Remembering Your Dad

       Don’t let the wrappings of the holiday delay your opening of the package.  There’s something inside that dad gave you.  
For however long you had your dad there were happenings, both small and huge, words said to you, conversations engaged with you, activities demonstrated, activities shared.      
      You heard others talk about him. 
And you asked questions.  From the sweetly innocent childish ones to the more probing questions as you were growing up. 
Today for a few minutes longer, remember your dad.
Photos will help you remember dad.  Used to be big albums stacked in the buffet shelves, then so much easier to view via cellphone and computer. Maybe now posted on social media for the whole world to see.  
What’s inside the holiday awaits your own caring and private view.
Maybe after today’s sports event, the parade downtown, the Father’s Day special at the diner, a stroll through the mall for holiday bargains . . . Well, maybe after the doings of the day you’ll claim some quiet time alone.
Remember your dad.  What he said to do, and how to do it.  Warnings that you heard and saw.  Maybe even examples of what not to do, or what not to say: cause and effect.  
There were times for you to give forgiveness and kindness.  Did he set the example?  
Just for a little longer now, remember your dad.   

1. Places you went with your dad.
2. Songs you heard him sing.
3. Old time sayings you heard him repeat.
4. His favorite things to eat.
5. His jokes.
6. His compliments to you.
7. His compliments to others.
8. The last time he hugged you.
9. The last words you remember saying to him.
10. The last time you went to church together.

      Now, give thanks to your Heavenly Father for His great love.  All of life gives us lessons to learn.  You do want to do your best with the life the LORD has given you.  Do you have a favorite Bible verse about love?
      Remember your dad;  remember your Heavenly Father.   

by Elaine Hardt ©2013

Lost and Found on Father's Day

     Sunday morning at 6:10 a.m. the doorbell rang, followed by a banging on the front room window.  It was to be a Father’s Day like none other. 

      My husband and I were in the kitchen getting ready for breakfast. I got to the window first.  I looked out to see a little old man standing there on the front porch.  Don was right behind me as I opened the door.

      The elderly man was clad in pajama bottoms, a sweatshirt and white stockings.  He had walked through damp grass and gravel. He had been walking, he said, to get away from those crazy people. A lady was going to shoot him with a gun.  

      Don quickly brought out a big folding camp chair from the closet, and we seated our visitor outside on the front porch.  Don went in to phone 911, while I sat on the porch step and held conversation.  He told me his name was Lawrence Fisher and recited an address in Pinetop.  He said there were sick people in that house; they were all crazy.

      I figured out that he’d walked down our street from the Alzheimer adult care home that housed 7 or 8 residents around the corner on Surrey Way.  Who knows how long he had been wandering around.  For some unexplained reason he picked out our house from the others; here he was safe.  And he needed to talk. 

God’s Questionnaire

If you had to fill out God’s questionnaire

   You’d surely very truthful be,

Remembering He already knows and sees

   Both carelessness and sincerity.

What did you do with your talent?

How did you spend your time?

What did you do with the blessings,

The grace and love that was Mine?

What did you do with your energy?

How did you care for your health?

Did you respect your body,

As you toiled for worldly wealth?

We Keep Memorial Day Because We Should

We owe it to them to remember their courage, sacrifice, dedication;              

We must celebrate with joyful solemnity across our nation.

We owe it to each other to honor the memory of those who served so well;

We owe it to those in service now who strive to keep us safe, this we must tell. 

Our small measure of thought and remembrance is certainly due,

And we must verbalize our appreciation, and so we will do.

Fly the flag today and other days, but look deep with our heart;

Persistent vigilance must stand tall to faithfully do its part.

Some would have us surrender to evil, by their behavior and speech,

But the truth of morality shall always be within our reach.

We owe it to ourselves every day to acknowledge what is good;

We owe it to our Maker to live as His Word says we should. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2013 

Something to Consider

        Got an open mind?  Ready to exercise logic?  Willing to discuss some situations of life that many of us have experienced? Real people with real problems challenged me to write 67 short stories, related articles and poems that can offer hope and help. 
This new e-book,Your Discovery, Your Decision  can be read on your computer and other e-reader devices. Click on this link http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMVCEAE  or by entering that URL in your computer’s search box on Google, Firefox, etc.  By clicking on “Send Sample Now”  or “Click to Look Inside” you can preview 10 pages on your computer or e-reader device.     
        Yes, that's our son Peter standing atop Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona, AZ.  Photo by Joy Hardt ©2003.  (Click to enlarge.)

Purchase the e-book for 99 ¢ and see what possibilities will inspire and encourage you. 

You might have a friend who would appreciate this info;  pass it on. 

Every Day is Mother's Day, So Any Day Will Do!

Mother’s Day is not just for mothers!
First, remember YOUR mother:  card, letter, flowers, hugs.
Then, remember the other mothers who blessed your life:
Aunt, sister, older woman who is a colleague, teacher, neighbor, friend.
A blessing you send is a seed of love
Planted into someone’s life.
Pray for your mother and
These other mothers. 

Look at That Beautiful Bird Over There!

Admiring a beautiful bird

Takes only a brief moment to do,

But take another, more careful look:

What bright insights come to you?

A perceptive person will see

So many aspects of form and flight,

Intriguing details of feather and feet,

An attention-getting sight.

Each kind of bird makes its call,

Has a smart little brain in its head,

And you’ll note where and when to observe

If you’ll pay attention, as I’ve said.  

So taking this idea to apply,

What deeper notions can we find?

God gives us much to appreciate

When we open our very busy mind.  

                                                  By Elaine Hardt ©2013 

        By her patient observation and talented photography Carlene Hardt has captured a unique true story of one swan at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.  Her book is just out!  http://silverfoxmultimedia.shutterfly.com

        On the home page click Pictures & Videos,  and then click Full Screen.  See some preview pages of gorgeous photos and interesting writing from Carlene.  Then go to page 11 for how to order a book.  It would make a great gift for everyone from little kids, to high schoolers, to you and me, and then for a library or even a retirement home.  
          When you look at the website you might miss seeing the following info:   It's a 7 x 9 " soft-bound book of 40 pages, with 83 full-color original photos. The price is $29.35 + $2.00 for mailing. Make a check out to SilverFoxMultimedia and mail your order to Carlene Hardt, 6127 S. Spotted Rd. Spokane WA 99224.   Allow 2 - 3 weeks for delivery.  You can email Carlene at SilverFoxMultimedia@live.com. Want it autographed?  Mention that.  We are so delighted with our autographed copy, and are doing Show & Tell with local friends. 
        Meanwhile, what interesting birds can you see from your house?