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.

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.

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

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"!

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.

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."

I wrote the 3 verses on November 14, 2018. On November 16, I got the diagnosis that I had endometrial cancer. I posted the poem on a couple of Facebook walls. On November 18, Anthony Harlen "Tony" Kite, one of the directors of the Texas Normal Singing School, in Abilene, which I'd attended on a full scholarship a few months previously, added the chorus, and wrote a melody. He and another friend-in-person, Aveva Peirce, added the harmonies. I and a couple of other friends changed a couple of notes. I am adding a picture of the sheet music here, and separately. If anyone wants it, please contact me. We sang it at the Huffman church of Christ, Birmingham, Alabama, a few times. It has also been sung by a church in Connecticut and by one in Vermont, that I know of ... and possibly by others.

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

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

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

BLESSED!

Chorus:
Overflowing with blessings!
God cares for me.
I now share my blessings Abundantly!

Verses:
God blesses all people,
The good and the bad.
But the day of God's judgment
For some will be sad.

I'm blessed with much food
I give to the weak
I'm blessed with a car,
Help humble and meek.

Blessings of clothes --
For some who's threadbare.
Things I have made --
Things I can share.

Assured by God's Word
That if I obey,
God blesses with Heaven
When I follow His Way.

by Netagene, June 5, 2018. The title is words Steve Murrell said in a sermon Sunday, June 3, 2018, at the Huffman church of Christ, Birmingham, Alabama.

I'LL BE THE CHANGE

I may not climb a mountain,
or run a marathon.
My talking is a stutter.
No prize I've ever won.
But I'll be a good influence.
Smiles I'll freely give.
Maybe I'll cheer another
Give help, give hope to live.

My talent is not walking.
I cannot drive a car.
But crawling is still moving.
I struggle yet I'll go far.
But I'll be a good influence.
Smiles I'll freely give.
Maybe I'll cheer another
Give help, give hope to live.

But I can write a letter.
or a poem to one who's torn.
Sunshine to the troubled
Peace to one who mourns.
I'll be a good influence.
Smiles I'll freely give.
Maybe I'll cheer another
Give help, give hope to live.

I'm only one but I'll help arrange
A sad one's life that's fraught with pain.
A brighter heart no longer strange.
I'll be the change.

~ Second draft, written by Netagene in about 30 minutes, midnight - 12:35am, February 8, 2018. I recently read something about "be the change" ... Sometimes all it takes is a smile or a kind word to help someone "change", to help them turn their life around to the sun, to the SON. That was my intention in this ... but it took on a life of its own when I started writing it! ~

Through a Dim Glass

THROUGH A DIM GLASS

The older I get,

The denser I see,

As if through a scrim,

Opaquely.

Some things that I know

Now seem as a shade.

Thick, grey-white fog ...

Synapses delayed.

Faithful through life,

But sometimes I slide.

Repent ... I'm forgiven.

From God, I can't hide.

Still I have hope,

Though curtain was hung.

Love everlasting.

Heaven's begun!

Through a dim glass ...

Window between --- 

Faith, hope, and love ---

My life is now clean. 

The older I am,

The closer I'll be

To heavenly rest,

Eternally.

by Netagene, October 10-11, 2017. This is my “working” copy, even though I already posted it on Facebook like this. Maybe it's complete. ... I've read that forgetting and misplacing things and sometimes being slow to find words is nothing to worry about, that the problems (such as senility, Alzheimer's, whatever) arise when a person forgets what something is for.

Jesus ... if I still could drive

Jesus, draw me --- ever nearer ...

If I only --- still could drive.

I get tired --- and discouraged,

Always calling --- for a ride.

Hope some Christian --- understands this,

Through my ever --- silent plea.

With my Bible --- and my song book,

At my home is --- where I'll be.

When I'm home bound, I'm not angry.

Trials come while --- here below.

I'll still praise the --- GREAT CREATOR.

Jesus loves me. This I know.

I'm encouraged --- when with others.

Blood-of-Christ kin --- is the best.

I am ready --- for forever.

Heaven's waiting. I will rest.

Jesus, draw me --- ever nearer ...

Whether deaf or --- whether blind.

I'll hear singing. I'll see Jesus.

Angels, take me --- on my last ride.

By Netagene, October 4, 2017. The lady who's been taking me to worship lately (since my main chauffeur friend is in rehab) was sick. I didn't want to pressure anyone to either get me, or find someone who could.

SOUTHERN LIKE NO OTHER’N!

Southern like no other'n --
Tasty fried green 'maters!
Salt and pepper added
To those, and mashed pertaters!

