Encouraging YOU, with Something to DO

Who are you encouraging today?  

Might it be important to them?

Is it worthwhile for you to do?

Take a minute to think this through. . . 

Would you just speak some words

that can encourage him or her?

Could you write some good words

so they can read them over again? 

And, here’s the biggie one for you:

is this something that someone could do

and send encouragement to you?

Just consider what those words would do. 

      Should?

            Could?

                 Would!!! 

Yes, of course, I WILL do! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

You Will Remember THIS December

You’ll remember this December

If you’ve found that holiday peace

That comes from a personal quiet time:

A new satisfaction will increase.

You’ll give yourself the bold honesty:

Ask God about your uncertainties;

Yes, speak directly to the LORD,

Tell Him your perplexities.

You’ll gift yourself with thoughtfulness

When you treasure a time of prayer;

This can meet your greatest need,

And of course, you certainly do care!

Why now?  (Obviously, a busy time)

Because He is the only Creator who

Has declared in the Bible what He has 

Done to give His love to you.

Open that mostly-neglected book:

What Jesus did, what He said, you need to see.

What makes the difference?  It’s love!

The LORD is not an imaginary deity.

It’s forgiveness, tied up with a red ribbon,

Vital for your future after you die;

It’s a new dimension starting today

When you question yourself, “Why?”

This December brings celebration,

You don’t want to miss the important part;

Christmas peace can start right now!

Welcome God’s presence in your heart. 

By Elaine Hardt ©2012 

It's Almost Christmas 2016

We’re getting ready for our annual celebration;

we’re putting up our old, favorite decorations, too. 

And it’s fun to write, having anticipations 

to hear one of these days from you.

The stores are full of decorations for December,

Newspapers, magazines show lots of stuff on sale,

Social media is keeping very busy,

And there’s all those ads that come in the mail.  

The real meaning, the origin of Christmas,

Has been pushed way out of everyone’s view;

It’s not a popular thing to mention Jesus,

But I’m going to; and how about you?

The Jewish people had ancient Scriptures:

A miraculous birth predicted for years,

A Savior would come, a wondrous occasion,

A time for redemption, set free from all fears.  

We thank God for providing us salvation;

Grateful to have eternal expectation —

so, of course, we pray His blessings for you.

Join us in this wonderful celebration!

                          + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Goodbye, Frustration! Hello, Celebration!

You’re too busy?  Ticked off?  Depressed?

Look at the Bible, take a little time.

You’ll be impressed, you’ll be blessed!

Read how much God loves YOU.

There’s nothing to pay, nothing specific to say,

No earning God’s forgiveness;

No specific words you must pray —

Read how much God has done for you.

What’s right you want to do, and find what’s true,

Your Creator sees and knows and loves YOU.

Jesus died for your sin, to cleanse your heart within,

And life in Heaven after dying waits for you.

The Gospels tell the life of Jesus, you’ll see. 

You are wondering how?  Don’t read the whole Bible now!

The small book of Acts gives a short history;

You need to find out for yourself, and do it soon. 

Life is full complication! Avoid resignation!

Give yourself some time to find information. 

Go from frustration to celebration;

So, what do YOU say?  Today’s a great day!

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Global Warming? Or ?

Yes, here comes winter

and Pixel is one happy dog!

A fur coat isn’t enough

when they go outside and jog.

So, planning ahead

Here’s the new winter suit;

Pixel seems satisfied

and does look very cute.  

Of course, Peter plans ahead,

and winter will be cold.

So, people, bundle up!

At least that’s what we’re told.

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

YOUR Assignment That Will Help YOUR Kids

Two reasons why you don’t want to do this.  (It’s a challenge, but you can certainly do it.)  

It will take a little time.

You will need to check the spelling and punctuation to make it look nice. 

Two reasons why you should do this now — that means this week.

Your kids deserve to know it.

It is a display of your love and your concern.

One big benefit that you will no doubt receive when you do this.

The LORD will bless you in some wonderful way when you sincerely pray   
       about it and sit down and DO it.

So, what’s the assignment?

Write down on a piece of paper how and when you decided to become a  
          Christian.

Elaborate:  how old you were, what motivated you to ask God for   
          forgiveness.

Explain how you invited Jesus into your heart.

  Describe what led up to this decision, then describe what happened 
          afterwards.

You can do it.  Search your memory.  Choose the words to use.  Write down 
          version one.

Give it a couple of days, then read it over and make any little 
           improvements.  Save one copy of it for yourself. 

Now, present it to the first person the LORD brings to your mind. Smile.  
      Pray.      
      Let them read it and share any comments with you.

Which kid, or which sibling, or which friend comes to mind now?  Copy it for 
      them. 

Etc. — etc. — etc. 

                                                             + + + 

         by Elaine Hardt ©2016