So Many Challenges

The COVID-19 problem has emerged, rapidly spreading.  So many new restrictions, so many new things to worry about.

These challenges bring interruptions to our planned-ahead nice day.  Which can you identify with in YOUR own life?  Which have you observed in others near by ?

Unexpected Changes:  home - school - work - neighbors

Unplanned changes : your salary - auto expenses - a death in the family

Undesirable changes:  political issues in town -  in your state -  national changes

Gradual situations: starting to forget - starting to be allergic - going to new doctor - going to a new dentist

Unpredictable changes:  a friend moved far away -  a new law about ….?

Ongoing Stress:  getting used to a hearing aid -  noisy trucks going down the  street 

Now go back to the categories and see what bright ideas pop into your mind:  challenges that affronted you at some point in your life so far. How did you deal with the challenges ?  

Every situation that butts into your well-planned life is a challenge.  What do you want to do ?  Is anger the answer ?  Can you just ignore it and expect someone else to fix the trouble ?

Each challenge can provide us with an adventure in believing in the Lord.  Pray for His protection, for wisdom in what to do and how to do it.   Pray for your family, neighbors, the medical teams, the government leaders, and the others that come to mind.

     * * * 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

My Prayer for Blessing

Heavenly Father,  You are mighty, holy, awesome,

   so I humbly come now to seek Your blessing,

      so I ask: show me, teach me, help me.  

You placed me here at this time

   so I could know how much I need You,

      so I could open my heart to receive Your love.

You have shown me my weakness and failures

   so I can own up to my need for Your grace,

      so I will honestly confess my sins.

You allowed me to experience conditions of life

   so I can recognize frustration, confusion, discouragement,

      so I can rebuke the enemy of my souls who tempts me.

You bring circumstances to teach me

  so I see I lack confidence, strength, determination,

      so I see I lack wisdom for what to say and what to do.

You have a plan and a purpose for me

   so I can survive the tough times ahead,

      so I can learn to trust and obey You.

You have a wonderful Forever for me in Heaven

   so I can be with Jesus my Savior,

      so I can thank You in person for salvation.  

Heavenly Father,  You are mighty, holy, awesome,

   so I gratefully now declare Your blessing upon me,
       thank You for Your wonderful love, forgiveness, and blessings. 

                                      AMEN.

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Y O U R Troubles . . . Y O U R Solutions

Those irritations and troubles YOU didn’t deserve

took some of your energy, some of your time.

     Other problems came in your growing up years —

     that brought stress and maybe some tears,

but they taught you a lot in the meantime.

Today’s troubles might give you experience

when you learn to concentrate and pray;

     You accumulate the challenges you had —

     Now, analyze what was good and what was bad,

You’ll decide what to do now and what to say. 

When you merely complain, argue, and fuss

or turn your attention to inventing some fun,

     you miss the point of growing up strong —

     you might slide into doing stuff wrong.

Maybe later you’ll look back on what you’ve done.

David was the youngest of the family,

more attention went to brothers who were older.

     Life wasn’t perfect in those olden days —

     He worked hard and missed getting praise,

but he did a good job, growing strong and bolder.

You can read the facts and details right now.

You can see the outcome for yourself,

     What an example of growing strong and brave —

     These are lessons for you to learn and save.

Find your Bible there at home on the shelf.

Read 1st Samuel chapter 17;

Consider the challenges in David’s young life.

     Then read that Goliath was huge and strong —

     That biggest event really didn’t last long.

Obeying God brought David through the strife.  

                                       * * * 

 by Elaine Hardt ©2018 

                 Also, go to www.Biblegateway.com  to see Psalm 63, written by David. 

                 And see 1st Peter 1:6-8 which tells about trials and faith.

                       We’ve arrived at Thanksgiving Day,

but any day will do!

    Celebrate your blessings,

and the struggles you got through.

                     Recognize the lessons  

your challenges taught to you. 

Be thankful for God’s love

                                 and today you tell Him, too! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Learning Now & Looking Ahead

Learning from yesterday’s troubles

I know there’s more to do;

I’m being trained to trust the LORD,

and He will see me through.

Praying for the LORD’s directions,

thankful for His blessings, too;

Looking ahead with confidence

now I’m planning what to do.  

: )     

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

The Average, Ordinary, Slightly-Prodigal Person

   No, this isn’t a tale of terrible sin. 

   This is a look at just an average, ordinary person who doesn’t do anything really bad. This is the short version of a story of an almost—not quite—Prodigal Person, someone you might recognize. 

   One day this nice, normal person left home. There were no assertive words of goodbye, no angry words; in fact, I didn’t say goodbye. I didn’t pack up and walk out the main gate of the Homestead.  It just happened that morning I was working on my job and faintly heard a bouncy melody.  I could not make out the words, but it sounded somehow familiar, yet intriguingly new.   

   Gifted with an inquisitive nature and energetic determination, I decided to find out more.  Perhaps what I would discover would enrich my life.  I owed it to myself to learn more. Once my mind was made up I began to whistle that catchy little tune.  I headed out to follow that compelling urge. 

   When I reached the broad paved highway I made better time. I had no idea how big and fascinatingly complex the World actually was.  

   As I began my explorations I didn’t yield to temptation to do anything really bad.  I just sort of wandered impulsively here and there, following a new-found freedom. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted.  Entertainment became a full-time pursuit.  People there invited me to parties and welcomed me into their homes.  

   At first I thrived in this environment, and can’t really recall when I drifted over to the Worldly Café.  Here I ate my fill of Bitter Grapes, Crab Apples, and an appetizer called Grumble Crumbles.  With a little urging I tried the Barbecue Creature and chased it down with Whiners Wine.  That was a long night.  Soon I’d acquired a taste for the World’s food. 

   If my spiritual eyesight had still been on alert I would have seen a shadowy figure following me, planning on ensnaring me into slavery. It was the farthest from my mind as I strolled along Diversity Drive towards Culturally-Creative Circle. 

Maybe, Probably, Certainly

  Is it “Yes,” or is it “No”?

Is it “Later,” or is it “Now”?

Finding the right answers,

the LORD will show you how.

Challenges will come every day!

Do not complain and do not shirk;

You’re growing older and wiser,

Good decisions help do the work.

Lots of things allow a little time

to think, and plan and do —

achieve success, find happiness. 

Other things say, “Hurry!” to you. 

Start first thing in the morning

to anticipate your day;

Read the Bible, make your lists,

and, of course, you’ll want to pray.

Yes, you’ll learn lessons from mistakes —

it’s the sensible thing to do;

But, what a relief in the evening

to know that God has blessed you. 

            
by Elaine Hardt ©2016 

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: 

Yes, It's Ready

        Our newest booklet of encouragement is now ready.  "Good for You!" is number 76 and you'll find the entire list when you go to Labels at the side of this blog page and click on Booklets published.  These booklets are free. We make them on our own computer and printer with ClickBook from bluesquirrel.com. The topics could make for a good conversation at your next opportunity with family, friends, etc. 

A Look at Confidence

Is confidence just a fleeting feeling

That only comes once in a while?

Is it an outward cheery countenance

With a sort-of pasted-on smile?

Or is it something strongly hoped for,

A worthwhile goal you want to reach?

Can it be adequately described

That you will demonstrate and teach?

Can confidence be learned or taught?

What does your experience say?

Evidence will point to faith in God,

You’ll be happy to trust and obey.

The real confidence is amazing,

It acknowledges our Maker, that’s true;

Knowing that He knows everything,

His Word declares His love for you.

by Elaine Hardt ©2015

Deal With It

Face up to your Past,

Face up to your Now,

Face up to the Future,

You need to deal with it somehow.

Something you once heard,

Something you saw then,

Something puzzling,

You’re not sure what, you don’t know when.

Deal with situations,

Deal with memories,

Deal with new events,

Revise all your priorities.

Maybe in small steps,

Maybe start today?

Maybe good results?

Give it a try, what do you say?

God gave you this time,

God hears when you pray,

Trust and obey Him,

Then you can welcome your new day.  

By Elaine Hardt ©2015 

A Christmas Prayer

Turning aside from an overdose of Christmas, trading that frustration for meditation, and coming to a quiet place of prayer. . . 

Heavenly Father,

You are the Designer and Maker of All there is,

How awesome that You also made the way

for me to approach You in prayer. 

I come in humility and honesty.

Today I’m occupied with Christmas

traditions and expressions of family,

mingled with the excessive, the noisy,

the beautiful and the tacky,

the demands and opportunity.

All the trinkets and toys and earthly treasure

snare my mind with thoughts of pleasure;

show me the way through the unnecessary,

the way to what is true,  and what pleases You. 

When We Have a Problem What Are We Supposed to Do?

Problems Challenge Us to Learn and Do

Disasters Point Us to Planning and Preparing

        So many weather disasters!  Lots of health disasters!  Around the world there’s political disasters.  Problems seem bigger and more frequent.  
        But what if the disaster is man-caused? That is, a bomb, armed thugs, other devastation caused by humans.  How we respond to this deadly challenge is something we should contemplate now and figure it out. 
        There really is evil in the world, and many are falling captive to the thrill, the excitement, the challenge of trying to do something that gets attention.  
        And, if worse gets worse are we emotionally and spiritually prepared?  Will we deny the LORD and die angry?  Will we hold on to our faith and die in peace, knowing where we’re going and why?
        Life is more than the latest fad, the newest fashion, the fascinating entertainment.  We cannot just imagine we can talk everyone into forming a circle and singing sweet songs of inclusion and peace.  

        God has put you here, where you are, at this time. You are important to Him and -- good news! . . . 

Getting Our Attention

        The smartphone can do it.  The timer on the microwave can do it. The dog outside can, too.   (The list could go on if you reached for a pen to add to it.)
So, what gets your attention? 

        Sights:  flashing lights, barricades, an official-looking envelope in the mailbox.

        Smells from the stove, the bubbling geyser at Yellowstone, popcorn at the theater.

        Pain: from your elbow, stubbing your toe, owwie from a mosquito.

Time to look and consider. How do you do that? 

        A word pops into your head or a name comes to your mind.

        A list of TO DO on your computer.

        A display of cupcakes at the grocery store.

 Time to take action.  Time to . . . . 

How I Got Rid of That Problem

The Problem acted so big!

It flaunted its importance,

strutting onto the scene unexpectedly.

But I remembered what to do:

I called it a Challenge

and faced it immediately.

Of course, I needed Wisdom,

and I found it when I asked

the LORD, honestly and prayerfully.

Then I applied Effort

and it took some careful Thought,

but I summoned adequate Energy.

With some Time, that turned that Problem

into an Achievement,

which I could then call Victory.  

What a relief to conquer

the Problem that looked so strong!

Now I could celebrate happily.  

By Elaine Hardt ©2014 

Things Got Worse, Before They Got Better

Things got worse, before they got better,

But God’s blessing made all the difference to this man.

Maybe something of this will speak to you. 

Serious Thoughts After Reading the Newspaper

There is so much I’m not certain of

So little I certainly know;

I need to be reminded of truth and love

So I don’t lack what I need to grow.

      What do the Ten Commandments tell us about God?

He’s the One and Only

He made us and He made the rules

We are to heed and obey.

His rules didn’t expire long ago.

Not just a fleeting memory of Moses

Written by God on stone, each word

From captivity on their way to freedom

Words of God both seen and heard

 Why do we overlook the Ten Commandments?

Doing bad seems more exciting.

Evil has a strange attraction.

To disobey seems to assert our own desires.

It’s a challenge to not get caught.

Not just words from long ago

Which we can disregard when we want to say

“These are out-dated commandments!

Who decides if they apply today!”  

How can I honor the Creator I’ll be meeting someday? 

Looks like I need to read about Him in the Bible.

Looks like I need to realize what He said.

Looks like I need to realize the seriousness of my own death.

I’ll certainly make that a priority today.

By Elaine Hardt ©2013 

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