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

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!”

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

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