Connecting With Jesus

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© jb katke

The challenge—should I choose to accept it, was noting the way I connect with Jesus. Then writing about one that I do not connect with.

This came via my writing coach, having read Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas.  According to Thomas, there are eight ways people can connect with Jesus:

  • Naturalist-loving Jesus outdoors
  • Sensate-loving Jesus through the senses
  • Traditionalist-loving Jesus through ritual and symbol
  • Ascetics-loving Jesus in solitude and simplicity
  • Activist-loving Jesus through confrontation
  • Enthusiasts-loving Jesus with mystery and celebration
  • Contemplatives-loving Jesus through adoration
  • Intellectuals-loving Jesus with the mind

First off, I wish to say none of these ways are wrong. Nor is one way superior to another. Mankind is a vast people group of individuals. How we relate varies among us all—even among our circle of family and friends. Not to confuse the issue with a split-personality, we just learn how to adapt our communication with how individuals relate to our words.

I chose Naturalist, mostly because I am not an outdoors girl. Some would point me out as being a hot-house plant. I am okay with that, because there is too much sunshine, heat or cold and bugs for my liking.

The very reasons I dislike outdoors is no doubt why others love it. Fresh air, well all right, I enjoy a good breeze. But there is more, plants, trees, and just nature itself to be appreciated. And I do, mostly as I look out my window.

What I find interesting, living in this day and age—are those who are entirely wrapped up in climate change. My goal is not to get political. But those who are actively endorsing ways we can save the earth are frustrated that others do  not join their cause. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that other nations are not their teammates.

Jesus created nature, not only for our well-being, but for its beauty. However, that is not all that he created:

Jesus gave mankind senses to take in the sights and sounds of pleasure. How unfortunate, understandably for safety sake, we can no longer smell burning autumn leaves.

He instilled in mankind a need for organization—a practice or an object that brings Jesus to our mind.

Have you noticed some folks just need a down time? A mind without distractions is an excellent time to think on Jesus.

There are those who feel the absolute need to voice their love of Jesus to everyone and anyone who will listen. They have a point that needs to be heard.

Many who love Jesus love to dwell on how he accomplished his mission. It can boggle the mind as we celebrate his birth each December and beyond.

Often just thinking about Jesus, his mission—how he loved on others and drew such crowds brings such thoughts of gratitude.

The mind is a wonderful creation of his—that we can be fascinated by an ordinary man that was anything but ordinary.

Any one of these connections can be dangerous if taken to the excess. While mankind has breath, it is imperative that each connection has its own time of reflection on our soul.

“In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:6 (ESV)

I would enjoy hearing how you best relate to Jesus!

Speechless?

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© jb katke

Me—speechless? In your dreams!

I have all sorts of thoughts and ideas that roam freely inside my head. At the end of the day, when my feet are level with my head they activate, keeping sleep at a distance. My mind is not a blank screen.

Just this morning, as we watched the news, my husband Dave commented, “There is something I have noticed about you.”

“What is that?” I asked laughingly. Only to sober up enough to wonder did I really want to know?

“You have lived with me too long. You’re talking back to the television like I do.”

True statement. But the TV needs to know how off-base it sometimes is.

Like so many others I have an unnatural attraction to social media. Oh—the useless information one can learn! Much of it questionable.

Some feel the necessity to share the name of the restaurant they went to for lunch. Others post the pictures of their vacation.

This leads me to thinking many may need a relationship. We live in a busy world these days and don’t seem to find the time to establish friendshipe. That is where social media comes in handy.

We can reach out to a world of people we may not even know and get feedback from them. The response may stem from the topic or maybe the picture always attached. It doesn’t matter as long as some response comes from somewhere.

Beware of the questions memes ask. “What was your pets name when you were growing up?” or, “What was the make of your first car?” Someone, somewhere appears to want to know you. “Just for fun they say.” The information you provide can give them access to change your password, make expenditures in your name, or any other kind of mayhem. They are not your friend.

My personal unfavorites are the political ones. I don’t have enough fingers or toes to count how many times I would like to respond, but hold back. We live in a day and age when everyone feels the need to let the world know who they support.

So then, why don’t I respond, letting others know how I feel?  Because there is another issue of far greater importance—that no one wants to discuss.

Like what? It is important to me that you know this. Too many people don’t acknowledge life after death.

My beliefs are based upon the Good Book. It is there that truth and hope live. I do not aim to flaunt my opinions, but to point others to read it for themselves. If you take Jesus’ words personally, you won’t be sorry.

Extra, Extra

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Read all about it! Have you heard to the news recently?

A young mother has made the national news. Her story can prompt some head-scratching and possibly controversy.

You may find the following offensive, but it is real. Before I go any further, let’s agree there are places in this world that do not offer choices.

Last year a young woman was diagnosed with brain cancer, and she was pregnant.

Her cancer doctors told her what she must do to beat this. To use the best treatments, she must abort the baby. We all want a doctor that will give us the answer to our illnesses. Generally, we trust them because they know more than the average person.

However, this young mom didn’t agree with her doctor. I do not know what her obstetrician may have said.

Many may question her decision. She already had a two-year old child—can’t that be enough? But she determined not to have the abortion. I’m aware of only two women that have faced this dilemma. Both of them based their decision on their faith.

Abortion would not fall in line with their spiritual beliefs. Jesus has never endorsed abortion. He was and is, a giver of life, not a taker.

To some, this woman may have been incredibly brave. To others, foolish. But here is her logic—

“My baby has nothing to do the cancer, killing her would not take the cancer away.”

Next month her baby daughter will celebrate her first birthday.

Watching her interview on television, I noted the woman looked the picture of health. None of us know if she will be cured or how long she will live, but all of us will at some point die.

It’s the choices we make while breathing that make all the difference in the world.

As I write, she is currently out of state, undergoing treatment with different doctors. What kind, I do not know. But this I feel, she had a choice of life or death and today it appears life has won for both mother and child.

As far as her appearance is concerned, looks are deceiving. We cannot possibly know what others are going through, but the journey is real. It is not for me to say whether I agree with this womans decision or not, but I do commend her for living her faith.

Let’s just support each other as we each travel our own path.

In Memory Of

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“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in memory of ________________.”

These words are often said at funerals—at least on television. We just need to fill in the blank. This morning we discovered a death outside our door.

This precious little hummingbird. I cannot say he, or she, was part of our family, but in recent years I have devoted a lot of sugar and various feeders trying to lure them to us. Throughout the summer they have been scarce. I anticipate seeing more of them this time of year as they fill themselves up in preparation for wherever they migrate to.

Families of today consider their pets as part of the family. When I was a child, pets had pet names—Rover, Spot, Fido. These days pets are given ‘people’ names. What I find astounding is the pet life insurance companies.

Yes, pets can now have life insurance! Who are the beneficiaries? Someone has to inherit the dog collar, litter box, or birdcage. Of course, it goes without saying that upon demise, pets can be laid to rest in pet cemeteries. Urns are available to put their ashes in. This mindset may have its’ roots in the ‘Save the whale’ mantra we heard years ago. 

Perhaps the blank can be filled in with common sense.

There is a saying, ‘There are bigger fish to fry.’ Meaning, there are greater concerns in life than all this pet stuff.  Hearing the news of the day, we have constant reminders of theft, murders and child-trafficking. The list goes on, but you know what is happening in your community. It’s heartbreaking.

What can a person do to make a positive difference in our society?

There is no one pat answer. But I can suggest a good place to start. Crack open the Good Book and discover what is important to Jesus. Cover to cover, we can learn more about the man, what his motive operandi is, and what is important to him.

Both good and bad examples in the life of individuals are highlighted. Family life is revealed; you think your family is dysfunctional? Not to worry though, there are lots of feel-good encouraging parts too. Complete with how things will end up! The book has been in the top seller list for practically ever. Consider it a must-read.

The Mystery Within

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What you see is not what you think.                      

Coming from an apple; this seed was trying to sprout internally. Never have I seen the likes of this before. It would have been interesting to see how it developed, if it developed. But how could I have known what was going on inside; to wait and see what the outcome would be?

To my way of thinking, this should not happen in an apple world. But what do I know?

Nature is full of little surprises. Some more apparent than others. I suppose that would be dependent on where you live. Each part of our country has its own perk attractions; which makes for interesting travel. It broadens our horizon on its uniqueness.

The same goes for people. Differing locales have their own accent. For example, I come from the great state of Michigan, but currently reside in the great state of Kansas. People here can pinpoint I’m from the north.  However, when visiting our home state, I get remarks the likes of, “You sound so Kansan.” 

My Michigan isn’t the same as when I grew up there. Kansas weather is not all it’s cracked up to be. It has all the makings of feeling like I don’t belong anywhere. My normal does not always include what is reality.

Kind of like this apple seed. It was trying to develop in an abnormal place. The seed belonged in the apple, but the sprout did not.

Can you relate? Trying to fit into a place where you don’t belong? It could be anything. Your state—your place of employment—college choice—or the friends you hang with? You name it.

Frustration arrives at your door when others don’t understand where you come from. People cannot understand the things you have seen or what you have endured. Words or actions don’t suit their vision of you.

It’s a mystery because possibly no one has taken the time to see your uniqueness. No one can know what is going on inside of you. Time marches on day in and day out, week after week, months, maybe years pass before the outcome can be discerned. Until sometime in the future, even you may be surprised at the outcome.

Whether you can grasp it or not, the fact remains you have perks that were especially created for you. Jesus has a plan for your life that may not be fully developed yet. Only someone who loves you intensely is able to see the potential that resides inside of you.

Hang in there, we all are a work in progress.

Besties

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© jb katke

Do you have someone in your life that you connect with? Maybe you just met, but you know a good friendship is about to take place. Our friends become more valuable over time. Or maybe with time, you realize its time to move on. Either way—you know.

Recently that was brought home to me. I was having lunch with some true-blue friends, only I didn’t feel like it. They loved on me anyway.

At the time I was unable to verbalize how I felt, but I can today. The week was one of mourning for me. It was the final week of having my man home for the summer. His job runs during the school year. And wouldn’t you know it, my week was filled with going out to meetings.

My heart was home, with Dave. He is my best friend and so much more. Dave is not a talkative guy, which on one hand can be frustrating. I don’t always know what lurks around that mans mind. On the other hand, we can be alone together. Words are not always necessary; we can each be doing our own thing under the same roof.

If I need him, he is there. I’m going to miss his presence.

Quickly, I wish to tell you we don’t have a smother love thing. Each of us has the freedom to go and do what it is that feeds our soul. I have known marriages where a spouse clings so tightly that it prompts the other wanting to leave. What we have is nothing like that.

After lunch, I went to visit a former neighbor. Belinda is probably the best neighbor I ever had, but she has moved away. Not so far I cannot see her though.  Belindas’ DNA has kicked in and she is having some memory issues that run in her family.

Our conversation was heartbreaking. She misses her husband terribly. He passed away and she pines to be with him. Seeing old folks help each other down the hall of her current residence is all the trigger she needs to spend a portion of her day in tears.

How does one minister to a hurting heart like that? All I can do is listen and pray she feels a sense of purpose in her new home. And to feel Jesus’ presence.

Then it hit me.

This kind of pining must be what Jesus wishes we feel for him. He can supply so much of what a husband does. Within reason, of course.

Like what? Jesus gives hope and a purpose. Supernaturally he can provide the means for us to live. Jesus loves unconditionally. We can know this by reading his Good Book, which in turn gives encouragement and strength to carry on.

I wish his guidance for you so that you too can feel his presence on a daily basis.

What We Do

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

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

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

© jb katke

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

My heart was in encouragement mode.

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

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

My heart wishes to encourage your heart.

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

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

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

August Birthdays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a boy!

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

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

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

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

A Basket Case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamaica 2003

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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