A New Beginning

Two thousand and five will soon be at rest.
Her time is now spent - she completed her test.
We cannot change what's been done or been said,
But now must move on to the new year ahead.

New opportunity knocks on our door,
For we don't yet know what God has in store.
He urges us on and gives new expectation.
In Him we can prosper and have firm foundation.

He is our anchor to weather the storms.
As we rest in Him great works He performs.
Two thousand and six is a book yet unread,
But in Him we'll have confidence as we move ahead.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Too Much Stuff

Omigosh, what's all this "stuff"?
We seem to have more than "enough"!
When we can't find some thing we sputter...
We probably have too much clutter!

"Stuff" just seems to multiply.
And then we start to wonder why
We keep things "for a rainy day"
Which we should give or throw away!

So I'm cleaning corners out,
Making order roundabout.
Doing this may help me find
Lost items - and some peace of mind!

Stuff just seems to sneak right up.
And soon we have a pileup!
I'm going to change my ways this year,
(And hope that "stuff" won't reappear!)

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Touches A Heart

Lord, when You touch a heart, You touch it deeply. Your touch is so gentle.....

You sort through the ruins and pieces of what is there and make order. And you remove what is not necessary to be there.

You see the bruises and tenderly touch those places..... to impart love back into the heart where it has been ripped away. You apply healing balm to soothe and heal.

You take note of the empty places and begin to fill them by the power and warmth of Your Spirit.

You watch over the heart and tend it carefully, not looking away, for each heart is a creation of Your own hands.

Hearts turned toward You will change and become beautiful and whole, strong and confident, vibrant and full of health.

Your touch is beautiful.....

"The Lord is gracious and full of compassion."
Psalm 111:4 NKJ
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Wise Man And The Fool

A fool doesn't listen.
He goes his own way.
You can't teach him much.
His attention will stray.

He gets an idea
And "runs" without thought.
He doesn't much weigh
The results as he ought.

He hurries on...
And is sure he is right,
Until something fails
And he's in a bad plight.

A wise man will watch
The mistakes others make.
And he will think through
All the steps he will take.

He will seek counsel
When he does not know.
He will carefully choose
Which way he should go.

He will measure each step
And take time to pray
About the decisions
He makes every day.

The wise man will prosper,
The foolish will stumble.
One cannot learn
Unless he stays humble.

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."
Proverbs 12:15 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Rainbow Of Friendship

When a rainbow touches hearts
in precious celebration...
Myriad colors of friendship sweet
bring blessed communication.

Friendship has its promise fair
when one heart knows another
And understands the beauty there
is not like any other.

When a person wants to share,
a friend just seems to know.
They have a very special bridge...
between them is a rainbow.

The beauty of the rainbow
as it shimmers there in place,
Brings joy and priceless moments...
treasures to embrace.

"A friend loves at all times....."
Proverbs 17:17a NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fruit Of Fine Gold

The fruit of the Spirit
Is as very fine gold...
A much-desired treasure...
Not bought and not sold.

As we walk in the Spirit
It's fruit will be learned.
As we love one another
It may be discerned.

For it will be found
In our actions each day,
And will bring good reward
As we practice it's way.

We never could pay
What this rare fruit is worth,
But our lives will be rich
As we let it have birth.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...."
Galatians 5:22 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Bethlehem Town

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

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

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

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

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Angelsong

Angels drifting, winging, singing...
Music filt'ring through the air...
Silver songs of angels drifting,
Sifting down upon my ear...

Silver threads the angels weave
In thoughts and pretty melodies
To tell of Jesus' birth
On Christmas Eve.

Watch o'er the baby Jesus sleeping...
Rock Him gently to and fro.
Lull Him with your tender singing...
Music 'round the manger flow.

Keep Him warm with melodies
You sing in perfect harmony,.
Let baby Jesus slumber on
In peace.

Think about the baby Jesus,
Think about this baby mild.
Make a place for baby Jesus,
The one on whom the angels smiled.

Light a fire to keep Him warm -
Within your heart His manger form.
Let Him be born within you
Christmas Eve.

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

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Real Christmas

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

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

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

"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!' "
Luke 2:10-14 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Little Lamb

A little lamb fell
And he could not get up.
He struggled and tried,
But he was just stuck!

He did not know
Just what he would do
To get himself freed...
He had not a clue.

His other sheep friends
Just walked right on by.
He hoped they would help him,
But they didn't try.

Then a little boy saw him
And ran to his side.
"Sad little lamb,
I heard when you cried!"

The little boy helped him
To stand on his feet.
With joy and relief
Did the little lamb bleat!

He was not hurt
But nervous and scared.
He was so glad
That the little boy cared.

He was happy again.
He could run all around.
When the little boy helped him,
A new friend he found.

The little boy saw
That the lamb had a need.
When he stooped down to help him,
He did a good deed!

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Giving Heart

When our children were in grade school and still small, our family attended a large church which had very wonderful worship in their services. We didn't have a "song book", nor did we use an overhead projector. The people would just learn the songs as they came each week and sing them from memory. The worship was beautiful as the people sang and worshipped from their hearts and raised their hands in praise to the Almighty God.

After one of the evening services I was standing by the piano, and a young man from India came to me to inquire if there was a source or a song book where he could get some of the songs we sang. I told him that our church didn't have such a book, but that there was a small chorus book with some of the songs which was available in our church book store. He thanked me and left.

Now sometimes after the services we would give our children change to go to the book store and buy something. That was true this particular evening. Our son came back with a refrigerator magnet about Jesus.. ...he collected them. But our daughter didn't have anything when she came back. I said to her, "Why didn't you buy something?"

This was her answer: "A man came into the store to buy a song book. It cost $1.25, and all he had was a dollar, so I gave him my quarter."

This so touched my heart........ and I'm sure it touched the man's heart too, because our daughter was only seven or eight years old at the time.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35b NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Gentle Touch

When kindness and gentleness
Softly are shown,
It leaves sweet reminder
And good seeds are sown.

Kindness and gentleness
Restore and bring healing.
They are lovely expressions
Which speak with much feeling.

If you've had a hard day
And harsh words were spoken,
Or you are just down
And feel somewhat broken...

Choose to remember
Those times that you've known,
When kindness and gentleness
To you have been shown.

You will find joy
Or much-needed hope,
Or courage to "stand"
And with hard times to cope.

When kindness and gentleness
Softly are shown,
It leaves sweet reminder
Of good times you've known.

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

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Rooms Of My Life

If Jesus came into
the rooms of my mind,
What would be waiting there?
What would He find?

Would negative thoughts and
doubt make Him weep?
Would meaningless clutter
be piled in a heap?

If Jesus came into
the rooms of my heart,
Would He be at peace there,
or want to depart?

Can I stop what I'm doing
and set all aside
So He can find welcome
and want to reside?

Sometimes our Savior
cannot find a "home",
For we don't receive Him
and cause Him to roam...

In search of a life
which will give Him first place...
Where the rooms are quite full
of His beauty and grace.

"Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth."
Colossians 2:2 NKJ
"My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God."
Psalm 84:2b NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Christmas Gift

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

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

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

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


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

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Old Fir Tree

Once there was an old, old tree. And it had stood for many years, enduring storms and drought, wind and weather.... and broken limbs....

Over the years many had gathered around its base and rested in its shade. Many found a place of refuge in its shadow. The tree was a symbol of strength, and its roots reached very deep.

It did not lose its leaves or have a season of rest, as some trees do, but was always green and stately and beautiful. The sound of the wind in its branches was soothing and restful.

I have known people whose lives are like that of the old tree.... who stand for long periods of time.... unwavering in their positions. They have strong foundations, and their lives are examples of deep strength and encouragement for others. They do not waver, though storms may threaten.

And even when they are old and "weathered", they are unchanged. By their steadfastness they are a glorious inspiration to many.....


"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grace Is

.....Encouragement to win the race when we are tempted to quit.
.....A full measure provided when we only see half a measure.
.....The helping hand extended to pick us up when we have stumbled or fallen.

.....His covering in a harsh and unyielding world.
.....Strength in the midst of weariness.
.....Sustenance in the midst of affliction.

.....Long-term when we are short-term
.....The ability to do more than we think we can.
.....The courage to function when in pain.

.....The ability to be strong in the face of weakness.
.....A resting place when we've stood for a long time.

.....An unfinished list, because.....Grace is always more.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance of every good work."
II Corinthians 9:8 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Where Am I Going?

I realize that what I know
Won't get me where I need to go.
I ponder and I hesitate,
And when unsure... procrastinate.

But as I lean on Christ the Lord,
He'll guide my feet and lead me toward
The goal that He has planned for me...
(Which by myself I could not see).

I have assurance every day,
In knowing He will light my way.
He gives me strength for each new task,
Even before I think to ask.

Though trials and pain may come my way,
I know that by my side He'll stay.
He'll help me find His very best
And keep me in His perfect rest.

As I walk with Him each day...
Surely I will find my way.


"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 16:11 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Light

A Child's Perspective

In our city, in years past. there was a large water reservoir (one of several).......

In the middle of the reservoir, under the water, were some large spotlights. When the lights were turned on in the evening, light beams would shine up through the water into the night sky.

One evening as we were passing by there, our four-year-old daughter said, excitedly, "Mommy, Mommy, look! The light fills up the darkness!"

The perspective of a child is often so precious..... and it really caught my attention...... Light dispels darkness. Even when we walk into a darkened room and turn on the light switch, light does indeed fill up the darkness.

This is true also in our spiritual lives. When we invite Jesus to enter in, His light will "fill up the darkness" in our hearts, in our lives, and in our situations..... darkness will have to flee......


"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
John 8:12 NKJ

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Real Reason

I tried to buy some Christmas cards
To send to friends and brothers,
But none told of Christ's precious birth
And I would not buy others.

When I inquired, they told me that
"They only got so many."
I wanted cards that tell His story,
But they did not have any.

As I left the store I thought
"This holiday feels hollow.
How sad to leave Christ out of Christmas",
And tears began to follow.

Jesus is our only hope
For peace, joy and prosperity.
At Christmas we should honor Him
In practice, love and charity.

Christmas..... it's all about Him.

"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
John 8:12 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Safe Abode

Wisdom is a firm foundation
A pleasant place to make abode.
She will never change or tarnish,
Nor can time her strength erode.

In her house is understanding...
Knowledge of the Holy One.
As we live within her shelter,
We will learn about God's Son.

Wisdom will watch over us,
Crying out when we make error.
She'll always guide us back to truth
And be our constant standard-bearer.

She is faithful, she is strong,
Able to discern all wrong.
Her fruit is better than fine gold.
Riches and honor to her belong.

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver and her gain than fine gold."
Proverbs 2:13 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

My Burden Is Light

When all seems lost and sorrow enters,
And in the heart your sadness centers,
Know that God will hear your cry.
He sees your heart and hears your sigh.

When you are weary in your race
And one more day can't seem to face,
He will give the strength you need
To reach your goal and to succeed.

When confusion seems to reign
And you find yourself in pain,
He will lead and guide you through.
He will show you what to do.

If you've failed and made offense...
Afraid to face the consequence,
He will give a second chance
And help you through your circumstance.

In Jesus' Name are might and power
To meet your need in every hour.
Call upon His wondrous name.
Then give Him glory and acclaim!

"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

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Procrastination's Excuse

Procrastination waits and waits
And never seems to get much done.
She doesn't have much urgency
And simple tasks she seems to shun.

Instead of saying, "It can wait -
I'll deal with it another day",
She should rise and go to work
On each new task without delay.

For "waiting" is a tired game
And misses possibility.
It's better to be prompt and ready
And have accountability.

It's very freeing just to know
That there is nothing "pressing in".
To have a clean slate every day
Is just the best way to begin!

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."
Colossians 3:23 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

People Who Inspire

GLENN

Glenn had a very soft heart, and he loved people. He especially loved children.

He was an incredibly gifted artist and craftsman. But because he worked with chemicals sometimes in his work, he had a physical breakdown at age 47 and could not work again.

He lived in a lower income section of town and would often reach out to help his neighbors. Over a period of years, when he would go fishing and catch a steelhead, he would give the fish to people in the neighborhood, or he would have it smoked and canned and then give it away as gifts.

After he became disabled, he began to work for a charitable organization through his church. When the organization received calls from people in need, he would join with another man and go out to meet the people who were in need. And then, if the request was legitimate, the organization would arrange to meet the needs. He spoke of one family of ten they visited who had no beds. Even the 88-year old Grandpa was sleeping on the wood floor.

Glenn commented that whenever he would feel depression, he would go out on these calls. When he saw how much worse off others were than he was, it helped him to feel better.

Many children in the neighborhood would stop by to see Glenn. If he felt good enough he would sit on the front steps and visit with them. Most of these children didn't have much, but they knew Glenn was their friend. He made kites (really nice, colorful kites) for many, and he fixed their bicycles or whatever else needed fixing. He loved the children.

Glenn was not a wealthy man and did not have good health, but he understood giving and practiced it..... he gave much to others.....

"And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Acts 20:35b NKJ

(Today, December 9th, was Glenn's birthday)

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Place of Growth

In this "hurry-up" generation
Patience is of short duration.
Most don't want to make commitment
Nor for service will consent.

In service we must stretch and grow
And change of thinking undergo.
Most would rather look away
And spend their time some other way.

Service is a place of growth...
A place which we must never loathe.
When we go there we will learn
Humility and deep concern.

Our perspective will be new.
Rich understanding will accrue.
We shouldn't falter or ask "Why?",
But serve in love and self deny.

No greater blessing can be found,
For surely here does love abound...
Taking time to serve another,
Neighbor, friend, boss or brother.

"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

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

My Computer and Me

Sometimes I can't type,
Sometimes I can't spell.
And my words look quite funny
When my fingers rebel!

Then sometimes my bifocals
Play tricks on me.
They make things look funny
When I'm trying to see.

So words I've ne'er seen
Appear on my screen...
Hilarious sentences
With typos between.

I do not think
That I'm getting old.
"These things just happen",
Is what I've been told.

It seems that my mind
And my fingers don't "click".
I find I can't hurry...
I'm not quite as quick.

Don't want to slow down
'Cuz I'm having fun.
But I sure need to "proof"
Everything I have done!

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Think On These Things

When your spirit starts to sag
And daily musings tend to nag,
Remember all the Lord's good things
And feel your spirit take on wings.

If you don't focus as you should,
The bad things will o'erwhelm the good.
So daily choose a pleasant thought
And focus on what God has wrought.

It may not be an easy day,
But Jesus' light will chase away
All the worry, all the fear,
And fill your heart with joy and cheer.

In your bank of memories store
How He blessed you o'er and o'er.
Collect these thoughts as hidden treasure
And they will give abundant pleasure.

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Christmas Lights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heaven's Song

A golden strand of worship
Is threaded through my day,
Woven in the fabric
Of all I think or say.

Rejoicing in my heart abounds,
As God brings forth rich melodies.
In my spirit I hear sounds
Of harps and choirs and symphonies.

Sweet music flows throughout my day
And gathers deep within my soul.
All my song shall be to Him.
With joy His Name I will extol.

This joy that flows from God above...
What sweet expression of His love.


"He has put a new song in my mouth - praise to our God."
Psalm 40:3a NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Sunshine Friend

I want to be a Sunshine Friend...
The love of Jesus to extend,
To brighten someone's rainy day
With little things I do and say.

Perhaps if I just share a smile,
Someone will feel that they're worthwhile.
Or if I speak a cheerful word
Someone may feel their prayers were heard.

The times I make a telephone call
Or wave at someone may seem small,
But I may be the only light
To make that person's day shine bright.

A Sunshine Friend will pray and know
Just when to call and say "Hello",
For Jesus speaks in quiet ways
Within the heart of one who prays.

A Sunshine Friend I want to be.
I pray His light will shine through me.

"A word spoken in due season, how good it is!"
Proverbs 15:23b NKJ

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

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Christmas Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Something To Ponder

What example am I in my daily walk....
How does my life speak in the way that I talk...
Who may be watching my actions each day...
"Actions speak louder than words," so they say...


Several years ago we had some neighbors who had three small children. As we began to get to know this family, we realized that they were very, very poor.

Late one summer, as the school year was approaching, I realized that the children were not going to have any new clothes for school. The family simply didn't have enough money to buy them any. So I decided to make dresses for the two girls and a shirt for the boy..... to surprise them. Now this wasn't any big thing for me to do, since I sewed all the time and had fabric on hand. For me, this was a fun project.

Well, I finished the clothes, gave them to the children, and never thought any more about it.

But several years later someone in my family, who wasn't a Christian, made comment about how nice she thought it was that I had done this for these children. Her statement jarred me to the very core of my being. I did not realize that this person had been watching me.

We never know who may be watching us and how much effect we have on others by the way we live. We can, unknowingly, lead others to change their pattern of living just by the example we set. In this we have awesome responsibility and unending opportunity.... to serve others.

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

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf