A Miracle of My Own

Budding branches stir in the warming sun
   on stark tough trees
fragile beauty along the streets
   tenderness on the breeze

Springtime display of new birth
    happens again every year
but we hurry by with jaded eyes
    unaware of the miracles here

O God of more than I can understand
     Designer of blossoms I see
forgive my careless ways
     rebirth wonder and joy in me

You provided the Passover Lamb
    the sacrifice for man
Life and death and resurrection
   salvation's awesome plan
 
A miracle is what I need
   uproot unbelief and fear
plant faith to grow and ever bloom
   in purpose strong and clear

                -by Elaine Hardt ©1991

The Soft, Little Stuffed Lamb on the Table

      A little lamb in their backyard waits for Passover, but a little stuffed lamb sits on my table, waiting for “Easter.” Many people choose decorations of cute rabbits and baby chicks, baskets of fake green straw and candy, I want my family to focus on the fuller meaning of the day.
      What is Passover? In the Bible we read about this event and the powerful results of obedience to God. (See Exodus 12:1-13, Deuteronomy 16:1-8).

The Shepherd and the Sheep

Do we see eye to eye?

It’s really impossible, isn’t it!

But there’s curiosity -- and caring -- and patience. 

“I’ll take care of you,” the good shepherd said,

“and you must learn to trust my leading.”

Viewing that quiet exchange of concern

gives you and me something to ponder:

We are the sheep of His pasture

And He is our Good Shepherd.

by Elaine Hardt ©2011
photo by Carlene Hardt ©2009 

An Idea for Having Fun

    
   Photo by Peter Hardt ©2011

Family Portrait

Left to right: Sirius, Lady, Rigel, Bellatrix, Pollux, Jewel, Castor, Lollie, Strider, Iris
Double click to enlarge the photo.

Family portrait, “Everyone look this way!

Show us how big, how attractive you are;

Hold still for this wonderful moment.”

Each face posed in quiet contentment,

Togetherness is something to behold;

Fun and games to resume quite soon.

The photo, ink on paper shows a stillness,

A brief moment before action springs to view;

If you were there you held your breath

For this composed family portrait,

Knowing that life will resume very quickly.

Let the fun and games begin!

By Elaine Hardt ©2011
Photo by Peter Hardt ©2011

Hear the Heartbeat of the Little Lamb

Two days old, the lamb so small and vulnerable

Yet alive! A miracle of conception and birth,

A newcomer to life and its mysteries,

Blessed to have the hand of an understanding man

providing shelter, feeding, watching, caring.

The lamb, so like you and so like me,

Seeing so little of all the rest of the world,

Knowing so little of all there is of life,

Thriving in the care of the Good Shepherd

Who provides, feeds, and watches over us.

Here our comparison fades, as we see anew

How complicated our relationships are.

We must yield our stubborn assertions,

Content to let God’s Son teach us truth

And lead us to His eternal dwelling place.

by Elaine Hardt ©2011

Photo by Carlene Hardt ©2011

Double click to enlarge photo. 

The Good Shepherd

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. . .   

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”  

John 10:11, 14

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, 
and I know them, and they follow Me.  

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; 

neither shall anyone snatch them 
out of My hand.  

My Father, who has given them to Me, 
is greater than all; 

and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” 

John 10: 27-29. 

Carlene Hardt's photos of Peter and his lamb, ©2010