Why the Delay? I'm in a Hurry!

To be used of God, to be a blessing,

or, to get through today's struggle and pain,

to find His peace and to find faith's release,

to survive the wind, the earthquake, the rain.

Why does it take so long? 

God, you see I am in a hurry,

so why does it take so long?

I need to see Your touch on me,

I'm ready to sing victory's song.

Then God showed me in His Word

how his choice servants waited to see;

not turning aside to man-made pride,

but walking it out, trustingly.

Abraham and Sarah long waiting for a son,

Elisha following until Elijah's work was done,

Moses spent 40 years in a desert place,

Joseph was a prisoner in a land of foreign race.

Before he became king David had been anointed for years,

Ruth walked in obedience with hard work and tears,

Esther waited and waited before the Jews could win,

It seemed like a long time for Daniel in the lions' den.

Noah, 120 years of ridicule,

Saul in Damascus, learning in God's school;

Jesus, 30 years, growing from child to man,

these, our examples, showing us we can.

God wants us to learn to trust and obey,

the road ahead is often concealed;

without knowing, we are to keep on going,

to the deeper things in His Word revealed.

Be teachable; do not grow weary,

God has designed for you this very test;

You ask the reason for this growing season?

His time, His way is always best.

by Elaine Hardt © 1999

Life So Brief, So Precious

Like a beautiful rose

blooms and shares its sweet scent,

comes a time when life ends

and we cannot call it back.

From infant to a child,

then boy to man,

and father to grandfather,

one day his last breath would come.

From questions to decisions,

life's challenges to determination,

through struggles and survival;

one day no choices remain.

Life, like a precious treasure

is ours to temporarily claim,

but eventually we must lay it aside

and then leave and go on.

If God is real —and how can it not be

since He created all of the universe and you and me

so we must meet Him at the appointed time

eventually.

The heart cries in pain, "I long to go Home,"

for surely we long to live eternally.

Jesus is the door and He invites us in,

His love is what the soul must see.

by Elaine Hardt ©2007

photo by Carlene Hardt ©2007

19 Things You Probably Know About Fathers

Fathers have some good points.

1. They go out and work and pay for your childhood.

2. They eat what's left over from supper so it doesn't go to waste.

3. They know about the "olden days."

We kids know their secrets.  

1. Fathers are strong and tough, but don't make a big deal out of having feelings.

2. They're avoiding doctors and dentists because, well, just because.

3. They like us more than they let on.

We also know their shortcomings.

1. Fathers aren't Superman, even though we kids wished they were.

2. They don't pay much attention to us, but they know too much about us, anyway.

3. By evening they tend to tire out prematurely, after having worked all day, fixed things around the house and yard, tended to the needs of the car and truck, and lectured us kids.

Most fathers know the truth.

1. They know there are better fathers out there in the world.

2. They know they could do better, after hearing the Sunday sermon.

3. They know they won't be around long enough to do it all.

We kids could have done better, too.

1. Their stories of growing up were more important than we thought.

2. They would have liked to hear us say, "I love you, dad," a lot more often.

3. They needed prayer more than we realized.

Fathers are only human.

1. Fathers have a mind of their own and a life of their own.

2. Old men were once young men, vigorous and determined to succeed.

3. Sometimes fathers lose their strength or memory or money.  This embarrasses him.

4. Too soon fathers aren't in your life, anymore.

God is the best Father of all.

God is better than anyone's father.  He isn't wishy-washy or moody or worn-out.  He has all the strength and wisdom and power.  He doesn't talk just to hear Himself talk.  He really pays attention to you all the time.

God is an equal-opportunity Father.

He loves us all.  He's given us all a life here on earth.  Stress and struggles come to all.  We will all die.  Heaven will be the destination of all who do it His way.  Jesus is God's Way.

So?

Life goes on.  Find time to do the really important things.

Love your father.  Love your Father.

by Elaine Hardt ©2001 

When You're Over 39

What happens when you pass 39? 

Is it a giggle or a frown

when a memory goes hiding?

Uncertainties can get you down. 

Names and places, facts and dates,

there's more than there used to be;

Of course, it becomes a challenge

you'll manage of necessity.

The choice is yours, I say choose well,

have a cheery statement ready;

Expect some forgetfulness, but

with a smile, hold steady.

Thank God for forgiveness of sins

which you would like to forget;

His plan for you is blessing,

Live each day without regret.

So, when you are corrected

nod kindly, as if to claim a prize;

Yes, you have lived past 39

with a twinkle in your eyes.

by Elaine Hardt ©2008