Write It !

        Which is it? Write it down! Write it up! Maybe it depends on what and why you are writing. But, take a look right now; consider how helpful it is for YOU when you write something.
        Writing helps you organize your thoughts. Maybe it’s just on a piece of paper, writing with an old-timey pencil. Maybe writing with a pen. The idea pops into your head — and you are smart to write it. Later, you can review it and add to it.
        And here’s a biggie: this first writing, called the “first draft,” is only for your eyes. Spelling doesn’t count. As long as you can read it yourself then it’s OK for now. Later, you can go back and check the spelling on your computer and fix it so someone else could read it.
        When an idea comes maybe you’re at the computer, or your tablet, or your smartphone. Write it as soon as you can. Then, remember what title you gave it and where you filed it!
        Here’s some of the useful things for you to write for your own benefit.

• directions to that location
• instructions on “how to do” something
• a compliment you want to say to someone — today? later?
• a problem you noticed and what to say about it to someone
• a list of things to get at the grocery store
• an event you want to put on your calendar
• a bright idea you want to pursue later, when you have some free time
• a question that bugs you to find an answer, when you have time

And,

At Just the Right Time at the Hospital

        The hospital waiting room was busy all day, but now at 10 p.m. it was quiet and nearly empty.  At opposite ends of the room two men were sitting, both with some kind of smartphone or that sort of an internet device.  At the Welcome receptionist desk an older woman was on the phone.

The younger man stretched and stood up.  He crossed the room to where the other man was sitting.  “Excuse me, got a minute to talk?”

Gerald looked up with a sad look on his face.  He nodded, so Randy introduced himself.  Gerald noticed the name tag this stranger had on his shirt,  “Listening and Praying.” 

Randy explained, “I’m a volunteer here at Good Samaritan Hospital for the night shift on Mondays, and I walk the halls and pray for who’s in each room.  Don’t know what ails him or her, but I pray God’s love and God’s healing for each one.”

“Well, I’m a working man and I’m usually at home snoring.  But Betta had a seizure, so she’s in there, and I’m out here.”  

“OK if I pray for her healing and for your peace of mind?”

“Sure, but I guess I should own up:  I don’t know about God.  Never found out enough to believe.”

“Any particular irritation?”

“Nah,” was Gerald’s reply. 

  A long silence followed, then Randy spoke in a kindly tone of voice,

What? A One Minute Prayer . . . Again?

A silly bedtime rhyme came to mind yesterday, “Good night, sleep tight; don’t let the bedbugs bite!”    Along with that childhood prayer,  “Now I lay me down to sleep,” it was a ritual for us little kids.

Lately there’s been a TV commercial about getting a new mattress because an older one might be infected with bedbugs, so no doubt that brought the rhyme to mind yesterday.

And today the big thought of how adults treat prayer as repeating memorized words, reciting them quickly without pause or consideration:  what did I just say to God?  Does the old prayer still mean something?  Am I just being careless, thinking that I did what I was supposed to do?  Do those words make me a believer, a Christian, a good guy?

Memorized prayers recited at home or at church can become useless when our minds are not paying attention.  Why do the leaders say those holy words to quickly?

While we might not be able to bring this problem to the attention of someone in charge, at least we can remedy it at home.  Are you going to pray the “Lord’s Prayer”? Speak slowly, pause between phrases and think about what you’re saying to God.  You are talking to your Maker, and He is listening.  Of course, He sees your attitude.

Now, what is it that you want to say to God?  Here is the “Lord’s Prayer” from the words of the Bible in Matthew 6:9-13  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A9-13 

Here are eleven foreign language translations http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/lord_traditional_king_james.html  that also gives details of the phrases, the context, analysis line-by-line, and prayers for important occasions through the year.   

Ask yourself now, is it a “magic formula” ?  Does it keep us close to the LORD? Then take a few minutes to look up the two websites listed here.  

Afterwards ask yourself, what?  What do I want to tell my Creator?  Would this be a good time to confess my weakness, my shortcomings, my sins?  Would it be helpful to put into my own words something to express my faith, my admiration, my thankfulness?

So, is one minute enough today?

By Elaine Hardt ©2016

Analyze & Appreciate

This wooden chair I can see and feel,

I know this chair is something real,

But when it’s God I want to see

I cannot find where He can be.

My little brain and imperfect eyes

Only knows things of little size;

How can a great Creator be up There?

To find the truth I really care.

What is logical?  What is true?

Does this really concern me and you?

Look at the evidence, what did Chance bring?

One tiny blob evolved into everything?

Of Course, You Can!

I think I can,

Of course, I can,

              I will.

* Considering . . . Announcing . . . Committing  

Preliminary position

Positive possibilities

Pleasing proclamation

* Tentative. . . Encouraged. . . Determined

A little reminder 

A little nudge

A little step in the right direction

* Pondering. . . Deciding. . . Pronouncing

Alert, so I will pray

Aware, so I will plan

Advancing, so I will proceed

* Cautious. . . Confident. . . Celebrating

Prayerfully with respect

Responding to reply

Pursuing the project

* Pray. . . Plan. . . Prepare

You think you can?

  You will?

  Of course, you can! 

                                                                       By Elaine Hardt ©2015

“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”    Philippians 4:13

“And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

              giving thanks to God the Father by Him.”     Colossians 3:17

I Want to be Happy

Happiness may be a choice,

Happiness may be a chore;

Sometimes it seems Happiness says, 

“You won’t see me anymore.”

Oh, Happiness please come back;

Oh, please come back to stay!

I was careless, it was my fault;

I really need you today.

So, thinking it over,

Considering its place,

Happiness is more than a

Little fake smile on my face.

Happiness comes from a peaceful

Trust in the LORD in my heart;

A prayer of welcoming Him

Gives Happiness its start.

Happiness knows: God sees and knows,

Taking me from trouble and strife;

Love and Joy come in with Faith.

Celebrating a new life. 

                                                              By Elaine Hardt ©2015

Awake? Alert? Aware? Available!

Father, there’s so much I don’t remember, don’t know, can’t do!

Keep me focused on the Great Future when I’ll come to You.

Things down here are sad, confusing, mean, and harmful,  bad!

You are the only One who loves me, best Friend I’ve ever had. 

Keep me awake, alert, aware of what I need to know,

I want to be available: show me how to come or go;

I need words to say, wisdom for the day’s necessities, 

All of this You will provide, giving  ample energies.

by Elaine Hardt ©2012

Reasons to Believe

The high school reunion invitation arrived and Eric was anticipating a good time.  See the old buddies, have a few drinks, then the barbecue out back, yes, I’ll go.  “Of course, we’ll go, honey,” was Lizzi’s exclamation.  

The turnout was excellent and the “remember when” was a humorous challenge.  Eric and Lizzi mingled with the crowd.  With a big grin Eric slapped Bruce on the back.  “Hey, guy.  What’s been keeping you busy this last year?”

The response was totally unexpected.  “Yeah, I’ve made an astounding discovery and made a huge decision.”

What?  This wimp of a guy had put on muscle since he last saw him, but what does he mean?

Vinegar & Bleach

In a hurry to get the washing started before running to town Tina impulsively decided to add bleach to the load of white bath towels — now a shade of faint pink —  so she grabbed the jug, measured out a cup and poured it into the dispenser on the washing machine. The detergent in, the right buttons pushed, and Tina was off like a flash. 

 The reason for the rosy hued items was her fault in the first place. Her husband, Dan’s new white socks with bright red stripe on the top had tinted the towels and washcloths. 

 Back from town a couple of hours later, she was stuffing the wet towels into the dryer, and noticed they didn’t look any better.  “Maybe I should have added more bleach?”  Again she reached for the jug on the shelf.  The first thing on the label that caught her eye was a recipe for pickles.  

 Turning the bottle around she saw to her chagrin she’d used vinegar instead of bleach. There’s nothing like using the wrong product to give the wrong results. 

 Something similar happens in our busy lives when we grab for what we think will do the job, and it fails us.  
  Many people see the word, “spirituality” and grab that.  Or, they see the word, “religion” and think it’s the real thing.

  Let’s slow down and take a closer look.  

Analyzing That Misbehaving Toaster

The toaster in the kitchen conked out.  Oh, well.  Just buy a new one.
The computer printer put out a wrinkled page torn on the upper left hand side.  Was the problem with the device or the paper or how it was loaded? What to do?
“When you can identify the problem and assess the device that’s misbehaving that’s the first step,”  Craig began. “The challenge then is to sort out and recall any info you already have tucked in your brain.  Next you evaluate the advice you get from others.  Are they experienced, qualified to do the fixing?”
Who hasn’t needed these little reminders from time to time? Keeping all our household and automotive devices happily running is one thing.  The procedure that brings you success is the one to keep on doing.
What about the intangible things in life?  
Your success in the overall scheme of things is important to your peace of mind, and your future success builds on your earlier success.  This is why it’s important to settle issues for yourself, and then as a parent or friend of a friend, to be able to assist others.  Children need to learn to deal with problems without tears or angry words.  
Even grownups give in to childish behavior at times.  Maybe the bad word is now “Oh, crap,” instead of a swear word.  Whatever.  It does reveal to the bystander something about your maturity.
What’s wrong with the angry driver on the freeway who cuts in and out of traffic?  Does anger in return bring a teachable moment?  It’s time to claim your cool.  
What if I --- ? What if he --- ? What if they --- ?  What matters is looking ahead.  Wisdom is achieved, not delivered with your pizza order.
Craig was a teacher at Sunnyslope Elementary School.  His class —