Spring Is Here!

Two words you may not like — it means work!

But these same two words you will like — it means progress!

        Spring cleaning — maybe you remember this as you were growing up. For grandma, it was a big deal, a big chore, but you pitched in, did your part, learned how to do a better job of it, and finally celebrated with a glass of sweet tea, or was it that bright-colored artificial fruit drink.

 So, Spring Cleaning . . . 

   Are you up to it ?  

   Do you remember how to do it ?

   You’ll celebrate when you’re through it. 

 So, how long will it take ?

   Involve the family ?

   Got a little time that’s free ? 

   When you finish won’t you’ll be happy ?

 So, start with a biggie ?

   Maybe dust some stuff ?

   For today, is that enough ?

   Postpone what’s too rough ?

 So, when it’s done, what then ?

   Any cobwebs in your brain?

   Stuff, you don’t want it to remain? 

   Make a list to see what’s a pain ?

What Season Is It Now?

Consider where you are right now:
   Life is full of chapters and seasons;
Take a new look at yourself today,
   Picture possibilities and reasons.

Are you in a season of testing?
   Don’t lose hope, you can learn, you can make it through.
Are you in a season of resting?
   Give thanks for a peaceful time that God provides for you.

Thinking of You This Summer

So, how’s your summer going?
You say it’s just begun?
Go ahead and do those chores,
But schedule in some fun.

What Is This Stuff?

The first look at the strange, cold, white stuff. Life is about learning, isn't it?
Tigger makes acquaintance with snow.  Do you remember meeting snow for the first time? Capture the scene when you can, and write about it, too.  Make a memory and have fun.

(Thanks to Carlene for this photo.)

Autumn Wilderness

There's a quietness in the autumn woods

that beckons to the traveler's soul,

whispering purpose and beauty.

Come, celebrate the timeless cycle;

the air is chill and swirling winds blow,

raining gold and crimson leaves.

Sing a Song of Summer

Sing a song of summer,

     A heart full of joy;

No matter what the weather,

     I’ve decided to enjoy.

My Springtime Prayer

Write Your reality on my heart today
Like You write spring on a winter-weary world.

New life is birthing across the land,
Responding to Your awesome plan.

The earth is singing and I am eager to hear,
Reassure me again that You are here.

Sights & Sounds of Spring

Sky so blue, filmy clouds a curtain parting here,
Air a crisp delight, tinged with promises clear;
Morning heralds perched on branches of the trees,
Sweet songs of spring advance on the breeze.

The garden swells with buds, then exclaims in blooms,
Filling all of nature’s cathedral rooms,
But a mightier symphony plays on the ear,
Inviting seekers in faith to draw near.

Winter's Possibilities

Hunker down or venture out?
That’s winter’s perplexity,
There’s positives and negatives
in winter’s possibilities.

How bad will the weather get?
And how long will that last?
Can we make it to the store
Or wait until the storm is past?

An artist will see the beauty
While you and I shovel snow;
When mama snaps the photographs
Our rosy cheeks aglow.

Bundled up from head to toe,
Kids enjoying snowy days;
Sledding, skiing, skating,
Winter fun in many ways.

Winter settles in awhile,
But soon we’ll hope for spring;
Trusting God for endurance,
Taking time for remembering.

By Elaine Hardt ©2009

Autumn Means, "Prepare for Winter"!

Autumn brings respite from the summer’s heat,
Unexpected drought finally relieved by rain;
Now autumn signals time for preparation,
Winter storms will challenge survival again.

Anticipate hard times in case they come,
Set aside supplies from fields and store;
Wishful thinking is not the same as work,
Planning and doing are certainly called for.

Perhaps you’ll be needed to help someone,
Your example today might inspire;
Count your blessings while you get busy,
Remember to lift your goals higher.

Enjoy autumn scenery while you can,
Winter will soon assault that grassy sod;
Make gratitude your on-going attitude,
Appreciate wisdom given by God.

By Elaine Hardt ©2009

photo by Carlene Hardt ©2006

The Weeds' Revenge

Little green leaves and tiny colored flowers tried to masquerade their true identity. But the seeds that were awakened by last week’s showers were not welcome in the desert-landscaped lawn. The intruders were weeds.

A few days later, armed with a long-handled weed-stabbing tool I donned my gardening gloves and marched outside with a plastic bucket. By the early morning shade I vigorously attacked the invaders. Some of them had roots like miniature carrots.

Earlier, looking out the front room window I estimated that there were only about 15 - 20 weeds, and I’d be done in mere minutes. However, upon closer scrutiny there were more than that. Some had cleverly disguised themselves to blend in with the gray and blue colored gravel.

Nearly an hour later I carried a full bucket of weeds to the garbage can. A change of clothes and soon I was on my way to meet some friends at the coffee house.

By bedtime muscles in my back and legs were starting to complain. Midnight found me wide awake, reaching for some liniment I found in the bathroom cabinet. It didn’t help.

The next day by 8 a.m. I was phoning the chiropractor. Owwww. Even my left thumb hurt. The weeds had their revenge.

Does this hold true in other areas of life? Miscalculating how much time and energy a task will take, that’s one thing. Not expecting a backlash of pain or other trouble, that’s another possibility to take into consideration.

Parents try to teach children to think a matter through, to anticipate possible effects, to avoid careless or harmful outcomes. And, from our years of experience we may have learned to make reasonable choices. But there’s always room for improvement, or so it seems.

Looking back just on the last dozen years in our own nation there has been an increasing flood of “bad,” masquerading as “normal” and “acceptable” and “tolerant.” Growing up with TV and movies the younger generation has not had many examples of making good choices.

Consider Lot
Did Lot intend to make a real mess of his life, and the lives of his wife and children? Or did he just gradually see a different viewpoint that accepted more and more sinful behavior? He probably had a house in a nice section of town, had friends, a good income, maybe knew some of the town’s leading citizens. But little by little the behavior of the majority affected Lot’s family.

In Genesis 13 it says that Lot as he moved about with Abram had flocks and herds and tents. When given a choice Lot moved and pitched his tents near Sodom. In Genesis 14 Lot was living in Sodom. By Genesis 19 the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was so bad that the Lord was going to destroy those evil people. Two angels urged Lot to leave before the city’s punishment.

Lot did escape in time, but without his wife, without his riches. A life of comfort had eluded him. The possibility of leaving a legacy of faith and obedience to God had been shattered.

Lot did not identify the small warnings, and later did not react to the bigger warnings. In Luke 17 Jesus reminded his listeners about Lot and the results of his careless life. In 2 Peter 2:7 Lot was called a “righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men,” but he could have done better.

When we make a good effort to tidy up our lives and remove the weeds, consider the real possibility that the weeds can affect us even after we think they’re eradicated. We need the wisdom and empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit to deal with sin. Carelessness will affect us, our families, and our testimony to others. God will help us do what pleases Him, and that will be very good. # # #

by Elaine Hardt ©2009

So, Where's Spring?

Spring, you are a little tease!
You come and go just when you please;
We watch for snow to blow and go,
Say goodbye to winter’s freeze.

Are you here or are you not?
Will it be chilly or get hot?
When shall we plant, and what will grow
In the yard and garden plot?

We love little buds and sprouts,
and greening leaves without a doubt;
So let your bashful beauty show,
Splash your colors all about.

Whisper with your scented breeze,
Congratulate the growing trees;
Display God’s goodness, let all know
How refreshing Spring can be.

By Elaine Hardt ©1999
photo by Peter Hardt ©2009

Winter's Challenge

What? The streets are closed as snow drifts higher?
Toss another log on our cheery fire.
What if the electricity goes out?
We’ll hunker down, not gad about.

This is why we have food and candles stored,
For winter’s challenge, we’ll not get bored.
We planned ahead with apt strategy,
If we forgot something we’ll soon see!

Winter depicts life’s difficult ways,
We must prepare for uncertain days;
As we trust God, then He gives us peace,
Some day soon our struggles will cease.

Stormy or sunny, rainy or clear,
No need to fret, the Lord is near;
Faith in God gives reason for gratitude,
Remembering improves our attitude.

By Elaine Hardt ©2006
photo by Peter Hardt ©2008

Winter's Mystery and Delight

When winter’s snow comes dancing down
A frosty cold claims woods and town.
Where winter holds us in embrace
Be thankful for this peaceful place.

When winter’s morn dawns muted gray
Here and there are birds at play.
They hop about and seem to say,
Will the children come today?

When winter’s noon shows turquoise sky
The snowdrifts melt with liquid sigh.
When shadows lengthen it’s time we go
To warm ourselves by fire’s glow.

When winter’s eve brings blowing storm
All God’s creatures must stay warm.
The night holds secrets like a dream,
In stalwart woods and frozen stream.

When winter’s scene you cannot find
Look within your childhood’s mind;
There reminisce the days of yore,
Such mystery, delight once more.

By Elaine Hardt ©2002
photo by Carlene or Peter Hardt ©2004

Before You're Snowed Under

Before you’re snowed under
with winter holidays
give yourself the gift
of contemplation.

A quiet heart can
be the doorway to a blessing
that you need,
and that you want.

Suggestion for meditation:
Psalm 148
John 3
Romans 8
Ephesians 1

by Elaine Hardt ©2006
photo by Peter Hardt ©2008

Relief From Winter's Assault

In the midst of artificial holiday cheer
avoid deep drifts of aggravation,
the freeze of frustration,
slippery confusion.

There's relief for weary travelers;
Your Father invites you to come.
The Cross road is the way
And His love is the Son.

More than shelter from winter's assault
Faith conquers life's trials;
Walk in confidence, sing for joy,
Jesus Christ is real.

by Elaine Hardt ©1990
photo by Carlene Hardt ©2006

Summer is also for the birds.

photo by Carlene Hardt ©2007

Relief From Winter's Assault

In the midst of artificial holiday cheer
avoid deep drifts of aggravation,
the freeze of frustration,
slippery confusion.

There's relief for weary travelers,
Your Father invites you to come;
The Cross road is the way
And His love is the Son.

More than shelter from winter's assault
Faith conquers life's trials;
Walk in confidence, sing for joy,
Jesus Christ is real.

by Elaine Hardt ©1990

Autumn's Harvest

Remember the seeds you once held in your hand,
Small, smooth or rough, speckled or plain,
Dry bits of insignificance,
But full of potential; fascinating
miracles appear.

Remember the work, the time you invested,
Preparing, planting, tending, weeding,
seeing the miracle of seed to seedling,
From plant to produce, spring to autumn,
Harvest is near.

Consider yourself, your potential for growing,
Challenge comes to make you stronger;
God brings you through the storm,
Anticipate, receive His blessing;
Harvest is nearly here.

✍ Elaine Hardt ©2006

Summer's Choices

Complain of the heat and humidity,
Complain about the bugs?
Or, plan to do something special,
Give encouragement and hugs.

Stew about the long distance driving,
the bus, the train, the plane?
Gripe about the unexpected,
or relinquish stress and stay sane.

Unpredictable summer!
The choosing is up to me;
Anticipate, enjoy, remember,
I’ll make it fun, certainly.

— Elaine Hardt ©2006