Monday, April 30, 2007

The Gift Of Laughter

Laughter is a healing balm
To counter stress and sponsor calm.
It brings release from tension's grip
And brightens up relationship.

It helps the day to not "just drag"
And helps your spirit not to sag.
It's good to laugh and have some fun,
For soon you'll find your work is done!

It will offset doom and gloom
And make your countenance to bloom.
Laughter is a precious gift...
To give your heart a happy lift.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine....."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Instant In Season

How blessed the man who is "instant in season",
Who is strong in his faith and can give you good reason
Why he is a follower of Jesus as Lord
And tell you about heaven's future reward.

How blessed the man who will pray when you call,
Who "hears" your heart cry and will not let you fall,
Who has the compassion to stand by your side,
Who is gentle in spirit, and in prayer will abide.

How blessed the man who will bring joy to others,
Who goes about doing good deeds for his brothers,
Whose motto is "serving all" those he will meet,
Whose life is like Jesus... in all ways complete.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear....."
I Peter 3:15 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 28, 2007

City Kids - Learning To Farm

My dad really enjoyed farming, and he tilled up a large field so that we could plant vegetables and berries. Mom loved to can vegetables and fruit, so this idea appealed to her too.

When the field was ready, Dad went into town and bought two hundred strawberry plants. He left instructions for my brothers to work on planting the berry plants when they came home from school, which they did.

The next day I remember my dad saying to my brothers, "I thought I told you to plant those strawberry plants." They answered him, "We did."

They had done their job, but they had planted the berries the way you would plant potatoes. They buried them in the ground!!! The next day my dad was out there trying to carefully dig up the strawberry plants and plant them correctly. What a job! But he was successful. We did have strawberries to eat.

Little by little we became "farm" kids, but not without a few laughs during our learning time.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 27, 2007

Finding God's Purpose

What is God doing in my life today?
I want to know just what He would say...
I'm trying, and working, His will to fulfill,
But everyday tasks are a tedious "drill".

If what I'm doing is all in His plan,
Then I can take joy in what He began.
I don't want to miss what He has prepared.
From useless endeavors I want to be spared.

His overview and His vision for me
Will cause me to grow... this is the key.
Finding His purpose brings constant delight.
In this I can "rest", for He is my light.

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-6 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 26, 2007

A Re-Charged Battery

When our children were in grade school both of them needed orthodontic work on their teeth. So we made many trips to the orthodontist's office over time. His office was in an area which required driving up a long, steep hill. I never liked that hill from the first time I drove on it.

One summer day (a very hot day) I was coming down this hill and my battery went dead. Since I had power steering and power-assist brakes, I had trouble steering and also lost some of my braking ability. I started praying really hard. I truly needed God's intervention in this situation, and I could feel Him holding the car back. When I got to the bottom I needed to get off of that street because there wasn't any place to pull over. After a few blocks I turned onto a side street and coasted to a stop. Making the turn was difficult without my power steering to help me.

There we sat... probably twelve miles away from home. I tried to re-start the car but heard no sound. It was totally dead. Again we started to pray. I tried the starter one last time, and it started! I sat there a minute to see if it would keep running... and it did. This had to be the hand of God helping us.

We drove all the way back home and went straight to the service station by our house. I asked the man there to re-charge the battery, and we then walked home. He called me a short time later and said, "Your battery is totally gone. There is nothing left in it." We had come all the way back home on a dead battery!

As I look back on that day I praise God for His miracle of safety for me and my two children. Truly, His angels were all around us in that situation!


"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91:11 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

You Are Our Strength

Let our foundations be rebuilt in You.
Let us recover the good and the true.
Help us discern in which way we've made error
And humbly return to a framework of prayer.

Lord, help us reset our sights and our goals,
Lest our present direction take sorrowful tolls.
Forgive us for trying to "do it OUR way"
And not letting You have adequate "say".

We need Your help in this time of great stress
As we undertake the need to address
The challenges caused by our error and pride.
Save us, O God, from evil's ill tide.

Heal our hearts from selfish ambition,
That we might take on a Godly position.
You are our strength and power and might
To help us stand strong for that which is right!

"God is our strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

An Answer Today

If you carry scars
And have been betrayed,
The price for your pain
Has already been paid.

The wounds which you suffered
Were borne on the cross
So you might be healed
from your pain and your loss.

God's great compassion
For you and for me
Moved Him to offer
His Son on the tree.

The blood that was shed
Brought redemption from sin
And healing from illness
Or wounding within.

The cross offers help
For your problems today
As a sweet healing balm...
God's love to convey.

How great is our God,
Who opened His heart,
His great lovingkindness
And joy to impart.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 23, 2007

Ice Cream Sundae

So many flavors of ice cream... yum-yum!
And so many toppings and nuts to choose from!
Chocolate and cherry and pineapple too...
And maybe some berries... our sweet tooth to woo.

When all is combined, it still isn't done
Until we add whipped cream... this makes it "A-1"!
E'en though we chose what is likely too much,
The whipped cream is just the right finishing touch.

In life we're creative in all that we do,
But we still need Jesus' perspective and view.
We put together what may seem quite nice,
But without His "covering" we may pay a price.

He is the "whipped cream"... the ultimate best!
He is Who makes all we do to be blessed.
When we include Him in all that we do
Then we may savor His blessings anew.

"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 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Responding In Love

When "feathers get ruffled" and "fur starts to fly",
When things have gone wrong and tension is high,
Don't let emotion have rule in your day,
For "reaction" will build and add fuel to the fray.

Be slow to anger and be slow to speak.
It's best to be quiet, lest havoc you wreak.
A well-thought-out answer will soothe and correct,
Will bring understanding and anger deflect.

Diplomacy, measured with love and good will,
Will overcome strife with kindness and skill.
Responding in love will console and bring healing...
A wonderful way to establish good feeling.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
James 1:19-20 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Three Nails

My mother, when she was nearing 70, attended a church picnic and, while there, entered a competition...

The men were having a competition to see how fast they could drive three 16-penny nails into a log. Mom grabbed a hammer and three nails, and with three hits on each one drove those nails into the log while the men were standing there with their mouths open. She was the only one who could drive the nails in without bending them.

While this is a humorous picture, what a picture it is! She hit the nails squarely on the head. She took aim at the target and did not miss the mark. She was strong and would do quickly what others might hesitate to do.

It speaks profoundly of who she was and how she lived her life. In any given situation her discernment enabled her to make an accurate evaluation and then do what was neceswsary to be done. She moved quickly, and her actions were always positive and correct.

This was a lady who bravely tackled many different challenges in her long life, conquered many mountains and who wasn't afraid of trying something new..... including pounding nails into a log.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Faithful Footsteps

In tribute to
Herb & Thelma Read


Faithful footsteps, following You,
True soldiers of the cross...
Those who suffer, yet march on,
And don't consider loss.

These are giants of the faith,
Unsung heroes in their day,
Who give their lives in serving You,
Who don't give up but always pray...

Whose health is sometimes frail and weak,
Whose times are truly in Your hand,
But they are Yours and You are theirs,
And in YOUR strength they stand.

What glorious tribute is a life
Which shines so brightly for Your cause,
Which speaks profoundly of Your love...
All heav'n will bring applause!

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

A Little Boy's Dilemma

I don't like chores... I want to play!
I wish the work would go away!
It should wait until I'm through
With all the things I WANT to do.

But when I've played with car and truck
And then still have my chores... Oh, yuck!
They're worse to do whan I am tired.
Then I'm REALLY not inspired!

Work is simply not much fun.
I'd rather draw or play or run.
I should learn to not make messes.
Then I won't have these distresses.

Being neat is quite a job,
And "cleaning up" my time will rob.
(I should give away some stuff.
It seems I have more than enough.)

I will put my things away,
For I'm learning every day...
If I hurry and get done,
I'll have more time to just have fun!

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

True Riches

Knowing Jesus...
Abiding in the Spirit...
Having the joy of the Lord...

The pleasure of giving... to God and to others...
The privilege of serving...

Relationships built on the Word and tempered by love...
Rich fellowship with other saints...
True understanding of the heart by another...
A sense of family... warmth... found in the Body of Christ...

A simple life style... found in Him... (Knowing what is important)
Peace which passes all understanding......

Hearing His voice and following His direction...
Worshipping Him...
Being thankful always...



© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 16, 2007

A Close Call

As I was driving on the freeway a vehicle in the lane to my right started to move into my lane, almost as though I weren't there. He didn't look first to see if there was anyone there. I thought he was going to hit me, but luckily he saw his error just in time. Then he moved forward and moved into my lane just in front of me, which was okay. But then a moment or two later I saw him move left again... this time right in front of a large transport truck with a long trailer. The truck was already following the vehicle in front of him much too closely, but this fellow squeezed his car into that small space in between. He didn't seem to have any sense that he might be causing problems for others or that he might be putting himself or others in danger.

