Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Masks And Facades

Some go through life behind masks and facades,
Hiding their pain and feeling at odds,
Covering their heartaches behind a big smile,
Forging ahead... while in self-denial.

But with our God we don't need a facade.
He sees our heart and the paths that we trod.
With Him we don't need to put on a mask.
If we have a need, we simply should ask.

We can relax and be just who we are,
And need not pretend if we're not up to par.
What a relief... and what peace that we have.
His love is as oil and a warm healing salve.

So we can discard all our masks and facades
And exit the ranks of those still at odds.
We have a God Who gives total peace,
Who sees through our masks and gives us release.

".....The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the
outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
I Samuel 16:7 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

God's Generals

The "generals" in God's army
Are oft not seen or heard,
But they move with power and might
And they stand upon His Word.

These prayer warriors have strong faith
To shatter darkness and bring light.
Immovable in their beliefs
They make God's enemies take flight.

These generals march in unity
Of spirit, mind, and hand-in-hand.
Formidable in strength
They are many in the land.

This army will not waver
In it's stance or in it's cry,
But is waging every battle
With great power from on high.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
James 5:16 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, October 29, 2007

Autumn's Gentle Reminder

In the autumn when the leaves begin to fall and the earth readies itself for a much-needed rest, it seems nature is issuing a "call".....

Autumn brings to a close all of the "fullness" of the year. For the year has spilled out it's goodness in the quiet reflections of winter, in the loveliness of spring, the beauty of summer days, and in the glorious blaze and harvest of colors in autumn.

It calls us to a time of rejoicing for the multiplied bountifulness of the year..... to give thanks to an incredibly giving Father..... to affirm our foundations in Him anew..... to be in Him and to honor Him in all facets of our existence. Autumn is our reminder to be grateful in all things and always to bring thanksgiving to our loving God.

It is a time of great rejoicing. We serve an awesome and wonderful God!


"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms, for the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
Psalm 95:2-3 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Worthy Of All Praise

We worship you, O precious Lord
And bow our hearts in one accord.
How awesome is the love You gave,
Our sins to cleanse and souls to save.

You gave all on Calvary's tree
That we might gain eternity,
That we might know Your priceless grace,
Your love and peace and joy embrace.

You are worthy of all praise.
With joy-filled hearts our voice we raise
To thank You for Your sacrifice,
For in our place You paid the price.


"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Wind Chimes

My wind chimes have a gentle sound
As breezes cause them to resound.
As I hear their pretty "ring"
Something in me starts to sing.

Without the breeze chimes don't "say much".
The "music" happens as they touch.
God's Spirit moves through wind and chimes,
Bringing gentle, thoughtful times.

The soothing music which I hear
Brings Jesus' presence very near.
I sense His Spirit in the breeze
Ministering beauty, peace and ease.

... A time of meditation sweet
With the Savior to retreat.
... A time to listen for His voice
And in my spirit to rejoice.

"When He uttereth his voice... he bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures."
Jeremiah 51:16 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, October 26, 2007

A Prayer For Healing

May healing come forth
As a blossoming rose
And give you new strength
From your head to your toes.

May Jesus bring peace
As a sweet, fragrant balm
To soothe away struggle
And fill you with calm.

May you have fresh sparkle
To meet each new day
And conquer each challenge
Which may come your way.

May you be filled with
Much joy and delight
As you rest in His healing
And walk in His light!

"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

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 25, 2007

A New Pet

Said the dog to himself...
I don't like this cat!
She gets in my way
Wherever I'm at!

She's nosy and curious
And sure isn't shy.
She "gets in my face"!
I sure don't know why...

My owners weren't happy
With just having me.
The reason they got her
I can't seem to see!

I do not like being
With someone like her!
I can bark loud,
She only can purr!

She wants to be "friends"...
This sure is a trial.
I guess I'll get used to her
... After awhile.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Heroes Today

When fires rush onward in torrents of flame
Home and belongings to ruthlessly claim,
And the fire crews are weary from long hours of toil
And laboring fiercely the fires to foil...

Oh, God, help these men to be strong and have might
As they bravely endeavor this battle to fight.
Give them the wisdom and skills they will need.
For their safety and health we prayerfully plead.

"Hurrahs" for these crews who would rush to the scene
To save lives and homes and with skill intervene.
These are real heroes - we give accolade
For the service and sacrifice which they have made!


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Wait

When you move away from "comfort"
To an "unfamiliar" place,
You may not feel "at home"
And must lean upon God's grace.

Don't fill your time with your new plans
But wait for God's instruction.
You cannot rely upon
An easy, quick deduction.

You can fill your heart and mind
With that which you "adore",
Thinking you are happy and miss
What God has in store.

The plan which God would have you make
Just might include some change
Of heart and thoughts and patterns
Which you need to rearrange.

If you wait He then will lead you,
Though you feel you're "flying blind".
You will have His very best
And fulfill all He's designed.

"The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."
Lamentations 3:25 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, October 22, 2007

Perfect Balance

Some days are full of too many challenges.
Pressures and tensions pull this way and that.
Others' demands and work expectations
Will tend to make this problem hard to combat.

Finding a balance and easy solution
Are not necessarily easy to do,
But as we seek God He'll help us to start
Sorting out our priorities and think all this through.

For often the "best" things in life can get lost
In a pile-up of busyness out of control.
We needn't keep pace with what the world says
Or yield to what others think should be our goal.

God will give wisdom and practical insight
To show us what should be a comfortable pace.
Only in Him will we find our true balance
And endless frustration finally erase.

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

"Thou wit keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Walking Softly

May my moccasins tread lightly
In the ways You have me walk.
May my manner e'er be gentle
In expression as I talk.

May my spirit be serene,
Undisturbed in any way.
May my life be a reflection
Of Your beauty every day.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."
Galatians 5:22 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Autumn's Fanfare

I hear trumpets and horns
In fanfares of praise!
Autumn's fine brilliance
Commands that we raise...

A salute of thanksgiving
And jubilant voice
To Almighty God!
In Him we rejoice!

All glory be given
For His rich expression
Of beautiful color
In autumn's procession!


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, October 19, 2007

Heavenly Threads

Lord, I want You to be interwoven into every thought I have.....
To be threaded through every fiber of my being.....
To be the pattern and design of my life.

To be the color in me which is visible to others.....
To be as shimmering threads which reflect light into darkness.

If the fabric of my life is in Your hands,
Then it will be more beautiful than anything I could conceive.....
For Your hands are loving and creative.

I want those around me to see You, and not me.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.


"For 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

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Tried And True

When a life is formed on principles
Seasoned, tried and true,
It will not quickly change it's ways
And try that which is new.

Wisdom says to first observe
And weigh the end result.
And then if we are still not sure
Find a wise man to consult.

New ideas are not bad,
And some will be just really great.
But it's good to use a "filter"
To protect us from unknown fate.

We do not want to go astray
And so we "measure" what is new,
And if the new way isn't best
Decide to stay with "tried and true".

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

"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."
Proverbs 15:22 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

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

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

A Strong Tower

If you're feeling weary,
Know that you are not alone.
The burden which you carry
By our Savior is well known.

He'll sustain and carry you,
Beyond your own endurance.
He'll buoy you up and cheer you on
With strength and reassurance.

He's your refuge and your fortress,
A wonderful, strong tower,
In the times when you feel weak,
Throughout the day... and every hour.

As you lean and trust in Him
To do what you yourself can't do,
His tender, loving presence
And His light will bring you through.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, October 15, 2007

Good Perspective

We sometimes get bogged down
In details and much "ado".
We lose time and direction
'Cause we need an "overview".

If we "back off" and "take a look"
We then can re-evaluate.
Our perspective will be better
And we'll know what to anticipate.

If we see the bigger picture
We will likely get more done.
We won't bog down in little things
But finish all that we've begun.


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Autumn Smiles

As summer starts to fade away,
Autumn bursts forth in brilliant dress
To bring to close another season
And usher in the winter's rest.

She adds her own sweet offering
To summer's easy-going days
By painting everything she sees
In fiery colors set ablaze.

But her winds and brisk, cool air
Bring a message of their own.
She will cause us to awake
Out of the summer's ease we've known.

For winter follows close behind.
She, too, will bring her very best.
All the land she will embrace
And bring to all much-needed rest.

Seasons come and seasons go,
But autumn has a secret story.
As she smiles with brilliant color,
She shows to us the Father's glory!

"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."
Psalm 33:5 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Giving And Sharing

In this land of "great and plenty"
We never think we have "enough".
We always think we need some more
And soon have too much stuff.

We don't have time to use it all
But relish having "much".
We may not even need the things
To which we tightly clutch.

The way to solve this problem
Is to learn to share and give.
It's very much more joyous
And a better way to live.

Reaching out to other folks
And sharing what we own
Will bring to us a blessing
We won't otherwise have known.

Many people have deep need
And don't know what to do.
The answer to their problem
Just might come from me or you.

"Charge them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share with others."
I Timothy 6:18 Amplified Bible

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, October 12, 2007

Decisions

Sometimes we're called on
To make hard decisions,
And we must trust God
For His help and provisions.

When we don't have answers
Or we're stuck in a groove,
Only in Him will we
Make the right move.

He has solutions
Which we may not see.
He may have us wait
When we want to flee.

He'll help us avoid
Brash words and poor choice
And carefully guide us
By His faithful "voice".

His wisdom and timing
We just cannot guess.
As we wait on Him
Our needs He'll address.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 11, 2007

The Fountain Of Life

God's Word is as a fountain
With sparkling waters cool and clear,
A place of sweet refreshment
For all who will draw near.

This is not "just any" fountain
But one which changes lives each day.
As we drink from it's pure waters
Sin will start to fall away.

It's gentle waters wash and cleanse,
Heal, refresh and make us new.
The waters of His fountain
Will transform all that we do.

It's good to linger near the fountain,
Drinking often through the day.
It's waters are in fresh supply...
A blessed place to stay.

"For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light shall we see light."
Psalm 36:9 KJV

"Every word of God is pure; he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him."
Proverbs 30:5 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Hope In Jesus

Always with Jesus there is a new day.
Always with Jesus HOPE comes into play.
Hope brings a future... a bright second chance.
Hope lifts us up and confidence grants.

Hope is a lifeline... a vision for some.
Hope is the promise of good things to come.
In Jesus are answers which cannot be seen.
Jesus brings hope... and on Him we can lean.


"If we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
Romans 8:25 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Busy Little Squirrel

A Children's Poem

Little squirrel, hurry, hurry.
Winter's coming! Scurry, scurry!
Gather food so you won't worry
When you see the snow's first flurry!

Little squirrel, busy, busy,
Worked so hard that he got dizzy,
Worked himself into a tizzy!
Gee whiz! This little squirrel was busy!

When wintertime is cold and breezy,
He won't worry and feel queasy,
Won't be hungry or be sneezy,
But will rest and take it easy!

"It is unusually wise to store up food for winter.
Even ants that are not strong do so."
Proverbs 30:24-25 (Paraphrased)

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, October 08, 2007

Discernment

God wants us always to "discern"
But from criticism turn.
Criticism points it's finger,
Speaking words which "cut" and linger.

It often does not understand
What it sees or what God planned.
It murmurs and complains a lot,
And often it just "stirs the pot"!

Discernment has more careful eyes,
And it's answers will be wise.
All the facts it will review
And quickly sees what's good and true.

It rests within a heart that's humble,
Which will pray and will not grumble.
Discernment has a different face
Than criticism... which has no grace.

"Charity... doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil..."
I Corinthians 13:5 KJV

"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour."
Psalms 15:1,3 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, October 07, 2007

A Redeemed Life

He who loves Jesus will have a song.
It rings in his heart the whole day long.
The love and the joy he has within
Will buoy him up and bring a "grin".

He has a really good reason to live...
To live for Jesus and to give
His love to others every day,
His grace and kindness to convey.

Though he may not speak a word
Someone's heart he may have stirred
By his actions or his smile
Or by going "the extra mile".

His life will speak a message clear,
One which many need to hear...
That Jesus washes sin away
And gives us joy in every way.

"Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."
Romans 4:7-8 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Moving

Moving means work... and a time of review.
There are cupboards and boxes and drawers to go through.
Where did it come from... all of this "stuff"?
If we move half of it we'll have enough!

We'll rediscover some things we had lost.
Now we must deal with what should have been "tossed".
All of those things that we tried to collect
We really don't need... as we stop to reflect.

Moving is "painful"... it's not any fun,
And we sure will be glad when it's over and done.
We've learned not to store stuff and think we will find
We won't even miss that which we leave behind.

This is a picture of how we will feel
As we follow Jesus and learn what is real.
He will make change in our lives every day
And cause all our "baggage" to just fall away.

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Colossians 3:2 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, October 05, 2007

Your Yoke Is Easy

Everywhere I look are needs
But I need to stay within
The guidelines which You have for me
Lest my energies wear thin.

I must only choose to "carry"
What You give me in each day.
Then I won't get "scattered"
And my focus go astray.

I can get the right things done
When I keep my eyes on You.
Your yoke is easy, this I know.
How much these words have proven true.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Teachable

Teach me, Lord, that I might learn
To know Your ways and truth discern.
Wisdom is my great desire,
That to which I will aspire.

I don't want to be a fool,
Unteachable in any rule,
For anything I try to do
Just will not prosper without You.

Help me, Lord, to e'er be humble,
Be content and not to grumble,
But all Your tenets to obey
And near to wisdom always stay.

"... Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors."
Psalm 119:23 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

You Are The Lesson

You are the lesson your children will learn.
In all of your actions the truth they'll discern.
They'll do as you do and act as you act.
Your patterns in life they will surely enact.

For a child loves to mimic his mom and his dad.
He'll be glad when you're glad and sad when you're sad.
The best gift in life for any young child
Is a parent whose life after Jesus is styled.

He'll learn of the Lord in your actions each day.
He'll learn to be loving and he'll learn to pray.
As you follow Jesus, then he'll know Him too.
For He will see Jesus in all that you do.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Stillness

Stillness is a precious gift
Which soothes my soul with peace and calm.
As I lay my burdens down
It comes as wondrous healing balm.

The daily hub-bub which I face
Will tend to overfill my cup
With worries, work and weariness
Or thoughts which often "stir me up".

When I discard my busyness
In favor of the Holy Place,
There I find God's peace and calm,
Hear His voice and know His grace.

As I wait there stillness comes.
The "world" grows dim and far away.
His peace restores my weary soul
As I wait and and as I pray.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters."
Psalm 23:2 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, October 01, 2007

Autumn's Palette

God has His palette ready
To paint color everywhere,
To brightly dress the trees and hills
With brilliance and with flair.

We're in that special time of year
When God spills out His glory
In wondrous hues for all to see...
As autumn tells it's story.

His "artwork" draws us once again
To celebrate and praise His name.
With joy and adoration
We His majesty proclaim!

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf