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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Looking Ahead, Planning Ahead

Looking ahead, planning ahead, setting my goal,
Preparing for the future of my body and my soul.

Finding the facts, using logic, deciding what to do,
I know I certainly need to find out what’s true. 

One day I’ll stand before the LORD in eternity;
Life: what a challenge, what an opportunity!






Monday, December 24, 2012

You Will Remember THIS December

You will remember THIS December
If you’ve found that holiday peace
That comes from a personal quiet time:
A new satisfaction will increase.

You’ll give yourself the bold honesty:
Ask God about your uncertainties;
Yes, speak directly to the LORD,
Tell Him your perplexities.

You’ll gift yourself with thoughtfulness
When you treasure a time of prayer;
This can meet your greatest need,
And of course, you certainly do care!

Why now?  

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Are You a Christmas Person?

        Are you for Christmas, or against Christmas?  Is it a matter of gimme-gimme-gimme, or showing off when we give something to someone else?  Is it outdoing the neighbors in decorating house and yard? 
        Is it party time, dress up time, go to see all the cute holiday movies?  Whose birthday is it, anyway?  Santa Claus or Jesus of Nazareth?
        Beyond this, a deeper controversy is heard every year.  Dare we do any of the “worldly things” for Christmas?  Are we being bad to take part in any kind of celebration?
        A look into the Bible brings to light some facts.  Nowhere are we commanded to keep December 25 as a holy day.  Nowhere does it specify that Jesus was born on December 25. History shows some pagan traditions that do claim December for their unChristian beliefs.
        Do we advance the cause of worldly traditions when we take part in some of them?  No, there is an advantage for the believer and a blessing we can give to the unbeliever.

Saturday, December 08, 2012

The Christmas Worry

        I need to tell someone.  Maybe you’d consider this?
         It’s almost Christmas!  People are going to send out some Christmas cards.  It’s an outreach to some relatives and some friends; it’s not just to provide jobs for the postoffice.  These people (that’s you . . . ) need to be encouraged to write — in their own words — about God’s magnificent love that we each desperately need to personally accept.  
        "Aaaack," some will frown or declare or yell.  “I don’t want my relatives and friends to label me a Religious Nut.”  
        (Please be patient and read on.  This is only 654 words long.  You can do it?)

Saturday, December 01, 2012

A Little Bird Alone in Winter


Pretty little bird, sparrow hawk bird,
     Go ahead and sing your song,
       Although you seem to be all alone
          In a stark white-frozen world.
Without anticipation or worry or fear
     You do what God created you for,
        Reminding us of the beauty
           And resiliency of life:
              His magnificent creation.
                     Sometimes I, too, feel alone
                            Surrounded by icy delusion,
                               The world stiff and numb with pride, 
                                   Hearts solidified in serious confusion.  

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Christmas is Coming Again

Christmas is coming again;
Here’s another celebration!
Realize you can prioritize;
Isn’t that an inspiration?
Stop the seasonal frustration, 
Take time for contemplation,
Make a memorable situation,
Allow for joyous appreciation;
See anew God’s love! 

By Elaine Hardt ©2004 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Giving Thanks

        “Shout for joy to the LORD all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness
Come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.


Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise
Give thanks to Him and 
Praise His name.
For the LORD is good
And His love endures forever,
His faithfulness continues
Through all generations.

Psalm 100 NIV

Photo by Peter or Carlene Hardt ©2012  (Click on photo to enlarge it.) 
Lamb is Otis, 11 lb at birth. Born 11-13-12 at Peter’s farm. 
Mother is Sunny,   Father is Strider

Thankful for the LORD's blessings.
Thankful for you. 

Monday, November 12, 2012

A Birthday Letter to God

DEAR GOD,  I want to thank You that I was born to my mama.  I didn’t know anything at the time, except that I had been disturbed.  I didn’t know Your whole world was waiting for me.

It’s been little by little for me to see and experience and find out about this place where mama and daddy had been living for more than 20 years before I came.  They told me a little about You for my curiosity. 

Now, I want to thank You for letting me live on Your earth for this long.  There has been a lot for me to learn, and even before I appreciated You being our Creator, You have been taking care of me.

I found out that some things I did were not good for me, not nice to do to my later siblings,  and not kind to do to my hard-working parents. You are the most patient One I have ever heard about.  Later, I found out that I should apologize to You, so I did.  And, how nice that You forgive me for being careless, clumsy, and crabby.  

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Veterans' Day 2012

On Veterans Day we pray for peace;
we know we need the LORD's blessing.
Let each of us speak honestly to our Maker right now.

Pray protection for the veterans and those in the military services.
Pray for healing for the wounded.
Pray courage and comfort for their families.

Thursday, November 08, 2012

My Prayer Was Not Answered

LORD, You didn’t answer my prayer;
My earnest request You did not heed,
Still, I cannot doubt that You care,
Yet, You did not give the help I need.

I tried to speak each honest word
With logic and intensity;
People question if You even heard,
Now I ask, am I praying carelessly?

Thursday, November 01, 2012

The Hardware Store and YOU

Ah, the candy store for grownups . . . the hardware store.  What a huge assortment of useful stuff.  “They’ve got everything from those metallic twisty-pointy-things to those adorable sets of dessert plates!” exclaimed Patty.  
You knew that was a woman speaking?  
For a man, his education is not complete until he knows the names of each of the tools, accessories, the parts and pieces, stuff in bottles, jars, and cans that make a home, or a farm, or a building.  From start to finish, from maintenance to improvements, the hardware store offers more than what you need; they offer what you didn’t realize that you’d like to have.  
        Walk in on Saturday and smell the free popcorn at the door.  

Saturday, October 27, 2012

You've Noticed Google Translate?

       On Blogger.com Stats for last month it was fun to see the total Pageviews of 317.  Audience listing was United States, U.K., Russia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Finland, France, Ukraine, Indonesia.  Pageviews by Operating Systems show 58% of views using Windows, 37% using Mac, and also a few by Linux, iPad, and iPhone.
     It's exciting to think that we can reach people with words of encouragement, thanks to Google Translate, that little icon at the top of our home page.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

A Huge Misunderstanding by Alex's Friends

         Alex died last week and his friends think he has gone to some outer-space Paradise, or some wonderful spiritual Heaven.  They know he died in that shooting; they went to the graveside service and sang, “Kumbaya.”  They picture him as smoking, sitting around with a new gang of friends, catching up on the exciting life-stories of how they did life on earth to suit themselves.
Now, Alex is in a new lifetime of Heaven, or is it Hell?  Never mind; as long as he’s in good company Alex will be happy.  And being happy is the real goal, isn’t it? 
What is really happening?  Where is Alex now?  
The time for you and me to ask serious questions is now.  The time to take a new look at our lifestyle is now.  Dying is so permanent.  Anyone can conclude that our life here on earth has some sort of meaning, some sort of lesson to be learned, some sort of investment for the future. But not everyone agrees on that future.  
        See if I can show you a logical answer. 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Are You a Carrot . . . An Egg . . . Or, a Coffee Bean?

Now and then, in life we get into hot water……
adversity, troubles, etc. 

If you are a carrot, you are now strong, hard and unrelenting …..
the hot water may make you soft and weak.

If you are an egg, you are now hard on the outside, but soft on the inside….
the hot water will make you hard on the inside, too.

If you are a coffee bean now…the hot water will be changed by you being in it.  
You will release your flavor and fragrance. 

"Now, that's a silly poem," someone has said,
"but there's a little food for thought, anyway!"

Dear LORD, make me better today,
come into my heart, empower me to change, to be, to do.  

by Elaine Hardt ©2006 (to start) and 2012 (now finished) 

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Remember This When You View the TV News!

Keeping informed of all the world’s troubles?
Aggravated to watch the TV news?
We see a few selected quotations
And the scenes to prove what the stations choose. 

What should a caring Christian do?

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Bird in Flight

        This swan makes flying look effortless, but what beauty and encouragement we can see.  The LORD's creation has much to teach us when we take the time to look and think and appreciate what He has made.  This photo is by Carlene Hardt ©2012.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

A Prayer in Agreement With God's Word

Dear Father,
I just don’t know what to say right now
for this person and this situation,
But I know this is a call for
a time of focused contemplation. 

Today I found in Your Word:
(and quote the specific verse here in your prayer) 

I come into agreement with You,
I declare a remarkable blessing in this situation; 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Set Free From Life's Disappointments

                                    Stop fussing, settle down;
you can be happy!
God wants to set you free 
from life’s disappointments.
He wants you to learn
to be stronger and wiser.

The LORD knows your frustration
as disappointments crowd in.

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Confidence

Call on the LORD, come to Him!
Open your mind, open your heart!
Name that problem “Challenge”! 
Faith, not feelings is what to find!
Invest your time in His Word!
Daily decide to dialog with someone different! 
Expect to grow as you stretch!
Name that challenge “Opportunity”!  
Christ is empowering you to do what He calls you to do!   
Encourage others by your example!  


But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, 
protected by the armor of faith and love, 
and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.”
 I Thessalonians 5:8  NLT  
By Elaine Hardt ©2012

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The Future: A Fearful or Faithful Response?

The future will be an adventurous time, 
But I’ve never imagined such a scary thing!
More is at stake, there’s no turning back;
Tensions rising, uncertainties overwhelming.

Hyper-technological governments now able
To accomplish tyranny and destruction easily;
Greater evils are possible, everything is magnified:
Terrible personal and national calamity.

The future is a challenge to greater courage,
Sacrifice, thoughtful, well-planned preparation;
Time must be spent in search and analysis,
And for each of us, definite determination.

We must stand strong now, and encourage each other,
We must turn to our Creator God in honest prayer;
He calls us to obedience: see His power, love, and grace: 
Will it be fear or faith? I write this because I deeply care. 

  By Elaine Hardt ©2012

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Standing at the Sink, Doing Dishes

         The dishwasher machine isn’t clear full, but there are some delicate cups and saucers that need a gentle touch.  A  big skillet and glass lid will be next in the sudsy water . . . 
Standing here at the sink, doing dishes tonight brings an unexpected memory to mind.  I visualize my mother standing at the sink, doing dishes at Bethel Church. This was over 30 years ago. 
The church’s kitchen is large, well organized, and the serving window opens to the main room, now being set up with tables and chairs for the women’s luncheon at noon. Six ladies were carrying in table decorations, spreading pastel tablecloths, and arranging low bouquets on mirrored squares in the center of each table.
There were nearly 100 dusty cups and saucers taken down from high shelves, and it was quicker to do them by hand, mother said.
When Denise came over and asked if she would like to arrange the flowers and put around the place tags, mother said no. She’d just do the dishes. Instead of taking a more visible spot she’d do the quiet, behind-the-scenes necessities; that was my mother. 
Then I recalled a TV preacher I’d heard earlier this evening.  He urged  the listeners to make a home altar for worship, a daily time of unhurried prayer and praise. He suggested denoting a special chair in the bedroom or front room.  
Here, I put two and two together.  For mother the quiet place was standing at the sink, doing dishes in the kitchen. Us older kids would be at the dining room table doing homework; younger siblings would be playing in their bedroom.  
Good idea, I thought.  When I am here at the sink, doing dishes this will be a place for prayer. Now it’s just me and my husband at home, and he’s catching up on some news on the computer in his office.  I spoke aloud, “Dear Father,  this can be my quiet place!”

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Bible Olympics

Picture this:  people of the Bible competing in a Special Olympics.  Match the name of the “distinguished expert” with the amazing event of physical strength, agility, and expertise.  
       The People: 
  1. Elijah
  2. Jacob
  3. Jonathan
  4. The Benjamanites
  5. Peter and Jesus
  6. Samson
  7. Jehu
  8. Naomi and Ruth

         The Events 
               Wrestling
               Water Walking
               Left-handed slingshot event
               Running
               Long-distance Walking
              Chariot Racing
              Honorable mention in Archery
              Weightlifting

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Some Questions to Consider, Personally

Is there an adventure not attempted? 
Tender feelings not expressed?
A challenge side-stepped, which might have made you stronger?
Light-hearted humor too long repressed?
An interest, a talent not developed?
Some desired exploration up to now unknown?
The heart’ s desired relationship with God unfulfilled?
A flower garden neglected, seeds not sown?
A goal that seemed daunting, but might have proven worthwhile?
A friendship left to languish for lack of a little time?
A sin not confessed, a fear not faced?
Some story not related? A mountain never climbed?
Compliments stubbornly stuck in the craw?
Self-forgiveness still denied?
Generosity never released?
Blessings of obedience to God not realized?
Are there words left unwritten or unsaid
which would be someone’s treasured memory?
Check yourself . . . Opportunities await;   
Consider these questions, personally.
                                                                                         
         by Elaine Hardt ©1998

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

* * * DEFEAT DISCOURAGEMENT * * *

One decision at a time . . . 
One day at a time . . . 
It may not look like a big deal to others,
But it offers you a great possibility. 

Friday, July 13, 2012

Look at Loneliness

             Loneliness called out to Roger as he trekked along the back trail to Woodland.  He turned and noted with some alarm darkening clouds approaching behind him.  A practical man, he decided to catch a quick break under the thick branches of a spreading oak tree before he’d double his efforts to keep ahead of the storm.
First, he glanced around for his own safety, then sat down on a log. The voice from somewhere called again, “Loneliness!  Loneliness!” 
He took a long drink from his canteen; no sense being so thirsty, surely there’d be water ahead somewhere soon.  
Logic tried to bring Roger some peacefulness in his mind, but Loneliness wouldn’t leave.  Roger tightened his grip on his walking stick, as if muscles could do what his mind refused to do.  
The rain came as gentle sprinkles at first, which soon were outdone by piercing hard slashes of rain.  Roger pulled his hat more firmly on his head, hunching over to spare his face. The tree deflected a lot of the downpour, and that led to an unexpected blessing.
Time seemed to stand still, and everything was quiet all around him.  Then, it came again as if on cue, the word “Loneliness!”, but this time it was definitely coming from right beside him as he was sitting on the log.
“What? What is going on! Roger’s man-sized sensibilities had to inquire.  “Oh, God, what’s going on!”  It wasn’t a question; it was more of an aggravated exclamation of a person nearly losing his cool. 

Thursday, July 05, 2012

A Vacation for Wonder Dog

House for sale; real estate people walking strangers through your house; a job promotion to a dinky town 3 hours north so Paul now commutes back on weekends.  It’s enough to give a person a headache.  What about the dog?
Samson, the wonder dog must be suffering, too.  Watching the packing, seeing boxes of stuff carried out to the garage, furniture rearranged to make the rooms look less cluttered.  Seeing her master only briefly.  What was going through her doggie-brain? 
All month, the dog, an 8 year-old Belgian Malinois, had begun showing symptoms, loss of appetite, lack of energy.  In the last few days it had gotten worse.
Now, it was time for Patti’s week-long trip to see her folks in Ohio.  With tickets bought last October she looked forward to a break, but also was reluctant to put Samson under more stress by leaving him with Paul’s folks in Hidden Valley. An anxious phone call Thursday expressed their concerns.  
“Samson will be fine with us,” Dale assured them.  
Late Friday afternoon their pickup pulled into the Hidden Valley driveway.  With her doggie bed and toys unloaded and arranged in the front room Samson no doubt remembered staying here before.  With Paul and Patti’s schedule of travel and business he’d been over to “grandma’s” house for a long weekend every few months. 
The first thing after hugs and kisses goodbye  Dale and Lois laid hands on the dog and asked the Lord to heal him and keep him safe while he was in their care.  Then they tentatively offered him a tiny bone-shaped “goodie.”  He ate it and looked up with big, brown eyes.  
Strange, isn’t it, how two otherwise normal adults turn into doting parents when there’s a dog to care for.  They crawled across the floor to retrieve his plush ball, they patted his head, they told him how handsome he was.  And they waited.  Would he eat or get sicker?
By Monday morning he was the picture of health.  He had been eating for two days, was drinking water, had his normal elimination. He was peppy and wagged his tail. Lois and Dale were elated.
Then, in a stroke of silliness Lois put a tape of Hawaiian music on the player to set the proper exotic atmosphere. A blue sheet draped along a couple of end tables became an ocean background. She arranged a multicolored beach towel, a tall glass filled with blue water, a tiny drink umbrella taped to its rim, and some seashells scattered on the floor. With an orchid-colored silk flower lei around his neck Samson was ready for a photo of his “vacation in Hawaii.”  Samson loved to pose for photos, so it was no trouble getting him to sit still.  
A half dozen Polaroid photos in hand Lois lettered a piece of paper, “Aloha from Hawaii.  Having a great time.  Wish you were here, Samson.”  
Dale played along with the idea and took the envelope to the post office for overnight, priority mail to send to Patti, in care of her folks’ address in Ohio.  
The house has not been sold yet, and things are still unsettled for Paul and Patti— Dale and Lois are still praying about that — but they enjoyed being part of the Lord’s blessing for them and the wonder dog, Samson.     ###

by Elaine Hardt ©2001 

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Prayer for a Good Trip

Heavenly Father, this is our prayer for a good trip.  
     You are our Father and we are your children. 
     We come to You with humility and with confidence. 
We’re heading out on a trip, 
     and need Your provision and protection.
You know what’s ahead, 
     We’d like a predictable and happy journey.
We ask for Your help, and we claim Your blessing
Protection for our home and possessions while we’re gone:
     no storms, no fires, no vandals, no problems, 
     concerning all You’ve allowed us to have at home.
No accidents, no incidents, no tickets, no troubles,  
Not even see an accident.

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Put Memories in Writing

 If you put your memories in writing they’ll last longer.
     Your life experiences may help someone else grow stronger.
Consider the challenges, troubles, decisions, success, too.
     You can pass along helpfulness by writing how you got through.  
By Elaine Hardt ©2012 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Take a New Look at Faith

Find the LORD by opening your heart,
    Accept the LORD by asking Him into your life,
        Invite the LORD to show you what He wants you to do, 
            Trust the LORD as you turn from your sins,
                Hear the LORD as you read His Word.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Ten Good Reasons NOT to Forgive Someone

      So, how is life treating you these days?  Everyone acts nice, talks nice?  When you’re on the verge of a misunderstanding the other person is kind and courteous?  Other people respect your opinions and overlook your few, insignificant flaws? 
 No?  There are a few thorns in your path of life?  You feel irritated, just thinking of it now? 

Take a look at one person who had ten good reasons NOT to forgive someone.   Try to put yourself into this person’s situation; imagine how he must have felt and how he must have reacted. 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Confidence? Right? Right!

“Let me be in the right place, at the right time,
and say the right words to the right person.”
This is a personal conversation with my Maker
that removes fear, doubt, anger, confusion.

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Get It? Got It. Good!

Get it?   Someone is concerned enough to ask me,
So I take a look and think, considerably.
Got it.    What a relief then to realize
That information I could conceptualize.
Good!    Someone cared and that’s encouraged me,
A lesson learned, so I responded thoughtfully.
Is there no end to new things to learn and do?

Monday, June 04, 2012

What a Relief! It's "None of My Business"!

        The evening news on TV was especially bad. A new outbreak of violence overseas, a severe storm on the east coast, a horrible accident on the Interstate — and that was just for starters.  I sat in the blue velvet recliner in the living room, taking in all the gory details of an ordinary day out there in the world.  
     Actually, it happens every single day, with only minor changes. Murder, crime, disaster, deception. The whole world is hurting; the whole world is bent on evil and destruction.  
     For some reason last night the events seemed overwhelming, so I left the room —as if that could stem the tide of pain and fear and disgust that enveloped my heart.
     Lord,” I began to pray, “I hate to tell you this, but things are worse than yesterday.”

Friday, June 01, 2012

Made Any Discoveries?

Considered any new evidence? 
Recognized your determination? 
Challenged to examine your logic? 
Noticed some areas of uncertainties? 
Appreciated a new view of opportunities? 
Remembered that life’s struggles have made you stronger? 
Felt a lack of peace of mind, but will address that issue soon? 
Reminded yourself to show enthusiasm about learning? 
Decided to take a new look at beliefs of life and death? 
Talked to your Creator and received His love?

by Elaine Hardt ©2012

Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Flag is Flying


Maybe you've seen this flag photo.  It reminds us to appreciate our nation and God's blessings. Photo explanation: www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/cross-flag.htm  

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Memorial Day 2012

       The calendar announces what we should know,
       Memorial Day will very soon arrive; 
       Distracted by the clamor of entertainment
       By performers and politicians with pride,
       But thoughtful Americans will rightly
       Lay such confusions temporarily aside.
       Men and women have served, are serving our nation!
       We will give honor, to whom honor is due,
       Freedom comes with a heavy price to be paid;
       We must remember the battles, that’s true!
       Dictators and evil forces are always a threat;
       We must be alert, aware, prepared — me and you!  
       Remember our patriotic holidays!  
       Many have died that we might live free;
       Pray for the wounded and their survivors, 
       Pray for our leaders to act responsibly.
       We’ve made many sinful choices and must repent;
       Pray for our nation and its morality.
       America stands at decisive crossroads,
       No matter what the careless people say;
       Each of us must honor and obey the LORD,
       Thank God for His blessings every day.
       Live as if it really matters, and it does!
       So we remember our heroes again today!
By Elaine Hardt ©2012