I'm Glad You Came to Visit . . .

I rearranged some dust molecules in honor of your visit,

Then I emptied out waste baskets, lest you’d ask, “What izzit?”

I saw a tiny swirl of lint as I wiped a venetian blind,

So I contemplated, and God’s creation was on my mind.

      No wonder cleaning house is an on-going chore,

The universe is full of dust molecules, a whole lot more;

So, hoping to keep everything in balance 

I removed a spider’s web atop the window’s valance.  

      It’s been awhile since I heard the vacuum cleaner’s roar,

I do admire silence, but music accompanies this chore. 

I stashed the dirty dishes, so they are out of sight,

My eyesight is suddenly sharper, and I ask, is that right?

      I spied some breakfast crumbs there under the table;

I know I should keep cleaning house as long as I am able,

But for myself I mostly avoid this chore

Until someone says they’re coming to my door.  

      In His wisdom God made ingredients large and small,

And it was perfect until Adam and Eve took that sinful fall.

Oh, well. I needed some exercise, and this will do,

      So sit a spell, and visit me;  I ‘m happy to see you.

      Later on, after you leave and I am by myself,

I’ll sit and watch dust accumulate on each and every shelf. 

I’m thankful for your friendship, there’s always lots to say;

 Do phone before you come again, on some other day.

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2009

The Day Before the Day Before

     'Twas the day before the day before

          with lots of things yet to do!

     (Christmas comes sooner every year!)

          We’re almost ready; how about you? 

     Making a list, checking it twice,

          almost forgetting why we celebrate.

     God sent His Son to be our Savior;

          Read your Bible, and pray, and don’t be late.

     You make a quiet time today —

          Really now — contemplate God’s love;

     Lay aside make-believe children’s stories,

          Confess, receive blessings from Above.

     Remember Jesus, not mistletoe,

          Santa Claus is not the real reason,

     Receive God’s presence in your heart;

          This IS a very special season.   

                                        *

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

The Remarkable Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas
   and in the shopping mall
crowds of children waved goodbye as 
   jolly Santa left the hall.

Harried parents dashed out of the stores
   clutching their bags of toys
and gathered up their waiting youngsters,
   the happy girls and boys.

Then off to the church they went
   just across the street
for the children's evening program
   and the promise of a treat.

How Many Days Till Christmas?

     In December the days seem to fly by.  Everyone seems to be rushing into the stores after driving to the mall, slightly exceeding the speed limit.  The TV ads brag about the bargains you'd better hurry to find.  And ordering online is the new solution?
     But are you ready for a little quiet contemplation?  Maybe bring up some old- timey memories? Maybe a little humor to coax a smile on your face?
     On the right hand side of this blog home page there's a list called LABELS. Click on the word "Christmas" and bring up that category.  You'll find some stories, some poetry, and odds and ends that could bring up a smile.  Some would be fun to read aloud to your kids.   
     Take a look, it won't take long.  Then maybe even forward this blog's URL to some relatives and friends.  Give them a Christmas blessing, too.  * * * 

Today Is Not My Very Best Day

Of course, I’m not having a perfect day

and I’m not perfect, either;

what more can I say.

Every day brings challenges, new — and old,

and the choice is up to me:

Worry — or be bold.

I need to ask the LORD for wisdom, too,

calmly assess the issues

and see what to do.

“Improving”  is my decision now;

Tomorrow I’ll do better!

He will show me how.

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

                       We’ve arrived at Thanksgiving Day,

but any day will do!

    Celebrate your blessings,

and the struggles you got through.

                     Recognize the lessons  

your challenges taught to you. 

Be thankful for God’s love

                                 and today you tell Him, too! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Thinking About ?

Is your head full of facts

   and lots of hopes and dreams ?

Are you happy ?  Or overwhelmed

   with how today’s life seems ?

When awake or asleep

   are you busy sorting it out ?

Does this use up all your time ?

   So you want to pout ?

You wonder what will help ?

   All you need is a prayer — 

and honest talk with God

   since He IS with you there.

Own up to what you’re doing,

   (Yes, He already knows);

Ask for His guidance, too,

   Thankful for what His love shows.

Yes, you’ve been a sinner,

   Yes, the world is quite a mess.

It’s time to be a believer,

   It’s you God wants to bless.

Read what the Bible says;

   Life after death is true.

Now’s the time to find out

   what to believe, what to do.

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Veterans Day 2017

On November 11, the day to honor veterans we pause 

     to remember their service and sacrifice because

now we’re glad our nation finally has peace at last.

     And we look back on all the yesterdays that are past,

we consider all the wars that the world has seen:

     hordes of people who are angry, violent and mean,

but it’s also a day to remember that we can pray

     for God’s protection and His guidance every day. 

--Elaine Hardt ©2017

Here is TODAY

A new day!   A new week ?  A new month ?  A new year ?

     Well, any day is a day to celebrate

          when you remember to talk

               to your Creator who loves you!

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

PAST — PRESENT — FUTURE

Thinking is quite a job to do,

but don’t you agree it’s good for you?   

Write down memories from your PAST.

Make a start today — at last! 

Consider what happened then and why;

Face the past, even with a sigh.

NOW: there’s lots of unpredictable stuff!

Surviving the present time might be rough.

Of course, you could pray about your life. 

Face up to irritations and strife.

Writing down your new ideas?  You should

Identify what’s helpful and good.

Anticipate the FUTURE with care.

Find ideas you might share.

Improve yourself with a thoughtful plan;

Face tomorrow and say, “I can!” 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Is It Nothing?

We plunge into prayer, as if it’s

nothing.

We sing in our churches, as if it’s

nothing.

We use His name, as if it’s

nothing.

We read the Bible once in awhile, as if it’s

nothing.

Our attitude,

our worship and devotion,

our concern for others,

is it nothing?

Is God a mere man we can snub

or sweet-talk,

depending upon our mood?

Is He

nothing?

By Elaine Hardt ©2004

I Talk to God About My Healing

Heavenly Father, You are the Giver of life and the Architect of my body. 

I am Your obedient child and I am learning to be Your brave warrior. I enjoy being strong and healthy. Show me what to do.

Your Word says I am healed by the stripes Jesus took at the whipping post. He died for my sins. I believe it and gratefully receive all of Your blessings. 

Lord, forgive me for not being a good caretaker of my physical body.  Renew  a right spirit within me.  Align my mind, will, emotions so I come into agreement with You concerning my health and healing. 

I confess right now any sins You show me . . . 

I forgive any who have done wrong to me . . . 

I forgive myself for being less than who I wanted to be . . . 

You are able to heal me, either by instant miracle or a progressive healing. This includes any deformity or condition I was born with. Even old effects from illness and accidents clear up.  

Lord, this is not wishful thinking or begging.  

I do not ask because of my great need or because I deserve it. I ask because of Your great mercy and goodness, and I receive all of these tremendous blessings from You with thankfulness. 

I ask You, Father, for wisdom . . . 

A Little Unhappy Today

Am I gonna give up ? 

or keep on tryin’ ?

Will I do something good ? 

or settle for cryin’ ?

Will I use my head 

and start prayin’ ?

Talking to God, 

confessin’ and sayin’ . . . 

Yes, I’ll read Your Word, 

I surely will heed;

Your promises and blessings 

I do really need !

Any suggestions from you

whatcha think I should do? 

                                                           by Elaine Hardt ©2017

What to Do NOW? Pray for Each One NOW

Another disaster, another huge trouble,  a wreck, a fire, a calamity, a mass shooting.  It was nearby or far away.  The TV news, the social media, the radio came out quickly with the first information. It is stunning. 

I feel shock, overwhelmed to hear about it.  What can I do? 

Pray now, pray for the survivors, pray for the first responders, pray for the medical people, pray for the bystanders.  Pray for the news reporters. 

Realize that you are still alive, and be thankful for that.  

Realize that you have the opportunity and the challenge to pray for these people.  Pray for the good guys and pray for the bad ones.  

May each one person who hears about this tragedy quickly realize that they are moments from death, the end of their life here, and their day of judgment before our Creator.  May they quickly say something like, “Oh, God, I am a sinner and deserve punishment, but I am sorry. I repent of my sins. Forgive me of all my sins.  I open my heart to Jesus who died for my sins.  Thank You for loving me. Give me eternal life in Heaven that Your Word says. ”

Now, pray to ask what you should do next.  Go and help?  Donate blood?  Give money for their recovery? Volunteer over at the Salvation Army?  The local Food Bank?  Call somebody you know?  

A tragedy is a huge reminder that life is short, life is unpredictable.  If you already are a Christian believer you can join in with others to pray a blessing for people involved.

You could start right now —  here and now — with a little sincere talk with our Creator who loves us and wants each of us to be forgiven now and saved for eternity. 

      If you pray to God like this now we’ll meet each other in Heaven some day.

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Two Useful Words for You

“Oh, well.”  These are two useful words you’ve heard and probably do say. Picture some circumstances when they come in handy.   

“Oh, well . . . “ and you mean “Give it some time.”

“Oh, well . . . “ and it’s saying “Relax for now.”

“Oh, well . . . “ telling yourself, “I’ll solve it later.”

“Oh, well . . . “ explaining a situation.

“Oh, well . . . “ when you want to come up with an apology for a misunderstanding. 

And you’ve maybe said those words at some other time?  Maybe you’ve needed those words lately?  Here’s an idea.  Consider this attitude:  

Take a deep breath,

Give it a smile,

“Oh, well” could help

you . . .  for awhile.

Of course, it’s so good

when you remember to pray;

the LORD will bless

and help you today!

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Getting Better

Getting Better is the title of our new booklet.  We write and print these ourselves, using ClickBook.  Of course, all of our booklets are FREE.  Click on the title on the right side of this home page,  Booklets Published.

What To Focus on Today?

Careless or Careful?

Indifferent or Uncertain?

Ignoring or Informing?

What’s my attitude today?

Am I improving? 

Am I thinking it over?

Am I considerate?

Am I looking ahead today?

Oh, No ! Uncertainties Have Invaded !

Uncertainties steal your peace

your normal progress

your ordinary routine

Instead of proceeding with your expected plans

you duck for cover

you look for any logical path to progress

Upset can mark your face

steal your smile

plant a frown on your forehead

ruin your relaxation

Tell that uncertainty

that the LORD knows all about it

and you’re trusting Him for directions

Then pray with confidence

things will improve in some

unexpected way.

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

The Best Attitude or Action . . . A to Z

Barney and Beth concocted the idea as they brainstormed possibilities for the Tuesday Couples’ Supper at the Easy Eatery downtown.

“What’s a person’s best attitude or action you can think of, from A to Z?” sparked the discussion that Barney started.  “A can be for Attentive, Alert, Aware . . . “

“Add Adaptable to that A list, suggested Beth.

So, the two came up with this A to Z list.  Beth typed it up on the computer and . . . voila´ their plan for the group discussion had a great start.  

               Attentive - Alert - Aware - Adaptable

              Bravery

              Capable - Considerate

Delightful - 

Energetic  - Exercising 
     (yes, there's more.  Click to see the rest of the ABC list . . . ) 

Plan? Prepare? Pray? ? ?

Cookie is concerned; she’s written to her list of friends saying, “No more negative emails.  I refuse to drown under this political stuff.”  Now Cookie has fewer email forwards to read.  So far, at least, she’s grateful to be just “left alone.” 

Curtis wants keep informed.  He probably spends too much time researching news sites on the Internet.  He listens to the a.m. news radio program and sits through an hour and a half of evening news on the TV.  There’s no smile on his face, these days.  Friends are quick to change the subject when he joins them at the coffee house.

What’s a normal person supposed to do?  Is it one extreme or the other?  Is there a middle-ground that would be mentally healthy and spiritually adequate?  

If Cookie doesn’t listen to anything she is short-changing herself.  Her prayer life will omit vital requests for her own spiritual growth and protection.  She won’t recognize God’s hand of provision in this area of life.

If Curtis doesn’t realize that God has something for him to learn about prayer and trust he’s going to miss wonderful peace of mind.  Blessings and miracles, large and small, completely escape his notice.  
Let's put the three words of this title in a useful direction:  1st = pray, 2 = plan, and 3 = prepare.   Take a quick look at the reasons I'm writing this . . . 

Eleven Ways YOU Can Share Your Faith

Here’s a way to share your faith.  It’s not hard to do, and  it can be a wonderful blessing for people in your life.  

AN EASY BEGINNING

1. Look for people you could encourage with a written note.  This could be anyone the Lord brings to mind.  
2. Write a personalized “blessing” for someone, sending it as a birthday, anniversary, or congratulations card.  

Write like you’re talking to this person.  Avoid cliché; make this like a warm, caring conversation.  Handwritten is very nice, but you might feel like writing more if you can do it on the computer. It’s following through with the idea that counts.  

A LITTLE BIGGER CHALLENGE

Jot down a basic outline on one of these topics: 

1. Tell how you came to faith in Jesus. 
2. Tell about a recent little lesson in faith that God has taught you. 
3. Tell the story of a big challenge or problem you’ve conquered in your life.

Write to share this with your children, and perhaps other close relatives. After you’ve done the first draft, let the writing “sit” for several days.  Then go back and see what improvements you can make.  Write like you’re talking to someone, but also include pertinent facts and descriptions that help your reader to visualize the situation.  

    Ask yourself: is it bragging or complaining?  Or, does it let God’s love and joy shine through? 

THE GIFT ONLY YOU CAN GIVE  (Yes, there's a little more to read...)

Looking at Success

        Our latest little booklet is ready for you,  "Looking at Success."  It's #93, and is a quick read with some ideas for you to consider.  Hopefully, it will be helpful and encouraging to you.  There's no charge.  Drop us a line via email; - edprha@gmail.com -  we do not sell or give away your address to anyone. 

Yes! You Can!

You can come out of this stronger

if you’re determined to do good,

if you learned something that you should,

if you want to now . . .  you could . . . 

You can come out of this stronger!

Take a new look at what went wrong.

Don’t sing a “I’m Defeated” song.

Let new ideas come along.

You can come out of this stronger!

You’ve got things to be thankful for.

Your faith in God is at the core.

Don’t be so upset anymore.

You can come out of this stronger!

Toss aside that frowning brow.

You didn’t really forget how.

Give yourself a smile right now.

You can come out of this stronger!

Of course you can, you really care!

Put words to your heartfelt prayer.

Remember that the LORD is there!

by Elaine Hardt ©2017