Need a Reason to Smile?

It’s a new day so give a smile, and start off right.

There’s unexpected challenges coming before night. 

Maybe you made a list of what to accomplish today,

But, of course, small aggravations may be coming your way.

Smile as you fix breakfast, and as you drive down the street;

Someone may appreciate your kind look, so repeat.

Your smile is an exercise of your faith doing good,

Step out with confidence, as your mom said you should. 

You’ve already talked to your Heavenly Father, I’m sure.

For the ills of the world, He offers you the cure.

Trust and Obey: maybe you remember that old song,

Focus on what’s important, and don’t wait too long. 

Why Do We Remember Things?

Time flies by, obviously that’s the way it goes,

So, what are memories good for?

Memories help us . . . 

Sort out

Review

Learn from what we’ve heard, seen, done

Persevere with what’s good

Enjoy something again

Celebrate

Memories test us . . . 

See if we are ready to exchange that frown for a smile

Provide opportunity to pray for someone we’re remembering

Remind us if there is someone we need to forgive

Check to see how well our brain is doing

Find out if we recall advice we were given

Give us a little time to think of a Bible verse that applies

Memories bless us . . . 

When we use them to assess our new challenges 

When we remember to be thankful for God’s goodness

When we honestly give credit to Him

When we make the effort to learn more Bible verses

When we use God’s Word to encourage others

When we write our memories down

Now, you’ve seen this list of ideas,

So, what can you add to it? 

                                                                         By Elaine Hardt ©2014 

More Than Fireworks!

        Remember this important holiday,  Fourth of July.  Yes, it’s more thanfireworks!  It’s more than decorations and sales at the stores.

       Here’s four sites to view.  You’ll find more . . . 

       And pray for our nation; these are serious times and there’s concern about the future.  

       The Capitol Fourth celebration. http://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/home/   

       The story behind the Star Spangled Banner History. http://storiesofusa.com/category/4th-of-july/

       Famous Patriotic Quotes about America.  http://storiesofusa.com/famous-patriotic-quotes-about-america/

       Pray for our nation.  http://billygraham.org/story/franklin-graham-praying-for-the-next-great-awakening/  

God's Gift of Life

God’s GOODNESS can be seen 

Wherever a person looks, 

whenever a person looks;

Human vision may be the beginning of appreciating

God’s beautiful gift of life.

God’s POWER can be seen

in the complexities of creation,

power beyond our imagination.

Human understanding will never grasp the totality of 

God’s tremendous gift of life. 

God’s GRACE and MERCY cannot as easily be seen,

because we are often not attuned

To life’s invisibilities. 

Smothered in daily necessities we may miss seeing

God’s loving gift of life.  

God’s LOVE is written in His Word,

A Time to Remember Your Father

       Every day is Father's Day, so any day will do,
       Let's reclaim those past memories, too.

        Well, the poem started out without much help from me.  But the "official" Father's Day is past, and Dad's not here.  But looking through some old photos was a good excursion into the past.  My first thoughts were about him, but later my thoughts were about you -- friends, relatives, readers of this blog.  For each of us growing up was a challenge.  Then having our own children was another challenge.  Now, watching the grandkids growing up.  Years do fly by!  
       The one closing thought is for prayer.  No matter who or where you are, pray for better communication with your family.  Pray for wisdom, ability, strength. 
        Our Heavenly Father loves each of us.  A personal relationship with Him means we've owned up to our sins and weaknesses, we've asked to be forgiven. Now life has wonderful opportunities, empowered by His Holy Spirit.  So celebrate every day in some meaningful way, starting with prayer.  

by Elaine Hardt ©2014

Today is Flag Day

We fly the flag on Flag Day
To show belonging, respect, and caring.
We speak of the founders of our nation,
Their insight, belief, and daring.

We, too, are called to be patriotic,
But there’s another message, too;
We pray for all who live in this country,
We pray for leaders to be dedicated, strong, true. 

There’s national problems to pray about,
Determination meets opportunity, what will we do?
We must honor, respect and obey the LORD,
He alone can bring us through.

by Elaine Hardt ©2014 

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