My Hope

Lord, You are as.......

A lighthouse on the shores of difficulty...
A beacon of light in the night...
A ray of hope streaming forth.... unwavering...

A haven from the storms of life...
where I may take refuge...

A safe place....
where I may find peace and rest, and
where I find warmth and comfort...

You are my Hope and my Shelter...

Jesus, my Lord


"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen
your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
Psalm 31:24 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Handiwork

The Lord is awesome.... and He cares so much for us.....

He weaves threads of His loveliness into each day to bring added dimensiion to every aspect of our experience..... so that we may see His beauty, feel His touch and perceive His presence all around us. His beauty is woven throughout all of His creation..... how great are His benefits to His children!

As we diligently seek Him, His beauty becomes more and more visible to us, and increasingly we will comprehend the richness of His love amd caring..... whereby we are very rich.....

"Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us
with benefits, the God of our salvation!"
Psalm 68:19 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Home is Built

A house is built with wood and stone,
But it doesn't just become a home.
A home is built with love and care
By those who fill its rooms with prayer.

Day by day its strength is formed
As prayer by prayer its rooms are warmed.
Wisdom is its strong foundation,
Its walls are praise and celebration.

As fellowship and love abound,
Joy and laughter oft resound.
When happy hearts in God agree
The home is strong in unity.

A house just built with wood and stone
Will never quite become a home
Until its rooms are filled with love
As given from the Father above.

"Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding
it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."
Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Prayer For Our Nation

A tired people, worn and weary,
Praying, standing.... in travail.
Hear our prayer and heal our nation.
Let truth be known and light prevail.

Protect our country, we beseech Thee,
Help us stand and not make error.
As darkness threatens to destroy us,
Strengthen us and hear our prayer.

Guide our leaders, keep them strong.
Let them seek to know Your way,
May they always use Your wisdom
Every hour throughout the day.

Quench the fires of hate and turmoil
Stirred within by evil men.
Help us, Lord, to work together,
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

"Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
I Timothy 2:1-2 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Taking Time to Listen

When the daily cares of life
Crowd forward for attention,
Consuming all my time and thought
And blurring good intention...

I know it's time to stop and listen,
Lest I miss the Spirit's voice.
For I could "rush" right past a turn
Or make a less-than-perfect choice.

I never want to get so busy
That I miss a loved one's cry.
I'll never know that person's heart
If I don't listen to his sigh.

I must listen with my heart,
And not just lend a "casual" ear.
Only then will I discover
All that God would have me hear.

For when I truly learn to listen
The Holy Spirit will impart
Ability to see and hear
And reach out with the Father's heart.


"Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.
Blessed is the man who listens to me."
Proverbs 8:33-34a NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Very Present Help

Lord, I am so grateful to You. When I was weary, You saw my need..... and You helped me.....

It was late when we arrived at the emergency room, and there were many waiting for care, so I realized it might take a little time before I would get back home. As the night wore on into the wee hours... 12:00 and 1:00 and 2:00 a.m., I grew concerned, for I needed to get up early the next day.

Three o'clock came. I tried to doze, sitting in the waiting room. Finally, around 4:00 a.m., I was able to leave. I knew I would only get two hours' sleep, and that was not good.

The following morning my body was so-o-o tired. The work I needed to do lay before me, and I didn't know how I would get through the day. But I set out anyway, not really confident of my own ability at that point.

Halfway through the morning I felt my body begin to "sag down" from fatigue. Suddenly, as that was happening, I felt like something was touching my back and rib cage, almost like some sort of framework. I waited, but it didn't move. And as I waited a little longer, it still didn't move. And then I realized that the Lord was steadying and literally supporting me. His hand was upon me. I could feel the strength of His hand.

Not only was I able to get through the morning but was able to complete my entire day. The Lord had lifted me up out of my fatigue and renewed my strength.

What a gracious God we have!

"God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Golf Course of Life

Life Without Jesus

Life is like unto a golf course......

There are many men and women out on the course, "taking aim". Without Jesus they miss what they aim at..... most of the time. Their scores aren't very good. And they sometimes have to walk a long way before they can take aim again..... if they can find the ball. And the thing they are aiming at is so very far away..... with sand traps and water in the way. Often they can only aim in a general direction..... their vision isn't sharp enough to really see the target. And the wind currents of life pull on the ball and cause it to not hit its mark.

When they get through with their game, even if they win, the score isn't recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life..... but their time is spent.....

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but
have everlasting life."
John 3:16 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Happiness

Live simply... love much... know Jesus.

Live fruitfully... give much... bless Jesus.

Live honestly... work hard... serve Jesus.

Live purely... honor God... love Jesus.

Live humbly... be thankful... worship Jesus.

Live wisely... pray much... seek Jesus.


"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they
follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out
of My hand."
John 10:27-28

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Treasure In Unexpected Places

When I see another person,
I wonder what lies within.
There may not be an outward clue
From age or size or color of skin.

Clothing, makeup, "class" or "style"
Are shallow coverings and give no hint,
For hidden in the plainest soul
Is the secret of God's blueprint.

The quiet wealth and great potential
Of His creative hand
At first glance are not seen or heard....
To know what things He planned.

All too often in life we pass
A treasure of pure gold,
And fail to see the beauty
Of that precious life unfold.

The loss is ours as we pass by
And hurry on our way.
God might have wanted to bless us,
Had we paused a moment to stay.

Ours might have been the cheerful note
So needed to uplift
And encourage that other person
To discover his own gift.

The lowliest soul or saddest neighbor
Could very wealthy be.
And maybe God desires to use him....
Even more than me...

Lord, help me to adjust my vision
And see as You would see....
To not look down upon another
But always humble be.

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better
than himself. Let each of you look out not only for
his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:3-4 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Morning Prayer

Lord, as I venture into my daily schedule many, many things compete for my attention.....

Help me to weigh carefully that to which I direct my attention, lest I become weary early in the day and forfeit valuable discernment later in the day.

Help me, Lord, to allow into my field of vision only those things which have purpose in You and are useful. Strengthen me, Lord, as I address the more difficult situations and tasks.

Help me not to lapse into discouragement or lethargy, but to maintain my level of trust in You. Help me to not overlook or miss the points of learning or the special blessings You would drop into my day.

Lord, help me to maintain a pace conducive to what you would show me, and help me to reject gracefully the interruptions that would rob away my time or focus on You.

Lord, help me to avoid that which is trivial in Your sight and focus on that which is urgent in Your sight.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

"My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
in the morning I will direct it to You, and I
will look up."
Psalm 5:3 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

People Who Inspire

MURIEL

When I was a young girl growing up, a family with two daughters moved into the house across the street from us. Both the parents were crippled. The father was in a wheel chair and was in pain most of the time except in really warm weather. The mother, who had had polio, limped very badly because one leg was much shorter than the other.

We were drawn to them because of their circumstance, and we soon learned that this was a very special family. Muriel, the mother, worked in an office, but her husband could not work. The two daughters were in grade school.

Muriel was very tiny and frail-looking.... she probably didn't weigh more than 95 pounds.... and she walked with difficulty because one of her legs was much shorter than the other. But every morning, bright and early, she would go to her car and drive to work. We all wondered how she was even able to do this. On Sundays she would faithfully go to church.

She was always cheerful and would speak a positive word if we had conversation with her. There was much laughter in their house.... often we could hear them laughing. They had a humorous menagerie of pets... a dog named "Clyde", which resembled a coyote and had funny-looking fur and a funny bark, a couple of cats, and a white duck named "Dewey".

My dad used to go and mow their lawn for them. Each time Muriel would try to pay him, but he would not take pay. She was careful never to lean on anyone, so when he mowed their lawn, she would bring him cookies, or a pair of dress socks, or just something to show appreciation.

One day, when I went to the corner grocery, I saw their younger daughter there. This was not unusual, except that we heard that the girl passed away from spinal meningitis just a few hours after I saw her.... How much more burden could one family bear.....? It just seemed too much to think about. And yet, still, Muriel didn't waver or buckle under the weight of it.

Muriel had an inner strength and a positive attitude which inspired many..... the Lord was her strength.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Is There

When your heart is aching
And tired from wear and tear,
When clouds of darkness hover
Remember - Jesus cares.

Nothing that is in us
Is beyond His tender touch.
He understands our every need
And loves us all so much.

Though the load you carry
Sometimes seems too much to bear,
He will lift that burden from you.
Remember - He is there.

He will fill your mouth with laughter
And make your heart to sing,
Will light your path and guide your way,
A happy smile bring.

If you will only trust Him
Your burdens He will bear.
His joy will be your portion.
Nothing shall compare.

For He is there.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJ

©2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Holy Place

I'm drawn into the Holy Place,
Eager, Lord, to see Your face,
Richly covered by Your grace.
Holy, Holy Lord.

In Your quiet and Your peace
Is the place of sweet release.
Daily cares and worries cease.
Holy, Holy Lord.

Resting in this place apart,
Listening to the Father's heart,
Each day becomes a fresh, new start.
Holy, Holy Lord.

"In Your presence is fullness of joy....."
Psalm 16:11 NKJ

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Handiwork

The Lord is awesome... and He cares so much for us.....

He weaves threads of His loveliness into each day to bring added dimension to every aspect of our experience.... so that we may see His beauty, feel His touch and perceive His presence all around us. His beauty is woven throughout all of His creation..... how great are His benefits to His children!

As we diligently seek Him, His beauty becomes more and more visible to us, and increasingly we will comprehend the richness of His love and caring.... whereby we are very rich.....


"Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us
with benefits, the God of our salvation!"
Psalm 68:19 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Gift From God

Each day is a gift from God.
Grab it and run!
Decide to do something great with it!

It is opportunity in your hands.

Each day look up.
Each day look forward.
These things we can do even when
standing in place.

Grow. Expand.
Never stop learning.
Never stop reaching out.

And by this God will enrich your life
and cause you to find new treasure.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above, and comes down from the Father
of lights, with whom there is no variation
or shadow of turning."
James 1:17 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Autumn

When summer starts to yawn and
yields her tired labors.....

Autumn steps in with enthusiasm of color and
paints her bright note far and wide.

Surely it seems that God "pulls out all the stops"
in brilliant display of color!

A lovely space in time...... with rich bounty of harvest,
with brisk, invigorating air,
with flurries of activities in preparation
for the new season.

A time of exaltation and thanksgiving
as we celebrate the beauty of creation and
the fullness of God's provision for us.

And then the leaves begin to fall
as all nature seeks a time of rest.

And as winter knocks in her own time,
autumn shuts her door quietly and slips away.

But in memory, our hearts have been warmed
against the coldness of winter
by a very loving God!

"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."
Psalm 33:5b NKJ

©2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Daily News

When we turn on the news
We're bombarded with trouble
And shaken by scenes
Of destruction and rubble.

We see people suffering
With no place to go.
Those who lost loved ones
With grief are bent low.

And then we hear those
Who point fingers and bicker,
When working together would
Get things done quicker!

This we can do....
With much prayer intercede
For those people who lead
And for people in need.

For our God will help them
This time to get through.
He will strengthen and lead them
To know what to do.

"Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
And attend to the voice of my supplications.
In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me."
Psalm 86:6 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Within the Veil

Entering within the veil,
Drawing very close to You...
I find peace and new life there
Each day my spirit to renew.

In Your inner chambers, Lord,
Is sweet communion... rich and rare.
Time and space have no import...
Of You alone I am aware.

What awesome joy to hear Your voice
And sense Your Holy Spirit hovering.
What blessed peace is found within
Your presence and Your covering.

This sweet refreshing that You bring
Has changed my life from day to day.
What more wondrous place to be
And what more blessed place to stay.


"How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, even faints for the
courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry
out for the living God."
Psalm 84:2 NKJ


© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Love

I stood at the window looking down at the beach. And all was still except for the lapping of the waves. It was early in the morning, and the sand was smooth from the washing of the waves through the night.

As I watched, a family with children came walking down the beach. The children had sticks in their hands and were writing in the sand and digging holes.

After the family passed by, the sand looked "messy". There were holes and debris everywhere. The serenity I had seen was no longer there.

Then a big wave came in and washed over the whole scene. As the water receded, once again the sand appeared smooth and untouched......... as though nothing had happened. The stillness and beauty were there again.

And God spoke.......... "My love is like that.........."

It continually washes and restores ..........
Even as the waves washing on the beach........

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor princi- palities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39 NKJ

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Angels on Duty

My daughter drives a classic car - a 1966 Mustang.

The former owner of this car didn't do the repair work on it properly. "Bucket of bolts" and "held together with bubble gum and baling wire" would be apt references here. Sometimes I wonder what keeps it running, except for the fact that I pray for my daughter and know God watches over her. She herself says that every time she gets in her car she prays, "God, get me where I'm going."

Recently she was coming to my house, traveling on a freeway, and lost the water out of her radiator. She pulled off to the side, got out of her car, and started to lift up the hood of the car. Before she could get the hood up, a van with three fellows stopped. One fellow said to her, "I have a '65 Mustang. I think I can fix your problem."

As he checked to see what the problem was, he found that a "cap" had broken from age, causing the water to drain out. He went to his van, came back with a "cap" and put it on her car. She didn't know what the cap was from, but it exactly fit her car.

The fellows had bottled drinking water in their van, and they poured it in her radiator. Then they offered to follow her to the exit where she would leave the freeway to make sure she would get off safely. They would take no pay for helping her.

What a miracle! She didn't lose more than ten minutes' time in her trip, and the car was running fine.

As she told me about this, I laughingly commented, "Well, that may have been the only place in this whole metro area where the part which was needed was available (because the car is so old), and God knew right where the part was!

When I later shared this story with a friend, his comment was, "Angels. It was angels...." And then I realized. God had sent angels to help her.

"For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Blessed Path

"Tis wisdom to inquire of God
Each step along the way,
For He will guide and guard our path
And keep our feet from going astray.

For error leaves behind a trail
We sometimes find we can't erase.
When we strike out without direction
What pain and sorrow we must face.

Simple is the path He gives us,
...Though hard work it may take.
If we but follow His design
Of special blessings we partake.

if we've strayed or missed the mark,
Broken pieces He will mend.
He will forgive and lift us up,
His grace and mercy He will send.

We have a very caring God
Who wants for us the very best.
What a joy to live for Him
And by His gracious hand be blessed!

"Teach me Thy way, O Lord;
and lead me in a plain path..."
Psalm 27:11 RSV

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Music from my Heart

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer" Psalm 19:14