Southern like no other'n --
Kentucky Wonders! (Them's green beans!)
Sweet corn from Granny's garden!
Goodness! What I mean!

Southern like no other'n --
Biscuits and country ham!
Scuppernongs from the arbor --
Mama made some into jam!

Southern like no other'n --
Okry from Grandpa's yard --
Cornbread and sweet cream butter!
This eatin' makes me t'ared!

Southern like no other'n -- 
Egg custard and choc’lit cake --
Lemon meringue and nanner puddin' – 
Yum! How them aunties can bake!

Southern like no other'n --
Pecans from a big ol' tree --
Sorghum syrup ... I want some!
I hope that pie's for me!

Southern like no other'n --
Got a job for old man Geezer!
Add milk and eggs and berries.
Start crankin’ that ice cream freezer!

Southern like no other'n -- 
If you're hungry, well, it's your own fault! 
There ain't gonna be no leftovers.
"Clean your plate" 's what we was taught.

Southern like no other'n --
Sweet tea and ginger snaps --
A sugar high! 0h, definitely!
Then us'll take some naps!

Southern like no other'n --
Let's bow our heads and pray.
"We thank you, Heavenly Father,
For blessin’ us every day!"

-- by Netagene Kirkpatrick. I wrote all but 2 verses in less than an hour on September 3, 2016! I actually wrote the title, not thinking about a poem, when I commented on the Bud's Best cookies Facebook wall a couple of days previously! I wrote 2 additional verses (I'm not telling which ones!) on September 4. --

LIGHT in YOUR EYES

LIGHT in YOUR EYES

My friend, you've always been so calm,
A help in many ways.
I know YOU often go through trials,
Some low and gloomy days.
I don't know how you carry on.
You've heard your share of sighs.
It's sweet that others see the love
Light shining in your eyes.

You always do so many things,
Diverse and everywhere.
I pray you'll stop and care for YOU,
Let others do their share.
I know you must be spread so thin.
You go when you hear cries --
Some laughter, too, and I can see
Light shining in your eyes.

But lately, friend, your steps seem strained,
Distracted, maybe blue,
Pressing toward a better land
When this short life is through
I'm with you there as I grow old
And loose these earthly ties.
It's fine as slow it slips away
Light fading from our eyes.

There comes a time to pass the torch.
It's hard to lay it down.
Sweet sadness, memories, letting go,
Forced smile to hide your frown.
I'm grateful for the things you do.
We all know how time flies.
God bless you for what all you do with
Light shining in your eyes.

~ by Netagene, May 22, 2016. I can think of more than one person this fits, but I got the idea and initial thought from something Mrs. Davis said a few days previously. The preacher where we worship recently has had shingles and bronchitis, in addition to diabetes and heart problems. He also fell a couple of months ago working in his backyard garden. He IS spread thin, and tries to go every time anyone calls, in addition to preaching 2 sermons and teaching 2 (sometimes 3) Bible classes every week. Lately he has really looked tired. Mrs. D said that it looked like the "light had gone out of his eyes". For years he's been highly involved with the FC Alabama camp. I told him at lunch one day last year, when he was talking about camp, that maybe it was time he "passed the torch". I could tell he wasn't happy with that. This year, he isn't even going to the camp, so in that, he HAS passed the torch.

In the Mirror (7 to 70)

What he sees in the mirror is young and cute –
Cowlick hair and a too-big suit.
Little girls giggle behind their hands,

But a rag tag game is in his plans.

What he sees in the mirror is young and slim –
A tall slender dude - Girls go for him. 
With wavy hair and a twinkle in his  eye –
He's the high school hunk and the girls all sigh ...

He's the band drum major, sings bass in the choir –
An honor roll student who wants to go higher.
Girls see his potential, a life of ease –
They dream of him: "O, marry me please!"

In college he 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 he sees in the mirror – how time has passed by!
Now the former he-man has tears in his eyes.
He's passed the age of three-score and ten –
Nearer to God than he's ever been.

What sins he's committed! Friends come and lost –
Impetuous acts, now paying the cost.
He's repented of wrongs, and God forgave.
He's doing OK, thanking God he's saved.

- by Netagene, November 21, 2014. I also changed a few things and wrote a girls' version. A friend I've never met in person called me a minute before the poem hit his email (a few minutes after I finished writing it). While we were on the phone, he read it out loud, “cold” of course. I’d read it out loud, but it was different hearing it read by a baritone voice. It made me cry. (Makes me think of the people who made idols, then bowed down to them!) I’m 70, he’s 71.

Are You an EN-courager or a DIS-courager?

Do you ever get blue? … down in the dumps? … don’t want to be with anyone? I feel that way sometimes, but I have learned not to stay there, realizing that being in such a mood is one way Satan tiptoes up and strangles me. When a person is blue, he sometimes says and does things he shouldn’t, and often doesn’t want to be with others.

One of the most insidious tactics of Satan is discouragement. It is not conspicuous like other things – not cursing that others would have heard, not adultery or stealing, and so on. Discouragement is quiet, sneaky, slips up on you.

God wants us to be with other Christians and "hold up" each other's hands (Exodus 17:11-12), and be a "Barnabas" (Acts 4:36, NIV) to each other. (A commercial “plug”: look up and buy a copy of Vicky Litmer’s sweet book: “You are a Barnabas to Me”. I bought a few copies as gifts!) That’s one reason we can’t be a good, effective Christian by staying home and missing worship services. (Don’t get bent out of joint … I’m not talking about legitimate shut-ins and caregivers and such!) Colossians 3:16 (NIV) says that we are to “ … teach and admonish [encourage – NK] one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (See also Hebrews 10:24 - 25.)

“Encourage” or a form of it is in the King James’ Version of the Bible only 9 times, and that in the Old Testament, but in the New International Version, it is used 15 times in the Old Testament and 30+ times in the New Testament!

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God, but encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:12 - 13, NIV.

Of course that are too many to write out here, but you can look up the following verses. Depending on the translation you use, “encourage” may not be the word used:

Romans 1:12;

Romans 12:8;

Romans 15:4, 5;

II Corinthians 13:11;

And several in I Thessalonians 4 & 5

The word “discourage” or a form of it is also used in the Bible. What happened when someone was discouraged? They lost battles. They listened to the wrong people, and God allowed them to be defeated!

One of my favorite verses – and which I recently got a pendant which is on a chain that I wear all the time now – is of a shield. On the back is Joshua 1:9: “ … Be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

As the saying goes, one person and God is a majority! Or as Paul said (Romans 8:31): “ … If God be for us, who can be against us?”

When Christians plan to get together, whether for a singing and Bible study at someone’s house, or a simple pot luck meal – and at almost the last minute, the host gets sick and the event has to be canceled … or plans are made for some Christians to go on vacation together, and are anticipating being together – and a week before the cruise or flight time, something happens where it looks like they will have to cancel … Do you think that’s a coincidence? I don’t. And the older I get, the more I see such things happening. That’s when it is time to say: “Get behind me, Satan! You are trying to lead me to Hell! I am not following you! I am going on with my plans to be with Christians! I am following Jesus!”

- by Netagene Kirkpatrick, November 19, 2013 -

STRINGING BEANS and SINGING HYMNS

Verse 1 (6/8 time):

When I was younger I heard a sweet song

about things that happened in days that are gone –  

before high tech gadgets, before Life's fast pace –  

being with family and giving God praise.

Chorus 1 (4/4 time):

We'd be

on the front porch, stringing beans,

filling corn and peas to the cook pot's brims –  

families on the front porch all day long –  

laughing, working, playing, and singing hymns!

Verse 2 (6/8 time):

Families had gardens, sometimes smoke houses, too –

Maybe chickens and hogs –  oh what hard work they’d do.

Simple but healthy, the food that they raised –

Praying and thanking and giving God praise.

Chorus 2 (4/4 time):

We'd be

on the front porch, shucking corn,

shelling peas and beans from about mid-morn –  

families on the front porch all day long –  

laughing, working, playing, and singing songs!

Verse 3 (6/8 time):

Now I'm much older and fast go my days.

My voice is much weaker but I still sing God's praise.

Food is now canned goods from some grocery store,

but families on front porches meant so very much more!

Chorus 3 (4/4 time):

We'd be

on the front porch, stringing beans,

putting squash and peas to the cook pot's brims –  

families on the front porch all day long –  

laughing, working, playing, and singing songs!

Repeat Chorus, adding:

(Tag): stringing beans and singing hymns!

- by Netagene. I wrote 2 verses and 2 choruses in maybe 15 minutes on October 29, 2013. I wrote another verse and another chorus during Bible class (oops!) October 30. Years ago, a man and his 2 teen daughters played bluegrass. He wrote a song by that name. I bought their cassette, but I can't remember their name or where they were from. My cassette was gone in a fire in 1989 ... so I wrote my own song by that name (you can copyright a song, but not a song title). I have a tune for it, and will probably notate it eventually. I have to sit at the piano with paper and a good pencil with a good eraser and hand-write it. -