Friday, June 30, 2006

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

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Little Butterfly

Graceful little butterfly,
I'm happy when you flutter by.
You move so lightly through the air.
My! What pretty wings you "wear"!

Happily you come and go,
But little friend, you do not know.....
You always make my day seem bright
By your cheerful, lilting flight.

The burdens that I have each day,
As I watch you, flit away.
You always make my heart feel light.
God's little gift, you bring delight!


© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Does God Heal?

I had been invited to play worship for a large conference at our church. I had not been playing the piano for awhile, but the Lord prompted me that I was to trust Him and He would enable me to do it.

The day the conference started, I got up early to get ready for the morning session, and I was feeling a little nervous as I was preparing breakfast. To say the least, I was a little distracted as I was cooking.

I was preparing waffles, and as each one was done I would put it on a plate and set the plate in the oven (with the broiler on "warm") so that the waffle wouldn't get cold. When I was done making the waffles, I reached into the oven to get the plate, but in my distraction I put my finger and thumb on the oven coil instead of the plate. I jerked my arm back to see how badly I was burned. There was a blackened groove across both my finger and thumb. I couldn't believe this! What a problem I now had!

I went to the sink and began to let cold water run over the burns while I was trying to think what I was going to do. My mind was momentarily blank, so I just stood there and let the water run. At least it was blocking out the pain. Just then my son came into the kitchen, so I turned off the water to show him what I had done. As I showed him my fingers there was NO SIGN of the burns. God had intervened! The burns were totally gone and the pain was gone!

As unnerving as this experience was, it became an encouragement to me that I would indeed be able to play for the conference without failing. God had shown me in a very special way that He is strong when we are weak. What an awesome God we serve!


"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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Friendship Is .....

Friendship is a treasure.....

A gift to the heart..... from the heart.

An expression of good, shining brightly.

A warm gladness.

Grace with fragrance.

Pleasing and delightful and refreshing.

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 26, 2006

Diligence

Diligence is a wonderful thing.....
A positive habit to which we should cling.
It gives attention to careful detail,
And when it is practiced, order will prevail.

It follows through on each task it began
And finishes up exactly as planned.
Diligence accomplishes all that it tries.
A diligent man is indeed very wise.

"The hand of the diligent will rule; but the slothful will be put to forced labor."
Proverbs 12:24 NKJ

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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Fruits Of Gold

Oh Lord, You are so generous in Your gifts unto us..... in You there is great bounty.....

Being in Your presence is like walking in an orchard in time of harvest... Looking up I see fruit all around me in the trees. And I know that I may reach up and pick..... and then taste..... and savor that which has been given. And the store before me is plentiful and full of all good things.

As I sample what You have provided, I am overwhelmed at Your goodness..... Your fruits burst with new life, and they bring rich nourishment to my soul.

Thank You, Lord, that You give endless supply. What rich experience is found in You.....


"My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold....."
Proverbs 8:19a NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Forest Story

Fir Tree
Said the fir tree to the fern,
"There is much that you could learn.
It is good to be a fine tall tree,
So you should learn to be like me!"

Fern
Said the fern unto the tree,
"Just like you I cannot be.
My roots are not like yours, you see.
I have my own identity."

"When strong winds blow, you bend and shake.
When snowstorms come, you sometimes break.
So even though you're very tall,
You simply do not know it all!"

Fir Tree
"But I give shade and I stay green.
I beautify a winter scene.
And sometimes people need my wood.
All my purpose is for good!"

Fern
"Even I enjoy your shade.
But for different purpose we are made.
I am content to just be me...
God did not make of me a tree."

"My place is not so tall to grow,
But to be satisfied here below.
My humble purpose you don't see.
God made a fern when He made me."

"Most men will proclaim each his own goodness. But who can find a faithful man?"
Proverbs 20:6 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 23, 2006

The Footsteps Of Jesus

The footsteps of Jesus
In the sands of one's heart
Leave beautiful imprints
And new life impart.

But when strong winds of change
Blow the sand all around,
Then after a time
The prints can't be found.

So if we welcome Him
Again and again,
Our hearts will be full
Of His imprints then.

And though the winds blow
Or the waves overflow,
The imprints He made
Will continue to show.

Over time He is etched
In the sands of a heart,
And He can be seen
By the love we impart.

"Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet-smelling aroma."
Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 22, 2006

The Father's Love

A gentle hand extended
From a heart that's filled with love
To touch another's hurting life
Will minister the Father's love.

A thoughtful word expressed
In a time of deep confusion
Will soothe and heal the deepest pain
And wash away delusion.

When the love of God is flowing,
Hindered not by self or pride,
Others then can feel His love
And will draw near Him to reside.

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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

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

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Pathway Through The Valley

A Song

When I'm walking through the valley
And the path is sometimes long,
I yearn to reach the mountain top
And sing a brand new song.

I know I'll find the mountain top
If I just trust in You,
In the valley where I walk today,
I know You'll guide me through.

Then I will climb the mountain
And daily cares transcend.
But I know that I'll not stay there,
For the valley is my friend.

You teach me in the valley
Where on You I must depend.
Though I glory in the mountain top,
The valley is my friend.

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 19, 2006

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

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Gold Within

Seeds of gold were planted
In his heart so long ago.
Hidden deep within,
They would prosper and would grow.

He guarded what was planted
And he let it have it's way,
For he treasured what was there
And he wanted it to stay.

It caused him to shine brightly
As the years have drifted by.
The gold that lives within his heart
You simply can't deny.

His life was being changed
As the gold just grew and grew.
The treasure that was birthed within
Now radiates clear through.

For he has followed Jesus,
Looking neither left nor right.
And now the gold within him
Is radiant and bright!

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the
glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same
image from glory to glory, just as by the Sprit of the Lord."
II Corinthians 3:18 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 17, 2006

The Spirit's Voice

How precious just to find a place
Where we can quiet be.....
To think about our loving God
And all His beauty see.

But we're bombarded every day
With so much "noise and din",
It's hard to pay attention
To the Spirit's voice within.

It's time to push the "pressure" back
And turn the "noise" down low,
So that we may hear His voice
And His direction know.

We cannot mine the golden depths
Which God would have us see
Unless we draw near to His side
In sweet simplicity.

He is our refuge and our strength,
Our "Captain" and our Guide,
And in the days just up ahead
In Him we will abide.

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Psalm 46:10 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 16, 2006

Prophecy

TSUNAMI OF PRAYER
A Prophecy - June 15, 2006

Tsunamis happen deep within..... they happen when there is a "shaking" deep within, and they have much power to "wash" across a land.

When something happens "deep within" a community, it isn't necessarily seen as it is happening. But the ramifications of it are felt in the community, and there is a "jarring" that takes place.

Evil is birthed in darkness, but it is felt enormously as it surfaces. We must establish a prayer base deep within the community to offset the tides of evil and to stabilize the land. Wherever there is shaking deep within, let the "shaking" be one of prayer.

God is shaking His church from within..... that a wave of prayer might wash across our land.

* * * * *

CARRY THE TORCH
A Prophecy - June 15, 2006

The Body of Christ needs to stop "taking aim" at one another, for wounded soldiers cannot stand, nor can they war as they should.

Wherever the torch of Christianity is being carried, the runners need to grab the torch and run with it. Carry the light! Carry the light in darkness! Don't let the flame go out!

Be glad to receive the torch from the hand of the other runner, whoever he may be, for then the Light will not fail!

No runner can run the whole race. It will take the strength of many to reach the goal.

* * * * *

AWAKE, O CHURCH
A Prophecy - June 15, 2006

Awake, O Church, for this is your time to move! Stand up and receive your commission! God has given you the keys. He has prepared you and He has enabled you to be ready in this hour.

Stand up! Shake off your slumber. Come into formation and stand ready to march. When God moves, be prepared to move with Him!

* * * * *

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Worry

Worry is an ugly critter.
We shouldn't be it's babysitter!
What good is worry anyway?
It never will our fears allay.

Worry is a constant nag
And makes a happy spirit sag.
It robs and steals our energy
And keeps our minds from being free.

It fusses, frets and just won't rest.
Repeats itself and is a pest!
We can't allow this pest to stay
So we will walk in faith and pray.

When we're feeling very stressed
The Lord will give us perfect rest.
In trusting Him we find release.....
That blessed place where there is peace.

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Matthew 6:25 & 33 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

The Fabric Of The Heart

Many threads are woven
In the fabric of a heart.
All of life's experiences
Contribute and are part.

Over time the fabric forms
A pattern of it's own,
And laced within the fabric
Is all the heart has known.

Love and kindness weave a cloth
Of worth..... and inner beauty sew.
The way the heart responds in life
Will cause the threads to show.

"The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."
Proverbs 16:23-24 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Victory's Song

Victory's sweet song is simple to sing,
But from battles hard fought will maturity spring.
For without coming through some struggles or fire
We are not molded as God would desire.

He sometimes allows us to walk through the flame
So we will grow and not be the same.
As we trust in Him and His leading obey,
He then will guide us each step of the way.

There is no victory if there is no test.
Victory comes when we are hard-pressed.
Each challenge we meet will bring us up higher.
It is then we can sing in victory's choir!

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."
I Peter 4:12-13 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 12, 2006

Senior Moments

When my "get up and go"
Just got up and went,
I sat down to rest,
Though I had good intent!

When I go to the fridge,
Then forget what I need,
Sometimes it takes me
Two tries to succeed!

But being a senior
Is not all that bad.
I can laugh at myself
(As I check my notepad).

I can do things at leisure,
I don't need to hurry.
I'd rather have fun
Than to fuss, fret and worry.

I have time to laugh,
I have time to putter.
(But I've saved too much stuff).
Gotta' clean up the clutter!

I have time for my family
Or time for a friend,
Or reading a book
Or letters to send.

Or I can sit in my rocker
And just reminisce,
Thanking God everyday
For this season of bliss!

It's a good season!

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Beautiful Hands

The work of one's hands often shows the love of one's heart.....

I have been blessed to come to know two ladies who I think have very beautiful hearts..... as evidenced by the work of their hands.

These two ladies, Mabel and Hazel, had been working in a church center which ministered to and helped poor people. When the church center closed down they, along with a few other ladies (Zelda, Linda, Helen, Lois, Gloria and Betty), still had a desire to do something for those who needed help. So they decided to make quilts. One day a week they would gather together at Mabel's home, and would cut and sew and hand-tie quilts. Usually there were four or five ladies working, but toward the end there were only three. When the quilts were finished they would give them to people in need.

This may not sound like a very big thing to some. But because they were willing to do this project over a long period of time, the results were extraordinary. Over a period of six years these lovely ladies made 998 quilts and gave all of them away.

Mabel commented that they only quit their project because it began to cause pain in their fingers to pin and sew the quilts. So they have now given the quilt tops that weren't yet completed to a group who is making lap robes for the mentally ill.

What started out as a small thing amounted to MUCH..... simply because they were faithful to continue on. What an inspiration!

"She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 31:20 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Time

Joe was a wise man, for he had a plan.
He got up early and with prayer began.
He asked the Lord to guide him each day
In how to use time, lest it all slip away.

Then he worked hard and he got much done
And he always finished what he had begun
His life was good, and he moved ahead.
He had enough clothes and shelter and bread.

Then there was Jim, who didn't like work.
He "loafed" a lot, and work he would shirk.
He liked TV and went very slow
Which just wasn't good, for it brought him woe.

He had no money, his house was a mess.
Because he was lazy, he also had stress.
He made up excuse and he wasted his time.
Then he was not happy and had not a dime.

Time is a gift, and we all have the same.
If we waste it, we only have ourselves to blame.
Opportunity knocks on our door every day.
If we choose to use it..... it won't slip away.

"The slothful man does not roast what he took in hunting,
but diligence is man's precious possession."
Proverbs 12:27 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 09, 2006

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

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Light For Another

Someone somewhere may be watching
Everything we do each day.
All our actions are important.....
Everything we do or say.

Will we set a good example?
Will our words be full of grace?
For someone out there may be struggling,
Needing hope each day to face.

They may look at us and think.
"They have answers which I need.
They know something which I don't
Which is helping them succeed."

If our lives and homes have order
And our actions kindly speak,
We may be encouragement
For some poor soul whose life is bleak.

"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
Colossians 4:5,6 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Mirrors

The mirrors of the soul,
when filled with the Spirit of God,
reflect myriad colors and dimensions.....

Rich hues and glistening light.....
beyond what the mind comprehends.

As His Spirit moves within a life,
that life is as a living, revolving, glass ball
with many facets of light.....

Beautiful to see.....
A kaleidoscope of God's glory
resting there and causing change.

The beauty of the Lord in residence.....


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

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Each Special Day

Savor each day.

Treat it as a friend.
See it as an opportunity.

Use it with joy.
Fill it's space with good things.
Include love and warmth and laughter.

Use it wisely.
Make it special in some way.

Be grateful for the lovingkindness
Of a wonderful and awesome God.

"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 NKJ

2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 05, 2006

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

Sunday, June 04, 2006

The Old Church Choir

Singing in the old church choir
And praising as we sang along,
We became a family.
Our hearts were joined in song.

Worshipping in harmony,
Blending voices with each other,
We learned to listen carefully
And be in tune with one another.

Rehearsing for each Sunday morn,
We were always very blessed.
Preparing worship to our Lord,
Love for God our hearts expressed.

We didn't have a fancy band
Or drums, guitar and 'lectric bass,
But praised Him with uplifted voice.
His glory shone on every face.

Sometimes I stopped singing
Just to hear the other voices.
Even now as I look back
In memory my heart rejoices!

"Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing."
Psalm 100:2 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 03, 2006

A Thankful Heart

A thankful heart is very blessed,
For deep within are joy and rest.
It always sees the brighter side
And by God's love is satisfied.

It doesn't struggle or pay heed
To every little hurt or need,
But knows God surely will provide,
And so in Him it will abide.

This heart has come to understand
That all we have is from God's hand.
It counts it's blessings every day.....
In big and little, in every way.

".....Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ....."
Ephesians 6:29 NKJ

2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 02, 2006

My Joy

LORD.....

You bring the laughter in my day.....

Your joy is as rippling waters in a brook.....
Waters traveling happily on their way downstream.....
Light-hearted, delightful.....

Waters which bubble up and over stones and obstacles
And are not troubled.....
They do not look back.....

Waters singing freely as they travel to their destination.....
A happy stream flowing through my day.....

"He who is of a merry heart has a continual feast."
Proverbs 15:15b NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Character

Character builds in all that we do.
Act after act it's house it will hew.
It will be learned as we work and we pray
And is built by the choices we make every day.


How sad if we don't follow after it's cause,
For it will be obvious that we have flaws.
The fear of the Lord will give it fine start,
For strong understanding the Lord will impart.


"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments."
Psalm 111:10 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf