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 

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

Three Steps to Remembering

Here’s the short version.  Try each of these four approaches and see how it goes for you.   Then keep reading the rest of this page for more details, too.

1. Read the info you want to remember.
2. Speak that info aloud to yourself.
3. Listen as you hear yourself speak.

1. Listen to someone speaking.
2. Write down what you want to remember.
3. Speak it aloud to yourself sometime soon.

1. See something.
2. Write down what you want to remember.
3. Speak it aloud as you write it.

1. Say something you want to remember.
2. Write down what you said — take notes.
3. Read what you wrote down.

Smile at yourself for being smart.  You can remember it.  You’re doing good ! 

        Let’s get more details here.  

It’s a good idea to have a small tablet with you, in your pocket or in your purse.  So handy to jot down some key phrases or key points of info, like when you’re hearing someone speaking.  Later, when you have some time read through this info and add any details, like fixing your spelling, so your notes are more helpful. 

When you’re reading something and find something important or interesting maybe you can underline key words or phrases if it’s your book or your magazine.

When you’re out and about and notice something interesting or unusual if you’re alone you can speak aloud to yourself some info, some key words, etc. 

You can encourage yourself.  Say,  “I AM doing better.  I CAN do better.  I’m glad that I am improving these skills.”         + + +

                          

            by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Oh, Father in Heaven, forgive me for . . .

           Can you add to this list?  Do you remember seeing any examples of these attitudes?
A    absent-minded 
B    bitter        blaming
C    careless          childish        criticizing
D    demanding
E    envying
F    forgetting
G    gossiping
H    hateful
I     irritable        ignorantly        ignoring
J
K
L    lied
M   mistaken        made fun of
N    neglecting
O    offended
P
Q
R    reluctant           resentment         repeatedly        reckless
S    stupid            showing-off        shocking          selfish
T    telling a lie        threw it away
U    unforgiving      upset attitude
V
W    worried so much
X
Y    yelled at someone
Z

 by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Let's Keep in Touch

How can we keep in touch?  Might be verbally, in person —  might be written down in an email you send — might be some good stuff you write down that you post to your personal blog which is read by invisible persons.

Who are the important people in your life?  Your mom, dad, siblings — the generation that came before yours, so that includes aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins — the people your work with on your job — some neighbors — possibly friends who lived in the town where you used to live. 

Here’s a short challenge for ONE WEEK.  Try it and see what you think afterwards.

1. Compliment one person today face to face.
2. Compliment one person today in writing.

3. Say something nice about somebody when you talk to somebody else today.

4. Say something nice to one person in your family today. 

5. Order online an animated greeting card of your choice for a person in your family. Take a look here:   www.jacque lawson.com and note the membership fee of $20 for one year.  You can order up any of their cards, as often as you life, to as many people as you like. You can order them up for a year, and you’ll be notified by your email when JL has sent the card. 

      6.  When a holiday is coming real soon buy something  yummy from the grocery store 
             or  bake some of your favorite cookies and take them over to a neighbor. 

       7.  Now you’ve done all these little suggestions for the week.  How do you rate your         
            effort,  your timing, any results you can think of this week.  
            Jot down a few key words to score your own input.

          It's fun to keep in touch !

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Hey ! You’re Still Alive TODAY.

Today is a NEW day.

Something different is on the way. 

What you choose to do and say,

     “Could be important to me.” 

Could improve what you see; 

could improve what will be. 

There’s something you can learn
as you choose which way to turn — 

     something interesting you’lI discern. 

Your Father in Heaven sees it all. 

Pray to Him so you don’t fall.
He hears your every call. 

It’s time now to think and do ! 

Be thankful for today’s view ! 

     See what really matters to you ! 

                    +++ 

by Elaine Hardt @ 2019 

GEORGE SPEAKS UP

         The monthly lunch of the Hungry Heroes was last Tuesday at the Best Breakfast and Brunch cafe.  Everyone was all smiles, except for George.  

        After the waitress took their orders Sam smiled and said, “George, you must have had something to irritate you.  What’s up?”

“Well, ordinarily my feelings don’t take over my face.  But, yesterday! I jotted down some words on my computer sorta quickly.  Now, I wasn’t going to make a big deal of it.  But I did write about it.  So, here goes . . . “

Face Your Aggravations 

Worry is the opposite of Trusting God,

Fear means we lack Faith in God,

Ask Him for directions and energy, too.

Obey what He tells you to do;

He will truly help you.

Sometimes stuff is easy for you to do,

Sometimes you feel overwhelmed with circumstances.

How long do you want to feel so blue?

What have you already tried to do?

Is the whole world looking at you?

Situations in the world are getting worse

Do you remember that God loves you? 

Confess your shortcomings to Him now,

Ask Him to teach you and show you how;

Life is a daily test — now you can do your best.  

It was completely quiet now, some of the guys looking down to avoid making eye contact.  Then Sam said, “My compliments to you, George.  You give all of us something good to think about.” 

                                                            + + +

by Elaine Hardt ©2019

Mother’s Day — Remember Growing Up?

        Later — when you have some spare time today ! — here's an idea, a suggestion for you.
      Jot down some things you remember about your mother, when you were growing up.  

      This has several benefits.  You will sort through old memories to find some important ones that mean a lot to you.

       Maybe there’s something from that you’d want to share with relatives, friends, etc. 

       And — the biggie — it gives you something to pray about as you consider how things are going these days.

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Rating My Week

1. What did I learn in my life this week?
2. What did I learn from observing others this week?
3. What do I think God wanted me to learn this week?
4. What unfinished business do I have?
5. What’s my plan for next week?

Rate yourself for handling the good and not-so-good events that happened last week. Your assessment can bring a smile or a frown.  Honesty in this little personal exercise could bring a new flash of enlightenment.  A little nudge might be just what you need.  

Call this experience a challenge.  Consider the value of making personal changes.  Your frustration can lead to a new determination for a new beginning.  Confer with your boss, that is, pray to your Maker.  

If you’re serious about improving yourself write down your impressions. Keep track of your bright ideas. 

Rate your week about seven days from now; size up your progress and your success in life lessons. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Good ? Better ? Best ?

“Good!  Better!  Best!  Never let it rest; till my GOOD is BETTER,  and my BETTER,  BEST.”  The slogan seemed a logical thing to teach my class.  I demonstrated the look on my face for “good,” followed by a little smile, then a big grin.  It was a daily thing for the first week, then it was a once-a-week repetition.

Later, that summer in my spare time I made up this slogan for the kids.  “I will be happy today, no matter what comes my way.”  I concocted the idea of making up a planet of my own, inhabited by interesting animals and creatures. Turned out fun, and I boldly sent off a chapter with a letter to a local publisher.  Voila` a book was born.  

Well, that was some years ago! Sometimes I see Stories From Beyond the Double Rainbow for sale on Amazon, as “used.” 

Each of us face a challenge every day. Maybe some small irritation or maybe it’s a huge aggravation.  We make decisions small and large.  Other people might be affected sooner or later.

What kind of example are we showing others?  “It’s my decision, it’s my choice.  Today I’ll do my best.”  

Starting each day with an honest prayer, “I need help, dear LORD” can bring the day’s planning to a good start.

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Today Is Not My Very Best Day

Of course, I’m not having a perfect day

and I’m not perfect, either;

what more can I say.

Every day brings challenges, new — and old,

and the choice is up to me:

Worry — or be bold.

I need to ask the LORD for wisdom, too,

calmly assess the issues

and see what to do.

“Improving”  is my decision now;

Tomorrow I’ll do better!

He will show me how.

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

PAST — PRESENT — FUTURE

Thinking is quite a job to do,

but don’t you agree it’s good for you?   

Write down memories from your PAST.

Make a start today — at last! 

Consider what happened then and why;

Face the past, even with a sigh.

NOW: there’s lots of unpredictable stuff!

Surviving the present time might be rough.

Of course, you could pray about your life. 

Face up to irritations and strife.

Writing down your new ideas?  You should

Identify what’s helpful and good.

Anticipate the FUTURE with care.

Find ideas you might share.

Improve yourself with a thoughtful plan;

Face tomorrow and say, “I can!” 

by 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

Improving Today

Joyous Considerations, 

   thoughtful deliberations,

      prayerful conversations: 

         learning to trust God and obey.

Improving is not automatic for me,

   and truly I know I need more energy,

      and wisdom seems kinda hard, you see;

         that’s why I do pray every day.

And I’ll share these words with you,

   Open the Bible, take a careful view,

      What a relief to know that it’s true.

         So, I remind you to pray. 

Open your eyes to view the earth,

   You are a person of great worth,

      It’s time for your spiritual birth,

         Talk to your Maker today. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

How Really Important Are YOU?

Did you talk to the President, the Pope, the Prime Minister today?

Or, did you personally speak to the Creator in Heaven when you pray?

Did the Governor, the Mayor, the Head of the FBI invite you to chat?

Did anyone "special" look forward to hearing from you about this or that?

Why did Jesus invite YOU to pray

and tell you how and show you what to say?

To some people you may not rank high on their list as a friend,

but Jesus invites you to a love relationship that will not end!

Not only that, but you can talk to Him any hour of night or day,

And best of all, the Bible says He listens to what you say.

Of course, the key to expressing yourself to the LORD is honesty,

And yes, what's in your life, and in your heart He knows already.

"But if He already knows everything, then what's there for me to say?"

Well, expressing your love and concerns to Him is good to do every day.

Don't neglect this amazing privilege to pray, it helps you to grow!

How do I know?  Read it for yourself. The Bible tells us so!

That Word "New"

One word that certainly gets attention is “new.”  

       Whether it’s good, like a “new” idea, a “new” recipe in the newspaper we might take a look and consider it. It might be different and improved or unusual.  

Or, it’s bad, like a “new” pain in the side, or a “new” problem with the snowblower or a “new” pronouncement from the IRS.  That definitely calls for scrutiny even if you are frowning when you search for evidence. 

Here’s a thought for this “New” Year.  See what needs improvement and think about what you can do.  Then set yourself a time and start out with a confident and positive attitude.  

Even if no one is standing there to observe you, the practice of improving is something that’s good for you.  Practice makes perfect.

       (I remember that’s what Mama told us kids.)

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Success Comes When - - -

Review the basics.
1. Life is full of choices for me to make.
2. In my own ability I cannot make all the right decisions or do all the right things.
3. God allows this so I will see that I need Him in my life.
4. If success was easy we wouldn’t have opportunity to learn.

Come into agreement with what God says.
1. God wants us to be saved, healed, victorious.
2. Jesus has already done it all. He has provided for salvation, healing, victory.
3. God invites us to boldly come and take what He offers.
4. I must personally accept Jesus as my Savior.
5. His Holy Spirit comes to live within us, enabling us to do what pleases Him.

Review what the Bible says about the devil.
1. The devil will lie and deceive us so he can destroy us.
2. He will make us miserable so our testimony is ineffective.
3. He has a legal right to attack us when we are in disobedience to God.

Pray for wisdom, and be obedient to do what God reveals.
1. He will give us direction when we ask.
2. We must listen and obey.

How Much is Enough?

1. How much  complaining is enough?

2.  How much  worrying is enough?

3.  How much  frowning is enough?

4.  How much   pessimism is enough?

5.  How much  pretending  is enough?

6.  How much  denying your mistakes is enough?

7.  How much  ignoring the situation  is enough?

A thoughtful person considers the circumstances: Who said it?  Who did it?  What happened?  How can this situation be fixed?  What can I do to help?

Here’s a suggestion:  open your eyes and your mind and your heart.

Can you do better? 

No matter how small the situation, no matter how huge the problem there is something you can do:  Pray.  Pray for yourself.  Pray for the others involved.

Reviewing it, is there something you need to confess to God?  Is there something that God reveals to you — now — that you need to say and do?

Life is full of opportunity for you to learn and do and discover and grow.   

                                                     + + +

         

by Elaine Hardt ©2015 

Solving That Problem!

          Got a problem? 

Talk it out

Figure it out

Work it out

This only lacks one thing to say:

Remember to pray!

Got frustration? 

Something’s wrong

Something’s incomplete

Something needs improvement

It’s very important today:

Don’t forget to pray!

Got a plan? 

You need words

You need examples

You need thinking

This might take a little time,

But don’t forget to pray!

Got a response?

Your Creator knows you, 

You know that’s true

You can get headed to Heaven 

You don’t really want to stray! 

So talk to Him: pray! 

Got a challenge?

Life is for learning

Life is for growing up

Life is for you choosing what to do

You’d better not delay:

Now is the time to pray.  

                         + + +

by Elaine Hardt ©2015