Not Valentine's Day ?

Not Valentine's Day ?
        Any day will do —
Speak words of love,
        It's up to me and you.

We take the time
        to show and say,
So let's pretend it's 
        Valentine's Day!

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

My Mind is Like a Pantry

My mind is like a pantry where lots of stuff is stored;

I browse, and scrounge, and rummage, and never do get bored.

A little crew of helpers live here within this chest

And offer me suggestions on how to do things best.

Impulse used to run about -- causing problems, Goodness knows,

Now, Conduct is improving as Obedience stronger grows.

Here someone special's planted seeds of loving care:

A new crop's growing daily; I have enough to share.

Happy memories nestle like smoothly polished rocks

And I reach in and choose from this golden box.

There's word games in one corner with jokes and puns and rhyme,

So I can amuse myself nearly any old time.

Scientific notions are stacked upon one shelf,

Alongside rules and reasons for reading, math, and health.

Musical sounds don't often slumber within these walls,

They bounce around so merrily like little ping-pong balls.

There is a drawer for useless facts my teacher made me learn

Who knows? Someday I may be glad for these details' return.

Yes, my mind is like a pantry with many things to use,

I surely wouldn't want God's masterpiece to lose

So I'll make ME my very best; I have the power to choose!

                                                                         —Elaine Hardt ©1979

A Good Start for TODAY

It’ s another day,

so what do you say?

Yes, remember to pray.

Own up to problems you had,

what you did that was bad.

Mention what makes you sad. 

Own up to what you didn’t do:

struggles? a few? 

Confess what is true.

Life’s an adventure each day

You can improve, so what do you say?

Be grateful that you can pray.

And what are you thankful for?

Opportunities galore!

You can surely think of more.

God our Creator loves you!

The Bible says it’s true.

So, TODAY what are you going to do?

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Celebrate Your Progress

Remember your blessings,

    Celebrate your progress,

Appreciate God’s love,

    Your shortcomings confess.

Receive His assurance,

    Ask for wisdom you need,

He sees and hears and knows,

    His instructions, take heed.

Grow in determination,

    Label that trouble:  “opportunity.”

Learning improves your doing,

    Speak up correctly.

Consider your goal today,

    Your attitude shows the real you,

but pleasing your Father

    is the way that’s true. 

Keep on going, keep on growing! 

A wonderful future can be yours! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018