Why I Decided to Believe in Jesus

I knew (once or twice !)

that I needed advice,

But that was Then and this is Now;

I’ve been looking for wisdom to know How.

Being the oldest, my siblings numbered seven,

I heard in church how to go to Heaven . . . 

But there was a lot more I should know —

I needed to read for myself, so . . . 

I had a Bible of my own;

I could read it when alone.

Now the Internet has God’s Word,

Easy to find verses, have you heard ?

When you talk to God in prayer,

He hears, He knows, He does care.

When you’re too busy for Him

sunshine in life grows so dim.

Old relatives we knew have died.

What happened ?  I really sighed. 

Is life on earth all there ever can be ?

When this body gives up, what do we see ? 

A life after this one, why ? when ? how ?

Who really, really knows ?  then ?  now ? 

The Bible, a substantial history shows . . . 

Jesus did come, He spoke, He knows.

Skip long lists of genealogy —

Read four men’s writing Jesus’ history.  

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, then Paul’s writing:  

What they saw and heard was exciting. 

So, for me I made my excellent choice:

I asked Jesus into my heart, so rejoice ! 

God’s Word, the Bible YOU can read and believe !

Wonderful life in Heaven YOU, too, can receive !    

by Elaine Hardt ©2020  

I Forgot to Pray for You : (

In bed it’s time for what I do,

      but of course, I do pray for you.

Now I forgot to say your name !

      So my prayer was not the same.

I didn’t know what you could need,

      (or that this poem you would read.)

But then the Lord reminded me,

      and my brain helped me to see —

Apologies won’t do,

      But God never forgets YOU.

So, then I wrote down a list;

     there your name will not be missed.

Good health, enough money, too . . . 

     Challenges God will bring you through . . . 

Good weather as you jog that mile . . .

     People you’ll see give you a smile.

You will have how many more years ?

    If I go first, you can shed some tears . . . 

Talk to Him each day in prayer --

    Reminds us ALL to show our care.

Life can be very short — or long !

    Thank the Lord with prayer and song ! 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

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 

Encouraging YOU

     

Still living ?  You’ve got more to do ! 

Let these words here encourage you. . . 

Life is not an easy game we play;

There comes some surprises every day.

Unpredictable, it will come.

Problems ?  There will no doubt be some. 

Doing better = no easy chore,

But one idea comes, and then more !

Make a list: what can be done ?

Success could turn out to be fun !

Doing better ? You CAN learn how !

Think, pray, plan, you can start now. 

                     + + +

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

You've Got Possibilities ?

Possibilities might bring Opportunities, 

Using your helpful Memories. 

Looking ahead —  Looking around

Interesting ideas may be found.

Relax just now, a deep breath you’ll take,

Of course, you will pray — for goodness sake !

Which action will you choose ?

What good words can you use ?

Talk to the LORD, and give yourself a smile,

He sees you, He loves you, all the while.

Expect to learn and grow and do good;

Life brings Challenge — you knew it would !

What you do — actions, and words you say

Can help your and others, even today !

Those ideas  and outcomes so good;

Remember how that happened — you should. 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020 

Thinking . . . Planning . . . Doing !

Trouble brings Opportunity.

  Opportunity means Challenge. 

    Challenge calls for Thinking. 

      Consider your Choices.

        Size up your Situation.

       Pray for Wisdom.

    Thank God for His blessings.

  S M I L E ! 

Do it       : )  

by Elaine Hardt ©2020