Grab Your Pencil and . . .

Nick pulled in the parking lot with a big smile.  When he entered the HeBrew coffee shop six friends were already seated at the big back table.  Of course, they expected to hear his cheery greeting.  “Hi, guys and gals!  Only four more days till Christmas.”
“Don’t we know!  The suspense at my house is huge.  My kidlets are peeking at the presents under the tree,” exclaimed Ronson. 
“What I like is the week off work between Christmas and New Year’s” was Miguel’s contribution.
A few other wisecracks were shared before Nick delivered his pronouncement.  “OK.  Do you have a pencil and paper at home?  Or, will you be using your iPad to follow through with my challenge?”
“Wassup, guy?” was the unanimous reply.
“Betcha haven’t done this yet.  My Grandma Marie got me going.  Here’s the thing:  Jot down what you remember from one Christmas when you were a little kid.  Nothing fancy, just the basics.  And, then write something that you remember your grandma and grandpa saying or doing at Christmas.”
Heads nodded.  None of them had written anything like that, and it was definitely overdue.  Nick added, “If you don’t write it down now, you won’t be able to remember nearly so good by next year -- when old age sets in!”
Adelle spoke up, “That’s why my Gramma Becky takes an afternoon nap.  She says that fights off old age.  I think she’s going on 80.”
“Seriously, you will give this a go, and maybe frown once you find time to do it.  But, get the ideas written down.  Go back in a few days and add anything else that’s come to mind. It will be fun!”  was Nick’s encouragement.
Bea smiled at Bennett and gestured, “This is why we privately refer to him over there as St. Nick; he will check up on us.”  
David grinned, “Nick-boy!  That is so practical, so logical.  I’m surprised I didn’t think of it before you.  I get paid for my good ideas at the credit union.  Hmmmm.  Maybe I could suggest that at our staff party tomorrow night.”

Will You Have a Reluctant Christmas?

Will you have a reluctant Christmas?

Is what you want impossible this year?

Perhaps you can reach out to some others

and bring them some unexpected cheer. 

Often simple pleasures, a letter,

a song, a treat or meal that’s shared,

a little visit or a phone call

lets someone know you cared.

Anytime there’s a cloud of confusion

you have a Friend to set you free 

Give God thanks for all you can think of,

in childlike simplicity.  

Allow yourself a new beginning,

Let God’s love give you a new start;

Banish that reluctant Christmas,

Make a celebration in your heart.

By Elaine Hardt ©2005

Of Course, You Can!

I think I can,

Of course, I can,

              I will.

* Considering . . . Announcing . . . Committing  

Preliminary position

Positive possibilities

Pleasing proclamation

* Tentative. . . Encouraged. . . Determined

A little reminder 

A little nudge

A little step in the right direction

* Pondering. . . Deciding. . . Pronouncing

Alert, so I will pray

Aware, so I will plan

Advancing, so I will proceed

* Cautious. . . Confident. . . Celebrating

Prayerfully with respect

Responding to reply

Pursuing the project

* Pray. . . Plan. . . Prepare

You think you can?

  You will?

  Of course, you can! 

                                                                       By Elaine Hardt ©2015

“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”    Philippians 4:13

“And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

              giving thanks to God the Father by Him.”     Colossians 3:17

What Can I Celebrate Today?

What can I celebrate today?

We just finished Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday.  Now it’s on to Advent, the Twelve Days of Christmas, then Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Groundhog Day, etc.

There’s some websites that list well-known holidays, along with strange and funny days that someone proclaimed to be worth celebration.  

Of course, you can always celebrate YOU Day.  That’s the day you appreciate the fact you were born, you’ve learned and achieved a lot, and you deserve recognition.  You’ve survived a lot of near-calls,  probably some illness, and a few days of being ignored or teased or even ridiculed.

You are a special person, know that? 

'Twas the Day After Thanksgiving

'Twas the day after Thanksgiving and time for a rest,

Certainly each year we say, “This was the best.”

With family nearby and some who drove some miles;

We had time to talk and to exchange our smiles.

The food?  Ah, yes, amazing kinds --  a lot and a lot!

It was yummy, and we asked, “Is this what you brought?”  

We had time to help in the kitchen and time flew along,

Finally, the prayer of thanks and the family song.

Yes, we thank God for His many, many blessings,

Then set the table with turkey, gravy, and dressings.

(Well, there was a lot more food, and some doesn’t rhyme,

But I’ll try to be more specific when I write you next time.) 

Catching up on extended family news, you know,

Then more hugs and kisses when someone had to go.

The time flies by when you have fun with family,

Then reluctant good-byes, some day later YOU we’ll see.

We’ll plan ahead and of course, keep each other in prayer,

This is a family of faith, hope, love, and care!

by Elaine Hardt @ 2015 

"Be present at our table, LORD
be here and everywhere adored.
these mercies bless and grant that we
may strengthened for Thy service be."

Blessings for Believers

Assurance of salvation

Boldness to become the Me that He says I can be

Courage to call myself a Christian 

Discovering life’s purpose 

Enthusiasm for every new day

Forgiveness for every sin

Gratitude for every blessing

Success Comes When - - -

Review the basics.
1. Life is full of choices for me to make.
2. In my own ability I cannot make all the right decisions or do all the right things.
3. God allows this so I will see that I need Him in my life.
4. If success was easy we wouldn’t have opportunity to learn.

Come into agreement with what God says.
1. God wants us to be saved, healed, victorious.
2. Jesus has already done it all. He has provided for salvation, healing, victory.
3. God invites us to boldly come and take what He offers.
4. I must personally accept Jesus as my Savior.
5. His Holy Spirit comes to live within us, enabling us to do what pleases Him.

Review what the Bible says about the devil.
1. The devil will lie and deceive us so he can destroy us.
2. He will make us miserable so our testimony is ineffective.
3. He has a legal right to attack us when we are in disobedience to God.

Pray for wisdom, and be obedient to do what God reveals.
1. He will give us direction when we ask.
2. We must listen and obey.

Several Mistakes to Avoid

          We all know by now that it’s a good thing to avoid mistakes.  While we can learn from them it’s evident that life would be more efficient and less stressful if we’d learn by observing the mistakes of others, with the result of making better choices than they did.

Can most people be wrong?

Jesus said that most people make the wrong decision (Matthew 7:13). Busy-ness and stress seem to occupy most people’s time and energy; they coast along with three assumptions that lead to a major mistake. 

What are the three assumptions?

Overwhelmingly, people of all times and all places in life have accepted three common assumptions that the Bible tells us are not true.  

1. God is tolerant.
2. People are good at heart.
3. We can earn God’s approval in some way. 

These three ideas are universally popular, but lead to devastating consequences — a dreadful mistake.  

Why are these assumptions incorrect?

• If God is tolerant, then He is not holy.
• If people are good, then where does sin and selfishness and evil originate?  It’s not a mere lack of education or absence of spiritual awareness that keeps mankind from goodness.
• If there were some way for us to earn or deserve God’s approval, some way to remove all of our imperfections, then God would not have sent His Son Jesus, the Messiah, to suffer and die to redeem mankind.  God’s Word then would have listed all the merits and demerits, and we would be on our own to work hard to assure our place in Life after death.

How Much is Enough?

1. How much  complaining is enough?

2.  How much  worrying is enough?

3.  How much  frowning is enough?

4.  How much   pessimism is enough?

5.  How much  pretending  is enough?

6.  How much  denying your mistakes is enough?

7.  How much  ignoring the situation  is enough?

A thoughtful person considers the circumstances: Who said it?  Who did it?  What happened?  How can this situation be fixed?  What can I do to help?

Here’s a suggestion:  open your eyes and your mind and your heart.

Can you do better? 

No matter how small the situation, no matter how huge the problem there is something you can do:  Pray.  Pray for yourself.  Pray for the others involved.

Reviewing it, is there something you need to confess to God?  Is there something that God reveals to you — now — that you need to say and do?

Life is full of opportunity for you to learn and do and discover and grow.   

                                                     + + +

         

by Elaine Hardt ©2015 

My Version of "The Old Rugged Cross"

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
It was a sad day long ago;
And that’s where my Savior died for my sin.
Yes, the Bible proclaims it is so!

So I’ll commit myself to the LORD,
And tell others of God’s great love;
I will bow at His feet some glad day
When I meet Him in Heaven above!

Oh, I’m grateful to know Jesus paid for my sin
With His blood shed at Calvary;
There was nothing that I myself could yet do.
He revealed God’s love amazingly!

To mankind He displayed His marvelous grace,
In His death He would pardon our sin;
You and I must confess to receive now today
Wondrous forgiveness within!

To my dear Jesus Christ I will ever be true,
I will stand up, declaring His ways;
Holy Spirit empowered, I obey Him and grow,
Dedicated to telling His praise. 

By Elaine Hardt ©2015 

This is my version of George Bennard's hymn from the early 1900s. I think it improves on the message, making it easier to understand, and putting the real focus on Jesus, and not so much emphasis on the old wooden cross on which He died for our sins.  And He arose, and He's coming again!

A New Verse for "Almost Persuaded"

Have you heard this song at your church?  Did you like it? 

Philip Paul Bliss who lived from 1838 to 1876 wrote “Almost Persuaded.” Hear the original song  and read the words at https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1046  Recently, we heard it on a old CD sung by George Beverly Shea.  

The song has quite a message, but it lacks a grand finale.  Here is the final verse that belongs there.  Or, this could be a separate song.  See what you think of my poem: 

Yes, I’m persuaded now to believe!

I invite Jesus the Savior to receive;

His forgiveness I see I need,

His Words I do now heed,

His grace now fills my heart,

My life has a new start!

Thank You, dear Lord. 

     This new verse can be sung with a big smile on your face.  You can have the amazing peace of mind when you’ve thought it through and made that wonderful decision.

Not sure about it yet? You can talk to your Creator right now.  Discuss what’s on your mind.  Realize that what’s out in the Universe did not just accidentally come into being from some lonely, tiny cell.  You were not an accident.  You are a valuable human with tremendous possibilities for doing life very well now, and for transitioning to an eternal life that has no end. 

My Most Practical and URGENT Request

Oh, Lord, help me keep all my marbles!

I don’t want to lose what You’ve given to me;

I don’t want to neglect living good now, as You can see.

Oh, Lord, fix my forgetter!

Help me remember what I’m starting to forget;

There’s so much inside my head, and I don’t want to regret.

Oh, Lord, fix my learner!

Help me acquire the knowledge I’m gonna need so;

The rest of the world keeps doing new stuff that I need to know.

Oh, Lord, fix my sorter-outer!

Help me get things in logical order for work and play;

Have names and dates and places for what I’ll need each day.

Oh, Lord, fix my analyzer! 

Help me improve my thinking things through;

I’d like to understand why and how and when and who.

Oh, Lord, fix my thinker!

Help me notice and find ways to be helpful to others, too;

The world needs to be reminded that Your love is true!

Oh, Lord, fix my attitude!

Help me not lose track of my life’s biggest goal

To go to Heaven when I die; You saved my soul!

Thank You!  Thank You!  Thank You!

                            By Elaine Hardt ©2015

Solving That Problem!

          Got a problem? 

Talk it out

Figure it out

Work it out

This only lacks one thing to say:

Remember to pray!

Got frustration? 

Something’s wrong

Something’s incomplete

Something needs improvement

It’s very important today:

Don’t forget to pray!

Got a plan? 

You need words

You need examples

You need thinking

This might take a little time,

But don’t forget to pray!

Got a response?

Your Creator knows you, 

You know that’s true

You can get headed to Heaven 

You don’t really want to stray! 

So talk to Him: pray! 

Got a challenge?

Life is for learning

Life is for growing up

Life is for you choosing what to do

You’d better not delay:

Now is the time to pray.  

                         + + +

by Elaine Hardt ©2015 

Fly YOUR Flag Tomorrow

Tomorrow is 9-11 Flag-flying Day
And while putting up your flag
Be sure to pray!

There’s some bad situations
Don’t overlook those complications
Be sure to pray!

You need protection
All of us need the LORD’s direction
Be sure to pray!

These times of danger
We know can grow stranger
If our nation does not repent and pray. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2015

This is for YOU

Your  Faith

Your  Troubles

Your  Endurance

Your  Opportunity

Your  Joy

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way,

consider it an opportunity

for great joy.

For you know

when your faith is tested

your endurance has a chance

to grow.

So let it grow,

for when your endurance is fully developed,

you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

James 1:2-3

May God “…make YOU complete in every good work to do His will,

working in YOU

what is well pleasing in His sight…”

Hebrews 13:20-21 

 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, 
and in the power of His might,”  
Ephesians 6:10

Sleepless? Sing a Silent Song

You haven’t drifted off to sweet slumberland just yet?  Sing a silent song.  As you’re lying there in bed find a line of a song that starts with the next letter in the alphabet.  See how far in the ABCs you can get. Here’s the idea:
            A,  abide with me, fast falls the eventide
            B, because He lives I shall live forever
            C, create in me a clean heart and . . .
            D, do Lord, oh, do Lord, oh do remember me
Well, some of those are old songs and choruses from my early days.  Maybe they don’t fit in your memory lane.  So, substitute a line, not even necessarily the first line of the song or chorus that comes to your mind.  See how far in the alphabet you can go.  
Maybe one of your songs will strike a happy chord in your memory and you can recall singing that in Sunday School or church or that youth group from back then. Whatever.  
Give your busy brain a simple task and see how it relaxes you!
Next time you don’t have to try to recall those same first lines; you’ll probably think of some others.  That just proves how helpful your brain can be.  
     And hopefully, some of the lines you’ve remembered will bring back some of the rest of those song lyrics, too. Sleep in blissful sleep.  
                And . . . 

Today’s Troubles Will Test Us

        Lots of words describe trouble:  disaster, forest fire, robbery, wreck, flood, attack, tragedy, violence.   Today’s newspapers and the latest TV and Internet reports bring us a huge list of troubles from here and around the world. 

        What’s the logical thing to do?  Perhaps turn off the TV after an hour of the bad news?  Or, look into the cause and effect of some of the troubles that pique our interest?  Maybe write to our senators, our representatives, and post to social media websites?

        Today’s troubles will test us.  That same fact has applied to each person, even way, way, way back in the olden days.  God allows calamities, disease, failures, wars to get our attention. 

What a Relief!

        Keeping up with the TV news and the Internet postings is a challenge and a chore!  Discussing some of the related issues of what's going on in the nation and the world, we take a look at some really good reasons to exclaim, "What a relief!"
        This is the title of our latest booklet and we give all of our booklets away for free.  Drop us a line and let us mail one to you.  You'll find some info and commentary that you can share with your kids, your friends, your relatives, etc.
        Look at the list of all our booklets which I keep updating, Booklets I've Been Writing.  Maybe you'll find something else that interests you.  

I Can and I Will

This challenge is hard, but I’m going to do it;

This trouble is tough, but I’m going through it.

Trouble can’t last forever — not much longer;

I will not be discouraged, I’ll get stronger.

Though the light gets dim, and I don’t know what to do;

Jesus holds me close, and He will see me through. 

My mind settles down, my lips form a prayer;

I don’t know how exactly, but God gets me there. 

Today's News Is About Terrible Things -- So What?

       Today’s news programs were “normal.” From TV reports to Internet sites there wasn’t any “good” news around the world. Interviews involved picking out a few comments to argue about vehemently for a short time. 

        How do you and I respond?  

1. Turn off the news and avoid thinking about it?  Emotionally and intellectually deny the powerful, horrible truth of what’s going on?

2. Or, give at least one news report a quick listen so we can act like we’re keeping up with the various situations; we’re not careless or stupid?

3. Or, immerse ourselves in all the details we can find in print and on-line?  This way we can show up all the people we might talk with?  We know more facts and opinions of famous people?

       What’s our motive?  Do we have a plan, a goal? Or, is watching the news just a habit that launches the day?

       Does it really matter?  Does what I choose, what I do make any difference in the “big picture” of life? 

         As people who care what’s going on many of us miss our “assignment.”  We are to pray for the misled people to awaken to the truth of good and evil. Pray for the “bad” people to repent of their sins and to hear the good news of the truth of God’s Word.  Judgment from God brings them troubles which are meant to emphasize their need of God:  repent before they die and face eternal consequences.     

        Here’s a few Bible verses to get you started in this calling, 
this challenge to pray for others: 

Yes, It's Ready

        Our newest booklet of encouragement is now ready.  "Good for You!" is number 76 and you'll find the entire list when you go to Labels at the side of this blog page and click on Booklets published.  These booklets are free. We make them on our own computer and printer with ClickBook from bluesquirrel.com. The topics could make for a good conversation at your next opportunity with family, friends, etc. 

Today's the Day

       The flag is flying and the weather is nice.  There's lots of people going places, and TV specials coming. It's a day to celebrate . . . something. 
        Stop for a minute and think about where you are right now.  Anything to be thankful for?  
        Of course, the day's news will have some bad things to report.  Anything to pray about?  
        Make your own personal quiet time of reflection . . . 

The Evening News and YOU

Several friends recently confided to me that they don’t watch the evening news on TV anymore. I agreed that the news reports are mostly no fun, and watching for an hour and a half at supper time interferes with family conversation.  

    We don’t need to listen or watch the news all day long, but we do need to know what’s happening.  To prudently prepare we need to be properly informed. Honestly, we cannot ignore or deny the problems of our town, our nation, and the world. 

    We can pray.  No, God does not need our ideas.  We don’t tell Him what He doesn’t know.  But praying right then acknowledges the seriousness of the situations, while it lifts our burden of worry, fear, or anger. 

My Morning Conversation With God

Good morning, Lord.

Thank You for letting me see the light of another day.  

God, You are awesome and I am amazed at Your greatness.

I praise You for Your mercy and love.

Your Word says I can come boldly into Your presence, so I do.

I come in faith and obedience.  I come with great expectation.

I speak health to my body . . . 

Important Message to Friends, and You, Too

Happy Birthday today!
What more can I say?
The date I don’t know;
Not to fret, now and so 
I send my greetings to you.
Hope that this poem will do!

And while we’re at it, this too:
Happy All Holidays to you;
Let your calendar say
If it’s a special day.
Remember, I think you’re nice,
So perhaps celebrate twice.

We pray for friends every day
That many blessings come your way,
So until we see you sometime
Be encouraged by this rhyme.
Happy All Holidays to you!  
Celebrate them all, not just a few!  

by Elaine Hardt ©2015

The Race, the Competition, the Loser

        The first time I lost a race was 7^th grade in Des Moines.  I remember lining up on the track with the others, the firing gun going off and my knees instantly feeling like rubber bands.  Everyone else got to the finish line before I did.

The second time I lost a race was in Scottsdale.  It was a 3K that spring of 1973 and the only reason I entered was that all the girls in the exercise class had entered and talked me into it.  There were hundreds of runners.  And off we ran!  Up and down streets, on and on to the finish line by the shopping mall. 

I lost, of course.  

Afterwards my sister Carol wrote to ask, “Didn’t you feel bad when all those people ran past you?”

“No.  When they went by they’d say, ‘Oh, good.  We passed Elaine!”

I haven’t run anywhere since then. But I do like to watch races, the horse races, the running races, the dog races in Alaska.  I know just a tiny bit of the anticipation, the training, the preparation of the day, the exhaustion afterwards.  I just don’t know the excitement of winning or the frustration of coming in second or third after having everyone watching the exceptional effort.

Yesterday's horse race grabbed my attention and, of course, I watched it on TV.  What a big deal with the huge crowds cheering thunderously as the jockey and that short-tailed horse crossed the finish line first. 

What good does it do to work so hard and train and enter the race? What was the goal?  What was the challenge?  What was -- or can be -- the lesson learned?  

Putting words on the computer screen helped me focus on a newly-hatched thought.  See if you can get any challenge and encouragement and help for yourself personally from this:  

                     The Goal, the Challenge, the Lesson Learned

Those other runners,

The challenge of the race,

It made me better, try harder, run faster;

I didn’t win, but I did improve.

My outlook was focused on winning,

My abilities were pushed to do more,

And I heard the cheers for the others;

I didn’t win, but I did improve. 

It was just a race to run,

I was just expecting to do good,

It was more effort than I had;

I didn’t win, but I did improve. 

Maybe someday my training will kick in,

Maybe someday the crowd will cheer for me,

Maybe someday I’ll win the race;

I can appreciate the stress of losing now.        + + + 

This different point of view tied all the earlier random thoughts into a useful lesson, a reminder of what it means to exert yourself, invest your stress and your strength into a huge goal.  Wow!  Those competitors made the race more important.  If I had been the only runner I wouldn’t have trained and participated at all.  Is that life for you, or what!

So, in the quiet minutes after the excitement of viewing the race on TV, seeing the winner so pumped up, the crowd so excited I could identify a little with all the losers. 

Later I found this verse  “ . . . Let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Let us look to Jesus . . . “  Hebrews 12:1-2.  This lead me to another verse, “Do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart,”  Galatians 6:9.  And a similar verse is in 2 Thessalonians 3:13. 

Now I made this a matter of serious prayer:  Oh, Lord,  I want to do something good with my life.  I haven’t amounted to much, but I am so thankful that You love me and there is a purpose for my life.  I can reach out to others to tell them about Jesus and the amazing, gigantic future of life after death. I am “somebody” in Your plan!  You enable me to do what I cannot do just by myself.  Thank you!

+ + + 

By Elaine Hardt ©2015 

Worrying: Yes? or, No!

“Yes, I know I worry,” he said,

“but I think it means I care.

If I don’t worry enough

A careless attitude is there.”

“Hey, you’re missing something,” she said.

“When you trust the LORD you don’t worry.

You keep aware, but you grow in faith;

A new point of view you see.”

He said -- she said -- how about you?

You’ll want to consider -- and pray!

If worrying is something you do

You can learn a better way.

by Elaine Hardt ©2015

Memorial Day 2015

        The stirring sounds of music from the PBS annual Memorial Day Concert both lifts the spirit and challenges the heart.  We acknowledge those who serve our country in the armed forces,  those who died, those who are were wounded and are disabled and still healing, as well as those now in active service. What an example of dedication.  What a reminder to pray for each man and woman and their families.  What a reminder to pray for our leaders.  

Mother: A Remembrance of Her Encouragement

        Here comes that annual celebration of Mother’s Day.  What a nice reminder on the calendar to pause from our busy days and remember Mom.  She loved us! 

        What an example she set:  cleanliness: washing the clothes, the dishes, the never-ending housework, sweeping the porch, wearing your Sunday dress and then taking it off & putting on your every-day clothes when you got back home. 

        What words she said to teach us:  sit up straight, don’t slouch at the table.  Tell the truth.    Eat what you took on your plate.  No making faces at that new boy at Sunday School.  

        What encouragement she gave us:  smile as much as you can,  let little old ladies ahead of you,  your report card is better this time,  you ran your best in the race and next time you might win.

Understanding Mothers

Mothers come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and ages.  Maybe we are one, but at least we all have one. Understanding mothers is something we all should make a sincere effort to do. 

Mothers are different;  how?  why?  

A mother’s eyes sees something that needs to be done, so she gets up and does it, or she tells you to do it.

A mother’s heart sees something unfair, and she says —or feels like saying, “Cut that out.  Where are your manners!”

A mother’s memory sees her chubby babies, laughing and cooing, and she feels like scooping up the nearest baby and hugging the tiny stranger, right there in WalMart. 

A mother reads the newspaper and feels like saying, “What would your mother say!  Straighten up, or else!”

Remember and Forget

Some things are SO important we are told to “Remember!”  Some things we are to forget. 

Here is a list of some of the important points. There are many other Scriptures on this subject. Look up additional verses under these key words, remember and forget.  

1. “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”   Exodus 20:8 NKJV
2. “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations; ask your father…” Deuteronomy 32:7 NKJV
3. “But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the LORD do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.”  Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT
4. “Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders and the judgments of His mouth.”  1 Chronicles 16:12 NKJV
5. “I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:16 NKJV
6. “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth.”  Ecclesiastes 12:1 NKJV
7. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:” Psalm 103:2 NKJV 
8. “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day.” Lamentations 3:21-23 NLT
9. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;”  1Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV
10. “Take a firm stand against him (the Devil), and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.”   1 Peter 5:9 NLT
11. “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”  1 Peter 3:17 NLT
12. “Then he took a loaf of bread; and when he had thanked God for it, he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” Luke 22:19 NLT
13. “In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.’” 1 Corinthians 11:25 NLT 
14. “Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16 NLT
15.  “. . . remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35. KJV

What does God remember?  What does He promise to forget?  

We do not have to wonder what the answers are.