His Personal Touch..... Written all around us.....
A ray of sunlight..... breaking through the clouds......
Wild flowers on a hillside.... where no one planted them.....
A rainbow in the sky... appearing between sun and rain.....
The brilliance of a sunrise.....
or.....
The rich colors of a sunset.....
(Man has no paintbrush to equal this.....)
The melodic sound of a little bird singing.....
(How does so much sound come out of a tiny, feathered friend?)
The brilliant color in the fragile, paper-thin wing of a butterfly.....
The fragrance of a flower..... and the velvety feel of its petals.....
A dormant tree suddenly transformed into
A sea of fluffy blossoms and fragrance in spring.....
A fuzzy bumble bee visiting a flower for nectar.....
Then flying away to make honey.....
Seeds..... tiny seeds which grow into "plants" so big that
We can sit in the shade under them on a hot day.....
The wind..... and the power of His presence.....
"How excellent is Your name in all the earth....."
Psalm 8:1 NKJ
© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Mailman's Dog
Pixie was the mailman's dog. He didn't own her, but she chose him as her favorite person. Every morning when he went out to his mail route she would be waiting for him by his mail storage box. There was a bench there, and she would sit under the bench and wait.
He really couldn't chase her off, so he just let her follow along as he delivered the mail. He delivered on foot, carrying the mail in a leather bag on his shoulder. His route was in a very hilly, steep area, so he would deliver mail downhill and then ride the bus back up to the top to get more mail out of his storage box. He did this several times each day.
When Pixie first started following him she would get left behind each time he got on the bus. The bus driver saw her in his rear view mirror, running up the hill behind the bus. He felt sorry for her, so he said she could ride on the bus if the mailman would put her in his mailbag. She rode nicely, sitting up in the bag with her little front paws over the edge. And she got much attention from the passengers on the bus.
Lunchtime was fun too. The mailman ate lunch at the fire station and played chess with the firemen. Pixie had good manners and would just sit up and wait quietly by his side the whole time. So he bought milk bones for her so she could have some lunch too.
Pixie had her problems in bad weather. She was an Aberdeen Terrier, and because her legs were quite short, when it snowed the snow would cling to the fur on her belly in a big lump and she would get so she couldn't walk because of it. So the mailman took her all the way home because he felt sorry for her. But as soon as she thawed out and could sneak out the door, she would hunt him down and be right back out there with him. She was very loyal to him.
She was actually a good help for him many times. A lot of the home owners had watch dogs, and Pixie would distract the other dogs long enough that the mailman could deliver the mail and go on to the next house without worrying about a dog chasing him or trying to bite him.
Pixie became newsworthy when a reporter for the Oregon Journal became aware of her relationship with the mailman. The Journal printed several pictures and a large article about her in one of their Sunday papers, and then there were two more articles after that.
After a few years of this wonderful relationship, the mailman was promoted in his work and moved to a mail route in the downtown area. This was good for him because he would be inside office buildings and wouldn't have to be out in the weather anymore. But for Pixie it was a very sad day..... She had lost her very best friend.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
He really couldn't chase her off, so he just let her follow along as he delivered the mail. He delivered on foot, carrying the mail in a leather bag on his shoulder. His route was in a very hilly, steep area, so he would deliver mail downhill and then ride the bus back up to the top to get more mail out of his storage box. He did this several times each day.
When Pixie first started following him she would get left behind each time he got on the bus. The bus driver saw her in his rear view mirror, running up the hill behind the bus. He felt sorry for her, so he said she could ride on the bus if the mailman would put her in his mailbag. She rode nicely, sitting up in the bag with her little front paws over the edge. And she got much attention from the passengers on the bus.
Lunchtime was fun too. The mailman ate lunch at the fire station and played chess with the firemen. Pixie had good manners and would just sit up and wait quietly by his side the whole time. So he bought milk bones for her so she could have some lunch too.
Pixie had her problems in bad weather. She was an Aberdeen Terrier, and because her legs were quite short, when it snowed the snow would cling to the fur on her belly in a big lump and she would get so she couldn't walk because of it. So the mailman took her all the way home because he felt sorry for her. But as soon as she thawed out and could sneak out the door, she would hunt him down and be right back out there with him. She was very loyal to him.
She was actually a good help for him many times. A lot of the home owners had watch dogs, and Pixie would distract the other dogs long enough that the mailman could deliver the mail and go on to the next house without worrying about a dog chasing him or trying to bite him.
Pixie became newsworthy when a reporter for the Oregon Journal became aware of her relationship with the mailman. The Journal printed several pictures and a large article about her in one of their Sunday papers, and then there were two more articles after that.
After a few years of this wonderful relationship, the mailman was promoted in his work and moved to a mail route in the downtown area. This was good for him because he would be inside office buildings and wouldn't have to be out in the weather anymore. But for Pixie it was a very sad day..... She had lost her very best friend.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 29, 2006
Thank You, Mr. Soldier
Thank you, Mr. Soldier,
Whether past or present tense,
For guarding our great country,
For standing in defense.
Thank you, Sir, for bravely serving
In our freedom's cause.
We thank our God each day for you
And give you much applause!!!
In times of danger and of peril
With courage you stood strong.
We owe enormous debt to you
And will remember long.....
How you have given of your life
So we may safely dwell.
We salute each one of you.
You've served our country well!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Whether past or present tense,
For guarding our great country,
For standing in defense.
Thank you, Sir, for bravely serving
In our freedom's cause.
We thank our God each day for you
And give you much applause!!!
In times of danger and of peril
With courage you stood strong.
We owe enormous debt to you
And will remember long.....
How you have given of your life
So we may safely dwell.
We salute each one of you.
You've served our country well!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 28, 2006
A Prayer For Our Nation
A tired people, worn and weary,
Praying, standing..... in travail.
Hear our prayer and heal our nation.
Let truth be known and light prevail.
Protect our country, we beseech Thee,
Help us stand and not make error.
As darkness threatens to destroy us,
Strengthen us and hear our prayer.
Guide our leaders, keep them strong.
Let them seek to know Your way,
May they always use Your wisdom
Every hour throughout the day.
Quench the fires of hate and turmoil
Stirred within by evil men.
Help us, Lord, to work together,
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
"Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a
quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
I Timothy 2:1-2 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Praying, standing..... in travail.
Hear our prayer and heal our nation.
Let truth be known and light prevail.
Protect our country, we beseech Thee,
Help us stand and not make error.
As darkness threatens to destroy us,
Strengthen us and hear our prayer.
Guide our leaders, keep them strong.
Let them seek to know Your way,
May they always use Your wisdom
Every hour throughout the day.
Quench the fires of hate and turmoil
Stirred within by evil men.
Help us, Lord, to work together,
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
"Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a
quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
I Timothy 2:1-2 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 27, 2006
The Mosaic Of God's Purpose
A Prophecy
May 25, 2006
God is positioning His people in the Body to accomplish His purpose. As we are sensitive to His leading, He will establish us and set patterns for our lives. To walk in these patterns is to find and fulfill our greatest potential in Him.
If we do not understand our "assignment", (or may not even like it), we must remember that His design is always one of great beauty. He uses His people to create a mosaic of priceless worth. To be any part of His mosaic is a very great privilege.
Serving our awesome God..... at whatever level..... is the highest honor and calling we can have and is one which we should treasure with great joy.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,"
says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are
My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaish 55:8-9 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
May 25, 2006
God is positioning His people in the Body to accomplish His purpose. As we are sensitive to His leading, He will establish us and set patterns for our lives. To walk in these patterns is to find and fulfill our greatest potential in Him.
If we do not understand our "assignment", (or may not even like it), we must remember that His design is always one of great beauty. He uses His people to create a mosaic of priceless worth. To be any part of His mosaic is a very great privilege.
Serving our awesome God..... at whatever level..... is the highest honor and calling we can have and is one which we should treasure with great joy.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,"
says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are
My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaish 55:8-9 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 26, 2006
Happiness
Live simply..... love much..... know Jesus.
Live fruitfully..... give much..... bless Jesus.
Live honestly..... work hard..... serve Jesus.
Live purely..... honor God..... love Jesus.
Live humbly..... be thankful..... worship Jesus.
Live wisely..... pray much..... seek Jesus.
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."
John 10:27-28 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Live fruitfully..... give much..... bless Jesus.
Live honestly..... work hard..... serve Jesus.
Live purely..... honor God..... love Jesus.
Live humbly..... be thankful..... worship Jesus.
Live wisely..... pray much..... seek Jesus.
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."
John 10:27-28 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 25, 2006
A Safe Abode
Wisdom is a firm foundation
A pleasant place to make abode.
She will never change or tarnish,
Nor can time her strength erode.
In her house is understanding.....
Knowledge of the Holy One.
As we live within her shelter,
We will learn about God's Son.
Wisdom will watch over us,
Crying out when we make error.
She'll always guide us back to truth
And be our constant standard-bearer.
She is faithful, she is strong,
Able to discern all wrong.
Her fruit is better than fine gold.
Riches and honor to her belong.
"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver and her gain than fine gold."
Proverbs 2:13 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A pleasant place to make abode.
She will never change or tarnish,
Nor can time her strength erode.
In her house is understanding.....
Knowledge of the Holy One.
As we live within her shelter,
We will learn about God's Son.
Wisdom will watch over us,
Crying out when we make error.
She'll always guide us back to truth
And be our constant standard-bearer.
She is faithful, she is strong,
Able to discern all wrong.
Her fruit is better than fine gold.
Riches and honor to her belong.
"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver and her gain than fine gold."
Proverbs 2:13 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Rhymes And Good Times
When in my mind I hear a "jingle".....
And thoughts and words just start to mingle.....
Then words and phrases start to rhyme.....
I'm really having a very good time!
I run to get my paper and pen.
The "urge" to write is here again!
It's just great fun to pen a story
Or write a poem to give God glory!
Words flow morning, noon and night,
So every day I find delight!
I thank God for each precious line
And pray through me His light will shine.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And thoughts and words just start to mingle.....
Then words and phrases start to rhyme.....
I'm really having a very good time!
I run to get my paper and pen.
The "urge" to write is here again!
It's just great fun to pen a story
Or write a poem to give God glory!
Words flow morning, noon and night,
So every day I find delight!
I thank God for each precious line
And pray through me His light will shine.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Fruit Of Fine Gold
The fruit of the Spirit
Is as very fine gold.....
A much-desired treasure.....
Not bought and not sold.
As we walk in the Spirit
It's fruit will be learned.
As we love one another
It may be discerned.
For it will be found
In our actions each day,
And will bring good reward
As we practice it's way.
We never could pay
What this rare fruit is worth,
But our lives will be rich
As we let it have birth.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control....."
Galatians 5:22 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Is as very fine gold.....
A much-desired treasure.....
Not bought and not sold.
As we walk in the Spirit
It's fruit will be learned.
As we love one another
It may be discerned.
For it will be found
In our actions each day,
And will bring good reward
As we practice it's way.
We never could pay
What this rare fruit is worth,
But our lives will be rich
As we let it have birth.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control....."
Galatians 5:22 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 22, 2006
My Hope
Lord, You are as.....
A lighthouse on the shores of difficulty.....
A beacon of light in the night.....
A ray of hope streaming forth..... unwavering.....
A haven from the storms of life.....
where I may take refuge.....
A safe place.....
where I may find peace and rest, and
where I find warmth and comfort.....
You are my Hope and my Shelter.....
Jesus, my Lord
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen
your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
Psalm 31:24 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A lighthouse on the shores of difficulty.....
A beacon of light in the night.....
A ray of hope streaming forth..... unwavering.....
A haven from the storms of life.....
where I may take refuge.....
A safe place.....
where I may find peace and rest, and
where I find warmth and comfort.....
You are my Hope and my Shelter.....
Jesus, my Lord
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen
your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
Psalm 31:24 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 21, 2006
The Soil Of The Heart
A Prophecy
May 14, 2006
God wants to till the soil of our hearts in preparation to make a fresh planting.....
His tilling process will loosen up the hard ground. And if there are bitter roots or weeds or foreign plants trying to sprout, His fine tilling will discover and uncover them and root them out.
Some hearts may never have been tilled. Or maybe for some the soil has been dormant for a long time. Maybe for some, the tilling has only been shallow because the heart wasn't "ready" or willing to be finely tilled.
As we allow Him to till, the soil of our hearts is then ready to receive His new planting. That which He sows, as it is revered and allowed to flourish and is tended to, will become our richest purpose for this season.
God wants to bring His people to fruition. In this will we find our greatest joy.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
May 14, 2006
God wants to till the soil of our hearts in preparation to make a fresh planting.....
His tilling process will loosen up the hard ground. And if there are bitter roots or weeds or foreign plants trying to sprout, His fine tilling will discover and uncover them and root them out.
Some hearts may never have been tilled. Or maybe for some the soil has been dormant for a long time. Maybe for some, the tilling has only been shallow because the heart wasn't "ready" or willing to be finely tilled.
As we allow Him to till, the soil of our hearts is then ready to receive His new planting. That which He sows, as it is revered and allowed to flourish and is tended to, will become our richest purpose for this season.
God wants to bring His people to fruition. In this will we find our greatest joy.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 20, 2006
A Song Of Joy
A life filled with song is a life filled with beauty and rich expression. Oftentimes a lovely melody can encompass a range of emotions which man has no ability to speak, but which deeply touches the heart. To sing or play an instrument, or just to listen to music, increases one's ability to express or feel life itself in a greater dimension..... to know a deeper joy.
As one has a desire to worship God, the melody becomes fine-tuned and creative and sensitive.... and soon there is communion with our Lord and King, bringing joy and rest and deep peace.
Beautiful worship can touch and change a heart..... or bring healing to a weary soul.....
God is the Master Composer and can sponsor music in the heart which is beyond our understanding in the scope of its beauty. To praise our awesome God is the highest and fullest expression of song.....
