How Far Is Kpando?

The orphans at HardtHaven in Kpando, Ghana in Africa sent this to us.
We find their town on the globe, but how far away is it?  From Phoenix it's 7,251 miles to Accra. www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/distances.html?n=4  
Check out the HardtHaven website here:  http://www.hardthaven.org   Granddaughter Joy started this orphanage, and it's been a delight to watch the progress.

ABC: Today's Challenge

    Another day is God’s gift to you.

    Begin the day by talking to Him.

    Confess your sins and shortcomings.

    Decide to do better.

    Every day brings you closer to seeing Jesus.

    Fight your foe, the devil, by faith.

    Grow in faith; give by faith.

    Happiness is inside your heart.

Yes, You'll Want to Find Out For Yourself

The words written here may be helpful to you;
You’ll want to find out for yourself what of Christmas is true.

Find a Bible; perhaps you have one on your shelf;
Take a look and find out about Jesus for yourself.

Three hundred prophecies written hundreds of years before
Told about the Messiah the Jewish people were waiting for.

Finding Lots More

        It's been fun to find people who have quoted something I've written on their own websites.  Thanks to Google search it's quick to do, and perhaps you've noticed the total posted over on the right hand side under "About Me."  It was 2898 just a few days ago.  Then,  I got the bright idea to look up other search engines.  I looked up my writings on Bing, Cuil, Dogpile, Lycos, HotBot, Yahoo, Gigablast, AOL, Alta Vista, Ask, Google of India, Google of Russia, Fireball - German, Swiss, and Italian.
        An amazing total of 528 sites have published one or more of my poems, articles, or stories.  The grand total is 3,526 as of 12-5-11.  May each one of these be a blessing to a lot of people!

Of Course . . . Christmas is Coming!

Decorations and colorful lights,
Parades and outstanding sights,
Fanciful stories and fables,
Yummy food upon the tables,

Parties, music, friends and family,
Of course, your special Christmas tree.
Light a candle, go to church possibly?
In the mall there’s so much to see.

Shopping, spending, yes, I know!
Winter games, and maybe snow.
Bundle up to avoid freezing,
Keep your distance from people sneezing.

Your Life is a Gift From God

Your life is a gift from God,
See what you can make of it.
Appreciate what you can already do,
But plan and work for a breakthrough.

Look back on the hard times
There are lessons there to learn,
Hard work, focus, and concentration,
Gets you past the aggravation.

Don’t cave in to disappointment,
Stand strong today and every day!
What you are going to say and do
Can help others, and will help you.

The Most Important Thing May Be Missing!

The most important thing, (do you agree?)
May be missing from Thanksgiving Day,
Or perhaps it’s something you don’t see;
I’d like to mention it, if I may.

Veterans Day, 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.

Hold on there! Give a moment for reflection:
Honor, duty, sacrifice for a worthy goal,
Everyone free, so everyone can choose
Godly values that ennoble the soul.

Mama Can't Fix

     For years, it was “run to mama, and she’ll make it all better.” She gave lightly blown kisses for skinned knees, a refuge from pestering sisters behind her apron. In later years, there were words of wisdom dispensed while she was peeling potatoes or kneading bread dough.
     We little girls saw how mama did it, and from our hearts of love we did the same things when we grew up and had our babies. It just seems right that mama can fix physical and emotional “owwies.” It was up to daddy to fix the wagon, the tricycle, and the washing machine.
     What worked when Danny and Lola were little established us in the “Super Mom” mode. And that set us up for disappointment.

One Reason to be Thankful

        Need a reason to be thankful?  A trip down memory's lane, via the old photograph album might be just what you need . . .
        Washing clothes outside on a sunny day was quite a chore. In cold weather mother would be downstairs in the small dark basement in a room lined with shelves full of jars of food she had canned. The clothes lines were strung across the room, and some long wooden poles helped prop them up when they were heavy-laden with wet clothes.
        Wouldn’t she be surprised to see our washing machines and clothes dryers now! We can be thankful for electricity and the genius of people who invented the amazing machines in our homes.

 (Mary Anderson, 3-24-1856 to 3-7-1939; 

she was my dad's grandma)

Click to enlarge the photo.

An Optimistic Look at My New Day

It’s a brand-new day, a grand new day,
I’m ready to take it on;
I’m going to be stronger for even longer,
Starting today at dawn.

The Shepherd and the Sheep

Do we see eye to eye?

It’s really impossible, isn’t it!

But there’s curiosity -- and caring -- and patience. 

“I’ll take care of you,” the good shepherd said,

“and you must learn to trust my leading.”

Viewing that quiet exchange of concern

gives you and me something to ponder:

We are the sheep of His pasture

And He is our Good Shepherd.

by Elaine Hardt ©2011
photo by Carlene Hardt ©2009 

Is It True?

        Our friend, Lucille, died yesterday. She KNOWS if it’s true, or not.
        You and I are still here, and we don’t know what Lucille knows.
        What happens at death? Where did this vivacious woman go? Her worn out body is left behind, but she is not here.

Every Day This Week: What I Want to Remember

SUNDAY:
I cannot do life on my own;
Thank You, LORD, I’m not alone.

MONDAY:
Today’s troubles are a test;
Help me, O LORD, to do my best.

47 Words of HOPE for You

Hope will brighten your day . . .
Got a minute or two?  Here's some words of HOPE that could be food for thought today.

Coming to Terms with Truth, His or Mine?

        The tiny, trapped lizard would open up conversation of a serious issue between Josh and his dad.  With Josh thoroughly enjoying his high school astronomy class it was time to have a talk. 

      A casual comment by Josh was, “The sky is full of stars and planets. No one has ever found God yet.  Telescopes don’t lie. People smarter than us accept the fact of evolution.”

      “Son, you know we believe in the God of the Bible and creation, not evolution,” his dad began.  They sat at the kitchen table nibbling on Mom’s chocolate chip cookies. 

       “Oh, look!  Look there on the patio door!”  Josh pointed out a tiny lizard, probably 1½  inch long clinging to the sliding screen door outside the sliding glass door.  A closer look showed that the tiny creature was trapped between the two doors, holding on to the screen with his feet.  There was no way out.  

Appointment at Ground Zero

         Late in 2001 our friends, Hylan and his wife Rita visited friends in Pennsylvania, then drove to Manhattan to see Ground Zero. He relates they were moved to tears at the staggering size of the destruction. As he was parking the car he asked a stranger if he knew of a good observation spot. He said there really wasn’t any good place, but his apartment would afford a view from the 32nd floor. “We checked each other out,” Hylan says, then took him up on the offer.
        They entered his apartment and walked over to the window overlooking the Hudson River to the left and Ground Zero to the right. It was a commanding view. Then Hylan noticed on the windowsill a “house blessing” in Hebrew. He asked the man if he was Jewish, and he was.
        “Our conversation became rather personal and intimate,” Hylan says. The man told of his life in 2001. His six year-old daughter died of an unknown illness. His wife left him one day before their tenth anniversary. He had cancer with accompanying radiation and chemotherapy.
        Then came 9-11. The man showed them his home video of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center. He hadn’t shown it to anyone.

The Answer

        We all are aware of terrible problems affecting our nation, our world, our cities and towns.  It is not "politically correct" to speak out the answer.  But how can we be silent when evil advances?

Oh, Well

        You’ve heard it, and you’ve said it, “Oh, well.”
        Was it a teasing, “Oh, well!”
        Or perhaps a pensive reply, “Oh . . . Well . . .”
        Could it have been a strong declarative, “Oh! Well!”
        Or, were you questioning, “Oh? Well?”
        These two words can be used in a different tone of voice. You said it to yourself, and you meant, “Is this something I should have anticipated?”
        Or you exclaimed in quiet disgust, “I give up.” Was it more like a realistic resignation, “So be it; I’m not going to let it ruin my day!”
        Can you recall the time you said it in a conversation with your friend, your husband, your wife, your child? Did you amplify your words with explanation?

Recipe for Reflections

A Gourmet Masterpiece for Discerning Women

[Note: This recipe calls for one mother and one daughter, but you'll soon see how you can substitute grandmothers and aunts if you can work around possible shortages of time and length of distance.]

Take one curious daughter and one caring mother.
Add equal parts of questions and recollections.
Combine these, being careful not to add too many expectations all at once.

It Helps To . . .

It helps to look back and remember: to gain that fuller perspective,
What went well and how you did it, Have any complications? and how did it go?

It helps to look around and consider: What’s going on in your part of the world?
What circumstances surround you? What’s still a problem, and what’s new?

It helps to look ahead and ponder: What might happen . . . Who might . . .
And what might they do . . . How will my planning and preparation help?

Are You Building YOUR Ark?

        Most of us know the Bible story of Noah; how God told him to prepare for coming disaster and how he obeyed. How many people today are “building their ark” for their families?
        Steve jumped into the discussion at Friendship Circle last week. At first, the others frowned, but before he wound up his warnings heads were nodding in agreement.
        “No,” he began. “I’m not just suggesting some symbolism for the sake of hearing my own voice.

What's the Bible For?

Perhaps you have a Bible;  is it a good luck charm for you?
Is it symbolic or antique?  Or mere suggestions of what to do?

My $20 Bill Speaks Up

       Finally, I’m getting out of this stuffy pocket in this blue plaid jacket. I’ve lost track of the time. How long have I been there? And, why did I get rescued today? Oh, I can hear really good now!
        As I’m getting unfolded, a voice exclaims, “Wow! I’d forgotten all about you,” so that explains my long absence from the world of shoppers’ delight. Again I hear that voice, “so now that it’s cold outside my warm little jacket has a surprise for me. A $20 bill might just make my day!”

A Purpose for Living

What I do may not mean much to you
but I’ll do my best, anyway.

What I believe or what I achieve
may not make much of a difference in life’s great scheme,
but I’ve got a dream.

Who Wins This Scientific Argument?

“If there is a Great Creator of All and I’m fairly certain there could be,
He’s too Magnificent and Big and Grand to be concerned about a person like me.”

The young man turned away, as if to end the conversation at the start
Which cautiously I had begun to share the burden on my heart.

(Challenging, exciting, sobering the outcome would be that day;
Follow along to see what happens, then decide what YOU would say.)

A New Look at That Fruit

        Take a look at some challenges and consequences of those famous fruits of the Bible, listed in Galatians 5.
        Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness -- sounds very passive, very submissive to the noise and misbehavior of the people in the world. Does it mean we are to exhibit these traits so that the world will notice how agreeable we try to be, but how weak we really are?
        How do we view the “fruits of the Spirit”? Have we missed some important aspects from the list in Galatians?

An Idea for Having Fun

    
   Photo by Peter Hardt ©2011

Thinking of You This Summer

So, how’s your summer going?
You say it’s just begun?
Go ahead and do those chores,
But schedule in some fun.

Seven Suggestions for Father's Day

Father’s Day is nearly here,
It comes around again this year.
You might not find a fancy card in time,
And it’s not easy to write a rhyme!

A present might not be his size,
All of this you realize.
Watch for some occasion when you can say
some kind word to brighten a father’s day.

Here's 7 suggestions -- sentence starters -- for that note you'll write to Dad . . .

Do You Realize What Today Is?

What does today look like to you?
Is today golden or is it blue?

Today is the oldest you’ve ever been!
Here’s what I’d like to whisper in your ear:
Today is also the youngest you can still be;
Might as well thank God that you’re still here.

More Than a Suggestion From Me

Don’t plan to be a Christian like me:
I’m sure you see my inadequacy!
My words are sometimes very clumsy;
Don’t stumble because we may disagree.

My example isn’t the best you’ll see,
I haven’t achieved what I should be.
Turn to God and pray with sincerity;
Don’t give up on God because of me.

Go straight to the Bible to see
What God’s Word says to you and me —
What to believe and what to do;
Avoid confusion I may have shown you.

Questions Looking for an Answer

Did you command the moon or awaken the sun?
Did you imagine that you were the Holy One?
Reasons for faith, are there none?

Did you call yourself into being one day?
Is the human body only breath and clay?
Do you tell the stars to stay?

Can you hush the ocean’s mighty roaring tide?
Or make erupting of a volcano subside?
Do you rule the animals of the land?
Do you hold the future in your hand?

Enjoying This Time

Accepting the challenge,
Making room in my mind,
Pressing myself onward
To see what I find.

Determined to keep going,
Stubborn in my view;
I want to see how much better
In this challenge I can do!

Watching the 6 p.m. War

Bravely they smile for the camera,
so young and ready to prove their worth;
Pawns in a bloody struggle
they march to the ends of the earth

Helplessly we watch them go,
and wonder if or when they'll die;

Egypt, Pakistan, Syria, Israel, Iran, (etc.)

Egypt, Pakistan, Syria, Israel, Iran, etc.
Political disasters and war,
Japan's earthquakes and tsunami,
Flooding in the U.S. and more!

World-wide trouble and uncertainties,
Some people want to run and hide;
Others are consumed with worry,
Their aspirations and dreams have died.

Financial collapse, dishonesty,
Fearful investor and debtor;
Is there any reason for hope
that the future could be any better?

Did Mother Seem Older?

After Having YOU Did Your Mother Seem to Grow Older?   Why?

What Was She Doing With Her Hands?

arranging --- baking --- brushing --- buttoning up --- caressing --- carrying --- chopping --- closing the door --- driving the car --- folding --- frosting --- hanging up --- holding --- ironing --- measuring out --- opening the door --- picking up --- pinning --- polishing --- pouring out --- putting on --- rinsing --- scooping up --- scrubbing --- setting out --- shaking out --- shushing --- shutting the door --- slicing---smoothing --- sorting out --- sprinkling --- stacking up --- stirring --- switching off the light --- testing the temperature --- tying up --- washing off --- wiping --- wringing --- writing

Whew! No wonder sometimes she sat down

and closed her eyes for a little while!

Can you think of anything that is missing in this ABC list?

Thank God for your mother!

By Elaine Hardt ©2007

What's Happening in Ghana

        Perhaps you've already seen the children's photo posted earlier.  Perhaps you're wondering about these orphans in Africa; and perhaps you wonder how we know about them.
        In 2007 granddaughter Joy was just 22 and in nursing school when she volunteered at a hospital in Ghana, Africa.  Her heart was touched and she co-founded HardtHaven, an orphanage in Kpando.
        Never heard of the town? Copy this:   6°59'57.28"N  0°18'9.43"E  and paste it in the Search box on Google Earth to find it.
        What's happening these days?  Joy, now a Navy nurse LTJG, finished her deployment to Djibouti, Africa and is back in the U.S.  The HardtHaven blog has been updated, and you'll want to take a look here.
      

What Will These Hands Do?

Small and fragile, yet with staggering potential

This infant has hands to explore his new world

He, himself possessing grand possibilities

Testing, learning, expanding strength and abilities

What will these little hands do?

What obstacles will circumstances bestow?

What determination will this little one show?

What kindness will the younger and older one know?

How will each of them grow?

And, these older hands today careful, gentle

Can they now, will they somehow, help the child?

Life, for both younger, older, may be more pleasant

When committed love motivates the elder

And caring curiosity motivates the younger.

Summer Travel Possibilities?

Carol’s Travel Plans:

My idea of a good time is

getting in a car and driving to explore our great country.

For whatever reasons,

I have defined relaxation as driving

long distances in short segments;

freedom is associated with a steering wheel in my hands

and a new section of America somewhere out past the windshield

where the yellow center line dips over the horizon.

Elaine asks:

Next year can we all go with you,

Linda, Susan, Margie, Alice, and me?

It could be a sisters’ singing group!

I hear us now, “Amazing Grace” can be our intro,

And “How Great Thou Art” a finale.

If not a possibility, can it at least be a dream?

First Stanza by Carol Anderson, photo by Carol Anderson @2011

double click to enlarge Carol's photo from Wyoming

Last Stanza by Elaine 

The Clouds in the Sky Speak to You and Me

Magnificent moods of the clouds in the sky
Alerted my attention when they caught my eye.
“Look up! Look past your familiar place,” I could hear them sing,
“We’ve seen another amazing, earthquaking thing!”

Earth Day: Appreciation

The earth is round and grandly complicated,
Way enough to stimulate my eager mind;
I celebrate an immense creation,
And I want to see and learn and find.

The world, the universe, and even beyond

Composed of interacting particles I cannot see,

I’m challenged to seriously observe and analyze

such interesting, amazing activity.

14 Days From Today

Busy? Of course you are. But you are a thoughtful, caring person.
In 14 days from today it will be Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Day. What you call it -- and how you celebrate it -- will be determined by the preparation you make. Starting today, dust off that Bible on the shelf and read just one chapter, Matthew 26. Consider the events, the people, the circumstances. If that motivates you sufficiently then tomorrow read it over again. Don’t read any farther until you feel a definite urge. Up to this challenge?

Chapter One: Can You Identify With This Man?

        “Local news sources today bring you continuous coverage on a local man, Noah. On the scene here’s our reporter, Rash D. Confusion, giving you an unbiased look at a most unusual citizen.”

Chapter Two: What Went Wrong?

        Picture the party. Noah and his family have loaded a weird assortment of animals onto the huge wooden thing he’s built, called it an ark. Now the big door was closed. The townspeople had walked out to the site and gawked. Would something really bad happen now? Was there some sort of judgment really going to come all across the land?
        How long did they stand there in silence before riotous laughter broke out? Back-slapping punctuated with profanities emerged, and the jubilant men and women, boys and girls headed back into town for the biggest celebration ever.

The Goats Got Out!

         Glen’s goats got out, escaping to a dangerous freedom out of the lush, but small pasture. Hilda’s house cat bolted for the door and ran out of doors, barely making it across the street as a car approached. Even Tom’s Teddy, a lovable big dog took advantage of a door left ajar and ran away.
        What is it with these animals? Why, with good provision and safety inside do they have an urge to run away outside? Why is what’s forbidden so attractive?

Family Portrait

Left to right: Sirius, Lady, Rigel, Bellatrix, Pollux, Jewel, Castor, Lollie, Strider, Iris
Double click to enlarge the photo.

Family portrait, “Everyone look this way!

Show us how big, how attractive you are;

Hold still for this wonderful moment.”

Each face posed in quiet contentment,

Togetherness is something to behold;

Fun and games to resume quite soon.

The photo, ink on paper shows a stillness,

A brief moment before action springs to view;

If you were there you held your breath

For this composed family portrait,

Knowing that life will resume very quickly.

Let the fun and games begin!

By Elaine Hardt ©2011
Photo by Peter Hardt ©2011

Are YOU Taking Good Care of Yourself?

Sometimes we are so drawn into the problems -- and needs -- and wants of others that we neglect God’s Temple. “What!” you exclaim. “I’ve got to . . . “ and you rattle off a list of important demands on your time and energy.

        What does the Bible say? “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, Whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”             1 Corinthians 6:19.

        “But, I need to -- I want to -- .” Yes, it’s easy to listen to your own inner taskmaster, but is that your ego speaking?

Hear the Heartbeat of the Little Lamb

Two days old, the lamb so small and vulnerable

Yet alive! A miracle of conception and birth,

A newcomer to life and its mysteries,

Blessed to have the hand of an understanding man

providing shelter, feeding, watching, caring.

The lamb, so like you and so like me,

Seeing so little of all the rest of the world,

Knowing so little of all there is of life,

Thriving in the care of the Good Shepherd

Who provides, feeds, and watches over us.

Here our comparison fades, as we see anew

How complicated our relationships are.

We must yield our stubborn assertions,

Content to let God’s Son teach us truth

And lead us to His eternal dwelling place.

by Elaine Hardt ©2011

Photo by Carlene Hardt ©2011

Double click to enlarge photo. 

Amazing, Scientific Thinking

Look up in the sky, everything just happened!
Scientific thinking is just dandy;
There’s no Divine Intelligence, no Creator,
Our philosophy is just handy.

With no one to credit, then no one to obey
Naturally we can do as we please;
Life comes and goes, and somehow we’re related
To primeval slime, and birds and bees.

But some call for respect and greater care
To honor Gaia, Mother Earth,
From ancient times until today
We decide upon everything’s worth.

Upon Viewing Those Wrinkles

There’s a beauty in those wrinkles,
Demonstrating persistence and care;
The skin has served its purpose,
Covering up what’s inside there.

We respect its reasons for being
A mark of longevity, token of time;
Consider yourself blessed to have some,
I’m talking about yours, not mine.

“Now, is that nice?” said a voice in my head
As I was writing this for you,
“Honestly, take another look
Seems that you already have a few.”

Celebrate Winter, Celebrate Life

Celebrate winter! Celebrate life!

Appreciate your circumstances —

Even the difficult ones —

For in the struggle you can grow stronger,

And others may be watching.

May your life be an encouragement

To others who experience hard times.

Yes, it’s winter, but spring is coming soon.

Photo by Carlene Hardt ©2011 who notes, "Swans can run on the ice because they have claws at the end of their webbed feet."
by Elaine Hardt ©2011

A Wake-up Call From Disappointment, Your Temporary Friend

        Hello, this is Disappointment calling. Don’t hang up! I have an important message for you. And I promise I won’t stay long, if you’ll take the time to listen now . . .
        Today, I am your Temporary Friend. And, I won’t move in and take a long time, if you give me a short time now.
        I don’t deliver solutions; those are hidden from you in plain view. I hang around and keep you from going on like you’ve been going on.
         So, settle back in your chair and let me do you a big favor. Ready?
        From this vantage point take a backwards view. You stood for awhile in the sunshine of a small success, then shadows advanced.
        Now, here I am with my advance notice to you: things won’t improve until . . . until . . .

How to Watch the Evening News

        Several friends recently confided to me that they don’t watch the evening news on TV anymore. I agreed that the news reports are mostly no fun, and watching for an hour and a half at supper time interferes with family conversation.
        We don’t need to listen or watch the news all day long, but we do need to know what’s happening. To prudently prepare we need to be properly informed. Honestly, we cannot ignore or deny the problems of our town, our nation, and the world. So, what can we do?

