What I've Been Writing

Besides my published books I've been writing smaller, self-published booklets. I make them on my computer, using bluesquirrel's program, Click Book. The booklets are free. Send me an email to make your request. Here's the list of titles updated on March 24, 2013.

What's Going Wrong?

As advanced as technology has become,

as intellectual as many people have become,

as aware of the world as many of us are. . .

Yet the world is in terrible shape right now.

We must ask, What is happening? Why in the world is all this happening? What in the world can I do about it?

I must have answers for myself, for my own sanity and survival. And I care about my family and friends. To some degree, I care about strangers, people all around the world.

So, here’s the start of a list of “what is happening.”

Time to Thank Someone

It’s time to acknowledge those who have encouraged, inspired, and helped us. October is Christian Leadership Recognition Month, but this does not mean we must wait until an annual, official commendation.

Looking for a person to tell, “Thanks!” is a good exercise for our brains. Writing a personalized acknowledgement is a good exercise for our hearts.

One year we sent this photo of Glacier lakes by Peter Hardt ©2007.
(Double click to enlarge.)

Here's a Bible verse we included in an earlier letter of “Thanks!”

“We give thanks to God always

for you making mention of you

in our prayers,

remembering without ceasing

your work of faith,

labor of love,

and patience of hope

in our Lord Jesus Christ

in the sight of our God and Father,” 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3

Last week my friend, Jann, wanted to convey special appreciation to a group of people at her church. Here is what I sent her:

                                                         We Value Our Volunteers

                                                         Adaptable workers,
                                                         Generous and kind,
                                                         Focused on quality,
                                                         Helping on their mind.

                                                         Ideas to suggest,
                                                        Their talent to share,
                                                        Some time to give;
                                                        People who care!

                                                         Doers with kindness,
                                                         Learners with a smile,
                                                         Filling a need,
                                                         Thoughtful all the while.

                                                        Available participants
                                                        Spreading good cheer;
                                                        We need volunteers
                                                        And we’re glad they’re here.

By Elaine Hardt ©2009

Who has done something meaningful for you? A word of appreciation is a blessing you can bestow.

Discouragement in Late Afternoon

Sandy crevices claim the feeble stream,

Evaporation disentangles the remaining liquid;

A scarcely caring person ponders the scene,

An empty view.

Unsettled questions gnaw the soul,

Stifling contradictions blanket the mind;

No spark of effort stirs the body,

Words fail to flow.

Where is hope, where are possibilities?

Don’t let this happen to you, I beg;

Take a deeper breath of faith,

Consider God’s provision.

Don’t disregard the slight hints of beauty

The coming night sky will again display;

You are part of His universe,

And He still calls to you.

By Elaine Hardt ©2007

Photo by Peter Hardt ©2004

The Lesson of the Duct Tape

Pay attention to Duct Tape.
Apply yourself to the job.
Stick to doing your job well.
Don’t be overly concerned about how it looks to others.
Set an example of living up to your potential.
You were made by Someone greater than you.
Your Maker knows what’s best.

Duct Tape isn’t perfect, doesn’t brag or show off.
You, on the other hand, are put in a position to learn and grow.
You can speak to your Maker, and
You can speak out about your Maker.
You can trust in Him and be thankful to Him.
Someday you will be perfect in a new body
In a wonderful New Place!

Your Maker is exceedingly wise
And powerful beyond what we can comprehend.
He has a tremendous plan for Everything!
You, being imperfect, need to acknowledge that,
And receive His way of life.
The Bible is the Book of Directions;
Be glad to do life His way.

By Elaine Hardt ©2009

God wants YOU to be like duct tape.

“… hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” Hebrews 3:6
“…hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” Hebrews 3:14
“…hold firmly to the faith we profess.” Hebrews 4:14
“…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23