YARN CONVENTION

 A yarn convention – Just a train ride away!

An adventure that takes me less than a day!

Until now, I had no clue! I'll get new yarn! Yes! That's what I'll do!

When the convention comes again, I'm sure I'll go!

I'll hide my stash so nobody will know!

With some big empty bags and the train porter's help,

I'll be in yarn heaven, 'cause THIS yarn's for myself!

A yarn convention? Don't give me no lip!

This yarn is better than a therapist's trip!

written by Netagene, August 5, 2017

On a yarn Facebook group I'm in, one lady mentioned a yarn convention she was going to in Chicago later that month. Another lady commented, "Until now, I had no clue there was a yarn convention just a train ride away … whatever will I do if I decide to go when it comes around again? I would stash it in the car in a place nobody will see it." ... so I used her exact words! I wish I had made note of her name!

Another person then said that could be made into a children's book. It didn't turn into a children's book, but I chimed in with this. I wrote it in about 5 minutes.

A SENIOR'S PRAYER

A SENIOR'S PRAYER

LORD, lay my worries down to rest.

I know You're in control.

Give me peaceful sleep at night.

I'm anxious, now I'm old.

I lift my hands and eyes to You.

My weapon is to pray.

My sword, Your Words, I daily read

Inspire me on my way.

I hear Your calming "peace, be still"

All hours of rain and sun.

Your "come to me; it will be well"

My race here soon is won.

… written by Netagene; first line thought of Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 10:50pm.

GRUMPY in the morning

Grumpy in the morning 'cause my sight is blurred.

' least no one to talk to 'cause my speech is slurred.

I'd sound like I was drunk, if I was a little bird.

Glad my tummy is a'growlin' ... and I don't have G.E.R.D.!

No-see-ems bit me on my arms and feet.

Guess they simply find me irresistibly sweet.

At least my back is covered in this July heat!

Don't want to be a bugs' brigade's morning treat.

Goldenrod is pretty but pollen hurts my nose.

Ears don't work so well but quiet helps me doze.

Yet I'm thankful unto God for the favor He shows.

Earthly problems will be over because Christ arose!

by Netagene, July 28, 2019

And yes, the no-see-em bites still hurt. My right foot is still swollen. I can't post a picture, but you can find a good description at https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/wilderness-first-aid-qa/33768/what-are-no-see-ums/

I PRAY

 I PRAY

... for my ex-husband though we've long been apart.

I pray for my son though I'm far from his heart.

I pray for my sister who rarely attends.

I pray for my neighbors who now are my friends.

I pray for the shut-ins because they're alone.

I pray all will worship in person or by phone.

I pray for the ones who are deaf or are blind.

I pray for those angry, that they'll become kind.

I pray for the young ones, the middle, the old.

I pray for the timid, the hesitant, the bold.

I pray for forgiveness when I am to blame.

I pray every day, in Jesus's Name.

By Netagene, May 12, 2021. As of 3 days later, after I posted it on Facebook, 2 people "cared", 17 people "liked" it, 19 people "loved" it. And 6 also commented. 

Friend-in-person Rex Sims (excellent Bible class teacher and song leader) said, "While I have not read everything you've written, of the things I have read, this in my opinion is one of your best!"

A FOR-GIVING HEART

 A FOR-GIVING HEART

Lord, give me a giving heart,

Like the widow with her mite.

I want to be a mighty part,

Reflecting Your true light.

Lord, please, a forgiving heart

Like You, when crucified.

I don't want to be apart

From clinging to Your side.

Lord, I'm lost without Your heart.

You gave Your all for me.

Your Genesis plan from Daybreak's start

To all eternity.

By Netagene, April 2, 2021. I have no idea what brought this one on.

JESUS, I LOVE YOU!

 JESUS, I LOVE YOU

What a simple and beautiful prayer. 

*When you wake up, say: Jesus I love you.

*When leaving the house, say: Jesus come with me. 

*When you feel like crying, say: Jesus hug me.

*When you feel happy, say: Jesus I adore you.

*When you do something, say: Jesus help me.

*When you make a mistake, say: Jesus forgive me. 

*When you go to sleep, say: Thank you, Jesus, and cover me with your holy mantle. 

… God loves you! … anonymous

Jesus, I love you! You opened my eyes.

Jesus, come with me. I'm going outside.

Jesus, please hug me. I'm crying so bad.

Jesus, I adore you. I'm happy! I'm glad!

Jesus, please help me. I've so much to do.

Jesus, forgive me. My mistakes really grew

Jesus, I thank you, For giving me this day.

Cover me with your love. It's in Your Name that I pray.

... by Netagene, January 6, 2021

ALONE

 

ALONE

There's an advantage to being alone,

Especially this time of the year.

Some people act crazy and bent out of joint,

But I have nobody near.

Love's more important than fancy-wrapped gifts,

Don't frown and fuss and pout!

Some try to "one up" and over-spend,

As if money is what it's about.

Enjoy the presence of your friends and kin,

Or a simple, solitary day

There's nothing wrong with being solo,

Be contented in your own special way.

(Or enjoy a quiet day, at home [alone].)

... memories ... swift gone ...

by Netagene, December 25, 2020.

Out of the crush of whirling crowds

... Or locking arms

REVEALING CLOTHES

Lycra and spandex  ... Mesh and see-through ...
Bold and blatant,
No "pay per view".

Emphasize features, Straight or some clumps ...
Both men and women,
Shapeless and bumps.

A strong color solid, A bright flashy print ...
Made for attention
Is such clothes' intent.

A plunging "V" neckline, A slit up to "here" ...
Treasures are hidden
If we hold them dear.

"Clothes make the man" Or woman, by fashions' fad.
You must ask if it's decent?
Then you know it is bad.

Immodesty outward Comes from inside;
A body for Satan
You'll wish you could hide.
 
Young looks will not last, You know from the start.
God sees the real you.
God sees your heart.


... written by Netagene, noon Saturday, August 15 - early Sunday, August 16, 2020. This is the way most of the women dress, no matter if skinny or fat, who I see near my house. The men aren't as bad.

"... I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, but with good works, as is proper for women who affirm that they worship God." --- I Timothy 2:8-10, CSB

BUTTERFLY WINGS

 BUTTERFLY WINGS

I never know how far I'll go
or where the future wends.
I only know where once I was
when first my life begins.

Influenced by so many ones,
a multitude of blends ...
some are good and some are bad,
blood kin or school or friends.

A hundred apples in a seed,
bright trills a sparrow sings ...
a ripple from a far-off wave ...
a dance of butterfly wings.

The new-mown grass around my feet
faint moves with every step.
I brush against so many ones,
and pray that I can help.

Not racing like an ocean wave,
loud crashing to the shore ...
like ripples of the ebbing tide,
soft words accomplish more.

A drop of dew upon the grass,
I know not how it clings.
My influence must be just and good,
like gossamer butterfly wings.


... written by Netagene, July 23 - August 4, 2020 ... "Remember how far reaching your influence can go ... Like the song about how many apples in a seed ... or butterfly wings that eventually reach everywhere." --- my comment to TimCottonWrites, on Facebook, July 21, 2020

LIGHTS OUT

AS THE LIGHTS GO OUT

Wandering in the woods

Near the close of day,

Refreshing my mind

From the work-day's drought.

Srrolling along

Away from the fray,

Untangling my thoughts

As the lights go out.

Sundown glows red,

Then fades to gray,

Unraveling the webs

Of my musings and doubt.

Confident, certain,

So I no longer sway,

I'm sure-footed now

As the lights go out.

And now as I near end

My body of clay,

I go toward a new dawn

And a joy-filled shout.

I see opened arms,

For me, that I pray.

I'm welcomed home

Where the lights don't go out!

... written by Netagene, just after midnight, July 4, 2020.

I got the idea from the title of a novel, "When the Light Goes Out", by Larry McMurtry. ... and still with sweet friend, preacher, song leader Mark A. Etheridge's passing on my mind. He also helped start the church in Fayetteville, Georgia. He had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He and his wife moved from Sevierville, TN, to their daughter's in Aurora, CO, in 2019, for Mark to have stem cell surgery. He was 67 years old.

Am I Martha? Am I Peter?

Am I Martha?

Am I Peter

Saying Christ is God's own Son?

Someone asks if l have faith

When trials hit me 'til I'm numb.

Both were servants.

Both had problems,

Yet they still sat at Jesus' feet.

Human frailties, through the ages

But their example, I must repeat.

Yes, I believe that Christ is God.

Yes, I'll confess it. I am proud

To know He suffered, died for me,

Just one of many in a crowd.

I am unworthy, yet God's grace

And my obedience to His call

Gives me a home reserved in Heaven ...

Make earthly trials worth it all.

Bible verses: John 11:27; Matthew 16:16

... written by Netagene, April 2, 2020. I got the idea from something in our Bible class, by participatory conference phone call-in, the night of April 1. Paddy Kendall-Ball is the teacher and makes our lesson sheets. Since Sunday, March 22, the Huffman church of Christ has had such because of the corona virus quarantine. We have almost an hour worship on Sunday, a 30+ minute Bible class on Wednesday night, and a short devotional on Tuesday and Friday mornings. We are able to sing together, etc., and have announcements.

Charmin Scott

My best friend's name is Charmin Scott.

Her dad was once a tree.

Inside were rings

And pulp and dings.

An acorn once was she.

And now my friend, soft Charmin Scott ...

Twined parents were a tree,

Had rings and knots

Then saws and shots ...

So she could hang with me.

By Netagene, in s few minutes on March 28, 2020. This was because of the corona virus pandemic, in which people were stocking up on toilet paper suddenly, so much that stores were running out, and some stores were gouging prices for what they had! "Charmin" and "Scott" are 2 name brands.

I'm posting this on April 4, at which time all of Alabama, and a lot of states, are under strict quarantine, to stop the spread. The virus initially came from China.

CHRIST MASS

CHRIST MASS

I'm faded and jaded
this unholyday season.
The town crier shouts,
"Here's Netagene's reason!"

The Catholic Christ mass
is now a gift mess.
All kinds of gluttony
we now must confess.

Last month we were thankful
for so many things.
Now the merchants are happy
with bells going ker-ching!

Clean up the mess
and quieten the chatter.
Don't faint when bills come.
Back off and do better.

No San T Ni Claus
with a ho ho and huff.
Your presence means more
than any presents of stuff.

First day every week
is when I remember
our Savior who came, not just
one day in December.

By Netagene ... begun at 3:25am (shortly after midnight!) December 25, 2019 ... I was more or less asleep, when the first sentence of the 2nd verse woke me up! I had to turn on the lamp and my phone that I keep on the table by my bed, and type it into my phone! The first verse here is what I wrote last (about 1:15pm that same day).

WINTER WEATHER

WINTER WEATHER

Today is chilly and drizzly,
Breezy and blue,
But I'm still above ground.
Now how about you?

My hands are now stiff
But I still hold a hook.
I'm blessed that I still
Turn pages of a book.

I'm often off-balanced
When I stand or step.
But I still get by
With almost no help.

Wish my hair would decide
If it's gray or it's brown.
It really won't matter
When I wear a crown.

Yes, I'm still above ground
Though my body will fail.
No matter the weather,
One day I'll be well.

By Netagene, off and on between 9:40am December 16, and 1am December 17, 2019. The very last line refers to the poem I wrote on November 14, 2018 (and posted here) which 2 friends turned into a song: "I Will be Well". The hook I mention in verse 2 is a crochet hook, a hobby which I do almost every day. My paternal grandmother taught me to crochet when I was about 7 years old.

OLD FEEBLE GREY MARE

OLD FEEBLE GREY MARE

I'm an old grey mare and I feel feeble,
Like the toy that's called a wobbly weeble.

Feel like I've aged about 20 years
In less than 2 months of worries and tears.

Mousey hair suddenly has some white.
Seems like it happened overnight.

Aging means naps any time of the day.
But now more often. My body is clay.

God is the potter, after all.
Prayers to Him, whatever the call.

Surgery was good. Results were the best.
I'm an old feeble grey mare, but I'm so very blessed.

Written by Netagene, December 22, 2018, about 3½ weeks after having had surgery (November 27) for endometrial cancer. Thankfully Dr. Kerri Bevis and her team got it all. I had planned to say no if chemo or radiation had been suggested.

The GREAT I AM

The GREAT I AM

​Heavenly Father, the Great I AM.
I know You are watching little me.
My life is as vapor, drifting away.
(But) You lift me upward, heavenly.

Blessed Redeemer, the Great I AM.
I know You hear my constant prayer.
Example to others, in all that I say.
(But) You are with me, everywhere.

Righteous Counselor, the Great I AM.
I know You are merciful, full of grace.
I'm thankful You guide me by Your Law.
Your hand leads me on in my Heaven-ward race.

Written by Netagene, September 24, 2018

YARN

YARN

Goat hair, sheep "hair", llamas, yak!
Brown and grey and white and black!

Bamboo, cotton, flax, and hemp.
Polyester, acrylic ... remember Gimp?

Silk or possum, dog or cat ...
How about Davy Crockett's hat?

'Coon skin tail maybe sewed with jute ...
Even yarn from milk! Now that's a "hoot"!

Rayon, nylon, rabbit fur ...
Alpaca, cashmere ... It's all a blur!

So grab some string
And grab a hook! Or
Grab your sticks
And a pattern book!

Or just make it up
As you go along!
Easy or "froggy"!
It's the yarniacs' song!

Written by Netagene, September 2019

(Cashmere is made from goats; mohair is from angora goats, angora yarn is from angora rabbits ... Crochet is done with one hook; knitting is done with 2 sticks that look sort of like pencils ... crocheting can be done only by hand; knitting can be done by machine ... men used to do the knitting, making rugs, etc.; women crocheted more delicate things ... and to "frog" something you are crocheting or knitting, is to "rip it, rip it"!)

THE LIES THAT BIND

THE LIES THAT BIND

Many people say they love
The Bible, but they look
At only red gold edges,
And ne'er open The Book.

They'd rather someone tell them things ---
Good stories are inside.
They'd rather not be told about
The sins of lust and pride.

And if we choose to read God's Word,
We'll surely come to know
That what's inside those pages
Will help us live and grow.

Why be one who is lazy,
Or maybe lose our zeal?
Why tie to smiling preachers,
Whose soft soap isn't real?

Sure, much is in the Bible
About God's love and grace.
But all things have a shadow,
Some evil we must face.

The devil has his army,
And some don't realize
That many in that army
Are friends who tell us lies.

The Bible can be understood.
Yet many are spiritually blind.
They rather hear false teachers
Who tell them lies that bind.

Written by Netagene, begun just after midnight, October 13, 2019

 Some time in 1954, I was 10. Daddy was 40,              Sunday, June 16, 2019 ... I am 75!

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.