When I bake cookies, I always want to use the finest ingredients. So when I shop I search for the best chocolate morsels and dried fruits. I buy pure extracts, rather than imitation. And when I bake my cookies, I carefully watch them so that they don't burn.
I want to have a supply of the best cookies so that I will be able to share them with others. And then when the cookies are all gone and only crumbs are left, I must replenish the supply..... for crumbs are not enough.
Reading the Word of God is like that. When God gave us His Word, He gave us His very best. His Word is full of "choice morsels" of wisdom. It is good to "stock up" so that I have a "store" of strength to draw upon. If I don't stay in the Word, pretty soon I will be in the "crumbs" stage..... not much left to go on. And I won't have anything of substance to share with others.....
If I want to be strong, I know I must "dine" in the Word and "stay full".... the Word of God is life's most gourmet food.....
"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart."
Jeremiah 15:16a NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Expressions Of The Heart
The words of the heart are written
in the countenance and expressed in one's actions.
What is hidden there will reflect in that life, and
steer it in the right (or the wrong) direction.
What is there will "keep" the heart or destroy it,
stunt it's growth and cloud it's vision, or
cause it to prosper and fulfill God's intended design.
How wonderful the imprint of Jesus
on a heart... to keep it tender and pure,
and cause it to blossom and smile.
For a smiling heart is a gift from Him,
and it speaks of His love and beauty.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14 NKJ
© 2005 ArleneSchwartzkopf
in the countenance and expressed in one's actions.
What is hidden there will reflect in that life, and
steer it in the right (or the wrong) direction.
What is there will "keep" the heart or destroy it,
stunt it's growth and cloud it's vision, or
cause it to prosper and fulfill God's intended design.
How wonderful the imprint of Jesus
on a heart... to keep it tender and pure,
and cause it to blossom and smile.
For a smiling heart is a gift from Him,
and it speaks of His love and beauty.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14 NKJ
© 2005 ArleneSchwartzkopf
Sunday, January 29, 2006
One Sunday Morning
A True Story
The singing was nice in the church that day,
As we readied to hear what the preacher would say.
But before he would speak we would have celebration
As a family came forth for a baby dedication.
While the preacher was praying, their child bumped the flowers,
Drenching the floor with un-needed "showers".
The water ran into a vent in the floor
With a loud dripping sound you couldn't ignore.
An elder came in with a pail and a mop
To clean up the mess so the dripping would stop.
He mopped up the water... cleaned up every drop,
Each time making noise when he squeezed out the mop.
The wife of the elder sat by me in choir,
Trying to act "reverent", as manners require.
Though harder and harder she tried not to giggle,
She was shaking so hard she made the pew wiggle.
I was biting my tongue to keep a straight face,
When just then the elder... Without any grace
Backed into the pail, and the water all went
Back onto the floor, dripping into the vent.
The elder's wife "lost it" and now the pew shook.
I stared down in my lap, afraid even to look.
I was laughing so hard, it made my sides ache,
Wondering what the next clean-up would take.
Then once again he started to mop,
As the water in the vent went, "plop, plop, plop".
He finally finished and went out with the pail.
Now the preacher could preach and order could prevail.
The preacher kept speaking through all of the fuss.
He tried to stay focused, which was a real "plus".
When the service was over, much to my dismay,
I didn't remember the message that day.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The singing was nice in the church that day,
As we readied to hear what the preacher would say.
But before he would speak we would have celebration
As a family came forth for a baby dedication.
While the preacher was praying, their child bumped the flowers,
Drenching the floor with un-needed "showers".
The water ran into a vent in the floor
With a loud dripping sound you couldn't ignore.
An elder came in with a pail and a mop
To clean up the mess so the dripping would stop.
He mopped up the water... cleaned up every drop,
Each time making noise when he squeezed out the mop.
The wife of the elder sat by me in choir,
Trying to act "reverent", as manners require.
Though harder and harder she tried not to giggle,
She was shaking so hard she made the pew wiggle.
I was biting my tongue to keep a straight face,
When just then the elder... Without any grace
Backed into the pail, and the water all went
Back onto the floor, dripping into the vent.
The elder's wife "lost it" and now the pew shook.
I stared down in my lap, afraid even to look.
I was laughing so hard, it made my sides ache,
Wondering what the next clean-up would take.
Then once again he started to mop,
As the water in the vent went, "plop, plop, plop".
He finally finished and went out with the pail.
Now the preacher could preach and order could prevail.
The preacher kept speaking through all of the fuss.
He tried to stay focused, which was a real "plus".
When the service was over, much to my dismay,
I didn't remember the message that day.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Sing To The Lord
Gram is almost 100 years old and has many interesting tales to tell of her life on the farm as a young girl.
One such story was about a cow they had. This cow was testy and mean, and Gram and her sister always had trouble milking her. Each time before they could finish, she would put her foot in the milk pail or kick the pail over, spilling out all the milk.
So one day these two young girls decided to sing while they were milking her. And to their surprise, she no longer would kick the pail over. Also, each time the girls started singing, the other cows all lined up by the fence to listen.
One day I said to Gram, "By the way, what kind of songs were you singing?"
Her answer was, "Church songs."
This all took place back in the early 1900's, so I have often wondered what these two young girls might have been singing..... maybe, "Onward Christian Soldiers", or "The Little Brown Church In The Wildwood", or "Jesus Loves Me", or "Amazing Grace". These are only guesses, and it's fun to think about, but singing "church songs" became a solution for a problem they otherwise could not solve.
"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."
Psalm 104:33 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
One such story was about a cow they had. This cow was testy and mean, and Gram and her sister always had trouble milking her. Each time before they could finish, she would put her foot in the milk pail or kick the pail over, spilling out all the milk.
So one day these two young girls decided to sing while they were milking her. And to their surprise, she no longer would kick the pail over. Also, each time the girls started singing, the other cows all lined up by the fence to listen.
One day I said to Gram, "By the way, what kind of songs were you singing?"
Her answer was, "Church songs."
This all took place back in the early 1900's, so I have often wondered what these two young girls might have been singing..... maybe, "Onward Christian Soldiers", or "The Little Brown Church In The Wildwood", or "Jesus Loves Me", or "Amazing Grace". These are only guesses, and it's fun to think about, but singing "church songs" became a solution for a problem they otherwise could not solve.
"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."
Psalm 104:33 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 27, 2006
God's Footpath
God will make a footpath
When you cannot find your way.
He will show you where to step
And all your fears allay.
His path may be the only one
As light of day grows dim,
But you can find that footpath
As you trust and wait on Him.
He will not forsake you
Nor leave you all alone,
But faithfully will guide you
Through those times which are unknown.
You can trust in Jesus...
That He will light your way
And guide you in a careful path,
Every hour and every day.
"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies."
Psalm 27:11 NKJ
"My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber."
Psalm 121:2-3 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
When you cannot find your way.
He will show you where to step
And all your fears allay.
His path may be the only one
As light of day grows dim,
But you can find that footpath
As you trust and wait on Him.
He will not forsake you
Nor leave you all alone,
But faithfully will guide you
Through those times which are unknown.
You can trust in Jesus...
That He will light your way
And guide you in a careful path,
Every hour and every day.
"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies."
Psalm 27:11 NKJ
"My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber."
Psalm 121:2-3 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Joy
Joy warms the heart.
Joy buoys up the spirit.
Joy gives balance for a heavy load.
Joy has a positive outlook.
Joy looks up.
Joy brings peace.
Joy promotes healing
Joy changes perspective.
Joy is as a fragrant salve for the spirit..... a healing balm.
Joy is the smile of God within us..... richly adorning the countenance and transforming the heart.
"In Your presence is fullness of joy..."
Psalm 16:11 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Joy buoys up the spirit.
Joy gives balance for a heavy load.
Joy has a positive outlook.
Joy looks up.
Joy brings peace.
Joy promotes healing
Joy changes perspective.
Joy is as a fragrant salve for the spirit..... a healing balm.
Joy is the smile of God within us..... richly adorning the countenance and transforming the heart.
"In Your presence is fullness of joy..."
Psalm 16:11 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Instrument Of Worship
A Vision
I looked at the piano before me..... it was a deep, warm red, burnished with gold. The finish was pearlescent in appearance. I had never seen color like that before..... nor had I seen a finish like that.....
As I stood and gazed at the piano, I realized that it was translucent.... I could see through the phenomenally beautiful frame of it. Inside were infrared coils. The coils were radiating intense heat, but I could stand right next to this piano and not be burnt.
What God was showing me was that He inhabits an instrument when it is used for worship. It "comes alive" and radiates the warmth of the Holy Spirit as it is being played. The sound of that instrument is transformed by His presence.
"Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes."
Psalm 150:4b NKJ
I looked at the piano before me..... it was a deep, warm red, burnished with gold. The finish was pearlescent in appearance. I had never seen color like that before..... nor had I seen a finish like that.....
As I stood and gazed at the piano, I realized that it was translucent.... I could see through the phenomenally beautiful frame of it. Inside were infrared coils. The coils were radiating intense heat, but I could stand right next to this piano and not be burnt.
What God was showing me was that He inhabits an instrument when it is used for worship. It "comes alive" and radiates the warmth of the Holy Spirit as it is being played. The sound of that instrument is transformed by His presence.
"Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes."
Psalm 150:4b NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The Little Lost Lamb
A little lamb went out to play,
And soon he couldn't find the way
Back to where the other sheep stay.
He found himself quite far astray.
So he decided to explore
What he had not seen heretofore.
As he searched and looked around,
Pain and sorrow are what he found.
Other sheep were cruel and mean,
And he had no shepherd on which to lean.
They mocked and laughed at his small bleat
And gave him things he should not eat.
They only thought of selfish gain,
And now the lamb had fear and pain.
He longed to find his very own flock,
For being lost was quite a shock.
The Shepherd knew how little lambs stray
And how they sometimes lose their way.
He went to find His little sheep
Because His love for him was deep.
He brought him back into the fold
And held him close 'cause he was cold.
It isn't good to wander away,
But with the Shepherd to always stay.
"If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray."
Matthew 18:12-13 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And soon he couldn't find the way
Back to where the other sheep stay.
He found himself quite far astray.
So he decided to explore
What he had not seen heretofore.
As he searched and looked around,
Pain and sorrow are what he found.
Other sheep were cruel and mean,
And he had no shepherd on which to lean.
They mocked and laughed at his small bleat
And gave him things he should not eat.
They only thought of selfish gain,
And now the lamb had fear and pain.
He longed to find his very own flock,
For being lost was quite a shock.
The Shepherd knew how little lambs stray
And how they sometimes lose their way.
He went to find His little sheep
Because His love for him was deep.
He brought him back into the fold
And held him close 'cause he was cold.
It isn't good to wander away,
But with the Shepherd to always stay.
"If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray."
Matthew 18:12-13 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 23, 2006
A Blessed Home
How blessed is the home
Which has learned not to "rush",
But has chosen a schedule
Which won't stress or "crush".
Families today
Are in a real bind,
With too much to do
And too much on their mind.
By too much involvement
Or extra time spent
On outside activities,
Families are rent.
Blessed is the family
That spends time together,
For they will come through
Tough times and "bad weather".
They will have learned
To stay close to each other
And appreciate sister,
Mom, Dad and brother.
How blessed is the home
Where "family" is found,
Where good times and joy
And laughter abound.
"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."
Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Which has learned not to "rush",
But has chosen a schedule
Which won't stress or "crush".
Families today
Are in a real bind,
With too much to do
And too much on their mind.
By too much involvement
Or extra time spent
On outside activities,
Families are rent.
Blessed is the family
That spends time together,
For they will come through
Tough times and "bad weather".
They will have learned
To stay close to each other
And appreciate sister,
Mom, Dad and brother.
How blessed is the home
Where "family" is found,
Where good times and joy
And laughter abound.
"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."
Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Threads Of Loveliness
The Lord weaves threads of His loveliness into each day to bring added dimension to every aspect of our experience..... so that as we move through each day we may see His beauty, feel His touch and perceive His presence all around us. His beauty is woven throughout all of His creation. How great are His benefits to His children.
As we diligently seek Him, His beauty becomes more and more visible to us, and increasingly we will comprehend the richness of His love and caring..... whereby we are very rich.
"One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."
Psalm 27:4 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As we diligently seek Him, His beauty becomes more and more visible to us, and increasingly we will comprehend the richness of His love and caring..... whereby we are very rich.
"One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."
Psalm 27:4 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Senior Moments
When my "get up and go"
Just got up and went,
I sat down to rest,
Though I had good intent!
When I go to the fridge,
Then forget what I need,
Sometimes it takes me
Two tries to succeed!
But being a senior
Is not all that bad.
I can laugh at myself
(As I check my notepad).
I can do things at leisure,
I don't need to hurry.
I'd rather have fun
Than to fuss, fret and worry.
I have time to laugh,
I have time to putter.
(But I've saved too much stuff).
Gotta' clean up the clutter!
I have time for my family
Or time for a friend,
Or reading a book
Or letters to send.
Or I can sit in my rocker
And just reminisce,
Thanking God everyday
For this season of bliss!
It's a good season!
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Just got up and went,
I sat down to rest,
Though I had good intent!
When I go to the fridge,
Then forget what I need,
Sometimes it takes me
Two tries to succeed!
But being a senior
Is not all that bad.
I can laugh at myself
(As I check my notepad).
I can do things at leisure,
I don't need to hurry.
I'd rather have fun
Than to fuss, fret and worry.
I have time to laugh,
I have time to putter.
(But I've saved too much stuff).
Gotta' clean up the clutter!
I have time for my family
Or time for a friend,
Or reading a book
Or letters to send.
Or I can sit in my rocker
And just reminisce,
Thanking God everyday
For this season of bliss!
It's a good season!
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 20, 2006
A Lesson Learned
A Children's Poem
Bobby yelled, Suzy hit me,
Jason took my toy.
When I have these kinds of days,
It seems I lose my joy!
I should try to like these kids...
(Sometimes it isn't easy!)
But then I have my bad days too,
When I just feel uneasy.
When I go to Sunday School
They teach me to be good...
That Jesus helps us boys and girls
To act the way we should.
So I forgive my little friends,
No matter what they do.
If I'm nice and kind to them,
Maybe they'll be nice too.
"Love suffers long and is kind."
I Corinthians 13:4 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Bobby yelled, Suzy hit me,
Jason took my toy.
When I have these kinds of days,
It seems I lose my joy!
I should try to like these kids...
(Sometimes it isn't easy!)
But then I have my bad days too,
When I just feel uneasy.
When I go to Sunday School
They teach me to be good...
That Jesus helps us boys and girls
To act the way we should.
So I forgive my little friends,
No matter what they do.
If I'm nice and kind to them,
Maybe they'll be nice too.
"Love suffers long and is kind."
I Corinthians 13:4 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 19, 2006
People Who Inspire
Dorothy
Dorothy was a very special lady......
I first met her as she stood at the door of our church greeting people. Always she was there with a big smile, welcoming people. She was well-dressed and always well-groomed.
Dorothy was petite..... perhaps four feet, ten inches tall. But I never thought of her as small, because as a prayer warrior she was more like nine feet tall - she was mighty!
She was an organist, playing for several churches over time, even into her 70's. She loved the Lord and loved to worship Him.
At times her life had not been easy, but I never heard her complain. Dorothy was married twice..... and widowed twice. I commented to her one day, "It must have been really hard to go through losing a husband twice!"
Her answer was, "Well, I never felt really alone. Jesus was always with me." This was the most prominent thing about Dorothy, and it was the secret to who she was. She knew the Lord well and always walked in His presence. She said once that when she worked full-time, she would go to her car on her lunch hour so she could read the Word and talk to Him. She had conversation with Him all through her day.
When I was going through a dark time in my life, she came alongside me in prayer, and she called me every evening to pray and encourage me. Then one morning she called me early and asked, "Arlene, are you okay?"
I said, "I think I am" ..... wondering what she meant.
She answered, "No, you aren't. You're in shock. I've been up all night praying for you!" (She was already in her 70's at this time.)
I had received some news the night before and had shared it with her. The news didn't affect me at first, but she was right. As the days went by, I realized that I was indeed in shock. It was like a cloud hanging over me, and I just couldn't function right. Nor could I change the condition by myself, because I just needed time to heal. But Dorothy stood by me daily in prayer and, after four and one-half months, the cloud lifted.
Her faithfulness as a friend was remarkable. From a heart of love, always she reached out to serve others. She stayed by my side for several years and was a very wonderful inspiration in my life.
At age 78 she went home to be with Jesus, Who was her very best friend.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
I Thessalonians 5:16-17 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Dorothy was a very special lady......
I first met her as she stood at the door of our church greeting people. Always she was there with a big smile, welcoming people. She was well-dressed and always well-groomed.
Dorothy was petite..... perhaps four feet, ten inches tall. But I never thought of her as small, because as a prayer warrior she was more like nine feet tall - she was mighty!
She was an organist, playing for several churches over time, even into her 70's. She loved the Lord and loved to worship Him.
At times her life had not been easy, but I never heard her complain. Dorothy was married twice..... and widowed twice. I commented to her one day, "It must have been really hard to go through losing a husband twice!"
Her answer was, "Well, I never felt really alone. Jesus was always with me." This was the most prominent thing about Dorothy, and it was the secret to who she was. She knew the Lord well and always walked in His presence. She said once that when she worked full-time, she would go to her car on her lunch hour so she could read the Word and talk to Him. She had conversation with Him all through her day.
When I was going through a dark time in my life, she came alongside me in prayer, and she called me every evening to pray and encourage me. Then one morning she called me early and asked, "Arlene, are you okay?"
I said, "I think I am" ..... wondering what she meant.
She answered, "No, you aren't. You're in shock. I've been up all night praying for you!" (She was already in her 70's at this time.)
I had received some news the night before and had shared it with her. The news didn't affect me at first, but she was right. As the days went by, I realized that I was indeed in shock. It was like a cloud hanging over me, and I just couldn't function right. Nor could I change the condition by myself, because I just needed time to heal. But Dorothy stood by me daily in prayer and, after four and one-half months, the cloud lifted.
Her faithfulness as a friend was remarkable. From a heart of love, always she reached out to serve others. She stayed by my side for several years and was a very wonderful inspiration in my life.
At age 78 she went home to be with Jesus, Who was her very best friend.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
I Thessalonians 5:16-17 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Stained Glass
The mosaic of a life is as stained glass.....
Pieces fitted together by the Master's hand.........
Colors carefully placed in unique design, made to be transparent.......
The beauty of the finished design can only be discovered
when His light shines from within.
When that life is filled with His light the brilliant colors become visible, and the rich reflections fall on everyone near......
"Your hands have made me and fashioned me...."
Psalm 119:73 NKJ
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 NKJ
© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Pieces fitted together by the Master's hand.........
Colors carefully placed in unique design, made to be transparent.......
The beauty of the finished design can only be discovered
when His light shines from within.
When that life is filled with His light the brilliant colors become visible, and the rich reflections fall on everyone near......
"Your hands have made me and fashioned me...."
Psalm 119:73 NKJ
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 NKJ
© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
A Child's Touch
A little child came and touched my heart
When I was weary and falling apart.
He brought me a lamb so I wouldn't be sad,
With a smile and a hug to make my heart glad.
And so my heart healed. I no longer felt "teary".
He lifted me up.... I no longer was weary.
How pure and sincere was the love of this child...
Not harsh as the world, but gentle and mild.
The compassion in him was beyond his young years.
God used him to heal me and stop all my tears.
"Love never fails."
I Corinthians 13:8 NKJ
"Out of the mouth of babes and infants You have ordained strength."
Psalm 8:2 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
When I was weary and falling apart.
He brought me a lamb so I wouldn't be sad,
With a smile and a hug to make my heart glad.
And so my heart healed. I no longer felt "teary".
He lifted me up.... I no longer was weary.
How pure and sincere was the love of this child...
Not harsh as the world, but gentle and mild.
The compassion in him was beyond his young years.
God used him to heal me and stop all my tears.
"Love never fails."
I Corinthians 13:8 NKJ
"Out of the mouth of babes and infants You have ordained strength."
Psalm 8:2 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 16, 2006
The Rooms Of My Life
If Jesus came into
The rooms of my mind,
What would be waiting there?
What would He find?
Would negative thoughts and
Doubt make Him weep?
Would meaningless clutter
Be piled in a heap?
If Jesus came into
The rooms of my heart,
Would He be at peace there,
Or want to depart?
Can I stop what I'm doing
And set all aside
So He can find welcome
And want to reside?
Sometimes our Savior
Cannot find a "home",
For we don't receive Him
And cause Him to roam...
In search of a life
Which will give Him first place...
Where the rooms are quite full
Of His beauty and grace.
"Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth."
Colossians 2:2 NKJ
"My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God."
Psalm 84:2b NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The rooms of my mind,
What would be waiting there?
What would He find?
Would negative thoughts and
Doubt make Him weep?
Would meaningless clutter
Be piled in a heap?
If Jesus came into
The rooms of my heart,
Would He be at peace there,
Or want to depart?
Can I stop what I'm doing
And set all aside
So He can find welcome
And want to reside?
Sometimes our Savior
Cannot find a "home",
For we don't receive Him
And cause Him to roam...
In search of a life
Which will give Him first place...
Where the rooms are quite full
Of His beauty and grace.
"Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth."
Colossians 2:2 NKJ
"My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God."
Psalm 84:2b NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, January 15, 2006
A Special Quilt
Always I have been fascinated by patchwork quilts.....
You cannot just "glance" at a patchwork quilt. There is much more there to see. And so I always find myself lingering and looking at all the different colors and designs of fabrics which have been stitched together. When my grandmother made quilts, she used even the smallest pieces of fabric and stitched them somewhere into the quilt top, and all the pieces were important to the beauty of the quilt.
The Body of Christ is like that. It is as though the Lord has made a quilt..... of myriad colors and patterns and prints and carefully joined them together.....
The Lord takes His beautiful, variegated "fabrics" and places them together in the quilt which is His Body. In His quilt are warmth and strength, healing and comfort, joy and peace, laughter and courage, fellowship and "family". Usually quilts have a binding, and the binding around this quilt is love.
As we become "patches" in His beautifully planned quilt, we are joined together, one with another. And we become part of His rich design.
This is His Body.....
This is His Handiwork.....
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."
I John 4:7 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
You cannot just "glance" at a patchwork quilt. There is much more there to see. And so I always find myself lingering and looking at all the different colors and designs of fabrics which have been stitched together. When my grandmother made quilts, she used even the smallest pieces of fabric and stitched them somewhere into the quilt top, and all the pieces were important to the beauty of the quilt.
The Body of Christ is like that. It is as though the Lord has made a quilt..... of myriad colors and patterns and prints and carefully joined them together.....
The Lord takes His beautiful, variegated "fabrics" and places them together in the quilt which is His Body. In His quilt are warmth and strength, healing and comfort, joy and peace, laughter and courage, fellowship and "family". Usually quilts have a binding, and the binding around this quilt is love.
As we become "patches" in His beautifully planned quilt, we are joined together, one with another. And we become part of His rich design.
This is His Body.....
This is His Handiwork.....
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."
I John 4:7 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 14, 2006
The Grouch
THE TURTLE AND THE PORCUPINE
Snappy was a turtle,
And Snappy wasn't happy.
(He was a GROUCH!)
Porci was a porcupine
And was in trouble all the time!
(Too many QUILLS!)
Neither one could find a friend
Because they always would offend.
It isn't good to snap at others...
Friends and neighbors, moms and brothers.
It's even worse to send a quill.
It seems to dampen ALL good will!
These little creatures bring reminder...
Every day we should be kinder.
God has shown us through His Son
We should be kind to everyone.
"Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not behave rudely."
I Corinthinas 13:4a & 5a NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Snappy was a turtle,
And Snappy wasn't happy.
(He was a GROUCH!)
Porci was a porcupine
And was in trouble all the time!
(Too many QUILLS!)
Neither one could find a friend
Because they always would offend.
It isn't good to snap at others...
Friends and neighbors, moms and brothers.
It's even worse to send a quill.
It seems to dampen ALL good will!
These little creatures bring reminder...
Every day we should be kinder.
God has shown us through His Son
We should be kind to everyone.
"Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not behave rudely."
I Corinthinas 13:4a & 5a NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 13, 2006
The Best Answer
Lord, You are.....
The One Who sorts out the confusions of my life,
The One Who strengthens me when I am faint,
The One Who gives endurance when I am weary,
The One Who gives sufficiency when I am inadequate.
When I LEAN on You, I find balance.
When I RETREAT into Your presence, I move forward.
When I BOW DOWN before You, yet I shall stand taller.
When I GIVE UP my will to You, I shall find my purpose.
All that I place in Your hands rests safely and has promise...
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped."
Psalm 28:7 NKJ
"A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?"
Proverbs 20:24 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The One Who sorts out the confusions of my life,
The One Who strengthens me when I am faint,
The One Who gives endurance when I am weary,
The One Who gives sufficiency when I am inadequate.
When I LEAN on You, I find balance.
When I RETREAT into Your presence, I move forward.
When I BOW DOWN before You, yet I shall stand taller.
When I GIVE UP my will to You, I shall find my purpose.
All that I place in Your hands rests safely and has promise...
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped."
Psalm 28:7 NKJ
"A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?"
Proverbs 20:24 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 12, 2006
A Pretty Coat
God's blessings and provision are always wonderful and have often brought joy to my life in a beautiful way.
One day I walked into church and noticed that a lady there had on a very lovely black velvet coat with leather trim. I thought it was beautiful, and within myself quietly said, "Oh, I would love to have a coat like that some day." I wasn't shopping for a coat, and I didn't think I could afford anything like that anyway. It was only a thought at the time, and then I didn't think any more about it. And I didn't say anything to my family or anyone else about it.
Approximately two weeks later I received a call from someone saying that they had a coat that they thought I would like and that they wanted to give it to me. When I saw it I was really blessed and much amazed. This too was a lovely velvet coat.... not the same as the one I had seen previously, but equally beautiful. And it fit me perfectly.
God knows all about our needs and wants. He knows our every thought. Through this event, I became so aware of how much He cares for every aspect of our lives and how much He wants to bless His children.
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
One day I walked into church and noticed that a lady there had on a very lovely black velvet coat with leather trim. I thought it was beautiful, and within myself quietly said, "Oh, I would love to have a coat like that some day." I wasn't shopping for a coat, and I didn't think I could afford anything like that anyway. It was only a thought at the time, and then I didn't think any more about it. And I didn't say anything to my family or anyone else about it.
Approximately two weeks later I received a call from someone saying that they had a coat that they thought I would like and that they wanted to give it to me. When I saw it I was really blessed and much amazed. This too was a lovely velvet coat.... not the same as the one I had seen previously, but equally beautiful. And it fit me perfectly.
God knows all about our needs and wants. He knows our every thought. Through this event, I became so aware of how much He cares for every aspect of our lives and how much He wants to bless His children.
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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