Got An Idea for Tomorrow

        The staff of Beneficial Financial gathered in the conference room to meet the new manager from Arizona.  His opening remarks were:  “Here comes my next tomorrow.  Will it be a happy day, or maybe bring me sorrow?”

Some puzzled looks responded to that unexpected statement.  

No one spoke until he smiled and said, “You’re gong to add some words to this and they don’t have to rhyme.  The topic is ‘Here Comes Tomorrow.’”  Then he pointed to Sydney and waited.

“Sir, the idea that I’d add to your topic would be …….hmmmmm.  I know I’ll do my very best, because tomorrow will bring some kind of test.”

Smiles around the room provided the encouragement the rest of the staff needed.  

Chita waved to get attention, and she spoke up, “When I was a little kid, the very best is what I did.  But grownup and working, too, I find some stuff is harder to do.”

Grant was the next volunteer and his first comment was “Thanks, we don’t have to make everything rhyme.  That would take me a lot of time !”

If you were there for that Monday meeting what ideas could you contribute?

What does tomorrow mean to you? 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

I CAN and I WILL !

This challenge is hard, but I’m going to do it;

This trouble is tough, but I’m going through it.

Trouble can’t last forever — not much longer;

I will not be discouraged, I’ll get stronger.

Though the light gets dim, and I don’t know what to do;

Jesus holds me close, and He will see me through. 

My mind settles down, my lips form a prayer;

I don’t know how exactly, but God gets me there. 

Jesus is empowering me to do it;

Jesus is with me as I go through it.

One step at a time I can climb this next hill;

I believe that I can, and I know that I will.  

                                  + + + 

  By Elaine Hardt ©2010 

When It Looks IMPOSSIBLE

When something looks impossible to you

            AND it’s something important for you to do . . . 

                    hopefully, you’ve got a little time to take a good look.

Jot down what comes to mind, then see what other info you find. 

If it looks impossible:  

What are reasons why you feel it’s necessary to deal with now ?

What is the possibility you can locate some trustworthy info yourself ?

How do you classify this impossible challenge ?

Your job

Your location 

Financial

Medical

Physical

Family relationship 

Social relationship

other - - - 

Is this like some other recent challenge ?

Is this like some everyday irritation ?

Is this like some problem others are facing now ?

Take a few minutes to appreciate that you’ve conquered other problems in your life.  You didn’t get where you are today by just sitting down and looking out the window at the flowers in your back yard. 

Take a few minutes to discuss your view of this new problem/challenge with your Heavenly Father.  He already sees and knows it all, but here now you acknowledge your needs, your viewpoint, your feelings.  Maybe some Bible verse will come to mind and you can affirm the blessings you appreciate in your life today.    + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Here Comes Christmas !

Christmas comes but once a year,

that is how the poem goes . . . 

So try to remember, looking back,

playing outside when it snows ?  

Your favorite gift as a little kid ?

Your best present as a teen ?

Your first Christmas when you got married ?

Now, or any time in between ?

But, of course, our families knew

the real meaning of the day! 

Though some friends talked about Santa

every night our prayers we’d say.

Growing up, we learned more in church

and read our own Bibles, too.

What a wonder that our Maker loves us! 

What we learned about Jesus is true.

Christmas? The world adds lots of silly stuff!

We’ve all grown up through these years;

It’s up to each of us to hold fast —

Salvation, trust, faith, confidence, no fears.

Everyone has a dying day ahead . . . 

Our future brings our new destination.

The time to prepare to meet God is now.

Believe in Jesus, pray without hesitation.

+ + + 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9  biblegateway.com 

                                                   

     by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Right on Time !

Ever been in a rush, but then slowed down to see

    something unexpected that happened on the way ?

Life can be a lot like that sometimes . . . 

    Give it some thought now:  what do you say ?

How often does everything go just perfect

    and you get something important done just in time ?

It is so helpful to pause in your daily rush;

    consider what’s most important, so you’re right on time.

Your ideas and plans might not be God’s timing or plan;

    Consider your eternal life now, before you die some day.

Take a new look at the Bible — how about today ?

    Now talk to your Maker as you honestly pray.

                                   #  #  # 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

The Drone Over HardtHaven

     What fun for the kids and what nice photos it gives us ! 
     The photos were taken by a volunteer who came to Kpando and brought his drone ! 
The kids were utterly fascinated by the drone and, as you can see, it captured some really unique photos of the HardtHaven family and our facilities ! 
     The covered area in front has several picnic benches where the kids eat, do homework, and play. The building on the left is the girl's dorm, the building on the right is the boys dorm. The building in the back is the office, library, store room, and medical room where a doctor sees the kids and sponsored families for their checkups. 
     In the group photo are the HardtHaven kids, the matrons (the women who care for the kids day-to-day), and a couple of volunteers !
     Take a look at their own website:  https://www.hardthaven.org/about/
and see them in action on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HardtHaven/  
    Thanks to Joy Hardt for sending us the info. 
 https://www.facebook.com/HardtHaven/photos/a.475089327156.253521.79417547156/10155531550612157/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/HardtHaven/photos/pcb.10155531550867157/10155531550662157/?type=3&theater  

                    # # #

I Want to Write Words for YOU

I want to write something

So wonderfully simple,

Yet interestingly complex:

Entirely sufficient and totally adequate. 

I want my words to paint a picture that

Enthralls the viewer,

gathering up scattered pieces of memory,

bringing them into the now.

I want my words to sing an anthem that

resounds from the mountains,

Yet coaxes a smile from a young child,

And blends familiar harmony with the new.

I want my words to caress the mind,

Yet awaken the slumbering soul;

I want my words to reach out,

Embracing the lonely and weary.

I want my words to knock vigorously,

Beckoning friends and strangers alike

To open their heart’s door and receive

God’s invitation to resurrection life.

May my small gift of words today be

Satisfyingly descriptive,

Yet sparse enough to easily recall;

May my words bless you ! 

By Elaine Hardt ©2004 

What did one antique say to the other antique?

“My, oh my !

    How time does fly !

Before you knows it

    the years go by.”

So, how did this happen

to me and to you ?

Smile, and remember:

Life’s a challenge, that’s true.

“One day at a time

doin’ stuff;

keepin’ busy,

Never done quite enough.”

Every day

there’s lots more to do !

It’s that way for me,

was that way for you.

Here It Comes !

Fly the flag, go see the parade.

     but remember to pray !

Life isn’t just for having fun,

     doing things our own way.

The Creator of everything,

      the Bible tells of His love,

Also tells about our sins

     so repent and go to Heaven above. 

Everyone needs to accept Jesus,

     in the world and the USA.

                         Let TODAY be your patriotic  
                         and faith-filled day ! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Do YOU Know This?

Why has God put you here on earth? First, to bring you to an awareness of Him, so you will want to turn your back on sin and choose to believe on Him so you can spend Eternity in Heaven. 
   God, the Creator of All, loves YOU. He gives you opportunity to choose to believe.  

   How can you make that choice, and know that it is true? 

   You invite Jesus into your heart.  Doesn’t have to be at church on Sunday . . . you can do this any place, any day, any time.  But you must be sincere.  

  When you own up to your own weakness and sins then you talk to God in prayer.  Receive Jesus.  It’s amazing.  According to the Bible, you are forgiven.  You can be baptized. 

 Then, He will allow you to be part of His reaching out to others who need to hear the way of salvation so they can have a loving relationship with Him, too.  

Sharing our life lessons with others is one way we can tell others about God’s grace.  

“Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; 

make the most of every opportunity.” 

(Colossians 4:5 NIV).

We are not expected to do this by our own abilities, clever arguments, or even heartfelt sincerity.  God will enable and empower us by His Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8). Be thankful for this! 

Life is not meant to be a string of confusing and frustrating episodes without purpose or meaning.   Find out what God has been doing in your life, then ask Him to show you how to make the most out of what you’ve got.  Picture yourself hearing the awesome words, “Well done, good and faithful friend.  Enter into the joy of My eternal presence.”  (taken from Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:21, John 3:15 and John 15:14). 

 So, what do you know?  Do you know this? 

               + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Every Day is FATHER'S DAY

Fathers have a job to do,

thought I’d mention it here to you.

Raising your kids, helping your wife,

avoiding impatience and strife; 

Keep on smiling as your words you say —

it’s your challenge every day.

Notice other people too;

do they set an example for you?

Every day it’s God’s Word you read;

This is a blessing each of us need. 

“Nobody’s perfect,” you’ll hear it said,

but keep working to improve, tell your head. 

The LORD empowers you to think and do —

the Bible’s promises apply to YOU. 

So this is how to start each day,

Bow your head, and sincerely pray. 

Father’s Day 

is really every day !

God loves you, 

and that is true !

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Idea for You for Father's Day

        Here comes Father's Day.  Here's an idea you could use for your family.  See if you remember, see if your kids remember . . . 

Your father's name and date of birth

Where he lived:

How long he lived:

Remember his occupations:

Think about any illness or physical problems he has or had:

Remember his wife, the children:

Recall what he believed about God: 

Your grandfather's name, date of birth & date of death, if he has already died

Where he lived:

How long he lived:

Remember his occupations:

Think about any illness or physical problems he has or had:

Remember his wife, the children:

Recall what he believed about God: 

On Father’s Day give the LORD thanks for His blessings on the family you came from. + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Two More for YOU

      "A Happy Anniversary" is booklet #103 -- and "Thinking About Tomorrow" is booklet #104.  We've found how handy it is to self-publish booklets and give them away FREE.  Some of these are 12 pages, some are quite a bit longer than that.  With BlueSquirrel's ClickBook program they're easy to format and print at home.  We like to encourage people . . . and this is one way to do it.

Opportunity! Challenge! Blessing!

        Yes, consider Opportunity! Challenge!  Blessing!  We're talking about marriage.  Our latest booklet is #102, A Happy Marriage!  Maybe you know someone who is getting married soon.  Email us here and request this booklet sent to YOU so you can then give it to the happy couple.

Today is a Special Day

President Donald Trump has proclaimed Memorial Day, May 28th, 2018,
as a Day for Prayer for Permanent Peace. He called on all Americans,
saying, “On this day, let us also unite in prayer for lasting peace
in our troubled world so that future generations will enjoy the blessings
of liberty and independence.”

Both Congress and the president recognize
the day of prayer to honor and
“to remember the selfless service members
who have been laid to rest in flag-draped coffins
and their families who have suffered
the greatest loss.”

-- from The Daily Prayer Briefing of the Presidential Prayer Team. 

www.presidentialprayerteam.org  

TODAY, May 19

Today is National Armed Forces Day, so our flag is flying out there;

We smile at these brave people, and every day we mention them in prayer.

       Ideas come to mind, so we don’t just recite some formal kind of word,

       and we’re thankful to know all of this the LORD has seen and has heard.

Our verbal and heart-felt communication is not just “let’s pretend.”

Hopefully, you too have found God's peace when your honest prayer you “send.” 

                                                      + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Mother’s Day — Remember Growing Up?

        Later — when you have some spare time today ! — here's an idea, a suggestion for you.
      Jot down some things you remember about your mother, when you were growing up.  

      This has several benefits.  You will sort through old memories to find some important ones that mean a lot to you.

       Maybe there’s something from that you’d want to share with relatives, friends, etc. 

       And — the biggie — it gives you something to pray about as you consider how things are going these days.

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Thinking About Today

        What's the weather like?  What's on today's To Do list?  How 'ya feeling?
         Besides these questions you probably ask yourself every morning we take a look at the other events and possible challenges for the day in my latest booklet, "Thinking About Today."  It's another 12 page booklet printed on my own computer and printer, using www.bluesquirrel.com program.  This is booklet #101, and like all the rest in the list over there on this page's right side.  These booklets are free and your name is not sold or given to anybody.  Just email to let me know. 

by Elaine Hardt @2018

A Problem is an Opportunity

Today will bring some problem . . . 

and a problem is an opportunity ! 

an opportunity to pray,

an opportunity to trust God,

an opportunity to learn,

an opportunity to respond,

an opportunity to share faith lessons 

by your example and

by your words. 

Keep your eyes open.  Be ready.

Watch for that problem today. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

My Prayer for Blessing

Heavenly Father,  You are mighty, holy, awesome,

   so I humbly come now to seek Your blessing,

      so I ask: show me, teach me, help me.  

You placed me here at this time

   so I could know how much I need You,

      so I could open my heart to receive Your love.

You have shown me my weakness and failures

   so I can own up to my need for Your grace,

      so I will honestly confess my sins.

You allowed me to experience conditions of life

   so I can recognize frustration, confusion, discouragement,

      so I can rebuke the enemy of my souls who tempts me.

You bring circumstances to teach me

  so I see I lack confidence, strength, determination,

      so I see I lack wisdom for what to say and what to do.

You have a plan and a purpose for me

   so I can survive the tough times ahead,

      so I can learn to trust and obey You.

You have a wonderful Forever for me in Heaven

   so I can be with Jesus my Savior,

      so I can thank You in person for salvation.  

Heavenly Father,  You are mighty, holy, awesome,

   so I gratefully now declare Your blessing upon me,
       thank You for Your wonderful love, forgiveness, and blessings. 

                                      AMEN.

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Y O U R Troubles . . . Y O U R Solutions

Those irritations and troubles YOU didn’t deserve

took some of your energy, some of your time.

     Other problems came in your growing up years —

     that brought stress and maybe some tears,

but they taught you a lot in the meantime.

Today’s troubles might give you experience

when you learn to concentrate and pray;

     You accumulate the challenges you had —

     Now, analyze what was good and what was bad,

You’ll decide what to do now and what to say. 

When you merely complain, argue, and fuss

or turn your attention to inventing some fun,

     you miss the point of growing up strong —

     you might slide into doing stuff wrong.

Maybe later you’ll look back on what you’ve done.

David was the youngest of the family,

more attention went to brothers who were older.

     Life wasn’t perfect in those olden days —

     He worked hard and missed getting praise,

but he did a good job, growing strong and bolder.

You can read the facts and details right now.

You can see the outcome for yourself,

     What an example of growing strong and brave —

     These are lessons for you to learn and save.

Find your Bible there at home on the shelf.

Read 1st Samuel chapter 17;

Consider the challenges in David’s young life.

     Then read that Goliath was huge and strong —

     That biggest event really didn’t last long.

Obeying God brought David through the strife.  

                                       * * * 

 by Elaine Hardt ©2018 

                 Also, go to www.Biblegateway.com  to see Psalm 63, written by David. 

                 And see 1st Peter 1:6-8 which tells about trials and faith.