Hiding Place

Lord, You are my hiding place,
My shelter from life's storms.
Your covering upon my life
An ark of safety forms.

I will find my strength in You,
For You are my high tower.
You rule and reign in majesty
With glory, might and power.

I find rest and confidence
'Neath the shadow of Your wing.
You give Your angels charge o'er me
And cause my heart to sing.

Always I am "safe" in You
As You guide my steps and days.
You are my refuge and my shield,
"Keeping" me in all my ways.


"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace

E'en as snowflakes on the ground
Fall so softly without sound,
Peace comes down to quiet me
And gently says, "Be free, be free".

When daily challenge causes stress
Peace is as a soft caress,
Soothing tension, bringing calm,
As a lovely, healing balm.

Peace becomes to me a "buoy",
Filling me with rest and joy...
Peace beyond my comprehension,
A precious "set-apart" dimension.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Eternity Waits

We do not now just what each day will bring,
But in Jesus is hope... to Him we must cling.
If we walk in faith, then we need not fear.
If He is our Lord, our destiny is clear.

Eternity waits... just one breath away.
There may not be time to speak or to pray.
We may not expect to "go home" very soon,
But it's well to be ready and be in "fine tune".

I had a cold, and it gave me a scare.
I coughed and I choked and I could not get air.
I cried out "Jesus", but couldn't speak more.
I needed His help my breath to restore.

Through this event I became more aware
Of how quickly we're gone and arrive "over there".
Heaven is glorious, Hell is BAD NEWS.
Have you decided which one YOU will choose?

"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

God Is Faithful

How faithful is our wondrous God
To heal and meet our every need.
How faithful, He, to lift us up
When we are weak and can't proceed.

For every step we need to take
He leads and guides us carefully.
If we don't know which way to turn
We can seek Him prayerfully.

When we follow in His steps
We won't falter or be nervous.
He will give us confidence
In all our ways of service.

He will lead us to His "best"
And never fail or let us "fall".
We will find our greatest worth
When following His every "call".

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 KJV


© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Year At Rest

One more year will soon be done.
This "space in time" it's course has run.
Hopefully it's lessons will
Have added wisdom, added skill.

Let all we've learned in this past year
Be building blocks which persevere,
Contributing to higher goals,
Guiding us in all our roles.

Whatever lessons - good or bad -
Have value they can surely add
To make the new year better still
And all it's days with wisdom fill.

To let this year just slip away
And all it's riches not survey
Would cause it's purpose to be lost,
And this might be too high a cost.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Mountaintop

When I am in the valley and feel so very low,
And I don't have the answers which I really need to know,
I come into His presence and fall upon my face.
When I pray He takes me to the mountaintop of grace.

The valley is behind me, for His grace has raised me up.
When I am down He's faithful to always fill my cup.
His grace is always more than my very deepest need.
Abiding in His presence to the mountaintop will lead.

His grace is as a shelter in which I may reside...
That blessed mountaintop, where I may safely hide.
Peace and joy and stillness are the measures of His grace...
Available to all who will pray and seek His face.

"And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...' "
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Bethlehem Town

The still of night o'er Bethlehem lay
When Mary came her child to birth.
She found no place in which to stay
To bring her child of greatest worth,
Except a stable,
But God was able...

Slumbering Bethlehem did not know
What was happening in her midst that eve.
That a tiny babe in a manger low
Was Christ the Lord... She didn't perceive.
But the shepherds came.
They proclaimed His name...

A small beginning... this tiny flame
That was lit in Bethlehem town that night,
As silently the Christ child came
The course of history to rewrite.
The wise men knew...
Wise men still do...

Have you lived in Bethlehem town
And missed this story of great renown?
The manger still remains today.
Will you give Jesus room to stay?
God sent love...
...from above.

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Room In The Inn

Baby Jesus, do not fear...
I will make for You some space.
Little child without a bed,
In my heart I'll make a place.

I invite and welcome You
Deep within my heart to stay.
I want to live my life for You
And want to bless You every day.

As You reside within my heart,
Joy and worship I will bring.
You are worthy of all praise...
You'll daily cause my heart to sing.

Nothing I can offer You
For me could greater joy impart
Than to give You residence
In the inn of my own heart.

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
John 14:23 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Sounds Of Christmas

Oh, what joyful sounds we hear...
Bells and chimes upon the ear,
Carolers and choirs singing,
Children's laughter gaily ringing.

Happy sounds float through the air
The birth of Jesus to declare.
Excitement fills our hearts with song
And makes us want to sing along.

The Christmas season fills with joy
As praise and worship men employ.
Lift your heart and voice to sing.
Celebrate the newborn King!

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Jesus Is Born

A tiny babe's cry pierced out through the night,
Forever to change the darkness to light.
It was God's loving plan for all of mankind.
This event which took place by God was hand-signed.

The life of this babe would be flawless and pure
And would bring answer men's sorrows to cure.
He would bring life and wash away sin,
That men everywhere might eternal life win.

That tiny cry pierces darkness today.
Jesus was come... your sin-debt to pay.
For those who receive Him and live in His light
He'll cut through your darkness and make your life bright.


"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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved."
John 3:16-17 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Touch Of Heaven

A burst of glory happened
Christmas Eve so long ago...
A touch of heaven, a small babe,
Was born in a manger low.

The angel of the Lord announced
That Jesus Christ the Lord had come...
God's salvation plan for man...
Heaven's promise revealed therefrom.

The heavenly host praised God on high,
"Peace on earth, good will toward men".
And shepherds came with haste to see
This thing which had been told to them.

They made known what they had learned,
Praising God for His dear Son,
Rejoicing in their hearts with wonder
In awe of that which God had done.

E'en now our thoughts reach up to God,
To glorify our Savior's birth.
He became our touch with heaven...
"Good tidings of great joy on earth"!

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:10-14 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Childhood Christmas

The light in the eyes of a sweet little child,
Worshipping Jesus, the sweet baby mild,
Is precious and tender and wondrous to see.
His love is so pure and his spirit so free.

Lord, let this "imprint" on him ne'er be lost.
May Your love and grace in his heart be embossed.
May the wonder and awe which he has in his heart
Always remain there... Your joy to impart.

For childhood will fade and a young man emerge.
May angels keep watch and around him converge
To guard and protect this wonder and awe.
Let him ne'er forget the "manger" he saw.

"For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways (of obedience and service)."
Psalm 91:11 Amplified Bible


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Fountain Called "Love"

There is a Fountain, and "Love" is it's name.
If we drink it's waters we'll ne'er be the same.
It's waters are kindness and patience and joy,
And peace and good will, which men should employ.

We should drink often so we don't forget
To be kind to others, lest we have regret.
If for this fountain's waters we thirst,
Our lives will be sweetly enhanced and immersed.

"They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
Psalm 36:8-9 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Best Gift

Christmastime carries a message of hope
For those who are "down" and can't seem to cope.
The "Good News" is filled with love, joy and cheer
And is a bright note for all who come near!

People give presents they buy at the mall,
But God sent us Jesus - the best gift of all!
He is our hope - He IS the Good News!
He'll fill us with joy to counter those "blues"!

When we receive His love and His light
He raises us up and makes our days bright!
He is our hope for a life filled with cheer.
He offers salvation to all who will hear.

"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

Our Daily Bread

Give us this day our daily bread....." Surely this was the prayer of many back during the depression years, for not many were working.

During that time our family lived next door to a man who owned a greenhouse, but who didn't have enough money for food. Mom learned of his situation and invited him to come have dinner with our family so that he would have at least one meal a day. He hesitated, saying, "I work in a greenhouse where my clothes get dirty, and also, I wouldn't want to interrupt your family time, but if you will set the meal on the fence, then I will come out and get it."

Now this couldn't have been easy for Mom, because at that time she had three small children and a baby to take care of. But each day she would fix a plate of food for him and take it out to the fence, and he would come out to get it. She did this every day for two years, until one day, when she placed the plate of food there on the fence, he didn't come out..... he had passed away.

Mom had seen a need and she met it faithfully every day.....

"She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 21:20 NKJ


© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Real Christmas

Christmas is not meant to be
A time which centers on thee and me,
But is a time when we recall
What God has done for each and all.

God sent Jesus down to earth.
Focus on His wondrous birth!
Rejoice in what our God has done!
He gave us Jesus Christ, His Son.

Christmas really is about
The birth of Christ. Rejoice and shout!
For God has done a glorious thing!
Carols sing and worship bring!

"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!' "
Luke 2:10-14 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Christmas Song

Let trumpets and horns and oboes and flutes
Raise up a symphony bursting with praise!
Let strings and piano and cymbals and drums
In jubilant sound their worship songs raise!

Celebrate Jesus! All priase be to Him!
Let voices ring out in chorus and song!
For Jesus is Master and Saviour and King.
To Him all glory and honor belong!


"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name
shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Vessel Of Worth

A vessel of honor may often be plain
And belie the true wealth which it may contain.
It won't seek a spotlight or have need to "star".
It's purpose is deeper and greater by far.

In humility's quietness honor is birthed
To create a vessel of very great worth.
This vessel will "stand" and it's value be known.
In heavenly places it's name will be sown.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

"Heaven-Sent"

If you're alone and feel despair
And hoping that someone will "care",
Make an effort to "reach out"
And spread a little love about.

To cause another life to "smile"
Is often fun and so worthwhile.
You won't think about your woe
As you spread goodness to and fro.

Plant some love and sow some grace
To bring a "shine" to someone's face.
Spreading joy is time well spent.
For some you might be "heaven-sent"!

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 6:31 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love Overcomes

It washes away tears
And melts away fears.
It softens what's hard
And heals what is scarred.

It opens closed doors
And friendship restores.
It breaks down high walls.
Love "overhauls".

It heals "loose ends"
With family and friends.
It heals the heart
And brings a fresh start.

Love is not limited in it's ability.
Love overcomes...

"Love covereth all sins."
Proverbs 10:12 KJV

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear..."
I John 4:18 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Mirrors Of Christmas

If this Christmas season were seen in a mirror,
What would be found there in it's clear reflection?
Would there be singing, or sharing and love...
Would anything there point in Jesus' direction?

Would there be scenes of sweet celebration,
Honoring Jesus... rememb'ring His birth?
Who there would practice "good will to all men"
And live in a way to bring peace on the earth?

Christmas has meaning anew every year
As His love is birthed afresh in each heart.
And when this happens, new joy will come forth...
His love and His peace and warmth to impart.

The scenes in the mirror will be lovely indeed,
Recording the love of the Christmas season,
For all that has meaning and really has worth
Is found in our Lord... HE is the reason!

Without Jesus Christ the mirrors will be empty
And will not record a scene or reflection.
The scenes will be lost, for they don't have true meaning,
And will not be worthy of sweet recollection.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

This Christmas Season

May candles of warmth burn brightly each day
In hearts filled with love... a beautiful way
To celebrate Christmas and show the true reason
Why we celebrate in this wonderful season.

Giving and sharing with those who have needs
Are beautiful ways to bring joy and "sow seeds".
Bringing a meal might warm someone's heart
If their friends and their families may be far apart.

The lonely and hurting may need a soft touch
To brighten their day so they won't hurt so much.
Some little child might need some new shoes,
A hug or a toy or a game to amuse.

Loving and caring can make this December
A time of much warmth for folks to remember.
If we reach out in this season of love
We're extending true warmth from the Father above.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' "
Luke 2:8-14 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Army

Many "generals" have "gone home".
Who will take their place?
Who will carry the baton
And who will run the race?

God is calling mighty men,
Whose faith cannot be shaken,
To light a torch and carry it
The nations to awaken.

He's sending forth His messengers
Deep darkness to break through.
He is seeking harvesters
Salvation's trail to hew.

Men and Women everywhere,
Hear His cry and heed His call,
That salvation's message
Might be heard by one and all.

"Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."
Psalm 2:8 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace In The Storm

When destruction would tend to lie at the door
And you're asking yourself, "Oh, God, how much more?
I'm hurting so much and I'm just very weary.
Is there one thing about which to be cheery?"

May God be your strength in the midst of the storm.
May He carry you through and His wonders perform.
No sea which is troubled is too large for Him,
E'en though the outlook would seem to be dim.

He is able to lift you from seas which o'erwhelm,
To rescue and guide you and be at the helm,
To help you find balance and stand strong again,
To prosper and bless you. Amen and amen!

"Peace, be still..."
Mark 4:39 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Christmas Isn't Christmas

Christmas isn't Christmas
Without the name of Christ.
But now the stores are gearing up
To make their "holiday" heist!

The birth of Christ is now and ever
A most remarkable event.
To simply have a "holiday"
Should not at all be our intent.

Jesus is the world's pure Light,
Outshining man's ability
To make a worthy holiday season
With "tinsel" plausibility.

Christmastime will always be
A time to celebrate Christ's birth.
It isn't just a "holiday"
But a time of praise throughout the earth.


"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:11-14 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lord, Shape My Life

Shape my life and help me be
A worthy vessel unto Thee,
So others see in me a light
In day or darkness, shining bright.

Fill me, Lord, with love and grace,
My fear and weakness to replace,
That I might bring a needed touch
To hurting folk, the "lost" and such.

Help me be Thy hand at work
And not to hesitate or shirk
Those things which Thou would have me do
But faithfully to Thee be true.

"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

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love Is Healing

It's easy to love when all is at ease.
To love on a good day is simply "a breeze".
But what do we do when something goes sour?
Are we loving and kind or cranky and dour?

The love that we show may face a hard test
When things get upset and are not at rest.
But practicing love in times of duress
Will cause us to grow and overcome stress.

This may mean swallowing some pride or "position",
Or holding our tongue in quiet submission,
Showing some patience when we are unhappy,
Not fretting or pouting or just being snappy.

For love is the healing which often is needed,
And it will bring breakthrough if we've interceded.
Love is the key to each situation
And often may be the only salvation.

"Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins - forgives and disregards the offenses of others."
I Peter 4:8 Amplified Bible

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Compassionate Touch

In this time of gifts and giving,
Help someone who has a need...
One who is less fortunate
And would be very blessed indeed.

For if you reach out to just one
And give a very special gift,
Think how "huge" that gift would be
And how it surely would "uplift".

When you give unto the poor
The blessings you bring will be much.
The Lord will fill them with His joy.
You, too, will feel His special touch.

".....He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he."
Proverbs 14:21 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Breathe On Me

Breath of God, breathe on me.
Impart new life and set me free
From earthly mindsets in my day
Which bog me down and bring dismay.

Breathe on me, Your truth bestow,
And holy inspiration show.
Heavenly thoughts will give me vision
And bring to me a fresh precision.

Breathe on me, sweet Breath of God,
And heal the weary steps I've trod.
For when I have Your overview,
Every day is fresh and new.

"The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life."
Job 33:4 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Christmas Is Coming!

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!
It's time to remember our great Savior's birth...
A time of rejoicing, a time to bring priase
And celebrate Jesus throughout all the earth!

Let choirs make song and many bells ring!
Let music rise up in jubilant sound!
Let our Savior's birth be greeted with joy!
Let banners be drawn and worship abound!

Let the Good News be spread far and wide.
Magnify Jesus throughout all the earth!
Let all that we do in this wonderful season
Bring glory and honor and tell of His worth!

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf