Will YOU Be Ready for Christmas ?

Is everything decorated the way you choose ?

Inside and outside looking very good ?

Also keeping up with the latest news ?

Doing just what you think you should ?

So, you really are prepared ? Show us a smile !

And keep reading on for a little while . . . 

When dying happens to someone you know

Was it anticipated?  Will it turn out OK ?

Are family and friends needing some help ?

Will you find some suitable words to say?

Oh, but what if it’s more serious than that . . 

What if that’s your personal day to die ?

You’ll meet your Creator God for judgment,

Is that a day to rejoice in Jesus, or to cry ? 

Being prepared for life’s challenges . . . ?

a very serious, important thing to do.

The Bible isn’t just some old book.

Think now and decide what dying means to you. 

                          + + +

“For God so loved the world 

that He gave His one and only Son, 

that whoever believes in him shall not perish 

but have eternal life. 

For God did not send His Son into the world 

to condemn the world, 

but to save the world through him.”    John 3:16,17   

Go to www.biblegateway.com to look up LOTS of words.

by Elaine Hardt ©2019

Here Comes Christmas & the New Year

Well, what do you know !  It’s been another year !

     Time to celebrate, so give a smile and a cheer !  

Of course, we thank God as our blessings we count.

Such help He has given — every day a great amount. 

It was the Lord’s doing to sell our PV place. 

    With no ads, no For Sale sign, it was amazing.

We hadn’t even put it up for sale — 

It sold so quickly; God’s the one we are praising.

     

We’ve rented a townhouse in Cottonwood that’s nice.  

                 Robert &Lori gave good help and advice.

            Downsizing, rearranging has been a new chore;

            We’re thankful for the Lord’s direction so much more. 

Growing older is something really new — 

     it seems to happen to us !   How about you ?

Write down things you recall from your past;

Save those memories from your brain at last.

Count your blessings, can you still sing that song ?

     Appreciate those good days all year long ! 

Let’s try to keep on keeping in touch,

Don and I care about YOU so much. 

Yes, anticipate challenges you’ll face,

     Call them Opportunities to grow in grace.

We thank God for His love and care;

We ask Him to bless YOU in our daily prayer.  

So enjoy Christmas — and in the Bible you’ll read

     Jesus came to be our Savior, so heed  !

Who knows how much longer we’ll live here,

When Heaven’s our home, goodbye to fear ! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2019

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.

+ + + 

“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

The Day Before the Day Before

     'Twas the day before the day before

          with lots of things yet to do!

     (Christmas comes sooner every year!)

          We’re almost ready; how about you? 

     Making a list, checking it twice,

          almost forgetting why we celebrate.

     God sent His Son to be our Savior;

          Read your Bible, and pray, and don’t be late.

     You make a quiet time today —

          Really now — contemplate God’s love;

     Lay aside make-believe children’s stories,

          Confess, receive blessings from Above.

     Remember Jesus, not mistletoe,

          Santa Claus is not the real reason,

     Receive God’s presence in your heart;

          This IS a very special season.   

                                        *

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

The Remarkable Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas
   and in the shopping mall
crowds of children waved goodbye as 
   jolly Santa left the hall.

Harried parents dashed out of the stores
   clutching their bags of toys
and gathered up their waiting youngsters,
   the happy girls and boys.

Then off to the church they went
   just across the street
for the children's evening program
   and the promise of a treat.

How Many Days Till Christmas?

     In December the days seem to fly by.  Everyone seems to be rushing into the stores after driving to the mall, slightly exceeding the speed limit.  The TV ads brag about the bargains you'd better hurry to find.  And ordering online is the new solution?
     But are you ready for a little quiet contemplation?  Maybe bring up some old- timey memories? Maybe a little humor to coax a smile on your face?
     On the right hand side of this blog home page there's a list called LABELS. Click on the word "Christmas" and bring up that category.  You'll find some stories, some poetry, and odds and ends that could bring up a smile.  Some would be fun to read aloud to your kids.   
     Take a look, it won't take long.  Then maybe even forward this blog's URL to some relatives and friends.  Give them a Christmas blessing, too.  * * * 

It's Almost Christmas 2016

We’re getting ready for our annual celebration;

we’re putting up our old, favorite decorations, too. 

And it’s fun to write, having anticipations 

to hear one of these days from you.

The stores are full of decorations for December,

Newspapers, magazines show lots of stuff on sale,

Social media is keeping very busy,

And there’s all those ads that come in the mail.  

The real meaning, the origin of Christmas,

Has been pushed way out of everyone’s view;

It’s not a popular thing to mention Jesus,

But I’m going to; and how about you?

The Jewish people had ancient Scriptures:

A miraculous birth predicted for years,

A Savior would come, a wondrous occasion,

A time for redemption, set free from all fears.  

We thank God for providing us salvation;

Grateful to have eternal expectation —

so, of course, we pray His blessings for you.

Join us in this wonderful celebration!

                          + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Grab Your Pencil and . . .

Nick pulled in the parking lot with a big smile.  When he entered the HeBrew coffee shop six friends were already seated at the big back table.  Of course, they expected to hear his cheery greeting.  “Hi, guys and gals!  Only four more days till Christmas.”
“Don’t we know!  The suspense at my house is huge.  My kidlets are peeking at the presents under the tree,” exclaimed Ronson. 
“What I like is the week off work between Christmas and New Year’s” was Miguel’s contribution.
A few other wisecracks were shared before Nick delivered his pronouncement.  “OK.  Do you have a pencil and paper at home?  Or, will you be using your iPad to follow through with my challenge?”
“Wassup, guy?” was the unanimous reply.
“Betcha haven’t done this yet.  My Grandma Marie got me going.  Here’s the thing:  Jot down what you remember from one Christmas when you were a little kid.  Nothing fancy, just the basics.  And, then write something that you remember your grandma and grandpa saying or doing at Christmas.”
Heads nodded.  None of them had written anything like that, and it was definitely overdue.  Nick added, “If you don’t write it down now, you won’t be able to remember nearly so good by next year -- when old age sets in!”
Adelle spoke up, “That’s why my Gramma Becky takes an afternoon nap.  She says that fights off old age.  I think she’s going on 80.”
“Seriously, you will give this a go, and maybe frown once you find time to do it.  But, get the ideas written down.  Go back in a few days and add anything else that’s come to mind. It will be fun!”  was Nick’s encouragement.
Bea smiled at Bennett and gestured, “This is why we privately refer to him over there as St. Nick; he will check up on us.”  
David grinned, “Nick-boy!  That is so practical, so logical.  I’m surprised I didn’t think of it before you.  I get paid for my good ideas at the credit union.  Hmmmm.  Maybe I could suggest that at our staff party tomorrow night.”

Will You Have a Reluctant Christmas?

Will you have a reluctant Christmas?

Is what you want impossible this year?

Perhaps you can reach out to some others

and bring them some unexpected cheer. 

Often simple pleasures, a letter,

a song, a treat or meal that’s shared,

a little visit or a phone call

lets someone know you cared.

Anytime there’s a cloud of confusion

you have a Friend to set you free 

Give God thanks for all you can think of,

in childlike simplicity.  

Allow yourself a new beginning,

Let God’s love give you a new start;

Banish that reluctant Christmas,

Make a celebration in your heart.

By Elaine Hardt ©2005

A Christmas Prayer

Turning aside from an overdose of Christmas, trading that frustration for meditation, and coming to a quiet place of prayer. . . 

Heavenly Father,

You are the Designer and Maker of All there is,

How awesome that You also made the way

for me to approach You in prayer. 

I come in humility and honesty.

Today I’m occupied with Christmas

traditions and expressions of family,

mingled with the excessive, the noisy,

the beautiful and the tacky,

the demands and opportunity.

All the trinkets and toys and earthly treasure

snare my mind with thoughts of pleasure;

show me the way through the unnecessary,

the way to what is true,  and what pleases You. 

The Christmas Worry

        I need to tell someone.  Maybe you’d consider this?
        It’s almost Christmas!  People are going to send out some Christmas cards.  It’s an outreach to some relatives and some friends; it’s not just to provide jobs for the postoffice.  These people (that’s you . . . ) need to be encouraged to write — in their own words — about God’s magnificent love that we each desperately need to personally accept.  

        “Aaaack,” some will frown or declare or yell.  “I don’t want my relatives and friends to label me a Religious Nut.”  

    (Please be patient and read on.  This is only 654 words long.  You can do it?)

        So, the problem is what to say and how to say it?  We’ve been drowning in pressure to sit down and shut up and be tolerant of every one’s notion of life and death. 

Another Tie? Another Fruitcake?

When a tie or a fruitcake just won’t do,

When Santa has lost his disguise;

Holidays can be more than glitter

When honesty opens our eyes.

What we need is love, peace, and forgiveness,

Wisdom for life’s decisions shown;

Only God offers these realities,

His presence makes the truth be known.

Turn aside from Christmas trivia,

You want more than parties and fun;

Confess your shortcomings and problems, 

Then celebrate what He has done.

By Elaine Hardt ©2005

Do Cowboys Celebrate Christmas?

Do cowboys celebrate Christmas? Yer durn-tootin’ they do.

All those nights under starry skies they think about what’s true,

They’ve seen the miracle of birth, the hard facts about dyin’

Their eyes crinkle with laughter, sometimes with cryin’

Without fancy words they pray to the Lord who made it all

They kin see His hand in winter, spring, summer, and fall.  

They know they’re not perfect, but some knows Who iz

Jesus died for all, and now He is riz.

There’s a lifetime for living, more than jes’ gettin’ by

When it’s hard, look to God with an honest cry.

Before your life here comes ta an end

You want to make your Maker your Best-est Friend.

He has a way to fergive your sins

So you can get there where life has no ends.

Don’t miss out on Christmas, it don’t have ta be December

Open yer Bible, where it is don’t ‘cha remember?

Writ by Elaine Hardt

©2004 

When Holidays H-U-R-T !!!

     Gifts!  cards, parties, family dinners! Name any holiday, the stores are decorated and merchandise abounds. You can’t escape it! But not everyone can anticipate an enjoyable celebration.

     Many men and women have hurt feelings about holidays; most will keep their emotions under careful control.  Here comes Christmas; how do you feel about that? 
        Father’s Day might bring up some unhappy memories.  Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and even New Year's Eve may stir up old baggage that lingers on, every year again wounding the soul.

        Going to church on a holiday may make things worse, if all you’ll hear are platitudes and detailed examples of the perfect dad or the perfect mom or the perfect family.  If a greeting card is too “sweet” or too sarcastic that can hurt.  

      If you wince at the approach of some particular occasion don’t continue in this pattern; there’s a breakthrough for you.  If you are a relative of someone who dislikes certain observances there may be things you can do to ease the situation.

A person needs a strategy.

       Give yourself permission to take a few moments here. Step back from the immediate circumstances and take a dispassionate look at it. 

Let’s Compare Santa with Jesus

1. You have to stand in line to talk to Santa.       Anyone (not just kids) can talk to Jesus wherever they are and whenever they want to talk to Him.
2. Santa doesn’t really know what we want or need.       Jesus knows this even if we don’t tell Him. 
3. Santa comes once a year.       Jesus is here every day, all the time.
4. Santa travels by sleigh to your house and comes down the chimney.      Jesus is with you whenever and wherever you are.
5. Santa keeps track of the good kids and the bad kids.      Jesus does know who is being good or being bad, but when we confess our shortcomings and sins to Him we can be forgiven. Jesus loves us!
6. Santa comes on Christmas Eve when we’re tucked in bed, and he does not come to see us.  Santa leaves some presents and leaves until next year.      We can’t see Jesus yet, but when we go to Heaven we will always be with Him. 
7. Santa was written in some poems, stories, and songs, and is celebrated in various ways in different nations around the world.  Many variations can be tracked down.        The coming of Jesus was prophesied in Scripture for hundreds of years before He was born, and in the New Testament we can read a lot about His life, what He did and what He said.  There were a lot of witnesses to His life.
8. Santa is just for little kids; the older ones have figured out he is a fictional character or their friends told them the truth, even though their parents acted like Santa was real.     Jesus is for anyone of any age, living anywhere in the world. We can read about Him in the Bible.  
9. The actual St. Nicholas was a Greek Christian bishop who gave generous gifts to the poor.  His remains were taken to Bari where a basilica was constructed for half of his skeleton. The other half consisted of minor fragments collected by Venetian sailors and taken to Venice where a church was built.       Jesus was crucified and died.  After three days in the tomb He arose from the grave, and 40 days later He ascended into Heaven in view of many followers.  
10. We can read the interesting facts and fables about Santa, alias St. Nick, on the Internet at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus  When we give this topic some serious thought we will be able to discuss the pros and cons of our modern-day Christmas celebrations.       Our friends might not know about Jesus.  It would be a very good thing to tell them what we’ve learned.    # # # 

By Elaine Hardt ©2013

Eddie's Christmas Tree Star: the Play

Christmas Coming? Haven't We Been There Before?

Yes, and it’s time to plan for Christmas again.

This time, turn on your imagination and see what’s there!

• Where would you go, if you could holiday anywhere for a week?
• What would you buy for yourself, if you could buy anything?
• Who would you like to spend the day with, if that person invited you over?
• What would you like for dinner, if there were no restrictions at all?  
• See, our first stretch of the imagination is about me-me-me. Let’s try that again, a different way.

• Who would you like to go and help, if you could be of assistance to them?
• Who would you like to give money to, if the cost was no limitation to you?
• Who would you like to have a meeting with, if they’d allow it?  
• When would you have liked to live, if you could have been their hero? 
•  Hmmmmm.  You’re thinking now . . .  Possibilities or impossibilities

• If you knew you could not fail, what huge thing would you attempt?
• If you could succeed in writing a famous book, what would its topic be?
• If you could be featured on any TV show, what program would that be?
• If you could be elected to any office, what position would you choose? 
• Now, with your imagination totally involved, stretch even farther! No one else is listening, it’s just you and your honest replies.

• If you knew you’d die in your own bed tonight what would you do now?
• If you knew you had to tackle some disease before you die, what    strategic response would you make to prolong your life?
• If you knew you’d live strong and healthy for another 20 years, what would you do now? 

Oranges & Tangerines for Christmas

My most memorable Christmas?  It would have to be the year of the oranges and tangerines.   

It was  1944.  The whole world was at war, in the Pacific and in Europe.  But all we children knew was that our uncles wore spiffy uniforms and the grownups listened to the radio news a lot.  We looked forward to Santa's annual visit, secrets and surprises.  

This most special holiday was spent at Grandma's house in Des Moines.  And this year her two-bedroom bungalow bedded down a dozen relatives, give or take a few.  Smiling and capable, Grandma took everything in her stride.   

In a corner of the living room stood a tall pine tree, smelling wondrously of the woods.  It was aglow with colored lights, glass ornaments, handfuls of tinsel.  Underneath was a snow scene of cotton arranged around a real mirror, looking like a frozen pond, with little green bristle evergreens placed around.  A tiny ice skater figurine could gracefully glide its surface, letting small hands take part in imaginative play.

Well, this Christmas was different from all the others in one special way. But I'm ahead of my story.  Turn back a few days, and a hundred miles or so, to Marshalltown,  Iowa.  

Tip-toe Back to Your Childhood Christmas

YES, another Christmas is on the way.  Decorations in the stores have been reminding us since October,  the calendar on the wall makes it plain.  

        You’ve been making lists:  buy this, do that, make some calls, write the Christmas letters.  It’s a little more pressure on an already-busy person like yourself.

        But, take a few moments just now, and tip-toe back to your childhood Christmas.  What do you recall of that Christmas as a little kid?  What was it like when you were in grade school and had that first party?  How did you celebrate in the following years?  Anything you would have changed?

You Will Remember THIS December

You will remember THIS December

If you’ve found that holiday peace

That comes from a personal quiet time:

A new satisfaction will increase.

You’ll give yourself the bold honesty:

Ask God about your uncertainties;

Yes, speak directly to the LORD,

Tell Him your perplexities.

You’ll gift yourself with thoughtfulness

When you treasure a time of prayer;

This can meet your greatest need,

And of course, you certainly do care!

Why now?