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.