Ideas for the New Year

With a calendar in hand,
Next year’s boxes in view,
I’ll start out my planning
By talking with you.

Have a Great 2011

Here’s a vision of a golden new day
And the new year that’s coming your way,
And here’s a blessing prayed over you
That your year be wonderful, too.

May each day of 2011 be golden and bright;
May you be blessed from morning through night.
Struggles will come, but you can grow stronger;
Don’t give up when life’s challenges last longer.

Home Alone for Christmas

He’s home for the holidays,
But you’re left behind for now;
God has some other chores for you
Until your day comes, somehow.

Expecting Peace and Quiet for Christmas?

Christmas commotion is in the air,
Noise intruding everywhere;
My heart desires a restful space,
My mind searches for a quiet place.

The Present I Didn't Expect to Find

A big package arrived last evening at the door,
as I brought it in I wondered what was in store.

Wrapped in newspaper, tied with ordinary string;
Memories flooded in when I saw such a thing.
Once I’d seen a gift like this; I remembered when —
long buried disappointment came to life again.

In the Mood for Christmas?

When life is topsy-turvy and you’re busy-busy-busy,
All the season’s demands tend to make a person dizzy.
For Christmas to mean something, it’s for you to prepare;
You owe yourself that gift of love, before you can share.

Sun Light, Sun Bright

Sunlight, sun bright,
shines all day until the night.

The sun is good, it was God’s plan
To bless the earth, the home for man.

God in His wisdom made it so
For light and heat, for things that grow.

Any farther, any bigger wouldn’t do,
That would eliminate both me and you.

Moon Light, Moon Bright

Moonlight, moon bright
You shine up there most every night.

I see you in the blackest sky
And sometimes in the day; I wonder Why.

At times you’re here, then over there,
Amazing how sun’s light you share.

To think men walked upon your face
Boggles the mind of the human race.

Star Light, Star Bright

Star light, star bright,
I see you shine up there tonight;

I wonder how you once were made.
I puzzle how your orbit’s stayed.

Lunch Time Conversation

        It would be difficult to discuss the matter with Randy, but now that Wes had gotten better acquainted he wanted to try. Today this corner of the cafe was quiet, so with hamburgers nearly finished Wes started off with, “Do you believe in creation instead of evolution?”
        “It makes more sense than everything coming from one little particle somewhere,” was Randy’s grudging comment.

Message Written in the Sky

From the rising of the sun

   in all attendant glory

the gift-wrappings of the day

   unfolding nature's story.

With brightness softly fusing

   into clouds afloat in space

dew drops, too, with seas reflecting

   dawn's majestic face.

My Favorite Season

        Spring is a fine time to think about God. Buds are popping out on bare branches, little shoots of tulips peek through the soil. The first weeds have the audacity to squeeze between the gravel on the driveway. Yesterday’s chilly breeze has gone, and the sun shines in a clear blue sky. Spring is a time of promise, and that reminds us of God’s goodness.
        Summer is a fine time to think about God. Seeds have been planted because that’s how it is. First you plant, and take care of it, then something grows. Hot days encourage the fruit on the trees, the vegetables in the garden, and the primrose taking over the planter. The miracle of photosynthesis gets taken for granted, but it is God’s plan.
        Fall is a fine time to think about God. Those tiny seeds have grown into genuine, edible vegetables, each yielding their own seeds. The trees are heavy with fruit, ready to be picked. Sure enough, the seasons and the rainfall, the climate and the soil will get the credit, but it is God’s doing.
        Winter is a fine time to think about God. Blustery winds have plucked off the leaves in a flurry of gold and orange, red and brown. Hibernating animals do what they know to do. Snow will blanket the land, and cloudy darkness claims the day. Often it’s a picturesque season, but it serves a purpose, and that is God’s idea.

And…

Autumn Wilderness

There's a quietness in the autumn woods

that beckons to the traveler's soul,

whispering purpose and beauty.

Come, celebrate the timeless cycle;

the air is chill and swirling winds blow,

raining gold and crimson leaves.

Jesus Makes a House Call

        When Jesus first started knocking at the door I didn’t know it. The house is a busy place; kids running through with their little friends, the TV on almost all the time, the hum of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave — you know what I mean.
        But one day there it was, a friendly knock at the front door. Not demanding, not wimpy, just friendly. And I would have gone over to answer the door, but right then I heard, “You’ve got mail!” so I ran into the bedroom to see what had come up on the computer. Pretty soon, I’d forgotten all about the knocking, and hurried to the kitchen to see what to thaw for dinner.
        A few days later the knocking got my attention and I did go to the door. I was stunned to see Jesus standing there. “My goodness. Oh, I mean, Good Lord! Please come in. Yes, do come in.”

Grandma Looks at Religion

        When you were a little kid you might have gone, willingly or under coercion, to Sunday School, catechism, Luther League, or Vacation Bible School, etc. Many parents do this as a “religious obligation” on their part, hoping that some of the good stuff sinks into your head and makes you a better person, in the long run.
        You endured cutting and pasting, singing and doing the motions, and listening to stories of long, long ago. Maybe the pictures of Jesus and His friends had halos painted atop their heads.
        However, there’s a much more adult side to all of this. Now that you can read and reason things out, take a new look at the old stuff. What did Jesus do? What did it mean?

Learning to Cope, Learning to Win

        Miniature golf, with child-sized paths and gingerbread architecture, looked like fun. Two year-old Nathan happily ran ahead of his dad to the counter and soon eagerly clutched his own small club. "Oh, boy! Oh, boy!"
        After a few pointers Nathan hit the ball down the carpeted lane. When the ball disappeared into one hole and came out in an unexpected place Nathan joyously jabbered on and on.
        The fun lasted until the third hole. Here a tiny door to a house opened and closed continually, and the idea was to hit the golf ball at just the right time to go in. After the first few misses Nathan was frowning. "Too 'ard! Too 'ard!"
        Like a flash he ran off to climb some artificial rocks, jump down the other side, toss pebbles into a pond, and be unwillingly scooped up in his dad's strong arms.

Run With a Goal in Mind

16 I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources

He will empower you with inner strength

through His Spirit.

17 Then Christ will make His home in your hearts

as you trust in Him.

Your roots will grow down into God’s love

and keep you strong.

In Autumn Woods

In autumn woods celebrate the reason

We love to embrace this changing season;

Air is chill and swirling winds blow,

Hinting of coming winter’s snow.

Do Telescopes Lie to Us?

        The other night we saw a full moon. Here’s what it looked like from Spokane in this photo taken by Carlene Hardt. (Double click to enlarge the photograph.)
        Every night when there’s a clear sky we see various stars overhead. Friends with telescopes see more details than we do. Beautiful sights are ours to view, if we take the time.
        Amazing photos are posted on the Internet by NASA. Their captions tell what kinds of telescopes were used to take the pictures from space. Is NASA lying to the general public? Do the telescopes lie?
        Bring up this colorful NASA photo on your computer screen and ponder the distances that NASA describes.
        If these are actual, true pictures taken of outer space, then we must acknowledge that such stars and planets really do exist, and they actually are that far away from us.

Three Terrible Situations with Incredible, Happy Endings

         What shocking situation could push you into a horrible choice of giving up in despair or striking out in anger? Picture the worst.
         Now, imagine this: as disaster surrounds you, all of a sudden something incredible happens, and you come out safe and sound, with blessings you had never considered to be possible.
         Here are three scary scenarios that happened to actual people.

Daybreak, and Jesus Was Waiting for Me

Unexpected, Undeserved, Unforgettable:

Dark moments, then dark nights:

All my efforts are not enough,

Then my disappointments and struggles

Receive an unexpected answer.

Thinking of Ewe

Sheep do smile when they're happy or chilling out. According to our son Peter, "They're beautiful, gentle animals, unless it's the ram, and then you just have to pay him some respect." He goes on to say they call it "bliss" when they're chewing their cud because it's almost trance-like. "They know their names, like treats, complain if they need something (the only time they're noisy), etc."

Next, Peter makes some interesting comparisons.

God Has Something for You to Do

Trust doesn’t mean slumber,
Obedience means work.
God gives each one a calling;
Follow His leading, don’t shirk.

Someone needs encouragement,
Someone needs your prayer,
Others may need your help;
Be glad that you are there.

Avoid wishful thinking,
Look around for something to do;
Prepare for your tomorrows,
God has a blessing for you!

By Elaine Hardt ©2008

Do You Lock Your Front Door?

        Take care of yourself, take care of your family. What does it mean? Do you lock the front door?
        The TV news gives reports of crime, disaster, trouble somewhere in the world. They tell briefly about storms, earthquakes, political upheavals, wars, and now we hear about “solar flares” and “EMP.”
        Can’t we just sit on the porch and wait for the Lord to provide what we need?
        The word “preparing” gets more attention these days. Some people call themselves “preppers”--while others question the need to get prepared. What are they talking about?

Where Can You Find Inspiration?

On the Internet, Biblegateway has 20 Bible versions, from the formal, venerated King James Version to the newest translations in English, and also has many foreign language translations.  From a word search to bringing up passages of Scripture it's easy to bring up this information.  Take a few minutes to include some inspirational reading every day. You will be blessed with confident hope!

YouTube: God's Love

Here's a treasure I'd like to share with you.  It's a YouTube production made by our son Peter a couple of years ago.  It's beautiful pictures and thoughts about God's love.

Prayer Is Not, Prayer Is

PRAYER?  God hears what you’re saying;
He already knows what you need,
But putting it in words is good for you.
Read about prayer in the Bible
As Jesus’ example you heed;
You want to do what is true.

Faith Is Not, Faith Is

Faith is not a childish thing,
Enfolding us like a blanket, familiar and old;
Not a pleasant memory from the past.
God wants us to be believers, resolute and bold.

Hope Is Not, Hope Is

Hope is not a lazy thing
That waits to see what comes;
Hope seizes the plow and starts it now
And knows where strength is from.

Love Is Not, Love Is

Love is not for mama’s cinnamon rolls or homemade bread;
Love is more than some sweet word, so impulsively said.

Love is not smooth accolades for a favorite sports team;
Love is more than what a compliment may say or seem.

Why I Want to Live

        A surge of pride is pointing people to suicide. “I can do what I want, when I want. No one is going to tell me what to do.” This terrible solution to life’s problems bypasses the stigma of depression.  To justify such a drastic action some are telling themselves, “Assert yourself. Take charge.” 

        Here’s a thoughtful piece written by Peter Hardt. Maybe you know someone who needs to read this:

        In conversations with a few members of the younger “I-want-it-all-now!” generation, it’s been suggested to me that I don’t actually have to plan and prepare for the crisis just ahead. They think I should go on with my life – business as usual – and just commit suicide when things become unbearable. An “Eat! Drink! For tomorrow we die!” philosophy...
        I strongly disagree. This is why I want to live:

That Chocolate Chip Cookie, aka: Finding God

         The man had a very scientific mind, cautious yet studious, sincere about his preconceptions, yet stringently forthright. “Today I must find out about God. I must see Him and know the truth.”      
         He set off for an expedition thoroughly prepared, the best microscope, the strongest telescope, compass, a laptop computer to chart his journey and take notes. Heading in a straight line, he went towards the east, the rising sun. He ran across the land, jumped into the ocean and swam for all his might. He came up on land, ran across it to the next ocean. All along, he made careful observations.
        One day the man arrived back at his starting point, stronger for all that physical exertion, more knowledgeable for all that mental effort. He termed his search for God as a waste of time, for alas, he did not see God anywhere below, beyond or above.
        As he recuperated in his easy chair in his cozy house he pondered his pursuit. “God, I really wanted to find out if You are real.”

The Gift I Give Myself

         In a quiet moment of personal honesty you can identify for yourself the one gift you’d like to have, the one gift you’d give yourself. It is something of great benefit, and it’s something that would be a great blessing. What is it?
        Without a lot of explaining or a lot of self-imposed restrictions simply own up to what this gift would be. Then write it down on a slip of paper and put it in a safe place.
        Good for you! Identifying what this gift would be is a great beginning.
        What do you have so far? An idea of a great benefit, a great blessing, a great beginning.

The Good Shepherd

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. . .   

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”  

John 10:11, 14

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, 
and I know them, and they follow Me.  

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; 

neither shall anyone snatch them 
out of My hand.  

My Father, who has given them to Me, 
is greater than all; 

and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” 

John 10: 27-29. 

Carlene Hardt's photos of Peter and his lamb, ©2010  

Sing a Song of Summer

Sing a song of summer,

     A heart full of joy;

No matter what the weather,

     I’ve decided to enjoy.

The Missing Shipment of Perfection

        “When will Perfection arrive?” I asked the man at the counter.
        “Lady, you’re asking me something that I don’t know.”
        We both shrugged our shoulders, and with a sigh I walked away. What a Father’s Day this was going to be. No Perfection could be had, any place, at any price. I knew it would be a perfect present, but now frustration mounted.
        Practically any man wants Perfection, I reminded myself. My own dad worked for years at strenuous jobs, preferring to be his own boss, even though that meant more planning, details, complications, and predictable stress. Growing up, there was no Perfection to be found on Northview Avenue, but we kids did try to make dad’s life easier by behaving ourselves.

Flag Day, 4th of July, etc.

The calendar calls for a patriotic theme!
Some will reminisce with grateful emotions;
Others choose to spend another holiday
occupied with ordinary commotions.

On Memorial Day, We Remember

Proud of our servicemen and women who
Step up to the call of the red, white, and blue;
Duty and honor, hard work, concentration,
Distinguishing themselves and serving our nation.

Possibilities of a Poem

Oh, to write a wonderful poem
Quite full of perfect words in a sturdy frame;
Playing with ideas eager to be sung,
      Or, painting a picture of a valid reason;

Enjoy The Moment

“Enjoy the moment;” remind yourself,

You don’t know what today will bring,

But thank the Lord anyway,

He will give you a song to sing!

You’ve taken a look, prudently planned,

You’ve done your best to be prepared,

And though unexpected things lie ahead

Trust the Lord and don’t be scared.

Norwegian & Slovenian Versions

It was fun recently to find two foreign language translations of "Make a Memory," first stanza.

Recuerdos!

What a delight to find this poem I wrote, "Make a Memory" translated into Spanish and published in the April 2010 pdf from Texas Title 1 newsletter, "Escuela y Casa: Juntos Podemos Hacer la Diferencia."  I have written to thank the director and the newsletter editor.

Construya recuerdos con su hijo,
Importante es pasar tiempo con él;
Pues juguetes y baratijas no reemplazan
Los preciados momentos vividos a granel.

Peter Tells What He Knows

Peter: fisherman, follower, walker on water;
Three times he denied the Lord,
then repented, was restored.
Pentecost’s teacher, a powerful out-reacher;
Writer of two letters we read,
teacher of topics we should heed:

Mother's Day, Again

Seems only last year there was mention made of Mother’s Day,
We sorted through the old closets of memory to find
Treasured recollections, some dusty, some new,
A necessary exercise or a tedious task for some,
But it does each heart good to recall
the woman who gave us birth.
We face the facts of life and death,
And ponder why we are here!

Quit Mumbling Those Memorized Prayers! (Another Look at "That" Prayer)

     Last night I started to pray in my usual way. “Our Father, Who art in Heaven,” I recited the long-ago memorized words.
     Half-way through I suddenly realized I was talking to God as if He was just a man. I spoke like I would to any other ordinary person, as if we were equals.
     Ooops! With a sudden dawning of recognition I stopped short. I pictured myself, dashing up to the very Throne of the Creator of All the Universes and Maker of Everything. I realized my conversation was too phony, my attitude was too casual.
     Did Jesus say the words so quickly, so empty of expression when He taught those followers that day? Was it mumbled like the congregation does on Sunday morning?

Is This What You Lack?

          A man came to Jesus and asked, “What should I do to get eternal life?” He didn’t want to lack that one most important thing, life after death. Jesus told him that he lacked one thing. (Mark 10:17-30, Luke 18:18-30).
          As Jesus traveled around there were places where He could do only a few miracles. What did they lack? (Matthew 13:58, Mark 6:6).

Goodbye, Aggravation

Frustrated, discouraged?

tangled in life’s frantic maze?

There’s someone who can help you

through those aggravating days.

There’s no busy secretary,

no answering machine,

no forms to file in triplicate,

no CLOSED sign to be seen.

Sometimes and Always

Father, You are always faithful to Your Word;
In a life of questions and uncertainty
You are our only hope.

Always we can see Your magnificent creation;
Sometimes we marvel at Your mighty wisdom and power,
sometimes we settle for confusion.

Weakness to Strength

I fussed and stewed, “What can I do?”
I cried inside, “Lord, how much longer!”
When I was still I heard Him say,
“Troubles only come to make you stronger.”

Amidst my pain He then explained,
“Lessons in life show you more about Me;
You have the gift of free will,
Let Me lead you to true liberty.

