God sprinkles blessings all around.
This day with joyfulness is crowned.
His goodness is as gold and myrrh.
Praises deep within me stir.
Every day I am aware...
His kindness is beyond compare.
Should I never have a penny,
Still His blessings are so many.
The fullness of His love and grace
Are as a constant warm embrace.
For every day His blessings flow
Much gratefulness to Him I owe.
“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. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.”
Psalm 63:3-5 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
A Precious Day
Live today with expectation.
Give to it your very best.
Don’t dwell in what is done and past.
Let yesterday be put to rest.
Fill today with joy and laughter.
Treat it as a golden ray.
Let its promise bring delight,
For God has given us this day.
Let His joy well up within you.
He will bless you with good measure.
When today is put to rest
You will have gathered precious treasure.
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Give to it your very best.
Don’t dwell in what is done and past.
Let yesterday be put to rest.
Fill today with joy and laughter.
Treat it as a golden ray.
Let its promise bring delight,
For God has given us this day.
Let His joy well up within you.
He will bless you with good measure.
When today is put to rest
You will have gathered precious treasure.
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, March 29, 2014
The Fruit Of The Spirit
When the fruit of the Spirit is birthed in our heart
A very rich beauty our God will impart.
Our voice and our actions new softness will show.
Our smile and our countenance will have a warm glow.
The fruit will come in if we’ll let “self” be last,
Forsaking the “patterns” we’ve had in the past.
When we submit our will to the Lord,
The fruit of the Spirit will be our reward.
We will be “tempered” in all that we do
And kind in demeanor, for we are made new.
When the fruit of the Spirit is truly desired,
By Jesus’ own love we are truly inspired.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A very rich beauty our God will impart.
Our voice and our actions new softness will show.
Our smile and our countenance will have a warm glow.
The fruit will come in if we’ll let “self” be last,
Forsaking the “patterns” we’ve had in the past.
When we submit our will to the Lord,
The fruit of the Spirit will be our reward.
We will be “tempered” in all that we do
And kind in demeanor, for we are made new.
When the fruit of the Spirit is truly desired,
By Jesus’ own love we are truly inspired.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, March 28, 2014
Our Caring God
Do you ponder if God knows your needs
Or wonder if He really cares?
Do you feel alone at times,
Though you utter many prayers?
He watches over all you do.
His constant watchcare is a gift.
When you place your hope in Him
He’ll never leave you just to “drift”.
He hears each prayer and every sigh.
God knows the longings of your heart.
Of this one thing you can be sure,
His loving care will not depart.
“The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men: from His dwelling place He looks (intently) upon all the inhabitants of the earth - He who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings.”
Psalm 33:13-15 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Or wonder if He really cares?
Do you feel alone at times,
Though you utter many prayers?
He watches over all you do.
His constant watchcare is a gift.
When you place your hope in Him
He’ll never leave you just to “drift”.
He hears each prayer and every sigh.
God knows the longings of your heart.
Of this one thing you can be sure,
His loving care will not depart.
“The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men: from His dwelling place He looks (intently) upon all the inhabitants of the earth - He who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings.”
Psalm 33:13-15 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, March 27, 2014
A Pure Heart
“Darkness” has a smiling face
And wants in us to find a place.
By deceit it charms and woos.
To be tempted is bad news.
If we sometimes are not sure
Whether what we see is pure,
We should be on guard and pray.
Seek the Lord... don’t be blasé.
Evil threads its subtle way
All through society today.
Be alert to recognize
And expose its ugly guise.
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
James 1:12 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And wants in us to find a place.
By deceit it charms and woos.
To be tempted is bad news.
If we sometimes are not sure
Whether what we see is pure,
We should be on guard and pray.
Seek the Lord... don’t be blasé.
Evil threads its subtle way
All through society today.
Be alert to recognize
And expose its ugly guise.
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
James 1:12 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
A Grandparent's Delight
A grandson is a special gift,
Full of joy my heart to lift.
There’s sunshine in his happy smile.
He makes every day worthwhile.
This month my grandson is fourteen.
From birth and all the days between,
He’s caused me to be young at heart.
He’s full of hugs... I love that part.
A grandchild truly is a treasure,
The joy of which I cannot measure.
May he prosper many ways
And have God’s blessing all his days.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord...”
Psalm 127:4 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Full of joy my heart to lift.
There’s sunshine in his happy smile.
He makes every day worthwhile.
This month my grandson is fourteen.
From birth and all the days between,
He’s caused me to be young at heart.
He’s full of hugs... I love that part.
A grandchild truly is a treasure,
The joy of which I cannot measure.
May he prosper many ways
And have God’s blessing all his days.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord...”
Psalm 127:4 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
The Loving Artistry Of God
God plants in us a “DNA”...
Of wealth and riches to explore.
He adds to us exquisite “color”...
Art and beauty and much more.
Locked within us are His gifts,
Placed there in abundant measure.
It may take us many years
To discover all His treasure.
None of us is ever “empty”,
For we have a God of plenty.
He will give us deep insight
And “vision” which is twenty-twenty.
We are blessed with great potential,
Filled with beauty from His hand.
We are God’s own work of art.
By His love our lives were planned.
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me.”
Psalm 119:73 KJV
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk n them.”
Ephesians 2:10 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Of wealth and riches to explore.
He adds to us exquisite “color”...
Art and beauty and much more.
Locked within us are His gifts,
Placed there in abundant measure.
It may take us many years
To discover all His treasure.
None of us is ever “empty”,
For we have a God of plenty.
He will give us deep insight
And “vision” which is twenty-twenty.
We are blessed with great potential,
Filled with beauty from His hand.
We are God’s own work of art.
By His love our lives were planned.
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me.”
Psalm 119:73 KJV
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk n them.”
Ephesians 2:10 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, March 24, 2014
Spring's Gift To Us
How wonderful when earth awakens
From its dreary winter rest.
And Spring adorns the landscape...
She always does her very best.
She sponsors in us fresh awareness
Of God’s caring and His joy.
She “pulls out all the stops” for us
As she responds to His employ.
Joy bursts forth within the soul
As we observe her glorious gift.
Thoughts of “new beginnings” stir.
Her beauty brings a needed “lift”.
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
From its dreary winter rest.
And Spring adorns the landscape...
She always does her very best.
She sponsors in us fresh awareness
Of God’s caring and His joy.
She “pulls out all the stops” for us
As she responds to His employ.
Joy bursts forth within the soul
As we observe her glorious gift.
Thoughts of “new beginnings” stir.
Her beauty brings a needed “lift”.
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Choose To Be Happy
I will choose to be happy and bypass my “woes”.
It feels good when laughter inside of me grows.
A bright frame of mind my woes will appease.
I smile more and fret less and feel more at ease.
Merriment has a healing effect,
And drives out those thoughts we should not collect.
For one solemn thought can lead to another,
And soon we can’t think of anything other.
Happiness is a choice to pursue
A quality which we should practice and woo.
It’s not about things, but rests deep within.
And often it helps us to prosper and win!
“This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine...”
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It feels good when laughter inside of me grows.
A bright frame of mind my woes will appease.
I smile more and fret less and feel more at ease.
Merriment has a healing effect,
And drives out those thoughts we should not collect.
For one solemn thought can lead to another,
And soon we can’t think of anything other.
Happiness is a choice to pursue
A quality which we should practice and woo.
It’s not about things, but rests deep within.
And often it helps us to prosper and win!
“This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine...”
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, March 22, 2014
The Worth Of A Life
When we are young, we think we have time,
But time marches on, and then we grow old.
Time is a gift we never should waste,
For we do not know what “prize” it might hold.
God has designed us to live with great cause,
To have worthy purpose in all that we do.
Each day holds promise which we may not see.
God may be leading us toward something new.
Follow His lead... don’t just let time pass,
For when you grow old you may have regret.
Some of the things which you should have done
Are goals which had meaning but which were not met.
How blessed, when old, to look at the past
And know that you’ve done the most you can do.
The mark of your life will have import and honor
As you have accomplished what God had for you.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:2-3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But time marches on, and then we grow old.
Time is a gift we never should waste,
For we do not know what “prize” it might hold.
God has designed us to live with great cause,
To have worthy purpose in all that we do.
Each day holds promise which we may not see.
God may be leading us toward something new.
Follow His lead... don’t just let time pass,
For when you grow old you may have regret.
Some of the things which you should have done
Are goals which had meaning but which were not met.
How blessed, when old, to look at the past
And know that you’ve done the most you can do.
The mark of your life will have import and honor
As you have accomplished what God had for you.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:2-3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, March 21, 2014
Seeds With Promise
If a seed can grow into a mighty tree,
Then what about “seeds” God has planted in me?
They may be small, but nevertheless
Can grow to be mighty, with strength and finesse.
Seeds have potential which we then should nourish.
We may have a “garden” of seeds which will flourish.
Seeds which God gives us will come to fruition...
We may be an artist or gifted musician.
There is potential in every small seed.
It will spring forth as we follow God’s lead.
He is our nurture so we may grow well.
He authors the story which our seeds will tell.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
James 1:17 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Then what about “seeds” God has planted in me?
They may be small, but nevertheless
Can grow to be mighty, with strength and finesse.
Seeds have potential which we then should nourish.
We may have a “garden” of seeds which will flourish.
Seeds which God gives us will come to fruition...
We may be an artist or gifted musician.
There is potential in every small seed.
It will spring forth as we follow God’s lead.
He is our nurture so we may grow well.
He authors the story which our seeds will tell.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
James 1:17 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Grace Flowing
When you share an opinion, wrap it carefully in grace. Give it careful thought, and maybe then don’t share it, lest your opinion may signal lack of acceptance. Most folks need acceptance and encouragement. which will bring healing. Your opinion, without grace, may bring cutting and wounding and intimidation.
Grace bridges the gap between good and better. Grace, artfully employed, will build confidence. spur another on to new ideas, and can turn a poor situation into something really good.
Guard your opinions, measure your words, and let grace flow abundantly.
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:7 KJV
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:6 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Grace bridges the gap between good and better. Grace, artfully employed, will build confidence. spur another on to new ideas, and can turn a poor situation into something really good.
Guard your opinions, measure your words, and let grace flow abundantly.
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:7 KJV
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:6 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Do Not Be Weary
Sometimes we labor until we are weary.
For when tasks are “long”, it’s hard to be cheery.
But we can find courage and joy in the Lord,
Knowing that in Him we have rich reward.
All of our work should be as to Him.
It is He Who renews us with vigor and vim.
We stand strong in Him, in Him we have victory,
Even when others may be contradictory.
He knows our hearts and sees our hard work.
He knows that our labors we don’t tend to shirk.
The work that we do may not bring acclaim,
But how blessed it is to serve in His name.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9 KJV
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Colossians 3:17 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For when tasks are “long”, it’s hard to be cheery.
But we can find courage and joy in the Lord,
Knowing that in Him we have rich reward.
All of our work should be as to Him.
It is He Who renews us with vigor and vim.
We stand strong in Him, in Him we have victory,
Even when others may be contradictory.
He knows our hearts and sees our hard work.
He knows that our labors we don’t tend to shirk.
The work that we do may not bring acclaim,
But how blessed it is to serve in His name.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9 KJV
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Colossians 3:17 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Blessing Our Children
Do you want to bless your children?
Honor God in every way.
Follow Him with all your heart.
His tenets honor and obey.
Let your children see your “walk”
And learn well by your Godly talk.
When you set your standards high
Your children to God will draw nigh.
If you don’t know Godly ways
They may suffer all their days.
Let God’s wisdom in you rest.
Your children will be greatly blessed.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
Hosea 4:6 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Honor God in every way.
Follow Him with all your heart.
His tenets honor and obey.
Let your children see your “walk”
And learn well by your Godly talk.
When you set your standards high
Your children to God will draw nigh.
If you don’t know Godly ways
They may suffer all their days.
Let God’s wisdom in you rest.
Your children will be greatly blessed.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
Hosea 4:6 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, March 17, 2014
Being Teachable
The wise man will be teachable.
His wisdom makes him reachable.
There’s always more that he can learn
And deeper truths he may discern.
The levels of his comprehension
Grow to have increased dimension.
God will teach him how to live,
And many insights will He give.
The wise man has much finer vision
And He moves with keen precision.
Always he will watch and learn,
And wisdom’s merits he will earn.
“Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:1-3 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
His wisdom makes him reachable.
There’s always more that he can learn
And deeper truths he may discern.
The levels of his comprehension
Grow to have increased dimension.
God will teach him how to live,
And many insights will He give.
The wise man has much finer vision
And He moves with keen precision.
Always he will watch and learn,
And wisdom’s merits he will earn.
“Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:1-3 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Will You Come?
We can’t afford to be “ho-hum”.
God is calling, “Will you come?”
We should not wait or be blasé
And make this choice “another day”.
God gave His Son for you and me,
From sin and shame to set us free.
Listen to God’s loving voice.
Redemption is a glorious choice!
He will fill you with His joy.
His peace will be your constant buoy.
You will know that all is well
When in your heart He comes to dwell.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
God is calling, “Will you come?”
We should not wait or be blasé
And make this choice “another day”.
God gave His Son for you and me,
From sin and shame to set us free.
Listen to God’s loving voice.
Redemption is a glorious choice!
He will fill you with His joy.
His peace will be your constant buoy.
You will know that all is well
When in your heart He comes to dwell.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, March 15, 2014
He Is Faithful
When my life is in God’s hand
I know that He will help me stand.
So many times I have been blessed
When I was down or felt depressed.
He takes notice of my need.
I know my hopes He will exceed.
He is faithful in His care.
I know He hears my every prayer.
His peace becomes a healing balm
Where I may rest and find deep calm.
I may not know what He has planned
But know I’m safe within His hand.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Psalm 103:2 KJV
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I know that He will help me stand.
So many times I have been blessed
When I was down or felt depressed.
He takes notice of my need.
I know my hopes He will exceed.
He is faithful in His care.
I know He hears my every prayer.
His peace becomes a healing balm
Where I may rest and find deep calm.
I may not know what He has planned
But know I’m safe within His hand.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Psalm 103:2 KJV
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, March 14, 2014
Heart Change
God is always changing me
Into the person I should be.
He will always help me make
The change which I should undertake.
He will tug on my heart-string
And show me things to which I cling.
As I discard that which is past
He’ll teach me of the things that last.
The change I need may be unseen
And something I don’t even glean.
If I yield and take His hand
I’ll be blessed by all He’s planned.
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:20-21 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Into the person I should be.
He will always help me make
The change which I should undertake.
He will tug on my heart-string
And show me things to which I cling.
As I discard that which is past
He’ll teach me of the things that last.
The change I need may be unseen
And something I don’t even glean.
If I yield and take His hand
I’ll be blessed by all He’s planned.
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:20-21 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Sure Footing
In God and the Word we have a sure footing,
A firm place to stand against storm and “uprooting”.
Should turmoil come to knock at our door,
We will stand strong against its loud “roar”.
We will not shrink or be blown away.
Knowing the Lord will give strength in that day.
We do not know what each day may bring.
God is our strength... to Him we must cling.
Invite Him to come... within you to dwell.
Practice and study... to know the Word well.
Herein is strength for every new day
And wisdom to keep us from going astray.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand). I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust!”
Psalm 1:1-2 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A firm place to stand against storm and “uprooting”.
Should turmoil come to knock at our door,
We will stand strong against its loud “roar”.
We will not shrink or be blown away.
Knowing the Lord will give strength in that day.
We do not know what each day may bring.
God is our strength... to Him we must cling.
Invite Him to come... within you to dwell.
Practice and study... to know the Word well.
Herein is strength for every new day
And wisdom to keep us from going astray.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand). I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust!”
Psalm 1:1-2 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Learning And Growing
We sometimes have problems which get too complex
And find ourselves caught in an unwanted tangle.
We may not know how to find good solutions.
We may not have known every possible angle.
The problems we have are not too big for God.
First we must pray that He’ll turn things around.
Should we not see change and still have a struggle,
The lessons we learn with grace will abound.
If everything’s easy, we just will not grow,
But experience will teach us and help us to learn.
Seeking to be alert and discerning
Will save many problems, and wisdom will earn.
“If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God (Who gives) to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And find ourselves caught in an unwanted tangle.
We may not know how to find good solutions.
We may not have known every possible angle.
The problems we have are not too big for God.
First we must pray that He’ll turn things around.
Should we not see change and still have a struggle,
The lessons we learn with grace will abound.
If everything’s easy, we just will not grow,
But experience will teach us and help us to learn.
Seeking to be alert and discerning
Will save many problems, and wisdom will earn.
“If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God (Who gives) to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Encourage One Another
Encourage folks to reach their goal.
To have excitement in their soul.
Cheer them up or spur them on.
Help them a new smile to don.
Some need to be re-assured,
Or some have maybe been detoured.
And so they speculate or wait.
Because of fear they hesitate.
You may be the “spur” they need...
That which helps them to proceed.
Their confidence will grow and rise,
Enabling them to win their “prize”.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To have excitement in their soul.
Cheer them up or spur them on.
Help them a new smile to don.
Some need to be re-assured,
Or some have maybe been detoured.
And so they speculate or wait.
Because of fear they hesitate.
You may be the “spur” they need...
That which helps them to proceed.
Their confidence will grow and rise,
Enabling them to win their “prize”.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, March 10, 2014
No Room For Complacency
It’s never good to be complacent...
Satisfied with how you are.
Complacency can make you blind.
Clear perspective it will mar.
Be alert in all you do
To have good insight and to learn.
If you just lean back and laze
You will have reason for concern.
Circumstance could change around you,
Sending up a major flare.
Don’t let changes cause you jarring
Because you have been unaware.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
I Peter 5:6-8 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Satisfied with how you are.
Complacency can make you blind.
Clear perspective it will mar.
Be alert in all you do
To have good insight and to learn.
If you just lean back and laze
You will have reason for concern.
Circumstance could change around you,
Sending up a major flare.
Don’t let changes cause you jarring
Because you have been unaware.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
I Peter 5:6-8 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Timing
When we seek the Lord, our timing is right.
We won’t find ourselves in an unwanted “plight”.
If we rush ahead when we are not ready,
Results will be “shaky” and will not be steady.
Waiting on Him will save us much stress
And often will save us an error or mess.
He opens doors where we cannot see
And closes the doors where we should not be.
His perfect timing is safe and complete.
Of favor and blessings we’ll have receipt.
We will have joy and be filled with peace,
When we rely on God’s expertise.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We won’t find ourselves in an unwanted “plight”.
If we rush ahead when we are not ready,
Results will be “shaky” and will not be steady.
Waiting on Him will save us much stress
And often will save us an error or mess.
He opens doors where we cannot see
And closes the doors where we should not be.
His perfect timing is safe and complete.
Of favor and blessings we’ll have receipt.
We will have joy and be filled with peace,
When we rely on God’s expertise.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Guarded Vision
What do you watch, or what are you seeing?
Does it promote your peace and well-being?
That which we see will impact our soul
And keep us from being unblemished and whole.
The “world” will make entry through unguarded vision,
So we must choose to have wisdom’s precision
And monitor everything we see or view
To make sure it’s something we should pursue.
Scanning the content of all that we view
May bring surprise when we think this through.
We can reject all that is unwise
And stop “worldly” ways which bombard our eyes.
“Let your eyes look right on (with fixed purpose), and let your gaze be straight before you.”
Proverbs 4:25 Amplified Bible
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Does it promote your peace and well-being?
That which we see will impact our soul
And keep us from being unblemished and whole.
The “world” will make entry through unguarded vision,
So we must choose to have wisdom’s precision
And monitor everything we see or view
To make sure it’s something we should pursue.
Scanning the content of all that we view
May bring surprise when we think this through.
We can reject all that is unwise
And stop “worldly” ways which bombard our eyes.
“Let your eyes look right on (with fixed purpose), and let your gaze be straight before you.”
Proverbs 4:25 Amplified Bible
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, March 07, 2014
Safe In His Hands
God will heal the brokenhearted
And lead them in new paths uncharted.
He will mend each broken piece
By His loving expertise.
Your heart is safe within His care,
Made whole again by His repair.
Should you feel you can’t go on,
Know He’ll give you a new dawn.
Rest in Him, receive His peace.
His healing hand will bring release
From aching and anxiety.
His love for you will set you free.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (curing their pains and their sorrows).”
Psalm 147:3 Amplified Bible
“You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, to the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”
Psalm 30:11 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And lead them in new paths uncharted.
He will mend each broken piece
By His loving expertise.
Your heart is safe within His care,
Made whole again by His repair.
Should you feel you can’t go on,
Know He’ll give you a new dawn.
Rest in Him, receive His peace.
His healing hand will bring release
From aching and anxiety.
His love for you will set you free.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (curing their pains and their sorrows).”
Psalm 147:3 Amplified Bible
“You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, to the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”
Psalm 30:11 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Treasures From God
God gives to us a legacy
Of beauty and of worth.
His faithfulness and love
To inspiration will give birth.
As we’re listening and gleaning,
Discovering and learning,
To share what God has shown us
Then becomes a constant yearning.
The dawning of each precious day
Holds riches which we may explore,
Where we may find deep treasure
From an overflowing reservoir.
Oh, what joy, what depth we find,
When God shows us His treasure.
What insight and perspective...
Every day in greater measure.
“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. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.”
Psalm 63:3-5 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Of beauty and of worth.
His faithfulness and love
To inspiration will give birth.
As we’re listening and gleaning,
Discovering and learning,
To share what God has shown us
Then becomes a constant yearning.
The dawning of each precious day
Holds riches which we may explore,
Where we may find deep treasure
From an overflowing reservoir.
Oh, what joy, what depth we find,
When God shows us His treasure.
What insight and perspective...
Every day in greater measure.
“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. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.”
Psalm 63:3-5 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Checkpoints
It’s important to have “checkpoints”
In all we think or say or do,
To write down things we need to work on,
Keep a list and oft review.
We can change our daily patterns
If we pray and think things through.
We may see within ourselves
Some changes which are overdue.
Our list requires good “maintenance”
To keep us from becoming slack.
When we’re diligent in this
We’ll not have fear of “slipping back”.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.”
II Peter 1:5-7 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
In all we think or say or do,
To write down things we need to work on,
Keep a list and oft review.
We can change our daily patterns
If we pray and think things through.
We may see within ourselves
Some changes which are overdue.
Our list requires good “maintenance”
To keep us from becoming slack.
When we’re diligent in this
We’ll not have fear of “slipping back”.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.”
II Peter 1:5-7 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
His Loveliness In Us
When we are in tune with God, He will weave all the pieces of our labors
and service unto Him together into a beautiful mosaic design, unlike
that of any other person.
He doesn’t overlook any pieces. His handiwork will be complete. And so each life will shine with His beauty and will be a reflection of Him.
As we are filled with the fruit of the Spirit He will translate these qualities into color... heavenly color which cannot be created except by His hand.
By His hand we are translated into loveliness... His heavenly touch.
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us...”
Psalm 90:17 KJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...”
Galatians 5:22 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
He doesn’t overlook any pieces. His handiwork will be complete. And so each life will shine with His beauty and will be a reflection of Him.
As we are filled with the fruit of the Spirit He will translate these qualities into color... heavenly color which cannot be created except by His hand.
By His hand we are translated into loveliness... His heavenly touch.
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us...”
Psalm 90:17 KJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...”
Galatians 5:22 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, March 03, 2014
Hope And Promise
Many years ago (1992) the Lord spoke to me and said, “The best of times and
the worst of times will walk hand-in-hand”.....
I did not understand why He was speaking this to me at that time. But I know without a doubt that now we so need the promise in those words. So much has changed in the world around us since then.
Many people are struggling right now, but we must not give up. There is HOPE and there is PROMISE in what the Lord said. I believe, in this time, that we need to look up... to focus and recognize what is “the best of times” and receive it in its fullness. This will be our balance in the days to come.
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I did not understand why He was speaking this to me at that time. But I know without a doubt that now we so need the promise in those words. So much has changed in the world around us since then.
Many people are struggling right now, but we must not give up. There is HOPE and there is PROMISE in what the Lord said. I believe, in this time, that we need to look up... to focus and recognize what is “the best of times” and receive it in its fullness. This will be our balance in the days to come.
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, March 02, 2014
A Life With Impact
The way we live our lives
Will leave heritage for others.
What do we desire to leave
Our children, friends or brothers?
What will folks remember then?
What will our endeavors speak?
Will our lives inspire some
For higher goals and truths to seek?
Let the impact of our lives
Be very rich in memory’s store.
May those who have known us
Find great wisdom to explore.
May our lives have echo
Down through time in many others
To bring God’s love and truth and light
To our children, friends and brothers!
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Will leave heritage for others.
What do we desire to leave
Our children, friends or brothers?
What will folks remember then?
What will our endeavors speak?
Will our lives inspire some
For higher goals and truths to seek?
Let the impact of our lives
Be very rich in memory’s store.
May those who have known us
Find great wisdom to explore.
May our lives have echo
Down through time in many others
To bring God’s love and truth and light
To our children, friends and brothers!
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Signs Of Spring
The signs of spring will soon peek through
The grayness of the winter’s rest.
We’ll see the landscape start to smile.
The land in blossoms will be dressed.
God created myriad flowers
(More than we could ever number),
Which fill us with delight and newness
As earth wakes up from winter’s slumber.
Spring can be a new beginning...
A time to praise our God and sing,
Looking forward to its coming
And the blessings it will bring.
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.”
Psalm 8:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The grayness of the winter’s rest.
We’ll see the landscape start to smile.
The land in blossoms will be dressed.
God created myriad flowers
(More than we could ever number),
Which fill us with delight and newness
As earth wakes up from winter’s slumber.
Spring can be a new beginning...
A time to praise our God and sing,
Looking forward to its coming
And the blessings it will bring.
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.”
Psalm 8:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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