Much of what we eat is "processed",
Altered from it's natural state.
So often we might really wonder,
"Was there 'food' in what we ate?"
Healthy food brings strength and might,
Sustaining us through "wear and tear",
Building us to meed demand
And have some energy to spare.
The Scripture offers spiritual food
Upon which we may feed and dine...
Rich and pure, unblemished fare,
Holy sustenance divine.
Scripture's truth will meet all needs
And cause us to be richly blessed.
Always it will strengthen us.
The food we find there is the best!
"How sweet are thy words unto my taste: yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Psalm 119:103 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Seasons
Seasons of waiting, seasons of rest,
Seasons of growth, or seasons which test,
Seasons of blossom, seasons of glory...
Each of these seasons will speak it's own story.
Each in it's time will build us and shape us.
When God brings a season, it will be a "plus".
He is our Guide, and we're not flying blind.
We're "safe" in our seasons when by Him they're signed.
In each of His seasons is much we can learn.
The wisdom He gives is a rich prize to earn.
In this we are thankful and take time to pause.
All of God's seasons are for a good cause.
"My times are in thy hand..."
Psalm 31:15 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Seasons of growth, or seasons which test,
Seasons of blossom, seasons of glory...
Each of these seasons will speak it's own story.
Each in it's time will build us and shape us.
When God brings a season, it will be a "plus".
He is our Guide, and we're not flying blind.
We're "safe" in our seasons when by Him they're signed.
In each of His seasons is much we can learn.
The wisdom He gives is a rich prize to earn.
In this we are thankful and take time to pause.
All of God's seasons are for a good cause.
"My times are in thy hand..."
Psalm 31:15 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Kids And Pets
The day was long and nigh well spent.
My energy got up and went.
I thought I'd just relax a bit.
I really wanted just to sit...
Till Kitty Cat came strolling through
And turned our house into "a zoo".
She had oped our Habitrail
And grabbed a gerbil by the tail.
Our daughter screamed and grabbed her pet
To save it from the cat's dire threat.
The gerbil was intensely scared.
For all this he was not prepared.
He clamped his teeth around her finger!
(This whole scene was some humdinger!)
Now our daughter was in trouble.
The gerbil's problems, too, were double.
She jumped up and down and screamed,
And "Gerbil" still was not redeemed
Till Daddy grabbed him by the tail
And placed him in the Habitrail.
We called the doctor and the vet
To "mend" our daugher AND her pet.
Kitty liked to "mouse" with pride
But this time spent the night outside!
Our gerbils needed a new home
Before our cat was free to roam.
We gave them to a family
Where "safety" was a guarantee!
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
My energy got up and went.
I thought I'd just relax a bit.
I really wanted just to sit...
Till Kitty Cat came strolling through
And turned our house into "a zoo".
She had oped our Habitrail
And grabbed a gerbil by the tail.
Our daughter screamed and grabbed her pet
To save it from the cat's dire threat.
The gerbil was intensely scared.
For all this he was not prepared.
He clamped his teeth around her finger!
(This whole scene was some humdinger!)
Now our daughter was in trouble.
The gerbil's problems, too, were double.
She jumped up and down and screamed,
And "Gerbil" still was not redeemed
Till Daddy grabbed him by the tail
And placed him in the Habitrail.
We called the doctor and the vet
To "mend" our daugher AND her pet.
Kitty liked to "mouse" with pride
But this time spent the night outside!
Our gerbils needed a new home
Before our cat was free to roam.
We gave them to a family
Where "safety" was a guarantee!
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Peaceful Home
A peaceful home is full of "tools",
Prayer and wisdom and good rules.
Where these rest the home has joy.
It's "tools" become a precious buoy.
Humility will stop a fire,
Softly speak and dampen ire,
Is serene and always calm,
Soothing with it's healing balm.
Love "assures" and offers hope,
Gives it's "all" new doors to ope.
Strengthening sweet friendship ties,
It blesses and it beautifies.
Forgiveness heals a painful error,
Erasing woundedness with prayer,
Freeing us from anger's blight,
Bringing restoration bright.
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Prayer and wisdom and good rules.
Where these rest the home has joy.
It's "tools" become a precious buoy.
Humility will stop a fire,
Softly speak and dampen ire,
Is serene and always calm,
Soothing with it's healing balm.
Love "assures" and offers hope,
Gives it's "all" new doors to ope.
Strengthening sweet friendship ties,
It blesses and it beautifies.
Forgiveness heals a painful error,
Erasing woundedness with prayer,
Freeing us from anger's blight,
Bringing restoration bright.
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Heaven's Harmony
Music in my spirit flows,
Harmony of worship grows,
Bursting forth in songs of praise.
Constantly the music plays!
Hearing many angel voices,
Deep within my soul rejoices,
Causing me to want to sing
And to God all glory bring!
Heaven's music, rare and sweet,
Is a place of prized retreat,
Where I may step into God's presence,
Pause and rest and give Him reverence.
"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God..."
Psalm 40:3 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Harmony of worship grows,
Bursting forth in songs of praise.
Constantly the music plays!
Hearing many angel voices,
Deep within my soul rejoices,
Causing me to want to sing
And to God all glory bring!
Heaven's music, rare and sweet,
Is a place of prized retreat,
Where I may step into God's presence,
Pause and rest and give Him reverence.
"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God..."
Psalm 40:3 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, February 23, 2009
In Days To Come
I heard knocking on my door. Usually I don't answer the door unless I know who is there, but this time I did answer it.
I didn't know how much God was going to impact me by this visitor. There stood a man, very slight in stature, perhaps only five feet tall. He was elderly, at least in his seventies, neatly-dressed, and had a long grey beard which touched his chest. He was very kind-looking and leaned on a cane. His appearance was like that of a patriarch out of the Bible.
He inquired about the young man who lives next door to me. We exchanged a few sentences and then he turned to walk away. As he started down my steps, I realized that he was struggling to walk. I asked him, "Can you get down okay?"
He answered, "Yes".
But I was still concerned. I asked him what had happened to him, and then I noticed that he had a brace on one leg. He said, as he was walking away, that he had broken his knee and that he needed a new knee joint, but it was going to cost $25,000.00 and his insurance had been cancelled. My mind was racing at this point and I felt that I should pray for him, but then he was gone.
I closed the door and, feeling jarred in my spirit, sat down for a moment to review what had just happened. I knew God was trying to show me something, and I was trying to wrap my mind around what I had just seen. After pondering this, I believe this is what God was saying to me...
"In days to come people are going to have many needs, and there won't be enough money to meet them, and that they will need to rely more and more on prayer for these needs to be met. He will provide." Also, I believe that He is saying, "Many needs will come to your door. Be prepared. These are hungry people crying out... people who need comfort and healing and are hungering for God. Be prepared. You will see this... in days to come."
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I didn't know how much God was going to impact me by this visitor. There stood a man, very slight in stature, perhaps only five feet tall. He was elderly, at least in his seventies, neatly-dressed, and had a long grey beard which touched his chest. He was very kind-looking and leaned on a cane. His appearance was like that of a patriarch out of the Bible.
He inquired about the young man who lives next door to me. We exchanged a few sentences and then he turned to walk away. As he started down my steps, I realized that he was struggling to walk. I asked him, "Can you get down okay?"
He answered, "Yes".
But I was still concerned. I asked him what had happened to him, and then I noticed that he had a brace on one leg. He said, as he was walking away, that he had broken his knee and that he needed a new knee joint, but it was going to cost $25,000.00 and his insurance had been cancelled. My mind was racing at this point and I felt that I should pray for him, but then he was gone.
I closed the door and, feeling jarred in my spirit, sat down for a moment to review what had just happened. I knew God was trying to show me something, and I was trying to wrap my mind around what I had just seen. After pondering this, I believe this is what God was saying to me...
"In days to come people are going to have many needs, and there won't be enough money to meet them, and that they will need to rely more and more on prayer for these needs to be met. He will provide." Also, I believe that He is saying, "Many needs will come to your door. Be prepared. These are hungry people crying out... people who need comfort and healing and are hungering for God. Be prepared. You will see this... in days to come."
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, February 22, 2009
A Gold Afghan
I saw an afghan laying there,
Two-toned gold and showing wear.
The afghan waits, it's warmth to give
To one who's ill but wants to live.
You see, this afghan is a friend,
And to it's owner still will tend,
Bringing coziness from cold
With loving warmth in every fold.
The afghan there seems out of place
Without it's owner to embrace,
Hoping it will soon discover
That one for whom it is a cover.
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Two-toned gold and showing wear.
The afghan waits, it's warmth to give
To one who's ill but wants to live.
You see, this afghan is a friend,
And to it's owner still will tend,
Bringing coziness from cold
With loving warmth in every fold.
The afghan there seems out of place
Without it's owner to embrace,
Hoping it will soon discover
That one for whom it is a cover.
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Voice Of Thunder
When I saw lightning with fierce thunder
I was filled with awe and wonder.
Our God sometimes speaks with force
To help His people stay on course.
Lightning bolted through the sky,
Creating bursts of light on high.
The thunder booming overhead
Made me wonder what God said.
Such display of might and power
Made me know He could devour
All to Him which does not please.
This thunder seemed to make "decrees"!
Perhaps it was a "wake-up" call
To remind us, big and small,
That God still rules and He is greater,
Our omnipotent Creator!
"Hear, oh, hear the roar of His voice and the sound of rumbling that goes out of His mouth! Under the whole heaven He lets it loose, and His lightning to the ends of the earth."
Job 37:2-3 Amplified Bible
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I was filled with awe and wonder.
Our God sometimes speaks with force
To help His people stay on course.
Lightning bolted through the sky,
Creating bursts of light on high.
The thunder booming overhead
Made me wonder what God said.
Such display of might and power
Made me know He could devour
All to Him which does not please.
This thunder seemed to make "decrees"!
Perhaps it was a "wake-up" call
To remind us, big and small,
That God still rules and He is greater,
Our omnipotent Creator!
"Hear, oh, hear the roar of His voice and the sound of rumbling that goes out of His mouth! Under the whole heaven He lets it loose, and His lightning to the ends of the earth."
Job 37:2-3 Amplified Bible
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, February 20, 2009
Doors
Sometimes when a door closes it is just because a "season" has been completed. There is a peace and a rest in the closing because it is a natural timing. And so when we look back or think back about that door we are at peace and feel no tension there. But then there are times when a door has been closed too quickly, or with loose ends dangling. We don't feel peace but don't know what to do.
I was in a situation where the door of a friendship closed because of misunderstanding. I didn't know how to correct the situation because confusion had come in and caused much damage. It was very painful. For a long time I prayed and "weighed" what to do. I went to the card store and tried to find the prettiest card I could to send... but could not find "just the right one". I went home and got out my prettiest stationery and sat down to write a letter, and I asked the Lord to give me the wording. I sat there for the longest time, but heard nothing. Weeks and months, and a year, and then another year went by, then several years, and I didn't really have peace in my spirit. I just didn't have a sense of "completion" about this situation.
Then one Sunday morning I saw this woman in church She sat just across the aisle from me. Immediately I asked the Lord, "Lord, is it time now? Is that why she is here this morning? Do you want me to speak to her?"... and still nothing. Week after week went by this way, with her just across the aisle from me, but I did not feel a release to speak with her. Then one morning at the end of the church service, the Lord said to me, "Now is the time. NOW." I stepped across the aisle, took her hand and began to speak as the Holy Spirit led me... and the Lord did a healing. It was blessed and wonderful. Finally I had release in my spirit. This was TEN years later.
I pondered why this had taken so-o-o long, but then the Lord showed me that it could not have come sooner. The timing was in His hands and I could not move sooner. God is faithful to help us in all our relationships, and when He brings restoration then there is beauty and wholeness again.
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I was in a situation where the door of a friendship closed because of misunderstanding. I didn't know how to correct the situation because confusion had come in and caused much damage. It was very painful. For a long time I prayed and "weighed" what to do. I went to the card store and tried to find the prettiest card I could to send... but could not find "just the right one". I went home and got out my prettiest stationery and sat down to write a letter, and I asked the Lord to give me the wording. I sat there for the longest time, but heard nothing. Weeks and months, and a year, and then another year went by, then several years, and I didn't really have peace in my spirit. I just didn't have a sense of "completion" about this situation.
Then one Sunday morning I saw this woman in church She sat just across the aisle from me. Immediately I asked the Lord, "Lord, is it time now? Is that why she is here this morning? Do you want me to speak to her?"... and still nothing. Week after week went by this way, with her just across the aisle from me, but I did not feel a release to speak with her. Then one morning at the end of the church service, the Lord said to me, "Now is the time. NOW." I stepped across the aisle, took her hand and began to speak as the Holy Spirit led me... and the Lord did a healing. It was blessed and wonderful. Finally I had release in my spirit. This was TEN years later.
I pondered why this had taken so-o-o long, but then the Lord showed me that it could not have come sooner. The timing was in His hands and I could not move sooner. God is faithful to help us in all our relationships, and when He brings restoration then there is beauty and wholeness again.
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Blame Game
There is a game we shouldn't play,
Yet some will play it every day.
We'll always lose if we take part.
We shouldn't even let it start.
It happens when we just can't face
"What really is" with truth and grace.
So we start to place some blame,
And soon this mode becomes a game.
When this happens we don't grow,
But tend to focus on each woe.
If we start to face what's wrong,
We soon will sing "a different song"!
Our own problems we can't shirk,
And blaming others just won't work!
If the problem is with me,
"Facing up" will set me free!
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Yet some will play it every day.
We'll always lose if we take part.
We shouldn't even let it start.
It happens when we just can't face
"What really is" with truth and grace.
So we start to place some blame,
And soon this mode becomes a game.
When this happens we don't grow,
But tend to focus on each woe.
If we start to face what's wrong,
We soon will sing "a different song"!
Our own problems we can't shirk,
And blaming others just won't work!
If the problem is with me,
"Facing up" will set me free!
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Special Angels
Surely we need angels
As we go about our day,
For every time I need one
I hear an "angel" say...
"Let me help you, dear," or
"I think you need a smile,
Or maybe need a hug and
Just to rest a little while."
Angels unawares bring us peace
And lift us up.
They bring re-assurance
And with joy they fill our cup.
They are those God uses
Who are willing to reach out
In service and in caring.
It's what love is all about.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As we go about our day,
For every time I need one
I hear an "angel" say...
"Let me help you, dear," or
"I think you need a smile,
Or maybe need a hug and
Just to rest a little while."
Angels unawares bring us peace
And lift us up.
They bring re-assurance
And with joy they fill our cup.
They are those God uses
Who are willing to reach out
In service and in caring.
It's what love is all about.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Sturdy Rock
Though men may scorn and daily mock,
Our Jesus is a sturdy rock!
He will rule and He will reign
O'er those who live their lives in vain.
He has paid salvation's cost,
And He desires that none be lost.
He will never turn away
A sinner who will pause to pray.
He is hope and He is sure
For those whose lives are insecure.
He is Lord and He is King.
May all men their praises bring!
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
Romans 14:11 KJV
© 2009 Arlene schwartzkopf
Our Jesus is a sturdy rock!
He will rule and He will reign
O'er those who live their lives in vain.
He has paid salvation's cost,
And He desires that none be lost.
He will never turn away
A sinner who will pause to pray.
He is hope and He is sure
For those whose lives are insecure.
He is Lord and He is King.
May all men their praises bring!
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
Romans 14:11 KJV
© 2009 Arlene schwartzkopf
Monday, February 16, 2009
Honored Citizens
Seniors are gold and full of much treasure.
When we "draw them out" we learn of the measure
Which caused them to prosper through times which were hard.
We should esteem them with highest regard.
We have not labored to sow as they've sown.
We have not suffered the hardships they've known.
We have not learned the lessons they've learned
Or even come near the honors they've earned.
Their world is fading from times that they knew,
But values they lived by are worth much review.
When we understand their caring and giving,
Then... only then... will we know about living.
"The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience)."
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified Bible
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
When we "draw them out" we learn of the measure
Which caused them to prosper through times which were hard.
We should esteem them with highest regard.
We have not labored to sow as they've sown.
We have not suffered the hardships they've known.
We have not learned the lessons they've learned
Or even come near the honors they've earned.
Their world is fading from times that they knew,
But values they lived by are worth much review.
When we understand their caring and giving,
Then... only then... will we know about living.
"The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience)."
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified Bible
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Silver And Gold
Silver leaves and filigree,
Woven gold and fleur-de-lis,
Sapphires, rubies, strings of pearl...
These set people's minds awhirl.
Worldly riches have a flair,
But none to Jesus can compare.
Better than the purest gold
Are treasures which His Scriptures hold.
Jesus makes us truly rich.
In Hin we find a heavenly niche.
Better far than earthly pleasure,
Jesus' gold is priceless treasure.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Woven gold and fleur-de-lis,
Sapphires, rubies, strings of pearl...
These set people's minds awhirl.
Worldly riches have a flair,
But none to Jesus can compare.
Better than the purest gold
Are treasures which His Scriptures hold.
Jesus makes us truly rich.
In Hin we find a heavenly niche.
Better far than earthly pleasure,
Jesus' gold is priceless treasure.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A Song Of Love
A song of love is written
As hearts commune and share...
A melody that finds it's notes
Because two people care.
Simple joys and friendship warm
Are woven as a thread
Of harmony and lovely chords
E'en when words are left unsaid.
As time goes on the song of love
Becomes a precious strain
As hearts that listen hear the tune
And sing it's sweet refrain.
The song will always bring new joy
And swell in beauty rare
Because it's written in the hearts
Of two who really care.
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As hearts commune and share...
A melody that finds it's notes
Because two people care.
Simple joys and friendship warm
Are woven as a thread
Of harmony and lovely chords
E'en when words are left unsaid.
As time goes on the song of love
Becomes a precious strain
As hearts that listen hear the tune
And sing it's sweet refrain.
The song will always bring new joy
And swell in beauty rare
Because it's written in the hearts
Of two who really care.
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, February 13, 2009
Consider His Love
A Song
Consider the love of Jesus, our Lord.
Consider the love which has been outpoured.
It reaches the valleys and the uttermost place.
How great is His mercy and rich is His grace.
No other one can touch us like He.
No other one shall ever be worthy.
He gave His life for you and for me.
He came to save us and set us free.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Consider the love of Jesus, our Lord.
Consider the love which has been outpoured.
It reaches the valleys and the uttermost place.
How great is His mercy and rich is His grace.
No other one can touch us like He.
No other one shall ever be worthy.
He gave His life for you and for me.
He came to save us and set us free.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Stitch In Time (Saves Nine)
My grandson was given a school uniform sweatshirt which was used, and it needed mending badly. The knit cuffs were badly frayed and damaged. My son brought it to me for mending in hopes that it could be salvaged one more time... to save buying another new one. This was the hardest mending challenge I had ever tackled. The cuffs looked as though they had gone through a lawn mower.
The side seams of the cuffs were separated, so I stitched those. Then I re-attached the cuffs to the sleeves where those seams were coming apart, binding the seam on the inside with many, small stitches. There were many small "runs" in one cuff, so I whipped the edges of each run together, trying to catch in each stitch of the knit so it wouldn't ravel again. Now I still had the frayed edges of the cuffs to fix, so I turned the edges inward and whipped the edges together. Then I proceeded to fix holes under the arms where the seams had split. When I got done the shirt was presentable and wearable again.
There was a real lesson in this sweatshirt. In our spiritual lives, when we don't do good maintenance, our lives will become tattered and worn. If the situation drags on too long there will be some loss. (After mending the edges of the cuffs by turning them inward, they were no longer as wide.)
There may be scars (where I mended the "runs" you could see the mending a little bit); or separation (seams were opening up); or, evidence of wear and tear (the shirt didn't look as nice as it could have, had it had care). Recognition of good values had been lost (didn't care enough about the shirt to mend it properly).
When we turn to God for "repairs" (sometimes a little late), out of His great love He will do everything in His power to heal our lives. He will tenderly and gently mend our situations. Even as I needed to "catch" every little stitch of the ravelled cuff with my needle to prevent further ravelling, God will diligently mend every aspect of our lives.
He is our Healer, and He is able to make new.....
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body, on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
I Peter 2:24 KJV
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The side seams of the cuffs were separated, so I stitched those. Then I re-attached the cuffs to the sleeves where those seams were coming apart, binding the seam on the inside with many, small stitches. There were many small "runs" in one cuff, so I whipped the edges of each run together, trying to catch in each stitch of the knit so it wouldn't ravel again. Now I still had the frayed edges of the cuffs to fix, so I turned the edges inward and whipped the edges together. Then I proceeded to fix holes under the arms where the seams had split. When I got done the shirt was presentable and wearable again.
There was a real lesson in this sweatshirt. In our spiritual lives, when we don't do good maintenance, our lives will become tattered and worn. If the situation drags on too long there will be some loss. (After mending the edges of the cuffs by turning them inward, they were no longer as wide.)
There may be scars (where I mended the "runs" you could see the mending a little bit); or separation (seams were opening up); or, evidence of wear and tear (the shirt didn't look as nice as it could have, had it had care). Recognition of good values had been lost (didn't care enough about the shirt to mend it properly).
When we turn to God for "repairs" (sometimes a little late), out of His great love He will do everything in His power to heal our lives. He will tenderly and gently mend our situations. Even as I needed to "catch" every little stitch of the ravelled cuff with my needle to prevent further ravelling, God will diligently mend every aspect of our lives.
He is our Healer, and He is able to make new.....
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body, on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
I Peter 2:24 KJV
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Bright Side
Criticism seems to thrive
On always tearing something down.
It picks and tears at what is good
And seems to wear a constant frown.
How much better it would be
To train one's eye on excellence
And always choose to praise good works
With gladness and benevolence.
Encouragement will build one up,
Praise will spur another on
And may fill an empty "cup"
In times when they may feel quite wan.
Train oneself to speak of beauty.
Good words flowing heal and mend.
Every day will seem more bright
When criticism has it's end!
"Love... is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride): it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly."
I Corinthians 13:5 Amplified Bible
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:1 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
On always tearing something down.
It picks and tears at what is good
And seems to wear a constant frown.
How much better it would be
To train one's eye on excellence
And always choose to praise good works
With gladness and benevolence.
Encouragement will build one up,
Praise will spur another on
And may fill an empty "cup"
In times when they may feel quite wan.
Train oneself to speak of beauty.
Good words flowing heal and mend.
Every day will seem more bright
When criticism has it's end!
"Love... is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride): it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly."
I Corinthians 13:5 Amplified Bible
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:1 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Choices
All our days are filled with choices
And our ears with many voices,
And evil wears diversive guise
To sway us from a choice that's wise.
With Jesus' help to make our choice
We can prosper and rejoice.
He knows better what we need
And He will help us to succeed!
When we walk in His design
His benefits will far outshine
Any blessing we might find
When we make choices "flying blind".
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."
Psalm 68:19 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And our ears with many voices,
And evil wears diversive guise
To sway us from a choice that's wise.
With Jesus' help to make our choice
We can prosper and rejoice.
He knows better what we need
And He will help us to succeed!
When we walk in His design
His benefits will far outshine
Any blessing we might find
When we make choices "flying blind".
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."
Psalm 68:19 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, February 09, 2009
A Gentle Breeze
God brings "soothing" in a breeze,
Gently swaying grass and trees...
His peace and calm in sweet bouquet.
All tension seems to float away.
He gives softness for the soul
To bring refreshing or console.
His Spirit hovers in the breeze
And seems to bring sweet joy and ease.
So when I feel a gentle breeze
Or see it swaying grass and trees,
I'll linger there a little while...
Just to praise Him... and to smile.
"...He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow."
Psalm 147:18 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Gently swaying grass and trees...
His peace and calm in sweet bouquet.
All tension seems to float away.
He gives softness for the soul
To bring refreshing or console.
His Spirit hovers in the breeze
And seems to bring sweet joy and ease.
So when I feel a gentle breeze
Or see it swaying grass and trees,
I'll linger there a little while...
Just to praise Him... and to smile.
"...He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow."
Psalm 147:18 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Looking For The Gold
Look for the "gold" in others you see,
Those who are quiet and serve faithfully,
Those who don't look for credits or fame
And oft don't receive reward or acclaim.
Some of these folks work so hard to please.
It's good to acknowledge their kind expertise...
Waitresses, janitors, clerks in a store,
Or parents who labor to give their kids more.
This kind of "gold" is tested and pure.
It has been "fired" and o'er time will endure.
These are the folks whose lives have deep worth
And quietly to inspiration give birth.
"Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."
Proverbs 29:23 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Those who are quiet and serve faithfully,
Those who don't look for credits or fame
And oft don't receive reward or acclaim.
Some of these folks work so hard to please.
It's good to acknowledge their kind expertise...
Waitresses, janitors, clerks in a store,
Or parents who labor to give their kids more.
This kind of "gold" is tested and pure.
It has been "fired" and o'er time will endure.
These are the folks whose lives have deep worth
And quietly to inspiration give birth.
"Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."
Proverbs 29:23 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, February 07, 2009
God's Light
Illumine my darkness, I pray.
Let there be light in my way.
Lest I may stumble,
Lord, help me stay humble.
Help me to not go astray.
Help me to always be kind
And to love and peace be inclined.
So much is gained
When peace is sustained,
In this let me never be blind.
Help me to reach up and out,
To have increased faith and not doubt.
For I want to grow,
Your wisdom to know,
And to spread Your love all about.
"For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness."
Psalm 18:28 Amplified Bible
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Let there be light in my way.
Lest I may stumble,
Lord, help me stay humble.
Help me to not go astray.
Help me to always be kind
And to love and peace be inclined.
So much is gained
When peace is sustained,
In this let me never be blind.
Help me to reach up and out,
To have increased faith and not doubt.
For I want to grow,
Your wisdom to know,
And to spread Your love all about.
"For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness."
Psalm 18:28 Amplified Bible
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, February 06, 2009
Nature's Chorus
Soon the little crocus flowers
Will poke up through the snow,
In anticipation smiling.
They just seem to know...
That spring is not so far behind.
A bright new season's coming.
When spring's promise starts to sing
All nature will be strumming.
Bursting forth in color and hue,
Painted there with loving flair,
All creation joins in chorus,
Expressing God's love everywhere.
Little crocus in the snow,
You surely are an early sign
To tell us God will once again
Paint spring with glorious new design.
"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens."
Psalm 8:1 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Will poke up through the snow,
In anticipation smiling.
They just seem to know...
That spring is not so far behind.
A bright new season's coming.
When spring's promise starts to sing
All nature will be strumming.
Bursting forth in color and hue,
Painted there with loving flair,
All creation joins in chorus,
Expressing God's love everywhere.
Little crocus in the snow,
You surely are an early sign
To tell us God will once again
Paint spring with glorious new design.
"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens."
Psalm 8:1 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, February 05, 2009
As The Lilies
Our prayers of faith are heavenly seeds,
And God goes before to provide for our needs.
He says, "Don't worry at what each day brings
Or labor and fret about worldly things."
"Come unto me, and I will return
More than your needs or what you could earn.
My math is better than that which you know,
And living for Me causes blessings to flow."
"All that you have, when placed in My hand,
Is more than enough to help you to stand.
For I will give increase to all that you own
And multiply goodness beyond what you've known."
"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?"
Matthew 6:28-30 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And God goes before to provide for our needs.
He says, "Don't worry at what each day brings
Or labor and fret about worldly things."
"Come unto me, and I will return
More than your needs or what you could earn.
My math is better than that which you know,
And living for Me causes blessings to flow."
"All that you have, when placed in My hand,
Is more than enough to help you to stand.
For I will give increase to all that you own
And multiply goodness beyond what you've known."
"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?"
Matthew 6:28-30 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
A Bright New Day
Do not look back. Look forward and "run".
Rejoice in the good things which God has begun.
A new day is here... it's one of good cheer,
A time to start fresh and not to have fear.
Be filled with joy and savor His peace.
Walk in His goodness and find new release.
He will bring breakthrough and open new doors.
He will pour out His wealth and His "stores".
Discard the burdens and everyday sadness.
Walk in His favor and put on His gladness.
Worship His name and walk in His light.
In Him will this season be wondrous and bright!
"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Rejoice in the good things which God has begun.
A new day is here... it's one of good cheer,
A time to start fresh and not to have fear.
Be filled with joy and savor His peace.
Walk in His goodness and find new release.
He will bring breakthrough and open new doors.
He will pour out His wealth and His "stores".
Discard the burdens and everyday sadness.
Walk in His favor and put on His gladness.
Worship His name and walk in His light.
In Him will this season be wondrous and bright!
"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The Blood Of Jesus
Just one drop of blood
Was enough for all time
To redeem man from sin's
Ugly stain, spot and grime.
One drop of His blood
Was so filled with power,
It reached from the cross
Into this very hour.
As fresh as the day
It was shed on the "tree"
Is the power of His "healing"
For you and for me.
Just one drop of blood,
Spilled out with great love,
Brings eternal life
From the Father above.
"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven."
Colossians 1:19-20 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Was enough for all time
To redeem man from sin's
Ugly stain, spot and grime.
One drop of His blood
Was so filled with power,
It reached from the cross
Into this very hour.
As fresh as the day
It was shed on the "tree"
Is the power of His "healing"
For you and for me.
Just one drop of blood,
Spilled out with great love,
Brings eternal life
From the Father above.
"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven."
Colossians 1:19-20 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, February 02, 2009
A Safe Tower
When I am weary and anxious in thought
And can't seem to focus just as I ought,
I know if I turn to Jesus and pray
He'll give me His peace for fear and dismay.
I need not carry my weights all alone
Or worry and fret about what is unknown.
He is my tower... a safe hiding place.
And there I can rest in His mercy and grace.
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And can't seem to focus just as I ought,
I know if I turn to Jesus and pray
He'll give me His peace for fear and dismay.
I need not carry my weights all alone
Or worry and fret about what is unknown.
He is my tower... a safe hiding place.
And there I can rest in His mercy and grace.
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Heaven's Door
On that all-important date
When you stand at Heaven's gate,
Will the gate be open wide?
Or will you sadly be denied?
We don't know the time and place
When we shall see Him face-to-face,
But if you know our precious Lord
You'll receive a sure reward.
Jesus died to pay the cost...
That all mankind should not be lost.
To all who in His grace abide
Heaven's gates are open wide.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
When you stand at Heaven's gate,
Will the gate be open wide?
Or will you sadly be denied?
We don't know the time and place
When we shall see Him face-to-face,
But if you know our precious Lord
You'll receive a sure reward.
Jesus died to pay the cost...
That all mankind should not be lost.
To all who in His grace abide
Heaven's gates are open wide.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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