Stained Glass

The mosaic of a life is as stained glass.....
Pieces fitted together by the Master's hand.....
Colors carefully placed in unique design,
made to be transparent.....

The beauty of the finished design can only be
discovered when His light shines from within

When that life is filled with His light the brilliant
colors become visible,
and the rich reflections fall on everyone near.....

"Your hands have made me and fashioned me....."
Psalm 119.73 NKJ

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 NKJ

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Forest Story

Fir Tree
Said the fir tree to the fern,
"There is much that you could learn.
It is good to be a fine tall tree,
So you should learn to be like me!"

Fern
Said the fern unto the tree,
"Just like you I cannot be.
My roots are not like yours, you see.
I have my own identity."

"When strong winds blow, you bend and shake.
When snowstorms come, you sometimes break.
So even though you're very tall,
You simply do not know it all!"

Fir Tree
"But I give shade and I stay green.
I beautify a winter scene.
And sometimes people need my wood.
All my purpose is for good!"

Fern
"Even I enjoy your shade.
But for different purpose we are made.
I am content to just be me.....
God did not make of me a tree."

"My place is not so tall to grow,
But to be satisfied here below.
My humble purpose you don't see.
God made a fern when He made me."

"Most men will proclaim each his own
goodness. But who can find a faithful man?"
Proverbs 20:6 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Beginning

Two thousand and five will soon be at rest.
Her time is now spent - she completed her test.
We cannot change what's been done or been said,
But now must move on to the new year ahead.

New opportunity knocks on our door,
For we don't yet know what God has in store.
He urges us on and gives new expectation.
In Him we can prosper and have firm foundation.

He is our anchor to weather the storms.
As we rest in Him great works He performs.
Two thousand and six is a book yet unread,
But in Him we'll have confidence as we move ahead.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,and He
shall direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Daily News

When we turn on the news
We're bombarded with trouble
And shaken by scenes
Of destruction and rubble.

We see people suffering
With no place to go.
Those who lost loved ones
With grief are bent low.

And then we hear those
Who point fingers and bicker,
When working together would
Get things done quicker!

This we can do.....
With much prayer intercede
For those people who lead
And for people in need.

For our God will help them
This time to get through.
He will strengthen and lead them
To know what to do.

"Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
And attend to the voice of my
supplications. In the day of my
trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me."
Psalm 86:6 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf