My Prayer for Blessing

Heavenly Father,  You are mighty, holy, awesome,

   so I humbly come now to seek Your blessing,

      so I ask: show me, teach me, help me.  

You placed me here at this time

   so I could know how much I need You,

      so I could open my heart to receive Your love.

You have shown me my weakness and failures

   so I can own up to my need for Your grace,

      so I will honestly confess my sins.

You allowed me to experience conditions of life

   so I can recognize frustration, confusion, discouragement,

      so I can rebuke the enemy of my souls who tempts me.

You bring circumstances to teach me

  so I see I lack confidence, strength, determination,

      so I see I lack wisdom for what to say and what to do.

You have a plan and a purpose for me

   so I can survive the tough times ahead,

      so I can learn to trust and obey You.

You have a wonderful Forever for me in Heaven

   so I can be with Jesus my Savior,

      so I can thank You in person for salvation.  

Heavenly Father,  You are mighty, holy, awesome,

   so I gratefully now declare Your blessing upon me,
       thank You for Your wonderful love, forgiveness, and blessings. 

                                      AMEN.

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Making a Difference

This or that?  What makes the difference ?

What will boost my confidence ?

What fixes or helps or improves it

a whole lot or a little bit ? 

What can make me better in my life ?

Do I cause irritation, confusion, strife ?

Can I ever solve my problems so old ?

Is it time to be quiet…or bold ?

Have I prayed about this enough today ?

Wonder what help the Bible might say . . . 

I must settle down and think it through.

Has this ever happened to you ?

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Danger at Zuckerberg's Island

Not all vacations bring as much risk or adventure as this one.  Rita related the danger to the Thursday Friendship Group. This is what she said:  

“After enduring a month of higher-than-normal scorching temperatures in Phoenix my husband, Dan, and I were off in search of cooler climates. Our brand new brown and white Ford pickup was only three weeks old, but everything was going well so far.  

We believe in starting off each day with a prayer that God will keep us safe and show us His hand at work in our lives.  And on the trip we'd conclude,  “We're yours and this truck is yours, and Your Word says in all things You work for the good of those who love You.” 

My main goal was to get to Seattle and hug Nick and Jill, my two grandchildren.  And that we did.  With our son Patrick and daughter-in-law Chrissy we saw the tourist attractions for several days. But Dan had always wanted to cross the border to say he'd been there. 

Our little jaunt  to Canada would be a scenic drive along the shores of Kootenay Lake,  taking in the grandeur of the lofty snow-topped mountains.  Armed with helpful brochures from the border crossing guard we were eager to sample this little corner of a “foreign nation.”

But before the day was over we'd be stalked by a sandy-haired stranger,   our lives and property in danger.

Veterans Day 2017

On November 11, the day to honor veterans we pause 

     to remember their service and sacrifice because

now we’re glad our nation finally has peace at last.

     And we look back on all the yesterdays that are past,

we consider all the wars that the world has seen:

     hordes of people who are angry, violent and mean,

but it’s also a day to remember that we can pray

     for God’s protection and His guidance every day. 

--Elaine Hardt ©2017

Two Useful Words for You

“Oh, well.”  These are two useful words you’ve heard and probably do say. Picture some circumstances when they come in handy.   

“Oh, well . . . “ and you mean “Give it some time.”

“Oh, well . . . “ and it’s saying “Relax for now.”

“Oh, well . . . “ telling yourself, “I’ll solve it later.”

“Oh, well . . . “ explaining a situation.

“Oh, well . . . “ when you want to come up with an apology for a misunderstanding. 

And you’ve maybe said those words at some other time?  Maybe you’ve needed those words lately?  Here’s an idea.  Consider this attitude:  

Take a deep breath,

Give it a smile,

“Oh, well” could help

you . . .  for awhile.

Of course, it’s so good

when you remember to pray;

the LORD will bless

and help you today!

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Looking at Success

        Our latest little booklet is ready for you,  "Looking at Success."  It's #93, and is a quick read with some ideas for you to consider.  Hopefully, it will be helpful and encouraging to you.  There's no charge.  Drop us a line via email; - edprha@gmail.com -  we do not sell or give away your address to anyone. 

Yes! You Can!

You can come out of this stronger

if you’re determined to do good,

if you learned something that you should,

if you want to now . . .  you could . . . 

You can come out of this stronger!

Take a new look at what went wrong.

Don’t sing a “I’m Defeated” song.

Let new ideas come along.

You can come out of this stronger!

You’ve got things to be thankful for.

Your faith in God is at the core.

Don’t be so upset anymore.

You can come out of this stronger!

Toss aside that frowning brow.

You didn’t really forget how.

Give yourself a smile right now.

You can come out of this stronger!

Of course you can, you really care!

Put words to your heartfelt prayer.

Remember that the LORD is there!

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

A Compliment -- and -- A Challenge for YOU

The words you speak up to say

can encourage someone today:

A compliment, a correction,

A helpful direction,

A smile that’s reminding

Your recognition they’re finding.

You can choose your words well,

even a question can tell.

You intend to be kind

with friendship in mind.

You do have some learning to do:

Three cheers, and God bless you.  

                                 + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Finding Out More

For the newlyweds Guy’s idea was to ask each of the nearest relatives to contribute a Bible verse so he could type it all up as a booklet with a verse a day for a month. Everyone chipped right in and soon the booklet went out to the family and to the bride and groom.  

For the first couple of months it was an interesting “chore” to read the daily verse, see who had sent it in, and give it some thought.  

Guy was curious to see what that daily Bible verse word of instruction or encouragement meant to some of the family. He’d ask Zack first, the oldest brother of the family.  He sent a message over via social media and got a brief report back.  Obviously, Zack was too busy to mention any details. 

Then, it got a little more personal for Guy.  

At the Wednesday fellowship meeting of the OK (Older Kids) at church, the man giving the ten minute devotions read some verses from Revelation.  It was part of a letter to some church in a place called Laodicea.  Verses 14 through 22 was the overall look, with emphasis on “I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone opens the door . . . “  
        He held up a small framed picture that most all the 2 dozen men and women there recognized.  He closed with a short prayer, inviting Jesus to come in to each life and bring His blessing.

Guy’s curiosity woke up there.  He took it on as a personal challenge to dig into more of those nine verses from the last book of the Bible.  But as he looked at the maps in the back and the concordance in the back of his Modern English Version of the Bible he sat down at the computer and hatched some ideas to improve his own understanding.

It turned out to be quite helpful, and he wrote it up for the OK group for next month’s handout.  At the following month’s meeting there was a lively discussion with lots of positive comments directed to Guy.

Here’s a copy of that handout. 

                                                 How to Find Out More

Zipping through that one Bible verse in your family’s daily devotional booklet or reading some devotional on the Internet page.  Try this:  S-L-O-W—-D-O-W-N—-Read that verse again and ask yourself . . .   Don’t know?  Maybe read a few verses ahead and a few verses afterwards.  See if you find a little more background that helps you picture what’s going on …..for them….and in your own life.  

1. Who is saying that, or who wrote that to someone?
2. Who did he write it to?
3. When was it said and written?
4. Why did he write that particular information?
5. Do we know what happened afterwards?  Any big change of attitude or circumstances there?
6. Do you know of anyone in these days who commented on this verse and its surrounding ones?
7. Have you heard anyone quote that verse or section of verses in giving a today’s version of a testimony in public or in conversation you heard?

OK.  You be a better thinker?  You can apply something from that verse to your own life? 

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017  

Making it Easier For You

Do you like to be encouraged by someone, or challenged to give something some thought, or introduced to some new idea?   

Do you prefer short articles of facts, or stories of real people, or short poetry that is easily understood?  

You can find items posted in this blog in all of these categories.  For eleven years there’s been a variety of items posted, for a total of 580 writings.  

And the handy feature here is the list on the right side, an alphabetical list of key topics that you’ll find.  Want to consider the idea of “worry” or “purpose” or “encourage”? Look at all those topics waiting for your exploration.  

Making it easier for you to zero in on some topics for a quick read is the goal of this blog. Whether it’s just spending a few minutes or popping into the blog at least once a week there are ideas I share. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Helpful Conversations

          Here's some ideas for you to consider.  Our Booklet #91 is called "Helpful Conversations."  Our booklets are usually 16 to 20 pages, and we print them ourselves and mail them out.  Want one?  Email us at edprha@gmail.com  

-- Elaine Hardt ©2917

Have YOU Said Anything Like This Lately? Who? When?

I’m sorry that . . . 

What I meant was . . . 

I don’t quite understand . . . 

I need some help with . . . 

I didn’t realize that . . . 

Congratulations on your . . . 

You did a good job . . . 

I appreciate how you . . . 

Thanks for your help with . . . 

Your idea was so . . . 

Anything I can do to help with . . . ?

Anything I’m forgetting here . . . ?

Anything I need to clarify with . . . ?

Anything I can improve with this . . . ? 

Anything like this you should — and can — say today or tomorrow? 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Got Something that Someone Wrote & Sent to YOU?

        Looking back on recent days and years of your life, has someone sent you something they wrote to YOU that was interesting or helpful or valuable in some ways?
        Maybe what they wrote was even humorous, as it reminded you of something that happened “way back then.”  Maybe it triggered some other memories they didn’t even know about, but now brings a smile to your face.
        Where are you going to keep this small treasure?  Maybe a notebook or file folder?
        And let this unexpected gift from someone set an excellent example to YOU.  This is something you can do for someone else.  And your own recollection can be a useful part of this lesson of life.  And . . .

Pray for the Police Officers, Firemen, Ambulance & Rescue Teams!

Wisdom    +   Protection   +   Ability   +   Strength   +   Help

   Pray for reliable, truthful bystanders,

   Pray for excellent, honest leadership, 

   Pray for excellent, honorable leadership in our towns, cities, states, and US.

   Pray God’s blessing also on their families!

How often should I pray?  And what words should I say?

Just remember Who you are talking to; your Creator listens to you!

           Prayer is not a memorized bunch of words!

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

OH! THE TRAFFIC ! ! !

’Tis the season to go shopping, and oh!  the traffic.

Here’s what we say, what we pray,

when we are backing out of the garage

on even a not-so-busy day.

“Dear LORD,

No accidents, no incidents,

no tickets, no troubles, 

not even see an accident. 

Get safely home again today.

Thank You, Father in Heaven!"  

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Testing, Trials, Tribulation

Situations are becoming more serious!

These are tests to determine the faith of you and me.

Assess, acknowledge, appreciate God’s help,

Doing what He says, obediently. 

Wars and rumors of wars are increasing,

More threats and lies and dastardly deeds;

People more wicked than we can imagine,

It’s not more empty promises anyone needs. 

Bad weather, terrible storms are increasing!

Believers, let’s get this message clear; 

God warns us to repent, so let’s do it now,

The Bible tells about it, the end times are here.

His judgments are surely coming upon the world,

Sinfulness grows worse, people’s hearts growing cold;

The LORD enables believers to stand strong,

Thankfully, He continues to make us bold. 

Our example, our words to everyone

must point them to Jesus, Savior of all;

The Judgment Day brings the final word,

so now heed and obey our LORD’s call. 

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Two Short, But Strong Words

Recently I heard two words, and saw what they meant to Carol.  For her, buying the house from a nice old lady turned out to be a lot of work.  For the old lady the two words brought relief.  

I thought of these two short, but strong words when it came time to wash the windows outside.  It was a lot of work to do.  But I smiled when those two words came to mind.  I’ll remember to announce them when the time might come to sell this house and move.

That would have been the end of it, except for the bright revelation I had last night, stretched out in bed, waiting for sleep to overtake my busy mind and tired body.  A deeper connection dawned on me, and I fell asleep with a smile.  I do have something to write about, a little gem to pass on to my family and friends.

On the scale of 1 to 10 see what score you’d give these words.  And see what spiritual application comes to your mind; then I’ll tell you more.  The words are simply, “As is.”

To sell her house so she could move to a senior apartment community Mrs. Gregorio advertised it, “as is.”  She didn’t try to redecorate, repaint, or even pull out the refrigerator to dust behind and underneath.  She smiled and said, “The price is so reasonable because I must let it go, as is.”  
        And Carol gave her offer, and soon the house on Autumn Lane was hers.

Since perfection is so hard for me to achieve the meals I serve for company are also, “as is.”  The Hawaiian Haystack ingredients are put on the counter.  Those invited dish up for themselves, add this or that or all of it, in amounts they prefer.  No worry for me about over-seasoning it or serving shredded coconut on top for people who don’t like that flavor.  

The best part about “as is” has to be this:  

What Shall I Pray About Today?

A - Acknowledge the Lord and give Him thanks, first of all. 

B - Blessings for my family

C - Changes to my schedule today

D - Decisions I have to make this week 

E - Energy and good health for myself

F - Forgiving someone who’s still being difficult

G - Giving to others: who and when and how much?

H - How to help somebody the Lord brings to my attention

I - Illness to be healed in people I know

What? A One Minute Prayer . . . Again?

A silly bedtime rhyme came to mind yesterday, “Good night, sleep tight; don’t let the bedbugs bite!”    Along with that childhood prayer,  “Now I lay me down to sleep,” it was a ritual for us little kids.

Lately there’s been a TV commercial about getting a new mattress because an older one might be infected with bedbugs, so no doubt that brought the rhyme to mind yesterday.

And today the big thought of how adults treat prayer as repeating memorized words, reciting them quickly without pause or consideration:  what did I just say to God?  Does the old prayer still mean something?  Am I just being careless, thinking that I did what I was supposed to do?  Do those words make me a believer, a Christian, a good guy?

Memorized prayers recited at home or at church can become useless when our minds are not paying attention.  Why do the leaders say those holy words to quickly?

While we might not be able to bring this problem to the attention of someone in charge, at least we can remedy it at home.  Are you going to pray the “Lord’s Prayer”? Speak slowly, pause between phrases and think about what you’re saying to God.  You are talking to your Maker, and He is listening.  Of course, He sees your attitude.

Now, what is it that you want to say to God?  Here is the “Lord’s Prayer” from the words of the Bible in Matthew 6:9-13  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A9-13 

Here are eleven foreign language translations http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/lord_traditional_king_james.html  that also gives details of the phrases, the context, analysis line-by-line, and prayers for important occasions through the year.   

Ask yourself now, is it a “magic formula” ?  Does it keep us close to the LORD? Then take a few minutes to look up the two websites listed here.  

Afterwards ask yourself, what?  What do I want to tell my Creator?  Would this be a good time to confess my weakness, my shortcomings, my sins?  Would it be helpful to put into my own words something to express my faith, my admiration, my thankfulness?

So, is one minute enough today?

By Elaine Hardt ©2016

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