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

Angels Watching Over

When I was five years old my parents bought a farm, and I began to learn about living in the country.

The fences around the perimeter of the property (91 acres) were old and needed to be replaced. Dad bought posts and wire, and then built a large sled to carry the posts to the far edge of the property. We did not have a tractor, so he loaded the posts and wire onto the sled and hitched the sled up to our team of horses. My brother Dale and I went with him and rode on the horses. Since I was so little Dad tucked my legs under the straps of the harness, and I held onto the "hames" at the top of the horse's collar.

The back part of our land had not been cleared... and brush and rocks covered the area, so where we were going was not smooth ground. We started out just fine. Dad stood on the sled and dropped the posts along the old fence line, and it seemed like this plan was going to work well. But we could not have anticipated what was going to happen next. Something startled the horses and they took off running.

My brother was thrown off of his horse and landed on his back in some brush. I wasn't thrown off, but my head was beating up and down on a metal plate between the hames on the horse's collar. My dad was on the sled and was desperately trying to get the team back under control when the sled hit a rock, breaking a hole in it, and dad's leg went down through the hole and was dragging underneath. Even so, he somehow managed to bring the team to a stop.

As I look back at this event, I don't have any doubt that God was watching over the three of us. None of us had even a broken bone. Surely His angels were all around us that day. God was so faithful to watch over us...

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honour him."
Psalm 91:15 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lingering In His Presence

Always watching, always waiting, always longing for the Lord... my soul longs to hear His voice, to feel His presence and His touch.

His presence is as an oasis where I may come and drink... and find rest... where I can find refreshing and new energy to meet the tasks before me. Lingering with Him brings a pattern and direction to my day. Listening for His voice brings awareness of what is going on around me. Resting in Him is restorative.

I truly desire to know Him, and as I seek Him faithfully a whole new level of understanding opens up. He changes me... and I am blessed. I rejoice deep within.

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God..."
Psalm 42:1-2 KJV

© 2012 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 because 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

Praise Rising Up

Praise rising up in the depth of my being
O'ershadows the woes which my eyes are seeing.
Praise changes me, and brings me great peace.
My heart is encouraged... in Him is release.

He is my shelter when storms tend to blow.
He makes my heart with joy to o'erflow.
As my perspective is caught up in praise
I can "see" better... He transforms my days.

"Rejoice in the Lord, O you (uncompromisingly) righteous (you upright in right standing with God): for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright (in heart).
Psalm 33:1 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wisdom And Caution

Wisdom would urge us to weigh ev'ry plan
And each of our choices to thoroughly scan.
Excitement and fun times would lure us to come,
But if they're not right, they'll leave us quite "numb".

Decisions made quickly without thought or prayer
Have "price tags" of which we are not aware.
We must be sure of each step we take
Lest we get entangled and make a mistake.

Maybe we feel that we are "left out"
But should not join in if we have some doubt.
Caution is friendly... our lives it will guard...
And shows us the choices which we should discard.

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

© 2012 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

A Crystal Goblet

Our lives are like crystal goblets. Over time a goblet may show wear or can become cloudy-looking or scratched from age.

But if the goblet is filled with the waters of Jesus, it begins to change. The scratches and wear and tear which may have appeared there are washed away. The etchings of use or film on the goblet begin to fade. And by continual washing the goblet, which was dull and dingy, becomes clear and polished-looking. The pure waters of Jesus cause it to sparkle and reflect light, and it's waters become refreshing for others. It is transparent and lovely.

Sometimes a goblet may become chipped or broken, but Jesus knows how to place every chip back together. In His gentle hands this goblet, too, will again be lovely. The facets of His love will be etched into the glass in a unique way to heal it's scars and make it beautiful.

He desires that all should be filled with His living waters and be made new.

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
John 4:14 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Great Love Story

A rose is perhaps the most loved flower...

It rises forth out of a homely-looking wood stalk. The stalk is sometimes gnarled and may have been "wounded" or broken at some time. There may have been times of drought and seasons of severe cold... and yet each year it bursts forth in glory and presents us with all the beauty and fragrance which can be found anywhere in a flower.

My favorite rose is a rich, velvety red and grows on long, sturdy stems. When it blooms it reminds me of all the majesty and power of our Lord Jesus. The rich velvet of the petals reminds me of His royalty. When I cut a bloom and bring it inside, it's fragrance fills my house. This is precious, because I want Jesus' fragrance to always fill the rooms of my home.

The rose has beautiful leaves, but it also has large thorns, and I am reminded of the thorns Christ wore in my behalf. The rose represents Jesus, but the thorns bring remembrance of the suffering He went through for me... and you...

This is the greatest love story of all time... think on the rose...

"... Whatsoever things are lovely, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2012 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

Encouragement

When you see a soul weighed dwn,
Walking with a tired step,
A great big smile to show you care
Might add to them some joy or pep.

Encouragement can lift a load
For someone walking all alone.
You might lift a person up
With seeds of happiness you've sown.

You may be the only spot
Of light or sunshine in their day
By your kind example
Or the cheery words you say.

People struggle deep within
And maybe never tell a soul.
To be a bright encourager
Is a very needed role.

"Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit)."
Philippians 4:5 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Discerning The News

When we hear the evening news
The many facts we should peruse.
Prayer Warriors, be alert!
Some issues media will "skirt".

What is bad can't be called good.
Issues must be understood.
Issues which have "haziness"
Confuse and sponsor "craziness".

Prayer Warriors, watch and pray
That truth be known every day.
Of urgent issues be aware.
When we pray, God hears our prayer.

"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

© 2012 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

A Beautiful Heart

God will do His handiwork
In the fibers of the heart.
The colors He will weave there
Will become a precious work of art.

His intricate detail
Will be very special and unique.
Of His gentle loving care
His careful artistry will speak.

When we choose to place our hearts
In the hands of our dear Lord,
He responds and gives to us
A rich and glorious reward.

On the beauty which He gives
We cannot ever put a measure.
In His weaving and design
Is rich and unexpected treasure.

"My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God."
Psalm 84:2 KJV

"I will praise thee with my whole heart.."
Psalm 138:1 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grandparents' Fun

Grandkids are a special gift.
They give us "oldsters" quite a lift!
Oh, what joy to see them smile
And sit with them a little while.

As they prosper and they grow
They add to us a special glow.
We even get to spoil them some
With special treats they like... yum-yum!

Grandkids fill a special place.
Their little lives we will embrace.
Being "old" is not so bad...
Our grandkids make our hearts feel glad!

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord..."
Psalm 127:3 KJV

© 2012 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

Love Thy Neighbor

"Love thy neighbor as thyself"
Just may not be so easy.
I have had some neighbors
Who have made me kinda' "queasy".

Being kind to some of these
Will take some work and study,
For they don't plan for me to be
A close friend or a "buddy".

But there might be a time
When I can show to them good will.
It just may be that in their lives
Much kindness has been nil.

Show me, Lord, how I can be
The ray of light that I should be
And bring a touch of Sonshine
To that one who isn't free.

"And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself."
Luke 10:27 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reaching Up

If it seems like you've reached bottom
And you're weary from the fight...
If you know the Lord
In Him you'll find new strength and might.

He does not desert us in our times
When life is out of joint.
He is there beside us,
Helping us to find a turning point.

When all we do comes to a halt
And we don't know which way to turn,
He gives us new perspective
And guides us through what we must learn.

If we lean upon the Lord,
To help us reach a "mountain top",
We can start a higher climb...
In Him we will not fail or drop.

Yes, we may be weary,
But He gives us hope and blessed peace.
No matter what the "climb" before us,
Our strength, in Him, will have increase.

"He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with Him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him."
Psalm 91:15 Amplified Bible

© 2012 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

A Servant's Heart

If only giv'n one job to do
And it doesn't have much worth,
Give to it your very best,
For out of it may come a "birth".

Something deep within yourself,
When nurtured, then would start to grow.
Your diligence in serving
Much faithfulness woud show.

Inward growth prepares us
For a larger task at hand.
A servant needs this steadiness
To meet a new demand.

Learning from "the bottom up"
Will give correct perspective.
Your service and your attitudes
Will be much more effective.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf