Autumn's Voice

Summer flourished in full bloom,
But now for Autumn must make room.
As Summer sighs and moves aside
Autumn enters in bright stride.

Crisp, clean air and painted hills
Appear as Autumn shows her skills.
Autumn has a special voice.
Her brightness leads us to rejoice!

As she paints the countryside,
In hearts her beauty will reside.
She'll bring joy with brilliant hue
Till Winter hints that she is through.

"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faith

When threat of darkness:closes in
It is faith that helps us win.
Faith brings courage, strength and might
And will break forth into light.

Faith will stand and not let go
Nor be bandied to and fro.
It takes up a strong position
Till it's hopes come to fruition.

Choosing always to be glad,
Rejoicing in good times and bad,
Faith will bring us through long night
And fill us with God's peace and light.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1 KJV

© Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Bright Pathway

Know if you are weary
And the outlook seems quite dreary,
In the Lord you have bright hope.
He is there new doors to ope.

When you bow and make appeal,
By His grace He will reveal
All the answers you will need
And refresh you to proceed.

He will never leave your side.
In His peace you may abide.
He will hold and pick you up
And with joy will fill your cup.

Do not be discouraged.
Look to Him and be encouraged.
He will add to you His light
And will make your pathway bright.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Avoiding Blind Spots

If we get a bit "off-track"
Our perspective will have lack.
Error then will cloud our vision.
Our sight will not have precision.

If our path has growing error
We become much less aware
That blindness has become a "spot"...
Not a little, but a lot.

Blind spots bring a serious twist,
For we don't know what we have missed.
We need God to guard our way.
He'll safely lead us if we pray.

"My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber."
Psalm 121:3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Healing Touch

God's healing process may take time
But is a blessed upward climb.
In answer to our many prayers
He will peel off "layers and layers".

He will cause our eyes to see
That from these layers" we can be free.
He erases stain and blot
And even "ills" which we forgot.

Jesus' healing touch is real.
There is no "ill" He cannot heal.
His refreshing brings new hope
For that with which we couldn't cope.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases, Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Is My Peace

I don't wish to be where I am just tolerated.
But I take comfort... in Jesus I'm celebrated.
I can walk tall
For He is my "all".
Always in Him my spirit is liberated.

When things in life become just too complicated,
And all of the factors in Him are well-contemplated,
He gives me peace
And I find release.
By His gentle hand I'm covered and "insulated".

He shows me beauty, more than anticipated.
He is my righteousness... in Him I'm venerated.
I am made whole.
He enriches my soul.
Always to Him my life will be consecrated.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A High Calling

If on the Lord you wait,
Is your "calling" up-to-date?
Are you on the "cutting edge"
Or hanging off a ledge...?

God causes us to "climb"
(If we give to Him our time),
And bridge across wide space
By His wisdom and by grace.

He lifts us up to "see"
And perfects who we should be.
We wll live "on high"
If to Him we will draw nigh.

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Psalm 18:32-33 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Treasure In Heaven

Extravagance is such a waste
When too much excess is embraced.
Often it becomes a weight
And then creates a too-full plate.

Maintenance may have high cost,
And time for urgent things is lost.
Folks are often more content
When money is more wisely spent.

"Wealth" is best when shared with others...
Charity or needy brothers.
Worldly goods have little worth,
But when shared, to love give birth.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Peace Of God

Your peace in the midst of "noise" is astounding...
A "bubble" against all which is confounding.
Your peace "adorns" and softens and cheers,
E'en when disruption threatens with fears.

Your peace becomes the voice of the moment
To guide us and help us receive Your bestowment,
Enabling us then to move with great ease
And handle confusion with calm expertise.

You are the peace which gives us retreat.
You bring the wisdom to make us complete.
Your peace comes forth in ample amount,
Sufficient our problems to always surmount.

"Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Redeemed Time

Many things we do are good,
And some folks do more than they should.
But sometimes "good" is not the need.
To something "urgent" God might lead.

If with His leading we agree,
Important issues we will see.
He will prompt us what is best,
And by His timing we'll be blessed.

His perspective will save time,
And we'll accomplish what is prime.
Urgent needs will not get missed
When God's great wisdom we enlist.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tiny Footsteps

It seems when progress is quite slow
And forward movement doesn't show
That we aren't having much success
And there are things we must address.

But tiny footsteps aren't all bad.
It may be that we should be glad!
The special things we learn each day
We might not learn another way.

God will show us when we're ready
And train our footsteps to be steady.
If His wisdom we will heed,
In His timing we'll succeed.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Soaring Above The Storm

Do you rise above the storm,
Reaching heights beyond the norm?
Do you see with distance vision
And with well-thought-out precision?

Storms of life will come and go,
Buffeting us to and fro,
But when the storms are come and gone,
Do you soar, or are you wan?

God is with us in the storm,
Our lives and thinking to transform,
Lifting us to greater height,
Greater wisdom to ignite.

"He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."
Psalm 107:29-30 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Autumn's Music

How lovely is the countryside
As Autumn is preoccupied
With splashing beauty everywhere
And causing trees bright hues to wear.

Autumn has a certain flair
And spends great effort to declare,
"I won't let the winter come
Until I've danced and "played my drum".

Her bright rhythm and her song
Invite us all to hum along.
She works hard to bring us cheer
As we move toward the end of year.

Autumn has a special gift,
Her warmth and glow our hearts to lift.
She always does her very best
And causes us to be much-blessed.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
Psalm 98:4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heart With Good Seeds

When planting a garden we must dig out weeds
And loosen the soil before we plant seeds.
If we leave roots the weeds will grow back
And crowd out our seeds. We cannot be slack.

Sometimes our hearts have soil which is hard.
And weeds can creep in if we let down guard.
If soil is tilled with prayer and the Word,
By goodness and beauty our hearts will be stirred.

The Word gives instruction in how to "pull weeds"
And plants in our hearts some very good seeds!
The riches of God will blossom and grow,
And a garden of blessings will happily show.

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
Matthew 5:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Meekness And Wisdom

Show me, Lord, if I have pride,
Lest somewhere in me it abide.
Help me to be meek and wise
And see myself with humble eyes.

Meekness stills the sting of strife
And opens up fresh streams of life,
Quieting and healing pain,
Causing it to cease and wane.

Help me bear much peaceful fruit,
Born of gentle, sincere root.
Let me take "the quiet road"
And always walk in humble mode.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
James 3:17 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

You Are...

You are light in darkness
And provision amidst starkness,
Courage when life's winds blow hard
And strength when rain and storm bombard.

You are blessed covering
When challenges are hovering
Or when we're simply caught off-guard
And feeling just a little jarred.

You bring strength to spur us on
Whene'er our confidence is gone.
You provide our every need
And all our fondest hopes exceed.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth: and with my song will I praise him."
Psalm 28:7 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Music Of The Heart

When rhythms of two hearts agree
Then life becomes a melody...
A pleasant song with lovely tune.
With love and joy the hearts commune.

When apart the hearts still sing
The tune they know... to it they cling...
For when they first became as one
A lovely journey was begun.

On and on the song will play
To brighten each and every day.
When it rests within the heart,
A special love it will impart.

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Too Many Distractions

The enemy wiill use distractions
To detour our thoughts and actions.
He makes noise and gives us flack,
Our goals and focus to set back.

He will fill our time for us
If we listen to his "fuss".
If we try to do too much
Then we hurry and "lose touch".

God will give us certain goals
And define for us our roles.
When we focus just on Him
We'll avoid distraction's whim.

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy."
John 10:10 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Listening Quietly

If my spirit is not still
What I "hear" is nearly nil.
My "vision" isn't quite as clear,
And I don't see what's very near.

Distraction clouds ability
To "rest" and have tranquillity.
When I have the peace of God
My steps with "quietness" are shod.

Before I make important choice
I listen for the Spirit's voice.
He is faithful when I pray.
He will help me "find my way".

"Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-5 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Wise Man

A wise man "sifts" what he will share
And how much knowledge he will "air",
Lest others bend what he has said
And on his wisdom they will tread.

The fool just doesn't want to hear
Or to the truth come very near.
His willful ways make him quite blind.
To foolishness he is inclined.

Knowledge spoken to a fool
Is "wealth" that he may ridicule.
So a wise man will be slow...
His words he will discreetly "sow".

"A prudent man concealeth knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness."
Proverbs 12:23 KJV

"Wisdom rests (silently) in the mind and heart of him who has understanding."
Proverbs 14:33 Amplified bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Seasons

Summertime is near it's close
And autumn hastens near our door.
It's time to think of season's change,
For lazy summer days are o'er.

Autumn, dressed in brilliant color,
Paints the world with new dimension.
(Until she has to look ahead,
And to winter pay attention.)

Autumn is a glorious time,
Reminding us of myriad reasons
Once again to worship God
For His watchcare through all seasons!

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Secret Place

I draw into "the secret place",
To find His peace and know His grace.
For there I find great rest and calm.
His presence is my healing balm.

I feel refreshing in my soul
As He restores and makes me whole.
In Him I hope and am set free.
He is life and breath to me.

When day is done and labors cease,
From weariness I find release.
For when I'm in "the secret place".
He gives me peace and pours out grace.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul."
Psalm 23:1-3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Mountain Too High

When barriers seem uncrossable,
God will make it possible.
Though life's hurdles may seem high,
Don't give up or sit and sigh.

God can reach the highest peak
And to your mountain clearly speak.
When things seem too hard for you,
Trust in Him to see you through.

He will reassure your heart,
Love and joy and grace impart.
Trust in Him, for He is there.
He hears your cry and fervent prayer.

"Ah, Lord God! Behold thou hast made the heaven and
the earth by thy great power and stretched out
arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee."
Jeremiah 32:17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sifting The News

When you hear a news report
And sense that truth it will distort,
Sift the "grain" out from the chaff,
For truth is sometimes less than half!

Measure what is true and just,
For all you hear you cannot trust.
We must be alert and wise
And able to discern white lies.

Righteousness must be the rule
When media brings ridicule.
We must stand for truth and light
Lest darkness lead us into "night".

"The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."
Proverbs 15:7 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Unshakeable Peace

The peace of the Lord is gentle and pure...
For any anxiety... a wondrous cure.
As fresh, cooling waters it soothes and it calms...
An oasis of rest and sweet, healing balms.

Let it become the water you drink,
The air that you breathe, the thoughts that you think.
The peace of the Lord will change how you live.
A restful perspective and joy it will give.

Peace is a "fortress" of God's might and power
Where we may rest in troublesome hour.
He is our shelter from wind and from storm
Or anything else which just is not norm.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Young folks frown upon "the past"
Because they're traveling too fast.
"It's passe', it makes me yawn.
I have no intrerest... it is gone!"

They desire "the latest thing".
Whatever's "in"... to that they cling.
They are caught up in "today".
"Near the action" they will stay.

Some are speeding toward tomorrow,
Buying things (for which they borrow).
They are in a fruitless race
And need to find a balanced pace.

The past had values all should learn,
And for it's wisdom they should yearn.
To have perspective for today,
Important choices they must weigh.

Some things change, but some things don't.
Jesus' life and teaching won't.
Foundation which He gives is sound.
In Him is right perspective found.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."
Hebrews 13:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tiny Doors

If sin can find a tiny door
To enter in, it will bring more.
At first it just might not be seen.
Discernment must be very keen.

For sin will multiply and grow
And suddenly it's face will show.
It must be pulled up by the root
Before it makes good things "kaput"!

It's wise to keep a constant "guard"
So you by sin will not be "scarred".
God will shield you from it's pain
If in your life you give Him reign.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Covered In Him

Thank You, Lord, for watchcare
In these times of war and terror.
How we need Your wisdom,
Lest we falter or make error.

Guard and guide us by Your hand,
And keep us 'neath Your wing.
Help us walk in holiness
And to Your tenets cling.

Many dangers, threats and snares
Confront us every day.
For Your constant covering
We intercede and pray.

You are able to defend
And stave off all our foes.
On Your power we depend...
To save us from these woes.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Kindness Heals

When relationship is troubled,
Sometimes tensions then are doubled.
Too-quick answers, not thought through,
Can cause more havoc to accrue.

Kindness bridges many gaps
And "rough edges" gently wraps.
It defuses angst and ire
And by it's softness will inspire.

Kindness never will "react"
But respond with love and tact,
Choosing words with carefulness
And always with much prayerfulness.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Parents, Your Children Need You

Parents, hover o'er your children.
Dangers which they face are great.
Each child is a precious gift.
Guard them from a "worldly" fate.

Alone, they cannot navigate
Life's storms. They really do need you.
Children are priority
And come before all else you do.

Nurture and spend time with them.
Guide them through life's daily snares.
Raise them up to know the Lord.
Undergird them with your prayers.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
Psalm 127:3 KJV

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Season

Sometimes in life God closes a door.
The "season" we're in will end and be o'er.
When God changes plans we should not look back
But thank Him for placing us on a new track.

Change is not easy, but do not have fear.
One step at a time, He'll make His plan clear.
Though the experience may feel new and strange,
The path and provision our God will arrange.

All of our "seasons" should rest in His hand.
He will promote us and help us to stand.
We then move on to fulfill our "role",
Have new potential and reach a high goal.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Take Time To Pause

Through the day take time to pause
And give the Lord heartfelt applause.
Give Him praise and honor due
For all the gifts He's given you.

Look into His lovely face
And ponder His redeeming grace.
The love He shows to you and me
Is as an endless potpourri.

His beauty will refresh your day
And push your worries far away.
Receive His beauty... breathe it in.
He'll cause your day to be win-win!

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 29:2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Watching And Waiting

Are you watching and waiting for Christ's soon return?
In all your endeavors, how much do you yearn
To be in His presence and look on His face,
The worries and cares of the world to displace?

In the blink of an eye God's trumpet will sound,
And we shall rise up... no longer earthbound...
To worship our Lord, our God and our King,
All glory and honor and reverence to bring!

We do not know the day or the hour
When He shall appear in glory and power,
So we must be ready and look to the sky.
For Jesus is waiting and soon will draw nigh

"Behold, I shew you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
I Corinthians 15:51-52 KJV

"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."
Luke 21:28 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Merry Heart

Laughter and joy are good for the soul.
Cheerfulness is a wonderful goal.
It isn't dependent on how life might be.
It's more about choice and the way that we "see".

We needn't be glum when life gets us down.
Light-hearted perspective will offset a frown.
When challenges come, remember to smile.
Laughter and fun will lighten your trial.

Choose to be positive, whate'er may come.
Laughter is good if your day is ho-hum.
You will have joy... your trials will feel lighter.
With changed perspective your life will be brighter.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Highest And Best

Since God has provided for every need
I want to know Him and follow His lead.
He is my Maker, and He has a plan
To help me fulfill the work He began.

If I should bypass the plan He has shown
And try to accomplish my goals on my own,
I can get sidetracked or even hard-pressed
And may never find God's highest and best.

The path where He leads me will have much to learn.
If I don't question, His merits I'll earn.
He will prepare me, His goals to fulfill,
And prosper me greatly with God-given skill.

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments."
Psalm 119:73 KJV

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
James 1:17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Upward Bound

Lord, let my thinking e'er be upward bound.
There in the Spirit are treasures profound.
Let me rise higher until I am "caught"
Where heavenly riches will fill all my thought.

Let me partake of the Spirit's rich flow
And my understanding be opened to know
All of Your purpose and broader dimension.
Help me, O Lord, to have comprehension.

Lift me, O Lord, up to Heavenly places
Where I may taste of Your spiritual graces
Until that day when I finish life's story
And enter into eternity's glory.

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Wake-Up Call

The news isn't pretty... some don't want to hear.
Some are too busy and don't lend an ear.
Others ignore it and seek something pleasant
And don't realize that danger is present.

Our God is calling out "Open your ears!"
Right now it's time to wake up and change gears.
The enemy stalks by day and by night
To snuff out America's freedom and light.

We must discern and listen and pray,
For media voices have led some astray.
We cannot relax or sink into laze
But prayers for God's wisdom constantly raise.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Is Our Help

Lord, how we need Your healing hand
To move across our precious land,
Touching those whose lives are hurting,
Bringing hope, despair averting.

Some are overwhelmed with fear
And need Your strength to persevere.
Many suffer, weep and toil
And need Your gentle, healing oil.

You are strong when we are weak.
You bring joy when times are bleak.
By Your hand, we shall not fail.
With Your help, we can prevail!

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

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock."
Psalm 27:5 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wisdom Through The Years

Being "old" is not so bad... "living" gives a clearer view
Of that which is important and of all that we should do.
Wisdom and experience only gather through the years,
And become a reservoir of wealth which guides and steers.

Young ones have good energy... for causes they will fight.
Sometimes when they labor hard, they use up strength and might.
Useful insights they will gain from what they have been through.
They will have perspective which is "opened up" and new.

Through the years are lessons learned in how to wisely live.
As we understand God's ways much wisdom He will give.
Even then, when we are old, our God is faithful still
To guide and teach and show us and to add to us new "skill".

"The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience)."
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified Bible

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Seek His Face

We have one life and should carefully measure
All that we do, for life is a treasure.
Only by wisdom and prayer make decisions,
Lest if they're wrong we can't make revisions.

Sometimes results will lead to wrong course
And cause us much sorrow, pain and remorse.
Lives can be detoured and suffer high cost.
Resource and time, e'en health, may be lost.

Hindsight is great but "after-the-fact".
We need God's wisdom and lead 'fore we act.
If we're not sure, we should hesitate.
Our God will guide us... it's better to wait.

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me."
Psalm 63:7-8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God In The Workplace

My brother is an engineer who, in years past, worked for a large power company. At times his job included some interesting challenges...

His company had built a large power generator in another state, and when they started it up it began to overheat. If the problem couldn't be corrected within twenty-four hours the generator would burn itself up, at a cost of half a million dollars. So the company sent my brother there to trouble-shoot the problem (already losing valuable time as he travelled.).

He worked with the men on site, going over the schematics for the generator and checking every possible trouble point, but they could not find the problem. So he went back to his room to get a little rest and weigh what to do next. He prayed that God would show him what was needed. In that time of rest, God told him that a light switch had been wired backward, and He showed him precisely where it was.

When he went back and checked it out, he found exactly what the Lord had shown him and was able to correct the error. With God's help the generator was saved!

God is so gracious to help when we call upon Him!

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him."
Psalm 91:15 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Power Over The Enemy

The enemy studies to set his sly traps
And hides his intentions in enticing wraps,
Trying to sidetrack or spoil or devour.
But he is no match for God's holy power.

God will expose his wiles and deceit.
God is our tower, our strength, our retreat.
There we abide and always return.
There we find wisdom and power to discern.

As we are focused, with eyes on the Lord,
Using the Word, His two-edged sword,
We can avoid the enemy's ruse.
By "living" the Word, his plans we diffuse.

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
I John 4:4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reflections

The Lord will give us beauty which increases over time
As we pursue His wisdom and desire high mounts to climb.
Walking in His wisdom will create a blessed story
Which reaches out to others and will bring God praise and glory.

Reflections of the past then become a lovely book
Which we can visit often and enjoy a second look.
The book will be "oasis" when we're tired or need a lift,
Authored by the hand of God and given as a gift.

Reflections of His handiwork are precious and unique,
Written in our lives, great encouragement to speak.
What the Lord has done with us cannot be robbed away
But stands for all eternity, it's story to replay.

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."
Psalm 68:19 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Come Home

The voice of the Lord is calling today
To all who have wandered and gone astray,
"Sinners, come home. It's time to release
All worldly folly so you may find peace."

You may have success on worldly planes...
Don't forfeit your soul for these kinds of gains.
The cost is too high to lose your reward...
Heavenly riches and peace with the Lord.

Jesus stands ready to welcome you home.
Return to the fold from where'er you roam.
He will forgive you, and Heav'n will rejoice
On the joyous occasion when you make this choice.

"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Luke 15:7 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Measure Of A Life

If a life could be reviewed, what would be the sum of it?
What would be the greatness which to others would bring benefit?
Let us leave an imprint in the lives of those we touch,
To be a light for Jesus to those He loves so much.

Life cannot be measured in the confines of the mind,
But through our service to the Lord are riches left behind.
And these become a a reservoir which can be drawn upon
By many who have known us, even after we are gone.

If a life could be reviewed, what should be the sum of it?
What should be the greatness which to others would bring benefit?
Let our lives be worthy and bring blessing to the Lord.
For this we are created, and in this is great reward.

"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves."
Psalm 100:3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Order Is Golden

When living for God, there is order to life.
His wisdom and tenets will guard us from strife.
His Word gives us balance and helps us to stay
Away from those things which would cause us to stray.

Keep the doors closed to all conflict and sin.
These two intruders cause turmoil within,
Robbing our time and disrupting our peace.
Order demands that confusion must cease.

We must clean house if disorder rules.
Prayer and obedience are really good tools.
When we are diligent, God will respond
And give us reward... above and beyond.

"For God is not the author of confusion..."
I Corinthians 14:33 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Confidence

Ideas from God bring innovation,
Leading one to bright creation...
Art or music or design,
Or something which will truly shine.

In God we are not limited,
Nor should we feel inhibited.
What He causes us to see
Is then a possibility.

If in Him we will believe,
He will help us to perceive
How to do what He has shown...
Which we couldn't do alone!

"For the Lord shall be thy confidence..."
Proverbs 3:26 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Blessed Day

Draw nigh unto the Lord in the stillness of the morn.
Let His sweet tranquillity your heart and thoughts adorn.
He brings beauty to each day beyond what we have known
And reassures us He is there... we will not walk alone.

Stride by stride He takes us through the "hurdles" of the day.
With love and joy and peace He protects us from the "fray".
We can have serenity and joy in all we do,
He gives us perspective and the strength to carry through.

And when our day is done we have quiet and blessed calm.
His presence has been with us as a helpful, soothing balm.
When He walks beside us every day will be A-One.
We can rest in stillness and be glad for what He's done.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

"In thy presence is fulness of joy."
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

People Who Inspire - Toni

Toni met Jesus as her personal Savior while living in Saudi Arabia. One night she was praying, and the Lord came and met her in that lonely, faraway place. He filled her with the fullness of His Spirit and His love. The most striking thing about her was her love for Jesus. She knew Him and knew His heart in a very tender way. She would spend long hours praying, waiting on Him, listening to Him, talking with Him, singing and dancing before Him. She had a heart of worship toward Him.

She had an intense fervor and gifting to tell others about Him, and she did it in the supermarket, the restaurant, the dentist's office, the auto mechanic's shop, in her neighborhood, over the telephone, at the gym where she worked out, at the butcher's, at the bakery... Jesus was her best friend! She prayed and ministered to hurting people with great compassion and sensitivity, always encouraging and lifting up others. Always she would challenge and spur you on to good works, causing you to stretch, and then helping you to laugh at yourself if the stretching time was clumsy or difficult. Her spirit of joy was unquenchable and irrestible and contagious. To be around her always was fun. This all sounds so happy and almost easy, but it is only part of her story...

She was utterly reliant on God's grace in her health and circumstance, because she suffered from Addison's disease. Some days she would really struggle with lack of energy and would call for prayer. She dealt graciously and fought valiantly with difficult family issues, caring for her grancdhildren while often not feeling well.

In the last year of her life her strength seemed to wane, and in May 2001 she was diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer. She believed God would heal her, and she proceeded to witness to every doctor and nurse she met, praying with a number of them, right up until the end. She never doubted and she complained little... As she slipped away to be with Jesus her ten-year-old grandson was in the next room singing a song called, "Like An Eagle".

Toni was a great woman of God. Her name was not famous, but her life was a lesson which needed to be recorded for others. Perhaps in memory the impact of her life will be even greater than when she was here as others follow in her footsteps.

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Proverbs 31:29 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Priorities As Fences

A farmer knows that when his fences are down his cattle will stray and wander. His herds are his wealth, so good oversight is a priority. His attention to his flock guarantees his well-being and sustenance.

Having good priorities in place is the surest road to success, and it eliminates many problems along the way. Keeping those priorities in place will need focus, hard work and maintenance, but these are labors which bring positive return.

Priorities then become as fences which protect and guard all that is important to us."

"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
Proverbs 27:23 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

People Who Inspire - Emma

My girlhood memories of my Aunt Emma are many. I spent time at her home during the summer months and was always amazed at how many different things she accomplished...

She had a fairly large property, and every square inch of it showed her loving touch. She had a large vegetable garden, and fruit trees, and berry bushes and plants. She raised a few chickens. Her yard included flowers of many kinds, including a lily pond with goldfish in it. Her plants were perfectly groomed and seemed to flourish at her touch. Her home was immaculate... she was a true homemaker. She canned and baked and made pies to freeze, which she would use through the winter. Her home-canned dill pickles were the best! She sewed many of her own clothes and crocheted hats to wear, doilies, intricate, lacy table cloths, and even made large braided rugs for her home. Also, she raised canaries and sold them.

She was widowed from her first husband and then later remarried. In her retirement years she began to babysit children during the day (somtimes as many as six at a time), and by doing this she helped to pay off the little home they had bought. A few years later she was widowed a second time.

What an amazing lady! She was crippled from a fall she had had early in life, and one leg was shorter than the other. But she never let it slow her down in any way. Now alone for a second time, she would still "prosper". She raised canaries, violet plants, tomato plants and geraniums, and then when they were in their prime she would put an ad in the "Nickel Ads" Newspaper and sell them. This way she had some extra spending money.

At age 88 Emma was tending flowers in her garden one day and was bitten by a brown recluse spider. The pain and itching were excruciating and ongoing, and she never found relief until she went home to be with the Lord at age 92. But even during these last few years she was never idle. She said that each day she would pray for every member of her family and for all the relatives whose names she knew. She loved the Lord and was a very remarkable woman.

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Proverbs 31:29 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

I Sure Need Grace!

To deal with events of this week
My attitude may need a "tweak"!
Some days it's hard not to grumble
When everything is in a jumble!

The first thing I must do is smile
And pray how to get through this "trial".
Order is better than trouble.
Without it, confusion may double.

So I will rise up and be merry
And do that which seems necessary.
God's joy will help my frustration.
He will bring forth inspiration.

No matter the challenge I face,
I can get through by God's grace.
Plan A is to pray and not grumble.
Plan B is pray more and stay humble!

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Draw Nigh Unto God

Draw nigh unto God in times of great fear.
He is our refuge should "panic" come near.
Oh, what great comfort, to be in His shelter
When things all around us become helter-skelter.

Take time to pray... breathe in His deep peace
Until His tranquillity brings sweet release.
Rest in His shelter... don't let fear return.
Give to the Lord your every concern.

His hand is steady when we're feeling weak.
He is our strength when outlook seems bleak.
Should we feel panic, remember He's able
To keep us in peace and quietly stable.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
Psalm 23:3 KJV

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty, (Whose power no foe can withstand)."
Psalm 91:1 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grandma's Quilts

It is fascinating to me... how my grandmother would save remnants and scraps of fabric and then sew them together to make beautiful quilts. The scraps were small and not useful for any other purpose, and yet became part of a beautiful design because of her diligence and her careful stitchery. Her quilt-tops were not stitched together by machine, as today's quilts are, but were carefully stitched by hand with a blanket stitch in a lovely "decoupage" of colors and prints. She did not let any scraps of fabric go to waste.

I am reminded of her lovely quilts when sometimes the pieces of my life feel scattered and there seem to be remnants here and there which don't fit together. I have gone through seasons where everything was in scraps, and it seemed that all possibility of putting them back together was gone.

But God doesn't look at it that way. He will gather up every scrap... and even find some you have lost. Then, with great love and caring, He takes these pieces and starts to create beauty where there was nothing, or where there was a mess. He creates a new "quilt" with lasting beauty, and His handiwork is strong and enduring.

I have learned that His love and caring are as a coverlet over my life in every season.

"For he hath said, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee'."
Hebrews 13:5 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Practicing Peace

Practice kindness to all, but especially toward those of whom you're critical. You may discover hidden gold.

Bless those you do not care for... it will change your heart.

Respond in love when harshness strikes... staying humble beautifies.

Have integrity. When others know they can trust you, it breaks down tensions and barriers.

Seek peace... BE peaceful. Your peace may be contagious.

Speak positively... create light. Thoughtful words shape who you are.

Pray for peace to be all around you. Trust God... wait upon Him for answers.

Be an instrument of peace.

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Romans 12:18 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

True Beauty

True beauty comes from deep within
And shines through on one's face,
Radiating warmth and light,
And showing forth God's grace.

God's beauty in the heart of man
Reflects in how we look
And speaks a lovely message,
Even as a treasured book.

God's pure light comes forth with love
And joy and peace and glory,
Coupled with serenity,
Which speaks a lovely story.

"Ye are the light of the world..."
Matthew 5:14 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Wonderful Friend

I had a special lady friend, and she was really small,
But in her spirit she was strong... a "warrior" nine feet tall!
She loved Jesus and His Word and always was in prayer.
She shone brightly in her walk and was His "Good News" bearer.

She was bright and cheery, and to others would reach out,
Bringing them encouragement... to help free them from doubt.
She worked hard from morn till night but never did complain,
And gave her life in every way to further Kingdom gain.

What an inspiration! To know her was a pleasure,
For she had wisdom stored within... her life was a rich treasure.
Sometimes when I'm struggling I'm reminded of this friend.
Though she's now in heaven, her example does not end.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sharing With Others

We may have ease... and even excess...
So if we try, we can live on less.
Then we can share or give a good gift,
Which then will bring a much-needed lift.

God brings return when we choose to give.
And sharing is surely a blessed way to live.
When we reach out we bring hope and cheer,
Encouraging others whose lives may be drear.

Keeping things simple and living with less
Will help us have "extra"... some others to bless.
When we decide to share we will find
It is so joyous to give and be kind!

"Charge them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous-hearted, ready to share with others."
I Timothy 6:18 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Faithfulness

God's mercies are new ev'ry morn,
Our lives with His joy to adorn.
Each day is a gift with good news,
His blessings on which we should muse.

No matter the bad news we hear,
The news of our God gives us cheer.
We can rise up and hold our heads high
As we hear His voice and to Him draw nigh.

As we're in worship, the world "fades away",
And we are aware of His goodness each day.
He is our focus and joy and delight.
Because of His faithfulness, our days are bright.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Gift Of Grace

We're not self-sufficient.
We will always need God's grace.
And when we think we're "quite okay"
We need to seek His face.

Grace is His provision
To make up for all our lack,
Which we can't take for granted
And begin to be "laid-back".

How we need His grace each day!
From busyness take pause
To thank God for this precious gift
Which covers all our flaws.

"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Prayer Works

Prayer reaches 'cross the miles,
Bringing healing, bringing smiles,
Breaking barriers, making change,
Or circumstance to rearrange.

God hears prayer, and He is able
To make situations stable.
Nothing is too hard for Him.
Even though all hopes seem dim.

God will always do what's best.
Trust in Him and be at rest.
Prayer works when we believe
And trust in Him that we'll receive.

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear."
Isaiah 59:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Portrait Of God's Love

Rejoice in God's great artistry and lovely handiwork,
His excellence and beauty in array for all to see,
For mountains, plains and shining seas, for waterfalls and streams,
For trees which tower toward the heav'ns and flowers which are wee...

For light He gives us in the day and starshine through the night,
For the very air we breathe and wildflower's fragrant scent,
For dew upon the grass at dawn and wind to cool the heat of day,
For birds who warble, sing and call when day is almost spent.

Creation's endless beauty is a portrait of God's caring,
Reminder of His lovingkindness all throughout the land.
Pause and take a moment to reflect and sing God's praises.
Everything we see is created by His hand.

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

"I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High."
Psalm 9:1-2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Learning To Climb

When we want to reach the top of a mount,
Of skills we will need we must take account.
If we will gain that ultimate goal,
In lessons on climbing we must enroll.

We learn to walk one step at a time,
And it is the same when we learn to climb.
How do we know our footing is sure
If in the Lord we are not mature?

Scaling a mount brings us to high places.
Lest we might fall, we must know God's graces.
Deep in His wisdom will we find our skill
And ultimately know the mountain top's thrill.

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Psalm 18:32-33 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Children Are People Too

Children are precious, and each child is a unique and wonderful creation... a gift from God. But, sadly, some people treat their pets better than they treat their children.

Children are little people. And though they don't know much about life when they are tiny, they deserve respect. Children respond nicely if they are treated in a kind and loving manner. And they need our help to learn about life. They will learn about relationship from the way we treat them. We teach by our actions.

As they grow, their perspective on life is fresh and clear and really worthy listening to. Often we don't give them our hearing because we are too rushed or busy. It is important to listen as they express themselves so they will have a feeling of worthiness and not feel rejected. Jesus took time for children. Should we not do the same for these precious, little people?

"And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."
"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father, which is in heaven."
Matthew 18:5, 10 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Healed Heart

Repentance is a flowing stream
To heal the heart and lives redeem,
Releasing one from guilt and shame
And finding peace in Jesus' name.

Repentance brings a fresh new start...
It purifies an aching heart,
Relieving it from weight of sin
And purifying deep within.

Oh, what blessed state of mind
When deep repentance we shall find,
To know the mercy of the Lord
And have His glorious reward.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness: but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
II Peter 3:9 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Think Young

In God I have promise of goodness and joy.
All of His "blessings" I need to employ.
I'm seeing things which I missed before.
When life was too fast, I didn't "explore".

As I am focused and to Him attuned,
There I am cushioned and safely cocooned.
To be in His will is a heartfelt desire,
For deep in my spirit He fans a new fire.

Why should I think that I'm just too "old"
To do a new work... or something quite bold?
If God is the author of some new forte',
I only need follow... He'll show me the way.

Old age won't cause me to get all unstrung.
I have decided that I will think young!
I don't move fast, but give things more thought...
Taking time to be thankful... as all of us ought!

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wise Counsel

Be careful of counsel and who it comes from.
Some "counsel" can lead us to days that are glum.
It may sound okay be still not be right.
Wise counsel will lead us to days that are bright.

To be in a hurry can lead us astray.
Decisions we always should carefully weigh
And not push ahead until we are sure
The path we are on is not a detour.

If counsel we get aligns with God's Word,
Of peace and strong footing we are assured.
Prayer and counsel become as a treasure
When we have a challenge to carefully measure.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly..."
Psalm 1:1 KJV

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
Proverbs 11:14 KJV

"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end."
Proverbs 19:20 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

America, Pray!

America! God weeps in pain
When leaders show Him their disdain
By selfish purpose wrapped in sin,
Causing turmoil deep within.

America! Be on your knees
And pray that those with expertise
Will work to get us back on track.
It's urgent! We cannot be slack!

God hears prayer and will bring change
If men their "plans" will rearrange.
Pray that order will prevail,
That our great nation shall not fail.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Special Delight

The weather was hot, and my lawn needed a lot of watering. Because all the neighbors were also watering my water pressure wan't as high as normal. Ths spray from my sprinkler wasn't reaching as far as I needed it to.

As I stood there studying the situation God created the most delightful moment for me. A little hummingbird came and, hovering in the air, began to drink from the edges of the water spray. After several sips of water, it flew into the midst of the spray and began to take a bath. It lingered there, fluttering it's wings and tail feathers over and over in the water and then flew up and perched on a nearby tree limb. I never saw a hummingbird just sitting still before. Oh! How tiny it was!

Then this little guy came back down into the water spray and just seemed to be dancing gracefully here and there as he moved around in the spray before he finally flew away.

What a delightful moment! When I went out to set my sprinkler up my heart had been heavy. And it seemed like God sent this little messenger of joy to cheer me up. It just reassured me that God saw my need. I think God must have taken great joy when He created the little hummingbird.

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Miracles

Man must always recognize
That God is wiser than "the wise".
Yet miracles which our God does
Cause "scholars" oft to be "abuzz".

All their efforts are in vain
God's great miracles to explain.
Though they try to rationalize,
God's handiwork still brings surprise.

Miracles are real today...
God's lovingkindness to convey.
Mankind cannot understand
Miracles are from God's hand.

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord"?
Genesis 18:14 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Take Time To Listen

Turn off the "world's" confusion and noise
So you can hear God and learn of His joys.
The sounds of the "world" will drown out His voice
Until you can't hear and make a good choice.

He is a refuge for you and for me...
A tower of safety to which we may flee.
In Him is peace through darkness or storm.
He gives us balance when all is not norm.

The "world" will distract and draw us away
From knowing our God... we can't be blase'.
Oh, how important, the choices we make.
Draw nigh to God... for eternity's sake.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Crystal-Like

A crystal is just plain old glass
Until an "artist" gives it "class".
When it is exposed to Light
It has a sparkling, beauty bright.

Endless glints of color shine,
Reflecting off it's cut design.
Rainbow colors mirrored in light
Fascinate and bring delight.

Lord, let me as a crystal be.
Let Your light reflect off me
As the crystal's rainbow hues.
Touch me, Lord... Your light infuse.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Tribute To My Grandmother

I do not remember my grandmother because I was only three years old when we moved away to another state. But I remember hearing many stories about how giving and kind she was. One of the stories I particularly remember is the following...

Grandma was in the hospital and was suffering extreme pain. This was a Catholic hospital, and she called the nurse and asked to have the priest come and pray for her. The nurse explained that because Grandma wasn't Catholic that she would need to call a clergyman from a Protestant faith. Grandma simply replied, "There aren't going to be any partitions in heaven. Please have the priest come and pray for me." There was some hesitancy on the part of the hospital, but the priest did come.

This was back in the 1950's, and in that time this was a very unusual situation. But Grandma's love and vision far surpassed any barriers which others would have had and broke through in a glorious expression of love.

Grandma left an important heritage to her many children and to all who knew her. She loved the Lord and served Him faithfully all the days of her life. She lived a life of love.

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."
John 15:12 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Good Fruit

Righteousness will yield good fruit
Because it has a healthy root.
All it's growth may not be seen
But over time remains pristine.

It's stance for truth is very strong.
Over-ruling what is wrong.
Making choice for what is good
And making impact... as it should.

It becomes a shining light.
By example it is bright,
Blazing trails through the dark,
Leaving an impressive "mark".

"The root of the righteous yieldeth fruit."
Proverbs 12:12 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Hope Of Heaven

When we leave earth our lives are not through.
Eternity hinges on that which we do.
We have two choices... Heaven or hell.
To attain Heaven we must live well.

God made provision when He sent His Son,
Desiring that none should be lost... not one.
When we know Jesus our future is sure.
Our promise of Heaven is sealed and secure.

Our God would draw us to be at His side,
Forever and ever in Him to abide.
Even today He calls out to the "lost"
And offers escape from hell's gruesome cost.

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
II Corinthians 5:1 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let Wisdom Rule

When politicians squabble
Everything just seems to wobble.
Needed much is common sense
And for order to commence.

Selfish purpose dominates
Without solutions in debates.
The real problem has high cost,
But in rhetoric gets lost.

We need men who get things done
And bring solutions one-by-one.
We need healing in our land
And leaders who for order stand.

Let righteousness and truth prevail
And men their bickering curtail!
Let them pray and do what's right
That our future may be bright.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..."
Proverbs 9:10 KJV

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Path To The Extraordinary

As the wheels of "dailiness" turn
For variety we oft yearn...
For something bright or new to do
To brighten up our "tired" view.

When routine becomes "a drag"
And energy begins to lag,
Deep inside may be a test
Which really needs to be addressed.

Diligence and patience learned
Are precious prizes to be earned.
That routine of which we're wary
May lead to the exteraordinary.

Be creative... don't complain,
For learning well will bring great gain.
Perseverance has great worth
And to new vistas will give birth.

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Integrity Speaks

Integrity speaks when no one is watching.
Honesty stands... if seen or unseen.
Facade may obscure a lie deep within,
But God's Holy Spirit our heart-thoughts will screen.

God will discern if we are "true-blue",
If shadow or spot could cause us to waver.
Hearts cannot hide, for He sees clear through,
And purity causes a heart to find favor.

Integrity has a strength of it's own
And it will have nothing to hide or conceal.
It is unchanging... it never will bend.
Truth is it's core... it's highest ideal.

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

"I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
Jeremiah 17:10 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Too Much To Do

Some are always in a hurry.
With much to do, they have to scurry.
Too many projects they pursue,
Then have to hustle to get through.

When schedules push us to that point,
Important things get out of joint.
Priorities willl sometimes "slide"
And times of rest are pushed aside.

If confusion enters in
This creates some further "din".
To "downsize" is a good idea,
A wise and helpful panacea.

A slower pace will create peace
And from pressure brings release.
Time to pray and time to rest
Bring balance by which we'll be blessed.

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Proverbs 3:13 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Very Bright Light

When my mother was nearing 101 years of age it became necessary for her to be in nursing home care beccause she could no longer walk on her own. Her vision had become quite dim, so she didn't converse with others there at the nursing home because she couldn't see clearly enough to know who she was talking to.

At the nursing home she shared a room with a lovely Christian lady named Juanita, who was there recovering from an open-heart surgery. Juanita was 78 years old.

One day, when I visited at the nursing home, Juanita shared with me how my mother had totally transformed her life. Juanita's statement was: "I saw how patient your mom was as the nurses brought her in and out in the wheelchair, and she never complained. My own attitudes were really bad, and watching how she is at her age (in her condition) totally transformed my life."

I don't know if Juanita had expressed her feelings to my mom or not. But what a tribute to the light of Jesus in my mom. The witness of her life had brought healing to another even in those last few days of her very long life.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Gentle Word

A gentle touch will heal and soothe and set a person free,
For healing comes through nurture and sensitivity.
Wounded folks with deepset need are often tightly bound,
But by the love and grace of God true freedom can be found.

Even simple hurts and "snags" can cause folks to be "numb",
But if we show them love and grace they'll start to overcome.
What joy it is to watch one rise from sorrow into joy
As we by gentleness become to them a needed buoy.

We can cheer so many folks by showing that we care
And lift them out of woundedness just by being there.
They can find the strength to stand because they're not alone
And triumph in their lives again because of love we've shown.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Winning Smile

Have you ever noticed how a Christian has a smile
Which is bright and filled with happiness, with absence of all guile?
Jesus Christ sets people free from sin's dark stain and curse
And fills them with His radiant joy... sin's patterns to reverse.

Sin is as a "warp" on man, distorting who he is,
And robbing him of God's potential, blocking what is his.
Even his appearance will have shadows which are dark...
Maybe only subtly, but a certain look or mark.

When Jesus sets a person free, the shadows disappear.
The love of God transforms that life and he is filled with cheer.
Beauty which the Lord designed will surface and be bright.
Shadowed places which were dark will now be filled with light.

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light."
Ephesians 5:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Summer's Song

Cooling streams and waterbrooks
With rippling waters sing their song...
Music from the heart of God
Which makes one want to sing along.

Breezes in the willow trees
Whisper lilting melodies...
A lovely touch of summer's ease
As nature sets her heart to please.

Meadows filled with butterflies
And birdsong drifting through the air
Are blessings to remind us all
That summer has a song to share.

Join her laughter, sing her song.
Let her beauty lift your heart.
Let her chorus fill your days
And merrily her joy impart.

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Worship On My Mind

Worship wafts throughout my day
In colorful and blessed array,
Bright'ning every thought I have,
Cheering me as healing salve.

Threads of song and lines of praise
Become as sunshine's warming rays,
Lifting me from daily task
And causing me in joy to bask.

Time is happily defined
When I have worship on my mind.
God is awesome... to be praised.
Let all my thoughts to Him be raised...

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Philippians 4:4 KJV

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 29:2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Love Of God

God gave us His Son... His great love to show.
Love is the greatest of all things we know.
Christ brought example for how we should love...
He was the "measure" God sent from above.

Love is a lesson... our thinking to change.
With practice, our lives it will rearrange.
That which we thought had value or worth
Becomes as mere dust when love has it's birth.

Love is a gift, by which we are blessed,
Where God's lovingkindness and grace are expressed.
All things are better when love is in place.
Love is God's beauty... which we should embrace.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
I John 4:7 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Patience And Waiting

A test of our patience is waiting on God...
Sometimes we think that His timing is odd.
Though waiting for Him can become a real test,
Always He'll give us what truly is best.

Patience is not very easy to learn,
But learning it well great merits will earn.
Maybe He's teaching us we need to trust,
Or saying, "Our attitudes we should adjust."

Jumping ahead of His timing and plan
May shortchange the beauty of what He began.
We can move forward and His plans ignore,
But if we will wait He'll give us much more.

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Gift Of Color

God must have a giant brush...
Offering colors which are lush...
Painted beauty everywhere
For mountains, trees and plants to wear.

Nature bursts with color's gift,
Our spirit and our soul to lift,
Painted there to bring delight,
His loving signature to write.

"Wrapped" in color, we are blessed
And by His artistry impressed...
Shades and hues of warmth and light
To cheer our lives and make them bright!

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Fear

It is so important to be able to discern what is happening around us...

One evening I was leading worship in a meeting, and I was aware of a man across the room in the front row who was seeking to be noticed... he had a disruptive spirit. When worship was over and our speaker began to speak, this man was trying to get the speaker's attention and interject his own comments. The speaker did not allow him to interrupt, and he was restless.

I started praying (within myself) to block what he was trying to do. When the speaker was through and called our prayer teams to come forward to pray for those with needs, this man got up and came across the room toward me. He was angrily clawing at the air with his hand and came right toward my face. He was maybe only three feet from me when I motioned with my hand and said to him very quietly, "You're out of order." He stopped in his tracks. He couldn't move another inch toward me. And then he left.

This all happened very fast, but I felt no fear because the Lord had given me the words to say. It was the power of God working which stopped him. My friend was sitting by me and saw what happened. She said she was really scared that he would hurt me.

I learned a very valuable lesson in this. When I was praying silently against the evil in this man I made no visible signs that I was praying. But HE KNEW exactly who was blocking him and showed intense anger toward me. I realized that when my spirit is uncomfortable with the spirit in someone around me, probably the wrong spirit in the other person will not be comfortable around ME.

In this case, the Lord intercepted the situation and disabled the man's efforts to retaliate against me. He guided and protected me, and the evil person had to leave.

"For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say."
Luke 12:12 KJV

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
I John 4:4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Very Near

The older I get, the more it is clear,
Our God isn't distant but so very near.
He knows our ways and our heart's desire
And answers our prayers before we inquire.

We're not alone... He's right by our side,
Our uncertain footsteps to steady and guide.
His presence is real... and very unique,
Not just on Sunday, but all through the week.

The more we are bathed in the wealth of His Word
The closer He seems and the more we are stirred.
We are not lacking... we're never alone,
For the gift of His presence He has made known.

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

As Confetti

God's blessings are so many that we could never count
The measures of His goodness or know the whole amount.
Sprinkling down upon us as confetti in the air
Is lovingkindness from His hand, e'en when we aren't aware.

We are covered by His love much more than we could guess.
His kindness is much greater than we can e'er express.
Celebrate our awesome God! Rejoice and give Him praise!
Worship Him with joyous song! All glory to Him raise!

"The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy."
Psalm 147:11 KJV

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The High Road

When a conflict will not cease,
Oft the "high road" brings release.
The high road means to rise above
The factors which would push and shove.

Refusing to become involved
Will cause most conflicts to be solved.
Choosing peace and love instead
Will weave a soft and healing thread.

When unfair treatment tries to rule
The Lord will help us to stay "cool".
He will lead us through each "test".
In Him we have a blessed rest.

"Seek peace, and pursue it."
Psalm 34:14 KJV

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."
James 1:19 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Good Listener

As a crystal shines and glistens
Is the soul who truly listens,
Hearing what is in your heart,
Though words have lack of where to start.

One who listens tends to care
About those things you wish to share.
By showing kindness and respect
A loving spirit they reflect.

A soul who listens talks not much
But ferrets out the truth and such,
Giving answer carefully
And sharing wisdom prayerfully.

"Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also each for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Sweet Savor

Let worship be as a sweet-smelling savor,
Sacrifice offered from hearts which don't waver,
Fragrant and pure to our precious Lord,
For all of the blessings on our lives outpoured.

Let it rise up with joy and thanksgiving,
Blossoming forth, glorious and "living",
Constantly flowing in beauteous expression
Of gratefulness, holiness and intercession.

Let worship rise in sweet exaltation,
Issuing forth through all of creation,
Blanketing all in sweet admonition
To give our great God His due recognition.

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
I Chronicles 16:29 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Me?

The problems that I make for me
Are cause for why I am not free.
They should not be a surprise
In times when I have not been wise.

Choices which I make each day
In wisdom I should heed and weigh.
Moving forth without wise thought
Can bring some days with problems fraught.

Should I wonder what went wrong?
Or maybe sing a woeful song?
I should be able to foresee
My biggest problem might be ME!

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Just Come

Do you know the love of God
And how He gave His Son...
That we might have eternal life,
Each and every one?

Have you answered His sweet call
And sought to know the Lord?
Or maybe thought... "I still have time
To change and 'get on board'."

When you do not turn to Him
This message slips away,
And soon you won't remember it.
Other things will fill your day.

Jesus brings Salvation
Which is key to Heaven's gate.
When He knocks upon your door
Just come... don't hesitate.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Open My Eyes

Some folks see, but yet are blind.
The obvious facts they cannot find.
How sad that they don't recognize
That spiritual insight makes one wise.

The Holy Spirit aids our vision
And helps us see with great precision,
Seeing through facade and haze
And having bright, unhindered gaze.

By the Spirit we can know
Which words to speak or where to go.
He will open up our sight
And give us wisdom's guiding light.

"Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
John 16:13 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Guarding Our Freedom

I am grateful for my country
And the freedoms we have had.
We must guard our liberty...
In prayer we must be clad.

Prayer is the avenue
We need to travel now
To offset evil plans and schemes
And cause men's hearts to bow.

God will hear our urgent prayers
And gird us round about.
Prayer will bring us answers.
We must trust and not have doubt.

We have God's own promise,
And He never breaks His Word.
If we take the time to pray
Our prayers will be heard.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

New Beginnings

No matter what your circumstance
Or what you have come through,
Do not play the "blame game"
Or on not-good memories chew.

Move ahead... do not look back...
Lest bitterness consume.
And then when bitterness sets in
It only brings more gloom.

If self-pity tiries to come
Don't let it hang around.
Self-pity and the blame game
With much "sorriness" abound.

God will give you confidence
And set you on firm ground.
In Him are new beginnings,
Just waiting to be found.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."
Psalm 28:7-8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Walk Of Peace

I want to walk with footsteps of peace,
Causing dissension to wan and to cease,
Leaving an imprint of soothing and calm,
Establishing joy as sweet, healing balm,

Making a path which others may tread
For those who are weary and filled with much dread...
People who simply don't know where to turn,
But deep in their hearts for happiness yearn.

Lord, help me be a vessel of peace,
Enabling others to find deep release,
That they might know Your stillness and rest
And by Your touch be totally blessed.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. 'Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid'."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Greatness Of God

If all the wisdom of the world
Was gathered in one place,
Compared to God's great wisdom
It would fill a tiny space.

Man's perspective needs some help
To realize the size
Of just how big our God is...
And His wisdom recognize.

None could stand before our God
Nor look into His face,
And yet we are the objects
Of His mercy, love and grace.

His wisdom is our covering
To keep us all our days,
To guide us and protect us
From learning "worldly" ways.

By His wisdom through each day
We'll know how to proceed,
Not leaning on our own strength...
Which is really small indeed.

Through His word we can be wise
And move with power and might,
Remembering that He is God...
Our faithful, Guiding Light.

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable."
Psalm 145:3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf