A golden strand of worship
Is threaded through my day,
Woven in the fabric
Of all I think or say.
Rejoicing in my heart abounds,
As God brings forth rich melodies.
In my spirit I hear sounds
Of harps and choirs and symphonies.
Sweet music flows throughout my day
And gathers deep within my soul.
All my song shall be to Him.
With joy His Name I will extol.
This joy that flows from God above...
What sweet expression of His love.
"He has put a new song in my mouth - praise to our God."
Psalm 40:3a NKJ
© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Staying On Course
When we first make commitment
To relationship or "plan",
Then we must keep direction
From the point where we began.
We cannot wander off on "trails"
But need to "stay the course".
In God we can keep focused,
And our faith He'll reinforce.
If we should step just slightly
From our chosen path in error,
It may not e'en feel wrong
But we truly should beware.
When we follow on that path
Our steps lead us astray,
And then the path where we began
Will seem so far away.
At this point we must go back
To where we first began
To identify our error
And correct our course and plan.
It's well to keep an eye
On our course at every turn,
To ask God for direction
And His answers to discern.
"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 3:5-6 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To relationship or "plan",
Then we must keep direction
From the point where we began.
We cannot wander off on "trails"
But need to "stay the course".
In God we can keep focused,
And our faith He'll reinforce.
If we should step just slightly
From our chosen path in error,
It may not e'en feel wrong
But we truly should beware.
When we follow on that path
Our steps lead us astray,
And then the path where we began
Will seem so far away.
At this point we must go back
To where we first began
To identify our error
And correct our course and plan.
It's well to keep an eye
On our course at every turn,
To ask God for direction
And His answers to discern.
"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 3:5-6 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
First Snowfall
Winter's coming... Brrr, it's cold!
I'm watching winter "white" unfold...
Flurries here and sprinkles there,
Snowflakes floating in the air.
Soon the land will have new "dress"
As winter shares it's soft caress...
Prettiest white on twig and tree,
Wrapping all in purity.
Jack Frost will paint my window pane
With sparkling crystals once again.
The drifting snow paints new delight
As snowflakes wrap my world in white!
God covers all earth's dingy gray
With snow which seems to hide away
The weariness of seasons past
And gives the land a bright new cast.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I'm watching winter "white" unfold...
Flurries here and sprinkles there,
Snowflakes floating in the air.
Soon the land will have new "dress"
As winter shares it's soft caress...
Prettiest white on twig and tree,
Wrapping all in purity.
Jack Frost will paint my window pane
With sparkling crystals once again.
The drifting snow paints new delight
As snowflakes wrap my world in white!
God covers all earth's dingy gray
With snow which seems to hide away
The weariness of seasons past
And gives the land a bright new cast.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Never Alone
When I heard the cry of her heart one day...
"Why am I being so tested,"
I knew in my heart that God was right there
To protect all that He invested.
He had His hand on her life all along,
Adding new strength every day.
And when she thought she could not endure more,
He leaned down to say, "It's okay".
"I'll give you the courage and strength you will need
And never will let you just 'sink'.
For I have been doing a good work in you...
You have more "grit" than you think!
"You will do more than you thought that you could
(And sometimes will be misty-eyed.)
But I'll never leave you... no, not even once.
I will always be there by your side."
"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."
Psalm 18:32-33, 36 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
"Why am I being so tested,"
I knew in my heart that God was right there
To protect all that He invested.
He had His hand on her life all along,
Adding new strength every day.
And when she thought she could not endure more,
He leaned down to say, "It's okay".
"I'll give you the courage and strength you will need
And never will let you just 'sink'.
For I have been doing a good work in you...
You have more "grit" than you think!
"You will do more than you thought that you could
(And sometimes will be misty-eyed.)
But I'll never leave you... no, not even once.
I will always be there by your side."
"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."
Psalm 18:32-33, 36 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, November 26, 2007
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
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 25, 2007
Give Thanks
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
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
Saturday, November 24, 2007
A Faithful "Mom"
A mother hen with little chicks
Gathers them beneath her wing.
She watches for their safety
And to her they closely cling.
This feathered "mom" is very wise,
And doesn't leave her chicks alone.
She watches and she shelters them
From that which is unknown.
Moms and Dads, be careful
Of your children every day.
Know just where they are
And with whom your children play.
Left alone they have no guide
To keep them safe from harm.
If you're not sure just where they are
This is cause for real alarm.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Gathers them beneath her wing.
She watches for their safety
And to her they closely cling.
This feathered "mom" is very wise,
And doesn't leave her chicks alone.
She watches and she shelters them
From that which is unknown.
Moms and Dads, be careful
Of your children every day.
Know just where they are
And with whom your children play.
Left alone they have no guide
To keep them safe from harm.
If you're not sure just where they are
This is cause for real alarm.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, November 23, 2007
Urgency
Urgency is friends with work
And doesn't like sheer laziness.
It cannot tolerate disorder,
Wastefulness or craziness.
Urgency demands attention,
Paid to every small detail,
To prevent a major crisis
And to minimize travail.
When urgency sends up red flags
To warn of possible dissension,
It's wise to pay the red flags heed
And put in place "prevention".
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And doesn't like sheer laziness.
It cannot tolerate disorder,
Wastefulness or craziness.
Urgency demands attention,
Paid to every small detail,
To prevent a major crisis
And to minimize travail.
When urgency sends up red flags
To warn of possible dissension,
It's wise to pay the red flags heed
And put in place "prevention".
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, November 22, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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
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
Monday, November 19, 2007
Jealousy
Jealousy hates and it rants and it rails.
It burns in the heart and well-being assails.
It sees through the smoke of a hot, burning fire.
Who can contain it's wrath and it's ire?
It tries to control... to get it's own way,
And treads upon others it's rage to repay.
But worse than it's symptoms is how it destroys
Good people and friends with the tools it employs.
Jealousy's fire must be quenched at the start
And not be allowed to burn in the heart.
It's warp on the spirit can only cause loss.
No heart is meant to carry this "cross".
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
James 3:16-17 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It burns in the heart and well-being assails.
It sees through the smoke of a hot, burning fire.
Who can contain it's wrath and it's ire?
It tries to control... to get it's own way,
And treads upon others it's rage to repay.
But worse than it's symptoms is how it destroys
Good people and friends with the tools it employs.
Jealousy's fire must be quenched at the start
And not be allowed to burn in the heart.
It's warp on the spirit can only cause loss.
No heart is meant to carry this "cross".
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
James 3:16-17 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, November 18, 2007
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
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
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Kindness
Kindness is gentle and reaches quite far
To mend broken fences or heal a scar.
Kindness is oil... for "gears" rusted shut.
How softly it soothes what is "stuck in a rut".
Kindness is warmth... where "cold" has set in.
It's embers burn bright, lost battles to win.
Kindness is seed... where barrenness lay.
It's good multiplies and it grows day-by-day.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To mend broken fences or heal a scar.
Kindness is oil... for "gears" rusted shut.
How softly it soothes what is "stuck in a rut".
Kindness is warmth... where "cold" has set in.
It's embers burn bright, lost battles to win.
Kindness is seed... where barrenness lay.
It's good multiplies and it grows day-by-day.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, November 16, 2007
America, Listen
We truly need God
For we are short-sighted,
And sometimes our vision
Just needs to be righted.
Without divine help
We cannot see clearly
In making decisions.
This may cost us dearly.
God is our helper
And stands very near
To keep and protect
All that we hold dear.
He has the answers
We need every day.
His guidance and truth
We must carefully weigh.
"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
Psalm 108:13 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For we are short-sighted,
And sometimes our vision
Just needs to be righted.
Without divine help
We cannot see clearly
In making decisions.
This may cost us dearly.
God is our helper
And stands very near
To keep and protect
All that we hold dear.
He has the answers
We need every day.
His guidance and truth
We must carefully weigh.
"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
Psalm 108:13 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Whisper A Prayer
When you are broken
And words will not come,
Your heart aches within you
And feels somewhat nunmb...
When your heart is heavy
With grief and despair,
And the weight that you carry
Seems too much to bear...
Leave all your pain
At the foot of the cross.
Jesus will comfort you there
In your loss.
He'll touch your heart
And wipe every tear.
He'll wrap you in love
And stay very near.
His presence is real...
Just whisper a prayer.
He'll not let you go
For Jesus is there.
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort:
who comforteth us in all our tribulation....."
II Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
Matthew 5:4 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And words will not come,
Your heart aches within you
And feels somewhat nunmb...
When your heart is heavy
With grief and despair,
And the weight that you carry
Seems too much to bear...
Leave all your pain
At the foot of the cross.
Jesus will comfort you there
In your loss.
He'll touch your heart
And wipe every tear.
He'll wrap you in love
And stay very near.
His presence is real...
Just whisper a prayer.
He'll not let you go
For Jesus is there.
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort:
who comforteth us in all our tribulation....."
II Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
Matthew 5:4 KJV
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
New Clothes
The rich lady wanted to buy some new clothes.
As she sat and pondered just what she should buy
A little old man came and sat by her side.
When she shared her problem, he simply said "Why?"
"I know someone who will clothe you with beauty.
If you will trade Him for what you now wear,
He will provide for you much better garments
Which will be lovely and beyond compare.
"You cannot buy these, for they will be free.
If you come to know my very best friend,
He will adorn you with garments of praise
And a dress white as snow of fine linen blend.
"Your feet will be shod with the Gospel of Peace.
Wisdom and righteousness will be your crown.
Your clothes will be radiant and worthy of honor.
Through Him you'll have place in Heav'nly renown."
She gave some thought to the words she had heard...
"Who was this person who offered new clothes?"
The little man shared about Jesus, his friend,
And how she'd would wear "gold" if His way she chose.
Earthly belongings had not brought her joy,
So she asked his friend to come live in her heart.
She had met Jesus... She had the BEST friend,
And knew that His riches would give her new start.
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10 KJV
"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white..."
Revelation 19:8 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As she sat and pondered just what she should buy
A little old man came and sat by her side.
When she shared her problem, he simply said "Why?"
"I know someone who will clothe you with beauty.
If you will trade Him for what you now wear,
He will provide for you much better garments
Which will be lovely and beyond compare.
"You cannot buy these, for they will be free.
If you come to know my very best friend,
He will adorn you with garments of praise
And a dress white as snow of fine linen blend.
"Your feet will be shod with the Gospel of Peace.
Wisdom and righteousness will be your crown.
Your clothes will be radiant and worthy of honor.
Through Him you'll have place in Heav'nly renown."
She gave some thought to the words she had heard...
"Who was this person who offered new clothes?"
The little man shared about Jesus, his friend,
And how she'd would wear "gold" if His way she chose.
Earthly belongings had not brought her joy,
So she asked his friend to come live in her heart.
She had met Jesus... She had the BEST friend,
And knew that His riches would give her new start.
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10 KJV
"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white..."
Revelation 19:8 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Winds Of Change
When winds of change are blowing
And direction is not clear,
Ask God to be your compass.
To Him stay very near.
He will help you chart your course
And make your footsteps steady.
As you lean upon His arm
He'll make you to be "ready".
While change is never easy
And you sometimes feel afraid,
Leaning on God's arm will be
The best choice you have made.
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Psalms 121:1-4 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And direction is not clear,
Ask God to be your compass.
To Him stay very near.
He will help you chart your course
And make your footsteps steady.
As you lean upon His arm
He'll make you to be "ready".
While change is never easy
And you sometimes feel afraid,
Leaning on God's arm will be
The best choice you have made.
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Psalms 121:1-4 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, November 12, 2007
Showing Respect
Lack of regard for another one's "space"
Can sometimes be rude and to anger give place.
When in a hurry we don't tend to see
That we are infringing where we should not be.
If we will slow down and stop to reflect,
Our actions and words will show others respect.
We can't move through life with blunt disregard...
We must be "reserved", lest others be scarred.
Courtesy, thoughtfulness, reverence and love
Will cause us to "wait" and place others above
Our own selfish thoughts and agendas each day,.
To practice respect is a much better way!
"Love... does not display itself haughtily... It is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful..."
I Corinthians 13:4-5 Amplified Bible
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Can sometimes be rude and to anger give place.
When in a hurry we don't tend to see
That we are infringing where we should not be.
If we will slow down and stop to reflect,
Our actions and words will show others respect.
We can't move through life with blunt disregard...
We must be "reserved", lest others be scarred.
Courtesy, thoughtfulness, reverence and love
Will cause us to "wait" and place others above
Our own selfish thoughts and agendas each day,.
To practice respect is a much better way!
"Love... does not display itself haughtily... It is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful..."
I Corinthians 13:4-5 Amplified Bible
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Veteran's Day
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
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 10, 2007
God's Heroes
There are special people
Who really show they care.
They reach out and encourage
With a smile or with a prayer.
They may not even realize
How much they've "spurred you on"
Or how much strength they've lent to you
When life was looking wan.
Their example or their kindness
Then became a stepping stone
To reach a higher plane in life
And realize you weren't alone.
These are God's true heroes.
They live their lives for others.
They don't seek recognition...
Not from strangers, friends or "brothers".
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Who really show they care.
They reach out and encourage
With a smile or with a prayer.
They may not even realize
How much they've "spurred you on"
Or how much strength they've lent to you
When life was looking wan.
Their example or their kindness
Then became a stepping stone
To reach a higher plane in life
And realize you weren't alone.
These are God's true heroes.
They live their lives for others.
They don't seek recognition...
Not from strangers, friends or "brothers".
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, November 09, 2007
In His Timing
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
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
Thursday, November 08, 2007
A Fine Teacher
I had a teacher who was neatly dressed.
His students took notice and were much impressed.
He had a good sense of color and style.
He always looked nice and had a big smile.
One of the students made comment one day
On how nice he dressed, and he answered this way,
"I'm not very good-looking, so I may as well
Be good to look at!" (And he did excel!)
He taught us fine music which truly inspired,
And set good example which we much admired.
The students learned more than just music in choir.
To learn to be like him became our desire.
He set a high standard, by which we were blessed.
We learned to work hard and respond with "our best".
As I look back to that time long ago
I know that it changed me... a great debt I owe.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
His students took notice and were much impressed.
He had a good sense of color and style.
He always looked nice and had a big smile.
One of the students made comment one day
On how nice he dressed, and he answered this way,
"I'm not very good-looking, so I may as well
Be good to look at!" (And he did excel!)
He taught us fine music which truly inspired,
And set good example which we much admired.
The students learned more than just music in choir.
To learn to be like him became our desire.
He set a high standard, by which we were blessed.
We learned to work hard and respond with "our best".
As I look back to that time long ago
I know that it changed me... a great debt I owe.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
A Loving God
Who can fathom all the facets
Of God's color and His light?
Who can comprehend the sun
Or moon and twinkling stars at night?
Love's expression through creation
He has freely giv'n to man.
We're as tiny dots of sand,
Yet so important in His plan.
Surrounded by His beauty
We are ever made aware
Of just how much He loves us...
A love beyond compare.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Of God's color and His light?
Who can comprehend the sun
Or moon and twinkling stars at night?
Love's expression through creation
He has freely giv'n to man.
We're as tiny dots of sand,
Yet so important in His plan.
Surrounded by His beauty
We are ever made aware
Of just how much He loves us...
A love beyond compare.
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
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
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 05, 2007
A Holy God
The makers of evil stand out in the open
And blatantly peddle their arrogant wares.
They tread upon others and lead some astray,
Piling up sin and errors upon errors.
When Almighty God gets ready to speak
They will fall on their faces in terror and fear.
They will not find cover, their voices will fail
Before our great God when He shall appear.
Our God is holy and rules in the earth.
His power and His might will cause ALL to bow.
In that day when He speaks may His servants be hidden.
May those who don't know Him find salvation now.
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
Romans 14:11-12 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And blatantly peddle their arrogant wares.
They tread upon others and lead some astray,
Piling up sin and errors upon errors.
When Almighty God gets ready to speak
They will fall on their faces in terror and fear.
They will not find cover, their voices will fail
Before our great God when He shall appear.
Our God is holy and rules in the earth.
His power and His might will cause ALL to bow.
In that day when He speaks may His servants be hidden.
May those who don't know Him find salvation now.
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
Romans 14:11-12 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, November 04, 2007
An Instant "Fix"
We have instant everything...
From food to photo pix,
So when we get in trouble
Then we want an instant fix!
It may not be that easy
Just to find a quick repair.
We may need to spend some time
In quiet thought and prayer.
The problem may be rooted
In an attitude or "view",
A blind spot or a need to learn
Why things have gone "askew".
A hurried "fix" may not be best
Or bring a good solution.
Fixes may take time to heal
And find peaceful resolution.
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 27:14 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
From food to photo pix,
So when we get in trouble
Then we want an instant fix!
It may not be that easy
Just to find a quick repair.
We may need to spend some time
In quiet thought and prayer.
The problem may be rooted
In an attitude or "view",
A blind spot or a need to learn
Why things have gone "askew".
A hurried "fix" may not be best
Or bring a good solution.
Fixes may take time to heal
And find peaceful resolution.
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 27:14 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Little Sheep
We have a loving Shepherd.
He cares so for His sheep.
He watches over all His flock,
Their welfare to safe-keep.
He teaches and He nurtures them,
Gently meeting every need.
His watchful eye is on each one
To pray and intercede.
Little lambs are tender
And are not so very strong.
Without the Shepherd's loving touch
They falter and go wrong.
Little sheep, it's wise to stay
Within the Shepherd's fold,
For He will guard you all your days,
And even when you're old.
"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
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
He cares so for His sheep.
He watches over all His flock,
Their welfare to safe-keep.
He teaches and He nurtures them,
Gently meeting every need.
His watchful eye is on each one
To pray and intercede.
Little lambs are tender
And are not so very strong.
Without the Shepherd's loving touch
They falter and go wrong.
Little sheep, it's wise to stay
Within the Shepherd's fold,
For He will guard you all your days,
And even when you're old.
"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
© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, November 02, 2007
The Vine And The Tree
Said the tree unto the vine,
"Why do you lean on me?
You should grow your own strong trunk,
Not wrap around a tree!"
Said the vine unto the tree,
"I can't grow tall alone,
So if I cling to you
I'll get up where I am known!"
Tree
But you smother and take over
And my branches cannot breathe!
I need to grow up tall and
I don't like the way you wreathe!
"Therefore, Vine, I counsel you,
Since you were meant to 'creep'.
I will not let you cling to me.
My mission I must keep.
"It's good to stick to who you are...
A pretty flowering vine.
You have a different purpose,
And it's not the same as mine.
"So as you stay near to the ground
And cover things down low,
You will be seen by many
As you make your flowery show."
"Every purpose is established by counsel..."
Proverbs 20:18 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
"Why do you lean on me?
You should grow your own strong trunk,
Not wrap around a tree!"
Said the vine unto the tree,
"I can't grow tall alone,
So if I cling to you
I'll get up where I am known!"
Tree
But you smother and take over
And my branches cannot breathe!
I need to grow up tall and
I don't like the way you wreathe!
"Therefore, Vine, I counsel you,
Since you were meant to 'creep'.
I will not let you cling to me.
My mission I must keep.
"It's good to stick to who you are...
A pretty flowering vine.
You have a different purpose,
And it's not the same as mine.
"So as you stay near to the ground
And cover things down low,
You will be seen by many
As you make your flowery show."
"Every purpose is established by counsel..."
Proverbs 20:18 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Gladness
If any should ask me,
I'll say, "I'm all right!"
What use to look down
And get all uptight?
I smile all I can
And laughter I court,
And don't let what comes
My joy try to thwart.
There is so much good.
Why look at the bad?
It just makes one tired
And sorrow will add.
You may think I'm funny
And maybe not "real".
I just will not let
The enemy steal...
My time or my thoughts
With negative ploy.
I'll "dress up" my days
With laughter and joy!
"...For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I'll say, "I'm all right!"
What use to look down
And get all uptight?
I smile all I can
And laughter I court,
And don't let what comes
My joy try to thwart.
There is so much good.
Why look at the bad?
It just makes one tired
And sorrow will add.
You may think I'm funny
And maybe not "real".
I just will not let
The enemy steal...
My time or my thoughts
With negative ploy.
I'll "dress up" my days
With laughter and joy!
"...For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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