A Safe Abode Wisdom is a firm foundation, A pleasant place to make abode. She will never change or tarnish, Nor can time her strength erode. In her house is understanding..... Knowledge of the Holy One. As we live within her shelter, We will learn about God's Son. Wisdom will watch over us, Crying out when we make error. She'll always guide us back to truth And be our constant standard-bearer. She is faithful, she is strong, Able to discern all wrong. Her fruit is better than fine gold. Riches and honor to her belong. "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver and her gain than fine gold." Proverbs 2:13 NKJ © 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Pretty Coat God's blessings and provision are always wonderful and have often brought joy to my life in a beautiful way. One day I walked into church and noticed that a lady there had on a very lovely black velvet coat with leather trim. I thought it was beautiful, and within myself quietly said, "Oh, I would love to have a coat like that some day." I wasn't shopping for a coat, and I didn't think I could afford anything like that anyway. It was only a thought at the time, and then I didn't think any more about it. And I didn't say anything to my family or anyone else about it. Approximately two weeks later I received a call from someone saying that they had a coat that they thought I would like and that they wanted to give it to me. When I saw it I was really blessed and much amazed. This too was a lovely velvet coat..... not the same as the one I had seen previously, but equally beautiful. And it fit me perfectly. God knows all about our needs and wants. He knows our every thought. Through this event, I became so aware of how much He cares for every aspect of our lives and how much He wants to bless His children. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 NKJ © 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grace Is... Encouragement to win the race when we are tempted to quit..... A full measure provided when we only see half a measure..... The helping hand extended to pick us up when we have stumbled or fallen. His covering in a harsh and unyielding world..... Strength in the midst of weariness..... Sustenance in the midst of affliction..... Long-term when we are short-term..... The ability to do more than we think we can..... The courage to function when in pain..... The ability to be strong in the face of weakness..... A resting place when we've stood for a long time..... An unfinished list, because..... Grace is always more..... "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance of every good work." II Corinthians 9:8 NKJ © 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Beautiful Hands The work of one's hands often shows the love of one's heart..... I have been blessed to come to know two ladies who I think have very beautiful hearts..... as evidenced by the work of their hands. These two ladies, Mabel and Hazel, had been working in a church center which ministered to and helped poor people. When the church center closed down they, along with a few other ladies (Zelda, Linda, Helen, Lois, Gloria and Betty), still had a desire to do something for those who needed help. So they decided to make quilts. One day a week they would gather together at Mabel's home, and would cut and sew and hand-tie quilts. Usually there were four or five ladies working, but toward the end there were only three. When the quilts were finished they would give them to people in need. This may not sound like a very big thing to some. But because they were willing to do this project over a long period of time, the results were extraordinary. Over a period of six years these lovely ladies made 998 quilts and gave all of them away. Mabel commented that they only quit their project because it began to cause pain in their fingers to pin and sew the quilts. So they have now given the quilt tops that weren't yet completed to a group who is making lap robes for the mentally ill. What started out as a small thing amounted to MUCH..... simply because they were faithful to continue on. What an inspiration! "She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20 NKJ © 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf