EncouragingU * * * * * * * * * * * * We ALL need a word of encouragement once in awhile.
Monday, June 30, 2008
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Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thinking Aloud, Struggling for a Conclusion
"I can't believe in God," the man said. "The billions of galaxies are too big, too complex, too powerful. Why, if there were a God, he would have to be Almighty beyond anything we have discovered and examined on our planet, in our universe. It strains the imagination!
"He would be big, intelligent, powerful. He would take unimaginable interest in us, the only beings of our type; we the highest of the created beings who are capable of even thinking that there is a One God, Almighty." The man's conclusion was to walk away.
Later alone, thinking aloud I owned up to my struggle. It took awhile, but leads me to an inescapable God-directed conclusion. He is — He is! Of course, He is holy; we'd call it perfect, and to be honest, we are completely imperfect. We need His way, His provision, to be forgiven. To send His son would demonstrate perfect love.
My conclusion is so evidently necessary; I cry out to Him above the sky. I open the only Book of its kind, invite Him to work a miracle in my heart. Oh, God of creation, God of miracles, accept me, forgive me, help me. Now I call you my Heavenly Father.
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
"He would be big, intelligent, powerful. He would take unimaginable interest in us, the only beings of our type; we the highest of the created beings who are capable of even thinking that there is a One God, Almighty." The man's conclusion was to walk away.
Later alone, thinking aloud I owned up to my struggle. It took awhile, but leads me to an inescapable God-directed conclusion. He is — He is! Of course, He is holy; we'd call it perfect, and to be honest, we are completely imperfect. We need His way, His provision, to be forgiven. To send His son would demonstrate perfect love.
My conclusion is so evidently necessary; I cry out to Him above the sky. I open the only Book of its kind, invite Him to work a miracle in my heart. Oh, God of creation, God of miracles, accept me, forgive me, help me. Now I call you my Heavenly Father.
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Does God Love Africa?
A faraway place we do not see, a place where most do not go;
how can we know enough to care,
unless someone tells us so?
Not a paragraph or map or what a news article may show,
but a travel account, day by day,
written by someone we know.
Not viewed by jaded, professional eyes,
but by one who walked their streets,
who saw how someone lives and dies.
Joy personally shares her emotions and her youthful view,
she goes there and volunteers to help;
she brings Africa to you.
Now we all can pray with more direction, more power,
asking God's blessing for these people,
aware of their difficult hour.
Not only help for the body, but freedom for the soul,
African people need to know Jesus,
He alone can make them whole.
God loves Africa! A reminder you and I need.
Pray for Joy and HardtHaven
to be blessed where God leads.
by "Grandma" Elaine Hardt ©2006
(See Joy's website: www.HardtHaven.org)
Sunday, June 01, 2008
My Completely Wonderful Blessing
Heavenly Father, I come with a quiet heart,
ready to receive a completely wonderful blessing today.
In honesty I acknowledge my sin and weakness,
In gratitude I receive Your forgiveness,
In gladness I speak Your blessing over myself.
LOVE: I bless myself with a growing, glowing realization
of what love is and Who loves me. It is You,
Almighty Father, Creator of All, Savior, Lord!
JOY: I bless myself with joy that does not depend
upon circumstances that surround me — the past, present, future.
Joy that fully trusts God fills my needy heart.
PEACE: I bless myself with an abundance of peace,
an appreciation of the awesome presence of God. You are here,
telling me that trouble is a temporary test.
PATIENCE: I bless myself with patience that says, "Yes," to God.
I am released from relying on my own ideas. I calmly accept uncertainties
because Your wisdom teaches, reminds, and empowers me.
KINDNESS: I bless myself with contentment,
as I learn to listen to Your kindness and mercy.
I reflect Your kindness as I bravely reach out to others.
GOODNESS: I bless myself with the satisfying fulfillment
of Your goodness, nourishing my hungry soul.
Your plan for my life is very good.
FAITHFULNESS: I bless myself with confidence that embraces me.
You are faithful in Your Word, Your promises, Your love.
Your faithfulness enables me to stand strong in the storms.
GENTLENESS: I bless myself with Your gentleness
that is healing me, body and soul. Thank You for
giving me quiet times for restoration.
SELF-CONTROL: I bless myself with awareness of self-control,
the perfection of the touch of Your hand upon my heart.
Fear, stress, anger, confusion cannot stay in Your presence.
Lord, Your grace produces wonderful results, fruits of the Spirit.
By faith I declare myself completely blessed for today!
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
(Considering Galatians 5:22, 23; Philippians 4:8; Matthew 28:20)
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