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 

Memorial Day on Monday

Memorial Day to honor our men and women 

who died serving the USA 

They gave their lives, some here and some so very far away.

Thousands served, too, 

but made it through. 

Sometimes we forget to honor those still remaining.

And let’s remember those who did all that training;

For each of these good people let’s now pray,

"LORD, help us all to help each other," we will say.  

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Thinking Today About Mama

What has Mama done ?

    What does Mama like ? 

What did Mama tell you this morning ?

    Are you careful on your bike ?

Your favorite thing Mama cooked ?

    Did Mama crochet, knit or sew ?

Did she travel very far ? 

    Interesting stuff she did, you still know ?

When you were just a kid what good stuff did you do ? 

    What would you like to tell her today ?

Remember that she prayed for you ? 

    What else can you remember on Mother’s Day ? 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Remembering ? Changing?

The past didn’t last !  

It’s Now — and, how ? 

Days sped by; that’s no lie.

Remember ?  Yes, I try. 

Spring, summer, fall,

and winter came to all.

Weather got colder; everyone got older.

Some days of rain; someone will complain.

Coming, going, sometimes knowing.

Remember:  keep on growing.

Need for learning keeps returning.

Got a brain in my head, that’s what Mama said.

Don’t forget to pray, I did hear Dad say.

God in Heaven sees everything, that’s true.

He loves us, too —  that’s me and you.

Faith means we believe — forgiveness receive !  

Sing “Jesus loves me this I know,

for the Bible tells me so.”

Now, is it time for changing ?

Want to do rearranging ?

Forgetting can bring stress;  

I gotta do my best.

Stuff happens all the time,

That kind of mountain I CAN climb.

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by Elaine Hardt ©2019

WHAT DOES IT TAKE ?

What does it take to make you happy ?

   What does it take to make you blue ?

Is there anything special today

   that you should plan to do ? 

Right now — right now — count your blessings !

   Your Heavenly Father loves you.

Your life reflects your response to Him;

   Ask Him what is best now to do.

Somebody may observe you,

   seeing what you are doing today;

Would your example be helpful,

   like what you do ?  or what you say ?

Someone might come to mind today, 

   someone from a long time ago.

Maybe it’s your opportunity ?

   Pray, even if details you don’t know.

Weather predicted to turn bad,

   Oh, such boring news to hear;

What can our politicians do?

   Well, pray for them:  isn’t that clear ? 

And ask the LORD for good health, 

   energy, and His protection;

Keep on going with a smile !

   Read the Bible for His directions. 

                 + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Today is a Special Day

President Donald Trump has proclaimed Memorial Day, May 28th, 2018,
as a Day for Prayer for Permanent Peace. He called on all Americans,
saying, “On this day, let us also unite in prayer for lasting peace
in our troubled world so that future generations will enjoy the blessings
of liberty and independence.”

Both Congress and the president recognize
the day of prayer to honor and
“to remember the selfless service members
who have been laid to rest in flag-draped coffins
and their families who have suffered
the greatest loss.”

-- from The Daily Prayer Briefing of the Presidential Prayer Team. 

www.presidentialprayerteam.org  

TODAY, May 19

Today is National Armed Forces Day, so our flag is flying out there;

We smile at these brave people, and every day we mention them in prayer.

       Ideas come to mind, so we don’t just recite some formal kind of word,

       and we’re thankful to know all of this the LORD has seen and has heard.

Our verbal and heart-felt communication is not just “let’s pretend.”

Hopefully, you too have found God's peace when your honest prayer you “send.” 

                                                      + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

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

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

A Special Gift for YOUR Kids for 2018

     Which Christmas do you remember, growing up?  Which family vacation do you remember when you were just a kid? 
     Here's a special gift you can give YOUR kids this year . . . on some special day . . . or just any ordinary day.

     Jot down some memories of the early Christmas things you remember.  (This is not a Master’s thesis for ASU.)   Just get started on some of it today.  Later, in your “spare” time . . . if you have any empty time before bedtime . . . your clever, busy brain will think of some other things to add to it.  

     Then take some other spare minutes to jot down some other memories you have.  When they're written down that's a big help.  

     See how good you're doing so far?  Go back and add other interesting details that come to mind. 

     Keep in mind what a nice surprise this will be for your kids someday in 2018.  Maybe at a family meal for a holiday, or any other day when you've made your memories into a booklet you have a unique gift . . . one of a kind!

     Keep a copy for yourself in case you live to be 99 and are slightly forgetful by then!

     ( Don't you wish computers and printers were invented back in Grandma's and Grandpa's day?  What a wonderful blessing that would be for you, as well as the coming generation, to know more about living in those olden times !) 

by Elaine Hardt ©2018

     

Stop! Remember!

Did you know you’re setting an example for others to see?  

When you’re frustrated . . . when you’re confused . . . 

                        and 

When you’re happy and smiling . . .when you say nice words to somebody . . .

when you’re being helpful . . . 

Stop speaking up before you’re thinking!  Remember Who loves you.

You can be a blessing:   encouraging . . .  reminding . . . doing good . . .

living for the LORD . . . keeping Eternity in mind!

+ + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017  

Remember Mama? Write it Down . . .

Looking back to when we were kids each of us probably remember some things about Mama.  

And sometimes we reminisce and enjoy two things:  1.  Mama taught us some important things.  2.  We can still remember some of those times.  

So, write down what you remember.  It will be a treasure for the next generation.  There are lessons to be learned and that is good to do. 

This writing is just jotting stuff down.  No need to worry about spelling or punctuation —  that can be fixed at some later time.  

When you have more time jot down about some of your other relatives from those childhood days. Yes, you will enjoy doing this and reading it again later. 

So, how about it?  

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Today we’re called to remember the evil done to Jewish people those years ago;

Many people will ignore this call to consider what happened then, do they know?

too occupied in planning their own schedule for today

too busy doing their own important things, they say

too concerned about their success and entertainment and fame

too overwhelmed with bad news from around the world, more of the same

Too self-centered to care

to forgetful about prayer

This official day is a call for each of us to acknowledge

where we are in our own attitude and action.

Pray for the lost, the neglected, the persecuted, too.

Pray for the world leaders who are messing up what they could do.

Pray for repentance, owning up to our own sin.

Pray for God’s message to be welcomed within. 

Pray for truth to be known.

Pray for love to be shown. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

Did YOU Pray for the Politician?

Just before you drifted off to sleep last night . . . 

You probably did pray for your spouse, your kids, your siblings.

Maybe you mentioned some neighbor or friend in your prayer. 

Did you pray for that politician?  Some movie star?  The television reporter? 

That really bad guy they featured in the evening news?

Mention one of our nation’s armed forces — of course you care! 

Here’s an idea for all you caring people who do pray

and of course, our Heavenly Father knows. . . 

Whatever famous person comes to mind, pray for them too.

Nothing fancy, just short and to the point in your bedtime prayer.  

They need God’s blessing tomorrow,

and maybe that assignment comes to you?  

by Elaine Hardt ©2017

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

From Funny to Famous?

“Good evening to You-all.  See, I am from the south, south Phoenix that is.  We start off with scratching your head and remembering back 20-30-40 years when you were still a kid.  How long ago was that!  Oh, well . . . “

The couples sitting in the backroom of Della’s Diner did expect a humorous start to their weekly meal and fellowship hour. Jackie went on to explain. “Give us something you recall, and prune it down to maybe a dozen sentences.

Howard was the first to volunteer.  “When I was a teenager I discovered why I’d been such a well-behaved kid.  Every Sunday in church I heard the people say,  “Our Father, who art in Heaven, Howard be thy name.”  I was amazed that mom and dad had named me after God.  I knew my reputation was important to them!”

Lola spoke up,  “When I was a little kid I remember my cousin Carrie coming over with Aunt Amy and Uncle Martin.  When they got in their car to leave my mom would throw her a kiss and she showed me how, too.  It means ‘I love you.’  So, after that I’d throw a kiss to the LORD, after my bedtime prayer.”  

For Ronnie it was suppertime that he remembered.  “I thought mom said we were having Chicken and Doodles.  Later when I was maybe 10 or 11 I understood it was noodles.  A couple of years ago I found a website on the computer “How to Doodle.”  It just takes some paper and some kind of markers.  You can turn on your artistic skills and have fun.  Your history teacher thinks you’re taking notes; well, you can listen and doodle at the same time.”

You Will Remember THIS December

You’ll 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?  (Obviously, a busy time)

Because He is the only Creator who

Has declared in the Bible what He has 

Done to give His love to you.

Open that mostly-neglected book:

What Jesus did, what He said, you need to see.

What makes the difference?  It’s love!

The LORD is not an imaginary deity.

It’s forgiveness, tied up with a red ribbon,

Vital for your future after you die;

It’s a new dimension starting today

When you question yourself, “Why?”

This December brings celebration,

You don’t want to miss the important part;

Christmas peace can start right now!

Welcome God’s presence in your heart. 

By Elaine Hardt ©2012 

Thanksgiving Day Was Yesterday . . .

Did you count your blessings?

Could you name at least a few?

Is this thankfulness a good idea?

Is this attitude important to you?

Yes, the world’s in quite a mess,

and we hear it all day in the news;

bad things are caused by bad people,

but at Judgment Day they lose.

Of course, you and I know what to do:

we pray about these situations;

we can’t individually solve them

or handle these complications.

But our Heavenly Father knows 

and He has a loving plan

to forgive those who confess their sins —

each youngster, each woman, each man.

Open your Bible, you know where it is?

Take time to read and review,

Start at John 3:16, that chapter;

be thankful for His love for YOU.  

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Looking Again at 9-11-01

Shocking, horrible, unprepared 

to face the truth behind the attacks

we saw the devastating crashes replayed over and over

on television, written in newspapers, magazines, posted on internet.

We look again back at 9-11

from our viewpoint of 2016. 

Now, new buildings have been erected there

and people want to forget the trauma

of such unexpected evil.  

We want to emphasize the rebuilding

and stepping up, starting anew, 

with pride in how we have survived these foreign attacks.

The terrible terrorists’ attacks of 9-11-01 

on the World Trade Center in Manhattan in New York City, 

and the Pentagon in Washington D.C,

and the crash in a Pennsylvania field

which killed 2,977 victims,

with 19 hijackers committing suicide in the assaults. 

Lots of details are outlined on the Internet.

If you have time to review: here are three pertinent sources:

http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-timeline   = detailed outline day by day — 

http://www.wanttoknow.info/911/9-11-facts   = has links to major media websites 

uncovering lots of 9-11 facts that were hidden, not broadly publicized — 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_93  = more is described

So, how do you deal with this hideous, barbaric, hateful act? 

Hurry past and find something positive to come from it?

This was a huge wakeup call for America.

Pray for our nation to repent of sins and turn to God.

Worse, brutal events may be in our future.

Pray today . . . pray now.

•  by Elaine Hardt ©2016

Think About This, Thankfully

In the good times . . . 

In the hard times . . . 

Remember all the time

God cares about you;

God cares for you.

You have been blessed . . . 

You are being blessed . . . 

Remember why Jesus came.

He wants to save you;

Remember to be thankful.

He hears your prayer.

Be honest to confess . . .

Be honest to request . . .

And do all of this

All the time.

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                                                  by Elaine Hardt ©2016