Soon the little crocus flowers
Will poke up through the snow,
In anticipation smiling.....
They just seem to know.....
That spring is not so far behind.
A bright new season's coming.
When spring's promise starts to sing
All nature will be strumming.
Bursting forth in color and hue,
Painted there with loving flair,
All creation joins in chorus,
Expressing God's love everywhere.
Little crocus in the snow,
You surely are an early sign
To tell us God will once again
Paint spring with glorious new design.
"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8:1 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Reach Out To Jesus
If your life is in torment
And your heart is bent low,
Your happiness waned
With naught left to show.....
Reach out to Jesus.....
Just whisper a prayer.
When you reach out
You will find He is there.
If you have reached
The depths of despair
And are so worn out
That you almost don't care...
Reach out to Jesus
And whisper a prayer.
Your load He will carry,
Your burden He'll bear.
In Him there is hope
And peace which is real.
He'll reach out to help you
And hear your appeal.
Reach out to Jesus
And whisper a prayer.
The answers you need
You will always find there.
"Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Psalm 55:22 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And your heart is bent low,
Your happiness waned
With naught left to show.....
Reach out to Jesus.....
Just whisper a prayer.
When you reach out
You will find He is there.
If you have reached
The depths of despair
And are so worn out
That you almost don't care...
Reach out to Jesus
And whisper a prayer.
Your load He will carry,
Your burden He'll bear.
In Him there is hope
And peace which is real.
He'll reach out to help you
And hear your appeal.
Reach out to Jesus
And whisper a prayer.
The answers you need
You will always find there.
"Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Psalm 55:22 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 29, 2007
A Special Day
God bless you on this special day.....
"What special day is this?" you say.....
Today was made for you and me
By our loving God..... That we might be
A blessing or a joy to one
Who doesn't know His Precious Son.
God gave His Son that we might live.
Now we have chance His love to give.
Those to whom His love we show
His Glorious Son may come to know.
What greater joy can fill this day
Than knowing one has found His way.....
"This is the day which the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 NKJ
© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf
"What special day is this?" you say.....
Today was made for you and me
By our loving God..... That we might be
A blessing or a joy to one
Who doesn't know His Precious Son.
God gave His Son that we might live.
Now we have chance His love to give.
Those to whom His love we show
His Glorious Son may come to know.
What greater joy can fill this day
Than knowing one has found His way.....
"This is the day which the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 NKJ
© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The Family Of God
The family of God is precious indeed,
Full of much love and full of "good seed".
Fellowship times are joyous and warm.
Often the love there will heal and transform.
We are not meant to "stand all alone",
And we treasure the friendship of those we have known.
We can stand strong..... in hope we abound
As this "family" we love gathers around.
Brother and sister, "standing" together,
Encourage each other and life's storms will weather.
Knitted and bonded in love for our Lord,
We give God the glory in joyous accord.
"..... Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:18-20 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Full of much love and full of "good seed".
Fellowship times are joyous and warm.
Often the love there will heal and transform.
We are not meant to "stand all alone",
And we treasure the friendship of those we have known.
We can stand strong..... in hope we abound
As this "family" we love gathers around.
Brother and sister, "standing" together,
Encourage each other and life's storms will weather.
Knitted and bonded in love for our Lord,
We give God the glory in joyous accord.
"..... Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:18-20 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Cats Need Nine Lives
Kitty Cat was wonderful! She was gentle and loving and was a wonderful pet. But from time to time she found herself in trouble.
We lived in a two-story house, and at the back of the house was a persimmon tree. Kitty Cat learned early that she could get up on the roof from the tree. She also learned that she could come into the house if a window was open.
In warm weather we would let her outside at night. But in the morning she would get on the roof, walk along the edge by the dormer, go in through a front window and "meow" at our daughter to feed her. She would jump up on the bed and "meow" right in her face, sometimes waking her up from a sound sleep.
One morning, as she was walking along the dormer, she fell off the roof, landing on top of the neighbor's cat, Whiskers. The fall didn't seem to hurt her, but Whiskers was all shook up. (He was a funny one... if he knew you were watching him he would limp. But if he didn't know you were watching, he walked normally.)
On another occasion Kitty Cat disappeared and we couldn't find her. It was hot weather, so we were really concerned. After three and one-half days a neighbor saw her in the window of another neighbor's garage. Apparently she slipped in there when he wasn't looking and then got locked in. When we brought her home she was dehydrated and somewhat disoriented. We gave her water and let her rest (the vet said not to give her food right away), and by the next morning she began to eat again. This time her curiosity had gotten her in trouble.
Kitty Cat wasn't very tall, but she was the undisputed queen of cats on our street. She never would back down when confronted by other cats... she won most battles. One battle, in particular, got her in trouble with the neighbors. She and another cat got into a battle in the middle of the night on the roof of a house two doors away. It was hot weather, and everyone had their windows open. The two cats made so much noise that all the neighbors were awakened and were out there watching... except me. Somehow I slept through the noise, which proved to be embarrassing the next morning. Finally the man who lived there, not knowing what else to do, got out his hose and squirted the cats to chase them away. Kitty Cat's reputation was in jeopardy with the neighbors for awhile.
Probably Kitty Cat had other close calls, but we didn't know about them. For the most part she was a wonderful cat, and our family truly enjoyed having her.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We lived in a two-story house, and at the back of the house was a persimmon tree. Kitty Cat learned early that she could get up on the roof from the tree. She also learned that she could come into the house if a window was open.
In warm weather we would let her outside at night. But in the morning she would get on the roof, walk along the edge by the dormer, go in through a front window and "meow" at our daughter to feed her. She would jump up on the bed and "meow" right in her face, sometimes waking her up from a sound sleep.
One morning, as she was walking along the dormer, she fell off the roof, landing on top of the neighbor's cat, Whiskers. The fall didn't seem to hurt her, but Whiskers was all shook up. (He was a funny one... if he knew you were watching him he would limp. But if he didn't know you were watching, he walked normally.)
On another occasion Kitty Cat disappeared and we couldn't find her. It was hot weather, so we were really concerned. After three and one-half days a neighbor saw her in the window of another neighbor's garage. Apparently she slipped in there when he wasn't looking and then got locked in. When we brought her home she was dehydrated and somewhat disoriented. We gave her water and let her rest (the vet said not to give her food right away), and by the next morning she began to eat again. This time her curiosity had gotten her in trouble.
Kitty Cat wasn't very tall, but she was the undisputed queen of cats on our street. She never would back down when confronted by other cats... she won most battles. One battle, in particular, got her in trouble with the neighbors. She and another cat got into a battle in the middle of the night on the roof of a house two doors away. It was hot weather, and everyone had their windows open. The two cats made so much noise that all the neighbors were awakened and were out there watching... except me. Somehow I slept through the noise, which proved to be embarrassing the next morning. Finally the man who lived there, not knowing what else to do, got out his hose and squirted the cats to chase them away. Kitty Cat's reputation was in jeopardy with the neighbors for awhile.
Probably Kitty Cat had other close calls, but we didn't know about them. For the most part she was a wonderful cat, and our family truly enjoyed having her.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 26, 2007
People Who Inspire
MURIEL
When I was a young girl growing up, a family with two daughters moved into the house across the street from us. Both the parents were crippled. The father was in a wheel chair and was in pain most of the time except in really warm weather. The mother, who had had polio, limped very badly bacause one leg was much shorter than the other.
We were drawn to them because of their circumstance, and we soon learned that this was a very special family. Muriel, the mother, worked in an office, but her husband could not work. The two daughters were in grade school.
Muriel was very tiny and frail-looking.... she probably didn't weigh more than 95 pounds.... and she walked with difficulty because one of her legs was much shorter than the other. But every morning, bright and early, she would go to her car and drive to work. We all wondered how she was even able to do this. On Sundays she would faithfully go to church.
She was always cheerful and would speak a positive word if we had conversation with her. There was much laughter in their house..... often we could hear them laughing. They had a humerous menagerie of pets.... a dog named "Clyde", which resembled a coyote and had funny-looking fur and a funny bark, a couple of cats, and a white duck named "Dewey".
My dad used to go and mow their lawn for them. Each time Muriel would try to pay him, but he would not take pay. She was careful never to lean on anyone, so when he mowed their lawn, she would bring him cookies, or a pair of dress socks, or just something to show appreciation.
One day, when I went to the corner grocery, I saw their younger daughter there. This was not unusual, except that we heard that the girl passed away from spinal meningitis just a few hours after I saw her.... How much more burden could one family bear....? It just seemed too much to think about. And yet, still, Muriel didn't waver or buckle under the weight of it.
Muriel had an inner strength and a positive attitude which inspired many.... the Lord was her strength.
"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
When I was a young girl growing up, a family with two daughters moved into the house across the street from us. Both the parents were crippled. The father was in a wheel chair and was in pain most of the time except in really warm weather. The mother, who had had polio, limped very badly bacause one leg was much shorter than the other.
We were drawn to them because of their circumstance, and we soon learned that this was a very special family. Muriel, the mother, worked in an office, but her husband could not work. The two daughters were in grade school.
Muriel was very tiny and frail-looking.... she probably didn't weigh more than 95 pounds.... and she walked with difficulty because one of her legs was much shorter than the other. But every morning, bright and early, she would go to her car and drive to work. We all wondered how she was even able to do this. On Sundays she would faithfully go to church.
She was always cheerful and would speak a positive word if we had conversation with her. There was much laughter in their house..... often we could hear them laughing. They had a humerous menagerie of pets.... a dog named "Clyde", which resembled a coyote and had funny-looking fur and a funny bark, a couple of cats, and a white duck named "Dewey".
My dad used to go and mow their lawn for them. Each time Muriel would try to pay him, but he would not take pay. She was careful never to lean on anyone, so when he mowed their lawn, she would bring him cookies, or a pair of dress socks, or just something to show appreciation.
One day, when I went to the corner grocery, I saw their younger daughter there. This was not unusual, except that we heard that the girl passed away from spinal meningitis just a few hours after I saw her.... How much more burden could one family bear....? It just seemed too much to think about. And yet, still, Muriel didn't waver or buckle under the weight of it.
Muriel had an inner strength and a positive attitude which inspired many.... the Lord was her strength.
"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Gossip
Gossip seems to sneak around.....
Behind one's back it can be found!
It starts a fire which won't go out
And really is a gadabout!
Lots of times it isn't true
And isn't worth the time to chew.
It can "upset the apple cart"
And many troubles it will start.
Do not speak what may be "hearsay".
Only truth should we convey.
True friends won't repeat a matter.
Neither will they lie or flatter.
When gossip rears it's ugly head,
Do not share what has been said.
From memory let the words erase
And thereby offer love and grace.
"He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends."
Proverbs 17:9 NKJ
"Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases."
Proverbs 26:20 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Behind one's back it can be found!
It starts a fire which won't go out
And really is a gadabout!
Lots of times it isn't true
And isn't worth the time to chew.
It can "upset the apple cart"
And many troubles it will start.
Do not speak what may be "hearsay".
Only truth should we convey.
True friends won't repeat a matter.
Neither will they lie or flatter.
When gossip rears it's ugly head,
Do not share what has been said.
From memory let the words erase
And thereby offer love and grace.
"He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends."
Proverbs 17:9 NKJ
"Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases."
Proverbs 26:20 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Finding Answers
In some things we do well,
In others we fail.
In some things we prosper,
In others we "ail".
There always are areas
Which will "need work",
And we sometimes have problems
Which really do "irk".
It's good to address
What the problem might be
And not to avoid it
Or "just wait and see".
Left unattended
The problem might grow,
Slowing us down
Or bending us low.
It's good to have patience
As we work it through
And ask God for wisdom
In just what to do.
He will give answers
When we are hard-pressed.
Then He will sustain us
And show us what's best.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
In others we fail.
In some things we prosper,
In others we "ail".
There always are areas
Which will "need work",
And we sometimes have problems
Which really do "irk".
It's good to address
What the problem might be
And not to avoid it
Or "just wait and see".
Left unattended
The problem might grow,
Slowing us down
Or bending us low.
It's good to have patience
As we work it through
And ask God for wisdom
In just what to do.
He will give answers
When we are hard-pressed.
Then He will sustain us
And show us what's best.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 22, 2007
His Yoke Is Easy
Sometimes the yokes that we bear are too much,
But there is no yoke which our Savior can't touch.
We need only ask Him to carry our load.
We're not meant to live in an "over-taxed" mode.
Sometimes the yokes that we carry are wrong...
When we take them on then we struggle along.
We should ask God what we're meant to bear,
For He will not give us more than our share.
What others put on us will only cause stress.
These are not burdens which we should address.
Our God will show us what truly is ours,
And by grace He will save us from that which devours.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But there is no yoke which our Savior can't touch.
We need only ask Him to carry our load.
We're not meant to live in an "over-taxed" mode.
Sometimes the yokes that we carry are wrong...
When we take them on then we struggle along.
We should ask God what we're meant to bear,
For He will not give us more than our share.
What others put on us will only cause stress.
These are not burdens which we should address.
Our God will show us what truly is ours,
And by grace He will save us from that which devours.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Eternity Waits
We do not now just what each day will bring,
But in Jesus is hope..... to Him we must cling.
If we walk in faith, then we need not fear.
If He is our Lord, our destiny is clear.
Eternity waits..... just one breath away.
There may not be time to speak or to pray.
We may not expect to "go home" very soon,
But it's well to be ready and be in "fine tune".
I had a cold, and it gave me a scare.
I coughed and I choked and I could not get air.
I cried out "Jesus", but couldn't speak more.
I needed His help my breath to restore.
Through this event I became more aware
Of how quickly we're gone and arrive "over there".
Heaven is glorious, Hell is BAD NEWS.
Have you decided which one YOU will choose?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But in Jesus is hope..... to Him we must cling.
If we walk in faith, then we need not fear.
If He is our Lord, our destiny is clear.
Eternity waits..... just one breath away.
There may not be time to speak or to pray.
We may not expect to "go home" very soon,
But it's well to be ready and be in "fine tune".
I had a cold, and it gave me a scare.
I coughed and I choked and I could not get air.
I cried out "Jesus", but couldn't speak more.
I needed His help my breath to restore.
Through this event I became more aware
Of how quickly we're gone and arrive "over there".
Heaven is glorious, Hell is BAD NEWS.
Have you decided which one YOU will choose?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Procrastination's Excuse
Procrastination waits and waits
And never seems to get much done.
She doesn't have much urgency
And simple tasks she seems to shun.
Instead of saying, "It can wait -
I'll deal with it another day",
She should rise and go to work
On each new task without delay.
For "waiting" is a tired game
And misses possibility.
It's better to be prompt and ready
And have accountability.
It's very freeing just to know
That there is nothing "pressing in".
To have a clean slate every day
Is just the best way to begin!
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."
Colossians 3:23 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And never seems to get much done.
She doesn't have much urgency
And simple tasks she seems to shun.
Instead of saying, "It can wait -
I'll deal with it another day",
She should rise and go to work
On each new task without delay.
For "waiting" is a tired game
And misses possibility.
It's better to be prompt and ready
And have accountability.
It's very freeing just to know
That there is nothing "pressing in".
To have a clean slate every day
Is just the best way to begin!
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."
Colossians 3:23 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 19, 2007
"Simple" Is Better
"Simple" is better.....
It often is best.
When things get complex
We sometimes can't rest.
Planning ahead
Is a good place to start.
Then things won't pile up
And we won't "fall apart".
We tend to have much.....
And want even more,
And all of our "stuff"
Becomes one great big chore!
Our schedules push us
And just wear us out.
We sometimes lose track
Of what life's all about.
If we take stock
We will probably find.....
"Simple" is better.....
It brings peace of mind!
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It often is best.
When things get complex
We sometimes can't rest.
Planning ahead
Is a good place to start.
Then things won't pile up
And we won't "fall apart".
We tend to have much.....
And want even more,
And all of our "stuff"
Becomes one great big chore!
Our schedules push us
And just wear us out.
We sometimes lose track
Of what life's all about.
If we take stock
We will probably find.....
"Simple" is better.....
It brings peace of mind!
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 18, 2007
New Thoughts For A New Year
Lord, purify my mind
By the filt'ring of Your Word.
Cleanse me from unuseful thoughts
And my thinking undergird.
I do not want my mind to be
So full that I can't hear
Your every whisper when You speak
Or sense when You are near.
Help my mind to just "be still
And know that You are God".
To never worry, fret or "race",
But by peace be wrapped and shod.
Let my discernment have increase
To recognize what's good and true.
Let my thinking patterns change
To make me more like You.
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind....."
Ephesians 4:23 KJV
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
Romans 12:2 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
By the filt'ring of Your Word.
Cleanse me from unuseful thoughts
And my thinking undergird.
I do not want my mind to be
So full that I can't hear
Your every whisper when You speak
Or sense when You are near.
Help my mind to just "be still
And know that You are God".
To never worry, fret or "race",
But by peace be wrapped and shod.
Let my discernment have increase
To recognize what's good and true.
Let my thinking patterns change
To make me more like You.
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind....."
Ephesians 4:23 KJV
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
Romans 12:2 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Iron Sharpens Iron
A Good Friend.....
Spurs you on to be better than you are.
Will always speak the truth to you in love.
Will not desert you in times of difficulty.
Is not threatened when you are successful or in the spotlight.
Will speak out if you are in danger of error.
Will stand with you in the face of unfair criticism.
Will not make selfish demands.
Will see you as Jesus sees you... and will rejoice!
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Proberbs 27:17 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Spurs you on to be better than you are.
Will always speak the truth to you in love.
Will not desert you in times of difficulty.
Is not threatened when you are successful or in the spotlight.
Will speak out if you are in danger of error.
Will stand with you in the face of unfair criticism.
Will not make selfish demands.
Will see you as Jesus sees you... and will rejoice!
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Proberbs 27:17 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Two Small Steaks
Years ago I had a wonderful friend who was very skilled at managing her food budget. She and her husband had two junior high age children, and at the time were trying to buy a home, so she had to stretch her food dollar as far as possible.
She wanted her family to have good nutrition, but she didn't have anything extra to spend on food. So this is what she did. She laid out a menu plan for a whole month at a time. She studied her recipes and wrote down what she was going to cook each day. Then the family would go shopping and buy everything needed for that month except the fresh vegetables and fruits. She was very diligent to follow her food plan, because there wasn't any extra money in the budget at that time.
One time she really desired to have steak, but she knew they couldn't afford it. Still she did want it, so she bought two steaks, thinking that if she cut them in half each person could have a small piece to eat. That evening she cooked dinner and set the platter with the two steaks, cut in half to make four pieces, on the table along with the rest of the dinner. The family sat down to eat. But first they joined hands and thanked God for His provision for them. When they were through praying and opened their eyes, they saw four full-sized steaks on the platter. God had multiplied the size of the steaks!
What an awesome God we have! He knew the desire of their hearts, and He lovingly blessed them.
"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus will I bless You while I live: I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips."
Psalm 63:3-5 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
She wanted her family to have good nutrition, but she didn't have anything extra to spend on food. So this is what she did. She laid out a menu plan for a whole month at a time. She studied her recipes and wrote down what she was going to cook each day. Then the family would go shopping and buy everything needed for that month except the fresh vegetables and fruits. She was very diligent to follow her food plan, because there wasn't any extra money in the budget at that time.
One time she really desired to have steak, but she knew they couldn't afford it. Still she did want it, so she bought two steaks, thinking that if she cut them in half each person could have a small piece to eat. That evening she cooked dinner and set the platter with the two steaks, cut in half to make four pieces, on the table along with the rest of the dinner. The family sat down to eat. But first they joined hands and thanked God for His provision for them. When they were through praying and opened their eyes, they saw four full-sized steaks on the platter. God had multiplied the size of the steaks!
What an awesome God we have! He knew the desire of their hearts, and He lovingly blessed them.
"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus will I bless You while I live: I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips."
Psalm 63:3-5 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 15, 2007
Healing Words
Have you ever noticed
How a soft word brings a smile.....
How kindness of expression
Seeks to "go the second mile"?
Even though the words we hear
May not be very pleasant.
Kindness and a soft approach
Will show that love is present.
A smile can show acceptance
And encourage one who's down.
Gentle words can heal
And erase another's frown.
This may not be easy
If the other won't "relate",
And yet it's really worth a try.....
You'll find that the rewards are great!
"A soft answer turneth away wrath....."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
How a soft word brings a smile.....
How kindness of expression
Seeks to "go the second mile"?
Even though the words we hear
May not be very pleasant.
Kindness and a soft approach
Will show that love is present.
A smile can show acceptance
And encourage one who's down.
Gentle words can heal
And erase another's frown.
This may not be easy
If the other won't "relate",
And yet it's really worth a try.....
You'll find that the rewards are great!
"A soft answer turneth away wrath....."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, January 14, 2007
The Potter's Wheel
You are the potter and I am the clay.
By Your loving hands, make of me as You may.
Mold me and shape me and make me to be
A vessel that's worthy of service to Thee.
If by adversity I should be broken,
Let no negativity by me be spoken.
But let me be yielded as I face the test,
Knowing You'll rebuild me. In that I will rest.
Your wheel was the place of beginning for me.
It was there as mere clay that I learned to "see".....
And now I will wait should Your wheel again turn,
For I'll be made new, and from You I will learn.
"But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and
You our potter; and all we are the work of your hand."
Isaiah 64:8 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
By Your loving hands, make of me as You may.
Mold me and shape me and make me to be
A vessel that's worthy of service to Thee.
If by adversity I should be broken,
Let no negativity by me be spoken.
But let me be yielded as I face the test,
Knowing You'll rebuild me. In that I will rest.
Your wheel was the place of beginning for me.
It was there as mere clay that I learned to "see".....
And now I will wait should Your wheel again turn,
For I'll be made new, and from You I will learn.
"But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and
You our potter; and all we are the work of your hand."
Isaiah 64:8 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Weathering The Storms
We always are hoping for God's very best
And don't like to think that we may have a "test".
There surely will be times when we just get weary,
And that which we face may not seem all that cheery.
We sometimes can't conquer life's trials on our own,
But we have God's promise we'll not be alone.
He will not forsake us in trials we face
But will pour out His mercy, His love and His grace.
He gives us perspective and helps us to see
That our own solutions have no guarantee.
As we then trust Him and seek Him in prayer,
In all of our circumstance He is right there.
He won't let us stumble or waver or fall
But will help us through trials..... whether great big or small.
In Him we have joy..... no matter the trial.
He carries our burdens and helps us to smile.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And don't like to think that we may have a "test".
There surely will be times when we just get weary,
And that which we face may not seem all that cheery.
We sometimes can't conquer life's trials on our own,
But we have God's promise we'll not be alone.
He will not forsake us in trials we face
But will pour out His mercy, His love and His grace.
He gives us perspective and helps us to see
That our own solutions have no guarantee.
As we then trust Him and seek Him in prayer,
In all of our circumstance He is right there.
He won't let us stumble or waver or fall
But will help us through trials..... whether great big or small.
In Him we have joy..... no matter the trial.
He carries our burdens and helps us to smile.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 12, 2007
Grandpa's Horse
Hilarious Moments
The horse jumped over the fence one day,
For she wanted to eat some oats and some hay.
She went to the barn and opened the door.
By using her teeth she moved the latch o'er.
Then she went in and found oats in a sack,
And she ate much more than just having a snack.
She overdid, and the oats made her sick.
The farmer then thought, "This horse I will trick."
He decided to buy an "electric" fence.
But the horse outwitted the fence with "horse sense".
She listened to hear the "click" the fence made.
It if wasn't turned on, then she wasn't afraid.
Over the fence she jumped with great ease,
Thinking her appetite she would appease.
But the farmer's son saw her and thought with some glee,
"I'll fix this horse... I'm smarter than she."
He found an egg a chicken had laid.
It had been there awhile and was somewhat decayed.
He hid in the barn and stayed very still
Until the horse entered. And then with great skill...
He threw the egg to startle the horse,
And splattered the egg in her mouth with some force.
She ran out the door with her nose to the ground.
With her mouth in the dirt she ran all around.
Then she ran through the marsh, and snorted and neighed.
What a high price for the oats she had paid!
She was dragging her nose to try to erase
The smell and the egg from off of her face.
Grandpa then changed the latch on the door,
But she still tried to get in and find the food "store".
She was much smarter than horses should be.
That she could outwit him, he would agree.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The horse jumped over the fence one day,
For she wanted to eat some oats and some hay.
She went to the barn and opened the door.
By using her teeth she moved the latch o'er.
Then she went in and found oats in a sack,
And she ate much more than just having a snack.
She overdid, and the oats made her sick.
The farmer then thought, "This horse I will trick."
He decided to buy an "electric" fence.
But the horse outwitted the fence with "horse sense".
She listened to hear the "click" the fence made.
It if wasn't turned on, then she wasn't afraid.
Over the fence she jumped with great ease,
Thinking her appetite she would appease.
But the farmer's son saw her and thought with some glee,
"I'll fix this horse... I'm smarter than she."
He found an egg a chicken had laid.
It had been there awhile and was somewhat decayed.
He hid in the barn and stayed very still
Until the horse entered. And then with great skill...
He threw the egg to startle the horse,
And splattered the egg in her mouth with some force.
She ran out the door with her nose to the ground.
With her mouth in the dirt she ran all around.
Then she ran through the marsh, and snorted and neighed.
What a high price for the oats she had paid!
She was dragging her nose to try to erase
The smell and the egg from off of her face.
Grandpa then changed the latch on the door,
But she still tried to get in and find the food "store".
She was much smarter than horses should be.
That she could outwit him, he would agree.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Satisfied In Him
To be satisfied in Jesus
Gives my daily cares release.
To be satisfied in Him
Fills my heart with joy and peace.
When I receive all that He is
I worry not about my needs.
When I am in His presence
My hungry soul He feeds.
Jesus brings me balance
And gives me sound direction.
He is my "compass" every day
And gives me His protection.
When daily pressure "wants it's way"
In Him I am serene and calm.
In the midst of all I do
He is as soothing, healing balm.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Gives my daily cares release.
To be satisfied in Him
Fills my heart with joy and peace.
When I receive all that He is
I worry not about my needs.
When I am in His presence
My hungry soul He feeds.
Jesus brings me balance
And gives me sound direction.
He is my "compass" every day
And gives me His protection.
When daily pressure "wants it's way"
In Him I am serene and calm.
In the midst of all I do
He is as soothing, healing balm.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
A Sweet Refrain
The people sang a sweet refrain.....
A great old hymn from long ago.
The music flowed in beauteous strain.
It warmed my heart and made tears flow.
How sweet the hymns which have been penned
In worship to our Lord and King,
With words which all my cares transcend
And make me want to praise and sing.
Worshipping in hymn and psalm,
Singing words from ages past,
Brings an inner peace and calm,
And stirs up memories which last.
".....Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord....."
Ephesians 5:18-19 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A great old hymn from long ago.
The music flowed in beauteous strain.
It warmed my heart and made tears flow.
How sweet the hymns which have been penned
In worship to our Lord and King,
With words which all my cares transcend
And make me want to praise and sing.
Worshipping in hymn and psalm,
Singing words from ages past,
Brings an inner peace and calm,
And stirs up memories which last.
".....Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord....."
Ephesians 5:18-19 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Winter's Blessing
In the still of winter
As the earth has rest from labor,
I ponder what the year will bring
As spring begins to stir.
The quiet hush of snowfall,
As it wraps my world in white,
Speaks peace into my spirit,
Does rest and pause invite.....
.....To reflect on Christ my Lord
And blessings given throughout the year,
And then to wait for Him to speak
And the new year's promise to appear.
Gentle snowflakes - winter wonder
Blanketing and covering all.....
A precious time to seek His purpose.....
Even as snow, let manna fall.....
"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.....
On You I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4, 5b NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As the earth has rest from labor,
I ponder what the year will bring
As spring begins to stir.
The quiet hush of snowfall,
As it wraps my world in white,
Speaks peace into my spirit,
Does rest and pause invite.....
.....To reflect on Christ my Lord
And blessings given throughout the year,
And then to wait for Him to speak
And the new year's promise to appear.
Gentle snowflakes - winter wonder
Blanketing and covering all.....
A precious time to seek His purpose.....
Even as snow, let manna fall.....
"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.....
On You I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4, 5b NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 08, 2007
The Hem Of His Garment
I saw a woman, hurting so much.
She really needed a healing touch.
I could sense her tears and feel her pain.
Revealed in her face were weariness and strain.
She sat and she read in her Bible that day,
Which certainly is the very best way
To find strength and courage for every task.
For God hears our prayers and all that we ask.
He is the One Who is able to heal
All that our bodies may suffer and feel.
Even though doctors will do all they can,
Her answer is faith in God's healing plan.
"For she said to herself, 'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.' But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, 'Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.' And the woman was made well from that hour."
Matthew 9:21-22 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
She really needed a healing touch.
I could sense her tears and feel her pain.
Revealed in her face were weariness and strain.
She sat and she read in her Bible that day,
Which certainly is the very best way
To find strength and courage for every task.
For God hears our prayers and all that we ask.
He is the One Who is able to heal
All that our bodies may suffer and feel.
Even though doctors will do all they can,
Her answer is faith in God's healing plan.
"For she said to herself, 'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.' But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, 'Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.' And the woman was made well from that hour."
Matthew 9:21-22 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, January 07, 2007
A House Of Peace
This shall be a house of peace.
Kind words shall be it's measure.....
Where love and gentleness quietly rest,
And joy and laughter bring much pleasure.
Understanding fills each room,
And wisdom rests there undisturbed.....
A holy place before the Lord
Where not a thought shall be perturbed.
.....A place of respite from all stress,
A place of healing for the soul,
A place of worship and of prayer
Where brokenness can be made whole.
.....A sheltered place of love and warmth.
When entering in all troubles cease.
The fragrance of the Lord abounds.....
To fill this precious house of peace.
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."
Psalm 119:165 KJV
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Kind words shall be it's measure.....
Where love and gentleness quietly rest,
And joy and laughter bring much pleasure.
Understanding fills each room,
And wisdom rests there undisturbed.....
A holy place before the Lord
Where not a thought shall be perturbed.
.....A place of respite from all stress,
A place of healing for the soul,
A place of worship and of prayer
Where brokenness can be made whole.
.....A sheltered place of love and warmth.
When entering in all troubles cease.
The fragrance of the Lord abounds.....
To fill this precious house of peace.
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."
Psalm 119:165 KJV
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Hiding Place
Lord, You are my hiding place,
My shelter from life's storms.
Your covering upon my life
An ark of safety forms.
I will find my strength in You,
For You are my high tower.
You rule and reign in majesty
With glory, might and power.
I find rest and confidence
'Neath the shadow of Your wing.
You give Your angels charge o'er me
And cause my heart to sing.
Always I am "safe" in You
As You guide my steps and days.
You are my refuge and my shield,
"Keeping" me in all my ways.
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
My shelter from life's storms.
Your covering upon my life
An ark of safety forms.
I will find my strength in You,
For You are my high tower.
You rule and reign in majesty
With glory, might and power.
I find rest and confidence
'Neath the shadow of Your wing.
You give Your angels charge o'er me
And cause my heart to sing.
Always I am "safe" in You
As You guide my steps and days.
You are my refuge and my shield,
"Keeping" me in all my ways.
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, January 05, 2007
Seeing Others Clearly
We sometimes form an attitude about another person,
Not giving recognition 'cause we've put them in a "box".
The "box" is formed by pre-set thoughts and "too-quick" observation.
It then looks down on that dear one and sometimes even mocks.
It's wrong to think we know someone and "judge" them in our hearts.
If God is working in that life, we mock what He designed.
It may be God brought that one to speak into our life.
Though we don't think they have import, they may have been "assigned"!
How very careful we must be to not "de-value" anyone
Nor put a "binding" on a life because we don't see clearly.
This may shortchange who they could be and cause them pain and fear.
They may not know just how you feel, but you've still hurt them dearly.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Philippians 2:3 KJV
2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Not giving recognition 'cause we've put them in a "box".
The "box" is formed by pre-set thoughts and "too-quick" observation.
It then looks down on that dear one and sometimes even mocks.
It's wrong to think we know someone and "judge" them in our hearts.
If God is working in that life, we mock what He designed.
It may be God brought that one to speak into our life.
Though we don't think they have import, they may have been "assigned"!
How very careful we must be to not "de-value" anyone
Nor put a "binding" on a life because we don't see clearly.
This may shortchange who they could be and cause them pain and fear.
They may not know just how you feel, but you've still hurt them dearly.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Philippians 2:3 KJV
2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Pets Are Important Too
One evening the guys in our family went out and took our dog, Scruffy, with them. They were gone for a few hours, and we didn't see them again until just after 9:00 p.m.
When they came in I noticed that Scruffy was limping. Apparently they had been running with Scruffy on the leash, and somehow Scruffy, in the excitement, got tangled in the leash, dragging one back leg on the pavement. Since it was dark out they didn't really see the extent of what had happened to him until they got home.
I looked at his leg and was horrified. The fur and skin on his back knee joint were rubbed away and I could actually see right into the knee joint. It was too late in the day to take him to the vet, so, not knowing what to do for him, I prayed and asked God to heal him.
By morning he could not walk. So as soon as the veterinary clinic opened, we took him in. The vet looked at the problem and said that infection had set in. He needed to keep him overnight so that he could give him antibiotics and then observe his progress.
As we came out of the clinic, I remember thinking, "It's sure going to be 'dead' around the house without this little guy to liven things up", and, "I sure hope he gets well", and, "His leg sure won't look very good with all the fur gone". So I went home and prayed again that God would heal him.
God heard my prayers. Scruffy only had to stay at the veterinary clinic till the next morning because his progress had been good. We could see that he was healing up nicely, and when we brought him home, again he could run all over the house. But God was yet going to do something really special in this situation. Not only did He totally heal Scruffy's knee, but all the fur grew back within a week or so! The vet had said it would take several weeks.
Surely God cares for our pets when we pray for them!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
When they came in I noticed that Scruffy was limping. Apparently they had been running with Scruffy on the leash, and somehow Scruffy, in the excitement, got tangled in the leash, dragging one back leg on the pavement. Since it was dark out they didn't really see the extent of what had happened to him until they got home.
I looked at his leg and was horrified. The fur and skin on his back knee joint were rubbed away and I could actually see right into the knee joint. It was too late in the day to take him to the vet, so, not knowing what to do for him, I prayed and asked God to heal him.
By morning he could not walk. So as soon as the veterinary clinic opened, we took him in. The vet looked at the problem and said that infection had set in. He needed to keep him overnight so that he could give him antibiotics and then observe his progress.
As we came out of the clinic, I remember thinking, "It's sure going to be 'dead' around the house without this little guy to liven things up", and, "I sure hope he gets well", and, "His leg sure won't look very good with all the fur gone". So I went home and prayed again that God would heal him.
God heard my prayers. Scruffy only had to stay at the veterinary clinic till the next morning because his progress had been good. We could see that he was healing up nicely, and when we brought him home, again he could run all over the house. But God was yet going to do something really special in this situation. Not only did He totally heal Scruffy's knee, but all the fur grew back within a week or so! The vet had said it would take several weeks.
Surely God cares for our pets when we pray for them!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
A God-Shaped Heart
Lord, give me a heart that is loving and kind.
Cause me to "see" and not to be blind.
In my actions and thoughts and responses each day
Let my heart be as Yours..... in every way.
If I am selfish and have hidden pride
Or let jealous thoughts and anger reside,
My heart will grow hard and cease to be gentle,
Unhappy and sad..... and quite temperamental.
If I'm not faithful and open with You
But am closed and resentful in things that I do,
My heart will have "holes" where Your beauty should be.
Even that which I have will seem warped and "off-key".
May Your love and Your kindness in my heart abound.
Let patience and gentleness always be found.
May mercy and grace in my heart always be,
So that others see You and Your beauty..... not me.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24 KJV
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Cause me to "see" and not to be blind.
In my actions and thoughts and responses each day
Let my heart be as Yours..... in every way.
If I am selfish and have hidden pride
Or let jealous thoughts and anger reside,
My heart will grow hard and cease to be gentle,
Unhappy and sad..... and quite temperamental.
If I'm not faithful and open with You
But am closed and resentful in things that I do,
My heart will have "holes" where Your beauty should be.
Even that which I have will seem warped and "off-key".
May Your love and Your kindness in my heart abound.
Let patience and gentleness always be found.
May mercy and grace in my heart always be,
So that others see You and Your beauty..... not me.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24 KJV
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Service - A Gift Of Love
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, January 01, 2007
A New Year's Flame
For God has plans which will excite.
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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