Time for the Annual Celebration

Some call it a “holiday” or Easter - - -
    We know it as Resurrection Day.
Do you color and hide hard-boiled eggs?
    We read the Bible, sing hymns, and pray.

Look at www.biblegateway.com
    Consider what Jesus did and said;
Let’s see what happened after that:
    He died on a cross, then arose from the dead.

He was no ordinary “preacher” man
    People were amazed when they heard
He spoke of life and
    Most were challenged by His word.
   
God’s wonderful love is for you and me
    Let’s give this real attention
He forgives our sins when we ask Him.
   We can pray about any situation. 
                     + + +
Have a real celebration this year . . . 
Give these verses a look:
    Click on https://www.biblegateway.com
              Now look up these verses:
                    Matthew 28:5
                    Mark 16:6
                    Luke 24:7
                    John 20:11-16
                    Acts 1:3
            Praying for you to be blessed !
                          + + +

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

What did one antique say to the other antique?

“My, oh my !

    How time does fly !

Before you knows it

    the years go by.”

So, how did this happen

to me and to you ?

Smile, and remember:

Life’s a challenge, that’s true.

“One day at a time

doin’ stuff;

keepin’ busy,

Never done quite enough.”

Every day

there’s lots more to do !

It’s that way for me,

was that way for you.

TODAY, May 19

Today is National Armed Forces Day, so our flag is flying out there;

We smile at these brave people, and every day we mention them in prayer.

       Ideas come to mind, so we don’t just recite some formal kind of word,

       and we’re thankful to know all of this the LORD has seen and has heard.

Our verbal and heart-felt communication is not just “let’s pretend.”

Hopefully, you too have found God's peace when your honest prayer you “send.” 

                                                      + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

April Fool’s Day ? Easter 2018 ?

This year Easter arrives on April Food’s Day !  Do you know why ?  
https://www.reference.com/holidays-celebrations/date-easter-change-c58f9462e93617da

     Easter is more than hardboiled eggs you decorated for your kids and the pretty Easter lily you can buy at the grocery store.

     Easter is a moveable date, the time following the cycle of the sun.

     Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism. 

     Easter is celebrated in different ways in the traditions of various church denominations.  

     It involves Lent, observed by some people as a 40 day period of fasting, prayer and penance.  Holy Week, includes Maundy Thursday’s Last Supper, Good Friday commemorating the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus.  Then on Sunday the celebration is the resurrection of Jesus.

     And we remember other customs such as hunting for Easter eggs,  the Easter bunny, and Easter parades. Kids got a new “Sunday dress.”  And what fun seeing women wearing pretty hats with their outfits. 

     Easter celebrations around the world are described in detail on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter   It’s 27 pages long if you click to print it. 

     You can read the Bible verses about the Last Supper,  The Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus, and the Resurrection.  Go to https://www.biblegateway.com   and type in a word to bring up Bible verses.  What an interesting search this is !

You'll want the facts so you can decide what to believe about Jesus ! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Here is TODAY

A new day!   A new week ?  A new month ?  A new year ?

     Well, any day is a day to celebrate

          when you remember to talk

               to your Creator who loves you!

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

There's a Miracle Coming for You !

You’re on the brink of a miracle today!

That’s why there’s circumstances you see now,

it’s a test of faith and obedience to God;

relax and pray, and the LORD will show you how.

Others are noticing some problems you have,

you can’t evade their concern about this stuff;

but God brings miracles when it’s His time,

trust Him in the good times, as well in the rough.

Find new assurance when you read His Word today,

Smile through your tears — or frustrations’ fearful blow.

Thank Him ahead of this new breakthrough coming;

He takes care of you and loves you more than you know!

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

It's Almost Christmas 2016

We’re getting ready for our annual celebration;

we’re putting up our old, favorite decorations, too. 

And it’s fun to write, having anticipations 

to hear one of these days from you.

The stores are full of decorations for December,

Newspapers, magazines show lots of stuff on sale,

Social media is keeping very busy,

And there’s all those ads that come in the mail.  

The real meaning, the origin of Christmas,

Has been pushed way out of everyone’s view;

It’s not a popular thing to mention Jesus,

But I’m going to; and how about you?

The Jewish people had ancient Scriptures:

A miraculous birth predicted for years,

A Savior would come, a wondrous occasion,

A time for redemption, set free from all fears.  

We thank God for providing us salvation;

Grateful to have eternal expectation —

so, of course, we pray His blessings for you.

Join us in this wonderful celebration!

                          + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Goodbye, Frustration! Hello, Celebration!

You’re too busy?  Ticked off?  Depressed?

Look at the Bible, take a little time.

You’ll be impressed, you’ll be blessed!

Read how much God loves YOU.

There’s nothing to pay, nothing specific to say,

No earning God’s forgiveness;

No specific words you must pray —

Read how much God has done for you.

What’s right you want to do, and find what’s true,

Your Creator sees and knows and loves YOU.

Jesus died for your sin, to cleanse your heart within,

And life in Heaven after dying waits for you.

The Gospels tell the life of Jesus, you’ll see. 

You are wondering how?  Don’t read the whole Bible now!

The small book of Acts gives a short history;

You need to find out for yourself, and do it soon. 

Life is full complication! Avoid resignation!

Give yourself some time to find information. 

Go from frustration to celebration;

So, what do YOU say?  Today’s a great day!

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Sing a New Song for a New Day, a New Year

The sun arose from darkness and shone brightly today;

I give thanks to our mighty Creator 

Who made all of His creation so magnificent and fine.

I give thanks for the roof over my head today

And the stuff I have accumulated

All the necessities that I say are mine.

I give thanks for the people in my life today:

Husband, our sons and their wives, and grandkids,

And I’m blessed with a good extended family.

I give thanks for the occasions I expect:

Looking forward to the days that will follow;

On to the future with opportunity.

I give thanks for what I’ve learned and know today,

Even the unexpected troubles did their job;

Challenges made me respond and grow.

I give thanks for finding Jesus, the Savior!

Amazing how He brought salvation, 

And I appreciate this reality to know

I give thanks for the invitation to pray:

To unload my burdens of confusion,

To ask and receive forgiveness for every sin.

I give thanks for this new day, this new year!

I acknowledge my uncertainties to Him

And I celebrate His blessed love I’ve received within.

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

What Can I Celebrate Today?

What can I celebrate today?

We just finished Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday.  Now it’s on to Advent, the Twelve Days of Christmas, then Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Groundhog Day, etc.

There’s some websites that list well-known holidays, along with strange and funny days that someone proclaimed to be worth celebration.  

Of course, you can always celebrate YOU Day.  That’s the day you appreciate the fact you were born, you’ve learned and achieved a lot, and you deserve recognition.  You’ve survived a lot of near-calls,  probably some illness, and a few days of being ignored or teased or even ridiculed.

You are a special person, know that? 

Blessings for Believers

Assurance of salvation

Boldness to become the Me that He says I can be

Courage to call myself a Christian 

Discovering life’s purpose 

Enthusiasm for every new day

Forgiveness for every sin

Gratitude for every blessing

A New Verse for "Almost Persuaded"

Have you heard this song at your church?  Did you like it? 

Philip Paul Bliss who lived from 1838 to 1876 wrote “Almost Persuaded.” Hear the original song  and read the words at https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1046  Recently, we heard it on a old CD sung by George Beverly Shea.  

The song has quite a message, but it lacks a grand finale.  Here is the final verse that belongs there.  Or, this could be a separate song.  See what you think of my poem: 

Yes, I’m persuaded now to believe!

I invite Jesus the Savior to receive;

His forgiveness I see I need,

His Words I do now heed,

His grace now fills my heart,

My life has a new start!

Thank You, dear Lord. 

     This new verse can be sung with a big smile on your face.  You can have the amazing peace of mind when you’ve thought it through and made that wonderful decision.

Not sure about it yet? You can talk to your Creator right now.  Discuss what’s on your mind.  Realize that what’s out in the Universe did not just accidentally come into being from some lonely, tiny cell.  You were not an accident.  You are a valuable human with tremendous possibilities for doing life very well now, and for transitioning to an eternal life that has no end. 

Today's the Day

       The flag is flying and the weather is nice.  There's lots of people going places, and TV specials coming. It's a day to celebrate . . . something. 
        Stop for a minute and think about where you are right now.  Anything to be thankful for?  
        Of course, the day's news will have some bad things to report.  Anything to pray about?  
        Make your own personal quiet time of reflection . . . 

Important Message to Friends, and You, Too

Happy Birthday today!
What more can I say?
The date I don’t know;
Not to fret, now and so 
I send my greetings to you.
Hope that this poem will do!

And while we’re at it, this too:
Happy All Holidays to you;
Let your calendar say
If it’s a special day.
Remember, I think you’re nice,
So perhaps celebrate twice.

We pray for friends every day
That many blessings come your way,
So until we see you sometime
Be encouraged by this rhyme.
Happy All Holidays to you!  
Celebrate them all, not just a few!  

by Elaine Hardt ©2015

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

Have Yourself a Blessed, Happy New Year

Here comes a jolly celebration in lots of places!

   Perhaps you will be going out on the town,

But do have yourself a blessed Happy New Year,

   Anticipating the future, without a frown.

Yes, there will be many challenges unforeseen,

   And some you already have been warned about,

But claim those as opportunities to grow;

   With a positive outlook, no need to doubt.

This is an All-purpose Poem in Honor of the Up-coming Day of Observance

You now hold in your hands an all-purpose poem,  

It’s here to tell you I care;

It’s got appreciation and remembrance

And more, all written to share.

If the calendar shows there’s a holiday coming

Consider this before the rest,

You’ve been noticed, recognized and greeted

With a prayer that you’ll be blessed.  

Go ahead and celebrate whatever day it is,

Relax, enjoy with a smile;

We share a certain something, though undefined,

Friendship won’t go out of style.  

I’m a person who believes in our Creator

And I am one who prays,

Thus you receive from time to time

My writing to brighten your days. 

So, in honor of the up-coming observance,

To life’s meaning give thought;

It’s me, saying “Hi” to you in this greeting

And this is the poem I’ve wrought.  

By Elaine Hardt ©2007  

Life Looks Like a Puzzle

 Life looks like a puzzle,

Unpredictable pieces,

You find them here and there;

You have choices to make!

Blessings of wisdom help you

So, ask for that in prayer. 

First, the challenge,

Then the celebration!

The LORD shows the way;

Let His Word instruct you,

His presence with you

Will encourage you each day.

by Elaine Hardt ©2014