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?