Changes to That Old Song

                           
        Remember that old song, "Home on the Range"?    Here's a change to the lyrics: 
“Where seldom is heard an encouraging word -- and the skies are cloudy and gray . ."
Does that sound like how you felt yesterday or how you feel today?
Perhaps there’s a simple-something you can do that boosts your happiness level today.  Speak up or write down some simple words of encouragement and send to somebody else.  Even if they don’t reply with an immediate smile via email or in person you can give yourself a nice nod of the head.  
Encouragement can be such a mood-lifter.  Especially if what that person says in return to you is pertinent and true.  Encouragement can be helpful.
So, duh, your encouragement to someone can be short, pertinent, true.  Possibly what you say, or write, or do will brighten their day. 
And later, when you remember that time and that person it will encourage you that you did the right thing.  You will be inspired and empowered to do words of encouragement a couple of times a week.  You up to it?

By Elaine Hardt ©2016

Solving That Problem!

          Got a problem? 

Talk it out

Figure it out

Work it out

This only lacks one thing to say:

Remember to pray!

Got frustration? 

Something’s wrong

Something’s incomplete

Something needs improvement

It’s very important today:

Don’t forget to pray!

Got a plan? 

You need words

You need examples

You need thinking

This might take a little time,

But don’t forget to pray!

Got a response?

Your Creator knows you, 

You know that’s true

You can get headed to Heaven 

You don’t really want to stray! 

So talk to Him: pray! 

Got a challenge?

Life is for learning

Life is for growing up

Life is for you choosing what to do

You’d better not delay:

Now is the time to pray.  

                         + + +

by Elaine Hardt ©2015 

Looking Around & Looking Ahead

The LORD has something for you to do,

Maybe not the same, but probably new;

Challenges have been piling up, that’s true,

But perhaps that was a growing point for you.

Setting an example, Paul was steadfast, 

He believed the tough times could not last.

Others were blessed, as things got worse for him,

God gave strength when circumstances looked dim;

Finally, things got worse and then Paul died,

No doubt his friends and colleagues cried;

Sooner or later each of us arrives at death,

Where will we go after we take our last breath?

Pray today that your faith stands strong and true,

Pray that the LORD gives wonderful wisdom to you;

The Purpose of a Problem

Determination makes you strong, 

Apathy makes you weak;

The problem brings a choice to you.

Reject confusion, depression!  

Stand tall inside your heart;

God gives the power to you.

Pray for wisdom, help, protection.  

Analyze, plan, then do;

God means for this to strengthen you.  

          By Elaine Hardt ©2009

What's the Bigger Picture?

        While struggling through some kind of medium-sized aggravation or a big trouble you and I might be questioning the reason behind it. Perhaps, like Job,  our friends aren’t any help.  But maybe there’s a bigger picture to consider.  Maybe there is something to learn from this.  
         The book of Job in the Old Testament is an interesting book with lots of conversation after some severe problems hit this well-to-do man.  
Having the friends comment on what they view brings a focus, and Job rethinks, perhaps, or at least rehearses again his understanding of the matter.
The friends observe Job’s behavior and hear his replies.
Job even confesses a weakness on his part.
Later,  (how soon?)  God heals and restores Job and sends a huge, overflowing, visible blessing to Job.
The friends would at that time hear word of the amazing restoration, the amazing testimony of Job.
Is that what is happening to you?  To me?
Someone is observing our struggle, listening to our words, maybe taking part in a conversation with us.  Maybe they don’t immediately have a wonderful change of heart.  But perhaps somewhere, sometime later they do turn to the LORD.
This is the bigger picture that can be an encouragement to each of us.  Our personal struggles can point people to the LORD.
All praise to Him, for loving each of us that much! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2013

* * * DEFEAT DISCOURAGEMENT * * *

One decision at a time . . . 

One day at a time . . . 

It may not look like a big deal to others,

But it offers you a great possibility.