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As one has a desire to worship God, the melody becomes fine-tuned and creative and sensitive.... and soon there is communion with our Lord and King, bringing joy and rest and deep peace.
Beautiful worship can touch and change a heart..... or bring healing to a weary soul.....
God is the Master Composer and can sponsor music in the heart which is beyond our understanding in the scope of its beauty. To praise our awesome God is the highest and fullest expression of song.....
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 19, 2006
Mirrors
The mirrors of the soul,
when filled with the Spirit of God,
reflect myriad colors and dimensions.....
Rich hues and glistening light.....
beyond what the mind comprehends.
As His Spirit moves within a life,
that life is as a living, revolving, glass ball
with many facets of light.....
Beautiful to see.....
A kaleidoscope of God's glory
resting there and causing change.
The beauty of the Lord in residence.....
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
when filled with the Spirit of God,
reflect myriad colors and dimensions.....
Rich hues and glistening light.....
beyond what the mind comprehends.
As His Spirit moves within a life,
that life is as a living, revolving, glass ball
with many facets of light.....
Beautiful to see.....
A kaleidoscope of God's glory
resting there and causing change.
The beauty of the Lord in residence.....
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 18, 2006
A Home Is Built
A house is built with wood and stone,
But it doesn't just become a home.
A home is built with love and care
By those who fill its rooms with prayer.
Day by day its strength is formed
As prayer by prayer its rooms are warmed.
Wisdom is its strong foundation,
Its walls are praise and celebration.
As fellowship and love abound,
Joy and laughter oft resound.
When happy hearts in God agree
The home is strong in unity.
A house just built with wood and stone
Will never quite become a home
Until its rooms are filled with love
As given from the Father above.
"Through 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
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But it doesn't just become a home.
A home is built with love and care
By those who fill its rooms with prayer.
Day by day its strength is formed
As prayer by prayer its rooms are warmed.
Wisdom is its strong foundation,
Its walls are praise and celebration.
As fellowship and love abound,
Joy and laughter oft resound.
When happy hearts in God agree
The home is strong in unity.
A house just built with wood and stone
Will never quite become a home
Until its rooms are filled with love
As given from the Father above.
"Through 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
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Fuzzy Little Bumble Bee
A Children's Poem
Little fuzzy bumble bee,
How I wish that I could see
Just how you make me honey sweet.
Honey is my favorite treat!
How do you make that sound I hear -
A buzzing sound upon my ear?
And when I see you fly away,
I wonder how you know the way.
Little fuzzy bumbly friend,
Does your day's work ever end?
Please come back and visit me.....
I'm glad God made you, little bee.
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Little fuzzy bumble bee,
How I wish that I could see
Just how you make me honey sweet.
Honey is my favorite treat!
How do you make that sound I hear -
A buzzing sound upon my ear?
And when I see you fly away,
I wonder how you know the way.
Little fuzzy bumbly friend,
Does your day's work ever end?
Please come back and visit me.....
I'm glad God made you, little bee.
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Smiles
A smile is as the gentle brush stroke
of an artist.....
Beauty painted from within
And reflected outward
To grace the countenance.....
And to bless another.
Your smile may be the sunlight
In someone's rainy day.
"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance....."
Proverbs 15:13 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
of an artist.....
Beauty painted from within
And reflected outward
To grace the countenance.....
And to bless another.
Your smile may be the sunlight
In someone's rainy day.
"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance....."
Proverbs 15:13 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 15, 2006
Running Too Fast
People are going too fast in this day.
They talk and they "rattle" and have much to say,
But don't recognize what is easy to see.
The message they leave is "It's all about me."
They're caught up in hobby and caught up in job,
And schedules they keep will their energies rob.
Their focus becomes "just keeping their pace",
But God doesn't want us to constantly "race".
Their relationships suffer with neighbor and friend
When activities center on "self" without end.
They "hear" but don't hear, and "see" but don't see.
They don't seem to know that "It's not about me."
If we don't reach out and listen and learn,
We'll tend to pass over another's concern.
God wants us to love and to always be kind.....
To not put self first, but balance to find.
We never will know who our neighbor might be
If we don't make change from "It's all about me!"
To put others first is really the key,
For relationship speaks about "both me and thee".
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek it's own....."
I Corinthians 13:4-5 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
They talk and they "rattle" and have much to say,
But don't recognize what is easy to see.
The message they leave is "It's all about me."
They're caught up in hobby and caught up in job,
And schedules they keep will their energies rob.
Their focus becomes "just keeping their pace",
But God doesn't want us to constantly "race".
Their relationships suffer with neighbor and friend
When activities center on "self" without end.
They "hear" but don't hear, and "see" but don't see.
They don't seem to know that "It's not about me."
If we don't reach out and listen and learn,
We'll tend to pass over another's concern.
God wants us to love and to always be kind.....
To not put self first, but balance to find.
We never will know who our neighbor might be
If we don't make change from "It's all about me!"
To put others first is really the key,
For relationship speaks about "both me and thee".
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek it's own....."
I Corinthians 13:4-5 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day
A HEART OF LOVE
A Heart Of Love.....
Speaks gently,
Sees clearly,
Listens, and is able to hear.
A Heart Of Love.....
Is not weak, but strong,
Does not fear, but is quietly confident,
Gives, without expecting return.
A Heart Of Love.....
Forgives.... and is free,
Shows mercy,
Is patient and forbearing.
A Heart Of Love
Is joyous,
Has peace, and
Is very full of Jesus.
"Love... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
I Corinthians 13:7-8 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A Heart Of Love.....
Speaks gently,
Sees clearly,
Listens, and is able to hear.
A Heart Of Love.....
Is not weak, but strong,
Does not fear, but is quietly confident,
Gives, without expecting return.
A Heart Of Love.....
Forgives.... and is free,
Shows mercy,
Is patient and forbearing.
A Heart Of Love
Is joyous,
Has peace, and
Is very full of Jesus.
"Love... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
I Corinthians 13:7-8 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Heaven's Song
A golden strand of worship
Is threaded through my day,
Woven in the fabric
Of all I think or say.
Rejoicing in my heart abounds,
As God brings forth rich melodies.
In my spirit I hear sounds
Of harps and choirs and symphonies.
Sweet music flows throughout my day
And gathers deep within my soul.
All my song shall be to Him.
With joy His Name I will extol.
This joy that flows from God above...
What sweet expression of His love.
"He has put a new song in my mouth - praise to our God."
Psalm 40:3a NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Is threaded through my day,
Woven in the fabric
Of all I think or say.
Rejoicing in my heart abounds,
As God brings forth rich melodies.
In my spirit I hear sounds
Of harps and choirs and symphonies.
Sweet music flows throughout my day
And gathers deep within my soul.
All my song shall be to Him.
With joy His Name I will extol.
This joy that flows from God above...
What sweet expression of His love.
"He has put a new song in my mouth - praise to our God."
Psalm 40:3a NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 12, 2006
The Heart Of The Body
A Vision and Prophecy
May 11, 2006
I "see" hard spots which have formed in hearts. These are the hearts of people, but what I am seeing also represents the "heart" of the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ has "hard spots".
God wants to pinpoint (identify) and change each hard spot in our hearts because the hard spots are causing the heart of the Body of Christ to malfunction. And He wants a healthy Body. Where there is resistance against His cleansing, He will expose the offending areas as a means of further trying to bring correction to the problem before He must bring judgment. There is a timing involved in this..... a short time..... before He will move, for He must move forward.
We have opportunity now to correct what He shows us. We must not resist but move quickly to respond to His calling. He is very merciful and will not expose us if we give heed to His call.
©2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
May 11, 2006
I "see" hard spots which have formed in hearts. These are the hearts of people, but what I am seeing also represents the "heart" of the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ has "hard spots".
God wants to pinpoint (identify) and change each hard spot in our hearts because the hard spots are causing the heart of the Body of Christ to malfunction. And He wants a healthy Body. Where there is resistance against His cleansing, He will expose the offending areas as a means of further trying to bring correction to the problem before He must bring judgment. There is a timing involved in this..... a short time..... before He will move, for He must move forward.
We have opportunity now to correct what He shows us. We must not resist but move quickly to respond to His calling. He is very merciful and will not expose us if we give heed to His call.
©2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 11, 2006
My Best Friend
All my thoughts are turned to You
To learn Your ways and know Your heart.
Throughout the day I wait on You
Fresh revelation to impart.
For You are Life and You are Light,
The answer for my every need.
Strength and purpose found in You
Will help me prosper and succeed.
I cannot walk through life alone.
I wouldn't even try.
For You alone direct my path.
Only You can satisfy.
You are my lifeline..... my best friend!
I long to hear Your voice,
That I might have a deeper walk.
What reason to rejoice!
"For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You."
Psalm 63:7-8 Amplified Bible
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To learn Your ways and know Your heart.
Throughout the day I wait on You
Fresh revelation to impart.
For You are Life and You are Light,
The answer for my every need.
Strength and purpose found in You
Will help me prosper and succeed.
I cannot walk through life alone.
I wouldn't even try.
For You alone direct my path.
Only You can satisfy.
You are my lifeline..... my best friend!
I long to hear Your voice,
That I might have a deeper walk.
What reason to rejoice!
"For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You."
Psalm 63:7-8 Amplified Bible
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Hope
I find that as I serve my God,
Each weary step my foot must trod
Is lightened by His love and grace.
