Happy to Be Here

By Elaine Hardt ©2008
Photo by Joy Hardt ©2003

Contentment in the midst of a demanding, busy schedule seems impossible. Circumstances may have intervened to disrupt a pleasant and successful lifestyle. Some people might not be able to say, “I’m happy to be here.” You might be one of them.

To be happy —right now, right here— would include such facets as physical location, emotional level, social interaction, and spiritual well-being. Give yourself a quick check-up.

1. Physical location. If you have a peaceful acceptance of where you are living, where you are working, then that is a positive plus.

Consider Mary and Joseph. He was a carpenter in Nazareth, but they had to go to Bethlehem for the census. Some Bible scholars suggest that Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus might have lived there for some months. When Joseph was warned to escape to Egypt it was another change of location, but that brought them safety and contentment, as long as they knew that’s where God wanted them to be. (Matthew 2)

2. Emotional level. If you are happy, even in the midst of unsettled situations and with an uncertain future looming ahead, then you’re learning to trust the Lord. If you know God is with you, His promises are true, and your eternal future is secure in Him, then you can tame your misbehaving emotions with little reminders.

Picture young Daniel, captured by a foreign government and taken to that location. Does he stew, fuss, complain to everyone, or quietly go ahead? He did speak up about eating the king’s unhealthy foods, and they gave him slack. Soon we read that he was considered one of the kingdom’s “wise men,” and he rose to prominence. He must have been stable in his emotions because he knew that was where God wanted him to be, at that time. (Daniel 1)

3. Social Interaction. If your dealings with some other person or people is on the ragged edge this is the time to take a step back and quietly analyze what’s going on. If they’re not going to change, then can you change? This is obviously a matter for prayer; it may be a nudge to a thoughtful new outlook.

For one example, look at young Isaac walking up the mountain, carrying a load of firewood. His father walks alongside, and they talk. Not every young person interacts so calmly with their parents. Startlingly, Isaac is going to be offered to God on an altar, but at the last moment God calls it off, and father and son must have had an interesting conversation on the walk back. (Genesis 22)

4. Spiritual well-being. If you feel a little uneasy about your walk with the Lord be thankful that He is bringing some issue to your attention. Take time out for a personal talk with Him. Don’t expect to flip your Bible open and point your finger at random to a verse and let that be your guidance system. Read a chapter now, plan to continue reading tomorrow. What example or admonition is God showing you here?

Consider Jesus, praying alone in the garden at night. He cries out to God, asking if there’s any other way, but then yields, “Thy will be done.” He had God’s peace about it. (Matthew 26)

Does this mean putting on an artificial smile, ignoring what’s going on, being tolerant with everyone and everything? No. Jesus did not tell His disciples to be careless. Among His final words He commanded them to go, make disciples, baptize and teach. (Matthew 28). How could these men who had never been to college or seminary possibly undertake such a huge task? Jesus assured them, “Surely I am with you always,” and “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” (Acts 1)

If here is where the Lord wants you to be, then you have the best reason to be happy. You don’t have to figure it out, tough it out, and pretend to be happy. Even without a big grin you can have a satisfying happiness in your heart, knowing Who He is and what He has said. He wants you to trust and obey, not to earn your salvation, but to grow into greater maturity.

Learning how to be genuinely happy here and now takes a love relationship with the Lord and a trusting heart. His peace will be with you! + + +

Happy — Here? Now? Is It Possible?

Me?
Happy to be here,
right now, this time, this place?
Stand tall with confidence,
full of God’s grace?

Circumstances, lingering memories of the past,
Bad news, a frightening scene with a suspicious cast;
Work harder, concentrate more, tell myself a lie?
Success would come if I knew how to try?

Or, plunge into entertainment, relax, unwind?
I’ll not be satisfied until peace I can find.
Somehow I know I cannot avoid responsibility,
I must not rely on my feelings impulsively.

Dear Lord, I will turn to Your Word to see
Spiritual truth to set my questioning heart free;
Life is too short for confusion, depression, anger, fear,
Faithfully, God reveals His Son, and says He is near.

