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.

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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.

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by Elaine Hardt ©2017