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