Here Comes Christmas !

Christmas comes but once a year,

that is how the poem goes . . . 

So try to remember, looking back,

playing outside when it snows ?  

Your favorite gift as a little kid ?

Your best present as a teen ?

Your first Christmas when you got married ?

Now, or any time in between ?

But, of course, our families knew

the real meaning of the day! 

Though some friends talked about Santa

every night our prayers we’d say.

Growing up, we learned more in church

and read our own Bibles, too.

What a wonder that our Maker loves us! 

What we learned about Jesus is true.

Christmas? The world adds lots of silly stuff!

We’ve all grown up through these years;

It’s up to each of us to hold fast —

Salvation, trust, faith, confidence, no fears.

Everyone has a dying day ahead . . . 

Our future brings our new destination.

The time to prepare to meet God is now.

Believe in Jesus, pray without hesitation.

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“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9  biblegateway.com 

                                                   

     by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Right on Time !

Ever been in a rush, but then slowed down to see

    something unexpected that happened on the way ?

Life can be a lot like that sometimes . . . 

    Give it some thought now:  what do you say ?

How often does everything go just perfect

    and you get something important done just in time ?

It is so helpful to pause in your daily rush;

    consider what’s most important, so you’re right on time.

Your ideas and plans might not be God’s timing or plan;

    Consider your eternal life now, before you die some day.

Take a new look at the Bible — how about today ?

    Now talk to your Maker as you honestly pray.

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by Elaine Hardt ©2018

The Drone Over HardtHaven

     What fun for the kids and what nice photos it gives us ! 
     The photos were taken by a volunteer who came to Kpando and brought his drone ! 
The kids were utterly fascinated by the drone and, as you can see, it captured some really unique photos of the HardtHaven family and our facilities ! 
     The covered area in front has several picnic benches where the kids eat, do homework, and play. The building on the left is the girl's dorm, the building on the right is the boys dorm. The building in the back is the office, library, store room, and medical room where a doctor sees the kids and sponsored families for their checkups. 
     In the group photo are the HardtHaven kids, the matrons (the women who care for the kids day-to-day), and a couple of volunteers !
     Take a look at their own website:  https://www.hardthaven.org/about/
and see them in action on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HardtHaven/  
    Thanks to Joy Hardt for sending us the info. 
 https://www.facebook.com/HardtHaven/photos/a.475089327156.253521.79417547156/10155531550612157/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/HardtHaven/photos/pcb.10155531550867157/10155531550662157/?type=3&theater  

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I Want to Write Words for YOU

I want to write something

So wonderfully simple,

Yet interestingly complex:

Entirely sufficient and totally adequate. 

I want my words to paint a picture that

Enthralls the viewer,

gathering up scattered pieces of memory,

bringing them into the now.

I want my words to sing an anthem that

resounds from the mountains,

Yet coaxes a smile from a young child,

And blends familiar harmony with the new.

I want my words to caress the mind,

Yet awaken the slumbering soul;

I want my words to reach out,

Embracing the lonely and weary.

I want my words to knock vigorously,

Beckoning friends and strangers alike

To open their heart’s door and receive

God’s invitation to resurrection life.

May my small gift of words today be

Satisfyingly descriptive,

Yet sparse enough to easily recall;

May my words bless you ! 

By Elaine Hardt ©2004 

What did one antique say to the other antique?

“My, oh my !

    How time does fly !

Before you knows it

    the years go by.”

So, how did this happen

to me and to you ?

Smile, and remember:

Life’s a challenge, that’s true.

“One day at a time

doin’ stuff;

keepin’ busy,

Never done quite enough.”

Every day

there’s lots more to do !

It’s that way for me,

was that way for you.

Here It Comes !

Fly the flag, go see the parade.

     but remember to pray !

Life isn’t just for having fun,

     doing things our own way.

The Creator of everything,

      the Bible tells of His love,

Also tells about our sins

     so repent and go to Heaven above. 

Everyone needs to accept Jesus,

     in the world and the USA.

                         Let TODAY be your patriotic  
                         and faith-filled day ! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Do YOU Know This?

Why has God put you here on earth? First, to bring you to an awareness of Him, so you will want to turn your back on sin and choose to believe on Him so you can spend Eternity in Heaven. 
   God, the Creator of All, loves YOU. He gives you opportunity to choose to believe.  

   How can you make that choice, and know that it is true? 

   You invite Jesus into your heart.  Doesn’t have to be at church on Sunday . . . you can do this any place, any day, any time.  But you must be sincere.  

  When you own up to your own weakness and sins then you talk to God in prayer.  Receive Jesus.  It’s amazing.  According to the Bible, you are forgiven.  You can be baptized. 

 Then, He will allow you to be part of His reaching out to others who need to hear the way of salvation so they can have a loving relationship with Him, too.  

Sharing our life lessons with others is one way we can tell others about God’s grace.  

“Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; 

make the most of every opportunity.” 

(Colossians 4:5 NIV).

We are not expected to do this by our own abilities, clever arguments, or even heartfelt sincerity.  God will enable and empower us by His Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8). Be thankful for this! 

Life is not meant to be a string of confusing and frustrating episodes without purpose or meaning.   Find out what God has been doing in your life, then ask Him to show you how to make the most out of what you’ve got.  Picture yourself hearing the awesome words, “Well done, good and faithful friend.  Enter into the joy of My eternal presence.”  (taken from Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:21, John 3:15 and John 15:14). 

 So, what do you know?  Do you know this? 

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by Elaine Hardt ©2018