True loveliness is an inner workinig, birthed out of right relationship with the Lord. The loveliness of Christ flows freely through those who spend time with Him and who understand His ways.
It can be seen in a gentle smile or heard in a spoken word, or in a loving response from one with a caring, giving spirit. It rests in humility, and it's outworking is graciousness.
Lovely people are overcomers... those who have suffered or struggled, but who have worked through their difficulties and have put them in proper perspective. They, because of their deep victories, go on to bless many. They shine. They impact other lives. Their speech is beautifully measured. They are insightful, loving and kind. They are reflections of Jesus in our midst.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy., peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Treasure-Stores
Never look down on people of years,
For they have "fought wars" and shed many tears.
They have forgotten more than we have learned
And have wealth of stature which they proudly earned.
They will have wisdom beyond what we know.
Esteem and respect to them we should show.
For we have not walked as far as they have.
Their lives are a balm... a sweet, healing salve.
Our gray-haired folks are rich beyond measure,
Filled with the years and stores of good treasure.
Carefully listen to hear what they say,
For they have learned much in life every day.
"The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience)."
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified Bible
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For they have "fought wars" and shed many tears.
They have forgotten more than we have learned
And have wealth of stature which they proudly earned.
They will have wisdom beyond what we know.
Esteem and respect to them we should show.
For we have not walked as far as they have.
Their lives are a balm... a sweet, healing salve.
Our gray-haired folks are rich beyond measure,
Filled with the years and stores of good treasure.
Carefully listen to hear what they say,
For they have learned much in life every day.
"The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience)."
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified Bible
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 29, 2009
Gentle Folk
Some folks have "a quiet touch"
And by their love will bless you much.
They don't look for laud or favor,
But their lives have special "savor".
Being near them fosters light.
Their smiles will make your day seem bright.
For they have learned to sense a need.
Their hearts respond in love and deed.
They aren't found on "center stage"
But will write a "gentle page"
In lives that need a little hope
And tender warmth to help them cope.
These are folk of small renown
Who in heav'n will wear a crown.
Each will wear a "royal" cloak.
Precious ones... these gentle folk.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And by their love will bless you much.
They don't look for laud or favor,
But their lives have special "savor".
Being near them fosters light.
Their smiles will make your day seem bright.
For they have learned to sense a need.
Their hearts respond in love and deed.
They aren't found on "center stage"
But will write a "gentle page"
In lives that need a little hope
And tender warmth to help them cope.
These are folk of small renown
Who in heav'n will wear a crown.
Each will wear a "royal" cloak.
Precious ones... these gentle folk.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A Rich Reservoir
The resource of the mind is a wondrous reservoir.
Everything we've learned is somewhere there in store.
If we give thought to Jesus and study in His Word,
Our learning will increase. By His power we'll be stirred.
The Word will drive out hindrances and purify the mind,
Healing thinking patterns as it's "contents" are refined.
Our minds have great potential when focused toward the Lord.
He opens up our thinking and pours in rich reward.
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind."
Ephesians 4:23 KJV
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
II Timothy 1:7 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Everything we've learned is somewhere there in store.
If we give thought to Jesus and study in His Word,
Our learning will increase. By His power we'll be stirred.
The Word will drive out hindrances and purify the mind,
Healing thinking patterns as it's "contents" are refined.
Our minds have great potential when focused toward the Lord.
He opens up our thinking and pours in rich reward.
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind."
Ephesians 4:23 KJV
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
II Timothy 1:7 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Second Mile
When completing a task, and the "first mile" is done,
Running the second mile some folks will shun.
But those folks who stretch to meet this high test
Will give of their finest and always be blessed.
Industrious people always have work
Because in their duties they just do not shirk.
The mundane and simple, or jobs which repeat,
With grit and finesse they will gladly complete.
They will find honor in all that they do
And have satisfaction when day's work is through.
Knowing they've given the best that they had
They then can rest and truly be glad.
"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
Psalm 90:17 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Running the second mile some folks will shun.
But those folks who stretch to meet this high test
Will give of their finest and always be blessed.
Industrious people always have work
Because in their duties they just do not shirk.
The mundane and simple, or jobs which repeat,
With grit and finesse they will gladly complete.
They will find honor in all that they do
And have satisfaction when day's work is through.
Knowing they've given the best that they had
They then can rest and truly be glad.
"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
Psalm 90:17 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is a bridge
To joy and peace,
A healing bond of love
Which brings blessing and release.
To walk this bridge we must lay down
All bitterness and ire,
Forgiving hurts and all offense
Which may have happened prior.
Heart-wrenching as this task may be,
In retrospect we'll find
That this will wash away our pain
And leave it far behind.
Forgiveness breaks the barriers
And opens up the gate.
As we cross this wondrous bridge
It's healing will be great!
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To joy and peace,
A healing bond of love
Which brings blessing and release.
To walk this bridge we must lay down
All bitterness and ire,
Forgiving hurts and all offense
Which may have happened prior.
Heart-wrenching as this task may be,
In retrospect we'll find
That this will wash away our pain
And leave it far behind.
Forgiveness breaks the barriers
And opens up the gate.
As we cross this wondrous bridge
It's healing will be great!
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
FREEDOM'S CAUSE
Men of bravery, men of "gold",
Men of youth, men of old,
We salute you once again
For guarding us where'er you've been.
Some, with your own lives, have paid.
Your memory will never fade.
You stood strong through battles tough.
Our tribute ne'er will be enough.
So today we humbly pause
Because you fought for freedom's cause.
Unselfishly you gave your all
When you answered country's call.
Thank you, one and all who serve.
Highest honors you deserve!
Whene'er we see you we are proud.
In prayer for you our hearts are bowed.
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Men of bravery, men of "gold",
Men of youth, men of old,
We salute you once again
For guarding us where'er you've been.
Some, with your own lives, have paid.
Your memory will never fade.
You stood strong through battles tough.
Our tribute ne'er will be enough.
So today we humbly pause
Because you fought for freedom's cause.
Unselfishly you gave your all
When you answered country's call.
Thank you, one and all who serve.
Highest honors you deserve!
Whene'er we see you we are proud.
In prayer for you our hearts are bowed.
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Valiant In Prayer
Prayer warriors are much needed,
Lest our values be conceded,
Lost to those who dress their lies
In "pretty"phrases and disguise.
But for the truth we take up fight
To speak for what is just and right.
Battles can be fought and won
In prayer by many... or just one.
Joined in heart and joined in hand,
Interceding 'cross the land,
God's warriors don their battle gear
And to the throne of God draw near.
Almighty God, Your name we praise
And unto You our worship raise.
We Your people will proclaim
All laud and glory to Your name!
"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
Psalm 108:13 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Lest our values be conceded,
Lost to those who dress their lies
In "pretty"phrases and disguise.
But for the truth we take up fight
To speak for what is just and right.
Battles can be fought and won
In prayer by many... or just one.
Joined in heart and joined in hand,
Interceding 'cross the land,
God's warriors don their battle gear
And to the throne of God draw near.
Almighty God, Your name we praise
And unto You our worship raise.
We Your people will proclaim
All laud and glory to Your name!
"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
Psalm 108:13 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Size Of God's Love
How can we measure the size of God's love?
It's depth and it's width are simply beyond
That which our thinking can e'er hope to grasp.
We simply reach up and to Him respond.
All that we have is from His own hand.
He showers us daily with mercy and grace.
In all of our ways He guides and protects us.
We simply need rest in His mighty embrace.
"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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It's depth and it's width are simply beyond
That which our thinking can e'er hope to grasp.
We simply reach up and to Him respond.
All that we have is from His own hand.
He showers us daily with mercy and grace.
In all of our ways He guides and protects us.
We simply need rest in His mighty embrace.
"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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 22, 2009
Happy Days
Every morning is bright and new, and it is wonderful to start the day with the Lord and then expect to have a beautiful day. But then... maybe a family member "snaps" at you; or your children start an argument; or you get pushed around in traffic; or a co-worker treats you badly, or a neighbor backs into your flower bed... and you get perturbed or upset! Does this sound familiar?
I was talking with a friend, and she said her grandfather always told her, "Don't let anyone spoil your day". What a good piece of advice! If the Lord has given us a new day, why should we let anyone (or anything) rob it's joy? I believe the enemy will do anything he can to steal our joy and spoil our day, and he uses other people to do that sometimes. When we realize what is happening, we can choose to not play his game but stay focused on grabbing as much joy as possible out of each waking hour. Say "No" to the temptation to react. And then go one step further. Bless those who bring irritation and are negative, and, by doing so, steal the devil's thunder!
It is less work and less stressful to be positive than it is to retrieve one's emotions from a situation gone bad!
Don't let anyone spoil your day!
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 KJV
"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I was talking with a friend, and she said her grandfather always told her, "Don't let anyone spoil your day". What a good piece of advice! If the Lord has given us a new day, why should we let anyone (or anything) rob it's joy? I believe the enemy will do anything he can to steal our joy and spoil our day, and he uses other people to do that sometimes. When we realize what is happening, we can choose to not play his game but stay focused on grabbing as much joy as possible out of each waking hour. Say "No" to the temptation to react. And then go one step further. Bless those who bring irritation and are negative, and, by doing so, steal the devil's thunder!
It is less work and less stressful to be positive than it is to retrieve one's emotions from a situation gone bad!
Don't let anyone spoil your day!
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 KJV
"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Built On The Rock
Is your "house" built on the Rock?
Is it safe against all "shock"?
Does wisdom line it's inner walls
To ward off storms and unseen squalls?
Is it's roof of tempered steel
And it's structure strong and real?
What's inside will really matter
If life's pressures crush or scatter.
Store the Word in every room
As sustenance against all doom.
Fear the Lord and stay in prayer,
And through life's storms you'll safely fare.
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Matthesw 7:24-27 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Is it safe against all "shock"?
Does wisdom line it's inner walls
To ward off storms and unseen squalls?
Is it's roof of tempered steel
And it's structure strong and real?
What's inside will really matter
If life's pressures crush or scatter.
Store the Word in every room
As sustenance against all doom.
Fear the Lord and stay in prayer,
And through life's storms you'll safely fare.
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Matthesw 7:24-27 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Caring Hands
How warm the hand that reaches out.
This is what love is about.
This hand might touch or heal a heart,
Or maybe joy or strength impart.
Caring hands are such good news
To help another "chase the blues".
When some poor soul just needs a "lift",
A caring hand is as a gift.
A caring hand which dials a phone
To call someone who's all alone
May bring a smile or be a light
To make that person's day be bright.
Hands that care are truly blessed
As they bring others peace or rest.
Loving hands that truly care
Are sometimes hands which answer prayer.
"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 31:20 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
This is what love is about.
This hand might touch or heal a heart,
Or maybe joy or strength impart.
Caring hands are such good news
To help another "chase the blues".
When some poor soul just needs a "lift",
A caring hand is as a gift.
A caring hand which dials a phone
To call someone who's all alone
May bring a smile or be a light
To make that person's day be bright.
Hands that care are truly blessed
As they bring others peace or rest.
Loving hands that truly care
Are sometimes hands which answer prayer.
"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 31:20 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Worship
The harmonies of Heaven resound throughout the earth
And deep within the heart of man to worship give sweet birth.
Adoration answers with expressive, lilting song
As creation bursts with loveliness of worship all day long.
Worship gently wafts and weaves throughout the atmosphere...
A blessing from our loving God... His message of good cheer.
He brings us new dimension with each creative strain
And fills our hearts with Heaven as we hear His sweet refrain.
God's harmonies are matchless and marvelously profound,
Echoing from Heaven in a symphony of sound.
When we stop to listen and give God reverent pause,
We will hear the wonder of creation's sweet applause!
"O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things..."
Psalm 98:1 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And deep within the heart of man to worship give sweet birth.
Adoration answers with expressive, lilting song
As creation bursts with loveliness of worship all day long.
Worship gently wafts and weaves throughout the atmosphere...
A blessing from our loving God... His message of good cheer.
He brings us new dimension with each creative strain
And fills our hearts with Heaven as we hear His sweet refrain.
God's harmonies are matchless and marvelously profound,
Echoing from Heaven in a symphony of sound.
When we stop to listen and give God reverent pause,
We will hear the wonder of creation's sweet applause!
"O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things..."
Psalm 98:1 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Goodness Of God
When we gather of the goodness
Of our kind and gracious God,
Our hearts are clothed in love
And our feet with peace are shod.
Our lives become His instruments...
We're in a different realm.
We're hidden in His secret place
With Jesus at the helm.
What better way to spend our days
Than seeking His sweet presence,
Gath'ring of His wisdom
And worshipping with reverence?
He will change us deep within.
To live for Him gives reason
To always serve Him faithfully,
To rejoice in every season.
"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Of our kind and gracious God,
Our hearts are clothed in love
And our feet with peace are shod.
Our lives become His instruments...
We're in a different realm.
We're hidden in His secret place
With Jesus at the helm.
What better way to spend our days
Than seeking His sweet presence,
Gath'ring of His wisdom
And worshipping with reverence?
He will change us deep within.
To live for Him gives reason
To always serve Him faithfully,
To rejoice in every season.
"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Time To Pause
Lord, I don't want to go so fast that I am never still.
If I'm always "on the run", my cup You cannot fill.
I must pare my thinking down... to enter into "calm".
For I desire to know You more and feel Your healing balm.
An empty cup is just not good. To "run" is such a waste!
For I could "miss" Your Spirit, or Your glory might not taste.
Thoughts propel me forward, but I will stop to pause,
For any day I leave You out will certainly have flaws.
"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 132:3-5 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
If I'm always "on the run", my cup You cannot fill.
I must pare my thinking down... to enter into "calm".
For I desire to know You more and feel Your healing balm.
An empty cup is just not good. To "run" is such a waste!
For I could "miss" Your Spirit, or Your glory might not taste.
Thoughts propel me forward, but I will stop to pause,
For any day I leave You out will certainly have flaws.
"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 132:3-5 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Memorable Moment
What started out to be an ordinary evening became memorable in an unexpected way...
My brother and I were having hamburgers in a local fast-food restaurant, and from where we sat I could see the entrance doors. As we chatted I saw people coming and going and didn't pay too much attention... until a certain couple walked in. They were poorly dressed, and both of them were quite tall and large. But what really caught my attention was their hair. They were obviously senior citizens, and both of them had long gray hair. His hair was shoulder-length, and from a distance looked kinda' scruffy. Her hair was tied back and hung halfway down to her waist. It seemed unusual to see a senior woman with hair that long.
As they were by the soda pop machine my brother observed them. I commented about their long hair, and he said, "Haircuts are expensive." They appeared to be poor.
As we left the restaurant this couple was just ahead of us. The man held the door open for her, but she had turned back to put her cup in the trash bin. As I walked out I said to him, "She's coming", and we thanked him for holding the door open. I turned back to smile at her, and as I looked into her face, was totally blown away. I have never seen such KINDNESS in a face. In her smile and in her eyes was a depth of beauty and expression beyond anything I have ever seen in another human being.
Kindness in a face is painted there over time by many acts of love and compassion, by sacrifice and giving, by understanding and selflessness. I knew that this woman knew about love.
After we left the parking lot I realized that they had not eaten while they were there. They only ordered some drinks. They may have been poor, but they were very rich in spirit. It was written in their faces.
What a blessing it was to have just a momentary encounter with this couple.
"Love endures long and is patient and kind..."
I Corinthians 13:4 Amplified Bible
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
My brother and I were having hamburgers in a local fast-food restaurant, and from where we sat I could see the entrance doors. As we chatted I saw people coming and going and didn't pay too much attention... until a certain couple walked in. They were poorly dressed, and both of them were quite tall and large. But what really caught my attention was their hair. They were obviously senior citizens, and both of them had long gray hair. His hair was shoulder-length, and from a distance looked kinda' scruffy. Her hair was tied back and hung halfway down to her waist. It seemed unusual to see a senior woman with hair that long.
As they were by the soda pop machine my brother observed them. I commented about their long hair, and he said, "Haircuts are expensive." They appeared to be poor.
As we left the restaurant this couple was just ahead of us. The man held the door open for her, but she had turned back to put her cup in the trash bin. As I walked out I said to him, "She's coming", and we thanked him for holding the door open. I turned back to smile at her, and as I looked into her face, was totally blown away. I have never seen such KINDNESS in a face. In her smile and in her eyes was a depth of beauty and expression beyond anything I have ever seen in another human being.
Kindness in a face is painted there over time by many acts of love and compassion, by sacrifice and giving, by understanding and selflessness. I knew that this woman knew about love.
After we left the parking lot I realized that they had not eaten while they were there. They only ordered some drinks. They may have been poor, but they were very rich in spirit. It was written in their faces.
What a blessing it was to have just a momentary encounter with this couple.
"Love endures long and is patient and kind..."
I Corinthians 13:4 Amplified Bible
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 15, 2009
A Broken Reed
Even as a broken reed
Some are weak and much in need.
Jesus, by His gentle hand,
Will lift the reed so it may stand.
His compassion and His grace,
His loving care and strong embrace,
Will cause the reed to have new health
And fill it's stalk with wisdom's wealth.
Though the reed was bended low,
With new knowledge it will grow
Into a planting strong and tall...
One which will not bend or fall.
Though strong winds blow or bring new threat
All it's nurture will be met.
For Jesus looks upon the needs
Of tiny, struggling, tender reeds.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..."
James 4:8 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Some are weak and much in need.
Jesus, by His gentle hand,
Will lift the reed so it may stand.
His compassion and His grace,
His loving care and strong embrace,
Will cause the reed to have new health
And fill it's stalk with wisdom's wealth.
Though the reed was bended low,
With new knowledge it will grow
Into a planting strong and tall...
One which will not bend or fall.
Though strong winds blow or bring new threat
All it's nurture will be met.
For Jesus looks upon the needs
Of tiny, struggling, tender reeds.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..."
James 4:8 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A Cross-Sheltered Life
A cross-sheltered life with joy will resound,
For deep in it's shadow are blessings profound.
At the foot of the cross we find Heaven's door
And seal our destiny forevermore.
There we are sheltered and truly secure,
And in Christ's identity grow and mature.
The cross brings us depth and balance and vision,
And helps us to have a quiet precision.
Gentle and loving, forgiving and kind,
Full of compassion and service-inclined,
Rooted in faith and strong in position,
Here we are brought to glorious fruition.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about 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, 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For deep in it's shadow are blessings profound.
At the foot of the cross we find Heaven's door
And seal our destiny forevermore.
There we are sheltered and truly secure,
And in Christ's identity grow and mature.
The cross brings us depth and balance and vision,
And helps us to have a quiet precision.
Gentle and loving, forgiving and kind,
Full of compassion and service-inclined,
Rooted in faith and strong in position,
Here we are brought to glorious fruition.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about 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, 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Riches
How miserable the rich man
When his life is all askew.
He maybe even envies
The poor and all they knew.
What he doesn't understand
Is that some "poor" are rich.
For they have gathered treasure
And in Jesus found their niche.
So they don't feel poor at all.
In Christ they are sustained.
The store of wealth they have in Him
Can't even be contained!
God's wisdom flows in many streams
And covers all their need...
Sufficient for a blessed life...
A healing flow indeed!
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, through he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
II Corinthians 8:9 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
When his life is all askew.
He maybe even envies
The poor and all they knew.
What he doesn't understand
Is that some "poor" are rich.
For they have gathered treasure
And in Jesus found their niche.
So they don't feel poor at all.
In Christ they are sustained.
The store of wealth they have in Him
Can't even be contained!
God's wisdom flows in many streams
And covers all their need...
Sufficient for a blessed life...
A healing flow indeed!
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, through he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
II Corinthians 8:9 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
So Much Beauty
If God could make oceans and mountains and skies,
Fill heaven with stars and make the sun rise,
If God could make seeds to grow from the ground
And create a tree or flowers which abound..
How could we question His caring and love,
Showered around us from Heaven above?
Should we not praise Him for all He has done?
Who could compare to Him? Not even one!
Our God is greater... beyond all we know,
The world we live in... one marvelous show
Of His love and beauty and wondrous delight,
A glorious display of power and might!
"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth."
Psalm 9:8 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Fill heaven with stars and make the sun rise,
If God could make seeds to grow from the ground
And create a tree or flowers which abound..
How could we question His caring and love,
Showered around us from Heaven above?
Should we not praise Him for all He has done?
Who could compare to Him? Not even one!
Our God is greater... beyond all we know,
The world we live in... one marvelous show
Of His love and beauty and wondrous delight,
A glorious display of power and might!
"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth."
Psalm 9:8 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Potter's Hands
To be clay in the Potter's hands is the greatest chance I will ever have to be beautiful...
And I must not try to determine what that beauty may be, or how the finished vessel may look. The Potter is skilled and infinitely wiser and more gifted than I can comprehend.
I am not able to fathom the depths of His creativity and need to be yielded and still in His hands, knowing that to be hand-hewn by the Lord is to become a vessel worthy of honor. He does not create second-rate vessels.
I am mere clay, but in Him I have promise. For He is a loving God and will ultimately make of me the best I can be.
"But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we are the work of thy hand."
Isaiah 64:8 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And I must not try to determine what that beauty may be, or how the finished vessel may look. The Potter is skilled and infinitely wiser and more gifted than I can comprehend.
I am not able to fathom the depths of His creativity and need to be yielded and still in His hands, knowing that to be hand-hewn by the Lord is to become a vessel worthy of honor. He does not create second-rate vessels.
I am mere clay, but in Him I have promise. For He is a loving God and will ultimately make of me the best I can be.
"But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we are the work of thy hand."
Isaiah 64:8 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A Crown For Mom
May God pour out blessing on Moms everywhere
And bring them reward for their love and their care,
For serving their families without self-concern.
The honors they get, they quietly earn.
A Mom should be honored for each simple task
She willingly does, e'en when you don't ask.
God knows her heart and hears all her prayer.
Of her deep concern He is always aware.
She labors to raise all her children up strong,
To teach them the Word, to know right from wrong.
She honors her husband and gives him strong cause
To utter her praise and offer "Hurrahs"!
Mom is the "glue" that holds home together.
She "covers" her family through storm and bad weather.
She offers encouragement, wisdom and wit.
She is the one who keeps family close-knit.
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praiseth her."
Proverbs 31:27-28 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And bring them reward for their love and their care,
For serving their families without self-concern.
The honors they get, they quietly earn.
A Mom should be honored for each simple task
She willingly does, e'en when you don't ask.
God knows her heart and hears all her prayer.
Of her deep concern He is always aware.
She labors to raise all her children up strong,
To teach them the Word, to know right from wrong.
She honors her husband and gives him strong cause
To utter her praise and offer "Hurrahs"!
Mom is the "glue" that holds home together.
She "covers" her family through storm and bad weather.
She offers encouragement, wisdom and wit.
She is the one who keeps family close-knit.
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praiseth her."
Proverbs 31:27-28 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Friendship's Caring
The laughter of a caring friend
An aching heart will help to mend.
For love and laughter lift one up
And seem to empty sorrow's cup.
Friendship is a healing tie...
A special love we cannot buy.
It speaks a message of good cheer,
"I care for you and I am here."
It seems to make the sky more blue
To know that someone thinks of you.
It brightly causes hope to rise.
This is friendship's special prize.
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
An aching heart will help to mend.
For love and laughter lift one up
And seem to empty sorrow's cup.
Friendship is a healing tie...
A special love we cannot buy.
It speaks a message of good cheer,
"I care for you and I am here."
It seems to make the sky more blue
To know that someone thinks of you.
It brightly causes hope to rise.
This is friendship's special prize.
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 08, 2009
Aways Look Up
When there's nowhere to turn, I will always look up.
For though I be poor, God will give a full cup.
My soul and my spirit He surely will feed.
He is sufficient to meet all my need.
Though life whirls about me, I shall not thirst.
By His lovingkindness my life is immersed.
He gives inspiration and strength deep within
And pours out the confidence I need to win.
I will look up and in His promise dwell.
In Him I will prosper and surely excel!
I have no challenge which He cannot meet.
All my provision in Him is complete.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For though I be poor, God will give a full cup.
My soul and my spirit He surely will feed.
He is sufficient to meet all my need.
Though life whirls about me, I shall not thirst.
By His lovingkindness my life is immersed.
He gives inspiration and strength deep within
And pours out the confidence I need to win.
I will look up and in His promise dwell.
In Him I will prosper and surely excel!
I have no challenge which He cannot meet.
All my provision in Him is complete.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Shipwreck
I am seeing calamity in relationships all around me, and the root of the problem is a sharp tongue. James likens the tongue to the rudder of a large ship. "Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires." (James 3:4 NKJ)
In my spirit I see large ships in troubled water, sinking or listing to one side. The storms of life are all around them, but the rudders are not in order and the ships are out of control. This is a serious picture. Oceans are large and the waters are deep, so the stakes are high. The enemy is working to stir up strife, and a "rudder" (tongue) not submitted to Jesus can cause shipwreck. We truly need Jesus to pilot our lives.
This is a very destructive move of the enemy. He is working to destroy marriages, relationships, long-term friendships, parent-child relationships, balance in the workplace... anything he can do to isolate and separate people because he knows they are stronger when they stand together. This is a time when we need to draw close together in the Spirit, that we might stand strong in the days to come.
A tongue can be an instrument of great healing when submitted to the Lord Jesus Christ, but a sharp tongue will poke holes in the hull of a "boat" and cause it to sink. We should not be deceived in this. "No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:8) We must be fully dependent on Jesus to overcome this unruly member within us.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
James 1:19 NKJ
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
In my spirit I see large ships in troubled water, sinking or listing to one side. The storms of life are all around them, but the rudders are not in order and the ships are out of control. This is a serious picture. Oceans are large and the waters are deep, so the stakes are high. The enemy is working to stir up strife, and a "rudder" (tongue) not submitted to Jesus can cause shipwreck. We truly need Jesus to pilot our lives.
This is a very destructive move of the enemy. He is working to destroy marriages, relationships, long-term friendships, parent-child relationships, balance in the workplace... anything he can do to isolate and separate people because he knows they are stronger when they stand together. This is a time when we need to draw close together in the Spirit, that we might stand strong in the days to come.
A tongue can be an instrument of great healing when submitted to the Lord Jesus Christ, but a sharp tongue will poke holes in the hull of a "boat" and cause it to sink. We should not be deceived in this. "No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:8) We must be fully dependent on Jesus to overcome this unruly member within us.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
James 1:19 NKJ
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Eagles
The eagle's wing is strong in flight
And carries him to awesome height.
He will watch with long-range vision,
Seeing all with great precision.
If I could fly with eagle's wing,
Rising up o'er everything
And see the heav'ns with his keen eye,
I think to God I might come nigh.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And carries him to awesome height.
He will watch with long-range vision,
Seeing all with great precision.
If I could fly with eagle's wing,
Rising up o'er everything
And see the heav'ns with his keen eye,
I think to God I might come nigh.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Hidden Gold
The "wise" are so schooled in thought and perception
They can't comprehend... they're caught in deception.
God uses the simple to confound the "wise"...
Those who are "high" in their very own eyes.
The world may deride the simple and plain
And totally miss who God would ordain.
His gold may be hidden where we least expect.
Those we look down on may be His elect.
So we must tread lightly, lest we should offend
God's "simple" because we don't comprehend.
We just do not know where He has stored "gold"...
In rich or in poor, in young or in old.
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."
I Corinthians 1:27 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
They can't comprehend... they're caught in deception.
God uses the simple to confound the "wise"...
Those who are "high" in their very own eyes.
The world may deride the simple and plain
And totally miss who God would ordain.
His gold may be hidden where we least expect.
Those we look down on may be His elect.
So we must tread lightly, lest we should offend
God's "simple" because we don't comprehend.
We just do not know where He has stored "gold"...
In rich or in poor, in young or in old.
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."
I Corinthians 1:27 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 04, 2009
A Great Lady
In loving memory of my mother,
Elsie Franzel
May 4, 1906 - February 11, 2007
When asked for her thoughts on just how to live,
She had some really good answers to give.
The first one was "Do what you know is right."
She lived by this daily with all of her might.
Working and "serving" wherever she was,
She tirelessly gave to others because...
She just couldn't seem to do any less.
She wouldn't ignore one who might have distress.
She often said, "Live so you'll have no regrets."
This was just one of her life's sermonettes.
By the work of her hands and her actions each day
Her life spoke volumes of wisdom to weigh.
She may have been small... the shortest of all,
But in memory she always will stand very tall.
She never had wealth but lived her life well.
She leaves rich reminiscence to tell and re-tell.
"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."
Proverbs 31:25-29 NKJ
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Elsie Franzel
May 4, 1906 - February 11, 2007
When asked for her thoughts on just how to live,
She had some really good answers to give.
The first one was "Do what you know is right."
She lived by this daily with all of her might.
Working and "serving" wherever she was,
She tirelessly gave to others because...
She just couldn't seem to do any less.
She wouldn't ignore one who might have distress.
She often said, "Live so you'll have no regrets."
This was just one of her life's sermonettes.
By the work of her hands and her actions each day
Her life spoke volumes of wisdom to weigh.
She may have been small... the shortest of all,
But in memory she always will stand very tall.
She never had wealth but lived her life well.
She leaves rich reminiscence to tell and re-tell.
"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."
Proverbs 31:25-29 NKJ
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Sharing His Light
Lord, let Your work in me have sway,
That all my labors might convey
Your precious light to hurting souls
And rescue some from sin's dark tolls.
Cause my life to stretch and bend,
That all I do Your love will send.
Make of me a lantern bright
To pierce through darkness when it's night.
Fill me with Your holy oil
To share with those who fret and toil.
Be my strength and might and power,
For many need you in this hour.
"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
Romans 10:15 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
That all my labors might convey
Your precious light to hurting souls
And rescue some from sin's dark tolls.
Cause my life to stretch and bend,
That all I do Your love will send.
Make of me a lantern bright
To pierce through darkness when it's night.
Fill me with Your holy oil
To share with those who fret and toil.
Be my strength and might and power,
For many need you in this hour.
"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
Romans 10:15 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Answered Prayer
God has not forgotten the prayers which you have prayed,
Nor forgotten sacrifice which you have gladly made.
He remembers every word. He keeps a good account,
And oft His answers come in miraculous amount.
His lovingkindness and His joy will always far exceed
Our expectations, hopes and dreams, fulfilling every need.
We do not have to ponder whether prayers are really heard.
Our God is faithful to His flock. Of this we are assured.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every trhing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Nor forgotten sacrifice which you have gladly made.
He remembers every word. He keeps a good account,
And oft His answers come in miraculous amount.
His lovingkindness and His joy will always far exceed
Our expectations, hopes and dreams, fulfilling every need.
We do not have to ponder whether prayers are really heard.
Our God is faithful to His flock. Of this we are assured.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every trhing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 01, 2009
Brick Upon Brick
Brick upon brick a strong wall is built,
With mortar to seal it so it will not tilt.
The key is the mortar... it keep things in place.
It may not show, but it makes a strong base.
Prayer is as mortar in all that we build.
Our "walls" will be strong if with prayer they're filled.
And if we add love to the mortar of prayer
Our walls will reflect the Master Bricklayer.
The temples and walls we build with our prayer
Will withstand life's storms and fierce wear and tear.
And e'en though our walls may seem rather humble,
With mortar of prayer these walls will not crumble.
"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it..."
Psalm 127:1 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
With mortar to seal it so it will not tilt.
The key is the mortar... it keep things in place.
It may not show, but it makes a strong base.
Prayer is as mortar in all that we build.
Our "walls" will be strong if with prayer they're filled.
And if we add love to the mortar of prayer
Our walls will reflect the Master Bricklayer.
The temples and walls we build with our prayer
Will withstand life's storms and fierce wear and tear.
And e'en though our walls may seem rather humble,
With mortar of prayer these walls will not crumble.
"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it..."
Psalm 127:1 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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