A Gift Of Priceless Worth

Sounds of worship waft and swell
As God's sweet promise comes to dwell.
Once again we celebrate
And with anticipation wait.

This little babe of lowly birth
Was God's own gift of priceless worth.
Gather round the manger low.
Love and adoration show.

This time of joy will warm the heart
And Heaven's blessings will impart.
As once agian we are renewed
We bow in heart-felt gratitude.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:11-14 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Door Of Hope

Jesus walked through pain and sorrow
So you and I can face the morrow.
We are not without great hope
Or left without a way to cope.

God reached down from high above
And sent His Son to show His love.
We will never be alone
Or need to fear what is unknown.

For Jesus stays right by our side.
In His covering we abide.
Jesus is the open door
To God's great blessings evermore.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Revelation 3:20 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Christmas Voice

It's time to raise a Christmas voice
With joyous sound, "Rejoice! Rejoice,"
As once again we celebrate
And Jesus' birth commemorate.

Hallowed is this special season.
Jesus really is the reason
Why we have a holiday
And God's great love again convey.

The Christmas message shall remain
And offer love and hope again.
God sent "Love" to everyone.
Meditate on what He's done.

Jesus was God's greatest gift,
Our lives to save and bless and lift.
Join with me and raise your voice.
Jesus came... Rejoice! Rejoice!

"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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fresh-Fallen Snow

Snowflakes drifting silently
Bring a "hush" o'er field and hill,
Covering the winter "gray"
With white which seems to say, "Be still".

Quietly and gracefully
The snow transforms our weary view
Into a picture of delight
And seems to speak, "I'll make things new".

As we gaze upon the snow
And pause in sweet reflection,
We'll see her purify with white
Every imperfection.

"For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth..."
Job 37:6 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Clear Answers

The Word exposes errors and flaws,
Concerning sin a fine line draws.
Issues are so very clear
When held up to the Scripture's mirror.

Only by God's Holy Word
Can we discern the "truths" we've heard.
Thoughts can oft be masked with skill
By flourishes and speech with frill.

But measured by God's Holy Word
The thoughts may seem somewhat absurd.
And sometimes if we are not sure,
The Word will show us what is "pure".

Our own wisdom comes up short.
Good order it can even thwart.
If with Scripture we agree,
God's own answers we will see.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Storm-Proof

If God is our builder, our "structure" is strong.
As we trust in Him He filters out wrong.
He gives foundation on which we may stand.
He steadies and guides us by His mighty hand.

Though storms may come and winds may blow hard
Always His angels will watch and keep guard.
When our foundation is anchored in Him
We will not waver, e'en though times seem grim.

He gives us hope which bypasses fear,
Joy as our strength to e'er persevere,
And peace deep within, that we might have rest.
When we're "built" in Him we will stand every test.

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."
Matthew 7:24 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Finding Christmas

The real Christmas isn't found
In presents from a shopping mall
And dashing back and forth in stores
For many items, large and small.

Jesus Christ is still the reason -
Christmas is His wondrous story.
He was God's most precious gift.
We should praise and give Him glory.

Jesus' name has been erased
From speech and courts and public schools,
But He still lives in many hearts.
He is Lord, and He still rules!

What a wondrous gift God gave,
Of love and joy and hope for all.
The happiness which Jesus brings
Cannot be purchased in a mall.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love's Good News

People by their love are known
When acts of kindness they have shown.
Love brings change which needs to come,
And though it may be just a "crumb"...

Yet it brings a ray of hope.
A tiny door it might just ope.
And when the door is opened wide
Love's bright light is multiplied.

Tiny sparks of love when sown
Can make love's flame become full-blown,
Igniting even further fire
And acts of kindness which inspire.

Any lives which love may touch
Have chance to benefit by much.
May we by our love be known
For acts of kindness we have shown.

"And above all these (put on) love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness (which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony).
Colossians 3:14 Amplified Bible

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Patchwork Quilt

Through the years if I save scraps and make of them a quilt,
The quilt becomes a decoupage of memories which were built.
Happiness and joyful times reside within the scraps.
Every little, special piece a memory recaps.

The quilt becomes a storybook of treasures pieced together,
A coverlet of life well-lived through many kinds of weather.
Some scraps may be poignant or bring a tear or two,
But all the scraps are precious, and sweet memories review.

In the quilt are lessons which in life were taught and learned,
Of sweet rewards and victories which by diligence were earned.
A patchwork quilt has value rare which only will be known
By the life it represents... by whom it's threads were sewn.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Footsteps Toward Eternity

Footsteps toward eternity...
We're given just so many.
We should make them count for good,
Not sacrificing any.

Our talents, time and giftedness
Can make the world much better.
As we use them for our God
We will not be life's debtor.

Giving, sharing, loving, caring
All contribute to His cause.
Doing all in Jesus' Name
Will foster heavenly applause.

As we walk our daily paths
We can bring a Heavenly touch
To many who don't know our God,
And then our lives will count for much.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation..."
Isaiah 52:7 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Meaningful Prayer

When you don't know how to pray,
It is best to simply say,
"Father, let Thy will be done.
Finish what You have begun."

Then rest in faith that He will hear.
Release to Him all doubt and fear.
Let His "stillness" have increase.
Let Him fill you with His peace.

Sometimes when we rush to pray
And simply don't know what to say,
We may stumble or make error.
Remember, then, this holy prayer...

"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven..."
Matthew 6:10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Established In Him

People feel good when they are established
In home or a job or family or school
But then may be shaken if change comes along,
For change is unsettling and can overrule.

When they are "grounded" with Jesus as Lord,
If order and patterns they live by each day
May suddenly turn obsolete without worth,
They will not falter or wobble or stray.

He is an Anchor which cannot be shaken.
His people will never be lost or forsaken.
He is the rock on which they may stand
When life all around them is as shifting sand.

"For thou art my rock and fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me."
Psalm 31;3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Many Surprises

Cupboards and closets hold many surprises.
Cleaning them out my space maximizes.
Back in the corners small things seem to hide.
Things I've not seen for a time there reside...

Things I've misplaced or thought I had lost...
Even some things which should have been tossed!
Having some space just seems to attact
More clutter, until the space becomes packed!

Having made space I should lock the door!
Then I won't save or collect even more!
I must decide to not collect "stuff".
I already have more than enough!

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Used Of God

How big the gift which you will give
That other folks may brightly live?
What will you offer to a soul
Who has much need to be made whole?

When we have a special "call"
To bypass self and offer all,
We just must not miss the chance
Or even give a sideway glance.

God will show to us those needs
Where we may give and plant good seeds.
He will use us mightily
If we will "hear" an urgent plea.

As we're open to His call
He'll use us in things great and small.
Walking as He gives us lead
All other "pleasures" will exceed.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Name Is High

We are surrounded by good and by plenty.
God meets our needs in miraculous ways!
Let us be mindful of His glorious bounty
And lift up a song of thanksgiving and praise.

His name is high... above any other...
Worthy of honor and reverence and praise.
Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
And to our great God celebration raise!

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."
Psalm 34:1-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkpf

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving brings reminder of God's abundant blessing,
And pilgrims coming from afar, their love of God expressing.
They did not quit or "give up ship" becuase of hardship's "press",
But stood for freedom valiantly, enduring constant stress.

The first few years were bleak and hard... they paid a very high cost,
And as they suffered in the cold, precious lives were lost.
They labored and stood firm in faith, believing in their cause,
Planting seeds for this great nation... We give them applause!

Thank You, God, for those dear folk who came upon our shore.
The memory of who they were we never should ignore.
They gave up all they had and knew to worship and be free.
Help us be as strong as they... Help us, Lord, to see!

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."
Psalm 95:2 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Where The Spirit Of The Lord Is

Where the Spirit of God is the people will flourish.
Those who are His He always will "nourish".
His people know that in Him there is hope.
Their understanding is broader in scope.

God is so faithful to care for His own.
They do not falter or fear the unknown.
In Him they find the strength for each day
And, filled with His joy, in confidence pray.

In Him they prosper and soar to new heights,
Rising above many everyday plights.
They follow Him and give ear to His voice.
What treasure they have... and how they rejoice!

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."
II Corinthians 3:17 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Peace-Maker's Walk

A peace-maker's walk is humble and low.
Wherever he goes his prayers he will sow.
He looks at life through peace-loving glasses
And seeks God for wisdom to solve life's impasses.

He will move first when tensions are high
To break down tall barriers in those who deny
That they might be wrong or threw the first stone,
For in their denial they stand all alone.

He always moves in love... without threat,
To rebuild old bridges and save much regret.
He "settles" waters which deeply are troubled.
By his sweet actions God's blessings are doubled.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Season Of Thankfulness

October is over, November is here...
Season's reminder Thanksgiving is near,
...A time to remember what Thanksgiving means,
Other than "holidays" and "cuisines".

This day was birthed in the hearts of a few
Who came "oh so far" from all that they knew,
Seeking to worship their God and their King,
Searching for freedom His praises to sing.

Suff'ring severely, they did not give up,
Believing each day God would fill their cup.
Thanksgiving then was a time to rejoice.
In glory to God they praised and gave voice.

Let us remember these brave, humble folk.
Their faith and example in us should evoke
Prayers and thanksgiving that freedom still rings
And for all of the bounty which God daily brings.

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
Psalm 95:2-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Old-Fashioned Goodness

How I appreciate old-fashioned neighbors,
Who reach out in kindness without thought of labors
Of doing for others and spreading good will...
Who reach out in love to those who are ill,

Who speak a good word where'er there is need
And offer encouragement by a good deed.
These folks are rich in kind-hearted living
And spread love and peace by sharing and giving.

They are like sunshine and rainbows of hope
To those who are down and can't seem to cope.
Praise God for neighbors who offer some cheer.
These folks, in God's eyes, are special and dear.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf