He Let Me Write His Love

       It's been over twenty years now, but I remember that girl from the coffee shop.  She sat alone in the corner with a cup of coffee and a donut.
       I'd met three friends from the Exercise Club for our Wednesday coffee time and we sat near the counter, telling jokes and having fun.
       Glancing around the room her eyes met mine and she then turned her head away.  Well,  time to go and at least say, "Hi. I'm Elaine.  We gals from the Exercise Club do coffee here on Wednesday.  You new to town?"
       Her shy smile started us off with a little conversation before I went back to the giggling girls.  That's how our friendship began.
        About three months later she moved to Flagstaff, deciding to enroll in the college there.  What a difference that last day was.  She was now one of the Exercise Girls; smiling and happy.  
       Later, I was inspired to write this:  

                    He Let Me Write His Love

                  I told the Lord I’d write a book,

                      and my fame would bring Him glory;

                         write poetry to honor His name,

                            or perhaps I’d write a story.

                  He gave me someone who needed love

                    when I offered Him my time;

                      I saw Him work a miracle,

                         and now she is a friend of mine. 

                  I could not have foreseen the joy

                     while investing many days;

                        but happiness is a soul redeemed

                          and Jesus gets all the praise.

                   Once ambition called to me,

                      now devotion is sincere;

                        To think He let me write His love

                            on the heart of someone dear.
+ + +
poem by Elaine Hardt ©1998

YOUR WONDERFUL POSSIBILITIES !

That Aggravation

  turns out to be a Test —

    which becomes a Challenge,

      that is an Opportunity.  

So, avoid that Anger,

  Examine that Situation —

    Start thinking of Possibilities,

      Acknowledge your Choice.

Question the Timing,

  Realize the Potential for good —

    Pray for God’s wisdom,

      Set a good Example for somebody. 

Make use of your wonderful Possibilities !

                S M I L E !

by Elaine Hardt  1-9-19 

YOU Can Encourage Someone

      Hopefully, you have found encouragement in the variety of writings I've posted on this blog.   You might know someone who needs some encouragement.  From your family to your friends, from neighbors to the people who work at your same business . . . stuff happens.  
     I've written a lot of various stories, and articles, and poems -- and put them into small booklets.  They are FREE.  We don't sell ANYTHING.  
     Look at the list of categories at the right hand side of this page and find the heading Booklets Published.  Click, then scroll down to the Booklets list.  Send me an email and I'll mail you the one you want to read first.  + + +

My $20 Bill Speaks Up

Finally, I’m getting out of this stuffy pocket in this blue plaid jacket.  I’ve lost track of the time.  How long have I been there?  And, why did I get rescued today?  Oh,  I can hear really good now! 

As I’m getting unfolded, a voice exclaims, “Wow!  I’d forgotten all about you,” so that explains my long absence from the world of shoppers’ delight.  Again I hear that voice, “so now that it’s cold outside my warm little jacket has a surprise for me.  A $20 bill might just make my day!”

When she flips me over I get a glimpse of a woman’s face.  She looks friendly enough, and sounds cheerful.  Well, an adventure is finally coming my way.  What will she do with me?  

Ooops, I’m getting folded in half and pushed into a pocket in her purse.  Now it’s nearly impossible to hear what’s going on out there.  

Not sure how much time has passed.  Of course, that’s the story of my life, but I try not to complain.  I do know that I am appreciated more than the wrinkly $5 and $1 bills that I’ve been around. 

“Coffee?  Yes,  I’ll have the Tuesday Special. Well, Annie, exercise class was fun today.”  She is pulling me out her purse and setting me on the counter next to that other lady; it must be Annie. 

Just then she leans over and the two women whisper.  “Oh, I have a great idea. Annie, pick out one of those pretty greeting cards on the rack, and we’ll have a surprise for Sheila.”  

There I am in the dim light of the coffee house, stretched out on the counter next to a steaming cup of something that smells good; they called it coffee. Friend Annie returns with some flowery card and starts to write something on it.  

“What would be a nice verse to share with Sheila?”

“How about the one I read this morning for my quiet time?  It’s Proverbs 3:5 and 6 and says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend upon your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.’”

“Perfect.”  After both women have written on the card my owner picks me up and folds me in half again. “Let’s give Sheila this little surprise.”

“Twenty dollars!”

“Yes, it will be her going away present, just a token of our appreciation.  She always has such a sweet smile as she waits on all the customers here.”

I smiled, too.  Being folded up and stuffed into an envelope isn’t the greatest, but the best is yet to come. I can’t wait to be Sheila’s surprise!                  

           + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2019

Your Unique Adventure

Another day, more things to do.  

Keeps your brain and body working, too.

Unexpected interruptions?  Probably . . . 

Wake up, get going! You will soon see.

What’s the best attitude for today?

Well, now is the time to start to pray! 

Ask God for wisdom, health, and energy;

Problems can bring opportunity!

Determination is what you need;

Be glad you can concentrate and succeed.

Conquer any anger, fear, and frustration;

Anticipate your coming celebration.  

Your example can challenge someone, too.

This new day will be interesting for you.

Be open to doing good, and learning how;

Your unique adventure for today starts now! 

                     + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2019