Morning Dew

God's blessings come down as dew in the morn,
Refreshing and goodness our lives to adorn.
Our God is great, and loving and kind,
And pours out His riches in gifts hand-designed.

Receive of His blessings... gather the "dew",
For each day has treasure designed just for you.
Taste of the freshness and savor it's "scent".
Breathe in it's fragrance... for you it is meant.

Don't waste the dew... each morning it's new
And holds special promise for you to pursue.
Gently it falls as we are at rest
And waits for our waking so we may be blessed.

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Lighthouse In The Darkness

The Lord is a lighthouse, where all may come in,
A refuge and shelter from pain and chagrin,
A warm healing balm for those who are weak,
Salvation and hope for lives which are bleak.

To those who question or have any doubt,
His light is sure and ne'er will go out.
When darkness comes and seems to surround,
Know that His light will always abound.

In Him are hope and safety and joy.
He'll give you peace as an anchor and buoy
To steady you through the storms you may face
And always to cover you with love's embrace.

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."
John 12:46 KJV

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

People Who Inspire - John

In Memory of John Richardson
January 9, 1928 - October 23, 2009

A man of God extraordinaire,
A seasoned patriarch of prayer,
One who lives to serve the Lord
And surely will have great reward.

Humble servant, faithful friend,
One who would for souls contend,
He's "Papa John", a well-loved name,
As many children will proclaim.

A ready vessel, a mighty tower...
A channel for God's might and power,
Patient, kind and full of light,
A treasured "candle" shining bright.

"Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Ego

"Ego" is a little word,
But oft it's size is quite absurd.
It pats itself upon the back
And of graciousness has lack.

It boasts and grins and thinks it's wise.
It's much too big for it's own size.
Ego can get one in trouble
When someone comes and "pops it's bubble".

Ego's house is built on sand
And in a wind storm will not stand.
Ego needs to seek firm ground.
Humility is much more sound!

"Love is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride)."
I Corininthians 13:5 Amplified Bible

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Boy Full Of Love

It truly is a blessing
To hear my grandson's voice.
He always is so cheerful
And makes my heart rejoice!

What a joy to watch him grow
And see him prosper in the Lord.
How can words express to him
How very much he is adored?

He is filled with love and light,
Laughter, gentleness and joy.
God has showered many gifts
On this precious little boy!

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Door Of His Presence

Blessed are those who wait on Me,
Who hearken to My voice.
Blessed are those who find My rest,
Who deep within rejoice.

Many walk right by the "door"
And hurry on their way.
I long to spend some time with them
And speak into their day.

I am always waiting for
The slightest nod or smile...
Of fellowship with those I love,
To make their lives worthwhile.

I have sorrow as I watch them
Suffer pain and trial,
And ponder why they cannot see
They're living in denial.

As they rush along their path
They'll need Me more and more,
And I will be here waiting...
If they'll enter at My door.

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Well Done

Every seamstress knows that her seams will all unravel
If she doesn't tie off threads to make her seams secure.
She must practice diligence in finishing her work
If she wants to make a garment which will wear well and endure.

She has learned a lesson - that details really matter,
And work which is haphazard doesn't meet a final test.
But she can rest in knowing when her work is finely done
That her goal was well-accomplished, for she has done her best.

Always we should strive to work toward excellence and beauty.
In all our daily taks let us finish with finesse.
Let us bring an offering of quality and worthiness
In honor to our Lord and King, for He would not do less.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Colossians 3:23 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

True Identity

Do not fret at idle chatter.
Man's opinions do not matter.
How folks treat you may bring stress,
But how they "see" you matters less.

You are who God says you are.
His perception rules by far.
God gives true identity
And fosters blessed serenity.

He will cause you to stand tall
And lift you up if you should fall.
He will add to you much worth
And add to that His joy and mirth.

"But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
Psalm 3:3 KJV

"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Most High

Our foundation we must guard,
As winds of change are blowing hard
To try to shift us from our base
And Christianity erase.

Foolish are the men who try
To trample on our God Most High.
The great I AM, Whose truth will stand,
Just will not bow to man's command.

But He is deeply moved by prayer
Of saints who intercede and care,
Who call upon His name to rule
And stand against all ridicule...

Worshipping in holiness
And bowing in all lowliness,
Standing guard for what is right,
Brightly shining through dark night.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Never Wanting

Jesus always cheers me on
And helps me run my daily race.
He is there to give me balance
For each challenge I may face.

I am confident in Him
In times of weariness or stress,
For it is He Who buoys me up
And keeps me strong against duress.

What a joy to walk with Him
And daily hear His precious voice.
Knowing He is there with me
Is constant reason to rejoice!

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Bright Light

Lord, make of me a vibrant light,
A lamp which goes not out by night,
Bringing hope for each new day
To those I meet along my way.

Fill me with Your richest oil
To share with those who faint from toil,
The weary and the burdened folk
Who tread with heaviness of yoke.

May light in me illumine paths,
Retrieving souls from hell's dark wraths,
Guiding souls toward Heaven's store
Of rest, salvation, peace... and more.

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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Quick Response

When God has given us a call to do a task, the time is now.
He may ask a quick response, for sometimes time does not allow
For us to pause or lag behind, moving in "our old sweet time."
We could miss an open door when opportunity is prime.

When God shows us what to do, we can't say "later", but say "yes".
Though we may not understand, it's never good to "second-guess".
When He interrupts our path, praise His name, but do not chafe.
The very words which He would speak might even be to keep us safe.

The more we tune in to His voice, the more we can be used of Him.
Without His constant leadership our lives and futures could be dim.
Obedience is that wondrous key which keeps us balanced and alert,
Which causes us to grow in Christ and useless actions to avert.

"To obey is better than sacrifice..."
I Samuel 15:22 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In Him We Are Able

God is the measure of what we can do
When we trust in Him and His tenets pursue.
He gives us guidance and far-reaching vision,
Then helps us to prosper with strength and precision.

He is the "oil" in the gears of our lives.
It is through Him that "well-being" thrives.
He is the Rock on Whom we may build
And then know our plans will all be fulfilled.

He keeps us ready and balanced and stable.
When we face challenges our God is able
To guard and protect us from going astray.
He is our power and might for each day.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him will I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Holiday Perspective

While it's still October the stores are courting Christmas
With tinsel-laden decor... it seems ridiculous.
How sad that folks are drawn to the glitzes of the season
Before they even contemplate the season's holy reason.

We have opportunity for bright anticipation
Of praising God in gratefulness and heartfelt celebration
For His gift of Jesus... His plan for our salvation.
Every day is Christmas! We should bow in adoration.

Don't let Christmas meaning get lost in busy living,
But let the coming days and weeks be full of much thanks-giving!
Let us choose within our hearts to give God all the glory,
Remembering His precious gift of Jesus and His story.

"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

Potpourri Of Worship

A potpourri of worship...
A mosaic of sweet praise...
Is created as we lift our hearts
And grateful voices raise.

What sweet savor to the Lord
When His people gather 'round
And offer sacrifice of praise
With overflowing, glorious sound...

Rising in the Heavenlies
To touch the Father's ear...
Precious offerings causing Him
To listen and draw near.

"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."
Psalm 22:3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Many Stars

Myriad stars are sprinkled
In the quietness of night
And decorate the heavens
By their gentle, twinkling light.

The stars seem e'er so far away,
Suspended in the sky.
We see them with pure wonder
And their beauty can't deny.

The mystery of the universe,
Hand-formed by our Creator,
Is splashed with rich expression
Of a loving decorator!

As many as the stars of night...
The works which He has done...
To bless us each and every day
Since time was first begun.

"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8:9 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Many Hats

How many "hats" we wear each day!
Some folks have a large array!
Some may "follow", some may lead,
Some may help or intercede.

Some explore and some create,
Some will sit and contemplate.
Some will watch and some stand still
As others change their "hats" at will.

Each "hat" has ability
And gives us versatility.
God's hats "fit" and beautify,
And He will give us rich supply...

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Stitchery

I work on counted cross stitch painstakingly with care
To make sure every stitch I take will have a certain flair.
For each stitch is important and will add a certain hue,
Combining lovely shades of thread with colorful debut.

If I skip a stitch or two, or use wrong-colored thread,
My design will not be right but have some flaws instead.
I try to make my thread lie smooth, avoiding loops and tangles.
Then my work will have a special touch from different angles.

Oh, that I might serve the Lord with this same carefulness
And follow what He has for me with diligence and prayerfulness.
My life has "tiny stitches" which, combined, become His story.
Let me be a finished work which brings Him praise and glory.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grace For Our Nation

The heart of the nation is aching and sore,
And many folks tremble at what is in store.
But healing will come if we'll seek the Lord's face.
We're truly in need of His mercy and grace.

Let us bow down in reverence and prayer.
Let us cry out and all our sins bare.
Our destiny lies in the palm of God's hand.
It is He who will strengthen and help us to stand.

We need His direction to cure what is ill
And need much correction the turmoil to still.
Man cannot solve this by instinct or pride
But sorely needs God to turn this ill tide.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lamps And Lamp Posts

In my spirit I see people in a crowd, and they look like lamps (floor lamps), walking around. And the light which is radiating from these lamps is bright and cheery and sheds warmth.

But as I look more closely, also in this crowd are many walking around who have no light. These people appear as lamp posts... without bulbs, without power... dark and grey. They are in darkness. It's like they are walking in the shadows.

What a picture! This group of people is moving about, "going through the motions" of life, but without expression or meaning. The lamp posts have no beauty or light, and if the "lamps" weren't there they would be in total darkness.

We, as Christians, have a calling to bring light wherever we are. As we let the light of Jesus shine through us we become hope for many. We can offer love, joy and peace by our speech and actions and walk. We can spread cheer by our warmth and demeanor. With the light of Jesus within we enable others to find the Light. Through us God can transform these bleak-looking lamp posts into lovely lamps which will shine brightly. God loves these "lamp posts", and He doesn't want them to be lost.

Be as a lovely lamp. Let your rays of light issue forth. Shine brightly!

"Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:13, 16 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf