Your Mother Might Tell You

Be thankful for your body
Be thankful for your brain
               and . . .
Exercise your body, exercise your brain !

Can you still yodel or sing ?
Were you ever musical on an instrumental thing ?

It’s fun to talk, fun to think !
Write stuff down with pencil or ink.

Growing older one day at a time
Give a try to write things in rhyme !

You are special, you are unique, too.
Be thankful today for what you can do !

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

Another Booklet: It's # 100.

        At first I wrote books for parents and kids. You'll find some now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/140-8384738-5505841?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Elaine+Hardt+books   that people have listed for resale.  And there's one with Kindle on that same page that you can access on line,  Your Discovery, Your Decision.
      Then I found ClickBook on line and saw how easily I could make my own small booklets.   http://www.bluesquirrel.com/products/clickbook/  So with 12 or so pages printed 4 to a piece of paper I made my own booklets to hand out when my husband and I traveled to speak.  Now retired and not traveling I mail booklets and hand them out to friends and family.  Look here at the side for Booklets Published and click to bring up the list.  My latest writing is Number 100. 
       Take a look and then email me for your copy of a booklet you'd like to receive.  The booklets are FREE.  I'd like to encourage you!  

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

Write It !

        Which is it? Write it down! Write it up! Maybe it depends on what and why you are writing. But, take a look right now; consider how helpful it is for YOU when you write something.
        Writing helps you organize your thoughts. Maybe it’s just on a piece of paper, writing with an old-timey pencil. Maybe writing with a pen. The idea pops into your head — and you are smart to write it. Later, you can review it and add to it.
        And here’s a biggie: this first writing, called the “first draft,” is only for your eyes. Spelling doesn’t count. As long as you can read it yourself then it’s OK for now. Later, you can go back and check the spelling on your computer and fix it so someone else could read it.
        When an idea comes maybe you’re at the computer, or your tablet, or your smartphone. Write it as soon as you can. Then, remember what title you gave it and where you filed it!
        Here’s some of the useful things for you to write for your own benefit.

• directions to that location
• instructions on “how to do” something
• a compliment you want to say to someone — today? later?
• a problem you noticed and what to say about it to someone
• a list of things to get at the grocery store
• an event you want to put on your calendar
• a bright idea you want to pursue later, when you have some free time
• a question that bugs you to find an answer, when you have time

And,

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 . . .

Where Will You Put That Writing?

       Personally, I don’t “save” any writing that I do on the computer to the “cloud.”  It’s written, rewritten, revised, improved as a few more days go by.  Ordinary stuff gets saved on my own computer and its Time Machine backup. Then it gets printed out and saved on paper in a file that I can find. 
         A writing for someone looks nice on some “pretty paper,”  maybe just colored paper or maybe fancy stationery.  It gets mailed to that person so they have something to hold in their hands and read as often as they want to.  They can file it where they want to.  It’s become a “permanent” gift.
        And . . .

Encouraging YOU, with Something to DO

Who are you encouraging today?  

Might it be important to them?

Is it worthwhile for you to do?

Take a minute to think this through. . . 

Would you just speak some words

that can encourage him or her?

Could you write some good words

so they can read them over again? 

And, here’s the biggie one for you:

is this something that someone could do

and send encouragement to you?

Just consider what those words would do. 

      Should?

            Could?

                 Would!!! 

Yes, of course, I WILL do! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

What I Want To Tell You

It was nice — or helpful

It was requested — or unexpected

It was lengthy  — or short and to the point

I’m describing those words you said to me,  

— or  you wrote down and sent to me

Thanks for thinking of me.

By Elaine Hardt ©2016

Do You Remember? Write It Down

         “Exercise is good for your bod, but it’s also very good for your brain!” exclaimed Shane to the OK friends seated around the back booth at Sally’s Cafe. 

“So, it’s two plus two equals four?” laughed Luella.

“What I had in mind for today’s Table Talk was each person chime in with what comes to mind first.  Number 1:  What old-timey words do you recall from growing up?”

The gang jumped in.  

“Wash rags, dish rags, dust rags, snot rags!”

“The Five and Ten Cent store!”

“The Filling Station and the smiling guy that came out to put the gas in the car.”

“Midwife.  Ma said she went across to her Dad’s house and the midwife came to help get me born!” 

“Ozzy-cozzy.  That was what they called the out-house in the backyard.  No indoor plumbing for about five years on our farm.”

“You bug me!  Of course, we said that to the kids who were younger.”

A Compliment Today Helps the Blues Go Away

If you can come up with some nice comment to deliver verbally with a smile --  or even send via email -- it could brighten up your day, as well as the recipient’s day.
Just looking for something positive to say can help you.  Finding the good that someone has done is a nice chore.  (And your mama would be glad you did it.)
This idea might catch on.  Someone, someday might send you a good comment on something you did.  That nice surprise could help you make it through a difficult or unpredictable day.  And it is a reminder for you to pray for that person.
Try it, you’ll like it.    + + + 

By Elaine Hardt @2016

One Stranger to Another

   Clad in a thin, red-flannel shirt and well-worn jeans the stranger looked like he’d fit right in with the regulars at Mom’s Café.  Marcie, scanning his tanned face and tired blue eyes asked, “Can I seat you at the counter or would you like that booth back in the corner?”

   The man gestured towards the back and was soon sitting alone with a steaming cup of coffee.  Apparently he didn’t want to fit right in.  

   During the next hour Marcie checked on him several times, but he was a man of few words.  He nursed another cup of coffee thoughtfully.

   Against the radio’s background music and the muted conversation of customers in front the man looked up as Marcie came over again, carrying a tray.

   “The cook sends over a complimentary cup of the soup he’s making for lunch.  See if he’s got the seasoning right or not.” She added with a smile, “Back in a little bit.” 

   Soon the place had nearly cleared out, breakfast concluded and the work day begun in the small farming town. Seemingly, everyone had something to do, except for the man in the back booth. 

   Marcie glided across the floor with the ever-present coffee carafe. “How was the soup?”  She filled the empty cup.  “We’re a friendly town…”

    “Good.  Thanks.  As a matter of fact, I’m just traveling through and ….”

   “Do you have a minute?” here Marcie allowed the briefest pause before plunging ahead, “You remind me of a very nice man, and I hope you don’t mind if I chat before things get busy in here again.”

   “Why, thank you, young lady.  As a matter of fact, maybe some talk of the crops or weather will take my mind off what’s been stewing on the back burner.”

This is an All-purpose Poem in Honor of the Up-coming Day of Observance

You now hold in your hands an all-purpose poem,  

It’s here to tell you I care;

It’s got appreciation and remembrance

And more, all written to share.

If the calendar shows there’s a holiday coming

Consider this before the rest,

You’ve been noticed, recognized and greeted

With a prayer that you’ll be blessed.  

Go ahead and celebrate whatever day it is,

Relax, enjoy with a smile;

We share a certain something, though undefined,

Friendship won’t go out of style.  

I’m a person who believes in our Creator

And I am one who prays,

Thus you receive from time to time

My writing to brighten your days. 

So, in honor of the up-coming observance,

To life’s meaning give thought;

It’s me, saying “Hi” to you in this greeting

And this is the poem I’ve wrought.  

By Elaine Hardt ©2007  

Your Prayer: Good, Better or BEST ???

Someone speaks up, or emails you, or posts something on their Facebook page.  You are concerned.  What to do?  Pray.

* Here’s an Iffy way to pray.  Just say, “I’m praying for you.”  (Hopefully you remember at bedtime to mention that person’s issue in your quickie prayer.)

* Here’s a Good way to pray.  Say, “Drop me a line when you’ve got more time.  I will pray about that tonight.”  (Written down means the person puts in a few more words so you have a couple of specifics to mention when you do that goodnight prayer to God.)

* Here’s a Better way to pray. Say, “Let’s pray right now. Dear Father, there’s a need now for . . .“  And you pray out loud with that person right then, right there.

* Here’s an Even Better way to pray.  (First, you do pray that Better way, right at that time with a few audible words, to the point, not dragging on and on, and close with a smile, assuring that person that you do believe God hears and answers prayer.)  
        And, then . . . 

Every Day is Mother's Day, So Any Day Will Do!

Mother’s Day is not just for mothers!
First, remember YOUR mother:  card, letter, flowers, hugs.
Then, remember the other mothers who blessed your life:
Aunt, sister, older woman who is a colleague, teacher, neighbor, friend.
A blessing you send is a seed of love
Planted into someone’s life.
Pray for your mother and
These other mothers. 

Consider Your Own Memories

Spring brings some holidays — and holidays bring memories.  

To get you into the mood, the stores have been selling toys, cards, and decor weeks ahead, so you’ll part with some money, but smile as you shop.

Families celebrate spring holidays in different ways.  How far back can you recall the fun, as well as moments of solemnity of such days as Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Passover.  How did celebrations change as the children grew up?

Have you taken time to jot down some of your treasured memories from springtime in your household? You will enjoy doing it, and others will enjoy reading it.  Just one hour will give you a grand start to such a good project. 

Put Memories in Writing

 If you put your memories in writing they’ll last longer.

     Your life experiences may help someone else grow stronger.

Consider the challenges, troubles, decisions, success, too.

     You can pass along helpfulness by writing how you got through.  

By Elaine Hardt ©2012 

BOOKLETS I'VE BEEN WRITING

        Besides my published books now I've been writing smaller, self-published booklets. I make them on my computer, using bluesquirrel's program, Click Book. The booklets are FREE. Send me an email to edprpeggy@gmail.com to make your request. Here's the titles updated to June 22, 2021 . . .  
Booklet 1: Finding God in Different Places
Booklet 2: Thoughtful People Ask Questions
Booklet 3: Health & Healing
Booklet 4: Discoveries
Booklet 5: Something to Think About
Booklet 6: Why Not ?
Booklet 7: Oh, Joy! A New Look at Life
Booklet 8: Short & Simple: Poetry and Prayers
Booklet 9: A Perfect Gift
Booklet 10: When It Happens
Booklet 11: Grandma Cares !
Booklet 12: Lots of Reasons to be Happy
Booklet 13: Snuggled Up: Conversations with Grandma
Booklet 14: Confidence & Peace of Mind
Booklet 15: Interesting Possibilities
Booklet 16: Love, Comfort, and Hope
Booklet17: Fascinating Journey
Booklet 18: Blessings for You
Booklet 19: Simply Said: Basics
Booklet 20: Your Achievement
Booklet 21: Somebody Cares
Booklet 22: A Path, A Tree
Booklet 23: What’s New
Booklet 24: This is for You !
Booklet 25: Lights, Sun, Moon, Stars
Booklet 26: Meet a Few Friends
Booklet 27: Time to Grow
Booklet 28: Encouraging You
Booklet 29: Heart to Heart
Booklet 30: Celebrating Change, Challenge
Booklet 31: Life’s Trail: Discoveries that made a Difference
Booklet 32: Little Book of Happy Poems
Booklet 33: Friendly Conversation
Booklet 34: A Happy Marriage: Opportunity, Challenge, Blessing
Booklet 35: ABCs for You & Me
Booklet 36: Life's Trail: Part 2, Experiences that call for Faith
Booklet 37: Interesting Improvements
Booklet 38: Boys &; Men: Appreciating Them
Booklet 39: Stepping Stones to Serenity
Booklet 40: Opportunities You've Possibly Overlooked
Booklet 41: It's About Time !
Booklet 42: Cheering You On !
Booklet 43: You Have Some Blessings to Share (Write Them Down)
Booklet 44: Enjoying Your Favorite Seasons of the Year
Booklet 45: The BEST is Yet to Come
Booklet 46: An Attitude of Gratitude: Who, Me ?
Booklet 47: 69 Words of JOY for YOU
Booklet 48: Coffee House Chronicles
Booklet 49: Taking a Closer Look
Booklet 50: Making a Decision: logic, courage, determination
Booklet 51: Open for Opportunity
Booklet 52: What is Faith ?
Booklet 53: Finding HOPE for Today and HOPE for Tomorrow
Booklet 54: A Look at Love
Booklet 55: Coming to Confidence in Life's Challenges
Booklet 56:  Exclamations !!!
Booklet 57: Comfort, Confidence, Courage!
Booklet 58: I Will Have a Good Day!
Booklet 59: Greater Things
Booklet 60: Patience:  Who, Me ?  When ?  How ?
Booklet 61: Another Look at Determination
Booklet 62: From Motivation to Celebration !
Booklet 63: MORE Peace of Mind
Booklet 64: Words: Choose 'em, Use 'em
Booklet 65: What Matters
Booklet 66:  Yes, I Can !
Booklet 67: WISDOM
Booklet 68:  Forgive?  Forgiven !!!
Booklet 69: Taking Another Look
Booklet 70: If You Knew How Much God Loves You
Booklet 71: My Completely Wonderful Blessing
Booklet 72: Asking Questions?  Finding Answers ?
Booklet 73: Oh, Honestly!  Humorous & serious look at prayer
Booklet 74: Consider Your Success
Booklet 75: To Be, or Not To Be -- HAPPY!
Booklet 76: Good For You !
Booklet 77:  What a Relief !
Booklet 78:  What's Next ?
Booklet 79:  Some New Words for Some Old Songs
Booklet 80:  Let's Be Practical
Booklet 81: Spring is Here !!!
Booklet 82: Easter Encouragement
Booklet 83: Your Determination, Your Success!
Booklet 84: More to Think About (Good for You)
Booklet 85:  Helpful Strategy
Booklet 86:  Good Morning
Booklet 87:  You Are a Special Person
Booklet 88: One Day Older !!!
Booklet 89: Your Amazing Brain
Booklet 90:  Improving Each Day
Booklet 91:  Helpful Conversations
Booklet 92:  More Encouragement
Booklet 93:  Looking at Success
Booklet 94:  Getting Better
Booklet 95: Your Bright Ideas
Booklet 96:  Thanksgiving 2017
Booklet 97:  Here Comes Christmas
Booklet 98:  Your Wonderful Future
Booklet 99:  One a Day
Booklet 100:  AMAZING ! Interesting Ideas for YOU
Booklet 101:  Thinking About Today
Booklet 102:  A Happy Marriage - Opportunity, Challenge, Blessing
Booklet 103:  A Happy Anniversary
Booklet 104:  Thinking About Tomorrow
Booklet 105:  Another Birthday
Booklet 106:  Good-bye, Frustration!
Booklet 107:   Hello, Opportunity
Booklet 108:  Your Unique Adventure!
Booklet 109:  Your Wonderful Possibilities
Booklet 110:  Success: Facing the Storms
Booklet 111: A Challenge a Day Keeps Boredom Away
Booklet 112: It IS Time to Smile
Booklet 113:  Exercise Your Brain:  from A to Z
Booklet 114:  Enjoy the Adventure of Life
Booklet 115: Joyful Determination !
Booklet 116:  Learning More Life Lessons

Booklet 117: You CAN Do It

Booklet 118: What's Up?  Where Are You Going?

Booklet 119: Improving....More and More and More !

Booklet 120: What's Next ? 

Booklet 121: From Frowns to Smiles

Booklet 122:  Improving & Having Fun

Booklet 123:  HAPPPY !  Know It ?  Show It ! 

Booklet 124: A New View of Life

Booklet 125: Ideas for Improvement 

Booklet 126   Smile on your way Today  

Booklet 127  Another Day, Challenge, Opportunity