When we are young we think we need
A lot of things so we’ll succeed.
But what we have won’t make us grow
Or more important things to know.
Some folks pile up too much stuff
And never seem to have enough.
“Excess” clutters up their “view”,
And they don’t see what they should do.
Things and stuff become a weight,
And over time are not so great.
It’s better then to “travel light”
And not let “excess” block our “sight”.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but 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 6:19-21 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
The Right Road
Many are the roads which we can travel.
Some will be paved, and some will be gravel.
Some will be winding, and some will be straight.
The choice which we make we should weigh and debate.
One of the roads will be right and be best.
When we find that road our lives will be blessed.
Should we make error we’ll hit snags and delay
And will have to go back and find the right way.
We will move forward, each step of the way,
With strength and direction... if we will pray.
We will be able to meet every test.
And we will achieve God’s highest and best.
“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.”
Psalm 18:32-33 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Some will be paved, and some will be gravel.
Some will be winding, and some will be straight.
The choice which we make we should weigh and debate.
One of the roads will be right and be best.
When we find that road our lives will be blessed.
Should we make error we’ll hit snags and delay
And will have to go back and find the right way.
We will move forward, each step of the way,
With strength and direction... if we will pray.
We will be able to meet every test.
And we will achieve God’s highest and best.
“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.”
Psalm 18:32-33 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 28, 2014
Polished Arrows
When your spirit is in tune with the Spirit of God, you become as a polished arrow in the hand of God, accurate in trajectory and useful to accomplish God’s purposes. Polished arrows penetrate darkness and bring light.
As one of God’s arrows your “impact” may be through a word or an action, and you may or may not know you are “being aimed”, but the Holy Spirit will cause you to hit the intended target. As you become a yielded vessel before the Lord and desire to be used of Him, He will cause you to have precision in all that you do.
What a blessing to be in tune with Him and be used by Him...
“And He has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand has He hid me, and made me a polished arrow; in His quiver has He kept me close and concealed me.”
Isaiah 49:2 Amplified Bible
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As one of God’s arrows your “impact” may be through a word or an action, and you may or may not know you are “being aimed”, but the Holy Spirit will cause you to hit the intended target. As you become a yielded vessel before the Lord and desire to be used of Him, He will cause you to have precision in all that you do.
What a blessing to be in tune with Him and be used by Him...
“And He has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand has He hid me, and made me a polished arrow; in His quiver has He kept me close and concealed me.”
Isaiah 49:2 Amplified Bible
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, April 27, 2014
A Season Of New Beginnings
Winter drowsed for much too long.
We needed Springtime’s lovely song...
Refreshing as the morning dew
She spurs us on to something new...
Telling us we should aspire
To goals and dreams which reach up higher...
To believe we can excel
And do a new thing very well.
She reminds us we have reason
To grow a little in each season.
She lifts us out of winter’s laze.
Our hearts are filled with joy and praise.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
Psalm 100:1-2 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We needed Springtime’s lovely song...
Refreshing as the morning dew
She spurs us on to something new...
Telling us we should aspire
To goals and dreams which reach up higher...
To believe we can excel
And do a new thing very well.
She reminds us we have reason
To grow a little in each season.
She lifts us out of winter’s laze.
Our hearts are filled with joy and praise.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
Psalm 100:1-2 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Priorities
When priorities are right, decisions are simple.
Direction is clear as to what we should do.
When they are wrong it may create havoc.
Those things which are prime, disorder may skew.
We should not ignore what we know is right,
And shortcuts won’t work... they just bring confusion.
Priorities in place will help us keep order
And bring all we do to a blessed conclusion.
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts.”
Proverbs 21:2 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Direction is clear as to what we should do.
When they are wrong it may create havoc.
Those things which are prime, disorder may skew.
We should not ignore what we know is right,
And shortcuts won’t work... they just bring confusion.
Priorities in place will help us keep order
And bring all we do to a blessed conclusion.
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts.”
Proverbs 21:2 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, April 25, 2014
A Lovely Flower
To grow a lovely flower
First you must prepare the soil.
Digging, weeding, fertilizing
Is quite a lot of toil.
Then once you plant or sow your seed
You water and you weed some more.
The tending of your garden
Can become a tedious chore.
But when your flower starts to bloom
And with fragrance fills the air,
Your labors bring you sweet reward
Of loveliness extraordinaire.
So it is in all we do.
Our preparation may not show.
But as we labor faithfully,
From our experience we will grow.
“The hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
Proverbs 10:4 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
First you must prepare the soil.
Digging, weeding, fertilizing
Is quite a lot of toil.
Then once you plant or sow your seed
You water and you weed some more.
The tending of your garden
Can become a tedious chore.
But when your flower starts to bloom
And with fragrance fills the air,
Your labors bring you sweet reward
Of loveliness extraordinaire.
So it is in all we do.
Our preparation may not show.
But as we labor faithfully,
From our experience we will grow.
“The hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
Proverbs 10:4 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, April 24, 2014
When God Shall Speak
Heavenly Father... Down in my heart I have a deep knowing
That You will soon move, Your sovereignty showing.
May all men bow down before Your great power
And worship Your name in this midnight hour.
When You shall speak, the mountains will shake.
Your voice will have “thunder”, Your people to wake.
Rise up, O God, with power and might
While it is sill day and there is still light.
Let men everywhere be focused on You,
Bringing You honor so long overdue.
Let all men Your goodness and power proclaim.
All glory and honor be unto Your name.
“For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be reverently feared and worshiped above all (so-called) gods. For all the gods of the nations are (lifeless) idols, but the Lord made the heavens.”
Psalm 96:4-5 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
That You will soon move, Your sovereignty showing.
May all men bow down before Your great power
And worship Your name in this midnight hour.
When You shall speak, the mountains will shake.
Your voice will have “thunder”, Your people to wake.
Rise up, O God, with power and might
While it is sill day and there is still light.
Let men everywhere be focused on You,
Bringing You honor so long overdue.
Let all men Your goodness and power proclaim.
All glory and honor be unto Your name.
“For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be reverently feared and worshiped above all (so-called) gods. For all the gods of the nations are (lifeless) idols, but the Lord made the heavens.”
Psalm 96:4-5 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
A Treasure-Filled Heart
What is birthed within the heart
Is what our thoughts and words impart.
If love resides there, love will flow.
If joy resides, a smile will show.
Peace within will soothe and heal.
Kindness... goodness will reveal.
Patience learned will smile and wait.
Gentleness is a wonderful trait.
What is in the heart will speak.
Without good fruit it’s words are bleak.
A fruit-filled heart is full of treasure.
Good fruit is its special “measure”.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...”
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Is what our thoughts and words impart.
If love resides there, love will flow.
If joy resides, a smile will show.
Peace within will soothe and heal.
Kindness... goodness will reveal.
Patience learned will smile and wait.
Gentleness is a wonderful trait.
What is in the heart will speak.
Without good fruit it’s words are bleak.
A fruit-filled heart is full of treasure.
Good fruit is its special “measure”.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...”
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Encouragement
We all sometimes need an encouraging “note”,
A gentle reminder, a positive “vote”.
When we are struggling, each day to get through,
Encouragement turns our “gray skies” to blue.
It’s okay to admit we just need a boost.
A call or a hug will cause joy to be loosed.
When someone else cares we’re lifted up out
Of sadness or fear, weariness or doubt.
Then once again our heart has a smile
And is able to conquer that “difficult mile”.
Some extra good cheer is a gift with much light
Which offers a lift and makes a life bright.
“A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment - how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A gentle reminder, a positive “vote”.
When we are struggling, each day to get through,
Encouragement turns our “gray skies” to blue.
It’s okay to admit we just need a boost.
A call or a hug will cause joy to be loosed.
When someone else cares we’re lifted up out
Of sadness or fear, weariness or doubt.
Then once again our heart has a smile
And is able to conquer that “difficult mile”.
Some extra good cheer is a gift with much light
Which offers a lift and makes a life bright.
“A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment - how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 21, 2014
Growing In Faith
When you feel you’re “stuck in place”
And call upon the Lord for grace,
In your faith you can make progress.
“Growing” is a constant process.
When we fail to learn and grow
Our “forward movement” will be slow.
Perhaps the biggest step we’ll take
Won’t happen if we “take a break”.
Trust the Lord... in Him have hope.
Your faith will grow in size and scope.
If to Him you are receptive
He will give you new directive.
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And call upon the Lord for grace,
In your faith you can make progress.
“Growing” is a constant process.
When we fail to learn and grow
Our “forward movement” will be slow.
Perhaps the biggest step we’ll take
Won’t happen if we “take a break”.
Trust the Lord... in Him have hope.
Your faith will grow in size and scope.
If to Him you are receptive
He will give you new directive.
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, April 20, 2014
The Beauty Of The Cross
On the cross at Calvary
Our precious Lord was slain.
We could never comprehend
His suffering and pain
But He triumphed o’er the grave
And rose on Easter morn.
He became the avenue
For man to be reborn.
The cross is now a resting place,
Where man may come to heal...
Where God, in His great love for us,
Salvation will reveal.
How beautiful the cross of Christ,
The hope of all mankind,
The symbol of eternal life
Which our great God hand-signed.
“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
© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Our precious Lord was slain.
We could never comprehend
His suffering and pain
But He triumphed o’er the grave
And rose on Easter morn.
He became the avenue
For man to be reborn.
The cross is now a resting place,
Where man may come to heal...
Where God, in His great love for us,
Salvation will reveal.
How beautiful the cross of Christ,
The hope of all mankind,
The symbol of eternal life
Which our great God hand-signed.
“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
© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Our Blessed LORD
On the cross Jesus carried the pain of the world.
It whipped at His life like a banner unfurled.
Nothing we know could e’er match His pain,
Nor can we fathom all mankind’s disdain.
He loved us so much He walked down this path.
To save us from sin, He suffered such wrath.
He chose the cross, accepting it’s “cup”
That we through eternity with Him might sup.
Forgive us, dear Lord, should we drive a nail
Or by careless action Your great love assail.
Forgive us, dear Lord, if we bring a thorn
Which might cause another to sin or to scorn.
Never has such love been poured out on man
As that which He gave, but this was God’s plan.
All glory be given to the Lamb Who was slain,
Who forever will rule and forever will reign!
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
I Timothy 1:17 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It whipped at His life like a banner unfurled.
Nothing we know could e’er match His pain,
Nor can we fathom all mankind’s disdain.
He loved us so much He walked down this path.
To save us from sin, He suffered such wrath.
He chose the cross, accepting it’s “cup”
That we through eternity with Him might sup.
Forgive us, dear Lord, should we drive a nail
Or by careless action Your great love assail.
Forgive us, dear Lord, if we bring a thorn
Which might cause another to sin or to scorn.
Never has such love been poured out on man
As that which He gave, but this was God’s plan.
All glory be given to the Lamb Who was slain,
Who forever will rule and forever will reign!
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
I Timothy 1:17 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, April 18, 2014
Think About Jesus
Think about God’s precious Son.
Contemplate what He has done,
Giving self to clear our shame,
In our place assuming blame.
Think about the love He shared
And just about how much He cared...
How He suffered and endured
So our salvation was ensured.
Think about eternity,
Of which He brought us guarantee,
Of Heaven’s wondrous open door
And praising Him forevermore.
“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
I John 2:2 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Contemplate what He has done,
Giving self to clear our shame,
In our place assuming blame.
Think about the love He shared
And just about how much He cared...
How He suffered and endured
So our salvation was ensured.
Think about eternity,
Of which He brought us guarantee,
Of Heaven’s wondrous open door
And praising Him forevermore.
“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
I John 2:2 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Nail-Scarred Hands
Jesus walked a lonely road
To die for mankind’s “wrong”.
The sin for which He suffered
To Him did not belong.
The cross He bore was heavy,
Yet He bore it all alone.
He redeemed us for all time
From sin which was our own.
As we focus on the cross,
Our knee we humbly bow
And pray that we’ll not drive a nail
Or place a thorn upon His brow.
His nail-scarred hands reach out to us,
Salvation to impart.
His death is now our gain
As we receive Him in our heart.
“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.”
Psalm 84:1-2 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To die for mankind’s “wrong”.
The sin for which He suffered
To Him did not belong.
The cross He bore was heavy,
Yet He bore it all alone.
He redeemed us for all time
From sin which was our own.
As we focus on the cross,
Our knee we humbly bow
And pray that we’ll not drive a nail
Or place a thorn upon His brow.
His nail-scarred hands reach out to us,
Salvation to impart.
His death is now our gain
As we receive Him in our heart.
“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.”
Psalm 84:1-2 KJV
© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Being Alert
The times we are in demand new alertness,
Listening closely to hear the Lord’s voice.
Being aware of what is around us
Will show us we carefully need to make choice.
Choosing to walk in a more focused manner
Is always good planning - a very wise measure.
Staying alert to hear God’s direction
Will keep us in peace and be a great treasure.
We cannot see the dangers around us
But our God will steer us through wind and through “storm”.
If we will listen and cling to Him tightly
He’ll keep us balanced when things are not norm.
“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, sensible, intelligent people; making the very most of the time - buying up each opportunity - because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 Amplified Bible
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Listening closely to hear the Lord’s voice.
Being aware of what is around us
Will show us we carefully need to make choice.
Choosing to walk in a more focused manner
Is always good planning - a very wise measure.
Staying alert to hear God’s direction
Will keep us in peace and be a great treasure.
We cannot see the dangers around us
But our God will steer us through wind and through “storm”.
If we will listen and cling to Him tightly
He’ll keep us balanced when things are not norm.
“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, sensible, intelligent people; making the very most of the time - buying up each opportunity - because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 Amplified Bible
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
A Lovely Day
The lilting rhythm of this day,
God’s glorious beauty on display,
Rays of sunshine peeking through
And sparkling on the morning dew,
Fragrance floating in the air
As blossoms all their beauty share,
Shades and hues of colors bright
To our eyes bring sweet delight.
The glory of a soft, spring morn
Our heart and spirit to adorn,
God’s endless beauty in array
To bless us with a lovely day.
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
God’s glorious beauty on display,
Rays of sunshine peeking through
And sparkling on the morning dew,
Fragrance floating in the air
As blossoms all their beauty share,
Shades and hues of colors bright
To our eyes bring sweet delight.
The glory of a soft, spring morn
Our heart and spirit to adorn,
God’s endless beauty in array
To bless us with a lovely day.
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 14, 2014
A Worthy Vessel
O’er time the Lord will make of you
A worthy vessel through and through.
And then He’ll call you to a task...
And many questions you may ask.
You may think you don’t have skill
To perform His perfect will.
But if you are His “chosen” one,
His plans for you have now begun.
He will help you stretch and grow.
He’ll lead and guide you as you go.
By each careful step you take
A Godly imprint you will make.
New heights in Him you will achieve
As you follow and believe.
Do not fear or hesitate.
A lovely work He will create.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A worthy vessel through and through.
And then He’ll call you to a task...
And many questions you may ask.
You may think you don’t have skill
To perform His perfect will.
But if you are His “chosen” one,
His plans for you have now begun.
He will help you stretch and grow.
He’ll lead and guide you as you go.
By each careful step you take
A Godly imprint you will make.
New heights in Him you will achieve
As you follow and believe.
Do not fear or hesitate.
A lovely work He will create.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, April 13, 2014
A Season Of Promise
A season of promise, a season of hope,
A season of breathtaking, heavenly scope!
Christ broke the barriers and opened the door
To eternity’s glory with Him evermore.
Jesus became the path and the key
By His blood outpoured on Calvary’s tree.
He made provision that none should be lost.
By His sacrifice He paid for sin’s cost.
This is God’s promise of hope for this day.
Eternity’s welcome in front of us lay.
We have all reason to sing and rejoice,
To lift up high praise with most jubilant voice!
“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
I John 2:2 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A season of breathtaking, heavenly scope!
Christ broke the barriers and opened the door
To eternity’s glory with Him evermore.
Jesus became the path and the key
By His blood outpoured on Calvary’s tree.
He made provision that none should be lost.
By His sacrifice He paid for sin’s cost.
This is God’s promise of hope for this day.
Eternity’s welcome in front of us lay.
We have all reason to sing and rejoice,
To lift up high praise with most jubilant voice!
“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
I John 2:2 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Choose Joy
Some folks seem to be upbeat
And choose to not accept defeat.
Because they’re cheerful they bring light
And put all gloominess to flight.
To be around them is a joy,
And some days they are as a “buoy”.
Their attitudes are joy-inspiring.
Joy like theirs is worth acquiring.
Don’t just let life bog you down.
Choose to smile instead of frown.
Overcome the daily “blues”.
Frowns and gloominess refuse!
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”
Proverbs 15:13 KJV
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And choose to not accept defeat.
Because they’re cheerful they bring light
And put all gloominess to flight.
To be around them is a joy,
And some days they are as a “buoy”.
Their attitudes are joy-inspiring.
Joy like theirs is worth acquiring.
Don’t just let life bog you down.
Choose to smile instead of frown.
Overcome the daily “blues”.
Frowns and gloominess refuse!
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”
Proverbs 15:13 KJV
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, April 11, 2014
Love And Caring
Lending a hand is a wonderful gift...
Love from the heart, another to lift.
Love and caring may mean some work
And giving of time (which some people shirk).
Helping a senior to go for a walk...
Or time with a child as they share and talk,,,
Seeing a need and offering aid,,,
But never considering being repaid...
Kindness and love will shine as the sun
To brighten a life by a job you have done.
It brings joy within to help out another,
A neighbor or friend, a sister or brother.
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Philippians 2:4 JV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Love from the heart, another to lift.
Love and caring may mean some work
And giving of time (which some people shirk).
Helping a senior to go for a walk...
Or time with a child as they share and talk,,,
Seeing a need and offering aid,,,
But never considering being repaid...
Kindness and love will shine as the sun
To brighten a life by a job you have done.
It brings joy within to help out another,
A neighbor or friend, a sister or brother.
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Philippians 2:4 JV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, April 10, 2014
A Canopy Of Words
Be careful of the words you speak.
Don’t set in place what may be bleak.
Words create an atmosphere.
Let them speak of hope and cheer.
Words become a canopy
Which hovers over you or me.
Let them be of blessed intent,
The love of God to represent.
Especially for your family
Create a lovely canopy...
A covering of love and prayer
To show each one how much you care.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11 KJV
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”
Matthew 12:35 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Don’t set in place what may be bleak.
Words create an atmosphere.
Let them speak of hope and cheer.
Words become a canopy
Which hovers over you or me.
Let them be of blessed intent,
The love of God to represent.
Especially for your family
Create a lovely canopy...
A covering of love and prayer
To show each one how much you care.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11 KJV
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”
Matthew 12:35 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Answering God's Call
When God calls us, we must go,
His word to speak and seeds to sow.
Should we balk or hesitate,
Delay or problems we create.
If we turn and walk away
Our direction goes astray.
Blessings from the Lord are lost.
This is much too high a cost.
He prepares the way for us.
We need not fear or make a fuss.
He strengthens us for every “test”
As we respond we will be blessed.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
His word to speak and seeds to sow.
Should we balk or hesitate,
Delay or problems we create.
If we turn and walk away
Our direction goes astray.
Blessings from the Lord are lost.
This is much too high a cost.
He prepares the way for us.
We need not fear or make a fuss.
He strengthens us for every “test”
As we respond we will be blessed.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Time Well Spent
Idleness unharnessed
Will soon become a waste of time.
But when it’s used for Godly thought,
Then its worth is rich and prime.
Pausing to reflect on God,
His lovingkindness and His grace,
Is time well-spent... rich time
For which we always should make place.
Since He created all we see
We should get to know Him well.
When we meditate on Him
New life within us starts to swell...
And change the fibers of our being.
We’ll see ourselves in a new way.
His perspective is so freeing.
We’ll find an endless new array...
Of light and possibility
To help us find who we should be.
Glory be unto our God
Who blesses us so faithfully.
“I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.”
Psalm 119:15 KJV
“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.”
Psalm 100:3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Will soon become a waste of time.
But when it’s used for Godly thought,
Then its worth is rich and prime.
Pausing to reflect on God,
His lovingkindness and His grace,
Is time well-spent... rich time
For which we always should make place.
Since He created all we see
We should get to know Him well.
When we meditate on Him
New life within us starts to swell...
And change the fibers of our being.
We’ll see ourselves in a new way.
His perspective is so freeing.
We’ll find an endless new array...
Of light and possibility
To help us find who we should be.
Glory be unto our God
Who blesses us so faithfully.
“I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.”
Psalm 119:15 KJV
“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.”
Psalm 100:3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 07, 2014
This Is A New Day
This is a new day... the past times are gone.
We should feel excitement with every new dawn.
Let us move forward, but not “limp” along,
When we can walk with a heart full of song!
We can’t look back nor open closed doors,
But can gather new riches which our God outpours.
This is a new day... to “rise up” and soar,
To serve our great God with each open door!
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We should feel excitement with every new dawn.
Let us move forward, but not “limp” along,
When we can walk with a heart full of song!
We can’t look back nor open closed doors,
But can gather new riches which our God outpours.
This is a new day... to “rise up” and soar,
To serve our great God with each open door!
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, April 06, 2014
Transformed
The greatest beauty we will ever know is found in having relationship to the Lord... hearing His voice, watching Him work, feeling His love, having our hearing and eyesight transformed to hear and see as He sees... in others, in situations, in our own lives. In Him we learn to recognize beauty.
As we receive the beauty He offers, we no longer desire the “offerings” of the world. Our minds are no longer cluttered and overcrowded with these things. The world’s “entertainment” may be TV programs, video games, movies, sports competitions, races, cooking, decorating... or anything that consumes all our time and interest.
When we choose to know the Lord first, we are transformed. We have new sight, new hearing and new balance. The beauty we find in the Lord will totally change our perspective and add great dimension to our lives... unending treasure.
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”
Psalm 27:4 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As we receive the beauty He offers, we no longer desire the “offerings” of the world. Our minds are no longer cluttered and overcrowded with these things. The world’s “entertainment” may be TV programs, video games, movies, sports competitions, races, cooking, decorating... or anything that consumes all our time and interest.
When we choose to know the Lord first, we are transformed. We have new sight, new hearing and new balance. The beauty we find in the Lord will totally change our perspective and add great dimension to our lives... unending treasure.
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”
Psalm 27:4 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, April 05, 2014
His Grace Is Sufficient
If you are too “short”... the high things to reach,
Or you cannot speak with eloquent speech,
Do not despair, for our God has power...
More than enough for you in this hour.
No matter your challenge, God is much greater.
He is your strength, a loving Creator.
He can assist you in all that you face
And help you to “reach” by His mercy and grace.
Do not give place to fretting or worry
Or work yourself into a frenzy or flurry.
Have trust in God... let Him have full sway.
His love and grace will bring ease to your day.
“My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you (sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully); for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Or you cannot speak with eloquent speech,
Do not despair, for our God has power...
More than enough for you in this hour.
No matter your challenge, God is much greater.
He is your strength, a loving Creator.
He can assist you in all that you face
And help you to “reach” by His mercy and grace.
Do not give place to fretting or worry
Or work yourself into a frenzy or flurry.
Have trust in God... let Him have full sway.
His love and grace will bring ease to your day.
“My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you (sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully); for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, April 04, 2014
God With Us
When we go through events which just leave us reeling,
It is then that we learn a new depth of feeling.
And that which we’ve suffered will not be all loss.
Our loss is redeemed by Christ’s blood on the cross.
We gain understanding of how others suffer
And learn how God’s love is our most-needed “buffer”.
Life-changing events can turn our direction
And totally change our thoughts and perception.
New levels of healing are birthed from our pain.
Precious indeed are the insights we gain.
When events in our lives peace and joy overturn.
We are made richer by that which we learn.
“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, 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 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It is then that we learn a new depth of feeling.
And that which we’ve suffered will not be all loss.
Our loss is redeemed by Christ’s blood on the cross.
We gain understanding of how others suffer
And learn how God’s love is our most-needed “buffer”.
Life-changing events can turn our direction
And totally change our thoughts and perception.
New levels of healing are birthed from our pain.
Precious indeed are the insights we gain.
When events in our lives peace and joy overturn.
We are made richer by that which we learn.
“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, 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 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Honor Your Parents
As parents grow older and life’s weights are bearing,
It is important to show them some caring.
A parent gives all as her/his child is growing.
A child, in return, respect should be showing.
Honor your parents, their efforts support.
Show them compassion, do not be “short”.
Speak to them kindly, show them you care.
Listen to them closely when wisdom they share.
They may seem old-fashioned, but their common sense
Will help you keep balance in times which are tense.
They have lived longer and have a large store
Of wisdom and knowledge you should not ignore.
“Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother - this is the first commandment with a promise - that all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:2-3 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It is important to show them some caring.
A parent gives all as her/his child is growing.
A child, in return, respect should be showing.
Honor your parents, their efforts support.
Show them compassion, do not be “short”.
Speak to them kindly, show them you care.
Listen to them closely when wisdom they share.
They may seem old-fashioned, but their common sense
Will help you keep balance in times which are tense.
They have lived longer and have a large store
Of wisdom and knowledge you should not ignore.
“Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother - this is the first commandment with a promise - that all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:2-3 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Discerning Truth
From the voice of “society” we need escape,
The train of our thinking to cleanse and reshape.
Spending some time with the Lord each day
Is the way to find balance and not go astray.
He helps us sort out the truth from the “trends”
And helps us to spot inaccurate “blends”
Of words which are twisted to have worldly meaning.
The truth we constantly need to be gleaning.
We will be free of worldly thought
When we discern lies and “trends” as we ought.
The Lord will help us to have clear perception.
We will know truth and identify deception
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”
I Corinthians 3:19 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The train of our thinking to cleanse and reshape.
Spending some time with the Lord each day
Is the way to find balance and not go astray.
He helps us sort out the truth from the “trends”
And helps us to spot inaccurate “blends”
Of words which are twisted to have worldly meaning.
The truth we constantly need to be gleaning.
We will be free of worldly thought
When we discern lies and “trends” as we ought.
The Lord will help us to have clear perception.
We will know truth and identify deception
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”
I Corinthians 3:19 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Springtime Thoughts
I am always amazed and delighted in spring when I see dark, rough bark suddenly covered with pink fluffy blossoms. And I see sprouts springing up out of the ground from bulbs which are plain brown, and the sprouts produce lovely flowers in brilliant colors. Hidden in the bulbs and beneath the tree bark is potential from God which bursts forth into beauty and color and fragrance... expressions of His love and creativity.
If you see yourself as “plain”, or wonder about who you are meant to be, know that God has also placed potential in YOU! Every life has potential. As you seek His goodness, the potential in your life will begin to sprout and grow and blossom. In Him you can flourish and have brilliance. All you do will have fragrance. You will be an expression of His endless creativity... an expression of His love and beauty.
“From His dwelling place He looks (intently) upon all the inhabitants of the earth, He Who fashions them all, Who considers all their doings.”
Psalm 33:14-15 Amplified Bible
“And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us...”
Psalm 90:17 Amplified Bible
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
If you see yourself as “plain”, or wonder about who you are meant to be, know that God has also placed potential in YOU! Every life has potential. As you seek His goodness, the potential in your life will begin to sprout and grow and blossom. In Him you can flourish and have brilliance. All you do will have fragrance. You will be an expression of His endless creativity... an expression of His love and beauty.
“From His dwelling place He looks (intently) upon all the inhabitants of the earth, He Who fashions them all, Who considers all their doings.”
Psalm 33:14-15 Amplified Bible
“And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us...”
Psalm 90:17 Amplified Bible
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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