2024 Dreams

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

Are you ready? Here we are smack into a New Year.

December 31st brings reflection on the past months. Looking back can be hard. Some things we just don’t want to remember. Those things we most enjoy seem to go by too fast—we want the good times to roll endlessly. Only life doesn’t work like that.

If you read my last blog, Miracles Abound, you will know I have had a trial concerning posting a blog. Obviously, my issue dissolved because here I am. God-encounters usually take place in daily happenings. Ya gotta look for them because they can be disguised as trials.

But we are in the season of New Years resolutions, yes? They too, come disguised as a wish list. Yesterday I recalled a promise I made to myself—only to break it shortly after. Some time ago I promised myself I would be thankful for whatever I got accomplished in the day. A short time later I broke that promise—stuffing it away as an impossible dream.

My momma used to say, “You are your own worst enemy.”

I guess she is right, I hate that! She has since passed on to her eternal home, but can still hear her words. That’s the thing about mothers, they tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

Love looks like that.

Getting back to dreams and resolutions, I’d like put less emphasis on gotta-dos and more time on writing. Time will tell how that works out! The good Lord has been showing me a few things lately that have room for improvement. His love is even greater than my Moms.

If you care to share, let me know what your dream/resolutions are for this year. Putting them in print might be all you need to accomplish them. With the Lord by your side, strange things can happen.

Happy New Year everyone!

Miracles Abound!

Quilter2 Comments
©jb katke

What you see here are both the culprit and the recipient. Okay, maybe I hand a hand in it too. Literally.

Cleaning the family room (some might consider that miracle)—I foolishly tried moving these candles at the same time. They are weighty little things and I did not have a good grip on them. One came crashing down on that glass table top. Visions of broken glass ravaged my mind—not to mention the price of replacing said glass that was custom-made.

Nothing happened. So typical of our worst thought scenarios, yes? It is a little thing that could have been big—but now, after the fact, is a huge miracle.

That was not the first of our holiday miracles. A second is the developing relationship with our great-grandchildren. I had a hand in that as well. Do you have children in the family that live a distance away?

Here is what I did. Based upon the child’s birthday, I send a little note with a picture of myself or Papa every three months. They are little and some cannot yet read, so I keep my words to a minimum—but something that may interest them and share what we are doing in our life. In-so-doing we are becoming more like the family we are. Recently, in taking some Christmas gifts to them, my efforts were rewarded. A big miracle in our eyes. We all hope to be someone to somebody, right?

Our third miracle happened on our way home from visiting the great-grands. We were within inches of making contact with a speeding vehicle at the gas station. Accident averted. With pounding hearts, full aware of what could have been. A genuine miracle and proof angels do watch over us. There is never a good time for an accident, but especially so at Christmas. It was a miracle to us.

My Momma used to say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I say ditto to the little incidental things that are a big deal in our eyes. While all these are huge to me, they are not the biggest ever.

The biggest one ever I had no hand in. It took place long ago, before I was born. It is the birth of the little baby that we celebrate during this Christmas season. This sweet innocent infant left the riches of the kingdom he lived in, specifically for me. And you.

It was by his choice and plan—to take the blame and die for the wrong we see all around us. That is how much mankind means to him. This. You. So that you might spend eternity together with him. But that choice is yours to make.

See the miracle for what it is. Look closely each day to see the little miracles that only he can work.

Who Knew?

QuilterLeave a comment
© jb katke

Who knew grocery shopping could be so entertaining? My excursion was just another ordinary trip picking up a few items.

But there they were, east of the produce department, north of the checkout lines. A group of school children from Madison Place Elementary School, all dressed in their black and white concert finery, serenading shoppers with Christmas songs.

The usual ones were present and accounted for. You know who I mean—the child that had no desire to participate. That musical youngster that really got into it, practically dancing as he sang. The shy little girl that was clearly out of her comfort zone ‘performing’—bashfully peeking out at her parents grinning from ear-to-ear with enthusiastic support.

Not to mention shoppers like myself, that set their grocery list aside and stood with half-filled carts, taking delight in the pint-size concert we walked in on. The experience brings back memories when my husband, Dave, and I attended the countless performances our three children took part in so long ago. I don’t think we ever missed one.

I was clueless at the time—how beneficial those performances were. Standing in front of an audience with all eyes upon you can make a person of any age self-conscious. The local schools provide that experience to complement what parents aim for. Introducing a variety of things helps a child pinpoint what brings joy and fulfillment. Variety is the spice of life.

My unmarried, childless aunt questioned me about that. She could not fathom putting children through activities that were over and above school, church and play times. If taken to an excess I am in agreement—children don’t need every minute of the day programmed. Free time is beneficial in helping a child dive into a good book, develop an imagination and learn time management.

Between my three children, they participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. But were given one activity at a time. Multiply that by how many children one has and that can add up to a lot of ‘programmed’ time for mom and dad to chauffer them to and from—not counting attending their performances.

I am not complaining. I consider those years as an investment in their adulthood. Not all parents have that option. As I look back on those years I see where their interests took them. My children are no longer children—but playing Legos developed an interest in engineering. Those guitar lessons developed an appreciation for music.

The school of hard knocks brought an unplanned baby. Patience through countless years of daycare—proving herself being a better mom than I. Dance lessons brought poise and the know-how to create dance steps for a classful of girls. Working with them led to experience gained in how to get along with customers.

Can you see it too? Childhood experiences can lead to great things in adulthood.

What childhood experiences have you had that led to where you are today?

A Prized Gift

Quilter2 Comments

In the season of gifts—how can a person give a lasting gift—one that is truly appreciated?

As the story goes, one couple thought they knew. They were not newlyweds, but the promises made on their wedding day remained strong. Do whatever it takes to support the other.

He was a skilled woodworker with the ability to make the most everyday pieces into works of art—armed with the tools to make it happen.

She was a homemaker with a beautiful head of hair. If it could be considered it a skill, she was able to style it in a variety of ways. Occasionally though, a strand or two would fall.

The Christmas season was upon them and their local store seemed to carry whatever a heart might desire—its windows adorned with the delights of what was inside.

Footsteps slowed as the wife admired the display of costly hair adornments. One comb in particular caught her fancy—it was easy to see it could hold up the most belligerent of hair. As she lingered her husband followed her gaze and determined the perfect gift. She was worth it.

Another window held a display of exotic wood from around the world.  The possibilities of what could be built were endless. This time it was the husbands lingering gaze that his wife noted. What a marvelous gift this would make. He was worth it.

Each held a glint in their eye as secret plans took shape. The love they shared was worth the sacrifice.

The season of gift-giving began with the celebration of the birth of Jesus. A heaven-sent infant would be the Savior of the world. Astrologers came with gifts. Jesus grew as most children do and interestingly, his earthly father was a woodworker. Like the husband in this story, Jesus was familiar with the tools of the trade—and a whole lot more. He too, had a glint in his eye of the perfect gift to give.

He knew the needs of mankind— and it was worth the sacrifice.

Plans had already been set in motion.

Jesus had the skill to heal, give hope and freely doled out encouragement. He shared another way of living—available just for the asking. Jesus took what this world offered—the disdain, the ridicule, and the hate—all the way to the cross.

As he hung there suffering, Jesus forgave the sinners that put him there and eventually died. Was it worth the sacrifice? You betcha. Because he didn’t stay dead. His rising to life again paved the way for people to live in a place where there is no pain, no heartache, no suffering. Heavenly, yes? His eyes were filled with love and took joy in what he gave.

The gifts that this husband and wife exchanged took an ironic turn. The husband sold his best saw so he could purchase that special comb for his wife. Only his wife had cut her hair and sold it so she could purchase the wood her man admired!

This story is not new, but it does bring home the reason for the season. In the gift-giving—it is all about the joy of sacrificial love. Please don’t linger on the receiving end of what Jesus offers, because you are worth it.

Thanksgiving Wishes II

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

As I said last week, ‘I just don’t think fast enough.’

If only I had picked up the phone. Made the call. Communicated something.

Thanksgiving Day is over, but this year will forever remain in my memory. It’s one of those shoulda, coulda, woulda moments.

Normally I have our big dinner in the middle of the day. Smack in the middle of the football game—to the angst of my menfolk.

This year I did things different, including the hour we sat down to eat. Later in the day. Later was when some of the family was back on the road to see the other half of kin. The opportunity to eat and enjoy the company of each other became a missed moment. If only a person could be everywhere at once.

I wish I had communicated the changes so that we all could have made the necessary adjustments to commitments.

It’s a tough spot to be in when family comes from out-of-town and cannot spend adequate time together.

All it would have taken was a little communication. We all think so much of each other—no one would have suffered the angst that we did.

What about you—have you been out of communication lately? With Jesus? Of all people, I hope not him. If something comes to the forefront of your mind, it may be him letting you know. He’s the guy that helps us.

You may be wondering, if he is such a help, why didn’t he help me in my situation?

He can, he does and he did. Because unlike us, he is capable of being everywhere at once.

Jesus helps me learn from my mistakes. I have made many through the years. But when I take his guidance seriously I keep from becoming a repeat offender. 

I am fortunate to have family that finds joy in each other. Some call it lucky, the Good Book calls it blessed. It’s a pleasure to catch up on each other’s lives. We need that because staying in touch can be difficult.

The neat thing about staying in touch with Jesus is he knows all. We don’t have to explain situations or people—he created us and can sees things as they are. He longs to be part of our life, to make things better than they already are.

This is one opportunity not to be missed.

Dear Whomever

QuilterLeave a comment
© jb katke

Our society has come to this. Beware—a can or worms is about to be opened.

A recent shopping trip to find a birthday card led me to see this. Why doesn’t the card just say it like it is? ‘Whoever you are, Happy Birthday.’ Does that fill you with all the warm fuzzies coming from a loved one?

Me either. Greeting card shopping has become a challenge in recent years. It is hard to come by a card that expresses my wishes. The son-in-law that feels more like a son—the daughter-in-law that is more like a daughter. Just because we didn’t raise them—as most cards indicate, doesn’t mean they are any the less dear.

It goes without mentioning the estranged parents that want to celebrate their child, but the card says “us.” If a divorce took place “us” does not fit. What about the child that determines he is not a he anymore, but becoming a she? Or vice versa.

My mother had a clever saying, “The gravy thickens.”

Relationships have become convoluted. Families are not what they used to be and can easily leave one riding the waves, unsure of what shore they will wash up on.

Except for you and I. There are many that read my words that I have never met. Even so, I want to let you know how much you mean to me. It humbles me that you give time to read my thoughts of the day.

It’s you that helps me phrase those thoughts. While we all live on planet earth, our lives seem worlds apart. The norms of everyday living are vastly different. Yet here we are sharing a moment together. Thank you seems so trite—but I do thank you.

It is not just me that thinks of you regularly. So does Jesus. He played a huge part in creating you and continues to have great plans for your life. That is if you allow him to be a part of it.

What does that look like when you cannot see the guy?

Allow me to share what I have found to be a great help.

Early in my day, I talk with Jesus. Tell him what he already knows. He is great and powerful. (It’s a simple matter of giving credit where it is due) I bring up my family and put them into his hands because I can’t control their day or their thoughts like he can. I thank him for things in my own life that has brought me to a closer relationship to him and ask him to guide me through the day. Putting my concerns on his to-do list makes more sense because he is a get ’er done kind of guy.

It’s that simple. You are not a whomever person. You are a big somebody to Jesus. Consider each sunrise to be his greeting card to you. Nothing pleases him more than the two of you sharing life together.

