Saturday, June 30, 2007

Real Peace

The peace of the Lord is beyond comprehension
And touches our lives in every dimension.
As we trust in Him and seek Him in prayer
He will surround us and take every care.

The place of His peace is a place set apart,
Where we walk with Him and He speaks to our heart.
Nothing could ever compare to His "rest".
Nothing on earth could make us more blessed!

As we depend on the Lord every day
He covers our path in every way.
His peace is "steady" and carries us through
With calm and sereneness in all that we do.

"Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

"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

Friday, June 29, 2007

Bridges

In life there are bridges which I want to build,
And I want to have wisdom and learn to be skilled.
Some of life's bridges are out of repair.
They will need patience and wisdom and prayer.

We can build bridges of friendship and trust,
But we sometimes need to reach out or adjust.
Forgiveness will bridge over chasms of hurt,
And broken relationship it will divert.

Love and encouragement do much to build
In lives where the rooms with emptiness are filled.
Understanding will span over distance and space
And build a new road paved with beauty and grace.

There are so many places which just need a bridge
To help someone over a hurdle or ridge.
Lord, help me know just how to proceed,
And then to build bridges where there is a need.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Blinded By Pride

Some people have good truth before them
But fail to see because they're blind.
They choose to take another path
To see what else they just might find.

They make wrong choices every day
And do just as they want to do.
Because their pride stands in the way
They often do not "have a clue".

They have opinions which they share,
Thinking that they know what's right.
Their intentions may be good
But simply do not work... not quite.

"Safety" comes with good advice
And wisdom from the Word of God.
Counsel which is sound and true
Could save us many a path we've trod.

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
Proverbs 11:14 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Times Of Prayer

QUIETNESS

In quietness with Christ, my Lord..... a place set apart, that sweet place of escape where all things are at rest and I just wait on Him..... is deepest respite and repose..... and release. Daily worries and cares fade away.

In times with Him, time itself is of no matter, but only sweet communion and renewal matter.

What sweet oasis for the soul. I find only beauty there.

His Spirit woos me deeper still, to come and linger till all my cares are washed away and I am changed.

I am changed..... in times of prayer.


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

A Little Bit

As a child I often saw my mother sit and crochet. She liked to create lace, so she worked with really fine threads. When she first started a new project her first stitches were so small and fine that it almost appeared there was nothing there in her hands. But she had a mental picture of "the finished design" and would creatively and patiently work to achieve her design. One tiny stitch at a time her lace would begin to take form, until she had a tablecloth or a scarf or doily or other lovely item. These "small beginnings" became lovely works of art.

As I look back I see a real lesson in this. Sometimes big or important or worthwhile things come about one little piece at a time. They just don't happen all at once. They may not even have much form at first. But if we are diligent and keep our eye trained on the goal we can accomplish great and mighty things.

Little bits of time, or money, or effort can accumulate to accomplish something big if we are patient. In this "hurry up" generation everyone wants everything instantly. But what we get quickly will never have the sense of value and accomplishment of that which we have achieved over time..... one small stitch at a time.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 25, 2007

Too Many Boys!

Being a sister with brothers to spare,
Sometimes I wanted to pull out my hair!
Three of them and one of me
Was too much male family!

Then because I was "the last"
And could not run so very fast,
Often I was left behind.
Those teasing boys I could not find.

I thought I should have had a sister,
(I didn't want another "Mister".)
The two of us could hide away
And play the games WE liked to play.

Growing up was quite a chore...
These guys would always bring home MORE.
Seventeen was one day's count...
Quite a problem to surmount!

Sometimes they would stay for dinner.
(Mom's cooking was a real winner.)
They found out she made good pies,
Would stay to eat and "socialize".

Ping-pong was their favorite game,
So every weekend here they came.
It's a good thing we had space...
This was MY only saving grace!


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 24, 2007

His Riches

The harder we have to work for something, or the greater the challenge, the more meaningful it is when we achieve our goal.....

In times of "stretching" and struggle is when we learn about "riches"..... The Kingdom of God is very full of riches. And we only know the depth of them when we throw everything we are or could even be into our efforts to serve Him.

The everyday blessings are there and seem to come easily, and we must never take them lightly, for they are all His riches. But the riches that become ours in the midst of struggle or challenge have worth beyond definition or expression, for they are etched into our very beings and can never be taken away. With them we discover who He is and can see into His heart, if only a little. And this precious glimpse is enough to propel us on and on in His service. These are treasures to which we cling.


"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
II Corinthians 3:18 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 23, 2007

White As Snow

If your life has not been good
And you've not done the things you should,
If you don't like your life's review,
It's not too late to start anew.

The Lord will cover with His grace
Past hurts and wrongs you can't erase.
He will wash away your sin
And give you peace and joy within.

He made provision long ago
So that all mankind would know
His love throughout eternity.....
He gave His life at Calvary.

This He did for you and me
From sin and shame to set us free.
Greater love has no man known
Than what our precious Lord has shown.

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Isaiah 1:18 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 22, 2007

Love Is Kind

There was a young girl,
And humble was she.
But she had a friend
Who was mean as could be.

She always was kind
When the friend was not nice.
It sometimes was hard
To pay this high price.

But one day the friend
Was taken aback
By this young girl's kind deeds.
She herself had such lack.

The friend was not happy,
But wanted to be.
Maybe this girl could
Help her to "see".

From this young girl's life
She wanted to learn,
For she had been mean
And got love in return.

Though she had some hurts,
In her heart she now knew
That loving is best.
This girl changed her view.


"Love suffers long and is kind..."
I Corinthians 13:4 NKJ

"A soft answer turns away wrath..."
Proverbs 15:1 NKJ

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 21, 2007

A Beautiful Painting

People love to paint! They paint pictures and designs. They paint their houses, their cars, their sidewalks, their stairs, their rooms, their "toys"... they paint, paint, paint..... to brighten things up, to make things look new, to cover up flaws and unattractiveness, to cover and coat what is worn or unfinished.

When God paints He paints on the inside..... on the canvas of the heart. He has painted all of nature, but His favorite place to paint is in a heart. And if we can see His creativity and beauty in all of nature, then we should rejoice that He wants to paint on the canvas of our hearts. From the myriad colors in God's palette we should welcome ALL the colors He would use. He understands the harmony of color, and He alone sees the finished design. If we allow Him to make His "studio" in our hearts, He will faithfully paint a portrait of unexpected beauty and worth. His artwork will not have flaws, nor will it fade, but will continue to increase in beauty over time. His handiwork is unique and will make of our lives ever so much more than we could dream or desire.

When a life is worn or broken, it is not too late. God can take that life and begin to make it beautiful..... to "fix it up", to repair it, to brighten it's appearance. When He starts to work, everything will change for the better. His touch on our hearts is loving and kind and gentle.....

He is able to make new. He is able, He is able, He is able.....

"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad."
Psalm 126:3 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

A Prayer As You Go To Work

When you go to work
May Jesus go with you
To brighten your day
And bless all you do.

May He lighten your load
And carry your weight.
May He ease all your tension
And help you feel great!

May He be your shield
When things aren't just right...
Your oasis of comfort
Where you find delight.

In the midst of the labor
Which you do each day
May His joy be your portion
To wash weariness away.


"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
Psalm 90:17 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Closing The Door On Conflict

Conflict, GO! and come no more.
Just don't come near to my door!
I'm tired of dealing with your hate.
Your arguments I won't debate!

All you do is spoil my fun,
And then I can't get very much done.
Youre' NOT welcome to come back
With all your words and noise and flack!

I really love my peace and quiet.
Joy and mirth shall be my "diet".
I want laughter, as my friend,
Throughout my day to weave and blend.

My outlook then will be much brighter,
And my footsteps very much lighter.
Smiles and laughter wash away
Whatever makes my day seem gray.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

"The joy of the Lord is your strength..."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 18, 2007

God Is Light

A Vision


I "see" a large ball covered with myriad tiny mirrors. And as this ball is turning, many little facets of light are reflecting from it. There are many colors, many lights, many reflections. It never stands still but is constantly turning.....

The facets of God's personality are so many that we can never see them all at once. And His countenance is so bright that we only catch glimpses of His light as He moves.

This is so beautiful to watch. We cannot comprehend the beauty and the fullness of light radiating into our lives at any given moment.

Always His light is there..... if we but look up.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Happy Father's Day

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 16, 2007

Too Busy?

Will we spend time to lie down in green pastures?
Will we take moments to rest by still waters?
Will we find time to let Him restore us?
Will righteousness fill us, His sons and His daughters?

He is our Shepherd..... we shall not have want.
And when we have testing, we shall not have fear.
He is our comfort to guide and to guard us.
In all of our ways He is constantly near.

How great is our loss if we do not revere Him,
But get much too busy to bow at His feet.
For here we're refreshed in our bodies and souls.
In His holy presence our rest is complete.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:1-3 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 15, 2007

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

Thursday, June 14, 2007

At Jesus' Feet

I want to sit at Jesus' feet.....
To learn of Him,
To know Him,
To understand His ways,
For He will change me.

In Him I will find.....
Insight,
Courage,
Strength,
Confidence,
Direction.

In Him I have.....
Joy,
Peace,
Love,
Covering.

And for all these things I will.....
Praise Him,
Worship Him,
Bow before Him,
Follow Him.

Only in Him can I be complete.

"How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God."
Psallm 84:1 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Crossroads

We sometimes face a "crossroads"
And must choose which way to turn.
If we can't see "around the bend",
Inside we feel concern.

We surely do not want to miss
Exciting possibility,
But as we try to find our way
We want to have tranquility.

If we stay within God's will
Then He will help us make a choice.
He will give us understanding
As we listen to His voice.

Perhaps the choice He makes for us
Is not where we ourselves would go.
But if we do not follow Him
We might miss a chance to "grow".

Always He will "cover" us
And show us what is true and good.
In Him we will be better
Than we ever really thought we could.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me....."
Psalm 138:8 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

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

Monday, June 11, 2007

The Old Ship

The old ship was docked
In the port for a time...
Ignored and forgotten
And not in it's prime...

Barnacles grew on it's
Once-shiny bow.
It didn't feel useful
And was tired somehow.

While once it was vital
And served a good cause,
Now it could not hear
"Hurrahs" and applause.

This dear old ship
Had once served quite well.
It was not yet ready
To encounter death's quell.

It needed attention
And good T.L.C.,
To once again sail
And master the sea.

The ship was transformed
By the nurture and care
Of those who could see
It's potential in prayer.

This ship had much verve
As it sailed once again.
The latter was more glorious
Than the former...Amen!

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?"
Isaiah 43:18-19 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Grateful

Precious Jesus.....

I am so thankful for every new day
And want to use each one the very best way.
You are the Maker and Giver of all.
I'm grateful for Your gifts..... for big and for small.

As Your love and Your joy You graciously share,
Of Your precious presence I'm always aware.
I'm never alone, for You're at my side.
In sweet fellowswhip with You I'll abide.

Troubles may come and troubles may go,
And yet in the midst of them I always know
That You will be faithful to carry me through.
I need not be anxious..... because I know You.

You're always there for me.
Thank You, Jesus.

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee, thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 09, 2007

A Lunchtime Laugh

As I sat in my car with my taco and drink,
Quietly eating and trying to think,
A crow saw food on a plate on the ground
And quickly flew down to eat what he found.

When he landed he sat on the edge of the plate,
Flipping the food in his face - what a state!
Refried beans were between his eyes
Running down on his face - what a funny surprise!

He then tried to stuff all the beans in his bill.
They oozed out at the sides against his will.
Over and over he tried in his greed
To grab ALL the beans - he was hungry indeed!

He could not fly off with the spoil he had found,
And he did not expect with the beans to be "crowned"!
He stood there and squawked and was really a sight,
But he left the beans there when he finally took flight.


© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 08, 2007

Too Much In A Rush

Every day people get in a huff
Over jobs and traffic and things and stuff!
Now what good purpose can there be
For being upset to this degree?

When people get too much in a hurry,
They start to fuss and fret and worry.
Surely there is a better way
To handle things and get through the day!

God has a plan to save us from this
So important things we will not miss.
Society says we must rush to and fro.
What's happened to "rest"? Where did it go?

When we turn to God, HE sorts this all out
And teaches us truly what life is about.
Then we can slow down and rest in His peace
And be blessed when the "hurry and scurry" will cease.


"Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

"If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?"

"And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind."

"For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things."

"But rather seek ye the kindgom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Luke 12:27 to 31 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 07, 2007

My Friend, Grace

I have a special friend named Grace.
My life is wrapped in her embrace.
In every circumstance I feel
That her companionship is real.

She is there when I don't know
Which way to turn or where to go.
She quickly offers me a hand
When I am weak or I can't stand.

Grace extends my limitation,
Filling me with consolation.
She is faithful to abide,
Whate'er my need or what betide.

What a gentle, faithful friend...
More than I can comprehend.
My daily load I lightly bear
Knowing Grace is always there.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all good things, may abound to every good work."
II Corinthians 9:8 KJV

"And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' "
II Corinthians 12:8 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Sidetracked

My telephone sure rings a lot.
It sometimes puts me in a "spot".
Time flies if I'm having fun,
But there are things I should have done.

Now I'm running quite behind.
(Maybe others will not mind...)
Whoops! My favorite show is on.
(I wonder where my time has gone?)

I have "stuff" to put away
But see the sun is out today.
I think I'll take a little walk
And find someone with whom to talk.

The wash can wait... I'll do it later.
Work is not my motivator.
I'll just lay these "piles" aside...
It won't hurt to "let them ride".

Omigosh! I lost my keys.
Now my mind is not at ease!
I know I put them here someplace.
THESE problems I don't like to face!

I can't even find my purse.
This day is REALLY getting worse!
Help! I'm drowning in my mess.
This is NOT fun... I confess!

My time is wasted and I'm "spent".
I just don't know where this day went.
I probably should organize.
To make some order would be wise.

If I'm honest, in review,
I can't put off what I should do.
Those things that I don't do today
Simply will not go away!

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Times Of Prayer

MOMENTS WITH HIM


Lord Jesus, in Your presence, Your very precious presence, is that sweet, sweet place of rest..... where I can bare my heaart and share my every thought, and know peace..... deep, abiding peace.

All that has flooded over me now seems very distant and insignificant in the light of Your beauty and grace. I wonder why I struggled so.....

You are there always..... waiting for me to come..... and desiring to share with me. In Your presence is awesome peace, and I can feel Your joy pouring over me. All tension is released.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 04, 2007

Love Encourages

Everybody needs to know
That someone somewhere cares for them.
Though that one be near or far
Their love is as a precious gem.

It's presence is as gold and myrrh,
It's worth is more than can be told...
A precious gift between two hearts
Which can't be bought and won't be sold.

It sparks new life and buoys one up,
Bringing joy and warmth within.
It often brings the courage
Which enables one to "soar" and win.

That one who's loved will often smile,
Knowing there is one who cares,
For love expressed in little ways
A priceless crown of beauty wears.

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

© 2007 Arlene

Sunday, June 03, 2007

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

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Symphony Of Praise

Wtih voices ringing, worship singing,
Chorus flowing, praises growing,
Happy folks their praises bring
To their wondrous God and King!

Adoration sweetly dwells,
Sound of worship richly swells.
Hearts are tuned unto the Lord
In sacrifice of praise outpoured.

Heaven's harmonies are found
Where loving hearts are joined in sound.
God's dear children will agree,
The song become a symphony!


"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
I Chronicles 16:29 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 01, 2007

Little Girls

What is so cute as little girls
With all their smiles and fluff and curls?
...Little angels in disguise,
Full of laughter and surprise.

Who can melt your heart this way
And make you giggle by what they say?
...These little gifts from heaven above,
Filled with gentleness and love.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf