The Soft, Little Stuffed Lamb on the Table

      A little lamb in their backyard waits for Passover, but a little stuffed lamb sits on my table, waiting for “Easter.” Many people choose decorations of cute rabbits and baby chicks, baskets of fake green straw and candy, I want my family to focus on the fuller meaning of the day.
      What is Passover? In the Bible we read about this event and the powerful results of obedience to God. (See Exodus 12:1-13, Deuteronomy 16:1-8).

Roots Are Needed for Life & Strength

Roots, not seen -- but so necessary,
The life link for flowers, crops, trees;
I know I need to be rooted in Christ,
That’s the only way my life will please.

LORD, root me wide and root me deep
in our relationship’s inner place;
I give all glory to God as I dwell
secure from life’s storms, safe in His grace.

Others are looking for substance and food,
I want the fruits of the Spirit growing;
                                         What a blessing to others and to me
                                         When my love for Jesus is showing.

by Elaine Hardt ©2012

What's Happening in Ghana

        Granddaughter Joy's orphanage in Kpando, Ghana is shown on www.facebook.com/HardtHaven.  They'll celebrate the 5th anniversary on May 28.   Joy and co-founder Edem are in the photo.  Other photo shows Joy treating one of the little boys.  (Joy now is serving in a Navy Hospital in California.)   Remember to pray for these needy little kids, the volunteers who come to help, and Joy, and the HH board who oversees the outreach.  They serve with love.

What is JOY?

JOY is not a silly, giggly, childish thing—

A response to a frivolous jest,

Joy is a deeper, heart-felt quality

That makes it one of the best.

JOY is a simple, profound look at the truth;

It’s a gift that comes from the Lord above,

A response of trusting and obeying Him,

A relationship of love.

By Elaine Hardt ©2012

No . . . and Yes

      Janie put her foot down — Greg gave in. It had gotten to be a long-standing pattern. Now it would be different. Things had changed, and time was running out for Greg Anderson’s dream.
      The first time was still etched in his mind.

***

      “Sweetheart, I just couldn’t wait until your birthday. I want you to have this.” Greg grinned as he put the small box in Janie’s hand.
      The small diamond sparkled against the blue velvet, just as a sudden tear sparkled in Janie’s blue eyes.
      “Oh, Greg. No. I can’t take this engagement ring. Not unless you promise you won’t go into law enforcement. I’d always worry myself sick.”
      For a long moment Greg embraced Janie wordlessly. Then she handed him the box and smiled, “You are so talented. I’m sure you will be a success at just about anything.”

Can't See God?

We can’t see God, like we see a person,

And you question if He’s there;

It makes a big difference to know,

And does He really care?

Did He fashion a complex universe

Down to the small details we find?

So is He astoundingly powerful?

Can He also be loving and kind?  

From ancient times people have wondered,

And some still bow to statues or tree;

Others frustrated with questions

Exclaim, “I will just wait and see.”

Uncertainties, Troubles, Bad News, etc.

Some uncertainties snuck into my head
As I prepared to climb into my bed:
“What if — how did — and when and where and why?
Shall I get mad — or get even — or cry?”

I knew I needed to chase them away,
So I began to speak out loud and pray,
“Dear Lord, I reject each troublesome thought!”
And here a bedtime battle was fought.

Discovering the New Me

It finally dawned on me that God meant what He said;
   I’ve been called, blessed,
       gifted by His Spirit, given a new life,
          changed and changing, through and through.

I’m not to be average, normal and content,
   passive, set in my ways,
      know-it-all,
          a friendly person who is self-centered, too.