I had been invited to play worship for a large conference at our church. I had not been playing the piano for awhile, but the Lord prompted me that I was to trust Him and He would enable me to do it.
The day the conference started, I got up early to get ready for the morning session, and I was feeling a little nervous as I was preparing breakfast. To say the least, I was a little distracted as I was cooking.
I was preparing waffles, and as each one was done I would put it on a plate and set the plate in the oven (with the broiler on "warm") so that the waffle wouldn't get cold. When I was done making the waffles, I reached into the oven to get the plate, but in my distraction I put my finger and thumb on the oven coil instead of the plate. I jerked my arm back to see how badly I was burned. There was a blackened groove across both my finger and thumb. I couldn't believe this! What a problem I now had!
I went to the sink and began to let cold water run over the burns while I was trying to think what I was going to do. My mind was momentarily blank, so I just stood there and let the water run. At least it was blocking out the pain. Just then my son came into the kitchen, so I turned off the water to show him what I had done. As I showed him my fingers there was NO SIGN of the burns. God had intervened! The burns were totally gone and the pain was gone!
As unnerving as this experience was, it became an encouragement to me that I would indeed be able to play for the conference without failing. God had shown me in a very special way that He is strong when we are weak. What an awesome God we serve!
"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
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
On Bended Knee
If I am not on bended knee
How can I even start to "see"?
I will not know just Who You are
If I just watch You "from afar".
On bended knee the heart grows soft,
For I will change as I pray oft.
There I learn to know Your power.
How MUCH I need You every hour!
For all my needs You are sufficient,
And with Your help I am proficient.
True perspective is the key,
Which comes from time on bended knee.
"Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob."
Psalm 132:3-4 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
How can I even start to "see"?
I will not know just Who You are
If I just watch You "from afar".
On bended knee the heart grows soft,
For I will change as I pray oft.
There I learn to know Your power.
How MUCH I need You every hour!
For all my needs You are sufficient,
And with Your help I am proficient.
True perspective is the key,
Which comes from time on bended knee.
"Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob."
Psalm 132:3-4 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Trillium
I have memories... very fond memories... of a country "retreat". Oh, how I long now, in this busy, noisy world, to find such a place again.....
Years ago my dad bought some property in the country which had an old orchard and a spring on it. Perhaps it had once been part of a farm. The first thing he did was to build a small cabin so we could spend weekends there. Because this was set back approximately 1200 feet from the road, it was truly a hideaway place.
Near the cabin was a grove of fir trees. There he built a stone barbecue pit so that we could roast hotdogs and marshmallows. Also, he built a picnic table, and we added some summer lounge chairs there. Even on the hottest days we could rest in the shade of those trees and be cool.
Also near the cabin was an artesian well. The water formed pools and then flowed as a small stream down the slope. It was pretty, and we always had fresh, icy-cold water from the "water storage box".
He loved to play "Horse Shoes", so he fixed a horse shoe court there.
Dad trimmed all the trees in the orchard, and we had much fresh fruit. I remember climbing up in the cherry tree and eating cherries to my heart's content, and eating apples from a "banana apple tree". The apples were yellow and very sweet. I have never seen them anywhere since.
Unique about this property were the trillium flowers which grew everywhere..... white, pure-looking, three-petaled flowers. I have always loved trilliums. Dad named this property "Trillium" because of these lovely flowers. Also, wild strawberries grew everywhere..... those tiny little berries which were wonderfully sweet.
Nothing could match the peace which was in this place. I remember hearing the wind blow in the tall fir trees..... a very soothing, restful sound. The pools of water were refreshing. The "heat of the day" never affected us there. It was a place of total refreshing. As I picture this now, God was everywhere in that setting. It truly was a place "set apart" and hidden.
As a little girl I probably didn't understand the "wealth" which was at Trillium, but in retrospect I treasure and miss the serenity and beauty which was there. And I'm so-o-o glad I have these memories.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Years ago my dad bought some property in the country which had an old orchard and a spring on it. Perhaps it had once been part of a farm. The first thing he did was to build a small cabin so we could spend weekends there. Because this was set back approximately 1200 feet from the road, it was truly a hideaway place.
Near the cabin was a grove of fir trees. There he built a stone barbecue pit so that we could roast hotdogs and marshmallows. Also, he built a picnic table, and we added some summer lounge chairs there. Even on the hottest days we could rest in the shade of those trees and be cool.
Also near the cabin was an artesian well. The water formed pools and then flowed as a small stream down the slope. It was pretty, and we always had fresh, icy-cold water from the "water storage box".
He loved to play "Horse Shoes", so he fixed a horse shoe court there.
Dad trimmed all the trees in the orchard, and we had much fresh fruit. I remember climbing up in the cherry tree and eating cherries to my heart's content, and eating apples from a "banana apple tree". The apples were yellow and very sweet. I have never seen them anywhere since.
Unique about this property were the trillium flowers which grew everywhere..... white, pure-looking, three-petaled flowers. I have always loved trilliums. Dad named this property "Trillium" because of these lovely flowers. Also, wild strawberries grew everywhere..... those tiny little berries which were wonderfully sweet.
Nothing could match the peace which was in this place. I remember hearing the wind blow in the tall fir trees..... a very soothing, restful sound. The pools of water were refreshing. The "heat of the day" never affected us there. It was a place of total refreshing. As I picture this now, God was everywhere in that setting. It truly was a place "set apart" and hidden.
As a little girl I probably didn't understand the "wealth" which was at Trillium, but in retrospect I treasure and miss the serenity and beauty which was there. And I'm so-o-o glad I have these memories.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Safe In Him
When we trust in God
We're never alone.
We're safe in His hand
When we are His own.
We need not be anxious,
No matter our plight.
Our God is able
To heal or "make right".
Whatever the challenge
Or grief we may face,
We can find rest
In His mercy and grace.
Our God is able
To carry us through,
To heal and restore
And make all things new.
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Psalm 121:1-4 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We're never alone.
We're safe in His hand
When we are His own.
We need not be anxious,
No matter our plight.
Our God is able
To heal or "make right".
Whatever the challenge
Or grief we may face,
We can find rest
In His mercy and grace.
Our God is able
To carry us through,
To heal and restore
And make all things new.
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Psalm 121:1-4 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, July 20, 2007
Seeing Through His Eyes
When I rush I miss too much,
And then don't see His special touch.
Taking time to seek His "view"
Makes quick perceptions rich and new.
For what I see in just a glance
The Lord would in my sight enhance.
If I give Him full attention,
He will show me His dimension.
What a blessing then to see
The beauty that He shows to me.
For always I will find surprise
When I see as through His eyes.
"Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men"
Psalm 66:5 NKJ
"Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law."
Psalm 119:18 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And then don't see His special touch.
Taking time to seek His "view"
Makes quick perceptions rich and new.
For what I see in just a glance
The Lord would in my sight enhance.
If I give Him full attention,
He will show me His dimension.
What a blessing then to see
The beauty that He shows to me.
For always I will find surprise
When I see as through His eyes.
"Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men"
Psalm 66:5 NKJ
"Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law."
Psalm 119:18 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Patience
Patience is learned in the trying times.
It cannot be learned from a book.
But as we walk forward one step at a time,
In hindsight we'll know what it took.
As we're forbearing in our circumstance
And ask God to show us the way,
He may not remove that which stretches us so
But give us endurance to stay.
We never will learn much if all things go well,
But facing a challenge will cause us to grow.
Patience will come as we daily trust God.
He then will help us and His grace bestow.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed abgout with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."
Hebrews 12:1 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It cannot be learned from a book.
But as we walk forward one step at a time,
In hindsight we'll know what it took.
As we're forbearing in our circumstance
And ask God to show us the way,
He may not remove that which stretches us so
But give us endurance to stay.
We never will learn much if all things go well,
But facing a challenge will cause us to grow.
Patience will come as we daily trust God.
He then will help us and His grace bestow.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed abgout with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."
Hebrews 12:1 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
An Exciting Journey
Lord, as I seek to follow You
Then I won't miss all I should do.
Your potential which is in me
Then will blossom and be free.
For my life You have design,
And every day You will define
All the steps that I should take
And preparations I should make.
As I follow carefully
And daily seek You prayerfully
My life will be exciting.
Each new day will be inviting.
So I am on a daily quest
To find Your plan and do my best.
Then I'll be all I can be
And will fulfill Your plan for me.
"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments."
Psalm 119:73 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Then I won't miss all I should do.
Your potential which is in me
Then will blossom and be free.
For my life You have design,
And every day You will define
All the steps that I should take
And preparations I should make.
As I follow carefully
And daily seek You prayerfully
My life will be exciting.
Each new day will be inviting.
So I am on a daily quest
To find Your plan and do my best.
Then I'll be all I can be
And will fulfill Your plan for me.
"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments."
Psalm 119:73 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Words Of Skill
Some folks are really gifted
With diplomacy and tact.
They seem to find right words to say
And do not just "react".
Their words are measured carefully
And tempered with kind thought,
Promoting peace and unity
When others are distraught.
Diplomacy brings harmony
When practiced with great skill,
While bluntness and outspokenness
May only cause ill will.
Much can be accomplished
When diplomacy is used,
For it will clear confusion
And much tension will diffuse.
This lovely art is beautiful
And much to be desired.
Whene'er I see it's lovely touch
I truly am inspired.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
With diplomacy and tact.
They seem to find right words to say
And do not just "react".
Their words are measured carefully
And tempered with kind thought,
Promoting peace and unity
When others are distraught.
Diplomacy brings harmony
When practiced with great skill,
While bluntness and outspokenness
May only cause ill will.
Much can be accomplished
When diplomacy is used,
For it will clear confusion
And much tension will diffuse.
This lovely art is beautiful
And much to be desired.
Whene'er I see it's lovely touch
I truly am inspired.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, July 16, 2007
Many Chipmunks
This is a story about a little dog named Cricket. Cricket was a small black-and-tan chihuahua and she became part of our family when I was in high school.
At that time my parents owned some farm property, and whenever Dad would get out his work boots to go to the farm, Cricket would run and wait by the back door. She knew where he was going and she wanted to go along. At the farm she could run all over without being on a leash.
The first time there she discovered some chipmunks, or perhaps they discovered her. I'm not sure which way it happened. The chipmunks were playing on a pile of boards which were left over from the little house my dad built. Cricket started chasing the chipmunks. Around and around the board pile she ran. The chipmunks weren't afraid, because when she got near them they would just run down through the middle of the pile and pop up on the other end, chattering loudly at her. This happened repeatedly. It almost seemed that the chipmunks were playing games with her, and she did not tire of chasing them.
In one instance she wasn't right by the board pile, and one of the chipmunks ran from the board pile across a short distance to go under the house. She saw him and immediately started toward him. The chipmunk went under the house, but she was going too fast and couldn't stop. Full speed ahead, she slammed into the house with her head..... thud! It's a wonder she didn't break her neck. But pretty soon the chipmunks were chattering at her again, and again she was chasing after them. We all heaved a big sigh of relief that she had not injured herself and seemed to be okay.
This same day one of the chipmunks, sitting a distance away on the ground, started chattering at her. She started in that direction. But between her and the chipmunk were some shallow pools of water. Each one measured approximately ten feet across and perhaps six inches deep. These pools were almost totally covered in thick green algae. Cricket apparently did not see the water. I could see what was going to happen, and I yelled at her, but she didn't stop. In her determination to catch the chipmunk she ran right into the water and across to the other side. What a sight she was! She was black when she went in and totally green when she came out! In the meantime, the chipmunk ran up an apple tree and sat on a limb chattering at her. I couldn't help laughing. She just looked a mess! It almost seemed like the chipmunk was laughing too. Even so, after cleaning her up, she continued in her chase. She wouldn't quit, nor would the chipmunks. She never did catch one ot the chipmunks because they were too quick for her.
I often thought that this dog should have lived on a farm. She had so much more fun there than home in the city!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
At that time my parents owned some farm property, and whenever Dad would get out his work boots to go to the farm, Cricket would run and wait by the back door. She knew where he was going and she wanted to go along. At the farm she could run all over without being on a leash.
The first time there she discovered some chipmunks, or perhaps they discovered her. I'm not sure which way it happened. The chipmunks were playing on a pile of boards which were left over from the little house my dad built. Cricket started chasing the chipmunks. Around and around the board pile she ran. The chipmunks weren't afraid, because when she got near them they would just run down through the middle of the pile and pop up on the other end, chattering loudly at her. This happened repeatedly. It almost seemed that the chipmunks were playing games with her, and she did not tire of chasing them.
In one instance she wasn't right by the board pile, and one of the chipmunks ran from the board pile across a short distance to go under the house. She saw him and immediately started toward him. The chipmunk went under the house, but she was going too fast and couldn't stop. Full speed ahead, she slammed into the house with her head..... thud! It's a wonder she didn't break her neck. But pretty soon the chipmunks were chattering at her again, and again she was chasing after them. We all heaved a big sigh of relief that she had not injured herself and seemed to be okay.
This same day one of the chipmunks, sitting a distance away on the ground, started chattering at her. She started in that direction. But between her and the chipmunk were some shallow pools of water. Each one measured approximately ten feet across and perhaps six inches deep. These pools were almost totally covered in thick green algae. Cricket apparently did not see the water. I could see what was going to happen, and I yelled at her, but she didn't stop. In her determination to catch the chipmunk she ran right into the water and across to the other side. What a sight she was! She was black when she went in and totally green when she came out! In the meantime, the chipmunk ran up an apple tree and sat on a limb chattering at her. I couldn't help laughing. She just looked a mess! It almost seemed like the chipmunk was laughing too. Even so, after cleaning her up, she continued in her chase. She wouldn't quit, nor would the chipmunks. She never did catch one ot the chipmunks because they were too quick for her.
I often thought that this dog should have lived on a farm. She had so much more fun there than home in the city!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Jesus, Your Peace
Your peace keeps me steady
And helps me be "ready"
To counter all stress
With calm and finesse.
On You I will lean
In my daily routine...
In You I will hide,
Whatever betide.
When I'm feeling "pressed"
In You I find rest.
Every day, every way,
In Your peace I will stay.
"Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble."
Psalm 119:165 Amplified Bible
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And helps me be "ready"
To counter all stress
With calm and finesse.
On You I will lean
In my daily routine...
In You I will hide,
Whatever betide.
When I'm feeling "pressed"
In You I find rest.
Every day, every way,
In Your peace I will stay.
"Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble."
Psalm 119:165 Amplified Bible
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Those Grand Old Hymns
How precious were the hymns we sang!
Our hearts were full, our voices rang.
We loved those songs of yesteryear
Which gave us hope and brought us cheer.
Many hymns were birthed in pain
But are this generation's gain.
The saints who wrote them were strong folk,
And words they penned to our hearts spoke.
Hymns were based upon the Word
And brought forth joy whenever heard.
In hymns we have a very great treasure...
More than we can ever measure.
...A heritage we must not lose...
These glorious songs of God's "Good News".
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Our hearts were full, our voices rang.
We loved those songs of yesteryear
Which gave us hope and brought us cheer.
Many hymns were birthed in pain
But are this generation's gain.
The saints who wrote them were strong folk,
And words they penned to our hearts spoke.
Hymns were based upon the Word
And brought forth joy whenever heard.
In hymns we have a very great treasure...
More than we can ever measure.
...A heritage we must not lose...
These glorious songs of God's "Good News".
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, July 13, 2007
Guarding The Heart
In my spirit I "see" a heart with little add-on pockets. The pockets hang all around the outside of this heart. They are full of treasures which have been tucked away..... things which have been saved and stored there..... things which are too rich and too wonderful to ever let go, but hidden in the pockets and radiating warmth in memory..... a warm glow.
In the pockets are "encouragements", which are as light; fond memories, which bring warmth; blessings from the Lord, which are yet too precious to share with anyone but Him; and, happy secrets which bring much joy.
It is good to guard these precious pockets..... to not let what is in them get scattered by sharing too much or by "opening up" to the wrong people. For somehow, once something is "shared", it is no longer your own. It seems to lose it's sacredness or beauty, and the heart will feel somehwat diminished by the loss.
Savor the good things. Keep a happy heart.
"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
In the pockets are "encouragements", which are as light; fond memories, which bring warmth; blessings from the Lord, which are yet too precious to share with anyone but Him; and, happy secrets which bring much joy.
It is good to guard these precious pockets..... to not let what is in them get scattered by sharing too much or by "opening up" to the wrong people. For somehow, once something is "shared", it is no longer your own. It seems to lose it's sacredness or beauty, and the heart will feel somehwat diminished by the loss.
Savor the good things. Keep a happy heart.
"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, July 12, 2007
He Is Able
If your circumstance is grim
And your hope is growing dim,
Lean on God Who has all power.
He will help you in this hour.
Trust in Him and watch and wait,
For He is able to make straight
That which troubles and torments.
He can change adverse events.
Nothing is too hard for God.
He knows every path you've trod.
He is able to make right
Every wrong you've had to fight.
Call on Him amidst your trial.
The enemy He will revile.
In God you will find release
And He will fill you with His peace.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJ
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And your hope is growing dim,
Lean on God Who has all power.
He will help you in this hour.
Trust in Him and watch and wait,
For He is able to make straight
That which troubles and torments.
He can change adverse events.
Nothing is too hard for God.
He knows every path you've trod.
He is able to make right
Every wrong you've had to fight.
Call on Him amidst your trial.
The enemy He will revile.
In God you will find release
And He will fill you with His peace.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJ
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Forgiving Hearts
The sting of words ill-spoken
Sometimes cannot be erased.
They speak the heart's intention
When with bitterness they're laced.
Forgiving hearts speak gentle words
Of kindness, love and peace,
And seek to live in such a way
That hate and strife will cease.
Forgiveness daily is the key
To health and smiles and cheerfulness.
It heals and soothes the aching heart
And drives away all fearfulness.
Ill-spoken words forgotten
Can no longer issue pain.
As forgiveness has it's way
It comes as soothing rain.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sometimes cannot be erased.
They speak the heart's intention
When with bitterness they're laced.
Forgiving hearts speak gentle words
Of kindness, love and peace,
And seek to live in such a way
That hate and strife will cease.
Forgiveness daily is the key
To health and smiles and cheerfulness.
It heals and soothes the aching heart
And drives away all fearfulness.
Ill-spoken words forgotten
Can no longer issue pain.
As forgiveness has it's way
It comes as soothing rain.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
A Bright Outlook
Are you "contagious" and make others glad?
Do you have qualities some wish they had?
Lifestyle is "catching" and speaks loud and clear.
It issues a message of what you hold dear.
The way that you live is a path that you choose.
Your outlook on life can be one of good news!
If you have Jesus and give time to prayer,
Even your enemies will be aware.
For you will have strength and an outlook that's bright.
Your life will draw others to that which is right.
You'll be "infectious" when you do your best,
And those all around you will truly be blessed.
".....Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
I Timothy 4:12 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Do you have qualities some wish they had?
Lifestyle is "catching" and speaks loud and clear.
It issues a message of what you hold dear.
The way that you live is a path that you choose.
Your outlook on life can be one of good news!
If you have Jesus and give time to prayer,
Even your enemies will be aware.
For you will have strength and an outlook that's bright.
Your life will draw others to that which is right.
You'll be "infectious" when you do your best,
And those all around you will truly be blessed.
".....Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
I Timothy 4:12 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, July 09, 2007
A Happy Child
The giggles and fun of a child's delight
Seem to wash away "gray" and make the day bright!
How much we can learn from a sweet little child,
Whose view about life is so gentle and mild.
His spirit is fresh and his mind is not clouded.
His life with worry and stress are not crowded.
When he runs and he plays he is "free as a breeze".
He inspires me to hear and see as he sees...
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Seem to wash away "gray" and make the day bright!
How much we can learn from a sweet little child,
Whose view about life is so gentle and mild.
His spirit is fresh and his mind is not clouded.
His life with worry and stress are not crowded.
When he runs and he plays he is "free as a breeze".
He inspires me to hear and see as he sees...
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Humility
Humility is soft within
And brings a quiet confidence.
It won't be found in boastful hearts
But gently lies in non-defense.
It doesn't search for accolades
Or feed on others' constant praise,
But rather meets another's needs
And never will it's banner raise.
It acts and serves as Jesus did
And won't promote itself above
Any other human being,
But sincerely serves in love.
"Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
I Peter 5:5-7 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And brings a quiet confidence.
It won't be found in boastful hearts
But gently lies in non-defense.
It doesn't search for accolades
Or feed on others' constant praise,
But rather meets another's needs
And never will it's banner raise.
It acts and serves as Jesus did
And won't promote itself above
Any other human being,
But sincerely serves in love.
"Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
I Peter 5:5-7 NKJ
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Family Helper
One of the homes where our family lived was surrounded by many large, older shrubs. At one point the large camellia in front of the house needed to be taken out..... it was no longer healthy.
When we decided to remove it we really had no idea how difficult this would be. Cutting it down was one thing, but getting the root system out was a different story. We dug, and we chopped, and we labored to get the main root out, finally fastening a chain around it and trying to pull it out with our truck. It took several tries.
Then the children helped pull out some of the large roots that were left as their dad dug around them. Finally, because it was a hot day, everyone just sat on the grass to rest.
At this point our little Mini-Schnauzer/mutt went over there and started to dig. The dirt was just flying. He loved to dig in the garden, and this was one time it wouldn't hurt because there already was a mess everywhere from this project. There were still a lot of little roots in the soil, and every time he found one he would try to pull it out with his teeth. If it didn't come out right away he would growl and pull, then dig, and growl and snort and pull and dig, until it finally came loose. Then he would find another root and do the same thing again. He was hilarious, and it really did seem like he was trying to do his part to help. He worked so hard at it that the kids had to stop him and make him rest. His little chest was just heaving from the exertion because of the hot weather.
We didn't expect the dog to help us, but it was certainly entertaining. And he did pull out quite a few roots. And then he got to ride in the truck (another one of his favorite things) as the fellows went to the dump with all the debris. The only thing that might have spoiled his day is that he needed a bath afterwards... his fur was full of loose dirt. He didn't like to get a bath!
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
When we decided to remove it we really had no idea how difficult this would be. Cutting it down was one thing, but getting the root system out was a different story. We dug, and we chopped, and we labored to get the main root out, finally fastening a chain around it and trying to pull it out with our truck. It took several tries.
Then the children helped pull out some of the large roots that were left as their dad dug around them. Finally, because it was a hot day, everyone just sat on the grass to rest.
At this point our little Mini-Schnauzer/mutt went over there and started to dig. The dirt was just flying. He loved to dig in the garden, and this was one time it wouldn't hurt because there already was a mess everywhere from this project. There were still a lot of little roots in the soil, and every time he found one he would try to pull it out with his teeth. If it didn't come out right away he would growl and pull, then dig, and growl and snort and pull and dig, until it finally came loose. Then he would find another root and do the same thing again. He was hilarious, and it really did seem like he was trying to do his part to help. He worked so hard at it that the kids had to stop him and make him rest. His little chest was just heaving from the exertion because of the hot weather.
We didn't expect the dog to help us, but it was certainly entertaining. And he did pull out quite a few roots. And then he got to ride in the truck (another one of his favorite things) as the fellows went to the dump with all the debris. The only thing that might have spoiled his day is that he needed a bath afterwards... his fur was full of loose dirt. He didn't like to get a bath!
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, July 06, 2007
Good Seeds
It's fun to want to plant good "seed",
For what you sow may kill a weed!
Encouragement might give new "slant",
And love and peace are good to plant.
Joy and hope are pretty flowers
Which fill a life with happy hours.
Smiles and laughter chase off gloom.
They fill your day with cheerful bloom.
Choose good seed to plant and grow,
Then scatter freely to and fro.
Lovely flowers soon will sprout
And scatter their own seeds about.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For what you sow may kill a weed!
Encouragement might give new "slant",
And love and peace are good to plant.
Joy and hope are pretty flowers
Which fill a life with happy hours.
Smiles and laughter chase off gloom.
They fill your day with cheerful bloom.
Choose good seed to plant and grow,
Then scatter freely to and fro.
Lovely flowers soon will sprout
And scatter their own seeds about.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, July 05, 2007
How High The Mountain?
Sometimes in life
We have mountains to climb.
To surmount them we take
One small step at a time.
Though the pathway is steep
And the mountain seems high,
We should not question
Or even ask "Why?"
For our God is able
To care for His sheep.
We're safe in His care,
For He does not sleep.
When there are stones
In the path we must take,
He will remove them,
Or new pathways make.
As we lean on Him
We will not lose our way.
For He will prevent us
From going astray.
God, in His wisdom,
Has mountains for each.
Though the top of the mountain
May seem out of reach...
He teaches and stretches us.
Then over time...
We will discover
How high we can climb.
"...But we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 5:3-5 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We have mountains to climb.
To surmount them we take
One small step at a time.
Though the pathway is steep
And the mountain seems high,
We should not question
Or even ask "Why?"
For our God is able
To care for His sheep.
We're safe in His care,
For He does not sleep.
When there are stones
In the path we must take,
He will remove them,
Or new pathways make.
As we lean on Him
We will not lose our way.
For He will prevent us
From going astray.
God, in His wisdom,
Has mountains for each.
Though the top of the mountain
May seem out of reach...
He teaches and stretches us.
Then over time...
We will discover
How high we can climb.
"...But we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 5:3-5 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
How High The Mountain
HOW HIGH THE MOUNTAIN?
Sometimes in life
We have mountains to climb.
To surmount them we take
One small step at a time.
Though the pathway is steep
And the mountain seems high,
We should not question
Or even ask "Why?"
For our God is able
To care for His sheep.
We're safe in His care,
For He does not sleep.
When there are stones
In the path we must take,
He will remove them,
Or new pathways make.
As we lean on Him
We will not lose our way.
For He will prevent us
From going astray.
God, in His wisdom,
Has mountains for each.
Though the top of the mountain
May seem out of reach...
He teaches and stretches us.
Then over time...
We will discover
How high we can climb.
"...But we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 5:3-5 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sometimes in life
We have mountains to climb.
To surmount them we take
One small step at a time.
Though the pathway is steep
And the mountain seems high,
We should not question
Or even ask "Why?"
For our God is able
To care for His sheep.
We're safe in His care,
For He does not sleep.
When there are stones
In the path we must take,
He will remove them,
Or new pathways make.
As we lean on Him
We will not lose our way.
For He will prevent us
From going astray.
God, in His wisdom,
Has mountains for each.
Though the top of the mountain
May seem out of reach...
He teaches and stretches us.
Then over time...
We will discover
How high we can climb.
"...But we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 5:3-5 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
God's Nation
We have a Godly heritage.
We stand on firm foundation.
God has covered us with His hand
And mightily blessed this nation.
We should not change from who we are
And turn from Godly wisdom
To please a few with "new" ideas
Who would create schism.
America, we stand in prayer.
In God we trust, in Him abide.
Those of us who really care
Stand against this evil tide!
We need God our course to chart,
To lead our steps and guide our way.
Why should we from Him depart?
We will stand and we will pray!
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We stand on firm foundation.
God has covered us with His hand
And mightily blessed this nation.
We should not change from who we are
And turn from Godly wisdom
To please a few with "new" ideas
Who would create schism.
America, we stand in prayer.
In God we trust, in Him abide.
Those of us who really care
Stand against this evil tide!
We need God our course to chart,
To lead our steps and guide our way.
Why should we from Him depart?
We will stand and we will pray!
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Young Again
The joy of a child as he runs in the breeze
Is wondrous to watch..... he runs with such ease.
His heart isn't heavy or burdened with fear.
His footsteps are light..... and he's full of such cheer!
He hasn't learned to worry and fret.
The cares of the world have not weighed him down yet.
His giggles and laughter and bright, open smile
Remind me again how much life is worthwhile.
I want to capture these moments with rhyme
And happily go read them from time to time,
For thoughts of this child make me feel young again.
It reminds me of days which were "way back when".
In tribute to my grandson, who makes me feel young at heart!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Is wondrous to watch..... he runs with such ease.
His heart isn't heavy or burdened with fear.
His footsteps are light..... and he's full of such cheer!
He hasn't learned to worry and fret.
The cares of the world have not weighed him down yet.
His giggles and laughter and bright, open smile
Remind me again how much life is worthwhile.
I want to capture these moments with rhyme
And happily go read them from time to time,
For thoughts of this child make me feel young again.
It reminds me of days which were "way back when".
In tribute to my grandson, who makes me feel young at heart!
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, July 02, 2007
Mini Shock
I went to the bank... to the day-and-night teller,
Where you don't have to wait for some other feller.
I finished my business and got my receipt,
Then started to move back out to the street.
As I saw my receipt I was startled and shocked.
My balance said "ZERO", and now my knees knocked!
How could this be? Was my money all gone?
I shuddered inside and began to feel "wan".
If I was "penniless", what would I do?
These thoughts were o'erwhelming to try to think through.
When I got home I called up the bank.
My money WAS there... and my God I could thank.
But this made me think... it sent up a "flare".
Was my faith enough... such big loss to bear?
We think we are strong, but indeed we are weak.
In God we find strength when all becomes bleak.
All that we have is from His own hand.
Only in Him can we prosper and stand.
When all is upset and the "going gets rough",
Our God is sufficient... He's more than enough.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Where you don't have to wait for some other feller.
I finished my business and got my receipt,
Then started to move back out to the street.
As I saw my receipt I was startled and shocked.
My balance said "ZERO", and now my knees knocked!
How could this be? Was my money all gone?
I shuddered inside and began to feel "wan".
If I was "penniless", what would I do?
These thoughts were o'erwhelming to try to think through.
When I got home I called up the bank.
My money WAS there... and my God I could thank.
But this made me think... it sent up a "flare".
Was my faith enough... such big loss to bear?
We think we are strong, but indeed we are weak.
In God we find strength when all becomes bleak.
All that we have is from His own hand.
Only in Him can we prosper and stand.
When all is upset and the "going gets rough",
Our God is sufficient... He's more than enough.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Grace In Action
Our wondrous God is so faithful, and He uses many avenues to speak into our lives.
I had been involved in leading a weekly meeting at my church, but there were factors in this situation which were not easy to deal with, and I was struggling. I was sharing this with a dear friend, and she said to me, "Why don't you pray and ask the Lord if His grace is in this situation for you. If it isn't then you should leave, because you will only get hurt."
I knew immediately that this was God's direction, so that night I did indeed pray that prayer. But, as often is the case, He didn't asnwer me right then, nor did He answer me in a way which I expected.
Several weeks later a lady came into our meeting, carrying some peonies in a jar and gave me the flowers. Because my mind was full just then before the meeting, I didn't recall her comments to me. And after the meeting I couldn't recall even who brought them to me. I was frustrated, but I took them home and enjoyed them.
A couple of months later I was sitting in church, and the lady next to me started talking about the peonies. Then I finally knew who they had come from. She said she brought them to me because there were FIVE large blooms on ONE stem, and it reminded her of the grace of God. She only brought the one stem, but it was a whole bouquet!
This, then, was God's answer to my prayer. I knew without a doubt that His grace was there for me in this situation. The large size of the blooms reminded me of how big our God is, and the beauty and fragrance of the fluffy, light pink blooms reminded me of the sweetness and gentleness of His caring.
How beautiful is the love of God shown to us by His grace.
"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
Ephesians 4:7 KJV
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness....."
Ephesians 12:9 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I had been involved in leading a weekly meeting at my church, but there were factors in this situation which were not easy to deal with, and I was struggling. I was sharing this with a dear friend, and she said to me, "Why don't you pray and ask the Lord if His grace is in this situation for you. If it isn't then you should leave, because you will only get hurt."
I knew immediately that this was God's direction, so that night I did indeed pray that prayer. But, as often is the case, He didn't asnwer me right then, nor did He answer me in a way which I expected.
Several weeks later a lady came into our meeting, carrying some peonies in a jar and gave me the flowers. Because my mind was full just then before the meeting, I didn't recall her comments to me. And after the meeting I couldn't recall even who brought them to me. I was frustrated, but I took them home and enjoyed them.
A couple of months later I was sitting in church, and the lady next to me started talking about the peonies. Then I finally knew who they had come from. She said she brought them to me because there were FIVE large blooms on ONE stem, and it reminded her of the grace of God. She only brought the one stem, but it was a whole bouquet!
This, then, was God's answer to my prayer. I knew without a doubt that His grace was there for me in this situation. The large size of the blooms reminded me of how big our God is, and the beauty and fragrance of the fluffy, light pink blooms reminded me of the sweetness and gentleness of His caring.
How beautiful is the love of God shown to us by His grace.
"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
Ephesians 4:7 KJV
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness....."
Ephesians 12:9 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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