No fear! No regrets! Think what that means to you,
In your latest struggle is God able to bring you through?
When conflicting news is what you’ve heard,
Turn to the wisdom of God’s Word.
Toss aside confusion, doubts, and aggravation,
Press ahead with prayer and determination;
Don’t be tied down by faithless hesitation,
Flex your mental muscles towards exploration.
What do you think God wants you to do?
His Holy Spirit empowers you;
You’re not alone, He shows you how,
Be courageous! Be bold! Begin right now!
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
EncouragingU * * * * * * * * * * * * We ALL need a word of encouragement once in awhile.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Jim's (Grin)
I’d been getting e-mails from Jim lately, now that he was elected president of the local computer group. One identifying mark of most every note from him was a notation: (grin). He was not one to put on airs, as we used to say. A down-to-earth guy he’d put you at ease, and he did pass on information with a friendly humor and that (grin).
The usefulness of a (grin) became evident now. I promised myself to try to remember to identify my humor, as well as other pertinent emotions. That’s one advantage a phone call or a conversation in person, or even the writing of a story or an article has over just sending a quick e-mail or letter. The recipient can hear the tone of your voice or see such helpful words as “she gasped” or “she giggled” or “he smiled.”
Identifying emotion is a valuable skill. When you’re watching a play the actors are adopting a stance or a tone of voice to get across to the audience the importance and meaning of their scripted words. When you’re writing a poem or story or article the choice of words either assists or confuses the reader.
Maybe there should be more “what I mean to say is” or “the gist of the matter to me is.” Would an introduction of “I thought this was funny” or “this is a serious matter” help the recipient of the letter?
What terminology are you comfortable using? What little hints or outright labeling would help you be more specific when you write?
We might write one thing quickly and send it off, without giving the words a second look. Perhaps there’d be better words to use, better phrasing to compose. Perhaps in our haste we haven’t given any thought to the emotion we wish the reader to comprehend.
A clear notion of emotion may be what’s missing in our writing, as well as in our reading of letters and notes.. Now, for friends and family I’m latching on to Jim’s (grin) and enjoying a new awareness of helpful notation.
# # #
The usefulness of a (grin) became evident now. I promised myself to try to remember to identify my humor, as well as other pertinent emotions. That’s one advantage a phone call or a conversation in person, or even the writing of a story or an article has over just sending a quick e-mail or letter. The recipient can hear the tone of your voice or see such helpful words as “she gasped” or “she giggled” or “he smiled.”
Identifying emotion is a valuable skill. When you’re watching a play the actors are adopting a stance or a tone of voice to get across to the audience the importance and meaning of their scripted words. When you’re writing a poem or story or article the choice of words either assists or confuses the reader.
Maybe there should be more “what I mean to say is” or “the gist of the matter to me is.” Would an introduction of “I thought this was funny” or “this is a serious matter” help the recipient of the letter?
What terminology are you comfortable using? What little hints or outright labeling would help you be more specific when you write?
We might write one thing quickly and send it off, without giving the words a second look. Perhaps there’d be better words to use, better phrasing to compose. Perhaps in our haste we haven’t given any thought to the emotion we wish the reader to comprehend.
A clear notion of emotion may be what’s missing in our writing, as well as in our reading of letters and notes.. Now, for friends and family I’m latching on to Jim’s (grin) and enjoying a new awareness of helpful notation.
# # #
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Encouraging You
Encouraging you,
How is it possible to do?
Reaching out in a way that's kind,
Appealing to your thoughtful mind.
Suggesting some ideas I know,
Letting a little my struggle show.
Maybe exploring facets of success,
Learning strength from challenge and weakness.
Praying you'd be a lot less stressed,
Asking God that your life be blessed.
Sharing Scripture that I've pondered,
Talking about how all have wandered.
Jesus' forgiveness gives release,
Grace and faith brings joy and peace.
Life means great opportunity, I'd say,
Encouraging you on this brand new day!
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
How is it possible to do?
Reaching out in a way that's kind,
Appealing to your thoughtful mind.
Suggesting some ideas I know,
Letting a little my struggle show.
Maybe exploring facets of success,
Learning strength from challenge and weakness.
Praying you'd be a lot less stressed,
Asking God that your life be blessed.
Sharing Scripture that I've pondered,
Talking about how all have wandered.
Jesus' forgiveness gives release,
Grace and faith brings joy and peace.
Life means great opportunity, I'd say,
Encouraging you on this brand new day!
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Show Your Summer Smile!
Lay aside your busy work,
put on a summer smile;
look around, enjoy what you see,
appreciation is your style.
All too soon a day is over
and quickly nights are gone;
Go, enjoy the scenery,
if only from your lawn.
Flowers bloom so sweetly,
and even weeds are growing;
each a summer miracle
our Creator's touch is showing.
As clouds gather overhead
perhaps soon it will be raining;
Yes, it is quite warm outside,
but what good is complaining?
Life is for thinking and learning,
paying attention to see,
finding in every circumstance
interesting complexity.
Was this wondrous life your plan?
You'll want to take some time to pray,
thanking God for His goodness
starting now, today.
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Father's Approval
Can you remember a time when your father gave you his approval? Was it verbal or unspoken, such as a silent hug or pat on the head or squeeze of the shoulder?
“Satisfying” might be the best word to describe what it feels like to receive your father’s approval.
Children and young adults need to receive their father’s approval. It is part of that growing up process where the older, wiser one, head of the family and provider for the family speaks some words of acceptance. No matter how rambunctious or silly or aloof the youngster may appear to be, a deep need exists for the type of recognition only a father can give.
Oh, looking at a good report card, or getting a high-five from the team’s coach, or hearing a cheery word from a friend can bring a good feeling of acceptance. A mom’s nod and smile as the teen dashes out the door is expected and desired by that girl or boy. But until there is a father’s approval something is lacking in your life — this means anyone of us.
At any age, to receive or even just to remember his or her father’s words of approval brings a deep healing, or at least helps bring the beginning of such a healing.
What is it NOT?
Father’s Approval is not a “Anything goes, Kiddo!” It doesn’t mean spoiling your offspring. Too wise for that, the father wants to convey acceptance, along with solid example and words that show and tell the truths that are timeless. Each person has amazing potential. Life is unpredictable. As you respond to its challenges you can make good choices.
It doesn’t take a perfect father or a perfect son or daughter for there to be a Father’s Approval. God loves us before we even realize what such love is.
Why is it missing?
Why don’t kids get a father’s approval? Yes, they press against the boundaries, try their newly found freedoms, exaggerate, and hang out with other immature kids. Kids believe in the depth of their hearts that they do not deserve father’s approval.
Why don’t older sons and daughters get a father’s approval? By now, with jobs, homes, marriages, kids of their own they seem to be too busy. It’s a relief to be able to find their own avenues of receiving satisfaction.
What about those of us who have weathered life’s storms for over 60 years? Our parents have died, some friends have died by now. Retired, we have time to remember. We have a greater perspective for judging life’s events and people. With a desire for understanding and wisdom we may realize that we have missed out on some important times of life.
Perhaps we missed receiving our father’s approval, we missed out giving our approval to our children. We may even confront the feeling of missing out on God’s approval. What a heavy load this can be.
Is it too late to GET?
Look back through your memories. Perhaps you’ll recall some unspoken approvals from your father. Jot down details for yourself, so if some day you can’t remember as well, you will be comforted, knowing they’re written and vital memories are not lost.
Is it too late to GIVE?
See if you remember giving your own approval to your kids, maybe not in so many words, but in other significant ways. Jot down on paper these recollections for yourself. Use them as a starting point for a new writing you will want to do. No matter the age of your offspring it is not too late to give them the special blessing of Father’s Approval.
How do you begin?
Putting a father’s approval into words is a job that you assign to yourself. You begin with a draft of ideas on paper. This first version mellows and you rewrite it with more clarity, perhaps giving some examples, recognizing the other person’s different temperament, different struggles and challenges.
You will want to include in your own words and terminology such wonderful concepts of acceptance, love, realization of belonging to each other. Many parents find it’s easier to write this than to verbalize extemporaneously.
Don’t hesitate to turn to the Bible for a favorite verse that speaks of love, confession, restoration, and acceptance. Pray for God’s guidance. Giving a blessing is His idea.
What concepts do you want to convey?
You are the son (the daughter) I always wanted. I did not realize the components of temperament that you were born with. I didn’t understand how your growing up would be different from what I had experienced. I need to clarify my love for you. You are a valuable person in my sight, and that’s what God says about you, too. He loves you. I bless you in His name.
What words might you use?
Scan this list for some ideas of words you might use in composing a written piece.
Admiration, Appreciate, Approval, Concerned, Encouragement, Esteem, Favorable, Healing, Helpful, Kind, Learning, Love, Potential, Purpose, Reassuring, Receptive, Recognize, Regard, Respect, Restorative, Supportive, Sympathetic, Understanding, Validation.
The Father’s Approval you are writing should mention blessings you want the Lord to impart. Consider such words as these:
Assurance, Courage, Determination, Discernment, Discovery, Faith, Goals, Love, Perseverance, Pray, Strength, Thankful, Trust, Wisdom, Words.
How will it look on paper?
The full version may be a page or more, written out by hand or printed from the computer. It may look nice on pretty paper from the office supply store. You may be inspired to add some photos, some quotations, some Bible verses. By the time you’ve given yourself that go-ahead and rewritten this jewel of acceptance you might have other bright ideas. Put pages into a notebook, a folder, even print it in booklet form with a personalized cover. Date it and sign it.
When do you give it?
This printed Approval now awaits presentation. Just the two of you? Perhaps the family gathered for a birthday or graduation celebration? Or at that party or family reunion where you take the stage to announce the giving of the father’s approval?
Will the spotlight be on you, or on your child? Do you need affirmation from the bystanders, or will it be enough to give and receive just from that child?
Consider the child’s comfort level. Perhaps a short, informal pronouncement during some occasion, followed by a more private time together to read the whole writing you’ve put together. Don’t forget to hug.
Do you know God’s Approval?
Acknowledging how busy most of us are there seems to be a good reason for omitting a serious consideration about God. Here we deprive ourselves of a powerful blessing. All throughout Scripture are strong admonitions, great words of wisdom, along with warnings. Life is a time of learning. Life is short. It seems long and complicated and confusing, but getting older we see things differently.
God has made us each individuals, certainly we are unique, even peculiar! Civilization needs that variety of talents, interests, abilities. Families experience those differences, but sometimes we parents expect our youngsters to be clones of ourselves — liking the same things, approaching problems the same way, aiming for the same goals.
Each of us is called to a new commitment of life. Success means doing life by the Lord’s leading.
Acknowledge where you are, in all of this. Be honest about your shortcomings, needs, desires.
To receive God’s blessing is humbling, as well as empowering. You can know the joy of receiving your Heavenly Father’s Approval.
And you can experience the joy of giving a blessing to your child, at any age. Father’s Approval is a powerful affirmation.
* * *
“ . . . Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the LORD your God is with you
wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NKJV
“Watch, stand fast in the faith,
be brave,
be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13, NKJV
“And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32, NKJV
“I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources
he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him.
Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT
# # #
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
“Satisfying” might be the best word to describe what it feels like to receive your father’s approval.
Children and young adults need to receive their father’s approval. It is part of that growing up process where the older, wiser one, head of the family and provider for the family speaks some words of acceptance. No matter how rambunctious or silly or aloof the youngster may appear to be, a deep need exists for the type of recognition only a father can give.
Oh, looking at a good report card, or getting a high-five from the team’s coach, or hearing a cheery word from a friend can bring a good feeling of acceptance. A mom’s nod and smile as the teen dashes out the door is expected and desired by that girl or boy. But until there is a father’s approval something is lacking in your life — this means anyone of us.
At any age, to receive or even just to remember his or her father’s words of approval brings a deep healing, or at least helps bring the beginning of such a healing.
What is it NOT?
Father’s Approval is not a “Anything goes, Kiddo!” It doesn’t mean spoiling your offspring. Too wise for that, the father wants to convey acceptance, along with solid example and words that show and tell the truths that are timeless. Each person has amazing potential. Life is unpredictable. As you respond to its challenges you can make good choices.
It doesn’t take a perfect father or a perfect son or daughter for there to be a Father’s Approval. God loves us before we even realize what such love is.
Why is it missing?
Why don’t kids get a father’s approval? Yes, they press against the boundaries, try their newly found freedoms, exaggerate, and hang out with other immature kids. Kids believe in the depth of their hearts that they do not deserve father’s approval.
Why don’t older sons and daughters get a father’s approval? By now, with jobs, homes, marriages, kids of their own they seem to be too busy. It’s a relief to be able to find their own avenues of receiving satisfaction.
What about those of us who have weathered life’s storms for over 60 years? Our parents have died, some friends have died by now. Retired, we have time to remember. We have a greater perspective for judging life’s events and people. With a desire for understanding and wisdom we may realize that we have missed out on some important times of life.
Perhaps we missed receiving our father’s approval, we missed out giving our approval to our children. We may even confront the feeling of missing out on God’s approval. What a heavy load this can be.
Is it too late to GET?
Look back through your memories. Perhaps you’ll recall some unspoken approvals from your father. Jot down details for yourself, so if some day you can’t remember as well, you will be comforted, knowing they’re written and vital memories are not lost.
Is it too late to GIVE?
See if you remember giving your own approval to your kids, maybe not in so many words, but in other significant ways. Jot down on paper these recollections for yourself. Use them as a starting point for a new writing you will want to do. No matter the age of your offspring it is not too late to give them the special blessing of Father’s Approval.
How do you begin?
Putting a father’s approval into words is a job that you assign to yourself. You begin with a draft of ideas on paper. This first version mellows and you rewrite it with more clarity, perhaps giving some examples, recognizing the other person’s different temperament, different struggles and challenges.
You will want to include in your own words and terminology such wonderful concepts of acceptance, love, realization of belonging to each other. Many parents find it’s easier to write this than to verbalize extemporaneously.
Don’t hesitate to turn to the Bible for a favorite verse that speaks of love, confession, restoration, and acceptance. Pray for God’s guidance. Giving a blessing is His idea.
What concepts do you want to convey?
You are the son (the daughter) I always wanted. I did not realize the components of temperament that you were born with. I didn’t understand how your growing up would be different from what I had experienced. I need to clarify my love for you. You are a valuable person in my sight, and that’s what God says about you, too. He loves you. I bless you in His name.
What words might you use?
Scan this list for some ideas of words you might use in composing a written piece.
Admiration, Appreciate, Approval, Concerned, Encouragement, Esteem, Favorable, Healing, Helpful, Kind, Learning, Love, Potential, Purpose, Reassuring, Receptive, Recognize, Regard, Respect, Restorative, Supportive, Sympathetic, Understanding, Validation.
The Father’s Approval you are writing should mention blessings you want the Lord to impart. Consider such words as these:
Assurance, Courage, Determination, Discernment, Discovery, Faith, Goals, Love, Perseverance, Pray, Strength, Thankful, Trust, Wisdom, Words.
How will it look on paper?
The full version may be a page or more, written out by hand or printed from the computer. It may look nice on pretty paper from the office supply store. You may be inspired to add some photos, some quotations, some Bible verses. By the time you’ve given yourself that go-ahead and rewritten this jewel of acceptance you might have other bright ideas. Put pages into a notebook, a folder, even print it in booklet form with a personalized cover. Date it and sign it.
When do you give it?
This printed Approval now awaits presentation. Just the two of you? Perhaps the family gathered for a birthday or graduation celebration? Or at that party or family reunion where you take the stage to announce the giving of the father’s approval?
Will the spotlight be on you, or on your child? Do you need affirmation from the bystanders, or will it be enough to give and receive just from that child?
Consider the child’s comfort level. Perhaps a short, informal pronouncement during some occasion, followed by a more private time together to read the whole writing you’ve put together. Don’t forget to hug.
Do you know God’s Approval?
Acknowledging how busy most of us are there seems to be a good reason for omitting a serious consideration about God. Here we deprive ourselves of a powerful blessing. All throughout Scripture are strong admonitions, great words of wisdom, along with warnings. Life is a time of learning. Life is short. It seems long and complicated and confusing, but getting older we see things differently.
God has made us each individuals, certainly we are unique, even peculiar! Civilization needs that variety of talents, interests, abilities. Families experience those differences, but sometimes we parents expect our youngsters to be clones of ourselves — liking the same things, approaching problems the same way, aiming for the same goals.
Each of us is called to a new commitment of life. Success means doing life by the Lord’s leading.
Acknowledge where you are, in all of this. Be honest about your shortcomings, needs, desires.
To receive God’s blessing is humbling, as well as empowering. You can know the joy of receiving your Heavenly Father’s Approval.
And you can experience the joy of giving a blessing to your child, at any age. Father’s Approval is a powerful affirmation.
* * *
“ . . . Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the LORD your God is with you
wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NKJV
“Watch, stand fast in the faith,
be brave,
be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13, NKJV
“And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32, NKJV
“I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources
he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him.
Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT
# # #
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
Proposing a New Holiday: Dependence Day!
Independence Day parades, fireworks, celebrations!
Patriotic Americans give thanks for our blessings,
Faithful, informed, involved; each speaking up
for freedom, morality, and sharing the Gospel.
Three cheers for the red, white, and blue!
Now, everybody, let's proclaim our Dependence Day!
Let's acknowledge and give thanks to God.
We will always be able to depend on Him;
past our own abilities to think it up, figure it out,
or live by our own efforts and abilities.
Let's take time for a serious, honest talk
with our Creator; He loves each of us.
Life is too short to show Him disrespect.
His Word is clear; His grace is given to those who ask.
Three cheers for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
by Elaine Hardt ©2008
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