My Birthday Greeting to God

DEAR GOD,  I want to thank You that I was born to my mama.  I didn’t know anything at the time, except that I had been disturbed.  I didn’t know Your whole world was waiting for me.

It’s been little by little for me to see and experience and find out about this town where mama and daddy had been living for more than 20 years before they married.  They told me a little about You for my curiosity. 

Now, I want to thank You for letting me live on Your earth for this long.  There has been a lot for me to learn, and even before I appreciated You being our Creator, You have been taking care of me.

I found out that some things I did were not good for me, not nice to do to my siblings. You are the most patient One I have ever heard about.  Later, I found out that I should apologize to You, so I did.  And, how nice that You forgive me for being careless, clumsy, and crabby.  

Soon I heard others talk about You, and I read about You in the Bible.  Jesus coming to our little Earth from Heaven was wonderful.  I would have cried to see Him die, but I would have been jumping up and down to see Him get out of the grave and then go up in the sky to Heaven again.  Every day I read in the Bible some of what He said and what He did. 

You are completely amazing, totally magnificent, greatly to be admired and respected and obeyed.  Wow!  You created all those stars and everything;  You are powerful. 

I see everyday that I should talk to You, own up to my misbehavior and get back on friendly terms with You.  I heard that when I asked You would show me what to do and say, so I would be able to be good.  

Some old people died when I was growing up, and it didn’t make any sense to me, except that they got too old and that was the end of them here.  Later I realized how sad people got when other people died.  I heard that even young people died when their bodies got too sick or too hurt. 

When older people told me about where You live and how You invited people to come there when they die I thought that was the best news ever!  I talked to You then and told You I wanted to be with You forever and ever.  

Little did I know that I would live for this long and have these many days for thinking and learning and doing stuff.  I still love You and admire You!  I still want to come to live with You forever and ever.  I still say I am sorry when I think or do or say something that is not nice. 

It’s been a terrible thing to hear about people who are very, very bad, choosing to do the opposite of helpful and kind ways.  It is shocking to realize that they defy You and hate You.  They will one day stand before Your Throne and get punishment.  When I heard names of some of them I prayed they would change, but they did not choose to listen to You. 

In closing, I wanted to tell You that I am relieved that when I talk to You it is not interrupting something important that You are doing.  It is awesome that You care about every person in the world, and I am amazed that You can hear everyone praying at once.  I am so glad I don’t have to worry about dying because You will take care of me now and then and forever.  I love You, God, and I am so happy to call you my Heavenly Father.   

 Signed  _____________________

Memorial Day on Monday

Memorial Day to honor our men and women 

who died serving the USA 

They gave their lives, some here and some so very far away.

Thousands served, too, 

but made it through. 

Sometimes we forget to honor those still remaining.

And let’s remember those who did all that training;

For each of these good people let’s now pray,

"LORD, help us all to help each other," we will say.  

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Three Steps to Remembering

Here’s the short version.  Try each of these four approaches and see how it goes for you.   Then keep reading the rest of this page for more details, too.

1. Read the info you want to remember.
2. Speak that info aloud to yourself.
3. Listen as you hear yourself speak.

1. Listen to someone speaking.
2. Write down what you want to remember.
3. Speak it aloud to yourself sometime soon.

1. See something.
2. Write down what you want to remember.
3. Speak it aloud as you write it.

1. Say something you want to remember.
2. Write down what you said — take notes.
3. Read what you wrote down.

Smile at yourself for being smart.  You can remember it.  You’re doing good ! 

        Let’s get more details here.  

It’s a good idea to have a small tablet with you, in your pocket or in your purse.  So handy to jot down some key phrases or key points of info, like when you’re hearing someone speaking.  Later, when you have some time read through this info and add any details, like fixing your spelling, so your notes are more helpful. 

When you’re reading something and find something important or interesting maybe you can underline key words or phrases if it’s your book or your magazine.

When you’re out and about and notice something interesting or unusual if you’re alone you can speak aloud to yourself some info, some key words, etc. 

You can encourage yourself.  Say,  “I AM doing better.  I CAN do better.  I’m glad that I am improving these skills.”         + + +

                          

            by Elaine Hardt ©2020

National Armed Forces Day, May 16, 2020

It’s a special day on the calendar

to recognize men and women who serve.

They demonstrate their dedication

and they work with brains and nerve.

So, fly the flag of the USA,

speak up to the people you know.

We each can reach out to others,

patriotism and love we can show. 

The future holds much uncertainty,

we always need help from others;

This is a reminder to us here — 

pray every day for one another.

We appreciate our many blessings !

Life means making decisions each day.

Choose to open the Bible and read;

See what your Maker has to say.

Stand up for what’s good and true !

Tell what Armed Forces Day means to you.

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Thinking Today About Mama

What has Mama done ?

    What does Mama like ? 

What did Mama tell you this morning ?

    Are you careful on your bike ?

Your favorite thing Mama cooked ?

    Did Mama crochet, knit or sew ?

Did she travel very far ? 

    Interesting stuff she did, you still know ?

When you were just a kid what good stuff did you do ? 

    What would you like to tell her today ?

Remember that she prayed for you ? 

    What else can you remember on Mother’s Day ? 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020