As I watched him it struck me that this is the way some people go through life. As we live, the way we "move" will have impact on those around us. If we are not "in tune" with others, it is possible that we may bring pain to someone, we may endanger another or we may cause all kinds of problems for others as they try to adjust to our lack of sensitivity.

Everything we do has effect on someone around us, whether we think so or not. Someone we may not even know or be aware of may be watching our actions every day. We do not know what impression our lives may have on others. Surely we have responsibility to be aware of those around us and to live in such a way that our actions do not harm or hurt anyone.



© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Making Change

When I get ready to make change
There are some things I want to keep.
And so I sort through all I have,
And still I seem to have "a heap".

I think I've pared down what I need
To move into new "territory",
But when I get there I discover
This was just "preparatory".

When Jesus leads me in His path,
More and more I start to "see".
He will give me new perspective
And help me truly to be free.

Some of that which I have kept
Does not have value (as I thought).
As He changes who I am
Some things have value, some have nought.

My thoughts and actions every day
Are very much a part of this.
Excess "baggage" from the past
Could cause my life to go amiss.

Jesus simplifies my path
And shows me what I need to do.
He brings refreshing to my life
And helps me keep a balanced view.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
II Corinthians 3:18 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Look On The Bright Side

I've come to a conclusion...
If there is confusion
Then look on the bright side.
Let laughter abide.

Smiles relieve tension
And soften dissension.
Good rapport brings release
And ushers in peace.

A positive outlook
Is like a good book,
Which brings you delight
And makes you feel bright.

Laughter will give you
A much improved view,
Will change your approach
And carry you through.


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 13, 2007

Honesty

Honesty is "black-and-white".
It does not play around with "grey".
It sees with perfect clarity
And will not waver, bend or sway.

It speaks the truth and will not lie,
It stands for what it knows is right.
It doesn't have to bow it's head,
Back away or feel uptight.

It marches on and doesn't change.
It waves it's banner very high.
It won't have wrinkle, spot or stain
But purity you can't deny.

"These are the things that ye shall do; speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates..."
Zechariah 8:16 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Flying Blind ???

We never would drive with our eyes tightly shut
Nor walk without care, lest we step in a rut,
Ignoring the dangers which might lie in wait,
Not giving much thought to what might be our fate.

We would not try to make a long trip
Without proper planning and having a "grip",
For we might not reach our true destination.
When we failed we wouldn't have good explanation.

And yet every day we may make this error
Of moving about without thought, without prayer.
For every life God will chart a strong course.
His direction is sure, and He will be our Source.

And then we wonder why things have gone wrong,
Or we fuss and we fret when we are not strong.
We only need ask and then follow His lead
To find our right path and how to proceed.

"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path....."
Psalm 27:11 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Soft-Fallen Rain

When standing alone in a difficult place,
Needing support and a measure of grace,
An expression of love from a gentle, kind hand
Is as soft-fallen rain on a dry, weary land...

For experience of living can take a harsh toll,
Can wear down and weary the most faithful soul.
But the burden is softened and made to feel light
When friends gather round and in prayer will unite.

How welcome a smile or a telephone call,
A hug or a flower... however small.
Showing concern for that one who's alone
Is a much greater gift than will ever be known.


"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Why Parents Get Grey

When our children were little I always dreaded to see them get hurt. When they would come screaming and crying I was always apprehensive until I saw the extent of the "injury", which usually wasn't much. But what was worse then this was when we would hear a "thump" or a "bang" and then wouldn't hear them cry or call out, suggesting that perhaps they were a little more seriously hurt or maybe even knocked out.

Our son had a bicycle with training wheels. After quite some time he found his sense of balance and we could then remove the training wheels. He was really excited, so he decided to ride around the block with his sister... with both of us calling after him, "Be careful".

Off he went, lickity-split, down around the corner... with a whole lot more confidence than skill at that point. A few seconds later we heard a crash... the scraping of metal on cement. But that's all we heard... no crying, no screaming. Since we lived only one block away from a very busy street, it was hard not to imagine the worst. We "raced" down to the corner as fast as we could run, only to find him standing next to his bicycle, which was laying on the cement. When we asked him what happened, he answered, "I had to scratch my back!"

He couldn't ride and do that too, so he just jumped off the bike. What a hilarious picture! We were truly glad he wasn't hurt, but we aged about ten years!


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 09, 2007

Echoes

That which we live and that which we speak
Will be echoed in time in a way that's unique.
The sound of one voice will be heard in another,
And our words will "return" through a sister or brother.

For we leave a trail as we live day-to-day
Which others will walk on as they find their way.
The "sounds" of our lives echo back o'er and o'er,
For they are not lost, but in others find "store".

If we watch and listen we'll hear a reply
In far-reaching echoes we cannot deny.
Echoes reverberate more than we know,
Extending our lives as they move to and fro...


"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
Proverbs 15:23 KJV

"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children....."
Proverbs 13:22 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 08, 2007

The Lamb Of God

The Lamb of God -
so precious He
Who died for you and
died for me.

This flawless Lamb -
Who cared so much
And gave His life
For sinners and such.

He saw our plight and
saw our need
As on the cross His
side did bleed.

The blood that flowed
was shed in pain,
But given in love to
be our gain.

So great His love for
you and me,
His sacrifice upon
the tree.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends....."
John 15:13 NKJ

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 07, 2007

The Spotless Lamb

Jesus was the spotless Lamb,
Pure and holy, white as snow,
The sacrifice of greatest worth,
The greatest love we'll ever know.

This One Who reached out to all men
And walked in great humility
Became the Lamb Who bore our sin...
The hope for all humanity.

We cannot fathom such a love
Nor comprehend His glorious ways,
But worship Him with all our heart
And serve Him all our days.

Jesus was the spotless Lamb,
Pure and holy, white as snow,
The sacrifice of greatest worth,
The greatest love we'll ever know.


"We were not redeemed with corruptible things.....
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot."
I Peter 1:18a & 19 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 06, 2007

No Greater Love

No Greater love
Than what He gave...
He gave His life
My life to save.

No greater gift...
With Him to be
Forever
Through eternity.

No greater Joy
Could He impart
Than when He speaks
Heart-to-heart.

No greater peace
Could fill my soul.
For Jesus Christ
Has made me whole.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for His friends."
John 15:13 NKJ


© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 05, 2007

The Greatest Love

O Father God.... from beginning of time
You had a plan.... a flawless design.
Not in a lifetime, not in a day
Could we comprehend just how much You would pay.

Your love is so great that You sacrificed all
So we might be saved from effects of "the fall".
How great Your compassion, Your mercy and grace
....That You should love us and our sins erase.

You didn't forsake us or cast us away,
But provided redemption.... our debts to repay.
O Father God, Your mercy and grace
Flow freely and richly our lives to embrace.

We are wrapped in Your love and eagerly wait
For the time when we see You and enter Your gate.
What blessing and honor and joy that will be....
To be in Your presence eternally.


"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels
nor principalities nor powers, nor things present
nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other
created thing, shall be able to separate us
from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

The Foot Of The Cross

Any and all may come....

A place where all are equal....
A place where one can be transparent....
A safe place....

A place of rest for a weary soul....
A place of release for a broken heart....
A place of comfort for the lonely and the hurting....
A place of redemption from sin and shame....

A new beginning....


THE CROSS

Is our friend....
Is an anchor point in a shaky world....


"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJ



© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Consider His Love

A Song

Consider the love of Jesus, our Lord.
Consider the love which has been outpoured.
It reaches the valleys and the uttermost place.
How great is His mercy and rich is His grace.

No other one can touch us like He.
No other one shall ever be worthy.
He gave His life for you and for me.
He came to save us and set us free.

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 02, 2007

Pride

When pride enters in, contention will rule.
It causes one's speech to be that of a fool.
How troubled the waters where this sin abounds.
It spoils relationships and problems compounds.

It always is blind and will seek it's own way.
It only sees self, causing pain and dismay
To all whom it touches. It's unbending form
Does not choose humility as it's daily norm.

Pride is a snare... a sorrowful sin
Which binds and destroys God's Spirit within.
If we are willing this sin to displace,
God will then fill us with mercy and grace.

"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."
Proverbs 13:10 KJV

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
Proverbs 16:18 KJV

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."
Proverbs 29:23 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 01, 2007

His Gift From The Cross

A Song

Have you considered Jesus' gift from the cross?
Have you thought about a love so great?
Have you pondered the depth of His caring
To redeem us from sin's heavy weight?

Chorus
Because He loved us, because He loved us
He gave His life on the cross.
He died to save us, He died to save us.
He died to rescue the lost.

Have you met Jesus? Have you met Jesus?
He died for you on the tree.
Do you love Jesus? Do you love Jesus?
He died to set you free.



© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf