The giggles and fun of a child's delight
Seem to wash away "gray" and make the day bright!
How much we can learn from a sweet little child,
Whose view about life is so gentle and mild.
His spirit is fresh and his mind is not clouded.
His life with worry and stress are not crowded.
When he runs and he plays he is "free as a breeze".
He inspires me to hear and see as he sees...
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
A Time To Consider
...A time to consider the needs all around us,
To share and to give to those who have less.
For something good happens way deep down inside us
Whenever we reach out and "caring" express.
Giving births hope and shows someone cares
To those who are hurting and may be hard-pressed.
We do not know how others may suffer,
But be reassured that they will be blessed.
God multiplies the resource we have
Each time we remember that some have it rough.
Helping another is good for the soul,
And always we'll find we have more than enough.
"(Charge them) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share (with others)."
I Timothy 6:18 Amplified Bible
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To share and to give to those who have less.
For something good happens way deep down inside us
Whenever we reach out and "caring" express.
Giving births hope and shows someone cares
To those who are hurting and may be hard-pressed.
We do not know how others may suffer,
But be reassured that they will be blessed.
God multiplies the resource we have
Each time we remember that some have it rough.
Helping another is good for the soul,
And always we'll find we have more than enough.
"(Charge them) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share (with others)."
I Timothy 6:18 Amplified Bible
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Prudence
"Prudence" is an old-fashioned word,
One which young people may not have heard.
Oh, how we need more prudence today
And good common sense lest we go astray.
Prudence would say, "Use caution and care."
"Of hasty decisions we should beware."
Discretion and forethought are really good tools
To keep us from error and acting as fools.
Prudence says "watch", and sometimes says, "wait",
To make sure we're on a path which is straight.
Prudence has practical wisdom to give,
And when we listen will change how we live.
"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."
Propverbs 14:15 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
One which young people may not have heard.
Oh, how we need more prudence today
And good common sense lest we go astray.
Prudence would say, "Use caution and care."
"Of hasty decisions we should beware."
Discretion and forethought are really good tools
To keep us from error and acting as fools.
Prudence says "watch", and sometimes says, "wait",
To make sure we're on a path which is straight.
Prudence has practical wisdom to give,
And when we listen will change how we live.
"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."
Propverbs 14:15 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Each New Day
I cannot greet the gift of dawn
Unless I've greeted Jesus first.
For when I wake in early morn
My heart and soul are quite athirst...
To read His Word and hear His voice,
To have the joy that He would give,
To know what He would speak to me
That I triumphantly might live.
He would not have us walk in pain,
Dragging through each weary hour,
But to overcome through Him,
By His might and strength and power.
The more I seek Him, He is there
To guide my day and make me whole.
His voice is like a waterfall,
Cascading through my heart and soul.
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall contiinually be in my mouth."
Psalm 34:1 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Unless I've greeted Jesus first.
For when I wake in early morn
My heart and soul are quite athirst...
To read His Word and hear His voice,
To have the joy that He would give,
To know what He would speak to me
That I triumphantly might live.
He would not have us walk in pain,
Dragging through each weary hour,
But to overcome through Him,
By His might and strength and power.
The more I seek Him, He is there
To guide my day and make me whole.
His voice is like a waterfall,
Cascading through my heart and soul.
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall contiinually be in my mouth."
Psalm 34:1 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
God's Orderliness
When we have order and discipline in our lives there is more room for God to work...
Even as it is easier to start a project on a table which has been cleaned off, it is easier for the Lord to present new "projects" or ideas to us when we are prepared and ready and don't have a backlog or pile-up cluttering up our time and space and thinking.
He will show us how to simplify the complex and to sort out the unnecessary from the necessary. He will show us how to pare down our belongings and ideas and time concepts to a workable size so that we are not encumbered by too heavy a load.
What a blessing, when the Lord has something for us, to be able to move right into what He gives us and not have to deal with thought patterns that hinder, unreadiness, or "too much stuff". There is no organization like that which the Lord will give us. For though we may give up much (seemingly), our "gain" and freedom will be ever so much more than we could have anticipated.
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..."
I Corinthians 14:33 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Even as it is easier to start a project on a table which has been cleaned off, it is easier for the Lord to present new "projects" or ideas to us when we are prepared and ready and don't have a backlog or pile-up cluttering up our time and space and thinking.
He will show us how to simplify the complex and to sort out the unnecessary from the necessary. He will show us how to pare down our belongings and ideas and time concepts to a workable size so that we are not encumbered by too heavy a load.
What a blessing, when the Lord has something for us, to be able to move right into what He gives us and not have to deal with thought patterns that hinder, unreadiness, or "too much stuff". There is no organization like that which the Lord will give us. For though we may give up much (seemingly), our "gain" and freedom will be ever so much more than we could have anticipated.
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..."
I Corinthians 14:33 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 26, 2009
A Heart Full Of Joy
A heart full of joy wants to "laugh, smile and sing"
And to negativity never will cling.
For laughter is healing and will not "look down".
It just won't complain or grimace or frown.
If circumstance crumbles, it counters with hope.
It rests in God's grace and will not just mope.
In joy there is strength... enough for each day.
Encouragement follows and fears will allay.
It really is better to laugh through our woes,
For what good can come from resting in "lows"?
God gives us peace and helps us to say,
"I will look up and choose joy this day!"
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
"...The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And to negativity never will cling.
For laughter is healing and will not "look down".
It just won't complain or grimace or frown.
If circumstance crumbles, it counters with hope.
It rests in God's grace and will not just mope.
In joy there is strength... enough for each day.
Encouragement follows and fears will allay.
It really is better to laugh through our woes,
For what good can come from resting in "lows"?
God gives us peace and helps us to say,
"I will look up and choose joy this day!"
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
"...The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Peace In The Storm
When destruction would tend to lie at the door
And you're asking yourself, "O God, how much more?
I'm hurting so much and I'm just very weary.
Is there one thing about which to be cheery?"
May God be your strength in the midst of the storm.
May He carry you through and His wonders perform.
No sea which is troubled is too large for Him,
E'en though the outlook would seem to be dim.
He is able to lift you from seas which o'erwhelm,
To rescue and guide you and be at the helm,
To help you find balance and stand strong again,
To prosper and bless you. Amen and amen!
"Peace, be still..."
Mark 4:39 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And you're asking yourself, "O God, how much more?
I'm hurting so much and I'm just very weary.
Is there one thing about which to be cheery?"
May God be your strength in the midst of the storm.
May He carry you through and His wonders perform.
No sea which is troubled is too large for Him,
E'en though the outlook would seem to be dim.
He is able to lift you from seas which o'erwhelm,
To rescue and guide you and be at the helm,
To help you find balance and stand strong again,
To prosper and bless you. Amen and amen!
"Peace, be still..."
Mark 4:39 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 24, 2009
God's Artistry
God has a palette of colors and hues,
Beautiful shades from whcih He will choose,
To color our lives with beauty and flair,
To bless us with riches, unusual and rare.
His are the colors, we are His art.
He "paints" us with beauty and sets us apart
For His special purpose and holy design.
It is HIS artwork that makes us to shine.
"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
Psalm 100:3 KJV
"But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself..."
Psalm 4:3 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Beautiful shades from whcih He will choose,
To color our lives with beauty and flair,
To bless us with riches, unusual and rare.
His are the colors, we are His art.
He "paints" us with beauty and sets us apart
For His special purpose and holy design.
It is HIS artwork that makes us to shine.
"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
Psalm 100:3 KJV
"But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself..."
Psalm 4:3 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 23, 2009
Living For Jesus
Lord, You are welcome in my heart,
In every "room", in every part.
Dwell within me... this I pray.
Direct my footsteps day-to-day.
Heal my "failings, save my soul.
Fill my spirit, make me whole.
Shape me by Your gentle hand
To be the person You had planned.
As I walk the path You give
Daily show me how to live,
That I might share Your precious light
And be for You a message bright.
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Acts 16:31 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
In every "room", in every part.
Dwell within me... this I pray.
Direct my footsteps day-to-day.
Heal my "failings, save my soul.
Fill my spirit, make me whole.
Shape me by Your gentle hand
To be the person You had planned.
As I walk the path You give
Daily show me how to live,
That I might share Your precious light
And be for You a message bright.
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Acts 16:31 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Treasure Store
The faithful man of God
In righteousness will walk.
The conduct of his heart
Is reflected in his talk.
Wisdom and discernment
Form an excellence which shows.
He is richly filled
With a joy that overflows.
His strength is found in God
As he reads the Word and prays.
He takes to heart God's leading
And in close communion stays.
How beautiful the life
Of a man who serves the Lord,
For he has boundless riches.
God's treasures there are stored.
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Psalm 1:2-3 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
In righteousness will walk.
The conduct of his heart
Is reflected in his talk.
Wisdom and discernment
Form an excellence which shows.
He is richly filled
With a joy that overflows.
His strength is found in God
As he reads the Word and prays.
He takes to heart God's leading
And in close communion stays.
How beautiful the life
Of a man who serves the Lord,
For he has boundless riches.
God's treasures there are stored.
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Psalm 1:2-3 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Going Too Fast
When I'm "stuck" in racing mode
And need to have my thinking slowed,
Then I feel the Father's prod,
"Be still and know that I am God."
What sweet soothing from the Word,
Deep within my spirit heard,
Bringing me a sense of calm
As a wondrous, healing balm.
I am helped and am at peace
Because I've found His sweet release.
Whene'er I need Him, He is there
To slow me down and give me care.
"Be still, and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And need to have my thinking slowed,
Then I feel the Father's prod,
"Be still and know that I am God."
What sweet soothing from the Word,
Deep within my spirit heard,
Bringing me a sense of calm
As a wondrous, healing balm.
I am helped and am at peace
Because I've found His sweet release.
Whene'er I need Him, He is there
To slow me down and give me care.
"Be still, and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Prayer For Our Nation
Let righteousness and truth prevail.
Let sin and greed and evil pale.
For those burdens which we bear,
We beseech You, Lord, In prayer.
Give us wisdom day and night.
Let our beacon e'er shine bright.
Lord, we need Your mighty power
To guard us in this crucial hour.
Guide our leaders, one and all.
Let them always hear Your "call".
Our great strength lies in Your hand.
By Your mercies we will stand!
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
I Timothy 2:1-2 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Let sin and greed and evil pale.
For those burdens which we bear,
We beseech You, Lord, In prayer.
Give us wisdom day and night.
Let our beacon e'er shine bright.
Lord, we need Your mighty power
To guard us in this crucial hour.
Guide our leaders, one and all.
Let them always hear Your "call".
Our great strength lies in Your hand.
By Your mercies we will stand!
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
I Timothy 2:1-2 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 19, 2009
An Instant "Fix"
We have instant everything...
From food to photo pix,
So when we get in trouble
Then we want an instant fix!
It may not be that easy
Just to find a quick repair.
We may need to spend some time
In quiet thought and prayer.
The problem may be rooted
In an attitude or "view",
A blind spot or a need to learn
Why things have gone "askew".
A hurried "fix" may not be best
Or bring a good solution.
Fixes may take time to heal
For peaceful resolution.
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 27:14 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
From food to photo pix,
So when we get in trouble
Then we want an instant fix!
It may not be that easy
Just to find a quick repair.
We may need to spend some time
In quiet thought and prayer.
The problem may be rooted
In an attitude or "view",
A blind spot or a need to learn
Why things have gone "askew".
A hurried "fix" may not be best
Or bring a good solution.
Fixes may take time to heal
For peaceful resolution.
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 27:14 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A Fresh New Page
The new year is a fresh new page
Upon which we may write.
As we pray to find direction
God will fill it with His light.
We don't need to wonder
What it's monthly plans will hold.
He will guide our every step
And bless us manyfold.
As we fill it's pages
With His heavenly design,
The book we write will have much worth,
Reflecting Jesus in each line.
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Upon which we may write.
As we pray to find direction
God will fill it with His light.
We don't need to wonder
What it's monthly plans will hold.
He will guide our every step
And bless us manyfold.
As we fill it's pages
With His heavenly design,
The book we write will have much worth,
Reflecting Jesus in each line.
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 17, 2009
God's Workmanship
When we serve God in our everyday lives
We often may wonder just what He is doing.
We sometimes can't see the scope of His plan
Or don't understand what "gold" is accruing.
For "service" may even seem "dull" day-by-day
And may have appearance with not much import.
But nothing is lost in God's overall plan.
If we wait on Him, we'll not come up short.
He always will further His best plans for us
And lead us up mountains which we might not climb.
In the everyday workings of God in our lives
We can excel to great heights over time.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We often may wonder just what He is doing.
We sometimes can't see the scope of His plan
Or don't understand what "gold" is accruing.
For "service" may even seem "dull" day-by-day
And may have appearance with not much import.
But nothing is lost in God's overall plan.
If we wait on Him, we'll not come up short.
He always will further His best plans for us
And lead us up mountains which we might not climb.
In the everyday workings of God in our lives
We can excel to great heights over time.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tiny Trees
Children are as "seedlings"...
As tiny growing trees,
With tender, spreading boughs
Swaying in the breeze.
With nurture they will grow strong roots,
With trunk and limb of swelling size.
And they will grow in inner strength
As of wisdom they apprise.
As they grow in stature
And mature into strong trees,
They'll give shade or bear good fruit.
Their lives will surely please.
In every season of their growth
Each tree will be a blessing.
And by the nature of their lives
God's praise will be expressing.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As tiny growing trees,
With tender, spreading boughs
Swaying in the breeze.
With nurture they will grow strong roots,
With trunk and limb of swelling size.
And they will grow in inner strength
As of wisdom they apprise.
As they grow in stature
And mature into strong trees,
They'll give shade or bear good fruit.
Their lives will surely please.
In every season of their growth
Each tree will be a blessing.
And by the nature of their lives
God's praise will be expressing.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Angel Prayers
Prayers sent on angel wing
Peace and love will softly bring.
Gentle as the morning dew,
These sweet prayers make all things new.
Friendship prayers from the heart
Cause earthly problems to depart.
These are blessings flowing out
Like a healing waterspout...
To bring refreshing from above
And touch us with the Father's love.
I'm sure glad for friendship prayers.
It makes me know an "angel" cares.
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Peace and love will softly bring.
Gentle as the morning dew,
These sweet prayers make all things new.
Friendship prayers from the heart
Cause earthly problems to depart.
These are blessings flowing out
Like a healing waterspout...
To bring refreshing from above
And touch us with the Father's love.
I'm sure glad for friendship prayers.
It makes me know an "angel" cares.
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sparkling Clean
Dust collects quietly.... and without fanfare. And at first it isn't apparent. But then when things begin to feel grimy we realize, "Oops! I need to start cleaning!" So we dust or wash away all it's traces to make everything sparkle and shine again.
This is what happens to us daily as we are dealing with people and situations. In our spirits there is a "coating" or "clogging up" which happens, and it rests there as a layer, or sometimes even as a barrier. It makes us dull and prevents us from being on the cutting edge spiritually.
As we spend time in the presence of the Lord and in the Word and in prayer, the Lord will "polish" us up and make us sparkling clean. He cleanses away the dust of daily living, and we are free in the Spirit to be and do our very best!
"Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow..."
Psalm 51:7 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
This is what happens to us daily as we are dealing with people and situations. In our spirits there is a "coating" or "clogging up" which happens, and it rests there as a layer, or sometimes even as a barrier. It makes us dull and prevents us from being on the cutting edge spiritually.
As we spend time in the presence of the Lord and in the Word and in prayer, the Lord will "polish" us up and make us sparkling clean. He cleanses away the dust of daily living, and we are free in the Spirit to be and do our very best!
"Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow..."
Psalm 51:7 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Scrapbook Of Memories
A scrapbook of memories is fun to review.
It brings back reminders of good times we knew.
It's pages have captured events in our lives.
Our life is stored in it's paper archives.
But the scrapbook has pages which are not yet filled
Which offer excitement and new ways to "build".
The best pages wait for ideas and thought
Which have not yet come but need to be sought.
May your scrapbook be filled with beauty and worth
And burst at the seams with unending mirth.
May goodness and service fill all of your days
And your pages record events which amaze.
You'll be surprised at what Jesus can do...
So much more than you thought could come true.
In Him you will have excitement and fun,
And your scrapbook will say, "Just look what He's done!":
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It brings back reminders of good times we knew.
It's pages have captured events in our lives.
Our life is stored in it's paper archives.
But the scrapbook has pages which are not yet filled
Which offer excitement and new ways to "build".
The best pages wait for ideas and thought
Which have not yet come but need to be sought.
May your scrapbook be filled with beauty and worth
And burst at the seams with unending mirth.
May goodness and service fill all of your days
And your pages record events which amaze.
You'll be surprised at what Jesus can do...
So much more than you thought could come true.
In Him you will have excitement and fun,
And your scrapbook will say, "Just look what He's done!":
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Warm Touch
Neighbors come and neighbors go,
But some we never get to know.
We don't know the heavy cross
Which some may carry... or the loss.
But we can bless them by our prayers
And let them know that someone cares.
We can be a ray of hope
To those who cannot seem to cope.
Some may only need a smile
To help them go an extra mile,
Just to know they're not alone,
Because of friendship we have shown.
The world is harsh and cold for some,
But warmth we show may be the "crumb"
To perk them up and bring them joy...
A shining light and needed buoy.
"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat."
Proverbs 15:30 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But some we never get to know.
We don't know the heavy cross
Which some may carry... or the loss.
But we can bless them by our prayers
And let them know that someone cares.
We can be a ray of hope
To those who cannot seem to cope.
Some may only need a smile
To help them go an extra mile,
Just to know they're not alone,
Because of friendship we have shown.
The world is harsh and cold for some,
But warmth we show may be the "crumb"
To perk them up and bring them joy...
A shining light and needed buoy.
"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat."
Proverbs 15:30 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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