YOUR WONDERFUL POSSIBILITIES !

That Aggravation

  turns out to be a Test —

    which becomes a Challenge,

      that is an Opportunity.  

So, avoid that Anger,

  Examine that Situation —

    Start thinking of Possibilities,

      Acknowledge your Choice.

Question the Timing,

  Realize the Potential for good —

    Pray for God’s wisdom,

      Set a good Example for somebody. 

Make use of your wonderful Possibilities !

                S M I L E !

by Elaine Hardt  1-9-19 

YOU Can Encourage Someone

      Hopefully, you have found encouragement in the variety of writings I've posted on this blog.   You might know someone who needs some encouragement.  From your family to your friends, from neighbors to the people who work at your same business . . . stuff happens.  
     I've written a lot of various stories, and articles, and poems -- and put them into small booklets.  They are FREE.  We don't sell ANYTHING.  
     Look at the list of categories at the right hand side of this page and find the heading Booklets Published.  Click, then scroll down to the Booklets list.  Send me an email and I'll mail you the one you want to read first.  + + +

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!”

When she flips me over I get a glimpse of a woman’s face.  She looks friendly enough, and sounds cheerful.  Well, an adventure is finally coming my way.  What will she do with me?  

Ooops, I’m getting folded in half and pushed into a pocket in her purse.  Now it’s nearly impossible to hear what’s going on out there.  

Not sure how much time has passed.  Of course, that’s the story of my life, but I try not to complain.  I do know that I am appreciated more than the wrinkly $5 and $1 bills that I’ve been around. 

“Coffee?  Yes,  I’ll have the Tuesday Special. Well, Annie, exercise class was fun today.”  She is pulling me out her purse and setting me on the counter next to that other lady; it must be Annie. 

Just then she leans over and the two women whisper.  “Oh, I have a great idea. Annie, pick out one of those pretty greeting cards on the rack, and we’ll have a surprise for Sheila.”  

There I am in the dim light of the coffee house, stretched out on the counter next to a steaming cup of something that smells good; they called it coffee. Friend Annie returns with some flowery card and starts to write something on it.  

“What would be a nice verse to share with Sheila?”

“How about the one I read this morning for my quiet time?  It’s Proverbs 3:5 and 6 and says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend upon your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.’”

“Perfect.”  After both women have written on the card my owner picks me up and folds me in half again. “Let’s give Sheila this little surprise.”

“Twenty dollars!”

“Yes, it will be her going away present, just a token of our appreciation.  She always has such a sweet smile as she waits on all the customers here.”

I smiled, too.  Being folded up and stuffed into an envelope isn’t the greatest, but the best is yet to come. I can’t wait to be Sheila’s surprise!                  

           + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2019

Your Unique Adventure

Another day, more things to do.  

Keeps your brain and body working, too.

Unexpected interruptions?  Probably . . . 

Wake up, get going! You will soon see.

What’s the best attitude for today?

Well, now is the time to start to pray! 

Ask God for wisdom, health, and energy;

Problems can bring opportunity!

Determination is what you need;

Be glad you can concentrate and succeed.

Conquer any anger, fear, and frustration;

Anticipate your coming celebration.  

Your example can challenge someone, too.

This new day will be interesting for you.

Be open to doing good, and learning how;

Your unique adventure for today starts now! 

                     + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2019

Got An Idea for Tomorrow

        The staff of Beneficial Financial gathered in the conference room to meet the new manager from Arizona.  His opening remarks were:  “Here comes my next tomorrow.  Will it be a happy day, or maybe bring me sorrow?”

Some puzzled looks responded to that unexpected statement.  

No one spoke until he smiled and said, “You’re gong to add some words to this and they don’t have to rhyme.  The topic is ‘Here Comes Tomorrow.’”  Then he pointed to Sydney and waited.

“Sir, the idea that I’d add to your topic would be …….hmmmmm.  I know I’ll do my very best, because tomorrow will bring some kind of test.”

Smiles around the room provided the encouragement the rest of the staff needed.  

Chita waved to get attention, and she spoke up, “When I was a little kid, the very best is what I did.  But grownup and working, too, I find some stuff is harder to do.”

Grant was the next volunteer and his first comment was “Thanks, we don’t have to make everything rhyme.  That would take me a lot of time !”

If you were there for that Monday meeting what ideas could you contribute?

What does tomorrow mean to you? 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

I CAN and I WILL !

This challenge is hard, but I’m going to do it;

This trouble is tough, but I’m going through it.

Trouble can’t last forever — not much longer;

I will not be discouraged, I’ll get stronger.

Though the light gets dim, and I don’t know what to do;

Jesus holds me close, and He will see me through. 

My mind settles down, my lips form a prayer;

I don’t know how exactly, but God gets me there. 

Jesus is empowering me to do it;

Jesus is with me as I go through it.

One step at a time I can climb this next hill;

I believe that I can, and I know that I will.  

                                  + + + 

  By Elaine Hardt ©2010 

When It Looks IMPOSSIBLE

When something looks impossible to you

            AND it’s something important for you to do . . . 

                    hopefully, you’ve got a little time to take a good look.

Jot down what comes to mind, then see what other info you find. 

If it looks impossible:  

What are reasons why you feel it’s necessary to deal with now ?

What is the possibility you can locate some trustworthy info yourself ?

How do you classify this impossible challenge ?

Your job

Your location 

Financial

Medical

Physical

Family relationship 

Social relationship

other - - - 

Is this like some other recent challenge ?

Is this like some everyday irritation ?

Is this like some problem others are facing now ?

Take a few minutes to appreciate that you’ve conquered other problems in your life.  You didn’t get where you are today by just sitting down and looking out the window at the flowers in your back yard. 

Take a few minutes to discuss your view of this new problem/challenge with your Heavenly Father.  He already sees and knows it all, but here now you acknowledge your needs, your viewpoint, your feelings.  Maybe some Bible verse will come to mind and you can affirm the blessings you appreciate in your life today.    + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018