Gift of Time

A phone call, card, or visit
    is a gift of time that's given.
Friendship's caring is a glimpse
    of Father's love in Heaven.

No one knows how long will be
   the lifetime God's given you.
Receive it as a treasure
    and spend it wisely, too.

Give time to God in worship,
    an honor that is due;
He lavishes His goodness
    every day on me and you.

Give time to others joyfully,
    prayerfully doing your best;
Cherish the opportunity,
    and your heart will be blessed.

by Elaine Hardt ©2019

What To Focus on Today?

Careless or Careful?

Indifferent or Uncertain?

Ignoring or Informing?

What’s my attitude today?

Am I improving? 

Am I thinking it over?

Am I considerate?

Am I looking ahead today?

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Today we’re called to remember the evil done to Jewish people those years ago;

Many people will ignore this call to consider what happened then, do they know?

too occupied in planning their own schedule for today

too busy doing their own important things, they say

too concerned about their success and entertainment and fame

too overwhelmed with bad news from around the world, more of the same

Too self-centered to care

to forgetful about prayer

This official day is a call for each of us to acknowledge

where we are in our own attitude and action.

Pray for the lost, the neglected, the persecuted, too.

Pray for the world leaders who are messing up what they could do.

Pray for repentance, owning up to our own sin.

Pray for God’s message to be welcomed within. 

Pray for truth to be known.

Pray for love to be shown. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

My Friend Is Gone

She died.  She’s gone. My friend is dead.

My thoughts came tumbling out of my head

“I didn’t tell her . . . “

“I didn’t ask her . . . “

“Did she know . . . “

“Was she ready to go?”

I didn’t expect it, but my friend is dead,

What could I — should I — have said?

Thinking about her, thinking about me

I open the Bible today to see.

Oh, LORD I need to be obeying You;

Tell me every day what to say and do.

For all of us life will one day end,

Now is the time to receive Jesus as friend.

Confess your sins honestly,

When you die you want in Heaven to be! 

I hope my friend is certainly There;

I’m learning now my faith to share.  

                                             By Elaine Hardt ©2016 

Grab Your Pencil and . . .

Nick pulled in the parking lot with a big smile.  When he entered the HeBrew coffee shop six friends were already seated at the big back table.  Of course, they expected to hear his cheery greeting.  “Hi, guys and gals!  Only four more days till Christmas.”
“Don’t we know!  The suspense at my house is huge.  My kidlets are peeking at the presents under the tree,” exclaimed Ronson. 
“What I like is the week off work between Christmas and New Year’s” was Miguel’s contribution.
A few other wisecracks were shared before Nick delivered his pronouncement.  “OK.  Do you have a pencil and paper at home?  Or, will you be using your iPad to follow through with my challenge?”
“Wassup, guy?” was the unanimous reply.
“Betcha haven’t done this yet.  My Grandma Marie got me going.  Here’s the thing:  Jot down what you remember from one Christmas when you were a little kid.  Nothing fancy, just the basics.  And, then write something that you remember your grandma and grandpa saying or doing at Christmas.”
Heads nodded.  None of them had written anything like that, and it was definitely overdue.  Nick added, “If you don’t write it down now, you won’t be able to remember nearly so good by next year -- when old age sets in!”
Adelle spoke up, “That’s why my Gramma Becky takes an afternoon nap.  She says that fights off old age.  I think she’s going on 80.”
“Seriously, you will give this a go, and maybe frown once you find time to do it.  But, get the ideas written down.  Go back in a few days and add anything else that’s come to mind. It will be fun!”  was Nick’s encouragement.
Bea smiled at Bennett and gestured, “This is why we privately refer to him over there as St. Nick; he will check up on us.”  
David grinned, “Nick-boy!  That is so practical, so logical.  I’m surprised I didn’t think of it before you.  I get paid for my good ideas at the credit union.  Hmmmm.  Maybe I could suggest that at our staff party tomorrow night.”

Will You Have a Reluctant Christmas?

Will you have a reluctant Christmas?

Is what you want impossible this year?

Perhaps you can reach out to some others

and bring them some unexpected cheer. 

Often simple pleasures, a letter,

a song, a treat or meal that’s shared,

a little visit or a phone call

lets someone know you cared.

Anytime there’s a cloud of confusion

you have a Friend to set you free 

Give God thanks for all you can think of,

in childlike simplicity.  

Allow yourself a new beginning,

Let God’s love give you a new start;

Banish that reluctant Christmas,

Make a celebration in your heart.

By Elaine Hardt ©2005

Today's News Is About Terrible Things -- So What?

       Today’s news programs were “normal.” From TV reports to Internet sites there wasn’t any “good” news around the world. Interviews involved picking out a few comments to argue about vehemently for a short time. 

        How do you and I respond?  

1. Turn off the news and avoid thinking about it?  Emotionally and intellectually deny the powerful, horrible truth of what’s going on?

2. Or, give at least one news report a quick listen so we can act like we’re keeping up with the various situations; we’re not careless or stupid?

3. Or, immerse ourselves in all the details we can find in print and on-line?  This way we can show up all the people we might talk with?  We know more facts and opinions of famous people?

       What’s our motive?  Do we have a plan, a goal? Or, is watching the news just a habit that launches the day?

       Does it really matter?  Does what I choose, what I do make any difference in the “big picture” of life? 

         As people who care what’s going on many of us miss our “assignment.”  We are to pray for the misled people to awaken to the truth of good and evil. Pray for the “bad” people to repent of their sins and to hear the good news of the truth of God’s Word.  Judgment from God brings them troubles which are meant to emphasize their need of God:  repent before they die and face eternal consequences.     

        Here’s a few Bible verses to get you started in this calling, 
this challenge to pray for others: 

Memorial Day 2015

        The stirring sounds of music from the PBS annual Memorial Day Concert both lifts the spirit and challenges the heart.  We acknowledge those who serve our country in the armed forces,  those who died, those who are were wounded and are disabled and still healing, as well as those now in active service. What an example of dedication.  What a reminder to pray for each man and woman and their families.  What a reminder to pray for our leaders.  

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