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Let’s Compare Santa with Jesus

1. You have to stand in line to talk to Santa.       Anyone (not just kids) can talk to Jesus wherever they are and whenever they want to talk to Him.
2. Santa doesn’t really know what we want or need.       Jesus knows this even if we don’t tell Him. 
3. Santa comes once a year.       Jesus is here every day, all the time.
4. Santa travels by sleigh to your house and comes down the chimney.      Jesus is with you whenever and wherever you are.
5. Santa keeps track of the good kids and the bad kids.      Jesus does know who is being good or being bad, but when we confess our shortcomings and sins to Him we can be forgiven. Jesus loves us!
6. Santa comes on Christmas Eve when we’re tucked in bed, and he does not come to see us.  Santa leaves some presents and leaves until next year.      We can’t see Jesus yet, but when we go to Heaven we will always be with Him. 
7. Santa was written in some poems, stories, and songs, and is celebrated in various ways in different nations around the world.  Many variations can be tracked down.        The coming of Jesus was prophesied in Scripture for hundreds of years before He was born, and in the New Testament we can read a lot about His life, what He did and what He said.  There were a lot of witnesses to His life.
8. Santa is just for little kids; the older ones have figured out he is a fictional character or their friends told them the truth, even though their parents acted like Santa was real.     Jesus is for anyone of any age, living anywhere in the world. We can read about Him in the Bible.  
9. The actual St. Nicholas was a Greek Christian bishop who gave generous gifts to the poor.  His remains were taken to Bari where a basilica was constructed for half of his skeleton. The other half consisted of minor fragments collected by Venetian sailors and taken to Venice where a church was built.       Jesus was crucified and died.  After three days in the tomb He arose from the grave, and 40 days later He ascended into Heaven in view of many followers.  
10. We can read the interesting facts and fables about Santa, alias St. Nick, on the Internet at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus  When we give this topic some serious thought we will be able to discuss the pros and cons of our modern-day Christmas celebrations.       Our friends might not know about Jesus.  It would be a very good thing to tell them what we’ve learned.    # # # 

By Elaine Hardt ©2013

What It Means to Pray

•  a blessing for you

•  a blessing for the one you pray for

•  a stirring of compassion

•  a conversation with your Heaveny Father

•  an opportunity to bring help

Eddie's Christmas Tree Star: the Play

Christmas Coming? Haven't We Been There Before?

Yes, and it’s time to plan for Christmas again.

This time, turn on your imagination and see what’s there!

• Where would you go, if you could holiday anywhere for a week?
• What would you buy for yourself, if you could buy anything?
• Who would you like to spend the day with, if that person invited you over?
• What would you like for dinner, if there were no restrictions at all?  
• See, our first stretch of the imagination is about me-me-me. Let’s try that again, a different way.

• Who would you like to go and help, if you could be of assistance to them?
• Who would you like to give money to, if the cost was no limitation to you?
• Who would you like to have a meeting with, if they’d allow it?  
• When would you have liked to live, if you could have been their hero? 
•  Hmmmmm.  You’re thinking now . . .  Possibilities or impossibilities

• If you knew you could not fail, what huge thing would you attempt?
• If you could succeed in writing a famous book, what would its topic be?
• If you could be featured on any TV show, what program would that be?
• If you could be elected to any office, what position would you choose? 
• Now, with your imagination totally involved, stretch even farther! No one else is listening, it’s just you and your honest replies.

• If you knew you’d die in your own bed tonight what would you do now?
• If you knew you had to tackle some disease before you die, what    strategic response would you make to prolong your life?
• If you knew you’d live strong and healthy for another 20 years, what would you do now? 

Oranges & Tangerines for Christmas

My most memorable Christmas?  It would have to be the year of the oranges and tangerines.   

It was  1944.  The whole world was at war, in the Pacific and in Europe.  But all we children knew was that our uncles wore spiffy uniforms and the grownups listened to the radio news a lot.  We looked forward to Santa's annual visit, secrets and surprises.  

This most special holiday was spent at Grandma's house in Des Moines.  And this year her two-bedroom bungalow bedded down a dozen relatives, give or take a few.  Smiling and capable, Grandma took everything in her stride.   

In a corner of the living room stood a tall pine tree, smelling wondrously of the woods.  It was aglow with colored lights, glass ornaments, handfuls of tinsel.  Underneath was a snow scene of cotton arranged around a real mirror, looking like a frozen pond, with little green bristle evergreens placed around.  A tiny ice skater figurine could gracefully glide its surface, letting small hands take part in imaginative play.

Well, this Christmas was different from all the others in one special way. But I'm ahead of my story.  Turn back a few days, and a hundred miles or so, to Marshalltown,  Iowa.  

Three Words That Cheer You Up

        So, how’s your day going?  Did it start out well?  Things going the way you’d planned?  Improvements coming the way you’d hoped?

        Yes or no?  Read on, anyway.  (There’s a point to all of this.) 

        Here’s three cheery words to try. . . “I’m making progress!”

        Now, give that notion a smile.  Yes, when you are concerned about how you’re handling the challenges and frustrations, not to mention the small success and the little-bitty glimmers of hope, then it is time for you to boldly declare to yourself:  “I’m making progress.”

        Awareness of what’s going on is essential.  Then you size up the hurdles you’ll have to jump.  It might be tricky, difficult, or nearly impossible, but you do want to do better.  You want to succeed at even the little stuff, plus the big life-changing goals you desire.

        So,  what are you waiting for?  Say those three cheery words.  “I’m making progress.”  

Considering Benefits of Greater Things in Your Life

Greater things are a possibility for me!

Greater learning improving personal ability;

Greater satisfaction is something I can achieve,

Greater usefulness is possible, because I now believe.

Greater significant victories!

Greater inner strength and freedom to see;

Greater insight into important things,

Greater happiness that inner freedom brings.

Greater stamina so I don’t so easily tire!

Greater connections with people up higher;

Greater ideas are welcome in my mind,

Greater inspiration I am able to find.

Greater vision and expectation as I sow a seed!

Greater outreach to be a help to others in need;

Greater encouragement I am able to give,

Greater spiritual understanding in how to live.

Greater peace of mind means finding real rest!

Greater determination to succeed in life’s test; 

Greater power comes by exercising faith anew,

Greater things you and I can consider, attempt, and do.

Greater growing in faith and hope and love!

Greater thoughts about dying and going Above; 

Greater accomplishments, greater acknowledgements, too,

Greater expectations that brings hope to me and you. 

Jesus said,  “I assure you: The one who believes in Me

 will also do the works that I do. 

And he will do even greater works than these, 

because I am going to the Father.”  

John 14:12, Holman Christian Standard Bible

by Elaine Hardt ©2013 

Tip-toe Back to Your Childhood Christmas

YES, another Christmas is on the way.  Decorations in the stores have been reminding us since October,  the calendar on the wall makes it plain.  

        You’ve been making lists:  buy this, do that, make some calls, write the Christmas letters.  It’s a little more pressure on an already-busy person like yourself.

        But, take a few moments just now, and tip-toe back to your childhood Christmas.  What do you recall of that Christmas as a little kid?  What was it like when you were in grade school and had that first party?  How did you celebrate in the following years?  Anything you would have changed?

On Veterans Day, We Remember

Proud of our servicemen and women who

Step up to the call of the red, white, and blue;

Duty and honor, hard work, concentration,

Distinguishing themselves and serving our nation.

There’s no surrender when faced with evil force,

We have determined servicemen, and women of course.

Taking an oath under God, upheld by prayer,

Those of us at home are glad they are there. 

What will the outcome of this struggle be?

Will right prevail, will our nation remain free?

Our people want justice, and are willing to fight,

Looking for our flag by dawn’s early light. 

Here Comes Thanksgiving Day

We know there’s a reason for this day in history,

We learned about those Pilgrims and Puritans in school; 

To refresh ourselves with the history here’s a site to see: 

http://www.plimoth.org/learn/MRL/read/thanksgiving-history  

So, let’s plan a family feast and family fun for this season,

Yes, but it’s time to thank God for His blessings!

Sometimes being busy makes us forget this lesson; 

Let’s not forget gratitude is the reason. 

Put honesty to God in your November prayers,

Every day we should remember the LORD,

His Word tells us He loves us, He really cares.

This is definitely a message each of us shares.  

Not just formal words at a fancy dinnertime,

Prayer is a thoughtful habit to cultivate;

So, every day can be a thanks giving time,

Reminding you is the real purpose of this rhyme. 

By Elaine Hardt ©2013

The One Best Word

         Could the “one best word” be the happiest word? The one word that cheers up each person who has a good reason to use it?  Is it the one word you’ve said recently that improved your whole day, maybe your entire outlook on life?

Of course, you make the pronouncement yourself. Perhaps you have thought of other people saying this one word in some situation, but here, just briefly, we are speaking of you.  Read on with yourself in mind.

        That one simple word that is so powerful, so broad, yet it can be applied so specifically, is “temporary.”  Is that what you anticipated?

Anyhow, let’s take a look at its use, its possibilities, its good points. When a tiny zit pops up on a teenager’s face. When company arrives for just the weekend.  When you stubbed your toe in the dark on the way to the bathroom.  When there’s a shipper’s delay in getting that nifty new tool delivered via UPS.  

Even, when the elevator at work is stuck between floors! When there’s a traffic jam on Interstate 19! When your little kid fell off the swings and broke his arm!

As you picture these situations you will probably agree that when that #1 happiest, best word, “temporary,” comes to mind it does help alleviate the stress, frustration, and unhappiness.  

  Instead of totally dwelling on the bad event you can have a measure of relief. Whatever that uncalled for, or stupid, or aggravating event was there’s an expected end to it. Things could go back to normal.  Things might even be improved as a result of thinking about cause and effect and possible prevention and solution.  

When huge unwelcome circumstances invade your household, your job, your commute or your vacation this one happy word, “temporary,” can spur you on to doing some serious thinking, planning, and rearranging. It can encourage you to action. 

By now you have thought of some recent events in your own life that warrant the audible verbalization by you of this word, “temporary.“ You could be writing some short article yourself!

But, before we close this mental exercise there’s one very certain situation where the word “temporary” does not apply. 

Learning How to Disagree

There is something good about disagreements

When you share your point of view;

It can help broaden our communication,

And I can learn something from you. 

It gives us both something to think more about

As I learn the better to explain;

I’m looking for sources of information:

Which is confusing? What is plain?

There is time to control my emotions then

Because the facts must come to light,

So I’m experiencing an inner struggle

To discover what’s really right.

Here’s where I must logically choose my words

Because I want to know what’s true;

And God gives me this time to grow and stretch my faith

with peace of mind; that’s practical, too.

Learning is always somehow helpful to me

When I remember to pray,

“Father, give me the proper attitude and words,

May what I do please You today.”

By Elaine Hardt ©2013

Confident About Going Home

           Three close friends and her few remaining relatives gathered in the hospital room to say goodbye.  Pam had bravely fought off some painful condition, the doctors did what they could, but day after day there was no improvement.  But Pam didn’t say it was hopeless.  She’d smile and say, “One of these days I’m going home.”  

Of course, it didn’t happen.  But when Britanny leaned over to say, “Pam, the doctors say you aren’t going home”  Pam spoke a little louder, but painfully slow.  “I’m going to my Father’s House.  You know,  Heaven!”

Larry reached out his hand to touch Pam’s hand. “You have an amazing faith.”

Later that night, all alone, yet not really all alone, Pam took her last breath and died.

When Larry phoned to tell me I couldn’t help crying. But the joy was greater than the sadness.  Yes,  Pam had faith.  I wondered if I’d have that faith.  

As I pondered those Two Big Questions of life, what is dying like? And,  where do you go? I remembered something I’d read awhile ago. I knew I must write it down to help put it in some kind of sequence in my mind.  

                          Here’s how my writing began: 

Have you ever had a disappointing day?  An aggravating day?  A scary day?  Have you ever been terribly sick?  When you or I feel like complaining to everyone within sight, or even complaining to God, it might help to take a look at a woman who suffered real suffering, and who grew even deeper in faith. 

I Hate to Make a Mistake

I hate to make a mistake,

Either small or with a lot at stake.

Sometimes it evokes a long sigh,

Sometimes I think I want to cry,

But bravely I must keep on going;

Growing comes from improved knowing! 

There are lessons to learn, things to do

To avoid the next mistake, too.

Thinking About Life, These Days

Three lines drifted into my head this morning. 

        Life is downright daily,

        a lot of chores

        needin' repeatin'

Yes, I agreed with the thought as I started setting out the ingredients for breakfast, Eggs Goldenrod.  

So, how would I add to that piece of a poem?  Mention words like “unexpected” and “trouble” and “challenge,” for sure.  Life has its ups and downs. Maybe I’d write something later today . . . 

After clearing off the breakfast dishes it dawned on me.  Those three lines were from a poem I wrote years ago.  Let’s see if I can find it.   And, there it was, an old page from a national publication, Standard, dated February 3, 1985.

Let’s update this poem, was my next thought.  

Then, I reconsidered.  Here’s the poem, then I have an idea for you:  

I WILL Be Happy Today

        Two cheerful sayings came to mind as the storm clouds cleared late in the afternoon. “I will be happy today, no matter what comes my way.” and  “Something good will happen to me, I can be what I want to be.”   

Yes!  Those were two “wise sayings” that I’d written back in 1982.  Amazon.com sells used copies of my book of children’s stories,  Stories From Beyond the Double Rainbow.  Each of the 20 stories has a “wise saying” to learn. 

Besides encouraging children we need to encourage ourselves. Outward circumstances will always have a calamity here and there around the world.  We can’t fix the problems or the politics, the weather or the woeful  or wicked choices that people make.

When we pray we can receive an inner peace of mind.  We can make good decisions by faith in the LORD.  Romans 15:13 declares “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

        Happiness is a choice of our hearts.  Try it today.

by Elaine Hardt ©2013 

Gracias - شكرا - dank u - danke - dziękuję - köszönöm - teşekkür ederim

        You and I are thoughtful people when we pause in our busy lifestyle of going, doing, earning, and entertaining ourselves. Thinking means we can find reasons to be thanking.  

        Did you recognize "thanks" in Spanish, Arabic, Dutch,  German, Polish,  Hungarian and Turkish in the title above? Thanks to www.translate.google.com/  we can find 72 languages of the world both written and audibly spoken.

        We do say, “Thank you” at many appropriate times.  And there’s lots of similar phrases:  express gratitude, show appreciation, verbalize our recognition, give credit, extend acknowledgement.  

        Probably a few words of kind recognition for something someone has said or done or started to do or achieved will show our appreciation.  Perhaps we need to do this more frequently.

        What about thanking the LORD for His blessings?  Even a rainy day can give us reason to pause and give thanks for some aspect of the situation. 
        We don’t need to wait until Thanksgiving Day to express thanks.  : ) 

                                                                                             by Elaine Hardt ©2013

September 11: Days Past and Days to Come

We do not want to forget 9-11,
But current events press all around
And we hardly spend time considering
The evil that killed the innocents
And the bravery of those who ran to save as many as they could.

Each thoughtful person owes themselves 
A lesson to learn, to remember, to honor,
The bigger picture of the past,  the advancing days to come.
Take time for your own quiet prayer to the LORD, 
So we do not forget September 11, 2001. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2013

Vision, Action, Results!

Are things getting better?

Are some things getting worse?

What do you think you can do? 

By our vision

We enlarge our possibilities

Growing in obedience to God

By our actions

We live a new life 

Demonstrating God’s love 

By our lifestyle

We set an example

Giving others something to see and talk about.

By God’s provision 

We are equipped

Expanding an outreach to bring glory to God.  

Is this your focus?  Is this a worthy goal?

Is this a matter for you to pray about? 

Vision, action, results! 

By Elaine Hardt ©2013

Growing Stronger for Today's Challenges

         Consider why and how you can grow stronger.  Consider what your needs are today.  Consider how much God loves you!

        You can grow stronger for today's challenge.  Consider these simple words in this short prayer. 

Dear Father,

I want to learn what You have for me to learn.

   I do want to grow in grace.

I can do better than I’m already doing,

   In my life’s challenging race.

I know others are watching, listening,

   And I want each one to find You,

So strengthen me, help me to be in the right place;

   Show me what — today — I should do!     AMEN.

Did You Notice That Label?

People who disagree with you are labeled for prayer,

People YOU disagree with are also labeled there,

People you hear about in the news,

Those really bad, and those you choose,

People you remember from way back then,

Others pop into your mind from who knows when,

They’re needing God, needing prayer,

So, less complaining when you are there!

The Lord has labeled them for you,

So, caring Christian, what will you do?

By Elaine Hardt ©2013

Your Assignment for This Summer. . . .

Remembering can make you happy, 

Remembering can make you sad;
It all depends upon
The kind of life you’ve had.

Anticipation can make you sparkle, 

Anticipation can make you blue, 

You’re in charge of your feelings: 

The choice is up to you.

Plan ahead with determination, 

Take time for genuine prayer; 

Summer can be a new beginning 

To demonstrate you care!

Enjoy the possibilities,
Stretch yourself and grow; 

Accomplish something useful, 

Summer won’t last, you know!

By Elaine Hardt ©2009

You know, every season of the year presents to you this opportunity.  Pray about your attitude, words, actions.  God loves YOU! 

Freeway Frenzy

        Driving somewhere on vacation?  Watch out for freeway frenzy — theirs and yours!  Take a few minutes to read about a vacation several years ago . . . 

We might have prayed for you this summer.

If you were the red-headed lady in the gray mini-van with three kids in the back, driving the long stretch of highway heading north out of Salt Lake City, we prayed for you.

If you were the truck driver in a shiny blue Peterbilt with an Iowa license pulling a big black tarp-covered load up the mountains of Montana, we prayed for you.

In fact, we prayed for hundreds of drivers.  Young, elderly, in-between. People in cars, pickups, motorcycles, tractor-trailer rigs, even one long white limo.  Maybe you were one of them. 

All along the interstate people seemed to be in a hurry and in a bad mood, too.  When we left enough room between our vehicle and the one ahead some joker was quick to pull in the space.  Everyone was following too closely.  The whole scene was freeway frenzy.  

Ordinarily I would have been a basket case.  But this trip was different.

You Will Do Greater Things

“Greater things! ”  Jesus said you and I would do,

Wonderful things will happen for His Word is true;

We are to trust and obey in His Word we read,

By faith we step out as His promises we heed.

Be aware!  Be brave!  Be strong!  Speak up!  Do it now!

The LORD calls each of us and He shows us how;

Give these words some serious contemplation,

Then step up, shake off unbelieving reservation.

In these dark and hard days, greater things we need,

His Holy Spirit empowers us to do each deed;

We can do greater things — He’s the life, the truth, the way,

Give God the glory for what you can do today.

        By Elaine Hardt ©2013

Serious Thoughts After Reading the Newspaper

There is so much I’m not certain of

So little I certainly know;

I need to be reminded of truth and love

So I don’t lack what I need to grow.

      What do the Ten Commandments tell us about God?

He’s the One and Only

He made us and He made the rules

We are to heed and obey.

His rules didn’t expire long ago.

Not just a fleeting memory of Moses

Written by God on stone, each word

From captivity on their way to freedom

Words of God both seen and heard

 Why do we overlook the Ten Commandments?

Doing bad seems more exciting.

Evil has a strange attraction.

To disobey seems to assert our own desires.

It’s a challenge to not get caught.

Not just words from long ago

Which we can disregard when we want to say

“These are out-dated commandments!

Who decides if they apply today!”  

How can I honor the Creator I’ll be meeting someday? 

Looks like I need to read about Him in the Bible.

Looks like I need to realize what He said.

Looks like I need to realize the seriousness of my own death.

I’ll certainly make that a priority today.

By Elaine Hardt ©2013 

Holding On When You're So Tired

    The man was carrying a very tired youngster in his arms.  The little boy, probably two  years old, laid his head on the man’s broad shoulder.  The child needed rest and security; the child needed someone to take him where he needed to go.   Cuddled up to his father his small hands held on to the man’s jacket. 

     But it was the father’s strong arms, not the child’s small hands that did the holding on. 

     This is the way with you and me.  We are to “hold on” to our Heavenly Father.  
     But our little weak hands cannot give us support and security.  “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms,” Deuteronomy 33:27. 

       Of course, we are tired.  
      The world out there is very big and very unfriendly.  God did not mean for us to face life alone in our own strength.  No matter how old or independent or capable we may have become we always will need our strong Heavenly Father.  
      Clinging to Him doesn’t make us weak; it develops our trust and our obedience. Why would God have given His Holy Spirit to us if we didn’t need Him?  He will teach, remind, and empower us to do what pleases our Father. 

     After a person prays to receive Jesus as his Savior he or she begins a new way of life, a new relationship with God.  It’s not like the old way, the familiar way of living.  This new way is like walking with our hand in the hand of our Heavenly Father.  Always we are to be holding on— and yet in a much grander sense, it is God who is holding on to us. 

     Is this too simple to believe? Or, is it something you really want to do? This is very personal. Now, you are being put on the spot to decide for yourself.  

        Here's a list for you to check out:  

Consider Benefits: Greater Things in Your Life

Greater things are a possibility for me!

Greater learning improving personal ability;

Greater satisfaction is something I can achieve,

Greater usefulness is possible, because I now believe.

Greater significant victories!

Greater inner strength and freedom to see;

Greater insight into important things,

Greater happiness that inner freedom brings.

Greater stamina so I don’t so easily tire!

Greater connections with people up higher;

Greater ideas are welcome in my mind,

Greater inspiration I am able to find.

What's the Bigger Picture?

        While struggling through some kind of medium-sized aggravation or a big trouble you and I might be questioning the reason behind it. Perhaps, like Job,  our friends aren’t any help.  But maybe there’s a bigger picture to consider.  Maybe there is something to learn from this.  
         The book of Job in the Old Testament is an interesting book with lots of conversation after some severe problems hit this well-to-do man.  
Having the friends comment on what they view brings a focus, and Job rethinks, perhaps, or at least rehearses again his understanding of the matter.
The friends observe Job’s behavior and hear his replies.
Job even confesses a weakness on his part.
Later,  (how soon?)  God heals and restores Job and sends a huge, overflowing, visible blessing to Job.
The friends would at that time hear word of the amazing restoration, the amazing testimony of Job.
Is that what is happening to you?  To me?
Someone is observing our struggle, listening to our words, maybe taking part in a conversation with us.  Maybe they don’t immediately have a wonderful change of heart.  But perhaps somewhere, sometime later they do turn to the LORD.
This is the bigger picture that can be an encouragement to each of us.  Our personal struggles can point people to the LORD.
All praise to Him, for loving each of us that much! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2013

Moonlight, Moon Bright

Moonlight, moon bright

You shine up there most every night.

I see you in the blackest sky

And sometimes in the day; I wonder Why.

At times you’re here, then over there,

Amazing how sun’s light you share.

To think men walked upon your face

Boggles the mind of the human race. 

You are big and round, but kind of small,

Amazing that you’re there, at all.

I wonder why God put you there,

Without green plants and breathable air.

No rivers and no ocean shore,

Just rocks and rocks and rocks, some more. 

In His wisdom He had a reason why

To orbit you up in earth’s sky.

Remembering Your Dad

       Don’t let the wrappings of the holiday delay your opening of the package.  There’s something inside that dad gave you.  
For however long you had your dad there were happenings, both small and huge, words said to you, conversations engaged with you, activities demonstrated, activities shared.      
      You heard others talk about him. 
And you asked questions.  From the sweetly innocent childish ones to the more probing questions as you were growing up. 
Today for a few minutes longer, remember your dad.
Photos will help you remember dad.  Used to be big albums stacked in the buffet shelves, then so much easier to view via cellphone and computer. Maybe now posted on social media for the whole world to see.  
What’s inside the holiday awaits your own caring and private view.
Maybe after today’s sports event, the parade downtown, the Father’s Day special at the diner, a stroll through the mall for holiday bargains . . . Well, maybe after the doings of the day you’ll claim some quiet time alone.
Remember your dad.  What he said to do, and how to do it.  Warnings that you heard and saw.  Maybe even examples of what not to do, or what not to say: cause and effect.  
There were times for you to give forgiveness and kindness.  Did he set the example?  
Just for a little longer now, remember your dad.   

1. Places you went with your dad.
2. Songs you heard him sing.
3. Old time sayings you heard him repeat.
4. His favorite things to eat.
5. His jokes.
6. His compliments to you.
7. His compliments to others.
8. The last time he hugged you.
9. The last words you remember saying to him.
10. The last time you went to church together.

      Now, give thanks to your Heavenly Father for His great love.  All of life gives us lessons to learn.  You do want to do your best with the life the LORD has given you.  Do you have a favorite Bible verse about love?
      Remember your dad;  remember your Heavenly Father.   

by Elaine Hardt ©2013

Lost and Found on Father's Day

     Sunday morning at 6:10 a.m. the doorbell rang, followed by a banging on the front room window.  It was to be a Father’s Day like none other. 

      My husband and I were in the kitchen getting ready for breakfast. I got to the window first.  I looked out to see a little old man standing there on the front porch.  Don was right behind me as I opened the door.

      The elderly man was clad in pajama bottoms, a sweatshirt and white stockings.  He had walked through damp grass and gravel. He had been walking, he said, to get away from those crazy people. A lady was going to shoot him with a gun.  

      Don quickly brought out a big folding camp chair from the closet, and we seated our visitor outside on the front porch.  Don went in to phone 911, while I sat on the porch step and held conversation.  He told me his name was Lawrence Fisher and recited an address in Pinetop.  He said there were sick people in that house; they were all crazy.

      I figured out that he’d walked down our street from the Alzheimer adult care home that housed 7 or 8 residents around the corner on Surrey Way.  Who knows how long he had been wandering around.  For some unexplained reason he picked out our house from the others; here he was safe.  And he needed to talk.