A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Poetry

Ways to Mend

By 7 Comments

Ways to Mend popped into my mind as soon as Kate let me know she was back.  She’s been away on medical leave so we’ve had some fun with Andrew over the past few weeks. 🙂  Anyways, Kate’s word prompt this week is Mend.  Kinda makes sense as she’s still on the mend you know?

text: ways to mend image: paper heart mended with a bandaid

Ways to Mend

Ways to mend popped
into my mind. A word prompt
worming its way into my thoughts
over a day filled with
cleaning and organizing.

Did you know that taking time
to sort and organize is cathartic?
It gives a body of sense of purpose,
and allows for the tidying up of
one’s life, ergo easier to manage
the stuff that one’s life brings.

It’s a mending of one’s psyche to
make things easier to manage
when some aspects of life are too busy.

I tossed some socks out the other
day that had holes in the heel.
Darning them seemed more trouble
than they are worth. I recall mended socks
as a child and the lump in the toe.
Who needs lumps in the toe?
NOT ME!! 🙂

Other ways that mending comes to mind.
My son’s girl has a new cat,
Miso by name, with feet and ears
shredded from cold weather and
hot cars. He needs to be fixed,
in more ways than one, before meeting
the others, should be some fun.

Sometimes in mending we need to restore,
to go back and make new, what once
was before. Bring back an old cupboard,
paint again, remove the new to
make old shine again.

To mend is to patch up, renew and restore.
It’s to cure, heal, and get better,
Let’s cobble together this old
body so it works well enough!

Jesus mended our relationship with God
when he died upon the tree,
looked death in the face, and then
rose in glory to sit at God’s right hand.

No more condemnation, no more need to
patch things up, no need to set things straighten.
All things restored, the tinkering done.

Let it Snow

By 2 Comments

The other day on the radio at work the song came on “let it snow let it snow let it snow”.  But the weather at the time wasn’t conducive to snow.  So as it played I sang “let it rain let it rain let it rain”.   Mind, I did so quietly (almost under my breath) as as not to annoy a certain co-worker.   Anyways, Andrew’s prompt made me think of that and I smiled.  So now you can share that smile with me!

Shall we get on with the poem of the week?  Let it SNOW!!!! 

Let it snow. text over a picture of snowflakes

Let it Snow

Let it snow, the cold winter blast
screams my name in the quiet of the
night, reminding me I’m Canadian.
I have grit, soft-spoken that I am,
I can survive what Ontario can throw
at me year after year.
God tells me in Psalm 147
“He spreads the snow like wool and
scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?”

But God sees us clearly, and
knows just how much we can take.
Scouring the landscape so that in time
we can see the whiteness and clarity
that a blanket of snow provides.
For Isaiah would have us know
“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.”

More snow references

SW Ontario has been hit hard by
snow squalls this past week.
Closed roads, cars stuck in ditches,
wind blowing so fiercely you can’t
see across the road, the snow so thick.
Yet all that snow does so much good.
55 of Isaiah gives this line:
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for
the sower and bread for the eater.”

Before the snow came, or at least,
that was the goal. Winter came a
bit early this year, but I convinced
my guys to help with porch clean up,
driveway edging, rabbitry roofing,
gardening turning, and so much more.
Not all gone down, but most did.
We fought hard, and battled at the end.
The truth in Proverbs 31 revealed:
“When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.”

 

Other Snow Posts

I’ve written about snow before! Not just in this poem, but other ways too!

It Seems Rather Stable

By Leave a Comment

It seems rather stable was born as I sat under my shoulder warmer fighting a rather nasty cold.  Hubsters fought with it last week (fights it still).  He thought sharing it a rather good idea (though I disagree).  Gave me time to ponder about one born in a stable.  How there is more to the story than what the commercials and stories might tell.  Falseness pervades everything and we need to seek out the truth diligently. 

text it seems rather stable image of nativity scene

It Seems Rather Stable

It seems rather stable
to believe in the stable.
A child born a fair while back
Without whom the world would surely lack.

