Analyze & Appreciate

This wooden chair I can see and feel,

I know this chair is something real,

But when it’s God I want to see

I cannot find where He can be.

My little brain and imperfect eyes

Only knows things of little size;

How can a great Creator be up There?

To find the truth I really care.

What is logical?  What is true?

Does this really concern me and you?

Look at the evidence, what did Chance bring?

One tiny blob evolved into everything?

Did You Hear This Song?

Have you heard any 12 year-old kid sing a solo in church recently?  When I sang there was no applause, no standing ovation, no hugs at the door.  I don’t remember any compliments, either, although there might have been.  But I will not forget the words of that tremendous song.  

I hope hearing those words was a blessing to everyone that day, and I’m sure that over the years many singers have lent their voices to share the words and melody of “The Love of God.”  

The writer of two of the verses and the chorus was Frederick M. Lehman in 1917.  http://www.tanbible.com/tol_sng/sng_theloveofgod.htm   He writes about that mysterious third verse as being written nearly one thousand years earlier by a Jewish songwriter.  The website says that the 3^rd stanza had been found penciled on the wall of a patient’s room in an insane asylum. Does that ever stretch the mind to try to comprehend!

Listen to the song, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEi463LcxxA   Maybe you’ve heard other singers perform this song.  Did it speak to your heart?  Have you considered the love of God?

Since it was 67 years ago when I sang that first solo I’m sure that now my voice cannot do it justice.  But the words are in my heart, and what I now share with other people are words I write,  not sung with a sweet soprano voice in a church in Phoenix, Arizona.  

That Word "New"

One word that certainly gets attention is “new.”  

       Whether it’s good, like a “new” idea, a “new” recipe in the newspaper we might take a look and consider it. It might be different and improved or unusual.  

Or, it’s bad, like a “new” pain in the side, or a “new” problem with the snowblower or a “new” pronouncement from the IRS.  That definitely calls for scrutiny even if you are frowning when you search for evidence. 

Here’s a thought for this “New” Year.  See what needs improvement and think about what you can do.  Then set yourself a time and start out with a confident and positive attitude.  

Even if no one is standing there to observe you, the practice of improving is something that’s good for you.  Practice makes perfect.

       (I remember that’s what Mama told us kids.)

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by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Sing a New Song for a New Day, a New Year

The sun arose from darkness and shone brightly today;

I give thanks to our mighty Creator 

Who made all of His creation so magnificent and fine.

I give thanks for the roof over my head today

And the stuff I have accumulated

All the necessities that I say are mine.

I give thanks for the people in my life today:

Husband, our sons and their wives, and grandkids,

And I’m blessed with a good extended family.

I give thanks for the occasions I expect:

Looking forward to the days that will follow;

On to the future with opportunity.

I give thanks for what I’ve learned and know today,

Even the unexpected troubles did their job;

Challenges made me respond and grow.

I give thanks for finding Jesus, the Savior!

Amazing how He brought salvation, 

And I appreciate this reality to know

I give thanks for the invitation to pray:

To unload my burdens of confusion,

To ask and receive forgiveness for every sin.

I give thanks for this new day, this new year!

I acknowledge my uncertainties to Him

And I celebrate His blessed love I’ve received within.

by Elaine Hardt ©2016