EncouragingU * * * * * * * * * * * * We ALL need a word of encouragement once in awhile.
Oh, yes, I want to do it right
at the right time,
in the right way,
saying the right words
to the right person.
Oh, yes, I know I need help
because, lookin’ back later,
sometimes
what seems to be right at the time
is not always perfectly right.
Oh, dear Father in Heaven
forgive my mistakes,
fix my thinkin’ and sayin’ and doin’
so it pleases You
and can bless others, too.
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by Elaine Hardt ©2020
We like to celebrate family birthdays, don’t you ? (And we celebrate Jesus’ birthday every year, too.)
All the stores have special sales on-line and downtown,
Decorations glitter on houses all around.
We do like that nice music, some we remember,
And it’s already the first of December !
Time to bake yummy deserts, or buy in some store,
We expect our favorites, but also try much more.
Of course, lots of Christmas cards we will mail.
And some places get lots of snow, without fail !
Presents our mom and our aunties had made brought cheer,
We looked forward to that happiest day of the year.
Yes, special programs at church there would be,
Kids and grownups dressed up; who would we see ?
That whole month was so special we never would forget;
Photos now help our memories, shows even our pet.
Now, my siblings married and moved, parents have died,
What I still have are special feelings inside.
Since all those happy days are past, so it is time
to put some important words into Christmas rhyme,
Jesus is the reason for the season — that’s real !
Bible truth, eternal life, sins forgiven, peace you’ll feel.
A BIG commitment, Heaven after dying here !
God’s wonderful plan, NOW receive His grace, your time is near !
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by Elaine Hardt ©2020
Of course, every year is different, such a variety,
but it’s always nice, when our family we see.
Of course, count our blessings, we name them each one,
and we are so grateful for what the LORD has done.
Of course, so many uncertainties every day,
so that’s why we remember to pray !
Of course, this has been another election year,
such bad attitudes in the U.S. can bring fear.
Of course, that COVID stuff with so many dying,
probably you, too, know some family that’s crying.
Of course, government, socialism, and hate
spoils any happy day clear up to this date.
Of course, our future we really care about,
our time to die is unknown, so should we pout ?
Of course, we went to Sunday School — a good start,
learned John 3:16, accepted Jesus into our heart.
Of course, we’ve grown up and it’s time to review,
read the Bible more, confess sins, pray to God, too.
Of course, we can give our thanks at any time !
Stuff you and I write might not always rhyme !
by Elaine Hardt ©2020
We wish you happy memories
of yesterday and last week --
all the way back to your childhood:
things to remember you now seek.
Yes, those years when you were home,
growing up in your family —
being cared for, provided for,
so many things to do and see.
Gradually you made your choices;
challenging you to use your brain.
Thankful that was a lot of fun,
but everything wasn’t plain.
Grownups were around to help,
but they were so bossy, too —
You gave a feeble little smile,
paid attention what to do.
You tried to figure everything !
You learned to do the best you could.
Then, going to school at first
following directions was good.
Life kept coming, day after day,
And your parents prayed for you;
It turned out good to BE GOOD;
so that’s what you learned to do !
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by Elaine Hardt ©2020
Appreciate lessons you have learned,
Relatives you remember,
Help from family as you were growing up.
Mama would smile, “You’re doing good.”
Dad nodded his head, “You’re doing better.”
Good memories have been helpful,
Other memories were challenging.
Which direction to go now ?
That’s something to pray about; yes ?
Many decisions to make . . . some today . . .
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by Elaine Hardt ©2020
Improving . . . . what a nice word. When someone says that TO YOU is that a compliment ?
Or, is that their challenge to YOU and also to those who are there ?
To help more of us to focus on this idea, this challenge, I've combined some other short pieces of writing to make Booklet #119. And I named that "Improving, More & More & More." It's 12 pages long.....hopefully it will encourage people. Of course, we give these away for free. Look up that category on this home page. + + +
by Elaine Hardt ©2020