Oscar's Opportunity

       In the garage Oscar had stacks of stuff. When I stopped by on Saturday the door was up, and Oscar was standing there, hands on his hips. Tension was in the air.
     “Hey, guy. What’s up?” I inquired.
     “Sun’s up. I’m up,” he cracked with a droll smile.
     “And?”
     “I’ve gotta get her loaded. Bess and I are going fishing on Monday. The trouble is, I can’t fit it all in.”

Men in Bathrobes, Wearing Beards

Why, you ask, are those men wearing bathrobes in church? Why the fake beards and long hair?

The church is not the holding an Original Amateur Hour; these ordinary guys haven’t gotten the urge to expose their repressed acting talents. Nor have they made bets on who will and who won’t follow through.

This is the first annual Easter Play. These men have invested about thirty hours in practice, not to mention submitting to makeup thickly applied. Before the performance began there was some teasing behind stage, but now everyone is serious.

Confronting Birthday Questions

Birthday moments of contemplation,
Questions flood my restless mind;
Responding with spontaneous honesty
Unexpected challenges I’d find.
Will this open up more trouble?
Can’t I just leave the stress behind?

A Nagging Wife Tells Her Side

Over a cup of coffee yesterday Bea opened her heart. With her permission I share it here. She begins with simple honesty:

          It was getting a little aggravating.

          I'd nagged my husband Sam three times already. Each time he was noncommittal. Kind of ignored me. Well, it needed to be done so I tried to phrase it differently.

          At the breakfast table: "Honey, did you forget that you were going to -- ?"

          As he went out to the garage, "I thought you said that today you were going to -- ."

          When he came in for lunch it was, "Well, are you going to do it this afternoon or this evening?" At that he got up and went out to get the mail. There was no conversation while we ate. My attitude wasn't getting any better, so it's just as well that I didn't say anything else right then.

          Clearing off the dirty dishes I prayed about it. "Lord, how many times do you want me to remind him; seven times?"

          I guess I was hoping that Jesus would say the same thing he told his disciples, "Not seven times, but seven times seventy." (Of course, what he was talking about was forgiving, not nagging!)

          But a voice seemed to say to me, "If you could understand how much I love your husband and how he pleases me you wouldn't be nagging him."

Best Friend?

      When we were kids each of us wanted a best friend — someone to walk with you down the sidewalk, stand up for you when others were around, talk with you on the phone.

         When we got older best friends got scarce. Everyone was busy, and somehow there wasn’t time for that special kind of friendship.

          If you’d ask, most people would say there is no best friend anymore. No one to link arms with and cut through the field, no one to share secrets, no one who spends time with you, just for the fun of it.

          In these troubling times what we need is a best friend. Some one who really cares.

I'm Glad You Came to Visit

I rearranged some dust molecules in honor of your visit,
Then I emptied out waste baskets, lest you’d ask, “What izzit?”
I saw a tiny swirl of lint as I wiped a venetian blind,
So I contemplated, and God’s creation was on my mind.

No wonder cleaning house is an on-going chore,
The universe is full of dust molecules, a whole lot more;
So, hoping to keep everything in balance
I removed a spider’s web atop the window’s valance.

My Springtime Prayer

Write Your reality on my heart today
Like You write spring on a winter-weary world.

New life is birthing across the land,
Responding to Your awesome plan.

The earth is singing and I am eager to hear,
Reassure me again that You are here.

Sights & Sounds of Spring

Sky so blue, filmy clouds a curtain parting here,
Air a crisp delight, tinged with promises clear;
Morning heralds perched on branches of the trees,
Sweet songs of spring advance on the breeze.

The garden swells with buds, then exclaims in blooms,
Filling all of nature’s cathedral rooms,
But a mightier symphony plays on the ear,
Inviting seekers in faith to draw near.

Take Advantage of Your Troubles

Don’t let your troubles just irritate you. Take advantage of your troubles.  Here's some specifics to consider, and after you read the list be encouraged by the Bible verses at the end.

Psalm 23 for 2010

A personal song from me to God:

You, Lord, are my Provider!

There’s nothing lacking in Your provision.

You give shelter and food

Beyond what I think or hope I deserve.

You are concerned about my soul, not just my body.

You offer forgiveness and salvation;

Your ways are holy and perfect,

And Your name is exalted.

Explore Your Doubts

     If you have had no doubts in life we must ask, “Are you awake? Are you thinking?”

     Doubts are normal for the normal person. It alerts your clever brain to get to work, take a more critical look at the surroundings and the other people. It starts you on a journey of discovery. Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

The Cowboy, Alone

Alone in the valley a cowboy whispers in despair,
“Pa, will you come and get me? I don’t think I can make it all the way home by myself.”
He didn’t complain, but the harsh conditions had nearly broken his spirit
and his trusty steed had fallen days ago.
The cowboy had no idea how close he was to being Home.

High up on the mountain a candle shone in the window
of the Home where he was headed.
And Father watched him with love in His eyes.

Greater Certainty

Alone, outside on a clear, starry night,

Ask: Is there a God who made all of this?

Considering, can it really be true?

Does He know and care what I do?

Three Terrible Situations with Happy Endings

What shocking situation could push you into a horrible choice of giving up in despair or striking out in anger? Picture the worst.

Now, imagine this: as disaster surrounds you, all of a sudden something incredible happens, and you come out safe and sound, with blessings you had never considered to be possible.

Here are three scary scenarios that happened to actual people.

Missing You

Of course, we’ll be missing you.
Another holiday season, another celebration
And we are so far away.

The Reason for This Poem

I looked at the calendar
And what did I see?
Nearly time for a special day,
And what could that be?

A Valentine's Day Secret

Valentine’s Day was going to be a sad day, an embarrassing day for Kate. Bad enough they had just moved from Iowa all the way to a strange town called Phoenix. Bad enough they were staying in a run-down motel on Waddell Street. Kate was the “new girl” at school.

Thank You for . . . Valentine's Day?

When did you see the Valentine candy in the store? Probably on December 26.

The remaining Christmas candy was moved to the clearance counter, then they brought out the Valentine candy. There was a quick change of decor in the store. Napkins and paper plates, decorations, cards, and all kinds of goodies are displayed on the shelves, ready for your purchase.

What good is Valentine’s Day, you ask. It’s only for little kids, teenagers, the lovers and the newly weds. Besides, someone else reminds us, Valentine’s Day has some secular ideas mixed in with religious thought. Can we just skip it?

Try this instead.

A Puzzle to Me

     Pieces of the puzzle lie scattered on the table. Only a few rows of green leafy branches along the left side had been placed in position. Whoever had taken on the challenge to work 500 small pieces into a scene of the Grand Canyon had given up, at least for today.

     Early the next morning with important things on my mind I nearly forgot to look at the puzzle. As I turned to go down the hall I impulsively swung back to peer in the open doorway. Had someone made any progress? Very little, I noted. A little patch of blue sky expanded along the right side. Much remained to be done.

     So it was for the next several days. I’d be purposefully headed to my office next to the lobby when curiosity would call me to glance at the emerging puzzle. Progress was extremely slow. Why?

Where's Marsha?

Every store we go into we look for Marsha. It’s been six years now, and we haven’t found her yet. She didn’t wear a gold award pin from her company, but to us she was the only candidate for employee of the year, any year.  That girl could juggle three things and keep it all straight. No absent-minded attitude, no condescending look; Marsha cared.

From Dream — to Disasters — to Deliverance

A young boy relates his dream,
A strange prediction of unbelievable success,
But he was a cheerful hard-worker;
Why then such hatred from his brothers?

Seized and sold into slavery,
His enemies were those brothers
Who easily lied to now-grieving father;
What kind of answer to prayer is that?

Life's Mystery and Joy

The older we get, educated and sophisticated,
the greater the mystery that each adult faces.
How can there be a God who is so great?
How can all those planets and stars be up there?
How can the intricacies of plants, animals, even rocks
have gotten to be here, after all?

Honestly, it looks like quite a mystery.
Each of us can make a risky decision
to ignore the whole, huge issue,
But you can’t argue with the fact
that life is; we can see it.
and death is; we can’t deny it.

Each of us can make a mind-boggling decision
A grown-up decision
to believe in God, a powerful Creator.
If so, how does that impact our life?
Do we then surrender our brains to become
a little robot of faith and blind belief?

Five Ideas for the New Year

With a calendar in hand,
Next year’s boxes in view,
For practical planning
Here’s five ideas for me, for you.

My Top Ten Suggestions for a Better Year Ahead

 1. Take care of what matters to you.
 2. Be thankful for what you’ve got.
 3. Watch for improvements you can adopt and adapt.
 4. Spend time on what brings a twinkle to your eyes.