A Time to Remember Your Father

       Every day is Father's Day, so any day will do,
       Let's reclaim those past memories, too.

        Well, the poem started out without much help from me.  But the "official" Father's Day is past, and Dad's not here.  But looking through some old photos was a good excursion into the past.  My first thoughts were about him, but later my thoughts were about you -- friends, relatives, readers of this blog.  For each of us growing up was a challenge.  Then having our own children was another challenge.  Now, watching the grandkids growing up.  Years do fly by!  
       The one closing thought is for prayer.  No matter who or where you are, pray for better communication with your family.  Pray for wisdom, ability, strength. 
        Our Heavenly Father loves each of us.  A personal relationship with Him means we've owned up to our sins and weaknesses, we've asked to be forgiven. Now life has wonderful opportunities, empowered by His Holy Spirit.  So celebrate every day in some meaningful way, starting with prayer.  

by Elaine Hardt ©2014

Today is Flag Day

We fly the flag on Flag Day
To show belonging, respect, and caring.
We speak of the founders of our nation,
Their insight, belief, and daring.

We, too, are called to be patriotic,
But there’s another message, too;
We pray for all who live in this country,
We pray for leaders to be dedicated, strong, true. 

There’s national problems to pray about,
Determination meets opportunity, what will we do?
We must honor, respect and obey the LORD,
He alone can bring us through.

by Elaine Hardt ©2014 

Life Looks Like a Puzzle

 Life looks like a puzzle,

Unpredictable pieces,

You find them here and there;

You have choices to make!

Blessings of wisdom help you

So, ask for that in prayer. 

First, the challenge,

Then the celebration!

The LORD shows the way;

Let His Word instruct you,

His presence with you

Will encourage you each day.

by Elaine Hardt ©2014

Finding Out: Growing Older?

“What’s it like to be old, Gramma?”
“Ask me in about 10 years.” Then she added  “Old is always ten years away, I figure.”
“But you look kinda old,” was the honest reply from the little voice.
“Well, your Grandpa is six years older than I am,” she smiled.
So little Luanne went to the front room recliner where Grandpa was reading the newspaper.  
“What’s it like to be old, Grandpa? Grandma doesn’t know,” she began.

“Ah, you have come to the right person to ask.  Sit here on the footstool, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26

        What to remember?  Lots of sales at the mall?  Take the kids to see a parade downtown?  Watch some TV specials?  
        Here’s your homework.  Look up the info here, and scan other entries when you do a Search on the computer.  
        Remember. A special day to honor those who served us in the armed forces calls for our reexamination of our own understanding.  A special day for prayer for those who now serve and for the families of those who died in serving our country.  A day to thank God for where He has you “for such a time as this.” 

Aggravations Come to Help Us Grow

Aggravations come to help us grow.

“What do you mean?” you ask. “I want to know!”

Every disappointment can make us sad,

Or even confuse us, or make us mad.

But “It’s just another challenge today.”

This is what you and I can say. 

Your planning and doing ability

improve when you firmly decide to see.

A calm approach might help to show you how:

more thinking and concentrating can allow. 

Review the past, and be sure to look ahead,

Any bad attitude? Now it’s time to shed. 

People are watching to see how you do;

Determination and hard work bring you through. 

Life gives us troubles; will we succeed? 

This shows us that it’s faith in God we need.

Your life reflects what truths you choose to believe,

Will you acknowledge the Bible’s words you receive? 

To aggravations you might as well say, “Hello,

I’ll deal with you and it will help me grow!” 

Start now and acknowledge with honesty,

Own up your shortcomings that you see.

Your Maker has you here for a reason,

Open your heart to Him this new season.

                           + + + 

By Elaine Hardt ©2014

What Was YOUR Favorite That Mom Made?

        Those homemade sweet pickles came to mind immediately.  Don was delighted to recall his Ma making and canning her sweet pickles. Once he and his brother ate a whole quart jar of them.  
        What else did she make that was your favorite?  An interesting discussion followed.
        And, my mother.  Let’s see what was my favorite . . . 
        Well, for Grandma that would be her goulash.  For my mother I’d start with that big skillet-full of fried sliced potatoes.  And I really liked those yummy salmon patties.  Hmmm.
        How about you?  What memories do you have of your mother’s cooking, baking?  This could be a fun topic for your own Mother’s Day celebration tomorrow.