About Me
- Netagene
- I am a member of the church of Christ. I have been writing things since I was little. Some have been printed, some posted. I write to teach or encourage; to blow off steam; and for fun! I had my own motorcycle in my 40s; I was a bluegrass music DJ for about 13 years; I've performed some. I am a member of the NRA. In 2003 (age 59), I became high partial legally blind; in 2005, I had to get hearing aids! Franklin Field said: "Poor eyes limit your sight; poor vision limits your deeds". And no kidding, the picture was made April, 2012!
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Sweet boy
This was the 6th year I attended the Truth lectures at the Athens Bible School in north Alabama. Keegan Chaffin is 9 years old, and has Down Syndrome ... yet a couple of years ago, he noticed that I used a walker (old age arthritis!) and always kind of "ran interference" for me when I tried to go to the door. He also tried to hold the big heavy door open for me, even though the door weighed more than him! His dad is preacher Jonathan Chaffin, and Jonathan's dad was also a preacher. Keegan is the youngest of 5. He plans to also be a preacher. His mother Lisa posted a picture of Keegan when he was about 4, standing in the waiting room of a dentist office, with his Bible, preaching! I always call him "brother Keegan" and shake his hand, and thank him.LIFE is UNCERTAIN
I need to downsize. You're doing the same.
Memories are good, but best is a good name.
Far above rubies is a life that's well lived.
Loving and serving -- I'm sure you're fulfilled.
I would send you flowers but they'd wilt and fade.
And definitely no "yarnings" -- no tchotchkes I've made.
Life is uncertain so I need to say
I love you. God bless you.
Prayers for a wonderful day!
I wrote this in a card to Eunice Davis, March 27, 2018. She was 94 years old 2 months previously, and is my #1 driver! She's a true "Eveready Bunny"!
Memories are good, but best is a good name.
Far above rubies is a life that's well lived.
Loving and serving -- I'm sure you're fulfilled.
I would send you flowers but they'd wilt and fade.
And definitely no "yarnings" -- no tchotchkes I've made.
Life is uncertain so I need to say
I love you. God bless you.
Prayers for a wonderful day!
I wrote this in a card to Eunice Davis, March 27, 2018. She was 94 years old 2 months previously, and is my #1 driver! She's a true "Eveready Bunny"!
I Will be Well
Here is the sheet music to the song I co-wrote November, 2018. Tony Kite wrote the words to the chorus. He wrote the melody, and Aneva Peirce wrote the harmony. It is free for you to copy and use.
IN the MIRROR
In the mirror (7 to 70)
Women's version
What she sees in the mirror is frilly and small –
Little ponytail and her baby doll.
Little boys ignore her as they run by,
But even now she's coy with her nose held high.
What she sees in the mirror is cute, demure –
A petite young lady – boys go for her.
With curly hair and a twinkle in her eye –
She's the high school princess and the boys all sigh ...
She's the head cheerleader, sings soprano in the choir –
An honor roll student who wants to go higher.
Boys see her confidence, a sunny breeze!
They dream of her: "O, marry me please!"
In college she strolls with a purposeful air,
Then marriage and family and God and prayer.
A blest life and happy, even with some woes,
Then suddenly it's winter. How fast the time goes!
What she sees in the mirror – how time has passed by!
Now the former cutie has tears in her eyes.
She's passed the age of three-score and ten --
Nearer to God than she's ever been.
What sins she's committed! Friends come and lost –
Impetuous acts, now paying the cost.
She repented of wrongs, and God forgave.
She's doing OK, thanking God she's saved.
Written by Netagene, November 21, 2014. I was 70. The original was a men’s version, which I posted a few years ago.
Women's version
What she sees in the mirror is frilly and small –
Little ponytail and her baby doll.
Little boys ignore her as they run by,
But even now she's coy with her nose held high.
What she sees in the mirror is cute, demure –
A petite young lady – boys go for her.
With curly hair and a twinkle in her eye –
She's the high school princess and the boys all sigh ...
She's the head cheerleader, sings soprano in the choir –
An honor roll student who wants to go higher.
Boys see her confidence, a sunny breeze!
They dream of her: "O, marry me please!"
In college she strolls with a purposeful air,
Then marriage and family and God and prayer.
A blest life and happy, even with some woes,
Then suddenly it's winter. How fast the time goes!
What she sees in the mirror – how time has passed by!
Now the former cutie has tears in her eyes.
She's passed the age of three-score and ten --
Nearer to God than she's ever been.
What sins she's committed! Friends come and lost –
Impetuous acts, now paying the cost.
She repented of wrongs, and God forgave.
She's doing OK, thanking God she's saved.
Written by Netagene, November 21, 2014. I was 70. The original was a men’s version, which I posted a few years ago.
LONELINESS COVERS ME
A sweet embrace is now long past.
We didn't know 'twould be our last.
Like blackbirds hide the sun's warm gold,
sadness hovers, drifts, enfolds.
Hard choice to make -- stay or divorce,
Efforts fail -- must change my course.
Still -- loneliness covers me.
Some choose no mate. Some choose bad.
Alone with another is just as sad.
No matter whose fault, no matter the dirt,
The house is quiet. I’ll always hurt.
Separation or single, or miles between,
personalities change, events unseen.
God in Genesis made a wife
to complement Adam for all his life.
Ecclesiastes says two are better than one* --
to encourage each other, to get things done.
My own poor company -- Oh, how I ache, but
even God's wise ones made mistakes.
Think of King David, King Solomon, too --
Even God's blessed ones were lonely and blue.
Death or divorce, or miles apart --
Separation's bad; it breaks my heart ...
and loneliness covers me.
I don't know a thingin this whole wide world that's worse than being alone** …
and loneliness covers me.
Written by Netagene, January 19-22, 2016
* Ecclesiastes 4:9-12;
** a line from the song, “Where No One Stands Alone", written by Thomas Mosie Lister (September 8, 1921 – February 12, 2015)
We didn't know 'twould be our last.
Like blackbirds hide the sun's warm gold,
sadness hovers, drifts, enfolds.
Hard choice to make -- stay or divorce,
Efforts fail -- must change my course.
Still -- loneliness covers me.
Some choose no mate. Some choose bad.
Alone with another is just as sad.
No matter whose fault, no matter the dirt,
The house is quiet. I’ll always hurt.
Separation or single, or miles between,
personalities change, events unseen.
God in Genesis made a wife
to complement Adam for all his life.
Ecclesiastes says two are better than one* --
to encourage each other, to get things done.
My own poor company -- Oh, how I ache, but
even God's wise ones made mistakes.
Think of King David, King Solomon, too --
Even God's blessed ones were lonely and blue.
Death or divorce, or miles apart --
Separation's bad; it breaks my heart ...
and loneliness covers me.
I don't know a thingin this whole wide world that's worse than being alone** …
and loneliness covers me.
Written by Netagene, January 19-22, 2016
* Ecclesiastes 4:9-12;
** a line from the song, “Where No One Stands Alone", written by Thomas Mosie Lister (September 8, 1921 – February 12, 2015)
Song: I WILL be WELL!
I will be well
When I leave the boat.
I will be well
Though I cannot swim.
I will be well
When I touch His coat.
I will be well
When I go to Him.
I will be well
When I lose my wrath.
I will be well
Even when l'm old.
I will be well
When I'm on His path.
I will be well
In the Shepherd's fold.
I will be well
When I am so ill.
I will be well
When I cannot see.
I will be well
When my body's still.
I will be well
For God walks with me.
Chorus:
I will be well
In my Savior's love.
I will be well,
Here or heav'n above.
I will be well,
For He's telling me,
"You will be well, child.
You walked with me."
Tim Stevens led it a few times when he was at Huffman, May 3-5, 2019. He had Romans 15:13 on rhe screen.
Other applicable Bible verses, for each verse of the poem/song: Matthew 14:26-30; 9:20-22 (the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' coat); Proverbs 15:1 and Job 5:2, about being angry; Leviticus 19:32 and Proverbs 16:31 about getting old; Jeremiah 6:16 (walk in the old paths); Psalm 23:5, John 10:14, 1 Peter 5:4; Matthew 10:8 and Luke 7:2; Ecclesiastes 12:3 and Matthew 11:5; John 11, the story of Lazarus; Psalm 23:4
Monday, July 15, 2019
AVERAGE TEPID TEA
Are you drinking from a cup of tepid tea?
Is your life on hold in mediocrity?
Friend, let me tell you, it could be worse ...
You could be stuck in reverse.
Do you think that "average" is a-ok?
That your so-so attempts will pave your way?
Friend, let me tell you, that isn't so!
Backing up is a "no show".
Stalled in neutral, going nowhere.
Quicksand of life ... why don't you care???
Example to others. They watch all that you do.
Yearning for help to pull through.
Not hot or cold, a lukewarm bath ...
Not aiming is aiming a sorry path.
Satan's the enemy, holding you back.
What do you lack?
Work as for God, with His all-seeing eyes.
Aim for the goal. Run for the prize.
Be a servant to others. Do your best.
Heavenly eternal rest.
By Netagene, June 12, 2018. Tried something new in changing the meter of each last line.
I got the idea from the title of a book I read about while reading another book. In "Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout", Dr. Rick Rigsby mentioned "An Enemy called Average", by John Mason.
Is your life on hold in mediocrity?
Friend, let me tell you, it could be worse ...
You could be stuck in reverse.
Do you think that "average" is a-ok?
That your so-so attempts will pave your way?
Friend, let me tell you, that isn't so!
Backing up is a "no show".
Stalled in neutral, going nowhere.
Quicksand of life ... why don't you care???
Example to others. They watch all that you do.
Yearning for help to pull through.
Not hot or cold, a lukewarm bath ...
Not aiming is aiming a sorry path.
Satan's the enemy, holding you back.
What do you lack?
Work as for God, with His all-seeing eyes.
Aim for the goal. Run for the prize.
Be a servant to others. Do your best.
Heavenly eternal rest.
By Netagene, June 12, 2018. Tried something new in changing the meter of each last line.
I got the idea from the title of a book I read about while reading another book. In "Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout", Dr. Rick Rigsby mentioned "An Enemy called Average", by John Mason.
YOU are SO LOVED! COME and SEE!
YOU are SO LOVED
(COME and SEE)
"He said to them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelled, and stayed with him that day ..." -- John 1:39
You are so loved, yet you feel lost.
The answer to heal is kneel at the cross.
You look for help, impatiently.
Hold to my hand.
Come and see.
You are so loved by friends you've not met
Life seems unreal. Be still. Do not fret.
Help for the lost. Watch patiently.
Christ is alive.
Come and see.
Follow the Son. Be clean and set free.
You are so loved.
Come and see.
Written by Netagene, Monday, August 27, 2018
The idea for the poem ... the church of Christ in Fultondale had a booth on Friday and Saturday at the Fultondale Founders' Day Festival. The preacher, Keith Stonehart, posted a couple of pictures. "You are so loved" and "Come and see" were on some things there.
(COME and SEE)
"He said to them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelled, and stayed with him that day ..." -- John 1:39
You are so loved, yet you feel lost.
The answer to heal is kneel at the cross.
You look for help, impatiently.
Hold to my hand.
Come and see.
You are so loved by friends you've not met
Life seems unreal. Be still. Do not fret.
Help for the lost. Watch patiently.
Christ is alive.
Come and see.
Follow the Son. Be clean and set free.
You are so loved.
Come and see.
Written by Netagene, Monday, August 27, 2018
The idea for the poem ... the church of Christ in Fultondale had a booth on Friday and Saturday at the Fultondale Founders' Day Festival. The preacher, Keith Stonehart, posted a couple of pictures. "You are so loved" and "Come and see" were on some things there.
TIRED but WIRED
I'm tired but I'm wired.
I don't count sheep.
I talk to the Shepherd when I can't get to sleep.
I'm tired but I'm wired.
Have you been that way?
My pendulum mind is starting to sway.
I'm tired but I'm wired,
Like a fast, windy flame.
My heart slowly settled, and rest finally came.
I'm tired but I'm wired.
I've decisions to make,
But with the Shepherd's help, I'll be fine when I wake.
Written by Netagene, February 19, 2019
I don't count sheep.
I talk to the Shepherd when I can't get to sleep.
I'm tired but I'm wired.
Have you been that way?
My pendulum mind is starting to sway.
I'm tired but I'm wired,
Like a fast, windy flame.
My heart slowly settled, and rest finally came.
I'm tired but I'm wired.
I've decisions to make,
But with the Shepherd's help, I'll be fine when I wake.
Written by Netagene, February 19, 2019
FEAR of FALLING
FEAR OF FALLING as I age
is my number one concern.
I've read of some solutions,
some things that I can learn.
Poor eyesight and poor hearing
oft causes me to trip.
A fall might quickly then occur.
I'd break a knee or hip.
I'd rather use a walker,
or a cane, or touch a wall.
I'm okay with getting older,
but I sure don't want to fall.
There's a biblical application:
I know I'm saved by grace.
But I'm more spiritually careful
not to fall in my heavenly race.
Written by Netagene, April 1, 2019 ... especially thinking of Bette Wolfgang, Steve's wife. She fell one night and broke her foot. A day later (?), she had fallen and broke her hip. (I think this is correct; I know she fell twice, a few days apart.)
is my number one concern.
I've read of some solutions,
some things that I can learn.
Poor eyesight and poor hearing
oft causes me to trip.
A fall might quickly then occur.
I'd break a knee or hip.
I'd rather use a walker,
or a cane, or touch a wall.
I'm okay with getting older,
but I sure don't want to fall.
There's a biblical application:
I know I'm saved by grace.
But I'm more spiritually careful
not to fall in my heavenly race.
Written by Netagene, April 1, 2019 ... especially thinking of Bette Wolfgang, Steve's wife. She fell one night and broke her foot. A day later (?), she had fallen and broke her hip. (I think this is correct; I know she fell twice, a few days apart.)
FORSAKING
Welcoming, greeting Old friends and new.
Encourage each other, Hospitable, too.
Showing our love When we gather as one.
Singing and praying 'til our life is done.
I miss so much when I fail to attend.
Meeting with others As each week begins.
No reason I have for My absentee state.
One miss, another, then I've sealed my fate.
Fellowship missing is Done gradually.
Travel or working Is now priority.
Satan rejoices as I now backslide.
Then comes God's judgment. I've no place to hide.
God says,
"Well done, good servant, While in My employ.
You've faithfully obeyed. Welcome into My Joy!"
Lackadaisical, lukewarm,
Apathetic and lost.
Too late to repent
Now I'm paying the cost.
Written by Netagene, April 21-22, 2019
Welcoming, greeting Old friends and new.
Encourage each other, Hospitable, too.
Showing our love When we gather as one.
Singing and praying 'til our life is done.
I miss so much when I fail to attend.
Meeting with others As each week begins.
No reason I have for My absentee state.
One miss, another, then I've sealed my fate.
Fellowship missing is Done gradually.
Travel or working Is now priority.
Satan rejoices as I now backslide.
Then comes God's judgment. I've no place to hide.
God says,
"Well done, good servant, While in My employ.
You've faithfully obeyed. Welcome into My Joy!"
Lackadaisical, lukewarm,
Apathetic and lost.
Too late to repent
Now I'm paying the cost.
Written by Netagene, April 21-22, 2019
BIPOLAR WEATHER
BIPOLAR WEATHER
The sun is out, and Then it's in.
There is no rain, but It will begin.
The wind is calm, but Soon will gust.
My porch is gold With pollen dust.
The fog is thick. See a rainbow!
We have no sleet, but We have snow!
Tornadoes? Yep, and Then some mud
Next a drought, and Then a flood!
The sky is blue. The sky is white.
Contrails, too, When it is light.
The street is clear, but We have hail!
I'm safe inside, so All is well.
Weather is nice, and Then it's gray.
Not seasonal, but In the same day!
Bipolar weather, What's the goal?
Man predicts, but God's in control.
Written by Netagene, in a few minutes, 8pm, Saturday, April 23, 2019
The sun is out, and Then it's in.
There is no rain, but It will begin.
The wind is calm, but Soon will gust.
My porch is gold With pollen dust.
The fog is thick. See a rainbow!
We have no sleet, but We have snow!
Tornadoes? Yep, and Then some mud
Next a drought, and Then a flood!
The sky is blue. The sky is white.
Contrails, too, When it is light.
The street is clear, but We have hail!
I'm safe inside, so All is well.
Weather is nice, and Then it's gray.
Not seasonal, but In the same day!
Bipolar weather, What's the goal?
Man predicts, but God's in control.
Written by Netagene, in a few minutes, 8pm, Saturday, April 23, 2019
CONCERNED but NOT WORRIED
Concerned but not worried As life passes by.
The same heart that smiles Sometimes will cry.
God, The Creator, Cares for us all.
Omniscient forever But still we must call.
Concerned but not fearful. God's on my side.
God is my fortress. His Word is my guide.
Encourage each other. Show that we care.
Specifically mention Someone in our prayer.
Concerned but not worried. Christ cares for me.
Let's care for each other, And Barnabas be.
Written by Netagene, July 3, 2017 ... Psalm 118:10-12; 144:2; Matthew 6:30; Romans 8:31; Philippians 4:6
The same heart that smiles Sometimes will cry.
God, The Creator, Cares for us all.
Omniscient forever But still we must call.
Concerned but not fearful. God's on my side.
God is my fortress. His Word is my guide.
Encourage each other. Show that we care.
Specifically mention Someone in our prayer.
Concerned but not worried. Christ cares for me.
Let's care for each other, And Barnabas be.
Written by Netagene, July 3, 2017 ... Psalm 118:10-12; 144:2; Matthew 6:30; Romans 8:31; Philippians 4:6
When the Church becomes a Nightclub
When the church becomes a night club
And the pulpit becomes a stage,
It's become more like the heathen,
With fierce, gyrating rage.
The worship now is carnal,
The masses want 3 rings.
Entertainment is their circus.
They're bored with righteous things.
Most attendees now are passive.
They want their money's worth --
Hula hoops and smoke and mirrors,
Bacchanalia's drunken mirth.
Some crave the strobic footlights
In dim-lit musty lairs,
Rather than looking upward
Through moon and stars and prayers.
If you want to have a night club,
With preachers dancing around,
That's what you'll get with Satan ...
Screams and wailing sound.
No cacophony in Heaven,
Just reverent souls who sing
In glory and peace forever
With "Hosanna! Praise to the King!"
Written by Netagene, August 26-30, 2018, because of a picture I saw on Facebook. It said, "When the church became a night club and the pulpit became a stage, the church became a carnal show to entertain the masses who are bored with the spiritual things of God."
And the pulpit becomes a stage,
It's become more like the heathen,
With fierce, gyrating rage.
The worship now is carnal,
The masses want 3 rings.
Entertainment is their circus.
They're bored with righteous things.
Most attendees now are passive.
They want their money's worth --
Hula hoops and smoke and mirrors,
Bacchanalia's drunken mirth.
Some crave the strobic footlights
In dim-lit musty lairs,
Rather than looking upward
Through moon and stars and prayers.
If you want to have a night club,
With preachers dancing around,
That's what you'll get with Satan ...
Screams and wailing sound.
No cacophony in Heaven,
Just reverent souls who sing
In glory and peace forever
With "Hosanna! Praise to the King!"
Written by Netagene, August 26-30, 2018, because of a picture I saw on Facebook. It said, "When the church became a night club and the pulpit became a stage, the church became a carnal show to entertain the masses who are bored with the spiritual things of God."
HE was SILENT. STILL HE WALKED.
He was silent. Still He walked,
As crowds screamed, "Crucify!"
His own people, spewing hate,
As He was passing by.
He was silent. Still He walked,
Bleeding, weakened down.
Yet He'd created all of them
From dust of Earth's new ground.
He was silent. Still He walked,
Past vicious rage and tears,
Heart-broken by their violent cries,
They, contorted by their fears.
He was silent. Still He walked,
His friends no longer near.
Faithless now, they hid, and yet
He saw, felt stones and sneers.
He was silent. Still He walked.
His eyes looked to The One.
God mattered and He cared for Him.
Nor Christ, nor we're alone.
He was silent. Still He walked.
Hammers echoed His silent cries.
It broke His Father's heart to hear
Prophecy fulfilled. Christ crucified.
He was silent. Still He walked.
For love, forgiving the past.
Forgives us when we walk with Him,
Through death to Heav'n at last.
Written by Netagene Kirkpatrick, February 20 - June 2, 2019, from “Still He Walked”, prose (non-rhyming) by Carrie McCutcheon ... An extra note: Jesus was blindfolded, Mark 14:65; Luke 22:64 ... See also Luke 23:34.
As crowds screamed, "Crucify!"
His own people, spewing hate,
As He was passing by.
He was silent. Still He walked,
Bleeding, weakened down.
Yet He'd created all of them
From dust of Earth's new ground.
He was silent. Still He walked,
Past vicious rage and tears,
Heart-broken by their violent cries,
They, contorted by their fears.
He was silent. Still He walked,
His friends no longer near.
Faithless now, they hid, and yet
He saw, felt stones and sneers.
He was silent. Still He walked.
His eyes looked to The One.
God mattered and He cared for Him.
Nor Christ, nor we're alone.
He was silent. Still He walked.
Hammers echoed His silent cries.
It broke His Father's heart to hear
Prophecy fulfilled. Christ crucified.
He was silent. Still He walked.
For love, forgiving the past.
Forgives us when we walk with Him,
Through death to Heav'n at last.
Written by Netagene Kirkpatrick, February 20 - June 2, 2019, from “Still He Walked”, prose (non-rhyming) by Carrie McCutcheon ... An extra note: Jesus was blindfolded, Mark 14:65; Luke 22:64 ... See also Luke 23:34.
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