God Is Able

When you're struggling and you're tired,
And some change is much desired,
God will hear your cry.
He will satisfy.

When things just don't go right
And the future isn't bright,
God will hear your sigh.
He can satisfy.

If you're lonely and distraught
And friendship you have sought,
His love He won't deny.
His love will satisfy.

If you need to move ahead
But you're filled with fear and dread,
He'll be with you as you try.
His peace will satisfy.

If your money is deficient
And your work is not sufficient,
He will give supply.
He will satisfy.

If you've sinned and feel deep shame,
He'll forgive and take your blame.
Your life He'll beautify.
He will satisfy.

"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation."
Psalm 91:14-16 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Cleaning Venture

O should clean out my closet
Before new things I add.
Some of these clothes
I forgot that I had!

When I open the door
And things fall off the shelf,
It's time to clean house...
As a gift to myself!

I know I'll discover
Some things I don't wear
That might bless another
If I would just share.

Sometimes a closet
Holds many surprises.
And I no longer need
All those different sizes!

What a good feeling...
To make some new space...
A place for each thing,
And each thing in it's place.

2006 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

Friendship

TRUE FRIENDSHIP.....
Encourages,
Understands,
Is patient,
Is gentle and kind,
Does not make demands or seek it's own way,
Does not focus on self.

TRUE FRIENDSHIP.....
Challenges us to be better than we thought we could be,
Allows us to be who God made us to be.

A true friend is a rare and precious gift from God.

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Maybe Tomorrow

The one who is lazy just doesn't like work!
He will lie down and his duties will shirk.
It's just too much effort to go get things done.
He'll "take it easy", for that is more fun!

He'll make up excuse for why he is "slow"
And tell you the reason for all of his "woe".
He has a story and uses his wit
To "fool" other people so he can just sit!

Whatever happened to gumption and grit.....
Motivation to work and not always quit?
Prosperity follows the one who is wise,
Who, when seeing a job, will quickly arise.

He will outdistance the one who is "weak"
And have many blessings about which to speak.
The work of his hands will help him to find
A meaningful life and deep peace of mind.

"The soul of a sluggard desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich."
Proverbs 13:4 NKJ

"The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason."
Proverbs 26:16 NKJ

2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grace

His grace is so real -
An everyday friend;
More than is possible
To comprehend.

It cannot be measured
In terms that we know,
But provides the space
In which we can grow.

It covers our faults,
Overlooks all our sin,
And is present to help us
Each race to win.

A full measure given
From the Father above -
His awesome expression
Of mercy and love.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9 NKJ

© 2003 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

A Good Work

If you are in a trying place
And circumstance don't want to face,
And then you pray to be relieved,
God's purpose may not be achieved.

You may not understand this season,
But God may have a special reason.
He may be working to bring change
And wondrous things for you arrange.

Don't wish to leave from where you are.
To "run" could make things worse by far.
Seek the Lord to know His will,
Then wait, be patient and be "still".

God knows exactly what you need
And knows the best way to proceed.
Let Him complete His work in you.
Give Him the glory which is due!

".....He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 NKJ

2006 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

Words

Let us measure every word.....
Let only careful speech be heard.
Words leave marks for good or evil.
Choice of words can wound or heal.

Careless words have no import
And Godly purpose sometimes thwart.
Lying words much damage do
Because they cover and misconstrue.

How much suffering, how much pain
Are caused by sharp words of disdain,
But words of kindness and of truth
Bring joy and peace, will heal and soothe.

Lord, help our words to careful be,
Only You can set us free
From speaking irresponsibly
And causing great calamity!

Let us ponder every word
And let not frivolous speech be heard,
But only words we carefully season
With Godly wisdom and with reason.

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
Colossians 4:6 NKJ

©2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Time To Rest

When we are too rushed and too much in a hurry,
Then can't get things done..... which causes us worry,
It's time to sit back and review what we do.
For something will "fail" if we don't think this through.

To spread ourselves thin is really not wise.
It's time to make change and a new plan devise.
For when we are rushed we may miss "the best thing".
Then maybe look back and our hands we will wring.

We can pray and ask God to show us His way,
For He will then keep us from going astray.
And those all around us will be very blessed
For when we find God's way, we'll find peace and rest.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep."
Psalm 127:1-2 NKJ


© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Courage

Courage is birthed in the heart over time.
As we trust in God, then we start to climb
To higher achievements in all that we do,
For He is our strength in whate'er we go through.

Life brings us challenges which we must face,
And sometimes we think we cannot "meet the pace".
Opportunity knocks and we don't feel prepared,
Yet if we say "no", then we may have erred.

Our courage will come when we fully depend
On God for our strength, for He will attend
And cause us to go forth with heads held up high.
We need not fear, but on Him rely.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
II Timothy 1:7 NKJ

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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Almost Late

A Children's Poem

I can't find my coat.....
And where are my shoes?
All of my things
I just seem to lose!

If I don't hurry,
I'll be late to school.
And being on time
Is a very good rule!

I didn't put
My belongings away
Because I was "busy"
And wanted to play.

I've misplaced my things,
So now I'm in trouble.
And if I don't hurry
My trouble will double!

I guess I should learn
Not to just lay things down,
'Cause when I can't find them,
It sure makes me frown!

I must remember
To put things away.
This would be better.....
And prevent this delay!

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Best Plan

When man thinks he knows
What the next step should be,
If he has not prayed,
How foolish is he!

For man cannot guess
What the future will be
Without divine wisdom
To help him to see.

Prayer is the key
To make all things work out.
God gives us instruction
But we must not doubt.

Trusting in Him
Is the most blessed way
To have peace and success
In our lives every day.

"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 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Lamb Of God

The Lamb of God -
so precious He
Who died for you and
died for me.

This flawless Lamb -
Who cared so much
And gave His life
For sinners and such.

He saw our plight and
saw our need
As on the cross His
side did bleed.

The blood that flowed
was shed in pain,
But given in love to
be our gain.

So great His love for
you and me,
His sacrifice upon
the tree.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends....."
John 15:13 NKJ

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Consider His Love

A Song

Consider the love of Jesus, our Lord.
Consider the love which has been outpoured.
It reaches the valleys and the uttermost place.
How great is His mercy and rich is His grace.

No other one can touch us like He.
No other one shall ever be worthy.
He gave His life for you and for me.
He came to save us and set us free.

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Gift From The Cross

A Song

Have you considered Jesus' gift from the cross?
Have you thought about a love so great?
Have you pondered the depth of His caring
To redeem us from sin's heavy weight?

Chorus

Because He loved us, because He loved us
He gave His life on the cross.
He died to save us, He died to save us.
He died to rescue the lost.

Have you met Jesus? Have you met Jesus?
He died for you on the tree.
Do you love Jesus? Do you love Jesus?
He died to set you free.


©2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Spotless Lamb

Jesus was the spotless Lamb,
Pure and holy, white as snow,
The sacrifice of greatest worth,
The greatest love we'll ever know.

This One Who reached out to all men
And walked in great humility
Became the Lamb Who bore our sin.....
The hope for all humanity.

We cannot fathom such a love
Nor comprehend His glorious ways,
But worship Him with all our heart
And serve Him all our days.

Jesus was the spotless Lamb,
Pure and holy, white as snow,
The sacrifice of greatest worth,
The greatest love we'll ever know.


"We were not redeemed with corruptible things.....
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot."
I Peter 1:18a 19 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Spring Flowers

My garden needs help as the flowers start to show,
But what are these weeds which vigorously grow?
I did not plant them, but somehow they're there,
Looking for space in my flower bed to share.

So I dig and I weed to pull them all out
'Cause my flowers need room to grow and to sprout.
When I've finished my work and my flower bed is done,
I just don't want weeds..... not even one!

Then the slugs and the bugs and the grubworms and ants
Try to come "lunch" on my flowers and plants!
Whenever I see hungry pests such as they,
I chase them away with my dust and my spray!

I feed and I water to make my plants grow.
If I am faithful, they'll make quite a "show".
Each little plant I carefully groom,
'Cause I love my plants..... I see God in each bloom.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Changing My World

I can offer a smile.....
I can speak a word.....
I can choose to see the best in others.....
By this I may show love.....

I can speak an encouraging word.....
I can speak a blessing.....
I can pray for healing.....
By this I may bring hope.....

I can take time to listen.....
I can reach out and touch.....
I can offer a helping hand.....
By this I may bring joy.....

One small event at a time.....
I can make a difference.


"You are the light of the world..... let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14a, 16 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Is My Strength

If something has knocked the wind from your sails,
Or hope for the future suddenly pales,
Jesus will be there in your situation.
He is the One to rebuild your foundation.

What is before you just may not seem clear.
But He knows your heart and what you hold dear.
He will bring strength and the courage you need
As He carefully guides you in how to proceed.

As you fix your eyes on His purpose for you,
Your weakened foundation He'll start to renew.
He'll cause you to have very strong underpinning.
In Him is your hope for a fresh, new beginning.

"My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:26 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Greatest Love

O Father God..... from beginning of time
You had a plan..... a flawless design.
Not in a lifetime, not in a day
Could we comprehend just how much You would pay.

Your love is so great that You sacrificed all
So we might be saved from effects of "the fall".
How great Your compassion, Your mercy and grace.....
That You should love us and our sins erase.

You didn't forsake us or cast us away,
But provided redemption..... our debts to repay.
O Father God, Your mercy and grace
Flow freely and richly our lives to embrace.

We are wrapped in Your love and eagerly wait
For the time when we see You and enter Your gate.
What blessing and honor and joy that will be.....
To be in Your presence eternally.


"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities 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

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Sweet Refrain

The people sang a sweet refrain.....
A great old hymn from long ago.
The music flowed in beauteous strain.
It warmed my heart and made tears flow.

How sweet the hymns which have been penned
In worship to our Lord and King,
With words which all my cares transcend
And make me want to praise and sing.

Worshipping in hymn and psalm,
Singing words from ages past,
Brings an inner peace and calm,
And stirs up memories which last.

".....Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord....."
Ephesians 5:18-19 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Greater Love

No Greater love
Than what He gave.....
He gave His life
My life to save.

No greater gift.....
With Him to be
Forever
Through eternity.

No greater Joy
Could He impart
Than when He speaks
Heart-to-heart.

No greater peace
Could fill my soul.
For Jesus Christ
Has made me whole.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for His friends."
John 15:13 NKJ


©2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

One Small Kitten

One day I was sitting by the window sewing when all of a sudden there was a major "eruption" in the persimmon tree just outside the window. I just caught a glimpse of two animals racing up the tree, but because they were moving so fast I didn't know exactly what I had seen.

As I went outside to look, I discovered that our cat had chased a young kitten up the tree. Then the cat jumped from the tree over onto the roof of the room where I had been sewing, and she was sitting there, just waiting and daring that kitten to come down. The poor kitten was scared and it wasn't moving.

I went back to my sewing, but then I had a humorous thought..... our dog's very favorite pastime was chasing cats. (He never did catch one, but he really loved the "chase"). I called upstairs to our two children to tell them about the kitten in the tree. I thought they might get a few laughs watching the dog's reaction if he saw a cat but couldn't chase it. I suggested they hold him up to the window, which was eye level with where the kitten sat in the tree, just to see what he would do.

They held him up to look, and immediately he let out a long barrage of barking, and his legs were flailing the air wildly..... he was "running in mid-air". Well, this had the desired effect on the kids. It was a funny, funny moment, and I could hear much laughter up there.

But I hadn't pre-thought the effect on the poor kitten. Even though the dog was inside the house, he was only a distance of about six feet away from the kitten. When he started barking I saw the kitten, with the cat very close behind, come down the tree faster than it went up. I'm sure the kitten had not expected to encounter a dog while up in the tree. Now he was really running.

I never saw that kitten in our yard again, and I couldn't blame him if he didn't come back. If he did, probably the dog would have chased him away. The surprise in all this was that our "gentle" cat was now acting like a watch-dog. We had not seen her chasing other cats before. Afterward I felt really guilty for causing the poor kitten more fright than he already had experienced.

© 2006 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 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

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 Strong Nation

We must be a people strong,
Armed with prayer against all wrong,
Vigilant to stand our ground
And keep our guard up all around.

Powers of darkness would destroy
And evil practice would employ,
But people of God on bended knee
Can keep our nation safe and free.

Prayer warriors side by side
Will overcome the evil tide.
We have a God of power and might,
And we will stand for what is right!

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord....."
Psalm 33:12a NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wings Of The Spirit

If I could just fly,
Then surely I'd try
To reach a high place
And look far into space.....

To see things untold
And the heavens behold.
With my wings I would soar,
New heights to explore.

Yet I have no wings
To go see all these things,
But when I'm in prayer
I can go anywhere.

When I seek a "high place"
For my eyes to "embrace",
His Spirit will show
All that I need to know.

The Spirit gives wings
To teach us all things.
What wondrous delight!
What glorious flight!


© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf