He Let Me Write His Love

       It's been over twenty years now, but I remember that girl from the coffee shop.  She sat alone in the corner with a cup of coffee and a donut.
       I'd met three friends from the Exercise Club for our Wednesday coffee time and we sat near the counter, telling jokes and having fun.
       Glancing around the room her eyes met mine and she then turned her head away.  Well,  time to go and at least say, "Hi. I'm Elaine.  We gals from the Exercise Club do coffee here on Wednesday.  You new to town?"
       Her shy smile started us off with a little conversation before I went back to the giggling girls.  That's how our friendship began.
        About three months later she moved to Flagstaff, deciding to enroll in the college there.  What a difference that last day was.  She was now one of the Exercise Girls; smiling and happy.  
       Later, I was inspired to write this:  

                    He Let Me Write His Love

                  I told the Lord I’d write a book,

                      and my fame would bring Him glory;

                         write poetry to honor His name,

                            or perhaps I’d write a story.

                  He gave me someone who needed love

                    when I offered Him my time;

                      I saw Him work a miracle,

                         and now she is a friend of mine. 

                  I could not have foreseen the joy

                     while investing many days;

                        but happiness is a soul redeemed

                          and Jesus gets all the praise.

                   Once ambition called to me,

                      now devotion is sincere;

                        To think He let me write His love

                            on the heart of someone dear.
+ + +
poem by Elaine Hardt ©1998

Love Has LOTS of Definitions (Maybe You Can Add to My List?)

“Love” is a word I use in a variety of ways. 

1. I love my husband. 
2. I love the sunrise we saw yesterday.
3. I love blueberry muffins like Mama made.
4. I love when the traffic is reasonable and I get to work on time.
5. I love the puppy that dad named First Golden Lady of Rickhaven.
6. I love your idea for inviting that new neighbor to the picnic at Fain Park.
7. Of course, I love God, our Creator.  He deserves my admiration and dedication.

Now, I am supposed to “love my enemy” but . . . 

1. I do not admire his words of threat and hate.
2. I do not appreciate how he has treated other people.
3. I do not know what to say that will help him behave himself.
4. I do not know how to give him enough time to repent and change.
5. I do not trust him, so I am prepared to protect myself the best I can.
6. I do not think he is setting a worthy example to the younger generation.
7. Of course, I remember this: he is labeled for prayer.  I pray for his repentance

And, I am to “love my neighbor as myself” which no doubt means:

My $20 Bill Speaks Up

       Finally, I’m getting out of this stuffy pocket in this blue plaid jacket. I’ve lost track of the time. How long have I been there? And, why did I get rescued today? Oh, I can hear really good now!
        As I’m getting unfolded, a voice exclaims, “Wow! I’d forgotten all about you,” so that explains my long absence from the world of shoppers’ delight. Again I hear that voice, “so now that it’s cold outside my warm little jacket has a surprise for me. A $20 bill might just make my day!”

Best Friend?

      When we were kids each of us wanted a best friend — someone to walk with you down the sidewalk, stand up for you when others were around, talk with you on the phone.

         When we got older best friends got scarce. Everyone was busy, and somehow there wasn’t time for that special kind of friendship.

          If you’d ask, most people would say there is no best friend anymore. No one to link arms with and cut through the field, no one to share secrets, no one who spends time with you, just for the fun of it.

          In these troubling times what we need is a best friend. Some one who really cares.