When I really believe, when I really can know
That God’s power is sufficient, it will show;
He wants me to obey, He helps me to trust,
So be happy, I will,
and be happy, I must!

By Elaine Hardt ©2008
Photo by Joy Hardt ©2003

The Driver's Prayer

by Elaine Hardt ©2001

Louise phoned to say she got another ding on her car, an ‘81 Chevvie. Our friend had parked at Uptown Plaza to go into A.J.’s Fine Foods for a bottle of her favorite olive oil. When she walked back there was the crease in the driver’s door, and no car was parked beside hers.

“I just said, ‘Lord, what about this?’ and it seemed like He was saying to me, ‘Well, Louise, you weren’t hurt, were you?’ Then I realized that I got what I had prayed for— my safety.”

Her soft southern voice still echoes in my ears. Louise has been God’s child for nearly 70 years and loves to share about her walk with Him. She wasn’t complaining about Him; she was excited about her new understanding about prayer.

“Now, before I get going I pray to have no accidents, no incidents, no tickets and no trouble,” she informed my husband, Don, and me. “And, He’s taken care of it. No more scrapes and dings on Old Faithful. I believe He wants us to pray more specifically.”

For years Don and I had prayed general prayers in the morning before starting off on our day. Now, spurred on by Louise’s example we decided to be more specific. These days when we back out of the garage and wait while the garage door comes down one or the other of us prays for our protection. It’s short and to the point.

Prayer, to us, is not mere formality. We both have a personal relationship with the Lord. All during the day there are many little opportunities to whisper a prayer to our Best Friend. But we are learning to pray more specifically, so we can tell when the prayer is answered.

We’re not just concerned about ourselves. This prayer asks for protection for everyone around us, so we don’t even see an accident. And, that’s how it’s been, ever since Louise shared with us.

Years ago we dedicated ourselves, our house, and all of our “stuff” to the Lord. That includes our car and pickup. Now, when we pray it reminds us to be thankful for all of His blessings.
For all who drive we share our little prayer. But more than that, we recommend our Best Friend.

The Driver’s Prayer
Father, I claim Your total protection
as I go out today.
No accidents, no incidents —
no tickets, no trouble—
not even see an accident.
No delays on the way, a safe trip all the way
over and back.
Post Your angels around this vehicle
while I drive and while it’s parked.
In everything I do let me bring praise to You.
Thanks for taking care of me.
AMEN.
+ + +


“And call upon Me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee,
and thou shalt glorify Me,”
Psalm 50:15.


“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the
servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:
but I have called you friends;
for all things that I have heard of my Father
I have made known unto you.”
John 15:15.

+ + +

Here Comes Tomorrow!

Today was unimaginable when we were small,
Then, the future seemed so far away;
Little did we know how quickly it would go,
The promptly disappearing day.

You recall how we youngsters longed to be grown,
But here, at this age no one wants to get old;
We rushed through a lot of living then,
Determined and eager to be rich and smart and bold.

Now with seasoned perspective we live our days,
Yet some eye the future with suspicious frown;
Sometimes insecure, amidst so many changes,
Carefully cautious when they’re feeling down.

So, pause for a moment, take time to consider
You’ve already survived challenge and sorrow;
Turn from complaining, plan for adventure,
God loves you, and here comes tomorrow.

Review the important lessons you’re learning,
Treasure the gift of life you’ve been given,
With renewed faith and prayer to the Lord
Tomorrow means one day closer to Heaven.

by Elaine Hardt ©2008

My God and I Walk Through Today, Together

My God and I walk through today, together;
He sees and hears all that I say and do.
When problems mount I’m glad He’s my companion;
His wisdom, power is strong to bring me through.

My God and I commute to work together;
I drive the car, He’s with me on the ride.
We talk and sing, our hearts embrace each other;
Stress has to leave with Jesus by my side.

My God and I live in my home together;
I do the chores with Heaven on my mind.
He gives me thoughts to brighten every corner;
Frustration goes, His happiness I find.

My God and I deal with the kids together;
His grace empowers us to live in peace.
We read His Word, He opens up the meaning;
We learn to love forgiveness’ sweet release.

My God and I, with family together
Find help for every struggle’s pain and fear.
He heals and touches all the broken pieces;
I cannot fail since Jesus Christ is here.

My God and I will always be together;
When life’s last breath is taken I will leave.
Earth’s days were only but a moment’s journey;
Heaven’s joy awaits, my Savior I will see.

Dear Lord, I’ll love and worship You forever;
Please keep my heart safe in Your arms of love.
I want to live to bring You praise and glory,
To echo back the angels’ songs above.

by Elaine Hardt ©1996
To the tune: My God and I, by I. B. Sergei
(Austris A. Wihtol) ©1970 by Singspiration, Inc.

Could Christmas Be Coming?

Could Christmas be coming? we asked ourselves,
Now we're viewing stores' decorated trees;
Then at home, glancing at the calendar,
Sure enough, it’s the last of September,
First of October, soon will be November.

Christians, it’s time to prepare your heart;
Postpone buying and decorating, please!
Avoid the rush, sit down and talk with the Lord;
Invite Him to set your priorities,
It’s really Him you want to please!

by Elaine Hardt ©2008

Dishing Up Dessert

A company meal is relaxed in our home. There are several reasons why.

Tonight the main dish of meat, potatoes and gravy huddles together in a deep skillet on the stove. A chilled vegetable medley has been placed on the kitchen counter near a small pitcher of rancho dressing. Later it’s time for dessert. Emerging from the refrigerator to share the counter top is a big bowl of fresh sliced peaches, a carton of thawed fluffy whipped cream and a plate of shortcakes.

I arrange one helping on a dessert plate and hand it across the table to my husband, Don. Then he announces another “rule” to our guests. Each person must get up and dish his or her own dessert. Seconds are allowed, too.

Most meals for company are done the same way. After giving thanks to the Lord for the day, the food, and friends who have come for a meal Don relates the rules.

Everyone smiles as he says, “#1. Help yourself because if you don’t you won’t get anything. #2. Your mother isn’t here so you don’t have to clear your plate. #3. If you don’t see it, ask for it.”

Many menus fit this scheme very well. Hawaiian haystacks and Mexican chalupe are both favorites since the ingredients can be lined up on the counter for each person to assemble their own dinner plate full.

It’s fun, nourishing, and it’s relaxed, just the way going to church should be.

A church service is a lot like a company meal. It’s organized, but not rigid. The preparation has been done, a variety of “food” has been set out, and those who come may help themselves. What appeals to Sister Brown may not be on Junior Jones’ diet this week. If you note something is missing, ask. Eat and enjoy.

There are Bible study classes with homework, probably a newbie class jumping with questions and searching for answers.

There’s music from the latest to the oldies, shared stories of how God answered prayer last week, even the announcements are sometimes “meaty.” The speaker of the day offers a challenge: Jesus wants to be your best friend.

The gathering of believers welcomes those searching for faith. There’s time for smiles and tears, solemnity and joy, challenge and comfort.

We should go to church ready to be fed. God’s Word has something you need and want, truth that will give life to the wounded heart and strengthen a weary soul.

We should go to church expecting a blessing. Look, listen. Follow along in your Bible. Jot down notes. Re-read them later, prayerfully.

How about you? What piques your curiosity, stirs your senses, appeals to your appetite? Go ahead, and try something new. The cooks are pleased to see a hungry person dig in and help themselves.

Dishing up dessert can be fun!

by Elaine Hardt ©2007

The Small, Empty Cup

So like this little cup I am,
I wonder why I’m here;
My Father knows, so I’ll ask Him,
For He is very near.

“This cup is empty, this cup is small;
What have you planned for me?
How can I be a blessing
When this is all I see?”

“Start where you are, with what you’ve got,”
I thought I heard His voice
“You’ll overflow with blessings
so trust Me and rejoice.”

by Elaine Hardt ©2005