I know my strength He will replace.
No matter what the burden is,
The battle isn't mine, but His.
I do not need to "fight" alone
Or by myself face the unknown.
When I can't see, He knows my way.
Therefore I lean on Him each day.
For He makes order out of chaos
And restores what may be loss.
He takes my struggles and dismay
And washes weariness away.
His love restores and helps me cope.
In Him I will rejoice and hope!
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart,
all you who hope in the Lord."
Psalm 32:24 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Each weary step my foot must trod
Is lightened by His love and grace.
I know my strength He will replace.
No matter what the burden is,
The battle isn't mine, but His.
I do not need to "fight" alone
Or by myself face the unknown.
When I can't see, He knows my way.
Therefore I lean on Him each day.
For He makes order out of chaos
And restores what may be loss.
He takes my struggles and dismay
And washes weariness away.
His love restores and helps me cope.
In Him I will rejoice and hope!
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart,
all you who hope in the Lord."
Psalm 32:24 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
One Ordinary Day
If you have pets, oftentimes what are the most ordinary days can turn into mountains of fun and laughter, or even instant uproar, in just a moment's time.....
One day my mom came over to my home, and while she was there offered to help me with some of my housework. She decided to do some vacuuming, which certainly would have been an ordinary task on most days. She was vacuuming in the dining room and pushed the vacuum cleaner under the dining room table. Because I had a pretty tablecloth on the table which hung down nicely on all sides, she didn't notice whether there was really anything under the table. She was just cleaning.
All of a sudden there was a loud squealing sound..... z-z-z-zzz. It startled her and she couldn't think what to do. I said, "Quick! Turn it off! There is something caught in the belt!" She wasn't used to my vacuum cleaner and couldn't remember where the switch was, so I rushed over there and clicked it off. Then she pulled the cleaner out from under the table to see what was the matter, and here was the dog! She had caught our dog in the vacuum cleaner!
There have only been a few times in my life that I laughed as hard as I did at that moment. Both of us went into hysterics! We laughed until the tears were running down our faces and our sides were aching..... and then still laughed some more.
After several minutes I realized we probably needed to do something about getting the poor mutt extricated from this strange situation. He had been sleeping on his back, so when she pushed the vacuum cleaner under the table she caught the long shaggy hair on his tail. The vacuum pulled part of his tail in, and this long hair was all wound around the roller. He was still on his back, wiggling to try to get up on his feet, which was a funny sight in itself. He couldn't quite figure out what had happened to him.
We couldn't just pull his tail back out, so I had to take the roller off the vacuum, which was no easy task with him still attached to it. Finally, after several minutes of trying to hold him still, I was able to remove the roller and get him untangled. The good part is that he wasn't hurt, but his tail looked even more shaggy than before.
Probably this would not happen again, but we learned to look under the table before we vacuumed, just in case..... I am writing this many years later, but it still brings laughter to me as I remember that funny scene.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
One day my mom came over to my home, and while she was there offered to help me with some of my housework. She decided to do some vacuuming, which certainly would have been an ordinary task on most days. She was vacuuming in the dining room and pushed the vacuum cleaner under the dining room table. Because I had a pretty tablecloth on the table which hung down nicely on all sides, she didn't notice whether there was really anything under the table. She was just cleaning.
All of a sudden there was a loud squealing sound..... z-z-z-zzz. It startled her and she couldn't think what to do. I said, "Quick! Turn it off! There is something caught in the belt!" She wasn't used to my vacuum cleaner and couldn't remember where the switch was, so I rushed over there and clicked it off. Then she pulled the cleaner out from under the table to see what was the matter, and here was the dog! She had caught our dog in the vacuum cleaner!
There have only been a few times in my life that I laughed as hard as I did at that moment. Both of us went into hysterics! We laughed until the tears were running down our faces and our sides were aching..... and then still laughed some more.
After several minutes I realized we probably needed to do something about getting the poor mutt extricated from this strange situation. He had been sleeping on his back, so when she pushed the vacuum cleaner under the table she caught the long shaggy hair on his tail. The vacuum pulled part of his tail in, and this long hair was all wound around the roller. He was still on his back, wiggling to try to get up on his feet, which was a funny sight in itself. He couldn't quite figure out what had happened to him.
We couldn't just pull his tail back out, so I had to take the roller off the vacuum, which was no easy task with him still attached to it. Finally, after several minutes of trying to hold him still, I was able to remove the roller and get him untangled. The good part is that he wasn't hurt, but his tail looked even more shaggy than before.
Probably this would not happen again, but we learned to look under the table before we vacuumed, just in case..... I am writing this many years later, but it still brings laughter to me as I remember that funny scene.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 08, 2006
Wisdom
Wisdom is a rich adornment
A lovely gift for sure,
And is found in full abundance
In God's Word so pure.
Wisdom is God's covering
To help us through each day,
Given to guide and guard us
Lest our footsteps go astray.
He spills it out around us
That we might careful be.
For as we seek to know His ways,
This gift will keep us free.
Long life and peace and happiness
Will follow all our days.
Health and strength and confidence
Will accompany our ways.
Happy is he who gathers it
And collects it in large measure,
Who savors the gold and silver in it.
For He will have found treasure.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
James 1:5 NKJ
"The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."
James 3:17 NKJ
© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A lovely gift for sure,
And is found in full abundance
In God's Word so pure.
Wisdom is God's covering
To help us through each day,
Given to guide and guard us
Lest our footsteps go astray.
He spills it out around us
That we might careful be.
For as we seek to know His ways,
This gift will keep us free.
Long life and peace and happiness
Will follow all our days.
Health and strength and confidence
Will accompany our ways.
Happy is he who gathers it
And collects it in large measure,
Who savors the gold and silver in it.
For He will have found treasure.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
James 1:5 NKJ
"The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."
James 3:17 NKJ
© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Think On These Things
When your spirit starts to sag
And daily musings tend to nag,
Remember all the Lord's good things
And feel your spirit take on wings.
If you don't focus as you should,
The bad things will o'erwhelm the good.
So daily choose a pleasant thought
And focus on what God has wrought.
It may not be an easy day,
But Jesus' light will chase away
All the worry, all the fear,
And fill your heart with joy and cheer.
In your bank of memories store
How He blessed you o'er and o'er.
Collect these thoughts as hidden treasure
And they will give abundant pleasure.
"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And daily musings tend to nag,
Remember all the Lord's good things
And feel your spirit take on wings.
If you don't focus as you should,
The bad things will o'erwhelm the good.
So daily choose a pleasant thought
And focus on what God has wrought.
It may not be an easy day,
But Jesus' light will chase away
All the worry, all the fear,
And fill your heart with joy and cheer.
In your bank of memories store
How He blessed you o'er and o'er.
Collect these thoughts as hidden treasure
And they will give abundant pleasure.
"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 06, 2006
A Sweet Little Child
The heart of a child is tender indeed,
And needs to be nurtured when he is in need.
For how will he face what to him is unknown
If he is not helped and just left all alone?
When he is loved his courage will grow.
His sense of well-being in his countenance will show.
He will be happy and willing to learn
If all those around him show loving concern.
Each little life is a wonderful treasure,
And when taken good care of will bring us much pleasure.
For how can we not love a sweet little child
Whose heart is so open and tender and mild?
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord....."
Psalm 127:3 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And needs to be nurtured when he is in need.
For how will he face what to him is unknown
If he is not helped and just left all alone?
When he is loved his courage will grow.
His sense of well-being in his countenance will show.
He will be happy and willing to learn
If all those around him show loving concern.
Each little life is a wonderful treasure,
And when taken good care of will bring us much pleasure.
For how can we not love a sweet little child
Whose heart is so open and tender and mild?
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord....."
Psalm 127:3 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 05, 2006
The Old Fir Tree
Once there was an old, old tree. And it had stood for many years, enduring storms and drought, wind and weather..... and broken limbs.....
Over the years many had gathered around its base and rested in its shade. Many found a place of refuge in its shadow. The tree was a symbol of strength, and its roots reached very deep.
It did not lose its leaves or have a season of rest, as some trees do, but was always green and stately and beautiful. The sound of the wind in its branches was soothing and restful.
I have known people whose lives are like that of the old tree..... who stand for long periods of time..... unwavering in their positions. They have strong foundations, and their lives are examples of deep strength and encouragement for others. They do not waver, though storms may threaten.
And even when they are old and "weathered", they are unchanged. By their steadfastness they are a glorious inspiration to many.....
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Over the years many had gathered around its base and rested in its shade. Many found a place of refuge in its shadow. The tree was a symbol of strength, and its roots reached very deep.
It did not lose its leaves or have a season of rest, as some trees do, but was always green and stately and beautiful. The sound of the wind in its branches was soothing and restful.
I have known people whose lives are like that of the old tree..... who stand for long periods of time..... unwavering in their positions. They have strong foundations, and their lives are examples of deep strength and encouragement for others. They do not waver, though storms may threaten.
And even when they are old and "weathered", they are unchanged. By their steadfastness they are a glorious inspiration to many.....
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Happy Birthday, Mom
"In tribute to my mother, Elsie Franzel, who is celebrating her 100th birthday today".....
One hundred years strong,
Through thick and through thin,
She marched right on
A century to win!
She did what was right
And worked very hard.
She always helped others
Without self-regard.
She raised many kids
And gave them good care.
As a mom she earned crowns
Which she proudly can wear.
She bore many burdens
And walked a long road,
But never did shirk
From carrying her load.
She bravely went forth
And conquered her woes.
No matter the battle
She always arose...
With courage and wisdom,
Perseverance and wit.
This is a lady
Who really has grit!!!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
One hundred years strong,
Through thick and through thin,
She marched right on
A century to win!
She did what was right
And worked very hard.
She always helped others
Without self-regard.
She raised many kids
And gave them good care.
As a mom she earned crowns
Which she proudly can wear.
She bore many burdens
And walked a long road,
But never did shirk
From carrying her load.
She bravely went forth
And conquered her woes.
No matter the battle
She always arose...
With courage and wisdom,
Perseverance and wit.
This is a lady
Who really has grit!!!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
A Gift From God
Each day is a gift from God.
Grab it and run!
Decide to do something great with it!
It is opportunity in your hands.
Each day look up.
Each day look forward.
These things we can do even when
standing in place.
Grow. Expand.
Never stop learning.
Never stop reaching out.
And by this God will enrich your life
and cause you to find new treasure.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above, and comes down from the Father
of lights, with whom there is no variation
or shadow of turning."
James 1:17 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Grab it and run!
Decide to do something great with it!
It is opportunity in your hands.
Each day look up.
Each day look forward.
These things we can do even when
standing in place.
Grow. Expand.
Never stop learning.
Never stop reaching out.
And by this God will enrich your life
and cause you to find new treasure.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above, and comes down from the Father
of lights, with whom there is no variation
or shadow of turning."
James 1:17 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Grace Is .....
.....Encouragement to win the race when we are tempted to
to quit.
.....A full measure provided when we only see half a measure.
.....The helping hand extended to pick us up when we have
stumbled or fallen.
.....His covering in a harsh and unyielding world.
.....Strength in the midst of weariness.
.....Sustenance in the midst of affliction.
.....Long-term when we are short-term
.....The ability to do more than we think we can.
.....The courage to function when in pain.
.....The ability to be strong in the face of weakness.
.....A resting place when we've stood for a long time.
.....An unfinished list, because.....
Grace is always more.
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance of every good work."
II Corinthians 9:8 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
to quit.
.....A full measure provided when we only see half a measure.
.....The helping hand extended to pick us up when we have
stumbled or fallen.
.....His covering in a harsh and unyielding world.
.....Strength in the midst of weariness.
.....Sustenance in the midst of affliction.
.....Long-term when we are short-term
.....The ability to do more than we think we can.
.....The courage to function when in pain.
.....The ability to be strong in the face of weakness.
.....A resting place when we've stood for a long time.
.....An unfinished list, because.....
Grace is always more.
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance of every good work."
II Corinthians 9:8 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 01, 2006
Treasure In Unexpected Places
When I see another person,
I wonder what lies within.
There may not be an outward clue
From age or size or color of skin.
Clothing, makeup, "class" or "style"
Are shallow coverings and give no hint,
For hidden in the plainest soul
Is the secret of God's blueprint.
The quiet wealth and great potential
Of His creative hand
At first glance are not seen or heard....
To know what things He planned.
All too often in life we pass
A treasure of pure gold,
And fail to see the beauty
Of that precious life unfold.
The loss is ours as we pass by
And hurry on our way.
God might have wanted to bless us,
Had we paused a moment to stay.
Ours might have been the cheerful note
So needed to uplift
And encourage that other person
To discover his own gift.
The lowliest soul or saddest neighbor
Could very wealthy be.
And maybe God desires to use him....
Even more than me...
Lord, help me to adjust my vision
And see as You would see....
To not look down upon another
But always humble be.
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better
than himself. Let each of you look out not only for
his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:3 4 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I wonder what lies within.
There may not be an outward clue
From age or size or color of skin.
Clothing, makeup, "class" or "style"
Are shallow coverings and give no hint,
For hidden in the plainest soul
Is the secret of God's blueprint.
The quiet wealth and great potential
Of His creative hand
At first glance are not seen or heard....
To know what things He planned.
All too often in life we pass
A treasure of pure gold,
And fail to see the beauty
Of that precious life unfold.
The loss is ours as we pass by
And hurry on our way.
God might have wanted to bless us,
Had we paused a moment to stay.
Ours might have been the cheerful note
So needed to uplift
And encourage that other person
To discover his own gift.
The lowliest soul or saddest neighbor
Could very wealthy be.
And maybe God desires to use him....
Even more than me...
Lord, help me to adjust my vision
And see as You would see....
To not look down upon another
But always humble be.
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better
than himself. Let each of you look out not only for
his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:3 4 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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