It’s black and white
And I’m not at all contrite.
To know the importance of belief
better than experiencing grief.

Now we know a few things
Not of which the caroler sings
No snow on the ground, no wisemen
at the cradle, traditions strikes again.

No in December, January or March
a birth for Christ not under an arch
shepherds and animals this we know true
a donkey, a stable, and the manger a clue.

Learning more to the scriptures one should turn
In Matthew and Luke the story does burn
making hearts see truth
So don’t be uncouth!

Seek ever always to know what should be
how to be eternally free
knowing the start and the ending you know
it’s starts from beginning, it’s a flow.

The beginning, the end, truth be told
may always be ever bold
Forever and forever always to reign
His birth doesn’t start the refrain.

Instead the refrain runs throughout history
telling the tale of his family tree.
Creating, restoring, saving us all,
He’s stopped the repercussions of the fall.

Rejoice and be glad, be of good cheer
sing the story loud and clear.
Seek out the truth in that all you do
Don’t let it be true just in the pew.





Advantage of a Sale

By 4 Comments

Taking advantage of a sale, hubsters and I went to London today.  We had a lovely afternoon out together, we chatted and got needed supplies, bought some things perhaps we shouldn’t, but stockings are getting fuller!  🙂  Then tonight on Amazon I took advantage of a couple of sales and thought I’d round out my hubby’s gift just a little bit.  I found him a keto snack he hasn’t been able to locate in quite a while so I’m hoping it will be a great surprise! 

picture of shopping cart with gifts, text advantage of a sale

Advantage of a sale

Today I had a conversation
with a friend that I hold dear.
A weekly conversation with
laughter and so much cheer.

She asked me what we had in
mind for Christmas this year
and wondered if we gift-exchanged
and what plans we had.

I mentioned that I had two
desires for Christmas this year and
found them on sale during the Prime Days
and Black Friday events on Amazon.

But are no longer on sale but
still sit in my cart as I learn
if I’ll need to buy them after
the Christmas season.

Will a price reduction be again
in my future? Or will one of my
loved ones spare me the trouble?
I’ll know more in a couple of weeks.

ReceiptHog where I share receipts
from items purchased. They have a
contest of sorts going on right now.
We’re to video ourselves talking

About sales and purchases made
not over the Christmas season.
Speaking about the why and how
of gift-giving over the year.

I thought it was an interesting
approach. But really have no ideas
to present as I don’t buy many
gifts over the year. 🙂

I have to admit though, that
when I did shop more often for toys,
taking advantage of a sale is
an added side benefit and often a
boost to making the sale!

Continued thoughts

I sat here after writing the above and wondered if I could find a way to continue faith to the idea of a sale.  I failed miserably.  🙂    The only thing I could think of is how often people love to find a bargain. How often we fail to see the bargain right in front of us.  The bargain of eternal life and eternal hope all for the bargain price of acceptance of who God is. it’s the best bargain out there you know?  Asks for just a little, and in return we get everything most important. Have you taken advantage of the sale of faith yet?   (that’s not supposed to sound as awkward as perhaps that reads).  🙂 I hope you get the idea meant!

Just ask questions if you never taken God seriously before.  It’s eternally important. And literally the best gift you can give yourself! 

The Dreaded Christmas Sweater

By 10 Comments

The dreaded Christmas Sweater, the word prompt for this week, could be a fun read.  At least I hope to have some fun reads from fellow contributors!  Time will tell eh?  So it’s a bit of a struggle this year with the whole gift giving idea…. no one is giving ideas of what they would like for Christmas.  My son’s gal came up with a vague idea, but it’s like meh.  My guys… NOTHING.  No hints, no nudges, no “it would be nice comments, nothing for like almost a whole year!!”   Gah, it’s a hard one this year, that’s for sure. I gave folks ideas… why can’t they be just as courteous??? 

image of man in christmas sweater holding poster board. Text Dreaded Christmas Sweater

The Dreaded Christmas Sweater

It’s a little known fact
that the dreaded Christmas Sweater
does not reside at my house.

I don’t know why I’ve never
been blessed, but I really,
truly do not mind.

I do own some fun tshirts
with Christmas theme ablaze,
those who know me well,
can guess what they might portray.

Bunnies in trees,
bunnies in a row,
and even bunnies wishing all
a Merry Christmas!

Hubby doesn’t know it, but
he might be given an ugly
Christmas sweater this year.

Since well…. he’s given me
no other ideas of items
he could happily receive.

I’ve considered underwear,
the rather fancy kind, but
that led down a rabbit hole
I’d rather not in reside.

No tools, no candy, I’m
really rather stuck, no
hints have been given
in now almost 12 months!

Should I get him yet, 
another cat OR do the
dreaded Christmas sweater?

So give me ideas, my readers
please, what would you give
a 60 year grey haired fellow?


Turkey Is The Word

By 18 Comments

Andrew’s been having fun choosing words that normally we wouldn’t have as options. Today Turkey is the Word and I used it to poke a bit of fun, and to so some thinking.  As a Canadian we had our “turkey day” a few weeks back.  Holidays can sometimes be a good time to pause and reflect on how we are living our lives, don’t you find?

image of a turkey roast, text: Turkey is the Word

Turkey is the Word

Turkey is the Word
and the food of the day
if you’re American and
rather stuck in your ways.

You could have had ham,
sushi, or roast beef,
but it had to be turkey
what’s the matter chief?

Did you rolls, or green
bean casserole, mashed potatoes,
and pickles? The plate of olives,
and maybe some tomatoes?

What’s part of your
American thanksgiving feast?
I bet you made enough to
feed several beasts!

As you prepared, brave
food explorer or not!
Did you offer thanks
for all that you have got?

My mom reminded me,
just the other day,
it’s harder to be thankful
when all of life feels gay.

It’s the harder times of
life that encourage thankful hearts,
remembering all that God has done
gives us faithfulness smarts!

Let the hard things of life
encourage our faith eh?
Turkey is the word for this
reminder needed today!

Where are the Penguins?

By 2 Comments

Today I worked on tidying things up in the house.  I worked to compact my “yard sale” area.  Seeking to move yet more stuff into the pile as I reduce the amount of stuff we have in the house. It’s a process.  But I’ve got a burn in the back of my brain to get the kitchen back in order so moving stuff is important.  🙂  ALL this to say, I had no time in my day to look up Andrew’s word prompt… which is Penguins!  That question I’m sure that is burning in all your minds is where are the penguins?  Did I find them as I moved things around?

text: where are the penguins. Image: penguin on a background of snow and blue sky

Where are the Penguins?

I checked the office shelves
pulling off bunny figures,
removing packs of cards, and
even shelving books.

Wondering through the fantasy books,
I noted the ceramic puppies,
now some 35 years old,
but where are the penguins?
NOT HERE!

Going through the games,
I saw squirrels and bears,
Camelot in battle, The
risk of global domination, and
dicey situations.

But alas, no penguins.
Homeschooling no longer,
books have to go!
Puffins, WW2, the human body,
wolves, and math galore.
I’m fearing the penguins
are no more!

I wandered back to the office,
needing to take a break.
Considering my long term plans
for fun when the work is done.

Beginning the work of
planning out my zoo.
Imagine my delight when I see…
Lego penguins! Black and white,
little cuties from Temu.
Penguins waiting for
water, ice, and snow!

image of lego penguins

Considering the More

I’ve had cause lately to be asking the question… where are my penguins?  Okay, bear with me a bit eh?

Penguins was the word for the day, the one important thing to consider, and I couldn’t find them until I actually went looking for them.  I found my penguins in my lego, right where they were supposed to be. What other things do I miss if I’m not looking for them specifically?   God says, those who seek him find him. So, how do I go about seeking him? Will I find him where I expect?  Within the pages of a his book? In the music I listen to?  How about in the books I read?  In the studies I do like Unexplainable Jesus? Do I keep my eyes open and my heart soft to him? 

Where do you find him when you go seeking?