Category: Seasonal

Letter to Mom

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©jb katke

Dear Mom,

If only you could see yourself as I see you because I love you so much. I know you are not perfect—but you are exactly as I made you—in my image, remember? Image is a likeness, not sameness. Many of your characteristics are like mine, they come from me! I can see that sometimes you don’t like who you are. When you criticize your appearance it’s like you think I didn’t create you right. Are you aware that in not liking yourself, you are rejecting me too?

What I’d like for you to understand is life is a process. Maybe you don’t quite like where you are in life right now, but that’s okay because you aren’t going to stay there. You see, nothing on earth was intended to last forever. In due time, it’s all going to pass on, wear or, or rot away. That is what makes time so precious, it goes away and will never return. If you could see things that way—it makes all the difference in the world in everything you say and do. Moments count.

There is so much more to life than what you are seeing today, When I look at you, I don’t see those imperfections. I see what you are on your way to becoming. Those experiences that were so hard to get through are going to come in handy in your future. Lessons have been learned. But you haven’t finished growing yet, you’re still a work in progress. I can see the result, trust me, I know what I am doing.

Just look to me, I will guide you through and be with you in the hard times. It’s a promise. But it is not all about what I will do in you—you have a task too. We are in this together. Please don’t leave me out of your life, I gave you life. You are to die for. So, I did—because you are worth it. Not because you deserve it but because together you and I could go so far. I really love being with, so let’s keep in touch.

Love, Jesus

PS Happy Mother’s Day!

After Easter

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© jb katke

By now the Easter candy may be devoured, and the festive baskets put away for another year. Plucking the Easter grass out of the carpet may take a bit longer. All the preparations and pictures have been snapped and filed into the memory book. Easter is over.

Not really. What you heard remains as true today as it was on Good Friday, or more importantly Easter Sunday. The why of calling Good Friday by that name is questionable. A person would not consider it a good day for Jesus—an innocent man brutally beaten and left to die on a cross.

But it is important to note, he knew the day was coming. Jesus spoke of it to his closest friends—unfortunately, they did not get it. Do you remember the baby Jesus whose birth we sing of in the Christmas season? We are talking the same guy thirty plus years later.

We celebrate this infant that came to earth for a specific reason. To die. Knowing it was planned all along does not make it easier to understand. What is even more mind-boggling is he was excited to do it. The potential of what comes later would make it worth it all.

Jesus and his dad were together in the planning and implementation of creating the earth and its inhabitants. They loved people and wanted to have a personal relationship with us. But we were worlds apart—which explains why Jesus came. So that we could relate to him. In turn, he told everyone that would listen about his father in heaven.

But as you may have heard, he died. What is so remarkable is that he didn’t stay dead. This may or may not be a news flash, but Jesus was no ordinary guy. He was the Son of God. No one else holds that position, so it is in our best interest to know him. Obviously, because he rose from the dead, we know he is capable of anything.

Jesus accomplished his goal. His life and death were for the express purpose of giving us the option to spend eternity with him after our own death. Crack open the Good Book and you will find countless passages that speak of what heaven is like. Hell too, only he doesn’t speak of it too much, just enough to make a person not want to go there.

The point is, we can consider everyday Easter because each day is an opportunity to know Jesus better. Because he lives. Not here—Jesus is back with his dad now. He has done his part, the rest is up to us.

Wishing you a Happy Easter everyday!

Seasonal Place

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I find myself in an interesting place. Writing wise.

Although Christmas is over, the aura of the season continues on until the New Year comes. Currently I am in the process of writing a devotional, unlike most you see. Stay tuned on that, but do not hold your breathe.

It takes time. I am in the middle of April on that project. April is a time of new growth, spring rains, and celebrating Easter. Not everyone realizes that Easter is a religious observance of Jesus’s death—the Creator/Savior of the world.

If ever there was a man on a mission, it was Jesus.

Christmas is the time of year many celebrate the birth of Jesus. Conceived in the most unusual way. The Good Book speaks of him cover to cover. I recommend it if you want to meet the man, the legend, you can read all about Him.

He was not the Savior many created in their minds-eye. A king was expected, a king He was (is actually) but not of this world. He comes from and has returned to another realm.

Without Christmas there would be no Easter.

Both revolve around the same man.

Without Easter, there would be no hope.

Through Easter we observe who Jesus really is and how he died a horrific death. Not as a martyr but for a good cause. He loved people enough that he wants everyone to join him in this other realm. To do that, He had to die so that a comfortor could come and help us persevere until it was time for us to join him. Again, you will find the whole story in the Good Book.

The Christmas hymn Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, penned by Charles Wesley still lingers in the air. It speaks of ‘peace on earth, goodwill to men.’ We will see that in Jesus’s realm.

In the Easter season, we sing, Low in the Grave He Lay, written by Robert Lowry, His words include, ‘up from the grave he rose.’ Not everyone believes that, but know, that is where hope stems from.

As we embark on another new year, I wish for you to have hope. Hope springs eternal and is what keeps us moving forward.

Happy New Year!

Seasons Greeting

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© jb katke

Much of the world is celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Creator Savior.

You cannot do wrong by carrying the memory of all He means to you, because He loved you first. Only Jesus can give the peace we all desire.

My wish for you is to have a safe, memorable Christmas filled with the makings of contentment and good memories.

Merry Christmas!

Have You Been Robbed?

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Has the evil Grinch Dr Seus created in his children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas robbed you of all seasonal good will? It takes no effort on our part to feel overwhelmed from the things associated with Christmas. How can a person keep Jesus in mind as we celebrate his birth?

The words I share with you today are not all mine. Recently I listened to a message from missionary, Joy Owens, on how to keep our focus on the true message of Christmas. She helped me see references in the Good Book on how to get through the busy days ahead. I wish to share them with you.

Did you make a to-do list? Joy did.

  • Christmas lights: John 1:9 tells us Jesus is the light of the world.
  • Santa Claus: The original St Nick was Nichalos of Bari, a Greek Bishop known for his many miracles and love of secret gift-giving. He is the forerunner for who we recognize as Santa today. The Wise Men brought gifts to the new baby king.
  • Christmas tree: Think of the history in your ancestry family tree. Some were good, others not so much. The first chapter in Matthew lays out Jesus’s family tree. Notice the imperfection of some folks. Yet Jesus came from those roots. He has the ability to make goodness come regardless of your background.
  • Family dynamics: Despite our best laid plans of what must be, consulting Jesus’s will is crucial.  Jeremiah 29:11 says Jesus has his own ideas meant for our good.
  • Baking: John 6:58 says Jesus is the true bread from heaven.
  • Music: Many of the Christmas carols we sing carry the message of Jesus. Think Joy to the World, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, and more currently, Mary Did You Know?
  • Traveling: Are you planning a trip to see loved ones? Keep in mind the shepherds that traveled to see the newborn baby, the Wise Men noting a bright star and followed where it led, and Joseph and Mary traveling to be part of the census. The one that traveled the farthest was Jesus coming from heaven to earth.
  • Spending money/Gift -giving: It takes time and sacrifice in giving to those we love. Reflect how much it cost Jesus to offer his gift of salvation. His is the to-die-for kind of love.
  • House-cleaning: Forget the house, it will only get trashed with festivities anyway. Instead follow the words of Psalm 51:10. Ask Jesus to give you a clean heart, a renewed mind, and a right spirit.

Let the above words bring joy back into your holidays. Jesus did not arrive in a nursery months in the making, but a stable meant for animals. He is a simple son of God, known as our Messiah, Savior of the world. Allow him to restore your Christmas spirit so you can enjoy the peace he brought to earth.

Thanksgiving Wishes

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© jb katke

Have you ever had a missed opportunity?

My most recent missed event came from a routine trip to my local Walmart for a few groceries. As I went through the store I found myself behind a shopper dressed in her camouflaged Army uniform.

As I passed her, I hesitated long enough to thank her for her service to our country. Her response stopped me in my tracks. Putting hand to heart, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve.” What a gracious young woman.

How I wished I had noted her name, taken a picture—anything to have further honored this soldier. She deserved it as we find our military, police, and first responders being dragged through verbal mud.

I just don’t think fast enough.

We are in the time of year when lots of thinking is going on. We think of the family member that won’t be at the table this Thanksgiving. We think of the gifts we wish to buy for our loved ones. We think of past holidays—when the kids were little and thought they would never grow up.

They are now and have a life of their own that may not include us. We invested so much of ourselves. Missed opportunities to treasure what we had. But they are adulting, and that is commendable of them.

Would it surprise you to learn that Jesus thinks of you daily? He invested too. In mankind. Jesus knows what it feels like to be left out—as we go about our busy lives. He literally gave us his all, dying for our thoughtlessness.

As our holiday season approaches—do it different this year. Instead of mourning lost opportunities, make the best of what you have. Some have more than others, but we all have the same amount of time.

A portion of this afternoon was spent rummaging through a few family heirlooms. I came across a letter my Aunt Jane wrote to Jesus. Some were words of confession over her unmet past opportunities—but in the bottom line of her wishes—she asked for wisdom to live out the rest of her life seeking his direction on how to spend her remaining days investing in others.

I share her sentiment and hope you give it consideration too.

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving

Dog Days

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© jb katke

Ready or not,,,

The dog days of summer have arrived.  Heat—you can have it!

My husband Dave, among many others have said they prefer it over the cold.  I get it—I don’t like cold either.  My ideal temperatures are in the range of 70° to 75.°  That narrows down here one may live.

Realtors say, “Location, location, location.”

Our son Jamie says, “Be snow birds!”  Yeah, like we want two homes to maintain. No.

The best we can do is what this squirrel is doing—endure. We do, by taking turns. Dave is miserable in the winter, I, in the summer. This I will say, the current season we are in is minus Fred. I don’t want to write this too loud, in case he decides to return.

Fred is a cow bird that for the past three years has held us hostage in our home. I suspect he has met his demise, or he would be back this year too. Because he did not we have been able to open windows in the spring and let fresh air inside. It was wonderful! We look forward to the fall when the temperatures drop and we can again open up to let the breeze in.

It is important to keep in mind is that each day is a gift. Someone, somewhere Is enjoying a wonderful day, despite what the temperature may be. Every morning is a fresh opportunity to accomplish something or make life a little easier for someone else. Bringing a smile to another face is encouraging—that my life, and yours, can be meaningful to another.

Long ago, I interacted often with a bank teller, whom shall remain nameless because I cannot recall. Her facial features were on the harsh side, making her look angry much of the time. But when she smiled—oh my. What a transformation, it was beautiful sight to behold!  

Maybe all of us could use a little transformation, be it attitude or whatever. Life is too short to remain miserable. Allow Jesus to make your day a little easier—he is a master at transformation.

DNA MIA

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© jb katke

Today is the day to celebrate Dads. As I did on Mother’s Day, I wish to remind you to honor your children alongside you. Without them, you would not be a dad.

 Let me start off with a word picture. Imagine men walking around without a head. I’m not speaking of the apocalypse, just a mental picture that may seem unsettling.

There are an alarming number of homes without a father figure present. Many young people are questioning their gender identity because they lack the input a father has to offer. They need to see role play lived out. Not to say fathers and mothers are incapable of working what the opposite sex generally does. But by doing so—children get a full scope of all their opportunities.

Kids need a hero to look up to, a man that has interests and is willing to share them with his littles. A dad that is willing to enter his children’s  world and learn what interests they have. They need a strong male that can be depended upon always—and at the same time sensitive enough to attend an occasional tea party hosted by his daughter.

That is a tall order. I will be the first to admit fatherhood is a tough job. In his spare time there are home repairs and yardwork to be done, not to mention his career. He may offer a helping hand to his wife, because the demands of running a home never end for either of you.

Times of rest and relaxation are few and far between. Can I hear an Amen?

Men, you need to understand how important you are to our upcoming generation. Fathers’ are the head of a home—do not consider abandoning a home with no head. It creates a lop-sided, unsettled environment.

In case you need it written out—mothers need a husband to join them in shouldering the joys and frustration of training the next generation. It takes teamwork—sometimes grandparents join the fray. I’ve heard it said, ‘It takes a tribe to raise a child.’

Be the influencer Jesus made you to be. He is right there with you, arming you with his wisdom to pass on. Your presence, words and actions all matter.

I salute all that you father’s do and wish you a Happy Father’s Day!

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.

In Memory

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© jb katke

Memorial Day is fast approaching—bringing any sort of memories to the surface. Growing up in my parents home, we always loaded up the car with flowers and a modest picnic fare, traveling north to Sowles Cemetery. 

The trip was not long, but took up the day. It was an extended weekend designed give honor to those who died defending our country. The family cemetery held deceased relatives, but none to my knowledge served in the military. Those that did serve were buried elsewhere.

Originally, Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day. That description was more in keeping with what Mom and Dad did. Bringing clippers to trim around the graves and planting flowers, Geraniums come to mind. The graves were the final resting place of both my parents grandparents. People I never knew but were real to my folks.

After marriage, Dave and I never followed that tradition. But there are other ways that show honor. In my personal calendar I mark both the birth and death dates of those I love—bringing them to mind at least a couple times a year.

Something I learned about the guards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is certainly commendable. There are numerous rules and regulations that I will not go into. But will share what took place in 2003. Hurricane Isabelle was making her way to the DC area. In the gearing up preparation for the coming storm, the House and Senate relieved duty of the guards. Only they would not hear of it, “No way,” was their response. In the midst of that storm, the guards endured getting soaked to the skin with pelting rain and high winds. They said, “Being assigned to the Tomb was not just an assignment, it is the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson.”  

That, my friend, is showing respect.

Recently, in reading some of the Good Book, I learned of yet another way of showing honor. Back in the day of course. When an important event or interaction between two people (or nations) took place, stones would be laid as a monument. It was erected as a means of remembrance of what took place. Children that were not present at the time would learn the history and importance of the event.

What about right now—how could one make a personal memorial for others to see? Here is one suggestion. Make a timeline. Draw a long line on paper—start with the day of your birth. Continue on making x’s or a dot wherever something eventful took place. Give the date and event. Note when your parents died and from what, the day President Kennedy was assassinated, when man landed on the moon—as well as personal stuff, wedding, children. You get the idea.

As grandparents, we have witnessed a few things. It will give the grandchildren something to learn from you. Meaningful communication is never a bad thing.

By the way. The above photo is of my husband who served our country, but has not died in so doing. He remains with me still today!