Looking Back -- Around -- Ahead !

There were things I shouldn’t have done . . . 

forgive me LORD for every one.

Good ideas I didn’t pursue;

Times I didn’t give credit to You.

Growing up I wasn’t always good;

Didn’t give credit when I should,

Sometimes I showed a bad frown;

Kind of put my siblings down. 

Could have helped my mother more;

Didn’t know then we were poor.

Well, they never saw me cry,

Hiding my feelings I try.

Dad was a hard-working man;

always did the best he can. 

But we did go to church, then.

So glad I can remember when. 

But, now I’m growing old,

Looking in the mirror, I’m told !

Challenges await every day;

What else can I really say ? 

I’ll find more good things to do —

Share God’s blessings, I know, too. 

Thankful I am for prayer; 

For all of this I do care ! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020 

Encouraging YOU

     

Still living ?  You’ve got more to do ! 

Let these words here encourage you. . . 

Life is not an easy game we play;

There comes some surprises every day.

Unpredictable, it will come.

Problems ?  There will no doubt be some. 

Doing better = no easy chore,

But one idea comes, and then more !

Make a list: what can be done ?

Success could turn out to be fun !

Doing better ? You CAN learn how !

Think, pray, plan, you can start now. 

                     + + +

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Here's an Idea to Consider

Look around the place where you work.

Can something be improved? you ask.

Efficiency would certainly be good . . .

Should I volunteer to do some task ?

Look around your house— inside, outside. 

Ask yourself, is there a better way ?

Consider all the details here and there . . .

Maybe jot down your ideas today.

Think about your family, young ones, old ones.

Who can I give some compliment today ?

Who might appreciate my careful idea ? 

What’s the best way to nicely say ? 

Don’t neglect to look now in your mirror.

Is there something important to do ? 

A scowl, a frown, a too-humorous look . . .

Can I do better when I look at you ?  

Give yourself a thoughtful grin,

Yes, I can improve my life view.

I’ll start right now, and be thankful

Maybe that’s an example for you . . . 

                             * * * 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

You've Got Possibilities ?

Possibilities might bring Opportunities, 

Using your helpful Memories. 

Looking ahead —  Looking around

Interesting ideas may be found.

Relax just now, a deep breath you’ll take,

Of course, you will pray — for goodness sake !

Which action will you choose ?

What good words can you use ?

Talk to the LORD, and give yourself a smile,

He sees you, He loves you, all the while.

Expect to learn and grow and do good;

Life brings Challenge — you knew it would !

What you do — actions, and words you say

Can help your and others, even today !

Those ideas  and outcomes so good;

Remember how that happened — you should. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020 

Thinking . . . Planning . . . Doing !

Trouble brings Opportunity.

  Opportunity means Challenge. 

    Challenge calls for Thinking. 

      Consider your Choices.

        Size up your Situation.

       Pray for Wisdom.

    Thank God for His blessings.

  S M I L E ! 

Do it       : )  

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Oh, Say Can You BE ?

BE thankful for your abilities —

appreciate what you’ve got ! 

      Thankful for opportunities; 

aware of what yesterday brought.

BE thankful you can learn —

from problems you daily face.

      Put those aggravations

away in their place !

BE thankful for God’s presence —

He is always near

      Remember Scripture promises:

Trust, then do not fear. 

BE thankful for God’s promise —

for all who believe,

      anyone who prays to Him

eternal life in Heaven does receive.

BE thankful to be reminded —

blessings, when you pray,

      come to others when you care

to mention them each day.

BE happy, smart, useful, kind —

use that amazing brain you got.

       You don’t know how many more days —

  just a few or maybe a lot !  

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

It's Up to YOU -- Make a Memory

     Make a memory, do something special, 
     Leave the dust upon the shelf;
     Ignore that broom, stash the dishes,
          Take some time just for yourself.

   All too quickly time is passing, 
   Turn on your creativity;
   Find a new and different adventure
          Then seize your opportunity.

   Avoid the timid or halfhearted, 
   Plunge right in with all our zest; 
   Life is to be lived and enjoyed,
          With enthusiasm do your best.

   Each day is a gift from God,
   Be wise as you fulfill your duty; 
   Plan ahead for the essentials,
          But schedule in some beauty.

   Why sit around, moan, and complain? 
   Go ahead, design an exciting scheme; 
   Make a memory for your treasure,
          You can activate your dream !

by Elaine Hardt ©1982