Nice Things

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

Do you like nice things? I do and sometimes wish I did not.

Put your seatbelt on—I will take you on one of my rabbit trails of thought. I promise it won’t hurt.

While having nice things is nice—it is not always what it is cracked up to be. All the dishware and collectibles I have inherited are stored in our hutch. It’s big. The deliverymen referred to it as “The beast.”

“The beast” has a story in itself, starting with the wicked gash in its side, but will not elaborate on that today. I am nothing more than next in line of my ancestors collection. Whether tradition will continue and my kids want anything from it remains to be seen.

It. Is. Full. Everything in it must come out for a refreshing bath. When emptied, the glass must also be cleaned. It is more than a days work. Which brings me to my point. It is not so much ownership of memories—it is more like the acquisition owns me. Maintenance required.

© jb katke

Another for instance is our cookie jar. Like so much in our home, it has history. When my husband was just a boy, he purchased it—gifting the cookie jar to his mother. It reflects what a thoughtful, sensitive nature he has. Dave grew up with three other siblings. A cookie jar was a necessary kitchen item.

Washing that cookie jar is just short of a spiritual experience. When wet, it is slippery. It has lived such a long life—I would feel awful if I brought it to its’ demise. Care required.

On the other hand—check out these beautiful leaves. I am a pushover for autumn leaves. Dave says I can’t help myself. On the ground I can see their individual beauty—on the tree they get lost in the mass.

If you examine them closely, there are flaws. They are varying colors of death. The shapes are unique to the tree they fell from, and have little holes. Some may call imperfections.

Jesus and I think they are beautiful. They have served their purpose shading us in the heat of the sun, now we can appreciate their uniqueness. Various colors of death are beautiful when viewed with other trees. And those little holes? It reveals they have been through some stuff.

Have you been through some stuff too? Maybe you don’t look upon yourself as beautiful. Jesus feels you are just right. Acquiring a few scars as we go along is part of life. It defines who we are. If we live to tell about it—someone needs to hear it.

We are not placed on earth to endure, or look good in the eyes of others. We are here to lift each other up. Care and maintenance is required, and encouragement can be scarce. Let others know Jesus likes us just as we are.

Unmasked

Quilter2 Comments
(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

While scary and death seem to be the theme of Halloween—death is a life event no one is completely prepared for. It makes no matter if it is sudden or a lengthy illness.

There are a lot of mixed feelings going around. We are hearing of the war in Israel and the unrest in our own country. And now, losing the beloved Hollywood actor, Matthew Perry, as we learn of his last days. How weird that he recently wrote how he wanted to be remembered.

More information will come forward—it always does. Matthew conquered a drug addiction. His battle was real and didn’t make it a secret. He unmasked his trial for the world to see and let them know it is beatable. Good. For. Him. We need more people like that in life—to know there is hope.

Life can be hard. Anything can weigh a person down. With the right kind of helpful people, we can become conquerors.

On a lighter note, are the Halloween costumes ready? The children are certainly ready to haul in the candy. I’m hoping there are lots of kids parading around as cops, EMS workers and firemen. They are the right kind of helpful people that are getting a bad rap lately.

But there are others, less noticeable. Do you have a friend that harps on Jesus? There was a time when they were referred to as Jesus Freaks. If they are in your circle, good for them.

Their words may not always be appreciated, but I gotta tell ya. They can be a real help when you are in your own battle. Addiction, divorce, death or whatever. These so-called Jesus Freaks are just the ones to help when tough times hit.

Facing hardship is never easy, but to mask it makes everything worse. It’s living a lie. How do you want to be remembered?

Jesus wants to help but won’t if you haven’t asked him. He is not one to intrude. I have learned firsthand he can bring others into your circle that are an encouragement. Either be that person or go to that person.

It makes the world a better place. Shock of shocks, chocolate is not the answer for everything.

Private Eyes

Quilter2 Comments
© 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

Quilter2 Comments
© 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.