What Is This Stuff?

The first look at the strange, cold, white stuff. Life is about learning, isn't it?
Tigger makes acquaintance with snow.  Do you remember meeting snow for the first time? Capture the scene when you can, and write about it, too.  Make a memory and have fun.

(Thanks to Carlene for this photo.)

Where in the World?

        One of the features of blogspot.com is the Stats.  From May 2010 to February 2011 this EncouragingU blog has been viewed in the U.S., Netherlands, Germany, Canada, UK, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland, Moldova, and Japan.  Wouldn't it be fun to keep it going to these places, and even more places!
        As your own personal outreach why not pass along to your family, friends, and colleagues this URL, www.EncouragingU.blogspot.com and we'll take another look later to see where in the world it goes!   Let's encourage people to turn to God; let's point people to the blessings of His love!

You Are the Only One Who Can Do THIS.

Glancing at the calendar, yes, there will be a Valentine’s Day this year. Merchants of all types have been clamoring for attention for weeks already. Buy this, buy that, etc. But, whoa down. There is one gift that is totally irreplaceable for that special kid, or sweetie-pie, or friend. You are the only one who can do it and give it. And it doesn’t cost any money. Read on, because you are the only one who can do THIS.

Hunting for Happiness

        Of course, I peeked. As the packages arrived via mail or UPS I unwrapped them and set gifts on the table in the dining room. Of course, I could then reuse the wrapping paper and pretty bows for someone else’s presents.
        I must say that time is running out; my birthday is only five days off, and disappointment has made its home on my face.
        The presents so far include a new one-handed can opener from Mom, a fuzzy brown knit scarf from Judy, green-handled pliers from Don, and an indoor-outdoor thermometer from Ed. Oh, well; I’ll see what today brings.
        After a rerun of last night’s leftovers, green chili burros topped with sour cream, I stretched out on the couch for a few minutes.
        The doorbell rang, and it was a delivery. Hoo-boy, a big box! It turned out to be a box of Thankfulness. Inside was Roof Over My Head, two week’s supply of Groceries, and a bottle of Good Health. The giver was God, and yes, I bowed my head right then to thank Him for these gifts.
        The afternoon flew by as I ran the vacuum cleaner and disrupted some dust particles throughout the house. Yipes! It was time for the evening news on TV. I felt that it was my duty to remain informed, even though the news around the world was mostly bad.
        Again, scanning those presents I did recall that God has given me a bountiful measure of Safety and Protection, and Provision of Income. Again, I whispered a prayer to Him.
        Later, for some reason as I went in the bedroom to turn on the electric blanket before bedtime I glanced at the vanity mirror and was shocked to see a scowl on my face. What was the matter?

Hidden in the Clutter of Today

A new day

brings new challenges

disguised as pesky problems;

It takes determined eyesight to

pierce the darkness of difficulties

and behold the dawning

of God's new day

of promise

and blessing!

by Elaine Hardt ©2010

Ordering Up a Birthday Blessing for Joy

        “Hello. You’ve reached Birthday Blessings. How may I direct your call?”
        “Ummmmm. Oh, you’re really there. This is not a recording, is it?”
        “Yes, this is real. We are happy to personally handle your requests. Which department would you like to contact?”
        “This is regarding a birthday coming up for Joy Ann Hardt. Do you need her ID number or military designation or her email address?”
        “No, ma’am. Joy Hardt is in our database because we are cross-referenced with prayer requests. And I see by records here that you sent a prayer request for her yesterday.”
        “Yes, but now it’s time to get going on a birthday blessing. I don’t know how busy you are at this time of year. Oh, I guess that’s no problem for you!”
        “Do you have a specific idea, or do you want our Surprise Me! Special?”

Sizing Up Last Year

Here’s a little challenge, a reminder that has good potential benefits for each of us. Consider the events of last year: What was the best? What was the worst?
What new skill did you attempt?  What plan of yours succeeded?
What’s the most helpful lesson you learned?
From aggravation to inspiration, we can learn from a little time spent in assessing and analyzing the year just past. This puts us in a better position to make improvements in the coming year.
May your new year be bright
As you clarify your sight;
May you learn and do well,
Your story of faith, tell.
May you grow inwardly stronger
As you live your life longer!
God has blessings to give,
It’s your choice how to live.

By Elaine Hardt ©2011