Thursday, November 30, 2006

Stained Glass

The mosaic of a life is as stained glass.....
Pieces fitted together by the Master's hand.....
Colors carefully placed in unique design, made to be transparent.....


The beauty of the finished design can only be discovered
when His light shines from within


When that life is filled with His light the brilliant colors become visible,
and the rich reflections fall on everyone near.....


"Your hands have made me and fashioned me....."
Psalm 119:73 NKJ

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


© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

"Band-Aids" Don't Work

Life's daily struggles oft need "a quick fix".
And we have a "bag" of solutions and tricks
Whereby we can deal with the problem at hand,
Go on with our day and hopefully "stand".

But sometimes the problem persists and comes back,
With possible focus to keep us off track.
We cannot place "band-aids" on this kind of woe
But must face up to facts... or maybe say "no".

This may require change, but change will be good
When the factors are dealt with and well understood.
Shunning a problem... not facing it's "end"...
Just makes matters worse, and your time it will spend.

In dealing with problems we surely will grow.
As we read the Word needed answers we'll know.
All of life's problems are not really new,
But as we seek God He will carry us through.

"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path....."
Psalm 27:11 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

A Moment Of Truth

What could be more delightful than a little grandson with a great big smile?

One day I was going to meet my son and grandson for lunch. As I drove into the parking lot they were waiting for me. My grandson was waving and had a smile as big as all outdoors. As I parked my car he ran over to open the door for me. Then he coiled up the seatbelt because it didn't retract properly. Next he offered me his little hand to help me get out of the car. (It struck me how thin his little arm was). I took his extended hand as I got out, thanking him as I did. Then he closed the door for me.

After all this, he turned to his dad and commented with a bright smile, "We're supposed to help the old ones."

I could hardly contain my laughter as my son was trying to tell him it's not polite to say someone is old. But it was okay. To him I AM old! And he was practicing his latest skills in manners.

I laugh every time I think of this. This little guy brings much laughter to my life..... he makes me feel YOUNG when I'm around him.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, November 27, 2006

A Godly Design

As we seek the Lord He will help us to find
Our heavenly purpose which He had in mind.
Each life has worth which in God is unique.
When we are in tune with Him, our lives will "speak".

When one does not know what his own "mold" might be,
He will constantly wonder why he is not "free".
He may run, he may hide..... but it won't do much good
Until he fits into God's mold as he should.

Each life has a purpose..... a Godly design.
Each life has a mold..... a blueprint divine.
God "hides" in each life His heavenly treasure,
That we might prosper and bring Him great pleasure.


"Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant."
Psalm 35:27 KJV

"But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."
Isaiah 64:8 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, November 26, 2006

In His Time

We sometimes "rush in" to do all Your will
But maybe should wait and simply be still.
You give us the skills and give us the tools,
But if we don't wait we may be as fools.

You"ready" our hearts and teach us to pray,
That we might be careful in Your will to stay.
You keep us from error and guard all our ways.
As we rest in You, You "hold" all our days.

But then when we're ready and Your time is right,
You shoot us as arrows Your battles to fight.
Victories will come by the work of Your hand
As we trust in You and quietly "stand".


"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him....."
Psalm 37:7 KJV

"The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:25 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Too Quickly Gone

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone,
But I'm not ready to move on.
I simply want to linger here,
Not let Thanksgiving disappear.

Too quickly is it pushed aside
In favor of the "holiday" tide.
It's truly sad that our great God
Sometimes barely gets a "nod".

I don't want to see it go,
I want more time my thanks to show,
To worship Him Who helps us stand.
All we have is from His hand!

So I'll complete my worship "season"
And will not rush... for very good reason.
I'll savor times of worship sweet.
Thanksgiving then will be complete.

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving."
Psalm 69:30 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, November 24, 2006

Staying Tuned

Lord, help my eyes to clearly see.
Let my ears hear ALL You say.
Help my spirit to discern
Your truth and always to obey.

I do not want to fall or stumble,
Or "miss the mark" in any way.
But only by Your guiding hand
Can I within Your watchcare stay.

For my own flesh would surely fail.
My mind would wander far astray.
Daily cares would pull me down
And all my thoughts would quickly sway.

But when I read Your Holy Word
And all Your beauty I survey,
My life is changed and so much blessed,
I know I've found a better way.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Psalm 119:11 KJV

"Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors."
Psalm 119:24 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Pilgrims' Story

Pilgrims came wanting freedom,
Ventured out far to roam,
Seeking for to worship Jesus,
Left their land and left their home.

Pilgrims came, torn and weary,
Suffering for freedom's cause,
Brave of heart and strong of conscience,
Blazing truth, changed history's course.

Do we stand, as the pilgrims?
Have we giv'n as much as they?
Can the coming generations
Look at us, thanksgiving pray?

Pilgrims we? Are we ready
To be brave, to be strong?
Are we building roads for Jesus?
Making strides against all wrong?

Oh, that we would all be pilgrims,
Standing for what we believe,
Sacrificing even a little
That our country might stay free.

"You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth."
Psalm 60:4 NKJ

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

This I Know

A Song

This I know, You are there.
This I know, You hear my prayer.
And I know how much You care.
This I know, this I know.

You said You'd never leave me,
You'd be there by my side.
In my deepest, darkest hour
With me You did abide.

It was then I heard You whisper
And tell me I'm Your own.
And I felt Your hand upon me
And heard You say, "You're not alone".

"Child, I know, I was there.
Child, I know, I heard your prayer.
Want to tell you that I care.
This I know, I love you so.

Want to tell you that I care.
This I know, this I know."

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5 KJV

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving brings reminder of God's abundant blessing,
And pilgrims coming from afar, their love of God expressing.
They did not quit or "give up ship" because of hardship's "press",
But stood for freedom valiantly, enduring constant stress.

The first few years were bleak and hard..... they paid a very high cost,
And as they suffered in the cold, precious lives were lost.
They labored and stood firm in faith, believing in their cause,
Planting seeds for this great nation..... We give them applause!

Thank You, God, for those dear folk who came upon our shore.
The memory of who they were we never should ignore.
They gave up all they had and knew to worship and be free.
Help us be as strong as they..... Help us, Lord, to see!


Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."
Psalm 95:2 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, November 20, 2006

The Best Answer

Lord, You are.....
The One Who sorts out the confusions of my life,
The One Who strengthens me when I am faint,
The One Who gives endurance when I am weary,
The One Who gives sufficiency when I am inadequate.

When I LEAN on You, I find balance.
When I RETREAT into Your presence, I move forward.
When I BOW DOWN before You, yet I shall stand taller.
When I GIVE UP my will to You, I shall find my purpose.

All that I place in Your hands rests safely and has promise.....

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped."
Psalm 28:7 NKJ

"A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?"
Proverbs 20:24 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Reaching Out

A Thanksgiving Story

Oftentimes, if we look around a little, we can find people with great need right on our doorstep.....

In our neighborhood there was a big old house which had been divided into apartments. There was a kindly gentleman, an older man, who lived there by himself and was very poor.

We were talking one day, as Thanksgiving was approaching, and he commented that he was going to buy a can of pumpkin so that he could taste it on Thanksgiving, because he hadn't had pumpkin pie for a long time. It broke my heart to think that that was going to be the extent of his Thanksgiving dinner. So my parents invited him to come have Thanksgiving dinner with us. Now no one could cook a better turkey than my mom could! Her dinners were always a treat and complete with all the trimmings!

When dinner was ready, she sliced a lot of meat and placed it on a large platter. Also, she placed one whole turkey leg there. We sat down to eat, and as the food was being passed, Mr. H. looked longingly at the turkey platter. He looked at the sliced meat and he looked at the turkey leg, which was large. We knew he wanted the leg, but he was too polite to take it. So Mom told him to take it - and then he did..... with a big smile.

During dinner he began to share his story with us. In 1944 he had done something for which he had spent a short time in jail. His family had disowned him and he had not seen them since. He paid his dues, but his family was gone. He had been completely alone ever since.

It was 1959, and this was the first Thanksgiving dinner he had eaten since 1944.....

How rewarding it is to reach out to others.....

"For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in. Inasmuch as you did it
to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
Matthew 25:35, 40b NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Instrument Of Worship

A Vision

I looked at the piano before me..... it was a deep, warm red, burnished with gold. The finish was pearlescent in appearance. I had never seen color like that before..... nor had I seen a finish like that.....

As I stood and gazed at the piano, I realized that it was translucent..... I could see through the phenomenally beautiful frame of it. Inside were infrared coils. The coils were radiating intense heat, but I could stand right next to this piano and not be burnt.

What God was showing me was that He inhabits an instrument when it is used for worship. It "comes alive" and radiates the warmth of the Holy Spirit as it is being played. The sound of that instrument is transformed by His presence.

"Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes."
Psalm 150:4b NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, November 17, 2006

Think Happy Thoughts

When the sky is all grey and it threatens to rain,
Think happy thoughts to make gloominess wane.
What good does it do to moan and complain?
It won't help your day or happiness attain.

Look on the bright side and chase those old "blues".
Negative thoughts and sadness refuse!
When you think it through, there is always GOOD news.
You have the power over which thoughts to choose.

Smile on the outside..... wear a big grin!
When you choose to look up, you will soon smile within.
Let joy fill your day and cause you to win
Over gloom and the "blues" and their woe-begone kin!

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, November 16, 2006

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

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone.....
Do I find my strength.
Do I find light when all seems dark.

For His light does not go out.
And if I will just lift my eyes and look,
I will see His light, shining there before me.

And His light shall illumine my path.
That which seems so lost... in Him will be reachable.

In Christ alone.....
I will be able to stand.

In Christ alone.....
Do I find my strength.

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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

A Time Of Plenty

Thanksgiving time is drawing nigh.....
The season when we glorify
The God of plenty and provision,
Praising Him for what He's given.

A time to give, a time to share,
A time for others' needs to bear,
For many lives have been displaced
As circumstance has laid them waste.

A time for kindness and compassion,
Reaching out in prayerful fashion,
Truly caring from the heart
For those who need a fresh, new start.

A time to give, a time to share,
A time for us to show we care.....
By reaching out in Jesus' Name
We to them God's love proclaim!


"For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in..... Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
Matthew 25:35, 40 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, November 13, 2006

Trusting You, Lord

All that You give me is meant for my good.....
For me to use wisely, as I always should.
I should not question the way that You lead
But always be grateful and Your guidance heed.

If what You're saying is puzzling to me,
I choose to trust until Your plan I see.
If you are teaching me through a new task,
Then I want to follow and no questions ask.

The paths where You lead me are all for my growth.
Though some paths are "steep", I'll trust and not loath.
For walking with You through a challenging time
I know I'll find treasure and rich paradigm.


"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou are the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-5 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, November 12, 2006

A Good Reflection

I will choose to praise Your Name
Early in my day.....
Before the daily "grumbles"
Try to find a place to stay.

I will set my mind on You
And hear what You would say.
Then I will rise above those things
That rob my joy away.

What place do problems have for me
Except to pull me down?
I will not even "go there"
For they only make me frown.

I find that when I look to You
I'm able to see clearer.
And at day's end when I reflect,
I see YOU in the mirror.

"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Psalm 16:8 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Veteran's Day

THANK YOU, MR. SOLDIER

Thank you, Mr. Soldier,
Whether past or present tense,
For guarding our great country,
For standing in defense.

Thank you, Sir, for bravely serving
In our freedom's cause.
We thank our God each day for you
And give you much applause!!!

In times of danger and of peril
With courage you stood strong.
We owe enormous debt to you
And will remember long.....

How you have given of your life
So we may safely dwell.
We salute each one of you.
You've served our country well!


© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, November 09, 2006

The Peace Of The Lord

The peace of the Lord is as.....
Fresh-fallen snow,
Quiet..... still..... undisturbed.

The peace of the Lord takes away.....
Tension,
Anxiety,
Worry.

The peace of the Lord brings.....
Release,
Rest,
Contentment in whatever circumstance.

The peace of the Lord is.....
A Place set apart,
A hiding place,
A sanctuary.

The peace of the Lord is.....
A place of communion and friendship with Him,
Of reassurance,
Of realization that He is always very near.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

A Brighter Day

A Children's Poem

When you look outside
And the weather is grey,
Let Jesus come in.
He'll brighten your day!

He is the Sunshine,
He is the Light.
He'll lift you right up
And make you feel bright!

There isn't a day
That He cannot make better.
He'll make you want
To become a "go-getter"!

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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

The Heartstrings Of God

Lord, let my life be as music played on the heartstrings of God.....

Beautiful harmonies which heal and make whole,
Sounds of gentleness and tenderness which will touch hearts,
Heavenly sounds which transcend "every day" experience.

Let my life be so in tune with You that my every thought and action
will cause the music to come forth.

Let my life always be a song of praise and worship.

Your are my song.
My heart rejoices in You.


"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
Psalm 100:2 KJV

"I will sing a new song unto thee, O God; upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee."
Psalm 144:9 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, November 06, 2006

God's Nation

We have a Godly heritage.
We stand on firm foundation.
God has covered us with His hand
And mightily blessed this nation.

We should not change from who we are
And turn from Godly wisdom
To please a few with "new" ideas
Who would create schism.

America, we stand in prayer.
In God we trust, in Him abide.
Those of us who really care
Stand against this evil tide!

We need God our course to chart,
To lead our steps and guide our way.
Why should we from Him depart?
We will stand and we will pray!


"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Proud Of Our Servicemen

To each and every serviceman
We send our prayers and heartfelt thanks,
For you have well defended us
And have "The Best" amongst your ranks!

We are very proud of you
And salute you with respect.
Thank you for your sacrifice
As our freedoms you protect.

May God be with you every hour,
Throughout the day and dark of night.
May He give you victory,
Strength and courage, power and might!

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Hidden Treasures

The Word of God is full of much treasure.

When I find hidden treasure in the Word,
quickly I want to take it in and hide it in my heart.

I will treasure it there..... and guard it.....
lest it be lost or slip away from me.

And as I keep it in my heart and meditate upon it,
it becomes part of me..... and I am richer.
It will cause me to change from who I am
into who the Lord wants me to be.

I want to be full of the riches of the Word.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Psalm 119:11 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, November 03, 2006

Confusion

Confusion is ugly..... a "robber" of sorts.
It's good to avoid all the problems it courts.
For once it comes in it can spoil the best plan.
And it's hard to make order... if even you can.
There sometimes is loss which cannot be restored,
And often relationships strike a wrong chord.
Misunderstanding is hard to erase,
And unhappy words are hard to displace.
Self-seeking and envy are somtimes involved.
These bring contention which should be resolved.
Planning ahead and then following through
Are two good ideas to really pursue.
Don't let confusion rob God's good intent.
This not-so-nice problem you can prevent.
But if it should happen in spite of it all,
Use wisdom and patience to keep mix-ups small.

"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."
James 3:16 KJV

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace....."
I Corinthians 14:33 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, November 02, 2006

God's Healing Power

How gracious and caring is our God.....

I was sitting at my table one day, writing. For no particular reason I glanced down at my wrist and, to my great surprise and horror, saw a lump there. For a moment I just sat there, stunned, trying to assimilate all the ramifications of what that could mean. The lump was about the size of a large pea and stuck up very noticeably on top of my hand right where it bends into the wrist. I felt the lump, and it was hard.

At that time I was a pianist in a large church with many services. I knew this situation could mean having to take time off from playing, and I didn't want to do that because I totally loved worshipping the Lord at the piano. Also I had a family to care for. I was a busy person. I cried out to the Lord, "Lord, I don't have time for this!!!" That was all I did right at that moment, and then went back to my writing.

As I look back, it was strange. I didn't even pray about the situation. I just cried out to the Lord.... and He heard my cry. At that point He touched me in an unusual way, because I totally forgot the whole experience..... until one day several months later. All of a sudden, I remembered it. Quickly I looked down at my wrist, and the lump was gone! God had totally healed my wrist. And He took away even the thoughts or anxiety I might have had in this situation. I don't know when He healed me, but the work was complete. My wrist was all smooth-looking once again.

We truly have an awesome God!

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name."
Psalm 63:3-4 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

On Wings Of A Prayer

What will I write in the book of this day.....
What will be found there? What will it say?
May it's pages be full of good thoughts and good things.....
A record of blessings, of journeys on wings.

On wings of a prayer I can soar very high,
And in worship and praise to my Savior draw nigh.
I can conquer big mountains with Him at my side
And find my direction with His hand to guide.

As I look in my book at my day in review,
All will be different and all will be new.
My page will be written with colorful flair
As I travel today on wings of a prayer.


"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf