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Words
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Let us measure every word.....
Let only careful speech be heard.
Words leave marks for good or evil.
Choice of words can wound or heal.
Careless words have no import
And Godly purpose sometimes thwart.
Lying words much damage do
Because they cover and misconstrue.
How much suffering, how much pain
Are caused by sharp words of disdain,
But words of kindness and of truth
Bring joy and peace, will heal and soothe.
Lord, help our words to careful be.
Only You can set us free
From speaking irresponsibly
And causing great calamity!
Let us ponder every word
And let not frivolous speech be heard,
But only words we carefully season
With Godly wisdom and with reason.
"Let your speech always be with grace,
seasoned with salt, that you may know
how you ought to answer each one."
Colossians 4:6 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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Light
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A Child's Perspective
In our city, in years past,
there was a large water reservoir - one of several.....
In the middle of the reservoir, under the water, were some large spotlights. When the lights were turned on in the evening, light beams would shine up through the water into the night sky.
One evening as we were passing by there, our four-year-old daughter said, excitedly, "Mommy, Mommy, look! The light fills up the darkness!"
The perspective of a child is often so precious..... and it really caught my attention..... Light dispels darkness. Even when we walk into a darkened room and turn on the light switch, light does indeed fill up the darkness.
This is true also in our spiritual lives. When we invite Jesus to enter in, His light will "fill up the darkness" in our hearts, in our lives, and in our situations.....
darkness will have to flee.....
"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying,"
I am the light of the world. He who follows
Me shall not walk in darkness, but have
the light of life."
John 8:12 NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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My Peace
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Lord.....
You are my Anchor when the winds of change
are blowing hard.....
You are my Calm when everything
seems to be shaking.....
You are my Place of Retreat when life
is pulling at me.....
You bring.....
Blessed Stillness for my mind,
Tranquility for my emotions,
Deep Peace for my soul.
In You I may quietly rest.
"Great peace have those who love Your law,
and nothing causes them to stumble."
Psalm 119:165 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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The Lesson Of The Violet
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Seasons of Rest
I saw my little violet plant,
So full of lovely bloom.....
But it's little pot it would outgrow,
It's roots would need more room.
So when it found a larger "home"
Where it's roots could spread and grow,
It needed time to gain new strength
Before again it's bloom would show.
You couldn't see it doing much.....
It wasn't getting "oohs" and "aahs",
But hidden growth was happening
During this time of rest and pause.
Until the pot it's roots could fill,
It needed nurture, love and care,
And when it's timing was complete
Again it's blossom would be there.
Lord,
Thank You for giving seasons of rest.....
those quiet times for finding nurture
and new strength in You. For when
I am rested and strengthened in You,
then I can blossom again.....
In Jesus' Name.
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him....."
Psalm 37:7 NKJ
© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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