Wisdom - A Good Companion

Wisdom is a pillar,

A very firm foundation,

Which will stand and is immovable

In every situation.

It sees the facts and weighs them all,

Measuring all it's words,

With framework of stability

Which soothes and undergirds.

It cannot be "ruffled"

Or made to change it's mind.

It speaks with love and purpose

And never is unkind.

Wisdom watches carefully

And always is nearby.

God's Word is brimming over

With generous supply.

Whenever we have question

We can read the Word and pray.

God always will give answer

And guide us day by day.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

James 1:5 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Is Faithful

How faithful is our wondrous God

To heal and meet our every need.

How faithful, He, to lift us up

When we are weak and can't proceed.

For every step we need to take

He leads and guides us carefully.

If we don't know which way to turn

We can seek Him prayerfully.

When we follow in His steps

We won't falter or be nervous.

He will give us confidence

In all our ways of service.

He will lead us to His "best"

And never fail or let us "fall".

We will find our greatest worth

When following His every "call".

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:6 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Enough Is Enough!

We must be guarded lest "enemy" ploy

Would come in to rob us of all our joy.

He works to deceive with confusion and lies,

And that which he offers will come in disguise.

He wants to destroy us but really cannot,

For God will expose him and his wicked plot.

As we "stand watch" and we stay in the Word,

He cannot cause our thoughts to be blurred.

His tactics are subtle and may not seem bad,

But to all of his plans a snare he will add.

We do not have to put up with his "stuff".

In prayer we can stop him. "Enough is enough!"

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

I Peter 5:8 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Healing Balm

Pleasant words are wonderful,

And laughter a sweet salve,

To bless and satisfy the soul...

Treasured gifts to have.

Merriment and joy will buoy us up

And "light" our day.

What better way to greet the morn

And wash sad thoughts away.

Life and health and happiness

Are cheered by lovely speech,

For gentle words and tenderness

Deep in the heart will reach.

As laughter brings it's healing flow

And each new day unfolds,

We will find ourselves enriched

By all that gladness holds.

"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat."

Proverbs 15:30 KJV

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Proverbs 16:24 KJV

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."

Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Year At Rest

One more year will soon be done.

This "space in time" it's course has run.

Hopefully it's lessons will

Have added wisdom, added skill.

Let all we've learned in this past year

Be building blocks which persevere,

Contributing to higher goals,

Guiding us in all our roles.

Whatever lessons - good or bad -

Have value they can surely add

To make the new year better still

And all it's days with wisdom fill.

To let this year just slip away

And all it's riches not survey

Would cause it's purpose to be lost,

And this might be too high a cost.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sing To The Lord

Gram is almost 100 years old and has many interesting tales to tell of her life on the farm as a young girl.

One such story was about a cow they had. This cow was testy and mean, and Gram and her sister always had trouble milking her. Each time before they could finish, she would put her foot in the milk pail or kick the pail over, spilling out all the milk.

So one day these two young girls decided to sing while they were milking her. And to their surprise, she no longer would kick the pail over. Also, each time the girls started singing, the other cows all lined up by the fence to listen.

One day I said to Gram, "By the way, what kind of songs were you singing?"

Her answer was, "Church songs."

This all took place back in the early 1900's, so I have often wondered what these two young girls might have been singing..... maybe, "Onward Christian Soldiers", or "The Little Brown Church In The Wildwood", or "Jesus Loves Me", or "Amazing Grace". These are only guesses, and it's fun to think about, but singing "church songs" became a solution for a problem they otherwise could not solve.

"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."
Psalm 104:33 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Bethlehem Town

The still of night o'er Bethlehem lay
When Mary came her child to birth.
She found no place in which to stay
To bring her child of greatest worth,
Except a stable,
But God was able...

Slumbering Bethlehem did not know
What was happening in her midst that eve.
That a tiny babe in a manger low
Was Christ the Lord... She didn't perceive.
But the shepherds came.
They proclaimed His name...

A small beginning... this tiny flame
That was lit in Bethlehem town that night,
As silently the Christ child came
The course of history to rewrite.
The wise men knew...
Wise men still do...

Have you lived in Bethlehem town
And missed this story of great renown?
The manger still remains today.
Will you give Jesus room to stay?
God sent love...
...from above.

"God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3:17 NKJ

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Angelsong

Angels drifting, winging, singing.....

Music filt'ring through the air.....

Silver songs of angels drifting,

Sifting down upon my ear.....

Silver threads the angels weave

In thoughts and pretty melodies

To tell of Jesus' birth

On Christmas Eve.

Watch o'er the baby Jesus sleeping.....

Rock Him gently to and fro.

Lull Him with your tender singing.....

Music 'round the manger flow.

Keep Him warm with melodies

You sing in perfect harmony,.

Let baby Jesus slumber on

In peace.

Think about the baby Jesus,

Think about this baby mild.

Make a place for baby Jesus,

The one on whom the angels smiled.

Light a fire to keep Him warm -

Within your heart His manger form.

Let Him be born within you

Christmas Eve.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Room In The Inn

Baby Jesus, do not fear.....

I will make for You some space.

Little child without a bed,

In my heart I'll make a place.

I invite and welcome You

Deep within my heart to stay.

I want to live my life for You

And want to bless You every day.

As You reside within my heart,

Joy and worship I will bring.

You are worthy of all praise.....

You'll daily cause my heart to sing.

Nothing I can offer You

For me could greater joy impart

Than to give You residence

In the inn of my own heart.

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."

John 14:23 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Touch Of Heaven

A burst of glory happened

Christmas Eve so long ago.....

A touch of heaven, a small babe,

Was born in a manger low.

The angel of the Lord announced

That Jesus Christ the Lord had come.....

God's salvation plan for man.....

Heaven's promise revealed therefrom.

The heavenly host praised God on high,

"Peace on earth, good will toward men".

And shepherds came with haste to see

This thing which had been told to them.

They made known what they had learned,

Praising God for His dear Son,

Rejoicing in their hearts with wonder

In awe of that which God had done.

E'en now our thoughts reach up to God,

To glorify our Savior's birth.

He became our touch with heaven.....

"Good tidings of great joy on earth"!

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 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 2:10-14 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Sounds Of Christmas

Oh, what joyful sounds we hear.....
Bells and chimes upon the ear,
Carolers and choirs singing,
Children's laughter gaily ringing.

Happy sounds float through the air
The birth of Jesus to declare.
Excitement fills our hearts with song
And makes us want to sing along.

The Christmas season fills with joy
As praise and worship men employ.
Lift your heart and voice to sing.
Celebrate the newborn King!

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Christmas Eve

Jesus came on Christmas eve....

Within your heart to stay.

He brought so many gifts for you,

To celebrate that special day.

As you have opened up each one

And made discovery,

He began to shine through you

In love and grace and harmony.

Now He'll "decorate" anew....

A new work to begin,

As in this lovely Christmas season

Again He rests within.

He'll spread His love and give you joy.

He'll light a fire warm,

And fill you richly once again

With yet more giftings which transform.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad!

His gifts are always new.

He'll fill your life with many riches.....

His Christmas gift to you.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

James 1:17 NKJ

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Ephesians 2:10 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Mirrors Of Christmas

If this Christmas season were seen in a mirror,
What would be found there in it's clear reflection?
Would there be singing, or sharing and love.....
Would anything there point in Jesus' direction?

Would there be scenes of sweet celebration,
Honoring Jesus..... rememb'ring His birth?
Who there would practice "good will to all men"
And live in a way to bring peace on the earth?

Christmas has meaning anew every year
As His love is birthed afresh in each heart.
And when this happens, new joy will come forth...
His love and His peace and warmth to impart.

The scenes in the mirror will be lovely indeed,
Recording the love of the Christmas season,
For all that has meaning and really has worth
Is found in our Lord..... HE is the reason!

Without Jesus Christ the mirrors will be empty
And will not record a scene or reflection.
The scenes will be lost, for they don't have true meaning,
And will not be worthy of sweet recollection.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Christmas Gift For You

In the bustle of this season
Some folks may not feel festive,
For deep within there is some pain
Which of sorrow is suggestive.

There is a very blessed answer
For those who struggle in this way.
Jesus is God's Christmas gift,
Who came to take your pain away.

His love will bring you through this season
And richly warm your heart anew...
His joy and lovingkindness
Are His Christmas gifts to you.

So find your peace in God's great gift...
He'll cause your joy to overflow.
Let Jesus fill you with His love,
Which far surpasses all we know.

".....In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Light

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

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Christmas Gift

A little babe of priceless worth.....
This tiny child who came,
Lying in a manger low,
But come to set the world aflame.

A spark of love from God's own heart,
Kindled warmly long ago,
Became our promise of salvation.
Through this child His love would flow.

Remembrance of our Savior's birth
In this blessed time of year
Recalls for us the Father's love
As Christmas Day draws near.

A special time to praise our God
With joy and adoration.
The Father gave us His own Son
As promise of salvation.


"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lord, Lift Me Up

I sometimes cannot hear Your voice.
My soul is sad..... does not rejoice,
For You are Life and Light to me.
Hear my cry and set me free.

Lift me up from this dark place.
Let me feel Your love and grace.
Give me strength so I may stand.
All I need, Lord, is Your hand.

I know that as I turn to You,
You'll reach down and bring me through.
You'll fill me with Your gentle peace,
Restore my joy and bring release.

Always I will turn to You
And wait to hear that still, small voice.
Help me. Lord, to not give up,
For when You speak I will rejoice!

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
Psalm 42:11 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Re-Capturing Christmas

A subtle loss at Christmas
In the world as we now know it
Has been meaningful tradition...
So many just forego it.

The season is so very full
Of things we "need" to do
That the real point of Christmas
Is being lost from view.

We can take a different path,
Avoiding all this tension,
And re-create a Christmas time
With beauty and dimension.

The real gift of Christmas is
Taking time to help another
Or making something really nice
For family, friend or brother.

The love and wonder of this season
Are seen in people's faces
When we reach out in Jesus' name
With love and warm embraces.

Reaching out to show the world
The Father's awesome love.....
There is no finer gift than this,
By which we honor Him thereof.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the govenment 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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our Daily Bread

Give us this day our daily bread....." Surely this was the prayer of many back during the depression years, for not many were working.

During that time our family lived next door to a man who owned a greenhouse, but who didn't have enough money for food. Mom learned of his situation and invited him to come have dinner with our family so that he would have at least one meal a day. He hesitated, saying, "I work in a greenhouse where my clothes get dirty, and also, I wouldn't want to interrupt your family time, but if you will set the meal on the fence, then I will come out and get it."

Now this couldn't have been easy for Mom, because at that time she had three small children and a baby to take care of. But each day she would fix a plate of food for him and take it out to the fence, and he would come out to get it. She did this every day for two years, until one day, when she placed the plate of food there on the fence, he didn't come out..... he had passed away.

Mom had seen a need and she met it faithfully every day.....

"She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 21:20 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blame Game

Some people have a game that they play.
When something goes wrong you won't hear them say,
"This was my fault, I really did err."
They'd rather shift blame, which causes a snare.

They will not see truth but hide behind "sham".
They defend their position and won't face "exam".
They'll give you six reasons just why they are right
And will not accept it if their fault you cite.

This is the "blame game"..... it causes much grief.
And relationships suffer, in want of relief.
It's best to face truth and admit when we're wrong,
To not play this game and problems prolong.

Ego and laziness, fear and distrust
Are possible causes which need to adjust.
For this is a "game" in which you can't win.
It's not a good pattern to even begin.

"A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it....."
Proverbs 26:28 KJV

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
Proverbs 16:18 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Real Christmas

Christmas is not meant to be
A time which centers on thee and me,
But is a time when we recall
What God has done for each and all.

God sent Jesus down to earth.
Focus on His wondrous birth!
Rejoice in what our God has done!
He gave us Jesus Christ, His Son.

Christmas really is about
The birth of Christ. Rejoice and shout!
For God has done a glorious thing!
Carols sing and worship bring!

"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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 2:10-14 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Compassionate Touch

In this time of gifts and giving,
Help someone who has a need.....
One who is less fortunate
And would be very blessed indeed.

For if you reach out to just one
And give a very special gift,
Think how "huge" that gift would be
And how it surely would "uplift".

When you give unto the poor
The blessings you bring will be much.
The Lord will fill them with His joy.
You, too, will feel His special touch.

".....He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he."
Proverbs 14:21 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

My Daily Prayer

As I go through life
And enter each day,
Lord, help me to know
What to do and to say.

I sometimes don't realize
When I have made error.
Forgive me, Dear Lord,
If I've sinned unaware.

Help me to guard
All my actions each day,
And always stay humble
Lest pride has it's way.

Show me, Dear Lord,
If I may have failed,
That I might see clearly
And keep nothing "veiled".

"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression."
Psalm 19:12-13 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Christmas Lights

One year at Christmas time our family became aware of an older couple who were very poor. He was ill and somewhat disabled, so she would work at odd jobs to try to earn a little money here and there, but they didn't have enough.

Our children were in grade school, and we didn't have much extra, but I was moved that we needed to do something to bring the joy of Christmas to this couple.

So I went to the nursery and bought a small Christmas tree (about three feet tall), Then I suggested to our children that we should look through our Christmas decorations and choose some light strings and ornaments to put on the tree. Having done that, we set out to go visit this couple.

When we arrived at their door, they were totally surprised. We set up the tree, and the children decorated it for them. They were delighted just to have children come to see them. My mom gave them a small gift, and they were thrilled because the man needed a watch and now he would be able to get one.

It didn't seem like we had done much, but to this couple it meant really a lot. They had not had a Christmas tree for many years, and their apartment wasn't a cheerful place at all. (It simply was all they could afford). The colored twinkle lights on the tree seemed to transform the whole situation, and the fact that we had come lifted them up when they were really down.

This only took one afternoon of our time, but afterwards we were so glad that we had done it.

"But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he."
Proverbs 14:21 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Christmas Rush

Weary from shopping, all worn out?
Is this what Christmas is about?
Every year we overdo.
This situation needs review!

It really doesn't make much sense
To rush around and make expense.
We should not be obligated
To do what others have dictated.

Jesus is the real reason
That we celebrate this season.
As we're reminded of His birth
Christmas finds it's real worth.

Christmas is a special time
When we hear choirs, bells and chime,
Sounding forth to hail His name
And His wondrous birth proclaim.

Worship Him in celebration!
Bring Him praise and adoration!
Focus on the real reason
To celebrate the Christmas season.

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heaven-Sent

The young woman went to the grocery store to shop, and while there she repeatedly encountered a little gray-haired lady, who also was shopping.

The gray-haired lady would pick up items from the bottom shelves (where the lower-priced items are), look at them and put them back. Even though the young woman criss-crossed the store a few times because of items she had forgotten to pick up, she continued to bump into the little older lady. She began to notice that the older lady had only a few things in the upper part of her shopping cart.

When the young woman got to the check-out she realized that the older lady was right behind her in line. The checker rang up the young woman's groceries and then asked, "Is there anything else for you?"

The young woman was moved, and she said, "Yes, I want to pay for this lady's groceries." (She was very troubled because the older lady had so few items).

The checker added those few items to the receipt and then handed the receipt to the young woman, at which point she began to sob uncontrollably. She ran from the store so no one would notice, but when she got home she was still sobbing and could not get over the thought of that little lady. She could not stop sobbing, and commented, "I don't know what this is. I guess God is dealing with my pride....."

Nor did she get over it in the days to come. After she went home she thought about all the things she owned, and then would think again about the little lady, whose cart contained so few things. God changed her that day. He spoke into her life through a little gray-haired angel in the supermarket. He intercepted her path..... to change her perspective and humble her.

Yes, God does still speak, and He still sends angels..... to accomplish His purpose.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lives That Count

The things that we do seem important to us.....
But some may be trivial and use our time thus.
We have busy schedules which we try to keep,
And sometimes don't even allow for good sleep.

But often the sum of the things which we do
May not have much worth as we look in review.
It isn't hard to stay busy each day,
And matters "press in" which will rob time away.

To find what is best we can seek God and pray,
For He will then guide us and help us to weigh
Whether our choices have worthy import.
Some may be good, while some "come up short".

To find His great purpose and be in His will
Will further His kingdom and our lives fulfill.
In Him there is treasure in endless amount.
When we find His plan, then our lives will "count".


"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

© 2006 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

Integrity

Integrity sees with clear-cut vision,
Living truth with great precision.
It doesn't waver in it's stance,
Nor will it "sleep" or "take a chance".

It's house is built on firm foundation
And garners highest admiration.
It won't be shaken or deceived
But can be trusted and believed.

It faces issues on a plane
Which has no shadow, mark or stain.
Integrity does not bow down,
For strength and honor are it's crown.

"But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity....."
Psalm 26:11 KJV

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them....."
Proverbs 11:3 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Christmas Isn't Christmas

Christmas isn't Christmas
Without the name of Christ.
But now the stores are gearing up
To make their "holiday" heist!

The birth of Christ is now and ever
A most remarkable event.
To simply have a "holiday"
Should not at all be our intent.

Jesus is the world's pure Light,
Outshining man's ability
To make a worthy holiday season
With "tinsel" plausibility.

Christmastime will always be
A time to celebrate Christ's birth.
It isn't just a "holiday"
But a time of praise throughout the earth.


"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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf