wedding ceremony, a new husband and wife could not fathom ever divorcing. Never-ending love was the promise, vowing togetherness for better or for worse. Wedding vows may not include that anymore, I haven’t attended a wedding recently to state that as fact.

Then again, I have concerns. The mindset of things potentially going bad; that divorcing has become the norm. The Good Lord designed marriage, but not divorce.

When the honeymoon is over and the rubber hits the road, goals may no longer be in sync with each other. Agreements are few and far between. I could add more, but you may know them better than I. This is the why of Jesus.

If you have issues with yourself, your spouse may begin to agree with you. Mutual respect goes out the window. This is the why of Jesus.

Money can be a fabulous contender for disagreement. Living without becomes tiresome and the stress of paying bills is never-ending. This is the why of Jesus.

You have my word; sometimes too much cash is a blessing. It keeps one from making foolish expenditures.

The kids. Don’t even get me started. Yes, they do adjust, but the process can be too painful for young hearts to deal with. They were wanted at one time, but now, one of their parents cannot be bothered? I know their needs keep growing along with them, parenthood is a giant sacrifice. This is the why of Jesus.

Divorce may look like the answer. In reality, it is a chosen death. Death of a relationship, a deliberate rejection. Genuine love cannot be turned on and off like a water faucet. Unlike physical death, both parties must take on a new life with the potential of zero support. That is a no fun party. This is the why of Jesus.

You don’t hear me saying abuse, be it mental or physical, should ever be tolerated. There are exceptions to every rule. To live in bondage is not living, it is existing in the shadows. Survival from endangerment becomes necessary. This is the why of Jesus.

If a belief system has moved in a spiritual way, it leaves the spouse saying, “This is not who I married, who are you?” Suddenly, all of the above becomes an issue.

The why of Jesus is he knows it. All of it. Learning, and leaning on him can help. The Good Book says, ‘Come to me who are burdened, I will lighten your load.’ Give him a try, he’s worth the effort. This I have experienced and know to be true.

He supports us by saying ‘I love you with a never-ending love and am close to you.’ He strengthens us in our daily responsibilities. Jesus knows we need funds to live, he asks us to give our heart to him that he designed with a special space just for him to live. He will not barge in; he enters by invitation only.

He takes all the stress and confusion; making something good of it. How nice it would be nice if the good happened overnight. But none of us got where we are today overnight, it takes time. Be patient with Jesus as he works in your spouse’ mind and heart. He is the only one capable of the task.

Vintage Blessings

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© jb katke
© jb katke

Circumstance can be better than they appear.

Looking online, I see class trips after a high school graduation remain alive and well. Did I have one? No. The high school I graduated from was brand new; mine was the second graduating class. There was a reason. There is always a reason for things.

Neighborhoods were sprouting everywhere. Young families with fresh mortgages lacked funds to send their child to a far-away destination just to click a few snapshots for the memory book.

Obviously, I have survived the lack of opportunity.

Spring break season for college students is over. These young’uns are not even degreed graduates, but off they go to pleasure island. Wherever that is. Some off to their death, I should say.

Seven of them, I couldn’t keep counting, I know there is more, but it’s too depressing. These college attendees didn’t return home. Whatever the cause, death seems premature for them, not even getting started in life. The pain of loss is incredible.

Because I didn’t go to college, another missed memory for me. Maybe I should be grateful because I am still alive. And making memories of another sort.

Fast forward to my marriage with no honeymoon. At the time, it was okay. Later on, not so much. I was thrilled to have my man under the same roof forever. Many times’ I have reminded myself of that contentment. It works every time.

It’s been said we could take our honeymoon later. No!

Traveling together later is a vacation, not a honeymoon. I will let your imagination define the difference. We have traveled together more times than I can count and I am grateful for that.

The thing is, it’s all about viewpoint. Mine is a lot of hindsight. There are so many hurts and missed opportunities in life. The stuff we cannot explain the whys of.

But repeating my words above, there is a reason.

A picture is worth a thousand words. How many times I have heard that! And licked my wounds because I had no pictures. However, the lens of a camera doesn’t catch everything. The circumstances that bring us to where we are today. It would be in our best interest to remember that.

To realize there is a God who does know and understands us becomes invaluable. Heck, he made us the people we are. Circumstances have his stamp of approval because he knows what is best. That is why he designed a special place inside each of us that only he can fill to satisfaction. Did you know that?

The Good Lord knows what it will take for us to turn to him. Sometimes it can hurt if I hold onto things so tightly that I should let go. Instead of being bitter, feel protected. He is higher and has a better view of what is ahead for us. He holds tears and heals hurts. That’s a fact.

there is Always hope

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Considering my situation, I should not have laughed. I couldn’t help myself. The waves were tossing me around as if I were a rag doll.

All my husband Dave had to do was release his grip on my arm and I would be carried away, never to be seen again. But he didn’t, his grasp kept me safe next to him.

I was up to my shoulders in the Caribbean Sea. Those that know me best understand I have a deep respect for water. Unable to swim, I limit my use to drinking it, showers, dishes and laundry.

We were part of a group on a short-term mission by Won By One, in Jamaica. Paradise, had we not been thrust into Harmons, among the poorest of the poor. Yet they were happy.

How can that be?

Two of us women were in charge of sorting the clothes that had been donated. Mens, ladies, girls and boys, including shoes. Many of the residents were barefoot.

One Jamaican woman sticks in my mind. She and her two children took a taxi to our mission. I met her at the door asking how we could help her. “Anything you have to sell us would be much appreciated.”

It was the practice of the mission to sell the donated goods. While you might think that wrong to do, it was explained to me. “By selling our donations, these people gain self-respect. Instead of promoting dependance, it gives them pride to know they have provided for their family.”  At the time the cost was minimal, clothing could run as much as one cent per item.

Having deposited his charge to our Mission establishment, I noted the taxi left. Whatever the mother bought, she would have to carry as she walked home.

That day we went to the Caribbean was a little recess from what we came to do. Build a home, the size of a bedroom. The land some of them owned were minute and far from where tourists visit. The less fortunate are not allowed there, it would not make for good PR.

Jamaicans are a friendly lot, smiles abound. My guess is they lack medical care, I know they lack dentists.

Yet they are happy.

How can happiness thrive in abject poverty?

Because they know no other way of life. They have no access to how others live, having nothing to compare their lifestyle to. The Good Book says we will always have poor among us. Maybe that is so that we will see God better, perhaps make a difference in ones life, just like Won By One.

They know there is a God. Countless churches from all over the globe come to minister to these folks. It’s only natural to cling to what other faiths offer. There are over four hundred different religions. Take your pick from what you want to believe in, always embracing the message of hope.

But…is their hope in the one true God?

Only he knows. It would seem unlikely, except for Won By One. They reside nearby offering opportunity and hope. They are a steadfast anchor for spiritual growth. Fortunately, God only looks at hearts, not our surroundings or belongings.

He is holding these people, caring and protecting as only a good God would do. Like my Dave, he has a strong grip on their heart, keeping them close to him and safe. By the way, he is here for you too.